A path following algorithm for a class of convex programming problems

We present a primal-dual path following interior algorithm for a class of linearly constrained convex programming problems with non-negative decision variables. We introduce the definition of a Scaled Lipschitz Condition and show that if the objective function satisfies the Scaled Lipschitz Condition then, at each iteration, our algorithm reduces the duality gap by at least a factor of (1–/n), where is positive and depends on the curvature of the objective function, by means of solving a system of linear equations which requires no more than O(n³) arithmetic operations. The class of functions having the Scaled Lipschitz Condition includes linear, convex quadratic and entropy functions.     

A simple optimization strategy based on Rs-minimum and information theory of chromatography

Summary A simple optimization method based on the well-known Rs-minimum method and on the information theory of FUMI Φ is proposed. Resolution (Rs), peak area and height (or width) are the only parameters necessary for the calculation of the information Φ and information flow ϑ. The most precise analysis can be selected as the chromatogram having maximal ϑ. Mobile phase composition, column length, flow rate, detection wavelength, amount of internal standard, etc. can be optimized by this method.     

Influence of development distance on resolution in thin-layer chromatography

Theoretical equations are given to relate resolution with development distance. Comparative experiments undertaken with quaternary ammonium compounds as test substances and using a selection of basic drugs are presented. As expected, resolution decreases with shorter development distance. However, this effect is less pronounced for compounds with small R_f values and when the spot size at the starting point is kept small. It was also shown that, for correctly assessing resolution in relation to development distance, the amounts of material spotted have to be decreased for shorter development distances.     

Necessary optimality conditions and regularity results for state and adjoint state of nonlinear control problems

For optimal control problems of nonlinear evolution equations of first order we derive regularity properties for the corresponding adjoint states where the proof is based on the necessary optimal conditions and smoothness properites of the optimal states. These results are used for the characterization of the optimal solution and the corresponding adjoint state of the periodic three-dimensionel NAVIER-STOKES system.     

Flow over rectangular porous block in a fixed width channel: influence of porosity and aspect ratio

Flow over a rectangular porous block placed in a fixed width channel is considered and the influence of block aspect ratio on the heat transfer rate from the block is examined. A non-porous solid block is also accommodated to compare the effect of porosity on the flow field and heat transfer characteristics. Aspect ratio and the porosity of the block are varied in the simulations. A numerical scheme employing a control volume approach is considered when predicting the flow and temperature fields. The Reynolds number is selected to yield the mix convection situation in the flow field. It is found that the aspect ratio significantly influences Nu and Gr numbers, in which case increasing the aspect ratio enhances Nu while lowering Gr. Increasing porosity improves the heat transfer rates from the porous block, provided that at high aspect ratios, this situation ceases due to blockage effect of the body in the channel.     

静电纺丝法制备酚醛纤维研究进展

酚醛树脂是一种广泛使用的合成树脂,包括热固性和热塑性两类,具有良好的阻燃性、耐热性和耐腐蚀性。酚醛纤维是由酚醛树脂所制成的交联纤维,传统的酚醛纤维制备方法有熔融纺丝法和湿法纺丝法,后来出现了静电纺丝法。本文根据酚醛树脂的种类分别介绍了热固性、热塑性和热塑/热固混合酚醛树脂三类材料静电纺丝的研究进展。在改善酚醛纤维特性方面,综述了四种优化措施,包括加入无机盐、微波辐射辅助固化、非匀速阶梯式加热固化、氧化石墨烯修饰的静电纺丝法等。此外,对本实验室制备酚醛纤维的研究也进行了概述,阐述了酚醛纤维当前存在的问题及未来发展方向。     

Morse Theory And Invariant Concepts of Convexity

In optimization, the literature on invariant definitions of convexity has largely centered on the notion of invexity. However, the connection with Morse theory and related geometric trends has not been recognized and results do not appear to be as impressive as those in topology. Our purpose is to improve the situation in optimization, and to clarify the relationship between these two trends. The main result is that the problem can be reduced to the case of functions of one variable.     

An Inverse Problem in Periodic Diffractive Optics: Reconstruction of Lipschitz Grating Profiles

We consider the problem of recovering a two-dimensional periodic structure from scattered waves measured above the structure. Following an approach by Kirsch and Kress, this inverse problem is reformulated as a nonlinear optimization problem. We develop a theoretical basis for the reconstruction method in the case of an arbitrary Lipschitz grating profile. The convergence analysis is based on new perturbation and stability results for the forward problem.     

Time optimality and the maximum principle in infinite dimension

We present three counterexamples related to the maximum principle for the time optimal problem. The system is linear, infinite dimensional, with point target and “full” control     

What can statistical process control show us about ionization chamber stability?

PurposeStatistical process control (SPC) has been shown to be a suitable tool for medical physicists to monitor quality and keep variability low and within specifications. We report our findings regarding ionisation chamber stability in our department when using a radioactive stability check device (RSCD) and we compare them with similar previously published records, including calibration results.MethodsWe retrospectively studied the stability of a PPC 40 parallel-plate chamber, and two Farmer chambers (FC65-G and FC65-P) by checking them with dedicated RSCDs. We analysed the data following SPC methodology which includes plotting I-MR control charts, monitoring out-of-control observations, calculating process capability ratios (C_p), and estimating conformance to specifications. We also estimated the C_p and adherence to specifications of previously published data.ResultsThe PPC40 chamber hardly went out of the control limits over the whole six-year period assessed. However, Farmer chamber verifications drifted in opposite directions in phase II, and the deviations observed did not agree with their calibration records, which only increased by a maximum of 0.5%. In phase I the most unstable chamber was the FC65-P with a C_p equal to 0.9 at a specification level of ±1%. The PPC40 chamber was stable to within a maximum C_p of 1.3. Several sets of analysed data, including ours and those from other authors, fitted well within these limits: within ±1.9% and ±1.5% for a C_p of 1.5 and 1.33 respectively.ConclusionsSPC with constant long-term RSCD checking gave us a meaningful plot of the instability of our ionisation chambers. Although a period of two years between calibrations should not be surpassed, in the interim this check can conform to specifications of ±1.5%.