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The workshop will be conducted primarily through discussion by the participants. The papers have opened up a wide number of issues that have no easy solution and where, most likely, the solutions will vary from case to case. The discussion portion of the workshop will be broad ranging over the topics we have introduced here.

In this paper we propose and analyze a novel, computationally inexpensive packet-error model for infrastructure- to-vehicle (I2V) communications. Based on real-world measurements using IEEE 802.11p devices, the proposed model incorporates the physical layer characteristics and propagation effects in an authentic highway environment with real vehicular traffic. With only a small set of parameters, the model allows to simulate time series of packet error events with a Hidden Markov Model (HMM). We propose this packet error model for the simulation of vehicular connectivity in the context of intelligent transport systems.

The use of energy harvesting wireless sensor network (EH-WSN) is a rising wireless communication technology with a wide range of applications such as environment monitoring. Maximizing the number of samples collected by the sink from sensors is a key approach in order to minimize uncertainties for those applications. The considered system in this paper consists of an uplink scenario with EH sensors communicating with a non EH sink, equipped with multiple antennas, receiving data forwarded by the sensors. Using a zero-forcing (ZF) receiver, the data collector (i.e., sink) selects the largest possible set of transmitting sensor nodes to maximize the received quantity of information, while satisfying their signal-to-noise ratio quality of service (QoS) constraints. This paper presents efficient and simple EH node selection algorithms in EH-WSNs in order to maximize the number of selected sensors. The problem is formulated as an integer non linear program that can be optimally solved using an exhaustive search. Due to the prohibitive complexity of such a brute force approach, two low complexity and efficient heuristic algorithms are proposed to perform node selection decisions. Simulation results show the performance of the proposed algorithms and illustrate their adaptability and efficiency in the energy harvesting context.

Fast and precise spectrum opportunity (SOP) exploration is a fundamental and vital procedure for dynamic spectrum management. In this paper, the temporal rather than geographical feature of spectrum database is investigated. The spectrum prediction is formulated and taken as a function of spectrum database. Furthermore, spectrum sensing is also a choice for SOP exploration to cope with the inefficiency of the solely spectrum database approach on freshness of the information and the precise of the prediction. On that consideration, a joint SOP exploration (JSE) scheme is proposed which determines SOP based on joint spectrum sensing and the spectrum prediction enabled spectrum database. The advantages of spectrum database, spectrum prediction and spectrum sensing can be taken jointly to ascertain SOP. Extensive simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme can accommodate to diverse scenarios with different sensing ability of SUs and prediction ability of spectrum database, while the advantages of existing SOP exploration approaches can be jointly taken.

Fuel oil viscosity is mainly affected by temperature, and however fuel oil temperature is a large inertia variable. Using PID control algorithm, may leads to certain over regulation in the control process. Based on the principle of thermodynamics and heat transfer, starting from establishing mathematical model of temperature control system, the fuel oil temperature PID control was studied in this paper. Further more, the control process MATLAB/Simulink simulation was carried out, with a resultant precise simulation figure. This provides a comparable reference to further improving for fuel oil temperature control process.

Two wheeled Self balancing robots have become more popular in recent times and used in many applications, commonly used in transportation as these balancing robots are faster and apparently stable. Balancing is achieved by using controllers tuned for the system. Inverted pendulum principle is used in these robots. This paper proposes the use of two control methods, namely Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) and Extended PID (EPID), for maintaining the balance of two-wheeled and self-balancing robots, even when slightly tilted, thus preventing them from falling. PID control theory generally depends up on transfer functions, this paper extends the theory using EPID. EPID provides a new perspective on the working principle of PID control and its relationship with other control theories, such as tracking control and disturbance observer. This approach is illustrated using the fundamental principle of inverted pendulum technology. The key advantage of these robots over other mobile robots is their increased stability due to zero turning radius, which allows for smoother rotations during changes in direction.

In the very recent years, the modular multilevel converter (MMC) topology has become the development trend of high-voltage high-power power conversion technologies. However, one specific issue associated with MMC is the necessity of very large capacitances, which stops it from reducing cost, increasing reliability, and improving power density. To reduce the capacitance of required capacitors, in this paper, the nature of the common-mode capacitor voltage fluctuation is analyzed, and the corresponding suppression scheme based on a proportional-integral plus resonant (PI+R) controller is proposed. Compared with conventional open-loop suppression methods, the control accuracy, flexibility, and robustness can be significantly improved. Finally, the validity and effectiveness of the proposed scheme are verified by simulation and experimental results.

The coupling of antennas is the major manner of electromagnetic interference (EMI) among wireless systems. Isolation between antennas is a primary parameter for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) on airborne platform. Airborne platform is a complicate and large dimension object, and it is difficult to measure the isolation between antennas in whole working wideband. Based on the analysis and discussion of practical model, the isolation between two antennas is calculated by FEM and MoM separately. And the numerical results are compared with measurements and employed to speculate statement in whole frequency band in this paper. Then change of isolation is analyzed following the different of distance between two antennas.

In consideration of construction correlation between segments in cantilever erection practice of bridges, Gaussian random process model is introduced in this paper to represent the distribution of segmental parameters. Subsequently, through system rebuilding and maximum a posteriori criteria, a Bayesian formula is derived for sequentially estimating the mean values and standard deviations of random segmental parameters. It is shown that both the common-used least square estimation method and the Kalman filter estimation method are special cases of the proposed method. Finally, application of the proposed method in a long-span PC cable-stayed bridge for estimating self-weights of segmental girders is presented, and effectiveness of the proposed method in updating and predicting parameters shown.

Assessing the dynamic performance of digital-to-analog converters (DAC) is challenging due to the limited resolution of flash analog-to-digital converters (ADC) that are used for the scope. Current solutions are either difficult to be implemented in practice or suffer from serious limitations due to the uncertainty of the hardware utilized. The paper present an innovative method for testing the dynamic performance of a DAC that uses a low resolution ADC just as the other solutions, but exploits it to digitize an amplified version of the error signal, instead of the DAC output signal. The limitations due to the hardware are thus overcome. The results of a number of simulations confirm the feasibility of the proposed method.

In this paper we provide a design for a dual-port pixel antenna for energy harvesting in ambient RF electromagnetic fields. We use Z-parameters to analyze the equivalent circuit network of the antenna and find the relationship between the connections of the pixels in the antenna and the received power. Finding the optimal connection configuration for the pixels which maximizes the power over a frequency band is then achieved by using the genetic algorithm. The simulation result shows that the proposed dual-port antenna can achieve a better power performance than a single dipole antenna of similar size. Measurement results are also provided.

State Estimation (SE), being a key component of Energy Management Systems (EMS), plays an essential role in operating power distribution systems. The Weighted Least Squares (WLS) based methods, among many others, have been most widely used in conventional distribution system state estimation. The increasing deployment of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), which provides more frequent measurements from more points, enables improvement for the WLS state estimators. This paper aims at quantifying the impacts of AMI data on a typical WLS state estimator, through simulation on a 16-bus overhead radial system under various conditions. Beyond demonstrating the improvement in estimation accuracy, our evaluations quantitatively characterize the behavior of WLS estimator leveraged with AMI data.

Adaptive network based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is an intelligent neuro-fuzzy technique used for modeling and control of ill-defined and uncertain systems. ANFIS is based on the input-output data pairs of the system under consideration. The size of the input-output data set is very crucial when the data available is very less and the generation of data is a costly affair. Under such circumstances, optimization in the number of data used for learning is of prime concern. In this paper we have proposed an ANFIS based system modeling where the number of data pairs employed for training is minimized by application of a combine technique of full factorial design (FFD) and V-fold technique. The full factorial design technique is used to fine tune the data optimization process which is obtained by the V-fold technique. Our proposed method is experimentally validated by applying it to two separate sets of data obtained from the benchmark Box and Jenkins gas furnace data set and the thermal power plant of the NEEPCO (North Eastern Electrical Power Corporation Limited) . By employing our proposed method the number of data required for learning in the ANFIS network could be significantly reduced to around one-eighth of the requirement for the conventional ANFIS method. This result in the saving of the computation time as well as computation complexity is remarkably reduced. The results obtained by applying our proposed method are compared with those obtained by using conventional ANFIS network. It was found that our model compares favorably well with conventional ANFIS model.

This paper studies the evaluation of bonding quality for thin composite plate. The main methods are wavelet transform and fuzzy pattern recognition. At first, ultrasonic NDT (Non Destructive Testing) detection method is introduced and the characteristic of the echo signal is discussed. And then, the wavelet transform is used to process echo signals, the low-frequency energy and the high-frequency energy are extracted as characteristics of echo signal in time-frequency domain. At last, a fuzzy pattern recognition algorithm is designed to evaluate the bonding quality of the composite material, it is based on the maximum membership degree principle. Simulation proved that the algorithm can recognize different echo signals quantitatively and effectively.

Modern pulse width-modulated (PWM) converter-fed locomotives generate current harmonics which propagate along traction line. The traction line is distributed at high frequencies, so the injected harmonics may cause resonances. This paper presents a way for analyzing resonance in electrified high-speed traction system, by calculating the harmonic current along the traction line. According to harmonic voltage generation process and distributed characteristics of traction line, the formulas representing the harmonic spectra of PWM converter input voltage and harmonic impedance of traction system are presented. Frequency spectrum characteristics of traction voltage and current are simulated and analyzed while the locomotive runs along the traction line. Results indicate that properties of both harmonic current and voltage vary, the former has greater variation; series-resonances occur at some frequency and the position depends on locomotive position along the line; harmonic current contents are small, the mains are 3–9th harmonics and series resonances ones.

This paper demonstrates a novel digital radio distribution system able to transmit not only over optical fibres and coaxial cables but also over twisted pair cables. The digitised RF signal is compressed for maximum transmission efficiency in a way that allows for integral self-learning algorithms to be introduced for multi-service applications. © 2013 IEEE.

In today's digital and information-based manufacturing environment, data are basic elements for almost every production control and management activity. This paper focuses on production data processing based on attribute analysis. There are thousands of attributes in semiconductor manufacturing. However, some of them are irrelevant and/or redundant to some optimal production control and management issues. It is hard to decide which attributes should be considered as input references. Rational attribute selection may lead to an accurate scheduling strategy and finally exerts a positive impact on the performance of the whole production line. This is the motivation of this work. Its goal is to investigate which attributes play the key roles in the manufacturing scheduling according to a specific performance criterion. A genetic algorithm-based selection approach for feature production attributes is proposed. Its prediction accuracy is verified via a practical wafer production line.

In order to overcome the drawbacks and combine the advantages of both 3G packet-switched mobile communication systems and WLAN, wireless broadband Internet (WiBro) system based on 2.3GHz bandwidth and IEEE 802.16e developed in Korea. Recently, the new version of WiBro system, named WiBro-evolution (WiBro-EVO) system which provides higher performance and various multimedia services, is being developed. In this paper, we propose the efficient authentication architecture for twice network entry procedures based on the frequency overlay in WiBro-EVO system. We evaluate the performance of the proposed scheme to consider how it reduces the signaling messages overhead in the WiBro-EVO system. The proposed scheme can reduce signaling overhead over the wireless and fixed links. It is also easy to manage authentication keys. Therefore, it can be used as a guideline for developing WiBro-EVO system based on frequency overlay.

Parasitics are a major concern in design and layout of IGBT packages and power stages with both high switching speed and high power handling requirements. This paper presents the relationship between IGBT wire-bond package layout and its equivalent circuit parasitic inductance. It is shown that the dominant parasitic inductance inside the package mainly comes from the terminal leads. The parasitic inductance contributed by the wire-bonds is not a significant value. But the parasitic effects related to the closed coupling between the bonding wires causes several problems. They cause nonuniform current distribution between bonding wires, unbalanced transient current between paralleled IGBT chips in high power IGBT modules, as well as the mechanical stress on the connection joints induced by the magnetic fields. This phenomenon explains one of the wire-bonds' fatigue and failure mechanisms caused by the packaging parasitics. The analysis of packaging layout shows the possible options to reduce the parasitic inductance, alleviate the parasitic effects, and improve the module reliability.

Time-of-flight mass spectrometry allows for the study of elemental, isotopic, and molecular composition from a material sample. The mass sensitivity and resolution of time-of-flight mass spectrometers increases with the length of the instrument, where increased sensitivity indicates increased ability to distinguish between ions of similar masses. This indicates an inherent limit of traditional time-of-flight mass spectrometers designed as monolithic instruments for integration onboard a spacecraft: the length of the spectrometer, and therefore its sensitivity, is constrained by the form factor of the spacecraft. This paper motivates and presents a novel architecture for in-space mass spectrometry through the use of distinct, free-flying spacecraft that will be the subject of future research. The Advanced Mass Spectrometry in Gravity-Free Architectures (AMIGAS) concept aims to enable ultra-long baseline (10-100 m) time-of-flight mass spectrometry that could dramatically improve the sensitivity and resolution of in-space time-of-flight mass spectrometers to the point of detecting millidalton-level differences in atom or molecule mass. This paper presents the scientific motivation for why such a high sensitivity would be beneficial and explores the associated engineering constraints. A high-level overview of the AMIGAS concept is also provided along with anticipated challenges for practical implementation.

In this paper we have given an improved model for throughput enhancement and optimal relay selection. We studied about increase in throughput and optimal relay selection. Here we deployed a base station connected to host-sever, group of relay stations and group of mobile stations that are moving at constant speed. The mobile stations and base stations are deployed based on our new adaptive deployment algorithm (ADA) and relay selection through our new optimal relay selection algorithm (ORSA). We have implemented this new algorithm and shown how the mobile station selects an optimal relay for its throughput enhancement.

In this paper, three novel designs of linear permanent magnet motors (LPMM) having moving magnets armature, are proposed for driving a direct drive linear reciprocating compressor in household refrigerator. The designs are then compared, including the configurations and static characteristics based on finite element analysis (FEA). In contrast to a conventional reciprocating compressor, a direct-drive linear compressor in which the piston is driven directly by a linear motor (LM) and resonant springs is considered a positive displacement. The analysis on performance of LPMM using the proposed designs is carried out on the magnetic flux-lines, magnetic field intensity, magnetic flux density, back-EMF and thrust force. The extensive simulation results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed designs.

The basic processing unit for instant ramen noodles includes mixing, rolling, boiling, frying, cooling, and packing processes. In this paper, we propose a roll gap adjustment system using a PLC and an AC servo-mechanism to make dough sheets with a good gluten structure and uniform thickness when the dough is rolled out in the rolling process

Advances in multimedia technologies, and their relative low cost, nowadays allow the design and implementation of museum installations that enhance the visit experience by making the visitor the main actor in the exhibition. In this paper we describe an innovative museum installation that integrates multi-touch screens and NFC (Near Field Communication) and allows the visitor to simulate what happens during a dig and learn about part of the archaeologist's work as well as archaeological objects.

Defect characteristics and consequently test quality vary throughout the production life cycle. An optimal test methodology needs to adjust the test set based on the ever changing defect characteristics to deliver consistent test quality levels. In this paper, we propose an adaptive test framework that alters the test set continuously by utilizing the history of recent failures to track the instantaneous defect escape level, thus reaching the target test quality level at minimal test cost.

This paper presents a novel optimization approach to find the optimal STATCOM installation in the power system using Mixed Integer Distributed Ant Colony optimization (MIDACO). The proposed method is mathematically formulated based on minimizing the Voltage Deviation Index (VDI) and the installation cost of STATCOM. The ability of STATCOM to provide shunt compensation to maintain bus voltage is exploited here. The proposed approach has been tested on the standard IEEE 14-bus system.

Recent advances in guaranteed stable generalized predictive control algorithms are applied to vertical positioning of plasma in the COMPASS-D tokamak, a test device used to study instabilities and control techniques necessary for fusion power plants in the future. The tokamak current P+D controller cannot stabilize the plasma vertical position without internal sensors which will not be available in larger devices. A controller which is derived with the stable predictive control algorithms described in this paper stabilizes the plasma with only external sensors and also solves noise and robustness problems. It compares favorably to the one produced with standard H/sub /spl infin// design techniques.

This paper presents an estimation procedure of equivalent electric circuit parameters of a lithium-ion cell using data from a pulse charge/discharge test. An extraction process of the model parameters is based on a transient voltage response of relaxation process following a current pulse. The entire procedure is straightforward and there is no restriction in a number of parallel RC-branches in the electrical model. Convergence problem of the parameter estimation process, existing in classic solutions, is solved by application of a particle swarm optimization method (PSO). The entire parameter identification procedure is performed in automated way in order to reduce time required to obtain a sufficient set of parameter values for different states of charge. The model is verified based on experimental data.

Self-assembly is affected by high error rates due to incorrect tiles in nano-technology manufacturing. Tile sets that can heal (fully or partially) an erroneous assembly have been proposed. Self-healing requires growth to be restarted such that erroneous tiles can be removed and the correct tiles to bind to the aggregate. Punctures can be used for this purpose. The goal of this paper is to characterize an intentionally induced puncture (and its relevant properties) on an erroneous tile site in the assembly. This allows to propagate any newly generated error away from the source of growth (i.e. the seed tile), such that self-assembly can continue along specific directions. Different types of puncture are considered with respect to growth direction, error and aggregate types. Puncture resilience is analyzed using a new characterization metric; different tile sets are investigated in detail. Analytical and simulation results are provided.

Security has been a growing concern for large organizations, especially financial and governmental institutions, as security breaches in the systems they depend on have repeatedly resulted in billions of dollars in losses per year, and this cost is on the rise. A primary reason for these breaches is that the systems in question are socio-technical — a mix of people, processes, technology and infrastructure. However, such systems are designed in a piecemeal rather than a holistic fashion, leaving parts of the system vulnerable. To tackle this problem, a three-realm security requirements framework was proposed to holistically analyse security requirements in different conceptual realms, including social realm (business processes, social actors), a software realm (software applications that support the social realm) and an infrastructure realm (physical and technological infrastructure). In this paper we evaluate this security requirements analysis framework. The evaluation was performed by two graduate students using a large scale case study on a medical emergency response system.

Active steering is a newly developed technology for passenger cars to enhance vehicle stability and handling performance. A fractional-order PIlambdaDmu control strategy is applied on active steering vehicle based on a multi-body vehicle dynamic model in this paper and the active control is expressed as a sum of PIlambda and PDmu control. The multi-body vehicle dynamic model using ADAMS can accurately predict the dynamic performance of the vehicle. A new hybrid steering scheme including both active front steering (applying an additional front steering angle besides the driver input) and rear steering is presented to control both yaw velocity and sideslip angle. The parameters of the controller were optimized by a genetic algorithm (GA) and it can adjust both sideslip angle and yaw velocity through the co-simulation between the ADAMS multi-body vehicle dynamic model and Matlab. The co-simulation scenario takes place at high speed with a single-sine steering angle input to validate the effectiveness of active steering system. Simulation result shows that active steering vehicle with fractional-order PIlambdaDmu control logic strategy can enhance vehicle stability and handling greatly comparing with classical PID controller and traditional front wheel steering vehicle.

Electronics manufacturing has evolved through the 1990s as technology and production parameters have changed. Surface mount components have become the choice of industry to solve problems resulting from complex PCB designs. Enabling technologies and consumer demand have shifted production away from high volume identical parts to lower volume customized parts. Production lines are regularly stopped, reconfigured for new parts, and run for fewer piece counts. Reconfigured lines may produce defective boards during first time process optimization runs. As the piece cost of more complex completed circuit boards increases and production quantities decrease, rework of defective boards caused by process change-over and normal production variations has become an important part of the manufacturing process. Higher levels of circuit functionality substantially increase the cost of scrapping the boards and tighter environmental regulations make disposal of boards more difficult. Rework is often the only economical choice, but surface mount component lead pitch has also been decreasing, which has increased the required training and skill level of the rework operators. Automated rework provides a solution to these problems. This paper describes an intuitive GUI control structure for the automated rework of fine pitch components. Results from experiments performed on the prototype system with this user interface show that vision guidance, removal, cleaning, solder paste dispensing, component placement, and laser soldering can all be performed successfully for automated PCB rework with highly reliable solder joints.

VDMOS integrated in scan driver chip for plasma display panels (PDP) is disclosed in the paper, which is based on the epitaxial Bipolar-CMOS- DMOS (BCD) process. The key considerations during the design are proposed here, and abundance simulation and process regulation is done on the structure and parameter optimization, by the testing on the VDMOS parameter and chip parameter, the results is favorable for 170 V PDP scan driver chip, which contributes to the competitive cost efficiency.

The dual orthogonal stereo sensor (DOSS) method uses acoustic waves to determine the distance and direction of an object in an underwater environment. A DOSS system is composed of one acoustic signal generator in the center and four acoustic signal receivers in an orthogonal stereo configuration. In this paper, we propose several algorithms with dual orthogonal stereo sensors that measure the range and angle using the time of flight. We simulate the algorithms with dual orthogonal stereo sensors for 3D localization using simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM). Finally, we compare and analyze the results of all the simulations.

Two variants of a vector-sum phase shifter are presented in this paper. Vector-sum phase shifters can be built highly compact without excessive use of inductors and are therefore feasible for highly integrated, low-cost RFICs with a low demand on chip area. Both concepts vary in their vector generation and gain programming networks as the most critical aspects of the vector-sum approach as well as the chosen level of integration. Concept 1 is a semi-integrated device applying the predistorted output of a current steering digital-to-analog converter to an analog multiplier for programmable gain, using a differential off-chip LC network for quadrature summation. The fully integrated concept 2 employs a semi-digital multiplier cell driving a passive polyphase filter as the quadrature summing network. The given overview enables designers to fix the system aspects early in the design process, leaving more time to circuit level optimization. Both devices have been designed in a quarter micron SiGe BiCMOS technology for phased array applications in the S-band (2.9 GHz ... 3.1 GHz).

This paper provides new topologies for thyristor controlled reactors (TCR) used for static VAR compensators (SVC). This paper explains the need for these new topologies by providing the harmonic analysis of each type. The conventional TCR, two parallel TCR, two tapped inductors TCR and three tapped inductors TCR are explained and evaluated to be impeded in the SVC system. The design of each type is provided to control the inductive reactive power of the SVC. The harmonic analysis of each topology is obtained to get the most proper TCR characteristics. The ratings of the each TCR components are provided. These new topologies may be a method to control the inductive reactive power of the SVC with limited harmonic content or even zero current harmonics.

This paper presents a robust roadway detection method by direction using online CCTV videos. In traffic surveillance using video/image processing, the roadway detection in the traffic scene not only improves efficiency of vehicle detection and tracking, but also reduces detection errors caused by objects peripheral to the roadway. The proposed method detects each traffic direction of the roadway separately in order to provide traffic information of both directions in a step-wise procedure. First, a roadway mask image of a traffic scene is created by accumulating moving parts in a difference image between two consequence input images. Next, a center line of the roadway is identified and used to divide the roadway mask into two parts. Roadways with different geometry types and traffic condition were studied. Experimental results show that the proposed method successfully separated the roadway directions

Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) has proved its ability in solving complex search and optimization problems. From the earliest presentation of the algorithm, it has been acknowledged that the technique’s major weakness is its propensity to converge prematurely on early, possibly suboptimal solutions. In this paper, we propose some new strategies to improve the search performance of standard PSO. In order to balance the global search and local search ability, the new version of PSO adopts nonlinear decay approach to adjust the inertia weight and asynchronous time-varying approach to adapt the learning factors. Meanwhile, “Function Stretch” technology is used to improve the local search performance. Two benchmark functions and a nonlinear constrained optimization problem are used to test the proposed algorithm. Experimental results show that the PSO with proposed modified strategies is effective and efficient.

We present the development of the "HELIOS" series off-road vehicles and powered wheelchairs that are able to ascend and descend stairs. In this paper, we describe a 6-wheeled vehicle "HELIOS-V", which is equipped with 4 low-pressure tires on the outside and 2 high-pressure tires on the inside. This vehicle has two continuously variable transmissions to change velocity and direction of locomotion. We intend to use low-pressure tires for ascending and descending obstacles such as stairs because of their ability to produce high grip forces on the edges of obstacles. In this paper, we describe the design of the "HELIOS-V", characteristics of the continuously variable transmission, reduction of the driving resistance using the low and high pressure tires and the difficulties while ascending and descending stairs.

Recently it has been noticed an increased number of cyber-incidents, sometimes causing seriously impact to organizations and governments. Cyberattacks exploits a variety of technological and social vulnerabilities to achieve a malicious objective. The emergence of new and sophisticated Cyberthreats demand very skilled operators with a solid knowledge about concepts and technologies related to Cybersecurity and Cyberdefense. However, the landscape of this base knowledge is very diverse in nature, requiring agile learning methods, besides a very demanding training process limited by the intrinsic technology's complexity and broad range of application domains. Although existing Cybersecurity and Cyberdefense curricula spans a wide array of topics and training strategies, its programs content lack focus on some particular aspect, like depth of education/training and its link to professional development. This paper intends to provide some reflections regarding the curricula contents that should be considered when a graduate level curriculum in cybersecurity is designed., This work has been supported by COMPETE: POCI-01-014S-FEDER-007043 and FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia within the Project Scope: UID/CEC/00319/2013.

Neural network applications to aircraft automatic landing control are presented. The automatic landing system of an airplane is enabled only under limited conditions. If severe wind disturbances are encountered, the pilot must handle the aircraft due to the limits of the automatic landing system. This paper presents four different neural network controllers to improve the performance of conventional automatic landing systems based on a linearized control law. The neural network controllers can act as an experienced pilot and guide the aircraft to a safe landing in severe wind disturbance environments. Simulation results show that the neural network controller can be used to successfully replace the conventional autolander.

The grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems are an important part of renewable energy sources and their effect is getting more and more extensive. To improve the efficiency, small volume, and low prices of the PV systems, many kinds of new inverter topologies have been proposed to avoid using a grid isolation transformer, and the traditional three-level neutral-point-clamped (NPC) topology structure and T topology structure are presented and in-depth analyzed in this paper. Relative to conventional NPC topology, the T topology with fewer switching devices than before when producing the same number of output levels, which simplifies circuit and saves costs. Efficiency analysis results show that T topology have high efficiency, lower leakage current and EMI.

This paper presents a virtual prototyping framework that can achieve modeling, simulation and control for ship maneuvering in offshore operations. To fast construct scenario for certain ship maneuvering tasks, a scenario editor is designed to model the ship, the environment disturbances and the scene, respectively. The corresponding scenario containing physical properties is built up in a physics simulation engine AgX. A graphical user interface responsible for visualizing the simulation and plotting data in a real-time manner is developed, in which dynamic interaction including manual control, failure/recover of thrusters and weather change is implemented. Taking advantages of a distributed communication architecture, the plug-in control mechanism is realized to increase the flexibility for evaluating ship maneuvering performance. Through a case study of trajectory tracking, the framework is verified efficient in constructing scenario and testing control model for ship maneuvering applications.

Gas insulated switchgear (GIS) is widely used in power system. To improve its reliability, field impulse voltage withstand test is an important step. Standard lightning impulse (SLI) is normally adopted in factory withstand test for GIS equipment. However, oscillating lightning impulse (OLI) is often used in field. Differences exist between OLI and OSI concerning their capability of insulation assessment and defect exposition. Sharp protrusions or particles on HV conductor are typical defects in GIS and are critical at lightning impulse voltages. This paper therefore aims at breakdown characteristics study of protrusion on HV conductor under SLI and OLI. Firstly, the impulse voltage generator was established to generate SLI and OLI. They had the same front time and time to half value. Secondly, a 25mm-long protrusion defect on HV conductor was set up in a 330kV GIS chamber. And then the 50% probability breakdown voltage (BDV 50 ) and Voltage-time characteristics (V-t characteristics) were experimentally studied. The results show that for positive and negative polarity, BDV 50 under OLI is 0.4% and 10.9% higher than that under SLI respectively. V-t plots under SLI show a steeper downward slope than that under OLI. Breakdowns under positive OLI concentrate in the vicinity of the first wave peak, while under negative OLI, breakdowns concentrate in the first three peaks and minimal breakdown voltage (V min ) occurs in the third peak.

For nonlinear characteristics of continuous stirred tank reactor, the conventional solution is linearization on the control point. But this method has some disadvantage, that is, when the control point moves, the system response error will become larger. To solve this problem, the paper proposes the I/O feedback linearization. For the continuous stirred tank reactor, the paper selects the appropriate system output, and does continuous derivation for each component until the control input variable appears in the expression. When certain conditions are met, the system can be linearized globally, through the substitution between the control input variables. In order to test the feasibility of the method, the paper builds simulation model, and the simulation results show that The system output has a good tracking ability, besides, the System shows the fast response and reliable stability.

With the economic developments, high speed railway has been paid many attentions in China and medium- short term planning of Chinese high speed railway network has been formed and most of the railways have been started into operations. In this paper, graph theory and complex network theory are adopted to assess the reliability of Chinese high speed railway network. The topological characteristics and real distances between pairs of stations are discussed to investigate the reliability of Chinese high-speed rail network. Several parameters are presented to investigate the topological characteristics and the reliability and robustness of the network subject to failures. The parameter called unit degree betweenness is proposed to assess the transport capacity of lines connecting with the nodes. The largest degree node-based attacks and the highest betweenness node-based attacks are involved into Chinese high speed railway network to assess the topological reliability and robustness. The results show that the highest betweenness node-based attacks are more effective to destroy the network than the largest degree node-based attacks. Moreover, the cumulative degree distribution and the real mileages of railways between pairs of stations can be fitted by Gauss functions, and the distribution of real shortest distances over all pairs of stations of the network is fitted by a normal distribution function. By the simulations, the critical stations, Guangzhou Station, Zhengzhou Station and Jinan Station for the largest degree node-based attacks, and Wuhan Station, Xuzhou Station and Shijiazhuang Station for the highest betweenness node-based attacks, can be obtained in this paper.

Robot control can be decomposed into specification, control algorithm, sensory and torque control levels. The paper deals with the control algorithm level of industrial robots. In this paper, a neural implementation of the fuzzy controller has been proposed. A neuro-fuzzy controller (NFC) is used for the trajectory tracking of four degree-of-freedom rigid-link flexible and rigid joint SCARA-type manipulators. Online fine tuning of NFCs is proposed using the backpropagation algorithm. This paper contains a comparison of NFCs before and after fine tuning. A traditional fuzzy controller is compared with an NFC, using a simulation method, with respect to the trajectory tracking control of a SCARA-type manipulator. The results illustrate the usefulness of NFCs.

This paper addresses approaches to improve the power consumption indexes of multi-pump systems. Focus on optimization of productivity, adjustment of the number of running pumps and starting-stopping criteria in multi-pump systems. Method of the productivity adjustment based on the reduction of motors starts-stops is proposed. The method includes prediction of the future state of the system and reduction of the start/stop operations on expense of short time widening of operation limits. Reduction of pumps starts and stops contribute into the stable power quality in the network.

Hydraulic cylinders with built-in piston-rods have many distinct advantages, such as good structural compactness and high rigidity. However, other mechanisms need to be series connected with it in order to output the expected force and motion. An innovative design of changing the structure of the piston-rod built-in cylinder and many reconfigurable hydraulic-mechanical combined drive devices is introduced in this paper. Several kinds of detailed devices and corresponding mechanical calculating formulas are given, characteristic features of these devices are analyzed too. The results clearly show that quick reconfigurable hydraulic-mechanical combined drive devices with multi-functions can be innovatively designed solely by changing the geometric figure of the piston-rod built-in cylinder, while the basic structure of the cylinder block assembly and piston assembly is unnecessary to be changed. By this means relevant products with advantages of low cost, high capability and flexibility, short empolder period and man-hour will be obtained in practice.