Robust fault detection and diagnosis for uncertain nonlinear systems

This paper considers robust fault detection and diagnosis for input uncertain nonlinear systems. It proposes a multi-objective fault detection criterion so that the fault residual is sensitive to the fault but insensitive to the uncertainty as much as possible. Then the paper solves the proposed criterion by maximizing the smallest singular value of the transformation from faults to fault detection residuals while minimizing the largest singular value of the transformation from input uncertainty to the fault detection residuals. This method is applied to an aircraft which has a fault in the left elevator or rudder. The simulation results show the proposed method can detect the control surface failures rapidly and efficiently.     

Online blind source separation based on joint diagonalization

A now algorithm is proposed for joint diagonalization. With a modified objective function, the now algorithm not only excludes trivial and unbalanced solutions successfully, but is also easily optimized. In addition, with the new objective function, the proposed algorithm can work well in online blind source separation (BSS) for the first time, although this family of algorithms is always thought to be valid only in batch-mode BSS by far. Simulations show that it is a very competitive joint diagonalization algorithm.     

Closed circle DNA algorithm of change positive-weighted Hamilton circuit problem

Chain length of closed circle DNA is equal. The same closed circle DNA's position corresponds to different recognition sequence, and the same recognition sequence corresponds to different foreign DNA segment, so closed circle DNA computing model is generalized. For change positive-weighted Hamilton circuit problem, closed circle DNA algorithm is put forward. First, three groups of DNA encoding are encoded for all arcs, and deck groups are designed for all vertices. All possible solutions axe composed. Then, the feasible solutions axe filtered out by using group detect experiment, and the optimization solutions are obtained by using group insert experiment and electrophoresis experiment. Finally, all optimization solutions are found by using detect experiment. Complexity of algorithm is concluded and validity of DNA algorithm is explained by an example. Three dominances of the closed circle DNA algorithm are analyzed, and characteristics and dominances of group delete experiment axe discussed.     

High efficient moving object extraction and classification in traffic video surveillance

Moving object extraction and classification are important problems in automated video surveillance systems. A background model based on region segmentation is proposed. An adaptive single Gaussian background model is used in the stable region with gradual changes, and a nonparametric model is used in the variable region with jumping changes. A generalized agglomerative scheme is used to merge the pixels in the variable region and fill in the small interspaces. A two-threshold sequential algorithmic scheme is used to group the background samples of the variable region into distinct Gaussian distributions to accelerate the kernel density computation speed of the nonparametric model. In the feature-based object classification phase, the surveillance scene is first partitioned according to the road boundaries of different traffic directions and then re-segmented according to their scene localities. The method improves the discriminability of the features in each partition. AdaBoost method is applied to evaluate the relative importance of the features in each partition respectively and distinguish whether an object is a vehicle, a single human, a human group, or a bike. Experimental results show that the proposed method achieves higher performance in comparison with the existing method.     

Underdetermined DOA estimation and blind separation of non-disjoint sources in time-frequency domain based on sparse representation method

This paper deals with the blind separation of nonstation-ary sources and direction-of-arrival （DOA） estimation in the under-determined case, when there are more sources than sensors. We assume the sources to be time-frequency （TF） disjoint to a certain extent. In particular, the number of sources presented at any TF neighborhood is strictly less than that of sensors. We can identify the real number of active sources and achieve separation in any TF neighborhood by the sparse representation method. Compared with the subspace-based algorithm under the same sparseness assumption, which suffers from the extra noise effect since it can-not estimate the true number of active sources, the proposed algorithm can estimate the number of active sources and their cor-responding TF values in any TF neighborhood simultaneously. An-other contribution of this paper is a new estimation procedure for the DOA of sources in the underdetermined case, which combines the TF sparseness of sources and the clustering technique. Sim-ulation results demonstrate the validity and high performance of the proposed algorithm in both blind source separation （BSS） and DOA estimation.     

Multi-dimensional scattering properties diagnosis system of scale aircraft model in an anechoic chamber

Aiming at the concept of ＂diagnosis＂, a simple and effective broadband radar cross section （RCS） measurement system is constructed, and some multi-dimensional scattering properties diagnosis techniques are presented based on the system. Firstly, a stepped-frequency signal is employed to achieve high range resolution, combining with a variety of signal processing tech- niques. Secondly, cross-range resolution is gained with a rotating table, and the high-resolution two-dimensional （2-D） imaging of the scale model is obtained by the microwave imaging theory. Finally, two receiving antennas with a small distance in altitude are used, and the three-dimensional （3-D） height distribution of scattering points on the scale model is extracted from the phase of images. Some typical bodies and a scale aircraft model are diagnosed in an anechoic chamber. The experimental results show that, after scaling with a metal sphere, the accurate one- dimensional （l-D） RCS pattern of the model is obtained, and it has a large dynamic range. When the bandwidth of the transmitting signal is 4 GHz, the resolution of the 2-D image can reach to 0.037 5 m. The 3-D height distribution of scattering points is given by interferometric measurement. This paper provides a feasible way to obtain high-precision scattering properties parameters of the scale aircraft model in a conventional rectangular anechoic chamber.     

Film Use to Promote Understanding in Change and Diffusion of Innovation

The paper explores cinematic films as a pedagogical tool to promote critical thinking and student discussions in a doctoral-level learning, design, and technology seminar course at a major U.S. research university. These discussions focused on systemic change and systemic thinking concepts. The authors offer evidence from the literature that supports films’ power as a visual metaphor and neurocognitive stimulator to promote development of new perspectives in graduate students on case studies through articulation, reflection, and explanation of their thought processes on change and diffusion of innovation. There are theoretical, political, social, and technological issues that create tensions during any systemic change effort. The goal of using film in this seminar is to equip students with the requisite skills, theoretical frameworks, and interpersonal experiences needed to address these issues within organizations and communities. The change expected from systemic thinking is for students to think more deeply about the interconnectedness of systems and the importance of bottom-up change efforts that consider the perspective of all stakeholders.     

Operationalising “Double-Loop” Learning in Service Organisations: A Systems Approach for Creating Knowledge

Learning organisation literature has widely discussed the connections between “double-loop” learning and its significance to organisational performance, but paying little attention to tools and systems that can operationalise “double-loop” learning in organisations. This paper investigates the impact of applying a systems approach for service operations design, expressed as the Vanguard Method (Seddon, Freedom from command and control: a better way to make the work work, 2003), in order to activate “double-loop” learning in service organisations. Two case studies were conducted in the banking mortgage operations and adults’ social care services in the UK, using the dimensions of the learning organisation questionnaire (DLOQ), semi-structured interviews, observations, and documents. The findings of the cross-case analysis support the link of applying the Vanguard Method with operationalising “double-loop” learning through three main factors, namely systematic-operations improvement, organisational capacity development, and outside-in mode of work; that are all embedded into the seven dimensions of the DLOQ. The value of this paper is the introduction of a service operations design tool that can activate “double-loop” learning performance in the fast changing knowledge era. It also provides an impetus for service organisations to creatively influence employees’ competencies to effectively improve internal systems.     

Systemic Development of Leadership: Action Research in an Indian Manufacturing Organization

This insider action research study differentiates between developing leaders and leadership, evolves a systemic leadership model, and intervenes on the human, social and processes dimensions for developing leadership. This is a real-time study and responds to the organizational reality of fast pace of change and its systemic nature. Consequently, the research too is fast to guide actions and influence positive changes in the organization. As the action research addresses a systemic reality, research and contributions are in multiple aspects, with new techniques having huge implications for theory building as well as improving practice. The study provides a structural solution to perceived lack of commitment in senior colleagues—a syndrome I acronym as HILE (High Intentions and Lukewarm Execution)–by re-designing organizational processes and making time available for its effective utilization in developing leadership. A new technique of triggering major changes in organizations termed “concept sublimation” distils concept from the statements of major stakeholder and sublimates it from lower to higher unit of analysis and to higher levels of positivity. Statistical simplification of a competency framework by applying concepts from Euclidian geometry and making it effective is yet a unique contribution of this action research study. The study adapts the competing values framework in developing a method of assessing cultural congruence of a candidate with the culture of the organization. The uniqueness of the study lies in bridging the gap in the literature by actually and systemically developing leadership in an organization and providing pragmatic insights on developing leadership while also creating knowledge for theory building.     

Using the ‘Engagement’ Model of Problem Solving to Assist Students in Capstone Learning

The engagement model for problem solving was developed as a response to soft systems methodology being difficult to implement in certain circumstances. In the years since the original paper was published, the model has developed into an iterative problem solving approach for the assessment, creation and implementation of new ideas in difficult problem situations. This case study paper exemplifies the kind of work undertaken through the use of the model and provides a practical scenario for how one might apply it. The case study takes place in a higher education environment and relates to the development of a capstone course for management majors. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research.