[en] A systematic approach is presented to quasi-random numbers that being used instead of random numbers in Monte Carlo algorithms imply their convergence in the classical sense. The rate of convergence of quasi-Monte Carlo algorithms may be almost 1/N (here N is the number of trials). At present this approach is efficient mainly for algorithms with small constructive dimensions. (author)

[en] A control problem for stochastically forced nonlinear continuous-time systems is considered. We propose a method for construction of the regulator that provides a preassigned probabilistic distribution of random states in stochastic equilibrium. Geometric criteria of the controllability are obtained. Constructive technique for the specification of attainability sets is suggested

[en] We analyse Hybrid Natural Inflation in view of the recent results for the tensor index reported by BICEP2. We find that it predicts a large running of the scalar spectrum which is potentially detectable by large scale structure through measurements of clustering of galaxies in combination with CMB data and by 21 cm forest observations. The running of the running is also relatively large becoming close to 10"−"2. Along the way, we find general consistency relations at which observables are subject if the slow-roll approximation is imposed. Failure to satisfy these equations by the values obtained for the observables in surveys would be a failure of the slow-roll approximation itself

[en] A method for approximate determination of roots of a cubic equation that has one real and two complex-conjugate roots and satisfies the conditions of stability has been proposed. The formulas obtained are quite accurate, simple, and convenient for analysis and optimization of systems and objects

[en] Highlights: • IDPSA contributes to robust risk-informed decision making in nuclear safety. • IDPSA considers time-dependent interactions among component failures and system process. • Also, IDPSA considers time-dependent interactions among control and operator actions. • Computational efficiency by advanced Monte Carlo and meta-modelling simulations. • Efficient post-processing of IDPSA output by clustering and data mining. - Abstract: Integrated deterministic and probabilistic safety assessment (IDPSA) is conceived as a way to analyze the evolution of accident scenarios in complex dynamic systems, like nuclear, aerospace and process ones, accounting for the mutual interactions between the failure and recovery of system components, the evolving physical processes, the control and operator actions, the software and firmware. In spite of the potential offered by IDPSA, several challenges need to be effectively addressed for its development and practical deployment. In this paper, we give an overview of these and discuss the related implications in terms of research perspectives

[en] The complexity of modern systems is increasing rapidly and the dominating relationships among system variables have become highly non-linear. This results in difficulty in the identification of a system's operating states. In turn, this difficulty affects the sensitivity of fault detection and imposes a challenge on ensuring the safety of operation. In recent years, Self-Organizing Maps has gained popularity in system monitoring as a robust non-linear dimensionality reduction tool. Self-Organizing Map is able to capture non-linear variations of the system. Therefore, it is sensitive to the change of a system's states leading to early detection of fault. In this paper, a new approach based on Self-Organizing Map is proposed to detect and assess the risk of fault. In addition, probabilistic analysis is applied to characterize the risk of fault into different levels according to the hazard potential to enable a refined monitoring of the system. The proposed approach is applied on two experimental systems. The results from both systems have shown high sensitivity of the proposed approach in detecting and identifying the root cause of faults. The refined monitoring facilitates the determination of the risk of fault and early deployment of remedial actions and safety measures to minimize the potential impact of fault. - Highlights: • A new approach based on Self-Organizing Map is proposed to detect faults. • Integration of fault detection with risk assessment methodology. • Fault risk characterization into different levels to enable focused system monitoring

[en] We deal with the problem of pinning sampled-data synchronization for a complex network with probabilistic time-varying coupling delay. The sampling period considered here is assumed to be less than a given bound. Without using the Kronecker product, a new synchronization error system is constructed by using the property of the random variable and input delay approach. Based on the Lyapunov theory, a delay-dependent pinning sampled-data synchronization criterion is derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) that can be solved effectively by using MATLAB LMI toolbox. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. (general)

[en] This paper discusses a general Aitken delta-squared generalized Jungck-modified S -iterative scheme. The study applies generalized versions of Aitken delta-squared procedure and Venter theorem to discuss positivity and global stability of the generalized Jungck iterative scheme which is of interest in numerical methods and its acceleration of convergence.

[en] As trains become progressively faster, it is becoming imperative to automatically and precisely inspect the rail profile of high-speed railways to ensure their safety and reliability. To realize this, a new method based on the sparse iterative closest point method is proposed in this study. Moreover, the noncontact method is mainly used for convenience and practicality. First, a line laser-based measurement system is constructed, and the position of the line laser is calculated to ensure that both the top and sides of the rail are in range of the line laser. Then, the measured data of the rail profile are separated into a baseline part and worn part. The baseline is involved in registering the measured data and reference profile by the sparse iterative closest point method. The worn part is then transformed by the same matrix of the baseline part. Finally, the Hausdorff distance is introduced to measure the distance between the wear model and reference model. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method. (paper)

[en] Laser slowing of CaF molecules down to the capture velocity of a magneto-optical trap for molecules is achieved. Starting from a two-stage buffer gas beam source, we apply frequency-broadened ‘white-light’ slowing and observe approximately $6\times <!--\; ??\; -->{10}^4$ CaF molecules in a single pulse with velocities 10 ± 4 m s⁻¹. CaF is a candidate for collisional studies in the mK regime. This work represents a significant step towards magneto-optical trapping of CaF. (paper)