Digital Commons Network^™

Intentional Islanding And Adaptive Load Shedding To Avoid Cascading Outages, Badrul H. Chowdhury, H. Manjari Dola

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Predetermined islanding scenarios along with automated load shedding schemes are applied once a prospective cascading outage condition is predicted. If required, additional distributed generation at specified locations in the system is also determined. The choice of different islands along with loads to be shed is then made available to the operator so as to be armed for action in case the system security is compromised. Determination of line outages that lead to disastrous consequences, intentional islanding schemes, and load shedding schemes have been explored individually. A plan integrating these defense mechanisms coupled with the possibility of using distributed generation where …

Constitutional Academic Freedom After Grutter: Getting Real About The "Four Freedoms" Of A University, J. Peter Byrne

Georgetown Law Faculty Publications and Other Works

The Supreme Court's decision in Grutter v. Bollinger represents a high-water mark for the recognition and influence of constitutional academic freedom. The Court there relied, gingerly perhaps, on constitutional academic freedom, understood as some autonomy for university decision making on matters of core academic concern, to provide a compelling interest adequate to uphold flexible racial preferences in university admissions. Now that the dust has settled from direct import of the decision for affirmative action in admissions, it is important to consider what role constitutional academic freedom, as a working constitutional doctrine, should or may play within current disputes about higher …

Kennewick Man And The Meaning Of Life, Steven Goldberg

Georgetown Law Faculty Publications and Other Works

When Native Americans and scientists clashed over ownership of the ancient remains of Kennewick Man it was, in part, a dispute between the needs of the traditional culture and those of the modern research establishment. But more was at stake. The Native Americans wanted to rebury the remains because their emotional relationship with Kennewick Man is tied to their view of their origins. But the scientists also had an emotional attachment to the scientific position. The question of who were the First Americans satisfies a yearning for scientific origin stories. The dispute here parallels the controversy over evolution. Creationists care …

Neural Network-Based Output Feedback Controller For Lean Operation Of Spark Ignition Engines, Brian C. Kaul, Jagannathan Sarangapani, J. A. Drallmeier, Jonathan B. Vance, Pingan He

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Spark ignition (SI) engines running at very lean conditions demonstrate significant nonlinear behavior by exhibiting cycle-to-cycle dispersion of heat release even though such operation can significantly reduce NOx emissions and improve fuel efficiency by as much as 5-10%. A suite of neural network (NN) controller without and with reinforcement learning employing output feedback has shown ability to reduce the nonlinear cyclic dispersion observed under lean operating conditions. The neural network controllers consists of three NN: a) A NN observer to estimate the states of the engine such as total fuel and air; b) a second NN for generating virtual input; …

Neuro Control Of Nonlinear Discrete Time Systems With Deadzone And Input Constraints, Pingan He, Wenzhi Gao, Jagannathan Sarangapani

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A neural network (NN) controller in discrete time is designed to deliver a desired tracking performance for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with unknown deadzones and magnitude constraints on the input. The NN controller consists of two NNs: the first NN for compensating the unknown deadzones; and the second NN for compensating the uncertain nonlinear system dynamics. The magnitude constraints on the input are modeled as saturation nonlinearities and they are dealt with in the Lyapunov-based controller design. The uniformly ultimate boundedness (UUB) of the closed-loop tracking errors and the neural network weights estimation errors is demonstrated via Lyapunov …

On Discrete-Time Modeling Of Time-Varying Wssus Fading Channels, Christian Sgraja, Chengshan Xiao

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this paper, we consider the serial concatenation of linear time-varying (LTV) systems and its impact on the discrete-time modeling of wide-sense stationary uncorrelated scattering (WSSUS) fading channels. By deriving an expression for the composite impulse response of the overall concatenated system, we find that unlike the time-invariant case, the concatenation of LTV systems is not commutative, i. e., the order of arrangement affects the overall impulse response. This has significant impact when a digital transmission over a time-varying fading channel, which is an LTV channel, is represented by an equivalent discrete-time model that incorporates both transmitter and receiver filters. …

Density Estimation Using A Generalized Neuron, R. Kiran, Ganesh K. Venayagamoorthy, M. Palaniswami

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Neural networks have been shown to be useful tools for density estimation. However, the training of neural network structures is time consuming and requires fast processors for practical applications. A new method with a generalized neuron (GN) for density estimation is presented in this paper. The GN is trained with the particle swarm optimization algorithm which is known to have fast convergence than the standard backpropagation algorithm. Results are presented to show that the GN can estimate the density functions for distribution functions with different means and variances. This density estimation method can also be applied to the multi-sensor data …

Echo State Networks For Determining Harmonic Contributions From Nonlinear Loads, Joy Mazumdar, Ganesh K. Venayagamoorthy, Frank C. Lambert, Ronald G. Harley

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper investigates the application of a new kind of recurrent neural network called Echo State Networks (ESNs) for the problem of measuring the actual amount of harmonic current injected into a power network by a nonlinear load. The interaction between loads connected to a point of common coupling (PCC) is a highly dynamic process. The determination of true harmonic current injection by individual loads is further complicated by the fact that the supply voltage waveform at the PCC is distorted by other loads at the PCC or further upstream and is therefore rarely a pure sinusoid. Harmonics in a …

Empirical Study Of An Unconstrained Modified Particle Swarm Optimization, Ganesh K. Venayagamoorthy, Phillip W. Moore

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this paper, an unconstrained modified particle swarm optimization (UMPSO) algorithm is introduced and studied empirically. Four well known benchmark functions, with asymmetric initial position values, are used as testing functions for the UMPSO algorithm. The UMPSO is a variation of the canonical PSO in which the velocity and position is unconstrained, an additional strategic component is added, and the social component term has been modified. The strategy component is used instead of varying parameters or mutation to enhance diversity in the swarm during the search. The UMPSO algorithm is then compared to results obtained from the constrained canonical PSO …

Weak-Form Judicial Review And "Core" Civil Liberties, Mark V. Tushnet

Georgetown Law Faculty Publications and Other Works

In this Essay, I want to unearth some subordinated strands in the Rehnquist Court's free speech jurisprudence. For example, the Rehnquist Court allowed Congress to regulate campaign finance in ways subject to credible First Amendment objections, and to impose obligations on cable television systems that would almost certainly be unconstitutional were they imposed on newspapers. These decisions, I suggest, do not rest simply on the kind of deference to legislative judgment that fits comfortably into a system of strong-form review. Rather, they represent what I call a managerial model of the First Amendment, which accords legislatures a large role in …

My Library: Copyright And The Role Of Institutions In A Peer-To-Peer World, Rebecca Tushnet

Georgetown Law Faculty Publications and Other Works

Today's technology turns every computer - every hard drive - into a type of library. But the institutions traditionally known as libraries have been given special consideration under copyright law, even as commercial endeavors and filesharing programs have begun to emulate some of their functions. This Article explores how recent technological and legal trends are affecting public and school-affiliated libraries, which have special concerns that are not necessarily captured by an end-consumer-oriented analysis. Despite the promise that technology will empower individuals, we must recognize the crucial structural role of intermediaries that select and distribute copyrighted works. By exploring how traditional …

Fast Time-Varying Dispersive Channel Estimation And Equalization For 8-Psk Cellular System, Sang-Yick Leong, Jingxian Wu, Chengshan Xiao, Jan C. Olivier

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this paper, a novel channel-estimation scheme for an 8-PSK enhanced data rates for GSM evolution (EDGE) system with fast time-varying and frequency-selective fading channels is presented. via a mathematical derivation and simulation results, the channel impulse response (CIR) of the fast fading channel is modeled as a linear function of time during a radio burst in the EDGE system. Therefore, a least-squares-based method is proposed along with the modified burst structure for time-varying channel estimation. Given that the pilot-symbol blocks are located at the front and the end of the data block, the LS-based method is able to estimate …

Design Of Optimal Pi Controllers For Doubly Fed Induction Generators Driven By Wind Turbines Using Particle Swarm Optimization, Wei Qiao, Ganesh K. Venayagamoorthy, Ronald G. Harley

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

When subjected to transient disturbances in the power grid, the variable frequency converter (VFC) is the most sensitive part in the variable-speed wind turbine generator system (WTGS) equipped with a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG). The VFC is normally controlled by a set of PI controllers. Tuning these PI controllers is a tedious work and it is difficult to tune the PI gains optimally due to the nonlinearity and the high complexity of the system. This paper presents an approach to use the particle swarm optimization algorithm to design the optimal PI controllers for the rotor-side converter of the DFIG. …

Observability Conditions For Target States With Bearing-Only Measurements In Three-Dimensional Case, Mehdi Ferdowsi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In target tracking with a passive sensor such as infrared seekers, angle-only information is determined. In this case no information about the range of the target is provided and unobservable system is resulted. This paper studies the observability of discrete time three-dimensional bearing-only target tracking. The target is assumed to be moving in a straight line while a single moving observer (own-ship) measures its relative (elevation and azimuth) bearing angles. By transforming the inherently nonlinear bearing measurements into a pseudo-linear form, a linear Least Squares (LS) estimator is formulated. Observability is then analyzed by studying the solvability of the associated …

An Analysis And Policy Implications Of Comfort Levels Of Diverse Constituents With Reported Units For Blast Vibrations And Limits: Closing The Communication Gap, Braden Lusk

Doctoral Dissertations

"Differences exist between public perception of construction blasting and quarry blasting. In general, people are able to tolerate short term inconveniences much better than long term ones. Quarries and other long term mining operations utilizing blasting are coming under increasing public and legislative pressure in the United States. The question being posed for the blasting industry is, "Has our past haste in adopting complex scientific scales and units been detrimental to us?" In other words, are the most palatable things being reported? The goal of this dissertation is to determine whether current units create an atmosphere of discomfort among neighbors …

"Donkey Hammer"| A Collection Of Short Fiction And Nonfiction, Rose M. Bunch

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

No abstract provided.

Applying The Mahalanobis-Taguchi System To Vehicle Handling, Kioumars Paryani, Elizabeth A. Cudney, K. M. Ragsdell

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The Mahalanobis-Taguchi system (MTS) is a diagnosis and forecasting method using multivariate data. Mahalanobis distance (MD) is a measure based on correlations between the variables and patterns that can be identified and analyzed with respect to a base or reference group. The MTS is of interest because of its reported accuracy in forecasting using small, correlated data sets. This is the type of data that is encountered with consumer vehicle ratings. MTS enables a reduction in dimensionality and the ability to develop a scale based on MD values. MTS identifies a set of useful variables from the complete data set …

A Methodology For Deriving System Requirements Using Agent Based System Modeling, Karthik Gopalakrishnan, Sreeram Ramakrishnan, Cihan H. Dagli

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this paper, we duscuss a method to derive the requirements for developing an Industrial Automation and Constrol System (IACS). An IACS has software components and associated hardware, which together implement the required monitoring, supervision and control of operations an a production plant. The requirements of such a system are multi-dimensional and may require multiple layers of abstraction. For this domain, we propose an agent-based modeling adopting an agent-based modeling approach is the implicit flexibility afforded by agents and the negotiation techniques that can be implemented to streamline the change management process associated with requirements modeling and analysis. This paper …

A Simulation Framework For Real-Time Management And Control Of Inventory Routing Decisions, Shrikant Jarugumilli, Sreeram Ramakrishnan, Scott Erwin Grasman

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

We consider a logistics network where a single warehouse distributes a single item to multiple retailers. Retailers in the network participate in a Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) program with the warehouse, where the warehouse is responsible for tracking and replenishing the inventory at various retailer locations. The information update occurs every time a vehicle reaches a location and the decision on the delivery quantity and the next location to visit is made. For a small increase of locations in the network, the state space for the solution increases exponentially, making this problem NP-hard. Thus, we propose a solution methodology where …

Modeling Net-Centric System Of Systems Using The Dystems Modeling Language Sysml, Rao Madwaraj, Sreeram Ramakrishnan, Cihan H. Dagli

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Understanding the operations of a large 'net-centric system-of-systems requires in-depth knowledge of the interfaces among the various systems, sub-systems and components. Architectural modeling can help in reducing the complexity involved in designing such large networked systems. An example of such a complex system is the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) - a system for monitoring and collecting information related to Earth's resources. This paper demonstrates the use of Systems Modeling Language (SysML), which supports specification, analysis, design, verification and validation of a broad range of complex systems, to model some aspects of the GEOSS. The paper discusses issues …

Emc Expert Systems For Evaluating Automotive Designs, Todd H. Hubing

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The automobiles of the future are being designed on computers and a significant amount of performance and safety testing is done using computer models. by the time the first hardware prototype is built, many critical design decisions affecting intersystem and intra-system electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) have been made. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly important to perform the first EMC design review well before any hardware is available to test. Automotive EMC expert systems examine the relevant aspects of an automotive design while it is still on the computer to spot design features that are likely to cause EMC problems. © 2006 …

Message From The Pdm Workshop Chair, Ishfaq Ahmad, Shoukat Ali, Suchi Bhandharkar, Hesham El-Rewini, Kamal Karlapalem, Ashraf Kassim, Ashfaq Khokhar, Yu Kwong Kwok, Jack Lee, Qing Li, John Lui, Yu Su, R. Vaidyanathan, Bharadwaj Veeravalli

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Modeling Radiated Emissions From Cables Attached To Printed Circuit Boards Driven By Power Bus Noise, K. Morishita, N. Kobayashi, T. Harada, H. Ke, Todd H. Hubing

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper describes a two-step technique for modeling the radiated electromagnetic emissions from a printed circuit board with attached cables when the source of the emissions is noise between the board's power and ground planes. the first step calculates the electric fields at the edges of the power-ground plane pair. the second step replaces the power plane with equivalent sources embedded within the ground plane structure. Examples are provided that demonstrate the accuracy of this approach. © 2006 IEEE.

The Importance Of Using Time Domain To Analyze The Effect Of Decoupling Capacitor Performance On Printed Circuit Boards, Bruce Archambeault, Jay Diepenbrock, Samuel Connor, Liang Xue, Giuseppe Selli

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper demonstrates the importance of using the time domain to properly analyze decoupling capacitor performance on printed circuit boards as well as ASIC packages, etc. Frequency domain analysis is too limited unless the phase information is used along with the magnitude information. the time domain analysis combines the magnitude and phase information to allow a more accurate analysis of decoupling capacitor distance, decoupling capacitor value, and the effects of connection inductance. the impact of connection inductance is extremely important, and it needs to be included in any decoupling capacitor analysis, since this inductance can easily overshadow low plane impedance …

Irreversible And Catastrophic: Global Warming, Terrorism, And Other Problems: Eleventh Annual Lloyd K. Garrison Lecture On Environmental Law, Cass R. Sunstein

Pace Environmental Law Review

No abstract provided.

Who's Afraid Of The Precautionary Principle?, Robert V. Percival

Pace Environmental Law Review

No abstract provided.

The Future Of Biotechnology Litigation And Adjudication, Gregory N. Mandel

Pace Environmental Law Review

No abstract provided.

Lsuhsc Facilities Biweekly Update: January 2006, Lsuhsc Property And Facilities Management

LSUHSC Facilities Biweekly Updates: 2006

LSUHSC Facilities Biweekly Updates from January 13 and 27, 2006.

These updates describe damage and a timeline of repairs at the LSU Health Sciences Center - New Orleans campus due to Hurricane Katrina which made landfall August 29, 2005.

Lsuhsc Facilities Daily Update: January 2006, Lsuhsc Property And Facilities Management

LSUHSC Facilities Daily Updates: 2006

LSUHSC Dailly Facilities Updates from January 2006. These updates describe damage and a timeline of repairs at the LSU Health Sciences Center - New Orleans campus due to Hurricane Katrina which made landfall August 29, 2005.

Evaluation Of Stop Bar Video Detection Accuracy At Signalized Intersections, Avery Rhodes, Darcy M. Bullock, James R. Sturdevant, Zachary Thomas Clark

JTRP Technical Reports

Many agencies nationwide have adopted video vehicle detection technology as an alternative to inductive loops. While many product evaluations have been performed, the majority of these evaluations have concentrated on freeway applications where speed and volume were the primary evaluation criteria. At an actuated intersection, the metrics of speed and volume do not necessarily represent how well a device will operate as a presence detector. Video detection was evaluated at two signalized intersections in West Lafayette, Indiana and Noblesville, Indiana. A camera on each approach was located at the vendor recommended position, at a height of 40 feet and offset …