This is a presentation of the progress and current problems in the early universe, cosmic microwave background radiation, large scale structure formation, and the interplay between them. The emphasis is on the mutual impact of fundamental physics and cosmology, both at theoretical and experimental (observational) levels within a deep, well-focused and well-defined programme. The nature of the domain itself leads to different aspects, approaches and points of view on the same topic. Special care has been taken to provide the reader the basis of the different, sometimes competing lines of research.

This book presents advanced control techniques that use neural networks to deal with grid disturbances in the context renewable energy sources, and to enhance low-voltage ride-through capacity, which is a vital in terms of ensuring that the integration of distributed energy resources into the electrical power network. It presents modern control algorithms based on neural identification for different renewable energy sources, such as wind power, which uses doubly-fed induction generators, solar power, and battery banks for storage. It then discusses the use of the proposed controllers to track doubly-fed induction generator dynamics references: DC voltage, grid power factor, and stator active and reactive power, and the use of simulations to validate their performance. Further, it addresses methods of testing low-voltage ride-through capacity enhancement in the presence of grid disturbances, as well as the experimental validation of the controllers under both normal and abnormal grid conditions. The book then describes how the proposed control schemes are extended to control a grid-connected microgrid, and the use of an IEEE 9-bus system to evaluate their performance and response in the presence of grid disturbances. Lastly, it examines the real-time simulation of the entire system under normal and abnormal conditions using an Opal-RT simulator.

The objective of this work is to present recent advances in the theory of neural control for discrete-time nonlinear systems with multiple inputs and multiple outputs. The results that appear in each chapter include rigorous mathematical analyses, based on the Lyapunov approach, that guarantee its properties; in addition, for each chapter, simulation results are included to verify the successful performance of the corresponding proposed schemes. In order to complete the treatment of these schemes, the final chapter presents experimental results related to their application to a electric three phase induction motor, which show the applicability of such designs. The proposed schemes could be employed for different applications beyond the ones presented in this book.

The book presents solutions for the output trajectory tracking problem of unknown nonlinear systems based on four schemes. For the first one, a direct design method is considered: the well known backstepping method, under the assumption of complete sate measurement; the second one considers an indirect method, solved with the block control and the sliding mode techniques, under the same assumption. For the third scheme, the backstepping technique is reconsidering including a neural observer, and finally the block control and the sliding mode techniques are used again too, with a neural observer. All the proposed schemes are developed in discrete-time. For both mentioned control methods as well as for the neural observer, the on-line training of the respective neural networks is performed by Kalman Filtering.

Peter Gabriel Bergmann started his work on general relativity in 1936 when he moved from Prague to the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton. Bergmann collaborated with Einstein in an attempt to provide a geometrical unified field theory of gravitation and electromagnetism. Within this program they wrote two articles together: A. Einstein and P. G. Bergmann, Ann. Math. 39, 685 (1938) ; and A. Einstein, V. Bargmann and P. G. Bergmann, Th. von Karman Anniversary Volume 212 (1941). The search for such a theory was intense in the ten years following the birth of general relativity. In recent years, some of the geometrical ideas proposed in these publications have proved essential in contemporary attempts towards the unification of all interactions including gravity, Kaluza-Klein type theories and supergravity theories. In 1942, Bergmann published the book "Introduction to the Theory of Relativity" which included a foreword by Albert Einstein. This book is a reference for the subject, either as a textbook for classroom use or for individual study. A second corrected and enlarged edition of the book was published in 1976. Einstein said in his foreword to the first edition: "Bergmann's book seems to me to satisfy a definite need. . . Much effort has gone into making this book logically and pedagogically satisfactory and Bergmann has spent many hours with me which were devoted to this end.

This book provides a decentralized approach for the identification and control of robotics systems. It also presents recent research in decentralized neural control and includes applications to robotics. Decentralized control is free from difficulties due to complexity in design, debugging, data gathering and storage requirements, making it preferable for interconnected systems. Furthermore, as opposed to the centralized approach, it can be implemented with parallel processors. This approach deals with four decentralized control schemes, which are able to identify the robot dynamics. The training of each neural network is performed on-line using an extended Kalman filter (EKF). The first indirect decentralized control scheme applies the discrete-time block control approach, to formulate a nonlinear sliding manifold. The second direct decentralized neural control scheme is based on the backstepping technique, approximated by a high order neural network.The third control scheme applies a decentralized neural inverse optimal control for stabilization. The fourth decentralized neural inverse optimal control is designed for trajectory tracking. This comprehensive work on decentralized control of robot manipulators and mobile robots is intended for professors, students and professionals wanting to understand and apply advanced knowledge in their field of work.

This book presents two nonlinear control strategies for complex dynamical networks. First, sliding-mode control is used, and then the inverse optimal control approach is employed. For both cases, model-based is considered in Chapter 3 and Chapter 5; then, Chapter 4 and Chapter 6 are based on determining a model for the unknow system using a recurrent neural network, using on-line extended Kalman filtering for learning. The book is organized in four sections. The first one covers mathematical preliminaries, with a brief review for complex networks, and the pinning methodology. Additionally, sliding-mode control and inverse optimal control are introduced. Neural network structures are also discussed along with a description of the high-order ones. The second section presents the analysis and simulation results for sliding-mode control for identical as well as non-identical nodes. The third section describes analysis and simulation results for inverse optimal control considering identical or non-identical nodes. Finally, the last section presents applications of these schemes, using gene regulatory networks and microgrids as examples.

This handy guide is a English-Spanish and Spanish - English translation dictionary of accounting terms that covers the differences in accounting terminology for the largest Spanish-speaking countries. The dictionary is not only an English-Spanish accounting dictionary, but also a Spanish-to-Spanish one, as it provides the equivalent accounting terms among the Spanish speaking countries.

The book presents recent advances in the theory of neural control for discrete-time nonlinear systems with multiple inputs and multiple outputs. The simulation results that appear in each chapter include rigorous mathematical analyses, based on the Lyapunov approach, to establish its properties. The book contains two sections: the first focuses on the analyses of control techniques; the second is dedicated to illustrating results of real-time applications. It also provides solutions for the output trajectory tracking problem of unknown nonlinear systems based on sliding modes and inverse optimal control scheme. "This book on Discrete-time Recurrent Neural Control is unique in the literature, with new knowledge and information about the new technique of recurrent neural control especially for discrete-time systems. The book is well organized and clearly presented. It will be welcome by a wide range of researchers in science and engineering, especially graduate students and junior researchers who want to learn the new notion of recurrent neural control. I believe it will have a good market. It is an excellent book after all." - Guanrong Chen, City University of Hong Kong "This book includes very relevant topics, about neural control. In these days, Artificial Neural Networks have been recovering their relevance and well-stablished importance, this due to its great capacity to process big amounts of data. Artificial Neural Networks development always is related to technological advancements; therefore, it is not a surprise that now we are being witnesses of this new era in Artificial Neural Networks, however most of the developments in this research area only focuses on applicability of the proposed schemes. However, Edgar N. Sanchez author of this book does not lose focus and include both important applications as well as a deep theoretical analysis of Artificial Neural Networks to control discrete-time nonlinear systems. It is important to remark that first, the considered Artificial Neural Networks are development in discrete-time this simplify its implementation in real-time; secondly, the proposed applications ranging from modelling of unknown discrete-time on linear systems to control electrical machines with an emphasize to renewable energy systems. However, its applications are not limited to these kind of systems, due to their theoretical foundation it can be applicable to a large class of nonlinear systems. All of these is supported by the solid research done by the author." - Alma Y. Alanis, University of Guadalajara, Mexico "This book discusses in detail; how neural networks can be used for optimal as well as robust control design. Design of neural network controllers for real time applications such as induction motors, boost converters, inverted pendulum and doubly fed induction generators has also been carried out which gives the book an edge over other similar titles. This book will be an asset for the novice to the experienced ones." - Rajesh Joseph Abraham, Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, India

This book presents two nonlinear control strategies for complex dynamical networks. First, sliding-mode control is used, and then the inverse optimal control approach is employed. For both cases, model-based is considered in Chapter 3 and Chapter 5; then, Chapter 4 and Chapter 6 are based on determining a model for the unknow system using a recurrent neural network, using on-line extended Kalman filtering for learning. The book is organized in four sections. The first one covers mathematical preliminaries, with a brief review for complex networks, and the pinning methodology. Additionally, sliding-mode control and inverse optimal control are introduced. Neural network structures are also discussed along with a description of the high-order ones. The second section presents the analysis and simulation results for sliding-mode control for identical as well as non-identical nodes. The third section describes analysis and simulation results for inverse optimal control considering identical or non-identical nodes. Finally, the last section presents applications of these schemes, using gene regulatory networks and microgrids as examples.

Discrete-Time Inverse Optimal Control for Nonlinear Systems proposes a novel inverse optimal control scheme for stabilization and trajectory tracking of discrete-time nonlinear systems. This avoids the need to solve the associated Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation and minimizes a cost functional, resulting in a more efficient controller. Design More Efficient Controllers for Stabilization and Trajectory Tracking of Discrete-Time Nonlinear Systems The book presents two approaches for controller synthesis: the first based on passivity theory and the second on a control Lyapunov function (CLF). The synthesized discrete-time optimal controller can be directly implemented in real-time systems. The book also proposes the use of recurrent neural networks to model discrete-time nonlinear systems. Combined with the inverse optimal control approach, such models constitute a powerful tool to deal with uncertainties such as unmodeled dynamics and disturbances. Learn from Simulations and an In-Depth Case Study The authors include a variety of simulations to illustrate the effectiveness of the synthesized controllers for stabilization and trajectory tracking of discrete-time nonlinear systems. An in-depth case study applies the control schemes to glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, to calculate the adequate insulin delivery rate required to prevent hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia levels. The discrete-time optimal and robust control techniques proposed can be used in a range of industrial applications, from aerospace and energy to biomedical and electromechanical systems. Highlighting optimal and efficient control algorithms, this is a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and students working in nonlinear system control.

This book presents advanced control techniques that use neural networks to deal with grid disturbances in the context renewable energy sources, and to enhance low-voltage ride-through capacity, which is a vital in terms of ensuring that the integration of distributed energy resources into the electrical power network. It presents modern control algorithms based on neural identification for different renewable energy sources, such as wind power, which uses doubly-fed induction generators, solar power, and battery banks for storage. It then discusses the use of the proposed controllers to track doubly-fed induction generator dynamics references: DC voltage, grid power factor, and stator active and reactive power, and the use of simulations to validate their performance. Further, it addresses methods of testing low-voltage ride-through capacity enhancement in the presence of grid disturbances, as well as the experimental validation of the controllers under both normal and abnormal grid conditions. The book then describes how the proposed control schemes are extended to control a grid-connected microgrid, and the use of an IEEE 9-bus system to evaluate their performance and response in the presence of grid disturbances. Lastly, it examines the real-time simulation of the entire system under normal and abnormal conditions using an Opal-RT simulator.

This book provides a decentralized approach for the identification and control of robotics systems. It also presents recent research in decentralized neural control and includes applications to robotics. Decentralized control is free from difficulties due to complexity in design, debugging, data gathering and storage requirements, making it preferable for interconnected systems. Furthermore, as opposed to the centralized approach, it can be implemented with parallel processors. This approach deals with four decentralized control schemes, which are able to identify the robot dynamics. The training of each neural network is performed on-line using an extended Kalman filter (EKF). The first indirect decentralized control scheme applies the discrete-time block control approach, to formulate a nonlinear sliding manifold. The second direct decentralized neural control scheme is based on the backstepping technique, approximated by a high order neural network.The third control scheme applies a decentralized neural inverse optimal control for stabilization. The fourth decentralized neural inverse optimal control is designed for trajectory tracking. This comprehensive work on decentralized control of robot manipulators and mobile robots is intended for professors, students and professionals wanting to understand and apply advanced knowledge in their field of work.

Peter Gabriel Bergmann started his work on general relativity in 1936 when he moved from Prague to the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton. Bergmann collaborated with Einstein in an attempt to provide a geometrical unified field theory of gravitation and electromagnetism. Within this program they wrote two articles together: A. Einstein and P. G. Bergmann, Ann. Math. 39, 685 (1938) ; and A. Einstein, V. Bargmann and P. G. Bergmann, Th. von Karman Anniversary Volume 212 (1941). The search for such a theory was intense in the ten years following the birth of general relativity. In recent years, some of the geometrical ideas proposed in these publications have proved essential in contemporary attempts towards the unification of all interactions including gravity, Kaluza-Klein type theories and supergravity theories. In 1942, Bergmann published the book "Introduction to the Theory of Relativity" which included a foreword by Albert Einstein. This book is a reference for the subject, either as a textbook for classroom use or for individual study. A second corrected and enlarged edition of the book was published in 1976. Einstein said in his foreword to the first edition: "Bergmann's book seems to me to satisfy a definite need. . . Much effort has gone into making this book logically and pedagogically satisfactory and Bergmann has spent many hours with me which were devoted to this end.

Neural networks have become a well-established methodology as exempli?ed by their applications to identi?cation and control of general nonlinear and complex systems; the use of high order neural networks for modeling and learning has recently increased. Usingneuralnetworks, controlalgorithmscanbedevelopedtoberobustto uncertainties and modeling errors. The most used NN structures are Feedf- ward networks and Recurrent networks. The latter type o?ers a better suited tool to model and control of nonlinear systems. There exist di?erent training algorithms for neural networks, which, h- ever, normally encounter some technical problems such as local minima, slow learning, and high sensitivity to initial conditions, among others. As a viable alternative, new training algorithms, for example, those based on Kalman ?ltering, have been proposed. There already exists publications about trajectory tracking using neural networks; however, most of those works were developed for continuous-time systems. On the other hand, while extensive literature is available for linear discrete-timecontrolsystem, nonlineardiscrete-timecontroldesigntechniques have not been discussed to the same degree. Besides, discrete-time neural networks are better ?tted for real-time implementation

This book constitutes the proceedings of the second International Workshop on Advanced Computational Intelligence (IWACI 2009), with a sequel of IWACI 2008 successfully held in Macao, China. IWACI 2009 provided a high-level international forum for scientists, engineers, and educators to present state-of-the-art research in computational intelligence and related fields. Over the past decades, computational intelligence community has witnessed t- mendous efforts and developments in all aspects of theoretical foundations, archit- tures and network organizations, modelling and simulation, empirical study, as well as a wide range of applications across different domains. IWACI 2009 provided a great platform for the community to share their latest research results, discuss critical future research directions, stimulate innovative research ideas, as well as facilitate inter- tional multidisciplinary collaborations. IWACI 2009 received 146 submissions from about 373 authors in 26 countries and regions (Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Chile, Hong Kong, India, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Jordan, Macao, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, UK, USA, Ve- zuela, Vietnam, and Yemen) across six continents (Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Africa, and Oceania). Based on the rigorous peer reviews by the Program Committee members, 52 high-quality papers were selected for publication in this book, with an acceptance rate of 36.3%. These papers cover major topics of the theoretical research, empirical study, and applications of computational intelligence.

Doubly Fed Induction Generators: Control for Wind Energy provides a detailed source of information on the modeling and design of controllers for the doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) used in wind energy applications. Focusing on the use of nonlinear control techniques, this book: Discusses the main features and advantages of the DFIG Describes key theoretical fundamentals and the DFIG mathematical model Develops controllers using inverse optimal control, sliding modes, and neural networks Devises an improvement to add robustness in the presence of parametric variations Details the results of real-time implementations All controllers presented in the book are tested in a laboratory prototype. Comparisons between the controllers are made by analyzing statistical measures applied to the control objectives.

The book presents recent advances in the theory of neural control for discrete-time nonlinear systems with multiple inputs and multiple outputs. The simulation results that appear in each chapter include rigorous mathematical analyses, based on the Lyapunov approach, to establish its properties. The book contains two sections: the first focuses on the analyses of control techniques; the second is dedicated to illustrating results of real-time applications. It also provides solutions for the output trajectory tracking problem of unknown nonlinear systems based on sliding modes and inverse optimal control scheme. "This book on Discrete-time Recurrent Neural Control is unique in the literature, with new knowledge and information about the new technique of recurrent neural control especially for discrete-time systems. The book is well organized and clearly presented. It will be welcome by a wide range of researchers in science and engineering, especially graduate students and junior researchers who want to learn the new notion of recurrent neural control. I believe it will have a good market. It is an excellent book after all." - Guanrong Chen, City University of Hong Kong "This book includes very relevant topics, about neural control. In these days, Artificial Neural Networks have been recovering their relevance and well-stablished importance, this due to its great capacity to process big amounts of data. Artificial Neural Networks development always is related to technological advancements; therefore, it is not a surprise that now we are being witnesses of this new era in Artificial Neural Networks, however most of the developments in this research area only focuses on applicability of the proposed schemes. However, Edgar N. Sanchez author of this book does not lose focus and include both important applications as well as a deep theoretical analysis of Artificial Neural Networks to control discrete-time nonlinear systems. It is important to remark that first, the considered Artificial Neural Networks are development in discrete-time this simplify its implementation in real-time; secondly, the proposed applications ranging from modelling of unknown discrete-time on linear systems to control electrical machines with an emphasize to renewable energy systems. However, its applications are not limited to these kind of systems, due to their theoretical foundation it can be applicable to a large class of nonlinear systems. All of these is supported by the solid research done by the author." - Alma Y. Alanis, University of Guadalajara, Mexico "This book discusses in detail; how neural networks can be used for optimal as well as robust control design. Design of neural network controllers for real time applications such as induction motors, boost converters, inverted pendulum and doubly fed induction generators has also been carried out which gives the book an edge over other similar titles. This book will be an asset for the novice to the experienced ones." - Rajesh Joseph Abraham, Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, India

The Artificial Pancreas: Current Situation and Future Directions presents research on the top issues relating to the artificial pancreas (AP) and its application to diabetes. AP is a newer form of treatment to accurately and efficiently inject insulin, thereby significantly improving the patient's quality of life. By connecting a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to a continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion using a control algorithm, AP delivers and regulates the most accurate amount of insulin to maintain normal glycemic values. Featured chapters in this book are written by world leaders in AP research, thus providing readers with the latest studies and results.

Titanium alloys are metallic materials which contain a mixture of titanium and other chemical elements. Such alloys have very high tensile strength and toughness (even at extreme temperatures), light weight, extraordinary corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures. However, the high cost of both raw materials and processing limit their use to military applications, aircraft, spacecraft, medical devices, connecting rods on expensive sports cars and some premium sports equipment and consumer electronics. This book reviews the recent work on the synthesis of multiphase composites in titanium base alloys to develop high strength and light weight materials with metastable phases. In vitro and in vivo experiments reporting biological performance of Ti-based materials modified by light are also reviewed. Other chapters focus on ultrasonic machining of titanium and its alloys, biomedical applications of laser induced surface modification of titanium alloys, fatigue studies of biomedical titanium alloys, bioactive titanium surfaces, and titanium-base nano-ultrafine eutectic and composites.

Neural Networks Modelling and Control: Applications for Unknown Nonlinear Delayed Systems in Discrete Time focuses on modeling and control of discrete-time unknown nonlinear delayed systems under uncertainties based on Artificial Neural Networks. First, a Recurrent High Order Neural Network (RHONN) is used to identify discrete-time unknown nonlinear delayed systems under uncertainties, then a RHONN is used to design neural observers for the same class of systems. Therefore, both neural models are used to synthesize controllers for trajectory tracking based on two methodologies: sliding mode control and Inverse Optimal Neural Control. As well as considering the different neural control models and complications that are associated with them, this book also analyzes potential applications, prototypes and future trends.