Several algorithms for covariance structure analysis are considered in addition to the Fletcher-Powell algorithm. These include the Gauss-Newton, Newton-Raphson, Fisher Scoring, and Fletcher-Reeves algorithms. Two methods of estimation are considered, maximum likelihood and weighted least squares. It is shown that the Gauss-Newton algorithm which in standard form produces weighted least squares estimates can, in iteratively reweighted form, produce maximum likelihood estimates as well. Previously unavailable standard error estimates to be used in conjunction with the Fletcher-Reeves algorithm are derived. Finally all the algorithms are applied to a number of maximum likelihood and weighted least squares factor analysis problems to compare the estimates and the standard errors produced. The algorithms appear to give satisfactory estimates but there are serious discrepancies in the standard errors. Because it is robust to poor starting values, converges rapidly and conveniently produces consistent standard errors for both maximum likelihood and weighted least squares problems, the Gauss-Newton algorithm represents an attractive alternative for at least some covariance structure analyses.

This paper deals with a 4th-order parabolic equation involving the Frobenius norm of a Hessian matrix, subject to the Neumann boundary conditions. Some threshold results for blow-up or global or extinction solutions are obtained through classifying the initial energy and the Nehari energy. The bounds of blow-up time, decay estimates, and extinction rates are studied, respectively.

A novel couple-constrained parallel wrist with three measuring force flexible fingers is designed for grabbing heavy objects and measuring grabbed forces. Its prototype is developed, its dynamics model is established, and its grabbing forces are measured. First, using the extended formulas of the skew-symmetric matrix, the kinematic formulas are derived for solving the Jacobian/Hessian matrices and the general velocity/acceleration of the moving links in the couple-constrained parallel wrist. Second, a dynamics model is established for solving the dynamic actuation forces, the couple-constrained forces, and the torque in the couple-constrained parallel wrist. Third, the theoretical solutions of the kinematics/dynamics of the couple-constrained parallel wrist are verified using a simulation mechanism. Finally, the grabbing forces of the three flexible fingers are measured and analyzed.

Quantitative analysis of experimental metabolic data is frequently challenged by non-intuitive, complex patterns which emerge from regulatory networks. The complex output of metabolic regulation can be summarised by metabolic functions which comprise information about dynamics of metabolite concentrations. In a system of ordinary differential equations, metabolic functions reflect the sum of biochemical reactions which affect a metabolite concentration, and their integration over time reveals metabolite concentrations. Further, derivatives of metabolic functions provide essential information about system dynamics and elasticities. Here, invertase-driven sucrose hydrolysis was simulated in kinetic models on a cellular and subcellular level. Both Jacobian and Hessian matrices of metabolic functions were derived for quantitative analysis of kinetic regulation of sucrose metabolism. Model simulations suggest that transport of sucrose into the vacuole represents a central regulatory element in plant metabolism during cold acclimation which preserves control of metabolic functions and limits feedback-inhibition of cytosolic invertases by elevated hexose concentrations.

Log-concavity of a joint survival function is proposed as a model for bivariate increasing failure rate (BIFR) distributions. Its connections with or distinctness from other notions of BIFR are discussed. A necessary and sufficient condition for a bivariate survival function to be log-concave (BIFR-LCC) is given that elucidates the impact of dependence between lifetimes on ageing. Illustrative examples are provided to explain BIFR-LCC for both positive and negative dependence.

This paper has developed an accurate method for calculating the first and second derivatives of dynamic responses with respect to the design variables of structures subjected to dynamic loads. An efficient algorithm to calculate the dynamic responses, their first and second derivatives with respect to the design variables is formulated based on the Newmark-β method. The algorithm is achieved by direct differentiation and only a single dynamics analysis is required. An example is demonstrated with the new method proposed in this paper and the analytical method. The comparative numerical results show the new method is highly accurate compared to the analytical method.

On s’intéresse au problème de l’optimisation multidisciplinaire, lorsque les disciplinessont prises en compte par des critères qui sont des fonctionnelles de solutionsdistribuées d’équations aux dérivées partielles. Pour le cas de deux disciplines, onpropose une stratégie dans laquelle l’optimisation est décomposée en deux phases : (a) unephase d’optimisation coopérative au cours de laquelle les critères sont améliorés à chaqueitération, et (b) une phase d’optimisation concurrentielle réalisée par un jeu de Nashassocié à un partage adapté des variables.