Alain Vande Wouwer

Bio: Alain Vande Wouwer is an academic researcher from University of Mons. The author has contributed to research in topics: Control theory & Model predictive control. The author has an hindex of 19, co-authored 182 publications receiving 1631 citations. Previous affiliations of Alain Vande Wouwer include Université libre de Bruxelles & Faculté polytechnique de Mons.

Algorithms for sleep-wake identification using actigraphy: a comparative study and new results.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate two new scoring algorithms employing artificial neural networks and decision trees for distinguishing sleep and wake states in infants using actigraphy and to validate and compare the performance of the proposed algorithms with known actigraphy scoring algorithms. The study employed previously recorded longitudinal physiological infant data set from the Collaborative Home Infant Monitoring Evaluation (CHIME) study conducted between 1994 and 1998 [http://dccwww.bumc.bu.edu/ChimeNisp/Main_Chime.asp; Sleep26 (1997) 553] at five clinical sites around the USA. The original CHIME data set contains recordings of 1079 infants <1 year old. In our study, we used the overnight polysomnography scored data and ankle actimeter (Alice 3) raw data for 354 infants from this data set. The participants were heterogeneous and grouped into four categories: healthy term, preterm, siblings of SIDS and infants with apparent life-threatening events (apnea of infancy). The selection of the most discriminant actigraphy features was carried out using Fisher's discriminant analysis. Approximately 80% of all the epochs were used to train the artificial neural network and decision tree models. The models were then validated on the remaining 20% of the epochs. The use of artificial neural networks and decision trees was able to capture potentially nonlinear classification characteristics, when compared to the previously reported linear combination methods and hence showed improved performance. The quality of sleep-wake scoring was further improved by including more wake epochs in the training phase and by employing rescoring rules to remove artifacts. The large size of the database (approximately 337,000 epochs for 354 patients) provided a solid basis for determining the efficacy of actigraphy in sleep scoring. The study also suggested that artificial neural networks and decision trees could be much more routinely utilized in the context of clinical sleep search.

Simulation of distributed parameter systems using a matlab-based method of lines toolbox: Chemical engineering applications

Abstract: Computational modeling is now generally accepted as an essential procedure for the dynamic analysis of chemical processes. Many of these processes are distributed parameter systems, i.e., systems in which state variables depend on several independent variables (such as time and space) and which are described by sets of nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs). The method of lines (MOL) is probably the most widely used approach to the solution of evolutionary PDEs, and the objective of this paper is to report on the development of a Matlab-based MOL toolbox. The toolbox contains a set of linear spatial approximation techniques, e.g., finite-difference methods, implemented using the concept of differentiation matrices, as well as a set of nonlinear spatial approximations, e.g., flux limiters. In addition, several time integrators, including basic explicit methods and some advanced linearly implicit methods, are included. The underlying philosophy of these developments is to provide the user with a va...

I and i

Abstract: There is, I think, something ethereal about i —the square root of minus one. I remember first hearing about it at school. It seemed an odd beast at that time—an intruder hovering on the edge of reality. Usually familiarity dulls this sense of the bizarre, but in the case of i it was the reverse: over the years the sense of its surreal nature intensified. It seemed that it was impossible to write mathematics that described the real world in …

Linear and nonlinear waves, by G. B. Whitham. Pp.636. £50. 1999. ISBN 0 471 35942 4 (Wiley).

Abstract: to be done in this area. Face recognition is a problem that scarcely clamoured for attention before the computer age but, having surfaced, has involved a wide range of techniques and has attracted the attention of some fine minds (David Mumford was a Fields Medallist in 1974). This singular application of mathematical modelling to a messy applied problem of obvious utility and importance but with no unique solution is a pretty one to share with students: perhaps, returning to the source of our opening quotation, we may invert Duncan's earlier observation, 'There is an art to find the mind's construction in the face!'.

Solving Ordinary Differential Equations

Abstract: Initial-value ordinary differential equation solution via variable order Adams method (SIVA/DIVA) package is collection of subroutines for solution of nonstiff ordinary differential equations. There are versions for single-precision and double-precision arithmetic. Requires fewer evaluations of derivatives than other variable-order Adams predictor/ corrector methods. Option for direct integration of second-order equations makes integration of trajectory problems significantly more efficient. Written in FORTRAN 77.

Adaptive Control

Abstract: This book, written by two major figures in adaptive control, provides a wealth of material for researchers, practitioners, and students. While some researchers in adaptive control may note the absence of a particular topic, the book‘s scope represents a high-gain instrument. It can be used by designers of control systems to enhance their work through the information on many new theoretical developments, and can be used by mathematical control theory specialists to adapt their research to practical needs. The book is strongly recommended to anyone interested in adaptive control.