Ensemble of Independent Factor Analyzers with Application to Natural Image Analysis

In this paper the ensemble of independent factor analyzers (EIFA) is proposed. This new statistical model assumes that each data point is generated by the sum of outputs of independently activated factor analyzers. A maximum likelihood (ML) estimation algorithm for the parameter is derived using a Monte Carlo EM algorithm with a Gibbs sampler. The EIFA model is applied to natural image data. With the progress of the learning, the independent factor analyzers develop into feature detectors that resemble complex cells in mammalian visual systems. Although this result is similar to the previous one obtained by independent subspace analysis, we observe the emergence of complex cells from natural images in a more general framework of models, including overcomplete models allowing additive noise in the observables.     

Nanoparticle‐embedded polymer‐dispersed liquid crystal for paper‐like displays

Abstract— A polymer‐dispersed liquid‐crystal (PDLC) matrix template embedded with nano/microparticles can be backfilled/infiltrated with a dye‐doped liquid crystal for a paper‐like reflective display. In this way, a desirable degree of diffusion can be realized to reduce the viewing‐angle dependency of a gain reflector and metallic glare without changing other electro‐optical properties.     

A web-based e-learning system for increasing study efficiency by stimulating learner’s motivation

Due to the opportunities provided by the Internet, more and more people are taking advantage of distance learning courses and during the last few years enormous research efforts have been dedicated to the development of distance learning systems. So far, many e-learning systems are proposed and used practically. However, in these systems the e-learning completion rate is about 30%. One of the reasons is the low study desire when the learner studies the learning materials. In this research, we propose an interactive Web-based e-learning system. The purpose of our system is to increase the e-learning completion rate by stimulating learner’s motivation. The proposed system has three subsystems: the learning subsystem, learner support subsystem, and teacher support subsystem. The learning subsystem improves the learner’s study desire. The learner support subsystem supports the learner during the study, and the teacher support subsystem supports the teacher to get the learner’s study state. To evaluate the proposed system, we developed several experiments and surveys. By using new features such as: display of learner’s study history, change of interface color, encourage function, ranking function, self-determination of the study materials, and grouping of learners, the proposed system can increase the learning efficiency.

Coefficients for equilibrium partition of a third element between solid and liquid in iron-carbon base ternary alloys and their relation to graphitization during iron-carbon eutectic solidification

During iron-carbon eutectic solidification, the coefficients for partition of a third element between the eutectic liquid and its solid were evaluated thermodynamically. The coefficientk _M ^A/L for the equilibrium partition of the third element (M) between austenite and liquid iron largely depended on the interaction between carbon and the third element and a simplified method for the evaluation ofk _M ^A/L was introduced. The coefficients,K ^S andK ^M, for the partition of the element between the eutectic liquid and its solid in the stable and metastable eutectic solidification, respectively, were also calculated fromk _M ^A/L and the coefficientk _M ^C/A for the equilibrium partition of the element between cementite and austenite. It was indicated by the thermodynamics of the free energy for the co-existing phases that the effect of a third element on graphitization occurring during eutectic solidification was related quantitatively to the value of K which was represented byK ^S-K ^M. The effect of a third element on the difference between the stable and metastable eutectic temperatures and on the carbon activity of liquid iron was closely related to K or the equilibrium partition coefficient,k _M ^C/A .     

抗菌塑料为生活提供更安全的保护

众所周知，微生物，如藻类、细菌、霉菌(真菌和酵母)以及病毒可在物品的表面寄生和存活，尤其是当死角、粗糙的表面或微缝中有残存的营养物质时，微生物…在聚合物表面的生长可导致褪色、污渍、臭味、生物膜、交叉感染并最终降低机械强度，降低产品使用寿命。汽巴可为解决上述的问     

Plan for first phase of safety demonstration tests of the High Temperature Engineering Test Reactor (HTTR)

Safety demonstration tests using the High Temperature Engineering Test Reactor (HTTR) will be conducted for the purpose of demonstrating inherent safety features of High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactors (HTGRs) as well as providing the core and plant transient data for validation of HTGR safety analysis codes. The first phase safety demonstration test items include the reactivity insertion test and the coolant flow reduction test. In the reactivity insertion test, which is the control rod withdrawal test, one pair out of 16 pairs of control rods is withdrawn, simulating a reactivity insertion event. The coolant flow reduction test consists of the partial loss of coolant flow test and the gas circulators trip test. In the partial loss of coolant flow test, primary coolant flow rate is slightly reduced by control system. In the gas circulators trip test one and two out of three gas circulators are run down, simulating coolant flow reduction events. The gas circulators trip tests, in which position of control rods are kept unchanged, are simulation tests of anticipated transients without scram (ATWS).     

Magnetic Behavior of Some Rare-Earth Transition-Metal Perovskite Oxide Systems

Magnetic properties were investigated for the rare-earth 3d-transition metal oxides with the perovskite structure. Intriguing magnetic phenomena were reviewed for a few systems:magnetization peak effect in the titanates, magnetization reversal in the chromites and metallic ferromagnetism in the cobahites. The results suggest an important role of the rare-earth ions for the magnetic properties of such complex oxides.     

A novel polarizer‐free dye‐doped polymer‐dispersed liquid crystal for reflective TFT displays

Abstract— A novel preparation method for dichroic dye‐doped polymer‐dispersed liquid crystals has been developed. This was achieved by creating a porous polymer matrix first by washing out the liquid crystal from a polymer‐dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), which is then refilled with dye‐doped liquid crystal. Optimizing the liquid crystal used in the refilling results in decreased turn‐on voltage and faster response time. Poster‐standard reflectivity and newspaper‐standard contrast was demonstrated with a 3.8‐in. QVGA reflective TFT display with a drive voltage of 10 V.     

Blind source extraction of long-term physiological signals from facial thermal images

The amount of mental work using information equipment has been increasing because of a rapid growth of an information society. Accumulation of short-term mental work can cause various stresses and a disturbance of circadian rhythm and lead to fatigue, anxiety, and distraction. Estimation and understanding the physiopsychological states is desired for decreasing or controlling stresses to maintain health. There have been several investigations on the assessment of short-term physiopsychological states using infrared thermography. However, the method has been used rarely for assessing long-term physiopsychological states. In the present study, extraction of independent components related to long-term physiological signals is attempted by applying independent component analysis to facial thermal images obtained over 6 months (July–December). Furthermore, multiple regression analysis is attempted to create psychological model by facial thermal images. As the result, extracted independent components are shown to represent the strong features in nasal, mouth, cheek, eyebrow, and forehead regions. Attempting multiple regression analysis, features in nasal and mouth regions contributed to depression or dejection mood, features in cheek, eyebrow and forehead regions contributed to fatigue and features in tip of nasal, eyebrow and mouth regions contributed to state anxiety.     

Adhesion between polymer surface modified by graft polymerization and tissue during surgery using an ultrasonically activated scalpel device

In the field of surgery, achieving adhesion between a polymer implant and tissue poses a challenge considering that suturing is not appropriate for the stability of such implants. An ultrasonically activated scalpel that generates heat by mechanical vibration and promotes adhesion between a polymer implant and native tissue by pressing the two materials together has very good potential for application in the field. To determine the type of polymer that is suitable for the purpose, we investigated polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) films, the surfaces of which were activated by corona discharge. Graft polymerization was then performed on the corona‐treated surfaces to vary their properties. The corona‐treated PE and PS films grafted with poly(acrylic acid), poly(methacrylic acid), poly(vinyl benzylacrylic acid), and poly(hydroxylethyl acrylate), respectively, adhered to the tissue when the ultrasonically activated scalpel was applied. The heat generated by the mechanical vibration and the applied pressure enabled the carboxyl or hydroxyl groups to bond with the proteins in the extracellular matrix. We therefore concluded that it was possible to integrate this technique in the development of new types of polymer devices that could be stably implanted in a living body. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40885.