Behavior of confined fluids in nanoslit pores: the normal pressure tensor

The aim of our research is to develop a theory, which can predict the behavior of confined fluids in nanoslit pores. The nanoslit pores studied in this work consist of two structureless and parallel walls in the xy plane located at z = 0 and z = H, in equilibrium with a bulk homogeneous fluid at the same temperature and at a given uniform bulk density. We have derived the following general equation for prediction of the normal pressure tensor P _zz of confined inhomogeneous fluids in nanoslit pores:

Mesh-free canonical tensor products for six-dimensional density matrix: computation of kinetic energy

The computation of a six-dimensional density matrix is the crucial step for the evaluation of kinetic energy in electronic structure calculations. For molecules with heavy nuclei, one has to consider a very refined mesh in order to deal with the nuclear cusps. This leads to high computational time and needs huge memory for the computation of the density matrix. To reduce the computational complexity and avoid discretization errors in the approximation, we use mesh-free canonical tensor products in electronic structure calculations. In this paper, we approximate the six-dimensional density matrix in an efficient way and then compute the kinetic energy. Accuracy is examined by comparing our computed kinetic energy with the exact computation of the kinetic energy.     

Calculation of the vibrational contribution to the Gibbs energy of formation for Al3Sc

The ground-state energies were calculated for the stoichiometric compound Al₃Sc in the L1₂ structure, and its constituents (fcc-Al and hcp-Sc) using the Vienna ab initio simulation package (VASP). The enthalpy of formation for Al₃Sc at 0 K was obtained. On the basis of the calculated equation of state (EOS) at 0 K, the vibrational contribution to the Gibbs energy of formation at finite temperatures was estimated using the Mean-Field Potential (MFP) method, and compared with the phonon spectrum calculation and the existing CALPHAD assessments. The calculated entropy of formation can serve as a reasonable start value in a CALPHAD assessment although it is not as accurate as the enthalpy of formation calculated at 0 K. Both high-temperature x-ray scattering measurements and first-principles calculation show that Al₃Sc is almost perfectly ordered up to its melting point and thus the configurational contribution can be neglected.     

do considered od: A contribution to the programming calculus

Summary The utility of repetitive constructs is challenged. Recursive refinement is claimed to be semantically as simple, and superior for programming ease and clarity. Some programming examples are offered to support this claim. The relation between the semantics of predicate transformers and least fixed point semantics is presented.This work was partially supported by the National Research Council of Canada     

Driver's distracted behavior: The contribution of compensatory beliefs increases with higher perceived risk

Engaging in distractive behaviors while driving is common worldwide, despite its proven negative impact on driving safety. The current study aimed to investigate the ability of drivers' compensatory beliefs regarding distracted driving (i.e., the belief that the negative effects of an unsafe behavior can be “neutralized” by engaging in another safe behavior; e.g., “slowing down can compensate for the impact of driving distractions”) and drivers' risk perceptions to predict drivers' distracting behaviors. This study analyzed the self-reports of 304 non-professional drivers (186 males and 118 females) between the ages of 19 and 66 years. The revised questionnaires were proven reliable and valid for measuring drivers' compensatory beliefs regarding distractions, their distractive behaviors, and their perceived risk. Additionally, three components (i.e., mobile phone use, in-vehicle interactions, and mind wandering) were identified in the current study using factor analyses. The analysis of the relationships among the study variables showed that the drivers' compensatory beliefs regarding distractive behaviors were a core predictor of the drivers’ engagement in distracting behaviors, especially for behaviors with a higher perceived risk rating (e.g., mobile phone use).     

A closed-form solution to tensor voting: theory and applications

We prove a closed-form solution to tensor voting (CFTV): Given a point set in any dimensions, our closed-form solution provides an exact, continuous, and efficient algorithm for computing a structure-aware tensor that simultaneously achieves salient structure detection and outlier attenuation. Using CFTV, we prove the convergence of tensor voting on a Markov random field (MRF), thus termed as MRFTV, where the structure-aware tensor at each input site reaches a stationary state upon convergence in structure propagation. We then embed structure-aware tensor into expectation maximization (EM) for optimizing a single linear structure to achieve efficient and robust parameter estimation. Specifically, our EMTV algorithm optimizes both the tensor and fitting parameters and does not require random sampling consensus typically used in existing robust statistical techniques. We performed quantitative evaluation on its accuracy and robustness, showing that EMTV performs better than the original TV and other state-of-the-art techniques in fundamental matrix estimation for multiview stereo matching. The extensions of CFTV and EMTV for extracting multiple and nonlinear structures are underway.     

Assessing the contribution of knowledge to business performance: the KP methodology

Knowledge is inherently difficult to measure. However, without valid and reliable measurement, it is very difficult to develop a comprehensive theory of knowledge and provide a practical guide for knowledge management. In this paper, we do not measure knowledge directly, but assess how much knowledge contributes to business performance. The KP³ methodology developed in this paper assesses the contribution of knowledge to business performance by employing product and process as intermediaries between the two. The understanding of the contribution is essential because it makes it possible to assess the productivities of knowledge entities, evaluate and compensate knowledge workers, and to allocate and develop human capital.     

The user side of sustainability: Modeling behavior and energy usage in the home

Society is becoming increasingly aware of the impact that our lifestyle choices make on energy usage and the environment. As a result, research attention is being directed toward green technology, environmentally-friendly building designs, and smart grids. This paper looks at the user side of sustainability. In particular, it looks at energy consumption in everyday home environments to examine the relationship between behavioral patterns and energy consumption. It first demonstrates how data mining techniques may be used to find patterns and anomalies in smart home-based energy data. Next, it describes a method to correlate home-based activities with electricity usage. Finally, it describes how this information could inform users about their personal energy consumption and to support activities in a more energy-efficient manner. These approaches are validated by using real energy data collected in a set of smart home testbeds.     

Modified gradient dynamic approach to the tensor complementarity problem

ABSTRACT

Nonlinear gradient dynamic approach for solving the tensor complementarity problem (TCP) are presented. Theoretical analysis shows that each of the defined dynamical system models ensures the convergence. The computer-simulation results further substantiate that the considered dynamical system can solve the TCP.     

Scalar field with the source in the form of the stress-energy tensor trace as a dark energy model

We consider a scalar-tensor theory of gravitation with the scalar source being the trace of the stress-energy tensor of the scalar field itself andmatter. We obtain an example of a numerical solution of the cosmological equations which shows that under some special choice of the scalar parameters, there exists a slow-roll regime in which the modern values of the Hubble and deceleration parameters may be obtained.     

MagicBoard: A contribution to an intelligent office environment

In this paper, we describe an augmented reality tool for collaborative work called the MagicBoard. The MagicBoard is based on an ordinary white board which has been enhanced by a video-projector and a steerable camera. A supervisor coordinates the cooperation of several modules including gesture recognition, finger tracking and white board scanning for digitalisation of the content. The gesture recognition module uses an approach based on local spatio-temporal appearance of activities. The tracking module is designed for use with cluttered backgrounds and variable lighting conditions. The white board scanner eliminates global luminosity differences by adaptive thresholding and the result can serve to digitise the content of the board. The supervisor is based on a rule-based architecture and is easily extendable. The selected modules fit together to a compact system, that largely increases the functionality of a white board and makes it a useful tool in the future office environments.     

Numerical evaluation of the asymptotic energy behavior of intermediate shells with application to two classical benchmark tests

We consider the class of shell problems which are neither purely bending neither purely membrane dominated. In such cases the asymptotic energy norm behavior (which is useful not only because it represents the structure stiffness, but also for numerical comparison purposes) is not a priori known. In this work we apply a numerical procedure in order to estimate the energy behavior of a general shell problem. In order to test its reliability, the method is applied to various problems for which the theoretical energy behavior is known and the results can be compared. Among the problems tested, we have two classical engineering shell benchmarks which are neither bending neither membrane dominated, and for which an analytical evaluation has been obtained in a recent work. All the energy behavior estimates obtained with the numerical method are in perfect agreement with the theoretical values.     

A contribution to the problem of vortex breakdown

Associated with the breakdown process is the formation of a stagnation point on the axis of the vortex. This requires the deceleration of the axial velocity component, which must be enforced by a positive axial pressure gradient. The analysis presented here shows, how the pressure gradient along the axis of the vortex is influenced by the radial and azimuthal velocity components. An explicit expression for $\text{?p/?x (x, 0)}$ can be obtained by integration of the momentum equation for the radial velocity component with respect to the radial and subsequent differentiation of the integral with respect to the axial direction. In an order of magnitude analysis it is then demonstrated that for large Reynolds numbers one component of the frictional force in the azimuthal direction cannot be neglected. In order to obtain an estimate for the pressure gradient rigid body rotation is assumed for the vortex core, and a distribution similar to that of a potential vortex $\text{w = kr}{}^{\mathrm{?n}}$, for the outer portion. The estimate shows that a positive axial pressure gradient can exist only, if the radial velocity component is positive and if the exponent $\text{n}$ is less than unity. It is also verified that a potential vortex cannot support an axial pressure gradient, that the pressure gradient in magnitude is directly proportional to the square of the maximum of the azimuthal velocity, referenced to the freestream velocity.     

Perfect fluids coupled to inhomogeneities in the late Universe

We consider the Universe at the late stage of its evolution and deep inside the cell of uniformity. At such scales, the Universe is highly inhomogeneous and is filled with inhomogeneities in the form of galaxies and groups of galaxies. We also suggest that the Universe is filled with a perfect fluid, and its fluctuations have peculiar velocities of the same (nonrelativistic) order of magnitude as for the inhomogeneities. In this sense, the inhomogeneities (e.g., galaxies) and fluctuations of perfect fluids are coupled to each other. We clarify some important points of this approach and present a brief review of previous studies (e.g., the Chevallier-Polarski-Linder (CPL)model and a Chaplygin gas). We demonstrate that the perfect fluids which satisfy our approach are really coupled to galaxies, concentrating around them. The averaged (over the whole Universe) value of their fluctuations is equal to zero.     

Dynamic features along the German Baltic Sea coast: contribution to coastal monitoring

Based on satellite imagery in combination with ground data measurements and numerical modelling, the distribution patterns of water masses along the German Baltic Sea coast of the state of Mecklenburg–Vorpommern (M–V) were investigated. The dynamic processes forming these patterns are driven by the local wind. Distinct wind directions induce typical features in several regions of the M–V coast. The processes considered are the distribution of Oder river water in the Pomeranian Bight, the upwelling off Hiddensee and off the coast of the Mecklenburg Bight including the Warnow river outflow, and the special dynamic regime in Lübeck Bay. In the Pomeranian Bight, a strong relation was found between the wind and transport direction of river water which was also applied to interpret the distribution of inorganic and organic pollutants. During easterly winds, different upwelling cells arise with the highest intensity in the Hiddensee area. The cells merge by increasing wind velocity. Lübeck Bay is mainly excluded from water exchange during the dominant wind directions. The first results of this systematic remote sensing study along the entire coast of M–V are summarized and will be continued to support the coastal monitoring programme of regional authorities.     

Artificial intelligence: A contribution to systems theories of sociology

The aim of my contribution is to try to analyse some points of similarity and difference between post-Parsonian social systems theory models for sociology — with special reference to those of W. Buckley, F.E. Emery and N. Luhmann — and expert systems models¹ from Artificial Intelligence. I keep specifically to post-Parsonian systems theories within sociology because they assume some postulates and criteria derived from cybernetics and which are at the roots of AI. I refer in particular to the fundamental relevance of the system-environment relationship in both sociology and AI.     

Posture transition analysis with barometers: contribution to accelerometer-based algorithms

Posture transitions are one of the most mechanically demanding tasks and are useful to evaluate the motor status of patients with motor impairments, frail individuals or the elderly, among others. So far, wearable inertial systems have been one of the most employed tools in the study of these movements due to their suitable size and weight, being non-invasive systems. These devices are mainly composed of accelerometers and, to a lesser extent, gyroscopes, magnetometers or barometers. Although accelerometers provide the most reliable measurement, detecting activities where a change of altitude is observed, such as some posture transitions, may require additional sensors to reliably detect these activities. In this work, we present an algorithm that combines the information of a barometer and an accelerometer to detect posture transitions and falls. In contrast to other works, we test different activities (where altitude is involved) in order to achieve a reliable classifier against false positives. Furthermore, by means of feature selection methods, we obtain optimal subsets of features for the accelerometer and barometer sensors to contextualise these activities. The selected features are tested through several machine learning classifiers, which are assessed with an evaluation data set. Results show that the inclusion of barometer features in addition to those obtained for an accelerometer clearly enhances the detection accuracy up to a 11%, in terms of geometric mean between sensitivity and specificity, compared to algorithms where only the accelerometer is used. Finally, we have also analysed the computer burden; in this sense, the usage of barometers, in addition to increase the accuracy, also reduces the computational resources required to classify a new pattern, as shown by a reduction in the number of support vectors.