An Artificial Neural Network Classifier Design Based-on Variable Kernel and Non-Parametric Density Estimation

This paper proposes a probabilistic variant of the SOM-kMER (Self Organising Map-kernel-based Maximum Entropy learning Rule) model for data classification. The classifier, known as pSOM-kMER (probabilistic SOM-kMER), is able to operate in a probabilistic environment and to implement the principles of statistical decision theory in undertaking classification problems. A distinctive feature of pSOM-kMER is its ability in revealing the underlying structure of data. In addition, the Receptive Field (RF) regions generated can be used for variable kernel and non-parametric density estimation. Empirical evaluation using benchmark datasets shows that pSOM-kMER is able to achieve good performance as compared with those from a number of machine learning systems. The applicability of the proposed model as a useful data classifier is also demonstrated with a real-world medical data classification problem.     

Microstructure evolution of the Sn–Ag–y%Cu interconnect

The lead free Sn–Ag–y%Cu (y = 0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0) interconnect interfacial microstructures and the microstructure evolution under thermal treatment (isothermal aging, 150 °C/1000 h) were studied in detail by using surface microetching microscopy and cross section microscopy. The corresponding mechanical and reliability behaviors were evaluated by performing shear test and fracture mode analysis before and after the thermal treatment. The results indicate: (i) The interconnects could have different microstructures and intermetallic compound (IMC), depending on the Cu content. The Cu–Sn IMC could have microstructures that were clusters or protrusion-like, Augustine grass leaf-like, scissor-like, tweezers-like, etc. (ii) Ag₃Sn IMCs were not observed at time zero for any interconnect groups, but they occurred after the aging for all groups. The Ag₃Sn IMC could have different microstructures, again depending on Cu content. For low Cu content, the Ag₃Sn IMCs were granules or nodules; for higher Cu content, Ag₃Sn IMCs were plate-like. (iii) The growth of Ag₃Sn plates was promoted by the growth of Cu–Sn IMCs, but indirectly linked to the Cu content. (iv) High Cu content (1.0 wt% and higher) could degrade the mechanical and reliability performances of the LF interconnect by providing a brittle joint, which was mainly achieved through the substantial growth of Cu–Sn IMCs and Ag₃Sn plates.     

Sydis and the voice/data terminal craze of 1984

In 1984, computing firms saw integrated voice/data terminals (IVDTs) as the solution to the proliferation of new forms of executive communication. The Sydis VoiceStation was hailed as the best of this new class of office machine but, like all IVDTs, it failed. Sydis succumbed to "integration stress," one danger of product development driven by the urge to integrate traditionally discrete functions. Sydis also failed from poor integration of financial and market actors.     

Fabrication process of open surfaces by robotic fibre placement

Composite materials are being used extensively in many industrial sectors. They offer excellent material properties compared to other structural materials available. However, the traditional fabrication process using manual hand lay-up is time consuming and labour intensive. Therefore, robotic fibre placement has been introduced to overcome these drawbacks. This approach may greatly reduce cycle time and manufacturing costs. This paper describes the overall strategy for the establishment of a flexible robotic fibre placement technique. The fabrication process planning of this new technique is presented. Three different types of fibre placement for open surfaces are discussed. These include simulation-based fibre path generation, fibre steering, and sensory-based contour following methodologies. The system architecture for the process control is also presented.     

打造科技应用中心工程化教育模式——专访中科院软件学院院长潘辛平博士

当证监会第二天就找上门来希望合作之前,中科院软件学院院长潘辛平博士并没有预料到他写的“建设金融科技中心”的提案会有这么强的反馈。潘辛平说:“他们希望我们能够在科研、测试、认证和监管方面和我们全面合作,并且提供足够的人才和项目。”事实上,从担任中科院软件学院院长的那一天起,在中国金融科技界享有盛誉的潘辛平就明确了自己的工程化人才教育模式。他认为,工程教育应该比工学教育更加关注流程化、标准化、团队作     

美国火电厂烟气排放限值及控制技术

美国火电厂烟气排放限值及控制技术在过去的37年内不断发展进步.受限制的排放物越来越多,而且对每种污染物的限值日益严格.总结了当今美国使用的排放限值及控制技术,并展望了未来的排放限值及潜在的排放控制技术.     

An adaptive robustizing approach to kalman filtering

The performance of a linear Kalman filter will degrade when the dynamic noise is not Gaussian. A robust Kalman filter based on the m-interval polynomial approximation (MIPA) method for unknown non-Gaussian noise is proposed. Two situations are considered: (a) the state is Gaussian and the observation noise is non-Gaussian; (b) the state is non-Gaussian and the observation noise is Gaussian. It is shown, as compared with other non-Gaussian filters, the MIPA Kalman filter is computationally feasible, unbiased, more efficient and robust. For the scalar model, Monte Carlo simulations are given to demonstrate the ideas involved.