PI control of discrete linear repetitive processes

Repetitive processes are a distinct class of 2D systems (i.e. information propagation in two independent directions) of both systems theoretic and applications interest. They cannot be controlled by direct extension of existing techniques from either standard (termed 1D here) or 2D systems theory. In this paper, we exploit their unique physical structure to show how two term, i.e. proportional plus integral (or PI) action, can be used to control these processes to produce desired behavior (as opposed to just stability).     

Plane Problem for Layered Composites with Periodic Array of Interfacial Cracks Under Compressive Static Loading

The current paper addresses the problem of 2-D modelling of the onset of failure process in a layered composite with periodic array of interfacial cracks under static compression along layers. The statement of the problem is based on the most accurate approach, the model of piecewise-homogenous medium. The condition of plane strain state is considered. The shear and the extensional buckling modes are examined. The laminae are modelled by transversally isotropic material (a matrix reinforced by continuous parallel fibres). The complex non-classical failure mechanics problem is solved utilizing finite element analysis. It is found that the 0°-plies volume fraction, the crack length and the mutual position of cracks influence the critical strain in the composite.     

Co-located collaborative visual analytics around a tabletop display

Co-located collaboration can be extremely valuable during complex visual analytics tasks. We present an exploratory study of a system designed to support collaborative visual analysis tasks on a digital tabletop display. Fifteen participant pairs employed Cambiera, a visual analytics system, to solve a problem involving 240 digital documents. Our analysis, supported by observations, system logs, questionnaires, and interview data, explores how pairs approached the problem around the table. We contribute a unique, rich understanding of how users worked together around the table and identify eight types of collaboration styles that can be used to identify how closely people work together while problem solving. We show how the closeness of teams’ collaboration and communication influenced how they performed on the task overall. We further discuss the role of the tabletop for visual analytics tasks and derive design implications for future co-located collaborative tabletop problem solving systems.     

Large displays enhance optical flow cues and narrow the gender gap in 3-D virtual navigation

OBJECTIVE: Existing reports suggest that males significantly outperform females in navigating 3-D virtual environments. Although researchers have recognized that this may be attributable to males and females possessing different spatial abilities, most work has attempted to reduce the gender gap by providing more training for females. In this paper, we explore using large displays to narrow the gender gap within these tasks. BACKGROUND: While evaluating various interaction techniques, we found that large displays affording wider fields of view seemed to improve virtual navigation performance in general and, additionally, to narrow the gender gap that existed on standard desktop displays. METHOD: We conducted two experiments (32 and 22 participants) exploring the individual contributions of display and geometric fields of view to the observed effects as well as isolating factors explaining performance increases seen on the large displays. RESULTS: We show that wider fields of view on large displays not only increase performance of all users on average but also benefit females to such a degree as to allow them to perform as well as males do. We further demonstrate that these benefits can be attributed to better optical flow cues offered by the large displays. CONCLUSION: These findings provide a significant contribution, including recommendations for the improved presentation of 3-D environments, backed by empirical data demonstrating performance benefits during navigation tasks. APPLICATION. Results can be used to design systems that narrow the gender gap in domains such as teleoperation and virtual environments for entertainment, virtual training, or information visualization.     

Characterization of zirconia-thoria-urania ceramics by X-ray and electron interactions

X-ray and electron interactions with matter were used as probes to characterize the structure and chemistry of zirconia-thoria-urania ceramics. The ceramics were prepared by coprecipitation of Zr, Th and U salts. In this study, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques such as energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) complement X-ray diffraction, extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES), techniques to reveal the phase structure and chemistry. The results from XRD and EDX show that these ceramics separate into a Zr-based phase and an actinide-based phase with low mutual affinity of Th and Zr, as well as partial solubility of U in Zr. The comparison of EELS spectra collected for the ceramics with spectra collected for UO₂ and U₃O₈ reference materials also allow us to assess U oxidation state independently in the two separate phases.     

Galanin Receptors (GalR1, GalR2, and GalR3) Expression in Colorectal Cancer Tissue and Correlations to the Overall Survival and Poor Prognosis of CRC Patients

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer in women and the third in men. The postoperative pathomorphological evaluation of patients with CRC is extremely important for future therapeutic decisions. Although our previous studies demonstrated high galanin (GAL) presence within tumor tissue and an elevated concentration of GAL in the serum of CRC patients, to date, there is a lack of data regarding GAL receptor (GalR) protein expression in CRC cells. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of all three types of GalRs (GalR1, GalR2 and GalR3) within epithelial cells of the human colon and CRC tissue with the use of the immunohistochemical method and to correlate the results with the clinical-pathological data. We found stronger immunoreactivity of GalR1 and GalR3 in CRC cells compared to epithelial cells of the unchanged mucosa of the large intestine. No differences in the GalR2 protein immunoreactivity between the studied tissues were noted. We also found that the increased immunoexpression of the GalR3 in CRC tissue correlated with the better prognosis and longer survival (p < 0.0079) of CRC patients (n = 55). The obtained results suggest that GalR3 may play the role of a prognostic factor for CRC patients. Based on data from the TCGA-COAD project deposited in the GDC Data Portal, we also found that GalR mRNA in cancer samples and the adjacent normal tissue did not correlate with immunoexpression of the GalR proteins in CRC cells and epithelial cells of the unchanged mucosa.     

Impact of Users’ Security Awareness on Desktop Security Behavior: A Protection Motivation Theory Perspective

This article uses the protection motivation theory to study the impact of information security awareness on desktop security behavior. It contributes to the literature by examining the roles played by awareness, an important antecedent to the cognitive processes in the protection motivation theory. The findings indicate that security awareness significantly affects perceived severity, response efficacy, self-efficacy, and response cost. Constructs in the coping appraisal process (except response cost), in turn, significantly impact recommended security behavior.     

Synthesis and characterization of zirconia-magnesia inert matrix fuel: Ce homolog studies

X-ray powder diffraction, microscopy, thermal analysis and electron probe microanalysis were used to characterize a ZrO₂-MgO inert matrix containing CeO₂ as a homolog for PuO₂ and Er₂O₃ as a burnable poison. The synthesis was carried out using a precipitation method. A large composition range of MgO to ZrO₂ was evaluated to determine phases present, phase mixing, phase composition, microstructure and thermal properties. It was found that most compositions of the material consist of two phases: MgO (periclase) and ZrO₂ (cubic zirconia). The zirconia phase incorporates 5% (wt/wt) MgO and up to 14% and 12% (wt/wt) CeO₂ and Er₂O₃, respectively. The MgO phase remains pure, which will enable it to retain its heat transfer and solubility properties and will improve the overall thermal conductivity and reprocessing component of the inert matrix fuel. The results with Ce will be used as the basis of future studies with actinides.