Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An On-Line Dynamic Trajectory Generator

Assembly-line tasks were studied in order to acquire realistic estimates of requisite gripper and finger touch-sensor design parameters. This was done in the context of noted time-and-motion variables, object configuration, weight and other physical characteristics, and any perceived requirements having to do with speed, accuracy, and delicacy. Smalland medium-sized parts assembly was used to estimate requisite tactile-pad-array size, resolution, and sensitivity. For each task studied, estimates were also made for gripper configuration and for overall difficulty of achieving the technology required. The estimated tactile-array, spatial-resolution needs are surprisingly small for a large variety of industrial assembly tasks. Arrays of no more than 8 X 8 pressure-sensitive points with interpoint spacing of 0.1 in and capable of sensing slippage appear to promise considerable capability. Such arrays, placed on two-jawed grippers and three-fingered anthropomorphic hands are concluded to be able to permit robotic replacement of humans in more than 80% of the assembly tasks studied.
Intersubband absorption at λ∼1.55 μm in well- and modulation-doped GaN/AlGaN multiple quantum wells with superlattice barriers

Intersubband optical absorption around 1.55 μm has been measured in GaN/AlGaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs) grown by molecular-beam epitaxy. First, peak absorption wavelengths as short as 1.41 μm are reported for ultranarrow, ⩾11 A wide, well-doped MQWs with high, 85%, AlN mole-fraction barriers. Second, in order to enable modulation doping as well as the use of lower AlN mole-fraction barriers, we designed and fabricated QWs embedded in barriers consisting of a short period superlattice of narrow GaN QWs and only 65% AlN mole-fraction barriers. The resulting electron Bragg confinement allows peak absorption wavelengths as short as 1.52 μm. Furthermore, the structures can now be modulation doped through doping of the narrow superlattice wells and subsequent charge transfer into the active well. We observe a reduction of the absorption linewidth, from ∼200 to ∼130 meV, for these structures.
Semiparametric Nonlinear Mixed-Effects Models and Their Applications

Nonlinear mixed effects models (NLMMs) and self-modeling nonlinear regression (SEMOR) models are often used to fit repeated measures data. They use a common function shared by all subjects to model variation within each subject and some fixed and/or random parameters to model variation between subjects. The parametric NLMM may be too restrictive, and the semiparametric SEMOR model ignores correlations within each subject. In this article we propose a class of semiparametric nonlinear mixed effects models (SNMMs) that extend NLMMs, SEMOR models, and many other existing models in a natural way. A SNMM assumes that the mean function depends on some parameters and nonparametric functions. The parameters provide an interpretable data summary. The nonparametric functions provide flexibility to allow the data to decide some unknown or uncertain components, such as the shape of the mean response over time. A second-stage model with fixed and random effects is used to model the parameters. Smoothing splines are used to model the nonparametric functions. Covariate effects on parameters can be built into the second-stage model, and covariate effects on nonparametric functions can be constructed using smoothing spline ANOVA decompositions. Laplace approximations to the marginal likelihood and penalized marginal likelihood are used to estimate all parameters and nonparametric functions. We propose and compare two estimation procedures, and also show how to construct approximate Bayesian confidence intervals for the nonparametric functions based on a Bayesian formulation of SNMMs. We evaluate the proposed estimation and inference procedures through a simulation study. Applications of SNMMs are illustrated with analyses of Canadian temperature data.
Control of a Forced Impacting Hertzian Contact Oscillator Near Sub- and Superharmonic Resonances of Order 2

The effect of a fast harmonic base displacement and of a fast periodically time varying stiffness on vibroimpact dynamics of a forced single-sided Hertzian contact oscillator is investigated analytically and numerically near suband superharmonic resonances of order 2. The study is carried out using averaging procedure over the fast dynamic and applying a perturbation analysis on the slow dynamic. The results show that a fast harmonic base displacement shifts the location of jumps, triggering the vibroimpact response, toward lower frequencies, while a fast periodically time-varying stiffness shifts the jumps toward higher frequencies. This result has been confirmed numerically for both suband superharmonic resonances of order 2. It is also demonstrated that the shift toward higher frequencies produced by a fast harmonic parametric stiffness is larger than that induced by a fast base displacement. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4004309]
Exit Problems for Spectrally Negative Lévy Processes Reflected at Either the Supremum or the Infimum

For a spectrally negative Lévy process X on the real line, let S denote its supremum process and let I denote its infimum process. For a > 0, let τ(a) and κ(a) denote the times when the reflected processes Ŷ := S − X and Y := X − I first exit level a, respectively; let τ−(a) and κ−(a) denote the times when X first reaches S τ(a) and I κ(a), respectively. The main results of this paper concern the distributions of (τ(a), S τ(a), τ−(a), Ŷ τ(a)) and of (κ(a), I κ(a), κ−(a)). They generalize some recent results on spectrally negative Lévy processes. Our approach relies on results concerning the solution to the two-sided exit problem for X. Such an approach is also adapted to study the excursions for the reflected processes. More explicit expressions are obtained when X is either a Brownian motion with drift or a completely asymmetric stable process.
The De-Noising Algorithm Based on Intrinsic Time-Scale Decomposition

A new de-noising algorithm based on Intrinsic Time-scale Decomposition (ITD) is proposed after analyzing the statistical characteristics of additional Gaussian white noise decomposed by ITD. Compared with the Wavelet Threshold De-noising(WTD) and de-noising algorithms based on empirical mode decomposition (EMD), the numerical simulation results show that this algorithm has comparable performance with the de-noising based on EMD and the WTD, and it is no need for spline interpolation, iterative sifting and selection of the wavelet base. It is a new adaptive de-noising algorithm.
Modification of the upwind schemes for the computation of condensing two-phase flows

Abstract The eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the Jacobian matrix of the homogeneously condensing two-phase flow equations are derived. These are useful for all upwind schemes. Details of the implementation in the Roe scheme are described. Example calculations for condensing wet steam flow are provided, which compare well with the experimental results.
Average performance of parallel concatenated block codes

A parallel concatenated coding scheme consists of two simple systematic constituent encoders linked by an interleaver. The input bits to the first encoder are scrambled by the interleaver before entering the second encoder. The codeword of the parallel concatenated code consists of the input bits followed by the parity check bits of both encoders. We propose for the first time an analytical solution to the problem of bounding the performance of parallel concatenated block codes, showing the influence of the interleaver length on the parallel code performance.
A numerical-solution technique for three-dimensional Stokes flows, with application to the motion of strongly interacting spheres in a plane

This paper describes how the collocation technique previously developed by the authors for treating both unbounded (Gluckman, Pfeffer & Weinbaum 1971; Leichtberg, Weinbaum, Pfeffer & Gluckman 1976) and bounded (Leichtberg, Pfeffer & Weinbaum 1976) multiparticle axisymmetric Stokes flows can be extended to handle a wide variety of non-axisymmetric creeping-motion problems with planar symmetry where the boundaries conform to more than a single orthogonal co-ordinate system. The present paper examines in detail the strong hydrodynamic interaction between two or more closely spaced identical spheres in a plane. The various two-sphere configurations provide a convenient means of carefully testing the accuracy and convergence of the numerical solution technique for three dimensional flow with known exact spherical bipolar solutions. The important difficulty encountered in applying the collocation technique to multi-particle non-axisymmetric flows is that the selection of boundary points is rather sensitive to the flow orientation. Despite this shortcoming one is able to obtain solutions for the quasi-steady particle velocities and drag for as many as 15 spheres in less than 30 s on an IBM 370/168 computer. The method not only gives accurate global results, but is able to predict the local fluid velocity and to resolve fine features of the flow such as the presence of separated regions of closed streamlines. Time-dependent numerical solutions are also presented for various three-sphere assemblages falling in a vertical plane. These solutions, in which the motion of each sphere is traced for several hundred diameters, are found to be in very good agreement with experimental measurements. The concluding section of the paper describes how the present collocation procedure can be extended to a number of important unsolved three-dimensional problems in Stokes flow with planar symmetry such as the arbitrary off-axis motion of a sphere in a circular cylinder or between parallel walls, or the motion of a neutrally buoyant particle at the entrance to a slit or pore.
Mobile Lidar Profiling of Tropical Aerosols and Clouds

Abstract Lidar profiling of atmospheric aerosols and clouds in the lower atmosphere has been in progress at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune (18°32′N, 73°52′E, 559 m MSL), India, for more than two decades. To enlarge the scope of these studies, an eye-safe new portable dual polarization micropulse lidar (DPMPL) has been developed and installed at this station. The system utilizes a diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) neodymium–yttrium–aluminum–garnet (Nd:YAG) laser second harmonic, with either parallel polarization or alternate parallel and perpendicular polarization, as a transmitter and a Schmidt–Cassegrain telescope, with a high-speed detection and data acquisition and processing system, as a receiver. This online system in real-time mode provides backscatter intensity profiles up to about 75 km at every minute in both parallel and perpendicular polarization channels, corresponding to each state of polarization of the transmitted laser radiation. Thus, this versatile lidar system i.
The Global Sunyaev-Zel'dovich Effect of the Cluster Population and Its Detectability in Cosmic Microwave Background Maps

Clusters of galaxies can distort the cosmological signal in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature fluctuations maps through the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (SZ) effect. The analysis of this effect, which depends on the properties of the cluster population and its spatial distribution, could therefore be used to constrain the cluster mass function and its evolution. We present the global SZ effect expected for a cluster population extending to z = 0.2, z = 0.5, and z = 0.8, for random and nonrandom spatial distributions. The local population (up to z = 0.2) was built according to current results and in agreement with the XBACs data for the high-mass fraction of the cluster mass distribution. The resulting signal from the global SZ effect is well under the noise level of the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) data for both distributions. The extension of the population to higher redshifts was done keeping the same mass distribution (without evolution). For the Poissonian distribution only at multipoles l ≥ 300 in the z = 0.8 case, the effects are over the noise level of the WMAP data. However, for the more realistic, nonrandom distribution case that signal would be detectable in the WMAP maps for multipoles higher than l = 100 at z = 0.5 and for nearly all multipoles at z = 0.8, in clear conflict with the data. The analysis of high-quality CMB data, as those expected from the Planck mission, will allow us to determine the contribution from the cluster population and to determine the evolution of clusters even at low redshift.
The Promise of Information Theory—Does It Pay Off in Practice?

The limits on data transmission imposed by information theory are difficult to approach in realized systems, because they are asymptotic and their proof is non-constructive. However, sometimes a relative gain — i.e. power gain in decibels — can be calculated by information theory methods when comparing different data transmission schemes under realistic conditions. The question is, whether such a relative gain can be achieved in the realization of practical transmission schemes? Three examples of data transmission schemes which where realized and tested are given, where the answer to this question is „Yes" and which should give engineers more confidence in the results of information theory: • Coded 8-phase modulation using Ungerboeck-codes compared to classical 4-phase modulation on Gaussian and INTELSAT satellite channels without bandwidth expansion, • Data transmission by 2-phase modulation in mobile communications (Raylcigh Fading) using convolutional codes with and without channel state information, • Packet data transmission on a Gaussian channel with forward error correction (FEC) and automatic repeat request (ARQ) with a return channel using the adaptive redundancy of punctured convolutional codes. Übersicht: Die Shannonsche Informationstheorie gibt Grenzen von Übertragungssystemen an, die durch realisierte Systeme oft nicht erreicht werden. Der Grund ist, daß die Informationstheorie nur asymptotische Ergebnisse und keinen Weg zur Realisierung zeigt. Jedoch können durch die Informationstheorie relative Gewinne (z.B. Leistungseinsparung) aufgezeigt werden, die den in der Praxis erzielbaren Gewinnen entsprechen. An drei Beispielen wird gezeigt, wie informationstheoretisch berechenbare Verbesserungen in der Nachrichtenübertragung durch Messungen in realisierten Systemen bestätigt werden. Dies sollte ermutigen, die Ergebnisse der Informationstheorie ernst zu nehmen und die dort versprochenen Verbesserungen in praktischen Systemen zu verwirklichen. Für die Dokumentat ion: Informationstheorie / Codierte Modulation / Paketdatenübertragung / Fading / Mobilkommunikation
Boltzmann machines for image block coding

In this paper, we study image block coding using the Boltzmann machines. We first briefly review the basic idea of storing images in the invariant distributions of the Markov chains, in particular, the Markov chains are the Boltzmann machines. Then we present the perfect Boltzmann machine (FBM) which can simulate any distributions. A FBM with n neurons has neural connections up to nth order. In practice, only the Boltzmann machines (second order) or third order Boltzmann machines are used. We discuss how to convert a FBM to a Boltzmann machine. Finally, we present the idea of image block coding using the Boltzmann machines. The idea is to represent images in terms of blocks in a similar way as JPEG. The DCT in JPEG is replaced by Boltzmann machine transformation. Image compression ratios for various selections of block size and parameter space are calculated.
A ‘Moore's law’ for fibers enables intelligent fabrics

ABSTRACT Fabrics are an indispensable part of our everyday life. They provide us with protection, offer privacy and form an intimate expression of ourselves through their esthetics. Imparting functionality at the fiber level represents an intriguing path toward innovative fabrics with a hitherto unparalleled functionality and value. The fiber technology based on thermal drawing of a preform, which is identical in its materials and geometry to the final fiber, has emerged as a powerful platform for the production of exquisite fibers with prerequisite composition, geometric complexity and control over feature size. A ‘Moore's law’ for fibers is emerging, delivering higher forms of function that are important for a broad spectrum of practical applications in healthcare, sports, robotics, space exploration, etc. In this review, we survey progress in thermally drawn fibers and devices, and discuss their relevance to ‘smart’ fabrics. A new generation of fabrics that can see, hear and speak, sense, communicate, harvest and store energy, as well as store and process data is anticipated. We conclude with a critical analysis of existing challenges and opportunities currently faced by thermally drawn fibers and fabrics that are expected to become sophisticated platforms delivering value-added services for our society.
Nonresonant detection of electric force gradients by dynamic force microscopy

A mechanoelectric cross‐modulation scheme is proposed to enable direct and nonresonant detection of electric force gradients by dynamic force microscopy. The technique employs an ultrasonic vibration of the sample against a conductive tip, to which an alternating voltage is applied at a frequency near that of mechanical modulation, chosen well above the resonance frequency of the cantilever. The heterodyne mixing between the mechanically and the electrically induced oscillating charge densities on the tip gives rise to low frequency cross‐modulation forces, proportional to the electric force gradients. The nonresonant detection of the first‐ and the second‐order electric force gradients has successfully been performed, resulting in a dramatic enhancement of lateral resolution in surface potential imaging.
OCT based on multi-frequency sweeping Fizeau interferometer with phase modulating method

The Multi-frequency sweeping Fizeau-type interferometer (MFS-FI) for optical coherence tomography (OCT) is demonstrated. The multi-frequency sweeping by a variable Fabry-Perot filter permits detection of high-order low-coherence interferometric signals in the Fizeau interferometer. The sinusoidal phase modulation technique was utilized to detect accurate interference amplitude and phase distributions of back scattered light from surfaces of a sample. OCT measurements by the MFS-FI were conducted for vibrating glass plates with a frequency of 1 kHz, and cellular tissues fixed with formalin and embedded in paraffin. The tomographic 3-dimensional volume and cross-sectional surface displacements were detected with an accuracy of nano-meters.
Evaluation of pre- and post-treatment masticatory and bite force efficiency in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery using T-Scan Novus occlusal analysis: A factorial randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Introduction and Background: Orthodontic and orthognathic surgical treatment require quantified occlusion finish to rule out any temporomandibular disorders. Hence, the present study was proposed to analyze the occlusal efficiency in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic and combined orthodontic–orthognathic surgery using digital occlusal analysis. Methodology: A randomized multi-arm controlled trial was conducted on 55 patients divided into four groups, that is, group I: class I crowding/proclination required extraction for fixed orthodontic treatment, group II: class II div 1 required orthodontic treatment and/or myofunctional therapy, group III: skeletal class II required combined orthodontic and orthognathic surgical treatment, and group IV: skeletal class III required combined orthodontic and orthognathic surgical treatment. The pre-treatment, before debonding, and 1 year after debonding assessment of occlusion were carried out using T-Scan. The repeated analysis of variance (rANOVA) test along with post-hoc analysis was carried out for intra-group and inter-group assessments using SPSS (version 21, USA). The significance level was set at a ‘P’ value less than 0.05. Results: rANOVA measurement in groups I, II, and III showed a significant difference with respect to maximum bite force difference between right and left sides, anterior and posterior region, and left lateral disclusion time. However, group IV showed a significant difference with respect to maximum bite force in the anterior and posterior region as well as right and left lateral disclusion time only. Further application of the post-hoc Tukey test found a significant difference between the To value to T1 and T2 among all four groups. Conclusion: Improved bite force was found in all malocclusion groups which was gradual in improvement from pre-treatment to post-treatment and a subsequent retention phase. The study also reported the utility of digital occlusal assessment devices as reliable, repeatable, reproducible, and user-friendly in the determination of dynamic occlusion.
Mechanism of tornado funnel formation

The mechanism of formation of a tornado funnel was observed in a specially designed facility for tornado simulation. In this facility, a tornado cyclone is first simulated at the exit of a vortex generator. Interaction of this vortex with a ground plane is found to be responsible for the funnel formation. Time‐averaged velocity measurements indicate that a smaller, but highly concentrated vortex core is developed upward from the ground plane due to the horizontal convergence motion induced by the above interaction. The flow visualization technique has revealed that the funnel cloud is the downward extension of its parent cloud inside this invisible concentrated vortex core. This is possibly the fluid mechanical phenomenon of axial flow reversal usually occurring in a converging or diverging swirling flow.
ABCD MATRIX FORMALISM OF FRACTIONAL FOURIER OPTICS

The use of the ABCD matrix formalism to study fractional Fourier transforms (FRFTs) opens new perspectives on the optical implementation of the FRFTs and on the analysis and synthesis of optical systems. ABCD matrices of basic geometries implementing perfect and imperfect FRFTs are presented. The ABCD matrix method is used to demonstrate the cascading performances of FRFT elementary units and to support the established cascading rules. The matrix formalism is used to show that real and complex optical systems realize FRFTs of complex order.
Koplienko–Neidhardt trace formula for pairs of contraction operators and pairs of maximal dissipative operators

We present a generalization of Koplienko–Neidhardt trace formula for pairs of Hilbert space operators (T , V ) with T contractive and V unitary such that T – V is a Hilbert–Schmidt operator. We extend the result to pairs of contractions and then, via Cayley transform, to pairs of maximal dissipative operators. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
First-order reversal curves diagrams for the characterization of ferroelectric switching

A method to describe the switching characteristics of the ferroelectrics is proposed, using the first-order reversal curve (FORC) diagrams. On these diagrams, the reversible and irreversible contributions to the ferroelectric polarization can be clearly separated. They are extremely sensitive to the changes of the hysteresis loops induced by degradation of the ferroelectric polarization, such as fatigue. Sharp in the fresh state, the FORC distribution becomes wide with its maximum shifted towards higher fields after 109 switching cycles. A strong increase of the reversible component was found in the fatigue state. With appropriate interpretation, these diagrams could be valuable as “fingerprints” of the switching characteristics of the ferroelectric systems in a particular state.