Actual Record Research Articles

Far infrared laser, high resolution submillimeter wave, far infrared, and infrared, spectroscopy of molecule of astrophysical significance: deuterated methanol species [formula omitted

In this report, a wide range of spectroscopic studies was undertaken on the astrophysical significant deuterated methanol (CD3OD) species. In the submillimeter wave(SMMW) wave a large number of very accurate spectral line positions in the useful range of 130-750GHz have been reported. The actual spectral recording of the spectrum in the range 325-344GHz with a high signal to noise ratio (S/N) have been presented. These will serve the radio astronomers a laboratory back-up to detect this species in interstellar space which will help to determine the deuterium/Hydrogen (D/H) ratio to understand the evolution of chemistry and the formation process of large molecules in space. At the low temperature of interstellar space, the quantum tunneling effect can be better understood by the deuterium fragmentation process. The study is extended in the far-infrared (FIR) region by high-resolution Fourier transform measurements. The spectral lines originating in the first excited state and those terminating in the first excited states have been assigned. About 2500 lines have been identified and atlas of the assigned lines along with previously not repotted, lines have been reported. The Hamiltonian model used has been clearly explained in terms of rotation and torsional-rotational molecular motion. All the SMMW(accuracy±100kHz) lines along with the FIR lines (accuracy ±0.0004cm-1) have been fitted with the model and the parameters determined. The molecular parameters reproduce the measured transition wavenumbers approximately within the experimental uncertainty. It should be noted the exact term values for the connected ground state levels are included in an Appendix-1, for economy this is submitted as a depository. In the infrared (IR) region a number of vibrational bands have been recorded but the presence of water vapour hindered the analysis work. However, with the knowledge of the molecular parameters and low-resolution knowledge about 10 different CO2 lasers pumped FIR laser system have been assigned and a number of FIR lines have been predicted.

Single-pulse phase-contrast imaging at free-electron lasers in the hard X-ray regime

X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) have opened up unprecedented opportunities for time-resolved nano-scale imaging with X-rays. Near-field propagation-based imaging, and in particular near-field holography (NFH) in its high-resolution implementation in cone-beam geometry, can offer full-field views of a specimen's dynamics captured by single XFEL pulses. To exploit this capability, for example in optical-pump/X-ray-probe imaging schemes, the stochastic nature of the self-amplified spontaneous emission pulses, i.e. the dynamics of the beam itself, presents a major challenge. In this work, a concept is presented to address the fluctuating illumination wavefronts by sampling the configuration space of SASE pulses before an actual recording, followed by a principal component analysis. This scheme is implemented at the MID (Materials Imaging and Dynamics) instrument of the European XFEL and time-resolved NFH isperformed using aberration-corrected nano-focusing compound refractive lenses. Specifically, the dynamics of a micro-fluidic water-jet, which is commonly used as sample delivery system at XFELs, is imaged. The jet exhibits rich dynamics of droplet formation in the break-up regime. Moreover, pump-probe imaging is demonstrated using an infrared pulsed laser to induce cavitation and explosion of the jet.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Action: Planning, Leadership, and Programming. Christine Bombaro, ed. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions, 2020. 208p. Paper.

Christine Bombaro’s edited volume, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Action: Planning, Leadership, and Programming, is thoughtful, useful, and timely. Bombaro, associate director at the Dickinson College library, introduces this compilation by framing as a moral problem the gap between academic librarianship’s stated goals around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and its actual record. She argues that we must move beyond “merely trying our best” to actually “getting it right” (xii). Bombaro’s introduction and the first chapter serve to ground the book with historical and theoretical context around DEI in academic libraries and argue persuasively that we must move past dialogue to taking action. The chapters that follow offer case studies by academic library practitioners who describe actions taken in their institutions. Each chapter follows a similar structure, with literature reviews, case details, discussion, and careful footnoting. This book covers topics that include organizational goals and plans around DEI, developing cultural competencies for library staff, barriers to workforce diversity, and the development of models for how libraries can better serve the diverse communities with whom we work.

Robust Sound Source Tracking Using SRP-PHAT and 3D Convolutional Neural Networks

In this paper, we present a new single sound source DOA estimation and tracking system based on the well-known SRP-PHAT algorithm and a three-dimensional Convolutional Neural Network. It uses SRP-PHAT power maps as input features of a fully convolutional causal architecture that uses 3D convolutional layers to accurately perform the tracking of a sound source even in highly reverberant scenarios where most of the state of the art techniques fail. Unlike previous methods, since we do not use bidirectional recurrent layers and all our convolutional layers are causal in the time dimension, our system is feasible for real-time applications and it provides a new DOA estimation for each new SRP-PHAT map. To train the model, we introduce a new procedure to simulate random trajectories as they are needed during the training, equivalent to an infinite-size dataset with high flexibility to modify its acoustical conditions such as the reverberation time. We use both acoustical simulations on a large range of reverberation times and the actual recordings of the LOCATA dataset to prove the robustness of our system and its good performance even using low-resolution SRP-PHAT maps.

Cost-effective Baseline Studies for Induced Seismicity Monitoring Related to CO2 Storage Site Preparation

Induced seismicity has been identified as one of the key showstoppers for the safety of geological CO2 storage sites. The selection procedure for adequate storage sites therefore needs to include the assessment of the seismic hazard. Such studies include the mapping of active seismic faults and understanding their maximum magnitude potential. In addition, the injection and related pore pressure changes will result in stress field changes in, around and outside of the reservoir. These stress field changes can reach several kilometres outside of the field and have the potential to trigger seismicity on faults that are critically stressed, i.e. close to failure. To better assess the stress field conditions in certain regions, knowledge on the seismic activity of regional faults is important. This is generally conducted by recording a baseline of the seismicity. Having established such baseline seismicity, subsequent changes in the seismicity level can be rapidly identified during continuous monitoring. Hence, seismicity that is induced or triggered due to the injection, can be separated from the baseline seismic activity and evaluated accordingly. Based on the location, strength, mechanism and pattern of the seismicity, an estimate of both the short-term and long-term hazard can provide a decision basis on how to proceed with an injection programme. The establishing of a stable baseline-seismicity-estimate may require many years of recording within the area of interest, given a sufficiently dense deployment of seismometers. How long the actual recording time should last is dependent on the earthquake activity in the region and on the expected magnitude range that the baseline should cover. Ideally, a dense network of sensors can be deployed directly above the anticipated storage site, with sensors in shallow boreholes. In most cases of offshore CO2 storage, the deployment of a network of seismometers or geophones above the target storage site with the sole purpose of establishing a baseline is economically prohibitive. The main costs for such an offshore deployment are related to the shipping and sensor deployment, and different solutions for power consumption, which need to be properly evaluated. There is a variety of sea-floor sensors available, ranging from industry standard 4C geophones to broad-band Ocean Bottom Seismometers. Deployment methods also vary from rope installation to free-fall and pop-up to ROV operated installation. Noise from seismic interferences (shooting), platform noise and vessels also need to be considered, along with fishery/trawling routes and other offshore infrastructure. Consequently, a method to establish the baseline seismicity from land would be preferable. A very cost-effective, alternative approach to monitoring seismicity from far distances is the use of seismic arrays. By placing a number of seismometers in a certain spatial pattern, this technology takes advantage of the local coherency of the seismic wavefield while simultaneously reducing the noise. This methodology is well-known to and applied in the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, where seismic arrays are used for global monitoring. This technology is especially useful if a deployment of sensors close-by or above an area of interest is not possible. For offshore CO2 storage sites, the only cost-effective long-term installation would be onshore, which must take into account the distance to the target region, anthropogenic noise sources, property rights and other borders. To demonstrate this technology, a temporary seismic array has been installed on the Norwegian coastline with the sensor setup evaluated for both its ability for noise reduction and signal improvement. Together with single sensors along the coastline, this temporary array installation is analysed in terms of its detection capabilities and thus ability for providing an adequate seismicity baseline. Ultimately, such an array can easily be converted into a permanent installation and hence provide a continuous record of the seismic activity throughout the CO2 injection period and during the post-injection phase. The first results from a small sub-set of sensors provide encouraging results towards improved detection capabilities.

Risk Factors for 100-Year Flood Events in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States.

Anecdotal information indicates that streams in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States experience more extreme flood events than might be expected. This leads to the question of whether this is an unfounded perception or if these extreme events are actually occurring more than should be expected. If the latter is true, is this due solely to randomness, or alternately to characteristics that make certain watersheds more prone to repeated events that may be defined as 100-year or greater floods? These questions are investigated through analysis of flood events based on standard flood frequency analysis. 100-year streamflow rates for stream gages were estimated using Bulletin 17B flood frequency analysis methods, and the probability of the annual peak flow record for each gage was calculated. These probabilities were compared to a set of synthetic probabilities to evaluate their distribution. This comparison indicates that for the Mid-Atlantic region as a whole, the Bulletin 17B method does not systematically over or underestimate flood frequency. A Random Forest model of probability of actual flood record (PAFR) versus watershed and stream gage characteristics was developed and used to understand if certain characteristics are associated with PAFR. This analysis indicated that unexpected numbers of large flood events in a stream gage period of record can be attributed primarily to randomness, but there is some correlation with watershed and gage characteristics including weighted skew, drainage area, and mean annual peak discharge. The results indicate that watersheds with high values of these characteristics may warrant advanced flood frequency methods.

Forest Trees as Naturally Available Seismic Metamaterials: Low Frequency Rayleigh Wave with Extremely Wide Bandgaps

This paper presents a comprehensive study and it concludes that the resonance of forest trees with properly aligned conditions precisely working as naturally available locally resonant metamaterials that are equipped with wonderful capability of generating low frequency extremely wide bandgaps in the earthquake frequency range of interest. At the geophysical scale, the propagation of Rayleigh wave in the soft sedimentary soil basin experiences strong wave attenuation when the longitudinal resonant modes of trees are coupled with vertical component of the Rayleigh wave that mimic wave hybridization phenomena. A finite element-based numerical technique is adopted and we considered a total of 10 cases where spacing, height, thickness and mechanical properties of resonant trees are varied to study the Rayleigh wave propagation and attenuation mechanism. The trapping and/or mode conversion of Rayleigh wave by resonant trees is observed as dominant phenomena for wave attenuation. A time history analysis is conducted based on an actual earthquake record to validate the performance and efficiency of the bandgaps. The effects of ground stiffness, resonant tree mechanical and geometric properties on the bandgaps are also discussed. The study explores another peculiar characteristic of the forest trees that controls the propagation of seismic wave to protect a region from earthquake hazards. Our study may motivate the relevant organizations, authorities and global communities on the needs of forestation to reduce the earthquake catastrophe.

Wireless, miniaturized, semi-implantable electrocorticography microsystem validated in vivo

This paper reports on the design, development, and test of a multi-channel wireless micro-electrocorticography (µECoG) system. The system consists of a semi-implantable, ultra-compact recording unit and an external unit, interfaced through a 2.4 GHz radio frequency data telemetry link with 2 Mbps (partially used) data transfer rate. Encased in a 3D-printed 2.9 cm × 2.9 cm × 2.5 cm cubic package, the semi-implantable recording unit consists of a microelectrode array, a vertically-stacked PCB platform containing off-the-shelf components, and commercially-available small-size 3.7-V, 50 mAh lithium-ion batteries. Two versions of microelectrode array were developed for the recording unit: a rigid 4 × 2 microelectrode array, and a flexible 12 × 6 microelectrode array, 36 of which routed to bonding pads for actual recording. The external unit comprises a transceiver board, a data acquisition board, and a host computer, on which reconstruction of the received signals is performed. After development, assembly, and integration, the system was tested and validated in vivo on anesthetized rats. The system successfully recorded both spontaneous and evoked activities from the brain of the subject.

Validation of virtual resection on intraoperative interictal data acquired during epilepsy surgery

Objective. A ‘Virtual resection’ consists of computationally simulating the effect of an actual resection on the brain. We validated two functional connectivity based virtual resection methods with the actual connectivity measured using post-resection intraoperative recordings. Approach. A non-linear association index was applied to pre-resection recordings from 11 extra-temporal focal epilepsy patients. We computed two virtual resection strategies: first, a ‘naive’ one obtained by simply removing from the connectivity matrix the electrodes that were resected; second, a virtual resection with partialization accounting for the influence of resected electrodes on not-resected electrodes. We validated the virtual resections with two analysis: (1) we tested with a Kolmogorov-Smirnov test if the distributions of connectivity values after the virtual resections differed from the actual post-resection connectivity distribution; (2) we tested if the overall effect of the resection measured by contrasting pre-resection and post-resection connectivity values is detectable with the virtual resection approach using a Kolmogorv-Smirnov test. Main results. The estimation of post-resection connectivity values did not succeed for both methods. In the second analysis, the naive method failed completely to detect the effect found between pre-resection and post-resection connectivity distributions, while the partialization method agreed with post-resection measurements in detecting a drop connectivity compared to pre-resection recordings. Our findings suggest that the partialization technique is superior to the naive method in detecting the overall effect after the resection. Significance. We pointed out how a realistic validation based on actual post-resection recordings reveals that virtual resection methods are not yet mature to inform the clinical decision-making.

The Different LVRT Control Strategy of Wind Generator Suppressing for Transient Overvoltage by DC Commutation Failure

At present, the characteristics of large capacity DC and high proportion of new energy centralized delivery is showed for power system of China. The ability of UHVDC to transmit new energy is severely reduced for caused transient overvoltage after AC/DC contingencies and further research is urgently needed. Firstly, the transient overvoltage caused by DC commutation failure is analyzed based on the large-scale wind power centralized delivery of the actual power system. Then, the physical mechanisms of transient overvoltage of converter station and wind farms resulted are analyzed by the actual power system DC commutation failure contingencies recorder. The impact of wind generator low voltage ride through (LVRT) active/reactive power characteristics for transient overvoltage is emphatically analyzed. Finally, all the analysis results are verified through simulation of practical case systems. The study can provide technical references to safe and stable operation of the power system in new situation.

Addressing Pitfalls in Phase-Amplitude Coupling Analysis with an Extended Modulation Index Toolbox

Phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) is proposed to play an essential role in coordinating the processing of information on local and global scales. In recent years, the methods able to reveal trustworthy PAC has gained considerable interest. However, the intrinsic features of some signals can lead to the identification of spurious or waveform-dependent coupling. This prompted us to develop an easily accessible tool that could be used to differentiate spurious from authentic PAC. Here, we propose a new tool for more reliable detection of PAC named the Extended Modulation Index (eMI) based on the classical Modulation Index measure of coupling. eMI is suitable both for continuous and epoched data and allows estimation of the statistical significance of each pair of frequencies for phase and for amplitude in the whole comodulogram in the framework of extreme value statistics. We compared eMI with the reference PAC measures—direct PAC estimator (a modification of Mean Vector Length) and standard Modulation Index. All three methods were tested using computer-simulated data and actual local field potential recordings from freely moving rats. All methods exhibited similar properties in terms of sensitivity and specificity of PAC detection. eMI proved to be more selective in the dimension of frequency for phase. One of the novelty’s offered by eMI is a heuristic algorithm for classification of PAC as Reliable or Ambiguous. It relies on analysis of the relation between the spectral properties of the signal and the detected coupling. Moreover, eMI generates visualizations that support further evaluation of the coupling properties. It also introduces the concept of the polar phase-histogram to study phase relations of coupled slow and fast oscillations. We discuss the extent to which eMI addresses the known problems of interpreting PAC. The Matlab® toolbox implementing eMI framework, and the two reference PAC estimators is freely available as EEGLAB plugin at https://github.com/GabrielaJurkiewicz/ePAC.

Influence of different seismic motion input modes on the performance of isolated structures with different seismic measures

AbstractIn order to obtain the influence of different seismic motion input modes on the performance of isolated structures with different seismic measures, the two aspects from near-fault seismic motion velocity pulse input and different dimension seismic motion input modes are studied. The finite element model of traditional seismic and base isolation frame structure with different aspect ratios is established. The actual near-seismic strong earthquake record with forward directional effect and slipping speed pulse is used as the input method of structural seismic motion to carry out nonlinear dynamics. The different dimensional seismic motion input method is selected as the quantitative, the tensile–compression stiffness ratio is the variable, and the time-history analysis of the isolation performance of a high-rise isolated structure is carried out. The experimental results show that for structures with an aspect ratio H/B of 1, 2, 3, and 4, the smaller the aspect ratio is, the better the damping effect is; the different dimensional vibration input has less isolation performance for the isolation bearing. From small to large, it is: one-dimensional vibration input, two-dimensional vibration input, three-dimensional vibration input.

Review: Black Rights / White Wrongs: The Critique of Racial Liberalism, by Charles W. Mills

Review: Black Rights / White Wrongs: The Critique of Racial Liberalism, by Charles W. Mills

Phasor-based fault location challenges and solutions for transmission lines equipped with high-speed time-domain protective relays

This paper presents a study on the performance of phasor-based fault location methods under reduced fault period conditions. Such a scenario can arise in lines equipped with high-speed circuit breakers (CBs) and time-domain protective relays, so that the fault can be eliminated even before it reaches its steady-state. Considering this context, challenging scenarios that may arise during phasor-based fault location procedures are firstly addressed, and then statistical approaches for fault location estimation sample processing are investigated, evaluating their advantages and limitations. Initially, Alternative Transients Program (ATP) fault simulations are carried out to generate realistic fault records, which are played back into actual micro-processed relays equipped with both high-speed time-domain protection functions and phasor-based fault location algorithms. Finally, by means of tests using a Real-Time Digital Simulator (RTDSTM) and an actual Digital Fault Recorder (DFR), different procedures to analyze phasor-based fault location data are assessed. The obtained results show the statistical processing of fault location estimations can improve existing fault location procedures in some cases, but not completely solving the problem if CBs come to be faster than those in the present technology.

The constitutional economics of the World Health Organization.

This paper brings a constitutional economics perspective to bear on the World Health Organization (WHO), the flagship United Nations intergovernmental health organisation, which is obligated by its Constitution to achieve 'the highest possible level of health' for the world's peoples. The WHO has in the seven decades of its existence used its formidable legislative powers only sparingly. It has been widely chided for being weak in regional coordination and unresponsive to transnational emergencies like the West African Ebola outbreak of 2014-2016. In 2020, it found itself at the centre of the COVID-19 pandemic and in the middle of the Sino-American geopolitical tug-of-war. This paper traces the discordance between the Constitution's stated purposes and the actual track record of the WHO not back to its organisational culture nor to weak leadership but to the design of the Constitution itself. It analytically distinguishes the Constitution's expressive from its instrumental halves, and shows that, whilst the former embodies a 'constitutional moment' of international health solidarity right after the Second World War, the latter embodies a reserved and limited delegation from member-states that are jealous of their sovereignty.

The effect of particulate matter on solar photovoltaic power generation over the Republic of Korea

Degradation in air quality could be a potential factor for decreasing solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation. However, our understandings of the potential of airborne particulate matter (PM) to reduce actual solar PV power generation remain unclear. This study quantifies attenuation impacts of airborne PM on solar PV power generation on cloudless days at Yeongam and Eunpyeong-gu power plants installed in the Republic of Korea. The reduction rate of solar PV power generation according to the substantial amount of PM is calculated by constructing multiple regression models based on actual solar PV power generation record, observed meteorological parameters, and measured PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations for 2015–2017. At both power plants, PM2.5 and PM10 commonly reduce solar PV power generation by more than 10% of the maximum capacity under the conditions of ‘normal’ air quality, 35 μg m−3 and 80 μg m−3 for PM2.5 and PM10, respectively. Moreover, the reduction rate of solar PV power generation exceeds 20% of the maximum capacity under ‘bad’ air quality, 75 μg m−3 and 150 μg m−3 for PM2.5 and PM10, respectively. Results show that the negative impacts of PM on solar PV power generation should be considered in the process of policymaking on target solar power generation in Korea, as well as in countries with high PM emissions.

Use of Conditional Mean Spectra for Seismic Evaluation of RC Building Considering Soil Effects

Recently, the conditional mean spectrum (CMS) has become an important tool in ground-motion selection for seismic evaluation of structures. In the present numerical study, a 10-storey RC frame building is assumed to be situated on type-II soil and located in seismic zone V of India. The building is designed using the response spectrum analysis method of the Indian seismic code. Further, it is analysed using the nonlinear time history analysis method for three different CMS ground motions. The numerical study is performed for three cases: (1) fixed base with actual earthquake record; (2) fixed base with site-specific earthquake record considering soil amplification; and (3) flexible base considering soil–foundation flexibility and soil amplification. The results of the analysis are compared for the above-mentioned cases in terms of lateral displacement and storey drifts. It is observed that the displacement profile of the structure subjected to all the three considered ground motions is not the same, although they are matching to CMS. It is concluded that out of the two important soil effects, i.e. soil amplification and soil–foundation flexibility, soil amplification has a significant effect on the seismic response; however, the nature of response depends mainly on the ground-motion characteristics.

“Trump Shit Goes into Overdrive”: Tracing Trump on 4chan/pol/

“Trump Shit Goes into Overdrive”: Tracing Trump on 4chan/pol/

Revolutions: a twenty-first-century perspective

We held the ‘Revolutions’ conference in 2017 to commemorate the Russian Revolution and redeem the actual record of revolutions in the Third World for the left. A quarter-century after the demise of the USSR, we found liberal capitalist triumphalism unwarranted. Two of the most important expectations to which it gave rise – that the world had become ‘unipolar’ and that it would enjoy a ‘peace dividend’ – remained unfulfilled. Instead, the world became multipolar and the West, led by the United States, engaged in unprecedented economic and military aggression against countries that contested its power. If this were not enough, social unrest and explosions in the First World as well as the Third underlined the relevance of revolutions. To trace their lineage, we recall capitalism’s intimate relation with revolution. It has needed revolutions to usher it into history and to usher it out. In addition to revolutions against developed capitalism, we also underline how important and necessary revolutions against nascent capitalism in various parts of the world have been. The contributions in this volume explore different parts of this lineage and vivify revolutions for our time.

Interactive Music and Synchronous Reactive Programming

This paper presents Skini, a programming methodology and an execution environment for interactive structured music. With this system, the composer programs his scores in the HipHop.js synchronous reactive language. They are then executed, or played, in live concerts, in interaction with the audience. The system aims at helping composers to find a good balance between the determinism of the compositions and the nondeterminism of the interactions with the public. Each execution of a Skini score yields to a different but aesthetically consistent interpretation. This work raises many questions in the musical fields. How to combine composition and interaction? How to control the musical style when the audience influences what is to play next? What are the possible connections with generative music? These are important questions for the Skini system but they are out of the scope of this paper that focuses exclusively on the computer science aspects of the system. From that perspective, the main questions are how to program the scores and in which language? General purpose languages are inappropriate because their elementary constructs (i.e., variables, functions, loops, etc.) do not match the constructions needed to express music and musical constraints. We show that synchronous programming languages are a much better fit because they rely on temporal constructs that can be directly used to represent musical scores and because their malleability enables composers to experiment easily with artistic variations of their initial scores. The paper mostly focuses on scores programming. It exposes the process a composer should follow from his very first musical intuitions up to the generation of a musical artifact. The paper presents some excerpts of the programming of a classical music composition that it then precisely relates to an actual recording. Examples of techno music and jazz are also presented, with audio artifact, to demonstrate the versatility of the system. Finally, brief presentations of past live concerts are presented as an evidence of viability of the system.