Multiple Dimensional Scaling Research Articles

${\rm M}^{3}$-Deterministic, Multiscale, Multirobot Platform for Microsystems Packaging: Design and Quasi-Static Precision Evaluation

The dawn of next generation robots and systems era which is quietly emerging, requires miniaturized and integrated sensors, actuators, and entire microrobots. One of the defining characteristics of these microsystems is their multiscale nature, e.g., the span of their size, features, and tolerances across multiple dimensional scales, from the meso to the micro and nanoscales. Another defining characteristic is the need to reliably integrate heterogeneous materials via assembly and packaging, in a cost-effective manner, even in low quantities. Thus, it is argued in this paper that cost-effective manufacturing of complex microsystems requires special precision robotic assembly cells with modular and reconfigurable characteristics. This paper presents recent research aimed at developing theoretical underpinnings for how to construct such a manufacturing platform. M3 is a multirobot system spanning across the macro-meso-microscales and specifically configured to package. The M3 robots are systematically characterized in terms of quasi-static precision measures and assembly plans are generated using kinematic identification, inverse kinematics and visual servoing. The advantage of our approach the fact that high assembly yields for our system are a consequence of a set of so-called precision resolution-repeatability-accuracy (RRA) rules introduced in this paper. Experimental results for packaging of a microelectromechanical systems switch are provided to support our findings.

Analysis on paralinguistic prosody control in perceptual impression space using multiple dimensional scaling

A multi-dimensional perceptual space for communicative speech prosodies was derived using a psychometric method from multi-dimensional expressions of impressions to characterize paralinguistic information conveyed by prosody in communication. Single word utterances of “n” were employed to allow freedom from lexical effects and to cover communicative prosodic variations as much as possible. The analysis of daily conversations showed that conversational speech impressions were manifested in the global F0 control of “n” as differences of average height (high–low) and dynamic patterns (rise, fall, gradual fall, and rise&fall). Using controlled single utterances of “n”, multiple dimensional scaling analysis was applied to a mutual distance matrix obtained by 26 dimensional vectors expressing perceptual impressions. The result showed the three-dimensional structure of a perceptual impression space, and each dimension corresponded to different F0 control characteristics. The positive–negative impression can be controlled by average F0 height while confident–doubtful or allowable–unacceptable impressions can be controlled by F0 dynamic patterns. Unlike conventional categorical classification of prosodic patterns frequently observed in studies of emotional prosody, this control characterization enables us to flexibly and quantitatively describe prosodic impressions. These experimental results allow the possibility of input specifications for communicative prosody generation using impression vectors and control through average F0 height and F0 dynamic patterns. Instead of the generation of speech with categorical prototypical prosody, more adequate communicative speech synthesis can be approached through input specification and its correspondence with control characteristics.

The Nanomanufacturing Programme at the NationalScience Foundation

This paper describes the new Nanomanufacturingprogramme at the National Science Foundation (NSF). This programmefocuses on up-scaling fabrication and synthesis of functionalnanoscale structures, devices and systems. It also emphasizesintegration across multiple dimensional scales, multi-functionality across several energetic domains, and newdesign and manufacturing approaches such as biomimetics. Thepaper elaborates on key issues to this goal, including researchin precursor nanomaterials and nanoparticles; fabrication,analysis and synthesis processes; instrumentation and equipmentfor characterization and processing; theory, modelling,simulation and control; design and integration of nanodevicesand systems; and nanomanufacturing education and disseminationstrategies. The discussion suggests a number of outstandingresearch issues and topics, and illustrates them with currentresearch projects in nanomaterials processing, nanomachines andmetrology, nanosystems and design etc supported by the NSF.

Comparison of larval fish assemblages in three large estuarine systems, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The structure of the larval fish assemblages in three large estuarine systems on the KwaZulu-Natal coast of South Africa was examined using a combination of univariate, distributional and multivariate techniques. The database was comprised of a full annual set of larval fish samples taken from each estuarine system: Durban Harbour, Richards Bay Harbour and St Lucia Estuary. The mean monthly densities of each species in each system were used in the species matrix, and the mean monthly values of salinity, temperature and turbidity were used in the environmental matrix. The mean species diversity and evenness index were significantly higher in Durban Harbour (H′ = 1.03, J′ = 0.65) than in the other two systems. The cumulative dominance curve showed that St Lucia Estuary has a high dominance of a few species, with Richards Bay Harbour intermediate and Durban Harbour being the most diverse. Classification and MDS (multiple-dimensional scaling) analyses of larval fish densities in all three systems grouped together into three main clusters on the basis of system. The species similarity matrix (inverse analysis) clustered into five groups at the 25% similarity level. The MDS analysis of the same matrix showed that the groups separated out according to the degree of estuarine association of a species and hence habitat type. The species most responsible for system groupings were: Glossogobius callidus, Gilchristella aestuaria, Stolephorus holodon, Croilia mossambica and Gobiid 12. The “best fitting” of the environmental variables to explain the larval fish community patterns in each system was turbidity on its own (weighted Spearman's rank correlation, ρw = 0.55). The relationship of larval densities to environmental conditions was shown to be species-specific with estuarine species (e.g. G. callidus and G. aestuaria), having a strong positive correlation with temperature and turbidity but negative correlations with salinity. In summary, much longer term studies with more sites within each system are needed to assess whether the larval fish assemblages are stable or at an equilibrium (both spatially and temporally) and whether these assemblages are indicative of the relative “health” and nursery function of the system.

Television's Portrayal of the Environment: 1991–1995

This paper examines data from an ongoing project which content analyzes television's messages about environmental issues. The data are weeklong samples taken yearly from prime-time network television programs sampled in the Boston, Massachusetts, and Ithaca, New York, areas. We analyze the environment as a “theme” in prime-time entertainment programming, recording its prevalence in comparison to other themes. A multiple dimensional scaling shows how the environment appears in relation to other themes on television. Also, we analyze “episodes” in television programs which have specific environmental content. Our data show that attention to environmental issues has been decreasing in our sample years 1991 to 1995.

Integrating social and financial goals toward more balanced new technology decisions

Abstract Many practitioners would agree that, in order to maximize long-term shareholder wealth, social costs should be incorporated into financial decisions. More than constant reminders, they need concrete methods by which to move beyond their traditional ways. This article presents a capital budgeting model that considers both social and financial dimensions of new technology decisions. The model, utilizing the multiple dimensional scaling procedure, allows decision makers to incorporate the uncertainties of costs from new technology borne by the firm and society.

漢方処方の構造解析 (第4報)

The group of 12 “Shimotsu-to rui” chinese medical prescriptions containing Angelica acutiloba Kitag., Cnidium officinale Mak., Paeonia lactiflora Pall. and Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) Libosch were analysed by multiple dimensional scaling analysis (M-D-SCAL), quantification of the third type (QT-III) and cluster analysis (C.A.).M-D-SCAL were carried out in 2 ways, by that of the angle method and the Jaccard's coefficient. Using the angle method in analysing the 12 prescriptions, the “Orengedoku-to” groups and the diuretic & peptic prescription groups were clarified and some prescriptions containing specific herbs were located in a marginal region, and these locations were fit for traditional information.QT-III gave a simular location of the prescriptions to the result of the M-D-SCAL with Jaccard's coefficient. In this method, not only the prescriptions, but also the herbs simultaneously can be located. This made possible the interpretation of the intra-relations between the 12 prescriptions, in terms of the axis pertaining to the herbs. Certain herbs consistently fall into the same categorical region, indicating a shared relationship and corresponding to the traditionally conceived “Yaku-tsui” or “paired herbs”.

Analysis of Polypharmacy-Structure of Chinese Medical Prescription (II)

The group of 12 “Shimotsu-to rui” chinese medical prescriptions containing Angelica acutiloba Kitag., Cnidium officinale Mak., Paeonia lactiflora Pall. and Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) Libosch were analysed by multiple dimensional scaling analysis (M-D-SCAL), quantification of the third type (QT-III) and cluster analysis (C.A.).M-D-SCAL were carried out in 2 ways, by that of the angle method and the Jaccard's coefficient. Using the angle method in analysing the 12 prescriptions, the “Orengedoku-to” groups and the diuretic & peptic prescription groups were clarified and some prescriptions containing specific herbs were located in a marginal region, and these locations were fit for traditional information.QT-III gave a simular location of the prescriptions to the result of the M-D-SCAL with Jaccard's coefficient. In this method, not only the prescriptions, but also the herbs simultaneously can be located. This made possible the interpretation of the intra-relations between the 12 prescriptions, in terms of the axis pertaining to the herbs. Certain herbs consistently fall into the same categorical region, indicating a shared relationship and corresponding to the traditionally conceived “Yaku-tsui” or “paired herbs”.