Soft Transition Research Articles

Evolving Marine Predators Algorithm by dynamic foraging strategy for real-world engineering optimization problems

The Marine Predators Algorithm (MPA) is a novel hunting-based optimizer. The MPA’s central concept is based on the well-known Lévy Flight (LF) and Brownian Motion (BM) strategies as well as a simple transition model between these two strategies. The canonical MPA proposes three static steps to tune the transition behavior between the LF and BM strategies. Although MPA provides exemplary performance in many test functions, the discrete transition between the two mentioned phases causes it to get stuck in local optima when faced with real-world optimization problems. In order to address this shortcoming, this paper proposes a soft dynamic transition between LF and BM to model this encounter naturally, considering the continuous nature of the transition between LF and BM in marine predators’ real life. In order to evaluate the performance of the developed Dynamic Foraging Strategy MPA (DFSMPA), twenty-nine optimization test functions, thirty complex CEC-BC-2017 functions, ten benchmarks of CEC06-2019 test suit, and ten real applicable engineering problems, including power system design, synthesis and process design, industrial chemical producer, power-electronic design, mechanical design, and animal feed ratio, are employed. The DFSMPA is evaluated against four groups of standard optimization approaches, including (1) Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm (AOA), Slime Mould Algorithm (SMA), Equilibrium Optimizer (EO), Niching Chimp Optimization Algorithm (ChOA), Henry Gas Solubility Optimization (HGSO) as recent optimization algorithms, (2) Lévy Flight GWO (LGWO) and Evolutionary Algorithms with Adaptive Lévy Mutations (EALM) as the two best dynamic Lévy-based optimization algorithms, (3) SHADE, CMA-ES, and LSHADESPACMA as the three state-of-the-art optimization algorithms, and jDE100, DISHchain1e+12, CIPDE, and EBOwithCMAR as best performing algorithms in IEEE CEC06-2019 competition. Three non-parametric statistical tests, including the Wilcoxon rank-sum, Bonferroni–Dunn and Holm, and Friedman average rank tests, are utilized to perform a comprehensive assessment. The results show that the DFSMPA achieved the first rank among 46 out of 70 benchmark functions and engineering problems and exhibited similar results compared with SHADE and CMA-ES in other benchmarks. The statistical analysis demonstrated that DFSMPA is a significantly superior optimizer than the three first categories’ benchmark algorithms, while its result is statistically similar to jDE100, DISHchain1e+12.

Investigation of the tribochemical reaction mechanism in dry-type CMP of 6H-SiC substrate

ABSTRACT In this paper, the tribochemical reaction mechanism between solid powder and 6H-SiC substrate was investigated. White light interferometer was used to detect surface roughness, FESEM was used to observe surface characteristics, EDS was used to detect surface elements and XRD was used to detect surface components. The tribochemical reaction mechanism of the reduced iron powder, anhydrous sodium carbonate and deionized water with 6H-SiC was analysed by the detection results. It is found that the reduced iron powder, anhydrous sodium carbonate and deionized water react with the 6H-SiC surface to form a soft interfacial transition layer which can be removed. The removal rate of the reduced iron powder is the highest at 191 nm h–1. The surface quality decreases after polishing with the anhydrous sodium carbonate. The results of this study provide a new idea for the field of ultra-precision machining.

Hooks Versus Pedicle Screws at the Upper Instrumented Level: An In Vitro Biomechanical Comparison.

Controlled laboratory study. The aim was to compare motions at the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) and supra-adjacent level (UIV+1) between two fixation techniques in thoracic posterior spinal fusion constructs. We hypothesized there would be greater motion at UIV+1 after cyclic loading across all constructs and bilateral pedicle screws (BPSs) with posterior ligamentous compromise would demonstrate the greatest UIV+1 range of motion. Proximal junctional kyphosis is a well-recognized complication following long thoracolumbar posterior spinal fusion, however, its mechanism is poorly understood. Twenty-seven thoracic functional spine units were randomly divided into three UIV fixation groups (n=9): (1) BPS, (2) bilateral transverse process hooks (TPHs), and (3) BPS with compromise of the posterior elements between UIV and UIV+1 (BPS-C). Specimens were tested on a servohydraulic materials testing system in native state, following instrumentation, and after cyclic loading. functional spine units were loaded in flexion-extension (FE), lateral bending, and axial rotation. After cyclic testing, the TPH group had a mean 29.4% increase in FE range of motion at UIV+1 versus 76.6% in the BPS group ( P <0.05). The BPS-C group showed an increased FE of 49.9% and 62.19% with sectioning of the facet joints and interspinous ligament respectively prior to cyclic testing. BPSs at the UIV led to greater motion at UIV+1 compared to bilateral TPH after cyclic loading. This is likely due to the increased rigidity of BPS compared to TPH leading to a "softer" transition between the TPH construct and native anatomy at the supra-adjacent level. Facet capsule compromise led to a 49.9% increase in UIV+1 motion, underscoring the importance of preserving the posterior ligamentous complex. Clinical studies that account for fusion rates are warranted to determine if constructs with a "soft transition" result in less proximal junctional kyphosis in vivo .

Finite size corrections relating to distributions of the length of longest increasing subsequences

Considered are the large N, or large intensity, forms of the distribution of the length of the longest increasing subsequences for various models. Earlier work has established that for finite N or finite intensity these distributions relate to certain hard edge distribution functions in random matrix theory, with the limit laws corresponding to a hard to soft edge transition. By analysing this transition, we supplement and extend results of Baik and Jenkins for the Hammersley model and symmetrisations, which give that the leading correction is proportional to z−2/3, where z2 is the intensity of the Poisson rate, and provide a functional form of the leading correction. Our methods give the functional form both in terms of Fredholm operator theoretic quantities, and in terms of Painlevé transcendents. For random permutations and their symmetrisations, numerical analysis of exact enumerations and simulations gives compelling evidence that the leading corrections are proportional to N−1/3, and moreover provides an approximation to their graphical forms.

Destructive osteochondral fracture of the lateral femoral condyle following traumatic patella dislocation

This is a mid-20s male who presented following a stumble down several steps. The patient at the time of injury was three months postop femoral MPFL avulsion and subsequent anchor refixation, subsequent to a first episode of traumatic lateral patella dislocation. The initial postoperative course was unremarkable, the patient describing no subjective patella instability or knee problems. The current injury was not sustained because of a recurrence of dislocation rather it appears that in the process of falling, the patella has dislocated laterally with a medial bony avulsion of the medial capsuloligamentous attachment. Additionally evident is a degree of bony injury to the lateral femoral condyle. The extent of this injury was initially underappreciated on imaging, but became evident at time of surgery, which we will see. This patient does have a dysplastic trochlea with medial trochlea hyperplasia, a small thin patella with low lateral patellar facet angle. The Wiberg angle is almost unrecognizable with a soft transition between medial and lateral facets. On the lateral plane films, we can appreciate a marked trochlea bump and although not evident on the presented films, a positive crossing sign .

Glass transition of random heteropolymers: A molecular dynamics simulation study in melt, in water, and in vacuum

Random heteropolymers (RHPs) have a long history of being studied as toy models for protein folding. Previous computational studies applied statistical mechanics or coarse-grained methods to investigate the RHP phase transition; here, we use atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to explore the factors affecting the glass transition temperature (Tg) and the mobility of a complex class of RHPs. Our RHPs consist of four methyl methacrylate-based monomers with side chains mimicking different classes of amino acids. We explore the dynamical features in the RHP melts with random sequence mixtures and show that instead of a sharp pseudo-second-order glass transition, as for PMMA, RHPs with low ionic contents show a soft and gradual transition and those with increased content of ionic monomers show a sharp transition. Meanwhile, the configurational entropy of the backbone dihedral angle decreases suddenly in both PMMA and RHPs as a common signature of the glass transition. The dynamical spatial heterogeneity during the glass transition is related to both the chemical structure of the monomers and their positions along the chain. Moreover, chain mobility depends on the content of ionic monomers and types of counterions. The comparison with the single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) in water and in vacuum shows “breathing dynamics” with higher mobility. Our work characterizes the physicochemical properties of the RHP melts as a group of emerging bio-inspired polymer materials.

Arithmetic Progression Switched-Capacitor DC–DC Converter Topology With Soft VCR Transitions and Quasi-Symmetric Two-Phase Charge Delivery

This article presents an arithmetic progression (AP) switched-capacitor (SC) dc–dc converter topology for systematic step-down reconfigurable rational voltage conversion ratio (VCR) generation while exhibiting soft VCR transitions and quasi-symmetric two-phase charge delivery. The proposed AP topology features fixed steady-state voltage in all the flying capacitors ( <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$C_{\mathrm {FLY}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> ) irrespective of VCR change, essentially eliminating the internal <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$C_{\mathrm {FLY}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> hard-charging loss due to voltage rebalancing, effectively improving the overall dynamic efficiency. It also achieves optimal steady-state slow-/fast-switching loss. Furthermore, due to the inherent quasi-symmetric output charge ( <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$Q_{\mathrm {OUT}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> ) delivery property in the two-phase switching operations, the proposed topology alleviates the VCR-dependent imbalanced per-phase <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$Q_{\mathrm {OUT}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> delivery to relax the <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$C_{\mathrm {OUT}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> requirement in a single-branch converter implementation. We propose a cross-coupled bootstrapping driver (XCBD) operated at half of the converter switching frequency ( <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$f_{\mathrm {SW}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> ) to adaptively control the flying power switches without relying on dual-branch interleaved architecture. Fabricated in 65-nm CMOS, the implemented AP chip prototype achieves a step-down VCR of 5:4/3/2/1 and converts a 1.5-V input to a 0.18–1.19-V output. With a measured steady-state peak power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 93.7%, this work can deliver a maximum output current of 400 mA while attaining an average conversion efficiency of up to 89% under a periodic VCR transition at 100 kHz as benefitted from the intrinsic soft VCR transition and low conduction loss properties.

Sustainable recovery for people and the planet through spirituality-induced connectedness in the hospitality and tourism industry

PurposeThis paper aims to propose a conceptual model which can be used in tourism and hospitality organizations to nurture human behavior change in favor of people and the planet's well-being.Design/methodology/approachA detailed review of the relevant theories and previous studies was conducted in this study.FindingsEight propositions have emerged in this research illustrating the mechanisms through which spiritual leadership within organizations can lead to a sustainable recovery of people and the planet during and post-pandemic era.Practical implicationsIn line with the United Nation's agenda for sustainable development goals, this paper provides important insights for managers, policymakers, and practitioners on a soft transition toward sustainable business practices as an attempt toward the social, environmental, and economic prosperity for people and the planet.Originality/valueThis research is one of the few studies exploring the contribution of spiritual leadership in tourism and hospitality organizations to the well-being of people and the planet.

Explorations on properties of ε′ phase and new crystalline phase of Fe3Ge alloy under high pressures

We calculated the lattice dynamics, elasticity, electron spin polarizability P(EF), and electron specific heat coefficient γ of the L12-Fe3Ge crystalline alloy under high pressure using first-principles method based on density functional theory. By comparing the lattice dynamics and elasticity of the ferromagnetic and non-magnetic systems, it can be found that the spontaneous magnetization of the system induces the dynamic stability of the system at low pressure (less than 6 GPa). Furthermore, the magnetostriction induced by the spontaneous magnetization enhances the elastic modulus of the system. With the increase of pressure, in the pressure range of 130-290 GPa where the spin magnetic moment of the system decreases sharply, the elastic modulus exhibits an abnormal behavior, which leads to double peaks in Poisson's ratio v and Pugh's ratio B/G, correspondingly, double valleys appear in shear modulus G, Young's modulus E and Debye temperature ΘD, which are associated with dynamic instability in the 130-290 GPa. Finally, for the phonon spectrum at 260 GPa with a significant imaginary frequency, the metastable orthogonal Fmmm structure is obtained using the soft mode phase transition theory. After comparing the enthalpy differences with different structures, it is found that the ferromagnetic Fmmm structure is a metastable phase, which is dynamic stable at 0 GPa and 260 GPa.

Enhanced hardness and conductivity motivated by Ni and Co doping in β-MoB2

Searching for high hardness conductors in transition metal borides (TMBs) is important, which can be used in extreme environment. But hardness and conductivity are contradictory due to high hardness is caused by local electrons to form covalent bonds and better conductivity arises from free electrons of metal bonds. Simultaneously obtaining high hardness and better conductivity is still a challenge. In this work, a new strategy is suggested by doping soft transition metals (Ni/Co) into TMBs (β-MoB2 (R3¯m)). This strategy avoids strengthening the ionic or covalent bonds to enhance hardness, but utilizing low-doping-content-strengthen (LDCS) mechanism to enhance hardness. The LDCS is found in the doping content of 3% in Co0.03Mo0.97B2 and Ni0.03Mo0.97B2, and hardness of Co0.03Mo0.97B2 is 29.5–22.0 GPa from 0.49 N to 9.8 N, which is about 10% higher than β-MoB2. The electrical resistivity of NixMo(1-x)B2 and CoxMo(1-x)B2 reaches 10−7 Ω·m which is about an order of magnitude better than β-MoB2. The better conductivity is attributed to Co/Ni atoms stimulating Mo atoms to offer more free electrons in the structure. This work suggests a new sight of simultaneously enhance hardness and conductivity by doped soft transition metals, and it is significant for the future research of functional hard materials.

Multi Source Electric Vehicles: Smooth Transition Algorithm for Transient Ripple Minimization

Any engineering system involves transitions that reduce the performance of the system and lower its comfort. In the field of automotive engineering, the combination of multiple motors and multiple power sources is a trend that is being used to enhance hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) propulsion and autonomy. However, HEV riding comfort is significantly reduced because of high peaks that occur during the transition from a single power source to a multisource powering mode or from a single motor to a multiple motor traction mode. In this study, a novel model-based soft transition algorithm (STA) is used for the suppression of large transient ripples that occur during HEV drivetrain commutations and power source switches. In contrast to classical abrupt switching, the STA detects transitions, measures their rates, generates corresponding transition periods, and uses adequate transition functions to join the actual and the targeted operating points of a given HEV system variable. As a case study, the STA was applied to minimize the transition ripples that occur in a fuel cell-supercapacitor HEV. The transitions that occurred within the HEV were handled using two proposed transition functions which were: a linear-based transition function and a stair-based transition function. The simulation results show that, in addition to its ability to improve driving comfort by minimizing transient torque ripples and DC bus voltage fluctuations, the STA helps to increase the lifetime of the motor and power sources by reducing the currents drawn during the transitions. It is worth noting that the considered HEV runs on four-wheel drive when the load torque applied on it exceeds a specified torque threshold; otherwise, it operates in rear-wheel drive.

Polyurethane shape memory filament yarns: Melt spinning, carbon-based reinforcement, and characterization

The aim of this work was to develop and characterize polyurethane-based shape memory polymer filament yarns of a suitable diameter and thermo-mechanical performance for use in tailored multi-sectorial applications. Different polymer compositions – pure shape memory polyurethane and shape memory polyurethane composites with 0.3 and 0.5 wt.% of multi-walled carbon nanotubes or carbon black as additives – were studied. Filaments were obtained using a melt spinning process that allowed the production of the permanent and temporary shape of the shape memory polyurethane filament. Two drawing speeds (20 and 32 m/min) were studied. Characterization techniques such as the tensile test, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanical analysis were used to investigate the shape-memory effect of the filaments. Pure and additive shape memory polyurethane filament yarns of a controlled diameter were produced. The results indicated that the pure shape memory polyurethane on the temporary shape had the highest tensile strength (234 MPa). Filaments with carbon black revealed a significant strain (335%) in the permanent shape with respect to the other filaments. The melt spinning process influenced the soft segment glass transition temperature (Tgs) significantly, with a decrease in the temporary shape (first heating) as compared to the permanent shape (second and third heating). However, only the 0.5% multi-walled carbon nanotubes additive clearly influenced the filament, increasing the Tgs by 10°C. The additives also influenced the shape-memory effect, obtaining an increased fixity ratio (up to 97%) with the multi-walled carbon nanotubes additive and an increased recovery ratio (up to 86%) with the carbon black additive.

Techniques to Achieve Stretchable Photovoltaic Devices from Physically Non‐Stretchable Devices through Chemical Thinning and Stress‐Releasing Adhesive

AbstractIntegration of photovoltaic devices on the deformable surfaces of plants and animals is challenging, as most of the photovoltaic devices possess no stretchability which severely restricts the underneath deformable substrates and causes potential delamination of the devices from the substrates due to large shear stress. Here, techniques to achieve stretchable photovoltaic devices through chemically thinning flexible solar cells and intermediate hard–soft transition layers are proposed. The resulting photovoltaic devices are only 25 µm in thickness with a radius of curvature of 1 mm, offering excellent adaptability to leaves and many curved surfaces. The intermediate layer that is based on silicone adhesive with low modulus provides an interface between non‐stretchable photovoltaic devices and deformable substrates, resulting in a stretchability of the overall structures larger than 140%. Key parameters of the photovoltaic device such as open‐circuit voltage, short circuit current, fill factor, and conversion efficiency indicate the excellent performance of thinned devices. Potential applications of ultra‐thin photovoltaic devices in energy harvesting and light intensity sensing on stretchable substrates are demonstrated, suggesting the practical use of the devices in constructing stretchable self‐powered wearable systems for agriculture and healthcare monitoring.

Heart Rate Fragmentation in Rats with Streptozotocin‐induced Diabetes

Heart rate fragmentation (HRF) is a recently proposed approach to evaluate sino‐atrial instability characterized by the presence of numerous inflections points in a series of successive values of RR intervals (RRi). HRF has been shown to be increased in aging and coronary diseases and seems to be linked to the risk of life‐threatening cardiovascular events and death. We recently demonstrated that cardiac autonomic modulation in involved in HRF in rats. Moreover, HRF is increased in a rat model of heart failure. Diabetes mellitus (DM) markedly alters HRV indices and might affect HRF as well. Therefore, we hypothesize that HRF is altered in streptozotocin‐ (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were injected with STZ (50 mg/kg), or vehicle (citrate buffer) into penile vein. Development of diabetes was confirmed 72h after STZ by the presence of hyperglycemia (&gt; 350 mg/dL). Electrocardiographic (ECG) recordings were performed in conscious rats, 7 days (acute) or 4 weeks (chronic) after STZ or vehicle administration. Series of RR intervals were generated and processed by the customized software PyBios as follows: RRi values were symbolized as “‐1”, “0,” or “1” when the differences between successive RRi were negative, null, or positive, respectively. Transitions between symbols “‐1” and “1” were labeled as “hard” (H) inflection points, while those between “‐1” (or “1”) and “0” were labeled as “soft” (S) inflection points. The percentage of inflection points (PIP) was quantified, as well as sequences of 4 consecutive symbols, so‐called “words”, computing the occurrence of words with zero (W0), one (W1), two (W2), or three (W3) inflections points. The occurrence of words with only hard (WH) or only soft transitions (WS) were also quantified. Both groups of diabetic rats were bradycardic as compared to their control counterparts. Data of HRF are shown in the table below. Occurrences (%, mean ± SEM) of PIP, words with 0 to 3 inflection points, and words with only soft or hard transitions of symbols. As hypothesized, diabetes affects HRF, increasing fragmented indices (PIP, W3 and WH) and decreasing fluent ones (W1 and WS). Moreover, our results showed that changes in HRF due to diabetes in this model is time‐dependent. In addition to traditional methods of analyzing heart rate variability, HRF is a new method that can contribute to the diagnosis and prognosis of cardiovascular diseases in diabetic patients. Further studies are necessary to understand better the mechanisms involved in our findings.

Rapidly alternating flux states of GX 339–4 during its 2021 outburst captured by Insight–HXMT

ABSTRACT The low-mass X-ray binary GX 339–4 entered a new outburst in 2021. At the end of the hard to soft transition of this outburst, Insight–HXMT found that the source rapidly alternated between low flux and high flux states on a time-scale of hours. Two high flux states lasted only for a period comparable to the orbital period of the observatory. Time-resolved spectral analysis shows that the sudden changes of flux are confined in the hard X-ray band (&amp;gt;4 keV). The variable non-thermal emission, including the power-law continuum from the corona and the reflected emission from the inner accretion disc, is responsible for the observed variability. The strength of the disc thermal emission and the inner radius of the accretion disc are consistent between the two flux states. Assuming the lamppost geometry, our best-fitting disc reflection models suggest a very low corona height (within 3 Rg) and there is no evidence of significant variation in the corona geometry either. The observed rapidly alternating flux states suggest that the intrinsic power of the corona must change during the state transition. We discuss possible mechanisms for the observed sudden changes in the coronal power of GX 339–4.

A new benchmark of soft X-ray transition energies of mathrm {Ne}, mathrm {CO}_2, and mathrm {SF}_6: paving a pathway towards ppm accuracy

A key requirement for the correct interpretation of high-resolution X-ray spectra is that transition energies are known with high accuracy and precision. We investigate the K-shell features of mathrm {Ne}, mathrm {CO}_2, and mathrm {SF}_6 gases, by measuring their photo ion-yield spectra at the BESSY II synchrotron facility simultaneously with the 1s–np fluorescence emission of He-like ions produced in the Polar-X EBIT. Accurate ab initio calculations of transitions in these ions provide the basis of the calibration. While the mathrm {CO}_2 result agrees well with previous measurements, the mathrm {SF}_6 spectrum appears shifted by sim 0.5 eV, about twice the uncertainty of the earlier results. Our result for mathrm {Ne} shows a large departure from earlier results, but may suffer from larger systematic effects than our other measurements. The molecular spectra agree well with our results of time-dependent density functional theory. We find that the statistical uncertainty allows calibrations in the desired range of 1–10 meV, however, systematic contributions still limit the uncertainty to {sim }40–100 meV, mainly due to the temporal stability of the monochromator energy scale. Combining our absolute calibration technique with a relative energy calibration technique such as photoelectron energy spectroscopy will be necessary to realize its full potential of achieving uncertainties as low as 1–10 meV.Graphical abstract

Fault Resilient Soft Switching DC–DC Converter for Modular Solid State Transformer Applications

Soft-switched isolated converters are preferred for dc–dc stage in solid state transformer applications, wherein fault resilience is highly desirable. This article presents a fault resilient, soft-switching dc–dc converter and associated integrated controller. The proposed integrated controller ensures smooth and reliable fault resilient operation with simplified reconfiguration of employed voltage restorer rectifier during fault. The integrated controller promotes converter design for operation above resonance to avail soft transition of all power devices, reduced EMI, and deployment of body diode integrated switches. Further, the reconfigurable multiplier-type rectifier increases overall converter gain without increased transformer turns ratio. The converter also favors minimized resonant inductance due to lower equivalent resistance and reduced transformer size resulting from above resonant operation. The converter characteristic curves during normal and fault states are presented. Experimental investigations for 1.25-kW prototype in both dynamic and steady state are presented to demonstrate fault resilient capabilities and performance efficacy. Also, impact of postfault reconfiguration on operation frequency, efficiency, and loss distribution is demonstrated.

Conditional discriminative autoencoder and condition-driven immediate representation of soft transition for monitoring complex nonstationary processes

Real industrial processes show typical nonstationary characteristics due to the operating condition switchings and production product changes. However, not all the switchings are instantaneous. The transition characteristics may lead to false alarms or missing alarms in process monitoring. In this work, a condition-driven soft transition representation and monitoring method is proposed to handle this problem. Based on different condition modes initially partitioned by an automatic sequential condition-mode division algorithm, a fine-grained mode recognition strategy is developed to further explore the underlying changes in each condition mode and separate the condition mode into steady and transition sub-modes. Then, different models are designed to reveal different characteristics of steady and transition sub-modes. A conditional discriminative autoencoder (CDAE) network is designed to establish the steady sub-mode model, which can closely describe each steady sub-mode and highlight the difference across steady sub-modes. The transition sub-mode evaluator is developed to immediately describe the transition characteristics by combining the different steady sub-mode features. Finally, an online monitoring strategy is designed to tell the current operation sub-mode and capture the changes in nonstationary processes. A real industrial case illustrates the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.

Superconducting dome in ferroelectric-type materials from soft mode instability

We present a minimal theory of superconductivity enhancement in ferroelectric-type materials. Simple expressions for the optical mode responsible for the soft mode transition are assumed. A key role is played by the anharmonic phonon damping which is modulated by an external control parameter (electron doping or mechanical strain) causing the appearance of the soft mode. It is shown that the enhancement in the superconducting critical temperature $T_{c}$ upon approaching the ferroelectric transition from either side is due to the Stokes electron-phonon scattering processes promoted by strong phonon damping effects.

The Case of the Basque Country Capital City´s Green Belt: An Effective Resilient Border

In this article, we analyze not only the evolution but the different effects Vitoria-Gasteiz´s green belt has showed on retaining urban sprawl and the simultaneous natural native environment enhancement. Assets that granted the city the European Green Capital award in 2012, and still render important environmental benefits. Applying the beneficial effects of green borders as a soft transition between the urban and the rural realm, amid the never properly solved problem of the city limits. It means a remarkable case study to learn from, that deals with the way of giving form to the already built city limits. Starting from the very first steps with a set of small peripheral parks that meant the beginning of a whole green infrastructure strategy, this text is a succinct critical view that depicts the origins, processes and challenges of this case study. It mainly focus its scope on the North and East part of the belt (some of the earliest and biggest), where water is the main character based on the recovery of existing wetlands, giving form to a kind of green and blue belt, performing multiple functions according to the quoted key concepts. And in the end, being a repeatable example of a resilient border for medium size cities.