140,446 research outputs found
Higher coordination with less control - A result of information maximization in the sensorimotor loop
This work presents a novel learning method in the context of embodied
artificial intelligence and self-organization, which has as few assumptions and
restrictions as possible about the world and the underlying model. The learning
rule is derived from the principle of maximizing the predictive information in
the sensorimotor loop. It is evaluated on robot chains of varying length with
individually controlled, non-communicating segments. The comparison of the
results shows that maximizing the predictive information per wheel leads to a
higher coordinated behavior of the physically connected robots compared to a
maximization per robot. Another focus of this paper is the analysis of the
effect of the robot chain length on the overall behavior of the robots. It will
be shown that longer chains with less capable controllers outperform those of
shorter length and more complex controllers. The reason is found and discussed
in the information-geometric interpretation of the learning process
Urban Cholera transmission hotspots and their implications for Reactive Vaccination: evidence from Bissau city, Guinea Bissau
Use of cholera vaccines in response to epidemics (reactive vaccination) may provide an effective supplement to traditional control measures. In Haiti, reactive vaccination was considered but, until recently, rejected in part due to limited global supply of vaccine. Using Bissau City, Guinea-Bissau as a case study, we explore neighborhood-level transmission dynamics to understand if, with limited vaccine and likely delays, reactive vaccination can significantly change the course of a cholera epidemic
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High-Performance Integrated Window and Façade Solutions for California
The researchers developed a new generation of high-performance façade systems and supporting design and management tools to support industry in meeting California’s greenhouse gas reduction targets, reduce energy consumption, and enable an adaptable response to minimize real-time demands on the electricity grid. The project resulted in five outcomes: (1) The research team developed an R-5, 1-inch thick, triplepane, insulating glass unit with a novel low-conductance aluminum frame. This technology can help significantly reduce residential cooling and heating loads, particularly during the evening. (2) The team developed a prototype of a windowintegrated local ventilation and energy recovery device that provides clean, dry fresh air through the façade with minimal energy requirements. (3) A daylight-redirecting louver system was prototyped to redirect sunlight 15–40 feet from the window. Simulations estimated that lighting energy use could be reduced by 35–54 percent without glare. (4) A control system incorporating physics-based equations and a mathematical solver was prototyped and field tested to demonstrate feasibility. Simulations estimated that total electricity costs could be reduced by 9-28 percent on sunny summer days through adaptive control of operable shading and daylighting components and the thermostat compared to state-of-the-art automatic façade controls in commercial building perimeter zones. (5) Supporting models and tools needed by industry for technology R&D and market transformation activities were validated. Attaining California’s clean energy goals require making a fundamental shift from today’s ad-hoc assemblages of static components to turnkey, intelligent, responsive, integrated building façade systems. These systems offered significant reductions in energy use, peak demand, and operating cost in California
Noise spectroscopy of a quantum-classical environment with a diamond qubit
Knowing a quantum system's environment is critical for its practical use as a
quantum device. Qubit sensors can reconstruct the noise spectral density of a
classical bath, provided long enough coherence time. Here we present a protocol
that can unravel the characteristics of a more complex environment, comprising
both unknown coherently coupled quantum systems, and a larger quantum bath that
can be modeled as a classical stochastic field. We exploit the rich environment
of a Nitrogen-Vacancy center in diamond, tuning the environment behavior with a
bias magnetic field, to experimentally demonstrate our method. We show how to
reconstruct the noise spectral density even when limited by relatively short
coherence times, and identify the local spin environment. Importantly, we
demonstrate that the reconstructed model can have predictive power, describing
the spin qubit dynamics under control sequences not used for noise
spectroscopy, a feature critical for building robust quantum devices. At lower
bias fields, where the effects of the quantum nature of the bath are more
pronounced, we find that more than a single classical noise model are needed to
properly describe the spin coherence under different controls, due to the back
action of the qubit onto the bath.Comment: Main text: 5 pages, 5 figures. Supplemental material: 7 pages, 7
figures, 4 table
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