Data-Induced Interactions of Sparse Sensors

Large-dimensional empirical data in science and engineering frequently has low-rank structure and can be represented as a combination of just a few eigenmodes. Because of this structure, we can use just a few spatially localized sensor measurements to reconstruct the full state of a complex system. The quality of this reconstruction, especially in the presence of sensor noise, depends significantly on the spatial configuration of the sensors. Multiple algorithms based on gappy interpolation and QR factorization have been proposed to optimize sensor placement. Here, instead of an algorithm that outputs a singular "optimal" sensor configuration, we take a thermodynamic view to compute the full landscape of sensor interactions induced by the training data. The landscape takes the form of the Ising model in statistical physics, and accounts for both the data variance captured at each sensor location and the crosstalk between sensors. Mapping out these data-induced sensor interactions allows combining them with external selection criteria and anticipating sensor replacement impacts.Comment: 17 RevTeX pages, 10 figure

Rolling Friction in Loose Media and its Role in Mechanics Problems

Rolling friction between particles is to be set in problems of granular material mechanics alongside with sliding friction. A classical problem of material passive lateral pressure on the retaining wall is submitted as a case in point. 3D method of discrete elements was employed for numerical analysis. Material is a universe of spherical particles with specified size distribution. Viscose-elastic properties of the material and surface friction are included, when choosing contact forces. Particles' resistance to rolling relative to other particles and to the boundary is set into the model. Kinetic patterns of medium deformations are given. It has been proved that rolling friction can significantly affect magnitude and nature of passive lateral pressure on the retaining wall

Copyright and Patent Protection of Cloud Storage Software in the BRICS Member States

In the BRICS Member States, serious attention is paid to Information Technology development in terms of both technology and law. These countries are at the forefront in the development of the digital economy and digital innovations. Cloud storage software is an important element in this sector and is intensively applied in civil law transactions. The processes of approval, storage and sorting of documents are being automated on the basis of the relevant computer programs. This helps companies and government agencies to systemize their operations. At present, the most pressing issues are those related to copyright and copyright holders of computer programs since software code may be copied, even illegally or unconscientiously, and used as the basis for another software product. Cloud storage software is copyright-protected, but, depending on the scope of its use, additional patent protection may be required. Given the rapid development of the IT sector, a software product may be one of the components in an invention subject to patenting. The article focuses on the relationship between copyright and patent protection of software and offers a comparison of the approaches taken by the BRICS countries. Approaches taken by Germany as a European Union Member State and the United States of America are shown in the all-out comparison. The article also analyzes the views of academics on the relationship between copyright and patent protection of software

No Free Lunch for Avoiding Clustering Vulnerabilities in Distributed Systems

Emergent design failures are ubiquitous in complex systems, and often arise when system elements cluster. Approaches to systematically reduce clustering could improve a design's resilience, but reducing clustering is difficult if it is driven by collective interactions among design elements. Here, we use techniques from statistical physics to identify mechanisms by which spatial clusters of design elements emerge in complex systems modelled by heterogeneous networks. We find that, in addition to naive, attraction-driven clustering, heterogeneous networks can exhibit emergent, repulsion-driven clustering. We draw quantitative connections between our results on a model system in naval engineering to entropy-driven phenomena in nanoscale self-assembly, and give a general argument that the clustering phenomena we observe should arise in many distributed systems. We identify circumstances under which generic design problems will exhibit trade-offs between clustering and uncertainty in design objectives, and we present a framework to identify and quantify trade-offs to manage clustering vulnerabilities.Comment: 20 pages, 5 figure

Rolling Friction in Loose Media and its Role in Mechanics Problems

Rolling friction between particles is to be set in problems of granular material mechanics alongside with sliding friction. A classical problem of material passive lateral pressure on the retaining wall is submitted as a case in point. 3D method of discrete elements was employed for numerical analysis. Material is a universe of spherical particles with specified size distribution. Viscose-elastic properties of the material and surface friction are included, when choosing contact forces. Particles' resistance to rolling relative to other particles and to the boundary is set into the model. Kinetic patterns of medium deformations are given. It has been proved that rolling friction can significantly affect magnitude and nature of passive lateral pressure on the retaining wall