3,487 research outputs found
Group analysis and exact solutions of a class of variable coefficient nonlinear telegraph equations
A complete group classification of a class of variable coefficient
(1+1)-dimensional telegraph equations , is
given, by using a compatibility method and additional equivalence
transformations. A number of new interesting nonlinear invariant models which
have non-trivial invariance algebras are obtained. Furthermore, the possible
additional equivalence transformations between equations from the class under
consideration are investigated. Exact solutions of special forms of these
equations are also constructed via classical Lie method and generalized
conditional transformations. Local conservation laws with characteristics of
order 0 of the class under consideration are classified with respect to the
group of equivalence transformations.Comment: 23 page
Learning Terrain Dynamics: A Gaussian Process Modeling and Optimal Control Adaptation Framework Applied to Robotic Jumping
The complex dynamics characterizing deformable terrain presents significant impediments toward the real-world viability of locomotive robotics, particularly for legged machines. We explore vertical, robotic jumping as a model task for legged locomotion on presumed-uncharacterized, nonrigid terrain. By integrating Gaussian process (GP)-based regression and evaluation to estimate ground reaction forces as a function of the state, a 1-D jumper acquires the capability to learn forcing profiles exerted by its environment in tandem with achieving its control objective. The GP-based dynamical model initially assumes a baseline rigid, noncompliant surface. As part of an iterative procedure, the optimizer employing this model generates an optimal control strategy to achieve a target jump height. Experiential data recovered from execution on the true surface model are applied to train the GP, in turn, providing the optimizer a more richly informed dynamical model of the environment. The iterative control-learning procedure was rigorously evaluated in experiment, over different surface types, whereby a robotic hopper was challenged to jump to several different target heights. Each task was achieved within ten attempts, over which the terrain's dynamics were learned. With each iteration, GP predictions of ground forcing became incrementally refined, rapidly matching experimental force measurements. The few-iteration convergence demonstrates a fundamental capacity to both estimate and adapt to unknown terrain dynamics in application-realistic time scales, all with control tools amenable to robotic legged locomotion
Semianalytic theory of self-similar optical propagation and mode locking using a shape-adaptive model pulse
A semianalytic theory for the pulse dynamics in similariton amplifiers and
lasers is presented, based on a model pulse with adaptive shape. By changing a
single parameter, this test function can be continuously tweaked between a pure
Gaussian and a pure parabolic profile and can even represent sech-like pulses,
the shape of a soliton. This approach allows us to describe the pulse evolution
in the self-similar and other regimes of optical propagation. Employing the
method of moments, the evolution equations for the characteristic pulse
parameters are derived from the governing nonlinear Schr\"odinger or
Ginzburg-Landau equation. Due to its greatly reduced complexity, this
description allows for extensive parameter optimization, and can aid intuitive
understanding of the dynamics. As an application of this approach, we model a
soliton-similariton laser and validate the results against numerical
simulations. This constitutes a semianalytic model of the soliton-similariton
laser. Due to the versatility of the model pulse, it can also prove useful in
other application areas
Appearance of the central singularity in spherical collapse
We analyze here the structure of non-radial nonspacelike geodesics
terminating in the past at a naked singularity formed as the end state of
inhomogeneous dust collapse. The spectrum of outgoing nonspacelike null
geodesics is examined analytically. The local and global visibility of the
singularity is also examined by integrating numerically the null geodesics
equations. The possible implications of existence of such families towards the
appearance of the star in late stages of gravitational collapse are considered.
It is seen that the outgoing non-radial geodesics give an appearance to the
naked central singularity as that of an expanding ball whose radius reaches a
maximum before the star goes within its apparent horizon. The radiated energy
(along the null geodesics) is shown to decay very sharply in the neighbourhood
of the singularity. Thus the total energy escaping via non-radial null
geodesics from the naked central singularity vanishes in the scenario
considered here.Comment: 25 pages, 6 figure
Optimization of an Alkylpolyglucoside-Based Dishwashing Detergent Formulation.
The aim of this work was to formulate and optimize the washing performance of an alkylpolyglucoside-based dishwashing detergent. The liquid detergent was formulated with five ingredients of commercial origin: anionic (linear sodium alkylbenzenesulfonate and sodium laurylethersulfate), nonionic (C12–C14 alkylpolyglucoside) and zwitterionic (a fatty acid amide derivative with a betaine structure) surfactants, and NaCl for viscosity control. In addition to the plate test, other properties were investigated including ‘‘cloud point’’, viscosity, and emulsion stability. Statistical analysis software was used to generate a central composite experimental design. Then, a second order design and analysis of experiments approach, known as the Response Surface Methodology, was set up to investigate the effects of the five components of the formulation on the studied properties in the region covering plausible component ranges. The method proved to be efficient for locating the domains of concentrations where the desired properties were met
Symmetry-preserving discrete schemes for some heat transfer equations
Lie group analysis of differential equations is a generally recognized
method, which provides invariant solutions, integrability, conservation laws
etc. In this paper we present three characteristic examples of the construction
of invariant difference equations and meshes, where the original continuous
symmetries are preserved in discrete models. Conservation of symmetries in
difference modeling helps to retain qualitative properties of the differential
equations in their difference counterparts.Comment: 21 pages, 4 ps figure
phi^4 Kinks - Gradient Flow and Dynamics
The symmetric dynamics of two kinks and one antikink in classical
(1+1)-dimensional theory is investigated. Gradient flow is used to
construct a collective coordinate model of the system. The relationship between
the discrete vibrational mode of a single kink, and the process of
kink-antikink pair production is explored.Comment: 23 pages, LaTex, 11 eps figures. We have added some clarification of
our metho
Polariton propagation in weak confinement quantum wells
Exciton-polariton propagation in a quantum well, under centre-of-mass
quantization, is computed by a variational self-consistent microscopic theory.
The Wannier exciton envelope functions basis set is given by the simple
analytical model of ref. [1], based on pure states of the centre-of-mass wave
vector, free from fitting parameters and "ad hoc" (the so called additional
boundary conditions-ABCs) assumptions. In the present paper, the former
analytical model is implemented in order to reproduce the centre-of-mass
quantization in a large range of quantum well thicknesses (5a_B < L < inf.).
The role of the dynamical transition layer at the well/barrier interfaces is
discussed at variance of the classical Pekar's dead-layer and ABCs. The Wannier
exciton eigenstates are computed, and compared with various theoretical models
with different degrees of accuracy. Exciton-polariton transmission spectra in
large quantum wells (L>> a_B) are computed and compared with experimental
results of Schneider et al.\cite{Schneider} in high quality GaAs samples. The
sound agreement between theory and experiment allows to unambiguously assign
the exciton-polariton dips of the transmission spectrum to the pure states of
the Wannier exciton center-of-mass quantization.Comment: 15 pages, 15 figures; will appear in Phys.Rev.
Enterprise Education Competitions: A Theoretically Flawed Intervention?
The demand for including enterprise in the education system, at all levels and for all pupils is now a global phenomenon. Within this context, the use of competitions and competitive learning activities is presented as a popular and effective vehicle for learning. The purpose of this chapter is to illustrate how a realist method of enquiry – which utilises theory as the unit of analysis – can shed new light on the assumed and unintended outcomes of enterprise education competitions. The case developed here is that there are inherent flaws in assuming that competitions will ‘work’ in the ways set out in policy and guidance. Some of the most prevalent stated outcomes – that competitions will motivate and reward young people, that they will enable the development of entrepreneurial skills, and that learners will be inspired by their peers – are challenged by theory from psychology and education. The issue at stake is that the expansion of enterprise education policy into primary and secondary education increases the likelihood that more learners will be sheep dipped in competitions, and competitive activities, without a clear recognition of the potential unintended effects. In this chapter, we employ a realist-informed approach to critically evaluate the theoretical basis that underpins the use of competitions and competitive learning activities in school-based enterprise education. We believe that our findings and subsequent recommendations will provide those who promote and practice the use of competitions with a richer, more sophisticated picture of the potential flaws within such activities.Peer reviewedFinal Published versio
Antibodies Against β2-Glycoprotein I Complexed With an Oxidised Lipoprotein Relate to Intima Thickening of Carotid Arteries in Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome
To explore whether antibodies against β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) complexed to 7-ketocholesteryl-9-carboxynonanoate (oxLig-1) and to oxidised low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL) relate to paraoxonase activity (PONa) and/or intima media thickness (IMT) of carotid arteries in primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS). As many as 29 thrombotic patients with PAPS, 10 subjects with idiopathic antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) without thrombosis, 17 thrombotic patients with inherited thrombophilia and 23 healthy controls were investigated. The following were measured in all participants: β2GPI−oxLDL complexes, IgG anti-β2GPI−oxLig-1, IgG anti-β2GPI−oxLDL antibodies (ELISA), PONa, (para-nitrophenol method), IMT of common carotid (CC) artery, carotid bifurcation (B), internal carotid (IC) by high resolution sonography. β2GPI−oxLDL complex was highest in the control group (p < 0.01), whereas, IgG anti-β2GPI−oxLig1 and IgG anti-β2GPI−oxLDL were highest in PAPS (p < 0.0001). In healthy controls, β2GPI−oxLDL complexes positively correlated to IMT of the IC (p = 0.007) and negatively to PONa after correction for age (p < 0.03). PONa inversely correlated with age (p = 0.008). In PAPS, IgG anti-2GPI−oxLig-1 independently predicted PONa (p = 0.02) and IMT of B (p = 0.003), CC, (p = 0.03) and of IC (p = 0.04). In PAPS, PONa inversely correlated to the IMT of B, CC and IC (p = 0.01, 0.02 and 0.003, respectively). IgG anti-2GPI−oxLig-1 may be involved in PAPS related atherogenesis via decreased PON activity
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