Skewed Factor Models Using Selection Mechanisms

Traditional factor models explicitly or implicitly assume that the factors follow a multivariate normal distribution; that is, only moments up to order two are involved. However, it may happen in real data problems that the first two moments cannot explain the factors. Based on this motivation, here we devise three new skewed factor models, the skew-normal, the skew-t, and the generalized skew-normal factor models depending on a selection mechanism on the factors. The ECME algorithms are adopted to estimate related parameters for statistical inference. Monte Carlo simulations validate our new models and we demonstrate the need for skewed factor models using the classic open/closed book exam scores dataset

Improved TPB-coated Light Guides for Liquid Argon TPC Light Detection Systems

Scintillation light produced in liquid argon (LAr) must be shifted from 128 nm to visible wavelengths in light detection systems used for liquid argon time-projection chambers (LArTPCs). To date, LArTPC light collection systems have employed tetraphenyl butadiene (TPB) coatings on photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) or plates placed in front of the PMTs. Recently, a new approach using TPB-coated light guides was proposed. In this paper, we report on light guides with improved attenuation lengths above 100 cm when measured in air. This is an important step in the development of meter-scale light guides for future LArTPCs. Improvements come from using a new acrylic-based coating, diamond-polished cast UV transmitting acrylic bars, and a hand-dipping technique to coat the bars. We discuss a model for connecting bar response in air to response in liquid argon and compare this to data taken in liquid argon. The good agreement between the prediction of the model and the measured response in liquid argon demonstrates that characterization in air is sufficient for quality control of bar production. This model can be used in simulations of light guides for future experiments.Comment: 25 pages, 20 figure

Planar Superconductor-Normal-Superconductor Josephson Junctions in MgB2

Since the discovery of superconductivity in MgB2 considerable progress has been made in determining the physical properties of the material, which are promising for bulk conductors. Tunneling studies show that the material is reasonably isotropic and has a well-developed s-wave energy gap (∆), implying that electronic devices based on MgB2 could operate close to 30K. Although a number of groups have reported the formation of thin films by post-reaction of precursors, heterostructure growth is likely to require considerable technological development, making single-layer device structures of most immediate interest. MgB2 is unlike the cuprate superconductors in that grain boundaries do not form good Josephson junctions, and although a SQUID based on MgB2 nanobridges has been fabricated, the nanobridges themselves do not show junction-like properties. Here we report the successful creation of planar MgB2 junctions by localised ion damage in thin films. The critical current (IC) of these devices is strongly modulated by applied microwave radiation and magnetic field. The product of the critical current and normal state resistance (ICRN) is remarkably high, implying a potential for very high frequency applications.Comment: 7 pages including 4 figure

Jamming transition in a highly dense granular system under vertical vibration

The dynamics of the jamming transition in a three-dimensional granular system under vertical vibration is studied using diffusing-wave spectroscopy. When the maximum acceleration of the external vibration is large, the granular system behaves like a fluid, with the dynamic correlation function G(t) relaxing rapidly. As the acceleration of vibration approaches the gravitational acceleration g, the relaxation of G(t) slows down dramatically, and eventually stops. Thus the system undergoes a phase transition and behaves like a solid. Near the transition point, we find that the structural relaxation shows a stretched exponential behavior. This behavior is analogous to the behavior of supercooled liquids close to the glass transition.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figures, accepted by Phys. Rev.

Influence of compressing pressure on macro void formation of carbon monolith for methane adsorption

Carbon monoliths for adsorbed natural gas (ANG) storage were prepared from Mongolian anthracite-based activated carbons using carboxy-methyl cellulose as a binder under different compressing pressures. Nitrogen adsorption/desorption experiments were carried out to obtain the specific surface area, pore volume, and pore size distribution of the monoliths.  Methane adsorption experiments on the carbon monoliths were conducted at different temperatures and pressures up to around 3.5 MPa in a high pressure volumetric adsorption apparatus. As expected, adsorption results indicated that the methane adsorption capacity of the carbon monoliths increased with increasing specific surface area and packing density.  The maximum volumetric adsorption of methane was observed as 163 V/V at 293 K and 3.5 MPa on a carbon monolith sample, PMAC1/2-3-65, that does not have the highest specific surface area but relatively high packing density comparing with other monoliths, which implies that two physical properties contribute contradictorily to the methane adsorption capacity.  Based on experimental results, the carbon monoliths prepared from Mongolian anthracite-based activated carbons can be promising media for ANG storage application

Retraction notice: Influence of compressing pressure on macro void formation carbon monolith for methane adsorption

RETRACTION NOTICEOn 21rd February 2019, the Editorial Board of the Mongolian Journal of Chemistry decided to retract this article entitled "Influence of compressing pressure on macro void formation of carbon monolith for methane adsorption" because of an authorship dispute. The article was originally published in Vol.18 No.44 2017 pp.24-35. doi: https://doi.org/10.5564/mjc.v18i44.93

Flame Retardant Intumescent Polyamide 11 Nanocomposites – Further Study

The objective of this research is to develop improved polyamide 11 and 12 polymers with enhanced flame retardancy, thermal, and mechanical properties for selective laser sintering (SLS) rapid manufacturing (RM). In the present study, a nanophase was introduced into the polyamide 11 and combine with a conventional intumescent flame retardant (FR) additive via twin screw extrusion. Arkema Rilsan® polyamide 11 molding polymer pellets were used with two types of nanoparticles such as: chemically modified montmorillonite (MMT) organoclays and carbon nanofibers (CNFs). Two types of Clariant’s Exolit® OP 1311 and 1312 intumescent FR additives were used to generate a family of FR intumescent polyamide 11 nanocomposites with anticipated synergism.Mechanical Engineerin

Chaotic Interaction of Langmuir Solitons and Long Wavelength Radiation

In this work we analyze the interaction of isolated solitary structures and ion-acoustic radiation. If the radiation amplitude is small solitary structures persists, but when the amplitude grows energy transfer towards small spatial scales occurs. We show that transfer is particularly fast when a fixed point of a low dimensional model is destroyed.Comment: LaTex + 4 eps file