Spectral flow invariants and twisted cyclic theory from the Haar state on SU_q(2)

In [CPR2], we presented a K-theoretic approach to finding invariants of algebras with no non-trivial traces. This paper presents a new example that is more typical of the generic situation. This is the case of an algebra that admits only non-faithful traces, namely SU_q(2), and also KMS states. Our main results are index theorems (which calculate spectral flow), one using ordinary cyclic cohomology and the other using twisted cyclic cohomology, where the twisting comes from the generator of the modular group of the Haar state. In contrast to the Cuntz algebras studied in [CPR2], the computations are considerably more complex and interesting, because there are nontrivial `eta' contributions to this index.Comment: 25 pages, 1 figur

DIY Print Activism in Digital Age: Zines in Hong Kong's Social Movements

Hong Kong has experienced two of its largest social movements in history in recent years: the Umbrella Movement in 2014 and the Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill Movement in 2019, in which many artists and activists used zines as a means to participate. This article aims to explain the popularity of political zines in Hong Kong and the unique functions of zines in the digital age by interviewing zinesters, distributors, and collectors. In this article, a zine is broadly defined as an independent, not-for-profit, Do-it-Yourself form of paper publication. This article argues that unlike mainstream print media, zine production is benefited from digital transformation which can further simplify the means of production and expand distribution network. Also, this article argues that digitization and DIY culture democratize the means of publishing and Hong Kong’s protest zines are the by-product of both forces. Zines have become a democratic object with passion and affection, presenting an alternative account of everyday life

Computer model of catalytic combustion/Stirling engine heater head

The basic Acurex HET code was modified to analyze specific problems for Stirling engine heater head applications. Specifically, the code can model: an adiabatic catalytic monolith reactor, an externally cooled catalytic cylindrical reactor/flat plate reactor, a coannular tube radiatively cooled reactor, and a monolithic reactor radiating to upstream and downstream heat exchangers

Investigative decision making: missing people and sexual offences, crossroads to an uncertain future

In recent years detective competence and particularly investigative decision making has been subject to serious criticism and a number of high profile reviews. Concerns around investigative competence do not just focus around decisions made on the ground but police attitudes to certain crimes. This paper examines police decision making in the context of missing people and sexual violence and identifies challenges in the development of investigative competence in the context of police budget cuts and substantial reform

Non-adiabatic holonomic quantum computation

We develop a non-adiabatic generalization of holonomic quantum computation in which high-speed universal quantum gates can be realized by using non-Abelian geometric phases. We show how a set of non-adiabatic holonomic one- and two-qubit gates can be implemented by utilizing optical transitions in a generic three-level $\Lambda$ configuration. Our scheme opens up for universal holonomic quantum computation on qubits characterized by short coherence times.Comment: Some changes, journal reference adde

A Simple Low-Profile Coaxially-Fed Magneto-Electric Dipole Antenna Without Slot-Cavity

A simple coaxially-fed magneto-electric dipole (ME dipole) antenna is designed and experimentally evaluated. The proposed antenna does not require the conventional quarter-wavelength slot cavity for generating the magnetic dipole mode, and only consists of two simple rectangular horizontal patches, a vertical semi-rigid coaxial cable and a square ground plane. It makes the fabrication easier and can reduce the production cost. Also, as the quarter-wavelength slot cavity is removed in the proposed design, the thickness of the antenna can be reduced to 21 mm, i.e., 16.4% of the free space wavelength at the center frequency. The low-profile antenna shows comparable wide impedance bandwidth of 41.03% (S11 ≤ −10 dB), and a more stable and higher realized gain from 7.90 - 9.74 dBi (± 0.92 dB variation) over the operating frequency band from 1.86 GHz to 2.82 GHz (centered at 2.34 GHz). The maximum gain has increased around 9.4% when compare with that of the highest reported. While the gain variation in the passband of the proposed antenna is about 58% lower than that of those ME dipole antennas reported in the literature. The radiation mechanism and the effects of the critical parameters of the antenna are also explained with the assistance of the parametric study presented

Functional Electrical Stimulation mediated by Iterative Learning Control and 3D robotics reduces motor impairment in chronic stroke

Background: Novel stroke rehabilitation techniques that employ electrical stimulation (ES) and robotic technologies are effective in reducing upper limb impairments. ES is most effective when it is applied to support the patients’ voluntary effort; however, current systems fail to fully exploit this connection. This study builds on previous work using advanced ES controllers, and aims to investigate the feasibility of Stimulation Assistance through Iterative Learning (SAIL), a novel upper limb stroke rehabilitation system which utilises robotic support, ES, and voluntary effort. Methods: Five hemiparetic, chronic stroke participants with impaired upper limb function attended 18, 1 hour intervention sessions. Participants completed virtual reality tracking tasks whereby they moved their impaired arm to follow a slowly moving sphere along a specified trajectory. To do this, the participants’ arm was supported by a robot. ES, mediated by advanced iterative learning control (ILC) algorithms, was applied to the triceps and anterior deltoid muscles. Each movement was repeated 6 times and ILC adjusted the amount of stimulation applied on each trial to improve accuracy and maximise voluntary effort. Participants completed clinical assessments (Fugl-Meyer, Action Research Arm Test) at baseline and post-intervention, as well as unassisted tracking tasks at the beginning and end of each intervention session. Data were analysed using t-tests and linear regression. Results: From baseline to post-intervention, Fugl-Meyer scores improved, assisted and unassisted tracking performance improved, and the amount of ES required to assist tracking reduced. Conclusions: The concept of minimising support from ES using ILC algorithms was demonstrated. The positive results are promising with respect to reducing upper limb impairments following stroke, however, a larger study is required to confirm this