Sensor fault detection with low computational cost : a proposed neural network-based control scheme

The paper describes a low computational power method for detecting sensor faults. A typical fault detection unit for multiple sensor fault detection with modelbased approaches, requires a bank of estimators. The estimators can be either observer or artificial intelligence based. The proposed control scheme uses an artificial intelligence approach for the development of the fault detection unit abbreviated as ‘i-FD’. In contrast with the bank-estimators approach the proposed i-FD unit is using only one estimator for multiple sensor fault detection. The efficacy of the scheme is tested on an Electro-Magnetic Suspension (EMS) system and compared with a bank of Kalman estimators in simulation environment

Corruption, Seigniorage and Growth: Theory and Evidence

This paper presents an analysis of the effect of bureaucratic corruption on economic growth through a public finance transmission channel. At the theoretical level, we develop a simple dynamic general equilibrium model in which financial intermediaries make portfolio decisions on behalf of agents, and bureaucrats collect tax revenues on behalf of the government. Corruption takes the form of the embezzlement of public funds, the effect of which is to increase the government’s reliance on seigniorage finance. This leads to an increase in inflation which, in turn, reduces capital accumulation and growth. At the empirical level, we use data on 82 countries over a 20-year period to test the predictions of our model. Taking proper account of the government’s budget constraint, we find strong evidence to support these predictions under different estimation strategies. Our results are robust to a wide range of sensitivity tests.corruption, seigniorage, inflation, growth

Naturally small Dirac neutrino masses in supergravity

We show that Dirac neutrino masses of the right size can arise from the Kahler potential of supergravity. They are proportional to the supersymmetry and the electroweak breaking scales. We find that they have the experimentally observed value provided that the ultraviolet cut-off of the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM) is between the Grand Unification (GUT) scale and the heterotic string scale. If lepton number is not conserved, then relatively suppressed Majorana masses can also be present, resulting in pseudo-Dirac neutrino masses.Comment: 6 pages, Revtex 4, published versio

Measuring errors in single qubit rotations by pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance

The ability to measure and reduce systematic errors in single-qubit logic gates is crucial when evaluating quantum computing implementations. We describe pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) sequences that can be used to measure precisely even small systematic errors in rotations of electron-spin-based qubits. Using these sequences we obtain values for errors in rotation angle and axis for single-qubit rotations using a commercial EPR spectrometer. We conclude that errors in qubit operations by pulsed EPR are not limiting factors in the implementation of electron-spin based quantum computers

High Fidelity Single Qubit Operations using Pulsed EPR

Systematic errors in spin rotation operations using simple RF pulses place severe limitations on the usefulness of the pulsed magnetic resonance methods in quantum computing applications. In particular, the fidelity of quantum logic operations performed on electron spin qubits falls well below the threshold for the application of quantum algorithms. Using three independent techniques, we demonstrate the use of composite pulses to improve this fidelity by several orders of magnitude. The observed high-fidelity operations are limited by pulse phase errors, but nevertheless fall within the limits required for the application of quantum error correction.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures To appear in Phys. Rev. Let

The overall effectiveness of a peer mediation program at Millville Senior High School and the development of a peer mediation/advisory program for a middle school

The first purpose of the study was to describe and evaluate the effectiveness of a peer mediation student assistance program. The means to accomplish the purpose of the study was to investigate the overall attendance, verbal, and physical interpersonal conflict among tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade students at Millville Senior High School during the 1995-1996 and 1997-1998 school calendar years. A quantitative ex post facto design was employed. In addition, a subcommittee of stakeholders was developed to collaboratively develop a plan that would extend the goals and potential benefits associated with peer mediation programs in the future Lakeside Middle School in Millville, New Jersey. In response to the data and information acquired during the investigation, peer mediation seemed to lessen the number of nonviolent interpersonal conflicts. Violent interpersonal conflicts did not differ in incidences. A peer mediation subcommittee developed a series of products and approaches based on stakeholder and staff feedback. The subcommittee and stakeholders agreed to the following with respect to a peer mediation program at the middle school level: (a) goals, (b) effectiveness, (c) coordinator\u27s responsibilities, (d) type of program, (e) the implementation phases, (f) parent brochure, and (g) Peer Mediation Teacher Handbook