Magnetoresistance from Fermi Surface Topology

Extremely large non-saturating magnetoresistance has recently been reported for a large number of both topologically trivial and non-trivial materials. Different mechanisms have been proposed to explain the observed magnetotransport properties, yet without arriving to definitive conclusions or portraying a global picture. In this work, we investigate the transverse magnetoresistance of materials by combining the Fermi surfaces calculated from first principles with the Boltzmann transport theory approach relying on the semiclassical model and the relaxation time approximation. We first consider a series of simple model Fermi surfaces to provide a didactic introduction into the charge-carrier compensation and open-orbit mechanisms leading to non-saturating magnetoresistance. We then address in detail magnetotransport in three representative materials: (i) copper, a prototypical nearly free-electron metal characterized by the open Fermi surface that results in an intricate angular magnetoresistance, (ii) bismuth, a topologically trivial semimetal in which very large magnetoresistance is known to result from charge-carrier compensation, and (iii) tungsten diphosphide WP2, a recently discovered type-II Weyl semimetal that holds the record of magnetoresistance in compounds. In all three cases our calculations show excellent agreement with both the field dependence of magnetoresistance and its anisotropy measured at low temperatures. Furthermore, the calculations allow for a full interpretation of the observed features in terms of the Fermi surface topology. These results will help addressing a number of outstanding questions, such as the role of the topological phase in the pronounced large non-saturating magnetoresistance observed in topological materials.Comment: 13 pages, 9 figure

Addressing Educational Inequality in the United States: A Comparative Approach to the European System

This study compares educational inequality in the U.S. and Europe. Utilizing a comparative approach based on the Positive Obligations of the European Convention on Human Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, we expand on social contexts and objective facts to address how the U.S responds to educational inequality issues in contemporary constitutional interpretation (digital transformation and disparity, for example). We examine emerging issues in social change and expectations and discuss the rationale for constitutional legal norms to explain how these contribute to constitutional change. We suggest that the nation’s confrontation with educational inequality should be guided by a positive obligation rationale based on the affordability of quality education, highlighting current problems facing the U.S. and proposing practical suggestions for the right to equality in education

Computation-Performance Optimization of Convolutional Neural Networks with Redundant Kernel Removal

Deep Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are widely employed in modern computer vision algorithms, where the input image is convolved iteratively by many kernels to extract the knowledge behind it. However, with the depth of convolutional layers getting deeper and deeper in recent years, the enormous computational complexity makes it difficult to be deployed on embedded systems with limited hardware resources. In this paper, we propose two computation-performance optimization methods to reduce the redundant convolution kernels of a CNN with performance and architecture constraints, and apply it to a network for super resolution (SR). Using PSNR drop compared to the original network as the performance criterion, our method can get the optimal PSNR under a certain computation budget constraint. On the other hand, our method is also capable of minimizing the computation required under a given PSNR drop.Comment: This paper was accepted by 2018 The International Symposium on Circuits and Systems (ISCAS

Unraveling the Complexity of Metal Ion Dissolution: Insights from Hybrid First-Principles/Continuum Calculations

The study of ion dissolution from metal surfaces has a long-standing history, wherein the gradual dissolution of solute atoms with increasing electrode potential, leading to their existence as ions in the electrolyte with integer charges, is well-known. However, our present work reveals a more intricate and nuanced physical perspective based on comprehensive first-principles/continuum calculations. We investigate the dissolution and deposition processes of 22 metal elements across a range of applied electrode potentials, unveiling diverse dissolution models. By analyzing the energy profiles and valence states of solute atoms as a function of the distance between the solute atom and metal surface, we identify three distinct dissolution models for different metals. Firstly, solute atoms exhibit an integer valence state following an integer-valence jump, aligning with classical understandings. Secondly, solute atoms attain an eventual integer valence, yet their valence state increases in a non-integer manner during dissolution. Lastly, we observe solute atoms exhibiting a non-integer valence state, challenging classical understandings. Furthermore, we propose a theoretical criterion for determining the selection of ion valence during electrode dissolution under applied potential. These findings not only contribute to a deeper understanding of the dissolution process but also offer valuable insights into the complex dynamics governing metal ion dissolution at the atomic level. Such knowledge has the potential to advance the design of more efficient electrochemical systems and open new avenues for controlling dissolution processes in various applications.Comment: still dont hav

Determinants of Bankruptcy: Evidence From Financially Distressed Firms

This study examines whether and how external monitoring, managerial ability, and investment decisions impact a financially distressed firm’s probability of future bankruptcy. We find that a financially distressed firm with higher institutional ownership or higher managerial ability is less likely to file for bankruptcy. Additionally, a financially distressed firm’s non-capital expenditure investment is negatively associated with its probability of bankruptcy. This study provides empirical evidence that external monitoring, competence of management, and non-capital expenditure investment should be considered when predicting bankruptcy among financially distressed firms. Our results are of particular interest to managers, lenders, financial institutions, and credit rating agencies

Hybrid token-CDMA MAC protocol for wireless networks.

Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.Ad hoc networks are commonly known to implement IEEE 802.11 standard as their medium access control (MAC) protocol. It is well known that token passing MAC schemes outperform carrier-sense-multiple-access (CSMA) schemes, therefore, token passing MAC protocols have gained popularity in recent years. In recent years, the research extends the concept of token passing ' scheme to wireless settings since they have the potential of achieving higher channel utilization than CSMA type schemes. In this thesis, a hybrid Token-CDMA MAC protocol that is based on a token passing scheme with the incorporation of code division multiple access (CDMA) is introduced. Using a dynamic code distribution algorithm and a modified leaky-bucket policing system, the hybrid protocol is able to provide both Quality of Service (QoS) and high network resource utilization, while ensuring the stability of a network. This thesis begins with the introduction of a new MAC protocol based on a token-passing strategy. The input traffic model used in the simulation is a two-state Markov Modulated Poisson Process (MMPP). The data rate QoS is enforced by implementing a modified leaky bucket mechanism in the proposed MAC scheme. The simulation also takes into account channel link errors caused by the wireless link by implementing a multi-layered Gilbert-Elliot model. The performance of the proposed MAC scheme is examined by simulation, and compared to the performance of other MAC protocols published in the literature. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid MAC scheme is effective in decreasing packet delay and significantly shortens the length of the queue. The thesis continues with the discussion of the analytical model for the hybrid Token CDMA protocol. The proposed MAC scheme is analytically modelled as a multiserver multiqueue (MSMQ) system with a gated service discipline. The analytical model is categorized into three sections viz. the vacation model, the input model and the buffer model. The throughput and delay performance are then computed and shown to closely match the simulation results. Lastly, cross-layer optimization between the physical (PHY) and MAC layers for the hybrid token-CDMA scheme is discussed. The proposed joint PHY -MAC approach is based on the interaction between the two layers in order to enable the stations to dynamically adjust the transmission parameters resulting in reduced mutual interference and optimum system performance