Massively parallel approximate Gaussian process regression

We explore how the big-three computing paradigms -- symmetric multi-processor (SMC), graphical processing units (GPUs), and cluster computing -- can together be brought to bare on large-data Gaussian processes (GP) regression problems via a careful implementation of a newly developed local approximation scheme. Our methodological contribution focuses primarily on GPU computation, as this requires the most care and also provides the largest performance boost. However, in our empirical work we study the relative merits of all three paradigms to determine how best to combine them. The paper concludes with two case studies. One is a real data fluid-dynamics computer experiment which benefits from the local nature of our approximation; the second is a synthetic data example designed to find the largest design for which (accurate) GP emulation can performed on a commensurate predictive set under an hour.Comment: 24 pages, 6 figures, 1 tabl

Combustion and emission studies of a common-rail direct injection diesel engine with various injector nozzles

Fuel injection has a critical role in an internal combustion engine and a significant effect on the quality of the fuel spray. In turn, fuel spray directly affects an engine´s combustion, efficiency, power and emissions. This study evaluated three different injector nozzles in a highspeed, non-road diesel engine. It was run on diesel fuel oil (DFO) and testing was conducted at three different engine loads (100%, 75% and 50%) and at two engine speeds (2,200 rpm and 1,500 rpm). The nozzles had 6, 8 and 10 holes and a relatively high mass flow rate (HF). The study investigated and compared injection and combustion characteristics, together with gaseous emissions. The combustion parameters seemed to be very similar with all studied injector nozzles. The emission measurements indicated general reductions in hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) at most load/speed points when using the 6- and 10-hole nozzles instead of the reference 8-hole nozzles. However, smoke number increased when the alternative nozzles were used

Exact Path Integrals by Equivariant Cohomology

It is a common belief among field theorists that path integrals can be computed exactly only in a limited number of special cases, and that most of these cases are already known. However recent developments, which generalize the WKBJ method using equivariant cohomology, appear to contradict this folk wisdom. At the formal level, equivariant localization would seem to allow exact computation of phase space path integrals for an arbitrary partition function! To see how, and if, these methods really work in practice, we have applied them in explicit quantum mechanics examples. We show that the path integral for the 1-d hydrogen atom, which is not WKBJ exact, is localizable and computable using the more general formalism. We find however considerable ambiguities in this approach, which we can only partially resolve. In addition, we find a large class of quantum mechanics examples where the localization procedure breaks down completely.Comment: LATE

Equivariance, BRST and Superspace

The structure of equivariant cohomology in non-abelian localization formulas and topological field theories is discussed. Equivariance is formulated in terms of a nilpotent BRST symmetry, and another nilpotent operator which restricts the BRST cohomology onto the equivariant, or basic sector. A superfield formulation is presented and connections to reducible (BFV) quantization of topological Yang-Mills theory are discussed.Comment: (24 pages, report UU-ITP and HU-TFT-93-65

BRST extension of the Faddeev model

The Faddeev model is a second class constrained system. Here we construct its nilpotent BRST operator and derive the ensuing manifestly BRST invariant Lagrangian. Our construction employs the structure of Stuckelberg fields in a nontrivial fashion.Comment: 4 pages, new references adde

Waste fish oil as an alternative renewable fuel for IC engines

Received: January 31st, 2021 ; Accepted: April 10th, 2021 ; Published: April 30th, 2021 ; Correspondence: [email protected] are potential fuels for internal combustion engines because of they have advantageous properties such as biodegradability, renewability, high oxygen content and low sulphur. However, the high viscosity, surface tension, and density of crude bio-oils pose challenges for engine use. Those properties affect fuel spray characteristics, mixture formation and combustion. In turn, these impact engine, efficiency, power and emissions. This study investigated the use of crude fish oil (FO) at medium and low engine-loads at two engine speeds in an off-road engine. The injectors had 6-hole high flow rate tips. The results were compared with those of fossil diesel fuel oil (DFO). Fish oil increased hydrocarbon (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and partly oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions. Smoke number, however, decreased. Crude fish oil also showed lowered total particle number (TPN) at low load at low engine-speed compared with DFO

Alternatives to Animal Experimentation

Alternatives to animal experimentation are highly touted today by animal welfare advocates. Their campaign for adopting alternatives has caused much discussion and debate within and outside the biomedical community. This paper aimed to examine the controversy and assess the more common alternatives, including the bacterial mutagenicity assay or Ames test, cell culture, and mathematical models for toxicity prediction. Chemical safety testing is the most promising of the fields for alternatives where laboratory animals are used, and incorporating alternatives with live-animal assays is increasing. However, due to the limitations of alternatives in use currently, there is still a considerable need for in vivo systems. The veterinarian is central to the alternatives question regarding humane considerations and the usefulness of animals in science. An influential role for the veterinarian is to serve as an educator and mediator between the scientist using laboratory animals and the animal welfare proponent