Learning of model discrepancy for structural dynamics applications using Bayesian history matching

Calibration of computer models for structural dynamics is often an important task in creating valid predictions that match observational data. However, calibration alone will lead to biased estimates of system parameters when a mechanism for model discrepancy is not included. The definition of model discrepancy is the mismatch between observational data and the model when the 'true' parameters are known. This will occur due to the absence and/or simplification of certain physics in the computer model. Bayesian History Matching (BHM) is a 'likelihood-free' method for obtaining calibrated outputs whilst accounting for model discrepancies, typically via an additional variance term. The approach assesses the input space, using an emulator of the complex computer model, and identifies parameter sets that could have plausibly generated the target outputs. In this paper a more informative methodology is outlined where the functional form of the model discrepancy is inferred, improving predictive performance. The algorithm is applied to a case study for a representative five storey building structure with the objective of calibrating outputs of a finite element (FE) model. The results are discussed with appropriate validation metrics that consider the complete distribution

Robotic Wireless Sensor Networks

In this chapter, we present a literature survey of an emerging, cutting-edge, and multi-disciplinary field of research at the intersection of Robotics and Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) which we refer to as Robotic Wireless Sensor Networks (RWSN). We define a RWSN as an autonomous networked multi-robot system that aims to achieve certain sensing goals while meeting and maintaining certain communication performance requirements, through cooperative control, learning and adaptation. While both of the component areas, i.e., Robotics and WSN, are very well-known and well-explored, there exist a whole set of new opportunities and research directions at the intersection of these two fields which are relatively or even completely unexplored. One such example would be the use of a set of robotic routers to set up a temporary communication path between a sender and a receiver that uses the controlled mobility to the advantage of packet routing. We find that there exist only a limited number of articles to be directly categorized as RWSN related works whereas there exist a range of articles in the robotics and the WSN literature that are also relevant to this new field of research. To connect the dots, we first identify the core problems and research trends related to RWSN such as connectivity, localization, routing, and robust flow of information. Next, we classify the existing research on RWSN as well as the relevant state-of-the-arts from robotics and WSN community according to the problems and trends identified in the first step. Lastly, we analyze what is missing in the existing literature, and identify topics that require more research attention in the future

Psychosocial impact of undergoing prostate cancer screening for men with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.

OBJECTIVES: To report the baseline results of a longitudinal psychosocial study that forms part of the IMPACT study, a multi-national investigation of targeted prostate cancer (PCa) screening among men with a known pathogenic germline mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. PARTICPANTS AND METHODS: Men enrolled in the IMPACT study were invited to complete a questionnaire at collaborating sites prior to each annual screening visit. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics and the following measures: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Impact of Event Scale (IES), 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36), Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer, Cancer Worry Scale-Revised, risk perception and knowledge. The results of the baseline questionnaire are presented. RESULTS: A total of 432 men completed questionnaires: 98 and 160 had mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, respectively, and 174 were controls (familial mutation negative). Participants' perception of PCa risk was influenced by genetic status. Knowledge levels were high and unrelated to genetic status. Mean scores for the HADS and SF-36 were within reported general population norms and mean IES scores were within normal range. IES mean intrusion and avoidance scores were significantly higher in BRCA1/BRCA2 carriers than in controls and were higher in men with increased PCa risk perception. At the multivariate level, risk perception contributed more significantly to variance in IES scores than genetic status. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to report the psychosocial profile of men with BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations undergoing PCa screening. No clinically concerning levels of general or cancer-specific distress or poor quality of life were detected in the cohort as a whole. A small subset of participants reported higher levels of distress, suggesting the need for healthcare professionals offering PCa screening to identify these risk factors and offer additional information and support to men seeking PCa screening

Considering plain language: Issues and initiatives

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on plain language in Australia, the UK and the USA since the movement began to accelerate in the early 1960s; to review the progress of plain-language initiatives in those countries in the years since then; to provide guidance on generating plain-language documents for writers in the corporate arena; and to present suggestions for further research. Design/methodology/approach: The paper discusses historical and contemporary initiatives and issues relating to plain language, presents guidelines for writing in plain language, and discusses the desirability of ongoing research. Findings: The paper concludes with suggestions for further research in the corporate sector, where issues such as plain-language "standards" are contestable, and compliance with plain-language guidelines is under-researched. Research limitations/implications: Although the plain-language movement has gained great momentum worldwide in recent years, this paper is limited to the countries in which it was pioneered. Practical implications: The desirability of adopting plain language is undeniable, with many professions and businesses recognising the social and economic benefits of presenting information to their customers in plain language: efficiency, effectiveness, cost-savings, equity, enhanced consumer satisfaction, among others. Originality/value: The paper provides a valuable overview of the progress of plain-language initiatives in Australia, the UK and the USA since the 1960s and highlights the necessity for further research in a movement that has become an important consideration for corporations in an economy in which writing and information design are central

NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Quasi-Optical Control of Intense Microwave Transmission Nizhny

This volume assembles the texts of presentations given at the NATO-sponsored Advanced Research Workshop on Quasi-Optical Transmission of High-Power Microwaves, held in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia in February 2004. The presentations bridge a wide range of technical areas, but share common tools of analysis and design. Applications of quasi-optics extend to the use of high-power microwaves—including millimeter-waves— for radar and communications (especially deep space millimeter-wave systems, space debris detection radar, and radar for the detection of small targets moving over heavy clutter); particle accelerators (especially for a future high-acceleration-gradient electron-positron collider); plasma research (especially for controlled nuclear fusion and waste decontamination); and material processing (in particular, ceramic sintering with millimeter-waves, and the coating of metal surfaces with protective dielectric films.). Scientists and engineers working in any of these areas should benefit significantly from exposure to this broad range of timely expositions authored by many of the world’s foremost experts in these fields. The editors, themselves being original, principal proponents of many of the concepts discussed here, have integrated important contributions from many fields into a cohesive entity

Millimeter/Sub-Millimetre Radiotelescopes, Terrestrial and Space Considerations

Een wetenschappelijke satellite van ESA is gelanceerd, voorheen XMM genoemd en na de lancering Newton genoemd. De satellite is nog steeds in werking en heeft een interessant instrument met een lens system bestaande uit coaxiale cylindrische spiegels. Laatstgenoemde reflectoren focusseren de binnenkomende Rontgen stralen in een grazing incidence (anders gaat Rontgen straling door het material heen). Nadat een bedrijf (Media-Lario) dit soort coaxiale reflector system ontwikkeld en gebouwd hat , was het noodzakelijk om te zien of zulke hoogwaardige technologie niet voor wat anders gebruikt kon worden. Hieruit is een ontwikkeling voortgekomen om deze technologie te gebruiken voor antennes op de grond. Daaruit is een panel technologie voort gekomen (voor het eerst hierop aangestuurd door de auteur in 1999 in Astron) voor de ALMA radio telescoop antennes. Het heft tot interessante samenwerking geleid met ESO, met Dr. J. Baars die direct de positieve resultaten er van inzag). Genoemde technologie is nu terug te vinden op 25 radio telescoop antennes in het ALMA system van 50+16 radio telescopen

Mathematical Model of Dynamics of a Cell Cycle Based on the Allometric Theory of Growth

Разработана математическая модель динамики клеточного цикла на основе теории аллометри- ческого роста с переключениями. На основе геометрического описания модели получены способы нахождения стационарных и периодических точек.The mathematical model of dynamics of a cell cycle on the basis of the theory allometric growth is devel- oped. The way of a finding of stationary and periodic points on the basis of the geometrical description of model has been found

Mathematical Model of Dynamics of a Cell Cycle Based on the Allometric Theory of Growth

Разработана математическая модель динамики клеточного цикла на основе теории аллометри- ческого роста с переключениями. На основе геометрического описания модели получены способы нахождения стационарных и периодических точек.The mathematical model of dynamics of a cell cycle on the basis of the theory allometric growth is devel- oped. The way of a finding of stationary and periodic points on the basis of the geometrical description of model has been found