A Vibration Similarity Model of Converter Transformers and Its Verification Method

According to the vibration characteristics of converter transformers, considering the Maxwell equation, magnetostrictive effect, Lorentz force and structural mechanics, the similarity criterion suitable for converter transformers is deduced in this paper. Using the finite element simulation platform, the multi physical field coupling model of converter transformers is constructed, and the scale coefficient is 0.1. The magnetic flux density distribution, stress distribution, shape variable and vibration characteristics of the model before and after the similarity are analyzed. The results show that the variation law of the model before and after the similarity conforms to the similarity criterion, and the correctness of the similarity criterion is verified. The converter transformer vibration similarity model and its verification method can effectively reduce the unnecessary waste of resources before the preparation of converter transformers and have important reference value for the analysis and improvement of converter transformer vibration characteristics.

Mapping of Beta Distribution for the Study of Dispersed Materials

In the study of polydisperse materials, most of the experimental particle size distributions were obtained on bounded intervals. In these cases, it is also desirable to use bounded models with different shapes to simulate the results of studying polydisperse and powder materials. The beta distribution is often used to approximate results due to the fact that this distribution contains many forms for displaying realizations on a limited interval. With the development of computer technology, there has been an increased interest in the use of beta distribution in the modern practice of analyzing results. Meanwhile, there remains a limitation in the use of the beta distribution that is associated with the choice of distribution shape. The possibilities of using known shape measures for mapping beta distribution in this paper is discusses. On the example of the space of shape measure of kurtosis and skewness, the limited use of only probabilistic measures of shapes is illustrated. It is proposed to use the entropy coefficients as an additional informational parameter of the beta distribution shape. On the base of a features comparison of the entropy coefficients for biased and unbiased beta distributions, recommendations for their application are given. By using the example of beta distributions mapping in the space of asymmetry and the entropy coefficient, it is shown that the synergistic combination of probabilistic and informational measures of the shape allows expanding the possibilities of estimating the shape parameters beta distributions. Two methods to display the positions of realizations of beta distributions is proposed. There are trajectories on a constant ratio of shape and realizations position curve on equal values of one parameter. In particular, the features of the choice of beta distributions with negative skewness are discussed.

Inverted Topp-Leone Distribution: Contribution to a Family of J-Shaped Frequency Functions in Presence of Random Censoring

In this paper, Bayesian and non-Bayesian estimation of the inverted Topp-Leone distribution shape parameter are studied when the sample is complete and random censored. The maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) and Bayes estimator of the unknown parameter are proposed. The Bayes estimates (BEs) have been computed based on the squared error loss (SEL) function and using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) techniques. The asymptotic, bootstrap (p,t), and highest posterior density intervals are computed. The Metropolis Hasting algorithm is proposed for Bayes estimates. Monte Carlo simulation is performed to compare the performances of the proposed methods and one real data set has been analyzed for illustrative purposes.

Astrophysical Neutrinos and Blazars

We review and discuss recent results on the search for correlations between astrophysical neutrinos and γ-ray-detected sources, with many extragalactic studies reporting potential associations with different types of blazars. We investigate possible dependencies on blazar sub-classes by using the largest catalogues and all the multi-frequency data available. Through the study of similarities and differences in these sources we conclude that blazars come in two distinct flavours: LBLs and IHBLs (low-energy-peaked and intermediate-high-energy-peaked objects). These are distinguished by widely different properties such as the overall spectral energy distribution shape, jet speed, cosmological evolution, broad-band spectral variability, and optical polarisation properties. Although blazars of all types have been proposed as neutrino sources, evidence is accumulating in favour of IHBLs being the counterparts of astrophysical neutrinos. If this is indeed the case, we argue that the peculiar observational properties of IHBLs may be indirectly related to proton acceleration to very high energies.

Permeability variation in crystalline rocks due to low-grade solution phenomena

Permeability of crystalline rocks depends on parameters such as density and interconnectivity of fractures and pores. While in pristine crystalline rocks porosity is usually considered to be low, low-grade solution phenomena such as the formation of episyenites occur occasionally and may cause a local dramatic increase in porosity and permeability. These solution phenomena can be effective in otherwise unaltered rocks and may result in the preferential removal of certain mineral phases, especially of quartz so that porosities correspond to the spatial distribution of the previously existing mineral phase if no subsequent mineralization occurs (e.g., Pennacchioni et al., 2016). Using light-optical and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray tomography, micro-XRD, as well as digital image analysis, the differences in connectivity and hence permeability between, for example, quartz-depleted granite, gneiss, and schist can be characterized and quantified. We demonstrate that such porosities do not necessarily result in high permeabilities in an undeformed granodiorite from the Central Gneiss unit of the Tauern Window (Lago di Neves area, Italy), since former quartz aggregates are not interconnected due to their relatively late crystallization age and the preservation of the magmatic fabric; however, in the case of moderate mylonitic deformation, quartz as rheologically weak phase forms interconnected aggregates and layers. Its dissolution results in an extremely increased permeability. Therefore, not only the content and grain size but also the distribution, shape and alignment of minerals are crucial for rock permeability and need to be carefully investigated when searching for a final repository of highly radioactive waste in crystalline rocks. Especially since local shear zones may form in otherwise undeformed intrusive bodies, a detailed structural analysis beyond the exclusion of the presence of fractures is required to mitigate the risk of a long-lasting nuclear waste disposal.

Shape measures for the generalized beta exponential distribution

This paper contains parametric and informational shape measures for various families of the generalized beta exponential distribution since it is important to determination of the distribution shape for analysing an experimental data set. A logistic parameter is used to select independent types of beta exponential distributions, that it allows to combine the distributions of different subfamilies. In this paper the use of parametric shape measures to pre-define distribution shape is discusses. In particular, the initial and standard central moments for the main types of generalized beta exponential distribution are given. In the paper it is proposes to use the entropy coefficient of unshifted distribution as an independent information measure of the shape of unshifted generalized beta exponential distributions. In order to increase the reliability of the preliminary determination of the shape of the model, expressions for the entropy coefficient of shifted families both the generalized beta exponential distributions of the first and second types, and the generalized gamma exponential distribution were obtained. For practical applied the entropy coefficients of unshifted distributions for various subfamilies of generalized beta exponential distributions can be useful.

Measures of shape for the generalized beta exponential distribution

This paper contains parametric and informational measures of shape for various families of the generalized beta exponential distribution since it is important to determination of the distribution shape for analysing an experimental data set. A logistic parameter is used to select independent types of beta exponential distributions, that it allows to combine the distributions of different subfamilies. In this paper the use of parametric shape measures to predefine distribution shape is discusses. In particular, the initial and standard central moments for the main types of generalized beta exponential distribution are given. In the paper it is proposes to use the entropy coefficient of unshifted distribution as an independent information measure of the shape of unshifted generalized beta exponential distributions. In order to increase the reliability of the preliminary determination of the shape of the model, expressions for the entropy coefficient of shifted families both the generalized beta exponential distributions of the first and second types, and the generalized gamma exponential distribution were obtained. For practical applied the entropy coefficients of unshifted distributions for various subfamilies of generalized beta exponential distributions can be useful.

An Investigation of the Convergence of Average Peak Accelerations for High-Speed Planing Craft

This paper summarizes the results of an investigation of the convergence of average peak accelerations as more and more peaks are recorded during rough-water trials of small high-speed craft. Existing guidance from multiple sources suggest that more peaks is better, but how much more, and what engineering rationale should substantiate the answer? To address the question, simplified equations and numerous examples of peak acceleration data sets are presented. The results demonstrate that convergence of the average of the highest 10 percent of peaks (A1/10), and the average of the highest 1 percent of peaks (A1/100), and the ratio means that the shape of the cumulative distribution of the data set becomes more stable as the number of peak acceleration data points increases. A simple percent difference criterion is presented for quantifying the stability of the cumulative distribution shape.

Feature distribution learning by passive exposure

Humans can rapidly estimate the statistical properties of groups of stimuli, including their average and variability. But recent studies of so-called Feature Distribution Learning (FDL) have shown that observers can quickly learn even more complex aspects of feature distributions. In FDL, observers learn the full shape of a distribution of features in a set of distractor stimuli and use this information to improve visual search: response times (RT) are slowed if the target feature lies inside the previous distractor distribution, and the RT patterns closely reflect the distribution shape. FDL requires only a few trials and is markedly sensitive to different distribution types. It is unknown, however, whether our perceptual system encodes feature distributions automatically and by passive exposure, or whether this learning requires active engagement with the stimuli. In two experiments, we sought to answer this question. During an initial exposure stage, participants passively viewed a display of 36 lines that included one orientation singleton or no singletons. In the following search display, they had to find an oddly oriented target. The orientations of the lines were determined either by a Gaussian or a uniform distribution. We found evidence for FDL only when the passive trials contained an orientation singleton. Under these conditions, RT decreased as a function of the orientation distance between the target and the exposed distractor distribution. These results suggest that FDL can occur by passive exposure, but only if an orientation singleton appears during exposure to the distribution.

Microplastics in the Center of Mediterranean: Comparison of the Two Calabrian Coasts and Distribution from Coastal Areas to the Open Sea

Plastic is everywhere—increasing evidence suggests that plastic pollution is ubiquitous and persistent in ecosystems worldwide. Microplastic pollution in marine environments is particularly insidious, as small fragmentation can increase interaction with biota and food chain access. Of particular concern is the Mediterranean Sea, which has become a large area of accumulation of plastic debris, including microplastics, whose polymeric composition is still largely unknown. In this study, we analyzed the polymeric composition, particle size distribution, shape, and color of small plastic particles (ranging from 50 to 5000 µm) collected from the sea surface in six stations at the center of the Mediterranean Sea. We also described, for the first time, the different distribution of microplastics from coastal areas up to 12 nautical miles offshore. The microplastic density was 0.13 ± 0.19 particles/m2, with a marked prevalence of smaller particles (73% < 3 mm) and a peak between 1 and 2 mm (34.74%). Microplastics composition analysis showed that the most abundant material was polyethylene (69%), followed by polypropylene (24%). Moreover, we reported a comparison of the two Calabrian coasts providing the first characterization of a great difference in microplastic concentration between the Tyrrhenian and Ionian sides (87% vs. 13%, respectively), probably due to the complex marine and atmospheric circulation, which make the Tyrrhenian side an area of accumulation of materials originating even from faraway places. We demonstrate, for the first time, a great difference in microplastic concentration between Tyrrhenian and Ionian Calabrian coasts, providing a full characterization and highlighting that microplastic pollution is affected by both local release and hydrography of the areas.