Increasing reliability of forensic analysis while research on destroyed relief marking with magneto-optical devices

While research on destroyed relief marking of metal objects using the magneto-optical method, visualization of (invisible) fields of internal stress in the VIN plate area is performed and then a forensic analysis of obtained instrumental data is carried out (indirect organoleptic observation of the visualization results); thus, forensic analysis reliability of results directly depends on sensitivity of instruments and informativeness of instrumental data. The main quantitative characteristic in this case is probability of correct signal recognition (contours of marking signs) against the background of noise (structural noise of investigated surface and the noise of the visualization method itself) determined by the signal-to-noise ratio. This article presents results of a comparative experimental assessment of signal-to-noise ratio and probability of correct signal recognition while restoringthe destroyed relief markings for two complexes of magneto-optical imaging – models of 2006 and 2018. This article purpose is a quantitative and qualitative comparative assessment of results of visualization of internal stresses in areas of completely removed relief marking of metal objects. The results of successful practical research obtained by forensic experts from different countries make it possible to assess effectiveness and prospects of using the magneto-optical imaging method. In a new modification of the magneto-optical complex: signal level is 4.35 dB higher (contrast of reconstructed marking signs); 2.71 dB lower noise level (surface relief/texture and magnetic copying noise);• probability of correct character recognition is P> 0.995 (increased by 14.9%). Technical improvements in implementation of magneto-optical visualization method made it possible to expand the range of materials for research objects(magnetic and electrically conductive materials were investigated). The high efficiency of method for restoring marking is illustrated by results of forensic examinations for materials with a low level of residual stresses (aluminum alloy, low-carbon steel) which chemical etching method did not give results for. The use of new modification allows examining the rust layer, up to cases of corrosion to the entire depth of marks. Considering non-destructive nature of magneto-optical researches, possibility of their repeated repetition without losing object properties, this method (in accordance with the order of application of types of studies) deserves more attention for application.

Deep Learning Method to Remove Chemical, Kinetic and Electric Artifacts on ISEs

We suggest a deep learning based sensor signal processing method to remove chemical, kinetic and electrical artifacts from ion selective electrodes’ measured values. An ISE is used to investigate the concentration of a specific ion from aqueous solution, by measuring the Nernst potential along the glass membrane. However, application of ISE on a mixture of multiple ion has some problem. First problem is a chemical artifact which is called ion interference effect. Electrically charged particles interact with each other and flows through the glass membrane of different ISEs. Second problem is the kinetic artifact caused by the movement of the liquid. Water molecules collide with the glass membrane causing abnormal peak values of voltage. The last artifact is the interference of ISEs. When multiple ISEs are dipped into same solution, one electrode’s signal emission interference voltage measurement of other electrodes. Therefore, an ISE is recommended to be applied on single-ion solution, without any other sensors applied at the same time. Deep learning approach can remove both 3 artifacts at the same time. The proposed method used 5 layers of artificial neural networks to regress correct signal to remove complex artifacts with one-shot calculation. Its MAPE was less than 1.8% and R2 of regression was 0.997. A randomly chosen value of AI-processed data has MAPE less than 5% (p-value 0.016).

The PE Ratio and the Predicted Earnings Growth – the Case of Poland

We examine the components of equity returns on the Polish capital market. To analyse the underlying complexity of returns we took into consideration the model designed by Leibowitz (1999). This model captures three factors: dividend yield, expected growth in earnings and expected change in price-to-earnings (PE) ratio. We applied this model to analyse the average discount/premium not only to particular shares but to market averages as well. Firstly, we examined the variation of PE across the companies (as adapted from Penman (1996)) to analyse the average rate of return and their striking distance of individual stocks from a ‘normal’ level. Then we checked the transitory earnings in the portfolios of high PE, whereby a fall in current earnings relative to sustainable level of earnings leads to a transitory high PE ratio. We expect that the effect of transience in current year earnings can be significant. Lastly, we analysed the individual companies in order to check what percentage of companies give a “correct” signal about future prospects.

Simulator of Hydraulic Supercharger Based on Virual Instrument

In order to build a platform for overhaul and simulation training of CCIS (Command Control Information System), the simulation model of the hydraulic supercharger was established. By the model the simulator of hydraulic supercharger was designed and developed based on virtual instrument technology and SCM (single chip microcomputer) technology, the software of the simulator which was designed by the LabWindows/CVI provided a virtual interface and the hardware of the simulator which was developed with the SCM system gave the correct signal. As a result, when the simulator of hydraulic supercharger was connected to the CCIS, the simulation result was realized to be consistent with the real hydraulic supercharger.

Any differences in the dividend policy between national and regional banks?

This study compares the dividend policy of Korean national and regional banks by identifying the factors that may determine the payout ratio of the banks using the sample over 1994-2008 periods. Based on the fixed effects regression estimation, this study finds that the payout ratio of national banks appears to be more significantly and closely related to the variables such as debt ratio (negative relationship), future growth opportunity (negative relationship), profitability (positive relationship), and outside ownership (positive relationship) than regional banks. These results are appealing intuitively considering that generally national banks are larger banks and more actively traded in capital market, and therefore, national banks would be subject to greater indirect market discipline and pressure in dividend market. Thus, national banks may receive more pressure than regional banks to send the correct signal to the market through the dividend policy. Therefore the pattern of dividend policy for national banks would be more significant and predictable compared to regional banks.

Application of a Wave-Length Modulation Device to Problems concerning Spectrometer Misalignment

The use of wave-length modulation as a tool for minimizing spectrometer spectral misalignment is examined. A vibrating quartz plate is employed to repetitively scan a small wave-length interval at the exit slit of a spectrometer. Increased latitude is thereby provided for any slit or wave-length misalignment of the spectrometer, as long as the correct signal detection system is employed. Investigation of the effects of wave-length modulation on a typical line spectrum has revealed signal averaging as the optimum detection system for this approach. From this, additional approaches are suggested for manual and automatic routine correction of spectrometer wave-length drift using existing optical systems. Also, a new technique is suggested for automatic feedback correction of the spectrometer using an on-line digital computer. Methods of implementation of all these procedures are considered and discussed.

Vigilance before and after Sleep

In an auditory vigilance (signal detection) task, 13 Ss missed more signals and made more false reports 10 min. after awakening in the morning than at night before bed. Higher confidence levels were associated with correct signal detections made before bed than with those made in the morning, and Ss were more confident when they responded to signals than when they made false reports.