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At least 19 records

Evaluation methodology for comparing memory and communication of analytic processes in visual analytics

Provenance tools can help capture and represent the history of analytic processes. In addition to supporting analytic performance, provenance tools can be used to support memory of the process and communication of the steps to others. Objective evaluation methods are needed to evaluate how well provenance tools support analyst s memory and communication of analytic processes. In this paper, we present several methods for the evaluation of process memory, and we discuss the advantages and limitations of each. We discuss methods for determining a baseline process for comparison, and we describe various methods that can be used to elicit process recall, step ordering, and time estimations. Additionally, we discuss methods for conducting quantitative and qualitative analyses of process memory. By organizing possible memory evaluation methods and providing a meta-analysis of the potential benefits and drawbacks of different approaches, this paper can inform study design and encourage objective evaluation of process memory and communication.

Ragan, Eric D↗

Analytic bounds on late-time axion-scalar cosmologies

The cosmological dynamics of multiple scalar/pseudoscalar fields are difficult to solve, especially when the field-space metric is curved. This presents a challenge in determining whether a given model can support cosmic acceleration, without solving for the on-shell solution. In this work, we present bounds on late-time FLRW-cosmologies in classes of theories that involve arbitrary numbers of scalar and pseudoscalar fields coupled both kinetically (leading to a curved field space metric) and through scalar potentials. Such bounds are proven analytically, independently of initial conditions, with no approximation in the field equations and without referring to explicit solutions. Besides their broad applications to cosmological model building, our bounds can be applied to studying asymptotic cosmologies of certain classes of string compactifications.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

In-hardware demonstration of model-independent adaptive tuning of noisy systems with arbitrary phase drift

In this work, an implementation of a recently developed model-independent adaptive control scheme, for tuning uncertain and time varying systems, is demonstrated on the Los Alamos linear particle accelerator. The main benefits of the algorithm are its simplicity, ability to handle an arbitrary number of components without increased complexity, and the approach is extremely robust to measurement noise, a property which is both analytically proven and demonstrated in the experiments performed. We report on the application of this algorithm for simultaneous tuning of two buncher radio frequency (RF) cavities, in order to maximize beam acceptance into the accelerating electromagnetic field cavities of the machine, with the tuning based only on a noisy measurement of the surviving beam current downstream from the two bunching cavities. The algorithm automatically responds to arbitrary phase shift of the cavity phases, automatically re-tuning the cavity settings and maximizing beam acceptance. Because it is model independent it can be utilized for continuous adaptation to time-variation of a large system, such as due to thermal drift, or damage to components, in which the remaining, functional components would be automatically re-tuned to compensate for the failing ones. We start by discussing the general model-independent adaptive scheme and how it may be digitally applied to a large class of multi-parameter uncertain systems, and then present our experimental results.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Piecewise omnigenous stellarators with zero bootstrap current

Until now, quasi-isodynamic magnetic fields have been the only known stellarator configurations that, at low collisionality, give small radial neoclassical transport and zero bootstrap current for arbitrary plasma profiles, the latter facilitating control of the magnetic configuration. The recently introduced notion of piecewise omnigenous fields has enormously broadened the space of stellarator configurations with small radial neoclassical transport. Here, in this Letter, the existence of piecewise omnigenous fields that give zero bootstrap current is proven analytically and confirmed numerically. These results establish piecewise omnigenity as an alternative approach to stellarator reactor design.

Calvo, Iván [Research Centre for Energy, Environme↗

Optimal time splitting for two- and three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations with mixed derivatives

A new explicit, time splitting algorithm has been developed for finite difference modelling of the full two and three-dimensional time-dependent, compressible, viscous Navier-Stokes equations of fluid mechanics. The scheme is optimal in the sense that the split operators achieve their maximum allowable time step, i.e., the corresponding Courant number. The algorithm allows a conservation-form formulation. Stability is proven analytically and verified numerically. In proving stability it was shown that all nine matrix coefficients of the Navier-Stokes equations are simultaneously symmetrizable by a similarity transformation. Two such transformations and their resulting symmetric matrix coefficients are presented explicitly.

Abarbanel, S.↗

Parallel-vector design sensitivity analysis in structural dynamics

This paper presents a parallel-vector algorithm for sensitivity calculations in linear structural dynamics. The proposed alternative formulation works efficiently with the reduced system of dynamic equations, since it eliminates the need for expensive and complicated based-vector derivatives, which are required in the conventional reduced system formulation. The relationship between the alternative formulation and the conventional reduced system formulation has been established, and it has been proven analytically that the two approaches are identical when all the mode shapes are included. This paper validates the proposed alternative algorithm through numerical experiments, where only a small number of mode shapes are used. In addition, a modified mode acceleration method is presented, thus not only the displacements but also the velocities and accelerations are shown to be improved.

Zhang, Y.↗

Optimal Scheduling of a Multi-User, Multi-Tasking Automatic Robotic Telescope

An algorithm is introduced to generate the optimal schedule of observations for a multi-user, multi-tasking automatic robotic telescope. The schedule is optimal m that it will take the highest possible quality data, perform the largest number of tasks, and fairly serve multiple users in terms of data quality, allocated telescope time, and observation priorities. In addition, the algorithm addresses problems due to overloading and underloading the telescope. The algorithm, which employs dynamic-programming-based decision theory, is analytically proven to produce the optimal schedule using set theory. Simulations conducted using actual astronomical data are presented which show significant improvement over existing scheduling techniques. Once completed the new scheduling algorithm will be tested on the Tennessee State University/Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics 32-inch automatic Photoelectric Telescope at Fairborn Observatory, Arizona.

Tantaris, R. N.↗

Modeling and Data Analysis of SONEX Observations

Primary focus of the study is on the sources, photochemistry and transport of reactive nitrogen species, O3, as well as other O3 precursors such as NMHC and CO. Major objectives are: (1) Identify the major sources of NO(x) and quantify the contribution of each source to the NO(x) distribution in the free troposphere, particularly in the upper troposphere. (2) Understand the odd hydrogen photochemistry and the recycling of NO(x) in the free troposphere. (3) Evaluate the photochemical production and destruction of O3. A combination of modeling and data analysis/interpretation approach is used. We use a three-dimensional model and a box model to simulate, analyze, and interpret the observations. Both models are needed because they are complementary and each has its advantages and limitations. Proven analytical techniques, including correlation of NOx with various tracers and with different air masses, are applied to both observations and model results to deduce useful information toward accomplishing the objectives. In addition, the SONEX observations are compared and analyzed in a systematic way against other airborne experiments conducted over remote atmosphere, especially those from NASA GTE experiments, AASE 1 and 2, and SUCCESS.

Liu, Shaw C.↗

An analysis of parameters affecting ampacity in aircraft bipolar MVDC power cables via coupled electrical, thermal, and computational fluid dynamic modelling

Abstract The next generation of aircraft, including more electric aircraft and all‐electric aircraft (AEA), requires electric power systems with high power density and low system mass specifications. Increasing the voltage of the system to the range of a few kV, medium voltage (MV), is a reasonable approach to achieving high‐power‐density and low‐system‐mass EPSs for aircraft applications. Higher voltages, however, pose many challenges for aviation MV power cables such as arcs and arc tracking, partial discharges (PDs), and thermal management. In this regard, thermal management is more challenging since heat transfer by convection is greatly reduced at wide‐body aircraft's cruising altitudes due to the reduced air pressure. In this paper, a finite element method (FEM) model is developed in COMSOL Multiphysics for an aircraft bipolar MVDC (±5 kV) power cable. Using the model, the maximum permissible cable current at a low pressure of 18.8 kPa (at an altitude of 12.2 km from sea level, the usual cruising altitude for wide‐body aircraft) is calculated. Also, an analytical model is developed based on analytical and proven empirical correlations governing conductive, radiative, and convective heat transfers at the steady state to estimate the ampacity of the bipolar cable system at reduced pressure. It was shown that the proposed analytical model can be used for atmospheric pressure and systems with a larger number of poles, expanding its range of applications. The results of the FEM and analytical models correlate at wide ranges of parameters such as ambient temperature, duct size, distance between the positive and negative pole cables, and the overall diameter of the cables. The influence of horizontal and vertical arrangement of poles is included in the analytical model. The results of this study can be used to design bipolar MVDC power cable systems for the envisaged wide‐body AEA.

Azizi, Arian↗

The Influence of Visual Provenance Representations on Strategies in a Collaborative Hand-off Data Analysis Scenario

Conducting data analysis tasks rarely occur in isolation. Especially in intelligence analysis scenarios where different experts contribute knowledge to a shared understanding, members must communicate how insights develop to establish common ground among collaborators. The use of provenance to communicate analytic sensemaking carries promise by describing the interactions and summarizing the steps taken to reach insights. Yet, no universal guidelines exist for communicating provenance in different settings. Our work here focuses on the presentation of provenance information and the resulting conclusions reached and strategies used by new analysts. In an open-ended, 30-minute, textual exploration scenario, we qualitatively compare how adding different types of provenance information (specifically data coverage and interaction history) affects analysts' confidence in conclusions developed, propensity to repeat work, filtering of data, identification of relevant information, and typical investigation strategies. We see that data coverage (i.e., what was interacted with) provides provenance information without limiting individual investigation freedom. On the other hand, while interaction history (i.e., when something was interacted with) does not significantly encourage more mimicry, it does take more time to comfortably understand, as represented by less confident conclusions and less relevant information-gathering behaviors. In conclusion, our results contribute empirical data towards understanding how provenance summarizations can influence analysis behaviors.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

The Ultra-scale Visualization Climate Data Analysis Tools (UV-CDAT): Data Analysis and Visualization for Geoscience Data

To support interactive visualization and analysis of complex, large-scale climate data sets, UV-CDAT integrates a powerful set of scientific computing libraries and applications to foster more efficient knowledge discovery. Connected through a provenance framework, the UV-CDAT components can be loosely coupled for fast integration or tightly coupled for greater functionality and communication with other components. This framework addresses many challenges in the interactive visual analysis of distributed large-scale data for the climate community.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Finding Waldo: Learning about Users from their Interactions

Visual analytics is inherently a collaboration between human and computer. However, in current visual analytics systems, the computer has limited means of knowing about its users and their analysis processes. While existing research has shown that a user’s interactions with a system reflect a large amount of the user’s reasoning process, there has been limited advancement in developing automated, real-time techniques that mine interactions to learn about the user. In this paper, we demonstrate that we can accurately predict a user’s task performance and infer some user personality traits by using machine learning techniques to analyze interaction data. Specifically, we conduct an experiment in which participants perform a visual search task and we apply well-known machine learning algorithms to three encodings of the users interaction data. We achieve, depending on algorithm and encoding, between 62% and 96% accuracy at predicting whether each user will be fast or slow at completing the task. Beyond predicting performance, we demonstrate that using the same techniques, we can infer aspects of the user’s personality factors, including locus of control, extraversion, and neuroticism. Further analyses show that strong results can be attained with limited observation time, in some cases, 82% of the final accuracy is gained after a quarter of the average task completion time. Overall, our findings show that interactions can provide information to the computer about its human collaborator, and establish a foundation for realizing mixed- initiative visual analytics systems.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Synchronizability of random rectangular graphs

Random rectangular graphs (RRGs) represent a generalization of the random geometric graphs in which the nodes are embedded into hyperrectangles instead of on hypercubes. The synchronizability of RRG model is studied. Both upper and lower bounds of the eigenratio of the network Laplacian matrix are determined analytically. It is proven that as the rectangular network is more elongated, the network becomes harder to synchronize. The synchronization processing behavior of a RRG network of chaotic Lorenz system nodes is numerically investigated, showing complete consistence with the theoretical results.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Accomplishments at NASA Langley Research Center in rotorcraft aerodynamics technology

In recent years, the development of aerodynamic technology for rotorcraft has continued successfully at NASA LaRC. Though the NASA Langley Research Center is not the lead NASA center in this area, the activity was continued due to facilities and individual capabilities which are recognized as contributing to helicopter research needs of industry and government. Noteworthy accomplishments which contribute to advancing the state of rotorcraft technology in the areas of rotor design, airfoil research, rotor aerodynamics, and rotor/fuselage interaction aerodynamics are described. Rotor designs were defined for current helicopters and evaluated in wind tunnel testing. These designs have incorporated advanced airfoils defined analytically and also proven in wind tunnel tests. A laser velocimetry system has become a productive tool for experimental definition of rotor inflow/wake and is providing data for rotorcraft aerodynamic code validation.

Wilson, John C.↗

Chemical Detection and Identification Techniques for Exobiology Flight Experiments

Exobiology flight experiments require highly sensitive instrumentation for in situ analysis of the volatile chemical species that occur in the atmospheres and surfaces of various bodies within the solar system. The complex mixtures encountered place a heavy burden on the analytical Instrumentation to detect and identify all species present. The minimal resources available onboard for such missions mandate that the instruments provide maximum analytical capabilities with minimal requirements of volume, weight and consumables. Advances in technology may be achieved by increasing the amount of information acquired by a given technique with greater analytical capabilities and miniaturization of proven terrestrial technology. We describe here methods to develop analytical instruments for the detection and identification of a wide range of chemical species using Gas Chromatography. These efforts to expand the analytical capabilities of GC technology are focused on the development of detectors for the GC which provide sample identification independent of the GC retention time data. A novel new approach employs Penning Ionization Electron Spectroscopy (PIES).

Kojiro, Daniel R.↗

NREL’s Advanced Analytics Research for Energy-Efficient Buildings

At NREL, we believe in building better buildings. More importantly, high-performance buildings that can do more and be smarter than ever before. Forty percent of the total energy consumption in the United States comes from buildings. Working together, we can dramatically shrink that number. But first, it starts with the research: our observations, experiments, modeling, analysis, and more. NREL’s advanced analytics research has already proven to reduce energy use, save money, and stabilize the grid.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Bottom-Up Two-Dimensional Electron-Capture Dissociation Mass Spectrometry of Calmodulin

Two-dimensional mass spectrometry (2D MS) is a tandem mass spectrometry technique that allows data-independent fragmentation of all precursors in a mixture without previous isolation, through modulation of the ion cyclotron frequency in the ICR-cell prior to fragmentation. Its power as an analytical technique has been proven particularly for proteomics. Recently, a comparison study between 1D and 2D MS has been performed using infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) on calmodulin (CaM), highlighting the capabilities of the technique in both top-down (TDP) and bottom-up proteomics (BUP). The goal of this work is to expand this study on CaM using electron-capture dissociation (ECD) 2D MS as a single complementary BUP experiment in order to enhance the cleavage coverage of the protein under analysis. By adding the results of the BUP 2D ECD MS to the 2D IRMPD MS analysis of CaM, the total cleavage coverage increased from ~40% to ~68%. .

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗