Simulating listener errors in using genetic algorithms for perceptual optimization

The genetic algorithm (GA) was previously suggested for fitting hearing aid or cochlear implant features by using listener's subjective judgment. In the present study, two human factors that might affect the outcome of the GA when used for perceptual optimization were explored with simulations. Listeners with varying sensitivity in discriminating sentences of different intelligibility and with varying error rates in entering their judgment to the GA were simulated. A comparison of the simulation results with the results from human subjects reported by Ba?kent et al. Ear Hear. 28(3) 277-289 (2007) showed that these factors could reduce the performance of the GA considerably.     

Influence of the central metal atom on the nonlinear optical properties of MPcs solutions and thin films

Third order nonlinear optical susceptibility (χ^〈3〉) of metallophthalocyanines (MPcs, where M = Co, Cu, Zn, Mg) thin films and solutions was investigated by standard backward degenerate four wave mixing (DFWM) method at 532 nm. Third harmonic generation (THG) measurement at 1064 nm performed on MPcs thin films is also discussed. MPcs thin films were grown by conventional thermal evaporation in high vacuum and solution were dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (THF), in which the studied materials are soluble. In the case of microscopic nonlinearity, we calculated the second order hyperpolarizability (γ) for MPcs solutions. We found that the χ^〈3〉 and the γ values are affected by the nature of the central metal atom. We also found that the value is larger than that measured via THG experiment. The variation in χ^〈3〉 values occurs due to the different resonance contributions.     

Sharp oscillation and nonoscillation tests for linear difference equations

We consider difference equations with a single delay term and obtain sufficient conditions for both oscillation and nonoscillation. Moreover, our nonoscillation theorem improves the affirmative answer to Ladas’ corrected conjecture given by Tang and Yu in [Comput. Math. Appl. 38(11–12) (1999), pp. 229–237]. We also present a detailed discussion with examples to emphasize the significance and the sharpness of the new results.     

Analytical model for thermal resistance due to multiple moving circular contacts on a coated bodyModèle analytique pour la résistance thermique due à des contacts circulaires mobiles multiples à la surface d'un solide revêtu

The heat transfer at the interface of two solids in sliding/rolling contact depends on the constriction phenomenon which occurs at the vicinity of asperities. In order to study this problem, the micro-contacts are represented by multiple moving circular heat sources on the surface of a body. The studied body is constituted of a substrate and a surface coating. The thermal constriction resistance due to those contacts is determined analytically in this paper. The solution is developed by using the integral Fourier transforms, and it is valid regardless of the velocity and the relative contact size values. To cite this article: A. Baïri, C. R. Mecanique 331 (2003).     

多孔金属薄膜阻尼减振微观机理研究

研究了多孔金属薄膜的阻尼性能和微观机理. 采用分子动力学方法及扫描电镜(SEM) 原位观察实验手段对多孔金属薄膜阻尼进行研究, 得出金属薄膜应变滞后于应力周期性变化以及弹性势能周期性衰减的规律, 并通过应变滞后应力的时间差求得损耗因子; 从微观结构上可看出, 在薄膜孔缺陷附近\langle110angle晶向上经历了位错产生、 并且位错呈阶梯状向前发射的变化; 在SEM原位拉伸、卸载实验中观察到有微裂纹的萌生、斜向阶梯扩展、收缩及消失的周期过程. 结果表明: 在周期载荷作用下, 多孔金属薄膜的孔缺陷附近产生的位错可以挣脱开弱钉扎点并限制在强钉扎点上, 由于位错的变化及附近晶界间的相对滑动产生内摩擦, 消耗了系统的部分弹性势能, 引起金属薄膜的阻尼减振效应, 从而揭示了多孔金属涂层阻尼产生的微观机理.