Do androids dream of electric chimera?

This paper describes the use of the Chimera Architecture as the basis for a generative rhythmic improvisation system that is intended for use in ensemble contexts. This interactive soft- ware system learns in real time based on an audio input from live performers. The paper describes the components of the Chimera Architecture including a novel analysis engine that uses prediction to robustly assess the rhythmic salience of the input stream. Analytical results are stored in a hierarchical structure that includes multiple scenarios which allow ab- stracted and alternate interpretations of the current metrical context. The system draws upon this Chimera Architecture when generating a musical response. The generated rhythms are intended to have a particular ambiguity in relation to the music performance by other members of the ensemble. Ambi- guity is controlled through alternate interpretations of the Chimera. We describe an implementation of the Chimera Ar- chitecture that focuses on rhythmic material, and present and discuss initial experimental results of the software system playing along with recordings of a live performance.

Eco-structure data forms : classification of data analysis using perceived design affordances for musical outcomes

This paper explores a method of comparative analysis and classification of data through perceived design affordances. Included is discussion about the musical potential of data forms that are derived through eco-structural analysis of musical features inherent in audio recordings of natural sounds. A system of classification of these forms is proposed based on their structural contours. The classifications include four primitive types; steady, iterative, unstable and impulse. The classification extends previous taxonomies used to describe the gestural morphology of sound. The methods presented are used to provide compositional support for eco-structuralism.

Simplified numerical models of LiteSteel Beam floor joists with Web openings for the prediction of section moment capacities

This paper is aimed at investigating the effect of web openings on the plastic bending behaviour and section moment capacity of a new cold-formed steel beam known as LiteSteel beam (LSB) using numerical modelling. Different LSB sections with varying circular hole diameter and spacing were considered. A simplified but appropriate numerical modelling technique was developed for the modelling of monosymmetric sections such as LSBs subject to bending, and was used to simulate a series of section moment capacity tests of LSB flexural members with web openings. The buckling and ultimate strength behaviour was investigated in detail and the modeling technique was further improved through a comparison of numerical and experimental results. This paper describes the simplified finite element modeling technique used in this study that includes all the significant behavioural effects affecting the plastic bending behaviour and section moment capacity of LSB sections with web holes. Numerical and test results and associated findings are also presented.

The structure of selected magnesium carbonate minerals : a near infrared and mid-infrared spectroscopic study

The approach to remove green house gases by pumping liquid CO2 several kilometres below the ground implies that many carbonate containing minerals will be formed. Among these minerals the formation of dypingite and artinite are possible; thus necessitating a study of such minerals. Two carbonate bearing minerals dypingite and artinite with a hydrotalcite related formulae have been characterised by a combination of infrared and near-infrared spectroscopy. The infrared spectra of both minerals are characterised by OH and water stretching vibrations. Both the first and second fundamental overtones of these bands are observed in the NIR spectra in the 7030 to 7235 cm-1 and 10490 to 10570 cm-1. Intense (CO3)2- symmetric and antisymmetric stretching vibrations confirm the distortion of the carbonate anion. The position of the water bending vibration indicates water is strongly hydrogen bonded to the carbonate anion in the mineral structure. Split NIR bands at around 8675 and 11100 cm-1 indicates that some replacement of magnesium ions by ferrous ions in the mineral structure has occurred.

Near real-time prediction of Zenith Tropospheric Delays for position estimation over long-baseline CORS network

This paper presents the preliminary results in establishing a strategy for predicting Zenith Tropospheric Delay (ZTD) and relative ZTD (rZTD) between Continuous Operating Reference Stations (CORS) in near real-time. It is anticipated that the predicted ZTD or rZTD can assist the network-based Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) performance over long inter-station distances, ultimately, enabling a cost effective method of delivering precise positioning services to sparsely populated regional areas, such as Queensland. This research firstly investigates two ZTD solutions: 1) the post-processed IGS ZTD solution and 2) the near Real-Time ZTD solution. The near Real-Time solution is obtained through the GNSS processing software package (Bernese) that has been deployed for this project. The predictability of the near Real-Time Bernese solution is analyzed and compared to the post-processed IGS solution where it acts as the benchmark solution. The predictability analyses were conducted with various prediction time of 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes to determine the error with respect to timeliness. The predictability of ZTD and relative ZTD is determined (or characterized) by using the previously estimated ZTD as the predicted ZTD of current epoch. This research has shown that both the ZTD and relative ZTD predicted errors are random in nature; the STD grows from a few millimeters to sub-centimeters while the predicted delay interval ranges from 15 to 60 minutes. Additionally, the RZTD predictability shows very little dependency on the length of tested baselines of up to 1000 kilometers. Finally, the comparison of near Real-Time Bernese solution with IGS solution has shown a slight degradation in the prediction accuracy. The less accurate NRT solution has an STD error of 1cm within the delay of 50 minutes. However, some larger errors of up to 10cm are observed.

Smectite flocculation structure modified by AI13 macromolecules; as revealed by the Transmission X-ray Microscopy (TXM)

The aggregate structure which occurs in aqueous smectitic suspensions is responsible for poor water clarification, difficulties in sludge dewatering and the unusual rheological behaviour of smectite rich soils. These macroscopic properties are dictated by the 3-D structural arrangement of smectite finest fraction within flocculated aggregates. Here, we report results from a relatively new technique, Transmission X-ray Microscopy (TXM), which makes it possible to investigate the internal structure and 3-D tomographic reconstruction of the smectite clay aggregates modified by Al13 keggin macro-molecule [Al13(O)4(OH)24(H2O)12 ]7+. Three different treatment methods were shown resulted in three different micro-structural environments of the resulting flocculation.

A practical approach for reliability prediction of pipeline systems

Pipelines play an important role in the modern society. Failures of pipelines can have great impacts on economy, environment and community. Preventive maintenance (PM) is often conducted to improve the reliability of pipelines. Modern asset management practice requires accurate predictability of the reliability of pipelines with multiple PM actions, especially when these PM actions involve imperfect repairs. To address this issue, a split system approach (SSA) based model is developed in this paper through an industrial case study. This new model enables maintenance personnel to predict the reliability of pipelines with different PM strategies and hence effectively assists them in making optimal PM decisions.