The Functions of Continuous Processes in Contemporary Electronic Dance Music

This article discusses the functions of continuous processes in contemporary electronic dance music (EDM), providing an analytical framework for discussing their structural and aesthetic roles in this repertoire. Continuous processes are musical gestures with continuous changes to musical parameters, rather than discrete, “step-by-step” ones. Examples include pitch slides (glissandos), crescendos, fade ins, accelerandos, and filter sweeps. Continuous processes in this repertoire are created with “continuous controllers” such as sliders and knobs, or are programmed into tracks with “automation curves.” Functionally, continuous processes often provide sonic instructions for dancers. They can be used by creators at strategic times to provide ornamentation, orientation (often accompanied by intensification or de-intensification), or disorientation (usually in breakdown sections). This article adds to existing analytical scholarship by drawing attention to the many roles of continuous processes in EDM, and showing how they contribute to the emotional waves experienced when listening to this music.

Looking for Black Swans

This article examines the basis for testing historical claims and proffers the observation that the historical method is akin to the scientific method in that it utilizes critical elimination rather than justification. Building on the critical rationalism of Karl Popper – and specifically the deductive component of the scientific method called falsification – I examine his tetradic schema and adapt it for the specific purpose of historical analysis by making explicit a discrete step of critical testing, even though the schema is adequate as Popper expresses it and the elimination of error occurs at all steps of analysis. I also add a discrete step of critical elimination to Popper’s schema even though the elimination of error occurs at every step of analysis. The basis for critical elimination history is the demonstrable counterexample. The study of history will never approach the precision of science – history deals with open systems that cannot be replicated like experiments guided by fundamental laws. But just because we cannot know something with the rigor of science does not mean that we cannon know it better than we do. There may be no objective truth in an absolute sense, but there is a distinction to be made between well-tested and poorly tested theories and therefore between history done well and history done with less analytical rigor. What I hope to show is how our historical knowledge may progress through good faith critical discussion – history is discussion – and the elimination of error.

Research and development of schemes of the discrete step of reinforcement in the shaft with rope profile conductors

In order to ensure the cage directed motion, vertical shafts are reinforced with the shaft equipment of various designs: rigid, flexible, with no buntons, rope-profile. In this research, different existing design schemes of the shaft equipment, their advantages and disadvantages, design solutions with the rope-profile guides and discrete step of the shaft equipment installation between the tiers in the point of the cages meeting are considered and studied. Designing, research and installation of discrete reinforcing equipment with the rope-profile guides in the shafts in the point of the cages meeting can significantly diminish disadvantages of the existing (rigid and flexible) reinforcing equipment and can facilitate: to reduce the number of tiers arranged along the full depth of the shaft; to prolong trouble-free life; to cut capital construction costs due to less diameter of the shaft (for flexible shaft equipment); to make maintenance and repair essentially simpler; to reduce significantly metal content of the shaft equipment as compared to rigid shaft equipment; to reduce dynamic vibrations of the “cage-shaft equipment” system; to improve damping properties of the shaft equipment; to reduce the shaft aerodynamic resistance to the level of flexible shaft equipment; to improve reliability and safety of the shaft equipment operation; to eliminate the need to use balance ropes; to prolong life of the rope-profile guides to the level of rigid guides. The research and development of these structures and schemes are resulted in: improved reliability and durability of vertical shaft equipment and increased profitability of minerals extraction from deeper horizons. Introduction of the schemes with discrete step of reinforcing equipment installation in the point of cages meeting (in the middle of the shaft) for different locations of the tiers will significantly improve safety of vertical shaft equipment operation and the hoisting complex as a whole.

Nanomechanics and co-transcriptional folding of Spinach and Mango

Recent advances in fluorogen-binding “light-up” RNA aptamers have enabled protein-free detection of RNA in cells. Detailed biophysical characterization of folding of G-Quadruplex (GQ)-based light-up aptamers such as Spinach, Mango and Corn is still lacking despite the potential implications on their folding and function. In this work we employ single-molecule fluorescence-force spectroscopy to examine mechanical responses of Spinach2, iMangoIII and MangoIV. Spinach2 unfolds in four discrete steps as force is increased to 7 pN and refolds in reciprocal steps upon force relaxation. In contrast, GQ-core unfolding in iMangoIII and MangoIV occurs in one discrete step at forces >10 pN and refolding occurred at lower forces showing hysteresis. Co-transcriptional folding using superhelicases shows reduced misfolding propensity and allowed a folding pathway different from refolding. Under physiologically relevant pico-Newton levels of force, these aptamers may unfold in vivo and subsequently misfold. Understanding of the dynamics of RNA aptamers will aid engineering of improved fluorogenic modules for cellular applications.

Hyers-Ulam stability of first-order homogeneous linear dynamic equations on time scales

We establish theHyers-Ulam stability (HUS) of certain first-order linear constant coefficient dynamic equations on time scales, which include the continuous (step size zero) and the discrete (step size constant and nonzero) dynamic equations as important special cases. In particular, for certain parameter values in relation to the graininess of the time scale, we find the minimum HUS constants. A few nontrivial examples are provided. Moreover, an application to a perturbed linear dynamic equation is also included.

The method of processing of initial climatic data for systems energy studies with renewable energy sources

The article presents the method of preparing of initial meteorological information for system energy research. Method and algorithm is based on long-term meteorological observations. Open access observations can be obtained for any territory. The processing of these observations is based on the chronological method of calculation and the theory of statistics. As a result, long-term array of climate information is formed with discrete step of one hour. This array of climate information can be used for various problems in the energy sector.