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We present results of noon–midnight meridional plane global hybrid-Vlasov simulations of the magnetotail ion dynamics under a steady southward interplanetary magnetic field using the Vlasiator model. The simulation results show magnetotail reconnection and formation of earthward and tailward fast plasma outflows. The hybrid-Vlasov approach allows us to study ion velocity distribution functions (VDFs) that are self-consistently formed during the magnetotail evolution. We examine the VDFs collected by virtual detectors placed along the equatorial magnetotail within earthward and tailward outflows and around the quasi-steady X line formed in the magnetotail at X≈-14RE. This allows us to follow the evolution of VDFs during earthward and tailward motion of reconnected flux tubes as well as study signatures of unmagnetized ion motion in the weak magnetic field near the X line. The VDFs indicate actions of Fermi-type and betatron acceleration mechanisms, ion acceleration by the reconnection electric field, and Speiser-type motion of ions near the X line. The simulated VDFs are compared and show good agreement with VDFs observed in the magnetotail by the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) and Acceleration, Reconnection, Turbulence and Electrodynamics of Moon's Interaction with the Sun (ARTEMIS) spacecraft. We find that the VDFs become more gyrotropic but retain transverse anisotropy and counterstreaming ion beams when being convected earthward. The presented global hybrid-Vlasov simulation results are valuable for understanding physical processes of ion acceleration during magnetotail reconnection, interpretation of in situ observations, and for future mission development by setting requirements on pitch angle and energy resolution of upcoming instruments.

The development of adaptive architectural envelopes is one of the goals of researchers that aim to improve the energy performance of buildings. Traditional devices often have drawbacks linked to the complexity of the kinetic systems used, as the mechanical systems for guaranteeing proper operation are complex and expensive (e.g., hinges). Adaptive envelopes require energy for driving the mechanical components and management systems. Thus, it is useful for such adaptive elements to be self-sufficient, generating the energy necessary for their functioning. This study presents a prototype of a lightweight and stand-alone component for dynamic envelopes, characterized by a flexible composite material integrated with high-efficiency photovoltaic cells called the Solar Lightweight Intelligent Component for Envelopes (SLICE). The management and control of the SLICE is based on the Arduino platform. This paper describes the multidisciplinary design process that led to the realization of the current prototypes, the laboratory test phases, as well as the results of the preliminary experiments carried out under real environmental conditions.

Quantitative and qualitative diversity of expressing basic kinetic elements in the kinetic structure is manifested in overcoming resistance on a certain path in certain time. Basic kinetic elements – time (s), amplitude (m) and resistance (kg), with their distribution and configuration determine the efficiency and type of the kinetic structure and enable the observation of those elements with other anthropological areas. The basic goal of this research is directed towards defining the latent structure of basic kinetic elements with the help of a specially prepared instrumentarium, with the use of the ergometrical method and on the basis of a factorial analysis of the elements of resistance, amplitude and time in individual and repeating motion. The quality and the degree of correlation between basic kinetic elements was determined and a factorial structure was obtained for 124, 15-years-old, male respondents. Considering the type of research, this sample can be considered representative. A total of 21 kinetic measures, obtained with the use of instruments and the use of ergometrical method, were used for evaluating basic kinetic elements. Variables were chosen in such a way that they hypothetically cover basic kinetic elements in kinetic structures manifested in individual and repeating movement, defined as time dimensionality of the kinetic structure and tensodynamic dimensionality of the kinetic structure. For a better insight into the general behavior of analyzed variables, the methods of data processing were encompassed through calculation of regresional analysis series, so as to determine the complex and the latent structure of basic kinetic elements (factorial analysis Little Jiffy, Mark IV was used). The analysis of the factorial structure of basic kinetic elements was carried out in a manifest area of variables. Six factors have been extracted on the basis of characteristic vales of the matrix of covariance of the analyzed space with the use of Guttman ¬ ; ; ; Kaiserov criterion. Isolated factors in this area have a phenomenological determination: 1. Latent dimension of pulling in kinetic structure (defined with resistance, amplitude and time in kinetic task - pulling) 2. Latent dimension of pressing in kinetic structure (defined with resistance, amplitude and time in kinetic task - pressing) 3. Latent dimension of repeating in kinetic structure (defined with resistance, amplitude and time in kinetic task - repeating) 4. Latent dimension of accumulating and releasing of energy in kinetic structure (defined with resistance, amplitude and time in kinetic task) 5. Latent dimension of generating and releasing energy in the kinetic structure (defined with resistance within kinetic tasks realized in individual movement) 6. Latent dimension of special determination of the kinetic structure (defined with the amplitude within kinetic tasks realized in individual movement). The latent structure of basic kinetic elements was analyzed. Latent kinetic dimensions were extracted and interpreted as mechanisms for regulating intensity of exitation, a mechanism for regulating synergy and regulating muscle tone and integrative mechanisms for regulation, control and coordination of the mentioned regulative subsystems in the kinetic structure.

This paper presents a kinetic research prototype for a space dynamically enclosed by transparent material. The prototype is made of polycarbonate strips, cold-bent into arches, and actuated by rotating their footings. The prototype demonstrates the novel use of a transparent material to create architectural space and highlights the potential of its use for creating kinetic facades. A study to produce an iteration of the prototype using thin glass as the dominant transparent material demonstrates the structural capacity of the glass for dramatic kinetic performance, and at the same time highlights various aspects for further careful consideration.