U.S. EPA, Pesticide Product Label, KATADYN SYPHON FILTER CANDLE NO.2, 07/27/1982

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

2011-04-21

... (:r~I'IL\\1 n,'\\~~jl'lrATln~: it I" il v;"1.'1I",, "r f,·,I.',,! tI" [" ", I,,· I,,-,,dud I,,.''nl \\.'i!1o it" L,h,.Jlrw" T"'l'''~~ nilr,,!lnn '-"sHlllng In h.,ct(-rio]ogl(·"lly ...

14 CFR 23.1389 - Position light distribution and intensities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... prescribed in this section must be provided by new equipment with each light cover and color filter in place... clarity. When the peak intensity of the left and right position lights is more than 100 candles, the... the right and left of the axis of maximum illumination. [Doc. No. 4080, 29 FR 17955, Dec. 18, 1964, as...

The Science of Flames.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cornia, Ray

1991-01-01

Describes an exercise using flames that allows students to explore the complexities of a seemingly simple phenomenon, the lighting of a candle. Contains a foldout that provides facts about natural gas flames and suggestions for classroom use. (ZWH)

Modeling Candle Flame Behavior In Variable Gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alsairafi, A.; Tien, J. S.; Lee, S. T.; Dietrich, D. L.; Ross, H. D.

2003-01-01

The burning of a candle, as typical non-propagating diffusion flame, has been used by a number of researchers to study the effects of electric fields on flame, spontaneous flame oscillation and flickering phenomena, and flame extinction. In normal gravity, the heat released from combustion creates buoyant convection that draws oxygen into the flame. The strength of the buoyant flow depends on the gravitational level and it is expected that the flame shape, size and candle burning rate will vary with gravity. Experimentally, there exist studies of candle burning in enhanced gravity (i.e. higher than normal earth gravity, g(sub e)), and in microgravity in drop towers and space-based facilities. There are, however, no reported experimental data on candle burning in partial gravity (g < g(sub e)). In a previous numerical model of the candle flame, buoyant forces were neglected. The treatment of momentum equation was simplified using a potential flow approximation. Although the predicted flame characteristics agreed well with the experimental results, the model cannot be extended to cases with buoyant flows. In addition, because of the use of potential flow, no-slip boundary condition is not satisfied on the wick surface. So there is some uncertainty on the accuracy of the predicted flow field. In the present modeling effort, the full Navier-Stokes momentum equations with body force term is included. This enables us to study the effect of gravity on candle flames (with zero gravity as the limiting case). In addition, we consider radiation effects in more detail by solving the radiation transfer equation. In the previous study, flame radiation is treated as a simple loss term in the energy equation. Emphasis of the present model is on the gas-phase processes. Therefore, the detailed heat and mass transfer phenomena inside the porous wick are not treated. Instead, it is assumed that a thin layer of liquid fuel coated the entire wick surface during the burning process. This is the limiting case that the mass transfer process in the wick is much faster than the evaporation process at the wick surface.

High-temperature sapphire optical sensor fiber coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desu, Seshu B.; Claus, Richard O.; Raheem, Ruby; Murphy, Kent A.

1990-10-01

Advanced coal-fired power generation systems, such as pressurized fluidized-bed combustors and integrated gasifier-combined cycles, may provide cost effective future alternatives for power generation, improve our utilization of coal resources, and decrease our dependence upon oil and gas. When coal is burned or converted to combustible gas to produce energy, mineral matter and chemical compounds are released as solid and gaseous contaminants. The control of contaminants is mandatory to prevent pollution as well as degradation of equipment in advanced power generation. To eliminate the need for expensive heat recovery equipment and to avoid efficiency losses it is desirable to develop a technology capable of cleaning the hot gas. For this technology the removal of particle contaminants is of major concern. Several prototype high temperature particle filters have been developed, including ceramic candle filters, ceramic bag filters, and ceramic cross-flow (CXF) filters. Ceramic candle filters are rigid, tubular filters typically made by bonding silicon carbide or alumina-silica grains with clay bonding materials and perhaps including alumina-silica fibers. Ceramic bag filters are flexible and are made from long ceramic fibers such as alumina-silica. CXF filters are rigid filters made of stacks of individual lamina through which the dirty and clean gases flow in cross-wise directions. CXF filters are advantageous for hot gas cleanup applications since they offer a large effective filter surface per unit volume. The relatively small size of the filters allows the pressurized vessel containing them to be small, thus reducing potential equipment costs. CXF filters have shown promise but have experienced degradation at normal operational high temperatures (close to 1173K) and high pressures (up to 24 bars). Observed degradation modes include delamination of the individual tile layers, cracking at either the tile-torid interface or at the mounting flange, or plugging of the filter. These modes may be attributed to a number of material degradation mechanisms, such as thermal shock, oxidation corrosion of the material, mechanical loads, or phase changes in the filter material. Development of high temperature optical fiber (sapphire) sensors embedded in the CXF filters would be very valuable for both monitoring the integrity of the filter during its use and understanding the mechanisms of degradation such that durable filter development will be facilitated. Since the filter operating environment is very harsh, the high temperature sapphire optical fibers need to be protected and for some sensing techniques the fiber must also be coated with low refractive index film (cladding). The objective of the present study is to identify materials and develop process technologies for the application of claddings and protective coatings that are stable and compatible with sapphire fibers at both high temperatures and pressures.

75 FR 44224 - Grant of Authority for Subzone Status; Yankee Candle Corporation (Candles and Gift Sets); Whately...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-28

... Status; Yankee Candle Corporation (Candles and Gift Sets); Whately and South Deerfield, MA Pursuant to... special-purpose subzone at the candle and gift set manufacturing and distribution facilities of Yankee... activity related to the manufacturing and distribution of candles and gift sets at the facilities of Yankee...

Summary Report on the Navy Emergency Escape Breathing Device

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-08-08

recirculated cas. The device produces pure oxygen (02) and uses a venturi to recirculate unused and expired gases through the purifier. A rubber...passing the recirculated air through a lithium hydroxide (LiOH) scrubber . The scrubber reduces the CO. level by forming either lithium bicarbonate (LiSCO...transparent visor and an elastromeric neck seal; a chlorate candle-based 02 generator; an air purification filter or scrubberl and a venturi arrangement to

A five-year performance review of field-scale, slow-release permanganate candles with recommendations for second-generation improvements

PubMed Central

Christenson, Mark; Kambhu, Ann; Reece, James; Comfort, Steve; Brunner, Laurie

2016-01-01

In 2009, we identified a TCE plume at an abandoned landfill that was located in a low permeable silty-clay aquifer. To treat the TCE, we manufactured slow-release potassium permanganate cylinders (oxidant candles) that had diameters of either 5.1 or 7.6 cm and were 91.4 cm long. In 2010, we compared two methods of candle installation by inserting equal masses of the oxidant candles (7.6-cm vs 5.1-cm dia). The 5.1-cm dia candles were inserted with direct-push rods while the 7.6-cm candles were housed in screens and lowered into 10 permanent wells. Since installation, the 7.6-cm oxidant candles have been refurbished approximately once per year by gently scraping off surface oxides. In 2012, we reported initial results; in this paper, we provide a 5-yr performance review since installation. Temporal sampling shows oxidant candles placed in wells have steadily reduced migrating TCE concentrations. Moreover, these candles still maintain an inner core of oxidant that has yet to contribute to the dissolution front and should provide several more years of service. Oxidant candles inserted by direct-push have stopped reducing TCE concentrations because a MnO2 scale developed on the outside of the candles. To counteract oxide scaling, we fabricated a second generation of oxidant candles that contain sodium hexametaphosphate. Laboratory experiments (batch and flow-through) show that these second-generation permanganate candles have better release characteristics and are less prone to oxide scaling. This improvement should reduce the need to perform maintenance on candles placed in wells and provide greater longevity for candles inserted by direct-push. PMID:26901481

A five-year performance review of field-scale, slow-release permanganate candles with recommendations for second-generation improvements.

PubMed

Christenson, Mark; Kambhu, Ann; Reece, James; Comfort, Steve; Brunner, Laurie

2016-05-01

In 2009, we identified a TCE plume at an abandoned landfill that was located in a low permeable silty-clay aquifer. To treat the TCE, we manufactured slow-release potassium permanganate cylinders (oxidant candles) that had diameters of either 5.1 or 7.6 cm and were 91.4 cm long. In 2010, we compared two methods of candle installation by inserting equal masses of the oxidant candles (7.6-cm vs 5.1-cm dia). The 5.1-cm dia candles were inserted with direct-push rods while the 7.6-cm candles were housed in screens and lowered into 10 permanent wells. Since installation, the 7.6-cm oxidant candles have been refurbished approximately once per year by gently scraping off surface oxides. In 2012, we reported initial results; in this paper, we provide a 5-yr performance review since installation. Temporal sampling shows oxidant candles placed in wells have steadily reduced migrating TCE concentrations. Moreover, these candles still maintain an inner core of oxidant that has yet to contribute to the dissolution front and should provide several more years of service. Oxidant candles inserted by direct-push have stopped reducing TCE concentrations because a MnO2 scale developed on the outside of the candles. To counteract oxide scaling, we fabricated a second generation of oxidant candles that contain sodium hexametaphosphate. Laboratory experiments (batch and flow-through) show that these second-generation permanganate candles have better release characteristics and are less prone to oxide scaling. This improvement should reduce the need to perform maintenance on candles placed in wells and provide greater longevity for candles inserted by direct-push. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Simple Photometry

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mills, Allan

2012-01-01

Details are given of a visual photometer based on Joly's paraffin block apparatus of 1888. It is readily constructed from a couple of ordinary candles and a piece of aluminum foil, but enables two luminous sources to be compared to plus or minus 15-20%; this is much better than the eye alone can do. (Contains 1 figure.)

Development and Characterization of Laser-Induced Incandescence Towards Nanoparticle (Soot) Detection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

VanderWal, Randy L.

2000-01-01

The production of particulates, notably soot, during combustion has both positive and negative ramifications. Exhaust from diesel engines under load (for example, shifting gears), flickering candle flames and fireplaces all produce soot leaving a flame. From an efficiency standpoint, emission of soot from engines, furnaces or even a simple flickering candle flame represents a loss of useful energy. The emission of soot from diesel engines, furnaces, power generation facilities, incinerators and even simple flames poses a serious environmental problem and health risk. Yet some industries intentionally produce soot as carbon black for use in inks, copier toner, tires and as pigments. Similarly, the presence of soot within flames can act both positively and negatively. Energy transfer from a combustion process is greatly facilitated by the radiative heat transfer from soot yet radiative heat transfer also facilitates the spread of unwanted fires. To understand soot formation and develop control strategies for soot emission/formation, measurements of soot concentration in both practical devices such as engines and controlled laboratory flames are necessary. Laser-induced incandescence (LII) has been developed and characterized to address this need, as described here.

Candle Soot-Driven Performance Enhancement in Pyroelectric Energy Conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azad, Puneet; Singh, V. P.; Vaish, Rahul

2018-05-01

We observed substantial enhancement in pyroelectric output with the help of candle soot coating on the surface of lead zirconate titanate (PZT). Candle soot of varying thicknesses was coated by directly exposing pyroelectric material to the candle flame. The open-circuit pyroelectric voltage and closed-circuit pyroelectric current were recorded while applying infrared heating across the uncoated and candle soot-coated samples for different heating and cooling cycles. In comparison to the uncoated sample, the maximum open-circuit voltage improves seven times for the candle soot-coated sample and electric current increases by eight times across a resistance of 10Å. Moreover, the harvested energy is enhanced by 50 times for candle soot-coated sample. Results indicate that candle soot coating is an effective and economic method to improve infrared sensing performance of pyroelectric materials.

Burning a Candle in a Vessel, a Simple Experiment with a Long History

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vera, Francisco; Rivera, Rodrigo; Núñez, César

2011-09-01

The experiment in which a candle is burned inside an inverted vessel partially immersed in water has a history of more than 2,200 years, but even nowadays it is common that students and teachers relate the change in volume of the enclosed air to its oxygen content. Contrary to what many people think, Lavoisier concluded that any change in volume in this experiment is negligible; moreover, the explanation relating oxygen consumption in the air with its change in volume is known to be wrong. In this work we briefly review the history behind the candle experiment and its relationship with some typical erroneous explanations. One of the key factors behind Lavoisier's success was the use of experiments carefully designed to test different hypotheses. Following these steps, we performed several closed volume experiments where the candle wick was replaced by a capillary stainless steel cylinder supported and heated by a nichrome filament connected to an external power supply. Our recorded experiments are displayed as web pages, designed with the purpose that the reader can easily visualize and analyze modern versions of Lavoisier's experiments. These experiments clearly show an initial phase of complete combustion, followed by a phase of incomplete combustion with elemental carbon or soot rising to the top of the vessel, and a final phase where the hot artificial wick only evaporates a white steam of wax that cannot ignite because no oxygen is left in the closed atmosphere. After either a complete or incomplete combustion of the oxygen, our experiments show that the final gas volume is nearly equal to the initial air volume.

Making Work: Demonstrating Thermodynamic Concepts with Solar-Powered Wax and Rubber Heat Engines

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Appleyard, S. J.

2007-01-01

Construction details are provided for simple heat engines that use candle wax and elastomers as working substances. The engines are constructed using common household materials and can be easily constructed in a school classroom or at home. They work reliably and are useful tools for demonstrating the conversion of heat to mechanical work. They…

Process for making ceramic hot gas filter

DOEpatents

Connolly, Elizabeth Sokolinski; Forsythe, George Daniel; Domanski, Daniel Matthew; Chambers, Jeffrey Allen; Rajendran, Govindasamy Paramasivam

2001-01-01

A ceramic hot-gas candle filter having a porous support of filament-wound oxide ceramic yarn at least partially surrounded by a porous refractory oxide ceramic matrix, and a membrane layer on at least one surface thereof. The membrane layer may be on the outer surface, the inner surface, or both the outer and inner surface of the porous support. The membrane layer may be formed of an ordered arrangement of circularly wound, continuous filament oxide ceramic yarn, a ceramic filler material which is less permeable than the filament-wound support structure, or some combination of continuous filament and filler material. A particularly effective membrane layer features circularly wound filament with gaps intentionally placed between adjacent windings, and a filler material of ceramic particulates uniformly distributed throughout the gap region. The filter can withstand thermal cycling during backpulse cleaning and is resistant to chemical degradation at high temperatures.

Ceramic hot-gas filter

DOEpatents

Connolly, Elizabeth Sokolinski; Forsythe, George Daniel; Domanski, Daniel Matthew; Chambers, Jeffrey Allen; Rajendran, Govindasamy Paramasivam

1999-01-01

A ceramic hot-gas candle filter having a porous support of filament-wound oxide ceramic yarn at least partially surrounded by a porous refractory oxide ceramic matrix, and a membrane layer on at least one surface thereof. The membrane layer may be on the outer surface, the inner surface, or both the outer and inner surface of the porous support. The membrane layer may be formed of an ordered arrangement of circularly wound, continuous filament oxide ceramic yarn, a ceramic filler material which is less permeable than the filament-wound support structure, or some combination of continuous filament and filler material. A particularly effective membrane layer features circularly wound filament with gaps intentionally placed between adjacent windings, and a filler material of ceramic particulates uniformly distributed throughout the gap region. The filter can withstand thermal cycling during backpulse cleaning and is resistant to chemical degradation at high temperatures.

Ceramic hot-gas filter

DOEpatents

Connolly, E.S.; Forsythe, G.D.; Domanski, D.M.; Chambers, J.A.; Rajendran, G.P.

1999-05-11

A ceramic hot-gas candle filter is described having a porous support of filament-wound oxide ceramic yarn at least partially surrounded by a porous refractory oxide ceramic matrix, and a membrane layer on at least one surface thereof. The membrane layer may be on the outer surface, the inner surface, or both the outer and inner surface of the porous support. The membrane layer may be formed of an ordered arrangement of circularly wound, continuous filament oxide ceramic yarn, a ceramic filler material which is less permeable than the filament-wound support structure, or some combination of continuous filament and filler material. A particularly effective membrane layer features circularly wound filament with gaps intentionally placed between adjacent windings, and a filler material of ceramic particulates uniformly distributed throughout the gap region. The filter can withstand thermal cycling during back pulse cleaning and is resistant to chemical degradation at high temperatures.

Candle Flames in Microgravity Experiment

NASA Image and Video Library

1992-07-09

Closeup view inside glovebox showing a candle flame. The Candle Flames in Microgravity experiment is carried onboard Columbia to examine whether candle flames can be sustained in space; to study the interaction and physical properties of diffusion flames. In space, where buoyancy-driven convection is reduced, the role diffusion plays in sustaining candle flames can be isolated. Results have implications for other diffusion flame studies. Diffusion flames are the most common type of flame on Earth.

46 CFR 160.066-12 - Operational tests.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

...: SPECIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT Distress Signal for Boats, Red Aerial Pyrotechnic Flare § 160... the pyrotechnic candle; (2) Color; (3) Whether the pyrotechnic candle burns out above, at, or below... pyrotechnic candle fails to ignite, (3) The pyrotechnic candle continues to burn after it falls back to the...

9 CFR 590.508 - Candling and transfer-room operations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

..., Processing, and Facility Requirements § 590.508 Candling and transfer-room operations. (a) Candling and transfer rooms and equipment shall be kept clean, free from cobwebs, dust, objectionable odors, and excess... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Candling and transfer-room operations...

9 CFR 590.508 - Candling and transfer-room operations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

..., Processing, and Facility Requirements § 590.508 Candling and transfer-room operations. (a) Candling and transfer rooms and equipment shall be kept clean, free from cobwebs, dust, objectionable odors, and excess... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Candling and transfer-room operations...

9 CFR 590.508 - Candling and transfer-room operations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

..., Processing, and Facility Requirements § 590.508 Candling and transfer-room operations. (a) Candling and transfer rooms and equipment shall be kept clean, free from cobwebs, dust, objectionable odors, and excess... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Candling and transfer-room operations...

9 CFR 590.508 - Candling and transfer-room operations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

..., Processing, and Facility Requirements § 590.508 Candling and transfer-room operations. (a) Candling and transfer rooms and equipment shall be kept clean, free from cobwebs, dust, objectionable odors, and excess... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Candling and transfer-room operations...

9 CFR 590.508 - Candling and transfer-room operations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

..., Processing, and Facility Requirements § 590.508 Candling and transfer-room operations. (a) Candling and transfer rooms and equipment shall be kept clean, free from cobwebs, dust, objectionable odors, and excess... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Candling and transfer-room operations...

75 FR 3705 - Foreign-Trade Zone 201-Holyoke, MA; Application for Subzone; Yankee Candle Corporation (Candles...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-22

... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Foreign-Trade Zones Board [Docket 2-2010] Foreign-Trade Zone 201--Holyoke, MA; Application for Subzone; Yankee Candle Corporation (Candles and Gift Sets); Whately and South Deerfield, MA An application has been submitted to the Foreign-Trade Zones Board (the Board) by the Holyoke...

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Murphy, Timothy A; Tupy, Michael J; Abraham, Timothy W

A wax comprises a metathesis product and/or a product that resembles, at least in part, a product which may be formed from a metathesis reaction. The wax may be used to form articles for example, candles (container candles, votive candles, and/or a pillar candles), crayons, fire logs or tarts. The wax commonly includes other components in addition to the metathesis product.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Murphy, Timothy A.; Tupy, Michael J.; Abraham, Timothy W.

A wax comprises a metathesis product and/or a product that resembles, at least in part, a product which may be formed from a metathesis reaction. The wax may be used to form articles, for example, candles (container candles, votive candles, and/or a pillar candles), crayons, fire logs, or tarts. The wax commonly includes other components in addition to the metathesis product.

75 FR 49475 - Petroleum Wax Candles From the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Results of Request for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-13

... prior scope rulings, refers to candles that are in the shapes of identifiable objects, or are holiday... 30686 (August 28, 1996) (``Order''). Option A: The Department would consider all candle shapes...-related art. All other candle shapes would be considered outside of the scope of the Order. Option B: The...

76 FR 773 - Petroleum Wax Candles From the People's Republic of China: Continuation of Antidumping Duty Order

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-06

... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [A-570-504] Petroleum Wax Candles From... Trade Commission (``ITC'') that revocation of the antidumping duty order on petroleum wax candles from... order on petroleum wax candles from the PRC pursuant to section 751(c)(2) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as...

Flammability Parameters of Candles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balog, Karol; Kobetičová, Hana; Štefko, Tomáš

2017-06-01

The paper deals with the assessment of selected fire safety characteristics of candles. Weight loss of a candle during the burning process, candle burning rate, soot index, heat release rate and yield of carbon oxides were determined. Soot index was determined according to EN 15426: 2007 - Candles - Specification for Sooting Behavior. All samples met the prescribed amount of produced soot. Weight loss, heat release rate and the yield of carbon oxides were determined for one selected sample. While yield of CO increased during the measurement, the yield of CO2 decreased by half in 40 minutes.

Using slow-release permanganate candles to remediate PAH-contaminated water.

PubMed

Rauscher, Lindy; Sakulthaew, Chainarong; Comfort, Steve

2012-11-30

Surface waters impacted by urban runoff in metropolitan areas are becoming increasingly contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Slow-release oxidant candles (paraffin-KMnO(4)) are a relatively new technology being used to treat contaminated groundwater and could potentially be used to treat urban runoff. Given that these candles only release permanganate when submerged, the ephemeral nature of runoff events would influence when the permanganate is released for treating PAHs. Our objective was to determine if slow-release permanganate candles could be used to degrade and mineralize PAHs. Batch experiments quantified PAH degradation rates in the presence of the oxidant candles. Results showed most of the 16 PAHs tested were degraded within 2-4 h. Using (14)C-labled phenanthrene and benzo(a)pyrene, we demonstrated that the wax matrix of the candle initially adsorbs the PAH, but then releases the PAH back into solution as transformed, more water soluble products. While permanganate was unable to mineralize the PAHs (i.e., convert to CO(2)), we found that the permanganate-treated PAHs were much more biodegradable in soil microcosms. To test the concept of using candles to treat PAHs in multiple runoff events, we used a flow-through system where urban runoff water was pumped over a miniature candle in repetitive wet-dry, 24-h cycles. Results showed that the candle was robust in removing PAHs by repeatedly releasing permanganate and degrading the PAHs. These results provide proof-of-concept that permanganate candles could potentially provide a low-cost, low-maintenance approach to remediating PAH-contaminated water. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Candle flames in microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dietrich, D. L.; Ross, H. D.; Tien, J. S.

1995-01-01

The candle flame in both normal and microgravity is non-propagating. In microgravity, however, the candle flame is also non-convective where (excepting Stefan flow) pure diffusion is the only transport mode. It also shares many characteristics with another classical problem, that of isolated droplet combustion. Given their qualitatively similar flame shapes and the required heat feedback to condensed-phase fuels, the gas-phase flow and temperature fields should be relatively similar for a droplet and a candle in reduced gravity. Unless the droplet diameter is maintained somehow through non-intrusive replenishment of fuel, the quasi-steady burning characteristics of a droplet can be maintained for only a few seconds. In contrast, the candle flame in microgravity may achieve a nearly steady state over a much longer time and is therefore ideal for examining a number of combustion-related phenomena. In this paper, we examine candle flame behavior in both short-duration and long-duration, quiescent, microgravity environments. Interest in this type of flame, especially 'candle flames in weightlessness', is demonstrated by very frequent public inquiries. The question is usually posed as 'will a candle flame burn in zero gravity', or, 'will a candle burn indefinitely (or steadily) in zero gravity in a large volume of quiescent air'. Intuitive speculation suggests to some that, in the absence of buoyancy, the accumulation of products in the vicinity of the flame will cause flame extinction. The classical theory for droplet combustion with its spherically-shaped diffusion flame, however, shows that steady combustion is possible in the absence of buoyancy if the chemical kinetics are fast enough. Previous experimental studies of candle flames in reduced and microgravity environments showed the flame could survive for at least 5 seconds, but did not reach a steady state in the available test time.

Organic aerosol formation in citronella candle plumes.

PubMed

Bothe, Melanie; Donahue, Neil McPherson

2010-09-01

Citronella candles are widely used as insect repellants, especially outdoors in the evening. Because these essential oils are unsaturated, they have a unique potential to form secondary organic aerosol (SOA) via reaction with ozone, which is also commonly elevated on summer evenings when the candles are often in use. We investigated this process, along with primary aerosol emissions, by briefly placing a citronella tealight candle in a smog chamber and then adding ozone to the chamber. In repeated experiments, we observed rapid and substantial SOA formation after ozone addition; this process must therefore be considered when assessing the risks and benefits of using citronella candle to repel insects.

Structure analysis and size distribution of particulate matter from candles and kerosene combustion in burning chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baitimirova, M.; Osite, A.; Katkevics, J.; Viksna, A.

2012-08-01

Burning of candles generates particulate matter of fine dimensions that produces poor indoor air quality, so it may cause harmful impact on human health. In this study solid aerosol particles of burning of candles of different composition and kerosene combustion were collected in a closed laboratory system. Present work describes particulate matter collection for structure analysis and the relationship between source and size distribution of particulate matter. The formation mechanism of particulate matter and their tendency to agglomerate also are described. Particles obtained from kerosene combustion have normal size distribution. Whereas, particles generated from the burning of stearin candles have distribution shifted towards finer particle size range. If an additive of stearin to paraffin candle is used, particle size distribution is also observed in range of towards finer particles. A tendency to form agglomerates in a short time is observed in case of particles obtained from kerosene combustion, while in case of particles obtained from burning of candles of different composition such a tendency is not observed. Particles from candles and kerosene combustion are Aitken and accumulation mode particles

Bactericidal activity and silver release of porous ceramic candle filter prepared by sintering silica with silver nanoparticles/zeolite for water disinfection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trinh Nguyen, Thuy Ai; Phu Dang, Van; Duy Nguyen, Ngoc; Le, Anh Quoc; Thanh Nguyen, Duc; Hien Nguyen, Quoc

2014-09-01

Porous ceramic candle filters (PCCF) were prepared by sintering silica from rice husk with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)/zeolite A at about 1050 °C to create bactericidal PCCF/AgNPs for water disinfection. The silver content in PCCF/AgNPs was of 300-350 mg kg-1 determined by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and the average pore size of PCCF/AgNPs was of 50-70 Å measured by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method. The bactericidal activity and silver release of PCCF/AgNPs have been investigated by flow test with water flow rate of 5 L h-1 and initial inoculation of E. coli in inlet water of 106 CFU/100 mL. The volume of filtrated water was collected up to 500 L. Results showed that the contamination of E. coli in filtrated water was <1 CFU/100 mL and the content of silver released from PCCF/AgNPs into filtrated water was <1 μg L-1, it is low, far under the WHO guideline of 100 μg L-1 at maximum for drinking water. Based on the content of silver in PCCF/AgNPs and in filtrated water, it was estimated that one PCCF/AgNPs could be used to filtrate of ˜100 m3 water. Thus, as-prepared PCCF/AgNPs releases low content of silver into water and shows effectively bactericidal activity that is promising to apply as point-of-use water treatment technology for drinking water disinfection.

Candle Flames in Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dietrich, D. L.; Ross, H. D.; Chang, P.; T'ien, J. S.

2001-01-01

The goal of this work is to study both experimentally and numerically the behavior of a candle flame burning in a microgravity environment. Two space experiments (Shuttle and Mir) have shown the candle flame in microgravity to be small (approximately 1.5 cm diameter), dim blue, and hemispherical. Near steady flames with very long flame lifetimes (up to 45 minutes in some tests) existed for many of the tests. Most of the flames spontaneously oscillated with a period of approximately 1 Hz just prior to extinction). In a previous model of candle flame in microgravity, a porous sphere wetted with liquid fuel simulated the evaporating wick. The sphere, with a temperature equal to the boiling temperature of the fuel, was at the end of an inert cone that had a prescribed temperature. This inert cone produces the quenching effect of the candle wax in the real configuration. Although the computed flame shape resembled that observed in the microgravity experiment, the model was not able to differentiate the effect of wick geometry, e.g., a long vs. a short wick. This paper presents recent developments in the numerical model of the candle flame. The primary focus has been to more realistically account for the actual shape of the candle.

Candle Flames in Microgravity: USML-1 Results - 1 Year Later

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ross, H. D.; Dietrich, D. L.; Tien, J. S.

1994-01-01

We report on the sustained behavior of a candle flame in microgravity determined in the glovebox facility aboard the First United States Microgravity Labomtofy. In a quiescent, microgmvjfy environment, diffusive transport becomes the dominant mode of heat and mass transfer; whether the diffusive transport rate is fast enough to sustain low-gravity candle flames in air was unknown to this series of about 70 tests. After an initial transient in which soot is observed, the microgravity candle flame in air becomes and remains hemispherical and blue (apparently soot-Ne) with a large flame standoff distance. Near flame extinction, spontaneous flame oscillations are regularly observed; these are explained as a flashback of flame through a premixed combustible gas followed by a retreat owed to flame quenching. The frequency of oscillations can be related to diffusive transport rates, and not to residual buoyant convective flow. The fact that the flame tip is the last point of the flame to survive suggests that it is the location of maximum fuel reactivity; this is unlike normal gravity, where the location of maximum fuel reactivity is the flame base. The flame color, size, and shape behaved in a quasi-steady manner; the finite size of the glovebox, combined with the restricted passages of the candlebox, inhibited the observation of true steady-state burning. Nonetheless, through calculations, and inference from the series of shuttle tests, if is concluded that a candle can burn indefinitely in a large enough ambient of air in microgravity. After igniting one candle, a second candle in close pximity could not be lit. This may be due to wax coating the wick and/or local oxygen depletion around the second, unlit candle. Post-mission testing suggests that simultaneous ignition may overcome these behaviors and enable both candles to be ignited.

Detection of fecal contamination on beef meat surfaces using handheld fluorescence imaging device (HFID)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oh, Mirae; Lee, Hoonsoo; Cho, Hyunjeong; Moon, Sang-Ho; Kim, Eun-Kyung; Kim, Moon S.

2016-05-01

Current meat inspection in slaughter plants, for food safety and quality attributes including potential fecal contamination, is conducted through by visual examination human inspectors. A handheld fluorescence-based imaging device (HFID) was developed to be an assistive tool for human inspectors by highlighting contaminated food and food contact surfaces on a display monitor. It can be used under ambient lighting conditions in food processing plants. Critical components of the imaging device includes four 405-nm 10-W LEDs for fluorescence excitation, a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera, optical filter (670 nm used for this study), and Wi-Fi transmitter for broadcasting real-time video/images to monitoring devices such as smartphone and tablet. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of HFID in enhancing visual detection of fecal contamination on red meat, fat, and bone surfaces of beef under varying ambient luminous intensities (0, 10, 30, 50 and 70 foot-candles). Overall, diluted feces on fat, red meat and bone areas of beef surfaces were detectable in the 670-nm single-band fluorescence images when using the HFID under 0 to 50 foot-candle ambient lighting.

Publications - RDF 2015-4 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical

Science.gov Websites

, and the northern Darby Mountains, Bendeleben, Candle, Kotzebue, and Solomon quadrangles, Alaska publication sales page for more information. Quadrangle(s): Bendeleben; Candle; Kotzebue; Solomon drainages, Granite Mountain, and the northern Darby Mountains, Bendeleben, Candle, Kotzebue, and Solomon

75 FR 63200 - Petroleum Wax Candles From China

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-14

... From China AGENCY: United States International Trade Commission. ACTION: Scheduling of an expedited five-year review concerning the antidumping duty order on petroleum wax candles from China. SUMMARY... antidumping duty order on petroleum wax candles from China would be likely to lead to continuation or...

75 FR 38121 - Petroleum Wax Candles From China

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-01

... From China AGENCY: United States International Trade Commission. ACTION: Institution of a five-year review concerning the antidumping duty order on petroleum wax candles from China. SUMMARY: The Commission... petroleum wax candles from China would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury...

75 FR 80843 - Petroleum Wax Candles From China

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-23

... From China Determination On the basis of the record \\1\\ developed in the subject five-year review, the... candles from China would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury to an industry... contained in USITC Publication 4207 (December 2010), entitled Petroleum Wax Candles from China...

LEAD IN CANDLE EMISSIONS

EPA Science Inventory

The candle-using public should be made aware that the core of candle wicks may contain lead. Used as a stiffening agent to keep the wick out of the molten wax, lead can be emitted as particulate to the air and then deposited on indoor surfaces. To define the problem, 100 sets of ...

9 CFR 590.506 - Candling and transfer-room facilities and equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Candling and transfer-room facilities... INSPECTION ACT) Sanitary, Processing, and Facility Requirements § 590.506 Candling and transfer-room... containers are furnished daily. (h) Shell egg conveyors shall be constructed so that they can be thoroughly...

9 CFR 590.506 - Candling and transfer-room facilities and equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Candling and transfer-room facilities... INSPECTION ACT) Sanitary, Processing, and Facility Requirements § 590.506 Candling and transfer-room facilities and equipment. (a) The room shall be so constructed that it can be adequately darkened to assure...

9 CFR 590.506 - Candling and transfer-room facilities and equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Candling and transfer-room facilities... INSPECTION ACT) Sanitary, Processing, and Facility Requirements § 590.506 Candling and transfer-room facilities and equipment. (a) The room shall be so constructed that it can be adequately darkened to assure...

9 CFR 590.506 - Candling and transfer-room facilities and equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Candling and transfer-room facilities... INSPECTION ACT) Sanitary, Processing, and Facility Requirements § 590.506 Candling and transfer-room facilities and equipment. (a) The room shall be so constructed that it can be adequately darkened to assure...

9 CFR 590.506 - Candling and transfer-room facilities and equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Candling and transfer-room facilities... INSPECTION ACT) Sanitary, Processing, and Facility Requirements § 590.506 Candling and transfer-room facilities and equipment. (a) The room shall be so constructed that it can be adequately darkened to assure...

Polymerase chain reaction with phase change as intrinsic thermal control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsieh, Yi-Fan; Yonezawa, Eri; Kuo, Long-Sheng; Yeh, Shiou-Hwei; Chen, Pei-Jer; Chen, Ping-Hei

2013-04-01

This research demonstrated that without any external temperature controller, the capillary convective polymerase chain reaction (ccPCR) powered by a candle can operate with the help of phase change. The candle ccPCR system productively amplified hepatitis B virus 122 base-pairs DNA fragment. The detection sensitivity can achieve at an initial DNA concentration to 5 copies per reaction. The results also show that the candle ccPCR system can operate functionally even the ambient temperature varies from 7 °C to 45 °C. These features imply that the candle ccPCR system can provide robust medical detection services.

16 CFR Table 2 to Part 1512 - Minimum Candlepower per Incident Foot-Candle for Clear Reflector 1

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 16 Commercial Practices 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Minimum Candlepower per Incident Foot-Candle for Clear Reflector 1 2 Table 2 to Part 1512 Commercial Practices CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION... 1512—Minimum Candlepower per Incident Foot-Candle for Clear Reflector 1 Observation angle Front, rear...

41 CFR 102-74.180 - What illumination levels must Federal agencies maintain on Federal facilities?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... surfaces, measured at a height of 30 inches above floor level, during working hours (for visually difficult...) 30 foot-candles in work areas during working hours, measured at 30 inches above floor level; (c) 10 foot-candles, but not less than 1 foot-candle, in non-work areas, during working hours (normally this...

Virus removal in ceramic depth filters based on diatomaceous earth.

PubMed

Michen, Benjamin; Meder, Fabian; Rust, Annette; Fritsch, Johannes; Aneziris, Christos; Graule, Thomas

2012-01-17

Ceramic filter candles, based on the natural material diatomaceous earth, are widely used to purify water at the point-of-use. Although such depth filters are known to improve drinking water quality by removing human pathogenic protozoa and bacteria, their removal regarding viruses has rarely been investigated. These filters have relatively large pore diameters compared to the physical dimension of viruses. However, viruses may be retained by adsorption mechanisms due to intermolecular and surface forces. Here, we use three types of bacteriophages to investigate their removal during filtration and batch experiments conducted at different pH values and ionic strengths. Theoretical models based on DLVO-theory are applied in order to verify experimental results and assess surface forces involved in the adsorptive process. This was done by calculation of interaction energies between the filter surface and the viruses. For two small spherically shaped viruses (MS2 and PhiX174), these filters showed no significant removal. In the case of phage PhiX174, where attractive interactions were expected, due to electrostatic attraction of oppositely charged surfaces, only little adsorption was reported in the presence of divalent ions. Thus, we postulate the existence of an additional repulsive force between PhiX174 and the filter surface. It is hypothesized that such an additional energy barrier originates from either the phage's specific knobs that protrude from the viral capsid, enabling steric interactions, or hydration forces between the two hydrophilic interfaces of virus and filter. However, a larger-sized, tailed bacteriophage of the family Siphoviridae was removed by log 2 to 3, which is explained by postulating hydrophobic interactions.

Temperature and Electron Density Diagnostics of a Candle-Flame Shaped Flare. Asymmetric Reconnection Evidence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guidoni, Silvina E.; McKenzie, David E.; Longcope, Dana W.; Plowman, Joseph E.; Yoshimura, Keiji

2013-03-01

Candle-flame shaped flares are archetypical structures that represent indirect evidence of magnetic reconnection. For long-lived events, most of their observed features can be explained with the classic magnetic reconnection model of solar flares, the CSHKP model. A flare resembling 1992 Tsuneta's famous candle-flame flare occurred on January 28 2011; we present its temperature and electron density diagnostics. This flare was observed with Hinode/XRT, SDO/AIA, and STEREO (A)/EUVI, resulting in high resolution, broad temperature coverage, and stereoscopic views of this iconic structure. Our XRT filter-ratio temperature and density maps corroborate the general reconnection scenario. The high temperature images reveal a brightening that grows in size to form a tower-like structure at the top of the post-flare arcade, a feature that has been observed in other long duration events. This tower is a localized density increase, as shown by our XRT electron density maps. Despite the extensive work on the standard reconnection scenario, there is no complete agreement among models regarding the nature of this tower-like structure. The XRT maps also reveal that reconnected loops that are successively connected at their tops to this tower develop a density increase in one of their legs that can reach over 2 times the density value of the other leg, giving the appearance of ``half-loops''. Their density is nevertheless still lower than at the tower. These jumps in density last longer than several acoustic transit times along the loops. We use STEREO images to show that the half-loop brightening is not a line-of- sight projection effect of the type suggested by Forbes and Acton (1996). This would indicate that asymmetric reconnection took place between loops originally belonging to systems with different magnetic field strengths, densities, and temperatures. We hypothesize that the heat generated by reconnection's slow shocks is then transferred to each leg of the loop at different rates. Therefore, the increase in electron density due to chromospheric evaporation is different in each leg. Thermal pressure balance between the legs is prevented by shocked plasma at the top of the loops. We also present preliminary results comparing a new fast DEM method that uses SDO/AIA data with the XRT filter ratio method. Both methods complement each other, they agree at the overlap between their instruments' temperature response functions (3-12 MK) while the SDO/AIA method works well at lower temperatures and the XRT one at higher temperatures.

Preliminary engineering design of sodium-cooled CANDLE core

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takaki, Naoyuki; Namekawa, Azuma; Yoda, Tomoyuki; Mizutani, Akihiko; Sekimoto, Hiroshi

2012-06-01

The CANDLE burning process is characterized by the autonomous shifting of burning region with constant reactivity and constant spacial power distribution. Evaluations of such critical burning process by using widely used neutron diffusion and burning codes under some realistic engineering constraints are valuable to confirm the technical feasibility of the CANDLE concept and to put the idea into concrete core design. In the first part of this paper, it is discussed that whether the sustainable and stable CANDLE burning process can be reproduced even by using conventional core analysis tools such as SLAROM and CITATION-FBR. As a result, it is certainly possible to demonstrate it if the proper core configuration and initial fuel composition required as CANDLE core are applied to the analysis. In the latter part, an example of a concrete image of sodium cooled, metal fuel, 2000MWt rating CANDLE core has been presented by assuming an emerging inevitable technology of recladding. The core satisfies engineering design criteria including cladding temperature, pressure drop, linear heat rate, and cumulative damage fraction (CDF) of cladding, fast neutron fluence and sodium void reactivity which are defined in the Japanese FBR design project. It can be concluded that it is feasible to design CADLE core by using conventional codes while satisfying some realistic engineering design constraints assuming that recladding at certain time interval is technically feasible.

Childproofing

MedlinePlus

... better safety Burns: Replace traditional flame candles with battery-operated candles. Use knob covers on stoves. Turn ... carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. Change the batteries twice a year when you change your smoke ...

Do low-cost ceramic water filters improve water security in rural South Africa?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lange, Jens; Materne, Tineke; Grüner, Jörg

2016-10-01

This study examined the performance of a low-cost ceramic candle filter system (CCFS) for point of use (POU) drinking water treatment in the village of Hobeni, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. CCFSs were distributed in Hobeni and a survey was carried out among their users. The performance of 51 CCFSs was evaluated by dip slides and related to human factors. Already after two-thirds of their specified lifetime, none of the distributed CCFSs produced water without distinct contamination, and more than one-third even deteriorated in hygienic water quality. Besides the water source (springs were preferable compared to river or rain water), a high water throughput was the dominant reason for poor CCFS performance. A stepwise laboratory test documented the negative effects of repeated loading and ambient field temperatures. These findings suggest that not every CCFS type per se guarantees improved drinking water security and that the efficiency of low-cost systems should continuously be monitored. For this purpose, dip slides were found to be a cost-efficient alternative to standard laboratory tests. They consistently underestimated microbial counts but can be used by laypersons and hence by the users themselves to assess critical contamination of their filter systems.

Study on core radius minimization for long life Pb-Bi cooled CANDLE burnup scheme based fast reactor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Afifah, Maryam, E-mail: maryam.afifah210692@gmail.com; Su’ud, Zaki; Miura, Ryosuke

2015-09-30

Fast Breeder Reactor had been interested to be developed over the world because it inexhaustible source energy, one of those is CANDLE reactor which is have strategy in burn-up scheme, need not control roads for control burn-up, have a constant core characteristics during energy production and don’t need fuel shuffling. The calculation was made by basic reactor analysis which use Sodium coolant geometry core parameter as a reference core to study on minimum core reactor radius of CANDLE for long life Pb-Bi cooled, also want to perform pure coolant effect comparison between LBE and sodium in a same geometry design.more » The result show that the minimum core radius of Lead Bismuth cooled CANDLE is 100 cm and 500 MWth thermal output. Lead-Bismuth coolant for CANDLE reactor enable to reduce much reactor size and have a better void coefficient than Sodium cooled as the most coolant for FBR, then we will have a good point in safety analysis.« less

46 CFR 160.066-9 - Labeling.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

...: SPECIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT Distress Signal for Boats, Red Aerial Pyrotechnic Flare § 160...: (1) The manufacturer's name, (2) The designed burning time of the pyrotechnic candle(s), (3) The...

46 CFR 160.066-9 - Labeling.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

...: SPECIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT Distress Signal for Boats, Red Aerial Pyrotechnic Flare § 160...: (1) The manufacturer's name, (2) The designed burning time of the pyrotechnic candle(s), (3) The...

A Hubble Space Telescope survey for novae in M87 - III. Are novae good standard candles 15 d after maximum brightness?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shara, Michael M.; Doyle, Trisha F.; Pagnotta, Ashley; Garland, James T.; Lauer, Tod R.; Zurek, David; Baltz, Edward A.; Goerl, Ariel; Kovetz, Attay; Machac, Tamara; Madrid, Juan P.; Mikołajewska, Joanna; Neill, J. D.; Prialnik, Dina; Welch, D. L.; Yaron, Ofer

2018-02-01

Ten weeks of daily imaging of the giant elliptical galaxy M87 with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) has yielded 41 nova light curves of unprecedented quality for extragalactic cataclysmic variables. We have recently used these light curves to demonstrate that the observational scatter in the so-called maximum-magnitude rate of decline (MMRD) relation for classical novae is so large as to render the nova-MMRD useless as a standard candle. Here, we demonstrate that a modified Buscombe-de Vaucouleurs hypothesis, namely that novae with decline times t2 > 10 d converge to nearly the same absolute magnitude about two weeks after maximum light in a giant elliptical galaxy, is supported by our M87 nova data. For 13 novae with daily sampled light curves, well determined times of maximum light in both the F606W and F814W filters, and decline times t2 > 10 d we find that M87 novae display M606W,15 = -6.37 ± 0.46 and M814W,15 = -6.11 ± 0.43. If very fast novae with decline times t2 < 10 d are excluded, the distances to novae in elliptical galaxies with stellar binary populations similar to those of M87 should be determinable with 1σ accuracies of ± 20 per cent with the above calibrations.

Standard Candle in the Wind

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-01-12

NASA Spitzer Space Telescope was able to show that a tandard candle used to measure cosmological distances is shrinking, a finding that affects precise measurements of the age, size and expansion rate of our universe.

Comparison of the egg flotation and egg candling techniques for estimating incubation day of Canada Goose nests

USGS Publications Warehouse

Reiter, M.E.; Andersen, D.E.

2008-01-01

Both egg flotation and egg candling have been used to estimate incubation day (often termed nest age) in nesting birds, but little is known about the relative accuracy of these two techniques. We used both egg flotation and egg candling to estimate incubation day for Canada Geese (Branta canadensis interior) nesting near Cape Churchill, Manitoba, from 2000 to 2007. We modeled variation in the difference between estimates of incubation day using each technique as a function of true incubation day, as well as, variation in error rates with each technique as a function of the true incubation day. We also evaluated the effect of error in the estimated incubation day on estimates of daily survival rate (DSR) and nest success using simulations. The mean difference between concurrent estimates of incubation day based on egg flotation minus egg candling at the same nest was 0.85 ?? 0.06 (SE) days. The positive difference in favor of egg flotation and the magnitude of the difference in estimates of incubation day did not vary as a function of true incubation day. Overall, both egg flotation and egg candling overestimated incubation day early in incubation and underestimated incubation day later in incubation. The average difference between true hatch date and estimated hatch date did not differ from zero (days) for egg flotation, but egg candling overestimated true hatch date by about 1 d (true - estimated; days). Our simulations suggested that error associated with estimating the incubation day of nests and subsequently exposure days using either egg candling or egg flotation would have minimal effects on estimates of DSR and nest success. Although egg flotation was slightly less biased, both methods provided comparable and accurate estimates of incubation day and subsequent estimates of hatch date and nest success throughout the entire incubation period. ?? 2008 Association of Field Ornithologists.

Lighting that One Little Candle.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scarnati, James T.; Tice, Craig J.

1988-01-01

Describes a lesson in which fifth graders made observations of candles. Discusses the progress of the lesson and the necessity of instructing students in what and how to watch and measure. Stresses that this can be easily accomplished inexpensively with imagination. (CW)

Gamma-Ray Burst Supernovae as Standardizable Candles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cano, Z.

2014-10-01

A long-duration gamma-ray burst (GRB) marks the violent end of a massive star. GRBs are rare in the universe, and their progenitor stars are thought to possess unique physical properties such as low metal content and rapid rotation, while the supernovae (SNe) that are associated with GRBs are expected to be highly aspherical. To date, it has been unclear whether GRB-SNe could be used as standardizable candles, with contrasting conclusions found by different teams. In this paper, I present evidence that GRB-SNe have the potential to be used as standardizable candles and show that a statistically significant relation exists between the brightness and width of their decomposed light curves relative to a template SN. Every single nearby spectroscopically identified GRB-SN for which the rest frame and host contributions have been accurately determined follows this relation. Additionally, it is shown that not only GRB-SNe, but perhaps all SNe whose explosions are powered by a central engine may eventually be used as a standardizable candle. Finally, I suggest that the use of GRB-SNe as standardizable candles likely arises from a combination of the viewing angle and similar explosion geometry in each event, the latter of which is influenced by the explosion mechanism of GRB-SNe.

FINE PARTICULATE MATTER EMISSIONS FROM CANDLES

EPA Science Inventory

The paper gives reulst of testing five types of candles, purchased from local stores, for fine particulate matter (PM) emissions under close-to-realistic conditions in a research house. The test method allows for determination of both the emission and deposition rates. Most tes...

41 CFR 102-74.180 - What illumination levels must Federal agencies maintain on Federal facilities?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... middle of corridors and stairwells as measured at the walking surface, 1 foot-candle at the middle of corridors and stairwells as measured at the walking surface, and 10 foot-candles in storage areas); and (d...

41 CFR 102-74.180 - What illumination levels must Federal agencies maintain on Federal facilities?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... middle of corridors and stairwells as measured at the walking surface, 1 foot-candle at the middle of corridors and stairwells as measured at the walking surface, and 10 foot-candles in storage areas); and (d...

41 CFR 102-74.180 - What illumination levels must Federal agencies maintain on Federal facilities?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... middle of corridors and stairwells as measured at the walking surface, 1 foot-candle at the middle of corridors and stairwells as measured at the walking surface, and 10 foot-candles in storage areas); and (d...

41 CFR 102-74.180 - What illumination levels must Federal agencies maintain on Federal facilities?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... middle of corridors and stairwells as measured at the walking surface, 1 foot-candle at the middle of corridors and stairwells as measured at the walking surface, and 10 foot-candles in storage areas); and (d...

Understanding the Haugh Unit.

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Objectively determining interior egg quality in a fast, efficient manner is difficult. Candling is most often utilized as a quick method for non-destructive assessment of egg quality, but is highly subjective. As you have experienced this week when candling, it is almost impossible for multiple pe...

Using slow-release permanganate candles to remove TCE from a low permeable aquifer at a former landfill.

PubMed

Christenson, Mark D; Kambhu, Ann; Comfort, Steve D

2012-10-01

Past disposal of industrial solvents into unregulated landfills is a significant source of groundwater contamination. In 2009, we began investigating a former unregulated landfill with known trichloroethene (TCE) contamination. Our objective was to pinpoint the location of the plume and treat the TCE using in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO). We accomplished this by using electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) to survey the landfill and map the subsurface lithology. We then used the ERI survey maps to guide direct push groundwater sampling. A TCE plume (100-600 μg L(-1)) was identified in a low permeable silty-clay aquifer (K(h)=0.5 md(-1)) that was within 6m of ground surface. To treat the TCE, we manufactured slow-release potassium permanganate candles (SRPCs) that were 91.4 cm long and either 5. cm or 7.6 cm in dia. For comparison, we inserted equal masses of SRPCs (7.6-cm versus 5.1-cm dia) into the low permeable aquifer in staggered rows that intersected the TCE plume. The 5.1-cm dia candles were inserted using direct push rods while the 7.6-cm SRPCs were placed in 10 permanent wells. Pneumatic circulators that emitted small air bubbles were placed below the 7.6-cm SRPCs in the second year. Results 15 months after installation showed significant TCE reductions in the 7.6-cm candle treatment zone (67-85%) and between 10% and 66% decrease in wells impacted by the direct push candles. These results support using slow-release permanganate candles as a means of treating chlorinated solvents in low permeable aquifers. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Short- and Long-Term Dynamics of Gas Hydrate at GC600: A Gulf of Mexico Hydrocarbon Seep

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

MacDonald, I. R.; Johansen, C.; Silva, M.; Daneshgar, S.; Garcia-Pineda, O. G.; Shedd, W. W.

2014-12-01

The GC600 hydrocarbon seep is located at 1200 m in the northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Satellite data show it to be one of the most prolific sources of natural oil slicks in the entire GOM. We mapped its seafloor oil and gas vents with 3-D seismic, swath-bathymetry acoustics and submersible observations, documenting gas hydrate deposits, brine pools, benthic fauna, and authigenic carbonates. Geophysical profiles show subbottom locations of salt bodies and migration conduits. We deployed time-lapse imaging systems focused on individual vents to quantify release rates. Oil and gas flow upward along the flanks of an allochthonous salt body from source rocks at 10,000 m and migrate to the seafloor from faults emanating from the salt. Venting to the water column and surface consists of oily bubbles and occurs in two fields separated by ~1 km. The NW vent field (Megaplume) appears to be a more recent expression and hosts about three highly active vents; while the SE vent field (Birthday Candles) hosts more than 10 vents that are generally slower. We measured discharge rates of 2.6 cm3 s-1 and Megaplume and 0.09 cm3 s-1 at Birthday Candles. Although surface deposits of gas hydrate were evident at both vent fields, the Birthday Candles area featured dozens of conical mounds formed by gas hydrate that were dark brown due to large amounts of liquid oil perfused throughout the deposits. Large brine pools indicated gas hydrate formation at the seafloor. Venting occurred in horizontal fissures on the mounds, in which oil and hydrate combined to form short-lived chimneys and balloon-like structures. Ice worms (Hesiocaeca methanicola) were extremely abundant in burrows extending from the sediment into the gas hydrate. Proceeding farther to the SE, venting is reduced and absent, but surface carbonate deposits suggest relict gas hydrate mounds. We propose that the NW to SE trend at GC600 encompasses the progressive development of a biogeochemical filter that sequesters and mineralizes a very substantial portion of the source hydrocarbon prior to discharge into the water column.

A Hubble Space Telescope survey for novae in M87 – III. Are novae good standard candles 15 d after maximum brightness?

DOE PAGES

Shara, Michael M.; Doyle, Trisha F.; Pagnotta, Ashley; ...

2017-11-16

Ten weeks of daily imaging of the giant elliptical galaxy M87 with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) has yielded 41 nova light curves of unprecedented quality for extragalactic cataclysmic variables. We have recently used these light curves to demonstrate that the observational scatter in the so-called maximum-magnitude rate of decline (MMRD) relation for classical novae is so large as to render the nova-MMRD useless as a standard candle. Here in this paper, we demonstrate that a modified Buscombe–de Vaucouleurs hypothesis, namely that novae with decline times t2 > 10 d converge to nearly the same absolute magnitude about two weeksmore » after maximum light in a giant elliptical galaxy, is supported by our M87 nova data. For 13 novae with daily sampled light curves, well determined times of maximum light in both the F606W and F814W filters, and decline times t 2 > 10 d we find that M87 novae display M606W,15 = -6.37 ± 0.46 and M814W,15 = -6.11 ± 0.43. If very fast novae with decline times t 2 < 10 d are excluded, the distances to novae in elliptical galaxies with stellar binary populations similar to those of M87 should be determinable with 1σ accuracies of ± 20 percent with the above calibrations.« less

A Hubble Space Telescope survey for novae in M87 – III. Are novae good standard candles 15 d after maximum brightness?

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shara, Michael M.; Doyle, Trisha F.; Pagnotta, Ashley

Ten weeks of daily imaging of the giant elliptical galaxy M87 with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) has yielded 41 nova light curves of unprecedented quality for extragalactic cataclysmic variables. We have recently used these light curves to demonstrate that the observational scatter in the so-called maximum-magnitude rate of decline (MMRD) relation for classical novae is so large as to render the nova-MMRD useless as a standard candle. Here in this paper, we demonstrate that a modified Buscombe–de Vaucouleurs hypothesis, namely that novae with decline times t2 > 10 d converge to nearly the same absolute magnitude about two weeksmore » after maximum light in a giant elliptical galaxy, is supported by our M87 nova data. For 13 novae with daily sampled light curves, well determined times of maximum light in both the F606W and F814W filters, and decline times t 2 > 10 d we find that M87 novae display M606W,15 = -6.37 ± 0.46 and M814W,15 = -6.11 ± 0.43. If very fast novae with decline times t 2 < 10 d are excluded, the distances to novae in elliptical galaxies with stellar binary populations similar to those of M87 should be determinable with 1σ accuracies of ± 20 percent with the above calibrations.« less

Effect of central fans and in-duct filters on deposition rates of ultrafine and fine particles in an occupied townhouse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wallace, Lance A.; Emmerich, Steven J.; Howard-Reed, Cynthia

Airborne particles are implicated in morbidity and mortality of certain high-risk subpopulations. Exposure to particles occurs mostly indoors, where a main removal mechanism is deposition to surfaces. Deposition can be affected by the use of forced-air circulation through ducts or by air filters. In this study, we calculate the deposition rates of particles in an occupied house due to forced-air circulation and the use of in-duct filters such as electrostatic precipitators (ESP) and fibrous mechanical filters (MECH). Deposition rates are calculated for 128 size categories ranging from 0.01 to 2.5 μm. More than 110 separate "events" (mostly cooking, candle burning, and pouring kitty litter) were used to calculate deposition rates for four conditions: fan off, fan on, MECH installed, ESP installed. For all cases, deposition rates varied in a "U"-shaped distribution with the minimum occurring near 0.1 μm, as predicted by theory. The use of the central fan with no filter or with a standard furnace filter increased deposition rates by amounts on the order of 0.1-0.5 h -1. The MECH increased deposition rates by up to 2 h -1 for ultrafine and fine particles but was ineffective for particles in the 0.1-0.5 μm range. The ESP increased deposition rates by 2-3 h -1 and was effective for all sizes. However, the ESP lost efficiency after several weeks and needed regular cleaning to maintain its effectiveness. A reduction of particle levels by 50% or more could be achieved by use of the ESP when operating properly. Since the use of fans and filters reduces particle concentrations from both indoor and outdoor sources, it is more effective than the alternative approach of reducing ventilation by closing windows or insulating homes more tightly. For persons at risk, use of an air filter may be an effective method of reducing exposure to particles.

The Persistence of the Candle-and-Cylinder Misconception.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Birk, James P.; Lawson, Anton E.

1999-01-01

Argues that the candle-and-cylinder demonstration does not show that air is composed of 21% oxygen. Finds that the heating of air results in a partial expulsion of air, and that the flame is extinguished by a local, rather than a complete, consumption of oxygen. (WRM)

Evaluation of a Combined Cyclone and Gas Filtration System for Particulate Removal in the Gasification Process

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rizzo, Jeffrey J.

2010-04-30

The Wabash gasification facility, owned and operated by sgSolutions LLC, is one of the largest single train solid fuel gasification facilities in the world capable of transforming 2,000 tons per day of petroleum coke or 2,600 tons per day of bituminous coal into synthetic gas for electrical power generation. The Wabash plant utilizes Phillips66 proprietary E-Gas (TM) Gasification Process to convert solid fuels such as petroleum coke or coal into synthetic gas that is fed to a combined cycle combustion turbine power generation facility. During plant startup in 1995, reliability issues were realized in the gas filtration portion of themore » gasification process. To address these issues, a slipstream test unit was constructed at the Wabash facility to test various filter designs, materials and process conditions for potential reliability improvement. The char filtration slipstream unit provided a way of testing new materials, maintenance procedures, and process changes without the risk of stopping commercial production in the facility. It also greatly reduced maintenance expenditures associated with full scale testing in the commercial plant. This char filtration slipstream unit was installed with assistance from the United States Department of Energy (built under DOE Contract No. DE-FC26-97FT34158) and began initial testing in November of 1997. It has proven to be extremely beneficial in the advancement of the E-Gas (TM) char removal technology by accurately predicting filter behavior and potential failure mechanisms that would occur in the commercial process. After completing four (4) years of testing various filter types and configurations on numerous gasification feed stocks, a decision was made to investigate the economic and reliability effects of using a particulate removal gas cyclone upstream of the current gas filtration unit. A paper study had indicated that there was a real potential to lower both installed capital and operating costs by implementing a char cyclonefiltration hybrid unit in the E-Gas (TM) gasification process. These reductions would help to keep the E-Gas (TM) technology competitive among other coal-fired power generation technologies. The Wabash combined cyclone and gas filtration slipstream test program was developed to provide design information, equipment specification and process control parameters of a hybrid cyclone and candle filter particulate removal system in the E-Gas (TM) gasification process that would provide the optimum performance and reliability for future commercial use. The test program objectives were as follows: 1. Evaluate the use of various cyclone materials of construction; 2. Establish the optimal cyclone efficiency that provides stable long term gas filter operation; 3. Determine the particle size distribution of the char separated by both the cyclone and candle filters. This will provide insight into cyclone efficiency and potential future plant design; 4. Determine the optimum filter media size requirements for the cyclone-filtration hybrid unit; 5. Determine the appropriate char transfer rates for both the cyclone and filtration portions of the hybrid unit; 6. Develop operating procedures for the cyclone-filtration hybrid unit; and, 7. Compare the installed capital cost of a scaled-up commercial cyclone-filtration hybrid unit to the current gas filtration design without a cyclone unit, such as currently exists at the Wabash facility.« less

Facile Fabrication and Characterization of a PDMS-Derived Candle Soot Coated Stable Biocompatible Superhydrophobic and Superhemophobic Surface.

PubMed

Iqbal, R; Majhy, B; Sen, A K

2017-09-13

We report a simple, inexpensive, rapid, and one-step method for the fabrication of a stable and biocompatible superhydrophobic and superhemophobic surface. The proposed surface comprises candle soot particles embedded in a mixture of PDMS+n-hexane serving as the base material. The mechanism responsible for the superhydrophobic behavior of the surface is explained, and the surface is characterized based on its morphology and elemental composition, wetting properties, mechanical and chemical stability, and biocompatibility. The effect of %n-hexane in PDMS, the thickness of the PDMS+n-hexane layer (in terms of spin coating speed) and sooting time on the wetting property of the surface is studied. The proposed surface exhibits nanoscale surface asperities (average roughness of 187 nm), chemical compositions of soot particles, very high water and blood repellency along with excellent mechanical and chemical stability and excellent biocompatibility against blood sample and biological cells. The water contact angle and roll-off angle is measured as 160° ± 1° and 2°, respectively, and the blood contact angle is found to be 154° ± 1°, which indicates that the surface is superhydrophobic and superhemophobic. The proposed superhydrophobic and superhemophobic surface offers significantly improved (>40%) cell viability as compared to glass and PDMS surfaces.

A Comprehensive General Chemistry Demonstration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sweeder, Ryan D.; Jeffery, Kathleen A.

2013-01-01

This article describes the use of a comprehensive demonstration suitable for a high school or first-year undergraduate introductory chemistry class. The demonstration involves placing a burning candle in a container adjacent to a beaker containing a basic solution with indicator. After adding a lid, the candle will extinguish and the produced…

46 CFR 160.066-13 - Technical tests.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

...: SPECIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT Distress Signal for Boats, Red Aerial Pyrotechnic Flare § 160... signal, or; (iii) Two or more of the signals fail to project and ignite the pyrotechnic candle. (c) The... in the following manner: (1) Remove the pyrotechnic candle from the remaining three signals. (2...

Candles in Our Windows

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McGrath, Kathryn

2005-01-01

"Candles in Our Windows"--also titled "Nightlights"--is a play developed for elementary and middle school students about how residents in Billings, Montana, took a stand against hate. Last March, the 6th-grade students of Woodland Elementary School in New Jersey performed an early version of the play based on a children's book,…

75 FR 70713 - Petroleum Wax Candles From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of Expedited Third...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-18

... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [A-570-504] Petroleum Wax Candles From... Order AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. DATES: Effective Date: November 18, 2010. SUMMARY: On July 9, 2010, the Department of Commerce (``Department...

CANDLES AND INCENSE AS POTENTIAL SOURCES OF INDOOR AIR POLLUTION: MARKET ANALYSIS AND LITERATURE SEARCH

EPA Science Inventory

The report summarizes available information on candles and incense as potential sources of indoor air pollution. It covers market information and a review of the scientific literature. The market information collected focuses on production and sales data, typical uses in the U.S....

ANALYSIS OF LEAD IN CANDLE PARTICULATE EMISSIONS BY XRF USING UNIQUANT 4

EPA Science Inventory

As part of an extensive program to study the small combustion sources of indoor fine particulate matter (PM), candles with lead-core wicks were burned in a 46-L glass flow- through chamber. The particulate emissions with aerodynamic diameters <10 micrometers (PM10) were captured ...

FTIR Study of Comustion Species in Several Regions of a Candle Flame

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, Allen R.

2013-06-01

The complex chemical structure of the fuel in a candle flame, parafin, is broken down into smaller hydrocarbons in the dark region just above the candle wick during combustion. This creates fuel-rich, fuel-lean, hydrocarbon reaction, and combustion product regions in the flame during combustion that are spectroscopically rich, particularly in the infrared. IR emissions were measured for each reaction region via collection optics focused into an FTIR and used to identify IR active species present in that region and, when possible, temperature of the sampling region. The results of the measurements are useful for combustion reaction modeling as well as for future validation of mass spectroscopy sampling systems.

Using the REACT Strategy to Understand Physical and Chemical Changes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ültay, Neslihan; Güngören, Seda Çavus; Ültay, Eser

2017-01-01

Students often struggle to determine whether changes in matter are physical or chemical; for example, they may have difficulty labelling a candle melting as a physical change but a candle burning as chemical change. Here we describe a lesson that we used to integrate conceptual learning about physical and chemical changes using the…

Catalyzed sodium chlorate candles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Malich, C. W.; Wydeven, T.

1972-01-01

The catalytic effect of cobalt powder on chlorate decomposition has been confirmed. Catalysis is enhanced by oxidation of the metal during burning. Catalysts other than cobalt compounds should also be effective; the complete elimination of fuel has shown that the oxidation of cobalt during decomposition is not a vital factor in the improved performance of catalyzed candles.

36 CFR 1192.31 - Lighting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., when the door is open, at least 2 foot-candles of illumination measured on the step tread or lift platform. (b) Other stepwells and doorways, including doorways in which lifts or ramps are installed, shall have, at all times, at least 2 foot-candles of illumination measured on the step tread, or lift or ramp...

36 CFR 1192.31 - Lighting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

..., when the door is open, at least 2 foot-candles of illumination measured on the step tread or lift platform. (b) Other stepwells and doorways, including doorways in which lifts or ramps are installed, shall have, at all times, at least 2 foot-candles of illumination measured on the step tread, or lift or ramp...

New Scientific Aspects of the "Burning Candle" Experiment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Massalha, Taha

2016-01-01

The "burning candle" experiment is used in middle school education programs to prove that air contains a component that is essential to burning (i.e., oxygen). The accepted interpretation taught by teachers in middle school is this: when burning occurs, oxygen is used up, creating an underpressure that causes a rise in water level inside…

Investigating the Effect of Cosmic Opacity on Standard Candles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, J.; Yu, H.; Wang, F. Y.

2017-02-01

Standard candles can probe the evolution of dark energy over a large redshift range. But the cosmic opacity can degrade the quality of standard candles. In this paper, we use the latest observations, including Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) from the “joint light-curve analysis” sample and Hubble parameters, to probe the opacity of the universe. A joint fitting of the SNe Ia light-curve parameters, cosmological parameters, and opacity is used in order to avoid the cosmological dependence of SNe Ia luminosity distances. The latest gamma-ray bursts are used in order to explore the cosmic opacity at high redshifts. The cosmic reionization process is considered at high redshifts. We find that the sample supports an almost transparent universe for flat ΛCDM and XCDM models. Meanwhile, free electrons deplete photons from standard candles through (inverse) Compton scattering, which is known as an important component of opacity. This Compton dimming may play an important role in future supernova surveys. From analysis, we find that about a few per cent of the cosmic opacity is caused by Compton dimming in the two models, which can be corrected.

Demonstrating Sound Wave Propagation with Candle Flame and Loudspeaker

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hrepic, Zdeslav; Nettles, Corey; Bonilla, Chelsea

2013-01-01

The motion of a candle flame in front of a loudspeaker has been suggested as a productive demonstration of the longitudinal wave nature of sound. The demonstration has been used also as a research tool to investigate students' understanding about sound. The underpinning of both applications is the expectation of a horizontal, back-and-forth…

76 FR 46277 - Petroleum Wax Candles From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of Request for Comments...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-02

... (September 3, 1985) (``Petition''), at 7. The Department adopted this same language as the scope in its... candles.'' This scope language carried forward without change through the eventual antidumping duty order and subsequent segments of this proceeding. Due to the fact that the plain language of the scope...

THE EFFECTS OF LIGHT ON LUMINOUS BACTERIA

PubMed Central

Harvey, E. Newton

1925-01-01

A conservative statement would therefore be that luminous bacteria show no changes in luminescence as a result of illumination by 625 foot candles for 1.5 minutes when examined 1/200 of a second after exposure, and none as the result of illumination by 15,000 foot candles for 6 minutes when examined ⅙ of a second after exposure. PMID:19872170

Shall We Continue to Teach the Candle Burning Experiment at Lower Secondary Level?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dhindsa, Harkirat S.

2005-01-01

The candle burning experiment is usually conducted in lower secondary classes to prove the (about) 20% oxygen in air. The aim of this paper is to show that teachers misinterpret the results of the experiment to satisfy the objectives of teaching this experiment. However, when the results of this experiment are interpreted correctly, the objectives…

Candle Flames in Microgravity Video

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1997-01-01

This video of a candle flame burning in space was taken by the Candle Flames in Microgravity (CFM) experiment on the Russian Mir space station. It is actually a composite of still photos from a 35mm camera since the video images were too dim. The images show a hemispherically shaped flame, primarily blue in color, with some yellow early int the flame lifetime. The actual flame is quite dim and difficult to see with the naked eye. Nearly 80 candles were burned in this experiment aboard Mir. NASA scientists have also studied how flames spread in space and how to detect fire in microgravity. Researchers hope that what they learn about fire and combustion from the flame ball experiments will help out here on Earth. Their research could help create things such as better engines for cars and airplanes. Since they use very weak flames, flame balls require little fuel. By studying how this works, engineers may be able to design engines that use far less fuel. In addition, microgravity flame research is an important step in creating new safety precautions for astronauts living in space. By understanding how fire works in space, the astronauts can be better prepared to fight it.

Investigating the Effect of Cosmic Opacity on Standard Candles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hu, J.; Yu, H.; Wang, F. Y., E-mail: fayinwang@nju.edu.cn

Standard candles can probe the evolution of dark energy over a large redshift range. But the cosmic opacity can degrade the quality of standard candles. In this paper, we use the latest observations, including Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) from the “joint light-curve analysis” sample and Hubble parameters, to probe the opacity of the universe. A joint fitting of the SNe Ia light-curve parameters, cosmological parameters, and opacity is used in order to avoid the cosmological dependence of SNe Ia luminosity distances. The latest gamma-ray bursts are used in order to explore the cosmic opacity at high redshifts. The cosmicmore » reionization process is considered at high redshifts. We find that the sample supports an almost transparent universe for flat ΛCDM and XCDM models. Meanwhile, free electrons deplete photons from standard candles through (inverse) Compton scattering, which is known as an important component of opacity. This Compton dimming may play an important role in future supernova surveys. From analysis, we find that about a few per cent of the cosmic opacity is caused by Compton dimming in the two models, which can be corrected.« less

Particulate Hot Gas Stream Cleanup Technical Issues: Quarterly report, July 1-September 30, 1996

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pontius, D.H.

1996-12-09

This is the eighth in a series of quarterly reports describing the activities performed under Contract No. DE-AC21-94MC31160. Analyses of Hot Gas Stream Cleanup (HGCU) ashes and descriptions of filter performance address aspects of filter operation that are apparently linked to the characteristics of the collected ash or the performance of the ceramic barrier filter elements. Task 1 is designed to generate a data base of the key characteristics of ashes collected from operating advanced particle filters (APFS) and to relate these ash properties to the operation and performance of these filters. Task 2 concerns testing and failure analysis ofmore » ceramic filter elements. Under Task I during the past quarter, additional analyses were performed on ashes from the Ahlstrom 10 MWt Pressurized Fluidized Circulating Fluid Bed (PCFB) facility located at Karhula, Finland. Work continued on the HGCU data base being constructed in Microsoft Access. A variety of information has been entered into the data base, including numerical values, short or long text entries, and photographs. Detailed design of a bench top device for high temperature measurement of ash permeability has also begun. In addition to these activities, a paper was prepared and a poster was presented summarizing recent work performed under this contract at the 1996 DOE/METC Contractor`s Conference. A presentation was also given corresponding to the manuscript entitled Particle Characteristics and High-Temperature Filtration that was prepared for publication in the Proceedings of the Thirteenth Annual International Pittsburgh Coal Conference held this September in Pittsburgh, PA. Arrangements have been made to be present at the DOE/METC Modular Gas Cleanup Rig (MGCR) at the conclusion of the next run of the DOE/METC air blown Fluid Bed Gasifier (FBG). This visit will include on-site sampling to collect and characterize the filter cakes collected during FGB operation. Task 2 efforts during the past quarter focused on hoop tensile testing of Schumacher FT20 and Refractron 326 candle filter elements removed from the Karhula APF after 540 hours of service.« less

16 CFR Table 2 to Part 1512 - Minimum Candlepower per Incident Foot-Candle for Clear Reflector 1

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 16 Commercial Practices 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Minimum Candlepower per Incident Foot-Candle for Clear Reflector 1 2 Table 2 to Part 1512 Commercial Practices CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION..., and side reflectors; entrance angle in degrees 30 left/right 40 left/right 50 left/right 0.2 8.0 7.0 6...

Time-resolved multispectral imaging of combustion reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huot, Alexandrine; Gagnon, Marc-André; Jahjah, Karl-Alexandre; Tremblay, Pierre; Savary, Simon; Farley, Vincent; Lagueux, Philippe; Guyot, Éric; Chamberland, Martin; Marcotte, Frédérick

2015-10-01

Thermal infrared imaging is a field of science that evolves rapidly. Scientists have used for years the simplest tool: thermal broadband cameras. These allow to perform target characterization in both the longwave (LWIR) and midwave (MWIR) infrared spectral range. Infrared thermal imaging is used for a wide range of applications, especially in the combustion domain. For example, it can be used to follow combustion reactions, in order to characterize the injection and the ignition in a combustion chamber or even to observe gases produced by a flare or smokestack. Most combustion gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), selectively absorb/emit infrared radiation at discrete energies, i.e. over a very narrow spectral range. Therefore, temperatures derived from broadband imaging are not reliable without prior knowledge of spectral emissivity. This information is not directly available from broadband images. However, spectral information is available using spectral filters. In this work, combustion analysis was carried out using a Telops MS-IR MW camera, which allows multispectral imaging at a high frame rate. A motorized filter wheel allowing synchronized acquisitions on eight (8) different channels was used to provide time-resolved multispectral imaging of combustion products of a candle in which black powder has been burnt to create a burst. It was then possible to estimate the temperature by modeling spectral profiles derived from information obtained with the different spectral filters. Comparison with temperatures obtained using conventional broadband imaging illustrates the benefits of time-resolved multispectral imaging for the characterization of combustion processes.

Time-resolved multispectral imaging of combustion reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huot, Alexandrine; Gagnon, Marc-André; Jahjah, Karl-Alexandre; Tremblay, Pierre; Savary, Simon; Farley, Vincent; Lagueux, Philippe; Guyot, Éric; Chamberland, Martin; Marcotte, Fréderick

2015-05-01

Thermal infrared imaging is a field of science that evolves rapidly. Scientists have used for years the simplest tool: thermal broadband cameras. This allows to perform target characterization in both the longwave (LWIR) and midwave (MWIR) infrared spectral range. Infrared thermal imaging is used for a wide range of applications, especially in the combustion domain. For example, it can be used to follow combustion reactions, in order to characterize the injection and the ignition in a combustion chamber or even to observe gases produced by a flare or smokestack. Most combustion gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) selectively absorb/emit infrared radiation at discrete energies, i.e. over a very narrow spectral range. Therefore, temperatures derived from broadband imaging are not reliable without prior knowledge about spectral emissivity. This information is not directly available from broadband images. However, spectral information is available using spectral filters. In this work, combustion analysis was carried out using Telops MS-IR MW camera which allows multispectral imaging at a high frame rate. A motorized filter wheel allowing synchronized acquisitions on eight (8) different channels was used to provide time-resolved multispectral imaging of combustion products of a candle in which black powder has been burnt to create a burst. It was then possible to estimate the temperature by modeling spectral profile derived from information obtained with the different spectral filters. Comparison with temperatures obtained using conventional broadband imaging illustrates the benefits of time-resolved multispectral imaging for the characterization of combustion processes.

The VMC Survey - XIII. Type II Cepheids in the Large Magellanic Cloud

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ripepi, V.; Moretti, M. I.; Marconi, M.; Clementini, G.; Cioni, M.-R. L.; de Grijs, R.; Emerson, J. P.; Groenewegen, M. A. T.; Ivanov, V. D.; Muraveva, T.; Piatti, A. E.; Subramanian, S.

2015-01-01

The VISTA (Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy) survey of the Magellanic Clouds System (VMC) is collecting deep Ks-band time-series photometry of the pulsating variable stars hosted in the system formed by the two Magellanic Clouds and the Bridge connecting them. In this paper, we have analysed a sample of 130 Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) Type II Cepheids (T2CEPs) found in tiles with complete or near-complete VMC observations for which identification and optical magnitudes were obtained from the OGLE III (Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment) survey. We present J and Ks light curves for all 130 pulsators, including 41 BL Her, 62 W Vir (12 pW Vir) and 27 RV Tau variables. We complement our near-infrared photometry with the V magnitudes from the OGLE III survey, allowing us to build a variety of period-luminosity (PL), period-luminosity-colour (PLC) and period-Wesenheit (PW) relationships, including any combination of the V, J, Ks filters and valid for BL Her and W Vir classes. These relationships were calibrated in terms of the LMC distance modulus, while an independent absolute calibration of the PL(Ks) and the PW(Ks, V) was derived on the basis of distances obtained from Hubble Space Telescope parallaxes and Baade-Wesselink technique. When applied to the LMC and to the Galactic globular clusters hosting T2CEPs, these relations seem to show that (1) the two Population II standard candles RR Lyrae and T2CEPs give results in excellent agreement with each other; (2) there is a discrepancy of ˜0.1 mag between Population II standard candles and classical Cepheids when the distances are gauged in a similar way for all the quoted pulsators. However, given the uncertainties, this discrepancy is within the formal 1σ uncertainties.

Impact of New Nuclear Data Libraries on Small Sized Long Life CANDLE HTGR Design Parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liem, Peng Hong; Hartanto, Donny; Tran, Hoai Nam

2017-01-01

The impact of new evaluated nuclear data libraries (JENDL-4.0, ENDF/B-VII.0 and JEFF-3.1) on the core characteristics of small-sized long-life CANDLE High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors (HTGRs) with uranium and thorium fuel cycles was investigated. The most important parameters of the CANDLE core characteristics investigated here covered (1) infinite multiplication factor of the fresh fuel containing burnable poison, (2) the effective multiplication factor of the equilibrium core, (3) the moving velocity of the burning region, (4) the attained discharge burnup, and (5) the maximum power density. The reference case was taken from the current JENDL-3.3 results. For the uranium fuel cycle, the impact of the new libraries was small, while significant impact was found for thorium fuel cycle. The findings indicated the needs of more accurate nuclear data libraries for nuclides involved in thorium fuel cycle in the future.

Candle soot nanoparticles-polydimethylsiloxane composites for laser ultrasound transducers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Wei-Yi; Huang, Wenbin; Kim, Jinwook; Li, Sibo; Jiang, Xiaoning

2015-10-01

Generation of high power laser ultrasound strongly demands the advanced materials with efficient laser energy absorption, fast thermal diffusion, and large thermoelastic expansion capabilities. In this study, candle soot nanoparticles-polydimethylsiloxane (CSNPs-PDMS) composite was investigated as the functional layer for an optoacoustic transducer with high-energy conversion efficiency. The mean diameter of the collected candle soot carbon nanoparticles is about 45 nm, and the light absorption ratio at 532 nm wavelength is up to 96.24%. The prototyped CSNPs-PDMS nano-composite laser ultrasound transducer was characterized and compared with transducers using Cr-PDMS, carbon black (CB)-PDMS, and carbon nano-fiber (CNFs)-PDMS composites, respectively. Energy conversion coefficient and -6 dB frequency bandwidth of the CSNPs-PDMS composite laser ultrasound transducer were measured to be 4.41 × 10-3 and 21 MHz, respectively. The unprecedented laser ultrasound transduction performance using CSNPs-PDMS nano-composites is promising for a broad range of ultrasound therapy applications.

No slip gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Linder, Eric V.

2018-03-01

A subclass of the Horndeski modified gravity theory we call No Slip Gravity has particularly interesting properties: 1) a speed of gravitational wave propagation equal to the speed of light, 2) equality between the effective gravitational coupling strengths to matter and light, Gmatter and Glight, hence no slip between the metric potentials, yet difference from Newton's constant, and 3) suppressed growth to give better agreement with galaxy clustering observations. We explore the characteristics and implications of this theory, and project observational constraints. We also give a simple expression for the ratio of the gravitational wave standard siren distance to the photon standard candle distance, in this theory and others, and enable a direct comparison of modified gravity in structure growth and in gravitational waves, an important crosscheck.

Determination of the laser intensity applied to a Ta witness plate from the measured X-ray signal using a pulsed micro-channel plate detector

DOE PAGES

Pickworth, L. A.; Rosen, M. D.; Schneider, M. B.; ...

2017-04-14

The laser intensity distribution at the surface of a high-Z material, such as Ta, can be deduced from imaging the self-emission of the produced x-ray spot using suitable calibration data. This paper presents a calibration method which uses the measured x-ray emissions from laser spots of di erent intensities hitting a Ta witness plate. The x-ray emission is measured with a micro-channel plate (MCP) based x-ray framing camera plus filters. Data from di erent positions on one MCP strip or from di erent MCP assemblies are normalized to each other using a standard candle laser beam spot at 1x10 14more » W/cm 2 intensity. The distribution of the resulting dataset agrees with results from a pseudo spectroscopic model for laser intensities between 4 and 15x10 13 W/cm 2. The model is then used to determine the absolute scaling factor between the experimental results from assemblies using two di erent x-ray filters. The data and model method also allows unique calibration factors for each MCP system and each MCP gain to be compared. We also present simulation results investigating alternate witness plate materials (Ag, Eu and Au).« less

Determination of the laser intensity applied to a Ta witness plate from the measured X-ray signal using a pulsed micro-channel plate detector

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pickworth, L. A.; Rosen, M. D.; Schneider, M. B.

The laser intensity distribution at the surface of a high-Z material, such as Ta, can be deduced from imaging the self-emission of the produced x-ray spot using suitable calibration data. This paper presents a calibration method which uses the measured x-ray emissions from laser spots of di erent intensities hitting a Ta witness plate. The x-ray emission is measured with a micro-channel plate (MCP) based x-ray framing camera plus filters. Data from di erent positions on one MCP strip or from di erent MCP assemblies are normalized to each other using a standard candle laser beam spot at 1x10 14more » W/cm 2 intensity. The distribution of the resulting dataset agrees with results from a pseudo spectroscopic model for laser intensities between 4 and 15x10 13 W/cm 2. The model is then used to determine the absolute scaling factor between the experimental results from assemblies using two di erent x-ray filters. The data and model method also allows unique calibration factors for each MCP system and each MCP gain to be compared. We also present simulation results investigating alternate witness plate materials (Ag, Eu and Au).« less

Candle Flames in Non-Buoyant Atmospheres

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dietrich, D. L.; Ross, H. D.; Shu, Y.; Tien, J. S.

1999-01-01

This paper addresses the behavior of a candle flame in a long-duration, quiescent microgravity environment both on the space Shuttle and the Mir Orbiting Station (OS). On the Shuttle, the flames became dim blue after an initial transient where there was significant yellow (presumably soot) in the flame. The flame lifetimes were typically less than 60 seconds. The safety-mandated candlebox that contained the candle flame inhibited oxygen transport to the flame and thus limited the flame lifetime. 'Me flames on the Mir OS were similar, except that the yellow luminosity persisted longer into the flame lifetime because of a higher initial oxygen concentration. The Mir flames burned for as long as 45 minutes. The difference in the flame lifetime between the Shuttle and Mir flames was primarily the redesigned candlebox that did not inhibit oxygen transport to the flame. In both environments, the flame intensity and the height-to-width ratio gradually decreased as the ambient oxygen content in the sealed chamber slowly decreased. Both sets of experiments showed spontaneous, axisymmetric flame oscillations just prior to extinction. The paper also presents a numerical model of candle flame. The model is detailed in the gas-phase, but uses a simplified liquid/wick phase. 'Me model predicts a steady flame with a shape and size quantitatively similar to the Shuttle and Mir flames. ne model also predicts pre-extinction flame oscillations if the decrease in ambient oxygen is small enough.

The Histological and Immunohistochemical Features of the Skin Lesions in CANDLE Syndrome

PubMed Central

Torrelo, Antonio; Colmenero, Isabel; Requena, Luis; Paller, Amy S.; Ramot, Yuval; Lee, Chyi-Chia Richard; Vera, Angel; Zlotogorski, Abraham; Goldbach-Mansky, Raphaela; Kutzner, Heinz

2015-01-01

Chronic atypical neutrophilic dermatosis with lipodystrophy and elevated temperature (CANDLE) syndrome is a newly characterized autoinflammatory disorder, caused by mutations in PSMB8. It is characterized by early-onset fevers, accompanied by a widespread, violaceous and often annular, cutaneous eruption. While the exact pathogenesis of this syndrome is still obscure, it is postulated that the inflammatory disease manifestations stem from excess secretion of interferons. Based on preliminary blood cytokine and gene expression studies, the signature seems to come mostly from type I interferons, which are proposed to lead to the recruitment of immature myeloid cells into the dermis and subcutis. In this study, we systematically analyzed skin biopsies from 6 CANDLE syndrome patients by routine histopathology and immunohistochemistry methods. Skin lesions showed the presence of extensive mixed dermal and subcutaneous inflammatory infiltrate, composed of mononuclear cells, atypical myeloid cells, neutrophils, eosinophils and some mature lymphocytes. Positive LEDER and myeloperoxidase staining supported the presence of myeloid cells. Positive CD68/PMG1 and CD163 staining confirmed the existence of histiocytes and monocytic macrophages in the inflammatory infiltrate. CD123 staining was positive, demonstrating the presence of plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Uncovering the unique histopathologic and immunohistochemical features of CANDLE syndrome provides tools for rapid and specific diagnosis of this disorder as well as further insight into the pathogenesis of this severe, life-threatening condition. PMID:26091509

Preliminary analysis on the water quality index (WQI) of irradiated basic filter elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arif Abu Bakar, Asyraf; Muhamad Pauzi, Anas; Aziz Mohamed, Abdul; Syima Sharifuddin, Syazrin; Mohamad Idris, Faridah

2018-01-01

Simple water filtration system is needed in times of extreme floods. Clean water for sanitation at evacuation centres is essential and its production is possible by using the famous simple filtration system consisting of empty bottle and filter elements (sands, gravels, cotton/coffee filter). This research intends to study the effects of irradiated filter elements on the filtration effectiveness through experiments. The filter elements will be irradiated with gamma and neutron radiation using the facilities available at Malaysia Nuclear Agency. The filtration effectiveness is measured using the water quality index (WQI) that is developed in this study to reflect the quality of filtered water. The WQI of the filtered water using the system with irradiated filter elements is then compared with that of the system with non-irradiated filter elements. This preliminary analysis only focus on filtration element of silica sand. Results shows very nominal variation in in WQI after filtered by non-irradiated, gamma and neutron filter element (silica sand), where the hypothesis could not be affirmed.

A chlorate candle/lithium hydroxide personal breathing apparatus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martin, F. E.

1972-01-01

A portable coal mine rescue and survival equipment is reported that consists of a chlorate candle with a lithium hydroxide carbon-dioxide absorbent for oxygen generation, a breathing bag and tubing to conduct breathing to and from the man. A plastic hood incorporating a mouth piece for communication provides also eye protection and prevents inhalation through the nose. Manned testing of a prototype system demonstrated the feasibility of this closed circuit no-maintenance breathing apparatus that provides for good voice communication.

Using multiple continuous fine particle monitors to characterize tobacco, incense, candle, cooking, wood burning, and vehicular sources in indoor, outdoor, and in-transit settings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ott, Wayne R.; Siegmann, Hans C.

This study employed two continuous particle monitors operating on different measurement principles to measure concentrations simultaneously from common combustion sources in indoor, outdoor, and in-transit settings. The pair of instruments use (a) photo-charging (PC) operating on the principle ionization of fine particles that responds to surface particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PPAHs), and (b) diffusion charging (DC) calibrated to measure the active surface area of fine particles. The sources studied included: (1) secondhand smoke (cigarettes, cigars, and pipes), (2) incense (stick and cone), (3) candles used as food warmers, (4) cooking (toasting bread and frying meat), (5) fireplaces and ambient wood smoke, and (6) in-vehicle exposures traveling on California arterials and interstate highways. The ratio of the PC to the DC readings, or the PC/DC ratio, was found to be different for major categories of sources. Cooking, burning toast, and using a "canned heat" food warmer gave PC/DC ratios close to zero. Controlled experiments with 10 cigarettes averaged 0.15 ng mm -2 (ranging from 0.11 to 0.19 ng mm -2), which was similar to the PC/DC ratio for a cigar, although a pipe was slightly lower (0.09 ng mm -2). Large incense sticks had PC/DC ratios similar to those of cigarettes and cigars. The PC/DC ratios for ambient wood smoke averaged 0.29 ng mm -2 on 6 dates, or about twice those of cigarettes and cigars, reflecting a higher ratio of PAH to active surface area. The smoke from two artificial logs in a residential fireplace had a PC/DC ratio of 0.33-0.35 ng mm -2. The emissions from candles were found to vary, depending on how the candles were burned. If the candle flickered and generated soot, a higher PC/DC ratio resulted than if the candle burned uniformly in still air. Inserting piece of metal into the candle's flame caused high PPAH emissions with a record PC/DC reading of 1.8 ng mm -2. In-vehicle exposures measured on 43- and 50-min drives on a California arterial highway gave PC/DC ratios of 0.42 and 0.58 ng mm -2, with one-min average PC/DC ratios varying along the roadway due to the different types of vehicles. Interstate highways had PC/DC ratios of approximately 0.5 ng mm -2 with ratios above 1 ng mm -2 when driving behind diesel trucks. These PC/DC ratios were higher than the "signature" value of the cigarette (0.11-0.19 ng mm -2) measured in a large Indian gaming casino with smoking. Simultaneous continuous monitors operating together can provide useful information to help differentiate source categories. The PC/DC ratio reflects the mass of PAHs per unit of active surface area of the particles, and therefore we expect it to be relevant to the toxicity of fine particles.

A simple structure wavelet transform circuit employing function link neural networks and SI filters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mu, Li; Yigang, He

2016-12-01

Signal processing by means of analog circuits offers advantages from a power consumption viewpoint. Implementing wavelet transform (WT) using analog circuits is of great interest when low-power consumption becomes an important issue. In this article, a novel simple structure WT circuit in analog domain is presented by employing functional link neural network (FLNN) and switched-current (SI) filters. First, the wavelet base is approximated using FLNN algorithms for giving a filter transfer function that is suitable for simple structure WT circuit implementation. Next, the WT circuit is constructed with the wavelet filter bank, whose impulse response is the approximated wavelet and its dilations. The filter design that follows is based on a follow-the-leader feedback (FLF) structure with multiple output bilinear SI integrators and current mirrors as the main building blocks. SI filter is well suited for this application since the dilation constant across different scales of the transform can be precisely implemented and controlled by the clock frequency of the circuit with the same system architecture. Finally, to illustrate the design procedure, a seventh-order FLNN-approximated Gaussian wavelet is implemented as an example. Simulations have successfully verified that the designed simple structure WT circuit has low sensitivity, low-power consumption and litter effect to the imperfections.

A simple filter circuit for denoising biomechanical impact signals.

PubMed

Subramaniam, Suba R; Georgakis, Apostolos

2009-01-01

We present a simple scheme for denoising non-stationary biomechanical signals with the aim of accurately estimating their second derivative (acceleration). The method is based on filtering in fractional Fourier domains using well-known low-pass filters in a way that amounts to a time-varying cut-off threshold. The resulting algorithm is linear and its design is facilitated by the relationship between the fractional Fourier transform and joint time-frequency representations. The implemented filter circuit employs only three low-order filters while its efficiency is further supported by the low computational complexity of the fractional Fourier transform. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can denoise the signals effectively and is more robust against noise as compared to conventional low-pass filters.

Superhydrophobicity of hierarchical nanostructure of candle soot films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hankhuntond, A.; Singjai, P.; Sakulsermsuk, S.

2017-09-01

Candle soot containing carbon nanoparticles can form hierarchical structure films. We prepared soot films by using glass slides blocking candle flame in the middle of the flame. The hierarchical nanostructures of the carbon nanoparticles films were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Carbon nanoparticle size was 49.2 ± 9.0 nm from SEM, which agrees to 37.9 ± 8.5 nm from TEM. The contact angles of water droplets on these films are more than 150°, indicating superhydrophobic surface. Decrease contact angles of water droplets were observed with an increase deposition time. The decrease of contact angle was saturated at about 150° when the deposition time reaches 180 s. Cassie-Baxter state was attributed to describe superhydrophobicity of carbon nanoparticles films because the hierarchical nanostructures of the surface provide a large fraction of hollows on the surface. We proposed that the contact angle dependence on deposition time was governed by the increase of the distance between nanopillars in carbon nanoparticles films.

Diagnostic monitoring by infrared imaging of avian embryos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wurzbach, Richard N.

1998-03-01

For large scale chicken and turkey raising operations, automated 'candling' of eggs for monitoring embryonic development is effective and efficient. Candling is accomplished by the transmission of high intensity light such that it penetrates the translucent egg and gives indications of embryonic position and development. When monitoring the development of other species, however, mixed results are obtained with this technique. For instance, the Emu egg is virtually opaque to transmitted visible light, and thus cannot be candled by traditional means. During the development cycle all avian embryos, and for that mater all egg-laying creatures, exhibit changes in shell surface temperatures that indicate on-going development, or a lack of that development. Additionally, such hazards as bacterial or viral growth within the shell produce atypical thermal signatures. Analysis of the shell surface temperatures may be useful in monitoring the development of these embryos. Further applications of IR thermography in farming of avian species may make it an economically viable monitoring technique.

How far is it? Distance measurements and their consequences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krełowski, Jacek

2017-08-01

Methods of measuring distances to objects in our Milky Way are briefly discussed. They generally base on three principles: of using a standard rod, of standard candle and of column density of interstellar matter. Weak and strong points of these methods are presented. The presence of gray extinction towards some objects is suggested which makes the most universal method of standard candle (spectroscopic parallax) very uncertain. Hard to say whether gray extinc-tion appears only in the form of circumstellar debris discs or is present also in the general interstellar medium. The application of the method of measuring column densities of interstellar gases suggests that the rotation curve of our Milky Way system is rather Keplerian than flat which creates doubts as to whether any Dark Matter halo is present around our Galaxy. It is emphasized that the most universal method, i.e. that of standard candle, used to estimate distances to cosmological objects, may suffer serious errors because of improper subtraction of extinction effects.

The Infrared Hubble Diagram of Type Ia Supernovae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krisciunas, Kevin

Photometry of Type Ia supernovae reveals that these objects are standardizable candles in optical passbands - the peak luminosities are related to the rate of decline after maximum light. In the near-infrared bands, there is essentially a characteristic brightness at maximum light for each photometric band. Thus, in the near-infrared they are better than standardizable candles; they are essentially standard candles. Their absolute magnitudes are known to ±0.15 magnitude or better. The infrared observations have the extra advantage that interstellar extinction by dust along the line of sight is a factor of 3-10 smaller than in the optical B- and V -bands. The size of any systematic errors in the infrared extinction corrections typically become smaller than the photometric errors of the observations. Thus, we can obtain distances to the hosts of Type Ia supernovae to ±8 % or better. This is particularly useful for extragalactic astronomy and precise measurements of the dark energy component of the universe.

Study of hyperspectral characteristics of different types of flares and smoke candles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farley, Vincent; Chamberland, Martin; Lagueux, Philippe; Kastek, Mariusz; Piatkowski, Tadeusz; Dulski, Rafal

2012-06-01

Modern infrared camouflage and countermeasure technologies used in the context of military operations have evolved rapidly over the last decade. Indeed, some infrared seekers and decoy/flares tend to have spectral sensitivity tailored to closely match the emission signatures of military vehicles (such as aircrafts, tanks) and reject other sources. Similarly, some candles (or smoke bombs) are developed to generate large area screens with very high absorption in the infrared. The Military University of Technology has conducted an intensive field campaign where various types of flares and smoke candles were deployed in different conditions and measured. The high spectral, spatial and temporal resolution acquisition of these thermodynamic events was recorded with the Telops Hyper-Cam. The Hyper-Cam enables simultaneous acquisition of spatial and spectral information at high resolutions in both domains. The ability to study combustion systems with high resolution, co-registered imagery and spectral data is made possible. This paper presents the test campaign concept and definition and the analysis of the recorded measurements.

Machinability of drilling T700/LT-03A carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) composite laminates using candle stick drill and multi-facet drill

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Cheng-Dong; Qiu, Kun-Xian; Chen, Ming; Cai, Xiao-Jiang

2015-03-01

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) composite laminates are widely used in aerospace and aircraft structural components due to their superior properties. However, they are regarded as difficult-to-cut materials because of bad surface quality and low productivity. Drilling is the most common hole making process for CFRP composite laminates and drilling induced delamination damage usually occurs severely at the exit side of drilling holes, which strongly deteriorate holes quality. In this work, the candle stick drill and multi-facet drill are employed to evaluate the machinability of drilling T700/LT-03A CFRP composite laminates in terms of thrust force, delamination, holes diameter and holes surface roughness. S/N ratio is used to characterize the thrust force while an ellipse-shaped delamination model is established to quantitatively analyze the delamination. The best combination of drilling parameters are determined by full consideration of S/N ratios of thrust force and the delamination. The results indicate that candle stick drill will induce the unexpected ellipse-shaped delamination even at its best drilling parameters of spindle speed of 10,000 rpm and feed rate of 0.004 mm/tooth. However, the multi-facet drill cutting at the relative lower feed rate of 0.004 mm/tooth and lower spindle speed of 6000 rpm can effectively prevent the delamination. Comprehensively, holes quality obtained by multi-facet drill is much more superior to those obtained by candle stick drill.

Constraining a Possible Variation of G with Type Ia Supernovae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mould, Jeremy; Uddin, Syed A.

2014-03-01

Astrophysical cosmology constrains the variation of Newton's Constant in a manner complementary to laboratory experiments, such as the celebrated lunar laser ranging campaign. Supernova cosmology is an example of the former and has attained campaign status, following planning by a Dark Energy Task Force in 2005. In this paper, we employ the full SNIa data set to the end of 2013 to set a limit on G variation. In our approach, we adopt the standard candle delineation of the redshift distance relation. We set an upper limit on its rate of change |dot{G}/G| of 0.1 parts per billion per year over 9 Gyrs. By contrast, lunar laser ranging tests variation of G over the last few decades. Conversely, one may adopt the laboratory result as a prior and constrain the effect of variable G in dark energy equation of state experiments to δw < 0.02. We also examine the parameterisation G 1 + z. Its short expansion age conflicts with the measured values of the expansion rate and the density in a flat Universe. In conclusion, supernova cosmology complements other experiments in limiting G variation. An important caveat is that it rests on the assumption that the same mass of 56Ni is burned to create the standard candle regardless of redshift. These two quantities, f and G, where f is the Chandrasekhar mass fraction burned, are degenerate. Constraining f variation alone requires more understanding of the SNIa mechanism.

Household water treatment systems: A solution to the production of safe drinking water by the low-income communities of Southern Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mwabi, J. K.; Adeyemo, F. E.; Mahlangu, T. O.; Mamba, B. B.; Brouckaert, B. M.; Swartz, C. D.; Offringa, G.; Mpenyana-Monyatsi, L.; Momba, M. N. B.

One of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals is to reduce to half by 2015 the number of people, worldwide, who lack access to safe water. Due to the numerous deaths and illnesses caused by waterborne pathogens, various household water treatment devices and safe storage technologies have been developed to treat and manage water at the household level. The new approaches that are continually being examined need to be durable, lower in overall cost and more effective in the removal of the contaminants. In this study, an extensive literature survey was conducted to regroup various household treatment devices that are suitable for the inexpensive treatment of water on a household basis. The survey has resulted in the selection of four household treatment devices: the biosand filter (BSF), bucket filter (BF), ceramic candle filter (CCF) and the silver-impregnated porous pot filter (SIPP). The first three filters were manufactured in a Tshwane University of Technology workshop, using modified designs reported in literature. The SIPP filter is a product of the Tshwane University of Technology. The performance of the four filters was evaluated in terms of flow rate, physicochemical contaminant (turbidity, fluorides, phosphates, chlorophyll a, magnesium, calcium and nitrates) and microbial contaminant ( Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella dysenteriae) removals. The flow rates obtained during the study period were within the recommended limits (171 l/h, 167 l/h, 6.4 l/h and 3.5 l/h for the BSF, BF, CCF and SIPP, respectively). Using standard methods, the results of the preliminary laboratory and field studies with spiked and environmental water samples indicated that all filters decreased the concentrations of contaminants in test water sources. The most efficiently removed chemical contaminant in spiked water was fluoride (99.9%) and the poorest removal efficiency was noted for magnesium (26-56%). A higher performance in chemical contaminant removal was noted with the BF. For pathogenic bacteria, the mean percentage removals ranged between 97% and 100%. Although the concentrations of most chemical parameters were within the recommended limits in raw surface water, poor removal efficiencies were recorded for all filters, with the poorest reduction noted with fluorides (16-48%). The average turbidity removals from surface water ranged between 90% and 95% for all filters. The highest bacterial removal efficiency was recorded by the SIPP (99-100%) and the lowest by the BF (20-45%) and the BSF (20-60%). Extensive experimental studies with various types of raw surface water will still determine the long-term performance of each filter, as well as the filters that can be recommended to the communities for household treatment of drinking water.

Disinfecting Filters For Recirculated Air

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pilichi, Carmine A.

1992-01-01

Simple treatment disinfects air filters by killing bacteria, algae, fungi, mycobacteria, viruses, spores, and any other micro-organisms filters might harbor. Concept applied to reusable stainless-steel wire mesh filters and disposable air filters. Treatment used on filters in air-circulation systems in spacecraft, airplanes, other vehicles, and buildings to help prevent spread of colds, sore throats, and more-serious illnesses.

Demonstrating Sound Wave Propagation with Candle Flame and Loudspeaker

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hrepic, Zdeslav; Nettles, Corey; Bonilla, Chelsea

2013-01-01

The motion of a candle flame in front of a loudspeaker has been suggested as a productive demonstration of the longitudinal wave nature of sound. The demonstration has been used also as a research tool to investigate students' understanding about sound.2-4 The underpinning of both applications is the expectation of a horizontal, back-and-forth vibration of the flame around its upright position. Unlike experts, who regularly anticipate this outcome, students with no previous formal knowledge typically anticipate that the flame will lean away from the speaker.

On Calibrations Using the Crab Nebula as a Standard Candle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weisskopf, Martin; Guainazzi, Matteo; Jahoda, Keith; Shaposhnikov, Nikolai; ODell, Stephen; Zavlin, Vyacheslav; Wilson-Hodge, Colleen; Elsner, Ronald

2009-01-01

Inspired by a recent paper (Kirsch et al. 2005) on possible use of the Crab Nebula as a standard candle for calibrating X-ray response func tions, we examine possible consequences of intrinsic departures from a single (absorbed) power law upon such calibrations. We limited our analyses to three more modern X-ray instruments -- the ROSAT/PSPC, th e RXTE/PCA, and the XMM-Newton/EPIC-pn. The results are unexpected an d indicate a need to refine two of the three response functions studi ed. The implications for Chandra will be discussed.

Computing local edge probability in natural scenes from a population of oriented simple cells

PubMed Central

Ramachandra, Chaithanya A.; Mel, Bartlett W.

2013-01-01

A key computation in visual cortex is the extraction of object contours, where the first stage of processing is commonly attributed to V1 simple cells. The standard model of a simple cell—an oriented linear filter followed by a divisive normalization—fits a wide variety of physiological data, but is a poor performing local edge detector when applied to natural images. The brain's ability to finely discriminate edges from nonedges therefore likely depends on information encoded by local simple cell populations. To gain insight into the corresponding decoding problem, we used Bayes's rule to calculate edge probability at a given location/orientation in an image based on a surrounding filter population. Beginning with a set of ∼ 100 filters, we culled out a subset that were maximally informative about edges, and minimally correlated to allow factorization of the joint on- and off-edge likelihood functions. Key features of our approach include a new, efficient method for ground-truth edge labeling, an emphasis on achieving filter independence, including a focus on filters in the region orthogonal rather than tangential to an edge, and the use of a customized parametric model to represent the individual filter likelihood functions. The resulting population-based edge detector has zero parameters, calculates edge probability based on a sum of surrounding filter influences, is much more sharply tuned than the underlying linear filters, and effectively captures fine-scale edge structure in natural scenes. Our findings predict nonmonotonic interactions between cells in visual cortex, wherein a cell may for certain stimuli excite and for other stimuli inhibit the same neighboring cell, depending on the two cells' relative offsets in position and orientation, and their relative activation levels. PMID:24381295

LED solution for E14 candle lamp

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yun; Liu, Ye; Boonekamp, Erik P.; Shi, Lei; Mei, Yi; Jiang, Tan; Guo, Qing; Wu, Huarong

2009-08-01

On a short to medium term, energy efficient retrofit LED products can offer an attractive solution for traditional lamps replacement in existing fixtures. To comply with user expectations, LED retrofit lamps should not only have the same mechanical interface to fit (socket and shape), but also have the similar light effect as the lamps they replace. The decorative lighting segment shows the best conditions to meet these requirements on short term. In 2008, Philips Lighting Shanghai started with the development of an LED candle lamp for the replacement of a 15W Candle shape (B35 E14) incandescent bulb, which is used in e.g. chandeliers. In this decorative application the main objective is not to generate as much light as possible, but the application requires the lamp to have a comparable look and, primarily, the same light effect as the incandescent candle lamp. This effect can be described as sparkling light, and it has to be directed sufficiently downwards (i.e., in the direction of the base of the lamp). These requirements leave very limited room for optics, electronics, mechanics and thermal design to play with in the small outline of this lamp. The main voltage AC LED concept is chosen to save the space for driver electronics. However the size of the AC LED is relatively big, which makes the optical design challenging. Several optical solutions to achieve the required light effect, to improve the optical efficiency, and to simplify the system are discussed. A novel prismatic lens has been developed which is capable of transforming the Lambertian light emission from typical high power LEDs into a butter-fly intensity distribution with the desired sparkling light effect. Thanks to this lens no reflecting chamber is needed, which improves the optical efficiency up to 70%, while maintaining the compact feature of the original optics. Together with advanced driver solution and thermal solution, the resulting LED candle lamp operates at 230V, consumes 1.8W, and delivers about 55 lm at 3000K with the requested radiation pattern and sparkle effect. Some field tests were done with positive feedback.

Melorheostosis – Case Report of Rare Disease

PubMed Central

Kumar, Rakesh; Sankhala, S.S.; Bijarnia, Isha

2014-01-01

Introduction: Melorheostosis(synonyms: candle bone disease, melting wax syndrome, Leri disease) is a rare chronic bone disorder, first described in 1922 by Leri and Joanny. Men and women are equally affected, and no hereditary features have been discovered. Onset is insidious, and most common symptom is pain. Most common part of bone is diaphysis of the long bone of lower limb rarely the axial skeleton. Classical radiological appearance of ’flowing hyperosteosis’ resembling hardened wax that has dripped down the side of a candle. Case Report: A 35 years old woman presented with left leg pain with mild swelling and limitation of knee movement. On examination non tender bony heard swelling, hyperpigmented and restriction of knee movement present. Plain radiographs showed extensive, dense, undulating or irregular cortical hyperostosis, resembling candle wax, extending along the length of bone. Pamidronate as well asanalgesic were given to the patient. Physiotherepy started for the deformity. Conclusion: Routine laboratory findings usually are normal. The exact cause remain unclear. There is no definite treatment available for this disease. Only symptomatic treatment improve the condition of the patients, more fruitful result obtain with pamidronate and physiotherapy. PMID:27298954

A new ovitrap made of slow release natural materials containing pyriproxyfen for Aedes aegypti (Diptera:Culicidae) control.

PubMed

Juan, Laura; Seccacini, Emilia; Zerba, Eduardo; Licastro, Susana

2013-07-01

ABSTRACT This initial study is aimed to measure the performance of incorporating pyriproxyfen in natural materials with low environmental impact to obtain slow release formulations that can be used as larvicidal or autocidal ovitraps avoiding hatched Aedes aegypti (L.) eggs to emerge as adults. Hollow candles made of beeswax or paraffin:stearin 1:1 mixture containing pyriproxyfen 0.01 and 0.05% were prepared and used as holding water containers for larval bioassay. Pyriproxyfen was released quickly into the larvae-breeding water. Ae. aegypti larvae were introduced immediately after the addition of tap water to the hollow candles (t = 1 min) or after 1, 4, and 8 h. More than 40% of the larvae did not emerge as adults for t = 1 min, reaching 80-100% when the larvae were added after 1 or 4 h, respectively. The hollow candles were kept at room temperature, and water was replaced every 15 d. Bioassays performed every 30 d showed that the residual activity obtained for both matrices and both concentrations of pyriproxyfen was higher than 360 d, with 100% inhibition of adult emergence.

Void effect analysis of Pb-208 of fast reactors with modified CANDLE burn-up scheme

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Widiawati, Nina, E-mail: nina-widiawati28@yahoo.com; Su’ud, Zaki, E-mail: szaki@fi.itb.ac.id

Void effect analysis of Pb-208 as coolant of fast reactors with modified candle burn-up scheme has been conducted. Lead cooled fast reactor (LFR) is one of the fourth-generation reactor designs. The reactor is designed with a thermal power output of 500 MWt. Modified CANDLE burn-up scheme allows the reactor to have long life operation by supplying only natural uranium as fuel cycle input. This scheme introducing discrete region, the fuel is initially put in region 1, after one cycle of 10 years of burn up it is shifted to region 2 and region 1 is filled by fresh natural uraniummore » fuel. The reactor is designed for 100 years with 10 regions arranged axially. The results of neutronic calculation showed that the void coefficients ranged from −0.6695443 % at BOC to −0.5273626 % at EOC for 500 MWt reactor. The void coefficients of Pb-208 more negative than Pb-nat. The results showed that the reactors with Pb-208 coolant have better level of safety than Pb-nat.« less

Application of a low cost ceramic filter to a membrane bioreactor for greywater treatment.

PubMed

Hasan, Md Mahmudul; Shafiquzzaman, Md; Nakajima, Jun; Ahmed, Abdel Kader T; Azam, Mohammad Shafiul

2015-03-01

The performance of a low cost and simple ceramic filter to a membrane bioreactor (MBR) process was evaluated for greywater treatment. The ceramic filter was submerged in an acrylic cylindrical column bioreactor. Synthetic greywater (prepared by shampoo, dish cleaner and laundry detergent) was fed continuously into the reactor. The filter effluent was obtained by gravitational pressure. The average flux performance was observed to be 11.5 LMH with an average hydraulic retention time of 1.7 days. Complete biodegradation of surfactant (methylene blue active substance removal: 99-100%) as well as high organic removal performance (biochemical oxygen demand: 97-100% and total organic carbon: >88%) was obtained. The consistency of flux (11.5 LMH) indicated that the filter can be operated for a long time without fouling. The application of this simple ceramic filter would make MBR technology cost-effective in developing countries for greywater reclamation and reuse.

Removal of Escherichia coli and Faecal Coliforms from Surface Water and Groundwater by Household Water Treatment Devices/Systems: A Sustainable Solution for Improving Water Quality in Rural Communities of the Southern African Development Community Region

PubMed Central

Mwabi, Jocelyne K.; Mamba, Bhekie B.; Momba, Maggy N. B.

2012-01-01

There is significant evidence that household water treatment devices/systems (HWTS) are capable of dramatically improving microbially contaminated water quality. The purpose of this study was to examine five filters [(biosand filter-standard (BSF-S); biosand filter-zeolite (BSF-Z); bucket filter (BF); ceramic candle filter (CCF); and silver-impregnated porous pot (SIPP)] and evaluate their ability to improve the quality of drinking water at the household level. These HWTS were manufactured in the workshop of the Tshwane University of Technology and evaluated for efficiency to remove turbidity, faecal coliforms and Escherichia coli from multiple water source samples, using standard methods. The flow rates ranged from 0.05 L/h to 2.49 L/h for SIPP, 1 L/h to 4 L/h for CCF, 0.81 L/h to 6.84 L/h for BSF-S, 1.74 L/h to 19.2 L/h and 106.5 L/h to 160.5 L/h for BF The turbidity of the raw water samples ranged between 2.17 and 40.4 NTU. The average turbidity obtained after filtration ranged from 0.6 to 8 NTU (BSF-S), 1 to 4 NTU (BSF-Z), 2 to 11 NTU (BF), and from 0.6 to 7 NTU (CCF) and 0.7 to 1 NTU for SIPP. The BSF-S, BSF-Z and CCF removed 2 to 4 log10 (99% to 100%) of coliform bacteria, while the BF removed 1 to 3 log (90% to 99.9%) of these bacteria. The performance of the SIPP in removing turbidity and indicator bacteria (>5 log10, 100%) was significantly higher compared to that of the other HWTS (p < 0.05). The findings of this study indicate that the SIPP can be an effective and sustainable HWTS for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) rural communities, as it removed the total concentration of bacteria from test water, can be manufactured using locally available materials, and is easy to operate and to maintain. PMID:22470284

Domestic science: making chemistry your cup of tea.

PubMed

Keene, Melanie

2008-03-01

In the early Victorian home, there were plenty of scientific lessons to be uncovered. With the appropriate interrogation, everyday objects could transform seemingly mundane activities such as eating breakfast, washing clothes or reading by candle-light into household lectures that gave children a familiar base from which to explore the hidden properties and marvellous histories of common commodities. Responding to an unprecedented hunger for scientific knowledge, a profusion of introductory texts appeared in the mid-nineteenth century that directed lessons into homes across Britain and beyond. In particular, the science of chemistry found its way into this domestic setting, as writers promoted its practice and practitioners as a source of authoritative expertise on everyday life. One of the most compelling illustrations of this encounter between the public and chemistry took place over a simple cup of tea.

The Early Life Of A Gamma-ray Burst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Brien, P. T.; Willingale, D.

2006-09-01

We present results for 100 gamma-ray bursts observed promptly by the Swift satellite. Combining the early gamma-ray and X-ray data from the BAT and XRT, we show that although individual GRBs can display complex light curves, including a variety of decay phases and flares, their early emission can be described by a relatively simple combination of central engine activity and the interaction of a relativistic jet with the surrounding environment. We also discuss the later fading, which in the optical/IR has traditionally been explained as a jet-break. The Swift data reveal many bursts have a relatively early break in their X-ray light curves contradicting the standard jet break model derived from optical data. We discuss the implications of this for GRB jet models and for using GRBs as standard candles.

Nonlinear spatio-temporal filtering of dynamic PET data using a four-dimensional Gaussian filter and expectation-maximization deconvolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Floberg, J. M.; Holden, J. E.

2013-02-01

We introduce a method for denoising dynamic PET data, spatio-temporal expectation-maximization (STEM) filtering, that combines four-dimensional Gaussian filtering with EM deconvolution. The initial Gaussian filter suppresses noise at a broad range of spatial and temporal frequencies and EM deconvolution quickly restores the frequencies most important to the signal. We aim to demonstrate that STEM filtering can improve variance in both individual time frames and in parametric images without introducing significant bias. We evaluate STEM filtering with a dynamic phantom study, and with simulated and human dynamic PET studies of a tracer with reversible binding behaviour, [C-11]raclopride, and a tracer with irreversible binding behaviour, [F-18]FDOPA. STEM filtering is compared to a number of established three and four-dimensional denoising methods. STEM filtering provides substantial improvements in variance in both individual time frames and in parametric images generated with a number of kinetic analysis techniques while introducing little bias. STEM filtering does bias early frames, but this does not affect quantitative parameter estimates. STEM filtering is shown to be superior to the other simple denoising methods studied. STEM filtering is a simple and effective denoising method that could be valuable for a wide range of dynamic PET applications.

Type Ia supernovae, standardizable candles, and gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wright, Bill S.; Li, Baojiu

2018-04-01

Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) are generally accepted to act as standardizable candles, and their use in cosmology led to the first confirmation of the as yet unexplained accelerated cosmic expansion. Many of the theoretical models to explain the cosmic acceleration assume modifications to Einsteinian general relativity which accelerate the expansion, but the question of whether such modifications also affect the ability of SNe Ia to be standardizable candles has rarely been addressed. This paper is an attempt to answer this question. For this we adopt a semianalytical model to calculate SNe Ia light curves in non-standard gravity. We use this model to show that the average rescaled intrinsic peak luminosity—a quantity that is assumed to be constant with redshift in standard analyses of Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) cosmology data—depends on the strength of gravity in the supernova's local environment because the latter determines the Chandrasekhar mass—the mass of the SN Ia's white dwarf progenitor right before the explosion. This means that SNe Ia are no longer standardizable candles in scenarios where the strength of gravity evolves over time, and therefore the cosmology implied by the existing SN Ia data will be different when analysed in the context of such models. As an example, we show that the observational SN Ia cosmology data can be fitted with both a model where (ΩM,ΩΛ)=(0.62 ,0.38 ) and Newton's constant G varies as G (z )=G0(1 +z )-1/4 and the standard model where (ΩM,ΩΛ)=(0.3 ,0.7 ) and G is constant, when the Universe is assumed to be flat.

Fabrication of super-hydrophobic duo-structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, X. Y.; Zhang, F.; Jiang, Y. J.; Wang, Y. Y.; Shi, Z. W.; Peng, C. S.

2015-04-01

Recently, super-hydrophobicity has attracted increasing attention due to its huge potential in the practical applications. In this paper, we have presented a duo-structure of the combination of micro-dot-matrix and nano-candle-soot. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was used as a combination layer between the dot-matrix and the soot particles. Firstly, a period of 9-μm dot-matrix was easily fabricated on the K9 glass using the most simple and mature photolithography process. Secondly, the dot-matrix surface was coated by a thin film of PDMS (elastomer: hardener=10:1) which was diluted by methylbenzene at the volume ratio of 1:8. Thirdly, we held the PDMS modified surface over a candle flame to deposit a soot layer and followed by a gentle water-risen to remove the non-adhered particles. At last, the samples were baked at 85°C for 2 hours and then the duo-structure surface with both micro-size dot-matrix and nano-size soot particles was obtained. The SEM indicated this novel surface morphology was quite like a lotus leaf of the well-know micro-nano-binary structures. As a result, the contact angle meter demonstrated such surface exhibited a perfect super-hydrophobicity with water contact angle of 153° and sliding angle of 3°. Besides, just listed as above, the fabrication process for our structure was quite more easy, smart and low-cost compared with the other production technique for super-hydrophobic surfaces such as the phase separation method, electrochemical deposition and chemical vapor deposition etc. Hence, this super-hydrophobic duo-structure reported in this letter was a great promising candidate for a wide and rapid commercialization in the future.

Simple and Inexpensive 3D Printed Filter Fluorometer Designs: User-Friendly Instrument Models for Laboratory Learning and Outreach Activities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Porter, Lon A., Jr.; Chapman, Cole A.; Alaniz, Jacob A.

2017-01-01

In this work, a versatile and user-friendly selection of stereolithography (STL) files and computer-aided design (CAD) models are shared to assist educators and students in the production of simple and inexpensive 3D printed filter fluorometer instruments. These devices are effective resources for supporting active learners in the exploration of…

Determination of washout performance of various monochrome displays under simulated flight ambient and solar lighting conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Batson, Vernon M.; Robertson, James B.; Parrish, Russell V.

1990-01-01

The aircraft cockpit ambient lighting simulation system (ACALSS) has been developed to study display readability and associated pilot/vehicle performance effects in a part-task simulator cockpit. In the study reported here, the ACALSS was used to determine the illumination levels at which subjects lose the ability to maintain aircraft states when using three display technologies as display media for primary flight displays: a standard monochrome EL (electroluminescent) flat-panel, a laboratory-class monochrome CRT, and an enhanced-brightness EL flat-panel. The multivariate statistical technique of modified profile analysis was used to test for performance differences between display devices as functions of illumination levels. The standard monochrome EL flat-panel display began to washout after the 2500 foot-candle level of illumination. The monochrome CRT began to washout after the 5500 foot-candle level of illumination. No performance decrements by increased illumination up to the 12,000 foot-candle level were found for the enhanced-brightness EL flat-panel display. What was not anticipated was that half the subjects would subjectively prefer the CRT over the enhanced-brightness EL, even though their performance errors would have indicated the opposite.

Sub-5-ps optical pulse generation from a 1.55-µm distributed-feedback laser diode with nanosecond electric pulse excitation and spectral filtering.

PubMed

Chen, Shaoqiang; Sato, Aya; Ito, Takashi; Yoshita, Masahiro; Akiyama, Hidefumi; Yokoyama, Hiroyuki

2012-10-22

This paper reports generation of sub-5-ps Fourier-transform limited optical pulses from a 1.55-µm gain-switched single-mode distributed-feedback laser diode via nanosecond electric excitation and a simple spectral-filtering technique. Typical damped oscillations of the whole lasing spectrum were observed in the time-resolved waveform. Through a spectral-filtering technique, the initial relaxation oscillation pulse and the following components in the output pulse can be well separated, and the initial short pulse can be selectively extracted by filtering out the short-wavelength components in the spectrum. Short pulses generated by this simple method are expected to have wide potential applications comparable to mode-locking lasers.

A recursive solution for a fading memory filter derived from Kalman filter theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Statman, J. I.

1986-01-01

A simple recursive solution for a class of fading memory tracking filters is presented. A fading memory filter provides estimates of filter states based on past measurements, similar to a traditional Kalman filter. Unlike a Kalman filter, an exponentially decaying weight is applied to older measurements, discounting their effect on present state estimates. It is shown that Kalman filters and fading memory filters are closely related solutions to a general least squares estimator problem. Closed form filter transfer functions are derived for a time invariant, steady state, fading memory filter. These can be applied in loop filter implementation of the Deep Space Network (DSN) Advanced Receiver carrier phase locked loop (PLL).

Response of consumer and research grade indoor air quality monitors to residential sources of fine particles.

PubMed

Singer, B C; Delp, W W

2018-04-23

The ability to inexpensively monitor PM 2.5 to identify sources and enable controls would advance residential indoor air quality (IAQ) management. Consumer IAQ monitors incorporating low-cost optical particle sensors and connections with smart home platforms could provide this service if they reliably detect PM 2.5 in homes. In this study, particles from typical residential sources were generated in a 120 m 3 laboratory and time-concentration profiles were measured with 7 consumer monitors (2-3 units each), 2 research monitors (Thermo pDR-1500, MetOne BT-645), a Grimm Mini Wide-Range Aerosol Spectrometer (GRM), and a Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance with Filter Dynamic Measurement System (FDMS), a Federal Equivalent Method for PM 2.5 . Sources included recreational combustion (candles, cigarettes, incense), cooking activities, an unfiltered ultrasonic humidifier, and dust. FDMS measurements, filter samples, and known densities were used to adjust the GRM to obtain time-resolved mass concentrations. Data from the research monitors and 4 of the consumer monitors-AirBeam, AirVisual, Foobot, Purple Air-were time correlated and within a factor of 2 of the estimated mass concentrations for most sources. All 7 of the consumer and both research monitors substantially under-reported or missed events for which the emitted mass was comprised of particles smaller than 0.3 μm diameter. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Tidd hot gas clean up program. Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

This Final Report on the Tidd Hot Gas Clean Up Program covers the period from initial Proof-of-Concept testing in August, 1990, through final equipment inspections in May, 1995. The Tidd Hot Gas Clean Up (HGCU) system was installed in the Tidd Pressurized Fluidized Bed Combustion (PFBC) Demonstration Plant, which is the first utility-scale PFBC plant in the United States. Detailed design work on the project began in July, 1990, and site construction began in December, 1991. Initial operation of the system occurred in May, 1992, and the hot gas filter was commissioned in October, 1992. The test program ended inmore » March, 1995, when the Tidd Plant was shut down following its four-year test program. Section 1.0 of this report is an executive summary of the project covering the project background, system description, test results and conclusions. Section 2.0 is an introduction covering the program objectives and schedule. Section 3.0 provides detailed descriptions of the system and its major components. Section 4.0 provides detailed results of all testing including observations and posttest inspection results. Sections 5.0 and 6.0 list the program conclusions and recommendations, respectively. Appendix I is a report prepared by Southern Research Institute on the properties of Tidd PFBC ash sampled during the test program. Appendix II is a report prepared by Westinghouse STC on the performance of candle filter fail-safe regenerator devices.« less

Sand Filter Technology

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-08-01

Approved for public release: distribution unlimited TDS-NAVFAC-EXWC-PW-1604 Aug 2016 Sand Filter Technology This report summarizes the...findings from a demonstration of sand filter technology to determine whether the technology will save energy with a simple payback within the...EXWC) performed the evaluation at the Naval Air Station Lemoore, CA. The two year evaluation period began with one year of sand filter operation

Kirigami-based three-dimensional OLED concepts for architectural lighting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Taehwan; Price, Jared S.; Grede, Alex; Lee, Sora; Jackson, Thomas N.; Giebink, Noel C.

2017-08-01

Dramatic improvements in white organic light emitting diode (OLED) performance and lifetime over the past decade are driving commercialization of this technology for solid-state lighting applications. As white OLEDs attempt to gain a foothold in the market, however, the biggest challenge outside of lowering their manufacturing cost arguably now lies in creating an architecturally adaptable form factor that will drive public adoption and differentiate OLED lighting from established LED products. Here, we present concepts based on kirigami (the Japanese art of paper cutting and folding) that enable intricate three-dimensional (3D) OLED lighting structures from two dimensional layouts. Using an ultraflexible, encapsulated OLED device architecture on 25 60 μm thick clear polyimide film substrate with simple cut and fold patterns, we demonstrate a series of different lighting concepts ranging from a simple `pop up' structure to more complex designs such as stretchable window blind-like panel, candle flame, and multi-element globe lamp. We only find slight degradation in OLED electrical performance when these designs are shaped into 3D. Our results point to an alternate paradigm for OLED lighting that moves beyond traditional 2D panels toward 3D designs that deliver unique and creative new opportunities for lighting.

Time-domain representation of frequency-dependent foundation impedance functions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Safak, E.

2006-01-01

Foundation impedance functions provide a simple means to account for soil-structure interaction (SSI) when studying seismic response of structures. Impedance functions represent the dynamic stiffness of the soil media surrounding the foundation. The fact that impedance functions are frequency dependent makes it difficult to incorporate SSI in standard time-history analysis software. This paper introduces a simple method to convert frequency-dependent impedance functions into time-domain filters. The method is based on the least-squares approximation of impedance functions by ratios of two complex polynomials. Such ratios are equivalent, in the time-domain, to discrete-time recursive filters, which are simple finite-difference equations giving the relationship between foundation forces and displacements. These filters can easily be incorporated into standard time-history analysis programs. Three examples are presented to show the applications of the method.

A Simple Analytical Model for Asynchronous Dense WDM/OOK Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-06-01

asynchronous dense WDM systems employing an external OOK modulator. Our model is based upon a close approximation of the optical Fabry - Perot filter in the...receiver as a single-pole RC filter for signals that are bandlimitr i, & -equency band approximately equal to one sixtieth of the Fabry - Perot filter’s...4 A. INPUT SIGNAL ............................................................................................... 4 B. FABRY - PEROT FILTERED OUTPUT

Compilation of Published PM2.5 Emission Rates for Cooking, Candles and Incense for Use in Modeling of Exposures in Residences

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hu, Tianchao; Singer, Brett C.; Logue, Jennifer M.

2012-08-01

recent analysis of health impacts from air pollutant inhalation in homes found that PM2.5 is the most damaging at the population level. Chronic exposure to elevated PM2.5 has the potential to damage human respiratory systems, and may result in premature death. PM2.5 exposures in homes can be mitigated through various approaches including kitchen exhaust ventilation, filtration, indoor pollutant source reduction and designing ventilation systems to reduce the entry of PM2.5 from outdoors. Analysis of the potential benefits and costs of various approaches can be accomplished using computer codes that simulate the key physical processes including emissions, dilution and ventilation. Themore » largest sources of PM2.5 in residences broadly are entry from outdoors and emissions from indoor combustion. The largest indoor sources are tobacco combustion (smoking), cooking and the burning of candles and incense. Data on the magnitude of PM2.5 and other pollutant emissions from these events and processes are required to conduct simulations for analysis. The goal of this study was to produce a database of pollutant emission rates associated with cooking and the burning of candles and incense. The target use of these data is for indoor air quality modeling.« less

Hydrodynamics of microbial filter feeding

PubMed Central

Asadzadeh, Seyed Saeed; Dölger, Julia; Walther, Jens H.; Andersen, Anders

2017-01-01

Microbial filter feeders are an important group of grazers, significant to the microbial loop, aquatic food webs, and biogeochemical cycling. Our understanding of microbial filter feeding is poor, and, importantly, it is unknown what force microbial filter feeders must generate to process adequate amounts of water. Also, the trade-off in the filter spacing remains unexplored, despite its simple formulation: A filter too coarse will allow suitably sized prey to pass unintercepted, whereas a filter too fine will cause strong flow resistance. We quantify the feeding flow of the filter-feeding choanoflagellate Diaphanoeca grandis using particle tracking, and demonstrate that the current understanding of microbial filter feeding is inconsistent with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and analytical estimates. Both approaches underestimate observed filtration rates by more than an order of magnitude; the beating flagellum is simply unable to draw enough water through the fine filter. We find similar discrepancies for other choanoflagellate species, highlighting an apparent paradox. Our observations motivate us to suggest a radically different filtration mechanism that requires a flagellar vane (sheet), something notoriously difficult to visualize but sporadically observed in the related choanocytes (sponges). A CFD model with a flagellar vane correctly predicts the filtration rate of D. grandis, and using a simple model we can account for the filtration rates of other microbial filter feeders. We finally predict how optimum filter mesh size increases with cell size in microbial filter feeders, a prediction that accords very well with observations. We expect our results to be of significance for small-scale biophysics and trait-based ecological modeling. PMID:28808016

Hydrodynamics of microbial filter feeding.

PubMed

Nielsen, Lasse Tor; Asadzadeh, Seyed Saeed; Dölger, Julia; Walther, Jens H; Kiørboe, Thomas; Andersen, Anders

2017-08-29

Microbial filter feeders are an important group of grazers, significant to the microbial loop, aquatic food webs, and biogeochemical cycling. Our understanding of microbial filter feeding is poor, and, importantly, it is unknown what force microbial filter feeders must generate to process adequate amounts of water. Also, the trade-off in the filter spacing remains unexplored, despite its simple formulation: A filter too coarse will allow suitably sized prey to pass unintercepted, whereas a filter too fine will cause strong flow resistance. We quantify the feeding flow of the filter-feeding choanoflagellate Diaphanoeca grandis using particle tracking, and demonstrate that the current understanding of microbial filter feeding is inconsistent with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and analytical estimates. Both approaches underestimate observed filtration rates by more than an order of magnitude; the beating flagellum is simply unable to draw enough water through the fine filter. We find similar discrepancies for other choanoflagellate species, highlighting an apparent paradox. Our observations motivate us to suggest a radically different filtration mechanism that requires a flagellar vane (sheet), something notoriously difficult to visualize but sporadically observed in the related choanocytes (sponges). A CFD model with a flagellar vane correctly predicts the filtration rate of D. grandis , and using a simple model we can account for the filtration rates of other microbial filter feeders. We finally predict how optimum filter mesh size increases with cell size in microbial filter feeders, a prediction that accords very well with observations. We expect our results to be of significance for small-scale biophysics and trait-based ecological modeling.

Optical restoration of images blurred by atmospheric turbulence using optimum filter theory.

PubMed

Horner, J L

1970-01-01

The results of optimum filtering from communications theory have been applied to an image restoration problem. Photographic film imagery, degraded by long-term artificial atmospheric turbulence, has been restored by spatial filters placed in the Fourier transform plane. The time-averaged point spread function was measured and used in designing the filters. Both the simple inverse filter and the optimum least-mean-square filters were used in the restoration experiments. The superiority of the latter is conclusively demonstrated. An optical analog processor was used for the restoration.

A simple energy filter for low energy electron microscopy/photoelectron emission microscopy instruments.

PubMed

Tromp, R M; Fujikawa, Y; Hannon, J B; Ellis, A W; Berghaus, A; Schaff, O

2009-08-05

Addition of an electron energy filter to low energy electron microscopy (LEEM) and photoelectron emission microscopy (PEEM) instruments greatly improves their analytical capabilities. However, such filters tend to be quite complex, both electron optically and mechanically. Here we describe a simple energy filter for the existing IBM LEEM/PEEM instrument, which is realized by adding a single scanning aperture slit to the objective transfer optics, without any further modifications to the microscope. This energy filter displays a very high energy resolution ΔE/E = 2 × 10(-5), and a non-isochromaticity of ∼0.5 eV/10 µm. The setup is capable of recording selected area electron energy spectra and angular distributions at 0.15 eV energy resolution, as well as energy filtered images with a 1.5 eV energy pass band at an estimated spatial resolution of ∼10 nm. We demonstrate the use of this energy filter in imaging and spectroscopy of surfaces using a laboratory-based He I (21.2 eV) light source, as well as imaging of Ag nanowires on Si(001) using the 4 eV energy loss Ag plasmon.

An optimal modification of a Kalman filter for time scales

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Greenhall, C. A.

2003-01-01

The Kalman filter in question, which was implemented in the time scale algorithm TA(NIST), produces time scales with poor short-term stability. A simple modification of the error covariance matrix allows the filter to produce time scales with good stability at all averaging times, as verified by simulations of clock ensembles.

An Impact-Based Filtering Approach for Literature Searches

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vista, Alvin

2013-01-01

This paper aims to present an alternative and simple method to improve the filtering of search results so as to increase the efficiency of literature searches, particularly for individual researchers who have limited logistical resources. The method proposed here is scope restriction using an impact-based filter, made possible by the emergence of…

Red clump stars and Gaia: calibration of the standard candle using a hierarchical probabilistic model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hawkins, Keith; Leistedt, Boris; Bovy, Jo; Hogg, David W.

2017-10-01

Distances to individual stars in our own Galaxy are critical in order to piece together the nature of its velocity and spatial structure. Core helium burning red clump (RC) stars have similar luminosities, are abundant throughout the Galaxy and thus constitute good standard candles. We build a hierarchical probabilistic model to quantify the quality of RC stars as standard candles using parallax measurements from the first Gaia data release. A unique aspect of our methodology is to fully account for (and marginalize over) parallax, photometry and dust correction uncertainties, which lead to more robust results than standard approaches. We determine the absolute magnitude and intrinsic dispersion of the RC in 2MASS bands J, H, Ks, Gaia G band and WISE bands W1, W2, W3 and W4. We find that the absolute magnitude of the RC is -1.61 ± 0.01 (in Ks), +0.44 ± 0.01 (in G), -0.93 ± 0.01 (in J), -1.46 ± 0.01 (in H), -1.68 ± 0.02 (in W1), -1.69 ± 0.02 (in W2), -1.67 ± 0.02 (in W3) and -1.76 ± 0.01 mag (in W4). The mean intrinsic dispersion is ˜0.17 ± 0.03 mag across all bands (yielding a typical distance precision of ˜8 per cent). Thus RC stars are reliable and precise standard candles. In addition, we have also re-calibrated the zero-point of the absolute magnitude of the RC in each band, which provides a benchmark for future studies to estimate distances to RC stars. Finally, the parallax error shrinkage in the hierarchical model outlined in this work can be used to obtain more precise parallaxes than Gaia for the most distant RC stars across the Galaxy.

Stochastic Adaptive Particle Beam Tracker Using Meer Filter Feedback.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-12-01

breakthrough required in controlling the beam location. In 1983, Zicker (27] conducted a feasibility study of a simple proportional gain controller... Zicker synthesized his stochastic controller designs from a deterministic optimal LQ controller assuming full state feedback. An LQ controller is a...34Merge" Method 2.5 Simlifying the eer Filter a Zicker ran a performance analysis on the Meer filter and found the Meer filter virtually insensitive to

Dual Extended Kalman Filter for the Identification of Time-Varying Human Manual Control Behavior

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Popovici, Alexandru; Zaal, Peter M. T.; Pool, Daan M.

2017-01-01

A Dual Extended Kalman Filter was implemented for the identification of time-varying human manual control behavior. Two filters that run concurrently were used, a state filter that estimates the equalization dynamics, and a parameter filter that estimates the neuromuscular parameters and time delay. Time-varying parameters were modeled as a random walk. The filter successfully estimated time-varying human control behavior in both simulated and experimental data. Simple guidelines are proposed for the tuning of the process and measurement covariance matrices and the initial parameter estimates. The tuning was performed on simulation data, and when applied on experimental data, only an increase in measurement process noise power was required in order for the filter to converge and estimate all parameters. A sensitivity analysis to initial parameter estimates showed that the filter is more sensitive to poor initial choices of neuromuscular parameters than equalization parameters, and bad choices for initial parameters can result in divergence, slow convergence, or parameter estimates that do not have a real physical interpretation. The promising results when applied to experimental data, together with its simple tuning and low dimension of the state-space, make the use of the Dual Extended Kalman Filter a viable option for identifying time-varying human control parameters in manual tracking tasks, which could be used in real-time human state monitoring and adaptive human-vehicle haptic interfaces.

A simple system for 160GHz optical terahertz wave generation and data modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yihan; He, Jingsuo; Sun, Xueming; Shi, Zexia; Wang, Ruike; Cui, Hailin; Su, Bo; Zhang, Cunlin

2018-01-01

A simple system based on two cascaded Mach-Zehnder modulators, which can generate 160GHz optical terahertz waves from 40GHz microwave sources, is simulated and tested in this paper. Fiber grating filter is used in the system to filter out optical carrier. By properly adjusting the modulator DC bias voltages and the signal voltages and phases, 4-tupling optical terahertz wave can be generated with fiber grating. This notch fiber grating filter is greatly suitable for terahertz over fiber (TOF) communication system. This scheme greatly reduces the cost of long-distance terahertz communication. Furthermore, 10Gbps digital signal is modulated in the 160GHz optical terahertz wave.

Watching the dark: New surveillance cameras are changing bat research

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cryan, Paul M.; Gorresen, P. Marcos

2014-01-01

It is, according to an old proverb, “better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” And those of us trying to discover new insights into the mysterious lives of bats often do a lot of cursing in the darkness. Bats do most things under cover of night, and often in places where humans and most other animals can’t go. This dark inaccessibility is great for bats, but not so great for those of us trying to study them. Successful conservation hinges on understanding bat behaviors and needs, as well as identifying and addressing the things that threaten them in the darkness. But how do we light a candle without scaring the bats away or altering their behavior?

An RC active filter design handbook

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deboo, G. J.

1977-01-01

The design of filters is described. Emphasis is placed on simplified procedures that can be used by the reader who has minimum knowledge about circuit design and little acquaintance with filter theory. The handbook has three main parts. The first part is a review of some information that is essential for work with filters. The second part includes design information for specific types of filter circuitry and describes simple procedures for obtaining the component values for a filter that will have a desired set of characteristics. Pertinent information relating to actual performance is given. The third part (appendix) is a review of certain topics in filter theory and is intended to provide some basic understanding of how filters are designed.

Problems in the use of interference filters for spectrophotometric determination of total ozone

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Basher, R. E.; Matthews, W. A.

1977-01-01

An analysis of the use of ultraviolet narrow-band interference filters for total ozone determination is given with reference to the New Zealand filter spectrophotometer under the headings of filter monochromaticity, temperature dependence, orientation dependence, aging, and specification tolerances and nonuniformity. Quantitative details of each problem are given, together with the means used to overcome them in the New Zealand instrument. The tuning of the instrument's filter center wavelengths to a common set of values by tilting the filters is also described, along with a simple calibration method used to adjust and set these center wavelengths.

Examination of cryogenic filters for multistage RF filtering in ultralow temperature experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zavyalov, V. V.; Chernyaev, S. A.; Shein, K. V.; Shukaleva, A. G.; Arutyunov, K. Yu

2018-03-01

Cryo-filters are essential while studying electronic properties of nanoscale structures at very low temperatures. In this report we present the simple measuring methodology and experimental impedance characteristics of customized lumped filters cooled down to 4.2K in the 10 Hz-500 MHz frequency range. In particular, we tested the home-made permalloy-core RL filters, the MurataTMChip Ferrite Bead filter, and the ToshibaTMAmobeadsTMcores. We use the high-frequency generalization of four-terminal sensing method to account for the wiring retardation effects, which are important when working with ultralow temperature systems.

Transport Reactor Facility

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Berry, D.A.; Shoemaker, S.A.

1996-12-31

The Morgantown Energy Technology Center (METC) is currently evaluating hot gas desulfurization (HGD)in its on-site transport reactor facility (TRF). This facility was originally constructed in the early 1980s to explore advanced gasification processes with an entrained reactor, and has recently been modified to incorporate a transport riser reactor. The TRF supports Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) power systems, one of METC`s advanced power generation systems. The HGD subsystem is a key developmental item in reducing the cost and increasing the efficiency of the IGCC concept. The TRF is a unique facility with high-temperature, high-pressure, and multiple reactant gas composition capability.more » The TRF can be configured for reacting a single flow pass of gas and solids using a variety of gases. The gas input system allows six different gas inputs to be mixed and heated before entering the reaction zones. Current configurations allow the use of air, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, methane, nitrogen, oxygen, steam, or any mixture of these gases. Construction plans include the addition of a coal gas input line. This line will bring hot coal gas from the existing Fluidized-Bed Gasifier (FBG) via the Modular Gas Cleanup Rig (MGCR) after filtering out particulates with ceramic candle filters. Solids can be fed either by a rotary pocket feeder or a screw feeder. Particle sizes may range from 70 to 150 micrometers. Both feeders have a hopper that can hold enough solid for fairly lengthy tests at the higher feed rates, thus eliminating the need for lockhopper transfers during operation.« less

Cherry-Slush-Candling Apparatus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stephens, James B.; Weiss, James R.; Hoover, Gordon

1996-01-01

Proposed infrared-scanning apparatus for use in bakeries making cherry pies detect cherry pits remaining in cherry slush after pitting process. Pits detected via their relative opacity to infrared radiation.

Amorphous carbon nanoparticle used as novel resonance energy transfer acceptor for chemiluminescent immunoassay of transferrin.

PubMed

Gao, Hongfei; Wang, Wenwen; Wang, Zhenxing; Han, Jing; Fu, Zhifeng

2014-03-28

Amorphous carbon nanoparticles (ACNPs) showing highly efficient quenching of chemiluminescence (CL) were prepared from candle soot with a very simple protocol. The prepared ACNP was employed as the novel energy acceptor for a chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET)-based immunoassay. In this work, ACNP was linked with transferrin (TRF), and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was conjugated to TRF antibody (HRP-anti-TRF). The immunoreaction rendered the distance between the ACNP acceptor and the HRP-catalyzed CL emitter to be short enough for CRET occurring. In the presence of TRF, this antigen competed with ACNP-TRF for HRP-anti-TRF, thus led to the decreased occurrence of CRET. A linear range of 20-400 ng mL(-1) and a limit of detection of 20 ng mL(-1) were obtained in this immunoassay. The proposed method was successfully applied for detection of TRF levels in human sera, and the results were in good agreement with ELISA method. Moreover, the ACNPs show higher energy transfer efficiency than other conventional nano-scaled energy acceptors such as graphene oxide in CRET assay. It is anticipated that this approach can be developed for determination of other analytes with low cost, simple manipulation and high specificity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Robust estimation of event-related potentials via particle filter.

PubMed

Fukami, Tadanori; Watanabe, Jun; Ishikawa, Fumito

2016-03-01

In clinical examinations and brain-computer interface (BCI) research, a short electroencephalogram (EEG) measurement time is ideal. The use of event-related potentials (ERPs) relies on both estimation accuracy and processing time. We tested a particle filter that uses a large number of particles to construct a probability distribution. We constructed a simple model for recording EEG comprising three components: ERPs approximated via a trend model, background waves constructed via an autoregressive model, and noise. We evaluated the performance of the particle filter based on mean squared error (MSE), P300 peak amplitude, and latency. We then compared our filter with the Kalman filter and a conventional simple averaging method. To confirm the efficacy of the filter, we used it to estimate ERP elicited by a P300 BCI speller. A 400-particle filter produced the best MSE. We found that the merit of the filter increased when the original waveform already had a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) (i.e., the power ratio between ERP and background EEG). We calculated the amount of averaging necessary after applying a particle filter that produced a result equivalent to that associated with conventional averaging, and determined that the particle filter yielded a maximum 42.8% reduction in measurement time. The particle filter performed better than both the Kalman filter and conventional averaging for a low SNR in terms of both MSE and P300 peak amplitude and latency. For EEG data produced by the P300 speller, we were able to use our filter to obtain ERP waveforms that were stable compared with averages produced by a conventional averaging method, irrespective of the amount of averaging. We confirmed that particle filters are efficacious in reducing the measurement time required during simulations with a low SNR. Additionally, particle filters can perform robust ERP estimation for EEG data produced via a P300 speller. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

On optimal infinite impulse response edge detection filters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sarkar, Sudeep; Boyer, Kim L.

1991-01-01

The authors outline the design of an optimal, computationally efficient, infinite impulse response edge detection filter. The optimal filter is computed based on Canny's high signal to noise ratio, good localization criteria, and a criterion on the spurious response of the filter to noise. An expression for the width of the filter, which is appropriate for infinite-length filters, is incorporated directly in the expression for spurious responses. The three criteria are maximized using the variational method and nonlinear constrained optimization. The optimal filter parameters are tabulated for various values of the filter performance criteria. A complete methodology for implementing the optimal filter using approximating recursive digital filtering is presented. The approximating recursive digital filter is separable into two linear filters operating in two orthogonal directions. The implementation is very simple and computationally efficient, has a constant time of execution for different sizes of the operator, and is readily amenable to real-time hardware implementation.

[An extreme case of undoing and posing in a case of murder-suicide. A forensic pathological approach to crime scene investigation].

PubMed

Guddat, Saskia S; Schalinski, Sarah; Püschel, Klaus; Tsokos, Michael; Schulz, Friedrich

2007-01-01

A 7-year-old boy was killed by his father by manual strangulation during a murder-suicide. After the killing of the son, the father showed typical "undoing" behaviour: He changed the boy's clothes and laid him down on the bed. Then he placed candles around his head, put pictures of the parents' wedding around him and a crucifix and a picture of the family into his hands. He broke off a rose in a vase next to the bed, lit the candles and took photographs of his dead son. Later he called his wife, threatened to kill the son and finally called the police to confess the murder and to announce his forthcoming suicide.

2018_Marshall_DOR

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-01-25

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama payed tribute to the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other NASA colleagues, during the agency's Day of Remembrance on Jan. 25. NASA's Day of Remembrance honors members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. This year, NASA payed special remembrance to the crew of Columbia on the 15th anniversary of the accident. Remarks were made by Marshall Director Todd May, former astronaut, Rick Burt, Marshall Safety and Mission Assurance Director, and retired Army Brig. Gen. Robert Stewart and other Marshall officials during a candle-lighting observance in the lobby of Building 4200. Deputy Director Jody Singer lit the remembrance candle. POC: Jennifer Stanfield – 256-541-7199

Planetary nebulae as standard candles. IV - A test in the Leo I group

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ciardullo, Robin; Jacoby, George H.; Ford, Holland C.

1989-01-01

In this paper, PN are used to determine accurate distances to three galaxies in the Leo I group - The E0 giant elliptical NGC 3379, its optical companion, the SB0 spiral NGC 3384, and the smaller E6 elliptical NGC 3377. In all three galaxies, the luminosity-specific PN number densities are roughly the same, and the derived stellar death rates are in remarkable agreement with the predictions of stellar evolution theory. It is shown that the shape of the forbidden O III 5007 A PN luminosity function is the same in each galaxy and indistinguishable from that observed in M31 and M81. It is concluded that the PN luminosity function is an excellent standard candle for early-type galaxies.

Simple Freeze-Drying Procedure for Producing Nanocellulose Aerogel-Containing, High-Performance Air Filters.

PubMed

Nemoto, Junji; Saito, Tsuguyuki; Isogai, Akira

2015-09-09

Simple freeze-drying of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO)-oxidized cellulose nanofibril (TOCN) dispersions in water/tert-butyl alcohol (TBA) mixtures was conducted to prepare TOCN aerogels as high-performance air filter components. The dispersibility of the TOCNs in the water/TBA mixtures, and the specific surface area (SSA) of the resulting TOCN aerogels, was investigated as a function of the TBA concentration in the mixtures. The TOCNs were homogeneously dispersed in the water/TBA mixtures at TBA concentrations up to 40% w/w. The SSAs of the TOCN aerogels exceeded 300 m2/g when the TBA concentration in the aqueous mixtures was in the range from 20% to 50% w/w. When a commercially available, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter was combined with TOCN/water/TBA dispersions prepared using 30% TBA, and the product was freeze-dried, the resulting TOCN aerogel-containing filters showed superior filtration properties. This was because nanoscale, spider-web-like networks of the TOCNs with large SSAs were formed within the filter.

Implementation of real-time digital signal processing systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Narasimha, M.; Peterson, A.; Narayan, S.

1978-01-01

Special purpose hardware implementation of DFT Computers and digital filters is considered in the light of newly introduced algorithms and IC devices. Recent work by Winograd on high-speed convolution techniques for computing short length DFT's, has motivated the development of more efficient algorithms, compared to the FFT, for evaluating the transform of longer sequences. Among these, prime factor algorithms appear suitable for special purpose hardware implementations. Architectural considerations in designing DFT computers based on these algorithms are discussed. With the availability of monolithic multiplier-accumulators, a direct implementation of IIR and FIR filters, using random access memories in place of shift registers, appears attractive. The memory addressing scheme involved in such implementations is discussed. A simple counter set-up to address the data memory in the realization of FIR filters is also described. The combination of a set of simple filters (weighting network) and a DFT computer is shown to realize a bank of uniform bandpass filters. The usefulness of this concept in arriving at a modular design for a million channel spectrum analyzer, based on microprocessors, is discussed.

Coplanar Waveguide Radial Line Double Stub and Application to Filter Circuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simons, R. N.; Taub, S. R.

1993-01-01

Coplanar waveguide (CPW) and grounded coplanar waveguide (GCPW) radial line double stub resonators are experimentally characterized with respect to stub radius and sector angle. A simple closed-form design equation, which predicts the resonance radius of the stub, is presented. Use of a double stub resonator as a lowpass filter or as a harmonic suppression filter is demonstrated, and design rules are given.

Testing particle filters on convective scale dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haslehner, Mylene; Craig, George. C.; Janjic, Tijana

2014-05-01

Particle filters have been developed in recent years to deal with highly nonlinear dynamics and non Gaussian error statistics that also characterize data assimilation on convective scales. In this work we explore the use of the efficient particle filter (P.v. Leeuwen, 2011) for convective scale data assimilation application. The method is tested in idealized setting, on two stochastic models. The models were designed to reproduce some of the properties of convection, for example the rapid development and decay of convective clouds. The first model is a simple one-dimensional, discrete state birth-death model of clouds (Craig and Würsch, 2012). For this model, the efficient particle filter that includes nudging the variables shows significant improvement compared to Ensemble Kalman Filter and Sequential Importance Resampling (SIR) particle filter. The success of the combination of nudging and resampling, measured as RMS error with respect to the 'true state', is proportional to the nudging intensity. Significantly, even a very weak nudging intensity brings notable improvement over SIR. The second model is a modified version of a stochastic shallow water model (Würsch and Craig 2013), which contains more realistic dynamical characteristics of convective scale phenomena. Using the efficient particle filter and different combination of observations of the three field variables (wind, water 'height' and rain) allows the particle filter to be evaluated in comparison to a regime where only nudging is used. Sensitivity to the properties of the model error covariance is also considered. Finally, criteria are identified under which the efficient particle filter outperforms nudging alone. References: Craig, G. C. and M. Würsch, 2012: The impact of localization and observation averaging for convective-scale data assimilation in a simple stochastic model. Q. J. R. Meteorol. Soc.,139, 515-523. Van Leeuwen, P. J., 2011: Efficient non-linear data assimilation in geophysical fluid dynamics. - Computers and Fluids, doi:10,1016/j.compfluid.2010.11.011, 1096 2011. Würsch, M. and G. C. Craig, 2013: A simple dynamical model of cumulus convection for data assimilation research, submitted to Met. Zeitschrift.

Analysis of silicon on insulator (SOI) optical microring add-drop filter based on waveguide intersections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaźmierczak, Andrzej; Bogaerts, Wim; Van Thourhout, Dries; Drouard, Emmanuel; Rojo-Romeo, Pedro; Giannone, Domenico; Gaffiot, Frederic

2008-04-01

We present a compact passive optical add-drop filter which incorporates two microring resonators and a waveguide intersection in silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology. Such a filter is a key element for designing simple layouts of highly integrated complex optical networks-on-chip. The filter occupies an area smaller than 10μm×10μm and exhibits relatively high quality factors (up to 4000) and efficient signal dropping capabilities. In the present work, the influence of filter parameters such as the microring-resonators radii and the coupling section shape are analyzed theoretically and experimentally

Testing and Improving the Luminosity Relations for Gamma-Ray Bursts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Collazzi, Andrew

2011-08-01

Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs) have several luminosity relations where a measurable property of a burst light curve or spectrum is correlated with the burst luminosity. These luminosity relations are calibrated for the fraction of bursts with spectroscopic redshifts and hence the known luminosities. GRBs have thus become known as a type of 'standard candle'; where standard candle is meant in the usual sense that their luminosities can be derived from measurable properties of the bursts. GRBs can therefore be used for the same cosmology applications as Type Ia supernovae, including the construction of the Hubble Diagram and measuring massive star formation rate. The greatest disadvantage of using GRBs as standard candles is that their accuracy is lower than desired. With the recent advent of GRBs as a new standard candle, every effort must be made to test and improve the distance measures. Here, several methods are employed to do just that. First, generalized forms of two tests are performed on all of the luminosity relations. All the luminosity relations pass the second of these tests, and all but two pass the first. Even with this failure, the redundancy in using multiple luminosity relations allows all the luminosity relations to retain value. Next, the 'Firmani relation' is shown to have poorer accuracy than first advertised. In addition, it is shown to be exactly derivable from two other luminosity relations. For these reasons, the Firmani relation is useless for cosmology. The Amati relation is then revisited and shown to be an artifact of a combination of selection effects. Therefore, the Amati relation is also not good for cosmology. Fourthly, the systematic errors involved in measuring a popular luminosity indicator (Epeak ) are measured. The result is that an irreducible systematic error of 28% exists. After that, a preliminary investigation into the usefulness of breaking GRBs into individual pulses is conducted. The results of an 'ideal' set of data do not provide for confident results due to large error bars. Finally, the work concludes with a discussion about the impact of the work and the future of GRB luminosity relations.

Radar range data signal enhancement tracker

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

The design, fabrication, and performance characteristics are described of two digital data signal enhancement filters which are capable of being inserted between the Space Shuttle Navigation Sensor outputs and the guidance computer. Commonality of interfaces has been stressed so that the filters may be evaluated through operation with simulated sensors or with actual prototype sensor hardware. The filters will provide both a smoothed range and range rate output. Different conceptual approaches are utilized for each filter. The first filter is based on a combination low pass nonrecursive filter and a cascaded simple average smoother for range and range rate, respectively. Filter number two is a tracking filter which is capable of following transient data of the type encountered during burn periods. A test simulator was also designed which generates typical shuttle navigation sensor data.

LLSURE: local linear SURE-based edge-preserving image filtering.

PubMed

Qiu, Tianshuang; Wang, Aiqi; Yu, Nannan; Song, Aimin

2013-01-01

In this paper, we propose a novel approach for performing high-quality edge-preserving image filtering. Based on a local linear model and using the principle of Stein's unbiased risk estimate as an estimator for the mean squared error from the noisy image only, we derive a simple explicit image filter which can filter out noise while preserving edges and fine-scale details. Moreover, this filter has a fast and exact linear-time algorithm whose computational complexity is independent of the filtering kernel size; thus, it can be applied to real time image processing tasks. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the new filter for various computer vision applications, including noise reduction, detail smoothing and enhancement, high dynamic range compression, and flash/no-flash denoising.

Reflection color filters of the three primary colors with wide viewing angles using common-thickness silicon subwavelength gratings.

PubMed

Kanamori, Yoshiaki; Ozaki, Toshikazu; Hane, Kazuhiro

2014-10-20

We fabricated reflection color filters of the three primary colors with wide viewing angles using silicon two-dimensional subwavelength gratings on the same quartz substrate. The grating periods were 400, 340, and 300 nm for red, green, and blue filters, respectively. All of the color filters had the same grating thickness of 100 nm, which enabled simple fabrication of a color filter array. Reflected colors from the red, green, and blue filters under s-polarized white-light irradiation appeared in the respective colors at incident angles from 0 to 50°. By rigorous coupled-wave analysis, the dimensions of each color filter were designed, and the calculated reflectivity was compared with the measured reflectivity.

Lattice functions, wavelet aliasing, and SO(3) mappings of orthonormal filters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

John, Sarah

1998-01-01

A formulation of multiresolution in terms of a family of dyadic lattices {Sj;j∈Z} and filter matrices Mj⊂U(2)⊂GL(2,C) illuminates the role of aliasing in wavelets and provides exact relations between scaling and wavelet filters. By showing the {DN;N∈Z+} collection of compactly supported, orthonormal wavelet filters to be strictly SU(2)⊂U(2), its representation in the Euler angles of the rotation group SO(3) establishes several new results: a 1:1 mapping of the {DN} filters onto a set of orbits on the SO(3) manifold; an equivalence of D∞ to the Shannon filter; and a simple new proof for a criterion ruling out pathologically scaled nonorthonormal filters.

Simple Refractometers for Index Measurements by Minimum Deviation Method from Far-ultraviolet to Near Infrared

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leviton, Douglas B.; Madison, Timothy J.; Petrone, Peter

1998-01-01

The focal shift of an optical filter used in non-collimated light depends directly on substrate thickness and index of refraction. The HST Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) requires a set of filters whose focal shifts are tightly matched. Knowing the index of refraction for substrate glasses allows precise substrate thicknesses to be specified. Two refractometers have been developed at the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) to determine the indices of refraction of materials from which ACS filters are made. Modem imaging detectors for the near infrared, visible, and far ultraviolet spectral regions make these simple yet sophisticated refractometers possible. A new technology, high accuracy, angular encoder also developed at GSFC makes high precision index measurement possible in the vacuum ultraviolet.

Biofiltration: an effective and simple method to reduce dialysis time.

PubMed

Mingardi, G; Massazza, M; Viganò, G; Mecca, G

1986-12-01

Biofiltration: an effective and simple method to reduce dialysis time. Six stable anuric patients, on maintenance hemodialysis, were treated for 10 weeks with a parallel flow 1 m2 cuprophan filter, for 20 weeks with a parallel flow 1.2 m2 polyacrylonitrile filter using the biofiltration (BF) technique and again 10 weeks with the cuprophan filter. Usual monitors were used, without automatic control of ultrafiltration. Biochemical and hematological profile, urea kinetic parameters, incidence of hypotensive episodes, body weight and blood pressure did not change throughout the study. We conclude that three hours of BF, at least for 20 weeks, are as effective and well tolerated as four hours standard hemodialysis and could be of value in reducing dialysis time, to permit better utilization of dialysis beds.

Tested Demonstrations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rehfeld, D. W.; And Others

1988-01-01

Describes two demonstrations (1) a dust explosion using a coffee can, candle, rubber tubing, and cornstarch and (2) forming a silicate-polyvinyl alcohol polymer which can be pressed into plastic sheets or molded. Gives specific instructions. (MVL)

Is Ear Candling a Safe Way to Remove Earwax?

MedlinePlus

... of Privacy Practices Notice of Nondiscrimination Manage Cookies Advertising Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Mayo Clinic does not ...

Emergency Meal Planning for Diabetics

MedlinePlus

... enough insulin and supplies on hand, including extra batteries for the glucometer emergency phone list with names ... unit and the local hospital radio with extra batteries flashlight with extra batteries candles and matches measuring ...

Recursive least squares method of regression coefficients estimation as a special case of Kalman filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borodachev, S. M.

2016-06-01

The simple derivation of recursive least squares (RLS) method equations is given as special case of Kalman filter estimation of a constant system state under changing observation conditions. A numerical example illustrates application of RLS to multicollinearity problem.

A novel algorithm for laser self-mixing sensors used with the Kalman filter to measure displacement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Hui; Liu, Ji-Gou

2018-07-01

This paper proposes a simple and effective method for estimating the feedback level factor C in a self-mixing interferometric sensor. It is used with a Kalman filter to retrieve the displacement. Without the complicated and onerous calculation process of the general C estimation method, a final equation is obtained. Thus, the estimation of C only involves a few simple calculations. It successfully retrieves the sinusoidal and aleatory displacement by means of simulated self-mixing signals in both weak and moderate feedback regimes. To deal with the errors resulting from noise and estimate bias of C and to further improve the retrieval precision, a Kalman filter is employed following the general phase unwrapping method. The simulation and experiment results show that the retrieved displacement using the C obtained with the proposed method is comparable to the joint estimation of C and α. Besides, the Kalman filter can significantly decrease measurement errors, especially the error caused by incorrectly locating the peak and valley positions of the signal.

Genetics Home Reference: Buschke-Ollendorff syndrome

MedlinePlus

... example, a small percentage of affected individuals have melorheostosis , which is characterized by excess bone growth on ... bones in a pattern resembling dripping candle wax. Melorheostosis usually affects the bones in one arm or ...

Safety for Older Consumers: Home Safety Checklist

MedlinePlus

... 3 Keep ashtrays, smoking materi- als, candles, hot plates and other potential fire sources away from curtains, ... A ll electrical outlets and switches have cover plates installed so no wiring is exposed. U nused ...

Compassionate Use Protocol for the Treatment of Autoinflammatory Syndromes

ClinicalTrials.gov

2018-04-17

Chronic Atypical Neutrophilic Dermatosis With Lipodystrophy and Elevated Temperature (CANDLE); Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM); Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING)-Associated Vasculopathy With Onset During Infancy (SAVI); Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome (AGS)

A Unified Model for GRB Prompt Emission from Optical to Gamma-Rays; Exploring GRBs as Standard Candles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guiriec, S.; Kouveliotou, C.; Hartmann, D. H.; Granot, J.; Asano, K.; Meszaros, P.; Gill, R.; Gehrels, N.; McEnery, J.

2016-01-01

The origin of prompt emission from gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) remains to be an open question. Correlated prompt optical and gamma-ray emission observed in a handful of GRBs strongly suggests a common emission region, but failure to adequately fit the broadband GRB spectrum prompted the hypothesis of different emission mechanisms for the low- and high-energy radiations. We demonstrate that our multi-component model for GRB -ray prompt emission provides an excellent fit to GRB 110205A from optical to gamma-ray energies. Our results show that the optical and highest gamma-ray emissions have the same spatial and spectral origin, which is different from the bulk of the X- and softest gamma-ray radiation. Finally, our accurate redshift estimate for GRB 110205A demonstrates promise for using GRBs as cosmological standard candles.

Power flattening on modified CANDLE small long life gas-cooled fast reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monado, Fiber; Su'ud, Zaki; Waris, Abdul; Basar, Khairul; Ariani, Menik; Sekimoto, Hiroshi

2014-09-01

Gas-cooled Fast Reactor (GFR) is one of the candidates of next generation Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) that expected to be operated commercially after 2030. In this research conceptual design study of long life 350 MWt GFR with natural uranium metallic fuel as fuel cycle input has been performed. Modified CANDLE burn-up strategy with first and second regions located near the last region (type B) has been applied. This reactor can be operated for 10 years without refuelling and fuel shuffling. Power peaking reduction is conducted by arranging the core radial direction into three regions with respectively uses fuel volume fraction 62.5%, 64% and 67.5%. The average power density in the modified core is about 82 Watt/cc and the power peaking factor decreased from 4.03 to 3.43.

Type Ia Supernova Intrinsic Magnitude Dispersion and the Fitting of Cosmological Parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, A. G.

2011-02-01

I present an analysis for fitting cosmological parameters from a Hubble diagram of a standard candle with unknown intrinsic magnitude dispersion. The dispersion is determined from the data, simultaneously with the cosmological parameters. This contrasts with the strategies used to date. The advantages of the presented analysis are that it is done in a single fit (it is not iterative), it provides a statistically founded and unbiased estimate of the intrinsic dispersion, and its cosmological-parameter uncertainties account for the intrinsic-dispersion uncertainty. Applied to Type Ia supernovae, my strategy provides a statistical measure to test for subtypes and assess the significance of any magnitude corrections applied to the calibrated candle. Parameter bias and differences between likelihood distributions produced by the presented and currently used fitters are negligibly small for existing and projected supernova data sets.

Using 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts to determine cyclic peptide conformations: a combined molecular dynamics and quantum mechanics approach.

PubMed

Nguyen, Q Nhu N; Schwochert, Joshua; Tantillo, Dean J; Lokey, R Scott

2018-05-10

Solving conformations of cyclic peptides can provide insight into structure-activity and structure-property relationships, which can help in the design of compounds with improved bioactivity and/or ADME characteristics. The most common approaches for determining the structures of cyclic peptides are based on NMR-derived distance restraints obtained from NOESY or ROESY cross-peak intensities, and 3J-based dihedral restraints using the Karplus relationship. Unfortunately, these observables are often too weak, sparse, or degenerate to provide unequivocal, high-confidence solution structures, prompting us to investigate an alternative approach that relies only on 1H and 13C chemical shifts as experimental observables. This method, which we call conformational analysis from NMR and density-functional prediction of low-energy ensembles (CANDLE), uses molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to generate conformer families and density functional theory (DFT) calculations to predict their 1H and 13C chemical shifts. Iterative conformer searches and DFT energy calculations on a cyclic peptide-peptoid hybrid yielded Boltzmann ensembles whose predicted chemical shifts matched the experimental values better than any single conformer. For these compounds, CANDLE outperformed the classic NOE- and 3J-coupling-based approach by disambiguating similar β-turn types and also enabled the structural elucidation of the minor conformer. Through the use of chemical shifts, in conjunction with DFT and MD calculations, CANDLE can help illuminate conformational ensembles of cyclic peptides in solution.

Discovering new points of differentiation.

PubMed

MacMillan, I C; McGrath, R G

1997-01-01

Most profitable strategies are built on differentiation: offering customers something they value that competitors don't have. But most companies concentrate only on their products or services. In fact, a company can differentiate itself every point where it comes in contact with its customers--from the moment customers realize they need a product or service to the time when they dispose of it. The authors believe that if companies open up their thinking to their customer's entire experience with a product or service--the consumption chain--they can uncover opportunities to position their offerings in ways that neither they nor their competitors though possible. The authors show how even a mundane product such as candles can be successfully differentiated. By analyzing its customers' experiences and exploring various options, Blyth Industries, for example, has grown from a $2 million U.S. candle manufacturer into a global candle and accessory business with nearly $500 million in sales and a market value of $1.2 billion. Finding ways to differentiate one's company is a skill that can be nurtured, the authors contend. In this Manager's Tool Kit, they have designed a two-part approach that can help companies continually identify new points of differentiation and develop the ability to generate successful differentiation strategies. "Mapping the Consumption Chain" captures the customer's total experience with a product or service. "Analyzing Your Customer's Experience" shows managers how directed brainstorming about each step in the consumption chain can elicit numerous ways to differentiate any offering.

Widely tunable erbium-doped fiber laser based on multimode interference effect.

PubMed

Castillo-Guzman, A; Antonio-Lopez, J E; Selvas-Aguilar, R; May-Arrioja, D A; Estudillo-Ayala, J; LiKamWa, P

2010-01-18

A widely tunable erbium-doped all-fiber laser has been demonstrated. The tunable mechanism is based on a novel tunable filter using multimode interference effects (MMI). The tunable MMI filter was applied to fabricate a tunable erbium-doped fiber laser via a standard ring cavity. A tuning range of 60 nm was obtained, ranging from 1549 nm to 1609 nm, with a signal to noise ratio of 40 dB. The tunable MMI filter mechanism is very simple and inexpensive, but also quite efficient as a wavelength tunable filter.

Adaptive filtering with the self-organizing map: a performance comparison.

PubMed

Barreto, Guilherme A; Souza, Luís Gustavo M

2006-01-01

In this paper we provide an in-depth evaluation of the SOM as a feasible tool for nonlinear adaptive filtering. A comprehensive survey of existing SOM-based and related architectures for learning input-output mappings is carried out and the application of these architectures to nonlinear adaptive filtering is formulated. Then, we introduce two simple procedures for building RBF-based nonlinear filters using the Vector-Quantized Temporal Associative Memory (VQTAM), a recently proposed method for learning dynamical input-output mappings using the SOM. The aforementioned SOM-based adaptive filters are compared with standard FIR/LMS and FIR/LMS-Newton linear transversal filters, as well as with powerful MLP-based filters in nonlinear channel equalization and inverse modeling tasks. The obtained results in both tasks indicate that SOM-based filters can consistently outperform powerful MLP-based ones.

Modeling filtration and fouling with a microstructured membrane filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cummings, Linda; Sanaei, Pejman

2017-11-01

Membrane filters find widespread use in diverse applications such as A/C systems and water purification. While the details of the filtration process may vary significantly, the broad challenge of efficient filtration is the same: to achieve finely-controlled separation at low power consumption. The obvious resolution to the challenge would appear simple: use the largest pore size consistent with the separation requirement. However, the membrane characteristics (and hence the filter performance) are far from constant over its lifetime: the particles removed from the feed are deposited within and on the membrane filter, fouling it and degrading the performance over time. The processes by which this occurs are complex, and depend on several factors, including: the internal structure of the membrane and the type of particles in the feed. We present a model for fouling of a simple microstructured membrane, and investigate how the details of the microstructure affect the filtration efficiency. Our idealized membrane consists of bifurcating pores, arranged in a layered structure, so that the number (and size) of pores changes in the depth of the membrane. In particular, we address how the details of the membrane microstructure affect the filter lifetime, and the total throughput. NSF DMS 1615719.

Simple and Efficient Single Photon Filter for a Rb-based Quantum Memory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stack, Daniel; Li, Xiao; Quraishi, Qudsia

2015-05-01

Distribution of entangled quantum states over significant distances is important to the development of future quantum technologies such as long-distance cryptography, networks of atomic clocks, distributed quantum computing, etc. Long-lived quantum memories and single photons are building blocks for systems capable of realizing such applications. The ability to store and retrieve quantum information while filtering unwanted light signals is critical to the operation of quantum memories based on neutral-atom ensembles. We report on an efficient frequency filter which uses a glass cell filled with 85Rb vapor to attenuate noise photons by an order of magnitude with little loss to the single photons associated with the operation of our cold 87Rb quantum memory. An Ar buffer gas is required to differentiate between signal and noise photons or similar statement. Our simple, passive filter requires no optical pumping or external frequency references and provides an additional 18 dB attenuation of our pump laser for every 1 dB loss of the single photon signal. We observe improved non-classical correlations and our data shows that the addition of a frequency filter increases the non-classical correlations and readout efficiency of our quantum memory by ~ 35%.

Shift-phase code multiplexing technique for holographic memories and optical interconnection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Honma, Satoshi; Muto, Shinzo; Okamoto, Atsushi

2008-03-01

Holographic technologies for optical memories and interconnection devices have been studied actively because of high storage capacity, many wiring patterns and high transmission rate. Among multiplexing techniques such as angular, phase code and wavelength-multiplexing, speckle multiplexing technique have gotten attention due to the simple optical setup having an adjustable random phase filter in only one direction. To keep simple construction and to suppress crosstalk among adjacent page data or wiring patterns for efficient holographic memories and interconnection, we have to consider about optimum randomness of the phase filter. The high randomness causes expanding an illumination area of reference beam on holographic media. On the other hands, the small randomness causes the crosstalk between adjacent hologram data. We have proposed the method of holographic multiplexing, shift-phase code multiplexing with a two-dimensional orthogonal matrix phase filter. A lot of orthogonal phase codes can be produced by shifting the phase filter in one direction. It is able to read and record the individual holograms with low crosstalk. We give the basic experimental result on holographic data multiplexing and consider the phase pattern of the filter to suppress the crosstalk between adjacent holograms sufficiently.

Unambiguous quantum-state filtering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Takeoka, Masahiro; Sasaki, Masahide; CREST, Japan Science and Technology Corporation, Tokyo,

2003-07-01

In this paper, we consider a generalized measurement where one particular quantum signal is unambiguously extracted from a set of noncommutative quantum signals and the other signals are filtered out. Simple expressions for the maximum detection probability and its positive operator valued measure are derived. We apply such unambiguous quantum state filtering to evaluation of the sensing of decoherence channels. The bounds of the precision limit for a given quantum state of probes and possible device implementations are discussed.

A preliminary evaluation of a failure detection filter for detecting and identifying control element failures in a transport aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bundick, W. T.

1985-01-01

The application of the failure detection filter to the detection and identification of aircraft control element failures was evaluated in a linear digital simulation of the longitudinal dynamics of a B-737 Aircraft. Simulation results show that with a simple correlator and threshold detector used to process the filter residuals, the failure detection performance is seriously degraded by the effects of turbulence.

Adequate model complexity for scenario analysis of VOC stripping in a trickling filter.

PubMed

Vanhooren, H; Verbrugge, T; Boeije, G; Demey, D; Vanrolleghem, P A

2001-01-01

Two models describing the stripping of volatile organic contaminants (VOCs) in an industrial trickling filter system are developed. The aim of the models is to investigate the effect of different operating conditions (VOC loads and air flow rates) on the efficiency of VOC stripping and the resulting concentrations in the gas and liquid phases. The first model uses the same principles as the steady-state non-equilibrium activated sludge model Simple Treat, in combination with an existing biofilm model. The second model is a simple mass balance based model only incorporating air and liquid and thus neglecting biofilm effects. In a first approach, the first model was incorporated in a five-layer hydrodynamic model of the trickling filter, using the carrier material design specifications for porosity, water hold-up and specific surface area. A tracer test with lithium was used to validate this approach, and the gas mixing in the filters was studied using continuous CO2 and O2 measurements. With the tracer test results, the biodegradation model was adapted, and it became clear that biodegradation and adsorption to solids can be neglected. On this basis, a simple dynamic mass balance model was built. Simulations with this model reveal that changing the air flow rate in the trickling filter system has little effect on the VOC stripping efficiency at steady state. However, immediately after an air flow rate change, quite high flux and concentration peaks of VOCs can be expected. These phenomena are of major importance for the design of an off-gas treatment facility.

Infidelity: Mending Your Marriage After an Affair

MedlinePlus

... from infidelity: An integrative approach. Journal of Clinical Psychology. 2005;61:1393. Snyder DK, at al. Treating infidelity: Clinical and ethical directions. Journal of Clinical Psychology. 2005;61:1453. DeMaris A. Burning the candle ...

49 CFR 38.119 - Lighting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., or doorway with a lift, ramp or bridge plate, shall have, when the door is open, at least 2 foot-candles of illumination measured on the step tread, ramp, bridge plate or lift platform. (b) The doorways...

49 CFR 38.119 - Lighting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., or doorway with a lift, ramp or bridge plate, shall have, when the door is open, at least 2 foot-candles of illumination measured on the step tread, ramp, bridge plate or lift platform. (b) The doorways...

Comparison of portable crewmember protective breathing equipment (CPBE) designs.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1993-04-01

CPBE presently certified for transport category aircraft employ 3 types of oxygen production systems: chlorate candle, potassium superoxide, and compressed oxygen. CPBE performance was evaluated to expose significant differences based on this distinc...

78 FR 60763 - Clarification on Fireworks Policy Regarding Approvals or Certifications for Firework Series

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-02

... Fountain Cylindrical Fountain Illuminating Torch Mine and Shell Missile with Fin-type Rocket Roman Candle Sky Rocket/Bottle Rocket Toy Smoke Device Wire Sparkler/Dipped Sparkler Display Aerial Shell...

Reducing Ripple In A Switching Voltage Regulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paulkovich, John; Rodriguez, G. Ernest

1994-01-01

Ripple voltage in output of switching voltage regulator reduced substantially by simple additional circuitry adding little to overall weight and size of regulator. Heretofore, additional filtering circuitry needed to obtain comparable reductions in ripple typically as large and heavy as original regulator. Current opposing ripple current injected into filter capacitor.

Writing filter processes for the SAGA editor, appendix G

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kirslis, Peter A.

1985-01-01

The SAGA editor provides a mechanism by which separate processes can be invoked during an editing session to traverse portions of the parse tree being edited. These processes, termed filter processes, read, analyze, and possibly transform the parse tree, returning the result to the editor. By defining new commands with the editor's user defined command facility, which invoke filter processes, authors of filter can provide complex operations as simple commands. A tree plotter, pretty printer, and Pascal tree transformation program were already written using this facility. The filter processes are introduced, parse tree structure is described and the library interface made available to the programmer. Also discussed is how to compile and run filter processes. Examples are presented to illustrate aspect of each of these areas.

Crosstalk in automultiscopic 3-D displays: blessing in disguise?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jain, Ashish; Konrad, Janusz

2007-02-01

Most of 3-D displays suffer from interocular crosstalk, i.e., the perception of an unintended view in addition to intended one. The resulting "ghosting" at high-contrast object boundaries is objectionable and interferes with depth perception. In automultiscopic (no glasses, multiview) displays using microlenses or parallax barrier, the effect is compounded since several unintended views may be perceived at once. However, we recently discovered that crosstalk in automultiscopic displays can be also beneficial. Since spatial multiplexing of views in order to prepare a composite image for automultiscopic viewing involves sub-sampling, prior anti-alias filtering is required. To date, anti-alias filter design has ignored the presence of crosstalk in automultiscopic displays. In this paper, we propose a simple multiplexing model that takes crosstalk into account. Using this model we derive a mathematical expression for the spectrum of single view with crosstalk, and we show that it leads to reduced spectral aliasing compared to crosstalk-free case. We then propose a new criterion for the characterization of ideal anti-alias pre-filter. In the experimental part, we describe a simple method to measure optical crosstalk between views using digital camera. We use the measured crosstalk parameters to find the ideal frequency response of anti-alias filter and we design practical digital filters approximating this response. Having applied the designed filters to a number of multiview images prior to multiplexing, we conclude that, due to their increased bandwidth, the filters lead to visibly sharper 3-D images without increasing aliasing artifacts.

Entropy-guided switching trimmed mean deviation-boosted anisotropic diffusion filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nnolim, Uche A.

2016-07-01

An effective anisotropic diffusion (AD) mean filter variant is proposed for filtering of salt-and-pepper impulse noise. The implemented filter is robust to impulse noise ranging from low to high density levels. The algorithm involves a switching scheme in addition to utilizing the unsymmetric trimmed mean/median deviation to filter image noise while greatly preserving image edges, regardless of impulse noise density (ND). It operates with threshold parameters selected manually or adaptively estimated from the image statistics. It is further combined with the partial differential equations (PDE)-based AD for edge preservation at high NDs to enhance the properties of the trimmed mean filter. Based on experimental results, the proposed filter easily and consistently outperforms the median filter and its other variants ranging from simple to complex filter structures, especially the known PDE-based variants. In addition, the switching scheme and threshold calculation enables the filter to avoid smoothing an uncorrupted image, and filtering is activated only when impulse noise is present. Ultimately, the particular properties of the filter make its combination with the AD algorithm a unique and powerful edge-preservation smoothing filter at high-impulse NDs.

Computer simulations and models for the performance characteristics of spectrally equivalent X-ray beams in medical diagnostic radiology

PubMed Central

Okunade, Akintunde A.

2007-01-01

In order to achieve uniformity in radiological imaging, it is recommended that the concept of equivalence in shape (quality) and size (quantity) of clinical Xray beams should be used for carrying out the comparative evaluation of image and patient dose. When used under the same irradiation geometry, X-ray beams that are strictly or relatively equivalent in terms of shape and size will produce identical or relatively identical image quality and patient dose. Simple mathematical models and software program EQSPECT.FOR were developed for the comparative evaluation of the performance characteristics in terms of contrast (C), contrast to noise ratio (CNR) and figure-of-merit (FOM = CNR2/DOSE) for spectrally equivalent beams transmitted through filter materials referred to as conventional and k-edged. At the same value of operating potential (kVp), results show that spectrally equivalent beam transmitted through conventional filter with higher atomic number (Z-value) in comparison with that transmitted through conventional filter with lower Z-value resulted in the same value of C and FOM. However, in comparison with the spectrally equivalent beam transmitted through filter of lower Z-value, the beam through filter of higher Z-value produced higher value of CNR and DOSE at equal tube loading (mAs) and kVp. Under the condition of equivalence of spectrum, at scaled (or reduced) tube loading and same kVp, filter materials of higher Z-value can produce the same values of C, CNR, DOSE and FOM as filter materials of lower Z-value. Unlike the case of comparison of spectrally equivalent beam transmitted through one conventional filter and that through another conventional filter, it is not possible to derive simple mathematical formulations for the relative performance of spectrally equivalent beam transmitted through a given conventional filter material and that through kedge filter material. PMID:21224928

INSIDE IAQ (SPRING/SUMMER 2001)

EPA Science Inventory

The newsletter discusses results of research on volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from photocopier toners, hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) emitted by shower curtains, asthma intervention in Boston public housing, air pollution from burning candles, and the impact of ozone...

Supernova brightening from chameleon-photon mixing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Burrage, C.

2008-02-15

Measurements of standard candles and measurements of standard rulers give an inconsistent picture of the history of the universe. This discrepancy can be explained if photon number is not conserved as computations of the luminosity distance must be modified. I show that photon number is not conserved when photons mix with chameleons in the presence of a magnetic field. The strong magnetic fields in a supernova mean that the probability of a photon converting into a chameleon in the interior of the supernova is high, this results in a large flux of chameleons at the surface of the supernova. Chameleonsmore » and photons also mix as a result of the intergalactic magnetic field. These two effects combined cause the image of the supernova to be brightened resulting in a model which fits both observations of standard candles and observations of standard rulers.« less

Don't Underestimate the Benefits of Being Misunderstood.

PubMed

Gibson, Edward; Tan, Caitlin; Futrell, Richard; Mahowald, Kyle; Konieczny, Lars; Hemforth, Barbara; Fedorenko, Evelina

2017-06-01

Being a nonnative speaker of a language poses challenges. Individuals often feel embarrassed by the errors they make when talking in their second language. However, here we report an advantage of being a nonnative speaker: Native speakers give foreign-accented speakers the benefit of the doubt when interpreting their utterances; as a result, apparently implausible utterances are more likely to be interpreted in a plausible way when delivered in a foreign than in a native accent. Across three replicated experiments, we demonstrated that native English speakers are more likely to interpret implausible utterances, such as "the mother gave the candle the daughter," as similar plausible utterances ("the mother gave the candle to the daughter") when the speaker has a foreign accent. This result follows from the general model of language interpretation in a noisy channel, under the hypothesis that listeners assume a higher error rate in foreign-accented than in nonaccented speech.

When a Standard Candle Flickers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson-Hodge, Colleen A.; Cherry, M. L.; Beklen, E.; Bhat, P. N.; Briggs, M. S.; Camero-Arranz, A.; Case, G. L.; Chaplin, V.; Connaughton, V.; Finger, M. H.;

Development of CANDLES low background HPGe detector and half-life measurement of 180Tam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chan, W. M.; Kishimoto, T.; Umehara, S.; Matsuoka, K.; Suzuki, K.; Yoshida, S.; Nakajima, K.; Iida, T.; Fushimi, K.; Nomachi, M.; Ogawa, I.; Tamagawa, Y.; Hazama, R.; Takemoto, Y.; Nakatani, N.; Takihira, Y.; Tozawa, M.; Kakubata, H.; Trang, V. T. T.; Ohata, T.; Tetsuno, K.; Maeda, T.; Khai, B. T.; Li, X. L.; Batpurev, T.

2018-01-01

A low background HPGe detector system was developed at CANDLES Experimental Hall for multipurpose use. Various low background techniques were employed, including hermatic shield design, radon gas suppression, and background reduction analysis. A new pulse shape discrimination (PSD) method was specially created for coaxial Ge detector. Using this PSD method, microphonics noise and background event at low energy region less than 200 keV can be rejected effectively. Monte Carlo simulation by GEANT4 was performed to acquire the detection efficiency and study the interaction of gamma-rays with detector system. For rare decay measurement, the detector was utilized to detect the nature's most stable isomer tantalum-180m (180Tam) decay. Two phases of tantalum physics run were completed with total livetime of 358.2 days, which Phase II has upgraded shield configuration. The world most stringent half-life limit of 180Tam has been successfully achieved.

Preliminary safety analysis of Pb-Bi cooled 800 MWt modified CANDLE burn-up scheme based fast reactors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Su'ud, Zaki, E-mail: szaki@fi.itba.c.id; Sekimoto, H., E-mail: hsekimot@gmail.com

2014-09-30

Pb-Bi Cooled fast reactors with modified CANDLE burn-up scheme with 10 regions and 10 years cycle length has been investigated from neutronic aspects. In this study the safety aspect of such reactors have been investigated and discussed. Several condition of unprotected loss of flow (ULOF) and unprotected rod run-out transient over power (UTOP) have been simulated and the results show that the reactors excellent safety performance. At 80 seconds after unprotected loss of flow condition, the core flow rate drop to about 25% of its initial flow and slowly move toward its natural circulation level. The maximum fuel temperature canmore » be managed below 1000°C and the maximum cladding temperature can be managed below 700°C. The dominant reactivity feedback is radial core expansion and Doppler effect, followed by coolant density effect and fuel axial expansion effect.« less

Kalman and particle filtering methods for full vehicle and tyre identification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bogdanski, Karol; Best, Matthew C.

2018-05-01

This paper considers identification of all significant vehicle handling dynamics of a test vehicle, including identification of a combined-slip tyre model, using only those sensors currently available on most vehicle controller area network buses. Using an appropriately simple but efficient model structure, all of the independent parameters are found from test vehicle data, with the resulting model accuracy demonstrated on independent validation data. The paper extends previous work on augmented Kalman Filter state estimators to concentrate wholly on parameter identification. It also serves as a review of three alternative filtering methods; identifying forms of the unscented Kalman filter, extended Kalman filter and particle filter are proposed and compared for effectiveness, complexity and computational efficiency. All three filters are suited to applications of system identification and the Kalman Filters can also operate in real-time in on-line model predictive controllers or estimators.

Adaptive iterated function systems filter for images highly corrupted with fixed - Value impulse noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shanmugavadivu, P.; Eliahim Jeevaraj, P. S.

2014-06-01

The Adaptive Iterated Functions Systems (AIFS) Filter presented in this paper has an outstanding potential to attenuate the fixed-value impulse noise in images. This filter has two distinct phases namely noise detection and noise correction which uses Measure of Statistics and Iterated Function Systems (IFS) respectively. The performance of AIFS filter is assessed by three metrics namely, Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR), Mean Structural Similarity Index Matrix (MSSIM) and Human Visual Perception (HVP). The quantitative measures PSNR and MSSIM endorse the merit of this filter in terms of degree of noise suppression and details/edge preservation respectively, in comparison with the high performing filters reported in the recent literature. The qualitative measure HVP confirms the noise suppression ability of the devised filter. This computationally simple noise filter broadly finds application wherein the images are highly degraded by fixed-value impulse noise.

Broadband ultraviolet reflectance filters for space applications.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Osantowski, J. F.; Toft, A. R.

1973-01-01

It is shown that a simple metal-dielectric-metal filter for broadband ultraviolet (BUV) reflectance control can provide a stable and effective means for reducing stray visible radiation in UV reflective optical systems. The application of such a filter in a BUV instrument resulted in a reduction of scattered visible light by at least an order of magnitude. The instrument has been in orbit for 2.5 year without loss of sensitivity or an increase in scattered light background.-

Let's do science with children

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paolini, Mara

2013-04-01

The school where I worked in 2011,was for primary school teachers-to-be. Classes were formed by a high number of students with a handicapped student in each class. The school was attended mainly by girls with low self-esteem and difficulties in fulfilling their homework. Moreover secondary school students often find science far from their world and rather boring. So helping them understand the relationship between science and everyday life, between chemistry and society was my main objective . Simple / elementary experiments were chosen : if presented and carried out with scientific method, they can prove very useful in the development of specific abilities, from simple observation to the more complex and vital ability to grasp cause and effect relation. I think that the direct observation of facts and phenomena is the foundation to stimulate the process of learning and abstracting experiments: A. The pressure as a force, the behavior of the hot and cold water. 1. the implosion of the can 2. the candle 3. the balloon and the bottle 4. the egg in the bottle Monitoring and evaluation The direct observation of students during operations and final written reports were the ways which was evaluated the project. Results of the project carried out: The students were able to use scientific language correctly, to explain the phenomenon to primary school children using their own ideas. they also devised a table where to list the experiments carried out

Gain-Scheduled Complementary Filter Design for a MEMS Based Attitude and Heading Reference System

PubMed Central

Yoo, Tae Suk; Hong, Sung Kyung; Yoon, Hyok Min; Park, Sungsu

2011-01-01

This paper describes a robust and simple algorithm for an attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) based on low-cost MEMS inertial and magnetic sensors. The proposed approach relies on a gain-scheduled complementary filter, augmented by an acceleration-based switching architecture to yield robust performance, even when the vehicle is subject to strong accelerations. Experimental results are provided for a road captive test during which the vehicle dynamics are in high-acceleration mode and the performance of the proposed filter is evaluated against the output from a conventional linear complementary filter. PMID:22163824

Inverse design of high-Q wave filters in two-dimensional phononic crystals by topology optimization.

PubMed

Dong, Hao-Wen; Wang, Yue-Sheng; Zhang, Chuanzeng

2017-04-01

Topology optimization of a waveguide-cavity structure in phononic crystals for designing narrow band filters under the given operating frequencies is presented in this paper. We show that it is possible to obtain an ultra-high-Q filter by only optimizing the cavity topology without introducing any other coupling medium. The optimized cavity with highly symmetric resonance can be utilized as the multi-channel filter, raising filter and T-splitter. In addition, most optimized high-Q filters have the Fano resonances near the resonant frequencies. Furthermore, our filter optimization based on the waveguide and cavity, and our simple illustration of a computational approach to wave control in phononic crystals can be extended and applied to design other acoustic devices or even opto-mechanical devices. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optimal Sharpening of Compensated Comb Decimation Filters: Analysis and Design

PubMed Central

Troncoso Romero, David Ernesto

2014-01-01

Comb filters are a class of low-complexity filters especially useful for multistage decimation processes. However, the magnitude response of comb filters presents a droop in the passband region and low stopband attenuation, which is undesirable in many applications. In this work, it is shown that, for stringent magnitude specifications, sharpening compensated comb filters requires a lower-degree sharpening polynomial compared to sharpening comb filters without compensation, resulting in a solution with lower computational complexity. Using a simple three-addition compensator and an optimization-based derivation of sharpening polynomials, we introduce an effective low-complexity filtering scheme. Design examples are presented in order to show the performance improvement in terms of passband distortion and selectivity compared to other methods based on the traditional Kaiser-Hamming sharpening and the Chebyshev sharpening techniques recently introduced in the literature. PMID:24578674

Optimal sharpening of compensated comb decimation filters: analysis and design.

PubMed

Troncoso Romero, David Ernesto; Laddomada, Massimiliano; Jovanovic Dolecek, Gordana

2014-01-01

Comb filters are a class of low-complexity filters especially useful for multistage decimation processes. However, the magnitude response of comb filters presents a droop in the passband region and low stopband attenuation, which is undesirable in many applications. In this work, it is shown that, for stringent magnitude specifications, sharpening compensated comb filters requires a lower-degree sharpening polynomial compared to sharpening comb filters without compensation, resulting in a solution with lower computational complexity. Using a simple three-addition compensator and an optimization-based derivation of sharpening polynomials, we introduce an effective low-complexity filtering scheme. Design examples are presented in order to show the performance improvement in terms of passband distortion and selectivity compared to other methods based on the traditional Kaiser-Hamming sharpening and the Chebyshev sharpening techniques recently introduced in the literature.

Multi-band transmission color filters for multi-color white LEDs based visible light communication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Qixia; Zhu, Zhendong; Gu, Huarong; Chen, Mengzhu; Tan, Qiaofeng

2017-11-01

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) based visible light communication (VLC) can provide license-free bands, high data rates, and high security levels, which is a promising technique that will be extensively applied in future. Multi-band transmission color filters with enough peak transmittance and suitable bandwidth play a pivotal role for boosting signal-noise-ratio in VLC systems. In this paper, multi-band transmission color filters with bandwidth of dozens nanometers are designed by a simple analytical method. Experiment results of one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) tri-band color filters demonstrate the effectiveness of the multi-band transmission color filters and the corresponding analytical method.

Filter methods to preserve local contrast and to avoid artifacts in gamut mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meili, Marcel; Küpper, Dennis; Barańczuk, Zofia; Caluori, Ursina; Simon, Klaus

2010-01-01

Contrary to high dynamic range imaging, the preservation of details and the avoidance of artifacts is not explicitly considered in popular color management systems. An effective way to overcome these difficulties is image filtering. In this paper we investigate several image filter concepts for detail preservation as part of a practical gamut mapping strategy. In particular we define four concepts including various image filters and check their performance with a psycho-visual test. Additionally, we compare our performance evaluation to two image quality measures with emphasis on local contrast. Surprisingly, the most simple filter concept performs highly efficient and achieves an image quality which is comparable to the more established but slower methods.

The Use of Percolating Filters in Teaching Ecology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gray, N. F.

1982-01-01

Using percolating filters (components of sewage treatment process) reduces problems of organization, avoids damage to habitats, and provides a local study site for field work or rapid collection of biological material throughout the year. Component organisms are easily identified and the habitat can be studied as a simple or complex system.…

Additive loss-of-function proteasome subunit mutations in CANDLE/PRAAS patients promote type I IFN production

PubMed Central

Brehm, Anja; Liu, Yin; Sheikh, Afzal; Marrero, Bernadette; Omoyinmi, Ebun; Zhou, Qing; Montealegre, Gina; Biancotto, Angelique; Reinhardt, Adam; Almeida de Jesus, Adriana; Pelletier, Martin; Tsai, Wanxia L.; Remmers, Elaine F.; Kardava, Lela; Hill, Suvimol; Kim, Hanna; Lachmann, Helen J.; Megarbane, Andre; Chae, Jae Jin; Brady, Jilian; Castillo, Rhina D.; Brown, Diane; Casano, Angel Vera; Gao, Ling; Chapelle, Dawn; Huang, Yan; Stone, Deborah; Chen, Yongqing; Sotzny, Franziska; Lee, Chyi-Chia Richard; Kastner, Daniel L.; Torrelo, Antonio; Zlotogorski, Abraham; Moir, Susan; Gadina, Massimo; McCoy, Phil; Wesley, Robert; Rother, Kristina; Hildebrand, Peter W.; Brogan, Paul; Krüger, Elke; Aksentijevich, Ivona; Goldbach-Mansky, Raphaela

2015-01-01

Autosomal recessive mutations in proteasome subunit β 8 (PSMB8), which encodes the inducible proteasome subunit β5i, cause the immune-dysregulatory disease chronic atypical neutrophilic dermatosis with lipodystrophy and elevated temperature (CANDLE), which is classified as a proteasome-associated autoinflammatory syndrome (PRAAS). Here, we identified 8 mutations in 4 proteasome genes, PSMA3 (encodes α7), PSMB4 (encodes β7), PSMB9 (encodes β1i), and proteasome maturation protein (POMP), that have not been previously associated with disease and 1 mutation in PSMB8 that has not been previously reported. One patient was compound heterozygous for PSMB4 mutations, 6 patients from 4 families were heterozygous for a missense mutation in 1 inducible proteasome subunit and a mutation in a constitutive proteasome subunit, and 1 patient was heterozygous for a POMP mutation, thus establishing a digenic and autosomal dominant inheritance pattern of PRAAS. Function evaluation revealed that these mutations variably affect transcription, protein expression, protein folding, proteasome assembly, and, ultimately, proteasome activity. Moreover, defects in proteasome formation and function were recapitulated by siRNA-mediated knockdown of the respective subunits in primary fibroblasts from healthy individuals. Patient-isolated hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cells exhibited a strong IFN gene-expression signature, irrespective of genotype. Additionally, chemical proteasome inhibition or progressive depletion of proteasome subunit gene transcription with siRNA induced transcription of type I IFN genes in healthy control cells. Our results provide further insight into CANDLE genetics and link global proteasome dysfunction to increased type I IFN production. PMID:26524591

The Secret Lives of Cepheids: Searching for Evolutionary Changes Using Photoelectric Photometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toce, Michael; Guinan, Edward F.; Engle, Scott G.; Wasatonic, Richard P.

2016-01-01

Classical Cepheids are pulsating, yellow supergiants and one of the most important classes of variable stars. They have a direct linear relationship between their period and luminosity and thus serve as crucial "standard candles" for determining the cosmic distance scale and measuring the Hubble Constant. Also, Cepheids play a fundamental role in the calibration of Type Ia supernovae, indicating that the expansion of the Universe is accelerating, and also infer the existence of dark energy. Studies of changes in their pulsation periods and amplitudes reveal evolutionary changes too subtle to detect directly, and understanding these various characteristics of Cepheids is critical to their use as high-precision standard candles. To this end, the Villanova Secret Lives of Cepheids (SLiC) program was created as a comprehensive study of Cepheid behavior, evolution, pulsations, atmospheres, heating dynamics, shocks and winds. As part of the SLiC program, ground-based photometry is being carried out of small sample of bright Cepheids. The observations are being made using the 14-inch reflector telescope at Villanova Campus Observatory. Mounted on the telescope is a SBIG photoelectric photometer equipped with standard Johnson UBVRI filters. Photometry is being carried out of the following stars along with their spectral type, period, and visual mag: X Cyg (F7Ib, ~16.39d, 6.47mag), DT Cyg (F7.5Ib, ~2.5d, 5.82mag), S Sge (G5Ibv, ~8.38d, 5.36mag), FF Aql (F6Ib, ~4.47d, 5.38mag), Eta Aql (F6Iab, ~7.18d,3.80mag), and Delta Cep (F5Iab, ~5.37d, 3.75mag). The primary scientific objectives are to obtain light curves to investigate possible evolutionary changes from small variations in luminosity, light amplitude and pulsation period. Special emphasis was placed on the classical Cepheid X Cyg due to recent changes in pulsation period, shown by Szabados via a phase jump in X Cyg's O-C (observed - calculated). X Cyg holds priority in our observations as we attempt to affirm or deny this pulsation period change. We combined the Villanova photometry with complementary B, V and Near-IR photometry conducted from nearby Allentown by Wasatonic.

UDU/T/ covariance factorization for Kalman filtering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thornton, C. L.; Bierman, G. J.

1980-01-01

There has been strong motivation to produce numerically stable formulations of the Kalman filter algorithms because it has long been known that the original discrete-time Kalman formulas are numerically unreliable. Numerical instability can be avoided by propagating certain factors of the estimate error covariance matrix rather than the covariance matrix itself. This paper documents filter algorithms that correspond to the covariance factorization P = UDU(T), where U is a unit upper triangular matrix and D is diagonal. Emphasis is on computational efficiency and numerical stability, since these properties are of key importance in real-time filter applications. The history of square-root and U-D covariance filters is reviewed. Simple examples are given to illustrate the numerical inadequacy of the Kalman covariance filter algorithms; these examples show how factorization techniques can give improved computational reliability.

Detectable Warning Surfaces : Color, Contrast, and Reflectance

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1994-09-01

The visual contrast of ten detectable warning surface/platform pairs was measured on an interior platform illuminated at 20 foot-candles, as recommended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) A4.429.2, by 24 persons h...

Unsteady Spherical Diffusion Flames in Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Atreya, Arvind; Berhan, S.; Chernovsky, M.; Sacksteder, Kurt R.

2001-01-01

The absence of buoyancy-induced flows in microgravity (mu-g) and the resulting increase in the reactant residence time significantly alters the fundamentals of many combustion processes. Substantial differences between normal gravity (ng) and (mu-g) flames have been reported in experiments on candle flames, flame spread over solids, droplet combustion, and others. These differences are more basic than just in the visible flame shape. Longer residence times and higher concentration of combustion products in the flame zone create a thermochemical environment that changes the flame chemistry and the heat and mass transfer processes. Processes such as flame radiation, that are often ignored in ng, become very important and sometimes even controlling. Furthermore, microgravity conditions considerably enhance flame radiation by: (i) the build-up of combustion products in the high-temperature reaction zone which increases the gas radiation, and (ii) longer residence times make conditions appropriate for substantial amounts of soot to form which is also responsible for radiative heat loss. Thus, it is anticipated that radiative heat loss may eventually extinguish the "weak" (low burning rate per unit flame area) mu-g diffusion flame. Yet, space shuttle experiments on candle flames show that in an infinite ambient atmosphere, the hemispherical candle flame in mu-g will burn indefinitely. This may be because of the coupling between the fuel production rate and the flame via the heat-feedback mechanism for candle flames, flames over solids and fuel droplet flames. Thus, to focus only on the gas-phase phenomena leading to radiative extinction, aerodynamically stabilized gaseous diffusion flames are examined. This enables independent control of the fuel flow rate to help identify conditions under which radiative extinction occurs. Also, spherical geometry is chosen for the mu-g experiments and modeling because: (i) It reduces the complexity by making the problem one-dimensional; (ii) The spherical diffusion flame completely encloses the soot which is formed on the fuel rich side of the reaction zone. This increases the importance of flame radiation because now both soot and gaseous combustion products co-exist inside the high temperature spherical diffusion flame. (iii) For small fuel injection velocities, as is usually the case for a pyrolyzing solid, the diffusion flame in mu-g around the solid naturally develops spherical symmetry. Thus, spherical diffusion flames are of interest to fires in mu-g and identifying conditions that lead to radiation-induced extinction is important for spacecraft fire safety.

Getting an Answer Right

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moore, John W.

1999-07-01

Maintaining the credibility and power of science requires knowledge and experience, healthy skepticism, constant vigilance, and a set of ethical standards. It also requires communication media and willingness on the part of members of the scientific community to discuss their ideas with others when their skepticism leads them to question oral, written, or electronically transmitted statements. Good examples of such discourse are provided in this issue. Parsons (1) suggests that an earlier paper on determining the volume fraction of oxygen in air was in error. He also provides calculations and arguments in support of his hypothesis regarding what really happens. Birk and Lawson (2) describe the long history of the idea that a burning candle in a closed container will not be extinguished until all the oxygen has been used up. Many published experiments for determining the fraction of oxygen in air depend on this hypothesis. Birk and Lawson's results, however, contradict it. A mouse confined with the burning candle remains active and unharmed after the candle goes out, showing no signs of oxygen deprivation. Quantitative measurement of the change in volume of the gas inside the container confirms that only part of the oxygen is consumed before the candle goes out. It is quite clear that we teachers can fool ourselves into thinking we have demonstrated a scientific principle or fact when we have not. Often we show students a captivating visual display of a phenomenon, but interpret it incorrectly. Another of the many examples that have appeared in these pages involves diffusion. Graham's law is usually derived and related to the kinetic-molecular theory based on the speeds of molecules. It was shown some time ago in JCE that molecular speeds are related to rates of effusion of gases into a vacuum through an orifice in a thin barrier (3). A different derivation is required (but a similar result is obtained) when gases at equal pressure diffuse into one another through a porous medium. Still another derivation is required (and a different result is obtained) when two gases diffuse into a third gas from opposite ends of a constant-volume container. Graham's law is typically demonstrated either by diffusion through a porous frit or by diffusion of HCl and NH3 into air from opposite ends of a glass tube. Neither of these involves experimental conditions that satisfy the assumptions of the derivation presented in most texts. Also misleading are demonstrations in which perfume released in one place becomes detectable throughout a room, or a crystal of KMnO4 dissolves and disperses to form a uniformly colored aqueous solution. Unless special precautions are taken, dispersion of a substance into a fluid depends more on convection than on diffusion (4). In one case a study of student misconceptions about diffusion was based on the researcher's misconception that dispersion of a dye in water during a period of only a few minutes was an illustration of diffusion (5). If we can convince ourselves that we have accurately determined an expected result or demonstrated a principle, even though the experiment or demonstration should not give that result, then most students are also likely to be convinced. It is important that they learn that skepticism and courteous, rational discourse are important components of scientific progress. Persistent misconceptions such as the two described above provide a golden opportunity to involve students in such discourse. We could, for example, demonstrate both a method that works and one that does not, compare results, and ask students to suggest additional experiments that might resolve the issue. (Steel wool and 0.25 M acetic acid can be used to achieve a reproducible and reasonably accurate determination of the fraction of oxygen in air [6]. Davis [4] reports that rates of diffusion in an agar gel, which minimizes convection, are essentially the same as in water, which provides a way of showing how slow diffusion really is.) Or we could ask students to make careful observations as an experiment is being carried out and then decide whether the proposed interpretation was correct. (If the only effect of burning a candle in a beaker inverted in a water bath is to use up the oxygen, then the water should rise slowly and steadily into the beaker as long as the candle burns; it does not.) Getting the right answer is not nearly as important as getting an answer right- exploring and experimenting to eliminate alternative hypotheses and finding the best-supported explanation. Diffusion and the fraction of oxygen in air can be studied with simple, inexpensive equipment, and it is easy for students to experiment with them. If we use them appropriately, these two subjects have great potential for enhancing students' skills in critical thinking and experimental design. Many other phenomena reported in these pages provide similar opportunities. Let's apply our ingenuity and effort to making the most of them. Literature Cited 1. Parsons, L. J. Chem. Educ. 1999, 76, 898. 2. Birk, J. P.; Lawson, A. E. J. Chem. Educ. 1999, 76, 914. 3. Mason, E. A.; Kronstadt, B. J. Chem. Educ. 1967, 44, 740. Kirk, A. D. J. Chem. Educ. 1967, 44, 745. 4. Davis, L. C. J. Chem. Educ. 1996, 73, 824. 5. Westbrook, S.; Marek, E. A. J. Res. Sci. Teach. 1991, 28, 649-660 6. Birk, J. P.; McGrath, L.; Gunter, S. K. J. Chem. Educ. 1981, 58, 804.

Construction of flexible metal-organic framework (MOF) papers through MOF growth on filter paper and their selective dye capture.

PubMed

Park, Jeehyun; Oh, Moonhyun

2017-09-14

The conjugation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with other materials is an excellent strategy for the production of advanced materials having desired properties and so appropriate applicability. In particular, the integration of MOFs with a flexible paper is expected to form valuable materials in separation technology. Here we report a simple method for the generation of MOF papers through the compact and uniform growth of MOF nanoparticles on the cellulose surface of a carboxymethylated filter paper. The resulting MOF papers show a selective capture ability for negatively charged organic dyes and they can be used for dye separation through simple filtration of a dye solution on the MOF papers. In addition, MOF papers can be reused after a simple washing process without losing their effective dye capture ability.

Moiré phase-shifted fiber Bragg gratings in polymer optical fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Min, Rui; Marques, Carlos; Bang, Ole; Ortega, Beatriz

2018-03-01

We demonstrate a simple way to fabricate phase-shifted fiber Bragg grating in polymer optical fibers as a narrowband transmission filter for a variety of applications at telecom wavelengths. The filters have been fabricated by overlapping two uniform fiber Bragg gratings with slightly different periods to create a Moiré grating with only two pulses (one pulse is 15 ns) of UV power. Experimental characterization of the filter is provided under different conditions where the strain and temperature sensitivities were measured.

Long-range prediction of the low-frequency mode in the low-level Indian monsoon circulation with a simple statistical method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Tsing-Chang; Yen, Ming-Cheng; Wu, Kuang-Der; Ng, Thomas

1992-08-01

The time evolution of the Indian monsoon is closely related to locations of the northward migrating monsoon troughs and ridges which can be well depicted with the 30 60day filtered 850-mb streamfunction. Thus, long-range forecasts of the large-scale low-level monsoon can be obtained from those of the filtered 850-mb streamfunction. These long-range forecasts were made in this study in terms of the Auto Regressive (AR) Moving-Average process. The historical series of the AR model were constructed with the 30 60day filtered 850-mb streamfunction [˜ψ (850mb)] time series of 4months. However, the phase of the last low-frequency cycle in the ˜ψ (850mb) time series can be skewed by the bandpass filtering. To reduce this phase skewness, a simple scheme is introduced. With this phase modification of the filtered 850-mb streamfunction, we performed the pilot forecast experiments of three summers with the AR forecast process. The forecast errors in the positions of the northward propagating monsoon troughs and ridges at Day 20 are generally within the range of 12days behind the observed, except in some extreme cases.

An Optimal Current Controller Design for a Grid Connected Inverter to Improve Power Quality and Test Commercial PV Inverters.

PubMed

Algaddafi, Ali; Altuwayjiri, Saud A; Ahmed, Oday A; Daho, Ibrahim

2017-01-01

Grid connected inverters play a crucial role in generating energy to be fed to the grid. A filter is commonly used to suppress the switching frequency harmonics produced by the inverter, this being passive, and either an L- or LCL-filter. The latter is smaller in size compared to the L-filter. But choosing the optimal values of the LCL-filter is challenging due to resonance, which can affect stability. This paper presents a simple inverter controller design with an L-filter. The control topology is simple and applied easily using traditional control theory. Fast Fourier Transform analysis is used to compare different grid connected inverter control topologies. The modelled grid connected inverter with the proposed controller complies with the IEEE-1547 standard, and total harmonic distortion of the output current of the modelled inverter has been just 0.25% with an improved output waveform. Experimental work on a commercial PV inverter is then presented, including the effect of strong and weak grid connection. Inverter effects on the resistive load connected at the point of common coupling are presented. Results show that the voltage and current of resistive load, when the grid is interrupted, are increased, which may cause failure or damage for connecting appliances.

An Optimal Current Controller Design for a Grid Connected Inverter to Improve Power Quality and Test Commercial PV Inverters

PubMed Central

Altuwayjiri, Saud A.; Ahmed, Oday A.; Daho, Ibrahim

2017-01-01

Grid connected inverters play a crucial role in generating energy to be fed to the grid. A filter is commonly used to suppress the switching frequency harmonics produced by the inverter, this being passive, and either an L- or LCL-filter. The latter is smaller in size compared to the L-filter. But choosing the optimal values of the LCL-filter is challenging due to resonance, which can affect stability. This paper presents a simple inverter controller design with an L-filter. The control topology is simple and applied easily using traditional control theory. Fast Fourier Transform analysis is used to compare different grid connected inverter control topologies. The modelled grid connected inverter with the proposed controller complies with the IEEE-1547 standard, and total harmonic distortion of the output current of the modelled inverter has been just 0.25% with an improved output waveform. Experimental work on a commercial PV inverter is then presented, including the effect of strong and weak grid connection. Inverter effects on the resistive load connected at the point of common coupling are presented. Results show that the voltage and current of resistive load, when the grid is interrupted, are increased, which may cause failure or damage for connecting appliances. PMID:28540362

Robustifying blind image deblurring methods by simple filters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yan; Zeng, Xiangrong; Huangpeng, Qizi; Fan, Jun; Zhou, Jinglun; Feng, Jing

2016-07-01

The state-of-the-art blind image deblurring (BID) methods are sensitive to noise, and most of them can deal with only small levels of Gaussian noise. In this paper, we use simple filters to present a robust BID framework which is able to robustify exiting BID methods to high-level Gaussian noise or/and Non-Gaussian noise. Experiments on images in presence of Gaussian noise, impulse noise (salt-and-pepper noise and random-valued noise) and mixed Gaussian-impulse noise, and a real-world blurry and noisy image show that the proposed method can faster estimate sharper kernels and better images, than that obtained by other methods.

Modified signal-to-noise: a new simple and practical gene filtering approach based on the concept of projective adaptive resonance theory (PART) filtering method.

PubMed

Takahashi, Hiro; Honda, Hiroyuki

2006-07-01

Considering the recent advances in and the benefits of DNA microarray technologies, many gene filtering approaches have been employed for the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases. In our previous study, we developed a new filtering method, namely, the projective adaptive resonance theory (PART) filtering method. This method was effective in subclass discrimination. In the PART algorithm, the genes with a low variance in gene expression in either class, not both classes, were selected as important genes for modeling. Based on this concept, we developed novel simple filtering methods such as modified signal-to-noise (S2N') in the present study. The discrimination model constructed using these methods showed higher accuracy with higher reproducibility as compared with many conventional filtering methods, including the t-test, S2N, NSC and SAM. The reproducibility of prediction was evaluated based on the correlation between the sets of U-test p-values on randomly divided datasets. With respect to leukemia, lymphoma and breast cancer, the correlation was high; a difference of >0.13 was obtained by the constructed model by using <50 genes selected by S2N'. Improvement was higher in the smaller genes and such higher correlation was observed when t-test, NSC and SAM were used. These results suggest that these modified methods, such as S2N', have high potential to function as new methods for marker gene selection in cancer diagnosis using DNA microarray data. Software is available upon request.

Filter Selection for Optimizing the Spectral Sensitivity of Broadband Multispectral Cameras Based on Maximum Linear Independence.

PubMed

Li, Sui-Xian

2018-05-07

Previous research has shown that the effectiveness of selecting filter sets from among a large set of commercial broadband filters by a vector analysis method based on maximum linear independence (MLI). However, the traditional MLI approach is suboptimal due to the need to predefine the first filter of the selected filter set to be the maximum ℓ₂ norm among all available filters. An exhaustive imaging simulation with every single filter serving as the first filter is conducted to investigate the features of the most competent filter set. From the simulation, the characteristics of the most competent filter set are discovered. Besides minimization of the condition number, the geometric features of the best-performed filter set comprise a distinct transmittance peak along the wavelength axis of the first filter, a generally uniform distribution for the peaks of the filters and substantial overlaps of the transmittance curves of the adjacent filters. Therefore, the best-performed filter sets can be recognized intuitively by simple vector analysis and just a few experimental verifications. A practical two-step framework for selecting optimal filter set is recommended, which guarantees a significant enhancement of the performance of the systems. This work should be useful for optimizing the spectral sensitivity of broadband multispectral imaging sensors.

Candles, Corks and Contracts: Essential Relationships between Learners and Libraries.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burge, Elizabeth J.; Snow, Judith E.

2000-01-01

Current relationships between libraries and adult learners are shaped by technology adoption, learner demographics, constructivist learning, and institutional pressures. Future relationships must emphasize learner-centered action over technological efficiency, stronger learning leadership, and greater integration of libraries in educational…

The Amateur Scientist: Simple Optical Experiments in Which Spatial Filtering Removes the "Noise" from Pictures.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walker, Jearl

1982-01-01

Spatial filtering, based on diffraction/interference of light waves, is a technique by which unwanted information in a picture ("noise") can be separated from wanted information. A series of experiments is described in which students can create a system that functions as an optical computer to create clearer pictures. (Author/JN)

Design of almost symmetric orthogonal wavelet filter bank via direct optimization.

PubMed

Murugesan, Selvaraaju; Tay, David B H

2012-05-01

It is a well-known fact that (compact-support) dyadic wavelets [based on the two channel filter banks (FBs)] cannot be simultaneously orthogonal and symmetric. Although orthogonal wavelets have the energy preservation property, biorthogonal wavelets are preferred in image processing applications because of their symmetric property. In this paper, a novel method is presented for the design of almost symmetric orthogonal wavelet FB. Orthogonality is structurally imposed by using the unnormalized lattice structure, and this leads to an objective function, which is relatively simple to optimize. The designed filters have good frequency response, flat group delay, almost symmetric filter coefficients, and symmetric wavelet function.

Bounding filter - A simple solution to lack of exact a priori statistics.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nahi, N. E.; Weiss, I. M.

1972-01-01

Wiener and Kalman-Bucy estimation problems assume that models describing the signal and noise stochastic processes are exactly known. When this modeling information, i.e., the signal and noise spectral densities for Wiener filter and the signal and noise dynamic system and disturbing noise representations for Kalman-Bucy filtering, is inexactly known, then the filter's performance is suboptimal and may even exhibit apparent divergence. In this paper a system is designed whereby the actual estimation error covariance is bounded by the covariance calculated by the estimator. Therefore, the estimator obtains a bound on the actual error covariance which is not available, and also prevents its apparent divergence.

Computational Design of Tunable UV-Vis-IR Filters Based on Silver Nanoparticle Arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waters, Michael; Shi, Guangsha; Kioupakis, Emmanouil

We propose design strategies to develop selective optical filters in the UV-Vis-IR spectrum using the surface plasmon response of silver nanoparticle arrays. Our finite-difference time-domain simulations allow us to rapidly evaluate many nanostructures comprising simple geometries while varying their shape, height, width, and spacing. Our results allow us to identify trends in the filtering spectra as well as the relative amount of absorption and reflection. Optical filtering with nanoparticles is applicable to any transparent substrate and can be easily adapted to existing manufacturing processes while keeping the total cost of materials low. This work was supported by Guardian Industries Corp.

Decomposition of ECG by linear filtering.

PubMed

Murthy, I S; Niranjan, U C

1992-01-01

A simple method is developed for the delineation of a given electrocardiogram (ECG) signal into its component waves. The properties of discrete cosine transform (DCT) are exploited for the purpose. The transformed signal is convolved with appropriate filters and the component waves are obtained by computing the inverse transform (IDCT) of the filtered signals. The filters are derived from the time signal itself. Analysis of continuous strips of ECG signals with various arrhythmias showed that the performance of the method is satisfactory both qualitatively and quantitatively. The small amplitude P wave usually had a high percentage rms difference (PRD) compared to the other large component waves.

A multi-purpose readout electronics for CdTe and CZT detectors for x-ray imaging applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yue, X. B.; Deng, Z.; Xing, Y. X.; Liu, Y. N.

2017-09-01

A multi-purpose readout electronics based on the DPLMS digital filter has been developed for CdTe and CZT detectors for X-ray imaging applications. Different filter coefficients can be synthesized optimized either for high energy resolution at relatively low counting rate or for high rate photon-counting with reduced energy resolution. The effects of signal width constraints, sampling rate and length were numerical studied by Mento Carlo simulation with simple CRRC shaper input signals. The signal width constraint had minor effect and the ENC was only increased by 6.5% when the signal width was shortened down to 2 τc. The sampling rate and length depended on the characteristic time constants of both input and output signals. For simple CR-RC input signals, the minimum number of the filter coefficients was 12 with 10% increase in ENC when the output time constant was close to the input shaping time. A prototype readout electronics was developed for demonstration, using a previously designed analog front ASIC and a commercial ADC card. Two different DPLMS filters were successfully synthesized and applied for high resolution and high counting rate applications respectively. The readout electronics was also tested with a linear array CdTe detector. The energy resolutions of Am-241 59.5 keV peak were measured to be 6.41% in FWHM for the high resolution filter and to be 13.58% in FWHM for the high counting rate filter with 160 ns signal width constraint.

Design of Complex BPF with Automatic Digital Tuning Circuit for Low-IF Receivers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kondo, Hideaki; Sawada, Masaru; Murakami, Norio; Masui, Shoichi

This paper describes the architecture and implementations of an automatic digital tuning circuit for a complex bandpass filter (BPF) in a low-power and low-cost transceiver for applications such as personal authentication and wireless sensor network systems. The architectural design analysis demonstrates that an active RC filter in a low-IF architecture can be at least 47.7% smaller in area than a conventional gm-C filter; in addition, it features a simple implementation of an associated tuning circuit. The principle of simultaneous tuning of both the center frequency and bandwidth through calibration of a capacitor array is illustrated as based on an analysis of filter characteristics, and a scalable automatic digital tuning circuit with simple analog blocks and control logic having only 835 gates is introduced. The developed capacitor tuning technique can achieve a tuning error of less than ±3.5% and lower a peaking in the passband filter characteristics. An experimental complex BPF using 0.18µm CMOS technology can successfully reduce the tuning error from an initial value of -20% to less than ±2.5% after tuning. The filter block dimensions are 1.22mm × 1.01mm; and in measurement results of the developed complex BPF with the automatic digital tuning circuit, current consumption is 705µA and the image rejection ratio is 40.3dB. Complete evaluation of the BPF indicates that this technique can be applied to low-power, low-cost transceivers.

The consistency of standard cosmology and the BATSE number versus brightness relation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wickramasinghe, W. A. D. T.; Nemiroff, R. J.; Norris, J. P.; Kouveliotou, C.; Fishman, G. J.; Meegan, C. A.; Wilson, R. B.; Paciesas, W. S.

1993-01-01

The integrated number-peak-flux relation measured by the Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) on board the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory is compared with several standard cosmological distributions for gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). Friedmann-Robertson-Walker models were used along with the assumption that the bursts are standard candles and have no number or luminosity evolution. For a given Omega spectral shape, we used a free parameter, essentially the comoving number density of bursts, to generate a best fit between the cosmology and the measured relation. Our results are shown for a subsample of the first 260 GRBs recorded by BATSE. We find acceptable fits between simple cosmological models and the brightness distribution data, as determined by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov one-distribution statistical test. One cannot distinguish a single best cosmological model from the goodness of the fits. The best fit implies that BATSE GRBs are complete out to a redshift of about unity. However, significantly higher and lower redshifts, by as much as a factor of 2, are possible for other marginally acceptable fits.

Testing Dark Energy with the Advanced Liquid-Mirror Probe of Asteroids, Cosmology and Astrophysics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

LoVerde, M.; Corasaniti, P. S.; Crotts, A.; Blake, C.

2006-06-01

The Advanced Liquid-Mirror Probe of Asteroids, Cosmology and Astrophysics (ALPACA) is a proposed 8-meter liquid mirror telescope surveying ˜ 1000 deg2 of the southern-hemisphere sky. It will be a remarkably simple and inexpensive telescope that will nonetheless deliver a powerful sample of optical data for studying dark energy. The bulk of the cosmological data consists of nightly, high signal-to-noise, multiband light curves of SN Ia. At the end of the three-year run ALPACA is expected to collect ˜ 100,000 SN Ia up to z ˜ 1. This will allow accurate calibration of the standard-candle relation and reduce the systematic uncertainties. The survey will also provide several other datasets such as the detection of baryon acoustic oscillations in the matter power spectrum and shear weak lensing measurements. In this preliminary analysis we forecast constraints on dark energy parameters from SN Ia and baryon acoustic oscillations. The combination of these two datasets will provide competitive constraints on the dark energy parameters with minimal prior assumptions. Further studies are needed to address the accuracy of weak lensing measurements.

Blended particle filters for large-dimensional chaotic dynamical systems

PubMed Central

Majda, Andrew J.; Qi, Di; Sapsis, Themistoklis P.

2014-01-01

A major challenge in contemporary data science is the development of statistically accurate particle filters to capture non-Gaussian features in large-dimensional chaotic dynamical systems. Blended particle filters that capture non-Gaussian features in an adaptively evolving low-dimensional subspace through particles interacting with evolving Gaussian statistics on the remaining portion of phase space are introduced here. These blended particle filters are constructed in this paper through a mathematical formalism involving conditional Gaussian mixtures combined with statistically nonlinear forecast models compatible with this structure developed recently with high skill for uncertainty quantification. Stringent test cases for filtering involving the 40-dimensional Lorenz 96 model with a 5-dimensional adaptive subspace for nonlinear blended filtering in various turbulent regimes with at least nine positive Lyapunov exponents are used here. These cases demonstrate the high skill of the blended particle filter algorithms in capturing both highly non-Gaussian dynamical features as well as crucial nonlinear statistics for accurate filtering in extreme filtering regimes with sparse infrequent high-quality observations. The formalism developed here is also useful for multiscale filtering of turbulent systems and a simple application is sketched below. PMID:24825886

Derivation and use of simple relationships between aerodynamic and optical particle measurements

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A simple relationship, referred to as a mass conversion factor (MCF), is presented to convert optically based particle measurements to mass concentration. It is calculated from filter-based samples and optical particle counter (OPC) data on a daily or sample period basis. The MCF allows for greater ...

Entrapment of Guide Wire in an Inferior Vena Cava Filter: A Technique for Removal

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Abdel-Aal, Ahmed Kamel, E-mail: akamel@uabmc.edu; Saddekni, Souheil; Hamed, Maysoon Farouk

Entrapment of a central venous catheter (CVC) guide wire in an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is a rare, but reported complication during CVC placement. With the increasing use of vena cava filters (VCFs), this number will most likely continue to grow. The consequences of this complication can be serious, as continued traction upon the guide wire may result in filter dislodgement and migration, filter fracture, or injury to the IVC. We describe a case in which a J-tipped guide wire introduced through a left subclavian access without fluoroscopic guidance during CVC placement was entrapped at the apex of anmore » IVC filter. We describe a technique that we used successfully in removing the entrapped wire through the left subclavian access site. We also present simple useful recommendations to prevent this complication.« less

Black carbon cookstove emissions: A field assessment of 19 stove/fuel combinations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garland, Charity; Delapena, Samantha; Prasad, Rajendra; L'Orange, Christian; Alexander, Donee; Johnson, Michael

2017-11-01

Black carbon (BC) emissions from household cookstoves consuming solid fuel produce approximately 25 percent of total anthropogenic BC emissions. The short atmospheric lifetime of BC means that reducing BC emissions would result in a faster climate response than mitigating CO2 and other long-lived greenhouse gases. This study presents the results of optical BC measurements of two new cookstove emissions field assessments and 17 archived cookstove datasets. BC was determined from attenuation of 880 nm light, which is strongly absorbed by BC, and linearly related between 1 and 125 attenuation units. A relationship was experimentally determined correlating BC mass deposition on quartz filters determined via thermal optical analysis (TOA) and on PTFE and quartz filters using transmissometry, yielding an attenuation cross-section (σATN) for both filter media types. σATN relates TOA measurements to optical measurements on PTFE and quartz (σATN(PTFE) = 13.7 cm-2 μg, R2 = 0.87, σATN(Quartz) = 15.6 cm-2 μg, R2 = 0.87). These filter-specific σATN, optical measurements of archived filters were used to determine BC emission factors and the fraction of particulate matter (PM) in the form of black carbon (BC/PM). The 19 stoves measured fell into five stove classes; simple wood, rocket, advanced biomass, simple charcoal, and advanced charcoal. Advanced biomass stoves include forced- and natural-draft gasifiers which use wood or biomass pellets as fuel. Of these classes, the simple wood and rocket stoves demonstrated the highest median BC emission factors, ranging from 0.051 to 0.14 g MJ-1. The lowest BC emission factors were seen in charcoal stoves, which corresponds to the generally low PM emission factors observed during charcoal combustion, ranging from 0.0084 to 0.014 g MJ-1. The advanced biomass stoves generally showed an improvement in BC emissions factors compared to simple wood and rocket stoves, ranging from 0.0031 to 0.071 g MJ-1. BC/PM ratios were highest for the advanced and rocket stoves. Potential relative climate impacts were estimated by converting aerosol emissions to CO2-equivalent, and suggest that some advanced stove/fuel combinations could provide substantial climate benefits.

Design of surface acoustic wave filters for the multiplex transmission system of multilevel inverter circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kubo, Keita; Kanai, Nanae; Kobayashi, Fumiya; Goka, Shigeyoshi; Wada, Keiji; Kakio, Shoji

2017-07-01

We designed surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters for a multiplex transmission system of multilevel inverter circuits, and applied them to a single-phase three-level inverter. To reduce the transmission delay time of the SAW filters, a four-channel SAW filter array was fabricated and its characteristics were measured. The delay time of the SAW filters was <350 ns, and the delay time difference was reduced to ≤184 ns, less than half that previously reported. The SAW filters withstood up to 990 V, which is sufficient for the inverters used in most domestic appliances. A single-phase three-level inverter with the fabricated SAW filters worked with a total delay time shorter than our target delay time of 2.5 µs. The delay time difference of the proposed system was 0.26 µs, which is sufficient for preventing the inverter circuit from short-circuiting. The SAW filters controlled a multilevel inverter system with simple signal wiring and high dielectric withstanding voltages.

Development of a high-performance noise-reduction filter for tomographic reconstruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kao, Chien-Min; Pan, Xiaochuan

2001-07-01

We propose a new noise-reduction method for tomographic reconstruction. The method incorporates a priori information on the source image for allowing the derivation of the energy spectrum of its ideal sinogram. In combination with the energy spectrum of the Poisson noise in the measured sinogram, we are able to derive a Wiener-like filter for effective suppression of the sinogram noise. The filtered backprojection (FBP) algorithm, with a ramp filter, is then applied to the filtered sinogram to produce tomographic images. The resulting filter has a closed-form expression in the frequency space and contains a single user-adjustable regularization parameter. The proposed method is hence simple to implement and easy to use. In contrast to the ad hoc apodizing windows, such as Hanning and Butterworth filters, that are commonly used in the conventional FBP reconstruction, the proposed filter is theoretically more rigorous as it is derived by basing upon an optimization criterion, subject to a known class of source image intensity distributions.

Testing the Stability of 2-D Recursive QP, NSHP and General Digital Filters of Second Order

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rathinam, Ananthanarayanan; Ramesh, Rengaswamy; Reddy, P. Subbarami; Ramaswami, Ramaswamy

Several methods for testing stability of first quadrant quarter-plane two dimensional (2-D) recursive digital filters have been suggested in 1970's and 80's. Though Jury's row and column algorithms, row and column concatenation stability tests have been considered as highly efficient mapping methods. They still fall short of accuracy as they need infinite number of steps to conclude about the exact stability of the filters and also the computational time required is enormous. In this paper, we present procedurally very simple algebraic method requiring only two steps when applied to the second order 2-D quarter - plane filter. We extend the same method to the second order Non-Symmetric Half-plane (NSHP) filters. Enough examples are given for both these types of filters as well as some lower order general recursive 2-D digital filters. We applied our method to barely stable or barely unstable filter examples available in the literature and got the same decisions thus showing that our method is accurate enough.

Towards the computation of time-periodic inertial range dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Veen, L.; Vela-Martín, A.; Kawahara, G.

2018-04-01

We explore the possibility of computing simple invariant solutions, like travelling waves or periodic orbits, in Large Eddy Simulation (LES) on a periodic domain with constant external forcing. The absence of material boundaries and the simple forcing mechanism make this system a comparatively simple target for the study of turbulent dynamics through invariant solutions. We show, that in spite of the application of eddy viscosity the computations are still rather challenging and must be performed on GPU cards rather than conventional coupled CPUs. We investigate the onset of turbulence in this system by means of bifurcation analysis, and present a long-period, large-amplitude unstable periodic orbit that is filtered from a turbulent time series. Although this orbit is computed on a coarse grid, with only a small separation between the integral scale and the LES filter length, the periodic dynamics seem to capture a regeneration process of the large-scale vortices.

Excitation of multiple surface-plasmon-polariton waves using a compound surface-relief grating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faryad, Muhammad; Lakhtakia, Akhlesh

2012-01-01

The excitation of multiple surface-plasmon-polariton waves, all of the same frequency but different polarization states, phase speeds, spatial profiles and degrees of localization, by a compound surface-relief grating formed by a metal and a rugate filter, both of finite thickness, was studied using the rigorous coupled-wave approach. Each period of the compound surface-relief grating was chosen to have an integral number of periods of two different simple surface-relief gratings. The excitation of different SPP waves was inferred from the absorptance peaks that were independent of the thickness of the rugate filter. The excitation of each SPP wave could be attributed to either a simple surface-relief grating present in the compound surface-relief grating or to the compound surface-relief grating itself. However, the excitation of SPP waves was found to be less efficient with the compound surface-relief grating than with a simple surface-relief grating.

Space Shuttle Project

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-03-24

The roman candle effect as seen in this picture represents the testing of a solid rocket booster (SRB) for unexplained corrosion conditions (EUCC) which have occurred on the nozzles of redesigned solid rocket motors (RSRM). The motor being tested in this photo is a 48 M-NASA motor.

A triple murder.

PubMed

Vidanapathirana, M; Ruwanpura, P R; Ariyaratne, D; Karunanayake, D S K

2015-12-01

Three partially burnt bodies were found in a burnt out bedroom. A candle and matches were found on a partially burnt bed, suggesting accidental deaths. Careful scene analysis and forensic post-mortems demonstrated that this was a multiple murder rather than an accident. © The Author(s) 2015.

A simple new filter for nonlinear high-dimensional data assimilation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tödter, Julian; Kirchgessner, Paul; Ahrens, Bodo

2015-04-01

The ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) and its deterministic variants, mostly square root filters such as the ensemble transform Kalman filter (ETKF), represent a popular alternative to variational data assimilation schemes and are applied in a wide range of operational and research activities. Their forecast step employs an ensemble integration that fully respects the nonlinear nature of the analyzed system. In the analysis step, they implicitly assume the prior state and observation errors to be Gaussian. Consequently, in nonlinear systems, the analysis mean and covariance are biased, and these filters remain suboptimal. In contrast, the fully nonlinear, non-Gaussian particle filter (PF) only relies on Bayes' theorem, which guarantees an exact asymptotic behavior, but because of the so-called curse of dimensionality it is exposed to weight collapse. This work shows how to obtain a new analysis ensemble whose mean and covariance exactly match the Bayesian estimates. This is achieved by a deterministic matrix square root transformation of the forecast ensemble, and subsequently a suitable random rotation that significantly contributes to filter stability while preserving the required second-order statistics. The forecast step remains as in the ETKF. The proposed algorithm, which is fairly easy to implement and computationally efficient, is referred to as the nonlinear ensemble transform filter (NETF). The properties and performance of the proposed algorithm are investigated via a set of Lorenz experiments. They indicate that such a filter formulation can increase the analysis quality, even for relatively small ensemble sizes, compared to other ensemble filters in nonlinear, non-Gaussian scenarios. Furthermore, localization enhances the potential applicability of this PF-inspired scheme in larger-dimensional systems. Finally, the novel algorithm is coupled to a large-scale ocean general circulation model. The NETF is stable, behaves reasonably and shows a good performance with a realistic ensemble size. The results confirm that, in principle, it can be applied successfully and as simple as the ETKF in high-dimensional problems without further modifications of the algorithm, even though it is only based on the particle weights. This proves that the suggested method constitutes a useful filter for nonlinear, high-dimensional data assimilation, and is able to overcome the curse of dimensionality even in deterministic systems.

Testing and Improving the Luminosity Relations for Gamma-Ray Bursts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Collazzi, Andrew C.

2012-01-01

Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs) have several luminosity relations where a measurable property of a burst light curve or spectrum is correlated with the burst luminosity. These luminosity relations are calibrated for the fraction of bursts with spectroscopic redshifts and hence the known luminosities. GRBs have thus become known as a type of "standard candle” where standard candle is meant in the usual sense that luminosities can be derived from measurable properties of the bursts. GRBs can therefore be used for the same cosmology applications as Type Ia supernovae, including the construction of the Hubble Diagram and measuring massive star formation rate. The greatest disadvantage of using GRBs as standard candles is that their accuracy is lower than desired. With the recent advent of GRBs as a new standard candle, every effort must be made to test and improve the distance measures. Here, methods are employed to do just that. First, generalized forms of two tests are performed on the luminosity relations. All the luminosity relations pass one of these tests, and all but two pass the other. Even with this failure, redundancies in using multiple luminosity relations allows all the luminosity relations to retain value. Next, the "Firmani relation” is shown to have poorer accuracy than first advertised. It is also shown to be derivable from two other luminosity relations. For these reasons, the Firmani relation is useless for cosmology. The Amati relation is then revisited and shown to be an artifact of a combination of selection effects. Therefore, the Amati relation is also not good for cosmology. Fourthly, the systematic errors involved in measuring a luminosity indicator (Epeak) are measured. The result is an irreducible systematic error of 28%. Finally, the work concludes with a discussion about the impact of the work and the future of GRB luminosity relations.

A saltwater flotation technique to identify unincubated eggs

USGS Publications Warehouse

Devney, C.A.; Kondrad, S.L.; Stebbins, K.R.; Brittingham, K.D.; Hoffman, D.J.; Heinz, G.H.

2009-01-01

Field studies on nesting birds sometimes involve questions related to nest initiation dates, length of the incubation period, or changes in parental incubation behavior during various stages of incubation. Some of this information can be best assessed when a nest is discovered before the eggs have undergone any incubation, and this has traditionally been assessed by floating eggs in freshwater. However, because the freshwater method is not particularly accurate in identifying unincubated eggs, we developed a more reliable saltwater flotation method. The saltwater method involves diluting a saturated saltwater solution with freshwater until a salt concentration is reached where unincubated eggs sink to the bottom and incubated eggs float to the surface. For Laughing Gulls (Leucophaeus atricilla), floating eggs in freshwater failed to identify 39.0% (N = 251) of eggs that were subsequently found by candling to have undergone incubation prior to collection. By contrast, in a separate collection of gull eggs, no eggs that passed the saltwater test (N = 225) were found by a later candling to have been incubated prior to collection. For Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus), floating eggs in freshwater failed to identify 15.6% (N = 250) of eggs that had undergone incubation prior to collection, whereas in a separate collection, none of the eggs that passed the saltwater test (N = 85) were found by a later candling to have been incubated prior to collection. Immersion of eggs in saltwater did not affect embryo survival. Although use of the saltwater method is likely limited to colonial species and requires calibrating a saltwater solution, it is a faster and more accurate method of identifying unincubated eggs than the traditional method of floating eggs in freshwater.

Super-Eddington accreting massive black holes explore high-z cosmology: Monte-Carlo simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Rong-Gen; Guo, Zong-Kuan; Huang, Qing-Guo; Yang, Tao

2018-06-01

In this paper, we simulate Super-Eddington accreting massive black holes (SEAMBHs) as the candles to probe cosmology for the first time. SEAMBHs have been demonstrated to be able to provide a new tool for estimating cosmological distance. Thus, we create a series of mock data sets of SEAMBHs, especially in the high redshift region, to check their abilities to probe the cosmology. To fulfill the potential of the SEAMBHs on the cosmology, we apply the simulated data to three projects. The first is the exploration of their abilities to constrain the cosmological parameters, in which we combine different data sets of current observations such as the cosmic microwave background from Planck and type Ia supernovae from Joint Light-curve Analysis (JLA). We find that the high redshift SEAMBHs can help to break the degeneracies of the background cosmological parameters constrained by Planck and JLA, thus giving much tighter constraints of the cosmological parameters. The second uses the high redshift SEAMBHs as the complements of the low redshift JLA to constrain the early expansion rate and the dark energy density evolution in the cold dark matter frame. Our results show that these high redshift SEAMBHs are very powerful on constraining the early Hubble rate and the evolution of the dark energy density; thus they can give us more information about the expansion history of our Universe, which is also crucial for testing the Λ CDM model in the high redshift region. Finally, we check the SEAMBH candles' abilities to reconstruct the equation of state for dark energy at high redshift. In summary, our results show that the SEAMBHs, as the rare candles in the high redshift region, can provide us a new and independent observation to probe cosmology in the future.

Make Your Own Transpiring Tree

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martinez Vilalta, Jordi; Sauret, Miquel; Duro, Alicia; Pinol, Josep

2003-01-01

In this paper we present a simple set-up that illustrates the mechanism of sap ascent in plants and demonstrates that it can easily draw water up to heights of a few meters. The set-up consists of a tube with the lower end submerged in water and the upper one connected to a filter supported by a standard filter-holder. The evaporation of water…

Computational principles underlying recognition of acoustic signals in grasshoppers and crickets.

PubMed

Ronacher, Bernhard; Hennig, R Matthias; Clemens, Jan

2015-01-01

Grasshoppers and crickets independently evolved hearing organs and acoustic communication. They differ considerably in the organization of their auditory pathways, and the complexity of their songs, which are essential for mate attraction. Recent approaches aimed at describing the behavioral preference functions of females in both taxa by a simple modeling framework. The basic structure of the model consists of three processing steps: (1) feature extraction with a bank of 'LN models'-each containing a linear filter followed by a nonlinearity, (2) temporal integration, and (3) linear combination. The specific properties of the filters and nonlinearities were determined using a genetic learning algorithm trained on a large set of different song features and the corresponding behavioral response scores. The model showed an excellent prediction of the behavioral responses to the tested songs. Most remarkably, in both taxa the genetic algorithm found Gabor-like functions as the optimal filter shapes. By slight modifications of Gabor filters several types of preference functions could be modeled, which are observed in different cricket species. Furthermore, this model was able to explain several so far enigmatic results in grasshoppers. The computational approach offered a remarkably simple framework that can account for phenotypically rather different preference functions across several taxa.

Front end for GPS receivers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomas, Jr., Jess Brooks (Inventor)

1999-01-01

The front end in GPS receivers has the functions of amplifying, down-converting, filtering and sampling the received signals. In the preferred embodiment, only two operations, A/D conversion and a sum, bring the signal from RF to filtered quadrature baseband samples. After amplification and filtering at RF, the L1 and L2 signals are each sampled at RF at a high selected subharmonic rate. The subharmonic sample rates are approximately 900 MHz for L1 and 982 MHz for L2. With the selected subharmonic sampling, the A/D conversion effectively down-converts the signal from RF to quadrature components at baseband. The resulting sample streams for L1 and L2 are each reduced to a lower rate with a digital filter, which becomes a straight sum in the simplest embodiment. The frequency subsystem can be very simple, only requiring the generation of a single reference frequency (e.g. 20.46 MHz minus a small offset) and the simple multiplication of this reference up to the subharmonic sample rates for L1 and L2. The small offset in the reference frequency serves the dual purpose of providing an advantageous offset in the down-converted carrier frequency and in the final baseband sample rate.

Effect of input signal and filter parameters on patterning effect in a semiconductor optical amplifier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussain, Kamal; Pratap Singh, Satya; Kumar Datta, Prasanta

2013-11-01

A numerical investigation is presented to show the dependence of patterning effect (PE) of an amplified signal in a bulk semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) and an optical bandpass filter based amplifier on various input signal and filter parameters considering both the cases of including and excluding intraband effects in the SOA model. The simulation shows that the variation of PE with input energy has a characteristic nature which is similar for both the cases. However the variation of PE with pulse width is quite different for the two cases, PE being independent of the pulse width when intraband effects are neglected in the model. We find a simple relationship between the PE and the signal pulse width. Using a simple treatment we study the effect of the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) on PE and find that the ASE has almost no effect on the PE in the range of energy considered here. The optimum filter parameters are determined to obtain an acceptable extinction ratio greater than 10 dB and a PE less than 1 dB for the amplified signal over a wide range of input signal energy and bit-rate.

A Novel Attitude Determination Algorithm for Spinning Spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bar-Itzhack, Itzhack Y.; Harman, Richard R.

2007-01-01

This paper presents a single frame algorithm for the spin-axis orientation-determination of spinning spacecraft that encounters no ambiguity problems, as well as a simple Kalman filter for continuously estimating the full attitude of a spinning spacecraft. The later algorithm is comprised of two low order decoupled Kalman filters; one estimates the spin axis orientation, and the other estimates the spin rate and the spin (phase) angle. The filters are ambiguity free and do not rely on the spacecraft dynamics. They were successfully tested using data obtained from one of the ST5 satellites.

Tracking and Control of a Neutral Particle Beam Using Multiple Model Adaptive Meer Filter.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-12-01

34 method incorporated by Zicker in 1983 [32]. Once the beam estimation problem had been solved, the problem of beam control was examined. Zicker conducted a...filter. Then, the methods applied by Meer, and later Zicker , to reduce the computational load of a simple Meer filter, will be presented. 2.5.1 Basic...number of possible methods to prune the hypothesis tree and chose the "Best Half Method" as the most viable (21). Zicker [323, applied the work of Weiss

InP-based compact transversal filter for monolithically integrated light source array.

PubMed

Ueda, Yuta; Fujisawa, Takeshi; Takahata, Kiyoto; Kohtoku, Masaki; Ishii, Hiroyuki

2014-04-07

We developed an InP-based 4x1 transversal filter (TF) with multi-mode interference couplers (MMIs) as a compact wavelength multiplexer (MUX) 1700 μm x 400 μm in size. Furthermore, we converted the MMI-based TF to a reflection type to obtain an ultra-compact MUX of only 900 μm x 50 μm. These MUXs are made with a simple fabrication process and show a satisfactory wavelength filtering operation as MUXs of monolithically integrated light source arrays, for example, for 100G bit Ethernet.

A parallel VLSI architecture for a digital filter using a number theoretic transform

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Truong, T. K.; Reed, I. S.; Yeh, C. S.; Shao, H. M.

1983-01-01

The advantages of a very large scalee integration (VLSI) architecture for implementing a digital filter using fermat number transforms (FNT) are the following: It requires no multiplication. Only additions and bit rotations are needed. It alleviates the usual dynamic range limitation for long sequence FNT's. It utilizes the FNT and inverse FNT circuits 100% of the time. The lengths of the input data and filter sequences can be arbitraty and different. It is regular, simple, and expandable, and as a consequence suitable for VLSI implementation.

Mode-filtered large-core fiber for optical coherence tomography

PubMed Central

Moon, Sucbei; Chen, Zhongping

2013-01-01

We have investigated the use of multimode fiber in optical coherence tomography (OCT) with a mode filter that selectively suppresses the power of the high-order modes (HOMs). A large-core fiber (LCF) that has a moderate number of guiding modes was found to be an attractive alternative to the conventional single-mode fiber for its large mode area and the consequentially wide Rayleigh range of the output beam if the HOMs of the LCF were efficiently filtered out by a mode filter installed in the middle. For this, a simple mode filtering scheme of a fiber-coil mode filter was developed in this study. The LCF was uniformly coiled by an optimal bend radius with a fiber winder, specially devised for making a low-loss mode filter. The feasibility of the mode-filtered LCF in OCT imaging was tested with a common-path OCT system. It has been successfully demonstrated that our mode-filtered LCF can provide a useful imaging or sensing probe without an objective lens that greatly simplifies the structure of the probing optics. PMID:23207399

Investigation of Dual-Mode Microstrip Bandpass Filter Based on SIR Technique

PubMed Central

Mezaal, Yaqeen S.; Ali, Jawad K.

2016-01-01

In this paper, a new bandpass filter design has been presented using simple topology of stepped impedance square loop resonator. The proposed bandpass filter has been simulated and fabricated using a substrate with an insulation constant of 10.8, thickness of 1.27mm and loss tangent of 0.0023 at center frequency of 5.8 GHz. The simulation results have been evaluated using Sonnet simulator that is extensively adopted in microwave analysis and implementation. The output frequency results demonstrated that the proposed filter has high-quality frequency responses in addition to isolated second harmonic frequency. Besides, this filter has very small surface area and perceptible narrow band response features that represent the conditions of recent wireless communication systems. Various filter specifications have been compared with different magnitudes of perturbation element dimension. Furthermore, phase scattering response and current intensity distribution of the proposed filter have been discussed. The simulated and experimental results are well-matched. Lastly, the features of the proposed filter have been compared with other designed microstrip filters in the literature. PMID:27798675

Simplified Method for Groundwater Treatment Using Dilution and Ceramic Filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Musa, S.; Ariff, N. A.; Kadir, M. N. Abdul; Denan, F.

2016-07-01

Groundwater is one of the natural resources that is not susceptible to pollutants. However, increasing activities of municipal, industrial, agricultural or extreme land use activities have resulted in groundwater contamination as occured at the Research Centre for Soft Soil Malaysia (RECESS), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). Thus, aims of this study is to treat groundwater by using rainwater and simple ceramic filter as a treatment agent. The treatment uses rain water dilution, ceramic filters and combined method of dilute and filtering as an alternate treatment which are simple and more practical compared to modern or chemical methods. The water went through dilution treatment processes able to get rid of 57% reduction compared to initial condition. Meanwhile, the water that passes through the filtering process successfully get rid of as much as 86% groundwater parameters where only chloride does not pass the standard. Favorable results for the combination methods of dilution and filtration methods that can succesfully eliminate 100% parameters that donot pass the standards of the Ministry of Health and the Interim National Drinking Water Quality Standard such as those found in groundwater in RECESS, UTHM especially sulfate and chloride. As a result, it allows the raw water that will use clean drinking water and safe. It also proves that the method used in this study is very effective in improving the quality of groundwater.

A Maximum Entropy Method for Particle Filtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eyink, Gregory L.; Kim, Sangil

2006-06-01

Standard ensemble or particle filtering schemes do not properly represent states of low priori probability when the number of available samples is too small, as is often the case in practical applications. We introduce here a set of parametric resampling methods to solve this problem. Motivated by a general H-theorem for relative entropy, we construct parametric models for the filter distributions as maximum-entropy/minimum-information models consistent with moments of the particle ensemble. When the prior distributions are modeled as mixtures of Gaussians, our method naturally generalizes the ensemble Kalman filter to systems with highly non-Gaussian statistics. We apply the new particle filters presented here to two simple test cases: a one-dimensional diffusion process in a double-well potential and the three-dimensional chaotic dynamical system of Lorenz.

9 CFR 590.136 - Facilities and equipment to be furnished by official plants for use of inspectors in performing...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... product, and acceptable candling light, flashlight, heavy duty, high speed drill with an eleven sixteenths-inch or larger bit of sufficient length to reach the bottom of containers used for frozen eggs, metal...

9 CFR 590.136 - Facilities and equipment to be furnished by official plants for use of inspectors in performing...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... product, and acceptable candling light, flashlight, heavy duty, high speed drill with an eleven sixteenths-inch or larger bit of sufficient length to reach the bottom of containers used for frozen eggs, metal...

9 CFR 590.136 - Facilities and equipment to be furnished by official plants for use of inspectors in performing...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... product, and acceptable candling light, flashlight, heavy duty, high speed drill with an eleven sixteenths-inch or larger bit of sufficient length to reach the bottom of containers used for frozen eggs, metal...

9 CFR 590.136 - Facilities and equipment to be furnished by official plants for use of inspectors in performing...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... product, and acceptable candling light, flashlight, heavy duty, high speed drill with an eleven sixteenths-inch or larger bit of sufficient length to reach the bottom of containers used for frozen eggs, metal...

9 CFR 590.136 - Facilities and equipment to be furnished by official plants for use of inspectors in performing...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... product, and acceptable candling light, flashlight, heavy duty, high speed drill with an eleven sixteenths-inch or larger bit of sufficient length to reach the bottom of containers used for frozen eggs, metal...

FILTRATION OF SALT SMOKE FROM CHLORATE CANDLE OXYGEN.

DTIC Science & Technology

their associated equipment for use on submarines. Rockwool -wire mesh combinations were first used in welded assemblies which were cleaned by water...washing when they became clogged. The rockwool was later replaced with fiberglass blanket, and two modifications of the assembly were made, but the

How Beatrice Tinsley Destroyed Sandage's Quest for a Standard Candle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitton, Simon

2014-01-01

The goal of cosmology and most extragalactic optical astronomy during the heroic period spanning the half century from Hubble to Sandage (1920s - 1970s) was a search for two numbers, the Hubble constant and the deceleration parameter. Standard candles were needed to establish the measure of the universe. In 1968, Beatrice Tinsley, then a postdoctoral fellow in the astronomy department of the University of Texas at Austin showed that the great enterprise at Palomar of calibrating the galaxies was in need of major revision. At the 132nd AAS Meeting (June 1970, Boulder, Colorado) she presented a paper on galactic evolution on the magnitude-redshift relation. In her Abstract she boldly wrote: "My present conclusion is opposite to that reached by most cosmologists." In fact her claims caused great consternation among cosmologists. In 1972 she published eight papers on the evolution of galaxies, and the effects of that evolution for observational cosmology and the origin of structure.

The Hubble relation for nonstandard candles and the origin of the redshift of quasars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Petrosian, V.

1974-01-01

It is shown that the magnitude-log (redshift) relation for brightest quasars can have a slope different from the value expected for standard candles. The value of this slope depends on the luminosity function and its evolution. Therefore the difference of this slope from the expected value cannot be used as evidence against the cosmological origin of the redshift of the quasars. It is shown that the observed variation of the luminosity of the brightest objects with redshift is consistent with the cosmological hypothesis and that it agrees with (and perhaps could be used to complement) the luminosity function obtained from V/Vm analysis. It is also shown that the nonzero slope of the magnitude-log (redshift) relation rules out the local quasar hypothesis, where it is assumed that the sources are nearby (less than 500 Mpc), that the bulk of their redshift is intrinsic, and that there is no dependence on distance of the intrinsic properties of the sources.

Printable candlelight-style organic light-emitting diode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jou, J. H.; Singh, M.; Song, W. C.; Liu, S. H.

2017-06-01

Candles or oil lamps are currently the most friendly lighting source to human eyes, physiology, ecosystems, artifacts, environment, and night skies due to their blue light-less emission. Candle light also exhibits high light-quality that provides visual comfort. However, they are relatively low in power efficacy (0.3 lm/W), making them energy-wasting, besides having problems like scorching hot, burning, catching fire, flickering, carbon blacking, oxygen consuming, and release of green house gas etc. In contrast, candlelight organic light-emitting diode (OLED) can be made blue-hazard free and energy-efficient. The remaining challenges are to maximize its light-quality and enable printing feasibility, the latter of which would pave a way to cost-effective manufacturing. We hence demonstrate herein the design and fabrication of a candlelight OLED via wet-process. From retina protection perspective, its emission is 13, 12 and 8 times better than those of the blue-enriched white CFL, LED and OLED. If used at night, it is 9, 6 and 4 times better from melatonin generation perspective.

A simple recovery process for biodegradable plastics accumulated in cyanobacteria treated with ionic liquids.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Daigo; Fujita, Kyoko; Nakamura, Nobuhumi; Ohno, Hiroyuki

2015-02-01

Here, we proposed a simple recovery process for poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) accumulated in cyanobacteria by using ionic liquids (ILs), which dissolve cyanobacteria but not PHB. First, we investigated the effects of IL polarity on hydrogen-bonding receipt ability (β value) and hydrogen-bonding donating ability (α value) and evaluated the subsequent dissolution of cyanobacteria. We found that ILs having α values higher than approximately 0.4 and β values of approximately 0.9 were suitable for dissolution of cyanobacteria. In particular, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium methylphosphonate ([C2mim][MeO(H)PO2]) was found to dissolve cyanobacteria components, but not PHB. Thus, we verified that PHB produced in cyanobacteria could be separated and recovered by simple filtering after dissolution of cyanobacteria in [C2mim][MeO(H)PO2]. Using this technique, more than 98 % of PHB was obtained on the filter as residues separated from cyanobacteria. Furthermore, [C2mim][MeO(H)PO2] maintained the ability to dissolve cyanobacteria after a simple recycling procedure.

It all unraveled from there: case report of a central venous catheter guidewire unraveling.

PubMed

Zerkle, Samuel; Emdadi, Vanessa; Mancinelli, Marc

2014-12-01

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters can present challenges to emergency physicians in the process of central venous catheter (CVC) placement. A 68-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with severe shortness of breath and was intubated. A central line was placed after the intubation to facilitate peripheral access. A CVC guidewire unraveled during placement after getting caught on an IVC filter. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Emergency physicians should be aware of the complications that IVC filters can cause in the placement of CVCs. Imaging and identification of IVC filters beforehand will allow for proper planning of how to manage the case in which a filter catches on the guidewire. Simple anecdotal techniques, such as advancing the guidewire and spinning the guidewire between the fingers, can facilitate the removal of the guide wire from the IVC filter. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Design, construction and operation of a new filter approach for treatment of surface waters in Southeast Asia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frankel, R. J.

1981-05-01

A simple, inexpensive, and efficient method of water treatment for rural communities in Southeast Asia was developed using local materials as filter media. The filter utilizes coconut fiber and burnt rice husks in a two-stage filtering process designed as a gravityfed system without the need for backwashing, and eliminates in most cases the need of any chemicals. The first-stage filter with coconut fiber acts essentially as a substitute for the coagulation and sedimentation phases of conventional water-treatment plants. The second-stage filter, using burnt rice husks, is similar to slow sand filtration with the additional benefits of taste, color and odor removals through the absorption properties of the activated carbon in the medium. This paper reports on the design, construction costs, and operating results of several village size units in Thailand and in the Philippines.

Filtering with Marked Point Process Observations via Poisson Chaos Expansion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sun Wei, E-mail: wsun@mathstat.concordia.ca; Zeng Yong, E-mail: zengy@umkc.edu; Zhang Shu, E-mail: zhangshuisme@hotmail.com

2013-06-15

We study a general filtering problem with marked point process observations. The motivation comes from modeling financial ultra-high frequency data. First, we rigorously derive the unnormalized filtering equation with marked point process observations under mild assumptions, especially relaxing the bounded condition of stochastic intensity. Then, we derive the Poisson chaos expansion for the unnormalized filter. Based on the chaos expansion, we establish the uniqueness of solutions of the unnormalized filtering equation. Moreover, we derive the Poisson chaos expansion for the unnormalized filter density under additional conditions. To explore the computational advantage, we further construct a new consistent recursive numerical schememore » based on the truncation of the chaos density expansion for a simple case. The new algorithm divides the computations into those containing solely system coefficients and those including the observations, and assign the former off-line.« less

High Efficiency, Transparent, Reusable, and Active PM2.5 Filters by Hierarchical Ag Nanowire Percolation Network.

PubMed

Jeong, Seongmin; Cho, Hyunmin; Han, Seonggeun; Won, Phillip; Lee, Habeom; Hong, Sukjoon; Yeo, Junyeob; Kwon, Jinhyeong; Ko, Seung Hwan

2017-07-12

Air quality has become a major public health issue in Asia including China, Korea, and India. Particulate matters are the major concern in air quality. We present the first environmental application demonstration of Ag nanowire percolation network for a novel, electrical type transparent, reusable, and active PM2.5 air filter although the Ag nanowire percolation network has been studied as a very promising transparent conductor in optoelectronics. Compared with previous particulate matter air filter study using relatively weaker short-range intermolecular force in polar polymeric nanofiber, Ag nanowire percolation network filters use stronger long-range electrostatic force to capture PM2.5, and they are highly efficient (>99.99%), transparent, working on an active mode, low power consumption, antibacterial, and reusable after simple washing. The proposed new particulate matter filter can be applied for a highly efficient, reusable, active and energy efficient filter for wearable electronics application.

Preconditioner-free Wiener filtering with a dense noise matrix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huffenberger, Kevin M.

2018-05-01

This work extends the Elsner & Wandelt (2013) iterative method for efficient, preconditioner-free Wiener filtering to cases in which the noise covariance matrix is dense, but can be decomposed into a sum whose parts are sparse in convenient bases. The new method, which uses multiple messenger fields, reproduces Wiener-filter solutions for test problems, and we apply it to a case beyond the reach of the Elsner & Wandelt (2013) method. We compute the Wiener-filter solution for a simulated Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) map that contains spatially varying, uncorrelated noise, isotropic 1/f noise, and large-scale horizontal stripes (like those caused by atmospheric noise). We discuss simple extensions that can filter contaminated modes or inverse-noise-filter the data. These techniques help to address complications in the noise properties of maps from current and future generations of ground-based Microwave Background experiments, like Advanced ACTPol, Simons Observatory, and CMB-S4.

Broad bandwidth and 600 μm length photonic crystal fiber polarization filter at the communication window of 1.55 μm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhen; Li, Shuguang; Liu, Qiang; Zhang, Shuhuan; Wang, Yujun; Wu, Junjun

2018-02-01

A broad bandwidth and 600-μm length photonic crystal fiber polarization filter at the communication window of 1.55 μm is proposed. The physical parameters are analyzed by the finite element method. In the structure, the loss is 705.81 dB/cm for y-polarized mode and 24.06 dB/cm for x-polarized mode at the wavelength of 1.55 μm; the y-polarized mode will be filtered out because of this property. The bandwidth of an extinction ratio (ER) better than -20 dB is 65 nm when the filter length is 600 μm, and the ER is -41 dB at the communication wavelength of 1.55 μm. The filter structure is simple and easy to produce, and it can be used to produce a single-polarization filter.

Optimal nonlinear filtering using the finite-volume method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fox, Colin; Morrison, Malcolm E. K.; Norton, Richard A.; Molteno, Timothy C. A.

2018-01-01

Optimal sequential inference, or filtering, for the state of a deterministic dynamical system requires simulation of the Frobenius-Perron operator, that can be formulated as the solution of a continuity equation. For low-dimensional, smooth systems, the finite-volume numerical method provides a solution that conserves probability and gives estimates that converge to the optimal continuous-time values, while a Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy-type condition assures that intermediate discretized solutions remain positive density functions. This method is demonstrated in an example of nonlinear filtering for the state of a simple pendulum, with comparison to results using the unscented Kalman filter, and for a case where rank-deficient observations lead to multimodal probability distributions.

Diaphragmatic Myopotential Oversensing Caused by Change in Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Sensing Bandpass Filter.

PubMed

Ploux, Sylvain; Swerdlow, Charles D; Eschalier, Romain; Monteil, Benjamin; Ouali, Sana; Haïssaguerre, Michel; Bordachar, Pierre

2016-07-01

Diaphragmatic myopotential oversensing (DMO) causes inhibition of pacing and inappropriate detection of ventricular fibrillation in implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). It occurs almost exclusively with integrated bipolar leads and is extremely rare with dedicated bipolar leads. If DMO cannot be corrected by reducing programmed sensitivity, ventricular lead revision is often required. The new Low Frequency Attenuation (LFA) filter in St. Jude Medical ICDs (St. Jude Medical, Sylmar, CA, USA) alters the sensing bandpass to reduce T-wave oversensing. This paper aims to present the LFA filter as a reversible cause of DMO. Unnecessary lead revision can be avoided by the simple programming solution of deactivating this LFA filter. ©2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Simple Ontology Format (SOFT)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sorokine, Alexandre

2011-10-01

Simple Ontology Format (SOFT) library and file format specification provides a set of simple tools for developing and maintaining ontologies. The library, implemented as a perl module, supports parsing and verification of the files in SOFt format, operations with ontologies (adding, removing, or filtering of entities), and converting of ontologies into other formats. SOFT allows users to quickly create ontologies using only a basic text editor, verify it, and portray it in a graph layout system using customized styles.

Hybrid Kalman Filter: A New Approach for Aircraft Engine In-Flight Diagnostics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kobayashi, Takahisa; Simon, Donald L.

2006-01-01

In this paper, a uniquely structured Kalman filter is developed for its application to in-flight diagnostics of aircraft gas turbine engines. The Kalman filter is a hybrid of a nonlinear on-board engine model (OBEM) and piecewise linear models. The utilization of the nonlinear OBEM allows the reference health baseline of the in-flight diagnostic system to be updated to the degraded health condition of the engines through a relatively simple process. Through this health baseline update, the effectiveness of the in-flight diagnostic algorithm can be maintained as the health of the engine degrades over time. Another significant aspect of the hybrid Kalman filter methodology is its capability to take advantage of conventional linear and nonlinear Kalman filter approaches. Based on the hybrid Kalman filter, an in-flight fault detection system is developed, and its diagnostic capability is evaluated in a simulation environment. Through the evaluation, the suitability of the hybrid Kalman filter technique for aircraft engine in-flight diagnostics is demonstrated.

A robust nonlinear filter for image restoration.

PubMed

Koivunen, V

1995-01-01

A class of nonlinear regression filters based on robust estimation theory is introduced. The goal of the filtering is to recover a high-quality image from degraded observations. Models for desired image structures and contaminating processes are employed, but deviations from strict assumptions are allowed since the assumptions on signal and noise are typically only approximately true. The robustness of filters is usually addressed only in a distributional sense, i.e., the actual error distribution deviates from the nominal one. In this paper, the robustness is considered in a broad sense since the outliers may also be due to inappropriate signal model, or there may be more than one statistical population present in the processing window, causing biased estimates. Two filtering algorithms minimizing a least trimmed squares criterion are provided. The design of the filters is simple since no scale parameters or context-dependent threshold values are required. Experimental results using both real and simulated data are presented. The filters effectively attenuate both impulsive and nonimpulsive noise while recovering the signal structure and preserving interesting details.

Active slag filters-simple and sustainable phosphorus removal from wastewater using steel industry byproduct.

PubMed

Pratt, C; Shilton, A

2010-01-01

Active filtration, where effluent is passed through a reactive substrate such as steel slag, offers a simple and cost-effective option for removing phosphorus (P) from effluent. This work summarises a series of studies that focused on the world's only full-scale active slag filter operated through to exhaustion. The filter achieved 75% P-removal during its first 5 years, reaching a retention capacity of 1.23 g P/kg slag but then its performance sharply declined. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, and chemical extractions revealed that P sequestration was primarily achieved via adsorption onto iron (Fe) oxyhydroxides on the slag's surface. It was concluded that batch equilibrium tests, whose use has been repeatedly proposed in the literature, cannot be used as an accurate predictor of filter adsorption capacity because Fe oxyhydroxides form via chemical weathering in the field, and laboratory tests don't account for this. Research into how chemical conditions affect slag's P retention capacity demonstrated that near-neutral pH and high redox are optimal for Fe oxyhydroxide stability and overall filter performance. However, as Fe oxyhydroxide sites fill up, removal capacity becomes exhausted. Attempts to regenerate P removal efficiency using physical techniques proved ineffective contrary to dogma in the literature. Based on the newly-developed understanding of the mechanisms of P removal, chemical regeneration techniques were investigated and were shown to strip large quantities of P from filter adsorption sites leading to a regenerated P removal efficiency. This raises the prospect of developing a breakthrough technology that can repeatedly remove and recover P from effluent.

Straight-Pore Microfilter with Efficient Regeneration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Han; LaConti, Anthony B.; McCallum. Thomas J.; Schmitt, Edwin W.

2010-01-01

A novel, high-efficiency gas particulate filter has precise particle size screening, low pressure drop, and a simple and fast regeneration process. The regeneration process, which requires minimal material and energy consumption, can be completely automated, and the filtration performance can be restored within a very short period of time. This filter is of a novel material composite that contains the support structure and a novel coating.

An overland flow sampler for use in vegetative filters

Treesearch

D. Eisenhauer; M. Helmers; J. Brothers; M. Dosskey; T. Franti; A. Boldt; B. Strahm

2002-01-01

Vegetative filters (VF) are used to remove contaminants from agricultural runoff and improve surface water quality. Techniques are needed to quantify the performance of VF in realistic field settings. The goal of this project was to develop and test a relatively simple and low cost method for sampling overland flow in a VF. The 0.3 m wide sampler has the capacity to...

Temporal contrast enhancement of a femtosecond fiber CPA system by filtering of SPM broadened spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buldt, J.; Müller, M.; Klas, R.; Eidam, T.; Limpert, J.; Tünnermann, A.

2018-02-01

We present a novel approach for temporal contrast enhancement of energetic laser pulses by filtered SPM broadened spectra. A measured temporal contrast enhancement by at least 7 orders of magnitude in a simple setup has been achieved. This technique is applicable to a wide range of laser parameters and poses a highly efficient alternative to existing contrast-enhancement methods.

29 CFR 1918.92 - Illumination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... operations, illumination for cargo transfer operations shall be of a minimum light intensity of five foot-candles (54 lux). Where work tasks require more light to be performed safely, supplemental lighting shall... surface, in the plane in which the task/working surface is present. (c) Arrangement of lights. Lights...

Determining Haugh units.

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Hand candling is the most common method of assessing interior egg quality. While this method is non-destructive, it is very subjective and takes some skill. The Haugh unit was developed in 1937 by R. Haugh and is revered as the “gold standard” for measuring interior egg quality. This objective me...

Hazardous Waste Cleanup: 1033 Kings Highway, LLC in Saugerties, New York

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

American Candle is located at 1033 Kings-Highway on 41.5 acres in the Town of Saugerties, Ulster County. The site is bounded by railroad property to the east and the New York State Thruway to the west. Philips Components Discrete Products manufactured

What to Do in a Fire (For Kids)

MedlinePlus

... damage property. You can do your part to prevent fires by never playing with matches, lighters, and other fire sources. Also stay away from fireplaces, candles, and stoves. By following this advice, you'll be doing important work — preventing fires in the first place! Reviewed by: ...

High efficiency radioisotope thermophotovoltaic prototype generator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Avery, James E.; Samaras, John E.; Fraas, Lewis M.; Ewell, Richard

1995-01-01

A radioisotope thermophotovoltaic generator space power system (RTPV) is lightweight, low-cost alternative to the present radioisotope thermoelectric generator system (RTG). The fabrication of such an RTPV generator has recently become feasible as the result of the invention of the GaSb infrared sensitive photovoltaic cell. Herein, we present the results of a parametric study of emitters and optical filters in conjuction with existing data on gallium antimonide cells. We compare a polished tungsten emitter with an Erbia selective emitter for use in combination with a simple dielectric filter and a gallium antimonide cell array. We find that the polished tungsten emitter is by itself a very selective emitter with low emissivity beyond 4 microns. Given a gallium antimonide cell and a tungsten emitter, a simple dielectric filter can be designed to transmit radiant energy below 1.7 microns and to reflect radiant energy between 1.7 and 4 microns back to the emitter. Because of the low long wavelength emissivity associated with the polished tungsten emitter, this simple dielectric filter then yields very respectable system performance. Also as a result of the longer wavelength fall-off in the tungsten emissivity curve, the radiation energy peak for a polished tungsten emitter operating at 1300 K shifts to shorter wavelengths relative to the blackbody spectrum so that the radiated energy peak falls right at the gallium antimonide cell bandedge. The result is that the response of the gallium antimonide cell is well matched to a polished tungsten emitter. We propose, therefore, to fabricate an operating prototype of a near term radioisotope thermophotovoltaic generator design consisting of a polished tungsten emitter, standard gallium antimonide cells, and a near-term dielectric filter. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory will design and build the thermal cavity, and JX Crystals will fabricate the gallium antimonide cells, dielectric filters, and resultant receiver panels. With 250 Watts of heat input, we expect this prototype to produce over 300 Watts of electrical energy output for a system energy conversion efficiency of over 12%. This low risk, near term design provides advances relative to present radioisotope thermophotovoltaic generators and has the additional advantage of allowing component and system development and testing to begin immediately. Improved cells and filters can easily be incorporated in this baseline system if they should become available in the future.

High efficiency radioisotope thermophotovoltaic prototype generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avery, James E.; Samaras, John E.; Fraas, Lewis M.; Ewell, Richard

1995-10-01

A radioisotope thermophotovoltaic generator space power system (RTPV) is lightweight, low-cost alternative to the present radioisotope thermoelectric generator system (RTG). The fabrication of such an RTPV generator has recently become feasible as the result of the invention of the GaSb infrared sensitive photovoltaic cell. Herein, we present the results of a parametric study of emitters and optical filters in conjuction with existing data on gallium antimonide cells. We compare a polished tungsten emitter with an Erbia selective emitter for use in combination with a simple dielectric filter and a gallium antimonide cell array. We find that the polished tungsten emitter is by itself a very selective emitter with low emissivity beyond 4 microns. Given a gallium antimonide cell and a tungsten emitter, a simple dielectric filter can be designed to transmit radiant energy below 1.7 microns and to reflect radiant energy between 1.7 and 4 microns back to the emitter. Because of the low long wavelength emissivity associated with the polished tungsten emitter, this simple dielectric filter then yields very respectable system performance. Also as a result of the longer wavelength fall-off in the tungsten emissivity curve, the radiation energy peak for a polished tungsten emitter operating at 1300 K shifts to shorter wavelengths relative to the blackbody spectrum so that the radiated energy peak falls right at the gallium antimonide cell bandedge. The result is that the response of the gallium antimonide cell is well matched to a polished tungsten emitter. We propose, therefore, to fabricate an operating prototype of a near term radioisotope thermophotovoltaic generator design consisting of a polished tungsten emitter, standard gallium antimonide cells, and a near-term dielectric filter. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory will design and build the thermal cavity, and JX Crystals will fabricate the gallium antimonide cells, dielectric filters, and resultant receiver panels. With 250 Watts of heat input, we expect this prototype to produce over 300 Watts of electrical energy output for a system energy conversion efficiency of over 12%. This low risk, near term design provides advances relative to present radioisotope thermophotovoltaic generators and has the additional advantage of allowing component and system development and testing to begin immediately. Improved cells and filters can easily be incorporated in this baseline system if they should become available in the future.

Radiant Extinction Of Gaseous Diffusion Flames

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berhan, S.; Chernovsky, M.; Atreya, A.; Baum, Howard R.; Sacksteder, Kurt R.

2003-01-01

The absence of buoyancy-induced flows in microgravity (mu:g) and the resulting increase in the reactant residence time significantly alters the fundamentals of many combustion processes. Substantial differences between normal gravity (ng) and :g flames have been reported in experiments on candle flames [1, 2], flame spread over solids [3, 4], droplet combustion [5,6], and others. These differences are more basic than just in the visible flame shape. Longer residence times and higher concentration of combustion products in the flame zone create a thermochemical environment that changes the flame chemistry and the heat and mass transfer processes. Processes such as flame radiation, that are often ignored in ng, become very important and sometimes even controlling. Furthermore, microgravity conditions considerably enhance flame radiation by: (i) the build-up of combustion products in the high-temperature reaction zone which increases the gas radiation, and (ii) longer residence times make conditions appropriate for substantial amounts of soot to form which is also responsible for radiative heat loss. Thus, it is anticipated that radiative heat loss may eventually extinguish the Aweak@ (low burning rate per unit flame area) :g diffusion flame. Yet, space shuttle experiments on candle flames show that in an infinite ambient atmosphere, the hemispherical candle flame in :g will burn indefinitely [1]. This may be because of the coupling between the fuel production rate and the flame via the heat-feedback mechanism for candle flames, flames over solids and fuel droplet flames. Thus, to focus only on the gas-phase phenomena leading to radiative extinction, aerodynamically stabilized gaseous diffusion flames are examined. This enables independent control of the fuel flow rate to help identify conditions under which radiative extinction occurs. Also, spherical geometry is chosen for the :g experiments and modeling because: (i) It reduces the complexity by making the problem one-dimensional. (ii) The spherical diffusion flame completely encloses the soot which is formed on the fuel rich side of the reaction zone. This increases the importance of flame radiation because now both soot and gaseous combustion products co-exist inside the high temperature spherical diffusion flame. (iii) For small fuel injection velocities, as is usually the case for a pyrolyzing solid, the diffusion flame in :g around the solid naturally develops spherical symmetry. Thus, spherical diffusion flames are of interest to fires in :g and identifying conditions that lead to radiation-induced extinction is important for spacecraft fire safety.

Optimal Divergence-Free Hatch Filter for GNSS Single-Frequency Measurement.

PubMed

Park, Byungwoon; Lim, Cheolsoon; Yun, Youngsun; Kim, Euiho; Kee, Changdon

2017-02-24

The Hatch filter is a code-smoothing technique that uses the variation of the carrier phase. It can effectively reduce the noise of a pseudo-range with a very simple filter construction, but it occasionally causes an ionosphere-induced error for low-lying satellites. Herein, we propose an optimal single-frequency (SF) divergence-free Hatch filter that uses a satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS) message to reduce the ionospheric divergence and applies the optimal smoothing constant for its smoothing window width. According to the data-processing results, the overall performance of the proposed filter is comparable to that of the dual frequency (DF) divergence-free Hatch filter. Moreover, it can reduce the horizontal error of 57 cm to 37 cm and improve the vertical accuracy of the conventional Hatch filter by 25%. Considering that SF receivers dominate the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) market and that most of these receivers include the SBAS function, the filter suggested in this paper is of great value in that it can make the differential GPS (DGPS) performance of the low-cost SF receivers comparable to that of DF receivers.

Optimal Divergence-Free Hatch Filter for GNSS Single-Frequency Measurement

PubMed Central

Park, Byungwoon; Lim, Cheolsoon; Yun, Youngsun; Kim, Euiho; Kee, Changdon

2017-01-01

The Hatch filter is a code-smoothing technique that uses the variation of the carrier phase. It can effectively reduce the noise of a pseudo-range with a very simple filter construction, but it occasionally causes an ionosphere-induced error for low-lying satellites. Herein, we propose an optimal single-frequency (SF) divergence-free Hatch filter that uses a satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS) message to reduce the ionospheric divergence and applies the optimal smoothing constant for its smoothing window width. According to the data-processing results, the overall performance of the proposed filter is comparable to that of the dual frequency (DF) divergence-free Hatch filter. Moreover, it can reduce the horizontal error of 57 cm to 37 cm and improve the vertical accuracy of the conventional Hatch filter by 25%. Considering that SF receivers dominate the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) market and that most of these receivers include the SBAS function, the filter suggested in this paper is of great value in that it can make the differential GPS (DGPS) performance of the low-cost SF receivers comparable to that of DF receivers. PMID:28245584

Discrimination of Nosiheptide Sources with Plasmonic Filters.

PubMed

Wang, Delong; Ni, Haibin; Wang, Zhongqiang; Liu, Bing; Chen, Hongyuan; Gu, Zhongze; Zhao, Xiangwei

2017-04-19

Bacteria identification plays a vital role in the field of clinical diagnosis, food industry, and environmental monitoring, which is in great demand of point of care detection methods. In this paper, in order to discriminate the source of nosiheptide product, a plasmonic filter was fabricated to filtrate, capture and identify Streptomycete spores with Surface enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS). Since the plasmonic filter was derived from self-assembled photonic crystal coated with silver, the plasmonic "hot spots" on the filter surface was distributed evenly in a fare good density and the SERS enhancement factor was 7.49 × 10 7 . With this filter, a stain- and PCR-free detection was realized with only 5 μL sample solution and 5 min in a manner of "filtration and measure". Comparison to traditional Gram stain method and silver-plated nylon filter membrane, the plasmonic filter showed good sensitivity and efficiency in the discrimination of nosiheptide prepared with chemical and biological methods. It is anticipated that this simple SERS detection method with plasmonic filter has promising potentials in food safety, environmental, or clinical applications.

Extrapolating target tracks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Van Zandt, James R.

2012-05-01

Steady-state performance of a tracking filter is traditionally evaluated immediately after a track update. However, there is commonly a further delay (e.g., processing and communications latency) before the tracks can actually be used. We analyze the accuracy of extrapolated target tracks for four tracking filters: Kalman filter with the Singer maneuver model and worst-case correlation time, with piecewise constant white acceleration, and with continuous white acceleration, and the reduced state filter proposed by Mookerjee and Reifler.1, 2 Performance evaluation of a tracking filter is significantly simplified by appropriate normalization. For the Kalman filter with the Singer maneuver model, the steady-state RMS error immediately after an update depends on only two dimensionless parameters.3 By assuming a worst case value of target acceleration correlation time, we reduce this to a single parameter without significantly changing the filter performance (within a few percent for air tracking).4 With this simplification, we find for all four filters that the RMS errors for the extrapolated state are functions of only two dimensionless parameters. We provide simple analytic approximations in each case.

A simple integrated ratiometric wavelength monitor based on multimode interference structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hatta, Agus Muhamad; Farrell, Gerald; Wang, Qian

2008-09-01

Wavelength measurement or monitoring can be implemented using a ratiometric power measurement technique. A ratiometric wavelength monitor normally consists of a Y-branch splitter with two arms: an edge filter arm with a well defined spectral response and a reference arm or alternatively, two edge filters arms with opposite slope spectral responses. In this paper, a simple configuration for an integrated ratiometric wavelength monitor based on a single multimode interference structure is proposed. By optimizing the length of the MMI and the two output port positions, opposite spectral responses for the two output ports can be achieved. The designed structure demonstrates a spectral response suitable for wavelength measurement with potentially a 10 pm resolution over a 100 nm wavelength range.

THz Discrimination of Materials: Development of an Apparatus Based on Room Temperature Detection and Metasurfaces Selective Filters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carelli, P.; Chiarello, F.; Torrioli, G.; Castellano, M. G.

2017-03-01

We present an apparatus for terahertz discrimination of materials designed to be fast, simple, compact, and economical in order to be suitable for preliminary on-field analysis. The system working principles, bio-inspired by the human vision of colors, are based on the use of an incoherent source, a room temperature detector, a series of microfabricated metamaterials selective filters, a very compact optics based on metallic ellipsoidal mirrors in air, and a treatment of the mirrors' surfaces that select the frequency band of interest. We experimentally demonstrate the operation of the apparatus in discriminating simple substances such as salt, staple foods, and grease. We present the system and the obtained results and discuss issues and possible developments.

Precision of proportion estimation with binary compressed Raman spectrum.

PubMed

Réfrégier, Philippe; Scotté, Camille; de Aguiar, Hilton B; Rigneault, Hervé; Galland, Frédéric

2018-01-01

The precision of proportion estimation with binary filtering of a Raman spectrum mixture is analyzed when the number of binary filters is equal to the number of present species and when the measurements are corrupted with Poisson photon noise. It is shown that the Cramer-Rao bound provides a useful methodology to analyze the performance of such an approach, in particular when the binary filters are orthogonal. It is demonstrated that a simple linear mean square error estimation method is efficient (i.e., has a variance equal to the Cramer-Rao bound). Evolutions of the Cramer-Rao bound are analyzed when the measuring times are optimized or when the considered proportion for binary filter synthesis is not optimized. Two strategies for the appropriate choice of this considered proportion are also analyzed for the binary filter synthesis.

Facile Preparation of Nanostructured, Superhydrophobic Filter Paper for Efficient Water/Oil Separation

PubMed Central

Wang, Jianhua; Wong, Jessica X. H.; Kwok, Honoria; Li, Xiaochun; Yu, Hua-Zhong

2016-01-01

In this paper, we present a facile and cost-effective method to obtain superhydrophobic filter paper and demonstrate its application for efficient water/oil separation. By coupling structurally distinct organosilane precursors (e.g., octadecyltrichlorosilane and methyltrichlorosilane) to paper fibers under controlled reaction conditions, we have formulated a simple, inexpensive, and efficient protocol to achieve a desirable superhydrophobic and superoleophilic surface on conventional filter paper. The silanized superhydrophobic filter paper showed nanostructured morphology and demonstrated great separation efficiency (up to 99.4%) for water/oil mixtures. The modified filter paper is stable in both aqueous solutions and organic solvents, and can be reused multiple times. The present study shows that our newly developed binary silanization is a promising method of modifying cellulose-based materials for practical applications, in particular the treatment of industrial waste water and ecosystem recovery. PMID:26982055

Counting Magnetic Bipoles on the Sun by Polarity Inversion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Harrison P.

2004-01-01

This paper presents a simple and efficient algorithm for deriving images of polarity inversion from NSO/Kitt Peak magnetograms without use of contouring routines and shows by example how these maps depend upon the spatial scale for filtering the raw data. Smaller filtering scales produce many localized closed contours in mixed polarity regions while supergranular and larger filtering scales produce more global patterns. The apparent continuity of an inversion line depends on how the spatial filtering is accomplished, but its shape depends only on scale. The total length of the magnetic polarity inversion contours varies as a power law of the filter scale with fractal dimension of order 1.9. The amplitude but nut the exponent of this power-law relation varies with solar activity. The results are compared to similar analyses of areal distributions of bipolar magnetic regions.

Selection and Specification of Rear-Projection Screens.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vlahos, Petro

1961-01-01

The characteristics of the rear-projection screen are examined in detail. Numerical constants are provided that define these characteristics for practical screens and convert foot-candles to footlamberts. A procedure is given by which an optimum screen may be specified for a specific application. Contents include--(1) introduction, (2) projection…

"Type Ia Supernovae: Tools for Studying Dark Energy" Final Technical Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Woosley, Stan; Kasen, Dan

2017-05-10

Final technical report for project "Type Ia Supernovae: Tools for the Study of Dark Energy" awarded jointly to scientists at the University of California, Santa Cruz and Berkeley, for computer modeling, theory and data analysis relevant to the use of Type Ia supernovae as standard candles for cosmology.

Teaching Science. A Weighty Gravity Lesson.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leyden, Michael B.

1996-01-01

Describes an activity that uses a candle, a scale, and an elevator to demonstrate the concept of weightlessness in space, showing that astronauts are not truly weightless. Activity includes an exploration phase, a concept introduction phase, and a concept application phase. Provides guidelines and safety measures for conducting the activity. (JW)

A Case of Preservice Elementary Teachers Exploring, Retelling, and Reframing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nelson, Michael

2001-01-01

Presents preservice elementary teachers' frames (points of view) on science curriculum. Uses Carl Sagan's text, "The Demon Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark". Explores how students retelling their reactions to experiences of their own design might influence their awareness of beliefs in general and reconsideration of…

Preservice Elementary Students Meet Sagan's "Demon-Haunted World."

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nelson, Mike

This paper describes a course in which preservice elementary teachers read and discussed "The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark" by Carl Sagan. Students discussed their beliefs about the nature of science, teaching, and learning. The paper concludes that preservice teachers appeared to develop reflective and critical…

76 FR 40329 - Certain Polyester Staple Fiber From the People's Republic of China: Notice of Preliminary Results...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-08

...., Ltd.; Cixi Waysun Chemical Fiber Co., Ltd.; Hangzhou Sanxin Paper Co., Ltd.; Nantong Loulai Chemical... Fair Value, and Affirmative Critical Circumstances, In Part: Certain Lined Paper Products from the...., Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review: Petroleum Wax Candles from the People's...

49 CFR 38.31 - Lighting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... measured on the step tread or lift platform. (b) Other stepwells and doorways, including doorways in which lifts or ramps are installed, shall have, at all times, at least 2 foot-candles of illumination measured on the step tread, or lift or ramp, when deployed at the vehicle floor level. (c) The vehicle...

49 CFR 38.31 - Lighting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... measured on the step tread or lift platform. (b) Other stepwells and doorways, including doorways in which lifts or ramps are installed, shall have, at all times, at least 2 foot-candles of illumination measured on the step tread, or lift or ramp, when deployed at the vehicle floor level. (c) The vehicle...

14 CFR Appendix J to Part 25 - Emergency Evacuation

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY AIRPLANES Pt. 25, App. J Appendix J to Part 25—Emergency Evacuation...-candles prior to the activation of the airplane emergency lighting system. The source(s) of the initial... airplane emergency lighting system. (b) The airplane must be in a normal attitude with landing gear...

9 CFR 590.520 - Breaking room facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Breaking room facilities. 590.520 Section 590.520 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE... least 30 foot-candles of light on all working surfaces except that light intensity shall be at least 50...

Turbidity. Training Module 5.240.2.77.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bonte, John L.; Davidson, Arnold C.

This document is an instructional module package prepared in objective form for use by an instructor familiar with candle turbidimeter and the nephelometric method of turbidity analysis. Included are objectives, an instructor guide, student handout, and transparency masters. A video tape is also available from the author. This module considers use…

A Step or Two Back in Time.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thomson, Peggy

1979-01-01

Describes the National Park Service's Environmental Living Program for elementary school children in the San Francisco Bay Area, where teachers, parents, and children stay overnight in a historic fort and schooner, experience living in a past age, use candles and oil stoves, and engage in mock military and shipboard activities. (MF)

Nickel Curie Point Engine

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chiaverina, Chris; Lisensky, George

2014-01-01

Ferromagnetic materials such as nickel, iron, or cobalt lose the electron alignment that makes them attracted to a magnet when sufficient thermal energy is added. The temperature at which this change occurs is called the "Curie temperature," or "Curie point." Nickel has a Curie point of 627 K, so a candle flame is a sufficient…

Exploring a Beach and Beach-Combing Projects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

White, Shelley

1977-01-01

One of the most exciting projects a teacher, parent, artist, or naturalist can share with others is beachcombing and making something lasting with the treasures found. This article discusses sand projects, sand painting, sand casting, sand cast candles, sea mobiles, seaweed collections, fish printing, and reed and grass printing. (NQ)

Orthonormal filters for identification in active control systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mayer, Dirk

2015-12-01

Many active noise and vibration control systems require models of the control paths. When the controlled system changes slightly over time, adaptive digital filters for the identification of the models are useful. This paper aims at the investigation of a special class of adaptive digital filters: orthonormal filter banks possess the robust and simple adaptation of the widely applied finite impulse response (FIR) filters, but at a lower model order, which is important when considering implementation on embedded systems. However, the filter banks require prior knowledge about the resonance frequencies and damping of the structure. This knowledge can be supposed to be of limited precision, since in many practical systems, uncertainties in the structural parameters exist. In this work, a procedure using a number of training systems to find the fixed parameters for the filter banks is applied. The effect of uncertainties in the prior knowledge on the model error is examined both with a basic example and in an experiment. Furthermore, the possibilities to compensate for the imprecise prior knowledge by a higher filter order are investigated. Also comparisons with FIR filters are implemented in order to assess the possible advantages of the orthonormal filter banks. Numerical and experimental investigations show that significantly lower computational effort can be reached by the filter banks under certain conditions.

Design of multiplier-less sharp transition width non-uniform filter banks using gravitational search algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bindiya T., S.; Elias, Elizabeth

2015-01-01

In this paper, multiplier-less near-perfect reconstruction tree-structured filter banks are proposed. Filters with sharp transition width are preferred in filter banks in order to reduce the aliasing between adjacent channels. When sharp transition width filters are designed as conventional finite impulse response filters, the order of the filters will become very high leading to increased complexity. The frequency response masking (FRM) method is known to result in linear-phase sharp transition width filters with low complexity. It is found that the proposed design method, which is based on FRM, gives better results compared to the earlier reported results, in terms of the number of multipliers when sharp transition width filter banks are needed. To further reduce the complexity and power consumption, the tree-structured filter bank is made totally multiplier-less by converting the continuous filter bank coefficients to finite precision coefficients in the signed power of two space. This may lead to performance degradation and calls for the use of a suitable optimisation technique. In this paper, gravitational search algorithm is proposed to be used in the design of the multiplier-less tree-structured uniform as well as non-uniform filter banks. This design method results in uniform and non-uniform filter banks which are simple, alias-free, linear phase and multiplier-less and have sharp transition width.

A simple and inexpensive method for maintaining a defined flora mouse colony.

PubMed

Sedlacek, R S; Mason, K A

1977-10-01

The use of autoclaved cages, feed, bedding, water, and filter caps combined with aseptic techniques of animal husbandry in an existing mouse colony was ineffective in maintaining a defined flora colony. The addition of a laminar air flow bench equipped with a high efficiency particulate air filter provided a sterile environment in which to manipulate mice when the filter caps were removed. The installation of a duct to direct all air entering the room through the bench filter reduced the airborne bacterial counts in the room. This modification combined with the culling or marking of infected cages so that no future breeders would be taken from these cages eliminated a number of bacterial contaminants (Staphylococcus aureus, S epidermidis, and streptococci) from the colony.

Assessment of Snared-Loop Technique When Standard Retrieval of Inferior Vena Cava Filters Fails

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Doody, Orla, E-mail: orla_doody@hotmail.com; Noe, Geertje; Given, Mark F.

Purpose To identify the success and complications related to a variant technique used to retrieve inferior vena cava filters when simple snare approach has failed. Methods A retrospective review of all Cook Guenther Tulip filters and Cook Celect filters retrieved between July 2006 and February 2008 was performed. During this period, 130 filter retrievals were attempted. In 33 cases, the standard retrieval technique failed. Retrieval was subsequently attempted with our modified retrieval technique. Results The retrieval was successful in 23 cases (mean dwell time, 171.84 days; range, 5-505 days) and unsuccessful in 10 cases (mean dwell time, 162.2 days; range,more » 94-360 days). Our filter retrievability rates increased from 74.6% with the standard retrieval method to 92.3% when the snared-loop technique was used. Unsuccessful retrieval was due to significant endothelialization (n = 9) and caval penetration by the filter (n = 1). A single complication occurred in the group, in a patient developing pulmonary emboli after attempted retrieval. Conclusion The technique we describe increased the retrievability of the two filters studied. Hook endothelialization is the main factor resulting in failed retrieval and continues to be a limitation with these filters.« less

Fabrication of a Paper-Based Microfluidic Device to Readily Determine Nitrite Ion Concentration by Simple Colorimetric Assay

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wang, Bo; Lin, Zhiqiang; Wang, Min

2015-01-01

Paper-based microfluidic devices (µPAD) are a burgeoning platform of microfluidic analysis technology. The method described herein is for use in undergraduate and high school chemistry laboratories. A simple and convenient µPAD was fabricated by easy patterning of filter paper using a permanent marker pen. The usefulness of the device was…

Swarm Intelligence for Optimizing Hybridized Smoothing Filter in Image Edge Enhancement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao, B. Tirumala; Dehuri, S.; Dileep, M.; Vindhya, A.

In this modern era, image transmission and processing plays a major role. It would be impossible to retrieve information from satellite and medical images without the help of image processing techniques. Edge enhancement is an image processing step that enhances the edge contrast of an image or video in an attempt to improve its acutance. Edges are the representations of the discontinuities of image intensity functions. For processing these discontinuities in an image, a good edge enhancement technique is essential. The proposed work uses a new idea for edge enhancement using hybridized smoothening filters and we introduce a promising technique of obtaining best hybrid filter using swarm algorithms (Artificial Bee Colony (ABC), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO)) to search for an optimal sequence of filters from among a set of rather simple, representative image processing filters. This paper deals with the analysis of the swarm intelligence techniques through the combination of hybrid filters generated by these algorithms for image edge enhancement.

Super-resolution pupil filtering for visual performance enhancement using adaptive optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Lina; Dai, Yun; Zhao, Junlei; Zhou, Xiaojun

2018-05-01

Ocular aberration correction can significantly improve visual function of the human eye. However, even under ideal aberration correction conditions, pupil diffraction restricts the resolution of retinal images. Pupil filtering is a simple super-resolution (SR) method that can overcome this diffraction barrier. In this study, a 145-element piezoelectric deformable mirror was used as a pupil phase filter because of its programmability and high fitting accuracy. Continuous phase-only filters were designed based on Zernike polynomial series and fitted through closed-loop adaptive optics. SR results were validated using double-pass point spread function images. Contrast sensitivity was further assessed to verify the SR effect on visual function. An F-test was conducted for nested models to statistically compare different CSFs. These results indicated CSFs for the proposed SR filter were significantly higher than the diffraction correction (p < 0.05). As such, the proposed filter design could provide useful guidance for supernormal vision optical correction of the human eye.

Glass Frit Filters for Collecting Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ackerman, John; Buttry, Dan; Irvine, Geoffrey; Pope, John

2005-01-01

Filter disks made of glass frit have been found to be effective as means of high-throughput collection of metal oxide particles, ranging in size from a few to a few hundred nanometers, produced in gas-phase condensation reactors. In a typical application, a filter is placed downstream of the reactor and a valve is used to regulate the flow of reactor exhaust through the filter. The exhaust stream includes a carrier gas, particles, byproducts, and unreacted particle-precursor gas. The filter selectively traps the particles while allowing the carrier gas, the byproducts, and, in some cases, the unreacted precursor, to flow through unaffected. Although the pores in the filters are much larger than the particles, the particles are nevertheless trapped to a high degree: Anecdotal information from an experiment indicates that 6-nm-diameter particles of MnO2 were trapped with greater than 99-percent effectiveness by a filtering device comprising a glass-frit disk having pores 70 to 100 micrometer wide immobilized in an 8-cm-diameter glass tube equipped with a simple twist valve at its downstream end.

Valley-spin filtering through a nonmagnetic resonant tunneling structure in silicene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Xiuqiang; Meng, Hao; Zhang, Haiyang; Bai, Yujie; Xu, Xing

2018-07-01

We theoretically investigate how a silecene-based nonmagnetic resonant-tunneling structure, i.e. a double electrostatic potential structure, can be tailored to generate valley- and spin-polarized filtering by using the scattering matrix method. This method allows us to find simple analytical expressions for the scattering amplitudes. It is found that the transmissions of electrons from opposite spin and valley show exactly opposite behaviors, leading to valley and spin filtering in a wide range of transmission directions. These directional-dependent valley-spin polarization behaviors can be used to select preferential directions along which the valley-spin polarization of an initially unpolarized carrier can be strongly enhanced. We also find that this phenomenon arises from the combinations of the coherent effect, electrostatic potential and external electric field. Especially when the direction of the external electric field is changed, the spin filtering properties are contained, while the valley filtering properties can be switched. In addition, the filtering behaviors can be conveniently controlled by electrical gating. Therefore, the results can offer an all-electric method to construct a valley-spin filter in silicene.

[Extemporaneous withdrawal with a mini-spike filter: A low infection risk technique for drawing up bevacizumab for intravitreal injection].

PubMed

Le Rouic, J F; Breger, D; Peronnet, P; Hermouet-Leclair, E; Alphandari, A; Pousset-Decré, C; Badat, I; Becquet, F

2016-05-01

To describe a technique for extemporaneously drawing up bevacizumab for intravitreal injection (IVT) and report the rate of post-injection endophthtalmitis. Retrospective monocentric analysis (January 2010-December 2014) of all IVT of bevacizumab drawn up with the following technique: in the operating room (class ISO 7) through a mini-spike with an integrated bacteria retentive air filter. The surgeon was wearing sterile gloves and a mask. The assisting nurse wore a mask. The bevacizumab vial was discarded at the end of each session. Six thousand two hundred and thirty-six bevacizumab injections were performed. One case of endophthalmitis was noted (0.016%). During the same period, 4 cases of endophthalmitis were found after IVT of other drugs (4/32,992; 0.012%. P=0.8). Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab after extemporaneous withdrawal through a mini-spike filter is a simple and safe technique. The risk of postoperative endophthalmitis is very low. This simple technique facilitates access to compounded bevacizumab. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

High order filtering methods for approximating hyberbolic systems of conservation laws

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lafon, F.; Osher, S.

1990-01-01

In the computation of discontinuous solutions of hyperbolic systems of conservation laws, the recently developed essentially non-oscillatory (ENO) schemes appear to be very useful. However, they are computationally costly compared to simple central difference methods. A filtering method which is developed uses simple central differencing of arbitrarily high order accuracy, except when a novel local test indicates the development of spurious oscillations. At these points, the full ENO apparatus is used, maintaining the high order of accuracy, but removing spurious oscillations. Numerical results indicate the success of the method. High order of accuracy was obtained in regions of smooth flow without spurious oscillations for a wide range of problems and a significant speed up of generally a factor of almost three over the full ENO method.

Application of a dual unscented Kalman filter for simultaneous state and parameter estimation in problems of surface-atmosphere exchange

Treesearch

J.H. Gove; D.Y. Hollinger; D.Y. Hollinger

2006-01-01

A dual unscented Kalman filter (UKF) was used to assimilate net CO2 exchange (NEE) data measured over a spruce-hemlock forest at the Howland AmeriFlux site in Maine, USA, into a simple physiological model for the purpose of filling gaps in an eddy flux time series. In addition to filling gaps in the measurement record, the UKF approach provides continuous estimates of...

78 FR 33991 - Final Flood Elevation Determinations

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-06

... of Candle Harris County. Creek Road. Approximately 500 feet +125 upstream of Spring Cypress Road. K131-00-00 (Spring Gully) At the Cypress Creek +106 Unincorporated Areas of confluence. Harris County. Approximately 200 feet +137 downstream of Spring Cypress Road. K131-03-03 (Tributary 2.1 to Spring At the Spring...

77 FR 13534 - Silicon Metal From the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-07

... Critical Circumstances, In Part: Certain Lined Paper Products From the People's Republic of China, 71 FR... Review: Petroleum Wax Candles From the People's Republic of China, 72 FR 52355, 52356 (September 13, 2007..., In Part, and Postponement of Final Determination: Certain Lined Paper Products from the People's...

How to Use a Candle to Study Sound Waves

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carvalho, P. Simeão; Briosa, E.; Rodrigues, M.; Pereira, C.; Ataíde, M.

2013-01-01

It is well known that sound waves in air are longitudinal waves. Although teachers use analogies such as compressing horizontal springs to demonstrate what longitudinal waves look like, students still present some difficulty in understanding that (1) sound waves correspond to oscillations of air particles, and (2) there is no "air flow"…

The Temporal Dynamics of Spoken Word Recognition in Adverse Listening Conditions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brouwer, Susanne; Bradlow, Ann R.

2016-01-01

This study examined the temporal dynamics of spoken word recognition in noise and background speech. In two visual-world experiments, English participants listened to target words while looking at four pictures on the screen: a target (e.g. "candle"), an onset competitor (e.g. "candy"), a rhyme competitor (e.g.…

49 CFR 38.81 - Lighting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... doorway with a lift, ramp or bridge plate immediately adjacent to the driver shall have, when the door is open, at least 2 foot-candles of illumination measured on the step tread or lift platform. (b) Other stepwells, and doorways with lifts, ramps or bridge plates, shall have, at all times, at least 2 foot...

49 CFR 38.81 - Lighting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... doorway with a lift, ramp or bridge plate immediately adjacent to the driver shall have, when the door is open, at least 2 foot-candles of illumination measured on the step tread or lift platform. (b) Other stepwells, and doorways with lifts, ramps or bridge plates, shall have, at all times, at least 2 foot...

Examining Ritual in a Reggio-Inspired Preschool

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hayes, Shirley

2015-01-01

Working and researching in a Reggio-inspired preschool for one year allowed me to witness repeated rituals of schooling, especially the walk-around-the-candle birthday ceremony. In this paper, I focus on the importance of ritual to human endeavors and share the educational, transformational, and caring quality that these rituals hold for children…

75 FR 420 - Receipt of Domestic Interested Party Petition Concerning the Tariff Classification of Wickless...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-05

...] Receipt of Domestic Interested Party Petition Concerning the Tariff Classification of Wickless Wax Objects... subheading 9602.00.40, HTSUS. The petitioner contends that the proper classification for these wickless wax... classification as a means of circumventing a dumping order that has been placed on petroleum wax candles from...

Corpora Processing and Computational Scaffolding for a Web-Based English Learning Environment: The CANDLE Project

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liou, Hsien-Chin; Chang, Jason S; Chen, Hao-Jan; Lin, Chih-Cheng; Liaw, Meei-Ling; Gao, Zhao-Ming; Jang, Jyh-Shing Roger; Yeh, Yuli; Chuang, Thomas C.; You, Geeng-Neng

2006-01-01

This paper describes the development of an innovative web-based environment for English language learning with advanced data-driven and statistical approaches. The project uses various corpora, including a Chinese-English parallel corpus ("Sinorama") and various natural language processing (NLP) tools to construct effective English…

14 CFR 29.1391 - Minimum intensities in the horizontal plane of forward and rear position lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

...: Dihedral angle (light included) Angle from right or left of longitudinal axis, measured from dead ahead Intensity (candles) L and R (forward red and green) 0° to 10°10° to 20° 20° to 110° 4030 5 A (rear white...

14 CFR 23.1391 - Minimum intensities in the horizontal plane of position lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

...: Dihedral angle (light included) Angle from right or left of longitudinal axis, measured from dead ahead Intensity (candles) L and R (red and green) 0° to 10°10° to 20° 20° to 110° 4030 5 A (rear white) 110° to...

14 CFR 29.1391 - Minimum intensities in the horizontal plane of forward and rear position lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

...: Dihedral angle (light included) Angle from right or left of longitudinal axis, measured from dead ahead Intensity (candles) L and R (forward red and green) 0° to 10°10° to 20° 20° to 110° 4030 5 A (rear white...

14 CFR 27.1391 - Minimum intensities in the horizontal plane of forward and rear position lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

...: Dihedral angle (light included) Angle from right or left of longitudinal axis, measured from dead ahead Intensity (candles) L and R (forward red and green) 10° to 10°10° to 20° 20° to 110° 4030 5 A (rear white...

14 CFR 25.1391 - Minimum intensities in the horizontal plane of forward and rear position lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

...: Dihedral angle (light included) Angle from right or left of longitudinal axis, measured from dead ahead Intensity (candles) L and R (forward red and green) 0° to 10°10° to 20° 20° to 110° 4030 5 A (rear white...

14 CFR 23.1391 - Minimum intensities in the horizontal plane of position lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

...: Dihedral angle (light included) Angle from right or left of longitudinal axis, measured from dead ahead Intensity (candles) L and R (red and green) 0° to 10°10° to 20° 20° to 110° 4030 5 A (rear white) 110° to...

14 CFR 25.1391 - Minimum intensities in the horizontal plane of forward and rear position lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

...: Dihedral angle (light included) Angle from right or left of longitudinal axis, measured from dead ahead Intensity (candles) L and R (forward red and green) 0° to 10° 10° to 20° 20° to 110° 40 30 5 A (rear white...

14 CFR 23.1389 - Position light distribution and intensities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... overlapping beams, within dihedral angles L, R, and A, and must meet the following requirements: (1... clarity. When the peak intensity of the left and right position lights is more than 100 candles, the... the right and left of the axis of maximum illumination. [Doc. No. 4080, 29 FR 17955, Dec. 18, 1964, as...

14 CFR 29.1391 - Minimum intensities in the horizontal plane of forward and rear position lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

...: Dihedral angle (light included) Angle from right or left of longitudinal axis, measured from dead ahead Intensity (candles) L and R (forward red and green) 0° to 10°10° to 20° 20° to 110° 4030 5 A (rear white...

14 CFR 27.1391 - Minimum intensities in the horizontal plane of forward and rear position lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

...: Dihedral angle (light included) Angle from right or left of longitudinal axis, measured from dead ahead Intensity (candles) L and R (forward red and green) 10° to 10°10° to 20° 20° to 110° 4030 5 A (rear white...

14 CFR 25.1391 - Minimum intensities in the horizontal plane of forward and rear position lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

...: Dihedral angle (light included) Angle from right or left of longitudinal axis, measured from dead ahead Intensity (candles) L and R (forward red and green) 0° to 10°10° to 20° 20° to 110° 4030 5 A (rear white...

14 CFR 27.1391 - Minimum intensities in the horizontal plane of forward and rear position lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

...: Dihedral angle (light included) Angle from right or left of longitudinal axis, measured from dead ahead Intensity (candles) L and R (forward red and green) 10° to 10°10° to 20° 20° to 110° 4030 5 A (rear white...

14 CFR 23.1391 - Minimum intensities in the horizontal plane of position lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

...: Dihedral angle (light included) Angle from right or left of longitudinal axis, measured from dead ahead Intensity (candles) L and R (red and green) 0° to 10°10° to 20° 20° to 110° 4030 5 A (rear white) 110° to...

14 CFR 27.1391 - Minimum intensities in the horizontal plane of forward and rear position lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

...: Dihedral angle (light included) Angle from right or left of longitudinal axis, measured from dead ahead Intensity (candles) L and R (forward red and green) 10° to 10°10° to 20° 20° to 110° 4030 5 A (rear white...

14 CFR 25.1391 - Minimum intensities in the horizontal plane of forward and rear position lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

...: Dihedral angle (light included) Angle from right or left of longitudinal axis, measured from dead ahead Intensity (candles) L and R (forward red and green) 0° to 10° 10° to 20° 20° to 110° 40 30 5 A (rear white...

14 CFR 29.1391 - Minimum intensities in the horizontal plane of forward and rear position lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

...: Dihedral angle (light included) Angle from right or left of longitudinal axis, measured from dead ahead Intensity (candles) L and R (forward red and green) 0° to 10°10° to 20° 20° to 110° 4030 5 A (rear white...

14 CFR 23.1391 - Minimum intensities in the horizontal plane of position lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

...: Dihedral angle (light included) Angle from right or left of longitudinal axis, measured from dead ahead Intensity (candles) L and R (red and green) 0° to 10°10° to 20° 20° to 110° 4030 5 A (rear white) 110° to...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Like candles embedded in a sculptured “cake,” the Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) number 3 with twin solid rocket boosters bolted to it inches along the crawlerway at various speeds up to 1 mph in an effort to achieve vibration data gathering goals. The boosters are braced at the top for stability. The primary purpose of these rollout tests is to gather data to develop future maintenance requirements on the transport equipment and the flight hardware. Various parts of the MLP and crawler transporter have been instrumented with vibration data collection equipment.

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-11-21

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Like candles embedded in a sculptured “cake,” the Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) number 3 with twin solid rocket boosters bolted to it inches along the crawlerway at various speeds up to 1 mph in an effort to achieve vibration data gathering goals. The boosters are braced at the top for stability. The primary purpose of these rollout tests is to gather data to develop future maintenance requirements on the transport equipment and the flight hardware. Various parts of the MLP and crawler transporter have been instrumented with vibration data collection equipment.

Study for requirement of advanced long life small modular fast reactor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tak, Taewoo, E-mail: ttwispy@unist.ac.kr; Choe, Jiwon, E-mail: chi91023@unist.ac.kr; Jeong, Yongjin, E-mail: yjjeong09@unist.ac.kr

2016-01-22

To develop an advanced long-life SMR core concept, the feasibility of the long-life breed-and-burn core concept has been assessed and the preliminary selection on the reactor design requirement such as fuel form, coolant material has been performed. With the simplified cigar-type geometry of 8m-tall CANDLE reactor concept, it has demonstrated the strengths of breed-and-burn strategy. There is a saturation region in the graph for the multiplication factors, which means that a steady breeding is being proceeded along the axial direction. The propagation behavior of the CANDLE core can be also confirmed through the evolution of the axial power profile. Coolantmore » material is expected to have low melting point, density, viscosity and absorption cross section and a high boiling point, specific heat, and thermal conductivity. In this respect, sodium is preferable material for a coolant of this nuclear power plant system. The metallic fuel has harder spectrum compared to the oxide and carbide fuel, which is favorable to increase the breeding and extend the cycle length.« less

Study for requirement of advanced long life small modular fast reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tak, Taewoo; Choe, Jiwon; Jeong, Yongjin; Lee, Deokjung; Kim, T. K.

2016-01-01

To develop an advanced long-life SMR core concept, the feasibility of the long-life breed-and-burn core concept has been assessed and the preliminary selection on the reactor design requirement such as fuel form, coolant material has been performed. With the simplified cigar-type geometry of 8m-tall CANDLE reactor concept, it has demonstrated the strengths of breed-and-burn strategy. There is a saturation region in the graph for the multiplication factors, which means that a steady breeding is being proceeded along the axial direction. The propagation behavior of the CANDLE core can be also confirmed through the evolution of the axial power profile. Coolant material is expected to have low melting point, density, viscosity and absorption cross section and a high boiling point, specific heat, and thermal conductivity. In this respect, sodium is preferable material for a coolant of this nuclear power plant system. The metallic fuel has harder spectrum compared to the oxide and carbide fuel, which is favorable to increase the breeding and extend the cycle length.

Identification of predominant odorants in thai desserts flavored by smoking with "Tian Op", a traditional Thai scented candle.

PubMed

Watcharananun, Wanwarang; Cadwallader, Keith R; Huangrak, Kittiphong; Kim, Hun; Lorjaroenphon, Yaowapa

2009-02-11

"Tian Op", a traditional Thai scented candle, is used for the smoking and flavoring of sweets, cakes, and other desserts for the purpose of adding a unique aroma to the final product. Gas chromatography-olfactometry, aroma extract dilution analysis, and GC-MS were applied to identify the potent odorants in two types of traditional Thai desserts ("num dok mai" and "gleep lum duan") prepared using a Tian Op smoking process. On the basis of the results of AEDA and calculated odor-activity values, the predominant odorants in the Tian Op flavored desserts were vinyl ketones (C(5)-C(9)), n-aldehydes (C(5)-C(11)), (E)-2-unsaturated aldehydes (C(8)-C(11)), and omega-1-unsaturated aldehydes (C(8) and C(9)). Sensory studies of model mixtures confirmed the importance of n-aldehydes, omega-1-unsaturated aldehydes, and guaiacol as predominant odorants; however, the results showed that vinyl ketones and (E)-2-unsaturated aldehydes, despite having high odor-activity values, may be of only minor importance in the typical aroma profiles of traditional Tian Op smoked desserts.

Calibration of Post-AGB Supergiants as Standard Extragalactic Candles for HST

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bond, Howard E.

1998-01-01

This report summarizes activities carried out with support from the NASA Ultraviolet, Visible, and Gravitational Astrophysics Research and Analysis Program. The aim of the program is to calibrate the absolute magnitudes of post-asymptotic-giant-branch (post-AGB or PAGB) stars, which we believe will be an excellent new "standard candle" for measuring extragalactic distances. The reason for this belief is that in old populations, the stars that are evolving through the PAGB region of the HR (Hertzsprung-Russell) diagram arise from only a single main-sequence turnoff mass. In addition, the theoretical PAGB evolutionary tracks show that they evolve through this region at constant luminosity; hence the PAGB stars should have an extremely narrow luminosity function. Moreover, as the PAGB stars evolve through spectral types F and A (en route from the AGB to hot stellar remnants and white dwarfs), they have the highest luminosities attained by old stars (both bolometrically and in the visual band). Finally, the PAGB stars of these spectral types are very easily identified, due to their large Balmer jumps, which are due to their very low surface gravities.

Centrifuge in Free Fall: Combustion at Partial Gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferkul, Paul

2017-01-01

A centrifuge apparatus is developed to study the effect of variable acceleration levels in a drop tower environment. It consists of a large rotating chamber, within which the experiment is conducted. NASA Glenn Research Center 5.18-second Zero-Gravity Facility drop tests were successfully conducted at rotation rates up to 1 RPS with no measurable effect on the overall Zero-Gravity drop bus. Arbitrary simulated gravity levels from zero to 1-g (at a radius of rotation 30 cm) were produced. A simple combustion experiment was used to exercise the capabilities of the centrifuge. A total of 23 drops burning a simulated candle with heptane and ethanol fuel were performed. The effect of gravity level (rotation rate) and Coriolis force on the flames was observed. Flames became longer, narrower, and brighter as gravity increased. The Coriolis force tended to tilt the flames to one side, as expected, especially as the rotation rate was increased. The Zero-Gravity Centrifuge can be a useful tool for other researchers interested in the effects of arbitrary partial gravity on experiments, especially as NASA embarks on future missions which may be conducted in non-Earth gravity.

Testing dark energy with the Advanced Liquid-mirror Probe of Asteroids, Cosmology and Astrophysics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corasaniti, Pier Stefano; LoVerde, Marilena; Crotts, Arlin; Blake, Chris

2006-06-01

The Advanced Liquid-mirror Probe of Asteroids, Cosmology and Astrophysics (ALPACA) is a proposed 8-m liquid-mirror telescope surveying ~1000deg2 of the Southern hemisphere sky. It will be a remarkably simple and inexpensive telescope that none the less will deliver a powerful sample of optical data for studying dark energy. The bulk of the cosmological data consist of nightly, high signal-to-noise ratio, multiband light curves of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia). At the end of the 3-yr run, ALPACA is expected to collect >~100000 SNe Ia up to z ~ 1. This will allow us to reduce present systematic uncertainties affecting the standard-candle relation. The survey will also provide several other data sets such as the detection of baryon acoustic oscillations in the matter power spectrum and shear weak-lensing measurements. In this preliminary analysis, we forecast constraints on dark energy parameters from SNe Ia and baryon acoustic oscillations. The combination of these two data sets will provide competitive constraints on the dark energy parameters under minimal prior assumptions. Further studies are needed to address the accuracy of weak-lensing measurements.

Concrete ensemble Kalman filters with rigorous catastrophic filter divergence

PubMed Central

Kelly, David; Majda, Andrew J.; Tong, Xin T.

2015-01-01

The ensemble Kalman filter and ensemble square root filters are data assimilation methods used to combine high-dimensional, nonlinear dynamical models with observed data. Ensemble methods are indispensable tools in science and engineering and have enjoyed great success in geophysical sciences, because they allow for computationally cheap low-ensemble-state approximation for extremely high-dimensional turbulent forecast models. From a theoretical perspective, the dynamical properties of these methods are poorly understood. One of the central mysteries is the numerical phenomenon known as catastrophic filter divergence, whereby ensemble-state estimates explode to machine infinity, despite the true state remaining in a bounded region. In this article we provide a breakthrough insight into the phenomenon, by introducing a simple and natural forecast model that transparently exhibits catastrophic filter divergence under all ensemble methods and a large set of initializations. For this model, catastrophic filter divergence is not an artifact of numerical instability, but rather a true dynamical property of the filter. The divergence is not only validated numerically but also proven rigorously. The model cleanly illustrates mechanisms that give rise to catastrophic divergence and confirms intuitive accounts of the phenomena given in past literature. PMID:26261335

Concrete ensemble Kalman filters with rigorous catastrophic filter divergence.

PubMed

Kelly, David; Majda, Andrew J; Tong, Xin T

2015-08-25

The ensemble Kalman filter and ensemble square root filters are data assimilation methods used to combine high-dimensional, nonlinear dynamical models with observed data. Ensemble methods are indispensable tools in science and engineering and have enjoyed great success in geophysical sciences, because they allow for computationally cheap low-ensemble-state approximation for extremely high-dimensional turbulent forecast models. From a theoretical perspective, the dynamical properties of these methods are poorly understood. One of the central mysteries is the numerical phenomenon known as catastrophic filter divergence, whereby ensemble-state estimates explode to machine infinity, despite the true state remaining in a bounded region. In this article we provide a breakthrough insight into the phenomenon, by introducing a simple and natural forecast model that transparently exhibits catastrophic filter divergence under all ensemble methods and a large set of initializations. For this model, catastrophic filter divergence is not an artifact of numerical instability, but rather a true dynamical property of the filter. The divergence is not only validated numerically but also proven rigorously. The model cleanly illustrates mechanisms that give rise to catastrophic divergence and confirms intuitive accounts of the phenomena given in past literature.

Modeling of submicrometer aerosol penetration through sintered granular membrane filters.

PubMed

Marre, Sonia; Palmeri, John; Larbot, André; Bertrand, Marielle

2004-06-01

We present a deep-bed aerosol filtration model that can be used to estimate the efficiency of sintered granular membrane filters in the region of the most penetrating particle size. In this region the capture of submicrometer aerosols, much smaller than the filter pore size, takes place mainly via Brownian diffusion and direct interception acting in synergy. By modeling the disordered sintered grain packing of such filters as a simple cubic lattice, and mapping the corresponding 3D connected pore volume onto a discrete cylindrical pore network, the efficiency of a granular filter can be estimated, using new analytical results for the efficiency of cylindrical pores. This model for aerosol penetration in sintered granular filters includes flow slip and the kinetics of particle capture by the pore surface. With a unique choice for two parameters, namely the structural tortuosity and effective kinetic coefficient of particle adsorption, this semiempirical model can account for the experimental efficiency of a new class of "high-efficiency particulate air" ceramic membrane filters as a function of particle size over a wide range of filter thickness and texture (pore size and porosity) and operating conditions (face velocity).

Chromotomography for a rotating-prism instrument using backprojection, then filtering.

PubMed

Deming, Ross W

2006-08-01

A simple closed-form solution is derived for reconstructing a 3D spatial-chromatic image cube from a set of chromatically dispersed 2D image frames. The algorithm is tailored for a particular instrument in which the dispersion element is a matching set of mechanically rotated direct vision prisms positioned between a lens and a focal plane array. By using a linear operator formalism to derive the Tikhonov-regularized pseudoinverse operator, it is found that the unique minimum-norm solution is obtained by applying the adjoint operator, followed by 1D filtering with respect to the chromatic variable. Thus the filtering and backprojection (adjoint) steps are applied in reverse order relative to an existing method. Computational efficiency is provided by use of the fast Fourier transform in the filtering step.

Simpler Alternative to an Optimum FQPSK-B Viterbi Receiver

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Dennis; Simon, Marvin; Yan, Tsun-Yee

2003-01-01

A reduced-complexity alternative to an optimum FQPSK-B Viterbi receiver has been invented. As described, the reduction in complexity is achieved at the cost of only a small reduction in power performance [performance expressed in terms of a bit-energy-to-noise-energy ratio (Eb/N0) for a given bit-error rate (BER)]. The term "FQPSK-B" denotes a baseband-filtered version of Feher quadrature-phase-shift keying, which is a patented, bandwidth-efficient phase-modulation scheme named after its inventor. Heretofore, commercial FQPSK-B receivers have performed symbol-by-symbol detection, in each case using a detection filter (either the proprietary FQPSK-B filter for better BER performance, or a simple integrate-and-dump filter with degraded performance) and a sample-and-hold circuit.

Optical notch filter with tunable bandwidth based on guided-mode resonant polarization-sensitive spectral feature.

PubMed

Qian, Linyong; Zhang, Dawei; Dai, Bo; Wang, Qi; Huang, Yuanshen; Zhuang, Songlin

2015-07-13

A novel bandwidth-tunable notch filter is proposed based on the guided-mode resonance effect. The notch is created due to the superposition spectra response of two guided-mode resonant filters. The compact, bandwidth tuning capability is realized by taking advantage the effect of spectra-to-polarization sensitivity in one-dimensional classical guided-mode resonance filter, and using a liquid crystal polarization rotator for precise and simple polarization control. The operation principle and the design of the device are presented, and we demonstrate it experimentally. The central wavelength is fixed at 766.4 nm with a relatively symmetric profile. The full width at half maximum bandwidth could be tuned from 8.6 nm to 18.2 nm by controlling the applied voltage in electrically-driving polarization rotator.

Design and performance of a high-Tc superconductor coplanar waveguide filter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chew, Wilbert; Riley, A. L.; Rascoe, Daniel L.; Hunt, Brian D.; Foote, Marc C.; Cooley, Thomas W.; Bajuk, Louis J.

1991-01-01

The design of a coplanar waveguide low-pass filter made of YBa2Cu3O(7-delta) (YBCO) on an LaAlO3 substrate is described. Measurements were incorporated into simple models for microwave CAD analysis to develop a final design. The patterned and packaged coplanar waveguide low-pass filter of YBCO, with dimensions suited for integrated circuits, exhibited measured insertion losses when cooled in liquid nitrogen superior to those of a similarly cooled thin-film copper filter throughout the 0 to 9.5 GHz passband. Coplanar waveguide models for use with thin-film normal metal (with thickness either greater or less than the skin depth) and YBCO are discussed and used to compare the losses of the measured YBCO and copper circuits.

Fast realization of nonrecursive digital filters with limits on signal delay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Titov, M. A.; Bondarenko, N. N.

1983-07-01

Attention is given to the problem of achieving a fast realization of nonrecursive digital filters with the aim of reducing signal delay. It is shown that a realization wherein the impulse characteristic of the filter is divided into blocks satisfies the delay requirements and is almost as economical in terms of the number of multiplications as conventional fast convolution. In addition, the block method leads to a reduction in the needed size of the memory and in the number of additions; the short-convolution procedure is substantially simplified. Finally, the block method facilitates the paralleling of computations owing to the simple transfers between subfilters.

Generation of hollow Gaussian beams by spatial filtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zhengjun; Zhao, Haifa; Liu, Jianlong; Lin, Jie; Ashfaq Ahmad, Muhammad; Liu, Shutian

2007-08-01

We demonstrate that hollow Gaussian beams can be obtained from Fourier transform of the differentials of a Gaussian beam, and thus they can be generated by spatial filtering in the Fourier domain with spatial filters that consist of binomial combinations of even-order Hermite polynomials. A typical 4f optical system and a Michelson interferometer type system are proposed to implement the proposed scheme. Numerical results have proved the validity and effectiveness of this method. Furthermore, other polynomial Gaussian beams can also be generated by using this scheme. This approach is simple and may find significant applications in generating the dark hollow beams for nanophotonic technology.

Generation of hollow Gaussian beams by spatial filtering.

PubMed

Liu, Zhengjun; Zhao, Haifa; Liu, Jianlong; Lin, Jie; Ahmad, Muhammad Ashfaq; Liu, Shutian

2007-08-01

We demonstrate that hollow Gaussian beams can be obtained from Fourier transform of the differentials of a Gaussian beam, and thus they can be generated by spatial filtering in the Fourier domain with spatial filters that consist of binomial combinations of even-order Hermite polynomials. A typical 4f optical system and a Michelson interferometer type system are proposed to implement the proposed scheme. Numerical results have proved the validity and effectiveness of this method. Furthermore, other polynomial Gaussian beams can also be generated by using this scheme. This approach is simple and may find significant applications in generating the dark hollow beams for nanophotonic technology.

Facile fabrication of a poly(ethylene terephthalate) membrane filter with precise arrangement of through-holes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kihara, Naoto; Odaka, Hidefumi; Kuboyama, Daiki; Onoshima, Daisuke; Ishikawa, Kenji; Baba, Yoshinobu; Hori, Masaru

2018-03-01

Although membrane filters are indispensable in biochemical analysis fields, most methods for through-hole fabrication are complex and inefficient. We developed a simple method of fabricating poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) membrane filters with a precise arrangement of through-holes for the isolation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) based on their size. By photolithography and dry etching, highly packed 380,000 through-holes with a diameter of 7 µm were able to cover a whole area with a diameter of 13 mm. Device fabrication for the size-based capture of rare cells in blood such as CTCs is realized in this study.

Note: Broadly tunable all-fiber ytterbium laser with 0.05 nm spectral width based on multimode interference filter.

PubMed

Mukhopadhyay, Pranab K; Gupta, Pradeep K; Singh, Amarjeet; Sharma, Sunil K; Bindra, Kushvinder S; Oak, Shrikant M

2014-05-01

A multimode interference filter with narrow transmission bandwidth and large self-imaging wavelength interval is constructed and implemented in an ytterbium doped fiber laser in all-fiber format for broad wavelength tunability as well as narrow spectral width of the output beam. The peak transmission wavelength of the multimode interference filter was tuned with the help of a standard in-fiber polarization controller. With this simple mechanism more than 30 nm (1038 nm-1070 nm) tuning range is demonstrated. The spectral width of the output beam from the laser was measured to be 0.05 nm.

Note: Broadly tunable all-fiber ytterbium laser with 0.05 nm spectral width based on multimode interference filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukhopadhyay, Pranab K.; Gupta, Pradeep K.; Singh, Amarjeet; Sharma, Sunil K.; Bindra, Kushvinder S.; Oak, Shrikant M.

2014-05-01

A multimode interference filter with narrow transmission bandwidth and large self-imaging wavelength interval is constructed and implemented in an ytterbium doped fiber laser in all-fiber format for broad wavelength tunability as well as narrow spectral width of the output beam. The peak transmission wavelength of the multimode interference filter was tuned with the help of a standard in-fiber polarization controller. With this simple mechanism more than 30 nm (1038 nm-1070 nm) tuning range is demonstrated. The spectral width of the output beam from the laser was measured to be 0.05 nm.

Apodized RFI filtering of synthetic aperture radar images

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Doerry, Armin Walter

2014-02-01

Fine resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems necessarily require wide bandwidths that often overlap spectrum utilized by other wireless services. These other emitters pose a source of Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) to the SAR echo signals that degrades SAR image quality. Filtering, or excising, the offending spectral contaminants will mitigate the interference, but at a cost of often degrading the SAR image in other ways, notably by raising offensive sidelobe levels. This report proposes borrowing an idea from nonlinear sidelobe apodization techniques to suppress interference without the attendant increase in sidelobe levels. The simple post-processing technique is termed Apodized RFImore » Filtering (ARF).« less

Mutual Comparative Filtering for Change Detection in Videos with Unstable Illumination Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sidyakin, Sergey V.; Vishnyakov, Boris V.; Vizilter, Yuri V.; Roslov, Nikolay I.

2016-06-01

In this paper we propose a new approach for change detection and moving objects detection in videos with unstable, abrupt illumination changes. This approach is based on mutual comparative filters and background normalization. We give the definitions of mutual comparative filters and outline their strong advantage for change detection purposes. Presented approach allows us to deal with changing illumination conditions in a simple and efficient way and does not have drawbacks, which exist in models that assume different color transformation laws. The proposed procedure can be used to improve a number of background modelling methods, which are not specifically designed to work under illumination changes.

A microspectrometer based on subwavelength metal nanohole array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Jun; Xia, Liangping; Yang, Zheng; Yin, Lu; Zheng, Guoxing; Yin, Shaoyun; Du, Chunlei

2014-11-01

Catering to the active demand of the miniaturization of spectrometers, a simple microspectrometer with small size and light weight is presented in this paper. The presented microspectrometer is a typical filter-based spectrometer using the extraordinary optical transmission property of subwavelength metal hole array structure. Different subwavelength metal nanohole arrays are designed to work as different filter units obtained by changing the lattice parameters. By processing the filter spectra with a unique algorithm based on sparse representation, the proposed spectrometer is demonstrated to have the capability of high spectral resolution and accuracy. Benefit for the thin filmed feature, the microspectrometer is expected to find its application in integrated optical systems.

Note: Broadly tunable all-fiber ytterbium laser with 0.05 nm spectral width based on multimode interference filter

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mukhopadhyay, Pranab K., E-mail: pkm@rrcat.gov.in; Gupta, Pradeep K.; Singh, Amarjeet

2014-05-15

A multimode interference filter with narrow transmission bandwidth and large self-imaging wavelength interval is constructed and implemented in an ytterbium doped fiber laser in all-fiber format for broad wavelength tunability as well as narrow spectral width of the output beam. The peak transmission wavelength of the multimode interference filter was tuned with the help of a standard in-fiber polarization controller. With this simple mechanism more than 30 nm (1038 nm–1070 nm) tuning range is demonstrated. The spectral width of the output beam from the laser was measured to be 0.05 nm.

Electrospun Magnetic Nanoparticle-Decorated Nanofiber Filter and Its Applications to High-Efficiency Air Filtration.

PubMed

Kim, Juyoung; Chan Hong, Seung; Bae, Gwi Nam; Jung, Jae Hee

2017-10-17

Filtration technology has been widely studied due to concerns about exposure to airborne dust, including metal oxide nanoparticles, which cause serious health problems. The aim of these studies has been to develop mechanisms for the continuous and efficient removal of metal oxide dusts. In this study, we introduce a novel air filtration system based on the magnetic attraction force. The filtration system is composed of a magnetic nanoparticle (MNP)-decorated nanofiber (MNP-NF) filter. Using a simple electrospinning system, we fabricated continuous and smooth electrospun nanofibers with evenly distributed Fe 3 O 4 MNPs. Our electrospun MNP-NF filter exhibited high particle collection efficiency (∼97% at 300 nm particle size) compared to the control filter (w/o MNPs, ∼ 68%), with a ∼ 64% lower pressure drop (∼17 Pa) than the control filter (∼27 Pa). Finally, the filter quality factors of the MNP-NF filter were 4.7 and 11.9 times larger than those of the control filter and the conventional high-efficiency particulate air filters (>99% and ∼269 Pa), respectively. Furthermore, we successfully performed a field test of our MNP-NF filter using dust from a subway station tunnel. This work suggests that our novel MNP-NF filter can be used to facilitate effective protection against hazardous metal oxide dust in real environments.

GRBs as standard candles: There is no “circularity problem” (and there never was)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Graziani, Carlo

2011-02-01

Beginning with the 2002 discovery of the "Amati Relation" of GRB spectra, there has been much interest in the possibility that this and other correlations of GRB phenomenology might be used to make GRBs into standard candles. One recurring apparent difficulty with this program has been that some of the primary observational quantities to be fit as "data" - to wit, the isotropic-equivalent prompt energy Eiso and the collimation-corrected "total" prompt energy Eγ - depend for their construction on the very cosmological models that they are supposed to help constrain. This is the so-called "circularity problem" of standard candle GRBs. This paper is intended to point out that the circularity problem is not in fact a problem at all, except to the extent that it amounts to a self-inflicted wound. It arises essentially because of an unfortunate choice of data variables - "source-frame" variables such as Eiso, which are unnecessarily encumbered by cosmological considerations. If, instead, the empirical correlations of GRB phenomenology which are formulated in source-variables are mapped to the primitive observational variables (such as fluence) and compared to the observations in that space, then all taint of circularity disappears. I also indicate here a set of procedures for encoding high-dimensional empirical correlations (such as between Eiso, Epk(src),tjet(src), and T45(src)) in a "Gaussian Tube" smeared model that includes both the correlation and its intrinsic scatter, and how that source-variable model may easily be mapped to the space of primitive observables, to be convolved with the measurement errors and fashioned into a likelihood. I discuss the projections of such Gaussian tubes into sub-spaces, which may be used to incorporate data from GRB events that may lack some element of the data (for example, GRBs without ascertained jet-break times). In this way, a large set of inhomogeneously observed GRBs may be assimilated into a single analysis, so long as each possesses at least two correlated data attributes.

Tailoring noise frequency spectrum to improve NIR determinations.

PubMed

Xie, Shaofei; Xiang, Bingren; Yu, Liyan; Deng, Haishan

2009-12-15

Near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) contains excessive background noise and weak analytical signals caused by near infrared overtones and combinations. That makes it difficult to achieve quantitative determinations of low concentration samples by NIR. A simple chemometric approach has been established to modify the noise frequency spectrum to improve NIR determinations. The proposed method is to multiply one Savitzky-Golay filtered NIR spectrum with another reference spectrum added with thermal noises before the other Savitzky-Golay filter. Since Savitzky-Golay filter is a kind of low-pass filter and cannot eliminate low frequency components of NIR spectrum, using one step or two consecutive Savitzky-Golay filter procedures cannot improve the determination of NIR greatly. Meanwhile, significant improvement is achieved via the Savitzky-Golay filtered NIR spectrum processed with the multiplication alteration before the other Savitzky-Golay filter. The frequency range of the modified noise spectrum shifts toward higher frequency regime via multiplication operation. So the second Savitzky-Golay filter is able to provide better filtering efficiency to obtain satisfied result. The improvement of NIR determination with tailoring noise frequency spectrum technique was demonstrated by both simulated dataset and two measured NIR spectral datasets. It is expected that noise frequency spectrum technique will be adopted mostly in applications where quantitative determination of low concentration sample is crucial.

MST Filterability Tests

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Poirier, M. R.; Burket, P. R.; Duignan, M. R.

2015-03-12

The Savannah River Site (SRS) is currently treating radioactive liquid waste with the Actinide Removal Process (ARP) and the Modular Caustic Side Solvent Extraction Unit (MCU). The low filter flux through the ARP has limited the rate at which radioactive liquid waste can be treated. Recent filter flux has averaged approximately 5 gallons per minute (gpm). Salt Batch 6 has had a lower processing rate and required frequent filter cleaning. Savannah River Remediation (SRR) has a desire to understand the causes of the low filter flux and to increase ARP/MCU throughput. In addition, at the time the testing started, SRRmore » was assessing the impact of replacing the 0.1 micron filter with a 0.5 micron filter. This report describes testing of MST filterability to investigate the impact of filter pore size and MST particle size on filter flux and testing of filter enhancers to attempt to increase filter flux. The authors constructed a laboratory-scale crossflow filter apparatus with two crossflow filters operating in parallel. One filter was a 0.1 micron Mott sintered SS filter and the other was a 0.5 micron Mott sintered SS filter. The authors also constructed a dead-end filtration apparatus to conduct screening tests with potential filter aids and body feeds, referred to as filter enhancers. The original baseline for ARP was 5.6 M sodium salt solution with a free hydroxide concentration of approximately 1.7 M.3 ARP has been operating with a sodium concentration of approximately 6.4 M and a free hydroxide concentration of approximately 2.5 M. SRNL conducted tests varying the concentration of sodium and free hydroxide to determine whether those changes had a significant effect on filter flux. The feed slurries for the MST filterability tests were composed of simple salts (NaOH, NaNO 2, and NaNO 3) and MST (0.2 – 4.8 g/L). The feed slurry for the filter enhancer tests contained simulated salt batch 6 supernate, MST, and filter enhancers.« less

Use of dust fall filters as passive samplers for metal concentrations in air for communities near contaminated mine tailings

PubMed Central

Beamer, P.I.; Sugeng, A. J.; Kelly, M.D.; Lothrop, N.; Klimecki, W.; Wilkinson, S.T.; Loh, M.

2014-01-01

Mine tailings are a source of metal exposures in many rural communities. Multiple air samples are necessary to assess the extent of exposures and factors contributing to these exposures. However, air sampling equipment is costly and requires trained personnel to obtain measurements, limiting the number of samples that can be collected. Simple, low-cost methods are needed to allow for increased sample collection. The objective of our study was to assess if dust fall filters can serve as passive air samplers and be used to characterize potential exposures in a community near contaminated mine tailings. We placed filters in cylinders, concurrently with active indoor air samplers, in 10 occupied homes. We calculated an estimated flow rate by dividing the mass on each dust fall filter by the bulk air concentration and the sampling duration. The mean estimated flow rate for dust fall filters was significantly different during sampling periods with precipitation. The estimated flow rate was used to estimate metal concentration in the air of these homes, as well as in 31 additional homes in another rural community impacted by contaminated mine tailings. The estimated air concentrations had a significant linear association with the measured air concentrations for beryllium, manganese and arsenic (p<0.05), whose primary source in indoor air is resuspended soil from outdoors. In the second rural community, our estimated metal concentrations in air were comparable to active air sampling measurements taken previously. This passive air sampler is a simple low-cost method to assess potential exposures near contaminated mining sites. PMID:24469149

DNA-stabilized silver nanoclusters and carbon nanoparticles oxide: A sensitive platform for label-free fluorescence turn-on detection of HIV-DNA sequences.

PubMed

Ye, Yu-Dan; Xia, Li; Xu, Dang-Dang; Xing, Xiao-Jing; Pang, Dai-Wen; Tang, Hong-Wu

2016-11-15

Based on the remarkable difference between the interactions of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) oxide with single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), and the fact that fluorescence of DNA-stabilized silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) can be quenched by CNPs oxide, DNA-functionalized AgNCs were applied as label-free fluorescence probes and a novel fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) sensor was successfully constructed for the detection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) DNA sequences. CNPs oxide were prepared with the oxidation of candle soot, hence it is simple, time-saving and low-cost. The strategy of dual AgNCs probes was applied to improve the detection sensitivity by using dual- probe capturing the same target DNA in a sandwich mode and as the fluorescence donor, and using CNPs oxide as the acceptor. In the presence of target DNA, a dsDNA hybrid forms, leading to the desorption of the ssDNA-AgNCs probes from CNPs oxide, and the recovering of fluorescence of the AgNCs in a HIV-DNA concentration-dependent manner. The results show that HIV-DNA can be detected in the range of 1-50nM with a detection limit of 0.40nM in aqueous buffer. The method is simple, rapid and sensitive with no need of labeled fluorescent probes, and moreover, the design of fluorescent dual-probe makes full use of the excellent fluorescence property of AgNCs and further improves the detection sensitivity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Improving signal-to-noise ratios of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry peaks using noise frequency spectrum modification between two consecutive matched-filtering procedures.

PubMed

Wang, Shau-Chun; Huang, Chih-Min; Chiang, Shu-Min

2007-08-17

This paper reports a simple chemometric technique to alter the noise spectrum of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) chromatogram between two consecutive matched filter procedures to improve the peak signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio enhancement. This technique is to multiply one match-filtered LC-MS-MS chromatogram with another artificial chromatogram added with thermal noises prior to the second matched filter. Because matched filter cannot eliminate low-frequency components inherent in the flicker noises of spike-like sharp peaks randomly riding on LC-MS-MS chromatograms, efficient peak S/N ratio improvement cannot be accomplished using one-step or consecutive matched filter procedures to process LC-MS-MS chromatograms. In contrast, when the match-filtered LC-MS-MS chromatogram is conditioned with the multiplication alteration prior to the second matched filter, much better efficient ratio improvement is achieved. The noise frequency spectrum of match-filtered chromatogram, which originally contains only low-frequency components, is altered to span a boarder range with multiplication operation. When the frequency range of this modified noise spectrum shifts toward higher frequency regime, the second matched filter, working as a low-pass filter, is able to provide better filtering efficiency to obtain higher peak S/N ratios. Real LC-MS-MS chromatograms containing random spike-like peaks, of which peak S/N ratio improvement is less than four times with two consecutive matched filters typically, are remedied to accomplish much better ratio enhancement approximately 16-folds when the noise frequency spectrum is modified between two matched filters.

Image denoising for real-time MRI.

PubMed

Klosowski, Jakob; Frahm, Jens

2017-03-01

To develop an image noise filter suitable for MRI in real time (acquisition and display), which preserves small isolated details and efficiently removes background noise without introducing blur, smearing, or patch artifacts. The proposed method extends the nonlocal means algorithm to adapt the influence of the original pixel value according to a simple measure for patch regularity. Detail preservation is improved by a compactly supported weighting kernel that closely approximates the commonly used exponential weight, while an oracle step ensures efficient background noise removal. Denoising experiments were conducted on real-time images of healthy subjects reconstructed by regularized nonlinear inversion from radial acquisitions with pronounced undersampling. The filter leads to a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improvement of at least 60% without noticeable artifacts or loss of detail. The method visually compares to more complex state-of-the-art filters as the block-matching three-dimensional filter and in certain cases better matches the underlying noise model. Acceleration of the computation to more than 100 complex frames per second using graphics processing units is straightforward. The sensitivity of nonlocal means to small details can be significantly increased by the simple strategies presented here, which allows partial restoration of SNR in iteratively reconstructed images without introducing a noticeable time delay or image artifacts. Magn Reson Med 77:1340-1352, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

A new route to the stable capture and final immobilization of radioactive cesium.

PubMed

Yang, Jae Hwan; Han, Ahreum; Yoon, Joo Young; Park, Hwan-Seo; Cho, Yung-Zun

2017-10-05

Radioactive Cs released from damaged fuel materials in the event of nuclear accidents must be controlled to prevent the spreading of hazardous Cs into the environment. This study describes a simple and novel process to safely manage Cs gas by capturing it within ceramic filters and converting it into monolithic waste forms. The results of Cs trapping tests showed that CsAlSiO 4 was a reaction product of gas-solid reactions between Cs gas and our ceramic filters. Monolithic waste forms were readily prepared from the Cs-trapping filters by the addition of a glass frit followed by thermal treatment at 1000°C for 3h. Major findings revealed that the Cs-trapping filters could be added up to 50wt% to form durable monoliths. In 30-50wt% of waste fraction, CsAlSiO 4 was completely converted to pollucite (CsAlSi 2 O 6 ), which is a potential phase for radioactive Cs due to its excellent thermal and chemical stability. A static leaching test for 28 d confirmed the excellent chemical resistance of the pollucite structure, with a Cs leaching rate as low as 7.21×10 -5 gm -2 /d. This simple scheme of waste processing promises a new route for radioactive Cs immobilization by synthesizing pollucite-based monoliths. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A simple filter dam for small streams

Treesearch

K. G. Reinhart

1960-01-01

Research foresters on the Fernow Experimental Forest were recently faced with the problem of conducting a logging job with "poor" skidroad standards on a 38-acre watershed above a municipal water-supply reservoir.

Using Simplistic Shape/Surface Models to Predict Brightness in Estimation Filters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wetterer, C.; Sheppard, D.; Hunt, B.

The prerequisite for using brightness (radiometric flux intensity) measurements in an estimation filter is to have a measurement function that accurately predicts a space objects brightness for variations in the parameters of interest. These parameters include changes in attitude and articulations of particular components (e.g. solar panel east-west offsets to direct sun-tracking). Typically, shape models and bidirectional reflectance distribution functions are combined to provide this forward light curve modeling capability. To achieve precise orbit predictions with the inclusion of shape/surface dependent forces such as radiation pressure, relatively complex and sophisticated modeling is required. Unfortunately, increasing the complexity of the models makes it difficult to estimate all those parameters simultaneously because changes in light curve features can now be explained by variations in a number of different properties. The classic example of this is the connection between the albedo and the area of a surface. If, however, the desire is to extract information about a single and specific parameter or feature from the light curve, a simple shape/surface model could be used. This paper details an example of this where a complex model is used to create simulated light curves, and then a simple model is used in an estimation filter to extract out a particular feature of interest. In order for this to be successful, however, the simple model must be first constructed using training data where the feature of interest is known or at least known to be constant.

Science driven restoration: A candle in a demon haunted world—response to cabin

Treesearch

Christian P. Giardina; Creighton M. Litton; Jarrod M. Thaxton; Susan Cordell; Lisa J. Hadway; Darren R. Sandquist

2007-01-01

Cabin (2007) asks whether formal science is an effective framework and methodology for designing and implementing ecological restoration programs. He argues that beyond certain ancillary benefits, restoration science has little of practical value to offer the practice of restoration. He goes on to suggest that restoration science most often represents an impediment to...

75 FR 40777 - Certain Polyester Staple Fiber From the People's Republic of China: Notice of Preliminary Results...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-14

....; Hangzhou Sanxin Paper Co., Ltd.; Hangzhou Taifu Textile Fiber Co., Ltd.; Jiaxang Fuda Chemical Fibre...: Certain Lined Paper Products from the People's Republic of China, 71 FR 53079, 53082 (September 8, 2006...: Petroleum Wax Candles from the People's Republic of China, 72 FR 52355, 52356 (September 13, 2007). In...

Plotting Rates of Photosynthesis as a Function of Light Quantity.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dean, Rob L.

1996-01-01

Discusses methods for plotting rates of photosynthesis as a function of light quantity. Presents evidence that suggests that empirically derived conversion factors, which are used to convert foot candles to photon fluence rates, should be used with extreme caution. Suggests how rate data are best plotted when any kind of light meter is not…

Playing with Light: Adventures in Optics and Spectroscopy for Honors and Majors General Chemistry

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van Staveren, Marie N.; Edwards, Kimberly D.; Apkarian, V. A.

2012-01-01

A lab was developed for use in an undergraduate honors and majors general chemistry laboratory to introduce students to optics, spectroscopy, and the underlying principles of quantum mechanics. This lab includes four mini-experiments exploring total internal reflection, the tunneling of light, spectra of sparklers and colored candles, and emission…

When a Standard Candle Flickers: Crab Nebula Variations in Hard X-rays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson-Hodge, Colleen A.

2012-01-01

The Crab Nebula was surprisingly variable from 2001-2010, with less variability before 2001 and since mid-2010. We presented evidence for spectral softening from RXTE, Swift/BAT, and Fermi GBM during the mid-2008-2010 flux decline. We will miss RXTE, but will continue our monitoring program using Fermi/GBM, MAXI, and Swift/BAT.

Moths, Candles and Fires: Examining Dance as Creative Practice Research in a Master's degree

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rowe, Nicholas; Buck, Ralph

2013-01-01

This article reflects on the purposes and functions of examination criteria for Masters' research degrees with creative practice components. With a particular focus on dance projects that incorporate both a performed and a written expression of the research, we consider how a rubric for creative practice research degrees might address formative…

Impulsive-Reflective Attitude, Behavioural Inhibition and Motor Skills: Are They Linked?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rosey, Florence; Keller, Jean; Golomer, Eveline

2010-01-01

The present study aims to examine whether the inhibitory processes and impulsive-cognitive style can influence the emergence of coordination level among 61 children aged 3 to 5 years. Luria's tapping tasks, Day-Night tasks, Hand-Candle tasks, Go-NoGo tasks and the Trail Making Tests of Reitan, all involving inhibitory processes, were conducted.…

Sharing the Arts of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Final Report, February 1977-January 1978.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holman, Martha; Gailey, Lamar

Designed to utilize basic skills and develop a vocational or vocational skills, eight adult basic education modules were developed which highlight authentic Blue Ridge Mountain crafts. Modules provide instruction in apple dolls, braided rugs, candles, caning, corn shuck dolls, pottery, quilting, and weaving (see Note). Selection of the crafts was…

The Great Attractor: At the Limits of Hubble's Law of the Expanding Universe.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Murdin, Paul

1991-01-01

Presents the origin and mathematics of Hubble's Law of the expanding universe. Discusses limitations to this law and the related concepts of standard candles, elliptical galaxies, and streaming motions, which are conspicuous deviations from the law. The third of three models proposed as explanations for streaming motions is designated: The Great…

New Nanotech from an Ancient Material: Chemistry Demonstrations Involving Carbon-Based Soot

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Campbell, Dean J.; Andrews, Mark J.; Stevenson, Keith J.

2012-01-01

Carbon soot has been known since antiquity, but has recently been finding new uses as a robust, inexpensive nanomaterial. This paper describes the superhydrophobic properties of carbon soot films prepared by combustion of candle wax or propane gas and introduces some of the optical absorption and fluorescence properties of carbon soot particles.…

Discourse, the Moral Imperative and Faraday's Candle

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Melville, Wayne

2013-01-01

This commentary considers two lines of inquiry into the work of Ideland and Malmberg: the role of discourse in shaping teachers' responses to Roberts' (2011) Visions of Science and the moral imperatives that will accompany any shifts between Vision I and II. Vision I of science has accreted to itself great power and prestige, both of which shape…

16 CFR 1500.44 - Method for determining extremely flammable and flammable solids.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

.... Measure the dimensions of the sample and support it by means of metal ringstands, clamps, rings, or other... be ventilated and cleared after each test. The temperature of the sample at the time of testing shall... or until the sample ignites, whichever is less. Remove the candle. By means of a stopwatch, determine...

A Bright Spark: Open Teaching of Science Using Faraday's Lectures on Candles

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walker, Mark; Groger, Martin; Schutler, Kirsten; Mosler, Bernd

2008-01-01

As well as being a founding father of modern chemistry and physics Michael Faraday was also a skilled lecturer, able to explain scientific principles and ideas simply and concisely to nonscientific audiences. However science didactics today emphasizes the use of open and student-centered methods of teaching in which students find and develop…

Robust optical flow using adaptive Lorentzian filter for image reconstruction under noisy condition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kesrarat, Darun; Patanavijit, Vorapoj

2017-02-01

In optical flow for motion allocation, the efficient result in Motion Vector (MV) is an important issue. Several noisy conditions may cause the unreliable result in optical flow algorithms. We discover that many classical optical flows algorithms perform better result under noisy condition when combined with modern optimized model. This paper introduces effective robust models of optical flow by using Robust high reliability spatial based optical flow algorithms using the adaptive Lorentzian norm influence function in computation on simple spatial temporal optical flows algorithm. Experiment on our proposed models confirm better noise tolerance in optical flow's MV under noisy condition when they are applied over simple spatial temporal optical flow algorithms as a filtering model in simple frame-to-frame correlation technique. We illustrate the performance of our models by performing an experiment on several typical sequences with differences in movement speed of foreground and background where the experiment sequences are contaminated by the additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) at different noise decibels (dB). This paper shows very high effectiveness of noise tolerance models that they are indicated by peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR).

Fish tracking by combining motion based segmentation and particle filtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bichot, E.; Mascarilla, L.; Courtellemont, P.

2006-01-01

In this paper, we suggest a new importance sampling scheme to improve a particle filtering based tracking process. This scheme relies on exploitation of motion segmentation. More precisely, we propagate hypotheses from particle filtering to blobs of similar motion to target. Hence, search is driven toward regions of interest in the state space and prediction is more accurate. We also propose to exploit segmentation to update target model. Once the moving target has been identified, a representative model is learnt from its spatial support. We refer to this model in the correction step of the tracking process. The importance sampling scheme and the strategy to update target model improve the performance of particle filtering in complex situations of occlusions compared to a simple Bootstrap approach as shown by our experiments on real fish tank sequences.

Tailoring noise frequency spectrum between two consecutive second derivative filtering procedures to improve liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry determinations.

PubMed

Wang, Shau-Chun; Lin, Chiao-Juan; Chiang, Shu-Min; Yu, Sung-Nien

2008-03-15

This paper reports a simple chemometric technique to alter the noise spectrum of a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) chromatogram between two consecutive second-derivative filter procedures to improve the peak signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio enhancement. This technique is to multiply one second-derivative filtered LC-MS chromatogram with another artificial chromatogram added with thermal noises prior to the other second-derivative filter. Because the second-derivative filter cannot eliminate frequency components within its own filter bandwidth, more efficient peak S/N ratio improvement cannot be accomplished using consecutive second-derivative filter procedures to process LC-MS chromatograms. In contrast, when the second-derivative filtered LC-MS chromatogram is conditioned with the multiplication alteration prior to the other second-derivative filter, much better ratio improvement is achieved. The noise frequency spectrum of the second-derivative filtered chromatogram, which originally contains frequency components within the filter bandwidth, is altered to span a broader range with multiplication operation. When the frequency range of this modified noise spectrum shifts toward the other regimes, the other second-derivative filter, working as a band-pass filter, is able to provide better filtering efficiency to obtain higher peak S/N ratios. Real LC-MS chromatograms, of which 5-fold peak S/N ratio improvement achieved with two consecutive second-derivative filters remains the same S/N ratio improvement using a one-step second-derivative filter, are improved to accomplish much better ratio enhancement, approximately 25-fold or higher when the noise frequency spectrum is modified between two matched filters. The linear standard curve using the filtered LC-MS signals is validated. The filtered LC-MS signals are also more reproducible. The more accurate determinations of very low-concentration samples (S/N ratio about 5-7) are obtained via standard addition procedures using the filtered signals rather than the determinations using the original signals.

A New Scheme for the Design of Hilbert Transform Pairs of Biorthogonal Wavelet Bases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Hongli; Luo, Shuqian

2010-12-01

In designing the Hilbert transform pairs of biorthogonal wavelet bases, it has been shown that the requirements of the equal-magnitude responses and the half-sample phase offset on the lowpass filters are the necessary and sufficient condition. In this paper, the relationship between the phase offset and the vanishing moment difference of biorthogonal scaling filters is derived, which implies a simple way to choose the vanishing moments so that the phase response requirement can be satisfied structurally. The magnitude response requirement is approximately achieved by a constrained optimization procedure, where the objective function and constraints are all expressed in terms of the auxiliary filters of scaling filters rather than the scaling filters directly. Generally, the calculation burden in the design implementation will be less than that of the current schemes. The integral of magnitude response difference between the primal and dual scaling filters has been chosen as the objective function, which expresses the magnitude response requirements in the whole frequency range. Two design examples illustrate that the biorthogonal wavelet bases designed by the proposed scheme are very close to Hilbert transform pairs.

Destriping of Landsat MSS images by filtering techniques

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pan, Jeng-Jong; Chang, Chein-I

1992-01-01

: The removal of striping noise encountered in the Landsat Multispectral Scanner (MSS) images can be generally done by using frequency filtering techniques. Frequency do~ain filteri~g has, how~ver, se,:era~ prob~ems~ such as storage limitation of data required for fast Fourier transforms, nngmg artl~acts appe~nng at hlgh-mt,enslty.dlscontinuities, and edge effects between adjacent filtered data sets. One way for clrcu~,,:entmg the above difficulties IS, to design a spatial filter to convolve with the images. Because it is known that the,stnpmg a.lways appears at frequencies of 1/6, 1/3, and 1/2 cycles per line, it is possible to design a simple one-dimensIOnal spat~a~ fll,ter to take advantage of this a priori knowledge to cope with the above problems. The desired filter is the type of ~mlte Impuls~ response which can be designed by a linear programming and Remez's exchange algorithm coupled ~lth an adaptIve tec,hmque. In addition, a four-step spatial filtering technique with an appropriate adaptive approach IS also presented which may be particularly useful for geometrically rectified MSS images.

Kalman filter based control for Adaptive Optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petit, Cyril; Quiros-Pacheco, Fernando; Conan, Jean-Marc; Kulcsár, Caroline; Raynaud, Henri-François; Fusco, Thierry

2004-12-01

Classical Adaptive Optics suffer from a limitation of the corrected Field Of View. This drawback has lead to the development of MultiConjugated Adaptive Optics. While the first MCAO experimental set-ups are presently under construction, little attention has been paid to the control loop. This is however a key element in the optimization process especially for MCAO systems. Different approaches have been proposed in recent articles for astronomical applications : simple integrator, Optimized Modal Gain Integrator and Kalman filtering. We study here Kalman filtering which seems a very promising solution. Following the work of Brice Leroux, we focus on a frequential characterization of kalman filters, computing a transfer matrix. The result brings much information about their behaviour and allows comparisons with classical controllers. It also appears that straightforward improvements of the system models can lead to static aberrations and vibrations filtering. Simulation results are proposed and analysed thanks to our frequential characterization. Related problems such as model errors, aliasing effect reduction or experimental implementation and testing of Kalman filter control loop on a simplified MCAO experimental set-up could be then discussed.

Filling schemes at submicron scale: Development of submicron sized plasmonic colour filters

PubMed Central

Rajasekharan, Ranjith; Balaur, Eugeniu; Minovich, Alexander; Collins, Sean; James, Timothy D.; Djalalian-Assl, Amir; Ganesan, Kumaravelu; Tomljenovic-Hanic, Snjezana; Kandasamy, Sasikaran; Skafidas, Efstratios; Neshev, Dragomir N.; Mulvaney, Paul; Roberts, Ann; Prawer, Steven

2014-01-01

The pixel size imposes a fundamental limit on the amount of information that can be displayed or recorded on a sensor. Thus, there is strong motivation to reduce the pixel size down to the nanometre scale. Nanometre colour pixels cannot be fabricated by simply downscaling current pixels due to colour cross talk and diffraction caused by dyes or pigments used as colour filters. Colour filters based on plasmonic effects can overcome these difficulties. Although different plasmonic colour filters have been demonstrated at the micron scale, there have been no attempts so far to reduce the filter size to the submicron scale. Here, we present for the first time a submicron plasmonic colour filter design together with a new challenge - pixel boundary errors at the submicron scale. We present simple but powerful filling schemes to produce submicron colour filters, which are free from pixel boundary errors and colour cross- talk, are polarization independent and angle insensitive, and based on LCD compatible aluminium technology. These results lay the basis for the development of submicron pixels in displays, RGB-spatial light modulators, liquid crystal over silicon, Google glasses and pico-projectors. PMID:25242695

Digital Signal Processing Methods for Ultrasonic Echoes.

PubMed

Sinding, Kyle; Drapaca, Corina; Tittmann, Bernhard

2016-04-28

Digital signal processing has become an important component of data analysis needed in industrial applications. In particular, for ultrasonic thickness measurements the signal to noise ratio plays a major role in the accurate calculation of the arrival time. For this application a band pass filter is not sufficient since the noise level cannot be significantly decreased such that a reliable thickness measurement can be performed. This paper demonstrates the abilities of two regularization methods - total variation and Tikhonov - to filter acoustic and ultrasonic signals. Both of these methods are compared to a frequency based filtering for digitally produced signals as well as signals produced by ultrasonic transducers. This paper demonstrates the ability of the total variation and Tikhonov filters to accurately recover signals from noisy acoustic signals faster than a band pass filter. Furthermore, the total variation filter has been shown to reduce the noise of a signal significantly for signals with clear ultrasonic echoes. Signal to noise ratios have been increased over 400% by using a simple parameter optimization. While frequency based filtering is efficient for specific applications, this paper shows that the reduction of noise in ultrasonic systems can be much more efficient with regularization methods.

Filling schemes at submicron scale: development of submicron sized plasmonic colour filters.

PubMed

Rajasekharan, Ranjith; Balaur, Eugeniu; Minovich, Alexander; Collins, Sean; James, Timothy D; Djalalian-Assl, Amir; Ganesan, Kumaravelu; Tomljenovic-Hanic, Snjezana; Kandasamy, Sasikaran; Skafidas, Efstratios; Neshev, Dragomir N; Mulvaney, Paul; Roberts, Ann; Prawer, Steven

2014-09-22

The pixel size imposes a fundamental limit on the amount of information that can be displayed or recorded on a sensor. Thus, there is strong motivation to reduce the pixel size down to the nanometre scale. Nanometre colour pixels cannot be fabricated by simply downscaling current pixels due to colour cross talk and diffraction caused by dyes or pigments used as colour filters. Colour filters based on plasmonic effects can overcome these difficulties. Although different plasmonic colour filters have been demonstrated at the micron scale, there have been no attempts so far to reduce the filter size to the submicron scale. Here, we present for the first time a submicron plasmonic colour filter design together with a new challenge - pixel boundary errors at the submicron scale. We present simple but powerful filling schemes to produce submicron colour filters, which are free from pixel boundary errors and colour cross- talk, are polarization independent and angle insensitive, and based on LCD compatible aluminium technology. These results lay the basis for the development of submicron pixels in displays, RGB-spatial light modulators, liquid crystal over silicon, Google glasses and pico-projectors.

Electroplating of polyaniline on carbon fiber cloth in a simple two electrode system: Application for the electrochemical filter in wastewater treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tran, Thien Khanh; Tran, Hoai Nam; Nguyen, Thuy Linh; Leu, Hoang Jyn

2018-04-01

Nowadays, the pollution of water environment has become a significant problem that really requires a long term solution to deal with. In this study, we provide a simple method to create a capable electrode for electrochemical treatment of wastewater or even can be used as a filter by a physical method. Carbon fiber clothes 300×700 mm were chosen to carry on experiments of Polyaniline (PANI) electrodeposition. Generally, PANI was used to be deposited by three electrodes electrochemical system, however, our samples we obtained here are created by a simple two-electrode electrochemical system. Nevertheless, the product fiber cloth is controlled with a thickness of 0.19 mm and the mass density of 0.44g/cm3, the whole process was carried out under simple lab scale condition at Ton Duc Thang University. To clarify the properties of our products, there was some measurement applied, such as SEM for surface monographic investigation, thermal conductivity by DSC, electrical conductivity by CV and material properties by XRD and EDS measurement. In that manner, we believe that there is still more room for this method to improve in the near future and a bright chance to apply to industrial processes.

A new adaptive estimation method of spacecraft thermal mathematical model with an ensemble Kalman filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akita, T.; Takaki, R.; Shima, E.

2012-04-01

An adaptive estimation method of spacecraft thermal mathematical model is presented. The method is based on the ensemble Kalman filter, which can effectively handle the nonlinearities contained in the thermal model. The state space equations of the thermal mathematical model is derived, where both temperature and uncertain thermal characteristic parameters are considered as the state variables. In the method, the thermal characteristic parameters are automatically estimated as the outputs of the filtered state variables, whereas, in the usual thermal model correlation, they are manually identified by experienced engineers using trial-and-error approach. A numerical experiment of a simple small satellite is provided to verify the effectiveness of the presented method.

Development of a high resolution optical-fiber tilt sensor by F-P filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Jianjun; Nan, Qiuming; Li, Shujie; Hao, Zhonghua

2017-04-01

A high-resolution tilt sensor is developed, which is composed of a pair of optical fiber collimators and a simple pendulum with an F-P filter. The tilt angle is measured by demodulating the shift of center wavelength of F-P filter, which is caused by incidence angle changing. The relationship between tilted angle and the center wavelength is deduced. Calibration experiment results also confirm the deduction, and show that it is easy to obtain a high resolution. Setting the initial angle to 6degree, the measurement range is ±3degree, its average sensitivity is 1104pm/degree, and its average resolution is as high as 0.0009degree.

Squids in the Study of Cerebral Magnetic Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romani, G. L.; Narici, L.

The following sections are included: * INTRODUCTION * HISTORICAL OVERVIEW * NEUROMAGNETIC FIELDS AND AMBIENT NOISE * DETECTORS * Room temperature sensors * SQUIDs * DETECTION COILS * Magnetometers * Gradiometers * Balancing * Planar gradiometers * Choice of the gradiometer parameters * MODELING * Current pattern due to neural excitations * Action potentials and postsynaptic currents * The current dipole model * Neural population and detected fields * Spherically bounded medium * SPATIAL CONFIGURATION OF THE SENSORS * SOURCE LOCALIZATION * Localization procedure * Experimental accuracy and reproducibility * SIGNAL PROCESSING * Analog Filtering * Bandpass filters * Line rejection filters * DATA ANALYSIS * Analysis of evoked/event-related responses * Simple average * Selected average * Recursive techniques * Similarity analysis * Analysis of spontaneous activity * Mapping and localization * EXAMPLES OF NEUROMAGNETIC STUDIES * Neuromagnetic measurements * Studies on the normal brain * Clinical applications * Epilepsy * Tinnitus * CONCLUSIONS * ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS * REFERENCES

A generalized model via random walks for information filtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Zhuo-Ming; Kong, Yixiu; Shang, Ming-Sheng; Zhang, Yi-Cheng

2016-08-01

There could exist a simple general mechanism lurking beneath collaborative filtering and interdisciplinary physics approaches which have been successfully applied to online E-commerce platforms. Motivated by this idea, we propose a generalized model employing the dynamics of the random walk in the bipartite networks. Taking into account the degree information, the proposed generalized model could deduce the collaborative filtering, interdisciplinary physics approaches and even the enormous expansion of them. Furthermore, we analyze the generalized model with single and hybrid of degree information on the process of random walk in bipartite networks, and propose a possible strategy by using the hybrid degree information for different popular objects to toward promising precision of the recommendation.

A simple gold-coated microstructure fiber polarization filter in two communication windows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Xinxing; Li, Shuguang; Du, Huijing; Zhang, Yinan; Liu, Qiang

2018-03-01

A polarization filter is designed at two communication windows of 1310 and 1550 nm based on microstructured optical fiber. The model has four large diameter air holes and two gold-coated air holes. The influence of the geometrical parameters of the photonic crystal fiber on the performance of the polarization filter is analyzed by the finite element method. The numerical simulation shows that when the fiber length is 300 μm, the corresponding extinction ratio is 209.7 dB and 179.8 dB, the bandwidth of extinction ratio (ER) better than 20 dB is 150 nm and 350 nm at the communication wavelength of 1310 nm and 1550 nm.

Picosecond and sub-picosecond flat-top pulse generation using uniform long-period fiber gratings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Y.; Kulishov, M.; Slavík, R.; Azaña, J.

2006-12-01

We propose a novel linear filtering scheme based on ultrafast all-optical differentiation for re-shaping of ultrashort pulses generated from a mode-locked laser into flat-top pulses. The technique is demonstrated using simple all-fiber optical filters, more specifically uniform long period fiber gratings (LPGs) operated in transmission. The large bandwidth typical for these fiber filters allows scaling the technique to the sub-picosecond regime. In the experiments reported here, 600-fs and 1.8-ps Gaussian-like optical pulses (@ 1535 nm) have been re-shaped into 1-ps and 3.2-ps flat-top pulses, respectively, using a single 9-cm long uniform LPG.

Measuring the radon concentration in air meting van de radonconcentratie in lucht

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Aten, J.B.T.; Bierhuizen, H.W.J.; Vanhoek, L.P.

1975-01-01

A simple transportable apparatus for measurement of the radon concentration in the air of a workshop was developed. An air sample is sucked through a filter and the decay curve of the alpha activity is measured. The counting speed 40 min after sampling gives an indication of the radon activity. The apparatus was calibrated by analyzing an analogous decay curve obtained with a big filter and a big air sample, the activity being measured with an anti-coincidence counter. (GRA)

Kalman Filters for UXO Detection: Real-Time Feedback and Small Target Detection

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-01

last two decades. Accomplishments reported from both hardware and software point of views have moved the re- search focus from simple laboratory tests...quality data which in turn require a good positioning of the sensors atop the UXOs. The data collection protocol is currently based on a two-stage process...Note that this results is merely an illustration of the convergence of the Kalman filter. In practise , the linear part can be directly inverted for if

Solar-blind deep-UV band-pass filter (250 - 350 nm) consisting of a metal nano-grid fabricated by nanoimprint lithography.

PubMed

Li, Wen-Di; Chou, Stephen Y

2010-01-18

We designed, fabricated and demonstrated a solar-blind deep-UV pass filter, that has a measured optical performance of a 27% transmission peak at 290 nm, a pass-band width of 100 nm (from 250 to 350 nm), and a 20dB rejection ratio between deep-UV wavelength and visible wavelength. The filter consists of an aluminum nano-grid, which was made by coating 20 nm Al on a SiO(2) square grid with 190 nm pitch, 30 nm linewidth and 250 nm depth. The performances agree with a rigorous coupled wave analysis. The wavelength for the peak transmission and the pass-bandwidth can be tuned through adjusting the metal nano-grid dimensions. The filter was fabricated by nanoimprint lithography, hence is large area and low cost. Combining with Si photodetectors, the filter offers simple yet effective and low cost solar-blind deep-UV detection at either a single device or large-area complex integrated imaging array level.

Acousto-optic filtering of lidar signals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kolarov, G.; Deleva, A.; Mitsev, TS.

1992-01-01

The predominant part of the noise in lidar receivers is created by the background radiation; therefore, one of the most important elements of the receiving optics is a spectrally selecting filter placed in front of the photodetector. Interference filters are usually used to transmit a given wavelength. Specific properties of the interference filters, such as simple design, reliability, small size, and large aperture, combined with high transmission coefficient and narrow spectral band, make them the preferred spectral device in many cases. However, problems arise in applications such as the Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) technique, where fast tuning within a wide spectral region is necessary. Tunable acousto-optical filters (TAOF), used recently in astrophysical observations to suppress the background radiation, can be employed with success in lidar sounding. They are attractive due to the possibility for fast spectral scanning with a narrow transmission band. The TAOF's advantages are fully evident in DIAL lidars where one must simultaneously receive signals at two laser frequencies.

An Adaptive Kalman Filter using a Simple Residual Tuning Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harman, Richard R.

1999-01-01

One difficulty in using Kalman filters in real world situations is the selection of the correct process noise, measurement noise, and initial state estimate and covariance. These parameters are commonly referred to as tuning parameters. Multiple methods have been developed to estimate these parameters. Most of those methods such as maximum likelihood, subspace, and observer Kalman Identification require extensive offline processing and are not suitable for real time processing. One technique, which is suitable for real time processing, is the residual tuning method. Any mismodeling of the filter tuning parameters will result in a non-white sequence for the filter measurement residuals. The residual tuning technique uses this information to estimate corrections to those tuning parameters. The actual implementation results in a set of sequential equations that run in parallel with the Kalman filter. Equations for the estimation of the measurement noise have also been developed. These algorithms are used to estimate the process noise and measurement noise for the Wide Field Infrared Explorer star tracker and gyro.

Method and apparatus for combinatorial logic signal processor in a digitally based high speed x-ray spectrometer

DOEpatents

Warburton, William K.; Zhou, Zhiquing

1999-01-01

A high speed, digitally based, signal processing system which accepts a digitized input signal and detects the presence of step-like pulses in the this data stream, extracts filtered estimates of their amplitudes, inspects for pulse pileup, and records input pulse rates and system livetime. The system has two parallel processing channels: a slow channel, which filters the data stream with a long time constant trapezoidal filter for good energy resolution; and a fast channel which filters the data stream with a short time constant trapezoidal filter, detects pulses, inspects for pileups, and captures peak values from the slow channel for good events. The presence of a simple digital interface allows the system to be easily integrated with a digital processor to produce accurate spectra at high count rates and allow all spectrometer functions to be fully automated. Because the method is digitally based, it allows pulses to be binned based on time related values, as well as on their amplitudes, if desired.

Applications of the magneto-optical filter to stellar pulsation measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rhodes, E. J., Jr.; Cacciani, A.; Tomczyk, S.

1984-01-01

A proposed method of employing the Cacciani magneto-optical filter (MOF) for stellar seismology studies is described. The method relies on the fact that the separation of the filter bandpasses in the MOF can be changed by varying the level of input power to the filter cells. With the use of a simple servosystem the bandpass of a MOF can be tuned to compensate for the changes in the radial velocity of a star introduced by the orbital motion of the Earth. Such a tuned filter can then be used to record intensity fluctuations through the MOF bandpass over an extended period of time for each given star. Also, the use of a two cell version of the MOF makes it possible to alternately chop between the bandpass located in the stellar line wing and a second bandpass located in the stellar continuum. Rapid interchange between the two channels makes it possible for atmospheric-introduced noise to be removed from the time series.

Applications of the magneto-optical filter to stellar pulsation measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rhodes, Edward J., Jr.; Cacciani, Alessandro; Tomczyk, Steven

1986-01-01

A proposed method of employing the Cacciani magneto-optical filter (MOF) for stellar seismology studies is described. The method relies on the fact that the separation of the filter bandpasses in the MOF can be changed by varying the level of input power to the filter cells. With the use of a simple servosystem the bandpass of a MOF can be tuned to compensate for the changes in the radial velocity of a star introduced by the orbital motion of the earth. Such a tuned filter can then be used to record intensity fluctuations through the MOF bandpass over an extended period of time for each given star. Also, the use of a two cell version of the MOF makes it possible to alternately chop between the bandpass located in the stellar line wing and a second bandpass located in the stellar continuum. Rapid interchange between the two channels makes it possible for atmospheric-introduced noise to be removed from the time series.

Low-cost oblique illumination: an image quality assessment.

PubMed

Ruiz-Santaquiteria, Jesus; Espinosa-Aranda, Jose Luis; Deniz, Oscar; Sanchez, Carlos; Borrego-Ramos, Maria; Blanco, Saul; Cristobal, Gabriel; Bueno, Gloria

2018-01-01

We study the effectiveness of several low-cost oblique illumination filters to improve overall image quality, in comparison with standard bright field imaging. For this purpose, a dataset composed of 3360 diatom images belonging to 21 taxa was acquired. Subjective and objective image quality assessments were done. The subjective evaluation was performed by a group of diatom experts by psychophysical test where resolution, focus, and contrast were assessed. Moreover, some objective nonreference image quality metrics were applied to the same image dataset to complete the study, together with the calculation of several texture features to analyze the effect of these filters in terms of textural properties. Both image quality evaluation methods, subjective and objective, showed better results for images acquired using these illumination filters in comparison with the no filtered image. These promising results confirm that this kind of illumination filters can be a practical way to improve the image quality, thanks to the simple and low cost of the design and manufacturing process. (2018) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE).

Asymptotic Cramer-Rao bounds for Morlet wavelet filter bank transforms of FM signals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scheper, Richard

2002-03-01

Wavelet filter banks are potentially useful tools for analyzing and extracting information from frequency modulated (FM) signals in noise. Chief among the advantages of such filter banks is the tendency of wavelet transforms to concentrate signal energy while simultaneously dispersing noise energy over the time-frequency plane, thus raising the effective signal to noise ratio of filtered signals. Over the past decade, much effort has gone into devising new algorithms to extract the relevant information from transformed signals while identifying and discarding the transformed noise. Therefore, estimates of the ultimate performance bounds on such algorithms would serve as valuable benchmarks in the process of choosing optimal algorithms for given signal classes. Discussed here is the specific case of FM signals analyzed by Morlet wavelet filter banks. By making use of the stationary phase approximation of the Morlet transform, and assuming that the measured signals are well resolved digitally, the asymptotic form of the Fisher Information Matrix is derived. From this, Cramer-Rao bounds are analytically derived for simple cases.

Design and Analysis of a Micromachined LC Low Pass Filter For 2.4GHz Application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saroj, Samruddhi R.; Rathee, Vishal R.; Pande, Rajesh S.

2018-02-01

This paper reports design and analysis of a passive low pass filter with cut-off frequency of 2.4 GHz using MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology. The passive components such as suspended spiral inductors and metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor are arranged in T network form to implement LC low pass filter design. This design employs a simple approach of suspension thereby reducing parasitic losses to eliminate the performance degrading effects caused by integrating an off-chip inductor in the filter circuit proposed to be developed on a low cost silicon substrate using RF-MEMS components. The filter occupies only 2.1 mm x 0.66 mm die area and is designed using micro-strip transmission line placed on a silicon substrate. The design is implemented in High Frequency Structural Simulator (HFSS) software and fabrication flow is proposed for its implementation. The simulated results show that the design has an insertion loss of -4.98 dB and return loss of -2.60dB.

Demonstration of a single-wavelength spectral-imaging-based Thai jasmine rice identification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suwansukho, Kajpanya; Sumriddetchkajorn, Sarun; Buranasiri, Prathan

2011-07-01

A single-wavelength spectral-imaging-based Thai jasmine rice breed identification is demonstrated. Our nondestructive identification approach relies on a combination of fluorescent imaging and simple image processing techniques. Especially, we apply simple image thresholding, blob filtering, and image subtracting processes to either a 545 or a 575nm image in order to identify our desired Thai jasmine rice breed from others. Other key advantages include no waste product and fast identification time. In our demonstration, UVC light is used as our exciting light, a liquid crystal tunable optical filter is used as our wavelength seclector, and a digital camera with 640activepixels×480activepixels is used to capture the desired spectral image. Eight Thai rice breeds having similar size and shape are tested. Our experimental proof of concept shows that by suitably applying image thresholding, blob filtering, and image subtracting processes to the selected fluorescent image, the Thai jasmine rice breed can be identified with measured false acceptance rates of <22.9% and <25.7% for spectral images at 545 and 575nm wavelengths, respectively. A measured fast identification time is 25ms, showing high potential for real-time applications.

Simple Syringe Filtration Methods for Reliably Examining Dissolved and Colloidal Trace Element Distributions in Remote Field Locations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shiller, A. M.

2002-12-01

Methods for obtaining reliable dissolved trace element samples frequently utilize clean labs, portable laminar flow benches, or other equipment not readily transportable to remote locations. In some cases unfiltered samples can be obtained in a remote location and transported back to a lab for filtration. However, this may not always be possible or desirable. Additionally, methods for obtaining information on colloidal composition are likewise frequently too cumbersome for remote locations as well as being time-consuming. For that reason I have examined clean methods for collecting samples filtered through 0.45 and 0.02 micron syringe filters. With this methodology, only small samples are collected (typically 15 mL). However, with the introduction of the latest generation of ICP-MS's and microflow nebulizers, sample requirements for elemental analysis are much lower than just a few years ago. Thus, a determination of a suite of first row transition elements is frequently readily obtainable with samples of less than 1 mL. To examine the "traditional" (<0.45 micron) dissolved phase, 25 mm diameter polypropylene syringe filters and all polyethylene/polypropylene syringes are utilized. Filters are pre-cleaned in the lab using 40 mL of approx. 1 M HCl followed by a clean water rinse. Syringes are pre-cleaned by leaching with hot 1 M HCl followed by a clean water rinse. Sample kits are packed in polyethylene bags for transport to the field. Results are similar to results obtained using 0.4 micron polycarbonate screen filters, though concentrations may differ somewhat depending on the extent of sample pre-rinsing of the filter. Using this method, a multi-year time series of dissolved metals in a remote Rocky Mountain stream has been obtained. To examine the effect of colloidal material on dissolved metal concentrations, 0.02 micron alumina syringe filters have been utilized. Other workers have previously used these filters for examining colloidal Fe distributions in lake and sea water. Filters are pre-cleaned in the lab using clean pH 2 water followed by a clean water rinse and then dried with clean air. Because of the significant pressure that must be placed on the syringe for some minutes to effect a filtration, a simple plastic press and stand has been devised. Polarization artifacts, which can affect this type of ultra-filtration, do not appear to be significant. This may be due to the comparatively large pore size of these filters (equivalent to approx. 40 kDa). These filters, in combination with the 0.45 micron filters, are being used in a multi-year study of trace elements in the Yukon River system.

Development of and Clinical Experience with a Simple Device for Performing Intraoperative Fluorescein Fluorescence Cerebral Angiography: Technical Notes.

PubMed

Ichikawa, Tsuyoshi; Suzuki, Kyouichi; Watanabe, Yoichi; Sato, Taku; Sakuma, Jun; Saito, Kiyoshi

2016-01-01

To perform intraoperative fluorescence angiography (FAG) under a microscope without an integrated FAG function with reasonable cost and sufficient quality for evaluation, we made a small and easy to use device for fluorescein FAG (FAG filter). We investigated the practical use of this FAG filter during aneurysm surgery, revascularization surgery, and brain tumor surgery. The FAG filter consists of two types of filters: an excitatory filter and a barrier filter. The excitatory filter excludes all wavelengths except for blue light and the barrier filter passes long waves except for blue light. By adding this FAG filter to a microscope without an integrated FAG function, light from the microscope illuminating the surgical field becomes blue, which is blocked by the barrier filter. We put the FAG filter on the objective lens of the operating microscope correctly and fluorescein sodium was injected intravenously or intra-arterially. Fluorescence (green light) from vessels in the surgical field and the dyed tumor were clearly observed through the microscope and recorded by a memory device. This method was easy and could be performed in a short time (about 10 seconds). Blood flow of small vessels deep in the surgical field could be observed. Blood flow stagnation could be evaluated. However, images from this method were inferior to those obtained by currently commercially available microscopes with an integrated FAG function. In brain tumor surgery, a stained tumor on the brain surface could be observed using this method. FAG could be performed with a microscope without an integrated FAG function easily with only this FAG filter.

Development of and Clinical Experience with a Simple Device for Performing Intraoperative Fluorescein Fluorescence Cerebral Angiography: Technical Notes

PubMed Central

ICHIKAWA, Tsuyoshi; SUZUKI, Kyouichi; WATANABE, Yoichi; SATO, Taku; SAKUMA, Jun; SAITO, Kiyoshi

2016-01-01

To perform intraoperative fluorescence angiography (FAG) under a microscope without an integrated FAG function with reasonable cost and sufficient quality for evaluation, we made a small and easy to use device for fluorescein FAG (FAG filter). We investigated the practical use of this FAG filter during aneurysm surgery, revascularization surgery, and brain tumor surgery. The FAG filter consists of two types of filters: an excitatory filter and a barrier filter. The excitatory filter excludes all wavelengths except for blue light and the barrier filter passes long waves except for blue light. By adding this FAG filter to a microscope without an integrated FAG function, light from the microscope illuminating the surgical field becomes blue, which is blocked by the barrier filter. We put the FAG filter on the objective lens of the operating microscope correctly and fluorescein sodium was injected intravenously or intra-arterially. Fluorescence (green light) from vessels in the surgical field and the dyed tumor were clearly observed through the microscope and recorded by a memory device. This method was easy and could be performed in a short time (about 10 seconds). Blood flow of small vessels deep in the surgical field could be observed. Blood flow stagnation could be evaluated. However, images from this method were inferior to those obtained by currently commercially available microscopes with an integrated FAG function. In brain tumor surgery, a stained tumor on the brain surface could be observed using this method. FAG could be performed with a microscope without an integrated FAG function easily with only this FAG filter. PMID:26597335

Improved Kalman Filter Method for Measurement Noise Reduction in Multi Sensor RFID Systems

PubMed Central

Eom, Ki Hwan; Lee, Seung Joon; Kyung, Yeo Sun; Lee, Chang Won; Kim, Min Chul; Jung, Kyung Kwon

2011-01-01

Recently, the range of available Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags has been widened to include smart RFID tags which can monitor their varying surroundings. One of the most important factors for better performance of smart RFID system is accurate measurement from various sensors. In the multi-sensing environment, some noisy signals are obtained because of the changing surroundings. We propose in this paper an improved Kalman filter method to reduce noise and obtain correct data. Performance of Kalman filter is determined by a measurement and system noise covariance which are usually called the R and Q variables in the Kalman filter algorithm. Choosing a correct R and Q variable is one of the most important design factors for better performance of the Kalman filter. For this reason, we proposed an improved Kalman filter to advance an ability of noise reduction of the Kalman filter. The measurement noise covariance was only considered because the system architecture is simple and can be adjusted by the neural network. With this method, more accurate data can be obtained with smart RFID tags. In a simulation the proposed improved Kalman filter has 40.1%, 60.4% and 87.5% less Mean Squared Error (MSE) than the conventional Kalman filter method for a temperature sensor, humidity sensor and oxygen sensor, respectively. The performance of the proposed method was also verified with some experiments. PMID:22346641

Improved Kalman filter method for measurement noise reduction in multi sensor RFID systems.

PubMed

Eom, Ki Hwan; Lee, Seung Joon; Kyung, Yeo Sun; Lee, Chang Won; Kim, Min Chul; Jung, Kyung Kwon

2011-01-01

Recently, the range of available radio frequency identification (RFID) tags has been widened to include smart RFID tags which can monitor their varying surroundings. One of the most important factors for better performance of smart RFID system is accurate measurement from various sensors. In the multi-sensing environment, some noisy signals are obtained because of the changing surroundings. We propose in this paper an improved Kalman filter method to reduce noise and obtain correct data. Performance of Kalman filter is determined by a measurement and system noise covariance which are usually called the R and Q variables in the Kalman filter algorithm. Choosing a correct R and Q variable is one of the most important design factors for better performance of the Kalman filter. For this reason, we proposed an improved Kalman filter to advance an ability of noise reduction of the Kalman filter. The measurement noise covariance was only considered because the system architecture is simple and can be adjusted by the neural network. With this method, more accurate data can be obtained with smart RFID tags. In a simulation the proposed improved Kalman filter has 40.1%, 60.4% and 87.5% less mean squared error (MSE) than the conventional Kalman filter method for a temperature sensor, humidity sensor and oxygen sensor, respectively. The performance of the proposed method was also verified with some experiments.

Double balloon protection during carotid artery stenting for vulnerable carotid stenosis reduces the incidence of new brain lesions.

PubMed

Nakazaki, Masahito; Nonaka, Tadashi; Takahashi, Akira; Yonemasu, Yasuyuki; Nomura, Tatsufumi; Onda, Toshiyuki; Honda, Osamu; Hashimoto, Yuji; Ohnishi, Hirofumi; Sasaki, Masanori; Daibo, Masahiko; Honmou, Osamu

2016-07-01

The use of distal filter protection alone is associated with a high risk of ischemic complications when vulnerable carotid stenosis is treated by carotid artery stenting (CAS). Double balloon protection, a combination of distal balloon protection and proximal balloon occlusion, can be utilized. We assessed the outcome and complications of the double balloon protection method for vulnerable carotid stenosis. Among 130 patients who underwent CAS from 2009 to 2014, we enrolled the following patients: those whose target lesion was vulnerable as evaluated by MRI, i.e., a signal ratio of plaque to posterior cervical muscle on T1-weighted images before CAS of ≥1.5, and those who underwent diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) studies within 48 h after the procedure. Ninety patients were enrolled. We investigated DWI findings of the double balloon protection group compared with those of the simple distal balloon protection and distal filter protection groups. Sixty-four patients (71 %) underwent double balloon protection, 15 patients (17 %) simple distal balloon protection, and 11 patients (12 %) distal filter protection. Symptomatic embolic complications and new lesions on DWI after CAS were significantly less common in patients undergoing double balloon protection compared to distal balloon protection or distal filter protection (0 % vs. 20 %, 9 %, P < 0.01, and 30 % vs. 67 %, 82 %, P < 0.01, respectively). Logistic regression analysis also identified the odds ratio of double balloon protection for new lesions on DWI after CAS of 0.23 (95 % confidence interval: 0.07-0.70, P < 0.01) compared to simple distal protections. In the patients who underwent CAS for vulnerable carotid stenosis, double balloon protection was an independent significant factor associated with a reduction in the risk of new lesions on DWI after the procedure compared to conventional distal protections.

Mineral oil metal working fluids (MWFs)-development of practical criteria for mist sampling.

PubMed

Simpson, A T; Groves, J A; Unwin, J; Piney, M

2000-05-01

Not all mineral oil metalworking fluids (MWFs) in common use form stable airborne mists which can be sampled quantitatively onto a filter. This much has been known for some time but no simple method of identifying oils too volatile for customary filter sampling has been developed. Past work was reviewed and experiments were done to select simple criteria which would enable such oils to be identified. The sampling efficiency for a range of commercial mineral oil MWF were assessed by drawing clean air through spiked filters at 2 l. min(-1) for periods up to 6 h before analysis. The physical properties of MWF are governed by their composition and kinematic viscosity was found to be the most practical and easily available index of the potential for sample loss from the filter. Oils with viscosities greater that 18 cSt (at 40 degrees C) lost less than 5% of their weight, whereas those with viscosities less than 18 cSt gave losses up to 71%. The losses from the MWF were mostly aliphatic hydrocarbons (C(10)-C(18)), but additives such as alkyl benzenes, esters, phenols and terpene odorants were also lost. The main recommendation to arise from the work is that filter sampling can be performed on mineral oils with viscosities of 18 cSt (at 40 degrees C) or more with little evaporative losses from the filter. However, sampling oils with viscosities less than 18 cSt will produce results which may significantly underestimate the true value. Over a quarter of UK mineral oil MWFs are formulated from mineral oils with viscosities less than 18 cSt (at 40 degrees C). The problem of exposure under-estimation and inappropriate exposure sampling could be widespread. Further work is being done on measurement of mixed phase mineral oil mist exposure.

Quantity and Quality of Vision Using Tinted Filters in Patients with Low Vision Due to Diabetic Retinopathy.

PubMed

Sadeghpour, Naser; Alishiri, Ali Agha; Ajudani, Reza; Khosravi, Mohammad Hossein; Amiri, Mohammad Aghazadeh; Sadeghpour, Omid

2015-01-01

To investigate the effect of tinted filters on visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity and patient satisfaction in diabetic retinopathy associated with low vision. In a prospective study, 51 patients with diabetic retinopathy and low vision were assessed. We chose a simple random sampling method and used the patient's files for data collection. LogMAR notations were applied for assessing VA and a contrast sensitivity chart (CSV-1000) was employed for measuring contrast sensitivity. First, measurements were performed without tinted filters and then using them. Appropriate lenses were given to the patients for 2 days, and they were questioned about their satisfaction using them in different places. A total of 20 male and 31 female patients with mean age of 57.3 years participated in the study. With a 527 ± 10 nm filter, mean VA improved significantly (P ≤ 0.05). Using the 527 ± 10 nm and 511 ± 10 nm filters, mean contrast sensitivity was improved significantly at 3 and 6 cycles/degree frequencies (P < 0.05). The effect of other filters on VA and contrast sensitivity was not significant. Patient satisfaction rate was generally high. Tinted filters are able to rehabilitate low-vision patients due to diabetic retinopathy. The 527 ± 10 and 511 ± 10 nm wavelength filters improved contrast sensitivity and the 527 ± 10 nm filter improved VA to some extent. Further investigations are recommended to assess the effect of these filters in patients with other causes of low-vision.

Fire and Water Demonstrate Law

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

de Luca, R.; Ganci, S.

2008-01-01

In this article, the authors describe two classroom experiments that can be interpreted by means of Bernoulli's law. The first experiment uses a lighted candle in front of a mirror and a stream of air that is sent obliquely towards the mirror. The purpose of this experiment is to find out which way the flame will bend if air is blown at a given…

Melting Metal on a Playing Card

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greenslade, Thomas B., Jr.

2016-01-01

Many of us are familiar with the demonstration of boiling water in a paper cup held over a candle or a Bunsen burner; the ignition temperature of paper is above the temperature of 100°C at which water boils under standard conditions. A more dramatic demonstration is melting tin held in a playing card. This illustration is from Tissandier's book on…

77 FR 26489 - Frontseating Service Valves From the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Results of the 2010...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-04

...: Certain Lined Paper Products From the People's Republic of China, 71 FR 53079 (September 8, 2006) (``Lined Paper from the PRC''); see also Final Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value and Final Partial... Administrative Review: Petroleum Wax Candles From the People's Republic of China, 72 FR 52355, 52356 (September...

16 CFR Table 1 to Part 1512 - Minimum Candlepower per Incident Foot-Candle for Clear Reflector 1

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

..., and side reflectors; entrance angle in degrees 0 10 up/down 20 left/right Pedal reflectors; entrance angle in degrees 0 10 up/down 20 left/right 0.2 27.0 18.0 9.0 7.5 6.0 3.0 0.3 6.0 4.8 2.4 1.5 .28 .20...

16 CFR Table 1 to Part 1512 - Minimum Candlepower per Incident Foot-Candle for Clear Reflector 1

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

..., and side reflectors; entrance angle in degrees 0 10 up/down 20 left/right Pedal reflectors; entrance angle in degrees 0 10 up/down 20 left/right 0.2 27.0 18.0 9.0 7.5 6.0 3.0 0.3 6.0 4.8 2.4 1.5 .28 .20...

16 CFR Table 1 to Part 1512 - Minimum Candlepower per Incident Foot-Candle for Clear Reflector 1

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

..., and side reflectors; entrance angle in degrees 0 10 up/down 20 left/right Pedal reflectors; entrance angle in degrees 0 10 up/down 20 left/right 0.2 27.0 18.0 9.0 7.5 6.0 3.0 0.3 6.0 4.8 2.4 1.5 .28 .20...

16 CFR Table 1 to Part 1512 - Minimum Candlepower per Incident Foot-Candle for Clear Reflector 1

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

..., and side reflectors; entrance angle in degrees 0 10 up/down 20 left/right Pedal reflectors; entrance angle in degrees 0 10 up/down 20 left/right 0.2 27.0 18.0 9.0 7.5 6.0 3.0 0.3 6.0 4.8 2.4 1.5 .28 .20...

16 CFR Table 1 to Part 1512 - Minimum Candlepower per Incident Foot-Candle for Clear Reflector 1

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

..., and side reflectors; entrance angle in degrees 0 10 up/down 20 left/right Pedal reflectors; entrance angle in degrees 0 10 up/down 20 left/right 0.2 27.0 18.0 9.0 7.5 6.0 3.0 0.3 6.0 4.8 2.4 1.5 .28 .20...

Humphrey Davy and the Safety Lamp: The Use of Metal Gauze as a Flame Barrier

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mills, Allan

2015-01-01

The "safety lamp" invented by Humphrey Davy in 1815 utilised the cooling effect of metal gauze to prevent the flame of a candle or oil lamp (essential for illumination in mines) from passing through such a screen. It is therefore rendered unable to ignite any potentially explosive mixture of air and methane in the atmosphere surrounding…

El Dia de los Muertos -- Libreto. (The Day of the Dead -- Notebook.)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Espinoza, Delia; Lopez, Santiago, III

On November 2, all Mexican Americans remember their dead as Mexico does on that same day. Called "El Dia de los Muertos" (Day of the Dead), the dead are remembered posthumously with flowers, candles, music, prayers, chants, and wreaths. The people go to cemeteries to clean tombs, lay fresh or artificial flowers on them, and pray for…

SaRAD: a Simple and Robust Abbreviation Dictionary.

PubMed

Adar, Eytan

2004-03-01

Due to recent interest in the use of textual material to augment traditional experiments it has become necessary to automatically cluster, classify and filter natural language information. The Simple and Robust Abbreviation Dictionary (SaRAD) provides an easy to implement, high performance tool for the construction of a biomedical symbol dictionary. The algorithms, applied to the MEDLINE document set, result in a high quality dictionary and toolset to disambiguate abbreviation symbols automatically.

Case report: severe melorheostosis involving the ipsilateral extremities.

PubMed

Long, Hai-Tao; Li, Kang-Hua; Zhu, Yong

2009-10-01

Melorheostosis is a rare, noninheritable bone dysplasia characterized by its classic radiographic feature of flowing hyperostosis resembling dripping candle wax, generally on one side of the long bone. The condition originally was described by Leri and Joanny in 1922. Its etiology remains speculative, and treatment in most instances has been symptomatic. Melorheostosis usually affects one limb, more often the lower extremity, and rarely the axial skeleton. We report a rare case of severe melorheostosis in the ipsilateral upper and lower extremities with normal contralateral extremities. The plain radiographs revealed almost all the bones in the affected extremities, from clavicle and scapula to distal phalanges of the fingers and from femur to distal phalanges of the toes, presented extensive, dense hyperostosis and heterotopic ossification in the periarticular soft tissue. Physical examination showed considerable swelling and deformities of the left limbs, stiffness and distortion of the joints, and anesthesia in the left ulnar regions of the forearm and hand. The examination of the right side was normal. Computed tomography scans showed multiple areas of classic candle wax-like hyperostosis and narrowing or disappearance of the medullary cavity. Histologic analysis confirmed the clinical and imaging diagnosis and revealed extremely dense sclerotic bone of cortical pattern.

Gamma-ray Burst Prompt Correlations: Selection and Instrumental Effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dainotti, M. G.; Amati, L.

2018-05-01

The prompt emission mechanism of gamma-ray bursts (GRB) even after several decades remains a mystery. However, it is believed that correlations between observable GRB properties, given their huge luminosity/radiated energy and redshift distribution extending up to at least z ≈ 9, are promising possible cosmological tools. They also may help to discriminate among the most plausible theoretical models. Nowadays, the objective is to make GRBs standard candles, similar to supernovae (SNe) Ia, through well-established and robust correlations. However, differently from SNe Ia, GRBs span over several order of magnitude in their energetics, hence they cannot yet be considered standard candles. Additionally, being observed at very large distances, their physical properties are affected by selection biases, the so-called Malmquist bias or Eddington effect. We describe the state of the art on how GRB prompt correlations are corrected for these selection biases to employ them as redshift estimators and cosmological tools. We stress that only after an appropriate evaluation and correction for these effects, GRB correlations can be used to discriminate among the theoretical models of prompt emission, to estimate the cosmological parameters and to serve as distance indicators via redshift estimation.

Background studies of high energy γ rays from (n,γ) reactions in the CANDLES experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakajima, K.; Iida, T.; Akutagawa, K.; Batpurev, T.; Chan, W. M.; Dokaku, F.; Fushimi, K.; Kakubata, H.; Kanagawa, K.; Katagiri, S.; Kawasaki, K.; Khai, B. T.; Kino, H.; Kinoshita, E.; Kishimoto, T.; Hazama, R.; Hiraoka, H.; Hiyama, T.; Ishikawa, M.; Li, X.; Maeda, T.; Matsuoka, K.; Moser, M.; Nomachi, M.; Ogawa, I.; Ohata, T.; Sato, H.; Shamoto, K.; Shimada, M.; Shokati, M.; Takahashi, N.; Takemoto, Y.; Takihira, Y.; Tamagawa, Y.; Tozawa, M.; Teranishi, K.; Tetsuno, K.; Trang, V. T. T.; Tsuzuki, M.; Umehara, S.; Wang, W.; Yoshida, S.; Yotsunaga, N.

2018-07-01

High energy γ rays with several MeV produced by (n,γ) reactions can be a trouble for low background measurements in the underground laboratories such as double beta decay experiments. In the CANDLES project, which aimed to observe the neutrino-less double beta decay from 48Ca, γ rays caused by (n,γ) reactions were found to be the most significant background. The profile of the background was studied by measurements with a neutron source and a simulation with a validity check of neutron processes in Geant4. The observed spectrum of γ rays from (n,γ) reactions was well reproduced by the simulated spectra, which were originated from the surrounding rock and a detector tank made of stainless steel. The environmental neutron flux was derived by the observed event rate of γ rays from (n,γ) reactions using the simulation. The thermal and non-thermal neutron flux were found to be (1.3 ± 0.6) ×10-6 cm-2s-1 and (1.1 ± 0.5) ×10-5 cm-2s-1 , respectively. It is necessary to install an additional shield to reduce the background from (n,γ) reaction to the required level.

Filtering Data Based on Human-Inspired Forgetting.

PubMed

Freedman, S T; Adams, J A

2011-12-01

Robots are frequently presented with vast arrays of diverse data. Unfortunately, perfect memory and recall provides a mixed blessing. While flawless recollection of episodic data allows increased reasoning, photographic memory can hinder a robot's ability to operate in real-time dynamic environments. Human-inspired forgetting methods may enable robotic systems to rid themselves of out-dated, irrelevant, and erroneous data. This paper presents the use of human-inspired forgetting to act as a filter, removing unnecessary, erroneous, and out-of-date information. The novel ActSimple forgetting algorithm has been developed specifically to provide effective forgetting capabilities to robotic systems. This paper presents the ActSimple algorithm and how it was optimized and tested in a WiFi signal strength estimation task. The results generated by real-world testing suggest that human-inspired forgetting is an effective means of improving the ability of mobile robots to move and operate within complex and dynamic environments.

Development of a Simple Method for Concentrating Enteroviruses from Oysters

PubMed Central

Sobsey, Mark D.; Wallis, Craig; Melnick, Joseph L.

1975-01-01

The development of a simple method for concentrating enteroviruses from oysters is described. In this method viruses in homogenized oyster tissues are efficiently adsorbed to oyster solids at pH 5.5 and low salt concentration. After low-speed centrifugation, the supernatant is discarded and viruses are eluted from the sedimented oyster solids by resuspending them in pH 3.5 glycine-buffered saline. The solids are then removed by low-speed centrifugation, and the virus-containing supernatant is filtered through a 0.2-μm porosity filter to remove bacteria and other small particulates without removing viruses. The virus-containing filtrate is then concentrated to a volume of a few milliliters by ultrafiltration, and the concentrate obtained is inoculated directly into cell cultures for virus assay. When tested with pools of oysters experimentally contaminated with small amounts of different enteroviruses, virus recovery efficiency averaged 63%. PMID:234154

Development of a simple method for concentrating enteroviruses from oysters.

PubMed

Sobsey, M D; Wallis, C; Melnick, J L

1975-01-01

The development of a simple method for concentrating enteroviruses from oysters is described. In this method viruses in homogenized oyster tissues are efficiently absorbed to oyster solids at pH 5.5 and low salt concentration. After low-speed centrifugation, the supernatant is discarded and viruses are eluted from the sedimented oyster solids by resuspending them in pH 3.5 glycine-buffered saline. The solids are then removed by low-speed centrifugation, and the virus-containing supernatant is filtered through a 0.2-micronm porosity filter to remove bacteria and other small particulates without removing viruses. The virus-containing filtrate is then concentrated to a volume of a few milliliters by ultrafiltration, and the concentrate obtained is inoculated directly into cell cultures for virus assay. When tested with pools of oysters experimentally contaminated with small amounts of different enteroviruses, virus recovery efficiency averaged 63%.

A simple dynamic subgrid-scale model for LES of particle-laden turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, George Ilhwan; Bassenne, Maxime; Urzay, Javier; Moin, Parviz

2017-04-01

In this study, a dynamic model for large-eddy simulations is proposed in order to describe the motion of small inertial particles in turbulent flows. The model is simple, involves no significant computational overhead, contains no adjustable parameters, and is flexible enough to be deployed in any type of flow solvers and grids, including unstructured setups. The approach is based on the use of elliptic differential filters to model the subgrid-scale velocity. The only model parameter, which is related to the nominal filter width, is determined dynamically by imposing consistency constraints on the estimated subgrid energetics. The performance of the model is tested in large-eddy simulations of homogeneous-isotropic turbulence laden with particles, where improved agreement with direct numerical simulation results is observed in the dispersed-phase statistics, including particle acceleration, local carrier-phase velocity, and preferential-concentration metrics.

Estimation of color filter array data from JPEG images for improved demosaicking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Wei; Reeves, Stanley J.

2006-02-01

On-camera demosaicking algorithms are necessarily simple and therefore do not yield the best possible images. However, off-camera demosaicking algorithms face the additional challenge that the data has been compressed and therefore corrupted by quantization noise. We propose a method to estimate the original color filter array (CFA) data from JPEG-compressed images so that more sophisticated (and better) demosaicking schemes can be applied to get higher-quality images. The JPEG image formation process, including simple demosaicking, color space transformation, chrominance channel decimation and DCT, is modeled as a series of matrix operations followed by quantization on the CFA data, which is estimated by least squares. An iterative method is used to conserve memory and speed computation. Our experiments show that the mean square error (MSE) with respect to the original CFA data is reduced significantly using our algorithm, compared to that of unprocessed JPEG and deblocked JPEG data.

Stable time filtering of strongly unstable spatially extended systems

PubMed Central

Grote, Marcus J.; Majda, Andrew J.

2006-01-01

Many contemporary problems in science involve making predictions based on partial observation of extremely complicated spatially extended systems with many degrees of freedom and with physical instabilities on both large and small scale. Various new ensemble filtering strategies have been developed recently for these applications, and new mathematical issues arise. Because ensembles are extremely expensive to generate, one such issue is whether it is possible under appropriate circumstances to take long time steps in an explicit difference scheme and violate the classical Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy (CFL)-stability condition yet obtain stable accurate filtering by using the observations. These issues are explored here both through elementary mathematical theory, which provides simple guidelines, and the detailed study of a prototype model. The prototype model involves an unstable finite difference scheme for a convection–diffusion equation, and it is demonstrated below that appropriate observations can result in stable accurate filtering of this strongly unstable spatially extended system. PMID:16682626

Stable time filtering of strongly unstable spatially extended systems.

PubMed

Grote, Marcus J; Majda, Andrew J

2006-05-16

Many contemporary problems in science involve making predictions based on partial observation of extremely complicated spatially extended systems with many degrees of freedom and with physical instabilities on both large and small scale. Various new ensemble filtering strategies have been developed recently for these applications, and new mathematical issues arise. Because ensembles are extremely expensive to generate, one such issue is whether it is possible under appropriate circumstances to take long time steps in an explicit difference scheme and violate the classical Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy (CFL)-stability condition yet obtain stable accurate filtering by using the observations. These issues are explored here both through elementary mathematical theory, which provides simple guidelines, and the detailed study of a prototype model. The prototype model involves an unstable finite difference scheme for a convection-diffusion equation, and it is demonstrated below that appropriate observations can result in stable accurate filtering of this strongly unstable spatially extended system.

Frequency-selective surfaces for infrared imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lesmanne, Emeline; Boulard, François; Espiau Delamaestre, Roch; Bisotto, Sylvette; Badano, Giacomo

2017-09-01

Bayer filter arrays are commonly added to visible detectors to achieve multicolor sensitivity. To extend this approach to the infrared range, we present frequency selective surfaces that work in the mid-infrared range (MWIR). They are easily integrated in the device fabrication process and are based on a simple operating principle. They consist of a thin metallic sheet perforated with apertures filled with a high-index dielectric material. Each aperture behaves as a separate resonator. Its size determines the transmission wavelength λ. Using an original approach based on the temporal coupled mode theory, we show that metallic loss is negligible in the infrared range, as long as the filter bandwidth is large enough (typically <λ/10). We develop closed-form expressions for the radiative and dissipative loss rates and show that the transmission of the filter depends solely on their ratio. We present a prototype infrared detector functionalized with one such array of filters and characterize it by electro-optical measurements.