Decay ratio estimation based on time–frequency representations

A novel method based on bilinear time–frequency representations (TFRs) is proposed to determine the time evolution of the linear stability parameters of a boiling water reactor (BWR) using neutronic noise signals. TFRs allow us to track the instantaneous frequencies contained in a signal to estimate an instantaneous decay ratio (IDR) that closely follows the signal envelope changes in time, making the IDR a measure of local stability. In order to account for long term changes in BWR stability, the ACDR measure is introduced as the accumulated product of the local IDRs. As it is shown in this paper, the ACDR measure clearly reflects major long term changes in BWR stability. Last to validate our method, synthetic and real neutronic signals were used. The methodology was tested on the Laguna Verde Unit 1, two events were reported in the Forsmark stability benchmark.     

Comparative evaluation of the olive oil given by a new processing system

To evaluate the level of quality of the olive oil given by a new processing system we compared it with the percolation oil, which is known to be of high quality. The new product was characterized by the following: (i) higher contents of tocopherols, tyrosol- and hydroxytyrosol-aglycones, volatile aromatic substances, sterols, triterpene alcohols and lipochromes, and higher values of 1,2-diglycerides/1,3-diglycerides and campesterol/stigmasterol ratios, colour indices and turbidity; (ii) lower contents of waxes and triterpene dialcohols, and lower values for spectrophotometric indices, carbonyl index, Wolff's ratio (K₂₃₂/K₂₇₀), acidity, and peroxide number; (iii) similar contents of phenols, o- diphenols, free tyrosol, free hydroxytyrosol, triglycerides, stigmastadienes, and aliphatic alcohols, similar sensory score, and similar value of resistance to autoxidation, alcohol index, overall quality indices, and fatty acid composition.     

Estimation of dietary intake of pesticide residues by the Italian population during 1997

In 1997 the Italian monitoring programme for pesticide residues in food comprised 7951 samples of 152 different foods for which a total of 275 pesticides were analysed. For 90 pesticides, the National Estimated Daily Intakes (NEDIs) were calculated by using the 90th percentile value and the food consumption data for the general Italian population. The calculated NEDIs were found to represent only a small portion of the respective Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI).     

Relationship with the mother modulates the response of yearling Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) to the birth of a sibling.

The authors investigated the changes induced by the birth of a sibling in the relationship of 1-year-old Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) with their mothers and group companions. After the birth of a sibling, mother-yearling contact, proximity, and grooming decreased dramatically. Yearlings responded to such a reduction in maternal care in either of 2 radically different ways. Yearlings either sought attention from group companions and showed no sign of depression or did not compensate for the mother's reduced availability and became depressed. The modality of response was predicted by the quality of the relationship with the mother before the sibling birth. Yearlings that had spent a larger amount of time in contact with their mothers were less likely to become depressed. Security of the attachment relationship with the mother may be the factor mediating the link between the time in contact and the yearling's response to the birth of a sibling. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Current-Mode Multiplier/Divider Circuits Based on the MOS Translinear Principle

In this paper, novel current-mode analog multiplier/divider circuits based on a pair of voltage-translinear loops are presented, featuring simplicity, precision and wide dynamic range. They are suitable for standard CMOS fabrication and can be successfully employed in a wide range of analog signal processing applications. Two versions, based on stacked and up-down voltage-translinear loops, respectively, are described. Experimental results are provided in order to verify their correct operation.     

Probing the electromagnetic field distribution within a metallic nanodisk

A Co nanolayer is used as a local probe to evaluate the vertical inhomogeneous distribution of the electromagnetic (EM) field within a resonant metallic nanodisk. Taking advantage of the direct relation between the magneto-optical activity and the electromagnetic field intensity in the Co layer, it is shown that the nonuniform EM distribution within the nanodisk under plasmon resonant conditions has maximum values close to the upper and lower flat faces, and a minimum value in the middle.     

杰昆·索罗拉火车站,巴伦西亚,西班牙

何谓永恒城市与火车之间的爱恨情仇/关系源远流长,有过激情四溢的乐章,也有过痛苦折磨的片断,有过甜蜜美好的瞬间,也有公诸于众的背叛。而今,两者之间的关系历经变化,今非昔比。然而在巴伦西亚的杰昆·索罗拉火车站,城市与火车之间的激情烈焰仍在燃烧。新车站在允许高速火车进行停靠的同时,完成了将铁轨迁入地下的工程:     

Novel methodology for the quantitative assay of fissile materials using temporal and spectral β-delayed γ-ray signatures

An analytical model for the generation of β-delayed γ-ray spectra following thermal-neutron-induced fission of mixed samples of ²³⁵U and ²³⁹Pu is presented. Using an energy-dependent figure-of-merit to designate the spectral regions employed in the assay, the unique temporal β-delayed γ-ray signatures are utilized to determine the fraction of ²³⁹Pu in a mixed U-Pu sample. By evaluating the β-delayed γ-ray temporal signatures of both ²³⁵U and ²³⁹Pu within a 3 keV energy bin, traditional sources of systematic uncertainty in quantitative assay using β-delayed γ-ray signals, such as self-attenuation of the sample and energy-dependent γ-ray detection efficiency, are significantly reduced. The effects of the time-dependent Compton-continuum and growth of longer-lived nuclides on the quantitative assessment are explored. This methodology represents a promising extension of the conventional means of analysis for quantitative assay of fissile materials using β-delayed γ-ray signatures.