Application of parallel computing methods to the processing of sea-surface radar imagery

The capabilities of advanced parallel computing methods in processing and identification of seasurface radar imagery are investigated. Their application for the real-time analysis of large-area images is justified. Based on the methods developed by the authors of this paper, estimates are given for the mass, dimensions, and power consumption of a special-purpose onboard processor needed for processing sea-surface radar imagery.     

Method of fiberglass testing for static durability

A method for investigation of the durability of fiberglass rods is described. A complex apparatus for its realization upon simultaneous loading of identical samples for tension, compression, and bending is presented. The efficiency of application of both this method and the apparatus by the example of long fiberglass rods is shown.     

Using copper nanomarkers for revealing microcracks and regions of microdamage on the surface of pipelines and parts of oil and gas machinery

It has been shown that copper nanomarkers can be used for revealing microcracks and regions of microdamage on the surface of pipelines and parts of oil and gas machinery. The synthesis of copper nanoparticles by hydrazine-induced reduction from aqueous salt solutions in the presence of surface active agents (SAAs) and their silicon-dioxide stabilization, which is needed to prevent surface oxidation processes, are described. Testing of the deposition of optical nanomarkers on a metal surface has been performed. It has been discovered that copper nanoparticles become trapped in microcracks on the surface of metal samples and stay there after the surplus substance is removed from the surface. It has been shown that synthesized copper nanoparticles can be detected in microcracks and regions of microdamage by irradiating metal surfaces of constructional materials with a femtosecond laser.     

X-ray spectroscopy of astrophysical plasmas

We provide a qualitative review of key X-ray spectral diagnostics of astrophysical plasmas. We begin with a brief discussion of the two major types of equilibria, collisional ionization and photoionization, and then consider the behaviour of hydrogen-like, helium-like, iron L-shell and iron K-shell transitions for these separate cases. Where possible, we discuss explicit examples using high-resolution spectra acquired by the grating instruments on the Chandra and XMM-Newton observatories.     

Efficient segmentation of urban areas by the VIBI

Urban populations are expanding rapidly and so are cities. Remote sensing offers a convenient means of monitoring this expansion as it covers a period of 40 years in the case of the LANDSAT satellite. In some parts of the globe, this is probably the only viable means of monitoring due to the lack of other types of data. In order to monitor expansion, first, urban land has to be separated from other land-cover types. Although this can be done by standard classification processes, it is much more efficient to establish an urban index (UI) analogous to the widely used normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) for vegetation. Existing efforts to establish such a UI are reviewed and compared in a common context. Following this, a novel, more efficient UI is introduced. The calculation of the new index is straightforward, based on combining the NDVI with the normalized difference built-up index. The results are promising as the index can efficiently segment urban areas, even in the presence of excessive bare land. The proposed method is evaluated on two test sites selected in different LANDSAT scenes. The new index is valid only for sensors with the same bands as those of LANDSAT.     

Noninvasive evaluation of Bjork-Shiley convexo-concave prosthetic heart valves

Prosthetic heart valves of the Bjork-Shiley convexo-concave (BSCC) type have been used extensively in implants; however, there have been reports of cases where one component of the valves failed, leading to the demise of the patient. This paper presents a new method for noninvasive electromagnetic evaluation for this type of valve, using an eddy current transducer with orthogonal coils. In vitro experiments on BSCC prosthetic heart valve replicas have shown that discontinuities of outlet strut with depths equal or larger than 0.4 mm can be detected with a probability of detection (POD) of 86.4%, and in the case of discontinuities with depth equal or larger than 0.6 mm with POD of 97%. Blind tests effectuated on 32 BSCC prosthetic heart valves have shown that, using the proposed method, the tested valves have been correctly classified.