Relativistic Effects for Time‐Resolved Light Transport

We present a real‐time framework which allows interactive visualization of relativistic effects for time‐resolved light transport. We leverage data from two different sources: real‐world data acquired with an effective exposure time of less than 2 picoseconds, using an ultra‐fast imaging technique termed femto‐photography, and a transient renderer based on ray‐tracing. We explore the effects of time dilation, light aberration, frequency shift and radiance accumulation by modifying existing models of these relativistic effects to take into account the time‐resolved nature of light propagation. Unlike previous works, we do not impose limiting constraints in the visualization, allowing the virtual camera to explore freely a reconstructed 3D scene depicting dynamic illumination. Moreover, we consider not only linear motion, but also acceleration and rotation of the camera. We further introduce, for the first time, a pinhole camera model into our relativistic rendering framework, and account for subsequent changes in focal length and field of view as the camera moves through the scene.     

Estrogenic activity in sediments from European mountain lakes

Superficial and bottom sediment samples from 83 European mountain lakes, ranging from Norway to the Pyrenees and East Europe, were tested for estrogenic compounds by the recombinant yeast assay. The results showed widespread potential estrogenic activity arriving at remote lakes. Tatra Mountains (Slovakia) and Scotland Highlands were the regions with the highest prevalence of lakes with high estrogenic values. Comparison of the estrogenic activity in the superficial layer of sediments with pre-industrial age sections showed that estrogenic compounds were predominantly deposited in recent times. Chemical analysis showed that highly estrogenic sediments were significantly enriched in both polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and organochlorine compounds. For PAH, enrichment ratios in highly estrogenic samples versus nonestrogenic ones were inversely correlated with the vapor pressure value for each compound, indicating a significant relationship between estrogenicity and accumulation of less volatile PAH. Two PAH of predominantly diagenetic origin, retene and perylene, did not show specific enrichment in estrogenic samples. Principal component analysis revealed a strong correlation between estrogenic activity and the presence of contaminants of anthropogenic origin. These data reveal significant amounts of estrogenic compounds in remote lakes, relate them to the overall human activity, and suggest that they may affect organisms inhabiting these ecosystems.     

Clustering and line detection in laser range measurements

This article presents two algorithms that extract information from laser range data. They are designed to work sequentially. The first method (dcc) separates the data into clusters by means of a convolution operation, using a high-pass filter. The second one (reholt) performs line detection in each of the clusters previously discovered. The reliability of the algorithms devised is tested on the experimental data collected both indoors and outdoors. When compared with other methods found in the literature, the ones proposed here prove to achieve higher performance.     

Isolation,identification, and antioxidant activity of anthocyanin compounds in Camarosa strawberry

This paper explores the bioactive composition of strawberry (Camarosa variety) [Fragaria × ananassa (Rosaceae Family)] describing its anthocyanin composition and measuring the antioxidant activity (AA) of isolated pigments.     

Effects of different cooking methods on chemical compositions,in vitro starch digestibility and antioxidant activity of taro (Colocasia esculenta) corms

The impacts of different cooking methods (boiling, steaming, baking, microwaving and frying) on chemical compositions, starch digestibility and antioxidant activity of taro corms were investigated. Compared with raw taro, boiling and frying reduced crude protein and ash contents. Frying significantly increased crude fat and fibre contents but decreased carbohydrate content. All cooking methods reduced oxalate content, especially frying. Among the cooked products, the boiled taro had the highest rapidly digestible starch (RDS) but the lowest resistant starch (RS) contents. In contrast, the fried taro provided the lowest RDS but the highest RS contents. All cooking methods reduced the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of taro. The boiled taro had the lowest antioxidant activity but the fired taro provided the highest. Frying was able to retain most of the health-promoting compounds with the lowest oxalate content; however, the high consumption of high-fat fried taro may adversely affect human health.     

Real-Time Imaging with Frequency Scanning Array Antenna for Industrial Inspection Applications at W band

A real-time imaging system based on a frequency scanning antenna for conveyor belt setups is presented in this paper. The frequency scanning antenna together with an inexpensive parabolic reflector operates at the W band enabling the detection of details with dimensions in the order of 2 mm. In addition, a low level of sidelobes is achieved by optimizing unequal dividers to window the power distribution for sidelobe reduction. Furthermore, the quality of the images is enhanced by the radiation pattern properties. The performance of the system is validated by showing simulation as well as experimental results obtained in real time, proving the feasibility of these kinds of frequency scanning antennas for cost-effective imaging applications.     

Quality of Ст3сп steel reinforcement (class A500S) thermally hardened in a 280 mill

Thermal hardening of Ст3сп steel rolled in the 280 mill at the LPZ casting and rolling plant is developed, so as to produce reinforcement (diameter 14–18 mm) of strength class A500S according to the STO ASChM 7–93 standard. The strength of the metal, whether supplied to the mill in the hot or cold state, is the result of discontinuous quenching with variation in mean-mass self-tempering temperature within the range 565–575°C. The macrostructure, microstructure, and fine structure of the thermally hardened bar is investigated. The properties of the bar are ensured by the structure formed as a result of hardening and subsequent cooling on the roller conveyer and in the cooling unit: mainly tempered martensite in the surface layer; ferrite and cementite in the core of the bar.     

Fuzzy modeling of a thermal solar plant

Fuzzy modeling has been widely applied as a powerful methodology for the identification of nonlinear systems from process measurements. In particular, the design of black‐box approaches based on fuzzy models has been recognized as an alternative to mathematical methods. This article deals with the application of modeling and identification techniques for obtaining two fuzzy models of a solar domestic hot water system. The models have been generated in order to estimate the energy supplied by a thermal solar system and the output temperature of the water, respectively. The methods have been applied by using only the experimental input/output data taken from the process. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

A study of hydrogenated carbon fibers by scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy

The hydrogen absorption process is studied in carbonaceous fibers produced from a mixture of methane and hydrogen. The absorption of the hydrogen was examined in two types of fibers, in “as-grown” state and after a process of desorption during an annealing to 1.473 K under vacuum. Later to its production process, the fibers withstand an oxidation in air to 973 K. The fibers were examined by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal microscopy by reflection. Differences in the behavior during the oxidation were observed between the fibers in as-grown state and those subjected to a further annealing. It could be verified that the fibers were really constituted by two different phases. In one of the phases, the storage of the hydrogen absorbed took place, whereas in the other phase there was no alteration. The process of annealing prior to the absorption of the hydrogen has an appreciable effect on the desorption rate of the hydrogen. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Tobacco consumption among the student population. Related factors

OBJECTIVE: To know smoking prevalence among schoolchildren and factors related with this habit. METHODS: A cross-sectional study. 548 school-children in their 6th and 8th years of primary studies at schools from an area of Córdoba (Spain) were interviewed. INTERVENTIONS: Autoadministered questionnaire. RESULTS: Tobacco was tried in 22% (CI 95%: 18.7-25.8) school-children. The average age for starting with this habit was 11.6 (SD)(CI 95%: 11.4-11.8). 12.1% smoked regularly and 1.3% smokers every day. The tobacco consumption in children was related with age (OR = 2.96; CI 95%: 1.12-7.82), cough medicines consumption (OR = 3.15; CI 95%: 1.32-7.48), to have a smokers sister (OR = 2.53; CI 95%: 1.06-6.00) and best friend (OR = 4.42; CI 95%: 1.85-10.60) and drinking beer (OR = 3.68; CI 95%: 1.15-11.7). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of smoking in our school-children is very close to that reported by others. Among the factors accounted with the tobacco consumption in schoolchildren, highlight the presence of this habit in the eldest sister and the best friend.