A Recursive Frequency Estimator Using Linear Prediction and a Kalman-Filter-Based Iterative Algorithm

This paper proposes a new Kalman-filter-based recursive frequency estimator for discrete-time multicomponent sinusoidal signals whose frequencies may be time-varying. The frequency estimator is based on the linear prediction approach and it employs the Kalman filter to track the linear prediction coefficients (LPCs) recursively. Frequencies of the sinusoids can then be computed using the estimated LPCs. Due to the coloredness of the linear prediction error, an iterative algorithm is employed to estimate the covariance matrix of the prediction error and the LPCs alternately in the Kalman filter in order to improve the tracking performance. Simulation results show that the proposed Kalman-filter-based iterative frequency estimator can achieve better tracking results than the conventional recursive least-squares-based estimators.     

Corrosion Behavior of 316LN and 316 Stainless Steels During Long-term Exposure to Aerated 0.5 M NaCl Using Electrochemical Noise Technique

In the present work 316LN as well as 316 stainless steel (SS) coupons each of dimensions (0.025 × 0.018 × 0.006 m³) in well-polished condition were used as two nominal electrodes which were immersed in the aerated solution of 0.5 M NaCl. Correlated current and potential electrochemical noise (EN) signals were collected at 1 Hz sampling frequency for 1 h daily over a period of 30 days. The detrended EN data were used to calculate the noise resistance (R _N) as well as the spectral noise resistance at zero frequency (R _SN^o) values and other statistical parameters. To study the nature of pits and distribution of their diameters as well as depths, extensive observations of the pitted and the blank specimens were carried out using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM). The current and the potential records of the two alloys showed distinct differences in their corrosion behavior. It was observed that within less than 4 h of immersion, 316SS showed signals indicative of unstable pitting and onset of stable pitting was noticed after 48 h of exposure. However, until about 24 h, 316LN showed just the random signals and unstable pitting was observed after 28 h. The signals clearly indicated continuous growth of the stable pits in 316SS as against the repassivation of the unstable pits in 316LN after 7 days exposure. It was observed that R _N values showed a continuous decrease in the case of 316SS, but were quite stable in the case of 316LN over the exposure period. Concurrent to these observations it was observed that 316SS specimen was extensively pitted. The frequency distributions of pit diameters as well pit depths were observed to be highest at 10-20 μm and 5-10 μm, respectively. However, pits with as large as 70-80 μm diameter and as deep as 20-25 μm too were observed. No pits were observed in case of 316LN even after 30 days of exposure, an observation that corroborates well with the stable R _N values. Thus, in the present investigation, the long-term tests using EN technique coupled with CLSM studies conclusively prove that many unstable pits initiated in 316SS turn into stable ones resulting in insidious localized corrosion attack whereas the unstable pits initiated in 316LN get passivated in the simulated coastal environment.     

Optical switching properties of RCo2-type alloy thin films by electrochemical hydrogenation

The switchable optical properties of Pd-protected RCo₂-type Ho_0.6Mm_0.4Co₂ alloy thin films have been investigated in a KOH electrolyte. The reversible optical switching has been carried out simultaneously by measuring transmitted light through the thin film during electrochemical charging–discharging of hydrogen. The dependence of switching speed and cyclic durability of the film on the charging and discharging current density as well as concentration of KOH electrolyte has been studied. In addition, cyclic voltammetric measurements have been performed to examine the hydride formation and decomposition reactions.     

Filled Fibrous Sorbents Modified with Transition Metal Ferro- and Ferricyanides for Recovery of Americium and Rare-Earth Metals

Filled fibrous sorbents modified with transition metal ferro- and ferricyanides capable to recover americium(III) and rare-earth metals(III) from nitric acid solutions were prepared. The most complete and rapid recovery is attained on complex-forming and cation-exchange sorbents (as filled fibrous materials) saturated with nickel ions. The sorbents are characterized by good kinetic properties and can be used for recovery of the above metals.     

Introduction to the special section on racial and ethnic identity in counseling psychology: Conceptual and methodological challenges and proposed solutions.

Racial and ethnic identity development have been important topics in counseling psychology research for the last four decades. At present, however, there appears to be some confusion and debate regarding the quality of theory and measurement in the topical area. The present article serves as an introduction to this Journal of Counseling Psychology special section on "Racial and Ethnic Identity in Counseling Psychology: Conceptual and Methodological Challenges and Proposed Solutions." A rationale is provided for the special section, the place of racial and ethnic identity scholarship is located within the history of multicultural counseling research, and the invited special section contributions by K. O. Cokley (2007), J. E. Helms (2007), J. E. Trimble (2007), S. M. Quintana (2007), J. S. Phinney and A. D. Ong (2007), and J. G. Ponterotto and J. Park-Taylor (2007) are introduced. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Potential use of phenolic antioxidants on peanut to control growth and aflatoxin B1 accumulation by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus

Food‐grade antioxidants: butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), propyl paraben (PP) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (10 and 20 mmol g^?1) and all the mixtures of these chemicals were tested for inhibitory activity on the growth of and aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) accumulation by Aspergillus parasiticus and A. flavus on irradiated (7 kGy) peanut grains. Also, the influence of these treatments was evaluated in different water conditions (0.982, 0.955, 0.937a_w) at 11 and 35 days of incubation at 28 °C. Water activity (a_w) affected the fungal growth, no fungal development was observed at the highest stress water condition (0.937a_w). Butylated hydroxyanisole at 10 mmol g^?1 level and all the mixtures with PP and/or BHT were significantly effective (P = 0.05) in increasing lag phase and reducing growth rate and colony forming units per gram of peanut of both Aspergillus section Flavi strains and AFB₁ accumulation. The application of BHA at concentrations of 20 mmol g^?1 alone or with PP and/or BHT totally inhibited fungal growth at 11 and 35 days of incubation. The results suggest that the addition of these chemical mixtures on peanut grains at low levels has potential to impact synergically on the control of Aspergillus section Flavi. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Highly resistant dispensing nozzles based on zirconium dioxide for profiled CBCM. Part 1. Structure and physicomechanical properties of materials based on zirconium dioxide for producing CBCM dispensing nozzles

Technology is developed for preparing refractory components made of partially stabilized zirconium dioxide using an isostatic compaction press. Technology is provided for manufacturing dispensing nozzles using combined and separately stabilized zirconium dioxide, and also indices of the refractories obtained and imported materials are compared. __________ Translated from Novye Ogneupory, No. 3, pp. 127–131, March 2008.     

Dynamic modes of Ti combustion in a coflow of N<Subscript>2</Subscript>-Ar mixture

Combustion of bulk density Ti powder (containing 20 wt % TiN as a diluent) in a coflow of N₂-Ar mixture was investigated upon variation in the nitrogen content of the gaseous mixture. The obtained data are believed to open up new horizons for fabrication of layered and composite ceramics by infiltration-mediated combustion.