Electrical characterization of porous BaTiO3 using impedance spectroscopy in humid condition

The humidity response characteristics of La doped BaTiO₃ with different sintered densities and room temperature electrical conductivities were investigated using complex impedance measurement. The samples with low density and high resistivity showed the large and nearly linear sensitivity to the change of humidity. The impedance spectra of samples, when exposed to high humidity, can exhibit microstructure-related features, even though they do not give rise to a noticeable characteristic change when exposed to low humidity. The observed impedance patterns were dependent upon the density, and hence the oxidation kinetics of BaTiO₃.     

Production and properties of micro‐porous glas bubble zinc and aluminium composites

Micro‐porous syntactic foams were produced by means of integration of glass bubbles into aluminium and zinc matrices. Preforms of glass bubbles were pressure infiltrated with the alloys AlSi9Cu9 ans ZnAl4Cu using squeeze casting. The preforms were sintered thermically without the use of bonding agents. Using the combination of different sintering steps syntactic foams with locally different densities could be produced. The mechanical properties of the foams were tested indicating a high compression strength of the foams and a very good compression energy absorption. Furthermore, corrosion behaviour and behaviour at higher temperatures were investigated.     

The design of experiments when there are errors in all the variables

The Error-in-Variables Model (EVM) applies to a large class of problems in parameter estimation in which there is error in all the variables. This property makes it of more general applicability than the widely used technique of ordinary Least Squares. While there is a voluminous literature on EVM there is nothing on a general method for designing experiments when EVM applies. In this paper we present an extension of the concept of D-optimality to provide such a general method. It is illustrated by applying it to the estimation of copolymer reactivity ratios and to fitting an ellipse.     

From information to probability: An axiomatic approach—Inference is information processing

We define the very rich language of composed conditionals on a three‐valued logic and use this language as the communication tool between man and machine. Communication takes place for three reasons: knowledge acquisition, query, and response. Learning, thinking, and answering questions are of a pure information theoretical nature. The pivot of this knowledge processing concept is the amount of information (bit) we receive if a conditional becomes true. We follow an axiomatic approach to information theory rather than the classical probabilistic approach of Shannon; information comes first, and then comes probability. In the light of this philosophy, query and response experience new interpretations. Both, acquisition and response are realized by maximizing entropy and minimizing relative entropy, respectively. The iterative solution of these mathematical optimization problems gives new insights into the adaptation of prior knowledge to new information. Our expert system shell SPIRIT supports this kind of knowledge processing, which will be established by suitable examples. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Analysis and observation of backscatter-induced crosstalk in a 2-DFDM fiber gyro system

The modulation characteristics of first-order backscatter-induced crosstalk noise in a 2-D frequency-division-multiplexed fiber gyro system are analyzed and experimental results presented. The noise can be reduced from 5°/h to 0.2°/h (0.25 NEB) by proper choice of modulation depth and/or frequency     

Temperature dependence of hydrogenated amorphous silicon thin-film transistors

The temperature dependence characteristics of hydrogenated amorphous silicon thin-film transistors were investigated. The results indicate that as the temperature was increased, the threshold voltage and the field-effect mobility were first increased, and then decreased, which may be controlled by different mechanisms at low and high temperatures. In addition, if the temperature was higher than 420 K, the Fermi level was promoted to the degenerate-like states, the current channel always existed due to the temperature effect, and the threshold voltage became negative.     

Prediction of fire classification for wood based products. A multivariate statistical approach based on the cone calorimeter

Wood has long traditions as a building material, and is often used in construction elements, and as interior and exterior surfaces in the Nordic countries. In most applications, there are reaction to fire requirements to products used as surfaces, e.g. in escape routes and larger public spaces. Most wood products will therefore have to be treated with fire retardant (FR) agents to fulfil the strict requirements to properties connected to heat release and flame spread. Unfortunately, FR agents usually also increase the smoke production, as they cause a more incomplete combustion of the wood. The wood product manufacturers seek to find the optimal amount of FR additives where both heat release and smoke production in the classifying test are within the requirements given in the building regulations. This paper describes models for prediction of the European reaction to fire classes of wood products. The models are based on multivariate statistical analysis, and use test results from the cone calorimeter test as input. The presented models are, with very good precision, able to predict which Euroclass and additional smoke class a wood based product would obtain if it were to be tested in the single burning item test. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A knowledge-based system for sensor selection

This paper presents a Knowledge-based system (KBS) developed to allow users, who may not be knowledgeable about sensors, to select sensors suitable for their specific needs. The KBS runs on a micro-computer. The selection criteria are user specified and are based on the desired measurement parameters. The system output includes all of the operational and dimensional parameters of the recommended sensor, price, and vendor information.     

Possibility of sewage and combined sewer overflow reuse with biological aerated filters.

The secondary effluent from municipal plants in Korea generally represents higher BOD with lower SS. Therefore, more soluble forms of organics and NH4-N need to be removed to improve its effluent for reuse. In this study reuse possibility of secondary effluent and CSO (combined sewer overflow) using BAF (biological aerated filter) was evaluated. The tertiary application with 1.2 h EBCT, SS, BOD and COD showed stable concentrations less than 1.3, 1.3 and 6.2 mg/L, respectively. Nitrogen could be nitrified even at 7 degrees suggesting BAF can be used for a water reuse method as well as an effective add-on facility in cold regions. However, BAF was not stable with CSO application at increased flow rates suggesting CSO must be equalised prior to application. Disinfection was necessary even during normal weather conditions.