Generalized algebraic scene-based nonuniformity correction algorithm

A generalization of a recently developed algebraic scene-based nonuniformity correction algorithm for focal plane array (FPA) sensors is presented. The new technique uses pairs of image frames exhibiting arbitrary one- or two-dimensional translational motion to compute compensator quantities that are then used to remove nonuniformity in the bias of the FPA response. Unlike its predecessor, the generalization does not require the use of either a blackbody calibration target or a shutter. The algorithm has a low computational overhead, lending itself to real-time hardware implementation. The high-quality correction ability of this technique is demonstrated through application to real IR data from both cooled and uncooled infrared FPAs. A theoretical and experimental error analysis is performed to study the accuracy of the bias compensator estimates in the presence of two main sources of error.     

Formation of the beef flavour precursors and their correlation with chemical parameters during the controlled thermal oxidation of tallow

Thermal oxidation of tallow was assayed by peroxide value (PV), p-anisidine value (p-AV), and acid value (AV), and the volatile compounds produced at different oxidation conditions were analysed by SPME-GC/MS. The accumulation of characteristic beef flavour precursors, such as hexanal, 1-octen-3-ol, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal and (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal, reached a maximum value when heated at 140 °C for 2 h with an air flow of 75 l/h per 100 g tallow, whereas at the same temperature PV and p-AV were both at high levels, and AV was relatively low. A correlation analysis of chemical parameters and volatile compounds showed that the beef flavour precursors were positively related to PV, and the off-flavour compounds were highly correlated to AV. Therefore, a moderate oxidation of tallow could be achieved via controlled thermal treatment.     

Morphology and release profile of microcapsules encapsulating peppermint oil by complex coacervation

The gelatin/gum Arabic microcapsules encapsulating peppermint oil were prepared by complex coacervation using transglutaminase as hardening agent. The release of microcapsules was investigated in different dispersing media. The release of microcapsules separately followed first order release kinetics model in hot water and zero order release kinetics model in high-temperature oven. The release of microcapsules in hot water exhibited initial rapid release phase and following slow release phase, where effect of core/wall ratio on the release rate was different due to the increase of loading and particle size with the core/wall ratio. The release kinetics rate constant, K, was analyzed by an Arrhenius plot and found to fit well with a linear relation between in ln(K) and 1/T. The activation energy was evaluated to be 32.6 kJ mol⁻¹. The microcapsules were only release about 7% of peppermint oil during the storage of 40 days in cold water, exhibiting excellent storage stability.     

Features of Cattaneo‐Christov heat flux model for Stagnation point flow of a Jeffrey fluid impinging over a stretching sheet: A numerical study

The present work focuses on a two‐dimensional steady incompressible stagnation point flow of a Jeffery fluid over a stretching sheet. The Cattaneo‐Christov heat flux model is incorporated into this study. Simulation is conducted via the Runge‐Kutta fourth‐order cum shooting method for the transformed system of nonlinear equations. The influence of the governing parameters on the dimensionless velocity, temperature, skin friction, streamlines, and isotherms is incorporated. A significant outcome of the current investigation is that an increase in the relaxation time parameter uplifts temperature; however, a gradual decrease is observed in the velocity field. Another important outcome of the present analysis is that the momentum boundary layer augments due to an increase in the Deborah number; however, a decrease is observed in the temperature. Furthermore, it is also observed that the skin friction coefficient escalates with an increase in the relaxation time parameter for the assisting flow, but a reverse trend is observed for the opposing flow.     

A hybrid composite of rGO/TiO2 as a double layer electrode with improved capacitance performance

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) has unique properties that can revolutionize the performance of the functional devices. rGO hybrids can be designed with transition metal oxides for improved energy storage applications. Herein, a hybrid composite of conductive rGO with titanium dioxide, designed by a simple hydrothermal method, is reported to demonstrate a high double layer capacitance in aqueous electrolyte systems. The mesoporous structure of the composite provides short ion diffusion pathways and the resultant capacitance of the material is 334 F g⁻¹ with ~77% capacitance retention after 7000 charge-discharge cycles.     

Surface-assembled Fe-Oxide colloidal nanoparticles for high performance electrocatalytic water oxidation

Nanoscale electrocatalytic materials having enhanced electroactive sites has been considered trendier and can drive kinetically uphill OER at much lower energy cost with high efficiency. However, very complex synthetic strategies, extensive functionalization processes, and less stability have stimulated quest for economically viable, straightforward and facile preparative methods for designing stable, robust and active nanoscale electrocatalysts engaging geologically abundant materials to ensure their industrial implications. Here we present surface-assembled Fe(OH)_x/FeO_x type colloidal catalytic thin-films, with or without post annealing, derived from Fe-colloidal NPs in simple carbonate system for efficient water oxidation. Comprehensive electrochemical studies including cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, chronopotentiometry, impedance spectroscopy, Tafel slope analysis, mass activity, electrochemically active surface area measurements are conducted to comparatively evaluate the performance of simple (FeO_x/HCO₃^?@FTO and annealed (FeO_x/HCO₃^?@FTO₂₅₀, FeO_x/HCO₃^?@FTO₅₀₀) catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) under employed conditions. The FeO_x/HCO₃^?@FTO₂₅₀ annealed at 250 °C initiates water oxidation at much lower overpotential of 1.52 V vs. RHE with remarkable stability during long-term electrochemical experimentations. In addition to enhanced OER activity as evidence by better onset potential (<1.55 V vs. RHE), lower Tafel slope value (36 mV dec^1?) and negligible charge transfer resistance, the Fe(OH)_x/HCO₃^?@FTO type catalyst presented excellent electroactive nature during long term controlled potential electrolysis experiments where more and more electroactive sites were getting exposed during continuous hours of electrolysis. The catalysts behave as a potential enduring, inexpensive and competent candidate for catalyzing water oxidation reaction when tested under begin conditions.     

Three-stage least squares-based iterative estimation algorithms for bilinear state-space systems based on the bilinear state estimator

Because of the product item of the control input and the state vector, the identification of bilinear systems is difficult. This paper considers the combined parameter and state estimation problems of bilinear state-space systems. On the basis of the observability canonical form and the model transformation, an identification model with a linear combination of the system parameters is obtained. Using the hierarchical principle, the identification model is decomposed into three submodels with fewer variables, and a three-stage least squares-based iterative (3S-LSI) algorithm is presented to estimate the system parameters. Furthermore, we derive a state estimator (SE) for estimating the unknown states, and present an SE-3S-LSI algorithm for estimating the unknown parameters and states simultaneously. After that, the least squares-based iterative algorithm is presented as a comparison. By analyzing the estimation results and the calculation amount, these two algorithms can identify the bilinear system effectively but the 3S-LSI algorithm can improve the computational efficiency. The simulation results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.     

Nonlinear convective flow with variable thermal conductivity and Cattaneo-Christov heat flux

An analysis is introduced to investigate the salient features of nonlinear convective flow of thixotropic fluid in the version of Cattaneo-Christov heat flux theory. The stagnation point flow is present. The flow phenomenon is by an impermeable stretching sheet. The energy expression is modeled through the theory of Cattaneo-Christov heat flux. Characteristics of heat transfer phenomenon are described within the frame of variable thermal conductivity. Suitable variables reduced to the nonlinear partial differential expressions to the ordinary differential expressions. Series solutions of resulting systems are acquired within the frame of homotopy theory. Convergence analysis is achieved and suitable values are determined by capturing the so-called ℏ−curves. Graphical results for velocity and temperature are displayed and argued for sundry physical variables. Expression of skin friction coefficient is calculated through numerical values. Higher values of mixed convection parameter, Prandtl number, and thermal relaxation time lead to decay the temperature and layer thickness.