Damped and delayed sinusoidal model for transient signals

In this work, we present the Damped and Delayed Sinusoidal (DDS) model: a generalization of the sinusoidal model. This model takes into account an angular frequency, a damping factor, a phase, an amplitude, and a time-delay parameter for each component. Two algorithms are introduced for the DDS parameter estimation using a subband processing approach. Finally, we derive the Crame/spl acute/r-Rao Bound (CRB) expression for the DDS model and a simulation-based performance analysis in the context of a noisy fast time-varying synthetic signal and in the audio transient signal modeling context.     

Processing properties relationships of Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al

Beta alloys, such as Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al, can be processed and heat treated to provide a wide range in mechanical and fracture properties. A systematic study of the effect of processing and heat treatment variations on the properties combinations achievable was undertaken. The ductility and fracture toughness can be very significantly influenced by processing and heat treatment variations. The ductility increases and the toughness decreases as the morphology of the primary alpha changes from acicular to equiaxed. This morphology change was caused by alterations in forging procedures. Reducing the strength increases both fracture toughness and ductility. Microstructure has only a minor influence on fatigue performance in the high strength (about 1310 MPa UTS) condition. The micro-structure does, however, have a significant effect on fatigue behavior in a low strength, about 1034 MPa UTS, condition. More lamellar alpha results in improved notched fatigue performance, while a more equiaxed alpha improves smooth fatigue performance. These changes in properties are rationalized in terms of microstructure.     

In vivo bioactivity of herbal‐drug‐incorporated nanofibrous matrixes

Aloe‐vera‐incorporated polycaprolactone nanofibrous matrixes were prepared by an electrospinning method. These developed matrixes were evaluated for their water absorption capacity, water vapor permeability, and contact angle, and, in an in vivo animal model, wound‐healing ability. The incorporation of the herbal drug made the matrixes hydrophilic with improved water retention and permeability properties. The in vivo studies were carried out in a rat model and showed improved results with respect to healing. Thus, this study confirmed that the developed matrixes could be used for wound‐healing applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42178.     

Assessing nutrient flows in septic tanks by eliciting expert judgement: a promising method in the context of developing countries

Simple models based on the physical and biochemical processes occurring in septic tanks, pit and urine diversion latrines were developed to determine the nutrient flows in these systems. Nitrogen and phosphorus separation in different output materials from these on-site sanitation installations were thus determined. Moreover, nutrient separation in septic tanks was also assessed through literature values and by eliciting expert judgement. Use of formal expert elicitation technique proved to be effective, particularly in the context of developing countries where data is often scarce but expert judgement readily available. In Vietnam, only 5-14% and 11-27% of the nitrogen and phosphorus input, respectively, are removed from septic tanks with the faecal sludge. The remaining fraction leaves the tank via the liquid effluent. Unlike septic tanks, urine diversion latrines allow to immobilize most of the nutrients either in form of stored urine or dehydrated faecal matter. These latrines thus contribute to reducing the nutrient load in the environment and lowering consumption of energy and non-renewable resources for fertiliser production.     

Perspective in a box

Perspective is an optional subject for students of some levels in Dutch secondary schools. A proper final task on this subject is the analysis of existing perspective drawings or paintings. This task is sometimes supplemented by a more creative and challenging assignment, that is, the design and construction of a perspective box. A perspective box is an empty box with, on the inner sides, perspective pictures giving a surprising spatial effect when observed through the peephole. The students who take up the challenge are in the first place inspired by the six still existing antique wooden perspective boxes, especially because they were created by Dutch seventeenth-century painters of architecture and interiors. In this article the setup of the perspective in these boxes will be discussed. But for a clear comprehension, we begin by reviewing the principles of linear perspective and their implications for the way perspective images can best be viewed.     

A simple evaluation of global and diffuse luminous efficacy for all sky conditions in tropical and humid climate

This paper presents initial values of global and diffuse luminous efficacy at Saint-Pierre (Reunion Island). Firstly, data used were measured for a period of 6 months, from February to June 2008. During this period, all defined day-types have been studied (clear, cloudy and intermediate). Generally, the meteorological database of Reunion does not contain information for illuminance values. On the other hand, the local meteorological center has a 60-years-old database for solar irradiance (W/m²). So it is important to determine Luminous Efficacy in order to find illuminance from solar irradiance (or luminance from solar radiance). The measured data were analyzed, and empirical constant models were developed and presented in this paper in order to determine luminous efficacy under different sky conditions. A comparison between these empirical constants (models) and existing models has been made. The method used to define sky conditions (overcast, intermediate and clear) and day-types characterization as well as classification will be presented in this work.