Hankel-norm estimation for fractional-order systems using the Rayleigh–Ritz method

In this paper, the Rayleigh–Ritz method of estimating the eigenvalues of an operator on a Hilbert space is utilized to determine the magnitude of the largest eigenvalue for the Hankel operator of fractional-order systems, the Hankel norm. This provides a measure of the possible retrievable energy from the system in the future compared to the energy that was put into the system in the past. The application of the Rayleigh–Ritz method to obtaining underestimates of the Hankel norm of a fractional-order system is described. Several examples are given, demonstrating the method.     

Learning Task-Specific Object Recognition and Scene Understanding

In this paper, we present an approach to object recognition and scene understanding which integrates low-level image processing and high-level knowledge-based components. A novel machine learning system is presented which is used to acquire knowledge relating to a specific task. Learned feedback from high-level to low-level processes is introduced as a means of achieving robust task-specific segmentation. The system has been implemented and trained on a number of scenarios with differing tasks from which results are presented and discussed.     

Laboratory Automation in a Supplemental Newborn Screening Laboratory

The Institute of Metabolic Disease performs Supplemental Newborn screening for genetic biochemical abnormalities. A challenge facing many specialized high throughput-screening laboratories is fast, efficient data management, instrument integration, reporting, and invoicing. The Supplemental Screening laboratory operates three tandem mass spectrometry analyzers and screens samples for compounds that are not examined by typical newborn screening laboratories. The Institute of Metabolic Disease implemented NeoMate™ LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) to streamline sample demographic entry, data entry (manual, for more specialized tests and automated entry from instruments), automatic result reporting, follow-up and invoicing. The Institute consists of six departments which include; Supplemental Screening, Tissue Culture, Molecular Diagnostics, Neuropharmacology, Neurochemistry and Mass Spectrometry. These departments have unique requirements that differed from the high-throughput supplemental screening department. This required a system that offered the flexibility to provide custom interpretations, maintaining patient histories, sample storage, and graphing of patient results. This paper will focus on the process of implementing automation from project initiation, flow charting through software installation, instrument integration, system integration and going live.     

Experimental measurements of hypervelocity impact plasma yield and energetics

Ion yields and their characteristic energies have been measured experimentally in the plasma produced by hypervelocity impacts of iron rrmicroparticles on rhodium in the range 1.2 to 87 km s'. The ion yield shows a greater velocity dependence than has generally been reported in the literature, though the difference is attributed to experimental and analytical effects. The higher value derived here is believed to be a better representation for the yield of plasma from the primary impact. The impact plasma is shown not to be in thermal equilibrium. Characteristic energies of the target and projectile material ions typically lie in the range 20-40 eV (also higher than values generally quoted in the literature) and show little variation with impact velocity, while contaminant ions (alkali metals and hydrogen) show significantly different trends indicating a different production mechanism.