Echolocation — From range to outline segments

A ring of ultrasonic sensors mounted on a mobile robot is used to map a room. The sensors are modelled with an arc model: the object causing the reflection lies on an arc with radius equal to the range and arc angle equal to twice the beam angle. By fusing sensing with motion, a surface is displayed as a sequence of arcs. In this paper, the algorithm for obtaining outline segments from the arcs is presented.     

Impacts of spectral band difference effects on radiometric cross-calibration between satellite sensors in the solar-reflective spectral domain

In order for quantitative applications to make full use of the ever-increasing number of Earth observation satellite systems, data from the various imaging sensors involved must be on a consistent radiometric scale. This paper reports on an investigation of radiometric calibration errors due to differences in spectral response functions between satellite sensors when attempting cross-calibration based on near-simultaneous imaging of common ground targets in analogous spectral bands, a commonly used post-launch calibration methodology. Twenty Earth observation imaging sensors (including coarser and higher spatial resolution sensors) were considered, using the Landsat solar reflective spectral domain as a framework. Scene content was simulated using spectra for four ground target types (Railroad Valley Playa, snow, sand and rangeland), together with various combinations of atmospheric states and illumination geometries. Results were obtained as a function of ground target type, satellite sensor comparison, spectral region, and scene content. Overall, if spectral band difference effects (SBDEs) are not taken into account, the Railroad Valley Playa site is a “good” ground target for cross calibration between most but not all satellite sensors in most but not all spectral regions investigated. “Good” is defined as SBDEs within ± 3%. The other three ground target types considered (snow, sand and rangeland) proved to be more sensitive to uncorrected SBDEs than the RVPN site overall. The spectral characteristics of the scene content (solar irradiance, surface reflectance and atmosphere) are examined in detail to clarify why spectral difference effects arise and why they can be significant when comparing different imaging sensor systems. Atmospheric gas absorption features are identified as being the main source of spectral variability in most spectral regions. The paper concludes with recommendations on spectral data and tools that would facilitate cross-calibration between multiple satellite sensors.     

An electrocoaters guide to selecting and maintaining rectifiers

Considering the critical contribution of your rectifier to the safe, effective, and reliable operation of your electrocoating process, the selection and maintenance of the optimum unit for your operation is time well spent.     

Analysis of a homologous series of non-reducing oligosaccharides from Arnica montana L. Roots

The oligosaccharide component compositions of a series of non-reducing oligosaccharides extracted from the roots of Arnica montana L. has been determined by gel permeation chromatography (g.p.c.). The range of oligosaccharides present was found to extend beyond the octasaccharide previously reported. with 16% to 19% of the oligosaccharides having a degree of polymerisation of between 11 and 19 and almost 3% having a degree of polymerisation greater than 20. The chromatographic behaviour of this series of oligosaccharides is compared with that observed for series of D-gluco-oligosaccharides.     

Cure and properties of thermosetting systems

A generalised time-temperature-transformation cure diagram for thermosetting systems is discussed from the point of view of understanding relationships between cure, properties, and thermal degradation.     

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Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy -     

Biophysical Model of Larval Yellow Perch Advection and Settlement in Lake Michigan

Potential for large-scale physical transport processes to affect recruitment of Lake Michigan yellow perch (Perca flavescens) was studied by examining the variation in larval distribution, growth rate, and settlement during June–August 1998–2003 using a 3D particle transport model linked with an individual-based bioenergetics growth model. In all years, virtual larvae were released nearshore in southwestern Lake Michigan, a known and important spawning region for yellow perch. For any given year, the same circulation pattern and water temperature either promoted or reduced yellow perch settlement depending on the consumption rates and settlement size chosen in the growth model. Increased consumption increased the number of settled larvae and expanded the total area where larvae settled, whereas increased settlement size reduced the number of settled larvae and reduced the overall settlement area. Interannual variability in circulation patterns and water temperature also resulted in contrasting larval settlement rates, settlement locations, and size of settlement areas between years. Model predictions were most consistent with field observations of age-0 yellow perch from Illinois and Michigan waters when settlement was assumed to occur at 50 mm. Moreover, our model suggests that larvae originating from southwestern Lake Michigan can recruit anywhere within the southern basin and even in the northern basin. Future model improvement will require information on the relative contribution of various sectors to the larval pool, their distribution with reference to the hydrodynamic landscape, the feeding and growth of yellow perch during their pelagic phase, and the size at transition to demersal stage.     

Formation of geothermal resources at lithospheric subduction zones

This paper examines in a very broad fashion the formation of geothermal resources at lithospheric subduction zones. Regions of highly silicic calc-alkaline Quaternary volcanoes and/or plutons have been identified as prime candidates for having high-temperature hydrothermal systems. Regions of large tholeiitic Quaternary volcanoes have been identified as prime candidates for having large moderate-temperature hydrothermal systems. In addition, active magmatic, phreatomagnetic, and/or tectonic fracturing must be occurring in order to keep any moderate to high temperature hydrothermal system from chemically sealing. Connate, meteoric and/or oceanic water sources must also be present. Owing to tectonic and magmatic processes, volcanic arcs of subduction zones represent regions of the crust that have anomalously high mechanical and heat energy. Such arc regions are expected to contain significantly more moderate to high temperature hydrothermal systems than what is presently known. Many of these arcs are briefly discussed with respect to their potential for containing such resources.