British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Monthly rainfall data from June to October for 39 years were used to compute Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) values based on two parameter gamma distribution for a low rainfall and a high rainfall districts of Andhra Pradesh state, India. Comparison of SPI with actual rainfall and rainfall deviation from the mean indicated that SPI values under-estimate the intensity of dryness/wetness when the rainfall is very low/very high, respectively. As a result, the SPI in the worst drought years of 2002 and 2006 in the low rainfall district indicated only moderate dryness instead of extreme dryness. SPI values of the high rainfall district showed slightly better stretching in both positive and negative directions, compared to that of the low rainfall district. Further, the SPI values of long...

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... Note that the terminal ... Probability and Statistics with Reliability, Queueing, and Computer ... Weiss, G., "Stochastic Bounds on Distributions of Optimal ...

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... commands may be input from a terminal or they ... up the outcomes of the stochastic parameters corre- ... queue of subproblems to be solved, the first ...

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International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In radiation risk assessment it must be differentiated between somatic and genetic effect on the one hand as well as between stochastic and non-stochastic effect on the other. According to definitions of the ICRP report 26 the limit for the dose equivalent of all tissues prevents non-stochastic radiation effects. With stochastic radiation effects probably exist no threshold doses; therefore the ALARA principle must be applied concerning radiation protection. The individual risk by stochastic radiation effects in its linear, linear-quadratic and quadratic extrapolations, respectively, is discussed in detail. The effective stochastic dose equivalent (H/sub eff/) as well as collective dose and collective damage are outlined.

Science.gov (United States)

Aug 25, 2004 ... The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission or TRMM satellite provided this image of Typhoon Aere over the western Philippine Sea as it was ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

... interval analyzers counting techniques discriminators electronic circuits

KoreaScience (Korea)

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Science.gov (United States)

... Descriptors : *QUEUEING THEORY, *APPROXIMATION ... MODELS, OPTIMIZATION, STOCHASTIC PROCESSES ... Categories : TERMINAL FLIGHT ...

Science.gov (United States)

... (Author). Descriptors : (*TERMINAL FLIGHT FACILITIES ... PROGRAMMING, HANDLING), QUEUEING THEORY, STOCHASTIC PROCESSES ...

Wastenet

...May 2011, 693-709 On the valuation of fader and discrete barrier options in Heston's stochastic volatility model by Susanne Griebsch & Uwe Wystup [Downloadable!... (restricted)] 863-881 Nonlinearities in stochastic clocks: trades and volume as subordinators of electronic markets by Rafael Velasco-Fuentes & Wing Lon Ng [...and estimation of stock prices and trading volume in Barndorff-Nielsen and Shephard stochastic volatility models by Friedrich Hubalek & Petra Posedel [Downloadable!... (restricted)] 665-691 Generic pricing of FX, inflation and stock options under stochastic interest rates and stochastic volatility by Alexander van Haastrecht & Antoon ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Despite the proven utility of the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) to predict soil rainfall erosion, it has limited precision in predicting soil loss in some soil series. Also, runoff is a factor in rainfall erosion and some models, such as the modified USLE (USLE-M), include runoff in predicting soil erosion. The soil erodibility factor is an essential component in both models and this may be affected by application of soil conditioners, such as polyacrylamide (PAM). The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of different rates of PAM (0, 1, 2, 4, and 6kgha-1) applied with sprinkler irrigation water, followed by two sprinkler irrigations with no PAM, on the erodibility of a loam soil under a rainfall simulator in a laboratory. The range of erodibility factor Ku obtained...

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A stochastic wind simulation for VAWTs (VSTOC) has been developed which yields turbulent wind-velocity fluctuations for rotationally sampled points. This allows three-component wind-velocity fluctuations to be simulated at specified nodal points on the wi...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

El Niño/Southern Oscillation related climate anomalies were analyzed by using a combination of satellite measurements of elevated sea-surface temperatures and subsequent elevated rainfall and...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

This series of animations depicts the results of a computer simulation of the effects of deforestation on the surface temperature and precipitation in the Amazon region. Six animations are shown - a control simulation, a deforestation simulation, and the difference between the two for both surface temperature and rainfall. The period simulated is the second half of 1987.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThe precision in carbon ion radiotherapy depends on the calibration of Hounsfield units (HU) as measured with computed tomography (CT) to water equivalence. This calibration...Full Text Available

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... Descriptors : *Terminal flight facilities, *Traffic ... Ground support, Queueing theory, Passengers ... Delay, Assessment, Stochastic processes, Ground ...

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... analyze importance sampling schemes for stochastic networks ... an interesting mixed open/closed queueing network ... with a suitable terminal condition ...

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... If the terminal classes were to be information sources ... current credibility of inputs by classes of terminals; the most ... the stochastic queue lengths. ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The details of pulsating stochastic flows accompanying the interaction of a microwave filament (regarded as a heated rarefied channel) and an aerodynamic body in supersonic flow are examined numerically using the Euler equations. Symmetrical and asymmetrical filament locations relative to the aerodynamic body are considered. The flowfields are characterized by large scale pulsations and small scale stochastic fluctuations. The mechanisms of the formation of these flow structures are discussed. Two qualitatively different kinds of flowfields are observed depending on the magnitude of the filament radius, with domination of the pulsations of flow parameters or stochastic phenomena. Flow instabilities inherent to the problems under interest are described. The problems are considered in both p...

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... a way to model a munition's terminal effects in a ... following attributes are handled in a stochastic fashion ... be improved by managing a queue of buffers ...

Science.gov (United States)

... DATA PROCESSING TERMINALS, *REMOTE TERMINALS, DATA PROCESSING, STOCHASTIC PROCESSES, QUEUEING THEORY, TIME ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pitting corrosion can be considered as a combination of two physical processes: the pit generation process and its depth growth process. Both processes are uncertain and can be modeled by stochastic processes. A model that combines two stochastic processes to describe pitting corrosion was developed. In this model, the pit generation process is represented by the Poisson process, and the pit depth growth process is modeled by the Markov process. The probability distribution of corrosion pit depth and the probability of time-to-failure are derived based upon the combined stochastic processes. Examples of the use of this method in dealing with experimental data also were developed.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Taking both white noise and colored environmental noise into account, a general stochastic logistic model under regime switching is proposed and studied. Sufficient conditions for extinction, nonpersistence in the mean, weak persistence, stochastic permanence and global attractivity are established. The critical number between weak persistence and extinction is obtained. Moreover, some simulation figures are introduced to illustrate the main results.

KoreaScience (Korea)

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CERN Document Server

The activity assay of a radiopharmaceutical administration to a patient is normally achieved via the use of a radionuclide calibrator. Because of the different geometries and elemental compositions between plastic syringes and glass vials, the calibration factors for syringes may well be significantly different from those for the glass containers. The magnitude of these differences depends on the energies of the emitted photons. For some radionuclides variations have been observed of 70 %, it is therefore important to recalibrate for syringes or use syringe calibration factors. Calibration factors and volume correction factors have been derived for the NPL secondary standard radionuclide calibrator, for a variety of commonly used syringes and needles, for the most commonly used medical radionuclide.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A hysteretic subcritical period-doubling bifurcation is observed in the nonlinear strain dynamics of a magnetostrictive oscillator. The dynamic strain response of the magnetostrictive oscillator was observed with a high-resolution fiber optic interferometer. The effects of low-frequency modulation and band-limited stochastic fluctuations on such a bifurcation are investigated. Power spectral density measurements show that for an optimal value of externally injected noise the signal-to-noise ratio of a low-frequency modulation signal is enhanced by greater than 14 dB, thus indicating the first experimental observation of stochastic resonance near a bistable period-doubling bifurcation. 10 refs., 7 figs.

Wastenet

... (restricted)] 255-269 Inefficiency of Logit-Based Stochastic User Equilibrium in a Traffic Network Under ATIS by Hai-Jun Huang & Tian-Liang Liu & Xiaolei ...Hub-catchment Areas, Existing Hubs, and Simulation: A Case Study of Serbian Intermodal Terminals by Milorad Vidovic & Slobodan Zecevic & Milorad Kilibarda ... (restricted)] 389-410 Stochastic Location-assignment on an Interval with Sequential Arrivals by Kannan Viswanath & James Ward [Downloadable! (restricted)] ... (restricted)] 193-208 Solving Stochastic Transportation Network Protection Problems Using the Progressive Hedging-based Method by Yueyue Fan & Changzheng Liu [Downloadable! (...

Science.gov (United States)

... the print queue, changing the priority of print jobs, -deleting a job from a print queue, aborting a ... "standard terminal interface" should ... f. Stochastic 27 ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundCharacterization of the innate immune repertoire of extant cnidarians is of both fundamental and applied interest - it not only provides insights into the basic immunological...Full Text Available

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... f(i, k, α) if node k is the terminal node for ... under which the mean service rate at queue (i, k ... occur frequently in studies of stability in stochastic networks ...

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... 5.12 Terminal Value for Performance Measure P ... As examples, a stochastic communication network containing a buffer queue at each ...

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... system size exhibit a stochastic decomposition property ... to manage congestion in the primary queue. ... video at individual computer network terminals. ...

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... of electronic systems (satellite terminals, radio and ... helps organizations investigate the stochastic nature of ... cycle time, maximum queue lengths, and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Stochastic models for the simulation of global radiation are discussed. Thermal transients in the ground are analyzed. The performance of buried-pipe storage and a space heating system with long-term storage is described.

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... Wheeled Vehicle) equipped with a MILSTAR terminal was driven ... textbooks including Ronald W. Wolff, Stochastic Modeling and The ... Queue Length ...

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7.5.6 Conclusions of the Generic Metroplex Queueing Simulation . ...... the systemwide arrival delays incurred at the metroplex terminal-area ...... assignment rules, estimated nominal transit speeds or times by domain, and stochastic ...

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... end-to-end TCP connection from the hybrid terminal ... peculiar to self-similar stochastic processes, ... Queue First (MDQF) schemes are employed at the ...

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... on some results we obtained, using stochastic methods as ... choice between two customers in a queue and one ... with the terminal of edge I being the ...

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... adaptive method called Shortest Queue plus Bias ... routing problem under stochastic traffic demands have ... of permits allocated to a node or terminal ...

Science.gov (United States)

... Direct Search (SMOMADS) and Paciencia's NMADS [45] based on Kim and de Weck's ... Todd Paciencia for his foundational contributions. ...

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... which may have embedded remote terminals, and (4 ... model the time-variant or stochastic aspects of ... on such system parameters as queue size, time ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Regular fuel reduction burning is an important management strategy for reducing the scale and intensity of wildfires in south-west Australian native forests, but the long term effects of this on tree and stand growth are not well understood. Five fire treatments, including application of frequent and infrequent low intensity burns, and 25?years of fire exclusion, were applied to small (4?ha) experimental plots in a low rainfall mixed jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) and marri (Corymbia calophylla) forest to investigate the effects of these treatments on tree stem diameter growth, stand basal area increment and tree mortality. Mean tree stem growth measured over 20?years was lowest in the long unburnt treatment compared with the burn treatments, although surface soil nutrient levels were gener...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Research in the field of river hydrology has been mainly concerned with the investigation of the rainfall-runoff phenomenon through the analysis of hydrological factors such as meteorology and geography, with the focus being on each river basin. Recently, various forms of digital information such as GIS (Geographic Information System) and RS (Remote Sensing) data have been made available in worldwide digital map format. Therefore, there has been a shift in focus from lumped-parameter models to distributed runoff models, as the latter can consider temporal and spatial variations in water quantity. Distributed runoff models have made possible the comparison of runoff field and rainfall-runoff characteristics considering spatial distribution. Hydrological conditions are differently distribute...

CERN Document Server

The amdlib AMBER data reduction software is meant to produce AMBER data products from the raw data files that are sent to the PIs of different proposals or that can be found in the ESO data archive. The way defined by ESO to calibrate the data is to calibrate one science data file with a calibration one, observed as close in time as possible. Therefore, this scheme does not take into account instrumental drifts, atmospheric variations or visibility-loss corrections, in the current AMBER data processing software, amdlib. In this article, we present our approach to complement this default calibration scheme, to perform the final steps of data reduction, and to produce fully calibrated AMBER data products. These additional steps include: an overnight view of the data structure and data quality, the production of night transfer functions from the calibration stars ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Modifications of the design and calibration procedure of a diffusion porometer permit determinations of stomatal resistance which agree well with results obtained by leaf energy balance. The energy...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

... PHYSICAL AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY calibration standards diagrams

CERN Document Server

In this paper we describe the reconstruction strategies, the calibration procedures and the detector performance results from the latest CMS operation.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The classical stochastic approximation methods are shown to yield algorithms to solve several formulations of the PAC learning problem defined on the domain [o,1]{sup d}. Under some assumptions on different ability of the probability measure functions, simple algorithms to solve some PAC learning problems are proposed based on networks of non-polynomial units (e.g. artificial neural networks). Conditions on the sizes of these samples required to ensure the error bounds are derived using martingale inequalities.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper identifies some of the issues which arise in the consideration of the derivation of new limits on exposure to internal emitters. Basic and secondary radiation protection limits are discussed. Terms are defined and applied to the limitation of risk from stochastic effects. Non-stochastic data for specific internal emitters (/sup 131/I and the radium isotopes) are presented. Emphasis is placed on the quantitative aspects of the limit setting problem. 65 references, 2 figures, 12 tables.

Science.gov (United States)

High nitrate contents (up to 200 mgl) has been observed in wells drilled into fractured aquifers lying beneath layers of weathered and decayed rock in the humid tropics where annual rainfall is over 1,000 mm and where there is no notable pollution. The source of the nitrates is linked mainly with localized deforestation by man.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Three electronic personal dosimeters (EPD-N) manufactured by Siemens, serial numbers 0635, 0658, and 0683, were tested at the Radiation Calibration Laboratory for an evaluation of their response to neutron, gamma and x-ray radiation. Designed to provide real-time neutron and photon dosimetry, the EPD-N is capable of estimating and displaying neutron and gamma dose components separately for a range of energies from 50 keV to 7 MeV for photon and 0.025 eV to > 10 MeV for neutron. All tests were conducted using the factory calibrations. A technical representative of the manufacturer indicated that site-specific calibrations are required as factory settings are calibrated for the lowest neutron energy limit of 0.025 eV. This raises concerns about the reliability of these devices in measuring neutrons when calibrations are made for a specific site radiological characterization ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Investment in mining projects is always associated with risk because of the inclusion of many uncertain parameters. Probability analysis can be applied to such a system which has many kinds of uncertain parameters. This kind of study uses historical data to provide more information for future decisions. This study uses the historical data from a truck-shovel operation at an open cut Coal Mine in NSW, Australia to develop a productivity estimation model, using stochastic analysis. In the first step statistics and various probability distributions were developed for both certain and uncertain variables. A correlation analysis was the next step to investigate any possible relationship between productivity and affecting parameters. The results of these two stages were then used in a simulation model using the stochastic approach. 2 figs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The two main aspects of the concept proposed by the ICRP in recommendation 26 for the radiation risk, the differentiation of stochastic and non stochastic damages and the qualification of the stochastic risk, are discussed in its consequences for radiation protection in X-ray diagnostics. Quantitative results from the literature serve to demonstrate the risk factors for the various organs and their sum concerning the position of the layer. As special points of somatic risk appeared the mamma and the pelvic region. The particular risk of CT examination is determined by number and position of the layers and the scan parameters of the system. For typical CT examination the resulting risk factors are estimated in comparison with conventional X-ray diagnostics. The somatic risk of CT examination is relatively high and comparable to conventional examination with the highest risk, while the genetic risk - as in conventional ...

CERN Document Server

The detection of a stochastic background of gravitational waves could significantly impact our understanding of the physical processes that shaped the early Universe. The challenge lies in separating the cosmological signal from other stochastic processes such as instrument noise and astrophysical foregrounds. One approach is to build two or more detectors and cross correlate their output, thereby enhancing the common gravitational wave signal relative to the uncorrelated instrument noise. When only one detector is available, as will likely be the case with the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA), alternative analysis techniques must be developed. Here we show that models of the noise and signal transfer functions can be used to tease apart the gravitational and instrument noise contributions. We discuss the role of gravitational wave insensitive "null channels" formed from particular combinations of the time delay interferometry, and ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Looking at all the indeterminate factors as a whole and regarding activity durations as independent random variables, the traditional stochastic network planning models ignore the inevitable relationship and dependence among activity durations when more than one activity is possibly affected by the same indeterminate factors. On this basis of analysis of indeterminate effect factors of durations, the effect factors-based stochastic network planning (EFBSNP) model is proposed, which emphasizes on the effects of not only logistic and organizational relationships, but also the dependent relationships, due to indeterminate factors among activity durations on the project period. By virtue of indeterminate factor analysis the model extracts and describes the quantitatively indeterminate effect f...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

On rod disc membranes, single photoactivated rhodopsin (R*) molecules catalytically activate many copies of the G-protein (Gt), which in turn binds and activates the effector (phosphodiesterase). We...Full Text Available

CERN Document Server

Regulatory genes called small RNAs (sRNAs) are known to play critical roles in cellular responses to changing environments. For several sRNAs, regulation is effected by coupled stoichiometric degradation with messenger RNAs (mRNAs). The nonlinearity inherent in this regulatory scheme indicates that exact analytical solutions for the corresponding stochastic models are intractable. Here, we present a variational approach to analyze a well-studied stochastic model for regulation by sRNAs via coupled degradation. The proposed approach is efficient and provides accurate estimates of mean mRNA levels as well as higher order terms. Results from the variational ansatz are in excellent agreement with data from stochastic simulations for a wide range of parameters, including regions of parameter space where mean-field approaches break down. The proposed approach can be applied to quantitatively model stochastic ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Specificity of the pulses mean frequency measurement (the pulses being generated in a stochastic process) is described. Status of the domain of analog frequency meters is presented. Methods of increasing accuracy of such meters are discussed.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundGene promoters can be in various epigenetic states and undergo interactions with many molecules in a highly transient, probabilistic and combinatorial way, resulting in...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

ful application of the network technique, GERT, to the analysis of a terminal ... GERT Networks, Mr. David Gallagher-The Use of GERT in Studying Queueing Problems, ... Smith, R. L., "Stochastic Analysis of Personnel Movement in Formal ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

We investigate the default time of a firm when a stochastic discount factor is used so that both diffusion and regime switching risks are priced. We establish the relationship between the probability distribution of the default time and the solution of a system of coupled partial differential equations.

Science.gov (United States)

... ie on all paths from the root to a terminal node we ... (A) A stochastic Petri net ... Tandem Queueing Network [HMKS99] 63 26 19 173 2.297e4 7.148e ...

Science.gov (United States)

We have developed a transportable container based direct detection Doppler lidar based on the double-edge molecular technique. The pulsed solid state system was built at the University of Geneva. It was used to make range resolved measurements of the atmospheric wind field as part of the VALID campaign at the Observatoire de Haute Provence in Provence, France in July 1999. Comparison of our lidar wind measurements, which were analyzed without knowledge of the results of rawinsonde measurements made under the supervision of ESA, show good agreement with these rawinsondes. These are the first Doppler lidar field measurements made with an eyesafe direct detection molecular-based system at 355 nm and serve as a demonstrator for future spaceborne direct detection wind systems such as the Atmospheric Dynamics mission. Winds are an important contributor to sea surface temperature measurements made with the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) and also affect the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The use of linear accelerators in radiotherapy is of great importance in Medicine, and according to international recommendations the electron beam dosimetry has to be performed using plane-parallel ionization chambers, previously calibrated in standard gamma radiation fields at accredited laboratories. In this work, calibration methods of plane-parallel ionization chambers used in dosimetry procedures of high energy electron beams of clinical accelerators were presented, tested and intercompared. The experiments were carried out using gamma radiation beams of {sup 60} Co at the Calibration Laboratory of Clinical Dosemeters at IPEN and electron beams od 4 to 16 MeV at the Radiotherapy Department of Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo. A method was chosen to be established at IPEN. Proposals of the calibration procedure, calibration certificate and data sheets are ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A stochastic analysis is presented of the probability of overtopping of a dam. The discussion is based on the case of a dam for a small water storage reservoir which has recently been constructed in the Saar district in the FRG. The problem is first solved by means of a simulation method. However, it is possible to describe the result of the sumulation method by means of a much simpler model which is based on a solution of the failure integral of Freudenthal for uncorrelated resistances and loads. It is shown that the actual safety of this dam against overtopping is extremely sensitive to both the operation rule for the reservoir, and the freeboard allowance. Some general conclusions are derived from this study for assisting in the ongoing discussion of dam safety. (6 figs, 1 tab, 7 refs)

CERN Document Server

Stochastic Kronecker graphs supply a parsimonious model for large sparse real world graphs. They can specify the distribution of a large random graph using only three or four parameters. Those parameters have however proved difficult to choose in specific applications. This article looks at method of moments estimators that are computationally much simpler than maximum likelihood. The estimators are fast and in our examples, they typically yield Kronecker parameters with expected feature counts closer to a given graph than we get from KronFit. The improvement was especially prominent for the number of triangles in the graph.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This paper studies the pricing of variance swap derivatives with stochastic volatility by the control variate method. A closed form solution is derived for the approximate model with deterministic volatility, which plays the key role in the paper, and an efficient control variate technique is therefore proposed when the volatility obeys the log-normal process. By the analysis of moments for the underlying processes, the optimal volatility function in the approximate model is constructed. The numerical results show the high efficiency of our method; the results coincide with the theoretical results. The idea in the paper is also applicable for the valuation of other types of variance swap, options with stochastic volatility and other financial derivatives with multi-factor models.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper describes a signal simulator which is designed to calibrate eddy current probes. By using simultaneously an excitation coil and an electrically conducting plane, the simulator can emulate signals which correspond to spot welds with different flaws. The presence of a conducting plane allows a wide variation of the amplitude and phase of the excitation coil voltage during the calibration of a probe. A mathematical model for the simulator is derived and used to study the variation of the impedance change upon the parameters of the probe. Numerical computation shows that the impedance change depends in an important way on the frequency of the excitation coil current.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Calibration system for spot welding robots has been developed. The purpose of this system is to reduce the misalignment of tool center point (TCP) generated when teaching data made by off-line system is input to an actual robot. After the factor of the misalignment was analyzed, the relation between a main factor and the misalignment was modeled. In addition, the model was verified on experiment. The achievement of the accuracy requirement and practical use in the site was confirmed by the result of the verification. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The major problem of measurement of a power spectral density (PSD) distribution of surface heights with surface profilometers arises due to the unknown Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) of the instruments, which tends to distort the PSD at higher spatial frequencies. The special mathematical properties of binary pseudo-random patterns make them an ideal basis for developing MTF calibration test surfaces. Two-dimensional binary pseudo-random arrays (BPRAs) have been fabricated and used for the MTF calibration of the MicroMap{trademark}-570 interferometric microscope with all available objectives. An investigation into the effects of fabrication imperfections on the quality of the MTF calibration and a procedure for accounting for such imperfections are presented.

Science.gov (United States)

Jul 21, 1998 ... Additional roof surface temperatures were taken with a handheld "heat spy," an infrared thermometer to help calibrate the ATLAS thermal ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

When exposure-calibrated ionization chambers are used to calibrate megavoltage X-ray and electron beam therapy machines, the calibration factor can be divided into a chamber-dependent and a chamber-independent component. Until recently, only the chamber-independent part, which has been derived theoretically, has been used; the chamber-dependent component has been ignored. Recent experimental and theoretical considerations, however, have indicated that the dependent component must be taken into account and can affect the calibration by as much as 4%. The calibration can change due to (i) the thickness of the chamber wall, (ii) the chamber wall composition, i.e. whether the chamber is constructed of air-equivalent material, or tissue- or water-equivalent material, and (iii) the size of the chamber changing the displacement factor. Theoretical and experimental evidence indicates that ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundIn nuclear medicine, liquid radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes are administered to patients by using various types of syringes with different volumes....Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

... The second scenario is limited by the age of our Galaxy such that the lowest-mass WD that could be formed via single star evolution is ~0.47 M ...

Science.gov (United States)

... of "position error" in the AGARD Multilingual Aeronautical ... when it cones into the aircraft flow field it ... on actual bank angle and separation, may be - ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

AC/DC voltage standards based entirely on solid-state references used as secondary, working, or transfer standards is widespread, although metrological performance is typically defined only via comparison with a higher level standard. The present report shows the improvements of the output metrological characteristics of an ac/dc calibrator by establishing three internal hierarchical levels of dc voltage references and by constant calibration of ac measuring circuits.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Natural radioactive materials were used for detector calibration. We found that KCl is a very suitable material for this purpose. The efficiency curve shape was derived by using #gamma# ray lines of "2"1"4Bi normalised using a known quantity of KCl in the same geometry. The best fit was found by the least squares method. The summing correction coefficients for "2"1"4Bi are determined. (orig.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A modulation transfer function (MTF) calibration method based on binary pseudo-random (BPR) gratings and arrays [Proc. SPIE 7077-7 (2007), Opt. Eng. 47, 073602 (2008)] has been proven to be an effective MTF calibration method for a number of interferometric microscopes and a scatterometer [Nucl. Instr. and Meth. A616, 172 (2010)]. Here we report on a further expansion of the application range of the method. We describe the MTF calibration of a 6 inch phase shifting Fizeau interferometer. Beyond providing a direct measurement of the interferometer's MTF, tests with a BPR array surface have revealed an asymmetry in the instrument's data processing algorithm that fundamentally limits its bandwidth. Moreover, the tests have illustrated the effects of the instrument's detrending and filtering procedures on power spectral density measurements. The details of the development of a BPR test sample suitable ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Recent efforts to identify methods of modeling pitting corrosion damage of high-level radioactive-waste containers are described. The need to develop models that can provide information useful to higher level system performance assessment models is emphasized, and examples of how this could be accomplished are described. Work to date has focused upon physically-based phenomenological stochastic models of pit initiation and growth. These models may provide a way to distill information from mechanistic theories in a way that provides the necessary information to the less detailed performance assessment models. Monte Carlo implementations of the stochastic theory have resulted in simulations that are, at least qualitatively, consistent with a wide variety of experimental data. The effects of environment on pitting corrosion have been included in the model using a set of simple phenomenological equations relating the parameters of the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A stochastic-convective reactive (SCR) transport method is developed for one-dimensional steady transport in physically heterogeneous media with nonlinear degradation. The method is free of perturbation amplitude limitations and circumvents the difficulty of scale dependence of phenomenological parameters by avoiding volume-averaged specifications of diffusive/dispersive fluxes. The transport system is conceptualized as an ensemble of independent convective-reactive streamlines, each characterized by a randomized convective velocity (or travel time). Dispersive effects are treated as a component of the randomness in the streamline velocity ensemble, so no explicit expression for hydrodynamic dispersive flux is written in the streamline transport equation. The expected value of the transport over the stream tube ensemble is obtained as an average of solutions to the reactive convection equation according to the stream tube (travel time) probability distribution ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We describe a stochastic inversion method for mapping subsurface regions where the electrical resistivity is changing. The technique combines prior information, electrical resistance data and forward models to produce subsurface resistivity models that are most consistent with all available data. Bayesian inference and a Metropolis simulation algorithm form the basis for this approach. Attractive features include its ability to: (1) provide quantitative measures of the uncertainty of a generated estimate and, (2) allow alternative model estimates to be identified, compared and ranked. Methods that monitor convergence and summarize important trends of the posterior distribution are introduced. Results from a physical model test and a field experiment were used to assess performance. The stochastic inversions presented provide useful estimates of the most probable location, shape, and volume of the changing region, and the most likely resistivity ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this study, drought analysis of annual flows of Jindong, Hyunpoong, and Waekwan stations located at Nakdong River Basins was performed based on multivariate stochastic models. The stochastic models used were multivariate autoregressive model(MAR) and multivariate contemporaneous (MCAR) model. MCAR(1) and MAR(1) models were selected to be appropriate models for these stations based on skewness test of normality, test of uncorrelated residuals, and correlograms of the residual series of each model. The statistics generated by MCAR(1) model and MAR(1) model resembled very closely those computed from historical series. The drought characteristics such as run length, run sum, and run intensity were fairly well reproduced for the various lengths of generated annual flows based on the MCAR(1) and MAR(1) models. Thus, these drought characteristics may give the important information in planning mid or long term water supplying systems. (author). 18 ...

Science.gov (United States)

The collection of papers in this issue of Mycologia documents considerable improvements in taxon sampling and phylogenetic resolution regarding the Fungal Tree of Life. The new data will stimulate new attempts to date divergences and correlate events in fungal evolution with those of other organisms. Here, we review the history of dating fungal divergences by nucleic acid variation and then use a dataset of 50 genes for 25 selected fungi, plants and animals to investigate divergence times in kingdom Fungi. In particular, we test the choice of fossil calibration points on dating divergences in fungi. At the scale of our analysis, substitution rates varied without showing significant within-lineage correlation, so we used the Langley-Fitch method in the R8S package of computer programs to estimate node ages. Different calibration points had a dramatic effect on estimated divergence dates. The estimate for the age of the Ascomycota/Basidiomycota ...

CERN Document Server

The Proportional-Integral-Derivative Controller is widely used in industries for process control applications. Fractional-order PID controllers are known to outperform their integer-order counterparts. In this paper, we propose a new technique of fractional-order PID controller synthesis based on peak overshoot and rise-time specifications. Our approach is to construct an objective function, the optimization of which yields a possible solution to the design problem. This objective function is optimized using two popular bio-inspired stochastic search algorithms, namely Particle Swarm Optimization and Differential Evolution. With the help of a suitable example, the superiority of the designed fractional-order PID controller to an integer-order PID controller is affirmed and a comparative study of the efficacy of the two above algorithms in solving the optimization problem is also presented.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

We provide an efficient computational approach to solve the mixed integer programming (MIP) model developed by Tarim and Kingsman [8] for solving a stochastic lot-sizing problem with service level constraints under the static-dynamic uncertainty strategy. The effectiveness of the proposed method hinges on three novelties: (i) the proposed relaxation is computationally efficient and provides an optimal solution most of the time, (ii) if the relaxation produces an infeasible solution, then this solution yields a tight lower bound for the optimal cost, and (iii) it can be modified easily to obtain a feasible solution, which yields an upper bound. In case of infeasibility, the relaxation approach is implemented at each node of the search tree in a branch-and-bound procedure to efficiently sear...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

SummaryPermeable pavement functions as a porous infrastructure interface allowing the infiltration and evaporation of rainfall-runoff while functioning as a relatively smooth load-bearing surface for vehicular transport. Hydraulic conductivity (k) of permeable pavement is an important hydraulic property and is a function of the pore structure. This study examines k for a cementitious permeable pavement (CPP) through a series of pore-structure models. Measurements utilized include hydraulic head as well as total porosity, (t), effective porosity (e), tortuosity (Le/L) and pore size distribution (PSD) indices generated through X-ray tomography (XRT). XRT results indicate that the permeable pavement pore matrix is hetero-disperse, with high tortuosity and t!=e. Power law models of k-t and k-e...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

We analyzed the phenotypic variation of baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) fruits from Mali to define the domestication potential of this species. 269 trees, selected from 10 provenances distributed along a rainfall gradient, were characterized. Five fruits were sampled from each tree. Total individual fruit weight was partitioned into shell, pulp, and seed weight. Ratios were calculated between pulp?+?seed and total weight, and between pulp and seed weight. For all the measured fruit traits, we detected significant differences between provenances, as well as between trees from the same provenance. Assuming that the measured traits are under genetic control, the latter facts indicate that there are considerable opportunities for tree selection on a local scale. However, candidate plus trees wi...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This study concerns the Souss upstream basin. The objective is to investigate the characteristics of surface water and groundwater, to assess the impact of artificial recharge as reinforcement of the natural replenishment and assess the renewal of groundwater under semi-arid area. Two major water types are observed: (i) surface waters and upstream springs (least mineralized) and (ii) all groundwater samples (prevailing calcium and magnesium bicarbonate water type). Water isotopes show a low evaporation of precipitations during infiltration. Impoverishment in heavy isotopes is the characteristic of mountain rainfalls, or of a climate colder and wetter than present. Carbon-14 activities (34-94 pmc) indicate a long residence time. The artificial recharge is low compared to the reservoir volume, due to which the renewal rate is also low.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Hydrological classification constitutes the first step of a new holistic framework for developing regional environmental flow criteria: the ?Ecological Limits of Hydrologic Alteration (ELOHA)?. The aim of this study was to develop a classification for 390 stream sections of the Segura River Basin based on 73 hydrological indices that characterize their natural flow regimes. The hydrological indices were calculated with 25?years of natural monthly flows (1980/81?2005/06) derived from a rainfall-runoff model developed by the Spanish Ministry of Environment and Public Works. These indices included, at a monthly or annual basis, measures of duration of droughts and central tendency and dispersion of flow magnitude (average, low and high flow conditions). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indi...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Sand-filled splash cups were used to study the erosive power of rainfall and throughfall in the humid subtropics of Southeast China. The splash cup measurements yielded precise and reproducible results under both open field conditions and forest vegetation. The splash cups were exposed to specific forest stands of different ages and to selected species (Schima superba, Castanopsis eyrei, Daphniphyllum oldhamii, Lithocarpus glaber) in the Gutianshan (???) National Nature Reserve (GNNR). The results of the measurements under forest vegetation show that the erosive power of throughfall drops to be 2.59 times higher compared to the open field. This accentuates the importance of shrub, herb and litter layers in forest ecosystems to protect the soil against erosion. Coalescing drops from leaves ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Large areas of the southern European countries possess a Mediterranean climate, which influences soil properties, land use, fertilizer application practices and pathways of phosphorus (P) loss from agricultural soils. On average, inputs of fertilizer P exceed P exports from the agricultural areas in these countries; however, large differences in P surplus/deficit and soil P test values exist among regions. Losses of P in drainage water are modest except in some irrigated areas and in those regions where intensive animal production is concentrated. Losses of P in runoff water, whether as dissolved reactive or particulate P, can be substantial as a result of the significance of erosive processes under the land uses typical of the Mediterranean region, where extreme rainfall events c...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Vacuum pressure standards of the orifice-flow type require known gas flows of 10/sup -6/ mol/s (10/sup -2/ atm cm/sup 3//s at 0 /sup 0/C) and less. Known gas flows can also be used to calibrate ''standard'' leaks by comparing the pressures generated when flows from the leak and the flowmeter are alternately passed through a constant conductance. Two constant-pressure, piston displacement flowmeters developed at the National Bureau of Standards are described that can generate flows between 10/sup -6/ and 10/sup -10/ mol/s with an estimated uncertainty of 0.8% to 2%. Comparisons of the flowmeters with alternate calibration techniques, and repeated low-range leak and vacuum gauge calibrations, have been used to confirm the estimated uncertainty and random errors of the flowmeter.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Realization of the scale of spectral responsivity of the detectors in the Directorate of Measures and Precious Metals (DMDM) is based on silicon detectors traceable to LNE-INM. In order to realize the unit of spectral irradiance in the laboratory for photometry and radiometry of the Bureau of Measures and Precious Metals, the new method based on the calibration of the spectroradiometer by comparison with standard detector has been established. The development of the method included realization of the System of Spectral Comparisons (SSC), together with the detector spectral responsivity calibrations by means of a primary spectrophotometric system. The linearity testing and stray light analysis were preformed to characterize the spectroradiometer. Measurement of aperture diameter and calibration of transimpedance amplifier were part of the overall experiment. In this paper, the developed method is presented and measurement ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTD) are widely used for radon measurements and CR-39 is one of the most popular SSNTD. In this work it was determined the calibration factor for radon concentration measurements through the passive method with CR-39 detectors. The detectors were put in a proper device (an adapted Lucas cell) and exposed to the standard radon concentration through the Pylon Model RN-150 flow through radon gas source. After exposure, the detectors were etched for 5.5 hours in a KOH solution at 80 deg C in a bath at a constant temperature. The track density was read in an Axiolab-Zeiss optical microscope, with nominal magnification of X10 connected to a video camera and to a personal computer. The calibration factor was obtained through the relation between standard radon concentration, track density and exposure time. (author)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

North American design codes are now committed to the development of load and resistance factor design (LRFD) for reinforced soil structures including internal stability limit states. Reliability-based analysis is required to carry out these calibrations. A framework for LRFD calibration has been proposed by the writers that requires bias statistics for load and resistance terms for each limit state function. In this paper the formulation of the limit state for reinforcement tensile rupture is developed and the component strength-reduction bias statistics identified. The paper describes how to compute bias statistics from project-specific installation damage trials for use in reliability-based design for the reinforcement rupture limit state or using data from multiple sources for LRFD cali...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report describes a quality assurance program plan for the Yucca Mountain Project. Aspects of the plan include: document control, equipment maintenance and calibration, process control, audits, computer software, and inspections. (CBS)

CERN Document Server

We report on the spectral cross-calibration results of the Konus-Wind, the Suzaku/WAM, and the Swift/BAT instruments using simultaneously observed gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). This is the first attempt to use simultaneously observed GRBs as a spectral calibration source to understand systematic problems among the instruments. Based on these joint spectral fits, we find that 1) although a constant factor (a normalization factor) agrees within 20% among the instruments, the BAT constant factor shows a systematically smaller value by 10-20% compared to that of Konus-Wind, 2) there is a systematic trend that the low-energy photon index becomes steeper by 0.1-0.2 and Epeak becomes systematically higher by 10-20% when including the BAT data in the joint fits, and 3) the high-energy photon index agrees within 0.2 among the instruments. Our results show that cross-calibration based on joint spectral analysis is an important step to ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We describe in a comprehensive fashion the Los Alamos second-generation system for passive and active neutron assays of drum-size containers. The developmental history of this 7-year project is presented with emphasis on the pulsed active neutron technique (differential dieaway), which has achieved milligram levels of assay sensitivity for both plutonium and uranium wastes. We describe in detail the matrix effects for both passive and active neutron assays. We present in a thorough fashion our novel approach to achieving comprehensive corrections for these matrix effects using measurements made during the assays. We develop a matrix correction formalism based on separate neutron absorption and moderator indices determined from these measurements. These are presented as a series of analytic functions fitted to the data. Absolute calibrations and calibration standards are discussed, as is a practical means (pink drum measurements) of achieving ...

Science.gov (United States)

The object of the test was to develop a method to field test the Exploding Bridgewire (EBW) System for proper functioning prior to use. Two basic designs were conceived and tested. The first design using a two element spark gap and a calibrated fuse link ...

Science.gov (United States)

This report documents the operation, maintenance, calibration, data acquisition and data reduction at the Chalk Point Meteorological Station for the period November 15, 1978 through November 15, 1979. Climatological data summaries for each month and calib...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The major problem of measurement of a power spectral density (PSD) distribution of the surface heights with surface profilometers arises due to the unknown Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) of the instruments. The MTF tends to distort the PSD at higher spatial frequencies. It has been suggested [Proc. SPIE 7077-7, (2007), Opt. Eng. 47 (7), 073602-1-5 (2008)] that the instrumental MTF of a surface profiler can be precisely measured using standard test surfaces based on binary pseudo-random (BPR) patterns. In the cited work, a one dimensional (1D) realization of the suggested method based on use of BPR gratings has been demonstrated. Here, we present recent achievements made in fabricating and using two-dimensional (2D) BPR arrays that allow for a direct 2D calibration of the instrumental MTF. The 2D BPRAs were used as standard test surfaces for 2D MTF calibration of the MicromapTM-570 interferometric microscope with all available objectives. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A detailed component-based simulation model of a geothermal heat pump system has been calibrated to monitored data taken from a family housing unit located at Fort Polk, Louisiana. The simulation model represents the housing unit, geothermal heat pump, ground heat exchanger, thermostat, blower, and ground-loop pump. Each of these component models was tuned to better match the measured data from the site. These tuned models were then interconnected to form the system model. The system model was then exercised in order to demonstrate its capabilities.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This work reports on the use of three state-of-the-art Monte Carlo codes (MCNPX, PENELOPE, FLUKA) in the efficiency calibration of a Broad-Energy Germanium (BEGe) detector. Initial discrepancies found between the experimental and computational efficiency values are related to the poor knowledge of some physical parameters of the detector (dead-layers, crystal dimensions, etc.). As a consequence, a sensitivity analysis was carried out. Each parameter was systematically analyzed, and an accurate model of the detector was determined. The obtained results are consistent, allowing this model to be used in computational efficiency calibrations of the equipment at stake.

Environmental Research Database

DescriptionThis project investigates in silico the interactive consequences of breeding for parasite resistance and nutritional environment on livestock productivity. The thesis of the work is that conflicting evidence regarding the consequences of breeding for parasite resistance arises from the failure to consider the interactions between host genetics and nutritional environment. Starting with a framework that accounts for the consequences of host nutrition on the development of parasitism, we will (1 [continued...

CERN Document Server

Given a random variable $F$ regular enough in the sense of the Malliavin calculus, we are able to measure the distance between its law and almost any continuous probability law on the real line. The bounds are given in terms of the Malliavin derivative of $F$. Our approach is based on the theory of It\\^o diffusions and the stochastic calculus of variations. Several examples are considered in order to illustrate our general results.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Blade fatigue life is an important element in determining the economic viability of the Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT). A principal source of blade fatigue is thought to be the stochastic (i.e., random) aerodynamic loads created by atmospheric turbulence. This report describes the theoretical background of the VAWT Stochastic Aerodynamic Loads (VAWT-SAL) computer code, whose purpose is to numerically simulate these random loads, given the rotor geometry, operating conditions, and assumed turbulence properties. A Double-Multiple-Stream Tube (DMST) analysis is employed to model the rotor's aerodynamic response. The analysis includes the effects of Reynolds number variations, different airfoil sections and chord lengths along the blade span, and an empirical model for dynamic stall effects. The mean ambient wind is assumed to have a shear profile which is described by either a power law or a logarithmic variation with height above ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Stochastic simulation has been employed in petroleum reservoir characterization as a modeling tool able to reconcile information from several different sources. It has the ability to preserve the variability of the modeled phenomena and permits transference of geological knowledge to numerical models of flux, whose predictions on reservoir constitute the main basis for reservoir management decisions. Several stochastic models have been used and/or suggested, depending on the nature of the phenomena to be described. Markov Random Fields (MRFs) appear as an alternative for the modeling of discrete variables, mainly reservoirs with mosaic architecture of facies. In this dissertation, the reader is introduced to the stochastic modeling by MRFs in a generic sense. The main aspects of the technique are reviewed. MRF Conceptual Background is described: its characterization through the Markovian property and the equivalence to ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We analyze the behavior of some Bianchi type-IX, mixmaster cosmological models possessing extra dimensions. We find that, unlike the three-dimensional case, they do not exhibit chaotic behavior on approach to their initial singularity. A finite sequence of stochastic mixmaster oscillations is, in general, replaced by monotonic contraction of the three-space scale factors on approach to a singularity whenever additional spatial dimensions exist with the metric form we consider.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A brief tutorial on the health effects of ionising radiation is presented. The distinction between somatic and genetic health effects is explained. The two types of somatic health effects, i.e., acute and chronic effects, are discussed, as well as the concepts of ''deterministic'' and ''stochastic'' (also called ''probabilistic'') health effects. The possibility of cancer caused by DNA damage is discussed. The document ends with the definition of some key radiation terms.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wind tunnel tests were performed of three fugitive dust control agents derived from potato and sugar beet products. These materials are being considered for use as dust suppressants to reduce the potential for transport of radioactive materials by wind from radioactive waste construction and remediation sites. Soil and dust control agent type, solution concentrations, application quantities, aging (or drying) conditions, surface disturbance, and wind and saltating sand eolian erosive stresses were selected and controlled to simulate application and exposure of excavated soil surfaces in the field. A description of the tests, results, conclusions, and recommendations are presented in this report. The results of this study indicate that all three dust control agents can protect exposed soil surfaces from extreme eolian stresses. It is also clear that the interaction and performance of each agent with various soil types may differ dramatically. Thus, soils similar to that received from ML ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This thesis presents the work achieved to instrument the ATLAS software framework, ATHENA, with a library of tools and utensils for the physics analysis as well as the extraction of the jet energy scale using physics events (in-situ calibration). The software part presents the various components of the ATHENA framework which handles the simulated and reconstructed data flow as well as the different stages of this process, before and during the data taking. The building of a library of tools easing the reconstruction of physics objects, their association with Monte-Carlo particles and their API is then explained. The need for common language and collaboration-wide utensils is emphasised as it allows to share the workload of validating these tools and to get reproducible physics results. The analysis part deals with the implementation of a light jet energy scale calibration algorithm within the C++ framework. This calibration ...

Science.gov (United States)

On-orbit spectral calibration of hyperspectral imaging data is a key step for quantitatively analyzing them. Like the atmospheric correction, accurate spectral calibration is very necessary for improved studies of land or ocean surface properties. Based on the previous literatures, a new method which coupled an optimization algorithm was developed to simultaneously retrieve the central wavelength and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the hyperspectral sensor without needing the in situ reflectance spectra. Firstly, the Hyperion data set simulated using MODTRAN4 with the Hyperion spectral specification was used to test the new method, and the results indicated that the maximum error was less than 0.1 and 0.7 nm for central wavelength and FWHM respectively when the spectral shift is 5 nm. Then the algorithm was applied to the Hyperion data acquired on May 20, 2008 over Heihe River Basin and it was iteratively performed for each detector of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In large samples, the {gamma}-ray count rate of a prompt gamma neutron activation analysis system is a multi-variable function of the elemental dry composition, density, water content and thickness of the material. The experimental calibration curves require tremendous laboratory work, using a great number of standards with well-known compositions. Although a Monte Carlo simulation study does not avoid the experimental calibration work, it reduces the number of experimental calibration standards. This paper is part of a feasibility study for a PGNAA system for on-line continuous characterisation of cement raw material conveyed on a belt (Oliveira, C., Salgado, J. and Carvalho, F. G. (1997) Optimisation of PGNAA instrument design for cement raw materials using the MCNP code. J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem. 216(2), 191-198; Oliveira, C., Salgado, J., Goncalves, I. F., Carvalho, F. G. and Leitao, F. (1997a) A Monte Carlo study of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) has been proposed several years ago as an approach for quantitative analysis of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy spectra. Recently developed refinement of the spectral processing method is described in the present work. Accurate quantitative results have been demonstrated for several metallic alloys. However, the degree of accuracy that can be achieved with Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy analysis of generic samples still needs to be thoroughly investigated. The authors have undertaken a systematic study of errors and biasing factors affecting the calculation in the Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy spectra processing. These factors may be classified in three main groups: 1) experimental aberrations (intensity fluctuations and inaccuracy in the correction for spectral efficiency of a detection system), 2) inaccuracy ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A mathematical model was developed to simulate the combustion process of a direct injection diesel engine. The model considers the key features of such a combustion process; namely fuel droplet evaporation, spray formation, mixing, ignition of heterogeneous burning of the fuel. To model mixing, great emphasis was placed on treating both large and small scale aspects of mixing, the model divides the combustion chamber into three distinct regions of air, fuel spray, and a turbulent plume that is formed once ignition occurs. The fuel spray itself is considered to be composed of multiple zones, which in turn are made of cells of equal mass and of different thermodynamic states. Micromixing of the fuel and air cells, within each zone of the jet and the turbulent plume, is then achieved by utilizing the concept of Monte Carlo stochastic coalescence dispersion technique. The frequency of such cell interactions within each zone is obtained by employing a K-1 turbulent ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This study examines the sensitivity of the travel time distribution predicted by a reference case model to (1) scale of representation of the model parameters, (2) size of the model domain, (3) correlation range of log-transmissivity, and (4) cross correlations between transmissivity and effective thickness. The basis for the reference model is the preliminary stochastic travel time model previously documented by the Basalt Waste Isolation Project. Results of this study show the following. The variability of the predicted travel times can be adequately represented when the ratio between the size of the zones used to represent the model parameters and the log-transmissivity correlation range is less than about one-fifth. The size of the model domain and the types of boundary conditions can have a strong impact on the distribution of travel times. Longer log-transmissivity correlation ranges cause larger variability in the predicted travel times. Positive cross ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

As a part of DOE's Meteorological Effects of Thermal Energy Releases (METER) program a field study was undertaken at the Bowen Electric Generating Plant (Plant Bowen) in December 1979. The study was a joint endeavor of Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories (PNL), Pennsylvania State University (PSU), and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) with the main objective of determining the effects of the plant's smokestack effluents on aerosol characteristics and precipitation chemistry. Other objectives included studies of cooling tower temperature and humidity (T/h) plumes and drift drop concentrations. Conducted over a period of three weeks, the study involved an instrumented aircraft, pilot balloons, a tethered balloon system, a dense network of wetfall chemistry collectors and numerous ground- and tower-based meteorological instruments. Rainfall samples collected during the precipitation event of December 13, 1979, revealed some evidence of plume ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kaiser Alumina and Chemical Co. impounds red mud, the byproduct of alumina production, behind levees. Kaiser recognizes that this action cannot be maintained indefinitely. Therefore, a project is in progress to produce useful products from red mud that increase the profitability of the Gramercy facility. Before products could be developed, an obstacle had to be overcome. The annual rainfall in South Louisiana prevents evaporative drying of the mud lakes. Innovative methods were applied to dry the lake mud. Two products have been developed. A daily landfill cover and an absorbant, which are marketed under the Cajunite{trademark} banner. Both products are currently being tested by potential customers at their sites. Environmental concerns were addressed during development. Extensive TCLP results show no metal leachate problems. All pilot tests and plant trials received LADEQ approval. Products that are under development include levee core, road base, fertilizer ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

"2"3"9 "2"4"0Pu concentrations were measured in biota from a 30-year-old contaminated floodplain forest in Tennessee. Concentration ratios relative to soil, for plutonium in litter, invertebrate cryptozoans, herbaceous ground vegetation, orthoptera and small mammals were approximately 10"-"1, 10"-"2, 10"-"3, and 10"-"4, respectively. Concentration ratios (CR) for plutonium in biota from the floodplain forest are less than CR values from other contaminated ecosystems in the USA. Presumably, this is due to humid conditions and greater rainfall which minimize resuspension as a physical transport mechanism to biota. Plutonium and radiocesium concentrations are correlated in biota from the forest at Oak Ridge and also from Mortandad Canyon in New Mexico. The cause of the covariance between concentrations of these elements is unknown. Nevertheless, the existence of these relationships suggests that it is possible to predict plutonium in biota from radiocesium ...

Environmental Research Database

ObjectivesThe overall objective of the proposal is to test the conclusions reached in a recent article by Magnani, Mencuccini et al (2007), in which we proposed for the first time that the Net Ecosystem Productivity (NEP) of forests of the temperate and boreal region does not depend on temperature or rainfall but, rather, on nitrogen deposition (Ndep) from the atmosphere. It is widely accepted that Ndep can increase forest C sequestration, however the results from our 2007 paper reported a sensitivity dC/ [continued...]DescriptionCombustion of fossil fuels and use of fertilisers in agriculture has increased the amount of nitrogen compounds present in the atmosphere and the biosphere. More atmospheric nitrogen is converted into reactive nitrogen by anthropogenic activities than by all natural processes combined. This phenomenal historical increase in nitrogen deposition is responsible for several serious environmental problems, such as soil acidification and ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The uptake of "9"9Tc by trees intercepting contaminated groundwater from a radioactive waste storage site was measured to identify the major "9"9Tc pools within the woodland ecosystem and to assess the relative mobility of "9"9Tc in the existing element cycle. The highest average "9"9Tc concentrations in vegetation were found in herbaceous plants. Tree wood was the major above-ground pool for "9"9Tc because of the high concentrations in wood as well as the large amount of wood relative to other biomass at the site. Technetium was not easily leached from the trees by rainfall and was not readily extractable from forest floor leaf litter by water. The relative importance of return pathways for "9"9Tc to the forest floor was leaf fall > stemflow > throughfall, indicating that "9"9Tc was conserved by the trees. Snails and millipedes from the leaf litter layer concentrated technetium 20- and 16-fold, respectively, above levels found in the soil. Pertechnetate was ...

Science.gov (United States)

The influence of the sulfur dioxide emissions from a large copper smelter in Tacoma, Washington, USA, was studied by measuring the chemical composition of rainwater collected upwind and downwind of the source, before and after permanent closure of the smelter in 1985. Data analysis was based on a statistical model that accounted for variability associated with location of 25 sampling sites within three geographic regions, smelter operation, ten individual rain events observed over 2 years, and measurement uncertainty. After smelter closure, the upwind-downwind differences in mean hydrogen ion and excess sulfate ion concentrations within a 600 km/sup 2/ region extending to 25 km downwind of the source had decreased significantly compared to the pre-closure value. No significant decreases in mean ion concentrations were observed farther downwind in the Seattle, urban area. During five events sampled prior to smelter closure, we estimate that an average of 1.7% (range 0.3 to 3.0%) of the ...

CERN Document Server

We report on recent inter-calibration studies featuring Swift's Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) and Fermi's Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM) based upon correlated observations of GRBs 080804 and 080810, via their resultant joint spectral analysis. Swift's intrinsic multi-wavelength instrumentation and dynamical response complement Fermi's superior energy range. The addition of BAT's spectral response will (i) facilitate in-orbit GBM detector response calibration, (ii) augment Fermi's low energy sensitivity, (iii) enable ground-based follow-up efforts of Fermi GRBs, and (iv) help identify a subset of GRBs discovered via off-line GBM data analysis, for an annual estimate of ~30 GRBs. The synergy of BAT and GBM augments previous successful joint spectral fit efforts by enabling the study of peak photon energies (Epeak), while leveraging the over eleven energy decades afforded by Fermi's Large Area Telescope (LAT), in conjunction with Swift's X-Ray (XRT) ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Since 1958, the AlliedSignal Federal Manufacturing and Technologies (FM and T) Metrology Department has developed measurement technology and calibration capability in four major areas of measurement: mechanical; environmental, gas, liquid; electrical (D.C., A.C., RF/microwave); and optical and radiation. The capabilities developed include unique capabilities in many areas of measurement and engineering expertise to develop measurement techniques and resolve measurement problems in these major areas. FM and T Metrology was established in 1958 to provide a measurement base for the Department of energy`s Kansas City Plant. The Metrology Engineering Department provides the expertise to develop measurement capabilities for virtually any type of measurement which falls into the broad areas listed above. The engineering staff currently averages almost 16 years of measurement experience. A strong audit function has been developed to provide a means to evaluate the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A highly reliable screening method was developed for the determination of lead in tin plated layers and tin-bismuth plated layers. The contents of lead in the layers of the various samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The calibration curve for lead in the tin and tin-bismuth plated layers by using WD-XRF exhibited linear correlation from 130 #mu#g/g to 2070 #mu#g/g. Calibration curve of lead normalized with Pb-L#alpha#/Sn-K#alpha# intensity was more linear, and this method was possible to evaluate very small sample. The calibration curve for lead in the tin plated layers by using ED-XRF was good linearly, but it for lead in the tin-bismuth plated layers was affected by Pb-L#alpha# spectrum and Bi-L#alpha# spectrum overlap each other. It was effective for decreasing affect of Bi-L#alpha# spectrum by using curve fitting method. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The aim of this paper is offering a critical review of Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (CF-LIBS), the approach of multi-elemental quantitative analysis of LIBS spectra, based on the measurement of line intensities and plasma properties (plasma electron density and temperature) and on the assumption of a Boltzmann population of excited levels, which does not require the use of calibration curves or matrix-matched standards. The first part of this review focuses on the applications of the CF-LIBS method. Quantitative results reported in the literature, obtained in the analysis of various materials and in a wide range of experimental conditions, are summarized, with a special emphasis on the departure from nominal composition values. The second part is a discussion of the simplifying assumptions which lie at the basis of the CF-LIBS algorithm (stoichiometric ablation and complete atomization, thermal equilibrium, homogeneous ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The objective of this paper is to analyze the implications of varying degrees of financial openness for the impact of technology shocks on a real, small open economy with financial and informational frictions. Aggregate fluctuations and propagation mechanisms under increasing financial openness are investigated in a dynamic, stochastic, general equilibrium framework in the case of positive technology shocks. The imperfections in the economy in the form of informational asymmetries among the agents and uncertainty in the production process necessitate financial intermediation and collateralized borrowing in the economy. The reason to abstract from money in the setup of the framework is to be able to concentrate on the real implications of increasing financial openness for the effect of tech...

CERN Document Server

This paper is concerned with the study of insurance related derivatives on financial markets that are based on non-tradable underlyings, but are correlated with tradable assets. We calculate exponential utility-based indifference prices, and corresponding derivative hedges. We use the fact that they can be represented in terms of solutions of forward-backward stochastic differential equations (FBSDE) with quadratic growth generators. We derive the Markov property of such FBSDE and generalize results on the differentiability relative to the initial value of their forward components. In this case the optimal hedge can be represented by the price gradient multiplied with the correlation coefficient. This way we obtain a generalization of the classical 'delta hedge' in complete markets.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This document is a progress report to the USDOE Atmospheric Radiation and Measurement Program (ARM). The overall project goal is to relate subgrid-cumulus-cloud formation, coverage, and population characteristics to statistical properties of surface-layer air, which in turn are modulated by heterogeneous land-usage within GCM-grid-box-size regions. The motivation is to improve the understanding and prediction of climate change by more accurately describing radiative and cloud processes.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this paper extended models for estimating price developments on electricity markets are presented. The models consider deviations from the normality hypothesis of the prices. Based on an ARMA model combination with GARCH, Gaussian-mixture and switching-regime approaches are comparatively discussed. The comparison is based on historic electricity prices of the spot and two reserve markets in Germany. It is shown that the proposed extended models lead to significantly improved representations of the considered stochastic price processes. It is inferred that these models may be preferred for estimating price developments on electricity markets. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This file is devoted to the Chernobyl accident. It is divided in four parts. The first part concerns the accident itself and its technical management. The second part is relative to the radiation doses and the different contaminations. The third part reports the sanitary effects, the determinists ones and the stochastic ones. The fourth and last part relates the consequences for the other European countries with the case of France. Through the different parts a point is tackled with the measures taken after the accident by the other countries to manage an accident, the cooperation between the different countries and the groups of research and studies about the reactors safety, and also with the international medical cooperation, specially for the children, everything in relation with the Chernobyl accident. (N.C.)

Science.gov (United States)

In the present work we introduce a novel multi-agent model with the aim to reproduce the dynamics of a double auction market at microscopic time scale through a faithful simulation of the matching mechanics in the limit order book. The agents follow a noise decision making process where their actions are related to a stochastic variable, the market sentiment, which we define as a mixture of public and private information. The model, despite making just few basic assumptions over the trading strategies of the agents, is able to reproduce several empirical features of the high-frequency dynamics of the market microstructure not only related to the price movements but also to the deposition of the orders in the book.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The uncertainty associated with the sorption coefficient, or K{sub d} value, is one of the key uncertainties in estimating risk associated with burying low-level nuclear waste in the subsurface. The objective of this study was to measure >648 K{sub d} values and provide a measure of the range and distribution (normal or log-normal) of radionuclide K{sub d} values appropriate for the E-Area disposal site, within the Savannah River Site, near Aiken South Carolina. The 95% confidence level for the mean K{sub d} was twice the mean in the Aquifer Zone (18-30.5 m depth), equal to the mean for the Upper Vadose Zone (3.3-10 m depth), and half the mean for the Lower Vadose Zone (3.10-18 m depth). The distribution of K{sub d} values was log normal in the Upper Vadose Zone and Aquifer Zone, and normal in the Lower Vadose Zone. To our knowledge, this is the first report of natural radionuclide Kd variability in the literature. Using ranges and distribution coefficients that are specific to ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Reactor Power Measurement is an essential part of the Reactor Power Control Loop in PHWRs. None of the available power measuring sensor offers characteristics which allow their direct use in the Reactor Power Control Loop. Thermal power, which is considered as relatively accurate, suffers from measurement delays and is used only as reference. Neutronic power sensors like Ion Chambers and Self Powered Neutron Detectors (SPNDs) which sense instantaneous power suffer from inaccuracies. A technique is required which makes use of both types-reference power and instantaneous power to extract real power information from the signals. This paper describes techniques to calibrate (correct) neutronic power that with the thermal reference power signals. The paper also brings out limitation of the calibration technique. (author)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Some factors affecting the accuracy of magnitude calibration of palaeoearthquakes are discussed. The general problem is illustrated by two case studies. First, the 2003 strong earthquake in the Altai region (Russia-Mongolia border), which has generated co-seismic surface faulting is considered. An analysis is conducted to determine how accurately its magnitude could be defined after 2000 years based on surface faulting parameters, retrieved when future palaeoearthquake studies are launched. This example demonstrates that accurate evaluation of magnitude is possible if specific regional seismotectonic features are taken into account and surface faulting parameters are measured over a dense grid. Next, the Muya earthquake that occurred in the Baikal seismic region in 1957 is studied with res...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Mammalian teeth exhibit incremental structures representing successive forming fronts of enamel at varying time scales, including a short daily increment called a cross striation and a long period called a stria of Retzius, the latter of which, in humans, occurs on average every 8-9 days. The number of daily increments between striae is called the repeat interval, which is the same period as that required to form one increment of bone, i.e. the lamella, the fundamental - if not archetypal - unit of bone. Lamellae of known formation time nevertheless vary in width, and thus their measures provide time-calibrated growth rate variability. We measured growth rate variability for as many as 6 years of continuously forming primary incremental lamellar bone from midshaft femur histologic...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tank calibration experiments have been carried out using a mock-up input accountancy tank with the object of developing a high accuracy solution volume measurement technique for Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant (RRP). The experimental parameters such as temperature, solution density, off gas pressure and so on have been fluctuated in the calibration experiments in order to evaluate the influence on the solution volume measurement. As a result, it was confirmed that the solution volume measurement error of the mock-up tank was within #+-#0.04% (at full volume) using careful data correction technique for measured data. For the high accuracy volume measurement at RRP, it is important to correct data properly taking account of the actual conditions such as uncontrollable ambient temperature that are different from the experiment. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The task of designing high performance X-ray optical systemsrequires the development of sophisticated X-ray scattering calculationsbased on rigorous information about the optics. One of the mostinsightful approaches to these calculations is based on the powerspectral density (PSD) distribution of the surface height. The majorproblem of measurement of a PSD distribution with an interferometricand/or atomic force microscope arises due to the unknown ModulationTransfer Function (MTF) of the instruments. The MTF characterizes theperturbation of the PSD distribution at higher spatial frequencies. Here,we describe a new method and dedicated test surfaces for calibration ofthe MTF of a microscope. The method is based on use of a speciallydesigned Binary Pseudo-random (BPR) grating. Comparison of atheoretically calculated PSD spectrum of a BPR grating with a spectrummeasured with the grating provides the desired calibration of theinstrumental MTF. The ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The /sup 252/Cf-source-driven noise analysis method determines the subcriticality of a system containing fissionable material from the ratio of cross power spectral densities between the detectors that detect particles from the fission process and between these detectors and an ionization chamber containing a spontaneously fissioning neutron source which provides neutrons to induce fission in the system. This method has two advantages: (1) a calibration is not required and thus subcriticality can be determined from measurements only on the subcritical system of interest, and (2) the subcriticality is independent of the type of detector or its efficiency. These properties of this technique are illustrated by measurements.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper describes a feasibility demonstration of a thermal scanning NDE system for thermal spray coatings. Non-bonds were detected between several types of coatings and their substrates. Aluminum anti-skid coatings having very rough surfaces were included. A technique for producing known non-bond areas for calibrating and demonstrating NDE methods was developed.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An irradiation head with sample holders is described and measurement geometry is reported. Measurements were made for optimizing the distance between the source and the sample and for optimizing the sample diameter. The optimal distance between the source and the sample does not depend on the collimator diameter. The sample diameter should not exceed 30 - 35 mm. Sensitivity and detection limits were determined for Zn, Pb and Br and calibration curves were plotted. (M.D.) 6 figs., 2 tabs., 4 refs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This paper presents the regulatory experience gained from Wolsong Units 2,3 and 4 - Special Safety System Instrumentation Uncertainty for Trip Setpoint and Allowable Values. The equipment diversity method for the defense against common mode failure was applied to the transmitters of shutdown system number 2. However the Units experienced an unexpected drift problem with which the performance did not meet the Technical Specification (Tech Spec) Surveillance Requirements (SR). Discussed are the background, status and corrective actions, regulatory positions and issues to be solved for the drift problem. It was an instrument uncertainty methodology that the designer of safety system should have shown when the drift problem occurred. For deeper understanding of the problem, we present the background of Tech Spec SR for setpoints in Korean PWR and in CANDU reactors. The Setpoint Verification Test(SVT) and Calibration Test(CT) shall be achieved by recording sufficient ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The fission gas xenon bonded in bubbles, in pore, and in the lattice of mixed carbide fuels is measured by electron-probe microanalysis. Radial xenon distribution and release curves are determined and are calibrated by gas chromatography of the bonded fission gas and by burnup analysis in the respective pin sections of the irradiation experiments FR2 6A and 6C, Mol 11/K 2, and DFR 330/1. The results are correlated to the microstructure of the fuel, bonding medium, temperature, and burnup. (Auth.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Electron spin resonance (ESR) dosimetry of irradiated chicken legs is based on the additive dose or the calibration curve methods. In both cases the practical assumption is made that the behaviour of the chicken bone does not depend on factors such as temperature during irradiation, storage conditions and dose rate. So the aim of the present work was to investigate to what extent the above mentioned factors could influence the post-irradiation dose assessment using the ESR technique. (author).

Science.gov (United States)

In this study, an apparatus suitable to photoacoustic (PA) imaging to measure blood-analysis and urinalysis is fabricated and its measurement scheme has been established for the first time. The PA imaging of urinalysis test strip, blood sugar test strip, and cholesterol test strip is performed. A calibration curve of PA measurement is obtained for a urine test strip. The detectivity is better than that obtained by an eye-measurement.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper investigates the spectral characteristics of three-dimensionally porous carbon dioxide indicators based on a porous silicate glass and phenolphthalein. The absorption spectra of the original solutions of phenolphthalein in alkaline and acid solutions are shown. The solutions were acidified by bubbling CO/sub 2/ through an alkaline phenolphthalein solution. The authors have succeeded in producing a reversible colorimetric adsorption indicator for carbon dioxide which after proper calibration enables the CO/sub 2/ content of an atmosphere to be estimated quantitatively.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The theory of neutron moderation and spectroscopy are briefly reviewed, and moderators that are useful for Bonner sphere spectrometers are discussed. The choice of the neutron detector for a Bonner sphere spectrometer is examined. Spectral deconvolution methods are briefly reviewed, including derivative, parametric, quadrature, and Monte Carlo methods. Calibration is then discussed. (LEW)

Science.gov (United States)

An instrument has been constructed for the measurement of residual stress in steel. If necessary, large objects can be examined in situ. An account is given of the principles and construction. A special stressing frame provides for calibration. An application to residual stress in gear blanks has established a systematic variation of surface stress with nickel content and confirmed the overall effect of the surface hardening treatment.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report describes modelling where the hydrological modelling system MIKE SHE has been used to describe surface hydrology, near-surface hydrogeology, advective transport mechanisms, and the contact between groundwater and surface water within the SKB site investigation area at Laxemar. In the MIKE SHE system, surface water flow is described with the one-dimensional modelling tool MIKE 11, which is fully and dynamically integrated with the groundwater flow module in MIKE SHE. In early 2008, a supplementary data set will be available and a process of updating, rebuilding and calibrating the MIKE SHE model based on this data set will start. Before the calibration on the new data begins, it is important to gather as much knowledge as possible on calibration methods, and to identify critical calibration parameters and areas within the model that require special attention. In this project, the MIKE SHE ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

We revisit a recently proposed agent-based model of active biological motion and compare its predictions with own experimental findings for the speed distribution of bacterial cells, Salmonella typhimurium. Agents move according to a stochastic dynamics and use energy stored in an internal depot for metabolism and active motion. We discuss different assumptions of how the conversion from internal to kinetic energy d(v) may depend on the actual speed, to conclude that d 2 v ? with either ? = 2 or 1 ? < 2 are promising hypotheses. To test these, we compare the model?s prediction with the speed distribution of bacteria which were obtained in media of different nutrient concentration and at different times. We find that both hypotheses are in line with the experimental observations, with ? bet...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the universe there are two different kinds of uncertain phenomena: stochastic and fuzzy or vague. Both uncertain phenomena have been found in structural problems. Therefore, rational decisions concerning the design of marine structures cannot be made without resorting to the methods which can take the uncertainties into account. The fundamental concept of structural fuzzy reliability problems and the methods to give the fuzzy solution are introduced in the paper. Based on the principle of fuzzy decision-making the method to obtain the crisp solution of structural fuzzy reliability analysis is proposed by means of the Bound Search method. Illustrative numerical examples, ship bottom plates under slamming impact pressures are solved. The influence of variation of allowable tolerances in the fuzzy reliability indexes is discussed.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

SummaryBackground Intracellular transport via processive kinesin, dynein, and myosin molecular motors plays an important role in maintaining cell structure and function. In many cases, cargoes move distances longer than expected for single motors; there is significant evidence that this increased travel is in part due to multiple motors working together to move the cargoes. Although we understand single motors experimentally and theoretically, our understanding of multiple motors working together is less developed. Results We theoretically investigate how multiple kinesin motors function. Our model includes stochastic fluctuations of each motor as it proceeds through its enzymatic cycle. Motors dynamically influence each other and function in the presence of thermal noise and viscosity. We...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In defining criteria for good protection against ionizing radiation, it is important to assess quantitatively the likely risk of any radiation exposure. The 'somatic' risks to the individual result mainly from induction of cancer in the organs irradiated, and these risks can now be estimated on the basis of numerous detailed epidemiological surveys of exposed human populations. Estimates of the risk of hereditary effects, from genetic changes induced in germ cells, are based largely on the frequency with which such effects are induced in other species. In both cases the risk at very low dose can be inferred using knowledge of the way in which radiation damage is caused in tissues. Coherent systems of radiation protection are based on a restriction of doses to the whole body and to individual organs, such that the induction of cancer and genetic harm is infrequent, and the threshold dose for causing other, 'non-stochastic', effects is not exceeded. (author).

CERN Document Server

The detection and estimation of gravitational wave (GW) signals belonging to a parameterized family of waveforms requires, in general, the numerical maximization of a data-dependent function of the signal parameters. Due to noise in the data, the function to be maximized is often highly multi-modal with numerous local maxima. Searching for the global maximum then becomes computationally expensive, which in turn can limit the scientific scope of the search. Stochastic optimization is one possible approach to reducing computational costs in such applications. We report results from a first investigation of the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) method in this context. The method is applied to a testbed motivated by the problem of detection and estimation of a binary inspiral signal. Our results show that PSO works well in the presence of high multi-modality, making it a viable candidate method for further applications in GW data analysis.

CERN Document Server

The paper introduces scaled Bregman distances of probability distributions which admit non-uniform contributions of observed events. They are introduced in a general form covering not only the distances of discrete and continuous stochastic observations, but also the distances of random processes and signals. It is shown that the scaled Bregman distances extend not only the classical ones studied in the previous literature, but also the information divergence and the related wider class of convex divergences of probability measures. An information processing theorem is established too, but only in the sense of invariance w.r.t. statistically sufficient transformations and not in the sense of universal monotonicity. Pathological situations where coding can increase the classical Bregman distance are illustrated by a concrete example. In addition to the classical areas of application of the Bregman distances and convex divergences such as recognition, classification, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The original objective of our EMSP research was to design, develop, and test new in situ field permeameters for use in spatial variability studies of unsaturated hydraulic properties. We initially focused on activities related to development and testing of techniques for inverting permeameter data, development of numerical tools for data inversion, error evaluation for permeameter design, and permeameter component design. However, the results of error evaluations for permeameter design caused us to redirect our research, and reformulate our research objectives. We discovered that small, simple measurement errors lead to significant bias in the estimated hydraulic properties and their spatial statistics. Our reformulated research objective became the evaluation of the origin, impact and relevance of spatial bias in field-and laboratory-estimated unsaturate hydraulic properties, with an emphasis on spatial statistics and the resulting predictions of stochastic models ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We consider the dynamics towards the initial singularity of Bianchi type IX vacuum and orthogonal perfect fluid models with a linear equation of state. Surprisingly few facts are known about the 'Mixmaster' dynamics of these models, while at the same time most of the commonly held beliefs are rather vague. In this paper, we use Mixmaster facts as a base to build an infrastructure that makes it possible to sharpen the main Mixmaster beliefs. We formulate explicit conjectures concerning (i) the past asymptotic states of type IX solutions and (ii) the relevance of the Mixmaster/Kasner map for generic past asymptotic dynamics. The evidence for the conjectures is based on a study of the stochastic properties of this map in conjunction with dynamical systems techniques. We use a dynamical systems formulation, since this approach has so far been the only successful path to obtain theorems, but we also make comparisons with the 'metric' ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gel dosimetry is a new dosimetry method applied in radiation therapy. Gel dosimeters consist of a radiation sensitive gel, which can integrate absorbed doses from several radiation sources or beams. The dose to the gel can be evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a procedure that is the focus of the present thesis. A robust tool for the evaluation of the nonuniformity in MRI has been developed, the Deviation Image method. Unlike previously presented methods, the Deviation Image method includes all nonuniformity variations across a phantom surface and is insensitive to stochastic noise. Methods for the estimation of stochastic noise were analyzed in terms of sensitivity to nonuniformities. A method that averages the stochastic noise level over five regions over the phantom surface, and a method that assesses the stochastic noise level from the background, were found to be the methods of choice. ...

CERN Document Server

The main topic of this thesis concerns efficient algorithms for the calculation of determinants of the kind of matrix typically encountered in lattice QCD. In particular an efficient method for calculating the fermion determinant is described. Such a calculation is useful to illustrate the effects of light dynamical (virtual) quarks. The methods employed in this thesis are stochastic methods, based on the Lanczos algorithm, which is used for the solution of large, sparse matrix problems via a partial tridiagonalisation of the matrix. Here an implementation is explored which requires less exhaustive treatment of the matrix than previous Lanczos methods. This technique exploits the analogy between the Lanczos tridiagonalisation algorithm and Gaussian quadrature in order to calculate the fermion determinant. A technique for determining a number of the eigenvalues of the matrix is also presented. A demonstration is then given of how one can improve upon this estimate ...

Science.gov (United States)

This article describes a methodology that implements a Markov decision process (MDP) optimization technique in a real time fed-batch experiment. Biological systems can be better modeled under the stochastic framework and MDP is shown to be a suitable technique for their optimization. A nonlinear input/output model is used to calculate the probability transitions. All elements of the MDP are identified according to physical parameters. Finally, this study compares the results obtained when optimizing ethanol production using the infinite horizon problem, with total expected discount policy, to previous experimental results aimed at optimizing ethanol production using a recombinant Escherichia coli fed-batch cultivation. (c) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 55: 317-327, 1997. PMID:18636490

CERN Document Server

Cyclic spectral analysis is a signal processing technique designed to deal with stochastic signals whose statistics vary periodically with time. Pulsar radio emission is a textbook example of this signal class, known as cyclostationary signals. In this paper, we discuss the application of cyclic spectral analysis methods to pulsar data, and compare the results with the traditional filterbank approaches used for almost all pulsar observations to date. In contrast to standard methods, the cyclic spectrum preserves phase information of the radio signal. This feature allows us to determine the impulse response of the interstellar medium and the intrinsic, unscattered pulse profile directly from a single observation. We illustrate these new analysis techniques using real data from an observation of the millisecond pulsar B1937+21.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In this paper, the performance of customer-owned distributed generation (DG) units is quantified from different perspectives through an uncertainty study. A Monte Carlo-based method is applied to assess the stochastic operation of the customer-owned DG units in the power distribution system. Several cases are studied to analyze the impact on system performance of using such generators, with the emphasis on benefits. The results of the studied cases show that proper operation of customer-owned DG units placed close to significant consumption centers offers several benefits which lead to significant energy savings and improvement in the performance indices while maintaining the cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, based on the energy demand, different electricity price scenarios considering a co...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This manuscript is a contribution on the modeling of H.263 traffic in multipoint videoconference sessions over IP Networks. Our study includes analysis and modeling assessment of extensive data gathered during realistic videoconference sessions between commercial H.263-compliant terminal clients (with different videoconference software packages installed). All terminal clients were communicating through a Multipoint Control Unit (software or hardware MCU) at `switched presence' mode and for comparative purposes the same typical videoconference content (a person speaking, with mild movement and occasional zoom/span) was used. The analysis of the H.263 data at the frame level suggests that the traffic from the different terminals to the MCU can be represented by a stationary stochastic proce...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We consider particle evaporation and fission of an ensemble of hot, rotating compound nuclei as a stochastic process. We derive a set of coupled differential equations formed by a Fokker-Planck equation describing fission, and master equations for calculating particle evaporation. From these equations, we are able to determine multiplicities of prefission neutrons, protons and {alpha}-particles, their energy spectra and their angular momentum distributions. A comparison of our results with experimental data provides us with information regarding the reduced friction coefficient {beta}, the fission barrier height and the level density parameter. For different iridium isotopes, ({sup 181,185,187}Ir), {sup 185}Os and {sup 158}Er, we obtain as an upper limit {beta}{<=}8.0x10{sup 21} s{sup -1}. (orig.).

CERN Document Server

This contribution deals with identification of fractional-order dynamical systems. System identification, which refers to estimation of process parameters, is a necessity in control theory. Real processes are usually of fractional order as opposed to the ideal integral order models. A simple and elegant scheme of estimating the parameters for such a fractional order process is proposed. This method employs fractional calculus theory to find equations relating the parameters that are to be estimated, and then estimates the process parameters after solving the simultaneous equations. The said simultaneous equations are generated and updated using particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique, the fitness function being the sum of squared deviations from the actual set of observations. The data used for the calculations are intentionally corrupted to simulate real-life conditions. Results show that the proposed scheme offers a very high degree of accuracy even for erroneous data.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nuclear fuel cycle activities of the former Soviet Union (FSU) have resulted in massive contamination of the environment in western Siberia. We are developing three-dimensional numerical models of the hydrogeology and potential contaminant migration in the West Siberian Basin. Our long-term goal at Pacific Northwest Laboratory is to help determine future environmental and human impacts given the releases that have occurred to date and the current waste management practices. In FY 1993, our objectives were to (1) refine and implement the hydrogeologic conceptual models of the regional hydrogeology of western Siberia developed in FY 1992 and develop the detailed, spatially registered digital geologic and hydrologic databases to test them, (2) calibrate the computer implementation of the conceptual models developed in FY 1992, and (3) develop general geologic and hydrologic information and preliminary hydrogeologic conceptual models relevant to the more detailed ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Energy savings performance contracting (ESPC) is now receiving greater attention as a means of implementing large-scale energy conservation projects in housing. Opportunities for such projects exist for military housing, federally subsidized low-income housing, and planned communities (condominiums, townhomes, senior centers), to name a few. Accurate prior (to construction) estimates of the energy savings in these projects reduce risk, decrease financing costs, and help avoid post-construction disputes over performance contract baseline adjustments. This paper demonstrates an improved method of estimating energy savings before construction takes place. Using an engineering model calibrated to pre-construction energy-use data collected in the field, this method is able to predict actual energy savings to a high degree of accuracy. This is verified with post-construction energy-use data from a geothermal heat pump ESPC at Fort Polk, Louisiana. This method also allows ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The use of capacitance sensors for measuring phase concentrations in two-phase flow has gained popularity in recent years. In designing such sensors, there are many issues which must be considered in order to optimize performance: two-phase flow regime, permittivity of the phases, duct geometry, electrical shielding, desired spacial resolution of film thickness, and temperature variation in the flow field. These design issues are discussed and are used to optimize the design of a capacitance sensor which is used to measure vapor volume fraction in annular, two-phase vertical upflow and downflow in a square duct. The sensor was tested and implemented in a 12.7 mm square duct mounted in a flow boiling facility containing FC-72, a low permittivity dielectric fluid ({epsilon}{sub r} = 1.75). Using analytical modeling, an adjustable-length, parallel-plate design was developed and refined to achieve good sensitivity to flow conditions. The sensor output was calibrated ...

Science.gov (United States)

Two-component mixtures of dorzolamide hydrochloride and timolol maleate were assayed by first derivative and ratio derivative spectrophotometric methods. The first method, derivative spectrophotometry, by the zero-crossing measurements, was used due to the drugs closely overlapping absorption spectra. Linear calibration graphs of first derivative values at 250.3 nm for dorzolamide hydrochloride and 315.8 nm for timolol maleate. The second method, is based on ratio first derivative spectrophotometry, the amplitudes in the first derivative of the ratio spectra at 242.9 and at 223.5 nm were selected to determine dorzolamide and timolol maleate in the binary mixture. Calibration graphs were established for 8.0-30.0 microg ml(-1) for dorzolamide hydrochloride and 3.0-24.6 microg ml(-1) for timolol maleate in binary mixture. Good linearity, precision and selectivity were found, and the proposed methods were applied successfully to the pharmaceutical ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Measurements were carried out for calibration and performance testing of a set of 10 electronic personal dosimeters (EPDs) at the Secondary Standard Dosimetry Laboratory of Sudan. Calibrations were carried out at three X-ray beam qualities described in ISO standard 4037 in addition to 137Cs and 60Co gamma ray beams. The experimental was performed with EPDs mounted on ICRU Slab phantom. X-ray and ?-ray beams were characterized in terms of air kerma free-in-air which were converted to the known delivered personal dose equivalent, Hp(10) using appropriate the air kerma to personal dose equivalent conversion coefficients. Dosimeters tested showed excellent energy and angular response and relative error of indication within the recommended limit for photon energies from 65 keV to 1.25 MeV. The study showed encouraging results for using electronic dosimeters in personal dosimetry.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A pilot project was started in 1977 over the Lake Superior basin to measure water storage on the land area using aerial gamma-ray spectrometry to provide hydrologic information for forecasting inflow to the lake. Two airborne surveys were made, respectively in November 1977 and March 1978 which provided estimates of the increase in snow water equivalent between these surveys. The basin is located on the Canadian Shield and consequently, the gamma radiation count rate is quite variable. The airborne results are compared with ground measurements on selected flight lines and show generally good agreement. Two equipment calibrations in the Ottawa area provided inconsistent parameter values which are consequently also reflected in the results over the Lake Superior basin. The project has demonstrated to-date that the technique can be developed into an operational system for measuring snow cover water equivalent of this vast and remote area by using well ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Alanine/EPR Dosimetry system is classified as a reference-standard dosimeter which used to calibrate radiation environments and to calibrate routine dosimeters in absorbed dose range of 1 to 105 Gy. Characteristics of Alanine/EPR dosimetry system are better suitable than routinely used personnel dosimeters for the long term radiation measurement in harsh condition of Nuclear power plant : This system is not significantly affected by temperature and humidity and also has low fading rate. About 1 year ago, Alanine and Lithium compound dosimeters were installed at Wolsung unit 1 for the environment monitoring as a part of equipment qualification program. 35 positions which are most severe and representative cable positions were chosen for radiation and temperature monitoring. The recovered alanine dosimeter in the period of maintenance was measured by E-scan alanine analyzer system, Meanwhile measurement result shows extremely high radiation level ...

Science.gov (United States)

The theory of a method of determination of reactivity from power spectral density measurements with /sup 252/Cf and the results of experiments with a critical assembly mockup of a liquid-metal fast breeder reactor (LMFBR) and with uranium (93.2 wt % /sup 235/U) metal cylinders and a sphere are presented. This method of reactivity determination has an advantage over existing methods in that it determines the reactivity only from properties of the reactor at the subcritical state of interest and thus does not require a calibration near delayed criticality. In these experiments, the reactivity was varied by changing the fissile loading or the amount of neutron absorber inserted; for the LMFBR mockup, the reactivity varied to approximately 75 dollars subcritical, and for the uranium metal assemblies to approximately 30 dollars subcritical. These experiments verified for the first time the predictions of theory that could be tested in the measurements. This method has ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We suggest and describe the use of a binary pseudo-random (BPR) grating as a standard test surface for measurement of the modulation transfer function (MTF) of interferometric microscopes. Knowledge of the MTF of a microscope is absolutely necessary to convert the measured height distribution of a surface undergoing metrology into an accurate power spectral density (PSD) distribution. For an'ideal' microscope with an MTF function independent of spatial frequency out to the Nyquist frequency of the detector array with zero response at higher spatial frequencies, a BPR grating would produce a flat 1D PSD spectrum, independent of spatial frequency. For a'real' instrument, the MTF is found as the square root of the ratio of the PSD spectrum measured with the BPR grating to the'ideal,' spatial frequency independent, PSD spectrum. We present the results from a measurement of the MTF of MicromapTM-570 interferometric microscope demonstrating a ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this work, the Calibration-Free approach for Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) was applied for the first time to radially resolved spectra emitted by a laser-induced plasma. The radial profiles of plasma temperature and electron number density were used to calculate the local relative concentration of the elements of interest. We analyzed a set of profiles of the local spectral emission coefficient obtained previously by means of spatial deconvolution of the spectra from a copper-based alloy (Cu 93, Fe 5, Mn 1, Ni 1 wt.%) laser-induced plasma. A spatially integrated spectrum of the same plasma was also analyzed for comparison purpose. The relative abundance of the minor components Fe, Mn and Ni was calculated. The results obtained from the central region of the plasma were closer to the nominal concentrations than those obtained from the spatially integrated spectrum. However, an increasing deviation was observed towards the plasma edge. It is ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We developed a new systematic calibration procedure which was applied to the prediction of the diffusivity, the segregation, and transient enhanced diffusion (TED) of an indium impurity. The TED of the indium impurity was studied using four different experimental conditions. Although indium is susceptible to TED, rapid thermal annealing (RTA) is effective in suppressing the TED effect and maintaining a steep retrograde profile. Like boron impurities, the indium shows significant oxidation-enhanced diffusion in silicon and has segregation coefficients much less than 1 at the Si/SiO{sub 2} interface. In contrast to boron, the segregation coefficient of indium decreases as the temperature increases. The accuracy of the proposed procedure was validated by using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) data and by using the 0.13-{mu}m device characteristics, such as V{sub th} and I{sub dsat}, for which the differences between simulation and experiment less than 5 %.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Verification, calibration, and validation (VCV) of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) codes is an essential element of the code development process. The exact manner in which code VCV activities are planned and conducted, however, is critically important. It is suggested that the way in which code validation, in particular, is often conducted--by comparison to published experimental data obtained for other purposes--is in general difficult and unsatisfactory, and that a different approach is required. This paper describes a proposed methodology for CFD code VCV that meets the technical requirements and is philosophically consistent with code development needs. The proposed methodology stresses teamwork and cooperation between code developers and experimentalists throughout the VCV process, and takes advantage of certain synergisms between CFD and experiment. A novel approach to uncertainty analysis is described which can both distinguish between and quantify ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the last two years, the VDMA work group 'Functional security' compiled a qualitative and quantitative procedure for the determination and evaluation of turbo-machine specific risks. With the calibrated risk graph for turbo-machines the requirements (Safety Integrity Level SIL) to the protective functions for turbo-machines (steam turbines, gas turbines, generators and compressors) were determined. With consideration of the legislation, the work group compiled a recommendation for the renewal and/or reconstruction of protective functions with old facilities.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The reliability of outdoor radon concentration measurements using the track-etch technique is affected by the environmental conditions. Studies have been made to improve stability of nuclear tracks in detector material and to achieve a stable dosemeter response. A dosemeter was developed utilizing chemically etched MA-ND/alpha (CR-39) detector which is thermally insulated and protected against solar irradiation. The calibration showed that its response amounts to 0.21 {plus minus} 0.03 tracks m{sup -2}/Bqm{sup -3} day and was found to be in good agreement with theoretical prediction. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In Sweden there is a demand for a method of measuring radon in dwellings with high accuracy and at a low cost. A method of determining radon concentration (Bq.m/sup -3/) in dwellings has been developed at the Swedish National Testing Institute. A plastic canister containing activated charcoal has been tested in a radon chamber (volume 20 m/sup 3/) to determine the effects of relative humidity, temperature and exposure time. The activated charcoal in the canister adsorbs radon from the air surrounding the canister. The radon concentration is determined by counting the gamma rays from the decay of radon and daughters. The theory and preliminary results from calibrations and field measurements are reported.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The procedure followed by the Laboratorio de Metrologia Nuclear in Sao Paulo, Brazil, for the standardization of {sup 242g} Am is described. The calibration system was composed of a 4 {pi} gas-flow proportional counter coupled to a pair of NaI(Tl) crystals operating in coincidence. The samples were produced by irradiating dried aliquots of {sup 241} Am with thermal and epithermal neutrons at the IEA-R1 research reactor. The efficiency tracer technique has been applied using {sup 60} Co as tracer. The beta detection efficiency was changed by external absorbers and extrapolated to unity by linear least square fitting applying covariance methodology. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The neutron elastic magnetic form factor was extracted from quasielastic electron scattering on deuterium over the range Q2=1.0-4.8 GeV2 with the CLAS detector at Jefferson Lab. High precision was achieved with a ratio technique and a simultaneous in situ calibration of the neutron detection efficiency. Neutrons were detected with electromagnetic calorimeters and time-of-flight scintillators at two beam energies. The dipole parametrization gives a good description of the data.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The multi-frequency binary sequence experimental technique has been implemented at the Fast Flux Test Facility for routine surveillance activities. The frequency content of the standard rod-movement sequence has been shown to be sufficient to normalize the data at moderate frequencies. This obviates the need for auxiliary calibration measurements and provides the reactivity worth of the test control rod. Analyses of a series of tests conducted in 1986 illustrate that the rod worths inferred from the tests are consistent with zero-power measurements. Also, the dependence of the prompt feedback time constant on reactor conditions was determined.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Effects of the rapid early-in-life expansion of metal fuel were measured in an irradiation experiment in the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF). This important performance/design information was obtainable through the unique combination of a dimensionally stable FFTF oxide core and the calibrated proximity instrumentation associated with the test. These results delineate the time dependence of metal-fuel swelling and provide quantitative estimates of the magnitude of axial fuel swelling in full-length metal-fuel assemblies. Final posttest examination results will define actual fuel column growth levels.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Until April 2007 the Major Atmospheric Gamma ray Imaging Cherenkov (MAGIC) telescope used a 300 MSamples/s flash analog-to-digital converter (FADC) system to sample the shaped photomultiplier tube (PMT) signals produced by the captured Cherenkov photons of air showers. Different algorithms to reconstruct the signal from the read-out samples (extractors) have been implemented and are described and compared. Criteria based on the obtained charge and time resolution/bias are defined and used to judge the different extractors, by applying them to calibration, cosmic and pedestal signals. The achievable charge and time resolution have been derived as functions of the number of incident photo-electrons.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Intensities of {gamma}-transitions emerging from the EC decay of {sup 203}Pb were measured precisely. The obtained relative {gamma}-intensities are 100%(279.2keV), 4.14+-0.08%(401.3keV) and 0.932+-0.022%(680.5keV). The 279.2 and 680.5keV level feeding {beta}-branching ratios were deduced to be 95.3+-0.1 and 4.7+-0.1% respectively. {sup 203}Pb is suggested for calibration purposes. (author).

Science.gov (United States)

We outline the process for determining the morphology of subsurface epithelial cell nuclei using depth-resolved light scattering measurements. The measurements are accomplished using a second generation angle-resolved low coherence interferometry system. The new system greatly improves data acquisition and analysis times compared to the initial prototype system. The calibration of the new system is demonstrated in scattering studies to determine the size distribution of polystyrene microspheres in a turbid sample. The process for determining the size of cell nuclei is discussed by analyzing measurements of basal cells in a sub-surface layer of intact, unstained epithelial tissue.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A beam position monitoring system has been implemented in the first third of the SLC linac which provides a complete scan of the trajectory on a single beam pulse. The data is collected from the local micro-computers and viewed with an updating display at a console or passed on to application programs. The system must operate with interlaced beams so the scans are also interlaced, providing each user with the ability to select the beam, the update rate, and the attenuation level in the digitizing hardware. In addition each user calibrates the hardware for his beam. A description of the system architecture will be presented. 6 refs., 4 figs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Diffusion of radon in a bed of activated charcoal is described by diffusion equations. An analytical solution of these equations is presented for the case of constant radon concentration in the atmosphere. The solutions are given separately for short term and long term exposure. An analytical form of the calibration constant f for long term exposure and constant radon concentration in air, was found. A numerical method and computer code based on the method of finite elements is developed for the case of variable radon concentration in air. This program simulates radon adsorption by the activated charcoal bed, enabling determination of sensitivity. The dependence of sensitivity on different parameters, such as temperature, thickness of the charcoal, etc. was studied using this program. (orig.) 10 refs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The population doses and risks of stochastic effects from occupational exposures in Japan in 1978 were estimated on the basis of a nation-wide survey. The survey was conducted on annual collective dose equivalents by sex, age group and type of radiation work for about 82,500 workers other than the workers in nuclear power stations. The data on the workers in nuclear power stations were obtained from the offitial publication of the Japan Nuclear Safety Commission. The total number of workers except for nuclear power stations was estimated to be about 170,000 persons. Radiation works were subdivided as follows: medical works including dental; nondestructive inspectional; non-atomic energy industrial; research and educational; atomic energy industrial and nuclear power industrial. The annual collective dose equivalents were estimated to be about 6,000 man rem for medical workers, 450 man rem for non-destructive inspectional, 450 man rem for non-atomic energy ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper presents a stochastic model and estimation procedure for analyzing the failure process of a repairable system. We consider repairable systems whose successive interfailure times reveal a significant dependence while showing an insignificant trend. Neither the renewal process nor the non-homogeneous Poisson process are adequate for modeling such failure processes. Especially when the interfailure times show a cyclic pattern, we may consider a switching of the regimes (states) governing the lifetime distribution of the system. We propose a Markov switching model describing the failure process for such a case. The model postulates that a finite number of states governs the distinct lifetime distributions, and the state makes transitions according to a discrete-time Markov chain. Each of the distinct lifetime distributions represents a failure type that may change after successive repairs. Our model generalizes the mixture model by allowing the mixture ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Gulf of California represents one of the most productive and unique marginal seas in the world. The mouth of the Gulf captures warm equatorial water while annual wind patterns assure major upwelling of nutrient-rich water leading to a rich marine biota. These conditions have created a wide array of tropical through warm temperate carbonate environments. The most unusual of these environments is located in the La Paz region of Baja California Sur where tropical-subtropical water temperatures and low rainfall have allowed growth of corals, calcareous red algae, and other shelled invertebrates to form a carbonate bank environment. Sampling and mapping transacts in shallow bays north of La Paz and on the adjacent Espiritu Santo island have revealed a full spectrum of subenvironments including mangrove bordered, terrigenous mud dominated coastal zones, which grade into carbonate tidal flats. In addition, single coral heads as well as incipient reef structures ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The meeting featured seven sessions with 18 papers abstracted/indexed therein as follows: keynote address: tailings dams safety - implications for the dam safety community; 1 - design and performance: performance monitoring of dams: are we doing what we should be doing?; tailings dams from the perspective of conventional dam engineering; and design overview of Syncrude's Mildred Lake east toe berm; 2 - design and modelling: use of a 2D model for a dam break study on the ALCAN hydroelectric complex in Quebec; and spillway design implications resulting from changes in rainfall extremes; 3 - risk and dam safety I: closing the gaps in the dam safety guidelines; the reality of life safety consequence classification; and surveillance practices for the next millenium; 4 - risk and dam safety II: quantitative risk-assessment using the capacity-demand analysis; and new guidelines for dam safety classification; 5 - millenium issues: expectations of immortality, dam ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dams and reservoirs are among one of the most sensitive of all development Project, in terms of pervasiveness of their influence in altering the environmental conditions and resources. In the present study, major dams and reservoir projects are reviewed, from the environmental point of view. Dams and Reservoir projects bring about major changes in the immediate environment, thus affecting public health, settlements, farmlands, roads and historical sites. Impacts on human population and wildlife may be profound. Tropical diseases, involving fresh-water hosts or vectors in their transmission, are often common around new reservoirs. Large lakes create limnological changes, excessive evaporation, seepage, disturbance in water-table and increased tendencies of landslides and earthquakes. Micro climatic changes are possible, such as fog formation, increased cloudiness and modified rainfall-patterns. Retention of sediment results in silting up of reservoirs. Water ...