A Thermodynamic Approach to the Magnetospheric Complexity: The Role of Fluctuations

Recent studies evidenced that the magnetotail dynamics looks like the one of an avalanching system. This fact has been related with a near criticality dynamics and modelled by singular diffusion and transport equations. Here, we discuss some features of the Earth’s magnetotail dynamics using a thermodynamic approach. In detail we discuss the role played by fluctuations in singular diffusion and relaxation processes from a non-equilibrium thermodynamics point of view. Moreover, the emergence of non-Gaussian statistics is discussed in the framework of the thermodynamics of composite systems.     

Orbital evolution studies of two HMXB pulsars

High mass X-ray binary (HMXB) pulsars are of two types, persistent and transient. 4U1538−52 is a persistent HMXB whose orbit was previously measured to be circular but the RXTE observations revealed an eccentric orbit. We observed this system with RXTE-PCA in August 2003 and our timing analysis supports the eccentric orbit of the system. However, we do not find any evidence for orbital evolution.

Rotational and tidal interactions between the stars of a closed binary system result in apsidal motion which can be measured in systems with eccentric orbit. 4U0115+63 is a Be-transient HMXB whose eccentric orbit was well-determined during its 1978 outburst. We report preliminary results from analysis of data obtained during the 1999 outburst of this source with the RXTE-PCA.     

Using open networking standards over MIL-STD-1553 networks

Over the past several decades, the MIL-STD-1553 networking technology has found use in a number of military and aerospace platforms, including applications on aircraft, ships, tanks, missiles, satellites, and even the International Space Station. In developing software applications for these platforms, the use of modern, open networking standards such as TCP/IP is often preferable. The Internet Protocol (IP) provides communications routing, and the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) provides reliable delivery to the application level. Furthermore, higher-level protocols such as the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP), the File Transfer Protocol (FTP), etc. can be utilized in a TCP/IP environment. Though these open communications standards are preferable for many situations, the MIL-STD-1553B standard does not immediately lend itself to TCP/IP communications. One of the reasons for this is the fundamental difference between the MIL-STD-1553B networking standard, which relies on a bus controller to control communications and other data link layer networking protocols such as IEEE 8023 (Ethernet) which are Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) networks, and are thus decentralized. Despite differences in MIL-STD-1553B networking and more traditional data link layer networking protocols, there is nothing fundamentally preventing IP communication over a 1553 network. We have implemented a method of encapsulating IP datagrams within MDL-STD-1553B data messages that allows for transparent use of Internet Protocol (IP) APIs at the application level. Our system allows traditional 1553 messages to also be transported over the network, and even allows traditional messages to take a higher transmission priority over IP traffic. We analyze the advantages of such a system and the performance level we achieved with our implementation of this concept.     

The Planets and Titan Observed by ISO

Infrared spectroscopic observations of planets and Saturn's satellite Titan with the Infrared Space Observatory led to many significant discoveries that improved our understanding on the formation, physics and chemistry of these objects. The prime results achieved by ISO are: (1) a new and consistent determination of the D/H ratios on the giant planets and Titan; (2) the first precise measurement of the ¹⁵N/¹⁴N ratio in Jupiter, a valuable indicator of the protosolar nitrogen isotopic ratio; (3) the first detection of an external oxygen flux for all giant planets and Titan; (4) the first detection of some stratospheric hydrocarbons (CH₃, C₂H₄, CH₃C₂H, C₄H₂, C₆H₆); (5) the first detection of tropospheric water in Saturn; (6) the tentative detection of carbonate minerals on Mars; (7) the first thermal lightcurve of Pluto. Based on observations with ISO, an ESA project with instruments funded by ESA Member States (especially the PI countries: France, Germany, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom), and with the participation of ISAS and NASA.     

Adaptive image segmentation using genetic and hybrid search methods

This paper describes an adaptive approach for the important image processing problem of image segmentation that relies on learning from experience to adapt and improve the segmentation performance. The adaptive image segmentation system incorporates a feedback loop consisting of a machine learning subsystem, an image segmentation algorithm, and an evaluation component which determines segmentation quality. The machine learning component is based on genetic adaptation and uses (separately) a pure genetic algorithm (GA) and a hybrid of GA and hill climbing (HC). When the learning subsystem is based on pure genetics, the corresponding evaluation component is based on a vector of evaluation criteria. For the hybrid case, the system employs a scalar evaluation measure which is a weighted combination of the different criteria. Experimental results for pure genetic and hybrid search methods are presented using a representative database of outdoor TV imagery. The multiobjective optimization demonstrates the ability of the adaptive image segmentation system to provide high quality segmentation results in a minimal number of generations     

3D Coronal structures and their evolutions measured by Stereoscopy,consequences for Space Weather and the STEREO mission

We are discussing methods of stereoscopic 3D reconstruction of coronal loops structures. In our most sophisticated method we fit loops observed with SOHO/EIT to a set of shape parameters including the internal twist of the loops field lines. We define this twist as the number of turns of the field line around a torus axis between the footpoints of the loops. Twist numbers of the order 0–2 are observed. We observe the emergence of an Active Region with twisted loops which detwist as they expand. The same correlation between detwisting and expansion is observed with filaments in relation to CME formations. On longer time scale, loops seem to accumulate twist, perhaps due to differential rotation. Rapid losses of twist temporarily correlate with flares. From our analysis, we expect that the internal twist of coronal structures will play an important role for the space weather forecast. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Radiation biodosimetry: applications for spaceflight.

The multiparametric dosimetry system that we are developing for medical radiological defense applications could be adapted for spaceflight environments. The system complements the internationally accepted personnel dosimeters and cytogenetic analysis of chromosome aberrations, considered the best means of documenting radiation doses for health records. Our system consists of a portable hematology analyzer, molecular biodosimetry using nucleic acid and antigen-based diagnostic equipment, and a dose assessment management software application. A dry-capillary tube reagent-based centrifuge blood cell counter (QBC Autoread Plus, Becton [correction of Beckon] Dickinson Bioscience) measures peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes, which could determine radiation dose based on the kinetics of blood cell depletion. Molecular biomarkers for ionizing radiation exposure (gene expression changes, blood proteins) can be measured in real time using such diagnostic detection technologies as miniaturized nucleic acid sequences and antigen-based biosensors, but they require validation of dose-dependent targets and development of optimized protocols and analysis systems. The Biodosimetry Assessment Tool, a software application, calculates radiation dose based on a patient's physical signs and symptoms and blood cell count analysis. It also annotates location of personnel dosimeters, displays a summary of a patient's dosimetric information to healthcare professionals, and archives the data for further use. These radiation assessment diagnostic technologies can have dual-use applications supporting general medical-related care.     

Planetarium Inversum -- a space vision for Earth education.

In a planetarium, the visitor is sitting on Earth and looking into an imaginary space. The Planetarium Inversum is the opposite: visitors are sitting in a space station, looking down on Mother Earth. It is a scientifically-based information show with visitors involvement, its elements being partially virtual (Earth in space has to be projected with highest possible resolution) but also containing real structures, such as the visitors' Earth observatory with adjacent biological systems (plant cultures and other ecological life support components). Its main message concerns the limits and the vulnerability of our home planet, its uniqueness, beauty and above all, its irreplaceableness: Earth does not have an emergency exit. The Earth observatory is part of a ring shaped, rotating space station of the type designed by Wernher von Braun decades ago. Visitors are told that gravity is being substituted by centrifugal force. Both types of life support systems are being demonstrated--self regenerative life based ones and technical ones as a backup (solar electric splitting of water and chemical absorption of respiratory CO2).     

Development of a Digital Array Radar (DAR)

Twenty-first century littoral and open-sea missions present US Navy (USN) shipboard-radar systems with the challenge of detecting small targets in severe clutter and against multiple sources of interference. In Fiscal Year 2000 (FY00), the Office of Naval Research (ONR) sponsored a program to develop an active array radar that includes a digital beamforming (DBF) architecture. The DBF radar system has the potential for improved time-energy management, improved signal-to-clutter (S/C) ratios, improved reliability and reduced life-cycle costs. This paper summarizes the latest developments of the program during FY00