An application of embedology to spatio-temporal pattern recognition

The theory of embedded time series is shown applicable for determining a reasonable lower bound on the length of test sequence required for accurate classification of moving objects. Sequentially recorded feature vectors of a moving object form a training trajectory in feature space. Each of the sequences of feature vector components is a time series, and under certain conditions, each of these time series has approximately the same fractal dimension. The embedding theorem may be applied to this fractal dimension to establish a sufficient number of observations to determine the feature space trajectory of the object. It is argued that this number is a reasonable lower bound on test sequence length for use in object classification. Experiments with data corresponding to five military vehicles (observed following a projected Lorenz trajectory on a viewing sphere) show that this bound is indeed adequate     

Computational intelligence and soft computing for spaceapplications

Systems using computational intelligence and soft computing have been successfully developed for many industrial and space applications. These systems seek to emulate the type of reasoning that humans perform when solving complex tasks. The field of soft computing, as defined by Zadeh-the inventor of fuzzy logic-encompasses fuzzy logic as well as other methodologies such as neural networks, genetic algorithms, and uncertainty management. It is expected that soft-computing techniques will eventually become as common and prevalent as traditional methods of computer science. This paper presents an overview of applications of fuzzy logic and soft computing to space projects. The role of fuzzy systems that can learn from experience to improve their performance is discussed. We present a report on applications of these adaptive systems to NASA space projects such as the orbital operations of the Space Shuttle, which include attitude control and rendezvous/docking operations. We also provide insights on the future of computational intelligence and soft computing and of their vast potential in industrial applications     

Batteries vs. alternatives for storing energy

Electric utilities need quickly-available sources of power for supplying expected and unexpected peak loads. Among useful sources have been the energy stored in water by pumping it to elevated storage reservoirs, in air compressed into underground chambers, and in batteries. A new power source, tBase-load nuclear and coal-fired steam plants generate off-peak energy for recharging the depleted storage facility. The aero-derived gas turbine, challenges the economics of these traditional energy-storage means. These turbines have been designed for aircraft where quick startup, rapid change in output power, and high reliability are essential. With a 1426°C (2600°F) turbine inlet temperature the available efficiencies are 42% in simple-cycle operation and 60% in a combined-cycle power plant. A recent 84-MW natural-gas-burning peak-power plant cost $204 per kW. Pacific Gas and Electric's Helmes River pumped-hydro plant had cost $656 per kW. The combined-cycle gas turbine plants, with their low manpower requirements, are producing power that costs less than power from nuclear power plants. We examine the performance and economics available from these new power sources     

Delta-electron emission in fast heavy ion atom collisions.

Biological damages such as mutations, chromosomal aberrations etc. are a consequence of biochemical changes mostly in the DNA. With ionizing radiation, these chemical changes are due to primary ionization events and secondary ionization effects caused by the primarily produced electrons. Differences in the biological response of densely ionizing radiation, like heavy charged particles, in comparison to sparsely ionizing radiation, such as X- or gamma-rays, are mainly due to the differences in the production of the so called delta-electrons. Therefore, the emission process of electrons i.e. the cross section for the primary ionization event as well as the energy and angular distribution of the emitted electrons should be understood in detail. The delta-electron emission processes occuring in fast heavy ion atom collisions are explained qualitatively. The different spectral structures of electron emission arising from either the target or the projectile are explained in terms of simple models of the kinetics of momentum transfer induced by the COULOMB forces. In collisions of very heavy ions with matter, high nuclear COULOMB forces are created. These forces lead to a strong polarization of the electronic states of the participated electrons. The effects of this polarization are discussed.     

Extreme starburst or central activity in X-ray luminous IRAS galaxies

ROSAT All Sky Survey observations of IRAS galaxies have revealed up to now a number of 10 optically non-Seyfert galaxies with X-ray (0.1–2.4) luminosities up to a few 10⁴³erg · s⁻¹ (Boller et al. 1992). The sources are brighter than previous detection limits of a few 10⁴¹erg · s⁻¹ as found by Stocke et al. (1991) or Green, Anderson and Ward (1992) for Einstein sources. The optical classification is based on follow-up observations which indicate clearly the non-Seyfert (LINER and HII region-like galaxies) nature. Our investigations reveal that galaxies classified as non-Seyferts on the basis of optical spectroscopy may reach exceptionally high X-ray luminosities which are similar to that of Seyfert galaxies. On the basis of the present observational material we suppose a hidden low luminosity AGN in the centre of these objects as the source of energy production. The objects are of interest when evaluating starburst versus central activity.     

A potentialgradient-conductivity-scanner for the investigation of effects leading to buoyancy-driven convection on continuous-flow-electrophoresis.

Continuous flow electrophoresis (CFE) is a mild and high-resolving method for the separation of sensitive biomolecules like peptides and proteins. The resolution is decreased by several effects, of which density gradients are important since they lead to buoyancy-driven convection. A tool for the measurement of physical quantities that cause the separation process, a potentialgradient/conductivity-scanner has been developed. With this PC-scanner consecutive potential- and concentration profiles can be measured inside the CFE-chamber. Local current densities and local joule heat yielding density gradients are calculated from the measurement data. With the PC-scanner the influence of gravity on separations by CFE can be evaluated more easily by the knowledge of the thermal and electrical conditions inside the separation slit.     

Results from the Energetic Gamma-Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) on the Compton Observatory

The Energetic Gamma-Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory covers the high energy gamma ray energy range, approximately 30 MeV to 30 GeV, with a sensitivity considerably greater than earlier high energy gamma-ray satellites. Thus far, 4 pulsars have been detected and their properties measured, including in 3 cases the energy spectrum as a function of phase. The details of the galactic plane are being mapped and a spectra of the center region has been obtained in good agreement with that expected from cosmic ray interactions. The Magellanic clouds have been examined with the Large Magellanic Cloud having been detected at a level consistent with it having a cosmic ray density compatible with quasi-stable equilibrium. Sixteen Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN's) have been seen thus far with a high degree of certainty including 12 quasars and 4 BL Lac objects, but no Seyferts. Time variation has been detected in some of these AGN's.     

Radiation protection against early and late effects of ionizing irradiation by the prostaglandin inhibitor indomethacin.

Protective effects of indomethacin, a prototype prostaglandin-inhibiting agent, against early and late sequelae of radiation injury (after X-rays or gamma rays) in mice were investigated. The following tissues or organs were examined: hematopoietic tissue, esophagus, jejunum, colon, lung, hair follicles, and tissues involved in the development of radiation-induced leg contractures. In addition, the effect of indomethacin was tested against radiation-induced carcinogenesis. In all experiments, the radiation was delivered as a single dose. Indomethacin led to significant protection of hematopoietic tissue, by a factor of 1.3. There was also some protection against radiation-induced pneumonitis and against radiation-induced carcinogenesis (protection factor of 1.2). The other tissues tested showed no change in their radioresponse after being treated with indomethacin. Thus, indomethacin can act as a radioprotective agent against both early and late sequelae of radiation, but its effect is dependent on the tissue tested. This protection is smaller than that observed with WR-2721. However, indomethacin combined with WR-2721 produced a radioprotective effect greater than the radioprotection achieved by individual treatments.     

Recent advances in lunar base simulation

This article reports about the results of the latest computer runs of a lunar base simulation model. The lunar base consists of 20 facilities for lunar mining, processing and fabrication. The infrastructure includes solar and nuclear power plants, a central workshop, habitat and farm. Lunar products can be used for construction of solar power systems (SPS) or other spacecraft at several space locations. The simulation model evaluates the mass, energy and manpower flows between the elements of the system as well as system cost and cost of products on an annual basis for a given operational period. The 1983 standard model run over a fifty-years life cycle (beginning about the year 2000) was accomplished for a mean annual production volume of 78 180 Mg of hardware products for export resulting in average specific manufacturing cost of 8.4 $/kg and total annual cost of 1.25 billion dollars during the life cycle. The reference space transportation system uses LOX/LH₂ propulsion for which at the average 210 500 Mg LOX per year is produced on the moon. The sensitivity analysis indicates the importance of bootstrapping as well as the influence of market size, space transportation cost and specific resources demand on the mean lunar manufacturing cost. The option using lunar resources turns out to be quite attractive from the economical viewpoint. Systems analysis by this lunar base model and further trade-offs will be a useful tool to confirm this.     

Aeroelastic stability of cascades in turbomachinery

State-of-the-art prediction of the aeroelastic stability of cascades in axial-flow turbomachines is reviewed. The first main chapter of the article presents a comprehensive formulation of the two- and three-dimensional classical (unstalled) flutter problem of tuned and mistuned rotor blade rows and bladed disc assemblies. Within the framework of linearized analysis, a complete and generalized theory in modal form is outlined, comprising the various formulations of the cascade flutter problem distributed in fragments throughout the literature. Brief outlines are also made of recent advances in unsteady aero-dynamic methods for turbomachinery aeroelastic applications. The second main chapter contains a parametric study of the classical flutter stability characteristics of compressor and turbine cascades in subsonic and supersonic flow. Stability boundaries and dominant trends in flutter behaviour are outlined, and the significant effects of blade mistuning on the aeroelastic stability of turbomachine bladings are highlighted.