Instantaneous frequency estimation of multicomponent non- stationary signals using Fourier Bessel series and Time-Varying Auto Regressive Model

In this paper, we propose a novel technique for Instantaneous frequency (IF) estimation of multi component non stationary signals using Fourier Bessel Series and Time–Varying Auto Regressive (FB-TVAR) model. In the proposed technique, the Fourier-Bessel (FB) expansion decomposes the multicomponent non stationary signal into a number of monocomponent signals and TVAR model is used to model each monocomponent signal. In TVAR modeling approach the time varying parameters are expanded as a linear combination of basis functions. In this paper, the TVAR parameters are expanded by a discrete cosine basis functions. The maximum likelihood estimation algorithm for model order selection in TVAR models is also discussed. The Instantaneous frequency (IF) is extracted from the time-varying parameters by calculating the angles of the estimation error filter polynomial roots. The estimation of the TVAR parameters of a multicomponent signal requires the inversion of a large covariance matrix, while the projected technique (FB-TVAR) requires the inversion of a number of comparatively small covariance matrices with better numerical stability properties. Simulation results are presented for three component discrete Amplitude and Frequency modulated(AM-FM)signa

Background and Management of Muscular Atrophy

A healthy skeletal musculature is necessary for a good quality of life and is important in sports. The loss of skeletal muscle mass leads to severe clinical complications and alters daily functioning. The aim of this book is to give an overview of skeletal muscle atrophy including pathomechanism, clinical characters, and the tools for prevention and treatment. Skeletal muscle atrophy can develop due to neurogenic or myogenic reasons, and frequently appears as an age-dependent disorder (sarcopenia). The studies of theoretical background give promising perspectives to prevent and treat muscle atrophy. The book is recommended to scientists, practitioners, students, sportsmen, and everybody who is interested in the normal and impaired function of the skeletal muscle

Energy: A continuing bibliography with indexes

This bibliography lists 1169 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system from January 1, 1983 through March 31, 1983

Dynamic Modelling of Emulsion Polymerization for the Continuous Production of Nitrile Rubber

Commodity and specialty-grade rubbers, such as styrene-butadiene (SBR) or nitrile-butadiene (NBR), are industrially produced in large trains of continuous reactors using an emulsion polymerization process. Both SBR and NBR systems are largely unstudied. Furthermore, the studies that have been published on NBR have been typically limited to issues concerning the characteristics of the product behaviour (i.e. oil/fuel resistance, tensile strength, hardness, compression set). In this work a detailed mathematical model has been developed in order to simulate the industrial production of NBR via emulsion copolymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) and butadiene (Bd) in batch, continuous and trains of continuous reactors. Model predictions include monomer conversion, polymerization rate, copolymer composition, number- and weight-average molecular weights, tri- and tetra-functional branching frequencies, and the number and average size of polymer latex particles. NBR is typically produced at low temperatures (5 to 10 degrees C) using a redox initiation system to generate free radicals. The system is typically composed of three phases, water, polymer particles, and monomer. Surfactants and electrolytes are used to stabilize the particle and monomer phases as polymerization proceeds. Of particular industrial importance, in today's world of tailor-made products, is detailed control over the polymerization reaction. Such control requires a deep understanding of the influence of various reactant feed rates and reactor operating conditions on the process response. In particular, policies to minimize copolymer composition drift and to control molecular weight, polydispersity and chain branching at desirable levels. The model is cast in a dynamic form using ordinary differential equations to describe the change of each species, the average number of particles, total average polymer volume, and the first three leading moments of the molecular weight distribution. With a multiphase system it is necessary to determine the concentration of each component in each phase. For this, a constant partition coefficient approach was adopted, as opposed to a purely thermodynamic approach. Particle generation was modelled considering both micellar and homogeneous mechanisms. Model parameters were obtained from the open literature or arrived at after sensitivity analysis. Simulations starting the reactors full of water, feeding all ingredients to the first reactor and using an average residence time of 60 minutes revealed considerable copolymer drift starting in the forth reactor (33% conversion), and heightened molecular weights and chain branching once the monomer phase disappeared (50% conversion). Further simulations revealed that both copolymer drift and the growth of molecular weight and branching could be controlled through additional feed streams of AN and chain transfer agent to downstream reactors. Furthermore, polymer productivity could be increased by appropriately splitting the total monomer feed between the first couple of reactors in the train

Advancement in Dietary Assessment and Self-Monitoring Using Technology

Although methods to assess or self-monitor intake may be considered similar, the intended function of each is quite distinct. For the assessment of dietary intake, methods aim to measure food and nutrient intake and/or to derive dietary patterns for determining diet-disease relationships, population surveillance or the effectiveness of interventions. In comparison, dietary self-monitoring primarily aims to create awareness of and reinforce individual eating behaviours, in addition to tracking foods consumed. Advancements in the capabilities of technologies, such as smartphones and wearable devices, have enhanced the collection, analysis and interpretation of dietary intake data in both contexts. This Special Issue invites submissions on the use of novel technology-based approaches for the assessment of food and/or nutrient intake and for self-monitoring eating behaviours. Submissions may document any part of the development and evaluation of the technology-based approaches. Examples may include: web adaption of existing dietary assessment or self-monitoring tools (e.g., food frequency questionnaires, screeners) image-based or image-assisted methods mobile/smartphone applications for capturing intake for assessment or self-monitoring wearable cameras to record dietary intake or eating behaviours body sensors to measure eating behaviours and/or dietary intake use of technology-based methods to complement aspects of traditional dietary assessment or self-monitoring, such as portion size estimation

Social, Technological and Health Innovation: Opportunities and Limitations for Social Policy, Health Policy, and Environmental Policy

This Research Topic focuses on both strengths and weaknesses of social innovation, technological innovation, and health innovation that are increasingly recognized as crucial concepts related to the formulation of responses to the social, health, and environmental challenges. Goals of this Research Topic: (1) to identify and share the best recent practices and innovations related to social, environmental and health policies; (2) to debate on relevant governance modes, management tools as well as evaluation and impact assessment techniques; (3) to discuss dilemmas in the fields of management, financing, designing, implementing, testing, and maintaining the sustainability of innovative models of delivering social, health and care services; and (4) to recognize and analyze social, technological and health innovation that has emerged or has been scaled-up to respond to crisis situations, for example, a pandemic of the COVID-19 coronavirus disease

Bioanalytical Tools in Water Quality Assessment

The first edition of Bioanalytical Tools in Water Quality Assessment was released in 2012. The field has exploded since and the second edition updates and reviews the application of bioanalytical tools for water quality assessment including surveillance monitoring. The book focuses on applications to water quality assessment ranging from wastewater to drinking water, including recycled water, as well as treatment processes and advanced water treatment. Emerging applications for other environmental matrices are also included. Bioanalytical Tools in Water Quality Assessment, Second Edition, not only demonstrates applications but also fills in the background knowledge in toxicology/ecotoxicology needed to appreciate these applications. Each chapter summarises fundamental material in a targeted way so that information can be applied to better understand the use of bioanalytical tools in water quality assessment. The book can be used by lecturers teaching academic and professional courses and also by risk assessors, regulators, experts, consultants, researchers and managers working in the water sector. It can also be a reference manual for environmental engineers, analytical chemists and toxicologists. Detailed descriptions of dose-response assessment, data reporting, mixture modelling and quality assurance/quality control are complemented by a series of online resources and tools to apply some of the principles and data methods explained in this book. This supplementary information is available at www.ufz.de/bioanalytical-tools