Transfer function characteristics of super resolving systems

Signal quality in an optical storage device greatly depends on the optical system transfer function used to write and read data patterns. The problem is similar to analysis of scanning optical microscopes. Hopkins and Braat have analyzed write-once-read-many (WORM) optical data storage devices. Herein, transfer function analysis of magnetooptic (MO) data storage devices is discussed with respect to improving transfer-function characteristics. Several authors have described improving the transfer function as super resolution. However, none have thoroughly analyzed the MO optical system and effects of the medium. Both the optical system transfer function and effects of the medium of this development are discussed

Modified Spectral Fatigue Methods for S-N Curves With MIL-HDBK-5J Coefficients

The rainflow method is used for counting fatigue cycles from a stress response time history, where the fatigue cycles are stress-reversals. The rainflow method allows the application of Palmgren-Miner's rule in order to assess the fatigue life of a structure subject to complex loading. The fatigue damage may also be calculated from a stress response power spectral density (PSD) using the semi-empirical Dirlik, Single Moment, Zhao-Baker and other spectral methods. These methods effectively assume that the PSD has a corresponding time history which is stationary with a normal distribution. This paper shows how the probability density function for rainflow stress cycles can be extracted from each of the spectral methods. This extraction allows for the application of the MIL-HDBK-5J fatigue coefficients in the cumulative damage summation. A numerical example is given in this paper for the stress response of a beam undergoing random base excitation, where the excitation is applied separately by a time history and by its corresponding PSD. The fatigue calculation is performed in the time domain, as well as in the frequency domain via the modified spectral methods. The result comparison shows that the modified spectral methods give comparable results to the time domain rainflow counting method

A Review of Spectral Methods for Variable Amplitude Fatigue Prediction and New Results

A comprehensive review of the available methods for estimating fatigue damage from variable amplitude loading is presented. The dependence of fatigue damage accumulation on power spectral density (psd) is investigated for random processes relevant to real structures such as in offshore or aerospace applications. Beginning with the Rayleigh (or narrow band) approximation, attempts at improved approximations or corrections to the Rayleigh approximation are examined by comparison to rainflow analysis of time histories simulated from psd functions representative of simple theoretical and real world applications. Spectral methods investigated include corrections by Wirsching and Light, Ortiz and Chen, the Dirlik formula, and the Single-Moment method, among other more recent proposed methods. Good agreement is obtained between the spectral methods and the time-domain rainflow identification for most cases, with some limitations. Guidelines are given for using the several spectral methods to increase confidence in the damage estimate

Customer Relationship Management: A Theoretical Overview and the High Cost of Failure (a Case Study)

Despite the significant benefits offered by the customer relationship management (CRM) strategy together with advanced technology, there is still a high rate of companies who fail to see results promised by CRM in order to achieve a competitive advantage. A review of the empirical literature together with the case study of the CRM implementation within a midsize financial firm will result in deeper understanding of current CRM practices that could contribute to better planning, selection, and implementation of customer relationship management programs

CRM in Russia and U.S. -- Case Study from American Financial Service Industry

This paper discusses Customer Relationship Management in two sharply contrasting business cultures: the United States and Russia. Included in the present work is a case study of a midsized American financial services firm that illustrates a common path to the decision to have a CRM system: the planning, selection, and the implementation of the CRM program, including a discussion of the likelihood of success. The clients in this case are Financial Advisors, who in turn sell the investment products to the end user individual investors. CRM in Russia is yet in its infancy as the economy emerges from 200 years as a pure commodity economy with little customer service much less customer relationship management as part of management philosophy. The study concludes with implications and suggested research

Effects of Global Competitiveness, Human Development, and Corruption on Inward Foreign Direct Investment

The purpose of this paper is to investigate which of Dunning\u27s location-specific advantages of host countries, presented as composite indices for Global Competitiveness, Human Development and Corruption Perception, better predict the level of inward Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). A stepwise multiple regression method was applied on a sample of 129 countries, which was further divided into two subgroups: OECD members and non-OECD members. The study provides evidence that global competitiveness and the level of corruption of the host country are important determinants for inward FDI. For non-OECD countries the Human Development index appears to be an additional FDI determinant. More empirical research utilizing time series or panel data technique is needed to further explore this area of research

Response to Corner Brook Pulp & Paper Tire Derived Fuel (TDF) Co-Firing Trial Project Proponent: Corner Brook Pulp & Paper Ltd. (Reg. 1539)

While acknowledging potential economic benefits for Corner Brook Pulp and Paper (CBPP) in using tire-derived fuel (TDF), we remain unconvinced of the net public and environmental health benefits of its use and are concerned with the methodology of the proposed test. We hope that this overview of our concerns can help the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) make an informed decision regarding the testing of TDF at CBPP. Guiding our submission is the precautionary principle, which has been adopted by all relevant parties, including the Government of Canada, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and CBPP. As such and in light of the issues below, it is our position that additional research is required before moving to a test trial. This can be achieved either by conducting a full Environmental Impact Statement, including component studies and additional public hearings, or by rejecting the undertaking outright

Finite element model of a cricket ball impacting a bat

Finite element analysis is often applied to further our understanding of the mechanics of sports equipment. The aim of this research was to develop and validate a finite element model of a cricket ball/bat impact. The ball model was independently validated against experimental data for normal impacts on a fixed rigid surface, at speeds up to 35 ms-1. Finite element models were produced for two bat geometries, with ball/bat impact simulations compared to experimental data. A rigid body model was also applied to each bat. The validation experiment involved projecting a ball at 30 ms-1 normal to a freely suspended bat, at a range of locations on the long axis. The finite element models were in good agreement with the experimental data in terms of apparent coefficient of restitution. The rigid body model failed to accurately predict apparent coefficient of restitution for all impact locations along the length of the blade. The finite element modelling techniques presented here could be applied to aid the design and development of cricket bats

Involving your librarian in instruction : or ... how I learned to stop worrying and love my librarian

Presented at 2015 FaCET Conference at UMKC, January 15, 2015Title from PDF, viewed on March 13, 201