Ultra Low Dispersion Spectroscopy with Gaia and Astronomical Slitless Surveys

The ultra-low dispersion spectroscopy to be applied in the ESA Gaia space observatory and the ground-based objective-prism plate surveys represent a similar type of astrophysical data. Although the dispersion in plate surveys is usually larger than in the Gaia blue and red photometers (BP/RP), the spectral resolutions differ by a factor of 2–3 only, since the resolution in ground-based spectra is seeing-limited. We argue that some of the algorithms developed for digitized objective-prism plates can also be applied for the Gaia spectra. At the same time, the plate results confirm the feasibility of observing strong emission lines with Gaia RP/BP

Ultra Low-Dispersion Spectroscopy with Gaia and Photographic Objective Prism Surveys

This paper discusses the ultra low-dispersion spectroscopy to be applied in the ESA Gaia space observatory and the ground-based objective-prism plate surveys. Although the dispersion in plate surveys is usually larger than in the Gaia BP/RP spectrometers, the spectral resolutions differ by a factor of 2–3 only, since the resolution in ground-based spectra is seeing-limited. We argue that some of the algorithms developed for digitized objective-prism plates can also be applied for the Gaia spectra. At the same time, the plate results confirm the feasibility of observing strong emission lines with Gaia RP/BP

Inducing Voluntary Community Service in Undergraduates: The Relative Contributions of Prior Experience, Coursework, and the Dispositions of Empathy and Moral Development

In the past twenty years, higher education has been criticized for what is perceived to be a failure to create better citizens. As a result of this criticism, a variety of pedagogical and curricula innovations have been attempted. One of these innovations is service learning, a form of experiential learning, which engages students in activities that combine fulfillment of community needs and opportunities for promotion of student learning and development (Kendall, 1990). This study hypothesized that moral development and empathy would increase over the course of the required service learning experience in the first semester of college and that required service learning experience is related to students decision to continue in voluntary prosocial behavior. Using the Defining Issues Test of Moral Development (Rest. 1980) and the Jackson Personality Inventory scale of empathy (1994). the study investigated students\u27 levels of postconventional moral development and empathy at the beginning and the conclusion of the required service learning experience. During the second semester, students were surveyed to determine if they had continued in voluntary service. The total sample size comprised 212 students; 129 females and 83 males. The mean age was 18. Data were analyzed using SPSS program. Survey results attempted to identify those factors that influence students\u27 decision to continue in voluntary pro social behavior. Findings from this study showed that high school voluntary service (p \u3c .00), on-site faculty mentorship (p \u3c .00), levels of empathy at the conclusion of the semester following the required service learning experience (p \u3c .00) and levels of post conventional moral development at the conclusion of the first semester of college following the required service learning experience (p \u3c .00) have a significant relationship to students\u27 decisions to continue in voluntary prosocial behavior. A profile materializes suggesting that colleges who have employed service learning curriculum or are interested in introducing service learning curriculum must work on a reward system for faculty and student/faculty partnerships. A suggestion is made for voluntary service to be implemented prior to the last semester of the last year of high school. Recommendations for future research are also discussed

A Novel Approach to Face Recognition using Image Segmentation based on SPCA-KNN Method

In this paper we propose a novel method for face recognition using hybrid SPCA-KNN (SIFT-PCA-KNN) approach. The proposed method consists of three parts. The first part is based on preprocessing face images using Graph Based algorithm and SIFT (Scale Invariant Feature Transform) descriptor. Graph Based topology is used for matching two face images. In the second part eigen values and eigen vectors are extracted from each input face images. The goal is to extract the important information from the face data, to represent it as a set of new orthogonal variables called principal components. In the final part a nearest neighbor classifier is designed for classifying the face images based on the SPCA-KNN algorithm. The algorithm has been tested on 100 different subjects (15 images for each class). The experimental result shows that the proposed method has a positive effect on overall face recognition performance and outperforms other examined methods

Optical Monitors and OT/GRB analyses

The Optical Monitors, despite of lower detection limits, are still valuable for detection of prompt real-time and (hypothetical) pre-burst optical emission of gamma-ray bursts. We refer on the ongoing project at the Astronomical Institute in Ondrejov based on digitized data from the photographic EN network

Lobster Eye X-ray optics for astrophysics: Recent status

X-ray optics in Lobster Eye arrangement represent promising complementary device to narrow field X-ray optics in common use. We present briefly recent status of design, developments, and tests of X-ray optics including Lobster Eye modules developed and tested within recent space project

Simulation of magnetic field dissipation in gamma-ray bursts

We report on the first steps in 3D simulation of magnetic field dissipation in gamma-ray burst (GRB) prompt emission. Our model is based on magnetically driven Poynting flux outflow. We study the evolution of multi-layered anti-parallel magnetic field in expanding self-accelerated systems

Multi-functional star tracker — future perspectives

This paper focuses on the idea of a multi-functional wide-field star tracker (WFST) and provides a description of the current state-of-the-art in this field. The idea comes from a proposal handed in to ESA at the beginning of 2011. Star trackers (STs) usually have more than one object-lens with a small Field-of-View. They provide very precise information about the attitude in space according to consecutive evaluation of star positions. Our idea of WFST will combine the functions of several instruments, e.g. ST, a horizon sensor, and an all-sky photometry camera. WFST will use a fish-eye lens. There is no comparable product on the present-day market. Nowadays, spacecraft have to carry several instruments for these applications. This increases the weight of the instrumentation and reduces the weight available for the payload

Czech Participation in INTEGRAL: 1996–2011

The European Space Agency ESA INTEGRAL satellite launched in October 2002 is the first astrophysical satellite of the European Space Agency (ESA) with Czech participation. The results of the first 8 years of investigations of various scientific targets are briefly presented and discussed here, with emphasis on cataclysmic variables and blazars with the ESA INTEGRAL satellite with Czech participation