Split-screen single-camera stereoscopic PIV application to a turbulent confined swirling layer with free surface

An annular liquid wall jet, or vortex tube, generated by helical injection inside a tube is studied experimentally as a possible means of fusion reactor shielding. The hollow confined vortex/swirling layer exhibits simultaneously all the complexities of swirling turbulence, free surface, droplet formation, bubble entrapment; all posing challenging diagnostic issues. The construction of flow apparatus and the choice of working liquid and seeding particles facilitate unimpeded optical access to the flow field. A split-screen, single-camera stereoscopic particle image velocimetry (SPIV) scheme is employed for flow field characterization. Image calibration and free surface identification issues are discussed. The interference in measurements of laser beam reflection at the interface are identified and discussed. Selected velocity measurements and turbulence statistics are presented at Re_λ = 70 (Re = 3500 based on mean layer thickness)

Segmentation and tracking of video objects for a content-based video indexing context

This paper examines the problem of segmentation and tracking of video objects for content-based information retrieval. Segmentation and tracking of video objects plays an important role in index creation and user request definition steps. The object is initially selected using a semi-automatic approach. For this purpose, a user-based selection is required to define roughly the object to be tracked. In this paper, we propose two different methods to allow an accurate contour definition from the user selection. The first one is based on an active contour model which progressively refines the selection by fitting the natural edges of the object while the second used a binary partition tree with aPeer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Evidence of an asymmetrical Keplerian disk in the Br{\gamma} and He I emission lines around the Be star HD 110432

Context. HD 110432 was classified as a "\gamma Cas X-ray analog" since it has similar peculiar X-ray and optical characteristics, i.e. a hard-thermal X-ray variable emission and an optical spectrum affected by an extensive disk. Lopes de Oliveira et al. (2007) suggest that it might be a Be star harboring an accreting white dwarf or that the X-rays may come from an interaction between the surface of the star and its disk. Aims. To investigate the disk around this Be star we used the VLTI/AMBER instrument, which combines high spectral (R=12000) and high spatial (\theta min =4 mas) resolutions. Methods. We constrain the geometry and kinematics of its circumstellar disk from the highest spatial resolution ever achieved on this star. Results. We obtain a disk extension in the Br{\gamma} line of 10.2 D\ast and 7.8 D\ast in the He I line at 2.05 \mu m assuming a Gaussian disk model. The disk is clearly following a Keplerian rotation. We obtained an inclination angle of 55\degree, and the star is a nearly critical rotator with Vrot /Vc =1.00$\pm$0.2. This inclination is greater than the value found for \gamma Cas (about 42\degree, Stee et al. 2012), and is consistent with the inference from optical Fe II emission profiles by Smith & Balona (2006) that the inclination should be more than the \gamma Cas value. In the near-IR continuum, the disk of HD 110432 is 3 times larger than \gamma Cas's disk. We have no direct evidence of a companion around HD 110432, but it seems that we have a clear signature for disk inhomogeneities as detected for {\zeta} Tau. This asymmetrical disk detection may be interpreted within the one-armed oscillation viscous disk framework. Another finding is that the disk size in the near-IR is similar to other Be stars with different spectral types and thus may be independent of the stellar parameters, as found for classical Be stars.Comment: 9 page

Polarization States in B -> rho K* and New Physics

The standard-model explanations of the anomalously-large transverse polarization fraction fT in B -> phi K* can be tested by measuring the polarizations of the two decays B+ -> rho+ K*0 and B+ -> rho0 K*+. For the scenario in which the transverse polarizations of both B -> rho K* decays are predicted to be large, we derive a simple relation between the fT's of these decays. If this relation is not confirmed experimentally, this would yield an unambiguous signal for new physics. The new-physics operators which can account for the discrepancy in B -> pi K decays will also contribute to the polarization states of B -> rho K*. We compute these contributions and show that there are only two operators which can simultaneously account for the present B -> pi K and B -> rho K* data. If the new physics obeys an approximate U-spin symmetry, the B -> phi K* measurements can also be explained.Comment: 20 pages, latex, no figures. Minor changes to references and Table 1. Minor modification of terms; more complete description of triple-product asymmetry. Analysis and conclusions unchange

Brane Isotropisation in Extra-Dimensional Tolman-Bondi Universe

We consider the dynamics of a 3-brane embedded in an extra-dimensional Tolman-Bondi Universe where the origin of space plays a special role. The embedding is chosen such that the induced matter distribution on the brane respects the spherical symmetry of matter in the extra dimensional space. The mirage cosmology on the probe brane is studied, resulting in an inhomogeneous and anisotropic four dimensional cosmology where the origin of space is also special. We then focus on the spatial geometry around the origin and show that the induced geometry, which is initially inhomogeneous and anisotropic, converges to an isotropic and homogeneous Friedmann-Lemaitre 4d space-time. For instance, when a 3-brane is embedded in a 5d matter dominated model, the 4d dynamics around the origin converge to a Friedmann-Lemaitre Universe in a radiation dominated epoch. We analyse this isotropisation process and show that it is a late time attractor.Comment: 16 pages, 8 figures, one reference adde

Quantum-nondemolition measurements using ghost transitions

International audienceWe present a detailed analysis of the quantum-nondemolition (QND) properties of a measurement scheme employing coherently driven three-level atoms in the Λ or cascade configuration inside an optical cavity. We propose to use a strong signal field to empty one of the transitions and dress the signal-transition levels. The atoms become transparent for the signal beam, which sees a ''ghost transition.'' When a probe is applied and tuned to the vicinity of one of the light-shifted levels, the probe phase is extremely sensitive to fluctuations of the signal intensity. This enhances the QND coupling and enables the system to operate at lower cooperativities

Pour une meilleure valorisation du sang d'abattoirs en Wallonie

peer reviewe

Has the common genet (Genetta genetta) spread into south-eastern France and Italy ?

The common genet (Genetta genetta) is a small carnivoran that was probably introduced from Maghreb into south-western Europe. We reassessed its easternmost European distribution from 110-mostly new-data collected in south-eastern France and Italy, and tested for potential habitat selection, to finally re-evaluate the role of the Rhone as a geographic barrier against eastward migrations. The species was more frequent in river valleys, wetlands and low-mountainous areas (south-eastern France), but also occurred in high-mountainous zones at the French-Italian border. Our results evidenced a significant increase of records (13-fold the number of occurrences previously known) and an apparent absence of habitat selection by the common genet, suggesting a recent, natural spread from the right bank of the Rhne through a zone of 30km with artificial bridges. We finally provide a synthetic, re-assessed distribution map of the common genet in France and Italy, combining 4317 occurrences from French national databases and the 110 records collected herein

Deposition of La2Zr2O7 Film by Chemical Solution Deposition

La2Zr2O7 (LZO) formation of bulk powders and of films by Chemical Solution Deposition (CSD) process have been studied using propionates. The treatment involved a one step cycle in the reducing forming gas (Ar-5%H2) to be compatible with Ni-5at%W RABITS. Large amount of residual carbon was found in LZO powders formed in these conditions (10 wt %). The volume fraction of the cube texture in LZO films on Ni-5at%w RABITS was found to be a function of the speed of the gas flown above sample. This phenomenon is discussed in considering the C deposited from the carbon-containing gases emitted during the pyrolysis of the precursor. Using proper conditions (950 ^\circC and the speed of gas of 6.8\times10^{-2} m/s), LZO films with good surface crystallinity could be obtained on Ni-5at%W RABITS as demonstrated by X-ray diffraction, electron backscattered diffraction and RHEED. The existence of residual carbon in oxide films is a common question to films deposited by CSD processes under reducing condition

La valorisation du sang d'abattoirs en Belgique.

peer reviewedCet article comprend une analyse sommaire des possibilités de valorisation du sang recueilli dans les abattoirs d'animaux de boucherie. Après un bref exposé sur la législation belge en la matière et sur les techniques qui permettent un traitement du sang, les auteurs ont estimé les quantités produites au départ des abattoirs belges et qualifié le réseau de collecte en Wallonie