Two-dimensional global manifolds of vector fields

We describe an efficient algorithm for computing two-dimensional stable and unstable manifolds of three-dimensional vector fields. Larger and larger pieces of a manifold are grown until a sufficiently long piece is obtained. This allows one to study manifolds geometrically and obtain important features of dynamical behavior. For illustration, we compute the stable manifold of the origin spiralling into the Lorenz attractor, and an unstable manifold in zeta(3)-model converging to an attracting limit cycle

Impulse/response functions of individual components of flow-injection manifolds

The dispersion behaviour of the various individual parts making up a flow-injection manifold is often difficult to establish because it is virtually impossible to obtainthe required very small injection and detection volumes. It is shown that it is possible, under suitable experimental conditions, to find the impulse/response functionof each component by means of a deconvolution process of the response functions have been established, the response function of any arrangement can be predicted by convoluting the impulse/response functions of all the individuaol parts involved. Convolution and deconvolution were done in the Fourier domain, by using a fast FT algorithm

Hollow-fibre membrane for sample introduction in a flow-injection system : Determination of carbon disulphide in air

A hollow-membrane fibre is used for the introduction of gaseous compounds into a flow-injection system. The sampling system consists of a certain length of asymmetric hollow-fibre membrane in which an acceptor stream is stopped for a fixed period of time. The analyte permeates from the surrounding environment through the membrane and is accumulated in the acceptor solution, then pumping is resumed. The method is tested for the determination of carbon disulphide in ambient air. The detection range of the method is from 3 to at least 30 mg l−1

Modification of light utilization for skeletal growth by water flow in the scleractinian coral Galaxea fascicularis

In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the importance of water flow for skeletal growth (rate) becomes higher with increasing irradiance levels (i.e. a synergistic effect) and that such effect is mediated by a water flow modulated effect on net photosynthesis. Four series of nine nubbins of G. fascicularis were grown at either high (600 µE m-2 s-1) or intermediate (300 µE m-2 s-1) irradiance in combination with either high (15–25 cm s-1) or low (5–10 cm s-1) flow. Growth was measured as buoyant weight and surface area. Photosynthetic rates were measured at each coral’s specific experimental irradiance and flow speed. Additionally, the instantaneous effect of water flow on net photosynthetic rate was determined in short-term incubations in a respirometric flowcell. A significant interaction was found between irradiance and water flow for the increase in buoyant weight, the increase in surface area, and specific skeletal growth rate, indicating that flow velocity becomes more important for coral growth with increasing irradiance levels. Enhancement of coral growth with increasing water flow can be explained by increased net photosynthetic rates. Additionally, the need for costly photo-protective mechanisms at low flow regimes could explain the differences in growth with flow

Use of the hunt filter to optimize the determination of impulse-response functions of individual component parts of flow-injection manifolds

The dispersion behaviour of the various individual parts making up a flow-injection manifold can be expressed by means of impulse-response functions. These functions can be determined by deconvolution of the response curves obtained with and without the part concerned. Special attention is paid to a procedure to decrease the influence of noise. It is shown that good results can be obtained with a Hunt filter which operates in the Fourier domain