Calibration Conditions Research Articles

Inspection of feasible calibration conditions for UV radiometer detectors with the KI/KIO3 actinometer.

UV radiometers are widely employed for irradiance measurements, but their periodical calibrations not only induce an extra cost but also are time-consuming. In this study, the KI/KIO3 actinometer was applied to calibrate UV radiometer detectors at 254 nm with a quasi-collimated beam apparatus equipped with a low-pressure UV lamp, and feasible calibration conditions were identified. Results indicate that a washer constraining the UV light was indispensable, while the size (10 or 50 mL) of a beaker containing the actinometer solution had little influence when a proper washer was used. The absorption or reflection of UV light by the internal beaker wall led to an underestimation or overestimation of the irradiance determined by the KI/KIO3 actinometer, respectively. The proper range of the washer internal diameter could be obtained via mathematical analysis. A radiometer with a longer service time showed a greater calibration factor. To minimize the interference from the inner wall reflection of the collimating tube, calibrations should be conducted at positions far enough away from the tube bottom. This study demonstrates that after the feasible calibration conditions are identified, the KI/KIO3 actinometer can be applied readily to calibrate UV radiometer detectors at 254 nm.

What Can Acreage Allocations Say about Crop Supply Elasticities? A Convex Programming Approach to Supply Response Disaggregation

AbstractThis article has two goals. The first is to extend previous results regarding calibration of land‐constrained programming models of agricultural supply against supply elasticities to the general case of multiple constraints. The second goal is to demonstrate how the resulting calibration conditions can be used as a source of identification to disaggregate crop supply elasticities down to the level at which static information on acreage allocations is available. We propose an information‐based disaggregation algorithm to systematically generate regionalised elasticities from a single prior, and provide an empirical illustration.

Conceptual and numerical models for groundwater flow in an arid inland river basin

AbstractThe Heihe River Basin (HRB) is an inland watershed in northwest China with a total area of approximately 130,000 km2, stretching from the Qilian Mountains in the south to the oases and agricultural fields in the middle and further to the Gobi desert in the north bordering Mongolia. As part of a major ecohydrological research initiative to provide a stronger scientific underpinning for sustainable water management in arid ecosystems, a regional‐scale integrated ecological and hydrological model is being developed, incorporating the knowledge based on the results of environmental isotope tracer analysis and the multiscale observation datasets. The first step in the model development effort is to construct and calibrate a groundwater flow model for the middle and lower HRB where the oases and vegetation along the Heihe river corridor are highly dependent on groundwater. In this study, the software tool ‘Arc Hydro Groundwater’ is used to build and visualize a hydrogeological data model for the HRB that links all relevant spatiotemporal hydrogeological data in a unified geodatabase within the ArcGIS environment. From the conceptual model, a regional‐scale groundwater flow model has been developed using MODFLOW‐2005. Critical considerations in developing the flow model include the representation of mountainous terrains and fluvial valleys by individual model layers, treatment of aquifer heterogeneities across multiple scales and selection of proper observation data and boundary conditions for model calibration. This paper discusses these issues in the context of the Heihe River Basin, but the results and insights from this study will have important implications for other large, regional groundwater modelling studies, especially in arid and semiarid inland river basins. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Subsystem measurement in unitary quantum measurement theory with redundant entanglement

Measurement of a degenerate (or non-degenerate) discrete observable is investigated in the framework of quantum measurement theory short of collapse, i.e. premeasurement theory, based on a unitary evolution operator that includes the measurement interaction between object and measuring instrument. A pointer observable with eigen-projectors of, in general, many (or even infinitely) dimensional ranges is introduced as a new approach. It leads to redundant entanglement in the final state. As the first main result, the basic dynamical relation of the approach is derived. It is shown to be equivalent to the calibration condition, which is known to define general exact measurement. The latter is given a practical form. Complete measurement (premeasurement with objectification or collapse), which is in some sense implied by the premeasurement theory, performed on a subsystem of a bipartite object in a pure state is studied with particular attention to its effect on the opposite, interactionally unaffected subsystem. The change of state of the latter is derived for exact complete subsystem measurement, and it is shown that the change is the same as for the simplest, i.e. ideal measurement (this is the second main result). It is applied to the case of twin observables and thus distant measurement obtains a new, more satisfactory, foundation (the third main result). Distant measurement is a basic concept in the EPR phenomenon. The well-known importance of the latter implies importance of the former.

Parameter Estimation for Groundwater Models under Uncertain Irrigation Data.

The success of modeling groundwater is strongly influenced by the accuracy of the model parameters that are used to characterize the subsurface system. However, the presence of uncertainty and possibly bias in groundwater model source/sink terms may lead to biased estimates of model parameters and model predictions when the standard regression-based inverse modeling techniques are used. This study first quantifies the levels of bias in groundwater model parameters and predictions due to the presence of errors in irrigation data. Then, a new inverse modeling technique called input uncertainty weighted least-squares (IUWLS) is presented for unbiased estimation of the parameters when pumping and other source/sink data are uncertain. The approach uses the concept of generalized least-squares method with the weight of the objective function depending on the level of pumping uncertainty and iteratively adjusted during the parameter optimization process. We have conducted both analytical and numerical experiments, using irrigation pumping data from the Republican River Basin in Nebraska, to evaluate the performance of ordinary least-squares (OLS) and IUWLS calibration methods under different levels of uncertainty of irrigation data and calibration conditions. The result from the OLS method shows the presence of statistically significant (p < 0.05) bias in estimated parameters and model predictions that persist despite calibrating the models to different calibration data and sample sizes. However, by directly accounting for the irrigation pumping uncertainties during the calibration procedures, the proposed IUWLS is able to minimize the bias effectively without adding significant computational burden to the calibration processes.

Temperature dependence of a Ce3+ doped SiO2 radioluminescent dosimeter for in vivo dose measurements in HDR brachytherapy

Fiber-optic-coupled scintillation dosimeters are characterized by their small active volume if compared to other existing systems, and are therefore particularly suited for internal in vivo dosimetry. Due to possible differences between calibration conditions (i.e., room temperature) and conditions of clinical application (i.e., body temperature), their temperature dependence should be accurately studied. In this work, the temperature dependence of a Ce3+ doped SiO2 scintillation detector coupled to a SiO2 optical fibre was investigated for high dose rate brachytherapy applications. To this aim, two sets of irradiations with two different Ir-192 sources were performed in a water bath phantom at water temperatures ranging between 17 °C and 40.4 °C (Experiment 1). The relative response of the dosimeter was collected and analyzed. The same experiment was repeated with a second optical fibre which was designed without the active Ce3+ doped part at its end (Experiment 2) as well as by changing the length of the passive fibre inserted in water (Experiment 3). The two sets of measurements of experiment 1 were in accordance, indicating a linear increase with temperature of the scintillator sensitivity, with an average increase of 0.27 ± 0.2%/°C. In experiment 2, a 0.5%/°C increase of the collected signal resulted for the passive fibre. No significant difference of the temperature coefficient was found by changing the length of the fibre inserted in water (experiment 3). The obtained results show that a temperature-specific correction factor should be adopted at temperatures different than room temperature (e.g. for in vivo internal dosimetry). Further studies are required to understand the observations.

SU‐E‐T‐05: A 2D EPID Transit Dosimetry Model Based On An Empirical Quadratic Formalism

Purpose:To describe a 2D electronic portal imaging device (EPID) transit dosimetry model, based on an empirical quadratic formalism, that can predict either EPID or in‐phantom dose distribution for comparisons with EPID captured image or treatment planning system (TPS) dose respectively.Methods:A quadratic equation can be used to relate the reduction in intensity of an exit beam to the equivalent path length of the attenuator. The calibration involved deriving coefficients from a set of dose planes measured for homogeneous phantoms with known thicknesses under reference conditions. In this study, calibration dose planes were measured with EPID and ionisation chamber (IC) in water for the same reference beam (6MV, 100mu, 20×20cm2) and set of thicknesses (0–30cm). Since the same calibration conditions were used, the EPID and IC measurements can be related through the quadratic equation. Consequently, EPID transit dose can be predicted from TPS exported dose planes and in‐phantom dose can be predicted using EPID distribution captured during treatment as an input. The model was tested with 4 open fields, 6 wedge fields, and 7 IMRT fields on homogeneous and heterogeneous phantoms. Comparisons were done using 2D absolute gamma (3%/3mm) and results were validated against measurements with a commercial 2D array device.Results:The gamma pass rates for comparisons between EPID measured and predicted ranged from 93.6% to 100.0% for all fields and phantoms tested. Results from this study agreed with 2D array measurements to within 3.1%. Meanwhile, comparisons in‐phantom between TPS computed and predicted ranged from 91.6% to 100.0%. Validation with 2D array device was not possible for inphantom comparisons.Conclusion:A 2D EPID transit dosimetry model for treatment verification was described and proven to be accurate. The model has the advantage of being generic and allows comparisons at the EPID plane as well as multiple planes in‐phantom.

SU‐E‐T‐46: Application of a Twin‐Detector Method for the Determination of the Mean Photon Energy Em at Points of Measurement in a Water Phantom Surrounding a GammaMed HDR 192Ir Brachytherapy Source

Purpose:In a brachytherapy photon field in water the fluence‐averaged mean photon energy Em at the point of measurement correlates with the radiation quality correction factor kQ of a non water‐equivalent detector. To support the experimental assessment of Em, we show that the normalized signal ratio NSR of a pair of radiation detectors, an unshielded silicon diode and a diamond detector can serve to measure quantity Em in a water phantom at a Ir‐192 unit.Methods:Photon fluence spectra were computed in EGSnrc based on a detailed model of the GammaMed source. Factor kQ was calculated as the ratio of the detector's spectrum‐weighted responses under calibration conditions at a 60Co unit and under brachytherapy conditions at various radial distances from the source. The NSR was investigated for a pair of a p‐type unshielded silicon diode 60012 and a synthetic single crystal diamond detector 60019 (both PTW Freiburg). Each detector was positioned according to its effective point of measurement, with its axis facing the source. Lateral signal profiles were scanned under complete scatter conditions, and the NSR was determined as the quotient of the signal ratio under application conditions x and that at position r_ref = 1 cm.Results:The radiation quality correction factor kQ shows a close correlation with the mean photon energy Em. The NSR of the diode/diamond pair changes by a factor of two from 0–18 cm from the source, while Em drops from 350 to 150 keV. Theoretical and measured NSR profiles agree by ± 2 % for points within 5 cm from the source.Conclusion:In the presence of the close correlation between radiation quality correction factor kQ and photon mean energy Em, the NSR provides a practical means of assessing Em under clinical conditions. Precise detector positioning is the major challenge.

Self-calibration algorithm in an asynchronous P300-based brain–computer interface

Objective. Reliability is a desirable characteristic of brain–computer interface (BCI) systems when they are intended to be used under non-experimental operating conditions. In addition, their overall usability is influenced by the complex and frequent procedures that are required for configuration and calibration. Earlier studies examined the issue of asynchronous control in P300-based BCIs, introducing dynamic stopping and automatic control suspension features. This report proposes and evaluates an algorithm for the automatic recalibration of the classifier's parameters using unsupervised data. Approach. Ten healthy subjects participated in five P300-based BCI sessions throughout a single day. First, we examined whether continuous adaptation of control parameters improved the accuracy of the asynchronous system over time. Then, we assessed the performance of the self-calibration algorithm with respect to the no-recalibration and supervised calibration conditions with regard to system accuracy and communication efficiency. Main results. Offline tests demonstrated that continuous adaptation of the control parameters significantly increased the communication efficiency of asynchronous P300-based BCIs. The self-calibration algorithm correctly assigned labels to unsupervised data with 95% accuracy, effecting communication efficiency that was comparable with that of supervised repeated calibration. Significance. Although additional online tests that involve end-users under non-experimental conditions are needed, these preliminary results are encouraging, from which we conclude that the self-calibration algorithm is a promising solution to improve P300-based BCI usability and reliability.

Acoustic and non-acoustic factors in modeling listener-specific performance of sagittal-plane sound localization.

The ability of sound-source localization in sagittal planes (along the top-down and front-back dimension) varies considerably across listeners. The directional acoustic spectral features, described by head-related transfer functions (HRTFs), also vary considerably across listeners, a consequence of the listener-specific shape of the ears. It is not clear whether the differences in localization ability result from differences in the encoding of directional information provided by the HRTFs, i.e., an acoustic factor, or from differences in auditory processing of those cues (e.g., spectral-shape sensitivity), i.e., non-acoustic factors. We addressed this issue by analyzing the listener-specific localization ability in terms of localization performance. Directional responses to spatially distributed broadband stimuli from 18 listeners were used. A model of sagittal-plane localization was fit individually for each listener by considering the actual localization performance, the listener-specific HRTFs representing the acoustic factor, and an uncertainty parameter representing the non-acoustic factors. The model was configured to simulate the condition of complete calibration of the listener to the tested HRTFs. Listener-specifically calibrated model predictions yielded correlations of, on average, 0.93 with the actual localization performance. Then, the model parameters representing the acoustic and non-acoustic factors were systematically permuted across the listener group. While the permutation of HRTFs affected the localization performance, the permutation of listener-specific uncertainty had a substantially larger impact. Our findings suggest that across-listener variability in sagittal-plane localization ability is only marginally determined by the acoustic factor, i.e., the quality of directional cues found in typical human HRTFs. Rather, the non-acoustic factors, supposed to represent the listeners' efficiency in processing directional cues, appear to be important.

A Practical Roadside Camera Calibration Method Based on Least Squares Optimization

In this paper, we propose a more practical and accurate method for calibrating the roadside camera used in traffic surveillance systems. Considering the characteristics of the traffic scenes, we propose a minimum calibration condition that consists of two vanishing points and a vanishing line, which can be easily satisfied in most traffic scenes. Based on the minimum calibration condition, we provide a calibration method to estimate camera intrinsic parameters and rotation angles, which employs least squares optimization instead of closed-form computation. Compared with the existing calibration methods, our method is suitable for more traffic scenes and is able to accurately determine more camera parameters including the principal point. By making full use of video information, multiple observations of the vanishing points are available from different objects. For more accurate calibration, we present a dynamic calibration method using these observations to correct camera parameters. As for the estimation of the camera translation vector, known lengths in the road or known heights above the road are exploited. The experimental results on synthetic data and real traffic images demonstrate the accuracy, robustness, and practicability of the proposed calibration method.

Passive sampling methods for contaminated sediments: state of the science for organic contaminants.

This manuscript surveys the literature on passive sampler methods (PSMs) used in contaminated sediments to assess the chemical activity of organic contaminants. The chemical activity in turn dictates the reactivity and bioavailability of contaminants in sediment. Approaches to measure specific binding of compounds to sediment components, for example, amorphous carbon or specific types of reduced carbon, and the associated partition coefficients are difficult to determine, particularly for native sediment. Thus, the development of PSMs that represent the chemical activity of complex compound–sediment interactions, expressed as the freely dissolved contaminant concentration in porewater (Cfree), offer a better proxy for endpoints of concern, such as reactivity, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. Passive sampling methods have estimated Cfree using both kinetic and equilibrium operating modes and used various polymers as the sorbing phase, for example, polydimethylsiloxane, polyethylene, and polyoxymethylene in various configurations, such as sheets, coated fibers, or vials containing thin films. These PSMs have been applied in laboratory exposures and field deployments covering a variety of spatial and temporal scales. A wide range of calibration conditions exist in the literature to estimate Cfree, but consensus values have not been established. The most critical criteria are the partition coefficient between water and the polymer phase and the equilibrium status of the sampler. In addition, the PSM must not appreciably deplete Cfree in the porewater. Some of the future challenges include establishing a standard approach for PSM measurements, correcting for nonequilibrium conditions, establishing guidance for selection and implementation of PSMs, and translating and applying data collected by PSMs. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2014;10:167–178. © 2014 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.

Measurement of air kerma rates for 6- to 7-MeV high-energy gamma-ray field by ionisation chamber and build-up plate

The 6- to 7-MeV high-energy gamma-ray calibration field by the (19)F(p, αγ)(16)O reaction is to be served at the Japan Atomic Energy Agency. For the determination of air kerma rates using an ionisation chamber in the 6- to 7-MeV high-energy gamma-ray field, the establishment of the charged particle equilibrium must be achieved during measurement. In addition to measurement of air kerma rates by the ionisation chamber with a thick build-up cap, measurement using the ionisation chamber and a build-up plate (BUP) was attempted, in order to directly determine air kerma rates under the condition of regular calibration for ordinary survey meters and personal dosemeters. Before measurements, Monte Carlo calculations were made to find the optimum arrangement of BUP in front of the ionisation chamber so that the charged particle equilibrium could be well established. Measured results imply that air kerma rates for the 6- to 7-MeV high-energy gamma-ray field could be directly determined under the appropriate condition using an ionisation chamber coupled with build-up materials.

Calibration System for Angular Vibration Using Precision Rotary Encoder

본 논문은 고정밀 회전엔코더를 이용한 회전진동 교정시스템의 실현방안을 제안한다. 제안된 시스템과 비교를 위해 한국표준과학연구원의 회전진동 절대교정시스템을 소개하며 회전진동 센서의 교정을 위한 장치와 측정 불확도 모델을 각각 제시한다. 제안된 방법은 회전엔코더의 교정방법에 따라 두 가지 로 나뉘는데 첫 번째는 레이저 간섭계를 이용하여 교정된 엔코더를 사용하는 방법이고, 두 번째는 제조사가 제공하는 성적서를 이용하여 교정 불확도를 평가하는 방법이다. 0.4 ~ 200 Hz의 교정주파수 구간에서 각가속도계를 교정한 결과, 첫 번째 제안된 방법은 절대교정시스템을 기준으로 감도 차이가 0.1 % 그리고 위상 차이는 <TEX>$0.01^{\circ}$</TEX>이내였으며 최대 확장불확도 진폭은 0.6 % 그리고 위상은 <TEX>$0.4^{\circ}$</TEX> 이었다. 두 번째 제안된 방법은 절대교정시스템을 기준으로 감도차이가 진폭은 0.1 % 그리고 위상차이는 <TEX>$0.6^{\circ}$</TEX> 이내였으며 최대 확장불확도는 진폭 4.8 % 와 위상 <TEX>$2.8^{\circ}$</TEX>이었다. In this paper, two calibration methods for angular vibration pickups using a precision rotary encoder are proposed. The KRISS (Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science) primary angular vibration calibration system and the calibration procedures are briefly explained. The rotary encoder is shown to be calibrated in two methods: The one is to use the laser interferometer to calibrate the rotary encoder under test and the other is to exploit the certificate of the encoder supplied. Complex sensitivities measured from the first are shown to be less than 0.1 % difference in magnitude and <TEX>$0.01^{\circ}$</TEX> difference in phase shift in reference to those of the primary calibration system. Their expanded uncertainties were observed to be less than 0.6 % in magnitude and <TEX>$0.4^{\circ}$</TEX> in phase shift over the range of 0.4 to 200 Hz. Under the same calibration conditions, complex sensitivities evaluated by the second method are shown be 0.1 % difference in magnitude and <TEX>$0.6^{\circ}$</TEX> difference in phase shift in reference to those of the primary calibration system. Their expanded uncertainties were seen to be less than 4.8 % in magnitude and <TEX>$2.8^{\circ}$</TEX> in phase shift.

Fluorescent nanosensors for intracellular measurements: synthesis, characterization, calibration, and measurement

Measurement of intracellular acidification is important for understanding fundamental biological pathways as well as developing effective therapeutic strategies. Fluorescent pH nanosensors are an enabling technology for real-time monitoring of intracellular acidification. The physicochemical characteristics of nanosensors can be engineered to target specific cellular compartments and respond to external stimuli. Therefore, nanosensors represent a versatile approach for probing biological pathways inside cells. The fundamental components of nanosensors comprise a pH-sensitive fluorophore (signal transducer) and a pH-insensitive reference fluorophore (internal standard) immobilized in an inert non-toxic matrix. The inert matrix prevents interference of cellular components with the sensing elements as well as minimizing potentially harmful effects of some fluorophores on cell function. Fluorescent nanosensors are synthesized using standard laboratory equipment and are detectable by non-invasive widely accessible imaging techniques. The outcomes of studies employing this technology are dependent on reliable methodology for performing measurements. In particular, special consideration must be given to conditions for sensor calibration, uptake conditions and parameters for image analysis. We describe procedures for: (1) synthesis and characterization of polyacrylamide and silica based nanosensors, (2) nanosensor calibration and (3) performing measurements using fluorescence microscopy.

Robot Calibration for Cooperative Process under Typical Installation

A method with easy operation procedure and simple calibration condition is presented in this paper to solve the base frame calibration problem for cooperative robots. It is carried out through constructing a series of handclasp configurations and recording coordinates of the contact points, respectively, in base frame of each robot. Then the rotation matrix and translation matrix between base frame of cooperative robots can be calculated which is just the calibration result for cooperative robots. Based on typical installation mode for industrial robot, the floor mounted, wall mounted and ceiling mounted, constraints between base frames of these robots are further explored. These constraints are used to improve the calibration results for base frame calibration problem. In order to validate the correctness and effectiveness of our method, experiments on two industrial robots (Motoman VA1400 and HP20) are carried out at the end of the paper. The calibration errors are less than 8 mm in most cases, which satisfies the requirement of positioning accuracy for most industrial process, such as arc welding, transporting, and cutting. These experiment results assert the correctness of our method which can be used effectively to solve the base frame calibration problem for cooperative robots in manufacturing process.

PD-0038: When atomic composition should not be taken into account for scoring the dose in the context of CTV to PTV safety margins

Results: The OF measured at dmax (1.4 cm depth) using SFD and FC65 combination varies from 0.666 for 4 mm cone to 0.922 for 15 mm cone. The corresponding values at 5 cm depths were 0.57 and 0.813. Selection of intermediate field size of 3×3 and 2×2 cm reduced the OF at dmax by 0.52% and 11.45% respectively. OF measured with SFD and PPC40 combination agrees well (-0.42%) with that of SFD and FC65. However, SFD and CC13 combination increase the OF by 3.4%. The use of CC01 reduced OF up to 19.25% for 4mm cone but become comparable for cone diameter > 7.5 mm. Type-A standard uncertainty due to positioning inaccuracy of cone and SFD mis-alignment was ±0.16% and ±0.51% respectively. The reproducibility of OSLD response was independent of cone size and was consistent within a co-efficient of variance of 1.5% for non-linear and 1.7% for standard high dose calibration mode. OSLDs in non-linear calibration condition showed deviation in OF ranging from 10.6% to 10.25% for 4 to 15 mm cones at dmax as compare to corresponding values with SFD. Although similar pattern was observed at 5 cm depth, the variation was within ±2% except for 4 mm cone, where the variation was -20.1%. OF estimated using standard high dose and non-linear calibration curve agrees within ±5% except for 4 mm cone where the variation is as high as 18.5%.

Beach morphology and shoreline evolution: Monitoring and modelling medium-term responses (Portuguese NW coast study site)

Numerical models for shoreline evolution have been used for coastal management planning for several decades. The model calibration is a start point to project shoreline scenarios and in this aim the use of data acquired within the scope of monitoring programmes provides the opportunity to assess the models' capabilities under real condition. This work applies calibration data (retrieved from field surveys) to numerical models to predict medium-term shoreline evolution using, as a case study, a beach stretch named AC, about 3.5km long and located downdrift of a groin on the northwest Portuguese coast. A smaller stretch AB (2.4km long), included in the total one, which exhibits a pronounced erosive tendency usually better reproduced in shoreline evolution models, was also analysed. Based on topographic surveys, associated wave climate conditions registered between 2003 and 2008 and typical wave conditions registered over a longer wave climate time period, this work compares the calibration of two different shoreline evolution models, Long-term Configuration (LTC) and GENESIS for this period. Then, considering the 2003 topographic conditions for the models' calibration, the results of both models are discussed with respect to simulation scenarios after 10, 15 and 20years of evolution. The 10-year evolution projections of the models are also compared to the results of a survey performed in February 2012. For the wave data calibration period (2003–2008), the average shoreline retreat of the analysed coastal stretch was reproduced with small differences (around 1% and 10% for LTC and 15% and 14% for GENESIS, considering stretches AB or AC, respectively), though local differences along the AB coastal stretch represent root mean square errors reaching up to 52% and 88% for GENESIS and LTC, respectively, and were above 118% for both models along the AC coastal stretch.

Verification of mesoscale forecasts in the 2014 Olympic Games region. Part II: Preliminary results of diagnostic evaluation of quality and calibration of the forecasts by the COSMO-RU2 model

Spatial (polygonal) averaging of verification scores of the mesoscale forecast over a complex mountainous region may result in not very informative conclusions, when the number of stations turnes out to be incomparable with the number of the model grid points. In such situation, the approach of diagnostic verification makes the forecast evaluation not only more informative but also more useful for operational forecasters and model developers, A description of principles of diagnostic verification is given, verification results of the surface air temperature in the mountain cluster of the Sochi-2014 Olympic Games are presented, and necessary conditions for the possible calibration of the operational forecast are discussed with account of accumulated conditional statistics.

Uncertainty evaluation of a 10N·m dead weight torque standard machine and comparison with a 1kN·m dead weight torque standard machine

A 10N·m dead weight torque standard machine (10-N·m-DWTSM) has been developed and evaluated since 2006 at the National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ), a part of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). Previously, the lengths of a moment arm, made of a low-thermal-expansion alloy (Super Invar), and the sensitivity limit of the fulcrum were evaluated. However, it is known that mechanical parts made of Super Invar vary in size with time. Therefore, the sensitivity limit of the fulcrum should be investigated under real calibration conditions. In this study, the moment arm lengths and the sensitivity limit of the fulcrum were re-evaluated. The moment arm lengths were found to have increased by an average of 6.3μm in five years. The relative combined standard uncertainty of the moment arm length, warm, was re-evaluated in consideration of the uncertainty of the secular length change and was found to be 1.8×10−5. The sensitivity limit of the fulcrum was investigated by using a highly accurate, small-rated-capacity torque measuring device. The relative combined standard uncertainty due to the sensitivity limit of the fulcrum was 2.5×10−5 in the 0.1–10N·m torque range. The uncertainty budget table of the 10-N·m-DWTSM was completed. The relative expanded uncertainty of torque realized by the 10-N·m-DWTSM, Wtsm, was evaluated in the 0.1–10N·m torque range and was found to be 6.6×10−5, with a coverage factor, k, being equal to 2. In addition, the 10-N·m-DWTSM was compared with the existing 1-kN·m-DWTSM at NMIJ by using small-rated-capacity torque measuring devices at 5N·m and 10N·m torque steps. Two loading conditions were adopted in this comparison. The comparison results showed good agreement within the uncertainties in all cases. Thus, the torque realized by the 10-N·m-DWTSM was shown to be equivalent to that achieved by the 1-kN·m-DWTSM.