Method For Determination Of Rates Research Articles

Evaluation and Validation of Simple and Quick Methods of Lime Rate Determination under Acid Soil-Affected Areas of West Shewa Zone, Ethiopia

Liming acid soils is one of the available intervention options to amend soil acidity and increase crop production and productivity. The selection of a lime requirement determination easy and cheap method that is suitable to the soil conditions in a particular area is a pressing issue. Three lime requirement (LR) estimation methods i.e. (Exchangeable acidity, laboratory pH, and portable pH/Artikilee 3000) methods with one control treatment were tested in acid soils of the dhumuga learning watershed. A field study was conducted to verify the lime requirement (LR) by using portable pH methods and investigate the wheat response to lime. The treatments were laid out in an RCBD design with two farmers’ replications. The result showed that there a was significant (p<0.05) yield response to the liming. The highest grain yield of 5512.3kg ha 1 was obtained from lime treated with the pH method statistically at par with Exchangeable acidity and article 3000 methods. LR rates estimated by the Exchangeable acidity method were lower than those estimated by laboratory pH and portable pH/ Artikilee 3000. However, both methods (laboratory pH and portable pH/ Artikilee 3000) overestimated the lime requirements of the study soil. The exchangeable acidity method was lower than the LR estimated with the article 3000 method by an average of 38 %, which indicates article 3000 methods overestimated the LR for the present study area, while exchangeable acidity methods were found to be reliable estimation LR. Lime rates determined with the three lime testing methods (pH method, Portable pH or Artikilee 3000 and exchangeable acidity) gave yield advantages of 31.94, 24.93 and 20.45%, respectively over the non-limed treatment. From the results of this study, it was concluded that the exchangeable acidity method gives a more reliable estimation of the lime requirements of acid soils of the study area.

Monitoring of Cotton Boll Opening Rate Based on UAV Multispectral Data

Defoliation and accelerating ripening are important measures for cotton mechanization, and judging the time of defoliation and accelerating the ripening and harvest of cotton relies heavily on the boll opening rate, making it a crucial factor to consider. The traditional methods of cotton opening rate determination are time-consuming, labor-intensive, destructive, and not suitable for a wide range of applications. In this study, the relationship between the change rate of the vegetation index obtained by the unmanned aerial vehicle multi-spectrum and the ground boll opening rate was established to realize rapid non-destructive testing of the boll opening rate. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and green normalized difference vegetation index (GNDVI) had good prediction ability for the boll opening rate. NDVI in the training set had an R2 of 0.912 and rRMSE of 15.387%, and the validation set performance had an R2 of 0.929 and rRMSE of 13.414%. GNDVI in the training set had an R2 of 0.901 and rRMSE of 16.318%, and the validation set performance had an R2 of 0.909 and rRMSE of 15.225%. The accuracies of the models based on GNDVI and NDVI were within the acceptable range. In terms of predictive models, random forests achieve the highest accuracy in predictions. Accurately predicting the cotton boll opening rate can support decision-making for harvest and harvest aid spray timing, as well as provide technical support for crop growth monitoring and precision agriculture.

Amplification of Heart Sounds Using Digital Stethoscope in Simulation-Based Neonatal Resuscitation.

The accuracy, timeliness, and reliability of the current methods of heart rate (HR) determination in neonatal resuscitation are debatable, each having its own limitations. We aim to compare three methods of HR assessment: (1) traditional stethoscope, (2) electrocardiogram and traditional stethoscope, and (3) digital stethoscope with loudspeaker amplification of heart sounds. This was a simulated crossover experiment using a high-fidelity manikin. Each team with a physician, a nurse, and a respiratory therapist performed the resuscitations using the three methods (three different scenarios) in different order. The person controlling the HR via manikin controller was blinded, but the single recorder and the providers were not. Eighteen resuscitations were completed (six teams of three methods each). The time to first HR recording (p < 0.001), total number of HR recorded (p < 0.001), and time to recognize dips in HR was significantly improved in the digital stethoscope group (p = 0.009). Use of digital stethoscope with amplification improved documentation of HR and earlier recognition of HR changes. · Amplified heartbeats during neonatal resuscitation improved documentation.. · Amplified infant heartbeats resulted in earlier recognition of HR changes (increase or decrease).. · Providers using this method had greater satisfaction..

DETERMINING THE AMOUNT OF OXYGEN IN THE BLOOD BY A NONINVASIVE METHOD

Photoplethysmogram is used in medicine to monitor several diseases in a basic and convenient way. The object of research is a pulse oximeter - a device that measures the concentration of noninvasive hemoglobin in the blood and pulse ratios, based on the recording of a photoplethysmogram from a tool placed on the fingertip. This method is used in anesthesiology, resuscitation departments and operating rooms, is widely used in pulmonology departments, therapy and cardiology. In addition, the pulse oximeter goes beyond medicine and is used successfully in sports, games, professional fields, and so on. In the ultimate qualification work, existing methods of heart rate determination (pulse), based upon the method of photoplethysmography, which formed the basis for the development, was considered. This non-invasive method, formed on studying the absorption of light passing through the tissue site with pulsating blood, is simple and convenient. It is intended to operate this device, available to a wide range of users, both in monitoring vital signs and early diagnosis of diseases, and in self-monitoring and training. Keywords: Pulse oximetry, heart rate, non-invasive

Methods of сorrosion testing used for development and commercial exploitation of new shipbuilding steels and alloys. Part I. Laboratory corrosion tests

Shipbuilding steels and alloys may be subjected to various types of corrosion damage when exposed to sea water. For reliable long-term operation of ships and marine structures, despite the use of corrosion protection, materials are chosen that, in addition to the required mechanical properties, have sufficient corrosion resistance to ensure a given service life. Evaluation of corrosion resistance of new materials for use in shipbuilding was made by carrying out mandatory delivery trials using methods that have been repeatedly tested experimentally and whose results have been confirmed in practice. The complex study of corrosion resistance of steels and alloys is based on step-by-step laboratory, bench, and field tests. The review provides a brief description of laboratory corrosion test methods that are part of mandatory delivery trials. Parameters determining the aggressiveness of seawater as a corrosive medium, including salinity, oxygen content are considered. Laboratory test methods include electrochemical studies with determination of potential and rate of corrosion, pitting potential on the basis of polarization curves construction, as well as the generally accepted gravimetric method of corrosion rate determination. Installations for testing in moving (with varying flow rate) seawater are given.

The &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;μ&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;Dose system: determination of environmental dose rates by combined alpha and beta counting – performance tests and practical experiences

Abstract. The μDose system is a recently developed analytical instrument applying a combined α- and β-sensitive scintillation technique for determining the radioactivity arising from the decay chains of 235U, 238U and 232Th as well as from the decay of 40K. The device was designed to meet the particular requirements of trapped charge dating methods and allows the assessment of environmental (i.e. low) levels of natural radionuclides. The μDose system was developed as a piece of low-cost laboratory equipment, but a systematic test of its performance is still pending. For the first time, we present results from a comprehensive performance test based on an inter-laboratory comparison. We compare the results obtained with μDose measurements with those from thick source alpha counting (TSAC), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and low-level high-resolution gamma spectrometry (HRGS) applied in five participating laboratories. In addition, the reproducibility and accuracy of μDose measurements were tested on certified reference materials distributed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA; RGU-1, RGTh-1 and RGK-1) and on two loess standards (Nussy and Volkegem) frequently used in trapped charge dating studies. We compare μDose-based results for a total of 47 sediment samples with results previously obtained for these materials by well-established methods of dose rate determination. The investigated natural samples cover a great variety of environments, including fluvial, aeolian, littoral, colluvial and (geo-)archaeological sites originating from high and low mountain regions as well as from lowlands in tropical areas, drylands and mid-latitude zones of Europe, Africa, Australia, Central Asia and the Americas. Our results suggest the μDose system's capability of assessing low-level radionuclide contents with very good accuracy and precision comparable to well-established dosimetry methods. Based on the results of our comparative study and with respect to the practical experiences gained so far, the μDose system appears to be a promising tool for trapped charge dating studies.

Effect of lime on selected soil chemical properties, maize (Zea mays L.) yield and determination of rate and method of its application in Northwestern Ethiopia

Soil acidity is the major soil chemical constraint that limits agricultural productivity in the highlands of Ethiopia receiving high rainfall. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different lime rates determined through different lime rate determination methods on selected soil chemical properties and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) on acidic Nitisols of Mecha district, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. The experiment had 10 treatments (0, 0.06, 0.12, 0.18, 1, 2, 3.5, 4, 7 and 14 tons ha−1 lime) that were calculated by three lime rate determination methods and applied through three lime application methods (spot, drill and broadcast). The experiment was arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. N at the rate of 180 kg ha−1 and P at the rate of138 P2O5 kg ha−1 were applied to all plots. A full dose of P and lime as a treatment were applied at planting; whereas N was applied in split, 1/2 at planting and 1/2 at knee height stage. One composite soil sample before planting from experimental site and again one composite sample from each experimental unit were taken after harvest to analyze soil chemical parameters following appropriate laboratory procedure. Liming showed a positive significant difference on pH-H2O, pH-buffer, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and exchangeable bases but it had an inverse and significant effect on exchangeable acidity (EA). However, it didn't show any significant difference on soil C and N. Grain and above-ground biomass of maize yields had significant differences among treatments. The highest grain and biomass yields (7719 and 18180.6 kg ha−1, respectively) were obtained from application of broad cast method while the lowest (6479 and 15004.6 kg ha−1, respectively) were obtained from control treatment. Drill lime application method provided better efficiency with over 200% cost reduction advantage compared to the broadcast method to ameliorate the same level of acidity. Application of 3.5 tons ha−1 lime in the drilling method is recommendable to ameliorate soil acidity. However, from an economic point of view, application of 0.12 tons ha−1 lime applied in the micro-dosing method is more profitable due to low variable cost.

The role of cystatin C and various methods of glomerular filtration rate calculation in evaluation of renal dysfunction in children with acute infectious diarrhea

Rationale: Acute infectious diarrhea (AID) is the fourth leading cause of death among children &lt; 5 years worldwide. Kidney damage is one of the poorly studied aspects of pediatric AID. The level of serum cystatin C is independent on gender and age, and it is highly informative even in the early stages of renal dysfunction.Aim: To optimize diagnosis of renal dysfunction in children with moderate AID through comparison of different methods of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) calculation and determination of serum cystatin C level.Materials and methods: Observational cross-sectional study enrolled 80 children in pediatric hospital with moderate AID not followed by hemolytic uremic syndrome. Serum creatinine and serum cystatin C levels were determined in all the patients in acute period with GFR calculating according to Schwartz equation in unmodified (1976) and modified (2009) versions. GFR was also calculated using a single-factor equation based on serum cystatin C level.Results: GFR in acute period, calculated according to unmodified and to modified Schwartz equation was in patients &lt; 3 years (n = 40) 115.47 ± 3.33 ml/min/1.73 m2and 98.56 ± 2.84 ml/min/1.73 m2(p &lt; 0.001), in patients 3-7 years 132.13 ± 4.2 ml/min/1.73 m2and 108.85 ± 3.84 ml/min/1.73 m2(p &lt; 0.001), respectively. Increased serum cystatin C level (&gt; 950 ng/ml) occurred in 18 patients (22%). In other patients level of serum cystatin C remained within the reference range or lower. The risk of acute kidney injury development based on two indicators - GFR according to the modified Schwartz equation and GFR according to the equation used cystatin C level - occurred in 4 (10%) patients aged 1-3 years and in 1 (2.5%) child in the age group 3-7 years; risk, based on one indicator - the calculation of GFR according to the formula using cystatin C - in 8 (20%) and 9 (22.5%) children, respectively, and based on the assessment of only GFR according to the modified Schwartz equation - in 3 (7.5%) children of both age groups.Conclusion: We have confirmed that the GFR values calculated with usage of unmodified Schwartz equation (1976) are higher than those calculated with usage of modified Schwartz equation (2009) and taking into account the level of cystatin C.Thus, usage of unmodified Schwartz equation for GFR calculation in infants and preschool children seems incorrect. Level of serum cystatin C is promising marker permitted to select patients with risk of acute kidney injury development among children in acute period of moderate AID.

Direct method for the quantitative analysis of surface contamination on ultra-low background materials from exposure to dust

In this work we present a method for the direct determination of contaminant fallout rates on material surfaces from exposure to dust. Naturally occurring radionuclides 40K, 232Th, 238U and stable Pb were investigated. Until now, background contributions from dust particulate have largely been estimated from fallout models and assumed dust composition. Our method utilizes a variety of low background collection media for exposure in locations of interest, followed by surface leaching and leachate analysis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The method was validated and applied in selected locations at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and the SNOLAB underground facility. A comparison between data obtained from direct ICP-MS measurements and those estimated from current model-based predictors is also performed. Discrepancies of one order of magnitude or higher are observed between estimated and directly measured accumulation rates.

Study on Method for Simultaneous Determination of Ambient Dose Equivalent Rates and Activity Concentration in Air for Environmental Radiation Monitoring

Study on Method for Simultaneous Determination of Ambient Dose Equivalent Rates and Activity Concentration in Air for Environmental Radiation Monitoring

The Application of Full Spectrum Analysis to NaI(Tl) Gamma Spectrometry for the Determination of Burial Dose Rates

In this study, we explored the potential of a NaI(Tl) scintillator-based gamma spectrometer for the accurate determination of burial dose rates in natural geological samples using a full spectrum analysis (FSA) approach. In this method, an iterative reweighted least-square regression is used to fit calibration standard spectra (&lt;sup&gt;40&lt;/sup&gt;K, and &lt;sup&gt;238&lt;/sup&gt;U and &lt;sup&gt;232&lt;/sup&gt;Th series in equilibrium) to the sample spectrum, after subtraction of an appropriate background. The resulting minimum detection limits for &lt;sup&gt;40&lt;/sup&gt;K, &lt;sup&gt;238&lt;/sup&gt;U, and &lt;sup&gt;232&lt;/sup&gt;Th are 4.8, 0.4 and 0.3 Bq·kg&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;, respectively (for a 0.23 kg sample); this is one order of magnitude lower than those obtained with the three-window approach previously reported by us, and well below the concentrations found in most natural sediments. These improved values are also comparable to those from high-resolution HPGe gamma spectrometry. Almost all activity concentrations of &lt;sup&gt;40&lt;/sup&gt;K, &lt;sup&gt;238&lt;/sup&gt;U, and &lt;sup&gt;232&lt;/sup&gt;Th from 20 measured natural samples differ by ≤5% from the high resolution spectrometry values; the average ratio of dose rates derived from our NaI(Tl) spectrometer to those from HPGe spectrometry is 0.993 ± 0.004 (n=20). We conclude that our scintillation spectrometry system employing FSA is a useful alternative laboratory method for accurate and precise determination of burial dose rates at a significantly lower cost than high resolution gamma spectrometry.

A model based new method for injection rate determination

This paper presents a detailed model of a common rail diesel injector and its validation using injection rate measurement. A new method is described for injector nozzle flowrate determination using simulation and measurement tools. The injector model contains fluid dynamic, mechanic and electro-magnetic systems, describing all-important internal processes and also includes the injection rate meter model. Injection rate measurements were made using the Bosch method, based on recording the pressure traces in a length of fuel during injections. Comparing the results of the simulated injection rate meter, simulated injector orifice flow and injection rate measurements, the simulated and measured injection rates showed good conformity. In addition to this, the difference between nozzle flow rate and the measured flow rate is pointed out in different operating points, proving, that the results of a Bosch type injection rate measurements cannot be directly used for model validation. However, combining injector, injection rate meter simulation and measurement data, the accurate nozzle flow rate can be determined, and the model validated.

Optimization of chevron-notched short bar specimen configuration for determination of the fracture toughness and crack growth rate of aluminum alloys

The goal of the study is optimization of the fracture toughness determination procedure on the samples with a chevron notch. Well-known principles of fracture mechanics are used to determine the geometry of a specimen with a chevron notch, which ensures the independence of the stress intensity factor from the crack length in the range sufficient for its practical application. A requirement to the shape of the dependence «compliance – crack length» is formulated for a chevron-notched specimen. The choice of the cross-sectional shape of the specimen with a chevron notch, the geometric dimensions of the specimen, and the drawing of the gripping device are justified. The formula for calculation of the fracture toughness from the maximum test load and thickness of the specimen is derived and experimentally validated. The results of the fracture toughness tests of the samples with a chevron notch and standard samples are compared for a number of aluminum alloys. The data on the scale factor in the range of a sample thicknesses of 12.5, 25, and 50 mm and variation coefficient obtained upon the fracture toughness determination revealed the absence of the significant effect of the scale factor, 6% variation under the normal law of the fracture toughness distribution in the tests of chevron-notched specimens. The results on the fracture toughness distribution in the height of the thick plates of alloys 1163T1 and V95pchT2 are presented. The temperature dependence of the fracture toughness of the plate (alloy 1201T1) are constructed for chevron-notched specimens within a temperature range of –196 – +200°C. The features of using chevron-notched specimens for determination of the crack growth rate attributed to independence of the stress intensity factor at the crack tip on crack length are considered in a rather wide range. The method of the crack growth rate determination is described and the results of assessing d a /d N – Δ K for an aluminum alloy plate 1163T are presented. The simplicity and reliability of the methods for determination of the fracture toughness and fracture growth rate (fatigue, creep, corrosion) on chevron-notched specimen of the proposed geometry allow us to recommend them for control tests and research in various test conditions.

ANFIS-based model for predicting actual shear rate associated with wall slip phenomenon

Wall slip can be defined as a phenomenon in the flow of suspensions due to the movement of particles away from the wall boundary, leaving a thin liquid rich layer adjacent to the wall. It should be taken into consideration in material designing, manufacturing and transportation as it may cause inaccurate rheological measurements such as shear rate and viscosity. The apparent (measured) shear rate is higher than the actual shear rate. The traditional method for actual shear rate determination is not efficient from the perspective of time and cost consumption. Therefore, there is a need to develop a mathematical model that is able to detect the complex pattern of the actual shear rate and accurately predict its value based on the available measured input variables. Volumetric concentration, particle size, temperature and shear stress are selected as the input, while the actual shear rate is kept as output while designing the architecture of ANFIS model. Sixteen ANFIS models with different architecture were designed and evaluated using different statistical indices. Model XVI with number of membership function equal to 3, input product of two sigmoid membership function, output linear membership function type integrated with hybrid optimization method appears to be the most suitable model architecture for predicting the actual shear rate.

The Aging Studies of the Low HCl Content Composite Rocket Propellant

AbstractThis paper presents technological research on the storage time of a composite rocket propellant with a low HCl content in combustion products, based on sodium nitrate. For research were prepared and casted in laboratory scale, a composite rocket propellant based on sodium nitrate and HTPB system, and as the reference sample, the classic composite rocket propellants based on the HTPB/AP system. Both propellants have been subjected to laboratory‐scale aging in accordance with the STANAG accelerated aging protocol, by 5 and 10 years. For each propellant, aged and not aged, parameters such as calorific value, hardness, sensitivity to the mechanical stimuli and decomposition temperature were determined. For the ballistic evaluation of the investigated propellants, the Laboratory Rocket Motor technique with the indirect burning rate determination method, was used. Based on the obtained data, was found that the composite rocket propellants based on sodium nitrate are technological and can be used in the rocket propulsion applications.

Experimental study on diesel engine exhaust gas recirculation performance and optimum exhaust gas recirculation rate determination method.

In order to study the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) performance of marine diesel engines, a venturi high-pressure EGR device was established to overcome the exhaust gas reflow problem based on a certain type of turbocharged diesel engine. The EGR performance test is accomplished and an optimal EGR decision-making optimization method based on grey correlation coefficient modified is proposed. The results show that the venturi tube EGR can basically meet the injection requirements of high-pressure exhaust gas and achieve good results. Through the venturi tube EGR, the NOX emissions reduce significantly with the maximum drop of 30.6%. The explosive pressure in cylinder reduces with the EGR rate increases and the cylinder pressure curve shows a single peak at low-speed conditions and double peaks at high-speed condition. However, the fuel consumption rate, NOX and smoke have been negatively affected. Due to small samples, the traditional evaluation method is difficult to determine the optimal EGR rate reasonably, while the proposed method can effectively solve this problem. It can weaken the shortcomings of subjective judgement and greatly improve the rationality of decision-making results.

Real-time monitoring and control of nitride growth rates by Metal Modulated Epitaxy

The standard method for growth rate determination in semiconductor thin films, by Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE), is through RHEED intensity oscillations prior to device layer epitaxy. High quality III-Nitride epitaxy occurs with metal-rich surfaces and under step-flow growth conditions, which do not produce RHEED oscillations. This article demonstrates the capability to monitor the growth rate of gallium nitride (GaN), at any point during film growth with high fidelity, under step-flow growth conditions. RHEED intensity vs. time measurements determine the growth rate by Metal Modulated Epitaxy (MME). Utilizing differential analysis, a factor of 2x improvement in accuracy is demonstrated, with a Standard Error less than 4%. Complementary analysis with X-Ray Diffraction and RHEED identify the Ga bilayer thickness as 2.34 ML ± 0.08 ML, representing the first time RHEED analysis has been used to characterize the thickness of the Ga bilayer on GaN.

In-vessel calibration of JET neutron detectors: Comparison of methods of neutron emission rate determination

A second Deuterium-Tritium Experimental Campaign (DTE2) at JET is planned for 2020 in which up to 1.7∙1021 DT neutrons could be produced. They will be measured by two neutron yield monitoring systems installed at JET: firstly a fission chamber system (KN1) and secondly the activation system (KN2). These systems were absolutely calibrated in 2017 using a characterized ING-17 DT neutron generator (NG) as the calibration neutron source. The neutron yield of the NG during this calibration experiment was measured at defined positions from a number of dosimetric foil activation measurements. The neutron emission rates of the NG were derived using these measurements together with results from a detailed MCNP model of the NG and its neutron source properties, and from two calculation methodologies to account for nuclide creation and decay during irradiation and cooling times. The method of neutron emission rate determination based on activation measurements and FISPACT-II simulations is described here. The comparison of results obtained for two methods of neutron emission rate determination is also presented and discussed. The impact of the applied cross section library on the computed neutron emission rate of the NG has been investigated and presented in this paper.

Feed Rate Determination Method for Tool Path Interpolation Considering Piecewise-Continued Machining Segments with Cornering Errors and Kinematic Constraints

Feed Rate Determination Method for Tool Path Interpolation Considering Piecewise-Continued Machining Segments with Cornering Errors and Kinematic Constraints

Numerical study on the mechanical behavior of a polyurethane adhesive under high strain rate

The cohesive parameters of a polyurethane (PU) adhesive are experimentally tested under different strain rate conditions. As the strain rate of this adhesive is constantly changing under the actual impact conditions, this paper proposes a method, called weighted average strain rate method, to determine the effective strain rate of the adhesive under the high strain rate condition for numerical simulation. Based on this method, the relationship between cohesive parameters and the determined effective strain rate is established and a strain rate-dependent cohesive constitutive model of the adhesive is developed and implemented into commercial finite element analysis software via a subroutine. The model is calibrated and verified against experimental data for double cantilever beam (DCB), end notched flexure (ENF) tests and thick adherend shear tests (TAST). Finally, impact tensile shear test and numerical analysis on composite single-lap joints at high loading rates are carried out to validate the reliability of the subroutine. By comparing the FEA results with experimental results, a good agreement is achieved which proves the effectiveness of the strain rate determination method and the subroutine.