Farthest-point queries with geometric and combinatorial constraints

In this paper we discuss farthest-point problems in which a set or sequence S of n points in the plane is given in advance and can be preprocessed to answer various queries efficiently. First, we give a data structure that can be used to compute the point farthest from a query line segment in O(log²n) time. Our data structure needs O(nlogn) space and preprocessing time. To the best of our knowledge no solution to this problem has been suggested yet. Second, we show how to use this data structure to obtain an output-sensitive query-based algorithm for polygonal path simplification. Both results are based on a series of data structures for fundamental farthest-point queries that can be reduced to each other.     

A new kinetic approach to flowing chemical systems with linearly dependent reactions

A new kinetic approach to flowing chemical system is introduced, based on the elimination of reaction extents attached to linearly dependent reactions. The method is applied to analyze the propagation of acoustic waves in a reacting chemical mixture.

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Dynamics of shock induced ignition in Fickett’s model: Influence of χ

Using Fickett’s model for reactive compressible flows, i.e., the reactive form of Burgers’ equation, we address the problem of shock induced ignition by a piston in a reactive medium characterized by a 2 step induction-reaction kinetics. Owing to the model’s simplicity, the ignition and acceleration mechanism is explained using the two families of characteristics admitted by the model. The energy release along the particle paths provides the amplification of forward-traveling pressure waves. These waves pre-compress the medium in the induction layer ahead of the reaction zone, therefore changing the induction delays of successive particles. The variation of the induction delay provides the modulation of the amplification of the forward traveling pressure waves by controlling the residence time of the pressure waves in the reaction zone. A closed form analytical solution is obtained by the method of characteristics and high activation energy asymptotics. The acceleration of the reaction zone was found to be proportional to the product of the activation energy, the ratio of the induction to reaction time and the heat release. This finding provides a theoretical justification for the previous use of this non-dimensional number to characterize the ignition regimes observed experimentally in detonations and shock induced ignition phenomena. Numerical simulations are presented and analyzed. Both subsonic and supersonic internal flame propagation are observed, consistent with experiment and previous reactive Euler models.     

Certification of nitrate in spinach powder reference material SPIN-1 by high-precision isotope dilution GC–MS

A high-precision exact-matching quadruple isotope dilution method (ID⁴MS) was employed for the quantitation of nitrate in an air-dried spinach powder Certified Reference Material (CRM). The analyte was extracted in hot water following addition of ¹⁵NO\({}_{3}^{-}\) internal standard. The blend was then treated with sulfamic acid to remove nitrite and with triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate to promote aqueous conversion of nitrate into volatile EtONO₂. The derivative was analyzed by headspace GC–MS with 3-min elution time. The method performance was validated with a series of tests which demonstrated adequate selectivity and ruggedness. This method supported the development of novel SPIN-1 CRM giving a modest contribution to its uncertainty (u_char = 0.85%). With respect to previous attempts, the SPIN-1 was proven stable, homogeneous (u_hom = 0.44%), and suitable for spinach monitoring under EU regulations. On dried basis, the nitrate content of SPIN-1 was found to be 22.53 ± 0.43 mg/g (U_c = 1.9%, k = 2). The material was also used in an inter-laboratory study where four laboratories employed a total of ten measurement methods.

SPIN-1 Certified Reference Material for nitrate in spinach powder

     

Liquid Injection Field Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry of Cyclic Metal Carbonyl Complexes with Tetra-Antimony Ligands

Reactions of (norbornadiene)Cr(CO)₄ or cis-(piperidine)₂Mo(CO)₄ with R₂Sb-SbR₂, and cyclo-(R′Sb)_n (R′ = Et, n-Pr; n = 4, 5) give the complexes cyclo-[M(CO)₄(R₂Sb-SbR′- SbR′-SbR₂)] (1: M = Cr, R = Me, R′= Et; 2: M = Mo, R = Et, R′ = Et; 3: M = Mo, R = Et, R′ = n-Pr). Not accessible to established characterization methods, the oily, extremely reactive unpurified mixture of 3 with scrambled ligands was characterized by mass spectrometry using liquid injection field desorption ionization (LIFDI).      

Reliability and performances of a high-purity gamma spectrometry system used for environmental measurements

Proficiency testing is among the most methods to assess the accuracy of the analytical data produced by laboratories. The results presented in this paper show the performance of the laboratory for three intercomparisons organized by Radionuclide Metrology Laboratory (RML) and by IAEA, in which SALMROM laboratory have participated in three consecutive years. The feedbacks from the final reports from RML and IAEA demonstrate the performance of the laboratory where 34 out of 39 pass all acceptance criteria of the test. The rest of five results which failed served to improve the laboratory analysis and to optimize accuracy measurements. The overall results of the proficiency tests point out the reliability and traceability of the gamma spectrometry system used for environmental measurements.     

Photonic band gap architectures for holographic lithography

Using symmetry considerations, we identify three families of large photonic band-gap (PBG) architectures defined by the isointensity surfaces of four beam laser interference. For particular choices of beam intensities, directions, and polarizations, we obtain a diamondlike crystal, a novel body-centered cubic architecture, and a simple cubic structure with PBG to center frequency ratios of 25%, 21%, and 11%, respectively, when the isointensity surface defines a silicon (dielectric constant of 11.9) to air boundary.