Measurement of Energy Spectrum and Elemental Composition of PeV Cosmic Rays: Open Problems and Prospects

Cosmic rays represent one of the most important energy transformation processes of the universe. They bring information about the surrounding universe, our galaxy, and very probably also the extragalactic space, at least at the highest observed energies. More than one century after their discovery, we have no definitive models yet about the origin, acceleration and propagation processes of the radiation. The main reason is that there are still significant discrepancies among the results obtained by different experiments located at ground level, probably due to unknown systematic uncertainties affecting the measurements. In this document, we will focus on the detection of galactic cosmic rays from ground with air shower arrays up to 1018 eV. The aim of this paper is to discuss the conflicting results in the 1015 eV energy range and the perspectives to clarify the origin of the so-called `knee’ in the all-particle energy spectrum, crucial to give a solid basis for models up to the end of the cosmic ray spectrum. We will provide elements useful to understand the basic techniques used in reconstructing primary particle characteristics (energy, mass, and arrival direction) from the ground, and to show why indirect measurements are difficult and results are still conflicting.

A monitoring system for evaluation of COVID-19 infection risk

Monitoring systems allow operators to accomplish the greatest comfort indoors, but, as a rule, the available parameters are not enough to analyse the epidemiological threat in buildings. Due to the pandemic and increasing incidence of the disease, there is a need for monitoring systems that can provide the necessary information to analyse the risk of infection. With timely notification of people about the risks, such a system could not only increase safety in buildings, but also save crucial resources such as the work of medical personnel. This paper presents an example of real-world implementation of a cheap and scalable system to indicate risks and inform people inside. To achieve this, an appropriate set of sensors and communication protocols was selected, and processing of indirect measurements with artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms was carried out on an embedded Jetson Nano computer. Based on the experiments and a review of the literature, the necessary parameters for measurements were selected. Detailed analysis of measured data for risk evaluation is provided in [1].

Evaluation of the Diethylene Glycol Regeneration rate in Gas Fields Based on Indirect Measurements

Gas dehydration in the field is a mandatory procedure before long-distance transportation. In Russia, gas is dried by absorption using diethylene glycol (DEG). Upon absorbing moisture from the raw gas, DEG is regenerated and recycled to dehydration, the quality of which largely depends on the regeneration rate. This indicator is not measured directly at the dehydration plant, and regeneration is controlled discretely based on the periodic laboratory analysis results. The paper describes a virtual analyzer determining the DEG concentration in a real-time mode based on the temperature and DEG consumption measurement results. The regression mathematical model underlying the virtual analyzer has been built based on experimental data obtained at the Yamburg gas condensate field. As part of the gas treatment plant APCS, a virtual analyzer improves the treatment efficiency and reduces the DEG consumption.

VERIFICATION OF FORCE TRANSDUCER FOR DIRECT AND INDIRECT MEASUREMENTS

Paper deals with verification of high load force sensor using the small weight weights. Test band was built for this purpose. Verification of test band were executed using the etalon reference sensor. Small forces were executed via using the direct method through the applying of weights. High forces were executed using the indirect method through the lever amplification of load derived from small weights. Uncertainties of measurement were evaluated.

Indirect Measurements of Acceleration Atelectasis and the Role of Inspired Oxygen Concentrations

BACKGROUND: A growing number of symptom reports suggestive of acceleration atelectasis in fast jet aircrew have raised the question as to whether traditional guidelines on inspired gas composition remain valid. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of inspired O2 concentration on the development of acceleration atelectasis when wearing modern anti-G garments. METHODS: There were 14 nonaircrew subjects who completed 5 centrifuge exposures to +5 Gz lasting 90 s. During exposures subjects breathed a gas mixture containing 21, 35, 45, 60, or 75% O2. To assess the extent of atelectasis post-Gz, forced inspiratory vital capacity (FIVC), regional FIVC (EITFIVC), shunt, respiratory resistance, reactance, and compliance and peripheral O2 saturation during a hypoxic exposure were measured. RESULTS: Compared with baseline, FIVC was not statistically significantly altered. EITFIVC was 14.4% lower after the 75% O2 exposure only with a greater symptom reporting with higher FIO2 in some individuals. A significantly greater shunt (3>6%) followed the 60 and 75% O2 exposures. O2 concentration during Gz had no effect on respiratory resistance, reactance, compliance, or hypoxemia. DISCUSSION: There is evidence of mild acceleration atelectasis present when breathing 60% O2, particularly in susceptible individuals, with 75% O2 causing more obvious physiological compromise. An inspired oxygen concentration of <60% will prevent the majority of individuals from developing acceleration atelectasis. Pollock RD, Gates SD, Radcliffe JJ, Stevenson AT. Indirect measurements of acceleration atelectasis and the role of inspired oxygen concentrations. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2021; 92(10):780785.

Normalization of the permissible error in measuring the mass when controlling the parts of the connecting rod-piston group

The problems related to the standardization of the error in the mass measurements when dividing products into groups and picking according to the difference in mass are considered. On the basis of the theory of probabilities and the basic provisions of metrology, a dependence is obtained to determine the error of the mass difference. Recommendations are given for improving the metrological support of indirect measurements of the mass difference, a formula is determined for calculating the normalized values of errors depending on the tolerances for the mass difference, and criteria for choosing measuring instruments for controlling the mass difference of parts at the stage of completing the connecting rod-piston group during the production and repair of engines are considered. The measurement error is estimated when using preassembly selection of parts by weight. Keywords: quality of measurements, mass measurements, mass difference, indirect measurements, choice of measuring instruments, permissible measurement error, complete set of connecting rod and piston group. [email protected]

Making Inferences from Index Numbers (1860–1914)

Index numbers are indirect measurements as well as composite quantities that present particular inferential challenges to the measurer and their intended audiences. The early history of the use of index numbers in British economics (ca. 1860–1914) shows that making inferences using this measuring instrument was rife with problems. Economists grappled with multiple “inferential gaps” in order to make inferences from index numbers. The extent to which these gaps could be bridged depended on the theoretical frameworks and measurement strategies used. However, it is also evident that some inferential issues confronting economists were ideological or political in nature. Two case studies are examined, Stanley Jevons’s price index and the Board of Trade’s cost-of-living index, that sharpen the focus on the accuracy of index numbers. What did index numbers really capture about the deterioration of the monetary standard or standard of living of the working classes? By situating the index numbers within the broader ecology in which they were constructed, the article shows that making inferences was not just a heuristic process (one that eliminated gaps by getting the estimations right) but a cognitive one as well (one that people could accept as being “fit for purpose”).