Simultaneous High Dynamic Range Algorithm, Testing, and Instrument Simulation

Within an imaging instrument’s field of view, there may be many observational targets of interest. Similarly, within a spectrograph’s bandpass, there may be many emission lines of interest. The brightness of these targets and lines can be orders of magnitude different, which poses a challenge to instrument and mission design. A single exposure can saturate the bright emission and/or have a low signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) for faint emission. Traditional high dynamic range (HDR) techniques solve this problem by either combining multiple sequential exposures of varied duration or splitting the light to different sensors. These methods, however, can result in the loss of science capability, reduced observational efficiency, or increased complexity and cost. The simultaneous HDR method described in this paper avoids these issues by utilizing a special type of detector whose rows can be read independently to define zones that are then composited, resulting in areas with short or long exposure measured simultaneously. We demonstrate this technique for the Sun, which is bright on disk and faint off disk. We emulated these conditions in the lab to validate the method. We built an instrument simulator to demonstrate the method for a realistic solar imager and input. We then calculated S/Ns, finding a value of 45 for a faint coronal mass ejection and 200 for a bright one, both at 3.5  ⊙ N —meeting or far exceeding the international standard for digital photography that defines an S/N of 10 as acceptable and 40 as excellent. Future missions should consider this type of hardware and technique in their trade studies for instrument design.

Evaluation of reproductive profile in male albino rats following varied duration of administration with Revive capsule

Background: Revive capsule is a polyherbal formulation commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction or enhance libido in men. Some of the individual herbs used in the formulation of this drug have been known scientifically to affect various biochemical components of the human body; hence this study was aimed at evaluating the reproductive profile in male albino rats following varied duration of administration with Revive capsule. Methods: A total of 42 male albino rats were used for the study, and were divided into six (6) groups of seven (7) rats each. They were allowed to acclimatize for two (2) weeks by maintaining 12-hour light and dark cycles daily, with access to standard feed and water ad libitum. Group A (negative control) rats were administered with distilled water once daily, while groups B, C, D, E and F were administered once daily with 72 mg/kg of Revive capsule for 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks respectively. The rat dose administered was extrapolated from the human dose using the formula by Paget and Barnes. At the end of each treatment week, the rats were allowed to fast overnight, followed by their anaesthetization using chloroform, and blood sample collection via jugular vein puncture. Also, the testes were excised; the epididymis were also excised from the testes and used immediately for semen analysis, while the epididymis-free testes were examined histologically. Rat-specific test kits with ELISA method were used to analyze serum LH, FSH and testosterone.Results: The results showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in serum LH, FSH and testosterone levels, and a significant increase in sperm count and sperm quality parameters in the treatment groups compared to the negative control, with the maximum levels attained after 6 weeks of treatment (group F). Also, photomicrographs of histologically examined testes of the treatment groups appeared indifferent from those of the negative control.Conclusions: These findings may suggest that in using a rat model, treatment with Revive capsule at the appropriate dosage for 6 weeks is safe, and that, besides its acclaimed use in enhancing libido or treating erectile dysfunction, it may also be effective in promoting male fertility.

Simulating lava tube exploration research during analog lunar and Martian missions at HI-SEAS in Hawaii

&lt;p&gt;Lava tube exploration has become an important part of discussions relating to the search for life on Mars by both humans and robots. On Mars, lava tubes may contain biosignatures and existing lifeforms. Alternatively, on the Moon, lava tubes may serve as sheltered environments for the construction of human settlements. Nevertheless, lava tubes can also be difficult environments for robotic operations and they can pose a safety hazard to humans as well. It will thus be extremely important to prepare for lava tube exploration by humans and robots in analog environments on Earth. The Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS) habitat is a lunar and Martian analog research station located on the volcano Mauna Loa in Hawaii. The International MoonBase Alliance (IMA) organises missions at HI-SEAS, during which crews of six analog astronauts perform research and technology testing relevant to the exploration of the Moon and Mars. The missions that take place at HI-SEAS can be of varied duration, from several days to several months, depending on the needs of the researchers. They are open to space agencies, organizations and companies worldwide to take part in, provided their research and technology testing will help contribute to the exploration of the Moon and Mars. Since the HI-SEAS habitat is located on lava flows, its surroundings provide valuable access to performing high-fidelity planetary science fieldwork with very little plant or animal life present, and a wide variety of volcanic features to explore, such as lava tubes, channels, and tumuli. This terrain is also ideal for rover and in situ resource utilization (ISRU) testing because of its great similarity to the basaltic terrains on the Moon and Mars. HI-SEAS crews have performed a number of biochemical and geophysical research projects in the lava tubes accessible to them near the habitat. They explored and collected research samples while wearing Extra-vehicular Activity (EVA) analog spacesuits and following strict EVA protocols. These activities are very challenging for the crew, due to the bulky gloves and EVA equipment they have to wear, while performing precise biochemical research that is sensitive to contamination. The crews also have to take into consideration their safety, their limited life support systems during EVAs and a number of other factors relevant to space exploration missions. Further studies will be needed to assess how best to combine scientific goals with human exploration goals during future human missions, which may use lava tubes as a resource as well as a key site for scientific research.&lt;/p&gt;

Lunar and Mars analogue research performed at the HI-SEAS research station in Hawaii, part of the EuroMoonMars - IMA - HI-SEAS campaigns

&lt;p&gt;As of 2018, the International MoonBase Alliance (IMA), has been organizing regular simulated missions to the Moon and Mars at the Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS) habitat. HI-SEAS is a lunar and Martian analog research station located on the active volcano Mauna Loa in Hawaii. The missions that take place at HI-SEAS can be of varied duration, from several days to several months, depending on the needs of the researchers. They are open to space agencies, organizations and companies worldwide to take part in, provided their research and technology testing will help contribute to the exploration of the Moon and Mars. The crews are supported by a Mission Control Center based on the Big Island of Hawaii as well. A series of EuroMoonMars IMA HI-SEAS (EMMIHS) missions have been taking place at HI-SEAS since 2019. These missions bring together researchers from the European Space Agency (ESA), IMA, the International Lunar Exploration Working Group (ILEWG), European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), VU Amsterdam and many other international organizations. Crews on these missions perform geological, astrobiological and architectural research; technological tests using drones, 3Dprinters and rovers; as well as performing outreach and educational projects. The EMMIHS missions typically last for two weeks each. During this time, the crew is isolated within the HI-SEAS habitat, which they cannot leave without performing EVAs (Extra-Vehicular Activities) in analog space-suits and with the permission of Mission Control. The EMMIHS campaigns aim to increase the awareness about the research and technology testing that can be performed in analogue environments, in order to help humans become multiplanetary species. Furthermore, the research and technological experiments conducted at HI-SEAS are going to be used to help build a Moon base in Hawaii, and ultimately to create an actual Moon base on the Moon, as part of IMA&amp;#8217;s major goals. Future missions at HI-SEAS include more EMMIHS campaigns, collaborative missions with ESA, NASA, University of Hawaii, University of South Florida and with companies, such as SIFT and Ketone Technologies.&lt;/p&gt;

A Method to Analyze Plantar Stiffness Variation in Diabetes Using Myotonometric Measurements

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disease, which has become globally prevalent, and affects a large population in socio-economically backward countries in Asian continent. Chronic diabetes can lead to ulceration in the plantar region and may result in amputation. Assessment of mechanical properties of plantar tissues can aid in early diagnosis of ulceration. Myotonometry, a technique to measure dynamic stiffness, is preferred due to its noninvasiveness, easy employability, and rapid investigation. In this study, an attempt has been made to analyze the changes in biomechanical properties of plantar soft tissue in diabetes. MyotonPro, a handheld device, is used for this purpose. 43 diabetic subjects with varied duration of diabetes are recruited. Site-specific mechanical properties of the plantar region for both the feet are acquired and statistical analysis is performed. Results show that the MyotonPro is able to differentiate the stages of diabetes. It is seen that there is a spatial variability in the mechanical properties of the plantar. Additionally, it is observed that there is a significant increment in the plantar stiffness value in the group with higher diabetic age (p &lt; 0.05). Further, significant changes in dynamic mechanical properties are also observed in submetatarsal region. Additionally, a right–left asymmetry has been observed in frequency and stiffness values for later stages of diabetes. This study demonstrated the feasibility of MyotonPro in discriminating the stages of diabetic period. Thus, the proposed approach could be useful in early diagnosis of foot ulceration for various clinical conditions.

Kinetics Modeling of Straw Bioremediation as Nutrition in Processing Liquid Waste of Oil and Gas

Processing performance of hazardous wastes in Indonesia, mainly produced in mining, energy and mineral industries, is well below target. One suitable technique for processing such waste is bioremediation which utilize microorganism activities. Waste rice straw is one potential substrate which carries and supports the bioremediation microorganisms. Lignin in the straw provides nutrients for bacteria and fungi which enable the production of enzymes to degrade pollutants in the waste. Lignin can also increase interfacial surface tension between hydrophobic and hydrophilic fractions in the waste mixture to facilitate their separation. The objective of this study is to model the kinetic of bioremediation which represent the relation between bioremediation period and reduction rate of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH). The model utilized characterization results of retentate from waste filtration in terms of water content and pH. The bioremediation process involved mixing of waste rice straw and processed liquid waste from a petroleum refinery plant at 1:20 (m/v) ratio for varied duration of 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 days. Results showed that the formation rate of water (measured as moisture content in retentate) which indicate the reduction rate of TPH follows 1.2 order of reaction at rate constant of 0.594 day-1. Prediction of Michaelis-Menten model was also performed. The pH of retentate was 8, and organoleptic test observed the turning of color from turbid yellow into dark brown as well as the disappearance of petroleum oil smell, which demonstrated that the processed waste is safe for the environment.

Effect of Germination Duration on the Chemical Composition, functional and Pasting Properties of Acha Flour and its Potential for Biscuit Production

Germinated acha flour was prepared by washing the acha grain (with tap water), soaking(for 6hours), drained, spread evenly on jute bag to germinate for varied duration(0, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h). The varied germinated grains were dried in a hot air oven at 60oC, milled, sieved and packaged in high density polyethylene. The functional, proximate, pasting, mineral and vitamin properties of the germinated flour were determined using standard laboratory procedures. Biscuit produced from the germinated acha flour were also analysed for physical and sensory properties. Biscuit with 100% wheat flour (WF) serves as a reference sample. The proximate results of the flour showed an increase in protein (15.38% to 12.93%), ash (3.54% to 0.58%), fat (8.08% to 5.12%), crude fibre (0.32% to 0.22%), but decrease in moisture (11.46% to 10.15%), carbohydrate (69.19% to 64.56%) content with increase in germination duration. The pasting properties of the flour, peak viscosity, trough, breakdown, final viscosity, set back, peak time and pasting temperature decreased from 1457.01 to 348.01, 1147.07 to 152.02, 310.01 to 164.02, 3306.02 to 569.01, 2159.02 to 417.02, 5.60 to 5.08 and 1397.44 to 289.17 RVU, respectively, with increase in germination duration. There was remarkable increase in the iron, zinc, vitamin B1and B2 content from 22.02 to 93.24, 49.01 to 69.01, 0.615 to 1.633 and 0.163 to 0.483mg/100g, respectively, and a decrease in the calcium and phosphorus content from 24605.53 to 18498.55 and 1124.94 to 894.960 mg/100g, respectively, with increase in germination time. The weight and spread ratio of the baked germinated acha flour increased from 11.73g to 11.43g and 4.80 to 4.27, respectively, while the break strength and the volume of the same, increased from 2.47 to 2.83kg and 60.43 to 61.58cm3 respectively, with increase (1-5days) in germination duration. All the sensory parameters of the biscuits assessed with exception of taste were accepted and compared favourably with the control (100% wheat biscuit).