X-ray imaging using amorphous selenium: determination of Swank factor by pulse height spectroscopy

The use of photoconductors, especially amorphous selenium (a-Se), in x-ray imaging is currently of interest. A critical performance parameter of an imaging detector is the Swank factor for degradation of the signal to noise ratio, or DQE(0), due to variations in the detector response. The Swank factor is evaluated from measured pulse height spectra generated by the absorption of monoenergetic x-ray photons. The spectra show an additional width over previous theoretical expectations, but the Swank factor is still close to the high values previously predicted theoretically.     

Measurements of rainfall attenuation at 8 and 15 GHz

Measurements of attenuation at frequencies of 8 and 15 GHz, and their correlation with rainfall rate, along a 15.78 km path near Ottawa, are described. Empirical expressions which relate the observed attenuation to the measured rainfall rate are derived and compared with similar expressions obtained on the basis of earlier theoretical studies of the problem. It is concluded that while the theoretical predictions of attenuation in rain are reasonably satisfactory, at least for rains observed at Ottawa, there is a definite tendency for observed attenuations at low rainfall rates to be somewhat higher than the expected values. The cumulative distribution of rainfall attenuation over a six-month period is compared with the attenuation predicted on the basis of average rainfall data obtained during the last five years. Although the agreement between observation and prediction, using the theoretical relation between rainfall rate and attenuation, is good for path attenuations greater than 2 dB, it can be greatly improved if the empirical expression relating rainfall rate to attenuation is used.     

Flat-panel digital radiology with amorphous selenium and active-matrix readout

The influence of respiratory activity of the abdominal muscles on their reaction time in a postural task was evaluated. The electromyographic (EMG) onsets of the abdominal muscles and deltoid were evaluated in response to shoulder flexion initiated by a visual stimulus occurring at random throughout the respiratory cycle. Increased activity of the abdominal muscles was produced by inspiratory loading, forced expiration below functional residual capacity, and a static glottis-closed expulsive maneuver. During quiet breathing, the latency between activation of the abdominal muscles and deltoid was not influenced by the respiratory cycle. When respiratory activity of the abdominal muscles increased, the EMG onset of transversus abdominis and internal oblique, relative to deltoid, was significantly earlier for movements beginning in expiration, compared with inspiration [by 97-107 ms (P < 0.01) and 64-90 ms (P < 0.01), respectively]. However, the onset of transversus abdominis EMG was delayed by 31-54 ms (P < 0.01) when movement was performed during a static expulsive effort, compared with quiet respiration. Thus changes occur in early anticipatory contraction of transversus abdominis during respiratory tasks but they cannot be explained simply by existing activation of the motoneuron pool.     

Logic programming with arrays

Nial is a programming language designed around a mathematical treatment of data as nested arrays. A goal of the research described is to integrate within Nial a functional style of programming based on the theory of arrays with the declarative capabilities of a logic programming environment. This is partially accomplished by storing logic clauses as arrays which can be manipulated using logic clauses. Arrays as terms are considered as part of the syntax of the clauses. The approach to logic programming is based on providing a flexible environment for experimenting with full clausal or Horn clause logic. A variety of predefined control strategies and the capability for user-defined control strategies have been provided. The expressive capabilities of combining logic and functional programming styles provides a suitable language for many application areas. The philosophy and design behind a combined logic/database model used to prototype a knowledge-based systems application are described     

Telecommunications services for rural and remote areas

This article describes the Canadian experience in the development and implementation of service delivery concepts using telecommunications links to people in rural and remote areas. The methods and processes used are discussed. Results of the service development initiatives, particularly in the field of health and education are summarized. Several major conclusions are drawn in the Canadian context and their applicability to developing countries are discussed.