1,506 research outputs found
Microscopy; Reports outline microscopy research from Multimedia University
No full text"However, many of these interpolation methods tend to smooth or blur out image details around the edges (see also Microscopy). In the present study, a Lagrange time delay estimation interpolator method is proposed and this method only requires a small filter order and has no noticeable estimation bias," wrote K.S. Sim and colleagues, Multimedia University
Microscopy; Studies from Multimedia University add new findings in the area of microscopy
No full text"Compared to some of the conventional histogram equalization methods, such as bi-histogram equalization and recursive mean-separate histogram equalization, the proposed ECS method yields better image compensation (see also Microscopy). Diode sample chips with insulating and conductive surfaces are used as test samples to evaluate the efficiency of the developed algorithm," wrote K.S. Sim and colleagues, Multimedia University
Microscopy; New findings from Multimedia University describe advances in microscopy
No full text"A mixed La mange time delay estimation auto-regression (MLTDEAR)- based interpo lator is used to provide an estimate of noise variance to a standard Wiener filter. A variety of images are captured and the performance of the filter is shown to surpass the conventional noise filters," wrote K.S. Sim and colleagues, Multimedia University
The impact of accretion disc winds on the optical spectra of cataclysmic variables
No full textMany high-state non-magnetic cataclysmic variables (CVs) exhibit blueshifted absorption or P-Cygni profiles associated with ultraviolet (UV) resonance lines. These features imply the existence of powerful accretion disc winds in CVs. Here, we use our Monte Carlo ionization and radiative transfer code to investigate whether disc wind models that produce realistic UV line profiles are also likely to generate observationally significant recombination line and continuum emission in the optical waveband. We also test whether outflows may be responsible for the single-peaked emission line profiles often seen in high-state CVs and for the weakness of the Balmer absorption edge (relative to simple models of optically thick accretion discs). We find that a standard disc wind model that is successful in reproducing the UV spectra of CVs also leaves a noticeable imprint on the optical spectrum, particularly for systems viewed at high inclination. The strongest optical wind-formed recombination lines are H alpha and He ii lambda 4686. We demonstrate that a higher density outflow model produces all the expected H and He lines and produces a recombination continuum that can fill in the Balmer jump at high inclinations. This model displays reasonable verisimilitude with the optical spectrum of RW Trianguli. No single-peaked emission is seen, although we observe a narrowing of the double-peaked emission lines from the base of the wind. Finally, we show that even denser models can produce a single-peaked H alpha line. On the basis of our results, we suggest that winds can modify, and perhaps even dominate, the line and continuum emission from CVs.</p
Testing quasar unification: radiative transfer in clumpy winds
No full textVarious unification schemes interpret the complex phenomenology of quasars and luminous active galactic nuclei (AGN) in terms of a simple picture involving a central black hole, an accretion disc and an associated outflow. Here, we continue our tests of this paradigm by comparing quasar spectra to synthetic spectra of biconical disc wind models, produced with our state-of-the-art Monte Carlo radiative transfer code. Previously, we have shown that we could produce synthetic spectra resembling those of observed broad absorption line (BAL) quasars, but only if the X-ray luminosity was limited to 1043 erg s-1. Here, we introduce a simple treatment of clumping, and find that a filling factor of ~0.01 moderates the ionization state sufficiently for BAL features to form in the rest-frame UV at more realistic X-ray luminosities. Our fiducial model shows good agreement with AGN X-ray properties and the wind produces strong line emission in, e.g., Lyα and CIV 1550 Å at low inclinations. At high inclinations, the spectra possess prominent LoBAL features. Despite these successes, we cannot reproduce all emission lines seen in quasar spectra with the correct equivalent-width ratios, and we find an angular dependence of emission line equivalent width despite the similarities in the observed emission line properties of BAL and non-BAL quasars. Overall, our work suggests that biconical winds can reproduce much of the qualitative behaviour expected from a unified model, but we cannot yet provide quantitative matches with quasar properties at all viewing angles. Whether disc winds can successfully unify quasars is therefore still an open question
The Experience of Discursive Problematization of the Axiomatics of Revolution (K.S. Aksakov)
No full textIntroduction. This article discusses the ideas about the revolution, the Russian people and the state in the works of Konstantin Sergeevich Aksakov. K.S. Aksakov was a well-known Russian publicist, literary critic, poet and one of the main ideologists of Slavophilism. Over the years, many researchers of Russian philosophy and history have shown interest in his legacy, noting his originality and incredible love for Russia. The purpose of this article is to analyze and highlight the views of Konstantin Aksakov on the revolution - as a reflection on the events that took place in Europe and the Russian Empire during his life and work.Methodology and sources. The results of the study were based on the textual and conceptual analysis of the works of K.S. Aksakov. The main sources were journalistic notes, essays and letters.Results and discussion. Based on the analysis of historical and philosophical sources, the author of the article comes to the conclusion that for a comprehensive analysis and complete understanding of the idea of revolution in the works of K.S. Aksakov, it is necessary to closely study the key concepts of his philosophical views on Russia, the Russian people, the state and their relationship. Conclusion. For K.S. Aksakov's revolution is an exclusively Western phenomenon. The very idea of revolution is extraneous to the Russian people, since the Russian people themselves chose the state for themselves and entered into an equal alliance with it, seeking to protect themselves from any state activity in order to stay in the process of moral and spiritual improvement
Western business and expatriates in China. Rethinking reciprocity, practical lessons and reflection (heruitgave)
No full textRethinking identity through Hindu spirituality in K.S Maniam's novels
No full textIn one of his essays, K.S Maniam, a Malaysian Literature in English author states that
his literary works “attempt to bring the precision of the English language to the
versatility and depth of Hindu mythology and spirituality” (“Fiction into Fact” 264).
Despite his assertion, the role of Hindu spirituality in his works especially in relation to
the Malaysian Indian identity construction remains little studied. Past studies tend to
approach identity in Maniam’s works using the post-colonial theory and focus mainly
on the politics of identity construction. Hitherto, the discussion of identity in Maniam’s
works is limited to the political and sociological realms. Therefore, my thesis attempts
to go beyond these realms by suggesting an alternative discourse of identity through
spirituality. My central argument is that spirituality plays a significant role in identity
construction in K.S Maniam’s novels. To address this, I employ Advaita Vedanta, an
Indian philosophy as a theoretical framework in order to highlight an alternative
rendering of identity in Maniam’s novels. Advaita Vedanta’s conception of identity
rests on monistic and undifferentiated whole called Atman (True Self) which can only
be achieved when a person transcends subject-object dichotomy. Advaita Vedanta’s
accentuation of “non-duality” is revolutionary as it restructures the concepts relevant to
identity such as one’s sense of selfhood, one’s relationship with the world, and one’s
perception and experience of reality. I analyse all of Maniam’s novels which are The
Return (1981), In a Far Country (1993), and Between Lives (2003) and show how his
works reflect the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta. Maniam incorporates this Indian
philosophy into his works by means of literary motifs such as self-reflexivity, rites-ofpassages,
rituals, disruptions of temporal/spatial linearity, and mystical experiences.
These motifs highlight how spirituality informs identity construction in Maniam’s
novels. My thesis shows that spirituality in KS Maniam’s novels is transformative in
three ways. Firstly, spirituality revolutionizes the way the characters perceive and
comprehend the notion of “self” and “reality”. Secondly, spirituality depathologizes the
characters’ existential crises. And thirdly, spirituality renews human relations as it
emphasizes the importance of upholding moral and ethical duties, compassion, and
empathy. To conclude this study, I reiterate that spirituality provides a more
paradigmatic discourse of identity and at the same time allows K.S Maniam to
articulate his creative and intellectual voice as a Malaysian Indian author
Author Correction: New perspectives on Neanderthal dispersal and turnover from Stajnia Cave (Poland)
No full textThe Author contributions section now reads:“W.N., A.N. and S.T. designed research; A.P., M.H., W.N., S.B., M.U., A.M., H.F., M.D.B., P.S., K.S., M.Ż., A.W., A.N. and S.T. performed research; A.P., M.H., W.N., S.B., M.U., A.M., H.F., M.D.B., P.S., K.S., M.Ż., A.W., A.N. and S.T. analysed data; A.P., M.H., S.T., W.N. and S.B. wrote the paper with the collaboration of all the co-authors.
The reverberation signatures of rotating disc winds in active galactic nuclei
No full textThe broad emission lines (BELs) in active galactic nuclei (AGN) respond to ionizing continuum variations. The time and velocity dependence of their response depends on the structure of the broad-line region: its geometry, kinematics and ionization state. Here, we predict the reverberation signatures of BELs formed in rotating accretion disc winds. We use a Monte Carlo radiative transfer and ionization code to predict velocity-delay maps for representative high- (C) and low-ionization (H) emission lines in both high- and moderate-luminosity AGN. Self-shielding, multiple scattering and the ionization structure of the outflows are all self-consistently taken into account, while small-scale structure in the outflow is modelled in the micro-clumping approximation. Our main findings are: (1) The velocity-delay maps of smooth/micro-clumped outflows often contain significant negative responses. (2)~The reverberation signatures of disc wind models tend to be rotation dominated and can even resemble the classic "red-leads-blue" inflow signature. (3) Traditional "blue-leads-red" outflow signatures can usually only be observed in the long-delay limit. (4) Our models predict lag-luminosity relationships similar to those inferred from observations, but systematically underpredict the observed centroid delays. (5) The ratio between "virial product" and black hole mass predicted by our models depends on viewing angle. Our results imply that considerable care needs to be taken in interpreting data obtained by observational reverberation mapping campaigns. In particular, basic signatures such as "red-leads-blue", "blue-leads-red" and "blue and red vary jointly" are not always reliable indicators of inflow, outflow or rotation. This may help to explain the perplexing diversity of such signatures seen in observational campaigns to date
- …
