Using modelling tools to optimise the calculation and subsequent reduction of cable distortion parameters with application to oil well logging systems

This paper discusses how the use of computer-based modelling tools has aided the design of a telemetry unit for use with oil well logging. With the aid of modern computer-based simulation techniques, the new design is capable of operating at data rates of 2.5 times faster than previous designs.

From CAD to virtual reality: modelling approaches, data exchange and interactive 3D building design tools

Virtual reality has the potential to improve visualisation of building design and construction, but its implementation in the industry has yet to reach maturity. Present day translation of building data to virtual reality is often unidirectional and unsatisfactory. Three different approaches to the creation of models are identified and described in this paper. Consideration is given to the potential of both advances in computer-aided design and the emerging standards for data exchange to facilitate an integrated use of virtual reality. Commonalities and differences between computer-aided design and virtual reality packages are reviewed, and trials of current system, are described. The trials have been conducted to explore the technical issues related to the integrated use of CAD and virtual environments within the house building sector of the construction industry and to investigate the practical use of the new technology.

Holocene palaeoenvironmental history and the impact of prehistoric salt production in the Seille Valley, Eastern France

The Seille Valley in eastern France was home to one of Europe’s largest Iron Age salt industries. Sedimentology, palynology and geochronology have been integrated within ongoing archaeological investigations to reconstruct the Holocene palaeoenvironmental history of the Seille Valley and to elucidate the human–environment relationship of salt production. A sedimentary model of the valley has been constructed from a borehole survey of the floodplain and pollen analyses have been undertaken to reconstruct the vegetation history. Alluvial records have been successfully dated using optically stimulated luminescence and radiocarbon techniques, thereby providing a robust chronological framework. The results have provided an insight into the development of favourable conditions for salt production and there is evidence in the sedimentary record to suggest that salt production may have taken place during the mid-to-late Bronze Age. The latter has yet to be identified in the archaeological record and targeted excavation is therefore underway to test this finding. The development of the Iron Age industry had a major impact on the hydrological regime of the valley and its sedimentological history, with evidence for accelerated alluviation arising from floodplain erosion at salt production sites and modification of the local fluvial regime due to briquetage accumulation on the floodplain. This research provides an important insight into the environmental implications of early industrial activities, in addition to advancing knowledge about the Holocene palaeoenvironmental and social history of this previously poorly studied region of France.

Prediction of processed cheese instrumental texture and meltability by mid-infrared spectroscopy coupled with chemometric tools

The objective of this study was to determine the potential of mid-infrared spectroscopy coupled with multidimensional statistical analysis for the prediction of processed cheese instrumental texture and meltability attributes. Processed cheeses (n = 32) of varying composition were manufactured in a pilot plant. Following two and four weeks storage at 4 degrees C samples were analysed using texture profile analysis, two meltability tests (computer vision, Olson and Price) and mid-infrared spectroscopy (4000-640 cm(-1)). Partial least squares regression was used to develop predictive models for all measured attributes. Five attributes were successfully modelled with varying degrees of accuracy. The computer vision meltability model allowed for discrimination between high and low melt values (R-2 = 0.64). The hardness and springiness models gave approximate quantitative results (R-2 = 0.77) and the cohesiveness (R-2 = 0.81) and Olson and Price meltability (R-2 = 0.88) models gave good prediction results. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved..