Visual prey detection by near-infrared cues in a fish

Many animal species are able to perceive light wavelengths beyond those visible to humans. While numerous species are additionally sensitive to short wavelengths (UV), long wavelengths such as the near-infrared spectrum (NIR) are supposed to be unsuitable for visual perception. Here, we experimentally show that under exclusive NIR illumination, the cichlid fish Pelvicachromis taeniatus displays a clear foraging response towards NIR reflecting prey. Additional control experiments without prey indicate that the observed behavior is not a mere response to the NIR environment. These results give first evidence for NIR visual sensitivity in a functional context and thus challenge the current view about NIR perception.     

城市再生水景观利用水华识别和预警方法探讨

城市再生水景观回用的主要问题是水体富营养化导致水华的暴发。为了抑制藻类的大规模生长,需要提前采取预防措施,以便将有可能爆发水华的藻类及时杀死或除去。目前,人们已经对景观水体中常见藻类的生长规律做了深入的研究,发现水体中藻数量(藻密度)的多少与水体的pH值和DO值的变化有密切而相对稳定的关系。通过在线实时监控pH值和DO值,找到△pH、△DO与藻类生长之间的关系,并结合pH、DO、温度、正磷酸盐和总氮等指标,实现实时识别和预测水华爆发的目的。     

Design and evaluation of an atomization-based cutting fluid spray system in turning of titanium alloy

Tool life has been a vital issue in machining titanium alloys. Recently, an atomization-based cutting fluid (ACF) application has been found to be an effective approach for cooling and lubrication in micromachining operations. In this study, an ACF spray system is developed for macro-scale turning of Ti–6Al–4V. The spray system is designed to minimize interaction between the fluid droplets, and the gas nozzle to control the divergence of the fluid droplets. Experiments are conducted to study the effect of five specific ACF spray parameters including fluid flow rate, spray distance, impingement angle, and type and pressure level of the droplet carrier gas on cutting forces, tool life, and chip characteristics. It has been observed that the combination of lower pressure (150 psi) air-mixed CO₂ with a higher flow rate (20 ml/min) and a larger spray distance (35 mm) produces a significantly longer tool life and broken chips. The results also reveal that the ACF spray system can extend tool life up to 40–50% over flood cooling.