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A method is proposed for analyzing key comparison data. It is based on the assumption that each laboratory participating in the comparison exercise obtains independent and consistent estimates of the measurand and that, in addition, each laboratory provides an estimate of the quantity that collects all systematic effects that the laboratory took into account. The unknown value of the latter quantity, subtracted from its estimate, is defined as the laboratory's bias. The uncertainties associated with the estimates of the measurand and with the vanishing biases' estimates are also assumed to be reported. In this paper, we show that the information provided in this way may be of help for judging the performances of the laboratories in their correction of systematic effects. This is done by developing formulas for the final (consensus) estimates and uncertainties of the measurand and of the biases. Formulas for the final estimates and uncertainties of the pairwise differences between the biases are also developed. An example involving simulated key comparison data makes apparent the benefits of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Standard analyses of neurophysiologically evoked response data rely on signal averaging across many epochs associated with specific events. The amplitudes and latencies of these averaged events are subsequently interpreted in the context of the given perceptual, motor, or cognitive tasks. Can such critical timing properties of event-related responses be recovered from single-trial data? Here, we make use of the M100 latency paradigm used in previous magnetoencephalography (MEG) research to evaluate a novel single-trial analysis approach. Specifically, the latency of the auditory evoked M100 varies systematically with stimulus frequency over a well-defined time range (lower frequencies, e.g., 125 Hz, yield up to 25 ms longer latencies than higher frequencies, e.g., 1000 Hz). Here, we show that the complex filtering approach to single-trial analysis recovers this key characteristic of the M100 response, as well as some other important response properties relating to lateralization. The results illustrate (i) the utility of the complex filtering method and (ii) the potential of the M100 latency to be used for stimulus encoding, since the relevant variation can be observed in single trials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, we extend a recently proposed procedure for the analysis of key comparison data to the case where the traveling standard shows a linear drift. The procedure is based on a fixed effects model and assumes that a certain number of the laboratories measure without bias. The analysis is carried out by applying Bayesian model averaging to all possible different models, each assuming zero biases for a different subset of laboratories. The method is applied to the key comparison CCM.P-K12. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nine european national metrology institutes (NMIs) are collaborating in a new project funded by the european metrology research programme (EMRP) to establish traceable dynamic measurement of the mechanical quantities force, pressure, and torque. The aim of this joint research project (JRP) is to develop appropriate calibration methods, mathematical models, and uncertainty evaluation. The duration of the project is 3 years for a global amount of €3.6 million. It began in September 2011. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: At PTB, a new setup for the highly accurate topography measurement of nearly flat optical surfaces is now under construction. The so-called Deflectometric Flatness Reference (DFR) is designed to measure in the direct deflectometric mode by applying an autocollimator and a scanning pentaprism, and in the difference deflectometric mode corresponding to the Extended Shear Angle Difference (ESAD) principle invented by PTB. With the new DFR instrument, horizontally as well as vertically orientated specimens with dimensions of up to 1m and a mass of up to 120kg will be measurable. The design of the new instrument is supported by employing a comprehensive simulation environment developed for dimensional measuring machines. The mechanical and optical concept is illustrated together with the current design of the DFR setup. Results from the simulations are presented to derive requirements for tolerated mechanical stage deviations and alignment accuracies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A recently proposed accelerometer model is applied for determining the accelerometer’s output to transient accelerations. The model consists of a linear, second-order differential equation with unknown coefficients. It is proposed to estimate these model parameters from sinusoidal calibration measurements, and an estimation procedure based on linear least-squares is presented. In addition, the uncertainties associated with the estimated parameters are determined utilizing a Monte Carlo simulation technique. The performance of the proposed modelling approach was tested by its application to calibration measurements of two back-to-back accelerometers (ENDEVCO type 2270 and Brüel & Kjær type 8305). For each of the two accelerometers, the model was first estimated from sinusoidal calibration measurements and then used to predict the accelerometer’s behaviour for two shock calibration measurements. Measured and predicted shock sensitivities were found consistent with differences below 1% in most cases which confirms the benefit of the proposed modelling approach. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]