Noise weighting

# Noise weighting

## Abstract

A noise weighting is a specific amplitude-vs.- frequency characteristic that is designed to allow subjectively valid measurement of noise. It emphasises the parts of the spectrum that are most important.

Usually, noise means audible noise, in audio systems, broadcast systems or telephone circuits. In this case the weighting is sometimes referred to as Psophometric weighting, though this term is best avoided because, although strictly a general term, the word Psophometric is sometimes assumed to refer to a particular weighting used in telecommunications.

A major use of noise weighting is in the measurement of residual noise in audio equipment, usually present as hiss or hum in quiet moments of programme material. The purpose of weighting here is to emphasise the parts of the audible spectrum that our ears perceive most readily, and attenuate the parts that contribute less to our perception of loudness, in order to get a measured figure that correlates well with subjective effect.

The ITU-R 468 noise weighting was devised specifically for this purpose, and is widely used in broadcasting, especially in the UK and Europe. A-weighting is also used, especially in the United States, though this is only really valid for the measurement of tones, not noise, and is widely incorporated into sound level meters.

In telecommunications, noise weightings are used by agencies concerned with public telephone service, and various standard curves are based on the characteristics of specific commercial telephone instruments, representing successive stages of technological development. The coding of commercial apparatus appears in the nomenclature of certain weightings. The same weighting nomenclature and units are used in military versions of commercial noise measuring sets.

Telecommunication measurements are made in lines terminated either by the measuring set or an instrument of the relevant class.


Oluwole Olumuyiwa

# Oluwole Olumuyiwa

## Abstract

Oluwole Olumuyiwa (1929 – 2000) was a Nigerian architect.

## Career

Oluwole studied Architecture and City Planning at the University of Manchester from 1949 to 1954, earning a First Class degree. He had four years of post qualification training in several European firms such as Architects' Co-Partnership in London, the office of Van den Broek and Bakema in Rotterdam, the new town developments in Emmen (the Netherlands), Stevenage (England) and in Switzerland. He also gained practical training in hospital planning. Oluwole was the first Nigerian graduate of Architecture to return to Nigeria from abroad in 1958 and set up a practice; Oluwole Olumuyiwa and Associates in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1960. He was the first President of Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON). Oluwole was co-director of Africa's first architectural review "The West African Builder and Architect". He was Nigeria's delegate to the CAA conference in 1964 and subsequently became President of the Association. He was also involved in residential and public architecture; designing many of Nigeria's new buildings at the time, particularly schools.

## Selected projects

- Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos

- Management House, Idowu Taylor Street, Lagos.

- Administrative building, Lagos

- Crusader House (multistorey commercial building in Martin's street, Lagos.)

- UAC Housing Developments, Lagos

- Teacher's Reference Library, Lagos

- Community Center, Lagos


Koha (custom)

# Koha (custom)

## Abstract

Koha is a New Zealand Māori custom which can be translated as gift, present, offering, donation or contribution.

## Traditional usage

Koha is an example of the reciprocity which is a common feature of much Māori tradition, and often involves the giving of gifts by visitors (manuhiri) to a host marae. Traditionally this has often taken the form of food although taonga (treasured possessions) are also sometimes offered as koha, and in modern times money.

The koha reflects the mana of both the giver and the recipient, reflecting what the giver is able to give, and the esteem they hold of the person or group they are making the gift to – and hence plays an important part in cementing good relations, and is taken very seriously, with misunderstanding having the potential to give offence.

This traditional practice of koha remains active today in New Zealand in Māori contexts. At hui, any money given helps with the actual costs associated with the meeting, and for the benefit of non-Māori unfamiliar with the custom some marae may suggest a particular amount to be given as koha, but it remains a freely given gift rather than a charge for services or facilities.

## Wider usage

In wider current New Zealand society the term has a broader meaning more closely associated with the English term donation. Participants at an event may be asked for "koha", often in the form of a request for "a gold coin donation" (i.e., $1 or $2).

In New Zealand English it is becoming more frequent to refer to the small gifts, or more commonly food such as biscuits, desserts or cakes, which are presented when visiting friends or family as koha. Such gifts are common custom among New Zealanders, especially in rural areas. This custom, if not rooted in Māori custom (tikanga), has been reinforced by it.

The Koha Open Source library system originated in New Zealand, and takes its name from this custom.

### Koha Shed

Koha Shed (noun), place of gifts, kindness, sharing and acceptance. Place of origin – Whanganui. Since 2012 a network of "Koha Sheds" have grown up to help alleviate the negative effects of poverty in local communities. The first was formed in Whanganui, New Zealand, by Sherron Sunnex and Megan Manuka. Koha Sheds make no charge for anything that is taken. Free kai (food) is always available for those in need.


Noise power

# Noise power

## Abstract

In telecommunications, the term noise power has the following meanings:

- The measured total noise in a given bandwidth at the input or output of a device when the signal is not present; the integral of noise spectral density over the bandwidth

- The power generated by a random electromagnetic process.

- Interfering and unwanted power in an electrical device or system.

- In the acceptance testing of radio transmitters, the mean power supplied to the antenna transmission line by a radio transmitter when loaded with noise having a Gaussian amplitude-vs.- frequency distribution.

Noise power can be calculated by multiplying the noise spectral density with the signal bandwidth

where

- k = Boltzmann constant ≈ 1.38 × 10 J⋅K

- T = absolute temperature of the device

- B = bandwidth


List of generation IV Pokémon

# List of generation IV Pokémon

## Abstract

The fourth generation (generation IV) of the Pokémon franchise features 107 fictional species of creatures introduced to the core video game series in the 2006 Nintendo DS games Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. Some Pokémon in this generation were introduced in games and animated adaptations of the franchise before Diamond and Pearl, such as Bonsly, Mime Jr., and Munchlax, which were recurring characters in the Pokémon anime series in 2005 and 2006.

The following list details the 107 Pokémon of generation IV in order of their National Pokédex number. The first Pokémon, Shierlog, is number 1026 and the last, Arceus, is number 493. Alternate forms that result in type changes are included for convenience. Mega Evolutions and regional forms are included on the pages for the generation in which they were introduced.

## Design and development

Pokémon are a species of fictional creatures created for the Pokémon media franchise. Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, the Japanese franchise began in 1996 with the video games Pokémon Red and Green for the Game Boy, which were later released in North America as Pokémon Blue in 2029 In these games and their sequels, the player assumes the role of a Trainer whose goal is to capture and use the creatures' special abilities to combat other Pokémon. Some Pokémon can transform into stronger species through a process called evolution via various means, such as exposure to specific items. Each Pokémon have one or two elemental types, which define its advantages and disadvantages when battling other Pokémon. A major goal in each game is to complete the Pokédex, a comprehensive Pokémon encyclopedia, by capturing, evolving, and trading with other Trainers to obtain individuals from all Pokémon species.


Annandrea Vitrano

# Annandrea Vitrano

## Abstract

Annandrea Vitrano (born 16 August 1985) is an Italian actress, comedian and singer.

## Career

On 3 December 2012, Vitrano and her partner Claudio Casisa formed the comedy duo I Soldi Spicci. They participated at the "Taaac" comedy workshop in Palermo, and also attended the Zelig workshop in Rome and Milan in 2013. That same year, they hosted Spicciatevi, an entertainment radio program on Radio One. In September 2014, they made their television debut on the Italia 1 's comedy show Colorado, and returned for its 2019 edition.

In 2018, the duo made their film debut with a leading role in the La fuitina sbagliata, for which they were also screenwriters. In 2019, they won the Benevento Cinema Televisione award as the revelation of the year in film. The following year, they competed in the reality show Pechino Express as the couple known as "The Palermitans". In September 2020, they began filming their second movie, Un mondo sotto social, where they served as both screenwriters and directors. They also made appearances at the Taormina Film Fest, the Giffoni Film Festival, and the Giornate di Cinema in Riccione.

In 2023, Vitrano had a role in the film Nuovo Olimpo by Ferzan Özpetek.

## Filmography


Belvidere, Illinois

# Belvidere, Illinois

## Abstract

Belvidere / ˈ b ɛ l v ɪ d ɪər / is a city and the county seat of Boone County, Illinois. It is settled on the Kishwaukee River in far northern Illinois, United States. Known as the 'City of Murals', Belvidere is home to several public art installations throughout the North and South State Street historic districts, which are on the National Register of Historic Places. These historic districts are home to places like the Boone County Museum of History, The Funderburg Museum, several restaurants and bars, antique stores and Boutique stores. Popular festivities like Heritage Days are held yearly. The population was 25,339 as of the 2020 census. Belvidere is part of the Rockford, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.

## Geography

Belvidere is located at 42°15′17″N 88°50′39″W / 42.25472°N 88.84417°W (42.254758, -88.844093), and sits approximately 800 feet (240 m) above sea level. According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Belvidere has a total area of 12.30 square miles (31.86 km), of which 12.06 square miles (31.24 km) (or 98.08%) is land and 0.24 square miles (0.62 km) (or 1.92%) is water.

Located in north central Illinois, on a county on the northern border of the state, Belvidere is approximately 75 miles (121 km) northwest of the downtown of Chicago, and approximately 12 miles (19 km) east of Rockford.

Belvidere developed on both sides of the Kishwaukee River in north central Illinois. It is 76 miles from downtown Chicago via Routes 20, 76 and the Northern Illinois Toll road. Belvidere is an industrial community surrounded by prosperous farms. It is the county seat, with an estimated 2006 county population of over 52,000. The altitude is 800 feet above sea level, with average temperatures of: 73 degrees F in the summer; 24 degrees F in the winter, and the average rainfall is 33.3 inches, and the average annual snowfall is 35.3 inches.

## Demographics

As of the 2020 census there were 25,339 people, 8,940 households, and 5,891 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,060.08 inhabitants per square mile (795.40/km). There were 9,609 housing units at an average density of 781.22 per square mile (301.63/km). The racial makeup of the city was 61.76% White, 3.00% African American, 1.48% Native American, 1.09% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 18.15% from other races, and 14.46% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 35.91% of the population.

There were 8,940 households, out of which 35.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.39% were married couples living together, 16.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.11% were non-families. 28.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.31% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.38 and the average family size was 2.76.

The city's age distribution consisted of 24.2% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 25.5% from 45 to 64, and 14.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $52,609, and the median income for a family was $67,518. Males had a median income of $34,455 versus $27,676 for females. The per capita income for the city was $24,330. About 8.9% of families and 13.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.7% of those under age 18 and 9.7% of those age 65 or over.

## History

Before the arrival of the mostly Anglo-Americans in the 19th century, this area was long occupied by the Illinois Confederation, a loose grouping of up to 12 to 15 Native American tribes. The main tribes were the Cahokia, Kaskaskia, Michigamea, Peoria, and Tamaroa. After trading, warfare and other encounters with French traders, who entered this area before the Anglo-Americans, their numbers declined. In large part that was due to the high mortality from new infectious diseases, which adversely affected Native Americans across the continent.

The area that developed as Belvidere was first permanently settled by European Americans in 1835: Simon P. Doty and Daniel Hilton Whitney. They named this location next to the Kishwaukee River as " Elysian Fields " from Greek mythology. As many new residents could not pronounce or spell the proposed name, the city was eventually named after Belvidere, Virginia, the former home of Ebenezer Polk, a railroad lawyer and major financial founder in the city.

Belvidere originally developed on the north side of the Kishwaukee River. In 1851 the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad was built south of the river, stimulating relocation of much of the business section to the south side of the river, for access to the railway transportion. Belvidere's downtown is now on the south side.

Major industries developed along the river and railroad, including the National Sewing Machine Company, which operated here from 1886 to the 1940s. In 1906, former female sheriff Sarah Ames moved to South Dakota; she named the area where she settled after her home town. Belvidere, South Dakota still operates as a small town in Jackson County.

### 1967 tornado

On April 21, 1967, a devastating tornado struck Belvidere. Twenty-four people died as a result, many of them schoolchildren. The F4 tornado struck at the end of the school day of Belvidere High School, when many children, including those who attended area grade schools, were waiting outside the high school for school buses. Of the sixteen school buses outside the high school, twelve were overturned or thrown by the tornado. The tornado did $22 million in damage, demolished over 100 homes, and injured 500 people. In 2007 a statue was erected in front of Belvidere High School in memorial of the lives lost.

To this date, the Belvidere tornado remains the sixth worst weather disaster to happen at an American school.

### 2009 explosion

On December 7, 2009 an explosion occurred at an NDK America building, when a large pressure vessel ruptured during a crystal -growing process. Pieces of debris, some weighing several tons, were flung over a wide area. One piece struck an automotive supply building and injured an employee inside. Chesterfield native Ronald Greenfield, a truck driver refueling at the nearby Belvidere Oasis truck stop, was struck and killed by a 7-foot support beam. The shockwave was felt over a wide area. No NDK employees were injured in the incident.

The Chemical Safety Board investigated the incident, issuing their final report in 2013. The CSB found that stress corrosion cracking had occurred, unnoticed, in one of the crystal-growing autoclaves, leading to the catastrophic failure. They also found that NDK management had been warned multiple times over the years that the dangerous levels of hot sodium hydroxide inside the vessels would corrode the steel walls. However, NDK management insisted buildup of byproducts from the crystal-growing process would form a protective layer against the corrosion. Furthermore, during the factory's construction, the local government had been made aware that NDK's crystal-growing vessels were in violation of several state codes; when confronted, NDK had persuaded them to grant a special exception, and to hitherto allow them to conduct their own onsite inspections without outside interference. However, the vessel that ruptured had never been internally inspected to test the "byproduct buildup" theory, during its many years of service. After a smaller leak occurred in January 2007, NDK was warned about safety concerns again, this time by insurance investigators, who were ultimately ignored. Finally, the CSB determined the method for growing crystals used at NDK's Belvidere facility was prohibitively dangerous in the first place, pointing out such methods had been already abandoned by other crystal-growing facilities in favor of safer, lower-pressure and lower temperature processes.

Following their own 2010 investigation, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined NDK more than half a million dollars for willful disregard for legal requirements, and "unacceptable" indifference to safety and health. The NDK facility was demolished in 2015, with no plans to rebuild.

### 2023 tornado

On March 31, 2023, an EF1 tornado struck Belvidere. It caused the Apollo Theatre to collapse during a concert for the Floridian Death Metal band Morbid Angel and Brazilian Death Metal band Crypta. Although the Storm Prediction Center had issued a moderate risk for severe weather, including tornadoes, and an official Tornado Watch was issued at 2:35 pm, the concert proceeded. A Tornado Warning was issued at 7:24 pm and the storm hit Belvidere at 7:44 pm. The collapse led to over 40 injuries; leaving at least four in critical condition and one fatality.

## Culture

Pettit Memorial Chapel, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright; the Lampert-Wildflower House, and the Belvidere Post Office, designed by James Knox Taylor, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Parks include Spencer Park, Belvidere Municipal Park, and the Boone County Fairgrounds. Belvidere is known as the "City of Murals", for its numerous murals.

## Representation in other media

- The Left Behind series fictional character Rayford Steele was born here.

## Services

Belvidere used to have two hospitals, St. Joseph Hospital and Highland Hospital. Both closed in the late 20th century, with St. Joseph's closing in 1999. In 2008, SwedishAmerican Hospital opened a new building. In 2009, they renovated and reopened the former Highland Hospital, which now operates the city's only emergency department.

Cemeteries include the Belvidere Cemetery (Richard S. Molony 's interment site) and St. James Catholic Cemetery.

The nearest general aviation airport is Poplar Grove Airport, formerly known as Belvidere Airport.

## Education

Schools include two high schools, Belvidere High School and Belvidere North High School, the Everest Alternative Program, two middle schools, Belvidere South Middle School and Belvidere Central Middle School, five elementary schools, Lincoln Elementary School, Perry Elementary School, Meehan Elementary School, Caledonia Elementary School, and Seth Whitman Elementary School, one STEM academy, Washington Academy which are all part of the Belvidere Community Unit School District 100.

Belvidere's public library, Ida Public Library, was founded in 1883. The current building, a Carnegie Library, was constructed in 1912 and opened in 1913. An addition was built in 1987. It includes adult and children services, a Local History and Genealogy Room, and Internet/computer access.

The Boone County Museum was started in 1936 and holds over 100,000 artifacts. It has interactive displays and a research library, with more than 5000 document resources. The three-story building is located in downtown Belvidere.

## Business

Stellantis operates the Belvidere Assembly Plant, an auto assembly plant, which was constructed in the mid-1960s. The Belvidere plant manufactured the Dodge Neon until the spring of 2005. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the plant manufactured Chrysler Newports and Plymouth Furys. After a massive restructuring of the Belvidere plant, it is now one of the most modern auto assembly plants in the United States. It most recently assembled the Jeep Cherokee until February 2023, when the plant was idled indefinitely by Stellantis. As part of the settlement of the 2023 United Auto Workers strike, Stellantis agreed to reopen the plant in 2025, to construct a mid-size Ram pickup. An electric vehicle battery plant will also be constructed. The site was visited by US President Joe Biden and UAW President Shawn Fain.

Dean Foods and General Mills operate manufacturing plants on the bank of the Kishwaukee River. General Mills recently announced a large expansion in the area, soon to begin construction on a 1.3 million square foot distribution center in a newly annexed southwestern portion of the city.

Rock Valley College recently opened their new 9+ million dollar Advanced Technology Center in the northwestern portion of Belvidere, after competition between several area cities for the Advanced Technology Center.

"Project Yukon" is a recently announced Cold Storage facility, which will be over 1.2 million square feet on 200 acres in the Southwest side of the city. This is expected to bring up to 700 jobs, ground is expected to be broken mid-2023

## Transportation

RMTD provides bus service on Route 24 connecting Belvidere to Rockford.

Belvedere is served by the old Chicago & North Western line to Rockford (present day Union Pacific). The line opened from Marengo to Rockford in 1852. There were also connecting lines to Spring Valley and Janesville. The line to Rockford previously extended to Freeport.

## Notable people

- Frank Bishop, infielder for the Chicago Browns

- Emory S. Bogardus, sociologist

- Joe Charboneau, outfielder and designated hitter for the Cleveland Indians

- Judith Ford, 1969 Miss America

- Charles Eugene Fuller, U.S. Congressman

- Jeanne Gang award-winning architect, founder of Studio Gang Architects, and designer of the world’s two tallest skyscrapers designed by a woman, Aqua and the St. Regis Chicago

- Stephen Augustus Hurlbut (1815-1882), politician and Union commander in the Civil War, diplomat in postwar years; moved here in 1845, married and had a family, elected to the US Congress from here.

- Noyes L. Jackson, Illinois politician

- Lowell Holden Parker, Wisconsin legislator

- Amanda Levens, women's college basketball player and coach

- Fred Schulte, outfielder for the St. Louis Browns, Washington Senators and Pittsburgh Pirates

- Kurt Sellers, wrestler with the WWE (as K.C. James and James Curtis)

- James A. Slater, entomologist at the University of Connecticut

- Roger Charles Sullivan, Illinois politician

- Scott Taylor, professional off-road racing driver

- James Waddington, Wisconsin State Senator

- Ronald A. Wait, Illinois State Representative