bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lithium-Ion Cell Fault Detection by Single-Point Impedance Diagnostic and Degradation Mechanism Validation for Series-Wired Batteries Cycled at 0 °C
Authors: Love Corey T. , Dubarry Matthieu , Reshetenko Tatyana , Devie Arnaud , Spinner Neil , Swider-Lyons Karen E. , Rocheleau Richard
Published: April 2018

The utility of a single-point impedance-based technique to monitor the state-of-health of a pack of four 18650 lithium-ion cells wired in series (4S) was demonstrated in a previous publication. This work broadens the applicability of the single-point monitoring technique to identify temperature induced faults within 4S packs at 0 °C by two distinct discharge cut-off thresholds: individual cell cut-off and pack voltage cut-off. The results show how the single-point technique applied to a 4S pack can identify cell faults induced by low temperature degradation when plotted on a unique state-of-health map. Cell degradation is validated through an extensive incremental capacity technique to quantify capacity loss due to low temperature cycling and investigate the underpinnings of cell failure.
The Fault Detection, Localization, and Tolerant Operation of Modular Multilevel Converters with an Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) Open Circuit Fault
Authors: Li Wei , Li Gengyin , Zeng Rong , Ni Kai , Hu Yihua , Wen Huiqing
Published: April 2018

Reliability is one of the critical issues for a modular multilevel converter (MMC) since it consists of a large number of series-connected power electronics submodules (SMs). In this paper, a complete control strategy including fault detection, localization, and tolerant operation is proposed for the MMC under an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) open circuit fault. According to the output characteristics of the SM with the open-circuit fault of IGBT, a fault detection method based on the circulating current and output current observation is used. In order to further precisely locate the position of the faulty SM, a fault localization method based on the SM capacitor voltage observation is developed. After the faulty SM is isolated, the continuous operation of the converter is ensured by adopting the fault-tolerant strategy based on the use of redundant modules. To verify the proposed fault detection, fault localization, and fault-tolerant operation strategies, a 900 kVA MMC system under the conditions of an IGBT open circuit is developed in the Matlab/Simulink platform. The capabilities of rapid detection, precise positioning, and fault-tolerant operation of the investigated detection and control algorithms are also demonstrated.
Smart Grid Architecture for Rural Distribution Networks: Application to a Spanish Pilot Network
Authors: Girbau-Llistuella Francesc , Díaz-González Francisco , Sumper Andreas , Gallart-Fernández Ramon , Heredero-Peris Daniel
Published: April 2018

This paper presents a novel architecture for rural distribution grids. This architecture is designed to modernize traditional rural networks into new Smart Grid ones. The architecture tackles innovation actions on both the power plane and the management plane of the system. In the power plane, the architecture focuses on exploiting the synergies between telecommunications and innovative technologies based on power electronics managing low scale electrical storage. In the management plane, a decentralized management system is proposed based on the addition of two new agents assisting the typical Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) system of distribution system operators. Altogether, the proposed architecture enables operators to use more effectively—in an automated and decentralized way—weak rural distribution systems, increasing the capability to integrate new distributed energy resources. This architecture is being implemented in a real Pilot Network located in Spain, in the frame of the European Smart Rural Grid project. The paper also includes a study case showing one of the potentialities of one of the principal technologies developed in the project and underpinning the realization of the new architecture: the so-called Intelligent Distribution Power Router.
Aqueous Leaching Prior to Dewatering Improves the Quality of Solid Fuels from Grasslands
Authors: Hensgen Frank , Wachendorf Michael
Published: April 2018

Renewable energies are necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in energy production, and biomass plays a dominant role in the renewable energy sector. Combustion of biomass constitutes an efficient conversion technique, but is hindered by harmful elements which are frequently contained in residual grassland biomass. We investigated the effect of leaching on solid fuel quality with three independent experiments including the following treatments: (1) with or without leaching, (2) with leaching at various water to silage ratios and (3) with the use of press liquid versus fresh water. Biomass was mechanically dehydrated and press cakes for combustion were produced and analyzed for their concentrations of ash, N and minerals harmful for combustion. Solid fuel quality was improved by leaching prior to dewatering, and the application of higher proportions of fresh water enabled even higher quality to be attained.
Investigating the Effect of a Mixed Mycorrhizal Inoculum on the Productivity of Biomass Plantation Willows Grown on Marginal Farm Land
Authors: Pray Thomas , Guidi Nissim Werther , St-Arnaud Marc , Labrecque Michel
Published: April 2018

Inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi, proven mediators of soil fertility, has great potential in agricultural and silvicultural systems. This is particularly true in short-rotation coppices (SRCs), where questions of food displacement and fertilization are causes of concern for researchers and policy makers. We set out to thoroughly test if current inoculation methods, coupled with reduced fertilization, can demonstrate a growth benefit in SRC willows on marginal lands. Roughly 21,600 Salix miyabeana Seeman (‘SX61’ and ‘SX64’) were planted in a hierarchical design with inoculation treatments randomized first, cultivars randomized second, and fertilization treatments randomized third. This process was repeated across three fields of different marginal soil type (which, in our experiment, were given the descriptive names Sandy, Rocky, and Dry). The inoculum species, Rhizoglomus irregulare Błaszk., Wubet, Renker & Buscot Sieverd., G.A. Silva & Oehl and Hebeloma longicaudum (Pers.) P. Kumm., were chosen as they are most likely to be commercially available, and because they represent both arbuscular and ectomycorrhizal inoculum types. Growth was measured over 2.5 years, or three growing seasons. Fertilization treatment (75 kg/ha Nitrogen), however, was only applied during the second growing season. Our results conclusively showed no benefit from mycorrhizal inoculation across fields that exhibited significantly different growth rates, as well as significant differentiation from fertilization.
Toxicity Thresholds Based on EDTA Extractable Nickel and Barley Root Elongation in Chinese Soils
Authors: Zhu Guangyun , Jiang Bao , Yang Guohang , Li Jumei , Ma Yibing
Published: April 2018

The uncertainty in the risk assessment of trace metal elements in soils when total metal contents are used can be decreased by assessing their availability and/or extractability when the soils have a high background value or different sources of trace metal elements. In this study, the added water-soluble nickel (Ni) toxicity to barley root elongation was studied in 17 representative Chinese soil samples with and without artificial rainwater leaching. The extractability of added Ni in soils was estimated by three sequential extractions with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The results showed that the effective concentration of EDTA extractable Ni (EC50), which caused 50% inhibition of barley root elongation, ranged from 46 to 1019 mg/kg in unleached soils and 24 to 1563 mg/kg in leached soils. Regression models for EDTA extractable Ni and total Ni added to soils against soil properties indicated that EDTA extractable Ni was significantly correlated with the total Ni added to soils and that pH was the most important control factor. Regression models for toxicity thresholds based on EDTA extractable Ni against soil properties showed that soil citrate dithionate extractable Fe was more important than soil pH in predicting Ni toxicity. These results can be used to accurately assess the risk of contaminated soils with high background values and/or different Ni sources.
The Cost of Youth Suicide in Australia
Authors: Kinchin Irina , Doran Christopher M.
Published: April 2018

Suicide is the leading cause of death among Australians between 15 and 24 years of age. This study seeks to estimate the economic cost of youth suicide (15–24 years old) for Australia using 2014 as a reference year. The main outcome measure is monetized burden of youth suicide. Costs, in 2014 AU$, are measured and valued as direct costs, such as coronial inquiry, police, ambulance, and funeral expenses; indirect costs, such as lost economic productivity; and intangible costs, such as bereavement. In 2014, 307 young Australians lost their lives to suicide (82 females and 225 males). The average age at time of death was 20.4 years, representing an average loss of 62 years of life and close to 46 years of productive capacity. The average cost per youth suicide is valued at $2,884,426, including $9721 in direct costs, $2,788,245 as the value of lost productivity, and $86,460 as the cost of bereavement. The total economic loss of youth suicide in Australia is estimated at $22 billion a year (equivalent to US$ 17 billion), ranging from $20 to $25 billion. These findings can assist decision-makers understand the magnitude of adverse outcomes associated with youth suicide and the potential benefits to be achieved by investing in effective suicide prevention strategies.
Regulation of Bicarbonate Secretion in Marine Fish Intestine by the Calcium-Sensing Receptor
Authors: Gregório Sílvia F. , Fuentes Juan
Published: April 2018

In marine fish, high epithelial intestinal HCO3− secretion generates luminal carbonate precipitates of divalent cations that play a key role in water and ion homeostasis. The present study was designed to expose the putative role for calcium and the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) in the regulation of HCO3− secretion in the intestine of the sea bream (Sparus aurata L.). Effects on the expression of the CaSR in the intestine were evaluated by qPCR and an increase was observed in the anterior intestine in fed fish compared with unfed fish and with different regions of intestine. CaSR expression reflected intestinal fluid calcium concentration. In addition, anterior intestine tissue was mounted in Ussing chambers to test the putative regulation of HCO3− secretion in vitro using the anterior intestine. HCO3− secretion was sensitive to varying calcium levels in luminal saline and to calcimimetic compounds known to activate/block the CaSR i.e., R 568 and NPS-2143. Subsequent experiments were performed in intestinal sacs to measure water absorption and the sensitivity of water absorption to varying luminal levels of calcium and calcimimetics were exposed as well. It appears, that CaSR mediates HCO3− secretion and water absorption in marine fish as shown by responsiveness to calcium levels and calcimimetic compounds.
An Embeddable Strain Sensor with 30 Nano-Strain Resolution Based on Optical Interferometry
Authors: Zhu Chen , Chen Yizheng , Zhuang Yiyang , Tang Fujian , Huang Jie
Published: April 2018

A cost-effective, robust and embeddable optical interferometric strain sensor with nanoscale strain resolution is presented in this paper. The sensor consists of an optical fiber, a quartz rod with one end coated with a thin gold layer, and two metal shells employed to transfer the strain and orient and protect the optical fiber and the quartz rod. The optical fiber endface, combining with the gold-coated surface, forms an extrinsic Fabry–Perot interferometer. The sensor was firstly calibrated, and the result showed that our prototype sensor could provide a measurement resolution of 30 nano-strain (nε) and a sensitivity of 10.01 µε/µm over a range of 1000 µε. After calibration of the sensor, the shrinkage strain of a cubic brick of mortar in real time during the drying process was monitored. The strain sensor was compared with a commercial linear variable displacement transducer, and the comparison results in four weeks demonstrated that our sensor had much higher measurement resolution and gained more detailed and useful information. Due to the advantages of the extremely simple, robust and cost-effective configuration, it is believed that the sensor is significantly beneficial to practical applications, especially for structural health monitoring.
Simulating Mold Filling in Compression Resin Transfer Molding (CRTM) Using a Three-Dimensional Finite-Volume Formulation
Authors: Seuffert Julian , Kärger Luise , Henning Frank
Published: April 2018

Light-weight structural components are increasingly made of continuous fiber reinforced plastics (CoFRP), but their mass production is still very expensive. Because of its high automation potential, especially the Compression Resin Transfer Molding (CRTM) process gains more and more attention. Numerical mold filling simulations help to optimize this process and can avoid expensive experimental studies. Here, we present a new method to simulate mold filling in CRTM using a full three-dimensional finite-volume (FV) method. In comparison to known finite-element (FE) methods, it contains a compressible two-phase/Volume-of-Fluid description of the air- and resin-phase. This approach is combined with a moving mesh to account for the change of cavity height during the process, which results in a change of fiber volume fractions and thus permeabilities. We verify the method by comparison to analytic solutions of the Darcy equation and to solutions of state-of-the-art mold filling simulation software. The presented method enables CRTM mold filling simulation of complex parts, which is shown in two application examples. Furthermore, this shows the potential of using FV-based tools to simulate mold filling in RTM process variants containing non-constant cavity geometries.
Low-Velocity Impact Properties of Sandwich Structures with Aluminum Foam Cores and CFRP Face Sheets
Authors: Rupp Peter , Imhoff Jonas , Weidenmann Kay André
Published: April 2018

Within this contribution, the low-velocity impact behavior of sandwich structures was investigated. The sandwich structures consisted of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) face sheets in various setups, and different core structures, including an open-cell and a closed-cell aluminum foam. The matrix of the face sheets was foamed polyurethane, which also acts as the adhesive connecting the face sheets to the core. Low-velocity indentation tests were carried out with multiple sandwich configurations. The indentation behavior was further examined by additional quasi-static indentation tests, and in situ indentation tests sequentially recorded by X-ray computed tomography. Both the low velocity indentation tests and the quasi-static tests were supported by digital image correlation measurements of the lower specimen surfaces. The overall indentation behavior was described consistently to sandwich structures with different material combinations in literature. The influence of each sandwich configuration parameter on the indentation behavior was determined and described in detail.
T2 Magnetic Resonance Assay: Overview of Available Data and Clinical Implications
Authors: Zacharioudakis Ioannis , Zervou Fainareti , Mylonakis Eleftherios
Published: April 2018

Invasive candidiasis is a common healthcare-associated infection with a high mortality rate that can exceed 60% in cases of septic shock. Blood culture performance is far from ideal, due to the long time to positivity and suppression by antifungal agents. The T2 Magnetic Resonance (T2MR) assay is an FDA-approved qualitative molecular diagnostic method that can detect and speciate the 5 most common Candida spp.; namely, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, and Candida krusei, in approximately 5 h. In a multicenter clinical trial that included both a prospective and a contrived arm to represent the full range of clinically relevant concentrations of Candida spp., T2MR demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity of 91.1% and 98.1%, respectively. The utility of T2MR in candidemia depends on the prevalence of disease in each clinical setting. In intensive care units and other high-prevalence settings, the incorporation of T2MR in diagnostic algorithms is very appealing. T2MR is expected to allow timely initiation of antifungal therapy and help with anti-fungal stewardship. In low-prevalence settings, the positive predictive value of T2MR might not be enough to justify initiation of antifungal treatment in itself. The performance of T2MR has not been studied in cases of deep-seated candidiasis. Despite some promising evidence in published clinical trials, further studies are needed to determine the performance of T2MR in invasive candidiasis without candidemia. Overall, experience with T2MR in everyday clinical practice is evolving but, in the right setting, this technology is expected to provide “actionable information” for the management of patients evaluated for candidemia.
Special Issue: NextGen Materials for 3D Printing
Authors: Chua Chee Kai , Yeong Wai Yee , An Jia
Published: April 2018

Only a handful of materials are well-established in three-dimensional (3D) printing and well-accepted in industrial manufacturing applications. However, recent advances in 3D printable materials have shown potential for enabling numerous novel applications in the future. This special issue, consisting of 2 reviews and 10 research articles, intends to explore the possible materials that could define next-generation 3D printing.
A Serendipitous Journey Leading to My Love of Dendritic Patterns and Chemistry
Authors: Tomalia Donald A.
Published: April 2018

As the oldest of four Midwestern boys who were offsprings of an accountant and a housewife, each with less than a formal high school degree, we were blessed to have such parents.[...]
The Effect of Alkali Treatment on Properties of Dopamine Modification of Bamboo Fiber/Polylactic Acid Composites
Authors: Lin Jianyong , Yang Zexun , Hu Xiaoxia , Hong Gonghua , Zhang Shuangbao , Song Wei
Published: April 2018

In this study, a synergistic treatment including dopamine (DA) modification and alkali pretreatment on bamboo fiber (BF) was used as reinforcement in a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of BF/PLA composites. The effects of the sodium hydroxide loading rate on the performance of mussel-inspired dopamine-modified bamboo fiber and the BF/PLA composites were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), mechanical testing (examining flexural, tensile, and impact properties), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Analysis of the composites suggested that the optimal condition was treatment with a 4 wt % solution of NaOH and a 1 wt % concentration of dopamine. Compared with the untreated bamboo fiber/polylactic acid composites, the synergistic treatment improved the thermal properties and mechanical properties; flexural, tensile, and impact strengths increased by 16.1%, 34.4%, and 3.7%, respectively. It was further verified that appropriate alkali treatment was a promising approach in promoting the effect of dopamine-modified coating while maintaining the crystal structure of the cellulose.
Remarkably Enhanced Room-Temperature Hydrogen Sensing of SnO2 Nanoflowers via Vacuum Annealing Treatment
Authors: Liu Gao , Wang Zhao , Chen Zihui , Yang Shulin , Fu Xingxing , Huang Rui , Li Xiaokang , Xiong Juan , Hu Yongming , Gu Haoshuang
Published: April 2018

In this work, SnO2 nanoflowers synthesized by a hydrothermal method were employed as hydrogen sensing materials. The as-synthesized SnO2 nanoflowers consisted of cuboid-like SnO2 nanorods with tetragonal structures. A great increase in the relative content of surface-adsorbed oxygen was observed after the vacuum annealing treatment, and this increase could have been due to the increase in surface oxygen vacancies serving as preferential adsorption sites for oxygen species. Annealing treatment resulted in an 8% increase in the specific surface area of the samples. Moreover, the conductivity of the sensors decreased after the annealing treatment, which should be attributed to the increase in electron scattering around the defects and the compensated donor behavior of the oxygen vacancies due to the surface oxygen adsorption. The hydrogen sensors of the annealed samples, compared to those of the unannealed samples, exhibited a much higher sensitivity and faster response rate. The sensor response factor and response rate increased from 27.1% to 80.2% and 0.34%/s to 1.15%/s, respectively. This remarkable enhancement in sensing performance induced by the annealing treatment could be attributed to the larger specific surface areas and higher amount of surface-adsorbed oxygen, which provides a greater reaction space for hydrogen. Moreover, the sensors with annealed SnO2 nanoflowers also exhibited high selectivity towards hydrogen against CH4, CO, and ethanol.
Stretchable, Flexible, Scalable Smart Skin Sensors for Robotic Position and Force Estimation
Authors: O’Neill John , Lu Jason , Dockter Rodney , Kowalewski Timothy
Published: April 2018

The design and validation of a continuously stretchable and flexible skin sensor for collaborative robotic applications is outlined. The skin consists of a PDMS skin doped with Carbon Nanotubes and the addition of conductive fabric, connected by only five wires to a simple microcontroller. The accuracy is characterized in position as well as force, and the skin is also tested under uniaxial stretch. There are also two examples of practical implementations in collaborative robotic applications. The stationary position estimate has an RMSE of 7.02 mm, and the sensor error stays within 2.5 ± 1.5 mm even under stretch. The skin consistently provides an emergency stop command at only 0.5 N of force and is shown to maintain a collaboration force of 10 N in a collaborative control experiment.
Convolutional Neural Network-Based Shadow Detection in Images Using Visible Light Camera Sensor
Authors: Kim Dong , Arsalan Muhammad , Park Kang
Published: April 2018

Recent developments in intelligence surveillance camera systems have enabled more research on the detection, tracking, and recognition of humans. Such systems typically use visible light cameras and images, in which shadows make it difficult to detect and recognize the exact human area. Near-infrared (NIR) light cameras and thermal cameras are used to mitigate this problem. However, such instruments require a separate NIR illuminator, or are prohibitively expensive. Existing research on shadow detection in images captured by visible light cameras have utilized object and shadow color features for detection. Unfortunately, various environmental factors such as illumination change and brightness of background cause detection to be a difficult task. To overcome this problem, we propose a convolutional neural network-based shadow detection method. Experimental results with a database built from various outdoor surveillance camera environments, and from the context-aware vision using image-based active recognition (CAVIAR) open database, show that our method outperforms previous works.
Rapid Determination of Thiabendazole Pesticides in Rape by Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Lin Lei , Dong Tao , Nie Pengcheng , Qu Fangfang , He Yong , Chu Bingquan , Xiao Shupei
Published: April 2018

Thiabendazole is widely used in sclerotium blight, downy mildew and black rot prevention and treatment in rape. Accurate monitoring of thiabendazole pesticides in plants will prevent potential adverse effects to the Environment and human health. Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) is a highly sensitive fingerprint with the advantages of simple operation, convenient portability and high detection efficiency. In this paper, a rapid determination method of thiabendazole pesticides in rape was conducted combining SERS with chemometric methods. The original SERS were pretreated and the partial least squares (PLS) was applied to establish the prediction model between SERS and thiabendazole pesticides in rape. As a result, the SERS enhancing effect based on silver Nano-substrate was better than that of gold Nano-substrate, where the detection limit of thiabendazole pesticides in rape could reach 0.1 mg/L. Moreover, 782, 1007 and 1576 cm−1 could be determined as thiabendazole pesticides Raman characteristic peaks in rape. The prediction effect of thiabendazole pesticides in rape was the best ( R p 2 = 0.94, RMSEP = 3.17 mg/L) after the original spectra preprocessed with 1st-Derivative, and the linear relevance between thiabendazole pesticides concentration and Raman peak intensity at 782 cm−1 was the highest (R2 = 0.91). Furthermore, five rape samples with unknown thiabendazole pesticides concentration were used to verify the accuracy and reliability of this method. It was showed that prediction relative standard deviation was 0.70–9.85%, recovery rate was 94.71–118.92% and t value was −1.489. In conclusion, the thiabendazole pesticides in rape could be rapidly and accurately detected by SERS, which was beneficial to provide a rapid, accurate and reliable scheme for the detection of pesticides residues in agriculture products.
An In-Vitro Optical Sensor Designed to Estimate Glycated Hemoglobin Levels
Authors: Mandal Sanghamitra , Manasreh M. O.
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this research was to design an optical sensor for evaluating glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) percentages in hemoglobin. The A1c sensors available in the market use invasive methods, while our device offers the possibility of non-invasive monitoring of HbA1c levels in diabetic patients. A prototype is assembled using two light emitting diodes with peak emission wavelengths of 535 nm and 593 nm, a photodiode, and a microcontroller. The proposed sensor measures the transmitted intensity in the form of an output voltage. We devise an approach to estimate the percentage of HbA1c in hemoglobin for a given solution. This estimation is based on the relative change in absorbance due to change in path length and molar absorption coefficients of hemoglobin and HbA1c, at the two wavelengths. We calculate the molar absorption coefficient of HbA1c at 535 nm and 593 nm wavelengths using the sensor, which is performed by a multiple variable regression analysis algorithm fed through the microcontroller. Specifically, the sensor output voltage with respect to the sample concentration is fitted to an exponentially decaying equation model. We used a commercial chemical assay called Control FD Glycohemoglobin A1c with known percentage HbA1c levels to verify our device measurements.
Parameter Estimation of Multiple Frequency-Hopping Signals with Two Sensors
Authors: Zuo Le , Pan Jin , Ma Boyuan
Published: April 2018

This paper essentially focuses on parameter estimation of multiple wideband emitting sources with time-varying frequencies, such as two-dimensional (2-D) direction of arrival (DOA) and signal sorting, with a low-cost circular synthetic array (CSA) consisting of only two rotating sensors. Our basic idea is to decompose the received data, which is a superimposition of phase measurements from multiple sources into separated groups and separately estimate the DOA associated with each source. Motivated by joint parameter estimation, we propose to adopt the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm in this paper; our method involves two steps, namely, the expectation-step (E-step) and the maximization (M-step). In the E-step, the correspondence of each signal with its emitting source is found. Then, in the M-step, the maximum-likelihood (ML) estimates of the DOA parameters are obtained. These two steps are iteratively and alternatively executed to jointly determine the DOAs and sort multiple signals. Closed-form DOA estimation formulae are developed by ML estimation based on phase data, which also realize an optimal estimation. Directional ambiguity is also addressed by another ML estimation method based on received complex responses. The Cramer-Rao lower bound is derived for understanding the estimation accuracy and performance comparison. The verification of the proposed method is demonstrated with simulations.
Spatiotemporal Local-Remote Senor Fusion (ST-LRSF) for Cooperative Vehicle Positioning
Authors: Jeong Han-You , Nguyen Hoa-Hung , Bhawiyuga Adhitya
Published: April 2018

Vehicle positioning plays an important role in the design of protocols, algorithms, and applications in the intelligent transport systems. In this paper, we present a new framework of spatiotemporal local-remote sensor fusion (ST-LRSF) that cooperatively improves the accuracy of absolute vehicle positioning based on two state estimates of a vehicle in the vicinity: a local sensing estimate, measured by the on-board exteroceptive sensors, and a remote sensing estimate, received from neighbor vehicles via vehicle-to-everything communications. Given both estimates of vehicle state, the ST-LRSF scheme identifies the set of vehicles in the vicinity, determines the reference vehicle state, proposes a spatiotemporal dissimilarity metric between two reference vehicle states, and presents a greedy algorithm to compute a minimal weighted matching (MWM) between them. Given the outcome of MWM, the theoretical position uncertainty of the proposed refinement algorithm is proven to be inversely proportional to the square root of matching size. To further reduce the positioning uncertainty, we also develop an extended Kalman filter model with the refined position of ST-LRSF as one of the measurement inputs. The numerical results demonstrate that the proposed ST-LRSF framework can achieve high positioning accuracy for many different scenarios of cooperative vehicle positioning.
Postharvest Monitoring of Tomato Ripening Using the Dynamic Laser Speckle
Authors: Pieczywek Piotr Mariusz , Nowacka Małgorzata , Dadan Magdalena , Wiktor Artur , Rybak Katarzyna , Witrowa-Rajchert Dorota , Zdunek Artur
Published: April 2018

The dynamic laser speckle (biospeckle) method was tested as a potential tool for the assessment and monitoring of the maturity stage of tomatoes. Two tomato cultivars—Admiro and Starbuck—were tested. The process of climacteric maturation of tomatoes was monitored during a shelf life storage experiment. The biospeckle phenomena were captured using 640 nm and 830 nm laser light wavelength, and analysed using two activity descriptors based on biospeckle pattern decorrelation—C4 and ε. The well-established optical parameters of tomatoes skin were used as a reference method (luminosity, a*/b*, chroma). Both methods were tested with respect to their prediction capabilities of the maturity and destructive indicators of tomatoes—firmness, chlorophyll and carotenoids content. The statistical significance of the tested relationships were investigated by means of linear regression models. The climacteric maturation of tomato fruit was associated with an increase in biospckle activity. Compared to the 830 nm laser wavelength the biospeckle activity measured at 640 nm enabled more accurate predictions of firmness, chlorophyll and carotenoids content. At 640 nm laser wavelength both activity descriptors (C4 and ε) provided similar results, while at 830 nm the ε showed slightly better performance. The linear regression models showed that biospeckle activity descriptors had a higher correlation with chlorophyll and carotenoids content than the a*/b* ratio and luminosity. The results for chroma were comparable with the results for both biospeckle activity indicators. The biospeckle method showed very good results in terms of maturation monitoring and the prediction of the maturity indices of tomatoes, proving the possibility of practical implementation of this method for the determination of the maturity stage of tomatoes.
North American Engineering, Procurement, Fabrication and Construction Worker Safety Climate Perception Affected by Job Position
Authors: Pinion Clint , Klyza James , Brewer Shelley , Douphrate David
Published: April 2018

Understanding and implementing the results of Safety Climate surveys can assist in decreasing occupational injuries and illnesses. The following article presents findings of a cross-sectional study that assessed the relationship between safety climate perceptions and job position among engineering, procurement, fabrication and construction (EPFC) employees using a 15-item survey. Descriptive statistics (means and frequencies) and an ANACOVA (analysis of covariance) were performed on a saturated model. The study had a 62% response rate. Results indicate a statistically significant in mean safety climate scores between job position among EPFC employees when controlling for years in industry and location type (i.e., construction versus fabrication) [F (9, 603) = 5.28, p < 0.0001, adjusted R-square = 0.07]. Employee perception of safety climate differed based on the employee’s job position (i.e., laborer, foreman, etc.). Project management reported the highest safety climate scores (0.91), followed by supervisors (0.86), technical support employees and foremen (0.84) and laborers (0.81).
Measurement and Spatial Differentiation Characteristics of Transit Equity: A Case Study of Guangzhou, China
Authors: Cao Xiaoshu , Chen Huiling , Liang Feiwen , Wang Wulin
Published: April 2018

Urban public transit is an important solution for narrowing the mobility gap between captive riders and choice riders and to address issues of social equity. An equitable transit system essentially could meet the needs of transit dependents and maximize the scope of public transit services. To acquire a better understanding of transit equity, we use Lorenz curves and the GINI coefficient to measure the relative supply of public transit to the population and employ the spatial overlay method to analyze the matching degree of transit supply and demand in Guangzhou, China. The findings show that there are obvious and unequal differences between the levels of transit service in the internal zones. The spatial coverage rate and number of stop services of the outer city are significantly less than that of the inner and middle city. Eighty percent of the population shares only 36.7% of the public transit supply in Guangzhou. Most communities of low-supply and high-need public transit are distributed contiguously in the eastern Baiyun and southern Huadu districts. This distribution pattern is beneficial to the transit agency, which could improve the supply in these areas to avoid the risk caused when a large number of residents lack access to public transit services. The results could serve as an excellent foundation for planning the handling of spatial gaps in the Guangzhou public transit supply.
Rethinking Rural–Urban Migration and Women’s Empowerment in the Era of the SDGs: Lessons from Ghana
Authors: Pickbourn Lynda
Published: April 2018

Women who migrate within national borders in Africa have been largely ignored in contemporary conversations about migration. This is partly due to the fact that internal migration, and in particular, rural–urban migration, has been viewed in a negative light in development theory and praxis. This leads to the perception that women who migrate within national borders are worse-off than they would have been otherwise and to a policy stance that seeks to discourage their migration. Drawing on field research in Ghana, I argue that while rural–urban migration gives women access to an independent source of income, the emancipatory potential of migration for women is limited by the official stance towards rural–urban migration and informality. Nevertheless, the decision by women to migrate represents an attempt to improve their life outcomes as well as those of their families, in the face of severely constrained options for doing so. Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG5)—promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment—requires a different approach to women’s internal migration. Rather than seeking to constrain women’s mobility, policy and program interventions should be geared towards expanding women’s freedom to choose whether or not to migrate—by expanding the options available to women who stay at home as well as improving migration outcomes for those who migrate.
Effects on Public Health of Heat Waves to Improve the Urban Quality of Life
Authors: Telesca Vito , Lay-Ekuakille Aime , Ragosta Maria , Giorgio Giuseppina Anna , Lumpungu Boniface
Published: April 2018

Life satisfaction has been widely used in recent studies to evaluate the effect of environmental factors on individuals’ well-being. In the last few years, many studies have shown that the potential impact of climate change on cities depends on a variety of social, economic, and environmental determinants. In particular, extreme events, such as flood and heat waves, may cause more severe impacts and induce a relatively higher level of vulnerability in populations that live in urban areas. Therefore, the impact of climate change and related extreme events certainly influences the economy and quality of life in affected cities. Heat wave frequency, intensity, and duration are increasing in global and local climate change scenarios. The association between high temperatures and morbidity is well-documented, but few studies have examined the role of meteo-climatic variables on hospital admissions. This study investigates the effects of temperature, relative humidity, and barometric pressure on health by linking daily access to a Matera (Italy) hospital with meteorological conditions in summer 2012. Extreme heat wave episodes that affected most of the city from 1 June to 31 August 2012 (among the selected years 2003, 2012, and 2017) were analyzed. Results were compared with heat waves from other years included in the base period (1971–2000) and the number of emergency hospital admissions on each day was considered. The meteorological data used in this study were collected from two weather stations in Matera. In order to detect correlations between the daily emergency admissions and the extreme health events, a combined methodology based on a heat wave identification technique, multivariate analysis (PCA), and regression analysis was applied. The results highlight that the role of relative humidity decreases as the severity level of heat waves increases. Moreover, the combination of temperatures and daily barometric pressure range (DPR) has been identified as a precursor for a surveillance system of risk factors in hospital admissions.
Identification of Factors That Influence Energy Performance in Water Distribution System Mains
Authors: Hashemi Saeed , Filion Yves , Speight Vanessa
Published: April 2018

This paper aims at identifying paramount hydraulic factors in energy dynamics of water mains, using Principal Components Analysis (PCA). The proposed method is applied to two large ensembles of leaky and non-leaky pipes comprising over 40,000 pipes selected from 18 North American water distribution systems to guarantee the versatility of pipe characteristics and statistical significance of the explored patterns. PCA mono-plots indicate energy metrics such as Net Energy Efficiency, Energy Lost to Friction and Energy Lost to Leakage serve better in identification of low from high efficiency pipes. In addition, PCA mono-plots and bi-plots reveal relative importance of hydraulic parameters and that average flow rate, hydraulic proximity to major components and average unit headloss can have more tangible effects on energy dynamics of pipes compared to leakage and average pressure. Some factors such as elevation, diameter and CHW are not as influential as expected in distinguishing high-efficiency from low-efficiency pipes. Further, a comparison between the approach used in this paper and a simplified common-practice replacement strategy points out the difference energy considerations can make, if included in a bigger asset management landscape.
Evolution of Late-type Galaxies in a Cluster Environment: Effects of High-speed Multiple Encounters with Early-type Galaxies
Authors: Hwang Jeong-Sun , Park Changbom , Banerjee Arunima , Hwang Ho Seong
Published: April 2018

Late-type galaxies falling into a cluster would evolve being influenced by the interactions with both the cluster and the nearby cluster member galaxies. Most numerical studies, however, tend to focus on the effects of the former with little work done on those of the latter. We thus perform a numerical study on the evolution of a late-type galaxy interacting with neighboring early-type galaxies at high speed using hydrodynamic simulations. Based on the information obtained from the Coma cluster, we set up the simulations for the case where a Milky Way–like late-type galaxy experiences six consecutive collisions with twice as massive early-type galaxies having hot gas in their halos at the closest approach distances of 15–65 h
−1 kpc at the relative velocities of 1500–1600 km s−1. Our simulations show that the evolution of the late-type galaxy can be significantly affected by the accumulated effects of the high-speed multiple collisions with the early-type galaxies, such as on cold gas content and star formation activity of the late-type galaxy, particularly through the hydrodynamic interactions between cold disk and hot gas halos. We find that the late-type galaxy can lose most of its cold gas after the six collisions and have more star formation activity during the collisions. By comparing our simulation results with those of galaxy–cluster interactions, we claim that the role of the galaxy–galaxy interactions on the evolution of late-type galaxies in clusters could be comparable with that of the galaxy–cluster interactions, depending on the dynamical history.
Occurrence of the large ostracod, Chlamydotheca unispinosa (Baird, 1862), in temporary waters of Montserrat, Lesser Antilles
Authors: Schmidt Robert E. , Shoobs Nathaniel F. , McMullin Erin R.
Published: April 2018

Four populations of the large freshwater ostracod,Chlamydothecaunispinosa(Baird, 1862), were discovered on the Caribbean island of Montserrat. These are the first records of the species on Montserrat and extend its known distribution approximately 113 km northwest and 63 km southeast of the closest known populations on Îles des Saintes (Guadeloupe) and Nevis, respectively. We provide the first DNA barcode forC.unispinosa, a 686 bp fragment of the COI gene which may be used for future comparative studies of this widely distributed species.
A new species of Arachnanthus from the Red Sea (Cnidaria, Ceriantharia)
Authors: Stampar Sérgio N. , El Didi Suraia O. , Paulay Gustav , Berumen Michael L.
Published: April 2018

A new species of the genus Arachnanthus (Cnidaria: Ceriantharia), Arachnanthuslilith Stampar & El Didi, sp. n., is described. This species is widely distributed in the Red Sea, and recorded from 2–30 m depths. Arachnanthuslilith Stampar & El Didi, sp. n. is the fifth species of the genus and the first recorded from the Red Sea. The number of labial tentacle pseudocycles, arrangement of mesenteries, and distribution of acontioids allow the differentiation of the new species from other species of the genus.
Comment éditer un cours ? L’exemple de la collaboration de Louis Havet et d’Antoine Meillet
Authors: Testenoire Pierre-Yves
Published: April 2018

Pratique courante dans le monde savant, la publication d’un cours universitaire pose des problèmes qui intéressent aussi bien le linguiste que l’historien des sciences. Le présent article se donne pour objectif de décrire le cours publié en tant que genre : on pose la question des limites de cet objet culturel complexe et on problématise sa caractérisation. D’abord, à partir d’un corpus de cours universitaires publiés depuis la fin du xviii e  siècle, on propose une taxinomie des configurations éditoriales attestées et on aborde les principaux problèmes posés par l’édition de ce type d’écrit. Dans ce panorama général, on s’intéresse ensuite à un cas particulier : celui de la collaboration entre un professeur (Louis Havet) et un auditeur (Antoine Meillet) pour l’édition d’un cours de métrique latine dispensé en Sorbonne en 1887.
Notes contre notes. Retours et détours d’un lecteur et auditeur d’Antoine Culioli
Authors: Ducard Dominique
Published: April 2018

Afin de montrer la valeur documentaire et l’intérêt scientifique des notes du lecteur-auditeur pour la compréhension du travail d’élaboration d’une pensée théorique, l’auteur s’est livré à une auto-observation et à un retour réflexif à partir d’une relecture d’annotations d’articles de Culioli et de notes prises au séminaire oral. Limitée à la conceptualisation métalinguistique de la notion d’ intensité et des opérations énonciatives qui lui sont inhérentes, la reprise et la restitution commentée des annotations et des notes, d’ordre différent, s’attache à rendre compte de différents temps et modes de production et de réception de la théorisation. La comparaison fait ainsi apparaître, dans l’échange oral, une imagination conceptuelle que la communication écrite tient en réserve. Elle permet aussi de tracer une image des méandres de la transmission.
Écrire la parole . Modalités de mise à l’écrit d’entretiens avec Antoine Culioli
Authors: Doquet Claire
Published: April 2018

Cet article analyse l’ensemble des traces de l’écriture de l’ouvrage Variations sur la linguistique dans lequel Culioli est interviewé par Fau. Le point de départ est la mise au jour d’une double contrainte de cette écriture : à partir de l’oral enregistré, le scripteur doit fabriquer un écrit, et prioritairement un discours qui obéisse structurellement aux règles d’organisation de l’écrit, tout en préservant des marques d’oralité. L’analyse génétique des quatre états du texte, de la transcription de l’oral à la version publiée, permet de décrire chronologiquement ce double travail. On utilise l’outillage de la Représentation du Discours Autre proposé par Authier-Revuz, pour analyser l’ensemble des modifications opérées sur l’oral et mettre au jour certains traits de cette situation spécifique qui consiste, à chaque réécriture, à reformuler l’état du texte précédent sans cesser de représenter la parole originelle.
Petite contribution à l’histoire d’ ICI : (i)ci, ça, la en Ancien Français
Authors: Capin Daniéla
Published: April 2018

Cet article décrit quelques usages d’ ici en Ancien Français dans une triple optique contrastive : d’une part, en les opposant à ceux de ça et la dans la même période ; d’autre part, en signalant les différences, modifications et disparitions de ces usages entre l’Ancien Français ( x e - xiv e  s.), le Moyen Français ( xiv e - xv e  s.) et le Français Moderne. Il cherche à montrer comment des usages antérieurs peuvent déterminer et expliquer des emplois modernes. L’article propose un modèle descriptif dynamique afin de rendre compte des emplois hybrides et polémiques.