bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the ISDB-Tb critical spectrum mask
Authors: De Cesare Pablo Nicolas
Published: June 2016

Non-linearity in the ISDB-T transmission chain causes intermodulation products that widens the spectrum emission and should be taken into account when assigning frequency channels. The characterization of the transmission spectrum mask is one of the most important measurements in order to achieve the best use of the electromagnetic spectrum. The use of critical mask defined in [1] allows allocations of co-site adjacent channels for an efficient use of the electromagnetic spectrum that is a finite and limited resource. This paper discusses different test procedures using spectrum analyzers and dedicated digital TV analyzers in order to measure the ISDB-T transmission mask.
A Two-Stage, Guarded Inductive Voltage Divider with Small Ratio Errors for Coaxial Bridge Applications
Authors: Kyriazis Gregory A , Moreno J Angel , Melcher Jürgen
Published: June 2016

The traceability chain to derive the capacitance unit from the quantum Hall resistance comprises some coaxial bridges. These bridges employ a main two-stage inductive voltage divider to provide the voltage ratio needed. One such divider has been recently constructed and calibrated at Inmetro. The design techniques responsible for the small ratio errors of the device and the calibration method employed are both detailed. The new divider was installed in Inmetro's two terminal-pair coaxial capacitance bridge with significant improvements in the bridge resolution and accuracy.
Introduction to the ACTA IMEKO issue devoted to selected papers presented in the 14th Joint International IMEKO TC1 + TC7 + TC13 Symposium
Authors: Linß Gerhard
Published: June 2016

This editorial article is a brief introduction to the ACTA IMEKO issue devoted to selected papers presented in the 14th Joint International IMEKO TC1 + TC7 + TC13 Symposium "Intelligent Quality Measurements - Theory, Education and Training". This Symposium took place in Jena, Germany from August 31st to September 2nd 2011 in conjunction with the 56th IWK Ilmenau University of Technology and the 11th SpectroNet Collaboration Forum.
Development of spin-exchange relaxation free magnetometer with a compact heating system
Authors: Lee Hyunjoon , Kim Kiwoong , Lee Seong-Joo , Kang Chan-Seok , Yu Kwon Kyu , Lee Yong-Ho , Moon Han Seb
Published: June 2016

Atomic magnetometers based on spin-exchange relaxation free (SERF) regime typically operate with the high optical density and low magnetic fields. We present SERF magnetometer with a compact heating system for compact and efficient temperature control. A resistive heating system with high frequency alternating current was used to achieve high optical density. The current frequency was carefully chosen to avoid resonance with the atomic magnetometer. This resulted in a compact heating system that also allows independent operation of multiple heating systems. Optical rotation signal was obtained at 200 oC and width was about 3 nT with pump laser power of 55 mW. Bandwidth of the magnetometer with the compact heater was 40 Hz. Consequently, the compact resistive heating system proved to be a good alternative to the air-flow heating system. Additionally, residual field effect and signal-to-noise yielded a sensitivity of 50 fT/Hz1/2 at 10 Hz.
Development of a fast and reliable system for the automatic characterization of Giant magnetoimpedance samples
Authors: Silva Eduardo Costa da , Carneiro João Henrique Costa Carvalho , Gusmão Luiz Antônio Pereira de , Barbosa Carlos Roberto Hall , Monteiro Elisabeth Costa
Published: June 2016

Giant Magnetoimpedance (GMI) magnetometers are one of the most recent families of magnetic transducers, being characterized by their potential to achieve high sensitivities. The sensitivity of magnetic transducers is directly related to the sensitivity of its sensor elements. Thus, optimizing the sensitivity of these sensor elements is a critical part of the magnetometers development chain. This paper describes an automatic characterization system designed for the measurement of the electrical impedance of Giant Magneto- Impedance samples. The measurement uncertainties of the system were verified and discussed. The high speed of measurement attained with the use of this system, implemented in LabVIEW, allows for the rapid determination of the optimal operational point of GMI magnetometers.
Identification of most influential factors in a Virtual Reality tracking system using hybrid method
Authors: Ezedine Fabien , Linares Jean-Marc , Wan Muhamad Wan Mansor , Sprauel Jean-Michel
Published: June 2016

This paper studies the factors that influence the accuracy of Virtual Reality (VR) systems, in particular for applications in a Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE). The CAVE can be used to train surgeon students. For this purpose, an application for a total knee arthroplasty surgery is investigated. To meet the requirements for a high quality training, the accuracy of the tracking system in the CAVE has to be improved. First, a complete model of the tracking system is created based on the extrinsic and intrinsic parameters of the eight-camera system. With this mode l, the uncertainty of the tracking system is determined for one location in the CAVE. Next, a hybrid method, comprising the Monte Carlo Method and Design Of Experiment, is used to find the most important factors influencing the tracking accuracy in the CAVE.
Editorial
Authors: Regtien Paul P.L.
Published: June 2016

This issue of Acta IMEKO comprises the second series of articles based on papers presented at the XX IMEKO World Congress, Busan, Republic of Korea, 9-12 September, 2012. This time Acta IMEKO includes the extended and updated versions of papers from TC2 (Photonics), TC11 (Metrological Infrastructures), TC18 (Measurement of Human Functions), TC21 (Mathematical Tools for Measurements) and TC22 (Vibration Measurement), illustrating the wide range of facets encompassing the field of metrology. The issue starts with five research papers on mathematical tools (TC21), followed by four papers about vibration measurements (TC22), two papers on photonics (TC2) and one article on measuring human functions (TC18).
The influence of source impedance on charge amplifiers
Authors: Volkers Henrik , Bruns Thomas
Published: June 2016

This contribution discusses the influence of the source impedance on the complex sensitivity of a charge amplifier (CA). During calibration of a CA with varying source impedances deviations at higher frequencies were observed, which if not properly taken into account may generate systematic errors beyond the limits of the measurement uncertainty budget. The contribution discusses a model to describe the effect as well as an extension to established CA calibration procedures which allow to quantify and correct the effect.
Algorithm for a high precision contactless measurement system
Authors: Nguyen Trung Tran , Amthor Arvid , Ament Christoph
Published: June 2016

This paper presents a Monte Carlo simulation of the self-calibration method for the multi laser tracker system (MLTS) which can track a retroreflector mounted on a kinematical system (e.g. positioning stage, robot manipulator etc.). Four laser trackers build up the MLTS. In the first part of the study the required algorithms enabling the MLTS to measure the position of the retroreflector are presented. The algorithms include the localization of the retroreflector, the communication between the laser trackers and the tracking controller as well as the calculation of the Tool Centre Point (TCP) position. In the second part of this study a deeper analysis of the self-calibration algorithm is carried out. A Monte Carlo simulation shows that the quality of the parameter estimation highly depends on the optimal arrangement of the MTLS.
The role of measurement in the development of industrial automation
Authors: Carlisle S. S.
Published: June 2016

This is a reissue of a paper which appeared in ACTA IMEKO 1967, Proceedings of the 4th International Measurement Congress, 1967, Warsaw, vol. 1, pp. 37-50.

The paper sets a frame on the role of measurement and control as critical tools to support the automation of manufacturing processes. In this perspective three main requirements for measurement are discussed, i.e., to identify where automation can be most profitably used; to investigate individual process behaviors and hence to formulate process control strategies; and finally to perform quality control of products.
Concept and setup of a multi-component facility for force and torque in the range of 1 MN and 2 kN·m
Authors: Baumgarten Sebastian , Röske Dirk , Kahmann Holger , Mauersberger Dietmar , Kumme Rolf
Published: June 2016

This article describes the design of a measuring facility which can be used to investigate and calibrate so-called "friction coefficient sensors". These measuring facilities are used to measure the prestressing force and the tightening torque, resp. the friction torque of screws. These measurements are aimed at optimizing screw joints. The measuring facility described here is part of a force standard machine (fsm). In addition to the force which this system can realize with a very small measurement uncertainty of 0.002 % (k = 2) (in the measuring range from 20 kN to 1 MN), it can also generate an extremely precise torque (objective: better than 0.005 % at k = 2) in the range from 20 N·m to 2 kN·m.
Torque Transfer Calibration System for 200 N·m and 2 kN·m, its Control and Characterization
Authors: Galván-Mancilla Jesús , Torres-Guzman Jorge C.
Published: June 2016

For the dissemination of torque, medium accuracy transfer calibration systems are normally operated manually, originating high consumption of man-hours in the development of a calibration. This work presents the control system designed and implemented in a 200 N·m and 2 kN·m torque transfer calibration system and its characterization to evaluate the error and uncertainty of the system.
The benefits of operating a medium accuracy system with an automatic control are also highlighted.
Comparison of milligram scale deadweights to electrostatic forces
Authors: Chen Sheng-Jui , Pan Sheau-Shi , Lin Yi-Ching
Published: June 2016

This paper presents a comparison of milligram scale deadweights to electrostatic forces via an electrostatic sensing & actuating force measurement system. The electrostatic sensing & actuating force measurement system is designed for measuring force below 200 mN with an uncertainty of few nanonewton. The force measurement system consists of three main components: a monolithic flexure stage, a three-electrode capacitor for position sensing and actuating and a digital controller. The principle of force measurement used in this system is a static force balance, i.e. a force to be measured is balanced by a precisely controlled, electrostatic force. Four weights of 1 mg to 10 mg were tested in this comparison. The results of the comparison showed that there exist extra stray electrostatic forces between the test weights and the force measurement system. This extra electrostatic force adds a bias force to the measurement result, and was different for each weight. In principle, this stray electrostatic force can be eliminated by installing a metal housing to isolate the test weight from the system. In the first section, we briefly introduce the electrostatic sensing and actuating force measurement system, and then we describe the experimental setup for the comparison and the results. Finally, we give a discussion and outlook.
Comparison of three types of dry electrodes for electroencephalography
Authors: Fiedler Patrique , Haueisen Jens , Jannek Dunja , Griebel Stefan , Zentner Lena , Vaz Filipe , Fonseca Carlos
Published: June 2016

A potential new area of routine application for electroencephalography (EEG) is the brain-computer interface, which might enable disabled people to interact with their environment, based on measured brain signals. However, conventional electroencephalography is not suitable here due to limitations arising from complicated, time-consuming and error-prone preparation. Recently, several approaches for dry electrodes have been proposed. Our aim is the comparison and assessment of three types of dry electrodes and standard wet silver/silver-chloride electrodes for EEG signal acquisition. We developed novel EEG electrodes with titanium and polyurethane as base materials, which were coated with nanometer sized titanium-nitride films. Furthermore gold multi-pin electrodes were arranged on printed circuit boards. The results of the comparison of these electrodes with conventional wet silver/silver-chloride electrodes in terms of electrode impedances are presented, as well as open circuit potentials and biosignal measurements. Impedances were significantly higher for all dry electrode types compared to wet electrodes, but still within the measurement range of todayâ€™s standard biosignal amplifiers. It was found that the novel dry titanium and polyurethane based electrodes show biosignal quality equivalent to conventional electrodes. In conclusion, the novel dry electrodes seem to be suitable for application in brain-machine interfaces.
Thermal modeling and characterization for designing reliable power converters for LHC power supplies
Authors: Lazzaroni Massimo , Citterio Mauro , Latorre Stefano , Lanza Agostino , Cova Paolo , Delmonte Nicola , Giuliani Francesco
Published: June 2016

Power supplies for LHC experiments (ATLAS) require DC-DC power converters able to work in very hostile environments. The APOLLO collaboration, funded by the Italian Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN), aims to study dedicated topologies and to design, build and test demonstrators, developing the needed technology for the industrialization phase.

Besides the presence of radiation and magnetic fields, thermal specifications are particularly stringent in the working environment. In order to have the wanted features in terms of reliability and availability during the experimental activity, these power electronics circuits must be cooled by specifically designed water heat sinks, and an accurate thermal design is mandatory in order to guarantee safe and reliable operation. Moreover, an optimized thermal design allows to have a maintenance strategy in compliance with the requirements of the experiments.

In this paper thermal characterization is used for tuning a coupled thermo-fluid-dynamic 3D numerical model, for both the water heat sink and the whole system. Based on this model an optimized water heat sink was designed and fabricated. Thermal characterization of the power converter demonstrator in different operating conditions shows good agreement with simulation results.
Utilizing arbitrary waveform generators to produce noise with imposed spectral characteristics
Authors: Angrisani L. , D'Apuzzo M. , D'Arco Mauro , Napoli E. , Strollo A.
Published: June 2016

The reliability and performance of many systems mostly depend of their noise rejection capability. The behavior of systems that are prone to noise is therefore investigated since the early production stage, as well as routinely during periodical maintenance actions. Actually, there are very few noise sources available on the market, the majority of which is capable of generating only noise characterized by a uniform power spectral density in a limited bandwidth; generators capable of producing colored noise are instead very rare. In theory, arbitrary waveform generators could be deployed and suitably programmed to serve as noise sources. But, the technicians charged of test and measurement assignments will barely find application notes that support them in stepping from theory to practice.

This work presents tutorial notes related to the simulation of colored noise, and proposes an analog generator that exploits an arbitrary waveform generator as noise source. The proposed generator is capable of producing noise signals characterized by arbitrary power spectral densities.
Good Practice Guide for calibrating a hydrophone "in situ" with a non-omnidirectional source at 10 kHz
Authors: Benadí Albert Garcia , Cadena-Munoz Javier , Del Rí­o Fernandez Joaquí­n , Roset Juan Xavier , Manuel-Làzaro Antoni
Published: June 2016

The aim of this paper is to provide the basis for the calibration of a hydrophone "in situ" with a non-omnidirectional source at 10 kHz, thus assigning a value of uncertainty, which may be high, but according to requirements, may be sufficient.
Architecture of the multi-tap-delay-line time-interval measurement module implemented in FPGA device
Authors: Zielinski Marek , Gurski Maciej , Chaberski Dariusz
Published: June 2016

This paper describes the architecture of a Multi-Tap-Delay-Line (MTDL) time-interval measurement module of high resolution implemented in a single FPGA device. The new architecture of the measurement module enables to collect sixteen time-stamps during a single measuring cycle. It means that the measured time-interval can be precisely interpolated from the collection of the sixteen time-stamps after each measuring cycle. Such architecture of the measurement module leads directly to an increased resolution, to a limited total measurement time and a decreased duty cycle of the measurement instrument.
FPGA-based real time compensation method for medium voltage transducers
Authors: Crotti Gabriella , Gallo Daniele , Giordano Domenico , Landi Carmine , Luiso Mario
Published: June 2016

Since the increase of the distributed power connected to the medium voltage networks, a capillary monitoring of the power quality becomes essential. This entails the spread of transducers with suitable frequency bandwidths, as required by the relevant standards. The paper describes a real time compensation method for the extension of the frequency bandwidth of medium voltage dividers whose performances do not allow to perform measurements over a wide frequency range. This approach will contribute to keep the costs of this innovation low.
Frequency-domain characterization of random demodulation Analog-to-Information Converters
Authors: Bao Doris , Daponte Pasquale , De Vito Luca , Rapuano Sergio
Published: June 2016

The paper aims at proposing test methods for Analog-to-Information Converters (AICs).

In particular, the objective of this work is to verify if figures of merit and test methods, currently defined in standards for traditional Analog-to-Digital Converters, can be applied to AICs based on the random demodulation architecture.

For this purpose, an AIC prototype has been designed, starting from commercially available integrated circuits. A simulation analysis and an experimental investigation have been carried out to study the additional influencing factors such as the parameters of the reconstruction algorithm. Results show that standard figures of merit are in general capable of describing the performance of AICs, provided that they are slightly modified according to the proposals reported in the paper. In addition, test methods have to be modified in order to take into account the statistical behavior of AICs.
An experimental comparison of complex excitation sequences for eddy current testing
Authors: Betta Giovanni , Burrascano Pietro , Ferrigno Luigi , Laracca Marco , Ricci Marco , Silipigni Giuseppe
Published: June 2016

Eddy Current Testing (ECT) is a Non Destructive technique widely used in many industrial application fields in which it is very important to detect the presence of thin defects (generally called cracks) in conductive materials. Features of this technique are the cost-effective implementation and the kind of retrieved measured data that make possible to estimate the geometrical characteristics of a crack as position, length, width and depth. The analysis of these characteristics allows the user to accept or discard realized components then improving the production chain. To accomplish for this task some aspects have to be taken into account during the measurement process. They mainly concern the realization of suitable measurement setup and post processing stages. As far as the measurement setup is concerned, crucial aspects are the choice of measurement and excitation devices. The choice of optimized excitation devices and strategies is of interest for research on Non Destructive ECT (ND-ECT): together with common aspects as the amplitude and the frequency of the exciting signal, the attention has been paid to issues as the type of signal to be adopted. In particular it has been found as the use of complex excitation signals, meant as signals different from the sinusoidal ones and with wide frequency content, might raise eddy current responses trying to support the measurement, detection and characterization stages when "difficult cases" are explored (i.e. very small and/or annealed cracks). In this paper the authors propose an experimental comparison of different excitation signals designed to improve the quality of experimental data when difficult cases are experienced and, consequently, to obtain a more reliable extraction of defects geometrical features.
Single image geometry inspection using inverse endoscopic fringe projection
Authors: Matthias Steffen , Ohrt Christoph , Pösch Andreas , Kästner Markus , Reithmeier Eduard
Published: June 2016

Fringe projection is an important technology for the measurement of free form elements in several application fields. It can be applied for geometry elements smaller than one millimeter. In combination with deviation analysis algorithms, errors in fabrication lines can be found promptly to minimize rejections. However, some fields cannot be covered by the classical fringe projection approach. Due to shadowing, filigree form elements on narrow or internal carrier geometries cannot be captured. To overcome this limitation, a fiberscopic micro fringe projection sensor was developed. The new device is capable of resolutions of less than 15 µm with uncertainties of about 35 µm in a workspace of 3 × 3 × 3 mm³.
Using standard phase measurement techniques, such as Gray-code and cos²-patterns, measurement times of over a second are too high for in-situ operation. The following work will introduce a new approach of applying a new one image measuring method to the fiberscopic system, based on inverse fringe projection. The fiberscopic fringe projection system employs a laser light source in combination with a digital micro-mirror device (DMD) to generate fringe patterns. Fiber optical image bundles (FOIB) are used in combination with gradient-index lenses to project these patterns on the specimen. This advanced optical system creates high demands on the pattern generation algorithms to generate exact inverse patterns for arbitrary CAD-modelled geometries. Approaches of the optical simulations in the context of the complex beam path, together the drawbacks of the limited resolutions of the FOIBs shall be discussed. Early results of inverse pattern simulations using a ray tracing approach of a pinhole system model are presented.
Two application examples of RFID sensor systems - identification and diagnosis of concrete components and monitoring of dangerous goods transports
Authors: Bartholmai Matthias , Stoppel Markus , Petrov Sergej , Hohendorf Stefan , Goedecke Thomas
Published: June 2016

The combination of RFID-tags and energy efficient sensors offers promising potential for identification, diagnosis, and monitoring applications - particularly when it comes to objects, which require continuous observation and which are difficult to access with conventional tools. This paper presents two examples as an outlook for RFID sensor systems in embedded structures and in mobile applications.
Modelling of linear test bench for short distance measurements
Authors: Siaudinyte Lauryna
Published: June 2016

To perform the calibration of total stations under laboratory conditions, lack of space is a common issue. The paper presents the analysis of applied solutions for short distance measurements and assumptions of the construction development of a linear test bench for cyclic error determination. Various aspects of improvement are explained in the paper and the preliminary design of a linear test bench being developed at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University is presented.
Effectiveness of filters in 3 kV DC railway traction substations supplied by distorted voltage- measurements and diagnostics
Authors: Szelag Adam , Maciolek Tadeusz , Patoka Marek
Published: June 2016

Electric energy quality criteria relating to a DC supply system concern the circuits from the rectifiers installed in traction substations till the vehicle's current collector. Energy Law and related implementing provisions unequivocally state that an electrified transport system as the energy recipient shall fulfil the requirements regarding energy consumption, which are defined in the agreement. It imposes certain requirements for the railway power supply company. Introduction into traffic of the traction vehicles that are equipped with converter power electronics drive systems increased requirements regarding voltage quality in a DC catenary. At the same time, increase in share of non-linear recipients causes the increase of distortion in AC voltage supplying traction substations, and they also transfer to the DC side. Both these factors caused a change in operational conditions of the resonance smoothing filters hitherto used in rectifier traction substations supplied by AC medium voltage power lines. This paper presents a research and a case study of the problem of effectiveness of functioning of the used filters, from measurements allowing for problem identification to results of the studies of the proposed new solution of a filter and the results of observed exploitation of a prototype with the application of digital monitoring and diagnostics system.
A fast and low-cost vision-based line tracking measurement system for robotic vehicles
Authors: Fontanelli Daniele , Macii David , Rizano Tizar
Published: June 2016

Localization and tracking systems are nowadays a quite common solution for automated guided vehicles (AGV) in industrial environments. The bunch of technological solutions developed in this sector is now being revitalized by their applications in service robots, e.g. for safe navigation in crowded public spaces or in autonomous cars. Related to this field are robotic competitions and races. In this particular scenario, the robot often has to track a line painted on the ground. Line tracking techniques typically rely on light dependent resistors (LDR), photo-diodes or photo-transistors detecting the light generated by normal or infrared Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), arrays of electric inductance sensors or vision systems. Crucial issues for line tracking are: accuracy and reliability in estimating the direction of the moving vehicle with respect to the line and processing speed. Such problems are particularly critical when high-speed mobile robots are considered. To address this issue, in this paper a vision-based technique of moderate computational complexity is described.Â The proposed solution has been implemented on a low-cost embedded platform and relies on a high frame rate light contrast sensor, a tailored RANSAC-based algorithm and a Kalman filter. The reported experimental results prove that the proposed solution is able to track the direction of the vehicle in real-time even when the field of view of the camera is limited and the vehicle moves at high speed.
Setting up of a floating gate test bench in a low noise environment to measure very low tunneling currents
Authors: Postel-Pellerin Jeremy , Micolau Gilles , Chiquet Philippe , Melkonian Jeanne , Just Guillaume , Boyer Daniel , Ginoux Cyril
Published: June 2016

We propose and develop a complete solution to evaluate very low leakage currents in Nonâ€Volatile Memories, based on the Floatingâ€Gate Technique. We intend to use very basic tools (power supply, multimeter,...) but with a very good current resolution. The aim of this work is to show the feasibility of such measurements and the ability to reach current levels lower than the ones obtained by any direct measurement, even from highâ€performance devices. The key node is that the experiment is led in a very particular lowâ€noise environment (underground laboratory) allowing to keep the electrical contacts on the device under test as long as possible. We have demonstrated the feasibility of this approach and obtained a very promising 10â€17A current level in less than two weeks.
Full information ADC test procedures using sinusoidal excitation, implemented in MATLAB and LabVIEW
Authors: Pálfi Vilmos , Virosztek Tamás , Kollár István
Published: June 2016

Analog-to-digital converters and the need to test these devices appeared simultaneously. Thus, ADC circuit realizations and test methods evolved also simultaneously. In the last decades several techniques have been elaborated and spread worldwide. These are available in IEEE standards and in the literature as well. However, standard methods do not support the recognition of incorrect measurement settings. Accurate test results require careful choice of settings and calculated quality parameters of the ADC under test are very sensitive to imperfections of the measurement setup. In addition, the requirements are different for each test technique and the restrictions can even be contradicting (e.g. overdrive is recommended for histogram test and contraindicated for FFT test). This paper presents solutions to perform the commonly used methods reliably and some advanced methods to increase the performance of ADC quality parameter estimation. Implementations of the proposed algorithms are presented as well, with URL for download.
Painting authentication by means of a biometric-like approach
Authors: Schirripa Spagnolo Giuseppe , Cozzella Lorenzo , Caciotta Maurizio , Colasanti Roberto , Ferrari Gianluca
Published: June 2016

Artwork counterfeiting is a wide problem in the art market, both for private subject and museums. For this reason, it is important introducing innovative authentication solutions, based on state-of-the-art technologies. In particular, in this paper, the proposed solution is based on a mobile architecture, starting from the consideration that nowadays mobile phones include quality photo and video cameras, access to wireless networks and the internet, GPS assistance and other innovative systems. The proposed solution uses smartphones as simple, robust and efficient sensor for artworks authentication. When we buy an artwork object, the seller issues a certificate of authenticity, which contains specific details about the artwork itself. Unscrupulous sellers can duplicate the classic certificates of authenticity, and then use them to â€œauthenticateâ€ non-genuine works of art. In this way, the buyer will have a copy of an original certificate to attest that the â€œnot original artworkâ€ is an original one. A solution for this problem would be to insert a system that links together the certificate and the related specific artwork. To do this it is necessary, for a single artwork, to find unique, unrepeatable, and unchangeable characteristics. In this article we propose an innovative and not-invasive method for the authentication of artworks based on random intrinsic object characteristics. This approach is based on biometry paradigm (analogue fingerprinting). The paper present a stand-alone solution, and an internet-based one, necessary for granting security verification also in case of problem with the used RFID tag. The proposed method uses an RFID Tag and a 2D barcode, in conjunction with an Internet-based Authentication Archive.
Surface conductance and microwave scattering in semicontinuous gold films
Authors: Obrzut Jan
Published: June 2016

Semicontinuous gold films 4 nm to 12 nm thick were characterized using patterned coplanar waveguides over a frequency range of 100 MHz to 20 GHz. Such films can form two dimensional fractal aggregates mixed with dielectric voids with unusually large electromagnetic absorption. Surface conductance and microwave absorption were obtained from the measured scattering parameters using a microwave transmissionâ€reflection model. Within the percolation coverage of gold nanoparticles, when the surface conductance increases from 10-5 S to 10-3 S, the film properties transition from dielectric to metallic, and the corresponding microwave transmittance falls far more rapidly than the classical skin depth model would suggest. The resulting microwave absorption attains a peak value in this range, which results from an inhomogeneous localization of an electromagnetic field in fractal structures. The dielectric to metallic transition can be easily identified experimentally from an abrupt change in the phase of the reflection scattering parameter S11. The results demonstrate a convenient easurement technique to study electromagnetic properties of surfaceâ€enhanced semicontinuous metallic films for thin broadband absorbers with minimized reflection, and for other microwave applications.
Salinity and relative humidity: climatological relevance and metrological needs
Authors: Feistel Rainer
Published: June 2016

Water plays the leading thermodynamic role in Earth's 'steam engine' climate. Followed by clouds and CO2, water vapour in the atmosphere is dominating the greenhouse effect. Evaporation from the ocean surface is the main route of energy export from the ocean, the rate of which is known with poor 20 % uncertainty only. Regional climatic trends in evaporation and precipitation are reflected in small changes of ocean surface salinity.
 Observational data of salinity and relative humidity need to be globally comparable within requisite uncertainties over decades and centuries, but both quantities rely on century-old provisional standards of unclear stability, and on ambiguous definitions. This increasingly urgent and long-pending problem can only be solved by proper metrological traceability to the International System of Units (SI). Consistent with such SI-based definitions, state-of-the-art correlation equations for thermophysical properties of water, seawater, ice and humid air such as those available from the recent oceanographic standard TEOS-10 need to be developed and adopted as joint international standards for all branches of climate research, in oceanography, meteorology and glaciology for data analysis and numerical models.
 The IAPSO/SCOR/IAPWS Joint Committee on Seawater JCS is targeting at these aims in cooperation with BIPM, WMO and other international bodies.
Key comparisons: the chance for discrepant results and some consequences
Authors: Pavese Franco
Published: June 2016

The paper reports an analysis of the results of complete sets of key comparisons available on the BIPM repository (KCDB), which shows that the majority of them show some discrepant results. The main reason of this fact is due to unknown or ill-estimated systematic effects, and indicates that the usual method of 'correcting' for known systematic effects is inefficient. The paper then discusses some of the possible reasons and an alternative approach, starting from a proposed revision of the meaning of systematic effect/error.
Physical quantity as a pseudo-euclidean vector
Authors: Mazin Valery
Published: June 2016

The aim of this research was an attempt of the finding of a mathematical model for a physical quantity organically including it degree of uncertainty. As the starting point the basic equation of measurement is accepted. Result was a presentation a physical quantity by a vector of the pseudo-Euclidean plane. 4 new matters appearing by such presentation are discussed.
Multi-elemental composition of Slovenian milk: analytical approach and geographical origin determination
Authors: Potocnik Doris , Necemer Marijan , Mazej Darja , Jacimovic Radojko , Ogrinc Nives
Published: June 2016

The main objective in multi-elemental analysis in food is to obtain the best results in the shortest time and with minimal contamination and reagent consumption. Three different methods were investigated in the present study to obtain the elemental content in milk samples: energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF), k0-instrumental nuclear activation analysis (k0-INAA) and the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Quality assurance including intercomparison exercises of these measurements proved entirely satisfactory and was typical of that previously established for this technique. It was found that EDXRF was the cheapest, simplest and environmental friendly method for analysis of multi-elemental composition (P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr) in milk samples, while for determination of Mn, Fe, Cu, Se content and possible identification of pollutants such as As, Cd and Pb ICP-MS was a method of choice due to its excellent sensitivity and accuracy. These two methods were also used to determine the multi-elemental composition in Slovenian raw cow milk from different geographical regions: Alpine, Mediterranean. Dinaric and Panoninan in December 2013. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was used to explore multi-elemental analysis of milk samples to obtain classification according to geographical regions. Regional discrimination was most successful taking into account Ca, S, P, K, and Cl with prediction ability of 66.7%.
NMISA, KEBS, BKSV tri-lateral vibration comparison results
Authors: Maina Anderson , Veldman Ian , Ploug Henning
Published: June 2016

National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) and calibration laboratories perform Inter Laboratory Comparisons (ILC) as part of their processes to validate their measurement capabilities (MCs). In the area of vibration (quantity acceleration) the Kenyan Bureau of Standards (KEBS) piloted an ILC, inclusive of two additional participating laboratories for this purpose. This technical review documents the calibration results and findings of the ILC.
Intimate Partner Victimization and Health Risk Behaviors Among Pregnant Adolescents
Authors: Udo Ifeyinwa E. , Lewis, LMFT Jessica B. , Tobin Jonathan N. , Ickovics Jeannette R.
Published: June 2016

Objectives. To provide lifetime estimates of intimate partner victimization among pregnant adolescents and examine associations between victimization and health risk behaviors identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as leading causes of adolescent morbidity and mortality.

Methods. Participants (n = 1233) were predominantly Latina (58%) and non-Latina Black (34%) pregnant adolescents (aged 14–21 years) enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of group prenatal care in 14 clinical sites in New York City (2008–2012). They completed surveys to assess interpersonal victimization and risk behaviors: substance use, risky sexual behaviors, injuries or violence, unhealthy dietary behavior, and inadequate physical activity.

Results. Fifty-two percent reported intimate partner victimization, which was associated with nearly all health risk behaviors.

Conclusions. Pregnant adolescents who experienced intimate partner victimization were significantly more likely to engage in health risk behaviors, which can have adverse health consequences. Expanded prevention programs tailored to specific needs of pregnant adolescents are needed. Health care providers and others who work with pregnant adolescents should consistently screen for and intervene in intimate partner victimization.
Increasing Hepatitis B Vaccine Prevalence Among Refugee Children Arriving in the United States, 2006–2012
Authors: Yun Katherine , Urban Kailey , Mamo Blain , Matheson Jasmine , Payton Colleen , Scott Kevin C. , Song Lihai , Stauffer William M. , Stone Barbara L. , Young Janine , Lin Henry
Published: June 2016

Objectives. To determine whether the addition of hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine to national immunization programs improved vaccination rates among refugee children, a marginalized population with limited access to care.

Methods. The sample included 2291 refugees younger than 19 years who completed HBV screening after arrival in the United States. Children were categorized by having been born before or after the addition of the 3-dose HBV vaccine to their birth country’s national immunization program. The outcome was serological evidence of immunization.

Results. The odds of serological evidence of HBV immunization were higher for children born after the addition of HBV vaccine to their birth country’s national immunization program (adjusted odds ratio = 2.54; 95% confidence interval = 2.04, 3.15).

Conclusions. National HBV vaccination programs have contributed to the increase in HBV vaccination coverage observed among US-bound refugee children.

Public Health Implications. Ongoing public health surveillance is needed to ensure that vaccine rates are sustained among diverse, conflict-affected, displaced populations.
First Medicare Demonstration of Concurrent Provision of Curative and Hospice Services for End-of-Life Care
Authors: Harrison Krista L. , Connor Stephen R.
Published: June 2016

Hospice developed in the United States in the 1970s as a way to address unmet needs for end-of-life care: support for pain and symptom management provided in the location and manner that the patient and family prefer. In Europe and Australia, hospice is available from the time of diagnosis of an advanced life-limiting illness onward, but in the United States, the Medicare hospice benefit restricts eligibility for these services to patients who no longer receive curative treatment.

We provide background and analysis of the first Medicare hospice demonstration in 35 years that will test the concurrent provision of curative and hospice services for terminally ill individuals with a life expectancy of six months or less.

This demonstration is a harbinger of potential policy changes to hospice and palliative care in the United States that could reduce barriers to end-of-life care that aligns with patient and family preferences as the demand for care increases with an aging population.
Reduced Prevalence of Obesity in 14 Disadvantaged Black Communities in the United States: A Successful 4-Year Place-Based Participatory Intervention
Authors: Liao Youlian , Siegel Paul Z. , Garraza Lucas G. , Xu Ye , Yin Shaoman , Scardaville Melissa , Gebreselassie Tesfayi , Stephens Robert L.
Published: June 2016

Objectives. To assess the impact of a large-scale place-based intervention on obesity prevalence in Black communities.

Methods. The Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health across the United States (REACH US) project was conducted in 14 predominantly Black communities in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. We measured trends from 2009 to 2012 in the prevalence of obesity. We used Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data to compare these trends with trends among non-Hispanic Whites and non-Hispanic Blacks in the United States and in the 10 states where REACH communities were located, and with a propensity score–matched national sample of non-Hispanic Blacks.

Results. The age-standardized prevalence of obesity decreased in REACH US communities (P = .045), but not in the comparison populations (P = .435 to P = .996). The relative change was −5.3% in REACH US communities versus +2.4% in propensity score–matched controls (P value for the difference = .031). The net effect on the reduction of obesity prevalence was about 1 percentage point per year for REACH.

Conclusions. Obesity prevalence was reduced in 14 disadvantaged Black communities that participated in the REACH project.
Ethical and Psychosocial Considerations in Informing HIV-Exposed Uninfected Children That They Were Exposed to HIV and Antiretroviral Medications In Utero
Authors: Klitzman Robert , Mellins Claude A. , Philbin Morgan M. , Abrams Elaine J. , Remien Robert H.
Published: June 2016

We build on what is known about the potential long-term health effects of perinatal antiretroviral medication exposure to examine ethical and psychosocial issues associated with disclosure by applying lessons from other health conditions, theories of child and adolescent development and rights, and the relevant literature and legal contexts.

We present 2 cases to highlight potential issues; apply a bioethical framework that includes principles of autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice; and explore other factors, including the current uncertainty about these exposures’ possible long-term health risks.

This ethical framework can help clinicians and researchers consider and balance relevant concerns in deciding whether to inform offspring of HIV and related exposures.
Work–Family Trajectories and the Higher Cardiovascular Risk of American Women Relative to Women in 13 European Countries
Authors: van Hedel Karen , Mejía-Guevara Iván , Avendaño Mauricio , Sabbath Erika L. , Berkman Lisa F. , Mackenbach Johan P. , van Lenthe Frank J.
Published: June 2016

Objectives. To investigate whether less-healthy work–family life histories contribute to the higher cardiovascular disease prevalence in older American compared with European women.

Methods. We used sequence analysis to identify distinct work–family typologies for women born between 1935 and 1956 in the United States and 13 European countries. Data came from the US Health and Retirement Study (1992–2006) and the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe (2004–2009).

Results. Work–family typologies were similarly distributed in the United States and Europe. Being a lone working mother predicted a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and smoking among American women, and smoking for European women. Lone working motherhood was more common and had a marginally stronger association with stroke in the United States than in Europe. Simulations indicated that the higher stroke risk among American women would only be marginally reduced if American women had experienced the same work–family trajectories as European women.

Conclusions. Combining work and lone motherhood was more common in the United States, but differences in work–family trajectories explained only a small fraction of the higher cardiovascular risk of American relative to European women.
Notes From the Co-Editors
Authors: Fletcher Jr. Edward C. , Hernandez-Gantes Victor M.
Published: June 2016

In 2015, a total of 15 manuscripts were submitted for publication consideration in the Journal of Career and Technical Education (JCTE). At the end of November, the review process was fully completed for 12 manuscripts, with three articles remaining under review. Based on the review results of the fully reviewed manuscripts, three articles met the standards for publication and were accepted to produce Volume 30, Issue 1 of the journal, representing an acceptance rate of 25%. The articles featured in the current issue, represent two methodological approaches (correlational and descriptive), and address important issues related to career development, equity, and program practice.
PRESERVATION Responsibilities of Homemakers in Processing, Storage and Preservation of Pepper (Capsicum Specie) in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Dimelu I N
Published: June 2016

This study is directed towards the identification of activities to be conducted by women in processing, storage and preservation of pepper (capsicum species) in Southern Nigeria. Three (3) research questions and three (3) hypotheses guided the study. This study adopted survey research design, with 39 structured questionnaire items used for data collection. The questionnaire was faced validated by five experts in food science and technology and vocational teachers' education (Agric); three were knowledgeable in pepper processing. Cronbach alpha method was used to determine the internal consistency of the items with a co-efficient of 0.90. The sample was 700, made up of 630 home economists, 30 home economic teachers and 40 female teachers of Agriculture. The data was analyzed using weighted mean, standard deviation to answer research questions Analysis of variance (ANOVA) to test the hypothesis. It was discovered that 39 items were identified as responsibilities (duties) of homemakers in planning, processing, storing and preserving and marketing processed pepper in Southern Nigerian. Recommendations for effectiveness towards processing and preserving pepper for food security was made; among others.