Panasonic (Poland)

This report describes the results of examining a method for detecting track fault from train running sound data. Specifically, we installed a microphone under the floor of the car to record the running sound of the train. Then, using this running sound data, we were able to construct an algorithm that can discriminate between a normal state and an abnormal state of the track. However, this is the case for some tracks, and it turns out that there are some challenges to using it on various tracks.

The transition to solid-state Li-ion batteries requires solid electrolytes with Li-ion conductivity exceeding 1 mS/cm. Solid composite electrolytes or SCEs consisting of an ionic conductor and a dielectric matrix offers an elegant strategy to enhance the ionic conductivity of electrolytes by engineering the interface conduction. At imec, we have developed a ternary nano-composite electrolyte composed of a non-volatile ionic liquid and organic Li-salt confined in mesoporous silica. The material is made by a one-step sol-gel process whereby the ionic liquid acts as template for the hydrolysis and polycondensation reaction leading to an aqueous gel. The process is similar to that for ionogels with that difference that no acid is used but water. The water and solvents are subsequently carefully removed to form a solid nano-composite electrolyte. The slow sol-gel reaction and drying allows the adsorption of an ordered molecular layer on the fully hydrolyzed silica surface. In this way, several nano-SCE with conductivities between 0.3 and 3 mS/cm have been synthesized, using TFSI-based ionic liquid electrolytes (ILE). We demonstrate that the Li-ion conductivity of nano-composites consisting of a mesoporous silica monolith with an ionic liquid electrolyte as filler can be several times higher than that of the pure ionic liquid electrolyte itself when the silica surface is appropriately hydroxylated. Interfacial ice layers induce strong adsorption and ordering of the ionic liquid molecules through H-bonding rendering it immobile and solid-like as for the interfacial ice layer itself. The dipole over the adsorbate results in solvation of the Li+ ions for enhanced conduction. We will show that the ice layer is electrochemically inactive, in contrast with water-in-salt electrolytes. Functional cells with LFP, LMO and NCA cathodes with Li, Li-alloy and LTO electrodes are demonstrated. As the ice-water layer was confirmed to be electrochemically inactive, it doesn’t cause degradation during cycling of the batteries. Furthermore, damage to the active electrode materials is avoided as our water-based sol-gel precursor does not contain corrosive acid compounds such as formic acid typically proposed as catalyst in literature. The cells are made by impregnation of the liquid sol-gel precursor solution inside the porous electrodes, very similar to how liquid cells are made. The sol-gel reaction and solidification is done in-situ inside the electrodes. By careful drying, the nano-SCE contracts the electrodes together and the electrolyte fills the spaces in the porous electrodes, providing an all around contact with the active material. As such, we have shown high capacity cells at C-rates up to 0.5C. C-rate and cycling performance of the solid-state cells with nano-SCE is shown. Figure caption: Functionality of nano-SCE as Li-ion electrolyte up to 4.3V: galvanic charge/discharge curves of Li/nano-SCE/ LiMn2O4 cell for 5 cycles at each C-rate of 1 C, 5 C, and 20 C. Figure 1

It is estimated that by 2030, 70% of the global population will live in cities. Cities today need to accommodate more people, as well as create a sustainable environment with efficient resources. Therefore, the concept of smart cities, which entails utilizing technological innovations, has become an important priority on many cities' agendas [1]. We will attempt to answer the question: "Are smart cities smart?" by looking at the five pillars associated with smart cities — Smart Grid, E-Governance, Infrastructure and Transportation, Crime Prevention, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) applications.

Objectives: We developed a standardized cost estimation method for occupational health (OH) services. The purpose of this study was to set reference OH services costs and to conduct OH services cost management assessments in two workplaces by comparing actual OH services costs with the reference costs. Methods: Data were obtained from retrospective analyses of OH services costs regarding 15 OH activities over a 1-year period in three manufacturing workplaces. We set the reference OH services costs in one of the three locations and compared OH services costs of each of the two other workplaces with the reference costs. Results: The total reference OH services cost was 176,654 Japanese yen (JPY) per employee. The personnel cost for OH staff to conduct OH services was JPY 47,993, and the personnel cost for non-OH staff was JPY 38,699. The personnel cost for receipt of OH services-opportunity cost-was JPY 19,747, expense was JPY 25,512, depreciation expense was 34,849, and outsourcing cost was JPY 9,854. We compared actual OH services costs from two workplaces (the total OH services costs were JPY 182,151 and JPY 238,023) with the reference costs according to OH activity. The actual costs were different from the reference costs, especially in the case of personnel cost for non-OH staff, expense, and depreciation expense. Conclusions: Using our cost estimation tool, it is helpful to compare actual OH services cost data with reference cost data. The outcomes help employers make informed decisions regarding investment in OH services.

We are developing an app that presents photographs in such a way as to increase the user's motivation for activity by activating memory recall and awareness. In this paper, as a initial investigation for this project, we report a photo-network visualization system and a initial experiment conducted to assess its validity. The system groups related pictures in terms of the objects and scenes in the images. The system allows user to view the photographs interactively by selecting nodes in the network. In an experiment, participants reported that viewing the photographs on the system actually improved their memory recall. Furthermore, we uncovered evidence that certain photographs better promoted memory recall than others. We also analyzed the tendencies of the participants when selecting nodes, and whether the photographs elicited feelings of fondness or interest.

A novel method for the characterization of multiple quantum well(MQW) light emitting diodes(LEDs) is investigated. This method involves the measurement of photocurrent generation in an LED when irradiated with photons of energy near the absorption edge of the quantum wells. In this situation the I-V curve of the LED reveals a number of photocurrent oscillation zones corresponding to spatial variations in the heterostructure (Figure 1). The mechanism leading to the voltage-bias dependence of these features is hypothesized to be the expansion of the depletion (space-charge) region. Electrons and holes, from the N and P regions respectively, are drawn to the P-N junction as the reverse bias-voltage is increased. The area occupied by the ionized dopant atoms left behind by these charges is referred to as the ‘depletion region’. As the magnitude of the bias increases this area of depleted atoms becomes larger, engulfing the quantum wells in series. An electric field forms between the charges gathered at the P-N junction and the ionized atoms, giving rise to a potential gradient across the depletion region. The I-V features are then caused by the dynamics of the excited electrons as the potential gradient traverses each quantum well. A preliminary model is constructed by using the SIMS data (Figure 2) for the LED heterostructure supplied by Veeco. The spatial extent of the depleted region is calculated as a function of the applied bias using a doping profile derived from the SIMS data. This allows the estimation of the voltage at which each quantum well will become depleted and thus when a feature will be expected. The resulting curve is compared to the experimentally determined I-V feature spacing. The wavelength and temperature dependencies of this phenomenon are discussed, citing examples from existing literature. The benefits of this method of analysis are examined in terms of acquisition speed, measurement resolution and hardware cost with respect to current techniques such as capacitance-voltage measurement. Further research into this effect would involve the spectral transmission of the MQW devices as a function of voltage bias and the possible applications in spectrometry or optical filtering. A more complete picture of the quantum mechanical interaction between the incident photons, quantum wells, and potential gradient would also be valuable for the interpretation of the I-V curves and possible engineering applications.

A method for the characterization of multiple quantum well (MQW) light emitting diodes(LEDs) is investigated. This method involves taking the I-V curve of the LED while it is irradiated with photons near the absorption edge of the quantum wells within the device under test. A number of features are observed on the I-V curve corresponding to spatial variations within the LED heterostructure. The physical origin of these features and their utility in analysis of the internal structure are discussed.

Roses are the most economically important ornamental crops produced throughout the world. Powdery mildew caused by Podosphaera pannosa is a major disease of greenhouse roses, and chemical fungicides are absolutely necessary for disease control. Ultraviolet (UV) in solar radiation has been thought to contribute to plant resistance against pathogens and herbivores. Here, we show that supplementary radiation with low levels of UV suppresses the development of powdery mildew disease in greenhouse roses. Supplemental UV radiation with a UV-B fluorescent lamp during the night was more effective than in the daytime. Gene expression analysis revealed that genes involved in secondary metabolic pathways were induced in rose plants by low levels of UV radiation. Direct exposure to UV radiation inhibited rose powdery mildew conidial germination in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that UV radiation can suppress powdery mildew development through inhibition of fungal growth and activation of host defenses. Disease control using supplemental UV radiation will contribute to reducing the environmental burdens from fungicide use.