Implementation of Soil Pressure Sensors in Large-Scale Soil-Structure Interaction Studies

Stated preference surveys are increasingly conducted online using internet panel samples, where a fast-growing share of respondents answer on smartphones. These panel members range from novices to “professionals” in terms of previous survey experience. Little is known about the potential effects of smartphone responding and survey experience on the data quality of stated preference surveys. This paper uses a discrete choice experiment dataset on the Norwegian population’s willingness to pay to plant climate forests to explore how these two factors affect data quality. These data by type of response device, gathered using a probability-based internet panel, were combined with a unique dataset obtained from the survey company on respondents’ actual experience answering surveys on different types of devices. Our results show that differences in elicited preferences between smartphone and computer respondents are not caused by the device used, suggesting that initial concerns about smartphone responses may be exaggerated. Furthermore, more experience is associated with an increasing scale parameter (indicating lower error variance), but at a decreasing rate; and a higher propensity to choose the status quo (indicating possible simplifying strategies employed by respondents). Combined this suggest some optimal level of experience that is neither too high nor too low. We discuss the implications of our results for stated preference research and provide a few avenues for future research.

ZnO-SiO/sub 2/-Si surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices with polycrystalline ZnO films of high quality at a thickness h between 0.3 and 15 mu m were fabricated using the RF-magnetron bias sputtering technique. X-ray diffraction, rocking curves, and SEM microscopy were used to characterize the ZnO layers. The authors studied the propagation loss and the coupling coefficient of three different types of devices: Rayleigh wave devices with ZnO layers h/ lambda approximately=0.4 and h/ lambda approximately=0.04, and Sezawa wave devices. Measurements were performed in the frequency range between 80 and 600 MHz. It was observed that Rayleigh wave devices with a thin ZnO layer have a much lower frequency dependence of the propagation loss than the other two types of SAW devices. At 550 MHz, devices with thin ZnO layers exhibit a propagation loss of only 7 dB/cm, compared to 24 dB/cm for Rayleigh wave devices with a thick ZnO layer, and 14 dB/cm for the Sezawa wave devices. Phase velocity and coupling coefficient as a function of film thickness were examined and are compared with theoretical values.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>

Usage of technological devices is increasing and also increases the facility and the compatibility of the hardware. The internet can be accessed through many devices and the devices can be connected with other devices. Internet of Things (IoT) has increased highly in various types of device and complexity of the connection with the different type of devices also increases. This increases the demand for the Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) for the user. IoT-based SOA technique provides the effective information by obtaining the information about the user's devices and their locations. This technique requires the device to be connected to the several devices, which also increases problem in security. Several research has been carried on the IoT-based SOA method and provides better solutions for some problems. In this paper, research has been done on the IoT-based SOA technique research to analysis the major issues with this technique and their better solution provided for the system. The major problem with the technique is lightweight process is required for the embedded system.

Background: Incorrect use of inhaler devices is associated with unfavorable outcomes Aim: To evaluate device use errors in asthma and COPD patients treated in outpatient clinics of 3 tertiary hospitals and one private practice office in Greece Methods: Demographics and medical history were recorded. Patients demonstrated the use of their prescribed device and use was evaluated according to predefined steps Results: 607 patients (50.2%male, mean age 60.2years) performed 663 demonstrations (56 patients were using 2 different types of devices). 49.8% were treated for asthma and 50.2% for COPD. 79.5% were using DPIs. Errors were documented in 41.2%, were associated with the type of device, p Conclusion: Device use errors are common and associated with unfavorable outcomes. Trained patients were more likely to use the device correctly. Patients should be encouraged to demonstrate the use of their devices during medical visits in everyday clinical practice

Many peoples are using the Internet and many types of devices have emerged. In this situation, a single user wants to continue to work in anytime and anywhere. Current contents service targets specific devices, so that it cannot support many different types of devices. To realize continuous and transparent services, we propose a new model of ASP. In our proposed model, User Agent and Application Agent can work together to provide service continuity and device transparency. Then, we implemented a prototype based on this model and evaluated our model. As a conclusion, our model could provide continuous and device transparent service.

The use of inhaled antibiotics was initially almost exclusively confined to patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). However, it has been extended in recent decades to patients with non-CF bronchiectasis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who present with chronic bronchial infection by potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Inhaled antibiotics reach high concentrations in the area of infection, which enhances their effect and enables their long-term administration to defeat the most resistant infections, while minimizing possible adverse effects. New formulations of inhaled dry powder antibiotics have been developed, providing, among other advantages, faster preparation and administration of the drug, as well as avoiding the requirement to clean nebulization equipment. In this review, we analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of devices that allow the inhalation of antibiotics, especially dry powder inhalers. We describe their general characteristics, the different inhalers on the market and the proper way to use them. We analyze the factors that influence the way in which the dry powder drug reaches the lower airways, as well as aspects of microbiological effectiveness and risks of resistance development. We review the scientific evidence on the use of colistin and tobramycin with this type of device, both in patients with CF and with non-CF bronchiectasis. Finally, we discuss the literature on the development of new dry powder antibiotics.

Seismic probabilistic risk assessment (SPRA) methods and approaches at nuclear power plants (NPP) were first developed in the 1970s and aspects of them have matured over time as they were applied and incrementally improved. SPRA provides information on risk and risk insights and allows for some accounting for uncertainty and variability. As a result, SPRA is now used as an important basis for risk-informed decision making for both new and operating NPPs in the US and in an increasing number of countries globally. SPRAs are intended to provide best estimates of the various combinations of structural and equipment failures that can lead to a seismic induced core damage event. However, in some instances the current SPRA approach contains large uncertainties, and potentially masks other important events (for instance, it was not the seismic motions that caused the Fukushima core melt events, but the tsunami ingress into the facility). INL has an advanced SPRA research and development (R&D) activity that will identify areas in the calculation process that contain significant uncertainties. One current area of focus is the use of nonlinear soil-structure interaction (NLSSI) analysis methods to accurately capture: 1) nonlinear soil behavior and 2) gapping and sliding between the NPP and soil. The goal of this study is to compare numerical NLSSI analysis results with recorded earthquake ground motions at Fukushima Daichii (Great Tohuku Earthquake) and evaluate the sources of nonlinearity contributing to the observed reduction in peak acceleration. Comparisons are made using recorded data in the free-field (soil column with no structural influence) and recorded data on the NPP basemat (in-structure response). Results presented in this study should identify areas of focus for future R&D activities with the goal of minimizing uncertainty in SPRA calculations. This is not a validation activity since there are too many sources of uncertainty that a numerical analysis would need to consider (variability in soil material properties, structural material properties, etc.). Rather the report will determine if the NLSSI calculations are following similar trends observed in the recorded data (i.e. reductions in maximum acceleration between the free-field and basemat) Numerical NLSSI results presented show maximum accelerations between the free field and basemat were reduced the EW and NS directions. The maximum acceleration in the UD direction increased slightly. The largest reduction in maximum accelerations between the modeled free-field and the NPP basemat resulted in nearly 50% reduction. The observation in reduction of numerical maximum accelerations in the EW and NS directions follows the observed trend in the recorded data. The maximum reductions observed in these NLSSI studies were due to soil nonlinearities, not gapping and sliding (although additional R&D is needed to develop an appropriate approach to model gapping and sliding). This exploratory study highlights the need for additional R&D on developing: (i) improved modeling of soil nonlinearities (soil constitutive models that appropriately capture cyclic soil behavior), (ii) improved modeling of gapping and sliding at the soil-structure interface (to appropriately capture the dissipation of energy at this interface), and (iii) experimental laboratory test data to calibrate the items (i) and (ii).

The Internet of Things (IoT) has shown rapid growth in recent years. However, it presents challenges related to the lack of standardization of communication produced by different types of devices. Another problem area is the security and privacy of data generated by IoT devices. Thus, with the focus on grouping, analyzing, and classifying existing data security and privacy methods in IoT, based on data anonymization, we have conducted a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). We have therefore reviewed the history of works developing solutions for security and privacy in the IoT, particularly data anonymization and the leading technologies used by researchers in their work. We also discussed the challenges and future directions for research. The objective of the work is to give order to the main approaches that promise to provide or facilitate data privacy using anonymization in the IoT area. The study’s results can help us understand the best anonymization techniques to provide data security and privacy in IoT environments. In addition, the findings can also help us understand the limitations of existing approaches and identify areas for improvement. The results found in most of the studies analyzed indicate a lack of consensus in the following areas: (i) with regard to a solution with a standardized methodology to be applied in all scenarios that encompass IoT; (ii) the use of different techniques to anonymize the data; and (iii), the resolution of privacy issues. On the other hand, results made available by the k-anonymity technique proved efficient in combination with other techniques. In this context, data privacy presents one of the main challenges for broadening secure domains in applying privacy with anonymity.

This paper proposes a method for converting a large existing surface into a programmable wireless charger, capable of distributing energy efficiently at multiple locations on demand and charge different types of devices. The key innovation here is to combine magnetic resonance-based energy transfer with the so called concept of `energy hopping' across wireless inter-connected coils, where the magnetic fields are carefully shaped on the fly. The overall framework, called SoftCharge, has three components: (i) energy tiles (ETs), which are individual programmable coil units that can be attached underneath an existing table with AC mains supply only to the master tile, (ii) energy shaping algorithm executed by the master tile, that shapes the flow of energy over tiles through real-time impedance adjustment combined with selective power blocking, creating optimal energy paths to specific tiles where a device needs to be charged, and (iii) a resonance sensing architecture design and method executed in each given tile that detects the type of device to be charged and its location without any direct feedback. We build a prototype of energy tiles and provide experimental results on SoftCharge charging multiple COTS devices like mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and drones, resulting in a maximum charging rate of 23 W up-to 20 cm over a larger surface.

The need to develop sustainable energy solutions is an urgent requirement for society, with the additional requirement to limit dependence on critical raw materials, within a virtuous circular economy model. In this framework, it is essential to identify new avenues for light‐conversion into clean energy and fuels exploiting largely available materials and green production methods. Metal oxide semiconductors (MOSs) emerge among other species for their remarkable environmental stability, chemical tunability, and optoelectronic properties. MOSs are often key constituents in next generation energy devices, mainly in the role of charge selective layers. Their use as light harvesters is hitherto rather limited, but progressively emerging. One of the key strategies to boost their properties involves doping, that can improve charge mobility, light absorption and tune band structures to maximize charge separation at heterojunctions. In this review, effective methods to dope MOSs and to exploit the derived benefits in relation to performance enhancement in different types of devices are identified and critically compared. The work is focused specifically on the best opportunities coming from the use of non‐critical raw materials, so as to contribute in defining an economically feasible roadmap for light conversion technologies based on these highly stable and widely available compounds.

This paper presents a new concept of ‘Immersive Job Taste’ – interactive virtual reality demonstration of a workplace that aims to give a feeling of going through an average workday of a professional with elements of basic training. The main target audiences of Job Taste simulations are young job seekers who can be aided in selecting a career path at school or a welfare center, choosing the first or a new occupation, often after a period of being unemployed. The design methodology behind the Immersive Job Taste concept includes presentation of a workplace, typical tasks, feedback on performance, and advice on applying for jobs in the specific industry. We developed several scenarios and applied different virtual and augmented reality concepts to build prototypes for different types of devices. The prototypes were evaluated by several groups of primary users and experts. The results indicate a generally very positive attitude towards the concept. In this paper, we discuss the potential impact of applying the concept and directions for future work.

Deployment of multiple radio access technologies (RATs) at the same cell site enables the system to flexibly support different types of devices and services. Such multi-RAT systems call for an efficient utilization of the system resources as well as simplified management. In this paper, we take a user-centric approach and let each individual user equipment decide its own access strategy in a multi-RAT system with regulated interference constraints. The formulated problem is a generalized Nash equilibrium (GNE) problem. We show that there always exists a GNE but its uniqueness is not guaranteed. A closed form solution is provided to characterize a special class of the GNEs. We then propose a primal-dual algorithm with detailed convergence analysis for computing a GNE. The proposed algorithm may have practical implications in the design of multi-RAT systems.

Cybercrime is significantly growing as the development of internet technology. To mitigate this issue, the law enforcement adopts network surveillance technology to track a suspect and derive the online profile. However, the traditional network surveillance using the single-device tracking method can only acquire part of a suspect’s online activities. With the emergence of different types of devices (e.g., personal computers, mobile phones, and smart wearable devices) in the mobile edge computing (MEC) environment, one suspect can employ multiple devices to launch a cybercrime. In this paper, we investigate a novel cross-device tracking approach which is able to correlate one suspect’s different devices so as to help the law enforcement monitor a suspect’s online activities more comprehensively. Our approach is based on the network traffic analysis of instant messaging (IM) applications, which are typical commercial service providers (CSPs) in the MEC environment. We notice a new habit of using IM applications, that is, one individual logs in the same account on multiple devices. This habit brings about devices’ receiving sync messages, which can be utilized to correlate devices. We choose five popular apps (i.e., WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, QQ, and Skype) to prove our approach’s effectiveness. The experimental results show that our approach can identify IM messages with high F1-scores (e.g., QQ’s PC message is 0.966, and QQ’s phone message is 0.924) and achieve an average correlating accuracy of 89.58% of five apps in an 8-people experiment, with the fastest correlation speed achieved in 100 s.

Experimental data are reported on the simultaneous absorption of H 2 S and CO 2 from steam, using NaOH solutions of varying strength. The application motivating the study is the selective removal of H 2 S from geothermal steam. A short small-diameter tube is used as a cocurrent contact device favoring selective H 2 S removal. The absorption rates achieved are compared with the results of similar experimental studies in different types of devices, and the hydrodynamic characteristics of tubular contactor are discussed. The process is computer simulated, using a numerical scheme to calculate absorption rates at the tube cross section and integrating along the contactor. The average mass-transfer coefficients, resulting from a fit of the numerical results to the data, are among the highest appearing in the literature

Authentication is the fundamental defense against any illegitimate access to a computing device or any sensitive online applications. Due to recent trends of emerging security threats, authentication using only a single factor is not reliable to provide adequate protection for these devices and applications. Hence, to facilitate continuous protection of computing devices and other critical online services from an un-authorized access, multi-factor authentication emerges as a viable option. Many authentication mechanisms with varying degrees of accuracy and portability are available for different types of computing devices connected with various communicating media. As a consequence, several existing and well-known multi-factor authentication strategies have already been utilized to enhance the security of various applications. Keeping this in mind, this research is focused on designing a robust and scalable framework for authenticating a legitimate user efficiently through a subset of available authentication modalities along with their several features (authentication factors) in time-varying operating environments (devices, media and surrounding conditions) on a regular basis. This paper highlights the creation of a trustworthy framework to quantify different authentication factors in terms of selection of different types of devices and media. In addition, a novel adaptive selection strategy for the available authentication factors incorporating the trustworthy values, previous history of selection as well as surrounding conditions is proposed in the paper. Selection through adaptive strategy ensures the incorporation of the existing environmental conditions within the selection of authentication factors and provides better diversity in the selection of these factors. Simulation results show that the proposed selection approach performs better than other existing selection strategies, namely, random and optimal selections in different settings of operating environments.