Accurate junction detection and characterization in line-drawing images

In this paper, we present a new approach for junction detection and characterization in line-drawing images. We formulate this problem as searching for optimal meeting points of median lines. In this context, the main contribution of the proposed approach is three-fold. First, a new algorithm for the determination of the support region is presented using the linear least squares technique, making it robust to digitization effects. Second, an efficient algorithm is proposed to detect and conceptually remove all distorted zones, retaining reliable line segments only. These line segments are then locally characterized to form a local structure representation of each crossing zone. Finally, a novel optimization algorithm is presented to reconstruct the junctions. Junction characterization is then simply derived. The proposed approach is very highly robust to common geometry transformations and can resist a satisfactory level of noise/degradation. Furthermore, it works very efficiently in terms of time complexity and requires no prior knowledge of the document content. Extensive evaluations have been performed to validate the proposed approach using other baseline methods. An application of symbol spotting is also provided, demonstrating quite good results.     

A statistical tolerance analysis approach for over-constrained mechanism based on optimization and Monte Carlo simulation

Tolerancing decisions can profoundly impact the quality and cost of the mechanism. To evaluate the impact of tolerance on mechanism quality, designers need to simulate the influences of tolerances with respect to the functional requirements. This paper proposes a mathematical formulation of tolerance analysis which integrates the notion of quantifier: “For allacceptable deviations (deviations which are inside tolerances),there existsa gap configurationsuch asthe assembly requirements and the behavior constraints are verified” & “For allacceptable deviations (deviations which are inside tolerances), andfor alladmissible gap configurations, the assembly and functional requirements and the behavior constraints are verified”. The quantifiers provide a univocal expression of the condition corresponding to a geometrical product requirement. This opens a wide area for research in tolerance analysis. To solve the mechanical problem, an approach based on optimization is proposed. Monte Carlo simulation is implemented for the statistical analysis. The proposed approach is tested on an over-constrained mechanism.     

Statistical tolerance analysis of a hyperstatic mechanism,using system reliability methods

The quality level of a mechanism can be evaluated a posteriori after several months by following the number of warranty returns. However, it is more interesting to evaluate a predicted quality level in the design stage: this is one of the aims of statistical tolerance analysis. A possible method consists of computing the defect probability (P_D) expressed in ppm. It represents the probability that a functional requirement will not be satisfied in mass production. For assembly reasons, many hyperstatic mechanisms require gaps, which their functional requirements depend on. The defect probability assessment of such mechanisms is not straightforward, and requires advanced numerical methods. This problem particularly interests the VALEO W.S. company, which experiences problems with an assembly containing gaps. This paper proposes an innovative methodology to formulate and compute the defect probability of hyperstatic mechanisms with gaps in two steps. First, a complex feasibility problem is converted into a simpler problem. Then the defect probability is efficiently computed thanks to system reliability methods and the m-dimensional multivariate normal distribution Φ_m. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is provided to improve the original design. The whole approach is illustrated with an industrial case study, but can be adapted to other similar problems.     

Effects of polypyrrole modified electrode functionalization on potentiometric pH responses

Two functionalized polypyrrole films, poly(11-N-pyrrolylundecanoic) acid and poly(N-undecylpyrrole), were used as sensitive layers for pH sensors. The functionalized pyrrole monomers were first synthesized before carrying out their electropolymerization onto non-oxidizable electrodes. The deposits were characterized by SEM imaging, XPS and PM-IRRAS to study surface structure and composition. Poly(11-N-pyrrolylundecanoic) acid coating yielded very promising results as sensitive layer in pH sensors. Indeed, the potentiometric responses from pH 4.0 to 9.0 appeared linear, reversible, stable in time over a period of 1 month and highly selective for H⁺ ions. This behavior was attributed to carboxylic acid groups which are sensitive to proton concentration changes. This was confirmed by the fact that poly(N-undecylpyrrole) film led to potentiometric responses being pH dependent only from pH 6.0 to 9.0 with low sensitivity. Poly(11-N-pyrrolylundecanoic) acid is thus promoted to be used as sensitive layer in pH sensors.     

A productivity signal feedback controller for continuous bioreactors

The control of continuous stirred bioreactors using productivity signal feedback consists of using the direct relation between the optimal static dilution rate and the optimal static productivity. This strategy drives the bioprocess to its optimal productivity point, irrespective of the feeding substrate concentration, and specific growth rate or substrate concentration estimates. While the algorithm covers a wide class of bioprocesses, explicit relations are given for the Monod and Haldane cases.     

Effect of seed coat fragments on cotton yarn structure: impact of fragment size,attached fibres and position within yarn core

Seed coat fragments are a major source of cotton yarn imperfections. This article discusses the factors influencing the disruption caused by seed coat fragments in ring-spun yarn structure with a focus on three characteristics: the fragment's size, the amount of fibres attached to it and its position relative to the yarn core. The three characteristics were investigated through two experiments involving various types of yarn defects and a range of ring-spun yarn counts. Results presented in this article indicate that the three factors considered have a significant influence on the intensity of the disruption the seed coat fragment causes in the yarn structure, and are determinant of the type of defect that this disruption engenders (short/long defect).     

Effect of W/C and superplasticizer type on rheological parameters of SCC repair mortar for gravitational or light pressure injection

The influence of pressure on the yield stress and plastic viscosity of SCC repair mortars was investigated using an adapted Marsh cone with cylindrical shear paddles. Twelve mortars proportioned with water over cement ratios from 0.45 to 0.55 and either Polycarboxylate ether (PCE), polyacrylate (PA) or polynaphtalene sulfonate (PNS) high-range water-reducing admixture (HRWRA) were prepared. Test results show that the exerted pressure, W/C and HRWRA type strongly influence the rheological response: the yield stress is mainly affected by HRWRA residual concentration, except for PCE mortars where sulfate ion concentration can play an important role. Plastic viscosity is mainly affected by solid friction between particles, the latter is influenced by HRWRA dosage and W/C. PA appears to be the most accurate HRWRA for light pressure injection, with less sensitivity to changes in pressure or W/C than PNS or PCE superplasticizers.     

A variable neighborhood descent heuristic for arc routing problems with time-dependent service costs

This paper proposes a variable neighborhood descent heuristic for solving a capacitated arc routing problem with time-dependent service costs. The problem is motivated by winter gritting applications where the timing of each intervention is crucial. The variable neighborhood descent is based on neighborhood structures that manipulate arcs or sequences of arcs. Computational results are reported on problems derived from classical capacitated arc routing problem instances. A comparison is also provided with an alternative approach where the arc routing problem is solved after being transformed into an equivalent node routing problem.     

Study of PEMFC ionomers through model molecules mimicking the ionomer repeat units

The thermal and electrochemical behaviours of PEMFC ionomers based on an aromatic backbone i.e., sulfonated polysulfones, sulfonated polyetheretherketones and sulfonated polybenzimidazoles, were investigated through their model molecules. Thermal degradation was characterized by weight losses and allowed inferring ionomer thermal degradations by chain breakings that cannot be detected by thermogravimetric analysis. In addition, cyclic voltammetry was used to characterize the electroactivity of some ionomers, related to their backbone and their ionic moieties. The use of model molecules is thus a useful tool for assessing both the thermal and electrochemical stability of ionomers. Lastly, due to the high concentrations used in liquid electrolytes as compared with an electrode/membrane interface it may be considered as an electrochemical aging test.