Sensor allocation in diverse environments

Sensor coverage varies with location due to factors such as weather, terrain, and obstacles. If a field can be partitioned into zones of homogeneous sensing areas, then the area covered by a random deployment of sensors can be optimized by controlling the number of sensors deployed in each zone. This paper provides formulas to directly calculate the optimal sensor partition in runtime asymptotically equal to the number of zones; to determine the minimum sensor count required to achieve a specific coverage threshold; and to bound the maximum increase in coverage over a strategy oblivious to differences in sensing areas. Results show that this bound is no greater than 13% for a field with two zones. While the analytical solutions assume that each zone is covered independently, sensors are allowed to affect neighboring zones in simulations. Nevertheless, the simulation results support the optimality of the solutions.     

Surface structure changes on aluminosilicate microspheres at the interface with simulated body fluid

Aluminosilicate microspheres obtained by spray drying were investigated in prospect of their potential biomedical applications. The as-prepared microspheres are amorphous. TEM and AFM were used to examine the morphology of the samples before and after immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF). The local structure changes as a function of microspheres composition and due to their immersion in SBF were investigated by ²⁹Si and ²⁷Al MAS–NMR. After SBF immersion, the silica network partially depolymerised by hydration/hydroxylation and the completely changed aluminium environment suggest a phylosilicate-like structure. ³¹P MAS–NMR analysis evidenced phosphorus ions incorporated in a new crystalline phase developed during SBF immersion.     

Quantitative Physiological Assessment of Stress Via Altered Immune Functioning Following Interaction With Differing Automotive Interface Technologies

Technology can enhance or diminish a user's psycho-physiological stress level; the ability to quantify these responses can help evaluate and refine design. The capability of drivers to accomplish basic tasks utilizing differing sensory modalities while maintaining lane discipline within a computer-simulated environment was assessed. Fifteen healthy subjects provided capillary blood samples before and after using three human–machine interface designs—touch-screen, voice control, and multimodal. Using a chemiluminescent technique termed Leukocyte Coping Capacity, the ability of leukocytes to produce reactive oxygen species in vitro was assessed. Significant poststressor changes in leukocyte activity of varying magnitude were observed following the use of all interfaces; with the multimodal interface provoking the most pronounced response and voice control the least. Although still requiring further research, the results support the proposition for using immune responsiveness as a means for quantifying psychological stress during assessment of ergonomic design and psycho-physiological and social interaction.     

Towards sustainable mobility behavior: research challenges for location-aware information and communication technology

Private transport accounts for a large amount of total CO₂ emissions, thus significantly contributing to global warming. Tools that actively support people in engaging in a more sustainable life-style without restricting their mobility are urgently needed. How can location-aware information and communication technology (ICT) enable novel interactive and participatory approaches that help people in becoming more sustainable? In this survey paper, we discuss the different aspects of this challenge from a technological and cognitive engineering perspective, based on an overview of the main information processes that may influence mobility behavior. We review the state-of-the-art of research with respect to various ways of influencing mobility behavior (e.g., through providing real-time, user-specific, and location-based feedback) and suggest a corresponding research agenda. We conclude that future research has to focus on reflecting individual goals in providing personal feedback and recommendations that take into account different motivational stages. In addition, a long-term and large-scale empirical evaluation of such tools is necessary.     

Bewertung von Abfallbehandlungsverfahren: Entscheidungsunterstützung durch die neue VDI‐Richtline 3925

The new VDI guideline 3925 presents assessment tools for the comparison of economic, ecological and also social aspects of different waste treatment processes. Objective of the guideline is to describe the application of suitable scientific and technical assessment methods to waste management strategies. The methods, their applicability, complexity, opportunities and limits are illustrated using practical examples.     

A critical review of all-cellulose composites

Cellulose is a fascinating biopolymer of almost inexhaustible quantity. While being a lightweight material, it shows outstanding values of strength and stiffness when present in its native form. Unsurprisingly, cellulose fibre has been rigorously investigated as a reinforcing component in biocomposites. In recent years, however, a new class of monocomponent composites based on cellulosic materials, so-called all-cellulose composites (ACCs) have emerged. These new materials promise to overcome the critical problem of fibre–matrix adhesion in biocomposites by using chemically similar or identical cellulosic materials for both matrix and reinforcement. A number of papers scattered throughout the polymer, composites and biomolecular science literature have been published describing non-derivatized and derivatized ACCs. Exceptional mechanical properties of ACCs have been reported that easily exceed those of traditional biocomposites. Several different processing routes have been applied to the manufacture of ACCs using a broad range of different solvent systems and raw materials. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the background chemistry and various cellulosic sources investigated, various synthesis routes, phase transformations of the cellulose, and mechanical, viscoelastic and optical properties of ACCs. The current difficulties and challenges of ACCs are clearly outlined, pointing the way forward for further exploration of this interesting subcategory of biocomposites.