Monitoring of slow ground deformation by ERS radar interferometry on the Vauvert salt mine (France): Comparison with ground-based measurement

The differential SAR Interferometry (DInSAR) technique has been applied to a test site near Vauvert (France) to detect and monitor ground deformation. This site corresponds to the location of an industrial exploitation of underground salt using the solution mining technique. An area of subsidence has been observed using in situ measurements. Despite conditions unfavorable for InSAR because of the vegetal cover, we show that radar remote sensing observations provide valuable information which substantially improves our knowledge of the phenomenon. An adaptive phase filtering process has been used to improve the coherence level. In particular, our study shows that the geometry of the subsidence bowl is different to that previously assumed using ground-based techniques only. The size of the subsidence bowl (8 km) is larger than expected. This information will be useful for further modeling of the deformation and to improve the coverage of the in situ measurement networks. It also shows that radar interferometry can be used for the long-term monitoring of such sites and to predict potential environmental issues.     

A note on finding all homogeneous set sandwiches

A module is a set of vertices H of a graph G=(V,E) such that each vertex of V?H is either adjacent to all vertices of H or to none of them. A homogeneous set is a nontrivial module. A graph G_s=(V,E_s) is a sandwich for a pair of graphs G_t=(V,E_t) and G=(V,E) if E_t⊆E_s⊆E. In a recent paper, Tang et al. [Inform. Process. Lett. 77 (2001) 17-22] described an O(Δn²) algorithm for testing the existence of a homogeneous set in sandwich graphs of G_t=(V,E_t) and G=(V,E) and then extended it to an enumerative algorithm computing all these possible homogeneous sets. In this paper, we invalidate this latter algorithm by proving there are possibly exponentially many such sets, even if we restrict our attention to strong modules. We then give a correct characterization of a homogeneous set of a sandwich graph.     

Experience with a Hybrid Processor: K-Means Clustering

We discuss hardware/software co-processing on a hybrid processor for a compute- and data-intensive multispectral imaging algorithm, k-means clustering. The experiments are performed on two models of the Altera Excalibur board, the first using the soft IP core 32-bit NIOS 1.1 RISC processor, and the second with the hard IP core ARM processor. In our experiments, we compare performance of the sequential k-means algorithm with three different accelerated versions. We consider granularity and synchronization issues when mapping an algorithm to a hybrid processor. Our results show that speedup of 11.8X is achieved by migrating computation to the Excalibur ARM hardware/software as compared to software only on a Gigahertz Pentium III. Speedup on the Excalibur NIOS is limited by the communication cost of transferring data from external memory through the processor to the customized circuits. This limitation is overcome on the Excalibur ARM, in which dual-port memories, accessible to both the processor and configurable logic, have the biggest performance impact of all the techniques studied.     

Combining FDI and AI approaches within causal-model-based diagnosis.

This paper presents a model-based diagnostic method designed in the context of process supervision. It has been inspired by both artificial intelligence and control theory. AI contributes tools for qualitative modeling, including causal modeling, whose aim is to split a complex process into elementary submodels. Control theory, within the framework of fault detection and isolation (FDI), provides numerical models for generating and testing residuals, and for taking into account inaccuracies in the model, unknown disturbances and noise. Consistency-based reasoning provides a logical foundation for diagnostic reasoning and clarifies fundamental assumptions, such as single fault and exoneration. The diagnostic method presented in the paper benefits from the advantages of all these approaches. Causal modeling enables the method to focus on sufficient relations for fault isolation, which avoids combinatorial explosion. Moreover, it allows the model to be modified easily without changing any aspect of the diagnostic algorithm. The numerical submodels that are used to detect inconsistency benefit from the precise quantitative analysis of the FDI approach. The FDI models are studied in order to link this method with DX component-oriented reasoning. The recursive on-line use of this algorithm is explained and the concept of local exoneration is introduced.     

Compressive and Tensile Behaviours of PLLA Matrix Composites Reinforced with Randomly Dispersed Flax Fibres

Nowadays, the ecological footprint of a material is becoming tremendously important. The Poly l-Lactide Acid (PLLA) matrix composites reinforced by randomly scattered flax fibres have mechanical properties similar to polyester/glass composites [1], lower environmental impacts and can be compost at the end of their lives. In this study, the mechanical characterization of biocomposites has been pushed further with the determination of the compressive and tensile properties. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of single flax fibres have been measured and implemented in a micro-mechanical estimation of the composite elastic modulus. Tensile and compressive stiffness determined by the mechanical analyses show very good correlations with the mathematical estimation.     

In situ injection of THF to trigger gas hydrate crystallization: Application to the evaluation of a kinetic hydrate promoter

This paper investigates an original method to efficiently trigger gas hydrate crystallization. This method consists of an in situ injection of a small amount of THF into an aqueous phase in contact with a gas-hydrate-former phase at pressure and temperature conditions inside the hydrate metastable zone. In the presence of a CO₂–CH₄ gas mixture, our results show that the THF injection induces immediate crystallization of a first hydrate containing THF. This triggers the formation of the CO₂–CH₄ binary hydrate as proven by the pressure and temperature reached at equilibrium. This experimental method, which “cancels out” the stochasticity of the hydrate crystallization, was used to evaluate the effect of the anionic surfactant SDS at different concentrations, on the formation kinetics of the CO₂–CH₄ hydrate. The results are discussed and compared with those published in a recent article (Ricaurte et al., 2013), where THF was not injected but present in the aqueous phase from the beginning and at much higher concentrations.     

Multiproject lineage management: Bridging project management and design-based innovation strategy

Innovation-based strategies are widely recognized as key drivers to maintain competitive advantage. The design and strategic literature underline the possibility of triggering a multiproduct value-expansion dynamic based on the creation of new concepts dynamically twinned with corporate strategy. However, the multiproject-management literature—portfolio, program, and platform—lags behind and remains focused on ex ante coordination, resource allocation and selectionism. Thus, there are still few indications of the processes that stimulate and orient continuous, profitable multiproject creative expansion. Bridging the multiproject-management literature and design theory, we propose a model of multiproject lineage management (MPLM), which focuses on the key processes that drive exploration efforts and shape innovation trajectory. We conduct a multiple longitudinal case analysis in the automobile sector. Based on this analysis, we expose the principles of MPLM, mapping the roles of corporate, program and project management within a global expansion project. Finally, we highlight our contributions to managerial practices and the related literature.     

Study of potential leakage on several stressed fittings for hydrogen pressures up to 700 bar

In order to improve risk analyses and influence the design of the future H₂ systems, an experimental study on “real” leaks qualification and quantification was performed. In H₂ energy applications, fittings appeared as a significant leakage potential and subsequently explosion and flame hazards. Thus, as a part of the “Horizon Hydrogène Energie” French program, four kinds of commercial fittings usually employed on H₂ systems were tested thanks to a new high pressure test bench – designed, setup and operated by INERIS – allowing experiments to be led for H₂ pressures until 700 bar. The fittings underwent defined stresses representative of H₂ systems lifetime and beyond. The associated leaks – when existing – are characterized in terms of flow rate.