Differences in color naming and color salience in Vietnamese and English

The accepted model of color naming postulates that 11 “basic” color terms representing 11 common perceptual experiences show increased processing salience due to a theorized linkage between perception, visual neurophysiology, and cognition. We tested this theory, originally proposed by Berlin and Kay in 1969. Experiment 1 tested salience by comparing unconstrained color naming across two languages, English and Vietnamese. Results were compared with previous research by Berlin and Kay, Boynton and Olson, and colleagues. Experiment 2 validated our stimuli by comparing OSA, Munsell, and newly rendered “basic” exemplars using colorimetry and behavioral measures. Our results show that the relationship between the visual and verbal domains is more complex than current theory acknowledges. An interpoint distance model of color‐naming behavior is proposed as an alternative perspective on color‐naming universality and color‐category structure. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 28, 113–138, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.10131     

Distribution of max-log metrics for QAM-based BICM in fading channels

In this letter we derive closed-form expressions for the probability density functions (PDFs) of the bits' reliability metrics (L-values) in bit-interleaved coded modulation (BICM) transmission over fully-interleaved fading channels. The expressions are valid for the relevant case of quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) with Gray mapping when the metrics are calculated via the so-called max-log approximation. Using the developed expressions, the performance of coded BICM transmissions is efficiently evaluated, i.e., without resorting to otherwise required two-dimensional numerical integration. The BICM capacity for different fading channels and constellation sizes is also evaluated.     

Exploiting UEP in QAM-based BICM: interleaver and code design

In this paper we formally analyze the interleaver and code design for QAM-based BICM transmissions using the binary reflected Gray code. We develop analytical bounds on the bit error rate and we use them to predict the performance of BICM when unequal error protection (UEP) is introduced by the constellation labeling. Based on these bounds the optimum design of interleaver and code is found, and numerical results for representative configurations are presented. When the new design is used, the improvements may reach 2 dB, and they are obtained without any increase on the transceiver?s complexity. We also introduce the concept of generalized optimum distance spectrum convolutional codes, which are the optimum codes for QAM-based BICM transmissions.     

Harmonic distortion analysis using an improved charge sheet model for PD SOI MOSFETs

This work presents an Improved Charge Sheet compact Model (ICSM) especially valuable for distortion analysis, where precise calculation of derivatives of at least third order is required. A new expression for the charge is used in the calculation of the current. Vertical electric field, mobility and DIBL are represented using previously reported for other purposes more precise expressions. The very good agreement obtained between experimental PD SOI MOSFETs with channel lengths from 0.32 to 10 μm and modeled currents, derivatives and distortion figures is shown.     

Probabilistic seismic damage assessment of reinforced concrete buildings considering directionality effects

Most of buildings and structures are usually projected according to two main axes. However, the geographical position of these buildings varies randomly. Such random distributions of the azimuthal positions of structures, in most of the cities, generally, are not accounted for when assessing their seismic risk; certainly, the direction of the seismic loads is another highly random variable. Moreover, an additional important source of uncertainty is related to the structural response, mainly due to the random character of the mechanical properties. There is a consensus that uncertainties must be considered for adequately assessing the seismic risk of structures, but these directionality effects have not been deeply explored so far. In this article, the influence of the high uncertainty involved in these input variables on the expected seismic damage is analysed. Thus, an actual earthquake, which affected the southern part of Spain, is studied. Notably, damages on a group of affected buildings, located close to the epicentre, are analysed and discussed in detail. The results show that the influence of the random azimuthal position of structures is an important source of uncertainty and that it should be taken into account when estimating the expected seismic risk in urban areas.     

Direct Coupling of Solar Cell Arrays to Electric Power Networks

Results of the investigation of the performance of solar cells when directly coupled to a conventional three-phase power network are presented. This approach dissociates the electricity production problem from the electric energy storage problem. Extensive studies of the required power inverter are performed. Preliminary simulation results indicate that ac power outputs of better than 90 percent of the optimum cell power output can be easily achieved by means of a suitably controlled inverter, thereby justify     

Sorption‐Enhanced Steam Reforming of Ethanol: Thermodynamic Comparison of CO2 Sorbents

A thermodynamic analysis is performed with a Gibbs free energy minimization method to compare the conventional steam reforming of ethanol (SRE) process and sorption‐enhanced SRE (SE‐SRE) with three different sorbents, namely, CaO, Li₂ZrO₃, and hydrotalcite‐like compounds (HTlc). As a result, the use of a CO₂ adsorbent can enhance the hydrogen yield and provide a lower CO content in the product gas at the same time. The best performance of SE‐SRE is found to be at 500 °C with an HTlc sorbent. Nearly 6 moles hydrogen per mole ethanol can be produced, when the CO content in the vent stream is less than 10 ppm, so that the hydrogen produced via SE‐SRE with HTlc sorbents can be directly used for fuel cells. Higher pressures do not favor the overall SE‐SRE process due to lower yielding of hydrogen, although CO₂ adsorption is enhanced.     

Geochemical modeling and experimental evaluation of high-pH floods: Impact of Water–Rock interactions in sandstone

Injection of alkaline solutions in reservoir leads to mineral dissolution and precipitation, possibly resulting in changes in permeability and porosity, and consequently altering solution pH. Accurate prediction of pH, alkali consumption and aqueous chemistry changes are required to design suitable chemical blends in alkaline-polymer (AP) or alkaline-surfactant-polymer (ASP) flooding. Excessive consumption of alkali can result in degradation of flood performance and lower than expected oil recovery. We report state-of-the-art geochemical simulation results for sandstone reservoir mineral assemblages and alkali solutions (NaOH, Na₂CO₃, and NaBO₂) employed in AP and ASP formulations. Single-phase high-pH corefloods were completed using Berea sandstone and reservoir samples to calibrate and validate geochemical simulations. Results show that rock-fluid interactions depend strongly on mineral type and amount, alkaline solution injection flowrate, and composition of the injected and formation water. Anhydrite, a commonly found calcium sulfate, significantly impacts pH buffering capacity, water chemistry and permeability damage against conventional alkali agents in chemical flooding particularly for Na₂CO₃, but no significant pH buffering is observed during NaBO₂ flooding. Experimental data and model results show that the pH-buffering effect is maintained even after several pore volumes of alkaline solution are injected, if a sufficient fraction of relevant minerals is present. The end consequence of this is insufficient alkalinity for reactions with the oil phase and the likely formation damage.     

A simple model for the semicontinuous heterophase polymerization: Ethyl methacrylate as a case example

A simple but comprehensive model considering homogeneous and micellar nucleation, coagulation, entry of radicals to particles and to micelles and radicals' exit from particles, is presented. The model is validated, in a starved semicontinuous heterophase polymerization of ethyl methacrylate, at three monomer addition rates. The model accurately describes the overall and instantaneous conversion, the average particle density and diameter, and the number and weight average molar masses evolutions over time. It is found that even though the average number of radicals is much smaller than 0.5, the system is not 0-1. An empirical function was used to describe the gel effect. The homogeneous nucleation was the prevailing mechanism for particle formation and large exit rates of radicals were observed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60: 223–232, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers