Retrieval of NO2 Column Amounts from Ground-Based Hyperspectral Imaging Sensor Measurements

Total column amounts of NO2 (TCN) were estimated from ground-based hyperspectral imaging sensor (HIS) measurements in a polluted urban area (Seoul, Korea) by applying the radiance ratio fitting method with five wavelength pairs from 400 to 460 nm. We quantified the uncertainty of the retrieved TCN based on several factors. The estimated TCN uncertainty was up to 0.09 Dobson unit (DU), equivalent to 2.687 ?? 1020 molecules m???2) given a 1?? error for the observation geometries, including the solar zenith angle, viewing zenith angle, and relative azimuth angle. About 0.1 DU (6.8%) was estimated for an aerosol optical depth (AOD) uncertainty of 0.01. In addition, the uncertainty due to the NO2 vertical profile was 14% to 22%. Compared with the co-located Pandora spectrophotometer measurements, the HIS captured the temporal variation of the TCN during the intensive observation period. The correlation between the TCN from the HIS and Pandora also showed good agreement, with a slight positive bias (bias: 0.6 DU, root mean square error: 0.7 DU)

Illumination invariant head pose estimation using random forests classifier and binary pattern run length matrix

In this paper, a novel approach for head pose estimation in gray-level images is presented. In the proposed algorithm, two techniques were employed. In order to deal with the large set of training data, the method of Random Forests was employed; this is a state-of-the-art classification algorithm in the field of computer vision. In order to make this system robust in terms of illumination, a Binary Pattern Run Length matrix was employed; this matrix is combination of Binary Pattern and a Run Length matrix. The binary pattern was calculated by randomly selected operator. In order to extract feature of training patch, we calculate statistical texture features from the Binary Pattern Run Length matrix. Moreover we perform some techniques to real-time operation, such as control the number of binary test. Experimental results show that our algorithm is efficient and robust against illumination change. © 2014, Kim et al.; licensee Springer.1

Development and characterization of polymeric hollow fiber membrane with high CO2 separation performance

In this study, we prepared the polyimide based hollow fiber membrane with High CO2 permeance property. In other to prepare high permeable gas separation membrane, we synthesized novel polyimide material using 6FDA, Durene and PEG monomers. And then general property of the polyimide membrane is characterized using flat sheet type of membrane. The membranes were prepared under various controlled conditions such as retention time and concentration of the polymer. And then the hollow fiber membrane is also prepared and then characterized for confirmation of their potential. The Ionic liquid mainchain polymer is also developed to investigate the gas permeability and potential for utilization to coating materials of hollow fiber membrane. Polyimide with pendant ionic liquid (Im-PpC) membrane showed the high α(CO2/N2) value and the main chain polymer prepared by UV crosslinking with PEG & ILMP crosslinker also showed high α(CO2/N2). Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract

Synthesis and characterization of PEEK containing imidazole moiety and effect of functional groups

Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) are considered as one of the alternative power generation systems due to their high efficiency. Anion exchange membrane (AEM) is a key component in fuel cells for the transfer of anion which is effect to the performance of the fuel cell system. \Therefore, it needs to have high chemical, mechanical, and thermal stabilities, as well as excellent electrochemical properties. For these reasons, various types of novel polymeric materials have been developed for the anion exchange membrane fuel cells. Especially, hydrocarbon based polymer materials such as poly(arylene ether sulfone), poly(ether ether ketone)(PEEK), polybenzimidazole (PBI) have been fabricated for use as electrolytes in fuel cell systems. Also, a number of preparation methods have been developed to enhance the performance of fuel cell membranes. In this study, we modified the monomer by chemical modification reaction and we synthesized the PEEK based polymer with different amination degree. Also we compared the chemical stability of the PEEK based membrane with different functional groups such as ammonium and imidazolium. Finally, the effect of the contents of the anion exchange groups in the PEEK based polymer was evaluated in terms of morphology, water behavior, mechanical properties, chemical stability and ion conductivity. Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract

Bocavirus Infection in Hospitalized Children, South Korea

This study presents the first evidence of human bocavirus infection in South Korean children. The virus was detected in 27 (8.0%) of 336 tested specimens, including 17 (7.5%) of 225 virus-negative specimens, collected from children with acute lower respiratory tract infection