Miniature mobile sensor platforms for condition monitoring of structures

In this paper, a wireless, multisensor inspection system for nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of materials is described. The sensor configuration enables two inspection modes-magnetic (flux leakage and eddy current) and noncontact ultrasound. Each is designed to function in a complementary manner, maximizing the potential for detection of both surface and internal defects. Particular emphasis is placed on the generic architecture of a novel, intelligent sensor platform, and its positioning on the structure under test. The sensor units are capable of wireless communication with a remote host computer, which controls manipulation and data interpretation. Results are presented in the form of automatic scans with different NDE sensors in a series of experiments on thin plate structures. To highlight the advantage of utilizing multiple inspection modalities, data fusion approaches are employed to combine data collected by complementary sensor systems. Fusion of data is shown to demonstrate the potential for improved inspection reliability

TRY plant trait database – enhanced coverage and open access

Plant traits—the morphological, anatomical, physiological, biochemical and phenological characteristics of plants—determine how plants respond to environmental factors, affect other trophic levels, and influence ecosystem properties and their benefits and detriments to people. Plant trait data thus represent the basis for a vast area of research spanning from evolutionary biology, community and functional ecology, to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem and landscape management, restoration, biogeography and earth system modelling. Since its foundation in 2007, the TRY database of plant traits has grown continuously. It now provides unprecedented data coverage under an open access data policy and is the main plant trait database used by the research community worldwide. Increasingly, the TRY database also supports new frontiers of trait‐based plant research, including the identification of data gaps and the subsequent mobilization or measurement of new data. To support this development, in this article we evaluate the extent of the trait data compiled in TRY and analyse emerging patterns of data coverage and representativeness. Best species coverage is achieved for categorical traits—almost complete coverage for ‘plant growth form’. However, most traits relevant for ecology and vegetation modelling are characterized by continuous intraspecific variation and trait–environmental relationships. These traits have to be measured on individual plants in their respective environment. Despite unprecedented data coverage, we observe a humbling lack of completeness and representativeness of these continuous traits in many aspects. We, therefore, conclude that reducing data gaps and biases in the TRY database remains a key challenge and requires a coordinated approach to data mobilization and trait measurements. This can only be achieved in collaboration with other initiatives

Panoramic view of Los Angeles's Central Market on Tenth Street, 1904

Photograph of a panoramic view of Los Angeles's Central Market on Tenth Street, 1904. The large, open-air market is at center and is crowded with horse-drawn wagons full of food and produce. There are also many pedestrians wandering around the busy area. The market is bordered by long, low brick buildings housing stores and shops. A line of utility poles runs away from the viewer at center.; Legible signs include, from left to right, "Imperial Produce Co.", "H & F Co.", "Sole Agents Covina Strawberry Association", "Tents Awnings Wagon Covers", "Produce Exchange Building", "Heidt Fruit Co.", "Durdore Fruit Company", "Vegetables and Fruits Dock Hop Co.", "Rivers Bros Co.", "Marston & Martin", "Receivers Western Fruit Co. Distributors", "M. A. Newmark & Co.", "Ridgways Tea", "Wholesale Shippers Adams & Rhodes Co. Commission Merchants", "Fruits H. Boogar Produce" and "Car Load"

Portrait of Da-dit-a-ga, a Washoe Indian man, ca.1900

Photograph of a portrait of Da-dit-a-ga, a Washoe Indian man, ca.1900. He can be seen standing facing straight ahead looking slightly off to the left. He is visible wearing a jacket over a light shirt, striped trousers, and a hat. He has a kerchief tied about his neck. His face is wrinkled and his arms hang down at his sides. The background includes a backdrop with faux table, plant and curtain. Taken in a studio

Residence of Secondo Guasti, 3500 West Adams Street, Los Angeles, ca.1910

Photograph (streetscape; horizontal photography) of a full street view of the Secundo Guasti mansion, 3500 West Adams Boulevard, Los Angeles, taken after it was first built as indicated by its immature plantings, ca.1910. The 2-story stucco Italianate structure has a series of arched windows on the ground floor and rectangular windows on the 2nd story. A broad set up steps flanked by planters proceeds up to the main entrance. A balustrade runs the perimeter of the flat roof. A drive is visible at right. A low hedge obscures a short stone wall which marks the front of the grassy lawn. Palm trees are planted in the grassy median between the sidewalk and the curb. Streetcar rails are visible in the paved street. Guasti owned and operated large vineyards which later became Rancho Cucamonga. The house was later occupied by Busby Berkeley

Broadway north between 3rd and 4th Streets ca.1924-1927

Photograph of a view of Broadway looking north from between 3rd and 4th Streets, ca.1927. Prominent buildings include the Grauman's Theater (at left), the Owl Drug Company (at left), United Cigars (at right) and Russell Hotel (at right). The sidewalks are packed with pedestrians. Automobiles and cable cars are traveling up and down the street as pedestrians try to make their way across them.; Legible signs include: a movie advertisement the Grauman's Theatre "The Covered Wagon, six performances daily", "Edison building", "[...] & Street Store", "shoes", "Chamber of Commerce", "Hotel Russel", "Homeopathic pharmacy", "Wistaria", "bank open", "United, Tareyton cigarettes, 20 for 25¢", "July fourth"

Simpson Methodist Episcopal Church, Hope Street and Seventh Street, ca.1900

Photograph of the Simpson Methodist Episcopal Church, Hope Street and Seventh Street, ca.1900. The view looks south from Seventh Street at a tall, square tower. The tower dominates the main corner of the stone building at center. Five or six adjacent houses are also visible to the right. The building was later used as a Christian Science Church

Group of people with a covered wagon and tent at Indian Wells on the Butterfield Stage Line east of Palm Springs and west of Indio, ca.1903-1904

Photograph of a group of people with a covered wagon and tent at Indian Wells on the Butterfield Stage Line east of Palm Springs and west of Indio, ca.1903-1904. One of the men standing at the well with two horses is Carl Eytel. The surrounding landscape is desolate. The Line was the first coast to coast overland route