Gravitational wave source localization for eccentric binary coalesce with a ground-based detector network

Gravitational wave source localization problem is important in gravitational wave astronomy. Regarding ground-based detector, almost all of the previous investigations only considered the difference of arrival time among the detector network for source localization. Within the matched filtering framework, the information beside the arrival time difference can possibly also do some help on source localization. Especially when an eccentric binary is considered, the character involved in the gravitational waveform may improve the source localization. We investigate this effect systematically in the current paper. During the investigation, the enhanced post-circular (EPC) waveform model is used to describe the eccentric binary coalesce. We find that the source localization accuracy does increase along with the eccentricity increases. But such improvement depends on the total mass of the binary. For total mass 100M${}_\odot$ binary, the source localization accuracy may be improved about 2 times in general when the eccentricity increases from 0 to 0.4. For total mass 65M${}_\odot$ binary (GW150914-like binary), the improvement factor is about 1.3 when the eccentricity increases from 0 to 0.4. For total mass 22M${}_\odot$ binary (GW151226-like binary), such improvement is ignorable.Comment: Add missing reference

Retraction and Generalized Extension of Computing with Words

Fuzzy automata, whose input alphabet is a set of numbers or symbols, are a formal model of computing with values. Motivated by Zadeh's paradigm of computing with words rather than numbers, Ying proposed a kind of fuzzy automata, whose input alphabet consists of all fuzzy subsets of a set of symbols, as a formal model of computing with all words. In this paper, we introduce a somewhat general formal model of computing with (some special) words. The new features of the model are that the input alphabet only comprises some (not necessarily all) fuzzy subsets of a set of symbols and the fuzzy transition function can be specified arbitrarily. By employing the methodology of fuzzy control, we establish a retraction principle from computing with words to computing with values for handling crisp inputs and a generalized extension principle from computing with words to computing with all words for handling fuzzy inputs. These principles show that computing with values and computing with all words can be respectively implemented by computing with words. Some algebraic properties of retractions and generalized extensions are addressed as well.Comment: 13 double column pages; 3 figures; to be published in the IEEE Transactions on Fuzzy System

Be Stars in the Open Cluster NGC 6830

We report the discovery of 2 new Be stars, and re-identify one known Be star in the open cluster NGC 6830. Eleven H-alpha emitters were discovered using the H-alpha imaging photometry of the Palomar Transient Factory Survey. Stellar membership of the candidates was verified with photometric and kinematic information using 2MASS data and proper motions. The spectroscopic confirmation was carried out by using the Shane 3-m telescope at Lick observatory. Based on their spectral types, three H-alpha emitters were confirmed as Be stars with H-alpha equivalent widths > -10 Angstrom. Two objects were also observed by the new spectrograph SED-Machine on the Palomar 60 inch Telescope. The SED-Machine results show strong H-alpha emission lines, which are consistent with the results of the Lick observations. The high efficiency of the SED-Machine can provide rapid observations for Be stars in a comprehensive survey in the future.Comment: 11 pages, 8 figures, AJ in pres

EFFECTS OF SEAT POSITION ON JOINT LOADS OF THE UPPER EXTREMITIES DURING HANDCYCLING IN WHEELCHAIR-DEPENDENT INDIVIDUALS

The current study aimed to quantify the joint moments of the upper extremities with different seat positions during handcycling in wheelchair-dependent individuals. Sixteen subjects performed handcycling while the handgrip reaction forces were measured by a handgrip instrumented with a six-component load cell and body segment kinematic data by a motion capture system. Both data sets were used to calculate joint moments of the upper limbs during a crank cycle. The loads at the shoulder were affected mostly by the vertical seat positions. The higher the seat, the greater loads transmitted by the muscles with relatively greater strength. The current data will be helpful for future handcycle design and fitting for wheelchair-dependent individuals

Can we really measure the impact of port governance reform?

Approaches by governments to reforming the way in which ports are governed is critical to how ports operate and fulfil their roles, and much research is devoted to investigating the impact of such reform,. Yet, although the challenges of such research are noted, little attention is devoted to questioning whether measuring such impact is actually possible. We argue consideration of this question is fundamentally important for policy makers and researchers. Specifically, if uncertainty exists regarding whether we have measured the impact of the reform, how can we research its effect or justify its introduction? Conversely, a more conscious consideration of whether we can really measure the impact of port governance reform arguably means a more effective contextualisation and rationalisation of both policy and research. In this polemical paper, we critically consider three salient areas in relation to whether we can really measure the impact of port governance reform: ‘key terms and their ambiguity’; ‘aspects of time and geography’ and ‘issues of methods and context’. We summarize the key issues and offer suggestions for policy makers and researchers to approach them in an aim to both help measure the impact of port governance reform, and also aid future policy development

Estimating the emissions potential of marine transportation using the Kra Canal

The Panama and Suez canals greatly reduced pollutant emissions from shipping through much reduced sailing distances. Another possible future canal is across the Kra isthmus in Thailand, reducing sailing distances for ships travelling from East Asia to Europe that sail around the Malacca straits. Much literature considers the economic and political viability of the Kra Canal and notes the adverse environmental impact of the canal's construction. Yet, this literature also highlights the decarbonizing potential of the canal through reduced sailing distances and emissions. In this paper we critically consider this potential through the specific type of calculations in the study (ship emissions, etc.) and qualitative data consisting of the perspectives of experts (n = 20) from China (n = 5); Thailand (n = 5); Singapore (n = 5) and Taiwan (n = 5) gathered through semi-structured interviews. This data shows that, in fact, the canal might offer negative decarbonizing and emissions potential. This is due to a number of factors: the shorter reductions in sailing distances it affords compared to the Suez and Panama Canals; the economic models and political requirements to finance it, and; the currently available technologies. Nevertheless, the canal does offer potential for reducing distances and traffic in the Malacca straits if these factors change, and we outline and discuss these changes here

A Safety Assessment Model for Handling Dangerous Goods in Port Operations: The Key Role of Detection Capability

Recently, resilience studies have been emphasized in the port field, recognizing that many high-risk and unsafe factors in ports might bring serious disasters and economic losses. One major cause of significant losses is accidents from fires, explosions, and the resultant adverse impacts from dangerous goods. Whilst the occurrence of major events related to dangerous goods is relatively low in occurrence, their impact on the environment and economic and social loss, and on human casualties, can be extremely high when they do occur. In order to prevent potential risks and reduce losses, based on a literature review, a safety assessment model was developed with four criteria and 15 sub-criteria of dangerous goods in ports using a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) approach. This model formed the basis for a subsequent stage involving questionnaires with 25 experts. The results of these questionnaires found that the key criteria are detection capability, followed by recovery capability, rescue capability, and resistance capability. Sensitivity analysis is used to identify the criteria’s weight value changes under various scenarios. These findings concern dangerous goods operations management in ports. Critically, these findings emphasize the key role played in the initial stages of determining precisely and exactly what specific goods are in fact dangerous goods, thereby avoiding a domino effect of adverse consequences later. Suggestions are made for policymakers regarding funding and supporting processes for handling dangerous goods, as well as for future research

Assessing the shipping in the Northern Sea Route: a qualitative approach

Purpose－The Northern Sea Route (NSR) could become viable in the near future. If this happens it will radically reducey impact upon sailing times and distances current routes and have huge implications for shipping worldwide, and particularly on routes from Asia to Northern Europe. However, although much has been written about the feasibility of the NSR, about the issues involved, and about the possible opening of the route, the views of key stakeholders from companies who would potentially benefit from the route have been little explored. In this paper we complement existing literature by presenting the results from in-depth qualitative interviews with nine key stakeholders based in Shanghai and Taiwan, with extensive research, knowledge and practical experience of NSR. Design/methodology/approach－Based on a grounded theory analysis, a total of nine (9) key stakeholders knowledgeable about NSR, and the majority with sailing experience of NSR, are interviewed, including one government official, two professors, shipping experts in six liner and one bulk shipping companies. Findings－We present interviewees' thoughts regarding the feasibility of NSR at the current time in terms of practicalities, ships, costs, information and wider issues. Practical implications－These thoughts show that whilst the potential of the NSR is huge in theory, in practice the overall perception of it in terms of current feasibility from a company perspective is one of challenges and unknown issues. issues. Shipping companies can benefit from our findings when considering the feasibility of NSR as a shipping route. Ultimately, the picture emerges that without one country, probably Russia, taking the lead on the route, it will remain only a theoretical one. Originality/value － In-depth interviews with grounded theory are used to investigate current and actual thoughts on NSR. This paper highlight correlations and additions to show a fuller picture of current knowledge, and adds views from Shanghai and Taiwan