Showing papers by "Illinois Institute of Technology published in 2014"

The Impact of Mental Illness Stigma on Seeking and Participating in Mental Health Care

Abstract: Treatments have been developed and tested to successfully reduce the symptoms and disabilities of many mental illnesses. Unfortunately, people distressed by these illnesses often do not seek out services or choose to fully engage in them. One factor that impedes care seeking and undermines the service system is mental illness stigma. In this article, we review the complex elements of stigma in order to understand its impact on participating in care. We then summarize public policy considerations in seeking to tackle stigma in order to improve treatment engagement. Stigma is a complex construct that includes public, self, and structural components. It directly affects people with mental illness, as well as their support system, provider network, and community resources. The effects of stigma are moderated by knowledge of mental illness and cultural relevance. Understanding stigma is central to reducing its negative impact on care seeking and treatment engagement. Separate strategies have evolved for counteracting the effects of public, self, and structural stigma. Programs for mental health providers may be especially fruitful for promoting care engagement. Mental health literacy, cultural competence, and family engagement campaigns also mitigate stigma's adverse impact on care seeking. Policy change is essential to overcome the structural stigma that undermines government agendas meant to promote mental health care. Implications for expanding the research program on the connection between stigma and care seeking are discussed.

Tagoram: real-time tracking of mobile RFID tags to high precision using COTS devices

Abstract: In many applications, we have to identify an object and then locate the object to within high precision (centimeter- or millimeter-level). Legacy systems that can provide such accuracy are either expensive or suffering from performance degradation resulting from various impacts, e.g., occlusion for computer vision based approaches. In this work, we present an RFID-based system, Tagoram, for object localization and tracking using COTS RFID tags and readers. Tracking mobile RFID tags in real time has been a daunting task, especially challenging for achieving high precision. Our system achieves these three goals by leveraging the phase value of the backscattered signal, provided by the COTS RFID readers, to estimate the location of the object. In Tagoram, we exploit the tag's mobility to build a virtual antenna array by using readings from a few physical antennas over a time window. To illustrate the basic idea of our system, we firstly focus on a simple scenario where the tag is moving along a fixed track known to the system. We propose Differential Augmented Hologram (DAH) which will facilitate the instant tracking of the mobile RFID tag to a high precision. We then devise a comprehensive solution to accurately recover the tag's moving trajectories and its locations, relaxing the assumption of knowing tag's track function in advance. We have implemented the Tagoram system using COTS RFID tags and readers. The system has been tested extensively in the lab environment and used for more than a year in real airline applications. For lab environment, we can track the mobile tags in real time with a millimeter accuracy to a median of 5mm and 7.29mm using linear and circular track respectively. In our year- long large scale baggage sortation systems deployed in two airports, our results from real deployments show that Tagoram can achieve a centimeter-level accuracy to a median of 6.35cm in these real deployments.

Spectral Measurement of Electron Antineutrino Oscillation Amplitude and Frequency at Daya Bay

Abstract: A measurement of the energy dependence of antineutrino disappearance at the Daya Bay reactor neutrino experiment is reported. Electron antineutrinos (ν¯_e) from six 2.9 GW_(th) reactors were detected with six detectors deployed in two near (effective baselines 512 and 561 m) and one far (1579 m) underground experimental halls. Using 217 days of data, 41 589 (203 809 and 92 912) antineutrino candidates were detected in the far hall (near halls). An improved measurement of the oscillation amplitude sin^2 2θ_(13) = 0.090^(+0.008)_(−0.009) and the first direct measurement of the ν¯e mass-squared difference |Δm2ee|=(2.59^(+0.19)_(−0.20))×10^−3 eV^2 is obtained using the observed ν¯_e rates and energy spectra in a three-neutrino framework. This value of |Δm^(2)_(ee)| is consistent with |Δm^(2)_(μμ)| measured by muon neutrino disappearance, supporting the three-flavor oscillation model.

Low-Threshold Stimulated Emission Using Colloidal Quantum Wells

Abstract: The use of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals for optical amplification and lasing has been limited by the need for high input power densities. Here we show that colloidal nanoplatelets produce amplified spontaneous emission with thresholds as low as 6 μJ/cm2 and gain as high as 600 cm–1, both a significant improvement over colloidal nanocrystals; in addition, gain saturation occurs at pump fluences 2 orders of magnitude higher than the threshold. We attribute this exceptional performance to large optical cross-sections, slow Auger recombination rates, and narrow ensemble emission line widths.

Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) Using Nanoparticle Dispersions: Underlying Mechanism and Imbibition Experiments

Abstract: This paper presents the results of imbibition tests using a reservoir crude oil and a reservoir brine solution with a high salinity and a suitable nanofluid that displaces crude oil from Berea sandstone (water-wet) and single-glass capillaries. The Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) nanofluid is specially formulated to survive in a high-salinity environment and is found to result in an efficiency of 50% for Berea sandstone, compared to 17% using the brine alone at a reservoir temperature of 55 °C. We also present a direct visual evidence of the underlying mechanism based on the structural disjoining pressure for the crude oil displacement using IIT nanofluid from the solid substrate in high-salinity brine. These results aid our understanding of the role of the nanofluid in displacing crude oil from the rock, especially in a high-salinity environment containing Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions. Results are also reported using Berea sandstone and a nanofluid containing silica nanoparticles.

DC Microgrids: Economic Operation and Enhancement of Resilience by Hierarchical Control

Abstract: The additional deployment of distributed energy resources (DERs) has attracted further attention to dc microgrid applications. The objective of the study is to discuss the possibilities and the merits of adopting a dc control system for enhancing the economics and the resilient operation of a dc microgrid, and to test the proposed hierarchical control strategy that applies to a dc microgrid. This paper provides case studies in which an existing microgrid at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) is operated as a dc microgrid and the results for each case are compared with the ac model. The structure, components, and control strategies of IIT dc microgrids are discussed and the economic operation of a grid-connected dc microgrid through tertiary control, as well as islanding, load restoration, and resynchronization of the dc microgrid are simulated. The dc microgrid simulation results are compared with those of an ac microgrid, which demonstrate that the proposed coordinated dc strategy for the optimal operation of DERs is an effective way of ensuring the resilient response of dc microgrid to emergencies and its economic operation at steady state.

Meaningful assessment of learners' understandings about scientific inquiry—The views about scientific inquiry (VASI) questionnaire

Abstract: Helping students develop informed views about scientific inquiry (SI) has been and continues to be a goal of K-12 science education, as evidenced in various reform documents. Nevertheless, research focusing on understandings of SI has taken a perceptible backseat to that which focuses on the “doing” of inquiry. We contend that this is partially a function of the typical conflation of scientific inquiry with nature of science (NOS), and is also attributable to the lack of a readily accessible instrument to provide a meaningful assessment of learners' views of SI. This article (a) outlines the framework of scientific inquiry that undergirds the Views About Scientific Inquiry (VASI) questionnaire; (b) describes the development of the VASI, in part derived from the Views of Scientific Inquiry (VOSI) questionnaire; (c) presents evidence for the validity and reliability of the VASI; (d) discusses the use of the VASI and associated interviews to elucidate views of the specific aspects of SI that it attempts to assess; and (e) discusses the utility of the resulting rich-descriptive views of SI that the VASI provides for informing both further research efforts and classroom practice. The trend in recent reform documents, unfortunately, ignores much of the research on NOS and SI and implicitly presumes that the “doing” of inquiry is sufficient for developing understandings of SI. The VASI serves as a tool in further discrediting this contention and provides both the classroom teacher and the researcher a more powerful means for assessing learners' conceptions about essential aspects of SI, consonant with the vision set forth in the recently released Next Generation Science Standards (Achieve, Inc., 2013). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 51: 65–83, 2014

Combined analysis of νμ disappearance and νμ → νe appearance in MINOS using accelerator and atmospheric neutrinos

Abstract: We report on a new analysis of neutrino oscillations in MINOS using the complete set of accelerator and atmospheric data. The analysis combines the ν_μ disappearance and ν_e appearance data using the three-flavor formalism. We measure |Δm^2_(32)|=[2.28–2.46]×10^(−3) eV^2 (68% C.L.) and sin^2θ_(23)=0.35–0.65 (90% C.L.) in the normal hierarchy, and |Δm^2_(32)|=[2.32–2.53]×10^(−3) eV^2 (68% C.L.) and sin2θ23=0.34–0.67 (90% C.L.) in the inverted hierarchy. The data also constrain δ_(CP), the θ_(23) octant degeneracy and the mass hierarchy; we disfavor 36% (11%) of this three-parameter space at 68% (90%) C.L.

Why do employees worry about their jobs? A meta-analytic review of predictors of job insecurity.

Abstract: We used psychological contract theory as a framework to meta-analytically review subjective and objective predictors of employees' perceived job insecurity. Seventy-six samples from 68 studies were included in our review. Results revealed that lower levels of job insecurity are associated with having an internal locus of control, lower amounts of role ambiguity and role conflict, greater amounts of organizational communication, less organizational change, younger employees, and white-collar and permanent work. Moderator analyses further revealed that relations between job insecurity and age, gender, education, and formal contracts are moderated by unemployment rates, countries of origin, and type of job insecurity measure. We discuss theoretical and practical implications for psychological contract theory and occupational health, and offer directions for future research.

Synchrophasor Measurement Technology in Power Systems: Panorama and State-of-the-Art

Abstract: Phasor measurement units (PMUs) are rapidly being deployed in electric power networks across the globe. Wide-area measurement system (WAMS), which builds upon PMUs and fast communication links, is consequently emerging as an advanced monitoring and control infrastructure. Rapid adaptation of such devices and technologies has led the researchers to investigate multitude of challenges and pursue opportunities in synchrophasor measurement technology, PMU structural design, PMU placement, miscellaneous applications of PMU from local perspectives, and various WAMS functionalities from the system perspective. Relevant research articles appeared in the IEEE and IET publications from 1983 through 2014 are rigorously surveyed in this paper to represent a panorama of research progress lines. This bibliography will aid academic researchers and practicing engineers in adopting appropriate topics and will stimulate utilities toward development and implementation of software packages.

Chance-Constrained Day-Ahead Scheduling in Stochastic Power System Operation

Abstract: This paper proposes a day-ahead stochastic scheduling model in electricity markets. The model considers hourly forecast errors of system loads and variable renewable sources as well as random outages of power system components. A chance-constrained stochastic programming formulation with economic and reliability metrics is presented for the day-ahead scheduling. Reserve requirements and line flow limits are formulated as chance constraints in which power system reliability requirements are to be satisfied with a presumed level of high probability. The chance-constrained stochastic programming formulation is converted into a linear deterministic problem and a decomposition-based method is utilized to solve the day-ahead scheduling problem. Numerical tests are performed and the results are analyzed for a modified 31-bus system and an IEEE 118-bus system. The results show the viability of the proposed formulation for the day-ahead stochastic scheduling. Comparative evaluations of the proposed chance-constrained method and the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) method are presented in the paper.

Only Connect: Microgrids for Distribution System Restoration

Abstract: Electricity infrastructure is the cornerstone of every industrialized nation in the world. As the utility grid ages and the demand for electricity grows, the impact of major interruptions of the electricity infrastructure will be more intense. Costly power outages throughout the world caused by natural disasters such as floods and hurricanes have highlighted the importance of reinforcing the electricity infrastructure. A recent study conducted for the U.S. Department of Energy indicated that sustained power interruptions (those lasting more than 5 min) in the United States incur costs of more than US$26 billion dollars annually. Power outages caused by Hurricanes Sandy and Katrina in the United States threw into notice the crucial role of smart grid technology and the need for further investments in more comprehensive data communication and distribution management systems, distributed energy resources, energy storage facilities, additional automation, and further migration toward decentralized operations for the largely centralized power grid.

Nature of Science, Scientific Inquiry, and Socio-Scientific Issues Arising from Genetics: A Pathway to Developing a Scientifically Literate Citizenry

Abstract: The primary focus of this article is to illustrate how teachers can use contemporary socio-scientific issues to teach students about nature of scientific knowledge as well as address the science subject matter embedded in the issues. The article provides an initial discussion about the various aspects of nature of scientific knowledge that are addressed. It is important to remember that the aspects of nature of scientific knowledge are not considered to be a comprehensive list, but rather a set of important ideas for adolescent students to learn about scientific knowledge. These ideas have been advocated as important for secondary students by numerous reform documents internationally. Then, several examples are used to illustrate how genetically based socio-scientific issues can be used by teachers to improve students’ understandings of the discussed aspects of nature of scientific knowledge.

Local Load Redistribution Attacks in Power Systems With Incomplete Network Information

Abstract: Power grid is one of the most critical infrastructures in a nation and could suffer a variety of cyber attacks. Recent studies have shown that an attacker can inject pre-determined false data into smart meters such that it can pass the residue test of conventional state estimator. However, the calculation of the false data vector relies on the network (topology and parameter) information of the entire grid. In practice, it is impossible for an attacker to obtain all network information of a power grid. Unfortunately, this does not make power systems immune to false data injection attacks. In this paper, we propose a local load redistribution attacking model based on incomplete network information and show that an attacker only needs to obtain the network information of the local attacking region to inject false data into smart meters in the local region without being detected by the state estimator. Simulations on the modified IEEE 14-bus system demonstrate the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed model. The results of this paper reveal the mechanism of local false data injection attacks and highlight the importance and complexity of defending power systems against false data injection attacks.

Improved measurements of the neutrino mixing angle θ13 with the Double Chooz detector

Abstract: The Double Chooz experiment presents improved measurements of the neutrino mixing angle θ 13 using the data collected in 467.90 live days from a detector positioned at an average distance of 1050 m from two reactor cores at the Chooz nuclear power plant. Several novel techniques have been developed to achieve significant reductions of the backgrounds and systematic uncertainties with respect to previous publications, whereas the efficiency of the $$ {\overline{ u}}_e $$ signal has increased. The value of θ 13 is measured to be sin2 2θ 13 = 0.090 − 0.029 + 0.032 from a fit to the observed energy spectrum. Deviations from the reactor $$ {\overline{ u}}_e $$ prediction observed above a prompt signal energy of 4 MeV and possible explanations are also reported. A consistent value of θ 13 is obtained from a fit to the observed rate as a function of the reactor power independently of the spectrum shape and background estimation, demonstrating the robustness of the θ 13 measurement despite the observed distortion.

Free Market of Crowdsourcing: Incentive Mechanism Design for Mobile Sensing

Abstract: Off-the-shelf smartphones have boosted large scale participatory sensing applications as they are equipped with various functional sensors, possess powerful computation and communication capabilities, and proliferate at a breathtaking pace Yet the low participation level of smartphone users due to various resource consumptions, such as time and power, remains a hurdle that prevents the enjoyment brought by sensing applications Recently, some researchers have done pioneer works in motivating users to contribute their resources by designing incentive mechanisms, which are able to provide certain rewards for participation However, none of these works considered smartphone users’ nature of opportunistically occurring in the area of interest Specifically, for a general smartphone sensing application, the platform would distribute tasks to each user on her arrival and has to make an immediate decision according to the user’s reply To accommodate this general setting, we design three online incentive mechanisms, named TBA, TOIM and TOIM-AD, based on online reverse auction TBA is designed to pursue platform utility maximization, while TOIM and TOIM-AD achieve the crucial property of truthfulness All mechanisms possess the desired properties of computational efficiency, individual rationality, and profitability Besides, they are highly competitive compared to the optimal offline solution The extensive simulation results reveal the impact of the key parameters and show good approximation to the state-of-the-art offline mechanism

Propylene hydrogenation and propane dehydrogenation by a single-site Zn2+ on silica catalyst

Abstract: This study reports the highly selective (more than 95%) dehydrogenation of propane to propylene as well as the reverse hydrogenation reaction by silica-supported single-site Zn(II) catalyst. The ca...

Gradated assembly of multiple proteins into supramolecular nanomaterials

Abstract: Biomaterials exhibiting precise ratios of different bioactive protein components are critical for applications ranging from vaccines to regenerative medicine, but their design is often hindered by limited choices and cross-reactivity of protein conjugation chemistries. Here, we describe a strategy for inducing multiple different expressed proteins of choice to assemble into nanofibres and gels with exceptional compositional control. The strategy employs ‘βTail’ tags, which allow for good protein expression in bacteriological cultures, yet can be induced to co-assemble into nanomaterials when mixed with additional β-sheet fibrillizing peptides. Multiple different βTail fusion proteins could be inserted into peptide nanofibres alone or in combination at predictable, smoothly gradated concentrations, providing a simple yet versatile route to install precise combinations of proteins into nanomaterials. The technology is illustrated by achieving precisely targeted hues using mixtures of fluorescent proteins, by creating nanofibres bearing enzymatic activity, and by adjusting antigenic dominance in vaccines. Peptide-based nanofibres with bioactive proteins attached can now be made such that the protein ligands are introduced in a controlled manner. This tailoring of the nanofibre’s composition enables the ratio of multiple different proteins to be highly tuned within the assemblies. By changing the protein content of the nanofibres, it is possible to adjust the antibody responses in mice to the different nanofibres.

Mental health stigma and primary health care decisions

Abstract: People with serious mental illness have higher rates of mortality and morbidity due to physical illness. In part, this occurs because primary care and other health providers sometimes make decisions contrary to typical care standards. This might occur because providers endorse mental illness stigma, which seems inversely related to prior personal experience with mental illness and mental health care. In this study, 166 health care providers (42.2% primary care, 57.8% mental health practice) from the Veteran׳s Affairs (VA) medical system completed measures of stigma characteristics, expected adherence, and subsequent health decisions (referral to a specialist and refill pain prescription) about a male patient with schizophrenia who was seeking help for low back pain due to arthritis. Research participants reported comfort with previous mental health interventions. Path analyses showed participants who endorsed stigmatizing characteristics of the patient were more likely to believe he would not adhere to treatment and hence, less likely to refer to a specialist or refill his prescription. Endorsement of stigmatizing characteristics was inversely related to comfort with one׳s previous mental health care. Implications of these findings will inform a program meant to enhance VA provider attitudes about people with mental illness, as well as their health decisions.

Institutional development and bank stability: Evidence from transition countries

Abstract: G21 P30 P34 P52 abstract This paper takes advantage of the dynamic nature of institutional reforms in transition economies and explores the causal effects of those reforms on bank risk. Using a difference-in-difference approach, we show that banks' financial stability increases substantially after these countries reform their legal insti- tutions, liberalize banking, and restructure corporate governance. We also find that the effects of legal and governance reforms on bank risk may critically depend on the progress of banking reforms. A further examination of alternative risk measures reveals that the increases in financial stability among banks mainly come from the reduction of asset risk. Banks tend to have lower ROA volatility and fewer nonper- forming loans after reforming the institutional environment. Finally, we split our sample into foreign and domestic banks and find that the enhancement of financial stability is more pronounced for domestic banks.

Berries: anti-inflammatory effects in humans.

Abstract: A sustained pro-inflammatory state is a major contributing factor in chronic disease development, progression, and complication, including the most commonly known diseases: cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's, and type 2 diabetes. Fruits, such as berries, contain polyphenol compounds purported to have anti-inflammatory activity in humans. Among the most notable polyphenols in berries are anthocyanins, responsible for their distinctive colors of red, blue, and purple. Berries have been studied widely for their antioxidant properties; however, preclinical data suggest important effects on inflammatory pathways. Correspondingly, the effects of berries, including extracts and purified anthocyanins, have been the subject of a number of human trials. This review aims to evaluate the current state of the human science on berry (products) as a source of dietary polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins, to modulate inflammatory status. Identifying dietary strategies that manage the modern-day inflammatory burden has important implications for chronic disease risk reduction and informing dietary guidelines aimed at achieving and maintaining health.

Adaptive Protection System for Microgrids: Protection practices of a functional microgrid system.

Abstract: Distributed energy resources (DERs) offer on-site generation at consumption points, which are expected to change the conventional concept of central power generation. DER integration reduces transmission losses and enhances the operation reliability of distribution systems. However, distribution systems are traditionally designed as passive networks in which large DER penetrations representing bidirectional power flows and topology-dependent fault currents could affect protection devices, cause danger to the maintenance personnel, and result in uncontrollable under-/overvoltage and frequency. IEEE Standard 1547 requires DER units to stop energizing the distribution system when the system is de-energized due to faults.

Selective atomic layer deposition of zirconia on copper patterned silicon substrates using ethanol as oxygen source as well as copper reductant

Abstract: The authors report a new chemical approach for the selective atomic layer deposition of ultrathin layers of zirconium oxide (ZrO2) on copper patterned silicon surfaces. Instead of using common atomic layer deposition (ALD) oxygen sources such as water, oxygen, or ozone, the authors use ethanol, which serves as oxygen source for the ALD on the silicon side and as effective reducing agent on the copper side, thereby selectively depositing ZrO2 film on the silicon surface of the substrate without any deposition on copper up to at least 70 ALD cycles. The resulting ZrO2 nanofilm is found to be an effective copper diffusion barrier at temperatures at least up to 700 °C.

Efficacy of Coming Out Proud to reduce stigma's impact among people with mental illness: pilot randomised controlled trial

Abstract: Background Facing frequent stigma and discrimination, many people with mental illness have to choose between secrecy and disclosure in different settings. Coming Out Proud (COP), a 3-week peer-led group intervention, offers support in this domain in order to reduce stigma’s negative impact. Aims To examine COP’s efficacy to reduce negative stigma-related outcomes and to promote adaptive coping styles (Current Controlled Trials number: [ISRCTN43516734][1]). Method In a pilot randomised controlled trial, 100 participants with mental illness were assigned to COP or a treatment-as-usual control condition. Outcomes included self-stigma, empowerment, stigma stress, secrecy and perceived benefits of disclosure. Results Intention-to-treat analyses found no effect of COP on self-stigma or empowerment, but positive effects on stigma stress, disclosure-related distress, secrecy and perceived benefits of disclosure. Some effects diminished during the 3-week follow-up period. Conclusions Coming Out Proud has immediate positive effects on disclosure- and stigma stress-related variables and may thus alleviate stigma’s negative impact. [1]: /external-ref?link_type=ISRCTN&access_num=ISRCTN43516734

Dark matter with t -channel mediator: A simple step beyond contact interaction

Abstract: Effective contact operators provide the simplest parametrization of dark matter searches at colliders. However, light mediators can significantly change the sensitivity and search strategies. Considering simple models of mediators is an important next step for collider searches. In this paper, we consider the case of a $t$-channel mediator. Its presence opens up new contributions to the $\text{monojet}+{\overline{)\mathrm{E}}}_{T}$ searches and can change the reach significantly. We also study the complementarity between searches for processes of $\text{monojet}+{\overline{)\mathrm{E}}}_{T}$ and direct pair production of the mediators. Mediator pair production also gives an important contribution to a CMS-like $\text{monojet}+{\overline{)\mathrm{E}}}_{T}$ search, where a second hard jet is allowed. There is a large region of parameter space in which the $\text{monojet}+{\overline{)\mathrm{E}}}_{T}$ search provides the stronger limit. Assuming the relic abundance of the dark matter is thermally produced within the framework of this model, we find that in the Dirac fermion dark matter case, there is no region in the parameter space that satisfies the combined constraint of $\text{monojet}+{\overline{)\mathrm{E}}}_{T}$ search and direct detection; whereas in the Majorana fermion dark matter case, the mass of dark matter must be larger than about 100 GeV. If the relic abundance requirement is not assumed, the discovery of the $t$-channel mediator predicts additional new physics.

Sulfur-mediated electron shuttling during bacterial iron reduction

Abstract: Microbial reduction of ferric iron [Fe(III)] is an important biogeochemical process in anoxic aquifers. Depending on groundwater pH, dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteria can also respire alternative electron acceptors to survive, including elemental sulfur (S0). To understand the interplay of Fe/S cycling under alkaline conditions, we combined thermodynamic geochemical modeling with bioreactor experiments using Shewanella oneidensis MR-1. Under these conditions, S. oneidensis can enzymatically reduce S0 but not goethite (α-FeOOH). The HS– produced subsequently reduces goethite abiotically. Because of the prevalence of alkaline conditions in many aquifers, Fe(III) reduction may thus proceed via S0-mediated electron-shuttling pathways.

Estimating county health statistics with twitter

Abstract: Understanding the relationships among environment, behavior, and health is a core concern of public health researchers. While a number of recent studies have investigated the use of social media to track infectious diseases such as influenza, little work has been done to determine if other health concerns can be inferred. In this paper, we present a large-scale study of 27 health-related statistics, including obesity, health insurance coverage, access to healthy foods, and teen birth rates. We perform a linguistic analysis of the Twitter activity in the top 100 most populous counties in the U.S., and find a significant correlation with 6 of the 27 health statistics. When compared to traditional models based on demographic variables alone, we find that augmenting models with Twitter-derived information improves predictive accuracy for 20 of 27 statistics, suggesting that this new methodology can complement existing approaches.

Strong Metal–Support Interactions Enhance the Activity and Durability of Platinum Supported on Tantalum-Modified Titanium Dioxide Electrocatalysts

Abstract: Rutile phase tantalum-modified titanium oxide (Ta0.3Ti0.7O2) was synthesized and studied using electrochemical and spectroscopic methods to evaluate its efficacy as a corrosion-resistant electrocatalyst support material. A 20 wt % Pt supported on Ta0.3Ti0.7O2 catalyst was prepared and compared in terms of activity and stability against a 20 wt % Pt supported on Vulcan XC-72R carbon catalyst (20% Pt/C; synthesized in-house) and a 46 wt % Pt/C commercially sourced catalyst (Tanaka KK). Catalysts 20% Pt/Ta0.3Ti0.7O2, 20% Pt/C, and 46% Pt/C possessed electrochemically active surface areas (ECSAs) of 60, 57, and 65 m2 g–1, respectively, and mass activities for the oxygen reduction reaction (at 0.9 V vs RHE) of 185, 148, and 224 mA mg–1Pt, respectively, as evaluated in an operating polymer electrolyte fuel cell. Accelerated stability tests (ASTs) were performed on membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) in an operating fuel cell to investigate both support and platinum catalyst stability. The loss in voltage at a ...

Achieving Differential Privacy of Data Disclosure in the Smart Grid

Abstract: The smart grid introduces new privacy implications to individuals and their family due to the fine-grained usage data collection. For example, smart metering data could reveal highly accurate real-time home appliance energy load, which may be used to infer the human activities inside the houses. One effective way to hide actual appliance loads from the outsiders is Battery-based Load Hiding (BLH), in which a battery is installed for each household and smartly controlled to store and supply power to the appliances. Even though such technique has been demonstrated useful and can prevent certain types of attacks, none of existing BLH works can provide probably privacy-preserving mechanisms. In this paper, we investigate the privacy of smart meters via differential privacy. We first analyze the current existing BLH methods and show that they cannot guarantee differential privacy in the BLH problem. We then propose a novel randomized BLH algorithm which successfully assures differential privacy, and further propose the Multitasking-BLH-Exp3 algorithm which adaptively updates the BLH algorithm based on the context and the constraints. Results from extensive simulations show the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed method over existing BLH methods. Index Terms—Smart Grid, Smart Meter, Privacy, Differential Privacy, Data Disclosure