Abstract: This paper presents an optimal and unsupervised satellite image segmentation approach based on Pearson system and k-Means Clustering Algorithm Initialization. Such method could be considered as original by the fact that it utilised K-Means clustering algorithm for an optimal initialisation of image class number on one hand and it exploited Pearson system for an optimal statistical distributions- affectation of each considered class on the other hand. Satellite image exploitation requires the use of different approaches, especially those founded on the unsupervised statistical segmentation principle. Such approaches necessitate definition of several parameters like image class number, class variables- estimation and generalised mixture distributions. Use of statistical images- attributes assured convincing and promoting results under the condition of having an optimal initialisation step with appropriated statistical distributions- affectation. Pearson system associated with a k-means clustering algorithm and Stochastic Expectation-Maximization 'SEM' algorithm could be adapted to such problem. For each image-s class, Pearson system attributes one distribution type according to different parameters and especially the Skewness 'β1' and the kurtosis 'β2'. The different adapted algorithms, K-Means clustering algorithm, SEM algorithm and Pearson system algorithm, are then applied to satellite image segmentation problem. Efficiency of those combined algorithms was firstly validated with the Mean Quadratic Error 'MQE' evaluation, and secondly with visual inspection along several comparisons of these unsupervised images- segmentation.
Abstract: In order to better understand the performance of
screen channel liquid acquisition devices (LADs) in liquid oxygen (LOX), a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation of LOX passing through a LAD screen channel was conducted. In the
simulation, the screen is taken as a 'porous jump' where the pressure
drop across the screen depends on the incoming velocity and is formulated by Δp = Av + Bv2
. The CFD simulation reveals the importance of the pressure losses due to the flow entering from
across the screen and impacting and merging with the channel flow
and the vortices in the channel to the cumulative flow resistance. In fact, both the flow resistance of flows impact and mergence and the
resistance created by vortices are much larger than the friction and dynamic pressure losses in the channel and are comparable to the
flow resistance across the screen. Therefore, these resistances in the
channel must be considered as part of the evaluation for the LAD
channel performance. For proper operation of a LAD in LOX these resistances must be less than the bubble point pressure for the screen
channel in LOX. The simulation also presents the pressure and velocity distributions within the LAD screen channel, expanding the understanding of the fluid flow characteristics within the channel.
Abstract: This paper discusses a new heavy tailed distribution based data hiding into discrete cosine transform (DCT) coefficients of image, which provides statistical security as well as robustness against steganalysis attacks. Unlike other data hiding algorithms, the proposed technique does not introduce much effect in the stegoimage-s DCT coefficient probability plots, thus making the presence of hidden data statistically undetectable. In addition the proposed method does not compromise on hiding capacity. When compared to the generic block DCT based data-hiding scheme, our method found more robust against a variety of image manipulating attacks such as filtering, blurring, JPEG compression etc.
Abstract: Paleoclimate was reconstructed by the clay mineral
assemblages of shale units of Pabdeh (Paleocene- Oligocene), Gurpi
(Upper Cretaceous), Kazhdumi (Albian-Cenomanian) and Gadvan
(Aptian-Neocomian) formations in the Bangestan anticline. To
compare with clay minerals assemblages in these formations,
selected samples also taken from available formations in drilled wells
in Ahvaz, Marun, Karanj, and Parsi oil fields. Collected samples
prepared using standard clay mineral methodology. They were
treated as normal, glycolated and heated oriented glass slides. Their
identification was made on X-Ray diffractographs. Illite % varies
from 8 to 36. Illite quantity increased from Pabdeh to Gurpi
Formation. This may be due to dominant dry climate. Kaolinite is in
range of 12-49%. Its variation style in different formations could be a
marker of climate changes from wet to dry which is supported by the
lithological changes. Chlorite (4-28%) can also be detected in those
samples without any kaolinite. Mixed layer minerals as the mixture
of illite-chlorite and illite-vermiculite-montmorillonite are varied
from 6 to 36%, decreased during Kazhdumi deposition from the base
to the top. This result may be according to decreasing of illite
leaching process. Vermiculite was also determined in very less
quantity and found in those units without kaolinite. Montmorillonite
varies from 8 to 43%, and its presence is due to terrestrial
depositional condition. Stratigraphical documents is also supported
this idea that clay mineral distribution is a function of the climate
changes. It seems, thus, the present results can be indicated a possible
procedure for ancient climate changes evaluation.
Abstract: Slag sample from copper smelting operation in a
water jacket furnace from DRC plant was used. The study intends to
determine the effect of cooling in the extraction of base metals. The
cooling methods investigated were water quenching, air cooling and
furnace cooling. The latter cooling ways were compared to the
original as received slag. It was observed that, the cooling rate of the
slag affected the leaching of base metals as it changed the phase
distribution in the slag and the base metals distribution within the
phases. It was also found that fast cooling of slag prevented
crystallization and produced an amorphous phase that encloses the
base metals. The amorphous slags from the slag dumps were more
leachable in acidic medium (HNO3) which leached 46%Cu, 95% Co,
85% Zn, 92% Pb and 79% Fe with no selectivity at pH0, than in
basic medium (NH4OH). The leachability was vice versa for the
modified slags by quenching in water which leached 89%Cu with a
high selectivity as metal extractions are less than 1% for Co, Zn, Pb
and Fe at ambient temperature and pH12. For the crystallized slags,
leaching of base metals increased with the increase of temperature
from ambient temperature to 60°C and decreased at the higher
temperature of 80°C due to the evaporation of the ammonia solution
used for basic leaching, the total amounts of base metals that were
leached in slow cooled slags were very low compared to the
quenched slag samples.
Abstract: A robust still image face localization algorithm
capable of operating in an unconstrained visual environment is
proposed. First, construction of a robust skin classifier within a
shifted HSV color space is described. Then various filtering
operations are performed to better isolate face candidates and
mitigate the effect of substantial non-skin regions. Finally, a novel
Bhattacharyya-based face detection algorithm is used to compare
candidate regions of interest with a unique illumination-dependent
face model probability distribution function approximation.
Experimental results show a 90% face detection success rate despite
the demands of the visually noisy environment.
Abstract: The article considers religious aspects of Kazakh
society pre-Soviet times. Studying the mental, political and spiritual
content of Islam, the reasons for its wide distribution among the ancestors of the Kazakhs is analyzed. Interested Russians since the
accession of the Kazakh Khanate to the Russian Empire more than
once pointed out that Islam is a synthesis of Islam and Shamanism.
But shamanism is a generalization of the name of religion, which
took place prior to Islam in the land of the Kazakh people. Here we can see the elements of Zoroastrianism, Tengrianism, etc. This shows
that the ancestors of the Kazakhs - Turkic people - not renounced the
ancient beliefs completely and leave some portion of these religions
as an integral part of the worldview of the people, by the device.
Therefore, the founder of the Turkic Sufi Yasaui still has a huge impact on the religiosity of the Kazakhs. He managed elements of the
ancient religion, which formed the basis of the Kazakhs world, interpreted in the Muslim perspective. The Russian authorities tried
to quell by Islamization Kazakh people. But it was Islam that has
revived the national consciousness of the Kazakh people.
Abstract: Particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique is applied to design the water distribution pipeline network. A simulation-optimization model is formulated with the objective of minimizing cost and is applied to a benchmark water distribution system optimization problem. The benchmark problem taken for the application of PSO technique to optimize the pipe size of the water distribution network is New York City water supply system problem. The results from the analysis infer that PSO is a potential alternative optimization technique when compared to other heuristic techniques for optimal sizing of water distribution systems.
Abstract: The objective of this study is to present the test
results of variable air volume (VAV) air conditioning system
optimized by two objective genetic algorithm (GA). The objective
functions are energy savings and thermal comfort. The optimal set
points for fuzzy logic controller (FLC) are the supply air temperature
(Ts), the supply duct static pressure (Ps), the chilled water
temperature (Tw), and zone temperature (Tz) that is taken as the
problem variables. Supply airflow rate and chilled water flow rate are
considered to be the constraints. The optimal set point values are
obtained from GA process and assigned into fuzzy logic controller
(FLC) in order to conserve energy and maintain thermal comfort in
real time VAV air conditioning system. A VAV air conditioning
system with FLC installed in a software laboratory has been taken for
the purpose of energy analysis. The total energy saving obtained in
VAV GA optimization system with FLC compared with constant air
volume (CAV) system is expected to achieve 31.5%. The optimal
duct static pressure obtained through Genetic fuzzy methodology
attributes to better air distribution by delivering the optimal quantity
of supply air to the conditioned space. This combination enhanced
the advantages of uniform air distribution, thermal comfort and
improved energy savings potential.
Abstract: When dealing with safety in structures, the connections between structural components play an important role. Robustness of a structure as a whole depends both on the load- bearing capacity of the structural component and on the structures capacity to resist total failure, even though a local failure occurs in a component or a connection between components. To avoid progressive collapse it is necessary to be able to carry out a design for connections. A connection may be executed with anchors to withstand local failure of the connection in structures built with prefabricated components. For the design of these anchors, a model is developed for connections in structures performed in prefabricated autoclaved aerated concrete components. The design model takes into account the effect of anchors placed close to the edge, which may result in splitting failure. Further the model is developed to consider the effect of reinforcement diameter and anchor depth. The model is analytical and theoretically derived assuming a static equilibrium stress distribution along the anchor. The theory is compared to laboratory test, including the relevant parameters and the model is refined and theoretically argued analyzing the observed test results. The method presented can be used to improve safety in structures or even optimize the design of the connections
Abstract: This paper presents a multi-objective formulation for
optimal siting and sizing of distributed generation (DG) resources in
distribution systems in order to minimize the cost of power losses
and energy not supplied. The implemented technique is based on
particle swarm optimization (PSO) and weight method that employed
to obtain the best compromise between these costs. Simulation
results on 33-bus distribution test system are presented to
demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed procedure.
Abstract: This work proposes a set of actions to assist redesign
procedure in existing products of Electric and Electronic Equipment
(EEE). The aim is to improve their environmental behavior after their
withdrawal in the End-of-Life (EOL) phase. In the beginning data
collection takes place. Then follows selection and implementation of
the optimal EOL Treatment Strategy (EOL_TS) and its results-
evaluation concerning the environment. In parallel, product design
characteristics that can be altered are selected based on their
significance for the environment in the EOL stage. All results from
the previous stages are combined and possible redesign actions are
formulated for further examination and afterwards configuration in
the design stage. The applied method to perform these tasks is Lean
Thinking (LT). At the end, results concerning the application of the
proposed method on a distribution transformer are presented.
Abstract: In this article, we consider the estimation of P[Y < X], when strength, X and stress, Y are two independent variables of Burr Type XII distribution. The MLE of the R based on one simple iterative procedure is obtained. Assuming that the common parameter is known, the maximum likelihood estimator, uniformly minimum variance unbiased estimator and Bayes estimator of P[Y < X] are discussed. The exact confidence interval of the R is also obtained. Monte Carlo simulations are performed to compare the different proposed methods.
Abstract: The characterization and modeling of the dynamic
behavior of many built-up structures under vibration conditions is still
a subject of current research. The present study emphasizes the
theoretical investigation of slip damping in layered and jointed
welded cantilever structures using finite element approach.
Application of finite element method in damping analysis is relatively
recent, as such, some problems particularly slip damping analysis has
not received enough attention. To validate the finite element model
developed, experiments have been conducted on a number of mild
steel specimens under different initial conditions of vibration. Finite
element model developed affirms that the damping capacity of such
structures is influenced by a number of vital parameters such as;
pressure distribution, kinematic coefficient of friction and micro-slip
at the interfaces, amplitude, frequency of vibration, length and
thickness of the specimen. Finite element model developed can be
utilized effectively in the design of machine tools, automobiles,
aerodynamic and space structures, frames and machine members for
enhancing their damping capacity.
Abstract: The persistent nature of perfluorochemicals (PFCs) has attracted global concern in recent years. Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) are the most commonly found PFC compounds, and thus their fate and transport play key roles in PFC distribution in the natural environment. The kinetic behavior of PFOS or PFOA on boehmite consists of a fast adsorption process followed by a slow adsorption process which may be attributed to the slow transport of PFOS or PFOA into the boehmite pore surface. The adsorption isotherms estimated the maximum adsorption capacities of PFOS and PFOA on boehmite as 0.877 μg/m2 and 0.633 μg/m2, with the difference primarily due to their different functional groups. The increase of solution pH led to a moderate decrease of PFOS and PFOA adsorption, owing to the increase of ligand exchange reactions and the decrease of electrostatic interactions. The presence of NaCl in solution demonstrated negative effects for PFOS and PFOA adsorption on boehmite surfaces, with potential mechanisms being electrical double layer compression, competitive adsorption of chloride.
Abstract: The occurrence and removal of trace organic
contaminants in the aquatic environment has become a focus of
environmental concern. For the selective removal of carbamazepine
from loaded waters molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were
synthesized with carbamazepine as template. Parameters varied were
the type of monomer, crosslinker, and porogen, the ratio of starting
materials, and the synthesis temperature. Best results were obtained
with a template to crosslinker ratio of 1:20, toluene as porogen, and
methacrylic acid (MAA) as monomer. MIPs were then capable to
recover carbamazepine by 93% from a 10-5 M landfill leachate
solution containing also caffeine and salicylic acid. By comparison,
carbamazepine recoveries of 75% were achieved using a nonimprinted
polymer (NIP) synthesized under the same conditions, but
without template. In landfill leachate containing solutions
carbamazepine was adsorbed by 93-96% compared with an uptake of
73% by activated carbon. The best solvent for desorption was
acetonitrile, with which the amount of solvent necessary and dilution
with water was tested. Selected MIPs were tested for their reusability
and showed good results for at least five cycles. Adsorption
isotherms were prepared with carbamazepine solutions in the
concentration range of 0.01 M to 5*10-6 M. The heterogeneity index
showed a more homogenous binding site distribution.
Abstract: one of the significant factors for improving the
accuracy of Land Surface Temperature (LST) retrieval is the correct
understanding of the directional anisotropy for thermal radiance. In
this paper, the multiple scattering effect between heterogeneous
non-isothermal surfaces is described rigorously according to the
concept of configuration factor, based on which a directional thermal
radiance model is built, and the directional radiant character for urban
canopy is analyzed. The model is applied to a simple urban canopy
with row structure to simulate the change of Directional Brightness
Temperature (DBT). The results show that the DBT is aggrandized
because of the multiple scattering effects, whereas the change range of
DBT is smoothed. The temperature difference, spatial distribution,
emissivity of the components can all lead to the change of DBT. The
“hot spot" phenomenon occurs when the proportion of high
temperature component in the vision field came to a head. On the other
hand, the “cool spot" phenomena occur when low temperature
proportion came to the head. The “spot" effect disappears only when
the proportion of every component keeps invariability. The model
built in this paper can be used for the study of directional effect on
emissivity, the LST retrieval over urban areas and the adjacency effect
of thermal remote sensing pixels.
Abstract: Here we have considered non uniform microstrip
leaky-wave antenna implemented on a dielectric waveguide by a
sinusoidal profile of periodic metallic grating. The non distribution of
the attenuation constant α along propagation axis, optimize the
radiating characteristics and performances of such antennas. The
method developped here is based on an integral method where the
formalism of the admittance operator is combined to a BKW
approximation. First, the effect of the modeling in the modal analysis
of complex waves is studied in detail. Then, the BKW model is used
for the dispersion analysis of the antenna of interest. According to
antenna theory, a forced continuity of the leaky-wave magnitude at
discontinuities of the non uniform structure is established. To test the
validity of our dispersion analysis, computed radiation patterns are
presented and compared in the millimeter band.
Abstract: The ability of agricultural and decorative plants to
absorb and detoxify TNT and RDX has been studied. All tested 8
plants, grown hydroponically, were able to absorb these explosives
from water solutions: Alfalfa > Soybean > Chickpea> Chikling vetch
>Ryegrass > Mung bean> China bean > Maize. Differently from
TNT, RDX did not exhibit negative influence on seed germination
and plant growth. Moreover, some plants, exposed to RDX
containing solution were increased in their biomass by 20%. Study of
the fate of absorbed [1-14ðí]-TNT revealed the label distribution in
low and high-molecular mass compounds, both in roots and above
ground parts of plants, prevailing in the later. Content of 14ðí in lowmolecular
compounds in plant roots are much higher than in above
ground parts. On the contrary, high-molecular compounds are more
intensively labeled in aboveground parts of soybean. Most part (up to
70%) of metabolites of TNT, formed either by enzymatic reduction
or oxidation, is found in high molecular insoluble conjugates.
Activation of enzymes, responsible for reduction, oxidation and
conjugation of TNT, such as nitroreductase, peroxidase,
phenoloxidase and glutathione S-transferase has been demonstrated.
Among these enzymes, only nitroreductase was shown to be induced
in alfalfa, exposed to RDX. The increase in malate dehydrogenase
activities in plants, exposed to both explosives, indicates
intensification of Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle, that generates reduced
equivalents of NAD(P)H, necessary for functioning of the
nitroreductase. The hypothetic scheme of TNT metabolism in plants
is proposed.
Abstract: In this paper we will develop a sequential life test approach applied to a modified low alloy-high strength steel part used in highway overpasses in Brazil.We will consider two possible underlying sampling distributions: the Normal and theInverse Weibull models. The minimum life will be considered equal to zero. We will use the two underlying models to analyze a fatigue life test situation, comparing the results obtained from both.Since a major chemical component of this low alloy-high strength steel part has been changed, there is little information available about the possible values that the parameters of the corresponding Normal and Inverse Weibull underlying sampling distributions could have. To estimate the shape and the scale parameters of these two sampling models we will use a maximum likelihood approach for censored failure data. We will also develop a truncation mechanism for the Inverse Weibull and Normal models. We will provide rules to truncate a sequential life testing situation making one of the two possible decisions at the moment of truncation; that is, accept or reject the null hypothesis H0. An example will develop the proposed truncated sequential life testing approach for the Inverse Weibull and Normal models.