Modified stable Euler-number algorithm implementation for real-time image binarization

The stable Euler-number-based image binarization has been shown to give excellent visual results for images containing high amount of image noise. Being computationally expensive, its applications are limited mostly to general-purpose processors and in application specific integrated circuits. In this paper a modified stable Euler-number-based algorithm for image binarization is proposed and its real-time hardware implementation in a Field Programmable Gate Array with a pipelined architecture is presented. The proposed modifications to the algorithm facilitate hardware implementation. The end result is a design that out-performs known software implementations. The amount of noisy pixels introduced during the binarization process is also minimized. Despite the stable Euler-number-based image binarization being computationally expensive, our simulations show that the proposed architecture gives accurate results and this in real time and without consuming all chip resources.     

Experimental investigation of a cook-off temperature in a hot barrel

The experimental investigations of the effect of contact time/temperature on initiating the cook-off using 7.62 mm calibre cartridge cases （CC） were conducted previously. These cartridges were filled with commercial off-the-shelf （COTS） double based （DB） propellant （Bulls Eye） and were loaded in a hot chamber. The thermal explosion temperature is of great significance to both weapon designers and safety inspectors as it provides the operational limit and safe operating temperature. For CC under test, it was found that the cook-off temperatures of this propellant were encountered with the heat transfer profile of the simulated gun barrel between 151.4 ℃ and 153.4 ℃, with a reaction occurring in less than 300 s after the round was chambered. Usefully, each experiment was found to be consistent and repeatable.     

Organic geochemistry characterisation of crude oils from Mishrif reservoir rocks in the southern Mesopotamian Basin,South Iraq: Implication for source input and paleoenvironmental conditions

Seven crude oils from Cretaceous Mishrif reservoir rocks in the southern Mesopotamian Basin, South Iraq were studied to describe oil characteristics, providing information on the source of organic matter input and the genetic link between oils and their potential source rock in the basin. This study is based on biomarker and non-biomarker analyses performed on oil samples. The analysed oils are aromatic intermediate oils as indicated by high aromatic hydrocarbon fractions with more that 50%. These oils are also characterized by high sulfur and trace metal (Ni, V) contents and relatively low API gravity values (19.0–27.2° API). The results of this study indicate that these oils were derived from a marine carbonate source rocks bearing Type II-S kerogen that were deposited under sulphate-reducing conditions. This is primary achieved from their biomarkers and bulk carbon isotope and inorganic element contents (i.e., S, Ni and V). The absence of 18a (H)-oleanane biomarker also suggests a source age older than Late Cretaceous. The biomarker characteristics of these oils are consistent with those of the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous source rocks in the basin. However, biomarker maturity data also indicate that the oils were generated from early maturity source rocks. This appears to result from the type of kerogen of the source rock, characterized by a high-S kerogen (Type II-S).     

Equation Discovery for Financial Forcasting in Context of Islamic Banking

This paper describes an equation discovery approach based on machine leamng using LAGdtAMGE as an equation discovery tool,with two sources of input,a dataset and model presented in context-free gammar.The approach is searching a large range of potential equations by a specific model.The parameters of the equation are fitted to find the best equations.The The experiments are illustratedwith commodity prices from the London Metal Exchange for the period of January-October 2009.The outputs of the experiments are a large number of equations;same of the equations display that the predicted rakes are following the market trends in perfect patterns.     

Three-dimensional phase-field modeling of martensitic microstructure evolution in steels

In the present work a 3-D elastoplastic phase-field (PF) model is developed, based on the PF microelasticity theory proposed by A.G. Khachaturyan and by including plastic deformation as well as anisotropic elastic properties, for modeling the martensitic transformation (MT) by using the finite-element method. PF simulations in 3D are performed by considering different cases of MT occurring in an elastic material, with and without dilatation, and in an elastic perfectly plastic material with dilatation having isotropic as well as anisotropic elastic properties. As input data for the simulations the thermodynamic parameters corresponding to an Fe-0.3%C alloy as well as the physical parameters corresponding to steels acquired from experimental results are considered. The simulation results clearly show autocatalysis and morphological mirror image formation, which are some of the typical characteristics of a martensitic microstructure. The results indicate that elastic strain energy, anisotropic elastic properties, plasticity and the external clamping conditions affect MT as well as the microstructure.     

A reaction mechanism for gasoline surrogate fuels for large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

This work aims to develop a reaction mechanism for gasoline surrogate fuels (n-heptane, iso-octane and toluene) with an emphasis on the formation of large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Starting from an existing base mechanism for gasoline surrogate fuels with the largest chemical species being pyrene (C₁₆H₁₀), this new mechanism is generated by adding PAH sub-mechanisms to account for the formation and growth of PAHs up to coronene (C₂₄H₁₂). The density functional theory (DFT) and the transition state theory (TST) have been adopted to evaluate the rate constants for several PAH reactions. The mechanism is validated in the premixed laminar flames of n-heptane, iso-octane, benzene and ethylene. The characteristics of PAH formation in the counterflow diffusion flames of iso-octane/toluene and n-heptane/toluene mixtures have also been tested for both the soot formation and soot formation/oxidation flame conditions. The predictions of the concentrations of large PAHs in the premixed flames having available experimental data are significantly improved with the new mechanism as compared to the base mechanism. The major pathways for the formation of large PAHs are identified. The test of the counterflow diffusion flames successfully predicts the PAH behavior exhibiting a synergistic effect observed experimentally for the mixture fuels, irrespective of the type of flame (soot formation flame or soot formation/oxidation flame). The reactions that lead to this synergistic effect in PAH formation are identified through the rate-of-production analysis.     

Self-assembly of coordination polymers constructed from CuCN and unidentate pyridine bases

The self-assembly of K₃[Cu(CN)₄] and unidentate pyridine bases (L): pyridine (py), 3-methyl pyridine (3-mpy), and 2,4,6-trimethyl pyridine (tmpy) in the presence of Me₃SnCl affords new coordination polymers (CPs) CuCN·0.5(py)] (1), [CuCN·0.5(3-mpy)] (2), and [CuCN·0.5(tmpy)] (3). The syntheses are achieved in H₂O/acetonitrile media at room temperature. The structure of the CP 3 was characterized by X-ray single crystal analysis. It is crystallized as orthorhombic in the space group Pnma, a = 9.1065 (3) ?, b = 8.6669 (3) ?, and c = 12.1998 (5) ? and Z = 8. The CPs 1, 2 were investigated by IR, mass, Uv–visible, and ¹H-NMR spectra, as well as TGA. The CPs 1–3 are 2D-polymers consisting of 1D-(CuCN) _n chain structure while the ligands alternate on both sides of the chain with associated copper atom coordination number of three. Hydrogen bonds play an essential role for developing 2D-network structure. These CPs exhibit strong fluorescent emissions in the solid state.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Poly[bis(ethyl salicylate)phosphazenes] and Poly[bis(ethyl salicylate diethylamino)phosphazenes] and Their Hydrolytic Degradation

The polydichlorophosphazenes were synthesized from hexachlorocyclotriphosphazenes by ring opening polymerization in the presence of AlCl₃ as a catalyst. Poly[bis(ethyl salicylate)phosphazenes] (PESP) and poly[bis(ethyl salicylate diethylamino)phosphazenes] (PESDEAP) were synthesized via macromolecular substitution reactions using ethyl salicylate and (or) diethylamine as side groups. The synthesis results were proved by nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR, and ³¹P NMR) and gel permeation chromatography. In addition, the hydrolytic degradation of PESP and PESDEAP was investigated at constant temperature in neutral medium.     

Sequestration of zinc from zinc oxide nanoparticles and life cycle effects in the sediment dweller amphipod Corophium volutator

We studied the effects of ZnO nanoparticles [ZnO NPs, primary particle size 35 ± 10 nm (circular diameter, TEM)], bulk [160 ± 81 nm (circular diameter, TEM)], and Zn ions (from ZnCl(2)) on mortality, growth, and reproductive endpoints in the sediment dwelling marine amphipod Corophium volutator over a complete lifecycle (100 days). ZnO NPs were characterized by size, aggregation, morphology, dissolution, and surface properties. ZnO NPs underwent aggregation and partial dissolution in the seawater exposure medium, resulting in a size distribution that ranged in size from discrete nanoparticles to the largest aggregate of several micrometers. Exposure via water to all forms of zinc in the range of 0.2-1.0 mg L(-1) delayed growth and affected the reproductive outcome of the exposed populations. STEM-EDX analysis was used to characterize insoluble zinc precipitates (sphaerites) of high sulfur content, which accumulated in the hepatopancreas following exposures. The elemental composition of the sphaerites did not differ for ZnO NP, Zn(2+), and bulk ZnO exposed organisms. These results provide an illustration of the comparable toxicity of Zn in bulk, soluble, and nanoscale forms on critical lifecycle parameters in a sediment dwelling organism.     

Amino acid pattern in eggs as influenced by supplementation of dopamine agonists and antagonists in laying hens

A total of thirty laying hens divided into 3 equal groups was used. The 1st group served as control and was fed a basal ration. The 2nd and 3rd groups received L-Dopa and reserpine, respectively. The goal of the study was devoted to determine the effects of these additives on the rate of egg production, weights of eggs and yolks as well as yolk proteins and their amino acid pattern. In the reserpine-treated hens the rate of egg production was increased whereas in the L-Dopa-treated group, the weights of eggs and yolks, food intake as well as the amino acids aspartate, glutamate, glycine, alanine and methionine were significantly increased. The levels of tyrosine and histidine were decreased in both treatments while methionine was decreased by reserpine only. The addition of dopamine antagonist to a ration containing lysine and leucine in concentrations of 0.55% and 0.9% did not influence their levels in eggs. The increment of methionine, aspartate, glutamate and glycine by the dopamine agonist and their decrease by antagonist revealed that these amino acids are excitatory neurotransmitters in brain.