Self-learning residual model for fast intra CU size decision in 3D-HEVC

As an extension of the High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) standard, 3D-HEVC requires to encode multiple texture views and depth maps, which inherits the same quad-tree coding structure as HEVC. Due to the distinct properties of texture views and depth maps, existing fast intra prediction approaches were presented for the coding of texture views and depth maps, respectively. To further reduce the coding complexity of 3D-HEVC, a self-learning residual model-based fast coding unit (CU) size decision approach is proposed for the intra coding of both texture views and depth maps. Residual signal, which is defined as the difference between the original luminance pixel and the optimal prediction luminance pixel, is firstly extracted from each CU. Since residue signal is strongly correlated with the optimal CU partition, it is used as the feature of each CU. Then, a self-learning residual model is established by intra feature learning, which iteratively learns the features of the previously encoded coding tree unit (CTU) generated by itself. Finally, a binary classifier is developed with the self-learning residual model to early terminate CU size decision of both texture views and depth maps. Experimental results show the proposed fast intra CU size decision approach achieves 33.3% and 49.3% encoding time reduction on average for texture views and depth maps with negligible loss of overall video quality, respectively.     

Origin of superior dielectric and piezoelectric properties in 0.4Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3–0.6(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 at intermediate grain sizes

Grain size effect is one of the most important issues to develop next-generation multilayer microdevices. In this work, the tetragonal 0.4Ba(Zr_0.2Ti_0.8)O₃–0.6(Ba_0.7Ca_0.3)TiO₃ (BZT–60BCT) ceramics with a wide grain size from 2.1 to 24 μm were successfully prepared by using ultrafine nano powder and two-step sintering. The results demonstrate that critical/intermediate grain size of dielectric constant ε_r and piezoelectric constant d₃₃ appears at ∼12.9 μm. It was found that the presence of large lattice tetragonality, and enhanced domain wall motion induced by domain coexistence between submicron and nano size in sample with a grain size of ∼12.9 μm, resulting in the superior dielectric and piezoelectric properties. These findings and analyses of the origin of superior dielectric and piezoelectric properties at intermediate grain size have important practical implications in the design of high-performance piezoelectric ceramics.     

粒度级配对神华煤成浆特性影响的试验研究

为了研究粒度级配对神华煤成浆特性的影响,通过筛分和干法调浆,探讨了不同粒度分布煤粉的成浆性,结果表明:在添加剂用量为0.3%(干基/干煤)时,具有连续级配特征的原始煤粉可制备出质量分数为61%的煤浆;利用筛分法,分别去除原始煤粉中0.045 mm以下、0.045 mm^0.15 mm、0.15 mm^0.3 mm和0.045 mm^0.3 mm部分,得到4种具有不连续级配特征的样品,其所制煤浆流变性发生了较大变化,其中去除0.045 mm^0.3 mm部分的样品的成浆质量分数提高了3个百分点,在黏度符合要求的前提下流动性大幅提高;连续级配和非连续级配的煤浆均存在黏度与流动性不统一的现象,当级配中粗细颗粒粒径差较大且细颗粒含量达到一定值时,这种现象更加明显。采用粒度级配技术制浆,其细颗粒含量存在一个合理的区间。     

IR-transparent MgO-Y2O3 ceramics by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis and spark plasma sintering

A glycine–nitrate self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) was developed to produce composite Y₂O₃–MgO nanopowders. Based on the thermodynamic calculations a 0.25YMg₂(NO₃)₇-0.75NH₂CH₂COOH precursor composition was selected to prepare low agglomerated uniform composite yttria-magnesia powder. Near full dense composite ceramics were fabricated based on the prepared powders by the spark plasma sintering method. IR-transmittance and hardness of the Y₂O₃–MgO ceramics were studied in correlation with sintering conditions. The best transmittance of 80.9%@5 μm and H_v = 10.2 GPa were measured for the sample obtained at 1150 °C.     

Selection of Soybean Genotypes by Seed Size and its Prospects for Industrial Raw Material in Indonesia

The main utilization of soybean with large seed size in Indonesia is for industrial (tempeh) raw material. The aim of this research was to select soybean genotypes based on seed size and yield. Experiment was conducted at Jambegede Research Station (Malang), from March until June 2014 using 150 soybean genotypes. The selection revealed the existence of variability among genotypes. A simultaneously selection successfully obtained eight genotypes with yield >2.53 t/ha and seed size > 15.8 g/100 seeds. These selected genotypes prospective for source of tempeh material and need to examine its yield recovery, nutrition (protein) and sensory characteristic.     

The influence of sodium caseinate on the physical properties of spray‐dried honey

The aim of this work was to spray dry honey (rape and buckwheat varieties) with Arabic gum (AG) as a carrier alone or in combination with sodium caseinate (1% and 2% w/w NaCas) as a drying aid. Powder recovery ranged from 66.2 ± 0.7% to 75.8 ± 4.9%, and the values were significantly higher for samples containing NaCas. Powders were characterised by good flowability, the addition of NaCas had positive impact on this factor. However, the hygroscopicity of protein‐containing powders was higher, especially at 2% w/w of NaCas. Powders hygroscopicity was related to particle size: AG powder of the smallest particle size was the most hygroscopic, while the particle size did not affected flowability, which was strongly related to the feed solution composition. Based on the obtained results, it was concluded that the addition of 1% w/w of NaCas as a drying aid during buckwheat and rape honey spray drying with Arabic gum as a carrier is favourable, while the further increase of protein content does not give additional benefits.     

Enhanced Stability,Conductance, and Catalytic Activity of Gold Nanoparticles via Oxidative Dissolution by KMnO4

The present paper reports the oxidative etching of Au nanospheres by an oxidant, KMnO₄, which resulted in the formation of new particles of different reduced sizes from single starting nanoparticles. The significant blue-shifting (536 → 527 nm) of the surface plasmon band for Au nanospheres was observed due to their size alterations after oxidative dissolution of Au⁰ to Au⁺³. This was supported by the cyclic voltammetry studies, which revealed an anodic peak at ?0.90 V in agreement with the standard electrode potential of Au⁰/Au⁺³ (?0.96 V). Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis showed that the hydrodynamic diameter of Au nanospheres (～41 nm) was decreased from ～26 to 4 nm as a function of KMnO₄ concentration, as further evidenced by TEM. This oxidation-driven process resulted in colloids with higher zeta potential, conductance, and enhanced catalytic activity (～2 times) than their bare nanoparticles for the reduction of p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol attributed to the higher surface area-to-volume ratio.     

超细粉在内循环流化床中的流态化特性

在内径120 mm的半圆柱形内循环流化床中,以平均粒径387 nm的Ti O2为原料,考察了单独通入流化气、射流气和同时通入流化气和射流气三种流化方式下超细粉的流化特性以及射流气速对超细粉聚团尺寸的影响。结果表明:同时通入流化气和射流气时,流化气能促进粉体循环,消除环隙死区;高速射流能有效破碎聚团,显著减小聚团尺寸,从而使超细粉在环隙区与导流管之间形成稳定循环,小聚团在环隙区实现平稳流态化。随着射流气速的增大,聚团尺寸减小,粒度分布变窄,在射流气速分别为60,90,120,150 m/s的条件下,聚团平均直径分别为194,158,147,135μm。     

Potential for rice straw ethanol production in the Mekong Delta,Vietnam

This study is to evaluate the potential for development of a cellulosic ethanol facility in Vietnam. Rice straw is abundant in Vietnam and highly concentrated in the Mekong Delta, where about 26 Mt year⁻¹ of rice straw has been yearly produced. To minimize the overall production cost (PC) of ethanol from rice straw, it is crucial to choose the optimal facility size. The delivered cost of rice straw varied from 20.5 to 65.4 $ dry t⁻¹ depending on transportation distance. The Mekong Delta has much lower rice straw prices compared with other regions in Vietnam because of high density and quantity of rice straw supply. Thus, this region has been considered as the most suitable location for deploying ethanol production in Vietnam. The optimal plant size of ethanol production in the region was estimated up to 200 ML year⁻¹. The improvement in solid concentration of material in the hydrothermal pre-treatment step and using residues for power generation could substantially reduce the PC in Vietnam, where energy costs account for the second largest contribution to the PC, following only enzyme costs. The potential for building larger ethanol plants with low rice straw costs can reduce ethanol production costs in Vietnam. The current estimated production cost for an optimal plant size of 200 ML year⁻¹ was 1.19 $ L⁻¹. For the future scenario, considering improvements in pre-treatment, enzyme hydrolysis steps, specific enzyme activity, and applying residues for energy generation, the ethanol production cost could reduce to 0.45 $ L⁻¹ for a plant size of 200 ML year⁻¹ in Vietnam. These data indicated that the cost-competitiveness of ethanol production could be realized in Vietnam with future improvements in production technologies.