On the number of broadcast schemes in networks

Broadcasting is the process of spreading one piece of information among a group of individuals connected by an interconnection network. In this paper we give exact lower and upper bounds for the number of broadcast schemes in arbitrary networks. Also, we give the exact value for complete bipartite graphs and an upper bound for regular networks. Based on the counting method we describe a new random algorithm for broadcasting in networks.     

Color image segmentation in HSI space for automotive applications

This article presents a method for classifying color points for automotive applications in the Hue Saturation Intensity (HSI) Space based on the distances between their projections onto the SI plane. Firstly the HSI Space is analyzed in detail. Secondly the projection of image points from a typical automotive scene onto the SI plane is shown. The minimal classes relevant for driver assistance applications are derived. The requirements for the classification of the points into those classes are obtained. Several weighting functions are proposed and a fast form of an euclidean metric is investigated in detail. In order to improve the sensitivity of the weighting function, dynamic coefficients are introduced. It is shown how to compute them automatically in order to get optimal results for the classification. Finally some results of applying the metric to the sample images are shown and the conclusions are drawn.

Unsaturated flow phenomena in porous medium as in a trickling filter

The relationship between substrate removal efficiency and dispersion characteristics of biological filters was investigated. Flow measurements were made using tap water and a synthetic feed solution. The importance of changes in fluid regime with regard to the simultaneous transport and reaction within the biological filter was demonstrated. The effect of drop formation and breakage of liquid jets on substrate utilization was shown.     

Effect of weathering on the geomechanical properties of the Miocene basalts in Malatya,Eastern Turkey

Miocene volcanic rocks are widely exposed in the eastern Taurids, Turkey. The geomechanical properties and weathering degree of the Middle–Upper Miocene basalts were determined at the Boztepe dam site in Malatya, eastern Turkey. An engineering geology map of the Boztepe dam site was made and the joint sets and the degree of weathering determined in the field. The degree of weathering and RQD values were obtained on some 1,195 m of core which was then compared with a series of geomechanical tests including unit weight, porosity, water absorption, uniaxial compressive strength and compressive wave velocity. The geomechanical properties were compared with the weathering classifications of ISRM (Rock characterization, testing and monitoring, p 211, 1981) and Kilic (Environ Eng Geosci 4:475–483, 1999)      

Control of Aspergillus flavus with essential oil and methanol extract of Satureja hortensis

The essential oil and methanol extract of Satureja hortensis were tested for antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus in vitro on Petri plates and liquid culture, and under storage conditions. The oil showed strong antifungal activity based on the inhibition zone and minimal inhibitory concentration values against the pathogen on Petri plates assays. The very low concentrations of them also reduced wet and dry mycelium weight of pathogen fungus in liquid culture. When the oils at 25, 12.5 and 6.25 microl/mL concentrations were applied to lemon fruits before seven days of pathogen inoculation on storage conditions, the decay on fruits caused by the pathogen could be prevented completely. The results in this study showed that the essential oil of S. hortensis had strong antifungal activity against pathogen fungi tested. So, the essential oil of S. hortensis could be used for management of this pathogen as a potential source of sustainable eco-friendly botanical fungicides.     

The single hot joint

Several points may be stressed. (1)When in doubt, perform joint aspiration and look for crystals of micro-organisms. A joint tap is nearly always indicated. (2)Do not rely on a coincidental elevated serum uric acid level. Question the patient regarding drug therapy and other causes of secondary hyperuricemia. (3)Examine all of the patient, looking for tophi (gout), skin lesions (gonococcal infection, psoriasis), erythema nodosum (allergic reactions, fungal infections), and other clues. (4)Monoarticular rheumatoid arthritis is a rare cause of a single hot joint, but it is much more common that the real rarities (e.g., pigmented willondular synovitis). (5)Anky-losing spondylitis and Reiter's syndrome are common, yet frequently overlooked. (6)Radiologic examination is usually not helpful. (7)Having ruled out infection, crystal synovitis, and hemorrhage, it is sufficient to introduce symptomatic treatment and await the natural development of the joint disease. Follow-up in four to six weeks and simple blood studies often reveal the definitive diagnosis. Most of the time, natural healing processes are effective , and reward the patience of the conservative physician. Blind management must always be avoided.     

Designing of a powder compressing device with vibration and investigation of compressibility of MgO powders with this device

One of metal matrix composite (MMC) production methods is infiltration of liquid metal into preformed reinforcement. In this method, MMCs are produced by infiltration of liquid metal into preformed reinforcement using one of pressure, vacuum or pressureless (free) infiltration methods. For infiltration purposes, reinforcement materials in different figuration are preformed in desired shape and reinforcement volume ratio. In this study a vibration apparatus has been designed to compress the particulate reinforcement in a tube so that pressure or vacuum infiltration can be carried out. The compressibility of MgO powders with different sizes with this apparatus has also been investigated. It has been found that with this apparatus, it is possible to compress desired number of specimens uniformly at the same time and at the same ratio. It has also been determined that MgO powders can be compressed in different ratio due to particle sizes with this device. Compressing time of 3 min is enough to reach maximum compression ratio in MgO powders.     

Geobag Performance as Scour Countermeasure for Bridge Abutments

This paper presents observations and data from a sequence of laboratory experiments conducted to evaluate geobags as a countermeasure to protect bridge-abutment foundations from failure attributable to scour of the alluvial-river channel in which they are placed. Geobags comprise geotextile cloth bags filled with local sediment or concrete. The experiments focused on the performance of geobags placed as an apron around pile-supported wing-wall abutments retaining erodible embankments, and subject to live-bed and clear-water flow conditions. Though an apron of geobags is shown to substantially reduce or eliminate scour immediately at the abutment, the apron must be formed flexibly of linked geobags. Moreover, a performance concern is that the apron may shift scour to a location flanking or downstream of the apron, and in so doing imperil a nearby pier or riverbank. The experiments indicate the importance of protecting the embankment region beneath and immediately behind the abutment’s pile cap. Live-bed conditions proved to be the more critical for abutment protection, owing to the capacity of dunes to destabilize geobags around the edges of the apron. Design guidelines are given and include using current riprap configurations for sizing and placing geobags.