Performance evaluation of memetic approaches in 3D reconstruction of forensic objects

Different tasks in forensics require the use of 3D models of forensic objects (skulls, bones, corpses, etc.) captured by 3D range scanners. Since a whole object cannot be completely scanned in a single image using a range scanner, multiple acquisitions from different views are needed to supply the information to construct the 3D model by a range image registration method. There is an increasing interest in adopting evolutionary algorithms as the optimization technique for image registration methods. However, the image registration community tends to separate global and local searches in two different stages, named sequential hybridization approach, which is opposite to the scheme adopted by the memetic framework. In this work, we aim to analyze the capabilities of memetic algorithms (Moscato in On evolution, search, optimization, genetic algorithms and martial arts: towards memeticalgorithms. Report 826, Caltech Concurrent Computation Program, Pasadena, 1989) for tackling a really complex and challenging real-world problem as the 3D reconstruction of forensic objects. Our intention is threefold: firstly, designing new memetic-based methods for tackling a real-world problem and subsequently carrying out a performance and behavioral analysis of the results; secondly, comparing their performance with the one achieved by other methods based on the classical sequential hybridization approach; and thirdly, concluding the experimental study by highlighting the outcomes achieved by the best method in tackling the real-world problem. Several real-world 3D reconstruction problems from the Physical Anthropology Lab at the University of Granada, Spain, were used to support the evaluation study.     

Palladium Nanoparticles Supported on Magnetic Carbon‐Coated Cobalt Nanobeads: Highly Active and Recyclable Catalysts for Alkene Hydrogenation

Palladium nanoparticles are deposited on the surface of highly magnetic carbon‐coated cobalt nanoparticles. In contrast to the established synthesis of Pd nanoparticles via reduction of Pd(II) precursors, the microwave decomposition of a Pd(0) source leads to a more efficient Pd deposition, resulting in a material with considerably higher activity in the hydrogenation of alkenes. Systematic variation of the Pd loading on the carbon‐coated cobalt nanoparticle surface reveals a distinct trend to higher activities with decreased loading of Pd. The activity of the catalyst is further improved by the addition of 10 vol% Et₂O to iso‐propanol that is found to be the solvent of choice. With respect to activity (turnover frequencies up to 11 095 h^?1), handling, recyclability through magnetic decantation, and leaching of Pd (≤6 ppm/cycle), this novel magnetic hybrid material compares favorably to conventional Pd/C or Pd@CNT catalysts.     

A hybrid technology acceptance approach for exploring e-CRM adoption in organizations

Customer relationship management (CRM) is replacing the traditional 'four Ps' of marketing - product, price, place and promotion. Forging long-term relationships with customers is the key to stability in an increasingly dynamic market. Despite the steady growth in the number of worldwide installations, industry studies indicate that approximately 60% of web-based CRM software (e-CRM) installations are failures. System use is recognized as one of the important indicators for successful implementation of information systems (IS) and is often correlated with other constructs, such as user attitude and behavioral intention, in the literature. The technology acceptance model (TAM) is particularly useful for explaining and analyzing IS-usage behavior and subsequently, the behavior is influenced by attitude and behavioral intention. However, TAM is incomplete for either considering only part of the attributes of the innovation factor or only part of the factors affecting IS innovation process. Therefore, this study integrates TAM with an extension of innovation diffusion theory (IDT), IS innovation model, in a complimentary manner and, furthermore, empirically concludes some guidelines for practitioners to effectively assist in the diffusion of e-CRM in organizations.     

Metabolism of amino acids, dipeptides and tetrapeptides by Lactobacillus sakei

The microbial degradation of proteins, peptides and amino acids generates volatiles involved in the typical flavor of dry fermented sausage. The ability of three Lactobacillus sakei strains to form aroma compounds was investigated. Whole resting cells were fermented in phosphate buffer with equimolar amounts of substrates consisting of dipeptides, tetrapeptides and free amino acids, respectively.Dipeptides disappeared quickly from the solutions whereas tetrapeptides were only partially degraded. In both approaches the concentration of free amino acids increased in the reaction mixture but did not reach the equimolar amount of the initial substrates. When free amino acids were fed to the bacteria their levels decreased only slightly. Although peptides were more rapidly degraded and/or transported into the cells, free amino acids produced higher amounts of volatiles.It is suggested, that after transport into the cell peptides are only partially hydrolyzed to their amino acids, while the rest is metabolized via alternative metabolic pathways. The three L. sakei strains differed to some extend in their ability to metabolize the substrates to volatile compounds. In a few cases this was due to the position of the amino acids within the peptides. Compared to other starter cultures used for the production of dry fermented sausages, the metabolic impact of the L. sakei strains on the formation of volatiles was very low.     

Löslichkeitsverhalten von fetten Ölen in komprimiertem Kohlendioxid im Druckbereich bis 2600 bar

Solubility Behaviour of Fatty Oils in Dense Carbon Dioxide in the Pressure Range up to 2600 bar Different possibilities to determine the phase equilibrium are shown. A dynamic procedure is developed which allows to evaluate solubility data of fatty oils in dense gases. Construction, functioning and handling of the apparatus are described with which the solubility of soybean oil in dense carbon dioxide is examined in the pressure range up to 2600 bar and in a temperature intervall between 25°C and 80°C. The formation of solubility maxima at a interval between 25°C and 80°C. The formation of solubility maxima at a gas density of 1.06 g/cm³ is found out. The facts which influence the solubility behaviour are discussed and the importance of the results for the extraction of oil seeds is given thought.     

Entölung von Rohlecithin durch Hochdruck-Düsenextraktion mit Kohlendioxid

Deoiling of Crude Lecithin by Jet Extraction with Dense Carbon Dioxide The solvent extraction of viscous substance mixtures presents then a problem if to be done at high pressures as it is difficult to get solvent and substrate into intensive contact, especially in the case of the deoiling of crude lecithin with dense CO₂. With the increasing removal of the liquid ingredients a thickening of the mass results. Several methods to solve the problem are given and discussed: The application of the crude lecithin onto carrier material, the addition of organic solvents and the use of a stirring autoclave. A newly developed high-pressure jet procedure proved to be superior to all other methods. Under the condition of continuity a single step raffination yields a deoiled, light-coloured powdered lecithin of high quality. The various aspects of the new separation procedure are shown.     

Hochdruckextraktion mit Kohlendioxid – Ein schonendes Verfahren zur Gewinnung hochwertiger fetter Öle

Dense Gas Extraction with Carbon Dioxide – A Method to Produce High Grade Fatty Oils under Mild Conditions Mechanical pressing and solvent extraction with hexane are the major classical methods for seed oil recovery. High pressure extraction with CO₂ is compared to these methods and the main advantages and disadvantages of the different procedures are discussed. The valuation of the facts leads to the conclusion, that high pressure extraction can be of interest in special fields of fatty oil production. The extraction of maize germs, lin seed, evening primrose seeds and jojoba fruits are described as examples. Experimental dates of high pressure extraction and a short characterization of the products are given.     

Inhibition of PCDD/F and PCB formation in co-combustion

Co-combustion of coal-solid waste mixtures in pilot and laboratory-scale combustors with emphasis on monitoring of toxic chlorinated hydrocarbon emissions such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and -furans (PCDD/F) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) is elaborated. The objective of the work is to investigate the so-called primary measures technique. Twenty different thermally resistant inorganic compounds were added directly to the fuel as inhibitors of PCDD/F formation. The fuel-types used in this study included lignite coal, pre-treated municipal solid waste and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Principle component analysis (PCA) provides the basis for a feasible discussion about the efficiency of 20 inhibitors on PCDD/F and PCB formation. The study showed that the metal oxides group investigated had no inhibitory effect. Although the single N- and S-containing compounds, used as additives for the type of lignite coal, solid waste and PVC fuel, are not very effective as inhibitors, all other N- and S-containing substances are capable to strongly reduce PCDD/F and PCB flue gas emission. The most effective inhibitors are (NH(4))(2)SO(4) and (NH(4))(2)S(2)O(3). (NH(4))(2)SO(4) present at 3% of the fuel can reduce the PCDD/F emissions to 90%. Its low cost and high efficiency favour them as useful for full-scale combustion units.     

Production Control of a Flexible Manufacturing System in a Job Shop Environment

This paper provides an application oriented analysis of local search procedures for Operation Scheduling and Shop Floor Management of a major German manufacturer of cigarette machines. The heuristics applied are the Threshold- and Simulated Annealing-Algorithm considering Job Shop as well as embedded FMS production features. In this context a new neighbourhood search technique is developed, which is based on a small set of local neighbourhoods and is flexible with respect to the performance measurements of production control. By this approach the scheduling, loading and workload allocation problems of a production facility consisting of an embedded FMS and a conventional Job Shop can be solved simultaneously.