Multiview image coding using depth layers and an optimized bit allocation

In this paper, we present a novel wavelet-based compression algorithm for multiview images. This method uses a layer-based representation, where the 3-D scene is approximated by a set of depth planes with their associated constant disparities. The layers are extracted from a collection of images captured at multiple viewpoints and transformed using the 3-D discrete wavelet transform (DWT). The DWT consists of the 1-D disparity compensated DWT across the viewpoints and the 2-D shape-adaptive DWT across the spatial dimensions. Finally, the wavelet coefficients are quantized and entropy coded along with the layer contours. To improve the rate-distortion performance of the entire coding method, we develop a bit allocation strategy for the distribution of the available bit budget between encoding the layer contours and the wavelet coefficients. The achieved performance of our proposed scheme outperforms the state-of-the-art codecs for several data sets of varying complexity.     

Surfactant assisted selective confinement of carbon nanotubes functionalized with octadecylamine in a poly(styrene-b-isoprene-b-styrene) block copolymer matrix

We report how dodecanethiol (DT) surfactant can be used as a good dispersant to solubilize octadecylamine functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (ODA-SWCNTs) in order to confine them in the polystyrene phase of the polystyrene-b-polyisoprene-b-polystyrene (SIS) block copolymer matrix. It has been also demonstrated how the block copolymer matrix is not able to self-assemble in ordered morphology when the ODA-SWCNTs are not modified with the surfactant. DT assisted confinement of carbon nanotubes into the PS phase causes not only the nanostructuration of the host polymer matrix but also switches the self-assembled nanostructure from ordered cylinders in the case of neat SIS to a self-assembled lamellar nanostructure.     

Simulation of retronasal aroma of white and red wine in a model mouth system. Investigating the influence of saliva on volatile compound concentrations

The influence of saliva on aroma release from white and red wines was studied in a model mouth system. Aroma compounds were analysed in the dynamic headspace of wines by solid phase micro extraction/gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. Volatile compounds were identified by solid phase micro extraction/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, resulting in a total of 43 compounds in white wine and 41 in red wine. The results showed a greater influence of saliva on aroma release in white wine than red wine. In white wine treated with human saliva, esters and fusel alcohols, responsible for fruity and fusel oil odours, were reduced of 32–80%; by contrast, the concentration of 2-phenylethanol and furfural, responsible for rose and toasted almond notes, increased by 27% and by 155%, respectively. In red wine, treated with human saliva, only a few esters decrease, with a reduction of 22–51% due to protein-binding ability of polyphenols that are able to inhibit the activity of the saliva. C-13 norisoprenoids, vitispirane (eucalyptol) and TDN (kerosene), decreased both in white and red wine, showing a comparable variation while, for β-damascenone, the variation was insignificant.     

An Integrated Assessment of the Impacts of Changing Climate Variability on Agricultural Productivity and Profitability in an Irrigated Mediterranean Catchment

Climate change is likely to have a profound effect on many agricultural variables, although the extent of its influence will vary over the course of the annual farm management cycle. Consequently, the effect of different and interconnected physical, technical and economic factors must be modeled in order to estimate the effects of climate change on agricultural productivity. Such modeling commonly makes use of indicators that summarize the among environmental factors that are considered when farmers plan their activities. This study uses net evapotranspiration (ET_N), estimated using EPIC, as a proxy index for the physical factors considered by farmers when managing irrigation. Recent trends suggest that the probability distribution function of ET_N may continue to change in the near future due to changes in the irrigation needs of crops. Also, water availability may continue to vary due to changes in the rainfall regime. The impacts of the uncertainties related to these changes on costs are evaluated using a Discrete Stochastic Programming model representing an irrigable Mediterranean area where limited water is supplied from a reservoir. In this context, adaptation to climate change can be best supported by improvements to the collective irrigation systems, rather than by measures aimed at individual farms such as those contained within the rural development policy.     

Hydration-Effect-Promoting Ni–Fe Oxyhydroxide Catalysts for Neutral Water Oxidation

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts that function efficiently in pH-neutral electrolyte are of interest for biohybrid fuel and chemical production. The low concentration of reactant in neutral electrolyte mandates that OER catalysts provide both the water adsorption and dissociation steps. Here it is shown, using density functional theory simulations, that the addition of hydrated metal cations into a Ni–Fe framework contributes water adsorption functionality proximate to the active sites. Hydration-effect-promoting (HEP) metal cations such as Mg²⁺ and hydration-effect-limiting Ba²⁺ into Ni–Fe frameworks using a room-temperature sol–gel process are incorporated. The Ni–Fe–Mg catalysts exhibit an overpotential of 310 mV at 10 mA cm⁻² in pH-neutral electrolytes and thus outperform iridium oxide (IrO₂) electrocatalyst by a margin of 40 mV. The catalysts are stable over 900 h of continuous operation. Experimental studies and computational simulations reveal that HEP catalysts favor the molecular adsorption of water and its dissociation in pH-neutral electrolyte, indicating a strategy to enhance OER catalytic activity.     

Effects of electrical and mechanical parameters on the transient voltage stability of a fixed speed wind turbine

In this paper the dynamic behaviour of a wind turbine connected to the grid is examined. The model of the fixed speed wind turbine has been developed with the Simulink simulation tool (Matlab Inc.) It is composed of the induction generator, the shaft system, an aerodynamic model of the wind turbine rotor and the pitch control system. Using this model, a three-phase fault is applied close to the wind turbine and cleared by disconnecting the faulty line.The rigorous implementation of the simulink model allowed the authors to evaluate the exact dependence of various electrical parameters for the induction generator on voltage stability. Furthermore, the effects of wind turbine mechanical construction and of grid parameters on voltage stability are also evaluated and discussed.For each parameter, the terminal voltage and the generator rotor speed for different fault-clearing times are drawn. Finally, the terminal voltage and the generator rotor speed obtained for a fifth order model of the induction generator are compared with those obtained for a third order model. The differences between the two models are discussed. The results will help to understand transient stability phenomena in wind farms.