Polygonal approximation for image segmentation

A new learning model for real-time, grey-level image segmentation is presented. The model gives excellent results for images with different shapes.     

Simulation of leachate migration in leaky aquifers

A two-dimensional cross-section finite difference model is presented to simulate density dependent leachate migration in leaky aquifers. Unlike existing models, a new approach is adopted to couple the groundwater-flow equation and the hydrodynamic dispersion equation with the elimination of the intermediate step of calculating velocities. The concept of the reference density is employed, permitting increased accuracy (over pressure-based models) in the representation of the transport process. The model is then used to study the effect of several hydraulic and transport parameters on the flow pattern and plume migration which are found to be very sensitive to most of these parameters. Equiconcentration and equipotential lines are overlapped to provide a better understanding of the coupling effect.     

Surface modification of starch nanocrystals through ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone and investigation of their microstructures

Bionanoparticles of starch obtained by submitting native potato starch granules to acid hydrolysis conditions. The resulted starch nanoparticles were used as core or macro initiator for polymerization of ε‐caprolactone (CL). Starch nanoparticle‐g‐polycaprolactone was synthesized through ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of CL in the presence of Sn(Oct)₂ as initiator. The detailed microstructure of the resulted copolymer was characterized with NMR spectroscopy. Thermal characteristic of the copolymer was investigated using DSC and TGA. By introducing PCL, the range of melting temperature for starch was increased and degradation of copolymer occurred in a broader region. X‐ray diffraction and TEM micrographs confirmed that there was no alteration of starch crystalline structure and morphology of nanoparticles, respectively. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

New fire‐protective intumescent coatings for wood

Polyurethane coatings are highly flammable, and because of their widespread applications on different substrates (wood, steel, and building materials), there is a need to increase their fire‐safety properties. Intumescent additives sharply suppress the flammability properties of polyurethane coatings. Two problems accompany intumescent additives: their high loading percentage and incompatibility with polyurethane coatings. In this research, we succeeded in increasing the compatibility by mixing intumescent additives with a butyl acrylate polymer and in lowering the flame‐retardant additive loading (up to 20%) by incorporating newly modified montmorillonite. The flammability properties of the new intumescent coatings were characterized with a cone calorimeter. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Alginate polyelectrolyte ionotropic gels

The kinetics and mechanism of exchange of Ni²⁺ by H⁺ ions in ionotropic nickel alginate polymembrane gels of capillary structure have been studied by pH-metric and conductimetric techniques. The rate of exchange conforms to; rate=k ₁ [nickel alginate] [H⁺]- k _–1 [alginic acid] [Ni²⁺] with k ₁=6.34×10^–2dm³mol^–1s^–1 and k _–1=8.83×10^–4 s^–1 at 20°C, respectively. The activation parameters have been evaluated and a mechanism consistent with the kinetic data is discussed.     

Error rate for optimal follower tone-jamming

The performance of a countermeasure technique in the presence of the optimal follower multitone jammer is evaluated for frequency-hopped spread spectrum (FHSS) communications. It is shown that, with a certain probability, the optimal jammer will have dual tones in a frequency channel     

Study of Lateral Spread of Ions Emitted from 2.3 kJ Plasma Focus with Hydrogen and Nitrogen Gases

The characteristics of ion beams of hydrogen and nitrogen with different filling pressures emitted from the plasma focus device of 2.3 kJ energy are investigated. CR-39 SSNTDs are employed for the registration of tracks of ions. The exposed detectors are etched in 6N NaOH solution at 70°C and then examined with an optical microscope. The ion flux is estimated to be of the order of 10^5–6 tracks/cm². The flux with the radial position does not exhibit any regular pattern of variation.     

Comparing the Effects of Different Daily and Sub-Daily Downscaling Approaches on the Response of Urban Stormwater Collection Systems

Water Resources Management - Change in the spatiotemporal pattern of precipitation is one the most important effects of climate change. This may result in considerable changes in urban flooding and...