A framework of genetic algorithm-based CNN on multi-access edge computing for automated detection of COVID-19

The Journal of Supercomputing - This paper designs and develops a computational intelligence-based framework using convolutional neural network (CNN) and genetic algorithm (GA) to detect COVID-19...     

Quantum Inspired Broadband Photonic Absorber: Potential Application as Solar Sail along with Mobility Analysis

Electromagnetic wideband absorption is still perceived as a critical and formidable challenge to address with an unambiguous photonic absorber. Subwavelength metamaterial (MM) unit cells with unique and controlled features have recently gained considerable interest. However, meta-atoms, generated using a quantum-inspired pattern distribution, are underwhelming in existing literature to design photonic absorbers and their potential application to manufacture solar sails is still quite uncommon. In this article, to create a flexible, polarization-insensitive, ultrathin, and broadband MM absorber, quantum interference pattern-inspired design is utilized. Herein, a novel approach to fabricating solar sails for the space exploration incorporates the proposed broadband photonic absorber rather than conventional reflectors. The quantum-inspired meta-absorber (QIMA) exhibits an absorption of over 91% for the visible domain, i.e., 380–800 nm under a conventional plane-polarized source. It is shown in the study that broadband absorbers are almost equivalent to excellent reflectors to design the solar sails in terms of the time-averaged force calculated by utilizing the Maxwell stress tensor method. Thus, the QIMA has the potential to be a viable alternative to reflectors in the design of futuristic solar sails for space exploration. The interference theory model is also utilized to assure the dependability of calculated data, and additionally, the standard AM1.5 solar spectrum is utilized to demonstrate the QIMA's solar-harvesting potentiality.     

Colonic fold detection from computed tomographic colonography images using diffusion-FCM and level sets

Colon cancer is the second major cause of cancer related deaths in industrial nations. Computed tomographic colonography (CTC) has emerged in the last decade as a new less invasive colon diagnostic alternative to the usually practiced optical colonoscopy. The overall goal is to increase the effectiveness of virtual endoscopic navigation of the existing computer-aided detection (CAD) system. The colonic/haustral folds serve as important landmarks for various associated tasks in the virtual endoscopic navigation like prone–supine registration, colonic polyp detection and tenia coli extraction. In this paper, we present two different techniques, first in isolation and then in synergism, for the detection of haustral folds. Our input is volumetric computed tomographic colonography (CTC) images. The first method, which uses a combination of heat diffusion and fuzzy c-means algorithm (FCM), has a tendency of over-segmentation. The second method, which employs level sets, suffers from under-segmentation. A synergistic combination, where the output of the first is used as an input for the second, is shown to improve the segmentation quality. Experimental results are presented on digital colon phantoms as well as real patient scans. The combined method has a total erroneous (over-segmentation plus under-segmentation) detection of (6.5 ± 2)% of the total number of folds per colon as compared to (12.5 ± 5)% for the diffusion-FCM-based method and (11.5 ± 3)% for the level set-based method. The p-values obtained from the associated ANOVA tests indicate that the performance improvements are statistically significant.     

Fuzzy hypersemigroups

We introduce the notions of fuzzy hypersemigroup, fuzzy hypergroup, fuzzy hyperideal, homomorphism, hyper congruence, fuzzy homomorphism, fuzzy hypercongruence. The purpose of this note is the study of some characterization of fuzzy hypersemigroup, fuzzy hyperideal of a fuzzy hypersemigroup and homomorphism and hypercongruence on a hypersemigroup.     

Regional variability of disinfection by-products in Canadian drinking water

The chlorination of drinking water forms various disinfection by-products (DBPs), some of which present potential risks to humans. This study investigates occurrences, trends, and regional and seasonal variability of DPBs in two Canadian provinces: Ontario and Quebec. The findings demonstrate that trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) can be represented better by region-based analysis than by province-based analysis. THMs in summer months are much higher than in cold months, while HAAs show variable results. The seasonal and regional variability of DBPs can have implications for the selection of DBP sampling locations, sampling frequency, regulatory limitations of DBPs, exposure analysis and risk characterization.     

Domestic Water and Sanitation in Cyclones and Floods in Bangladesh and a Proposed Research Agenda

ABSTRACT

Water is one of the top priority item s i relief activities but the appropriateness and effectiveness of this activity may be questioned. Water and sanitation (WS) are inseparable and together they play major roles in the transmission of the pathogen of diarrhoeal disease. Thousands of people die or suffer from WS-related diseases during postdisaster periods. Here we present WS-related experiences gained after Bangladesh's 1991 cyclone and the views of participants in a regional and a national (local) workshop on this matter held in Bangladesh. About 63 per cent of the water purifying tablets (WPTs) distributed after the 1991 cyclone were found to have lost potency Relief personnel lack basic knowledge about WS practices and the management of WS provision. Participants in the two workshops documented serious problems i this field at both regional and national levels. Major issues for research may include: an appropriate environmental preparedness plan; appropriate waste disposal technologies; appropriate water treatment methods; self- help activities during vulnerable periods; and health education related to WS in disaster situations.     

Fabrication and measurements of dynamic response of an SOI based non-planar CMUT array

An SOI based hyperbolic paraboloid geometry capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) array has been fabricated to realize a frequency independent constant beamwidth broadband beamforming capability. Detailed fabrication and packaging techniques are presented along with measurement results on individual CMUT cells for transient and steady-state response using a Polytec laser Doppler vibrometer. The measurement results are compared with analytical and 3-D electromechanical finite element analysis using IntelliSuite?. The measured results are in excellent agreement with analytical and FEA results. Measurement results also show that the CMUTs exhibit a flat bandwidth within the specified frequency range. SEM inspection also shows very close agreement between mask features and fabricated geometry that ensures reproducibility of the device with a high degree of fidelity. The CMUT array has been designed for automotive blindspot detection application and works in the 113–167?kHz range.     

Ferromagnetic mixed tribridged dinuclear copper(II) complex [Cu2(OAc)2(OH)(dpa)2]PF6 · H2O (dpa = 2,2′-dipyridylamine): 3D superstructure based on hydrogen bond and π…π interaction

A new dinuclear complex [Cu₂(OAc)₂(OH)(dpa)₂] PF₆ · H₂O (1) is prepared and structurally and magneto-structurally characterized. The monocationic core contains one acetate in familiar bidentate η¹:η¹:μ₂-bridge and another in the rare monoatomic bridge along with one hydroxo intermediary. 1 packs through N–H…O and O–H…O hydrogen bonds and π…π interaction resulting a 3D supramolecular continuum and displays high-energy intraligand ¹(π − π^*) fluorescence and intraligand ³(π − π^*) phosphorescence in glassy solution.     

Synthesis of spherical Al2O3 and AlN powder from C@Al2O3 composite powder

A novel approach has been taken to produce (1) spherical Al₂O₃ particles by decarbonisation and (2) spherical AlN particles by nitridation and subsequent decarbonisation of C@Al₂O₃ composite particles. C@Al₂O₃ composite particles have been prepared by heterogeneous nucleation and crystallisation of Al(NO₃)₃ on surfactant encapsulated carbon nano particles followed by evaporative decomposition of the nitrate. Overpressure (0.4 MPa) of nitrogen and a temperature range (1723–1873 K) have been used for nitridation. Whiskers as well as spherical particles of AlN have been observed in the final product. The final product has been characterised by X-Ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscope and Carbon–Hydrogen–Nitrogen content analysis by Elemental Analyser and the mechanism of the nitridation reaction has been analysed. The average size of the spherical AlN particles consisting of crystallites in nano-dimensions (30–50 nm) could be varied from 100 nm to 8 μm by changing the composition of the sol.     

Displacement Following of Hidden Objects in a Video Sequence

In a video sequence, computing the motion of an object requires the continuity of the apparent velocity field. This property does not hold when the object is hidden by an occlusion during its motion. The minimization of an energy functional leads to a simple algorithm which allows the recovery of the most likely trajectory of the occluded object from optical flow data at the border of the occlusion. Optical flow used for developing our method is an improvement on any variational technique of computing it. This improvement is based on a multichannel segmentation.