Hybrid semi-blind image watermarking in redundant wavelet domain

Multimedia Tools and Applications - Image watermarking in wavelet domain has been found useful for copyright protection and rightful ownership. Classical wavelet transforms, like discrete wavelet...     

Extending Cognitive Work Analysis for embodiment: ecological psychology,activity theory and Worker Competency Analysis

With the growth of novel embedded technologies, human interaction with ‘smart’ environments will require a comprehensive conceptualisation of the body and embodied cognition. Thus, producing a requirement for work analysis approaches to address the embodied aspects of work systems. Correspondingly, this article presents two interrelated items. First, it extends Cognitive Work Analysis (CWA) on the basis of embodiment, ecological psychology and activity theory. The embodied approach to cognition emphasises that human knowing (cognition) is shaped by the body and behaviour: the body, mind and activity are intricately entwined. In extending CWA for the embodiment, this article presents the second contribution in terms of the ‘embodiment hierarchy’ in the fifth phase of CWA – Worker Competency Analysis, for addressing the constraints related to embodiment. An example in the nanotechnology domain is provided to demonstrate the above-mentioned concepts.     

Polyelectrolyte mediated scalable synthesis of highly stable silver nanocubes in less than a minute using microwave irradiation

Silver nanocubes were synthesized for the first time in large quantities on gold seed in the presence of a polyelectrolyte using microwave heating for 60-120?s. Our experiment indicates that the polyelectrolyte directs the growth of the particle in a specified crystallographic direction resulting in the faceted particle, i.e.?a nanocube. The nanocubes are stable for at least 2 months in ambient conditions.     

A study on fitness-for-service assessment for crack-like defects and corrosion in nuclear reactor pressure tubes

This paper looks forward to thoroughly assess zirconium alloy (Zr-2) pressure tubes used in nuclear power reactors for crack like and corrosion type defects. It emphasizes on the use of reliability concept for determining the probability of failure of zirconium alloy pressure tubes based on deuterium ingress. The in depth analysis carried out to calculate the reliability index for the above two problems is based on FORM approach. A steady state corrosion rate is assumed to estimate the growth in the dimensions of corrosion defects. The methodology suggested in this paper is useful for designers and plant engineers in timely detection of the cracks and leaks in the pressure tubes used in nuclear reactors and initiate suitable corrective actions based on their criticality.     

Does presence of social media plugins in a journal website result in higher social media attention of its research publications?

Scientometrics - Social media platforms have now emerged as an important medium for wider dissemination of research articles; with authors, readers and publishers creating different kinds of social...     

CdTe quantum dots and polymer nanocomposites for x-ray scintillation and imaging

Investigations are reported on the x-ray scintillation and imaging application of CdTe quantum dots (QDs) and their polymer nanocomposites. Aqueous CdTe QDs with emissions ranging between 510 and 680 nm were prepared and incorporated into polyvinyl alcohol or polymethyl methacrylate polymer matrices. The x-ray luminescent properties were evaluated and a resolution of 5 lines∕mm was obtained from the nanocomposite films. Additionally, the fast decay time, nonafterglow, and superior spectral match to conventional charge coupled devices, show that CdTe QD nanocomposites have high promise for x-ray imaging applications.     

Carotid-jugular arteriovenous fistula: a case report of an iatrogenic complication following internal jugular vein catheterization for hemodialysis access

We report a case of diabetic end-stage renal disease patient who presented with a right common carotid artery jugular arteriovenous fistula as a complication of the insertion of a polyurethane double-lumen hemodialysis catheter into the right internal jugular vein .On physical examination of the neck, a pulsating mass with a palpable thrill and a bruit was noted in the right subclavicular region. The diagnosis was confirmed by color doppler ultrasonography of the neck and carotid angiography. The review of the literature suggests the occurrence of this complication as rather rare. The fistula was successfully repaired surgically. It is emphasized that while securing the access, a thorough physical examination with a special emphasis on seeking any neck swellings, thrill, and bruit along with routine use of vascular doppler for securing dialysis access is recommended.     

Inhibitory parameters of the essential oil and various extracts of Metasequoia glyptostroboides Miki ex Hu to reduce food spoilage and food-borne pathogens

The aim of this work was to examine the chemical composition of the essential oil and various solvent extracts isolated from the floral cone of Metasequoia glyptostroboides Miki ex Hu and to test their efficacy against a diverse range of organisms comprising food spoilage and food-borne pathogenic bacteria. The chemical composition of essential oil isolated by hydrodistillation was analysed by GC-MS. It was determined that 59 compounds, which represented 97.06% of total oil, were present in the oil. The oil contains mainly α-pinene (29.54%), totarol (9.37%), α-thujene (8.63%), bornylene (8.63%), β-caryophyllene (4.40%), totarol acetate (3.98%), δ-3-carene (3.19%) and 2-β-pinene (2.25%). The oil was found containing mainly the oxygenated mono- and sesquiterpenes and their respective hydrocarbons. Antibacterial activity of essential oil, methanol extract and various organic sub-fractions of methanol extract of M. glyptostroboides was determined in vitro using agar diffusion method and MIC determination test against eleven (four Gram-positive, seven Gram-negative) bacterial strains including food spoilage and food-borne pathogens. The essential oil (5 μl/ml, corresponding to 1000 ppm/disc), methanol extract and various organic sub-fractions (7.5 μl/ml, corresponding to 1500 ppm/disc) of M. glyptostroboides exhibited great potential of antibacterial activity against four Gram-positive bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 19166), Staphylococcus aureus (KCTC 1916), S. aureus (ATCC 6538) and one Gram-negative bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (KCTC 2004). The zones of inhibition of different concentrations of essential oil, methanol extract and its derived various organic sub-fractions against the tested bacteria were found in the range of 10 ∼ 20 mm and the MIC values were recorded between 125 and 1000 μg/ml. This study shows that M. glyptostroboides mediated essential oil and extracts can be applied in food industries as a natural preservatives or flavoring additives to control food spoilage and food-borne pathogenic bacteria causing severe destruction in food.     

Assessment of motion of a swing leg and gait rehabilitation with a gravity balancing exoskeleton.

The gravity balancing exoskeleton, designed at University of Delaware, Newark, consists of rigid links, joints and springs, which are adjustable to the geometry and inertia of the leg of a human subject wearing it. This passive exoskeleton does not use any motors but is designed to unload the human leg joints from the gravity load over its range-of-motion. The underlying principle of gravity balancing is to make the potential energy of the combined leg-machine system invariant with configuration of the leg. Additionally, parameters of the exoskeleton can be changed to achieve a prescribed level of gravity assistance, from 0% to 100%. The goal of the results reported in this paper is to provide preliminary quantitative assessment of the changes in kinematics and kinetics of the walking gait when a human subject wears such an exoskeleton. The data on kinematics and kinetics were collected on four healthy and three stroke patients who wore this exoskeleton. These data were computed from the joint encoders and interface torque sensors mounted on the exoskeleton. This exoskeleton was also recently used for a six-week training of a chronic stroke patient, where the gravity assistance was progressively reduced from 100% to 0%. The results show a significant improvement in gait of the stroke patient in terms of range-of-motion of the hip and knee, weight bearing on the hemiparetic leg, and speed of walking. Currently, training studies are underway to assess the long-term effects of such a device on gait rehabilitation of hemiparetic stroke patients.     

Discharge Relation for Cutthroat Flume under Free-Flow Condition

A cutthroat flume is commonly used as flow measuring device for open-channel flow due to ease of fabrication and installation. In most of the cases it is difficult to calibrate the flume in the field. Therefore, accurate relation between discharge and upstream head applicable for all sizes of cutthroat flume is needed. Seven different sizes of cutthroat flumes, having different length to throat width ratios, are fabricated and tested in the laboratory under free-flow condition. Selecting groups of different variables describing flow through a cutthroat flume number of dimensionless parameters are formed. Regression analysis of experimental data is carried out between all possible combinations of pairs of dimensionless parameters and the pair giving the best correlation is selected. Using the selected pair, relation between dimensionless parameters of discharge and head is developed. The relation is simple and convenient to use and, at the same time, more accurate compared to methods available in literature for prediction of discharge.