Single image super resolution for texture images through neighbor embedding

This article proposes an improved learning based super resolution scheme using manifold learning for texture images. Pseudo Zernike moment (PZM) has been employed to extract features from the texture images. In order to efficiently retrieve similar patches from the training patches, feature similarity index matrix (FSIM) has been used. Subsequently, for reconstruction of the high resolution (HR) patch, a collaborative optimal weight is generated from the least square (LS) and non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) methods. The proposed method is tested on some color texture, gray texture, and some standard images. Results of the proposed method on texture images advocate its superior performance over established state-of-the-art methods.

     

A standard deviation based firefly algorithm for multi-objective optimization of WEDM process during machining of Indian RAFM steel

Non-conventional machining processes always suffer due to their low productivity and high cost. However, a suitable machining process should improve its productivity without compromising product quality. This implies the necessity to use efficient multi-objective optimization algorithm in non-conventional machining processes. In this present paper, an effective standard deviation based multi-objective fire-fly algorithm is proposed to predict various process parameters for maximum productivity (without affecting product quality) during WEDM of Indian RAFM steel. The process parameters of WEDM considered for this study are: pulse current (I), pulse-on time (T _on), pulse-off time (T _off) and wire tension (WT).While, cutting speed (CS) and surface roughness (SR) were considered as machining performance parameters. Mathematical models relating the process and response parameters had been developed by linear regression analysis and standard deviation method was used to convert this multi objective into single objective by unifying the responses. The model was then implemented in firefly algorithm in order to optimize the process parameters. The computational results depict that the proposed method is well capable of giving optimal results in WEDM process and is fairly superior to the two most popular evolutionary algorithms (particle swarm optimization algorithm and differential evolution algorithm) available in the literature.

     

An Effective Power-Aware At-Speed Test Methodology for IP Qualification and Characterization

Advanced nanometer technologies have led to a drastic increase in operational frequencies resulting in the performance of circuits becoming increasingly vulnerable to timing variations. The increasing process spread in advanced nanometer nodes poses considerable challenges in predicting post-fabrication silicon performance from timing models. Thus, there is a great need to qualify basic building structures on silicon in terms of critical parameters before they could be integrated within a complex System-on-Chip (SoC). The work of this paper presents a configurable circuit and an associated power-aware at-speed test methodology for the purpose of qualifying basic standard cells and complex IP structures to detect the presence of timing faults. Our design has been embedded within test-chips used for the development of the 28 nm Fully Depleted Silicon On Insulator (FD-SOI) technology node. The relevant silicon results and analysis validate the proposed power-aware test methodology for qualification and characterization of IPs and provide deeper insights for process improvements.     

Miniature rainbow schlieren deflectometry system for quantitative measurements in microjets and flames

Recent interest in small-scale flow devices has created the need for miniature instruments capable of measuring scalar flow properties with high spatial resolution. We present a miniature rainbow schlieren deflectometry system to nonintrusively obtain quantitative species concentration and temperature data across the whole field. The optical layout of the miniature system is similar to that of a macroscale system, although the field of view is smaller by an order of magnitude. Employing achromatic lenses and a CCD array together with a camera lens and extension tubes, we achieved spatial resolution down to 4 mum. Quantitative measurements required a careful evaluation of the optical components. The capability of the system is demonstrated by obtaining concentration measurements in a helium microjet (diameter, d=650 microm) and temperature and concentration measurements in a hydrogen jet diffusion flame from a microinjector (d=50 microm). Further, the flow field of underexpanded nitrogen jets is visualized to reveal details of the shock structures existing downstream of the jet exit.     

In-Flight Synthesis of Core–Shell Mg/Si–SiOx Particles with Greatly Reduced Ignition Temperature

Magnesium is a promising candidate as a solid fuel for energetic applications, however, the diffusion-controlled oxidation mechanism impedes its reaction with an oxidizer, often resulting in diminished performance. In this study, non-thermal plasma processing is implemented to modify the surface of magnesium nanoparticles with silicon in-flight, in the gas-phase to enhance the rate of interfacial reactions and tune the ignition pathways. Allowing the silicon coating to partially oxidize provides direct contact between the fuel and oxidizer, resulting in a nanostructured thermite system at the single particle level. The proximal distance between oxidizer and fuel directly impacts the ignition temperature and, therefore, the combustion kinetics. An intermetallic reaction occurs within the magnesium/silicon system to supplement the heating of the magnesium fuel to initiate its reaction with the oxidizer, resulting in highly reduced ignition thresholds. The ignition temperature is lowered significantly from ≈740 °C for magnesium particles with a native oxide layer to ≈520 °C for particles coated via the in-flight plasma process.     

Cloud Security Service for Identifying Unauthorized User Behaviour

Recently, an innovative trend like cloud computing has progressed quickly in Information Technology. For a background of distributed networks, the extensive sprawl of internet resources on the Web and the increasing number of service providers helped cloud computing technologies grow into a substantial scaled Information Technology service model. The cloud computing environment extracts the execution details of services and systems from end-users and developers. Additionally, through the system’s virtualization accomplished using resource pooling, cloud computing resources become more accessible. The attempt to design and develop a solution that assures reliable and protected authentication and authorization service in such cloud environments is described in this paper. With the help of multi-agents, we attempt to represent Open-Identity (ID) design to find a solution that would offer trustworthy and secured authentication and authorization services to software services based on the cloud. This research aims to determine how authentication and authorization services were provided in an agreeable and preventive manner. Based on attack-oriented threat model security, the evaluation works. By considering security for both authentication and authorization systems, possible security threats are analyzed by the proposed security systems.     

Dual segment rectangular dielectric resonator antenna with metamaterial for improvement of bandwidth and gain

The simulation and experimental studies of an aperture‐coupled wideband dual segment rectangular dielectric resonator antenna with metamaterial for C‐band applications are presented in this paper. The antenna consists of Alumina (Al₂O₃) ceramic as upper segment and Teflon as lower segment. The combination of circular‐shaped coplanar split‐ring resonator and conducting strip has been used as metamaterial superstrate. With the use of metamaterial superstrate, the bandwidth of the antenna is increased by 48% through simulation and 22% experimentally. The broadside radiation pattern of the antenna is converted into directive radiation pattern with reduced beamwidth when metamaterial superstrate is used. The peak gain of the antenna is also enhanced by 33% through simulation and 31% experimentally with the use of metamaterial superstrate. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE 24:646–655, 2014.