A 360-Degree Panoramic Image Inpainting Network Using a Cube Map

Inpainting has been continuously studied in the field of computer vision. As artificial intelligence technology developed, deep learning technology was introduced in inpainting research, helping to improve performance. Currently, the input target of an inpainting algorithm using deep learning has been studied from a single image to a video. However, deep learning-based inpainting technology for panoramic images has not been actively studied. We propose a 360-degree panoramic image inpainting method using generative adversarial networks (GANs). The proposed network inputs a 360-degree equirectangular format panoramic image converts it into a cube map format, which has relatively little distortion and uses it as a training network. Since the cube map format is used, the correlation of the six sides of the cube map should be considered. Therefore, all faces of the cube map are used as input for the whole discriminative network, and each face of the cube map is used as input for the slice discriminative network to determine the authenticity of the generated image. The proposed network performed qualitatively better than existing single-image inpainting algorithms and baseline algorithms.     

An adaptive ARQ–HARQ interworking scheme in WiMAX systems

For reliable data transmissions, WiMAX systems support automatic repeat query (ARQ) that operates at the upper MAC and hybrid automatic repeat query (HARQ) that operates at the lower MAC and PHY. ARQ and HARQ schemes have their own weakness that results in low throughput and high delay in WiMAX systems. Although ARQ and HARQ schemes can complement with each other, they operate independently. Some studies focus on the benefits of the interaction between ARQ and HARQ schemes, but these studies have limitations. In this paper, we propose an adaptive ARQ and HARQ interworking scheme to provide reliable transmissions without performance degradation in WiMAX systems. The proposed scheme has five features that are designed to solve the weaknesses of the ARQ and HARQ schemes. We compare the proposed scheme with existing schemes that utilize the ARQ and HARQ interaction through simulations, and the simulation results show that the proposed scheme shows improved performance over existing schemes.     

Analytical method for fast screening and confirmation of multi-class veterinary drug residues in fish and shrimp by LC-MS/MS

A multi-class, multi-residue analytical method based on LC-MS/MS detection was developed for the screening and confirmation of 28 veterinary drug and metabolite residues in flatfish, shrimp and eel. The chosen veterinary drugs are prohibited or unauthorised compounds in Korea, which were categorised into various chemical classes including nitroimidazoles, benzimidazoles, sulfones, quinolones, macrolides, phenothiazines, pyrethroids and others. To achieve fast and simultaneous extraction of various analytes, a simple and generic liquid extraction procedure using EDTA-ammonium acetate buffer and acetonitrile, without further clean-up steps, was applied to sample preparation. The final extracts were analysed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The method was validated for each compound in each matrix at three different concentrations (5, 10 and 20 ng g^–1) in accordance with Codex guidelines (CAC/GL 71-2009). For most compounds, the recoveries were in the range of 60–110%, and precision, expressed as the relative standard deviation (RSD), was in the range of 5–15%. The detection capabilities (CCβs) were below or equal to 5 ng g^–1, which indicates that the developed method is sufficient to detect illegal fishery products containing the target compounds above the residue limit (10 ng g^–1) of the new regulatory system (Positive List System – PLS).     

Experiments and theoretical approaches on the burning behaviors of single n-heptane droplet

This study was conducted to improve the theoretical prediction of the burning characteristics of an n-heptane droplet by comparing them with experimental results. To achieve this, numerical approaches were conducted by assuming that the droplet combustion can be described by both quasi-steady behavior for the region between the droplet surface and the flame interface, and transient behavior for the region between the flame interface and ambient surrounding. Comparisons were considered for droplet diameter (d _t ), flame diameter (d _f ), flame standoff ratio (FSR), and viscous drag induced fluxes which are Stefan flux and thermophoretic flux for various initial droplet diameter (d ₀ ) and oxygen (O ₂ ) concentration conditions. It was revealed that the flame diameter (d _f ) and flame standoff ratio (FSR) initially increase dramatically and approach quasi-steady behavior within the observation period, and the flame standoff ratio (FSR) increases a little with the initial droplet diameter (d ₀ ) both experimentally and theoretically. The value of flame diameter (d _f ) decreases from its maximum value when oxygen (O ₂ ) concentration is increased from a value of 18% to 40%. The burning rate (K) constant becomes higher as the oxygen (O ₂ ) concentration increases since the increase of oxygen (O ₂ ) concentration produces a higher maximum flame temperature (d _f ) which enhances the effective thermo-physical properties of the gas-phase bounded by droplet and flame front.

     

A prioritization method for replacement of water mains using rank aggregation

Pipe breaks in municipal water distribution networks may cause serious damage economically and socially. Existing methods for replacement scheduling of pipes do not provide practical indicators for replacing an individual deteriorated pipe. This work formulates the selection problem as the decision of preference ordering or ranking and proposes a bipartite ranking-based approach. The suggested approach also considers loss from broken pipes in terms of the costs associated with broken water main and its repair. We use rank aggregation method to integrate multiple ranks into replacement order of water mains. The suggested framework prioritizes current pipe sections for replacement based on the aggregated ranks. Multiple ranks given by the reliability of water pipe sections are aggregated and a cost effective policy for pipe replacement is derived.     

Synthesis and characterization of the carbon nanotube-based composite materials with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)

We report a procedure to prepare a conducting nano-composites composed of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and PEDOT by using a poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSSNa) as a inter-linking molecule between MWNT and PEDOT. When PSSNa chains are introduced on the MWNTs via physicochemical interaction, the surface of MWNT becomes negatively charged, and PSS-modified MWNTs promote the effective association of the positively charged PEDOT chains. The resulting MWNT-PSS/PEDOT composites are characterized by a better interconnection between MWNT and PEDOT components.     

Design of sustainable V-based hydrogen separation membranes based on grain boundary segregation

Inter-diffusion between vanadium and palladium coating layers in vanadium-based hydrogen separation membranes is investigated by using a computational approach based on first-principles calculations and semi-empirical atomistic simulations, paying attention to the surface stability and the prevention of the degradation of hydrogen permeability. It is found that the governing mechanism of the inter-diffusion is the grain boundary diffusion, and therefore a diffusion barrier based on the grain boundary segregation of impurities can be an efficient way to inhibit the inter-diffusion that causes the degradation. An interesting aspect in previous experimental works that showed a good resistance to the inter-diffusion by an addition of a trace amount of yttrium is discussed from the view point of the grain boundary segregation. An experiment that proves the validity of the present alloy design scheme (inhibition of inter-diffusion using grain boundary segregation) is carried out, and a process to maximize the sustainability of the membrane is also proposed.     

Blood flow interpretation in femoral pseudoaneurysm

A femoral artery pseudoaneurysm is one complication of vascular intervention, and the incidence is increasing. Early management is then needed to avoid potential dangers from it. It differs from a true aneurysm in that it doesn＇t include any component of the vascular wall, and is not studied as much as a true aneurysm. Here, a model of a femoral pseudoaneurysm was made and a Computational Fluid Dynamics（CFD） simulation was verified with PIV experiment. Afterwards, a CFD simulation with two different models was performed to look for any findings which may help in developing new treatment methods.