A new wavelet-based fuzzy single and multi-channel image denoising

In this paper, we propose a new wavelet shrinkage algorithm based on fuzzy logic. In particular, intra-scale dependency within wavelet coefficients is modeled using a fuzzy feature. This feature space distinguishes between important coefficients, which belong to image discontinuity and noisy coefficients. We use this fuzzy feature for enhancing wavelet coefficients' information in the shrinkage step. Then a fuzzy membership function shrinks wavelet coefficients based on the fuzzy feature. In addition, we extend our noise reduction algorithm for multi-channel images. We use inter-relation between different channels as a fuzzy feature for improving the denoising performance compared to denoising each channel, separately. We examine our image denoising algorithm in the dual-tree discrete wavelet transform, which is the new shiftable and modified version of discrete wavelet transform. Extensive comparisons with the state-of-the-art image denoising algorithm indicate that our image denoising algorithm has a better performance in noise suppression and edge preservation.     

Red tide detection in the Strait of Hormuz (east of the Persian Gulf) using MODIS fluorescence data

A monstrous red tide appeared on October 2008 and expanded to the west on November 2008 off the Iranian coasts in the Hormuz Strait (east of the Persian Gulf). MODIS satellite data, hydrographic and bio-optical field measurements were used to detect the red tide. MODIS fluorescence line height (FLH in w m^?2 μm^?1 sr^?1) data showed the highest correlation with near-concurrent in situ chlorophyll concentration of 0.74 (100(FLH))^1.23 (r?=?0.9, n?=?44). In contrast, the band-ratio Chlorophyll product of MODIS showed more inconsistency with in situ chlorophyll data due to the interference of other water constituents. High FLH value patches >0.18 were confirmed to be located at the medium to high (10⁴–10⁶ cells l^?1) concentrations of Cochlodinium polykrikoides, and also showed a chlorophyll anomaly >1 mg m^?3, which means the potential of red tide occurrences. The FLH imagery also showed that the bloom started in early September along Bandar-Abbas port, and developed and moved to the west along the coastal regions. The results revealed that MODIS FLH and enhanced RGB (ERGB) imagery plus in situ data are adequate tools for red tide monitoring.     

A survey of image spamming and filtering techniques

Many techniques have been proposed to combat the upsurge in image-based spam. All the proposed techniques have the same target, trying to avoid the image spam entering our inboxes. Image spammers avoid the filter by different tricks and each of them needs to be analyzed to determine what facility the filters need to have for overcoming the tricks and not allowing spammers to full our inbox. Different tricks give rise to different techniques. This work surveys image spam phenomena from all sides, containing definitions, image spam tricks, anti image spam techniques, data set, etc. We describe each image spamming trick separately, and by perusing the methods used by researchers to combat them, a classification is drawn in three groups: header-based, content-based, and text-based. Finally, we discus the data sets which researchers use in experimental evaluation of their articles to show the accuracy of their ideas.     

An imperialist competitive algorithm for a mixed-model assembly line sequencing problem

This paper presents a novel imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA) to a just-in-time (JIT) sequencing problem where variations of production rate are to be minimized. This type of problem is NP-hard. Up to now, some heuristic and meta-heuristic approaches are proposed to minimize the production rates variation. This paper presents a novel algorithm for optimization which inspired by imperialistic competition in real world. Sequences of products where minimize the production rates variation is desired. Performance of the proposed ICA was compared against a genetic algorithm (GA) in small, medium and large problems. Experimental results show the ICA performance against GA.     

A predictive algorithm for multimedia data compression

In lossless image compression, many prediction methods are proposed so far to achieve better compression performance/complexity trade off. In this paper, we concentrate on some well-known and widely used low-complexity algorithms exploited in many modern compression systems, including MED, GAP, Graham, Ljpeg, DARC, and GBSW. This paper proposes a new gradient-based tracking and adapting technique that outperforms some existing methods. This paper aims to design an efficient highly adaptive predictor that can be incorporated in modeling step of image compression systems. This claim is proved by testing the proposed method upon a wide variety of images with different characteristics. Six special sets of images including face, sport, texture, sea, text, and medical constitute our dataset.     

Classical and fuzzy-genetic autopilot design for unmanned aerial vehicles

In this paper, an efficient strategy is proposed to design the altitude hold mode autopilot for a UAV which is non-minimum phase, and its model includes both parametric uncertainties and unmodeled nonlinear dynamics. This work has been motivated by the challenge of developing and implementing an autopilot that is robust with respect to these uncertainties. By combination of classic controller as the principal section of the autopilot and the fuzzy logic controller to increase the robustness in a single loop scheme, it is tried to exploit both methods advantages. The multi-objective genetic algorithm is used to mechanize the optimal determination of fuzzy logic controller parameters based on an efficient cost function that comprises undershoot, overshoot, rise time, settling time, steady state error and stability. Simulation results show that the proposed strategy performances are desirable in terms of the time response characteristics for both phugoid mode and short period mode, the robustness, and the adaptation of itself with respect to the large commands.     

Perceived discrimination experiences and mental health of Latina/o american persons.

With a sample of 128 Latina/o persons, the present study examined a model that tested direct, indirect, and mediated relations among perceived discrimination, psychological distress, self-esteem, sense of personal control, and acculturation to Latina/o and U.S. cultures. Path analysis of the model indicated that (a) perceived discrimination was related to greater psychological distress, with personal control partially mediating this link; (b) perceived discrimination was also related, indirectly through personal control, to lower self-esteem; (c) self-esteem partially mediated the relation between personal control and distress; (d) Latina/o and U.S. acculturation were related, indirectly through personal control, to greater self-esteem and lower distress; and (e) U.S. acculturation was related directly to greater distress. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Application of Spatial Analysis Techniques to Select the Most Suitable Areas for Flood Spreading

This study addressed potential areas for flood spreading by evaluating the Boolean Logic, Overlay Index and Fuzzy Clustering techniques for spatial analysis. We applied these techniques on the artificial recharge criteria of slope, infiltration rate, alluvium thickness, land use and alluvial quality. The above criteria were prepared, classified, weighted and integrated in a GIS environment. The resultant maps were organized into two classes of potentiality, suitable and unsuitable, which expressed two different levels of favorability for site selection of flood spreading in the study area. We used 32 controlling areas to compare the performance of these spatial analysis techniques. By validation of the produced maps, the most suitable areas of flood spreading for each technique were determined: Fuzzy Clustering (14.4 %) Overlay Index (10.84 %) and Boolean Logic (10 %). After land use filtering, 72 %, 70 % and 65 % of the most suitable areas were eliminated in the, Overlay Index, Boolean model and Fuzzy Clustering, respectively. According to our results, the spatial analysis techniques can be powerful tools for selecting the most suitable areas for flood spreading.     

Dual-rail transition logic: A logic style for counteracting power analysis attacks

In this paper, a new logic style is proposed to be used in the implementation of cryptographic algorithms. The aim of this approach is to counteract power analysis attacks. The proposed technique is based on the transition signaling. In dual-rail transition logic, one-bit value is transmitted by a transition on the proper signal of a couple of wires. According to this concept, converter units and logic gates are defined; it is proposed to use flip-flops to build DTL alternative parts. Although the usage of flip-flops leads to increase the required area, experimental results show that the power consumption of DTL circuits depends on unpredictable initial state of T-flip-flops. In other words, DTL randomizes the power consumption without using random number/mask generators while its delay time is reasonable in comparison with other logic styles. The difference of mean traces and the simulated attacks show that the power consumption of DTL gates does not correlate with the input/output values.     

Performance assessment of a solar hydrogen and electricity production plant using high temperature PEM electrolyzer and energy storage

This paper investigates the performance of a high temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer integrated with concentrating solar power (CSP) plant and thermal energy storage (TES) to produce hydrogen and electricity, concurrently. A finite-time-thermodynamic analysis is conducted to evaluate the performance of a PEM system integrated with a Rankine cycle based on the concept of exergy. The effects of solar intensity, electrolyzer current density and working temperature on the performance of the overall system are identified. A TES subsystem is utilized to facilitate continuous generation of hydrogen and electricity. The hydrogen and electricity generation efficiency and the exergy efficiency of the integrated system are 20.1% and 41.25%, respectively. When TES system supplies the required energy, the overall energy and exergy efficiencies decrease to 23.1% and 45%, respectively. The integration of PEM electrolyzer enhances the exergy efficiency of the Rankine cycle, considerably. However, it causes almost 5% exergy destruction in the integrated system due to conversion of electrical energy to hydrogen energy. Also, it is concluded that increase of working pressure and membrane thickness leads to higher cell voltage and lower electrolyzer efficiency. The results indicate that the integrated system is a promising technology to enhance the performance of concentrating solar power plants.