A successive approximation vector quantizer for wavelet transformimage coding

A coding method for wavelet coefficients of images using vector quantization, called successive approximation vector quantization (SA-W-VQ) is proposed. In this method, each vector is coded by a series of vectors of decreasing magnitudes until a certain distortion level is reached. The successive approximation using vectors is analyzed, and conditions for convergence are derived. It is shown that lattice codebooks are an efficient tool for meeting these conditions without the need for very large codebooks. Regular lattices offer the extra advantage of fast encoding algorithms. In SA-W-VQ, distortion equalization of the wavelet coefficients can be achieved together with high compression ratio and precise bit-rate control. The performance of SA-W-VQ for still image coding is compared against some of the most successful image coding systems reported in the literature. The comparison shows that SA-W-VQ performs remarkably well at several bit rates and in various test images.     

Components of bit-rate variation in videoconference signals

The sources of bit-rate variation in a conditional-replenishment videoconference coder were found experimentally to be due to the interaction between coding method and image content. The isolation of the components of variation and the effect on them of buffering and packetisation are reported.<>     

Magnetic properties and kinetic roughening study of prepared polyaniline: lead ferrite,cobalt ferrite and nickel ferrite nanocomposites electrodeposited thin films

The purpose of this study is preparation of polyaniline–lead ferrite, polyaniline–cobalt ferrite and polyaniline/nickel ferrite thin layers. The electromagnetic pollution is a serious problem in the world that can be solved by electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. The EMI layers can be synthesized by conductive layer composed by magnetic particles. Crystallite size of samples was studied by (XRD) analyze via Debye–Scherrer and Williamson–Hall equations. The X-ray diffraction XRD patterns confirm the crystalline structure of the samples. The surface morphology of the composite layers was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the effect of thickness and different composed particles was investigated. The percentage of the constituents and purity of samples was studied by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) analysis. Also, surface roughness and kinetic roughening of thin films was investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Hysteresis loop of the magnetic samples were analyzed by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). These new easy prepared nanocomposites introduce a suitable and effective coating for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding.

     

Order and pole locator estimation in fractional order systems using bode diagram

This paper deals with estimation of fractional order and pole locator in fractional order systems. The estimation is based on Bode diagram of the system that is obtained using input and output measurements. Here the magnitude diagram is approximated with number of straight lines depending on the level of complexity and in consequence a very good estimation of fractional order and acceptable approximations of pole locators are determined. Relying on the proposed method, complexity of fractional order system identification which is mostly due to the estimation of fractional order is substantially resolved. Some example simulation results are provided to explain the work and show its effectiveness.     

Fantastic improvement in quality and quantity of carbon nanotubes synthesized on Al2O3-SiO2 supports by N2 pretreatment

The raw materials, condition and the method of preparing the catalysts play an important role in the growth of high quality Carbon Nanotubes by Catalytic Chemical Vapor Deposition method. In this work, the efficiency of Carbon Nanotubes growth was increased by a simple controlled preheating of the catalyst in N2 atmosphere. Supports were prepared by mixing alumina powder with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) by a chemical method at low temperature. Afterwards, the supports were impregnated with iron. The dried and ground catalyst was heated in N2 atmosphere at 500 degrees C for 1 hour followed by cooling down to room temperature. Methane was passed over the prepared catalyst bed at 900 degrees C. Supports, supported catalysts and Carbon Nanotubes samples have been characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Gas Adsorption/Desorption Analysis, X-Ray Diffraction and Raman Spectroscopy. Scanning Electron Microscopy images of the nanotubes showed a drastic increase in the growth rate, length and straightness of the Nanotubes in comparison to the growth without preheating and even preheating in air atmosphere. Raman Spectroscopy of the samples and Transmission Electron Microscopy pictures showed bundles, mostly equi-diameter Single Wall Nanotubes. In fact, the growth rate, length, and purity of the Nanotubes, also the homogeneity of the tubes improved. The conclusion can be made with the help of proposed theory of nucleation and growth of Nanotubes based on comparative results of the characterizations with and without preheat-treatment. It seems that the preheat-treatment in N2 affected the catalyst structure and its interaction with support as well as distribution of the catalyst particles on the support. These changes in return affect the quality and quantity of final production.     

Synthesis of polyaniline/graphite composite as a cathode of Zn-polyaniline rechargeable battery

The characteristics of polyaniline/graphite composites (PANi/G) have been studied in aqueous electrolyte. PANi/G films with different graphite particle sizes were deposited on a platinum electrode by means of cyclic voltammetry. The film was employed as a positive electrode (cathode) for a Zn-PANi/G secondary battery containing 1.0 M ZnCl₂ and 0.5 M NH₄Cl electrolyte at pH 4.0. The cells were charged and discharged under a constant current of 0.6 mA cm⁻². The assembled battery showed an open-circuit voltage (OCV) of 1.55 V. All the batteries were discharge to a cut off voltage of 0.7 V. Maximum discharge capacity of the Zn-PANi/G battery was 142.4 Ah kg⁻¹ with a columbic efficiency of 97–100% over at least 200 cycles. The mid-point voltage (MPV) and specific energy were 1.14 V and 162.3 Wh kg⁻¹, respectively. The constructed battery showed a good recycleability. The structure of these polymer films was characterized by FTIR and UV–vis spectroscopies. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used as a powerful tool for investigation of charge transfer resistance in cathode material. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed as a morphology indicator of the cathodes.     

Angiotensin-I Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitory and Anti-Oxidant Activities of Sea Cucumber (Actinopyga lecanora) Hydrolysates

In recent years, food protein-derived hydrolysates have received considerable attention because of their numerous health benefits. Amongst the hydrolysates, those with anti-hypertensive and anti-oxidative activities are receiving special attention as both activities can play significant roles in preventing cardiovascular diseases. The present study investigated the angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory and anti-oxidative activities of Actinopyga lecanora (A. lecanora) hydrolysates, which had been prepared by alcalase, papain, bromelain, flavourzyme, pepsin, and trypsin under their optimum conditions. The alcalase hydrolysate showed the highest ACE inhibitory activity (69.8%) after 8 h of hydrolysis while the highest anti-oxidative activities measured by 2,2-diphenyl 1-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging (DPPH) (56.00%) and ferrous ion-chelating (FIC) (59.00%) methods were exhibited after 24 h and 8 h of hydrolysis, respectively. The ACE-inhibitory and anti-oxidative activities displayed dose-dependent trends, and increased with increasing protein hydrolysate concentrations. Moreover, strong positive correlations between angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory and anti-oxidative activities were also observed. This study indicates that A. lecanora hydrolysate can be exploited as a source of functional food owing to its anti-oxidant as well as anti-hypertension functions.     

Design and Implementation of a Novel Spherical Mobile Robot

In this paper, the design, modeling and implementation of a novel spherical mobile robot is presented. The robot composes of a spherical outer shell made of a transparent thermoplastic material, two pendulums, two DC motors with gearboxes, two equipments for linear motion and two control units. It possesses four distinct motional modes including: driving, steering, jumping and zero-radius turning. In driving and steering modes, the robot moves along straight and circular trajectories, respectively. The robot performs these motional modes using movable internal masses. In the jumping mode, it can jump over obstacles and in the zero-radius turning mode, the robot can turn with zero-radius to improve the motion flexibility. Furthermore, the attempts to establish the dynamic models of some motional modes are made and finally, the accuracy of the obtained dynamic models is verified by simulation and experimental results.