High level visual scene classification using background knowledge of objects

Multimedia Tools and Applications - This paper introduces a novel and simple approach of high-level scene classification. Knowing that objects are the essence of any given scene, the proposed...     

Treatment of landfill leachate using Fenton process and coagulation/flocculation

Coagulation/flocculation process, Fenton oxidation and combinations between them were studied, aiming to provide an efficient method for the treatment of partially stabilized leachates. Leachates were collected from a municipal landfill site, samples containing around 3800 mg/L COD, BOD₅/COD ratio about 0.11 and pH around 8. The sequence of stages implemented was: (a) coagulation/flocculation; (b) Fenton oxidation; (c) coagulation/flocculation followed by Fenton oxidation which resulted in a best COD removal (63.62%) and (d) Fenton oxidation followed by coagulation/flocculation.     

Combined Convective and Microwave Drying of Agglomerated Sand: Internal Transfer Modeling with the Gas Pressure Effect

In order to improve the industrial drying (hot air and microwave) of inserts made of agglomerated sand, a comprehensive internal heat and water transfer model has been proposed. In this model, the internal gas phase pressure effect was made perfectly explicit, especially the phenomena of liquid and vapour transfer by filtration and of liquid expulsion at the surface. This model was validated on the basis of the experimental mean water content and core temperature curves for drying trials at different microwave powers. Then, it was used for comparing the drying time and the internal pressure level calculated for four particular processes: a standard process with high temperature air applied all over the time, a strong process with high power microwaves applied all over, and two processes which alternate the two heating modes. It was demonstrated that the combined and alternative processes provide a real possibility for faster drying with less internal pressure and thus with less cracking risk. The microwaves should be applied only in the first hour of the process and with decreasing power. The decrease of the drying time was around 30% with regard to the hot air standard process.     

Removal of tiemonium methylsulfate,from aqueous solutions using activated carbon prepared from date stones

The retention of a pharmaceutical compound, tiemonium methylsulfate (TIM), from aqueous solutions by adsorption onto activated carbon prepared from date stones (AC–DS) was investigated. Physical and chemical characteristics of this material were also determined. Results showed that pH 8 was optimal for TIM adsorption. Among the kinetic models considered, the pseudo-second-order model was the most appropriate to describe experimental data. Regarding adsorption isotherms, it was shown that the Sips model accurately describe the sorption of TIM onto AC–DS with a correlation factor R²?>?0.98. The adsorption capacity of AC–DS was found to be 42.2?mg?g^?1 at 10°C and 60.5?mg?g^?1 at 25°C, confirming its efficiency for the removal of this compound from aqueous solutions. The values of ΔG⁰ and ΔH⁰ confirmed that the adsorption of TIM onto AC–DS was spontaneous and endothermic in nature and hence more effective at high temperatures. An irregular increase in the randomness was suggested at the AC–DS solution interface during the adsorption process for positive values of ΔS⁰.     

Electrical and compositional properties of TaSi2 films

Tantalum silicide (TaSi₂) thin films were sputter deposited on p- and n-type silicon substrates using ultrapure TaSi₂ targets. The TaSi₂/Si samples were annealed in nitrogen or forming gas or oxygen containing steam at temperatures in the range of 400–900°C. The sheet resistances of TaSi₂/Si were measured by four-point probe before and after anneal. The structure of these films was investigated using x-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. It has been found that the sheet resistance decreases with the increase in annealing temperature and also with the increase in film thickness. X-ray diffraction patterns show changes in the morphological structure of the films. Oxidation characteristics of the film have been investigated in the temperature range of 400–900°C in oxygen containing steam ambient. The oxidation time ranged from 0.5 to 1.5 h. No oxide formation of the tantalum silicide films was observed in this investigation. This has been attributed to the high purity of TaSi₂ sputter targets used in the preparation of the films.     

Analysis of intermetallic swelling on the behavior of a hybrid solution for compressed hydrogen storage – Part I: Analytical modeling

This study focuses on the mechanical response of a hybrid solution dedicated to gaseous hydrogen storage. This solution is made of a carbon/epoxy composite overwrapped on a metal liner first coated with intermetallic material. The composite helps to reinforce the structure, while the liner prevents it from any leakage. In case of deficiency, the intermetallic material behaves as a sponge and interrupts the leakage by absorption and micro-cracks reduction. This hybrid solution or this specific use of intermetallic material has never been presented before. The laminate composite is anisotropic, whereas the liner is an elastic–plastic material. The intermetallic is purely thermo elastic and its study is limited to its mechanical contribution. Using these hypotheses, the suggested analytical model provides an exact solution for stresses and strains on the cylindrical section of the hybrid solution submitted to thermomechanical static loading and hydrogen leakage. The swelling effect of the intermetallic on the behavior of the structure is then investigated.