A means for utilizing ancillary information in multispectral classification

A method is presented that allows information from ancillary data sources to be incorporated into the results of an existing classification of remotely sensed data. Based upon probabilistic label relaxation procedures, which are used for imbedding spatial context data in image-labeling problems, the method utilizes the source of ancillary information in the form of a set of probabilities. These are injected into a modified relaxation method called supervised relaxation labeling which, on application, develops a labeling for remotely sensed data that strikes a balance in consistency between spectral, spatial, and ancillary data sources of information. Results are presented of a forestry classification in which accuracy is improved from 68% to 81% by incorporating topographic elevation in the manner outlined.     

Calculation of the Transient Response of Long Chains of Slightly Lossy Coupled Resonators

Methods of calculating and of illustrating the transient response of chains of coupled resonators are discussed. Such calculations are particularly useful in understanding the rf field behavior in linear accelerator structures, both of the drift tube and waveguide or coupled cavity types. Resonator chains are also employed in certain kinds of filters and delay lines; the methods to be discussed are applicable in these areas, as well. A frequency adjustment is presented which permits difference equations with a large time step to accurately represent the differential equations for slightly lossy coupled resonators.     

Hydroxyapatite-coated metals: Interfacial reactions during sintering

Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) is a low cost flexible process for producing HA coatings on metal implants. Its main limitation is that it requires heating the coated implant in order to densify the HA. HA typically sinters at a temperature below 1150C, but metal implants are degraded above 1000C. Further, the metal induces the decomposition of the HA coating upon sintering. Recent developments have enabled EPD of metathesis-synthesised uncalcined HA which sinters at 1000C. The effects of temperature on HA-coated Ti, Ti6Al4V, and 316L stainless steel were investigated for dual coatings of metathesis HA sintered at 1000C. The use of dual HA coatings (coat, sinter, coat, sinter) enabled decomposition to be confined to the undercoat (HA layer 1), with the surface coating decomposition free. The tensile strength of the three metals was not significantly affected by the high sintering temperatures (925C < T < 1000C). XRD/SEM/EDS analyses of the interfacial zones revealed that 316L had a negligible HA:metal interfacial zone (1 m) while HA:Ti and HA:Ti6Al4V had large interfacial zones (>10 m) comprising a TiO₂ oxidation zone and a CaTiO₃ reaction zone.     

Carrageenan-guar gum microwave irradiated micro-porous interpenetrating polymer network: A system for drug delivery

A series of microwave irradiated IPN of Crg and GG have been synthesized and cross linking through hydrogen bonding was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. Thermal sensitivity at 48°C, degradation above 200°C is an emblem of uniqueness. We obtained micro rough surface morphology, hydrophilicity and muco-adhesion supporting S6 for targeted drug delivery. Honey comb like internal architecture will provide high mechanical strength. The sample S6 showed 72% drug release in 12 hours. Based on the results, it was concluded that the S6 can be used as target oriented controlled drug delivery devices enabling control over swelling and drug release.     

Biocompatibility of Hydrogen-Diluted Amorphous Silicon Carbide Thin Films for Artificial Heart Valve Coating

Amorphous silicon carbide (a-SiC:H) thin films were synthesized using trichloromethylsilane by a hot wire chemical vapor deposition process. The deposited films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to confirm its chemical bonding, structural network and composition of the a-SiC:H films. The optical microscopy images reveal that hydrogen dilution increased the surface roughness and pore density of a-SiC:H thin film. The Raman spectroscopy and FTIR spectra reveal chemical network consisting of Si-Si, C-C and Si-C bonds, respectively. The XRD spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy indicate a-SiC:H still has short-range order. In addition, in vitro cytotoxicity test ensures the behavior of cell–semiconductor hybrid to monitor the proper coordination. The live–dead assays and MTT assay reveal an increase in green nucleus cell, and cell viability is greater than 88%, respectively, showing non-toxic nature of prepared a-SiC:H film. Moreover, the result indicated by direct contact assay, and cell prefers to adhere and proliferate on a-SiC:H thin films having a positive effect as artificial heart valve coating material.     

Computational modeling of heat transfer in magneto-non-Newtonian material in a circular tube with viscous and Joule heating

Numerous industrial and engineering systems, like, heat exchangers, chemical action reactors, geothermic systems, geological setups, and many others, involve convective heat transfer through a porous medium. The diffusion rate, drag force, and mechanical phenomenon are dealt with in the Darcy–Forchheimer model, and hence this model is vital to study the fluid flow and heat transport analysis. Therefore, numerical simulation of the Darcy–Forchheimer dynamics of a Casson material in a circular tube subjected to the energy losses due to the viscous heating and Joule dissipation mechanisms is performed. The novelty of the present investigation is to scrutinize the convective heat transport characteristics in a circular tube saturated with Darcy–Forchheimer porous matrix by utilizing the non-Newtonian Casson fluid. The flow occurs due to the elongation of the surface of a tube with a uniform heat-based source/sink. The similarity solution of the nonlinear problem was obtained using dimensionless similarity variables. The effects of operating parameters related to the flow phenomena are analyzed. Further, the friction factor and Nusselt number are also analyzed in detail. The present flow model ensures no flow reversal and acts as a coolant of the heated cylindrical surface; the existence of the magnetic field, as well as an inertial coefficient, acts as the momentum-breaking forces, whereas Casson fluidity builds it. The Joule heating phenomenon enhances the magnitude of temperature. The thermal field of the Casson fluid is higher at the surface of the circular pipe due to convective thermal conditions.