Design of backpropagated neurocomputing paradigm for Stuxnet virus dynamics in control infrastructure

Neural Computing and Applications - In the present study, a novel application of backpropagated neurocomputing heuristics (BNCH) is presented for epidemic virus model that portrays the Stuxnet...     

Photoresponsive measurements on InAs0·3Sb0·7 infrared detector

This paper presents a study of responsivity of InAs_0·3Sb_0·7 infrared detector. Thin films of InAs_0·3Sb_0·7 semiconducting compound were prepared by vacuum evaporation on glass and mica substrates held at 473° K under a pressure of 10⁻⁶ torr with deposition rate of 20 A°/sec. The isothermal annealing process was employed to improve the quality of the films. The responsivity variation with blackbody temperature (333° K to 673° K), detector temperature (80° K to 303° K) and frequency (10 Hz to 10 kHz) was measured. The experimental set-up and the results are presented and discussed.     

Product mix determination in the presence of alternate process plans and stochastic demand

The product mix problem in the presence of alternate process plans under uncertain demand is formulated as a non-linear programming model. A heuristic solution procedure based on lagrangean relaxation technique is also presented.     

Multi-Authority-Based File Hierarchy Hidden CP-ABE Scheme for Cloud Security

Cloud technology is emerging as a widely accepted technology in the recent years due to its robust nature. Cloud computation is basically developed on the fact that the resources can be shared between numerous devices to achieve efficient network operation among devices with minimized computation expenses. However, the sharing nature poses a security risk for the devices whose resources are being shared. Almost in all the existing works on cloud security, a single trusted third party (TTP) is used for key issue and authorization. However, using a single TTP may results in single-point failure and security risks. Most of the previous works on cloud security focus on storage security rather than considering the computation security. In order to solve these issues, in this paper, multi-authority-based file hierarchy hidden CP-ABE scheme for cloud security is proposed. In this scheme, the files are arranged in hierarchical order based on their attribute weights. Then when a cloud user needs certain resources, it requests the cloud service provider (CSP). The CSP links with the cloud owner to provide the requested file after encrypting it. The cloud server encrypts and places the encrypted file in CSP, which is later retrieved by cloud user. In this way, all the files that are being used are encrypted along with strict authentication to ensure cloud security.     

Multi-level image thresholding using Otsu and chaotic bat algorithm

Multi-level thresholding is a helpful tool for several image segmentation applications. Evaluating the optimal thresholds can be applied using a widely adopted extensive scheme called Otsu’s thresholding. In the current work, bi-level and multi-level threshold procedures are proposed based on their histogram using Otsu’s between-class variance and a novel chaotic bat algorithm (CBA). Maximization of between-class variance function in Otsu technique is used as the objective function to obtain the optimum thresholds for the considered grayscale images. The proposed procedure is applied on a standard test images set of sizes (512 × 512) and (481 × 321). Further, the proposed approach performance is compared with heuristic procedures, such as particle swarm optimization, bacterial foraging optimization, firefly algorithm and bat algorithm. The evaluation assessment between the proposed and existing algorithms is conceded using evaluation metrics, namely root-mean-square error, peak signal to noise ratio, structural similarity index, objective function, and CPU time/iteration number of the optimization-based search. The results established that the proposed CBA provided better outcome for maximum number cases compared to its alternatives. Therefore, it can be applied in complex image processing such as automatic target recognition.

     

Nonliposomal approach--a study of preparation of egg albumin nanospheres containing amphotericin-B

The stability of liposomes after introduction into the body is presently being discussed and needs thorough understanding. Hence, as a nonliposomal approach, egg albumin nanospheres were prepared by the pH-coacervation method, and a preliminary study was carried out of the influence of process variables on the size and shape of nanospheres by changing the pH of the albumin solution, concentration of albumin solution, and volume of cross-linking agent. The batch prepared with an albumin medium of pH 9, 2% concentration, and 100 μl of 4% glutaraldehyde-ethanol solution was found to have a spherical uniform shape with an average size of 497.6 nm. The ideal batch was loaded with the systemic antifungal drug amphotericin-B. Drug-loaded nanospheres were evaluated to study their in vitro release. They were found to exhibit a biphasic pattern with a cumulative percentage release of 97.7%.     

On the variational foundations of the substitute shape function technique

In this paper, an element recently developed by Whitcomb (Comput. Struct. 22, 387–398, 1986) along the lines of the so-called substitute shape function technique (SSFT) has been re-examined. It is shown that a varialional basis can be found for this element in the form of a modified version of the variational theorem due to Hellinger and Reissner. On the basis of this theorem, a two-dimensional element has been developed using separate trial functions for the displacements and the shear strain. The element is identical to Whitcomb's element; however, the proposed approach appears to have certain advantages over SSFT.     

Impact of Multimedia-Based Instruction on Learning and Retention

Studies measuring and evaluating the impact of the same multimedia-based education on learners in universities and high schools are a relatively new phenomenon. This study provides a summary of the results from research on the effects of multimedia-based safety education conducted by the M. E. Rinker Sr. School of Building Construction at the University of Florida. The findings are presented along with their related statistical test results. The findings indicate multimedia-based, self-paced learning offers very distinct advantages over traditional, instructor-led classroom learning. Overall, both the high-school and university student groups involved in the study exhibited superior retention rates when learning from the multimedia-based materials. Higher scoring students in the classroom showed little difference in either media, while students who tended to score at the low end of the grading scale uniformly scored higher on multimedia-based materials. The reduced variation in student performance based on test scores in the CD-ROM instruction indicates the positive effects of multimedia-based instruction.