Image coding using wavelet transform

A scheme for image compression that takes into account psychovisual features both in the space and frequency domains is proposed. This method involves two steps. First, a wavelet transform used in order to obtain a set of biorthogonal subclasses of images: the original image is decomposed at different scales using a pyramidal algorithm architecture. The decomposition is along the vertical and horizontal directions and maintains constant the number of pixels required to describe the image. Second, according to Shannon's rate distortion theory, the wavelet coefficients are vector quantized using a multiresolution codebook. To encode the wavelet coefficients, a noise shaping bit allocation procedure which assumes that details at high resolution are less visible to the human eye is proposed. In order to allow the receiver to recognize a picture as quickly as possible at minimum cost, a progressive transmission scheme is presented. It is shown that the wavelet transform is particularly well adapted to progressive transmission.     

Eddy break-up model and fractal theory: comparisons with experiments

This paper deals with predictive methods of the combustion rates in the case of premixed mixtures. Comparisons are made between two of these predictive methods. The first approach is based on a standard eddy break-up (EBU) model supplemented by a condition on the chemical composition of the mixture. The reaction can develop within a fixed range of richness. The second method uses the concept of fractal surfaces. Moreover a spectral analysis allows us to introduce the role of the small turbulent structures embedded in the preheat zone. By means of the concept of fractal surfaces the real area of the flame surface can be predicted starting from its mean value and from L (integral length scale), u′ and _k (Kolmogorov length scale). The location of the flame is deduced from the standard EBU model previously referred to. u′ ànd {} are also known along the mean flame surface. The area of the real indented surface can be inferred. The combustion rate can be deduced by associating the area of the flame front with a convenient flame speed accounting for the role of the small structures embedded in the preheat zone. The results found by the two methods do not depart from each other by more than 10%     

Yule-Nielsen based recto-verso color halftone transmittance prediction model

The transmittance spectrum of halftone prints on paper is predicted thanks to a model inspired by the Yule-Nielsen modified spectral Neugebauer model used for reflectance predictions. This model is well adapted for strongly scattering printing supports and applicable to recto-verso prints. Model parameters are obtained by a few transmittance measurements of calibration patches printed on one side of the paper. The model was verified with recto-verso specimens printed by inkjet with classical and custom inks, at different halftone frequencies and on various types of paper. Predictions are as accurate as those obtained with a previously developed reflectance and transmittance prediction model relying on the multiple reflections of light between the paper and the print-air interfaces. Optimal n values are smaller in transmission mode compared with the reflection model. This indicates a smaller amount of lateral light propagation in the transmission mode.     

Optimal component mode synthesis for medium frequency problem

The component mode synthesis (CMS) with fixed interface (denoted Craig–Bampton) method uses a combination of static and dynamic modes. The usual definition of this CMS leads to a coupling between static and dynamic modes which are not orthogonal with respect to the stiffness matrix. This type of basis is not well suited for dynamic explicit computations, because the resulting mass matrix is not diagonal. If one keeps the same basis mode set but uses an orthogonalization process with respect to the mass matrix, the quality of the reduced Craig–Bampton system is kept but the basis vectors are combined differently. The aim of this paper is to propose a new way to control the accuracy of the reduced dynamic system for a specific frequency domain. Thus a new CMS is defined in order to be accurate in the medium frequency range. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

脑库 Laboratoire工作室

Le Laboratoire是一个多领域人士参与的设计实验室性质的组织,一群有着不同背景的科学家、艺术家、设计师聚在一起进行实验和研发,将艺术(Art)、科学(Science)和技术(technology)的力量结合在一起。作为艺术科学(artscience)的创新发生地,Labor     

To Empower or Not to Empower Your Sales Force? An Empirical Examination of the Influence of Leadership Empowerment Behavior on Customer Satisfaction and Performance.

This research focuses on the impact of leadership empowerment behavior (LEB) on customer service satisfaction and sales performance, as mediated by salespeople's self-efficacy and adaptability. Moreover, the authors propose an interactive relationship whereby LEB will be differentially effective as a function of employees' empowerment readiness. The authors' hypotheses are tested using survey data from a sample of 231 salespeople in the pharmaceutical field, along with external ratings of satisfaction from 864 customers and archival sales performance information. Results indicated that contrary to popular belief, employees with low levels of product/industry knowledge and low experience benefit the most from leadership behaviors that are empowering, whereas high-knowledge and experienced employees reap no clear benefit. The authors conclude with directions for future research and application. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Dielectric and viscoelastic studies of curing epoxy-amine model systems

Summary The curing of different epoxy-amine model systems which present only gelification and/or vitrification processes has been followed with the evolution of their viscoelastic and electrical behaviours during the network formation. Some attempts are performed to correlate the significant evolution of the mechanical and electrical parameters with the physico-chemical changes of these well defined chemical systems during their hardening and complete curing.     

Prevention of autoimmune destruction of syngeneic islet grafts in spontaneously diabetic nonobese diabetic mice by a combination of a vitamin D3 analog and cyclosporine

BACKGROUND: Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the presence of an autoimmune memory, responsible for the destruction of even syngeneic islet grafts. This recurrence of autoimmunity is partly responsible for the need of extensive immunosuppression in pancreas and islet transplantation in type 1 diabetic patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the capacity of a 20-epi-analog of vitamin D3, KH1060, both alone and in combination with cyclosporine (CsA) to prevent diabetes recurrence in syngeneic islet grafts in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. METHODS: Spontaneously diabetic NOD mice grafted with syngeneic islets (n=500) under the kidney capsule were treated with KH1060, CsA, or a combination of both drugs from the day before transplantation until recurrence or 60 days after transplantation. RESULTS: Vehicle-treated mice showed a recurrence of diabetes in 100% of cases (n=17) within 4 weeks. Treatment with high doses of CsA (15 mg/kg/day) or KH1060 (1 microg/kg/2 days) significantly prolonged islet survival (60 days and 50 days, respectively, versus 9.5 days in controls; P<0.001 and P<0.0001). Mice treated with subtherapeutical doses of both drugs combined (KH1060 0.5 microg/kg/2 days + CsA 7.5 mg/kg/day) had significant prolongation of graft survival (48 days; P<0.001) and more importantly, four of five mice that were still normoglycemic 60 days after transplantation showed no recurrence after discontinuation of all treatment. Histology of the grafts of control and combination-treated mice demonstrated that graft infiltration and islet destruction were less severe in grafts of combination-treated mice. Cytokine mRNA analysis in the grafts 6 days after transplantation revealed a clear suppression of interleukin-12 and T helper 1 cytokines and higher levels of interleukin-4 in combination-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS: KH1060, an analog of 1,25(OH)2D3, delays autoimmune disease recurrence after syngeneic islet transplantation in NOD mice, both alone and especially in combination with CsA, possibly restoring tolerance to beta cells in 30% of cases.     

An enumeration algorithm for solving the fleet management problem in underground mines

This paper presents an enumeration algorithm based on dynamic programming for optimally solving the fleet management problem in underground mines. This problem consists of routing and scheduling bidirectional vehicles on a haulage network composed of one-lane bidirectional road segments. The method takes into account the displacement modes of the vehicles, either forward or in reverse, and makes sure that these vehicles move forward when they arrive at their service point. The method has been developed for the underground mine context, but it can be extended to the industrial environment.