An investigation on the laser surface alloying of copper on iron

Laser surface alloying of iron substrate with copper under different processing conditions has been systematically studied. The microstructural analysis reveals a predominantly cellular microstructure with copper wetting the cell boundaries. Globular distribution of copper at higher laser scanning speeds can be observed occasionally indicating the system under these conditions to be near the metastable miscibility gap. The concentration of copper in the pool is related to the laser scanning speed. In all cases a banded morphology indicating unsteady growth towards the bottom of the alloyed zone is observed. The hardness of the alloyed zone is significantly higher and is attributed to work hardening due to differential thermal contraction of the two phases in the alloyed zone.     

Camera-based calibration techniques for seamless multiprojector displays

Multiprojector, large-scale displays are used in scientific visualization, virtual reality, and other visually intensive applications. In recent years, a number of camera-based computer vision techniques have been proposed to register the geometry and color of tiled projection-based display. These automated techniques use cameras to "calibrate" display geometry and photometry, computing per-projector corrective warps and intensity corrections that are necessary to produce seamless imagery across projector mosaics. These techniques replace the traditional labor-intensive manual alignment and maintenance steps, making such displays cost-effective, flexible, and accessible. In this paper, we present a survey of different camera-based geometric and photometric registration techniques reported in the literature to date. We discuss several techniques that have been proposed and demonstrated, each addressing particular display configurations and modes of operation. We overview each of these approaches and discuss their advantages and disadvantages. We examine techniques that address registration on both planar (video walls) and arbitrary display surfaces and photometric correction for different kinds of display surfaces. We conclude with a discussion of the remaining challenges and research opportunities for multiprojector displays     

A study of rehabilitation counselors: Locus of control and attitudes toward the poor.

Studied the interrelationships among locus of control, attitudes toward the poor, attitudes toward the supervisor, job satisfaction, and the performance ratings of 90 practicing rehabilitation counselors (mean age 36 yrs). Ss were surveyed with a battery of attitude questionnaires, including Rotter's Internal-External Locus of Control Scale and the MacDonald Poverty Scale. Results indicate that Ss with an internal orientation had more positive attitudes toward the poor than Ss with an external orientation. It was further observed that internally oriented Ss received higher performance ratings than the externally oriented. Internal orientation was associated with higher job morale, greater job satisfaction, and more positive attitudes toward supervisors. Implications of the findings are discussed in the context of client-counselor relationships and of the consequence that these data may have in counselor preservice and inservice training. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

On the computation of Hermite interval interpolating polynomials

Two algorithms for the computation of Hermite interval interpolating polynomial have been proposed, one of which is recommended for fast computation and the other for obtaining the most accurate results.     

Optimum architecture for input queuing ATM switches

An input queueing ATM switch architecture employing the contention resolution called 'scheduling algorithm' is described. A high efficiency of over 90% can be achieved without any considerable increase in the amount of hardware or contention control speed.<>     

Color nonuniformity in projection-based displays: analysis and solutions

Large-area displays made up of several projectors show significant variation in color. Here, we identify different projector parameters that cause the color variation and study their effects on the luminance and chrominance characteristics of the display. This work leads to the realization that luminance varies significantly within and across projectors, while chrominance variation is relatively small, especially across projectors of same model. To address this situation, we present a method to achieve luminance matching across all pixels of a multiprojector display that results in photometrically uniform displays. We use a camera as a measurement device for this purpose. Our method comprises a one-time calibration step that generates a per channel per projector luminance attenuation map (LAM), which is then used to correct any image projected on the display at interactive rates on commodity graphics hardware. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first effort to match luminance across all the pixels of a multiprojector display.     

Hydrogen sensing characteristics of nano-crystalline Mg0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 thin film: Effect of film thickness and operating temperature

To yield stable base resistance and reproducible sensing characteristics, thin film based sensors are considered superior than particulate Taguchi type sensor. The sensing characteristics of ferrite based thin film sensor have hardly been reported in literature. In the present work, the hydrogen sensing characteristics of magnesium zinc ferrite thin film sensor is reported by varying the film thickness, test gas concentration and sensor operating temperature. These thin films were deposited on alumina substrate by sol–gel spin coating route. X-ray diffraction analyses and electron microscopy images of the thin film confirm the nano-crystalline nature of these films. It is reported that the film thickness plays a major role to control the gas sensing characteristics of the deposited films.     

Molecular Targets of Antihypertensive Peptides: Understanding the Mechanisms of Action Based on the Pathophysiology of Hypertension

There is growing interest in using functional foods or nutraceuticals for the prevention and treatment of hypertension or high blood pressure. Although numerous preventive and therapeutic pharmacological interventions are available on the market, unfortunately, many patients still suffer from poorly controlled hypertension. Furthermore, most pharmacological drugs, such as inhibitors of angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE), are often associated with significant adverse effects. Many bioactive food compounds have been characterized over the past decades that may contribute to the management of hypertension; for example, bioactive peptides derived from various food proteins with antihypertensive properties have gained a great deal of attention. Some of these peptides have exhibited potent in vivo antihypertensive activity in both animal models and human clinical trials. This review provides an overview about the complex pathophysiology of hypertension and demonstrates the potential roles of food derived bioactive peptides as viable interventions targeting specific pathways involved in this disease process. This review offers a comprehensive guide for understanding and utilizing the molecular mechanisms of antihypertensive actions of food protein derived peptides.