A Linear Optimal Transportation Framework for Quantifying and Visualizing Variations in Sets of Images

Transportation-based metrics for comparing images have long been applied to analyze images, especially where one can interpret the pixel intensities (or derived quantities) as a distribution of ‘mass’ that can be transported without strict geometric constraints. Here we describe a new transportation-based framework for analyzing sets of images. More specifically, we describe a new transportation-related distance between pairs of images, which we denote as linear optimal transportation (LOT). The LOT can be used directly on pixel intensities, and is based on a linearized version of the Kantorovich-Wasserstein metric (an optimal transportation distance, as is the earth mover’s distance). The new framework is especially well suited for computing all pairwise distances for a large database of images efficiently, and thus it can be used for pattern recognition in sets of images. In addition, the new LOT framework also allows for an isometric linear embedding, greatly facilitating the ability to visualize discriminant information in different classes of images. We demonstrate the application of the framework to several tasks such as discriminating nuclear chromatin patterns in cancer cells, decoding differences in facial expressions, galaxy morphologies, as well as sub cellular protein distributions.     

Formation of liquid film downstream of an atomizer and its disintegration in gaseous medium

Results from experimental and calculation studies of liquid film downstream of a dual-orifice centrifugal atomizer are presented. It is revealed that film generated downstream of an atomizer with a specified geometry may exist in different forms, which depend only on the liquid flow rate.     

Powers and speeds in electromechanical systems: Hybrid propulsion systems in cars

Mathematical expressions for determining the moments and speeds of the elements of planetary gearboxes are obtained. The possible modes of the operation of an internal combustion engine (ICE) combined with two electric machines are shown. The relation between powers of electric machines and the geometrical parameters of the planetary gear is achieved.     

Assessing the reliability of switchgear based on censored statistical information

An assessment of the reliability of a switchgear based on the results of normal testing of electrical endurance and the censored statistical information has been carried out, and a more appropriate law has been found.     

Friction and wear of fuel assemblies in water-moderated reactors

Static and dynamic processes that involve frictional forces are experimentally studied. The frictional forces affect the stress of the fuel assembly in all stages of the life cycle.     

Generalized Catalan numbers in problems of processing of random discrete images

The notion of the Catalan numerical sequence is extended. Problems leading to generalized Catalan numbers are formulated and solved.     

Acoustic emission in hafnium under tensile deformation

The paper addresses the dependence of acoustic emission produced in rolled hafnium GFé-1 under tensile deformation on the material’s structural state. A correlation has been established between the material structure, the level of mechanical properties and the values of acoustic parameters. Acoustic emission in non-recrystallized hafnium under tensile deformation is recorded only at the stages that precede fracture. Upon recrystallization annealing at temperatures of 1123 and 1373 K acoustic emission occurs at all the stages of tensile deformation. The highest level of acoustic emission activity in hafnium is observed during the transition from elastic to elastic-plastic strain.     

Peculiarities of volt-ampere characteristics of a tungsten cathode in a high-current arc

A model making it possible to calculate the emission currents in a cathode and its volt-ampere characteristic (VAC) taking the phenomena in the near-cathode plasma layer into account is proposed. The effect of plasma electrons and ions, thermal field-emission processes, and radiation from the plasma and evaporation of the cathode material are taken into account. The fields of the electrical potential and temperature in the cathode body, with the Joule heat release taken into account, are calculated. The numerical simulation yielded the conditions causing the volt-ampere characteristic ambiguity in the near-cathode layer in the absence of a liquid cathode spot. The obtained characteristics make it possible to estimate the lifetime and efficiency of a plasmotron with a tungsten cathode and argon serving as an actuating medium used in a number of plasma technologies.     

Synthesis of vanadium dioxide films by a modified sol-gel process

Vanadium dioxide films have been grown on silicon substrates and on SiO₂ layers on silicon by a modified sol-gel process using methyl cellosolve as a solvent. We have failed to obtain vanadium dioxide layers on Pt/TiO _x /SiO₂/Si substrates. For all of the substrates studied, we have examined the effect of synthesis conditions (initial solution concentration, deposition procedure, and oxidation and reduction anneals) on the phase composition, thickness, and surface morphology of the films.