Improved localization in a generalized Hough scheme for the detection of straight edges

Hough transforms are widely used for the location of straight edges in digital images, yet most common line parametrization schemes give no information on longitudinal localization. The generalized Hough transform goes some way to overcoming this problem. This paper studies how to improve the situation further. A trade-off between sensitivity and localization is found; in practical situations this results in significantly greater accuracy, but the important gain is a reduction in the number of ambiguities introduced by interactions between the transforms of unrelated straight edges.     

Characterization of silicon oxynitride films using ion beam analysis techniques

Heavy-ion elastic recoil detection analysis (HIERDA) is the ideal technique for quantitative analysis of silicon oxynitride films on silicon because of its unique ability to measure simultaneously all elements of interest (i.e., H, C, N, O and Si), thereby permitting key parameters such as the O/N-ratio to be determined in a single measurement. However, high-energy accelerators suitable for such HIERDA measurements are becoming much less readily available. Hence, the present paper investigates and calibrates an alternative IBA technique for simultaneous O, N and C analysis – namely, the use of (d,p) and (d,) nuclear reactions. Under optimum analysis conditions (850 keV deuterons and 150° detector angle), the Si background level sets a lower detection limit of 1×10¹⁶ nitrogen atoms/cm² and 3×10¹⁵ oxygen atoms/cm². H analysis is carried out separately, using low-energy ERDA and a 2 MeV ⁴He beam. Absolute cross-sections have been obtained for each of the (d,p) and (d,) groups. Comparison with data in the recent Handbook of Modern Ion Beam Materials Analysis shows reasonable agreement (10–15%) for the (d,p) reactions on oxygen and carbon. However, in the case of nitrogen, the measured cross-section values are 70% larger than the Handbook data. Several silicon oxynitride samples have been analyzed, first at UWO using 850 keV deuterons, and subsequently at ANU using HIERDA and a 200 MeV Au beam. The resulting O/N-ratios agree to within 10%. The relative importance of radiation damage effects is briefly discussed.     

Powder interlayer bonding of geometrically complex Ti-6Al-4V parts

The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology - Powder interlayer bonding (PIB) is a novel joining technique, which has been developed to facilitate high-integrity repairs of...     

Tailoring the I/V characteristics of a superlattice tunnel diode

We demonstrate the exploitation of the precise growth control afforded by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) to realise the design of a superlattice tunnel diode with a large negative differential resistance (NDR) feature (peak-to-valley ratio of 2.5:1) at room temperature.     

Stagewise Weak Gradient Pursuits

Finding sparse solutions to underdetermined inverse problems is a fundamental challenge encountered in a wide range of signal processing applications, from signal acquisition to source separation. This paper looks at greedy algorithms that are applicable to very large problems. The main contribution is the development of a new selection strategy (called stagewise weak selection) that effectively selects several elements in each iteration. The new selection strategy is based on the realization that many classical proofs for recovery of sparse signals can be trivially extended to the new setting. What is more, simulation studies show the computational benefits and good performance of the approach. This strategy can be used in several greedy algorithms, and we argue for the use within the gradient pursuit framework in which selected coefficients are updated using a conjugate update direction. For this update, we present a fast implementation and novel convergence result.     

PLLA/Flax Mat/Balsa Bio-Sandwich—Environmental Impact and Simplified Life Cycle Analysis

In the present paper the environmental impact of biocomposites and bio-sandwich materials production are evaluated, using simplified Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) following the procedure recommended in the ISO 14044 standard. The materials are dimensioned and evaluated by comparing with reference materials, glass mat reinforced unsatured polyester and glass mat/unsatured polyester/balsa sandwich. The results indicate that bio-sandwich materials are very attractive in terms environmental impact. However further improvements in biocomposite and bio-sandwich mechanical strength are necessary if they are to be used in transport application compared to glass/polyester and glass/polyester/balsa sandwich.     

Performance-driven design of Biocompatible Mg alloys

Magnesium (Mg) and its alloys provide numerous benefits as a resorptive biomaterial and present the very real possibility of replacing current metallic implant materials in a variety of roles. The development of suitable biodegradable implant alloys is a multidisciplinary challenge, since alloy design must be confined to a range of alloying additions that are biologically nontoxic, whilst still providing the requisite mechanical properties. This leaves a small number of compatible elements that can provide benefits when alloyed with Mg, including calcium (Ca) and zinc (Zn). To date, although a range of different Mg alloys have been investigated both in vitro and in vivo, little work has been performed to characterize the relationship between the composition of Mg alloys, their corrosion and resulting mechanical properties over time. Consequently it is crucial to understand how these properties may be related if alloys are to be successfully screened for implantation in the body.     

Interfacial bonding of Flax fibre/Poly(l-lactide) bio-composites

The use of glass fibre reinforced polyester composites raises many health and safety and environmental questions. One alternative is the development of high performance bio-based bio-composites with low environmental impact. Improved understanding of interfacial properties is essential to optimise the mechanical properties and durability of these materials, but so far few data are available. The present work describes the interfacial characterization of Flax fibre/Poly(lactic) acid (PLLA) system at the micro-scale using the microbond test. Different thermal treatments have been carried out (cooling rate and annealing) in order to evaluate the influence of matrix and interfacial morphologies as well as residual stress on interfacial properties. Micromechanical models have been used to determine the interfacial shear strength. When cooling rate is slow, improved interfacial properties are observed.     

Low Loss,High NA Chalcogenide Glass Fibers for Broadband Mid‐Infrared Supercontinuum Generation

High‐purity Ge–As–Se and Ge–As–S chalcogenide glasses were prepared by modified physical and chemical purification techniques. Using the purified glasses, step‐index fibers with a small core (~5.5 μm) and large numerical aperture (~1.3) were fabricated. When a 13.5‐cm‐long fiber was pumped with 320 fs pulses at a repetition rate of 10.5 MHz at 4.1 μm, supercontinuum spanning from ~1.8 to ~9.8 μm with a dynamic range of ±10 dB and an average power of ~3 mW was generated.     

Measurement and exploration of individual beliefs about the consequences of building information modelling use

Information and communication technology (ICT) is becoming increasingly important in construction although the rate of adoption is considered slow and the industry faces specific implementation challenges. Mainstream information systems research has shown that individuals’ beliefs and expectations of the consequences of ICT use predict subsequent usage. We describe the development of scales to measure beliefs about the consequences of building information modelling (BIM) and their use in a survey of employees of a large construction contracting organization in the United Kingdom. Scales for performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, compatibility, and attitude toward using technology were adapted from existing measures. In an analysis of responses from 762 construction employees the scales showed acceptable measurement properties. Expectations about the consequences of BIM use were broadly favourable although there is a need for more data for comparisons. The structure of the responses showed that expectations that BIM would enhance job performance were strongly related to expectations that BIM use was compatible with preferred and existing ways of working. Results also suggest that social influence is complex and may be multidimensional.