Active contour model-based segmentation algorithm for medical robots recognition

In this paper, an identifying and classifying algorithm is proposed to solve the problem of recognizing objects accurately and effectively. First, via image preprocessing, initial images are obtained via denoising, smoothness, and image erosion. Then, we use granularity analysis and morphology methods to recognize the objects. For small objects identification and to analyze the objects, we calculate four characteristics of each cell: area, roundness, rectangle factor, and elongation. Finally, we segment the cells using the modified active contour method. In addition, we apply chromatic features to recognize the blood cancer cells. The algorithm is tested on multiple collected clinical cases of blood cell images. The results prove that the algorithm is valid and efficient when recognizing blood cancer cells and has relatively high accuracy rates for identification and classification. The experimental results also certificate the effectiveness of the proposed method for extracting precise, continuous edges with limited human intervention, especially for images with neighboring or overlapping blood cells. In addition, the results of the experiments show that this algorithm can accelerate the detection velocity.     

A method of estimating energy saving effect and its application to factory energy supply systems

In order to carry out energy saving service, it is indispensable to calculate the energy saving effect quantitatively by presuming the energy cost at the time of not executing the energy saving measure. However, it is difficult because the energy cost changes when environment (energy demand, unit prices of fuel or electric power, and so on) changes even if an energy saving measure is not executed. Although the effect has been conventionally evaluated by the difference between the energy costs before and after the energy saving measure, the effect cannot be calculated correctly when there is environmental change. In this paper, we propose the method of estimating the energy saving effect by presuming the energy cost after an energy saving measure, assuming that the measure is not executed, and show the results of its application to the practical power plants. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 168(4): 14–20, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20880     

基于神经网络的内燃机排放预测方法的研究

抛开数学建的模式，尝试把神经网络方法引入内燃机的排放性能预测。该方法的预测精度不依赖于研究对象的数学模型，不需要复杂的数学演算，方法简便，以进气成分变化对柴油机排放性能的影响为例进行了探索，经过试验验证，证明了该方法的可行性。     

Real‐time up‐converter from HDTV to 4K with super‐resolution: Breaking the Nyquist frequency barrier

This real‐time up‐converter from high‐definition television (HDTV) to 4K with a novel super‐resolution (SR) creates 4K video with frequency elements higher than the Nyquist frequency of the original HDTV video. The novel SR uses non‐linear signal processing to overcome the theoretical limitation of the Nyquist frequency.     

Soil Structure Characteristics of Undisturbed Decomposed Granite Soil and their Effects on Copper Plume Migration

The influence of soil structure on the breakthrough of a copper contaminant plume when passing through undisturbed decomposed granite soil was studied. The copper concentration was measured in real time by means of two fibre-optic sensors with reflective-type located on either side of the undisturbed granite soil sample. The adsorption properties were also studied by the column and batch testing. It was found that the copper adsorption of both slightly and severely decomposed granite soil followed a Freundlich model, and the measured values of both samples corresponded well with the calculated values. In this paper, the experimentally obtained copper dispersion characteristics are compared with the contour and velocity vectors by FEM analysis using the advection-dispersion equation. It is shown that the copper concentration and velocity distributions in the severely decomposed granite soil are dependent on the usual parameters, such as the modified coefficient of permeability, retardation factor, dispersion length and dispersivity, which control the flow into the macro (>0.1 μm) and meso pores (0.002-0.1 μm).     

Annealing‐promoted unidirectional migration of organic‐modified nanoparticles embedded two‐dimensionally in polymer thin films

The spatial structures of oleic acid‐modified CeO₂ nanoparticles in polystyrene (PS) thin films spin‐coated on silicon substrates were observed by transmission electron microscopy, when the films underwent thermal annealing above the glass‐transition temperature of PS. Before annealing, the nanoparticles have segregated to the surface of the films, and formed two‐dimensional spatial structures in the PS films. Then, the nanoparticles migrated away from the film surface to the substrate/film interface during thermal annealing, maintaining the two‐dimensional spatial structures. In addition, we demonstrated that such unidirectional migration of nanoparticles across the PS film occurs regardless of the characteristics of the substrate surface, the concentration of nanoparticles, and the thickness of the films. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42760.     

Preparation and graft‐copolymerization of hydrogenated natural rubber in latex stage

Preparation and graft‐copolymerization of hydrogenated natural rubber are performed in latex stage after removal of proteins from the rubber with urea and surfactant. Hydrogenation of deproteinized natural rubber (DPNR) latex is carried out with palladium catalyst under hydrogen atmosphere. The hydrogenated DPNR (HDPNR) is crosslinked with a peroxide followed by graft‐copolymerization of styrene (Sty) and acrylonitrile (AN) in latex stage in order to prepare a graft‐copolymer of crosslinked HDPNR with poly(Sty‐co‐AN) (HDPNR‐graft‐PSAN). Characterization of the products is performed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The conversion of hydrogenation is investigated with respect to the catalyst feed, acidity (pH), and dry rubber content. In the resulting HDPNR‐graft‐PSAN, mole fraction of AN and Sty is 1.4 and 5.8 mol %, respectively. The graft‐copolymer is used to improve properties of PSAN as an impact modifier. The Charpy impact strength of crosslinked HDPNR‐graft‐PSAN/PSAN is about eight times as high as that of PSAN. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42435.     

Pressureless Sintering of Carbon Nanofibre/SiC Composites and Their Properties

To enhance the fracture toughness of silicon carbide (SiC) ceramics and prevent the generation of cracks and chippings in the SiC ceramics during machining process, carbon nanofibres (CNFs) were compounded with SiC. The densification and microstructure development of the CNFs/SiC composites pressureless sintered in Ar atmosphere were investigated. The fracture toughness of SiC ceramics was enhanced by the addition of 1–3 wt% CNFs, which resulted from the pullout and/or bridging effect of CNFs bonded much more closely with SiC. The addition of 3 wt% CNFs prevented the chippings from generating in the composite during precision machining process.