A new semi-blind watermarking algorithm using ordered Hadamard transform

An efficient and fast watermarking algorithm based on ordered Hadamard transform (HT) is proposed. Since it uses a few information of watermark image in secret key, it is categorised as a semi-blind method. In our algorithm, both host and watermark images are decomposed into non-overlapping blocks. Next, they are mapped into transform domain as Hadamard coefficients. Then, several high frequency AC components of host image are substituted with watermark coefficients without using any strength factor. Not employing this factor guarantees the embedded image to be retrieved with primary quality. Moreover, using HT offers several advantages of fastness, higher image fidelity, greater reliability of watermark detection and higher data hiding capacity. The experimental results show that our method keeps the quality of host image and is robust to common attacks. Compared to frequency domain and hybrid methods, it has advantages of shorter processing time, acceptable robustness and ease of hardware implementation.     

Plant‐mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Trifolium resupinatum seed exudate and their antifungal efficacy on Neofusicoccum parvum and Rhizoctonia solani

In recent years, biosynthesis and the utilisation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has become an interesting subject. In this study, the authors investigated the biosynthesis of AgNPs using Trifolium resupinatum (Persian clover) seed exudates. The characterisation of AgNPs were analysed using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infra‐red spectroscopy. Also, antifungal efficacy of biogenic AgNPs against two important plant‐pathogenic fungi (Rhizoctonia solani and Neofusicoccum Parvum) in vitro condition was evaluated. The XRD analysis showed that the AgNPs are crystalline in nature and have face‐centred cubic geometry. TEM images revealed the spherical shape of the AgNPs with an average size of 17 nm. The synthesised AgNPs were formed at room temperature and kept stable for 4 months. The maximum distributions of the synthesised AgNPs were seen to range in size from 5 to 10 nm. The highest inhibition effect was observed against R. solani at 40 ppm concentration of AgNPs (94.1%) followed by N. parvum (84%). The results showed that the antifungal activity of AgNPs was dependent on the amounts of AgNPs. In conclusion, the AgNPs obtained from T. resupinatum seed exudate exhibit good antifungal activity against the pathogenic fungi R. solani and N. Parvum.Inspec keywords: silver, nanoparticles, botany, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, nanobiotechnology, biological techniquesOther keywords: plant‐mediated green synthesis, silver nanoparticles, Trifolium resupinatum seed exudate, antifungal efficacy, Neofusicoccum parvum, Rhizoctonia solani, biosynthesis, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, plant‐pathogenic fungi, XRD analysis, TEM images, antifungal activity, temperature 293 K to 298 K, Ag     

Fixed-time sliding mode observer-based controller for a class of uncertain nonlinear double integrator systems

This paper investigates a fixed-time convergence issue using the sliding mode observer-based controller for a class of uncertain nonlinear double integrator systems. This observer-based controller is designed assuming that only the first state measurement is available and there is no information about external disturbances and modeling uncertainties. A new form of sliding mode observer in combination with a sliding mode controller is designed to estimate unmeasured state and unknown disturbances and uncertainties as well as provide the estimated data in the control law. A novel form of sliding surfaces for the robust observer-based controller is proposed for which fixed-time convergence is guaranteed to achieve trajectory tracking. In the proposed fixed-time scheme, the bound on the settling time is user-defined using design parameters regardless of the system's initial conditions. The control law and observer law are designed such that the chattering issue is alleviated in the control signal. The stability analysis of the closed-loop system using the observer-based controller is established via the Lyapunov theory. The validity of the controller design is tested by applying and simulating an example of a robot manipulator in Simulink/MATLAB. The superiority of the proposed method is demonstrated by comparing it with two other methods from the relevant literature.     

Setting Up High-Throughput Low-Volume Sequencing and PCR Reactions Using an Automated System Equipped with Precision Glass Syringes and a Non-Contact Microsolenoid Dispenser

The advantages of using a new automated system, the Hydra-Plus-One System equipped with 96 or 384 precision glass syringes and a non-contact microsolenoid dispenser, in setting up high-throughput low-volume sequencing reactions and PCR are described. Using the syringe-based dispenser, which is the Hydra-PP part of this system, wet dispenses of as small as 100 nL with CVs of less than 10% can be accomplished. The single-channel, non-contact microsolenoid dispenser part of the system can dispense samples as low as 100 nL (with CVs of less than 10%) at a speed of 58s per 96 dispenses into any plate format (SBS footprint). The advantages associated with the use of the Hydra-Plus-One System for setting up PCR and sequencing reactions are high precision at nanoliter-dispense range; speed; and minimal waste of precious and expensive samples. The single-channel dispenser eliminates the dead volume associated with aspirating from reservoirs or troughs and thereby reduces sample waste. In addition, virtually all material can be recovered from the dispenser. Finally, non-contact dispensing enables distribution of sample into wells without any inbetween-dispenses washing requirements.     

Kinetic studies on extra heavy crude oil upgrading using nanocatalysts by applying CFD techniques

Regarding the growth of global energy consumption and the paucity of light crude oil,extracting and using heavy and extra heavy crude oil has received much more attention,but the application of this kind ofoil is complicated due to its very high molecular weight.High viscosity and low flowability complicate the transportation of heavy and extra heavy crude oil.Accordingly,it is essential to reduce the viscosity of heavy and extra heavy crude oil through in-situ operations or immediate actions after extraction to reduce costs.Numerical simulations are influential methods,because they reduce calculation time and costs.In this study,the cracking of extra heavy crude oil using computational fluid dynamics is simulated,and a unique kinetic model is proposed based on experimental procedures to predict the behavior of extra heavy crude oil cracking reaction.Moreover,the hydrodynamics and heat transfer of the system and influence of nanocatalysts and temperature on the upgrading of crude oil are studied.The geometry of a reactor is produced using commercial software,and some experiments are performed to examine the validity and accuracy of the numerical results.The findings reveal that there is a good agreement between the numerical and experimental results.Furthermore,to investigate the main factors affecting the process,sensitivity analysis is adopted.Results show that type of catalyst and concentration of catalyst are the parameters that influence the viscosity reduction of extra heavy crude oil the most.The findings further revealed that when using a 25 nm SiO2 nanocatalyst,a maximum viscosity reduction of 98.67％ is observed at 623 K.Also,a catalyst concentration of 2.28wt％ is best for upgrading extra heavy crude oil.The results obtained through sensitivity analysis,simulation model,and experiments represent effectual information for the design and development of high performance upgrading processes for energy applications.     

Application of different CFD multiphase models to investigate effects of baffles and nanoparticles on heat transfer enhancement

In this work, the effect of baffles in a pipe on heat transfer enhancement was studied using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in the presence of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles which are dispersed into water. Fluid flow through the horizontal tube with uniform heat flux was simulated numerically and three dimensional governing partial differential equations were solved. To find an accurate model for CFD simulations, the results obtained by the single phase were compared with those obtained by three different multiphase models including Eulerian, mixture and volume of fluid (VOF) at Reynolds numbers in range of 600 to 3000, and two different nanoparticle concentrations (1% and 1.6%). It was found that multiphase models could better predict the heat transfer in nanofluids. The effect of baffles on heat transfer of nanofluid flow was also investigated through a baffled geometry. The numerical results show that at Reynolds numbers in the range of 600 to 2100, the heat transfer of nanofluid flowing in the geometry without baffle is greater than that of water flowing through a tube with baffle, whereas the difference between these effects (nanofluid and baffle) decreases with increasing the Reynolds number. At higher Reynolds numbers (2100–3000) the baffle has a greater effect on heat transfer enhancement than the nanofluid.     

A novel method of measurement of synchronous machine losses using synthetic loading

Synthetic loading of synchronous machines can be used to test machines for temperature rise and total losses without the need for attaching mechanical load to the shaft. A new phase modulation technique of the voltage is proposed in lieu of the traditional dual-frequency method that suffers from cumbersome equipment and also predicts higher losses. A simple bang-bang DC switch is used to modulate the excitation current of an induction generator. System modeling was performed using the traditional two-axis method, and has proven that the method is feasible. Practical test results are shown to validate the simulated performance. It is shown that the only constraint of this synthetic loading is to maintain the RMS values of the current and voltage at rated values.     

A fuzzy based multi-objective path planning of construction sites

Movement of materials, plant and site operative from one place to another on construction sites and construction workplaces are of paramount importance to site planners as savings in travel distance can reduce cost and increase productivity. In addition, risks on construction sites can be reduced if the use of vehicles and mobile plant is properly managed by setting out paths avoiding high risks areas. The work reported in this paper presents a framework for supporting path planning analysis of construction sites based on multi-objective evaluation of transport cost, safety, and visibility. This paper investigates the use of fuzzy-based multi-objective optimisation approach in making a more informed strategic decisions regarding the movement path of people and vehicles on construction sites, and detailed decisions regarding travel distance and operational paths on workplaces, enabling site planners to examine paths scenarios that are subjected to a high degree of uncertainty and subjectivity.     

Novel certificateless Chebyshev chaotic map-based key agreement protocol for advanced metering infrastructure

The Journal of Supercomputing - The integration of information technologies into the current power grid has raised significant security concerns for the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI)....     

The effect of two oleo-gum resin exudate from Ferula assa-foetida and Dorema ammoniacum on mild steel corrosion in acidic media

A comparative study of two oleo-gum resins exudate from Ferula assa-foetida (F. assa-foetida) and Dorema ammoniacum (D. ammoniacum), as inhibitors for mild steel corrosion in 2 M HCl solution was investigated by weight loss measurements, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods. Potentiodynamic polarization curves indicated that both oleo-gums behave as mixed type inhibitors. The effect of temperature on the inhibition efficiency was studied. At all temperatures, the experimental data fit Langmuir isotherm for both oleo-gum resin exudates. Quantum chemical calculations were performed to illustrate the adsorption process of some specific components of two oleo-gum resin exudates.