Heteroassociative multiple-target tracking by fringe-adjusted joint transform correlation

A heteroassociative joint transform correlation (JTC) technique is proposed for recognizing and tracking multiple heteroassociative or dissimilar targets from gray-level image sequences by use of the concept of fringe-adjusted JTC and a multiple-target-detection algorithm. A fringe-adjusted JTC technique is used to ensure quantification of the similarities among several input images while it satisfies the equal-correlation-peak criterion. Tracking is accomplished by retrieval of the target motion information estimated from multiple consecutive image frames. An enhanced version of the fringe-adjusted filter is incorporated into the heteroassociative multiple-target-detection process to optimize the correlation performance. The feasibility of the proposed technique is tested by computer simulation with real infrared image data.     

Solid-liquid separation after liquid-liquid extraction. Spectrophotometric determination of cobalt by extraction of its thioxanthate complex with molten naphthalene

Optimum conditions have been developed for the extraction of cobalt thioxanthate by solid-liquid separation after liquid-liquid extraction.     

Generalized diffusion model in optical tomography with clear layers

We introduce a generalized diffusion equation that models the propagation of photons in highly scattering domains with thin nonscattering clear layers. Classical diffusion models break down in the presence of clear layers. The model that we propose accurately accounts for the clear-layer effects and has a computational cost comparable to that of classical diffusion. It is based on modeling the propagation in the clear layer as a local tangential diffusion process. It can be justified mathematically in the limit of small mean free paths and is shown numerically to be very accurate in two- and three-dimensional idealized cases. We believe that this model can be used as an accurate forward model in optical tomography.     

Hierarchical design of an electro-hydraulic actuator based on robust LPV methods

The paper proposes a hierarchical control design of an electro-hydraulic actuator, which is used to improve the roll stability of vehicles. The purpose of the control system is to generate a reference torque, which is required by the vehicle dynamic control. The control-oriented model of the actuator is formulated in two subsystems. The high-level hydromotor is described in a linear form, while the low-level spool valve is a polynomial system. These subsystems require different control strategies. At the high level, a linear parameter-varying control is used to guarantee performance specifications. At the low level, a control Lyapunov-function-based algorithm, which creates discrete control input values of the valve, is proposed. The interaction between the two subsystems is guaranteed by the spool displacement, which is control input at the high level and must be tracked at the low-level control. The spool displacement has physical constraints, which must also be incorporated into the control design. The robust design of the high-level control incorporates the imprecision of the low-level control as an uncertainty of the system.     

An inductive approach to learning and reusing design strategies

We describe a computer system called LearnIT II, which can observe an iterative solution to a parametric design problem and learn the design strategy employed. The program uses identification tree learning to determine which attributes of the design best indicate which design modifications the designer will make. The program re-represents the identification trees as design rules which it can then use to create new designs automatically. Because the rules are learned from the designer, the new designs reflect the designer's engineering judgment, knowledge of implicit constraints, and overall familiarity with the problem. The program has a number of intended uses. As a design automation tool, it provides a convenient means for exploring a design space. As a design documentation tool, it implicitly captures the original designer's insights about a problem and brings them to bear when it is necessary to modify the design. As a tool for preserving institutional memory, it captures design strategies and preserves them for future use.     

Optimization of Polishing Conditions for Long Grain <Emphasis Type="Italic">Basmati</Emphasis> Rice in a Laboratory Abrasive Mill

Rice milling operation is a very energy-intensive process. The major qualities of the rice which are taken into consideration while milling are the degree of milling and head rice yield. A laboratory abrasion polisher, modified by attaching a humidifying and cooling unit, was used to polish long-grain Pusa Basmati rice in order to optimize the polishing conditions. Polishing experiments were carried out using central composite design for a factorial with a central point, at different initial grain temperatures (5–25 °C) and milling chamber temperatures (11–25 °C) at a constant humidity level of 95 ± 2% for different time intervals. Models capable of predicting the quality of milled rice were developed using response surface methodology and used to determine optimum processing conditions. Responses such as degree of milling (DOM), broken content, and specific energy consumption were used to assess product quality. Optimum milling conditions of a minimum of 10% DOM, a broken content of 8%, and a specific energy consumption of 11 kJ/DOM were obtained at a milling chamber temperature of 11 °C, an initial grain temperature of 15 °C, and a milling period of 180 s.     

Early Stages of Calcium Phosphate Formation on Bioactive Borosilicate Glass in Aqueous Phosphate Solution

The conversion of bioactive glass to a calcium phosphate material, typically hydroxyapatite (HA), by solution–precipitation reactions in aqueous phosphate solution, has been commonly reported. This paper describes the structural and compositional characteristics of the calcium phosphate material formed during the early-stage conversion (<5 h) of a borosilicate glass (designated H12) in aqueous phosphate solution. Disks of H12 glass were reacted with 0.25 M K₂HPO₄ solution with a starting pH=7.0 at 37°C. The structure and composition of the product layer were characterized using thin film X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared reflectance spectroscopy. For reaction times <5 h, the results indicated the formation of brushite (CaHPO₄·2H₂O) with coarse, plate-like crystals. In comparison, the formation of HA with small needle-like crystals was found at later times. This early-stage formation of brushite has not been reported in previous studies of converting bioactive silicate and borate glasses in aqueous phosphate solution.     

Growth of polysilicon and silicide films for MOS-VLSI application

Doped and undoped polycrystalline silicon films were grown byapcvd and thermal evaporation techniques. The effect of growth and annealing conditions on the crystalline nature of the films and their properties were studied by electrical, optical, x-ray diffraction andsem techniques. Metal silicides such as TiSi₂ and PtSi₂ were prepared by co-evaporation technique over polysilicon layers to study their suitability in microelectronic applications. Some of the properties of polysilicon and silicides are discussed.