Example-based automatic music-driven conventional dance motion synthesis

We introduce a novel method for synthesizing dance motions that follow the emotions and contents of a piece of music. Our method employs a learning-based approach to model the music to motion mapping relationship embodied in example dance motions along with those motions' accompanying background music. A key step in our method is to train a music to motion matching quality rating function through learning the music to motion mapping relationship exhibited in synchronized music and dance motion data, which were captured from professional human dance performance. To generate an optimal sequence of dance motion segments to match with a piece of music, we introduce a constraint-based dynamic programming procedure. This procedure considers both music to motion matching quality and visual smoothness of a resultant dance motion sequence. We also introduce a two-way evaluation strategy, coupled with a GPU-based implementation, through which we can execute the dynamic programming process in parallel, resulting in significant speedup. To evaluate the effectiveness of our method, we quantitatively compare the dance motions synthesized by our method with motion synthesis results by several peer methods using the motions captured from professional human dancers' performance as the gold standard. We also conducted several medium-scale user studies to explore how perceptually our dance motion synthesis method can outperform existing methods in synthesizing dance motions to match with a piece of music. These user studies produced very positive results on our music-driven dance motion synthesis experiments for several Asian dance genres, confirming the advantages of our method.     

An evaluation of the effectiveness of adaptive histogram equalization for contrast enhancement

Adaptive histogram equalization (AHE) and intensity windowing have been compared using psychophysical observer studies. Experienced radiologists were shown clinical CT (computerized tomographic) images of the chest. Into some of the images, appropriate artificial lesions were introduced; the physicians were then shown the images processed with both AHE and intensity windowing. They were asked to assess the probability that a given image contained the artificial lesion, and their accuracy was measured. The results of these experiments show that for this particular diagnostic task, there was no significant difference in the ability of the two methods to depict luminance contrast; thus, further evaluation of AHE using controlled clinical trials is indicated.     

Very large deflection with quadratic voltage dependence of ZnO on Si(3)N(4) bimorph

ZnO on Si(3)N(4) bimorphs have shown large deflections with quadratic dependence on applied voltages. Several effects are suggested that might explain these large deflections. No conclusion on the origin of these large deflections can yet be given.     

Comparison of M. longissimus dorsi pigment concentration from implanted and control Angus and Limousin bulls and steers

M. longissimus dorsi total pigment concentration, visual color score and 24-h pH values were evaluated in a 2(3) factorial design that included bulls versus steers, Zeranol implants versus control and Angus versus Limousin comparisons. Bulls had greater total pigment concentration than steers (3.25 versus 2·90 mg/g; P < 0·01) and darker colored lean (P < 0·01). Twenty-four hour pH values did not differ between bulls and steers. Zeranol implanting and breed had no effect on total pigment concentration or visual color score; however, Limousin had higher (P < 0·05) 24-h pH values than Angus. The initial slaughter group (N = 10; average age = 256 days) had 34% less total pigment than the final slaughter group (N = 48; average age = 458 days). The correlation between visual color score and total pigment concentration was -0·65. These results indicate that the darker colored lean from bulls is due in part to an increase in pigment concentration.     

THE APPARENT VISCOSITY OF SEMI-SOLID AZ91D ALLOY AT STEADY STATE

The rheological behavior of semi-solid AZ91D at steady state is studied using a Couette type viscometer in the present paper. The results show that the apparent viscosity of semi-solid AZ91D at the steady state increases with the solid fraction increasing, and goes up sharply when the solid fraction reaches a certain value, which is called critical fraction. In addition, the apparent viscosity of semi-solid AZ91D at the steady state takes on a distinct downtrend with the shearing rate increasing, which indicates a strong shear thinning property. In addition, the critical solid fraction becomes higher under larger shearing rate, owing to the more globular shape of the solid particles. Based on the present experiment results, an empirical equation is built as that, relating the steady state apparent viscosity of semi-solid AZ91D with the solid fraction fs andshearing rate (?) at the same time: ηapp=10.74exp(6.95fs)(?)-0.86.     

Electrolytic cell engineering and device optimization for electrosynthesis of e-biofuels via co-valorisation of bio-feedstocks and captured CO2

Utilizing CO₂ in an electro-chemical process and synthesizing value-added chemicals are amongst the few viable and scalable pathways in carbon capture and utilization technologies.CO₂ electro-reduction is also counted as one of the main options entailing less fossil fuel consumption and as a future electrical energy storage strategy.The current study aims at developing a new electrochemical platform to produce low-carbon e-biofuel through multifunctional electrosynthesis and integrated co-valorisation of biomass feedstocks with captured CO₂.In this approach,CO₂ is reduced at the cathode to produce drop-in fuels(e.g.,methanol)while value-added chemicals(e.g.,selective oxidation of alcohols,aldehydes,carboxylic acids and amines/amides)are produced at the anode.In this work,a numerical model of a continuous-flow design considering various anodic and cathodic reactions was built to determine the most techno-economically feasible configurations from the aspects of energy efficiency,environment impact and economical values.The reactor design was then optimized via parametric analysis.     

盐浴淬火的新发展

近年来，盐浴淬火有许多新的发展。现选择三个重要领域进行详细讨论。其中的一个领域是定量数据新近的发展对盐浴淬火的可变数如零件重量、搅拌、加水量和盐的成分等的影响。这些因素与钢号或铸铁淬透性相关。第二个领域是包括化学热处理盐浴调整和再循环以复原。处置问题比通常想象的少。第三个和最有发展前途的领域是等温淬火的球墨铸铁（ADI）。这种材料的成分控制和合适的热处理已取得很大的进步。等温淬火的球墨铸铁的性能等同于或高于锻钢，而成本有重大的节约。为了生产等温淬火球墨铸铁，盐浴淬火是永恒不变的．分级淬火和等温淬…