ECISER: Efficient Clip-art Image SEgmentation by Re-rasterization

Clip-art image segmentation is widely used as an essential step to solve many vision problems such as colorization and vectorization. Many of these applications not only demand accurate segmentation results, but also have little tolerance for time cost, which leads to the main challenge of this kind of segmentation. However, most existing segmentation techniques are found not sufficient for this purpose due to either their high computation cost or low accuracy. To address such issues, we propose a novel segmentation approach, ECISER, which is well-suited in this context. The basic idea of ECISER is to take advantage of the particular nature of cartoon images and connect image segmentation with aliased rasterization. Based on such relationship, a clip-art image can be quickly segmented into regions by re-rasterization of the original image and several other computationally efficient techniques developed in this paper. Experimental results show that our method achieves dramatic computational speedups over the current state-of-the-art approaches, while preserving almost the same quality of results.     

Synthesis and characterization of a novel Ca-alginate-biochar composite as efficient zinc (Zn2+) adsorbent: Thermodynamics,process design,mass transfer and isotherm modeling

In this present work, Ca-alginate-biochar adsorbent has been synthesized, characterized and tested its effectiveness in the removal of aqueous phase Zn²⁺ metal. The removal efficiency was studied under various physicochemical process parameters. External mass transfer model, intraparticle diffusion model and pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models were used to fit the experimental Zn²⁺ adoption kinetic results and to identify the mechanism of adsorption. The desorption studies indicate the possibilities of ion-exchange and physical–chemical adsorption of Zn^2+. The adsorption was best described by Langmuir isotherm model. Thermodynamic parameters suggested that the adsorption process becomes spontaneous, endothermic and irreversible in nature.     

Determining the factors influencing students’ intention to use m-learning in Jordan higher education

M-learning is characterized as a powerful element of learning and education for facilitating the learning experiences. With enhanced and rapid advancements in technologies of ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies) and mobile, numerous innovative services and applications are being developed. Therefore, it becomes significant to investigate the factors influencing the intentions of m-learning to be used among the students of higher education institution. This study examines the “Technology Acceptance Model” (TAM), “Theory of Reasoned Action” (TRA) and “Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology” (UTAUT). The study is based on a survey being conducted across diverse groups of students, belonging to different communities and universities. The survey questionnaire was utilized for collecting the relevant data from 250 respondents. The results analyzed yields the impact that the proposed model of m-learning is comprehensive to study in the institutions of higher education.     

Development and monitoring of an integrated bioprocess for production of a potential malaria vaccine with Pichia pastoris

An engineered variant of the yeast Pichia pastoris was used to produce the potential malaria vaccine D1M1. This paper describes the implementation of an expanded bed adsorption chromatography step into a sequential cultivation process of the yeast in order to link protein expression, cell release, and product capture of the secreted protein in a fully automated plant. The process is operated with a semi-continuous strategy for an integrated production. Process improvements have been achieved using design of experiments. Resulting purities of product achieved up to 87% with recoveries of 51% in a single downstream operation. Furthermore, a multivariate analysis of historical batch data was used to develop a golden batch model for process monitoring.     

基于学生群体心理测试系统的设计

心理测试的根本目的是为了让人们在测试过程中，产生某些特定行为，即个体对测试题目的反应，并根据这些行为反应来推论其相应的心理特性。在一定程度上帮助我们了解人类的心理活动，并从中得到帮助。因此，本文对基于学生群体心理测试系统的设计进行深入研究。     

Low cycle fatigue behavior of a eutectic 80Au/20Sn solder alloy

The eutectic 80Au/20Sn solder alloy is widely used in high power electronics and optoelectronics packaging. In this study, low cycle fatigue behavior of a eutectic 80Au/20Sn solder alloy is reported. The 80Au/20Sn solder shows a quasi-static fracture characteristic at high strain rates, and then gradually transforms from a transgranular fracture (dominated by fatigue damage) to intergranular fracture (dominated by creep damage) at low strain rates with increasing temperature. Coffin-Manson and Morrow models are proposed to evaluate the low cycle fatigue behavior of the 80Au/20Sn solder. Besides, the 80Au/20Sn solder has enhanced fatigue resistance compared to the 63Sn/37Pb solder.     

GK1C型内燃机车频繁停车现象探讨与解决方案

运用过程中各类相关因子的变化,会使得机车柴油机配气相位出现一定程度变化,采取某种措施调整或是处理可以解决动力不足的问题。     

Experimental and numerical analysis of the influence of cable tray arrangements on the resulting mass loss rate and fire spreading

In the context of industrial buildings and power plants, electrical installations and cable trays represent a main fuel load and a potential initial fire source due to possible short circuits or comparable malfunction. Furthermore, a fire can spread from one tray to additional trays mounted above and/or horizontally on one tray. Because of the high significance of cable fires, several research projects have been carried out, investigating the fire behaviour of cables from small‐scale tests, eg, the cone calorimeter, up to large‐scale tests, analysing complete cable tray constructions. The goal of the work presented in this paper is the extension of the knowledge regarding the influence of geometrical parameters like the packing density and tray distance on the burning behaviour and fire spread of cable tray installations. The results are considered, together with test results from the literature, to quantify the main physical parameters describing the burning behaviour. In a next step, the general applicability of these parameters as input data for the parametrization of the source term of numerical simulations is shown. The test results show that the burning behaviour and the fire spreading highly depend on the cable arrangement of the cables on the cable tray, in combination with other boundary conditions. By applying the results as input for a fire simulation, the mass loss rate is considered appropriately.     

Preparation of ZrC/SiC porous self-supporting monoliths via sol-gel process using polyethylene glycol as phase separation inducer

We present a straightforward method via sol-gel process using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as phase separation inducer to prepare zirconium carbide/silicon carbide (ZrC/SiC) porous monoliths. Organic/inorganic hybrid gels are prepared using zirconium oxychloride, furfuryl alcohol, and tetraethyl orthosilicate as major starting materials. In the presence of PEG, crack-free hybrid monoliths are obtained by drying the wet gels under ambient pressure, whereas in the absence of PEG, the wet gels break into pieces as expected. PEG plays a key role in maintaining the macroscopic shape of the monoliths. After ceramization at 1300–1500?°C, ZrC/SiC porous monoliths are obtained. SEM and mercury intrusion porosimetry data show that PEG also has strong influence on the microstructures of the monoliths. The compressive strengths of the ceramic monoliths are in the range of 0.3 to 0.7?MPa. And their compressive behavior starts to differ due to the changes in their microstructures, especially the pore structure.