Boundary-based object segmentation in X-ray imaging using spiral search

In this paper, we propose a boundary-based method for object segmentation by using only the edge information. The proposed method is especially applied to object segmentation of dangerous firearms and knives in the X-ray images of baggage, where no colour or texture features are available to describe the target object. The Canny edge detector is used to extract edge points from the X-ray image. These edges have cluttered backgrounds and may be discontinuous. A fast spiral search is proposed to connect neighbouring points, either continuous or discontinuous, and form closed contours for individual objects. The distance and direction angle of an edge point in the search process can be obtained from a pre-constructed spiral look-up-table. No computation of the geometric features is required. Thus, the search of the coherent neighbouring points for edge connection is very fast. The experimental results have shown that the proposed method can effectively and efficiently segment a variety of firearms and knives of different shapes and sizes in the X-ray images of baggage.     

Nanocomposites of triazole functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube with chemically grafted polyimide: preparation,characterization, and properties

In order to improve the dispersion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in polyimide (PI) matrix and the interfacial interaction between MWCNTs and PI, 3,5-diamino-N-(1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-benzamide (DTB)-functionalized MWCNTs (DTB-MWCNTs) were synthesized by amidation reaction. The DTB-MWCNTs were analyzed by several techniques. DTB-MWCNTs were used as a platform for the grafting of a DTB-based PI in N,N′-dimethylformamide solution with different loadings of DTB-MWCNTs to produce PI-grafted MWCNT (PI-g-MWCNT) composites. The thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties of the PI-g-MWCNT composites were improved compared with PI due to the homogeneous dispersion of DTB-MWCNTs and strong interfacial covalent bonds between DTB-MWCNTs and the PI chain.     

Effect of NOx on AgI formation in Ag-mordenite

Ag loaded mordenite can be used as a trap for radio-iodine arising from nuclear reprocessing operations. Typically, iodine is trapped in the Ag loaded mordenite by the formation of AgI in the pores of the mordenite, through a solid-vapour reaction. In the presence of NO_x and water vapour, AgI is most likely formed by liquid-vapour reaction between AgNO₃ and I₂. This reaction results in the formation of large aggregates of AgI crystals on the surface of the mordenite, also leading to a yellow colouration of the mordenite, which is not observed when NO_x and water vapour is absent.     

Failure analysis on abnormal wall thinning of heat-transfer titanium tubes of condensers in nuclear power plant Part I: Corrosion and wear

Titanium tubes used in condensers in a nuclear power plant in China encountered abnormal wall thinning, and was thus forced to temporarily stop operation or it could bring about catastrophic safety problems. Most of the wall thinning happened at quite regular positions on the tubes and these failure tubes were located similarly in the condensers, indicating some common problems. To find out the root cause and mechanism of the thinning failure, we conducted surface deposit analysis, appearance inspection, microstructure analysis and composition analysis of the samples by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), stereo microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS). The results revealed that the wall thinning was primarily caused by eccentric contact wear and three-body contact wear rooted in processing defect of internal borings, corrosion products deposit and sagging, and foreign particles. Finally, countermeasures were proposed for repair and prevention.     

Increasing X-ray image interpretation competency of cargo security screeners

X-ray screening of containers and unit load devices in the area of cargo shipping is becoming an essential and common feature at ports and airports all over the world. The detection of prohibited items in X-ray images is a challenging task for screening officers as they need to know which items are prohibited and what they look like in X-ray images. The main aim of this study was to investigate whether X-ray image interpretation competency of cargo security screeners can be increased by computer-based training. More specifically, effects of training were investigated by conducting tests before training started and after approximately three months of training. Moreover, it was examined whether viewing X-ray images in pseudo color would lead to a better detection performance compared to when X-ray images are shown in greyscale. Recurrent computer-based training resulted in large performance increases after three months. No significant difference in detection performance could be found for tests when using X-ray images in greyscale vs. pseudo color.     

烟管与管板连接结构的焊接残余应力数值模拟

为了研究烟管与管板连接处环向裂纹产生的原因,文章基于ANSYS软件中的APDL语言、单元生死技术以及热-结构间接耦合法对烟管与管板焊接结构的焊接温度场、应力场进行了三维数值模拟,获得了焊接残余应力的大小与分布规律,并对模拟结果进行了详细讨论.模拟结果表明：在焊缝区环向应力较大,容易造成焊缝环向开裂而失效;相邻焊缝的焊接对环向焊接残余应力大小与分布规律影响显著.     

Effect of sugar, citric acid and egg white type on the microstructural and mechanical properties of meringues

Meringues are characterized by a predominant air phase and their overall quality is intimately related with microstructure. The formation of meringues microstructure relies on the capacity of egg white (EW) proteins to form voluminous and stable foams and it is ultimately related with the chemical properties of proteins and with the addition of ingredients such as sugars, salts, acids and surfactants.The study aimed at assessing the influence of sugar/EW ratio, citric acid and EW type on the microstructural and mechanical properties of meringues. Meringues prepared with different sugar/EW, citric acid level and different EW type were subjected to microstructural analysis by X-ray microtomography and to mechanical assessment by compression tests.Results demonstrate the ability of X-ray microtomography to reconstruct the 3D microstructure of meringues allowing the measurement of porosity, size, shape and distribution of pores. Citric acid, sugar concentration and EW type play a fundamental role on meringues microstructural parameters and mechanical properties. Low sugar/EW ratios as well as increasing citric acid levels increase the air phase and result in a softer texture of meringues. Moreover, low sugar/EW ratios and increasing citric acid in the meringue result in a reduction of pore size and also influence the shape of pores. Meringues microstructural and mechanical properties are affected by the EW quality: fresh and pasteurized EWs and EWs stored at refrigerated temperatures scored the highest structural and mechanical performances, while powdered and frozen EWs and albumens from old eggs showed the worst results. Not only the balance among ingredients but also the choice of raw materials can strongly affect the final quality of meringues.     

西安灞河钢管混凝土拱桥施工监控研究

以西安市三环灞河五跨下承式钢管混凝土系杆拱桥为研究对象,阐述了其施工工序及施工监控内容,通过对其进行施工监控,达到了较好的监控成果,保证了大桥的顺利建成。     

Real time loop-mediated isothermal amplification using a portable fluorescence scanner for rapid and simple detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus

We evaluated the usefulness of the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) using a portable ESE Quant tube scanner as a rapid and simple method for the detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, an important pathogen causing seafood-borne gastroenteritis. The real time LAMP (RT-LAMP) assay using a hemolysin gene (tlh/ldh)-specific primers was verified using V. parahaemolyticus strains (n = 91) from different countries and other non-target strains to check the utility of this method. Both the sensitivity and specificity of the RT-LAMP using 3 pairs of tlh/ldh-specific primers developed in this study were excellent (100%). The detection limit of the RT-LAMP was as low as 7 Colony forming unit per reaction and detection time was only 20 min. Comparative evaluation of the target bacterial strains with the RT-LAMP using ESE Quant tube scanner, API 20E system and conventional RT-PCR method revealed that the RT-LAMP assay developed in this study is simpler and more rapid than the latter two methods. Therefore, the RT-LAMP method using the easily portable ESE Quant tube scanner can be considered as an effective tool for the rapid screening of V. parahaemolyticus strains in environmental and clinical samples, especially, in remote areas of developing countries during epidemic periods.     

Review of research developments of 12Cr1MoVG heat resistant steel in China

In this paper,we review the evolution of 12CrlMoV steel standards at home and abroad,analyze the effects of various elements and determine their optimal contents in steel.The influence of heat treatment and microstructure on the creep strength of 12Cr1MoV steel is investigated.Statistical results from conventional mechanical properties,ductile-brittle transition temperature,high temperature oxidation resistance,aging,instant high temperature properties,and creep are introduced.The results show that the chemical composition and heat treatment process of 12CrlMoVG steel identified in the GB 5310-2008 standard is appropriate,resulting in a steel with higher creep strength and good comprehensive properties.