A refined algorithm for multisensor image registration based on pixel migration.

Multimodality image registration via pixel migration is a powerful approach. However, it suffers from a serious problem--the global maximum on the sum of squared gradient magnitude (SSG) surface does not correspond to the correct solution of registration. To solve the problem, we partition the search space into feasible and infeasible regions. The genetic algorithm (global optimizer) is used to obtain a good initial estimate of registration parameters and followed by a fast refining with Powell's approach (local optimizer). The experimental results demonstrate that the use of this modified pixel migration algorithm on multisensor image registration is very effective.     

Adhesion improvement of thermoplastic isotropically conductive adhesive

Generally, isotropically conductive adhesive formulations include epoxy resin as the polymeric matrix. Although epoxy has superior adhesion capability, its drawbacks include the tendency to absorb moisture and lack of reworkability (thermosetting polymer). In this study, a thermoplastic polymer with low moisture absorption (0.28 wt%), called polyarylene ether (PAE2), is used in isotropically conductive adhesive (ICA) formulation. Previous research work by Lu et al. showed that the moisture absorbed into epoxy caused galvanic corrosion, which result in the formation of metal oxide . By using a polymer with low moisture absorption, the amount of water present in ICA will be small, and the corrosion rate and formation of metal oxide can be reduced. However, previous measurements of contact resistance stability of PAE2-based ICA showed that they are not stable on all surface finishes. It was determined that for thermoplastic-based ICA, poor adhesion was the main mechanism for unstable contact resistance. Two methods of adhesion improvement will be evaluated in this work. The first is to use coupling agents and the second is to blend the thermoplastic with epoxy. Both methods showed promise in improving the contact resistance stability of polyarylene ether based ICA.     

Energy efficiency actions related to the rollout of smart meters for small consumers, application to the Austrian system

Smart meters (SM) may provide large benefits to all stakeholders by providing the information required to implement certain sets of demand response actions. Benefits produced by SM related actions depend on the features of these actions, the system and the targeted consumer group.We first lay out an analytical framework to analyze the application of Demand Response (DR) actions. Based on this framework, we describe a way to determine the response of domestic load in a system to the implementation of DR actions. We propose determining the overall change in the consumption behavior of domestic load based on previously obtained estimates of the peak load and overall consumption reduction for different types of consumers in different types of systems resulting from the application of each set of actions. We have carried out a comprehensive literature review to provide here such estimates.We apply the analytical framework and methodology developed to characterize the reaction of consumers in the Austrian system to different SM related actions. Finally, we provide guidelines on which DR actions to implement in this system and how to implement them. The use of advanced indirect feedback on consumption behavior, critical peak prices and simple time-of-use tariffs is advocated.     

In vitro characterization of microdialysis sampling of macromolecules

Experiments were performed to characterize the in vitro collection of macromolecules using microdialysis. Fluorescently labeled proteins and dextrans ranging from 3000 to 150 000 were sampled using a 10-mm, 100 000 molecular weight cutoff, polyethersulfone microdialysis probe. Published models describing microdialysis mass transport of small molecules were examined to determine their appropriateness for sampling of macromolecules. Collection efficiencies, reported as relative recoveries, for macromolecules from 3000 to 70 000 ranged from 5 to 44%. Collection efficiencies determined for microdialysis sampling of macromolecules follow the functionality of published models, although experimental mass transport resistances are to some extent smaller than predicted. Implications of the current study for in vivo microdialysis sampling of cytokines and growth factors are discussed.     

Growth characteristics of agrowaste‐immobilised lactobacilli in soymilk during refrigerated storage

We aimed at evaluating agricultural wastes as solid supports for the immobilisation of lactobacilli in a liquid media, namely soymilk. Lactobacillus acidophilus FTDC 1331, L. acidophilus FTDC 2631, L. acidophilus FTDC 2333, L. acidophilus FTDC 1733 and L. bulgaricus FTCC 0411 were immobilised on solid supports produced from durian (Durio zibethinus), cempedak (Artocarpus champeden) and mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana). The immobilised cells were inoculated into soymilk and stored at 4 °C over 168 h. Soymilk inoculated with non‐immobilised cells was used as the control. Immobilised cells showed higher survivability over 168 h compared to the control, accompanied by higher reduction of simple sugars and oligosaccharides in soymilk. Higher growth and higher utilisation of substrates also led to the higher production of lactic and acetic acids, which lowered the pH in soymilk compared to the control. Our results illustrated that agrowastes could be used as immobilisers to enhance the growth of lactobacilli in a liquid medium.     

Thermofraktographie zur Schnellanalyse von Kunststoffen. 2. Mitt. Identifizierung von Phenolharzen

Thermofractography is suitable for the rapid identification of phenolic resins. 3–4 mg of the material to be investigated are heated in the temperature gradient of 150–450°C. The thermofractogram shows the free phenols of the resin in the range of 150–250°C. The phenols developing through thermolysis from the condensation products appear, depending on the corresponding initial phenol, in the range of 300–450°C. The efficiency of the method is demonstrated on several novolaks and phenolresol.     

The shape of things past and to come

The historical development of metallurgy and of engineering materials establishes the importance of culture and economy on the guidance of progress and change. There is no indication of revolutionary scientific changes in our understanding and hence control of metals in the near future, taut significant alteration of industrial metallurgical procedures must occur as required by political considerations and availability of raw materials including fuels.     

Design and implementation of a software simulation engine

Gate-level logic simulation takes up more CPU time as system complexity increases. A special-purpose system which can cut verification time by several orders of magnitude is described. The Yorktown Simulation Engine (YSE) is a highly parallel programmable machine which can simulate up to 1 M gates at a speed of over 2000M gate simulations per second. It is estimated that the IBM 3081 processor could have been simulated at over 1 000 instructions per second on YSE. Gate-level logic simulation is reviewed and the architecture and hardware implementation of the YSE is described. The software architecture, including compiler, linker and register-level language translator, Ysetran, architecture, are detailed.