Multiresolution HVS and statistically based image coding scheme

In this paper a novel multiresolution human visual system and statistically based image coding scheme is presented. It decorrelates the input image into a number of subbands using a lifting based wavelet transform. The codec employs a novel statistical encoding algorithm to code the coefficients in the detail subbands. Perceptual weights are applied to regulate the threshold value of each detail subband that is required in the statistical encoding process. The baseband coefficients are losslessly coded. An extension of the codec to the progressive transmission of images is also developed. To evaluate the performance of the coding scheme, it was applied to a number of test images and its performance with and without perceptual weights is evaluated. The results indicate significant improvement in both subjective and objective quality of the reconstructed images when perceptual weights are employed. The performance of the proposed technique was also compared to JPEG and JPEG2000. The results show that the proposed coding scheme outperforms both coding standards at low compression ratios, while offering satisfactory performance at higher compression ratios.     

A new optimized uncertainty evaluation applied to the Monte-Carlo simulation in platinum resistance thermometer calibration

The basic steps for evaluating the measurement uncertainty according to ISO approach, propagation of uncertainties and Monte-Carlo simulation are investigated. These methods during a case study in a temperature secondary laboratory for uncertainty assessment of a platinum resistance thermometer calibration are illustrated. For considering some sources of variability in the measurement which may not be appropriately treated and the computational efficiency in simulation model, a simulation optimization and a Genetic algorithm are proposed to establish lower and upper bounds as limit standards for simulation results.     

Correlation between nanoindentation response and wear characteristics of CrN-based coatings deposited by an Arc-PVD method

The examination of the existing relationships between nanoindentation responses and tribological properties of the nanostructured CrN, Cr(CN), and (CrTi)N coatings was the matters to be considered in this research. A cathodic arc physical vapor deposition machine was therefore implemented to apply the chosen coatings on the DIN 1.2510 tool steel substrate. Moreover, an X-ray diffraction and a field emission scanning electron microscope were utilized in order to show the features regarding microstructure and morphology of these very coatings. The mechanical and tribological behavior of the coatings was expected to be assessed with the use of a nanoindentation and pin-on-disc wear tests. According to the obtained result, the wear resistance and hardness value of the (CrTi)N coating were proved to be much better than those of the CrN and Cr(CN). Linear equations were proposed between wear rate/hardness and friction coefficient/hardness to evaluate the correlation between mechanical and tribological properties. The presence of a quadratic equation between the friction coefficient and the plastic deformation index was also discovered.     

Autophagy,Unfolded Protein Response,and Neuropilin-1 Cross-Talk in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: What Can Be Learned from Other Coronaviruses

The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by the 2019–nCoV/SARS-CoV-2 virus. This severe acute respiratory syndrome is currently a global health emergency and needs much effort to generate an urgent practical treatment to reduce COVID-19 complications and mortality in humans. Viral infection activates various cellular responses in infected cells, including cellular stress responses such as unfolded protein response (UPR) and autophagy, following the inhibition of mTOR. Both UPR and autophagy mechanisms are involved in cellular and tissue homeostasis, apoptosis, innate immunity modulation, and clearance of pathogens such as viral particles. However, during an evolutionary arms race, viruses gain the ability to subvert autophagy and UPR for their benefit. SARS-CoV-2 can enter host cells through binding to cell surface receptors, including angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and neuropilin-1 (NRP1). ACE2 blockage increases autophagy through mTOR inhibition, leading to gastrointestinal complications during SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. NRP1 is also regulated by the mTOR pathway. An increased NRP1 can enhance the susceptibility of immune system dendritic cells (DCs) to SARS-CoV-2 and induce cytokine storm, which is related to high COVID-19 mortality. Therefore, signaling pathways such as mTOR, UPR, and autophagy may be potential therapeutic targets for COVID-19. Hence, extensive investigations are required to confirm these potentials. Since there is currently no specific treatment for COVID-19 infection, we sought to review and discuss the important roles of autophagy, UPR, and mTOR mechanisms in the regulation of cellular responses to coronavirus infection to help identify new antiviral modalities against SARS-CoV-2 virus.     

The effect of membrane pores wettability on CO2 removal from CO2/CH4 gaseous mixture using NaOH,MEA and TEA liquid absorbents in hollow fiber membrane contactor

The present paper renders a modeling and a 2D numerical simulation for the removal of CO₂ from CO₂/CH₄ gaseous stream utilizing sodium hydroxide (NaOH), monoethanolamine (MEA) and triethanolamine (TEA) liquid absorbents inside the hollow fiber membrane contactor. Counter-current arrangement of absorbing agents and CO₂/CH₄ gaseous mixture flows are implemented in the modeling and numerical simulation. Non-wetting and partial wetting modes of operation are considered where in the partial wetting mode, CO₂/CH₄ gaseous mixture and liquid absorbents fill the membrane pores. The deteriorated removal of CO₂ in the partial wetting mode of operation is mainly due to the mass transfer resistance imposed by the liquid in the pores of membrane. The validation of numerical simulation is done based on the comparison of simulation results of CO₂ removal using NaOH and experimental data under non-wetting mode of operation. The comparison illustrates a desirable agreement with an average deviation of less than 5%. According to the results, MEA provides higher efficiency for CO₂ removal in comparison with the other liquid absorbents. The order for CO₂ removal performance is MEA > NaOH > TEA. The influence of non-wetting and partial wetting modes of operation on CO₂ removal are evaluated in this article as one of the novelties. Besides, the percentage of CO₂ sequestration as a function of gas velocity for various percentages of membrane pores wetting ranging from 0 (non-wetting mode of operation) to 100% (complete wetting mode of operation) is studied in this research paper, which can be proposed as the other novelty. The results indicate that increase in some operational parameters such as module length, membrane porosity and absorbents concentration encourage the removal percentage of CO₂ from CO₂/CH₄ gaseous mixture while increasing in membrane tortuosity, gas velocity and initial CO₂ concentration has unfavorable influence on the separation efficiency of CO₂.     

Emerging Advances of Nanotechnology in Drug and Vaccine Delivery against Viral Associated Respiratory Infectious Diseases (VARID)

Viral-associated respiratory infectious diseases are one of the most prominent subsets of respiratory failures, known as viral respiratory infections (VRI). VRIs are proceeded by an infection caused by viruses infecting the respiratory system. For the past 100 years, viral associated respiratory epidemics have been the most common cause of infectious disease worldwide. Due to several drawbacks of the current anti-viral treatments, such as drug resistance generation and non-targeting of viral proteins, the development of novel nanotherapeutic or nano-vaccine strategies can be considered essential. Due to their specific physical and biological properties, nanoparticles hold promising opportunities for both anti-viral treatments and vaccines against viral infections. Besides the specific physiological properties of the respiratory system, there is a significant demand for utilizing nano-designs in the production of vaccines or antiviral agents for airway-localized administration. SARS-CoV-2, as an immediate example of respiratory viruses, is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the coronaviridae family. COVID-19 can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome, similarly to other members of the coronaviridae. Hence, reviewing the current and past emerging nanotechnology-based medications on similar respiratory viral diseases can identify pathways towards generating novel SARS-CoV-2 nanotherapeutics and/or nano-vaccines.     

A Mutation in DNA Polymerase α Rescues WEE1KO Sensitivity to HU

During DNA replication, the WEE1 kinase is responsible for safeguarding genomic integrity by phosphorylating and thus inhibiting cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), which are the driving force of the cell cycle. Consequentially, wee1 mutant plants fail to respond properly to problems arising during DNA replication and are hypersensitive to replication stress. Here, we report the identification of the polα-2 mutant, mutated in the catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase α, as a suppressor mutant of wee1. The mutated protein appears to be less stable, causing a loss of interaction with its subunits and resulting in a prolonged S-phase.     

Experimental and numerical study of distortion in flat,L‐shaped,and U‐shaped carbon fiber–epoxy composite parts

In this study, flat composite panels were fabricated to find the effect of different manufacturing parameters, including stacking sequence, part thickness, and tooling material, on distortion of carbon fiber‐epoxy composite parts. L‐shaped and U‐shaped panels were also made to investigate the effect of stacking sequence on spring‐in angle and warpage of the curved panels. Results showed that distortion of the flat panels caused by asymmetry in the stacking sequence was an order of magnitude greater than distortion of the panels with an unbalanced stacking sequence; whereas in the curved panels, the panel with an asymmetric stacking sequence showed the least spring‐in angle, and the largest angle was observed in the symmetric panel. MSC Marc was used to predict distortion of the panels, and the simulation results were compared with the experimental results for several stacking sequences of the flat and the L‐shaped panels. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40439.     

A Cyber-Kill-Chain based taxonomy of crypto-ransomware features

Journal of Computer Virology and Hacking Techniques - In spite of being just a few years old, ransomware is quickly becoming a serious threat to our digital infrastructures, data and services....