The discrete rotational Fourier transform

We define a discrete version of the angular Fourier transform and present the properties of the transform that show it to be a rotation in time-frequency space, this new transform is a generalization of the DFT. Efficient algorithms for its computation can then be based on the FFT and the eigenstructure of the DFT     

Digital parallelism, perpendicularity, and rectangles

The slope of digital line segments is defined and an algorithm to evaluate it is presented. Parallelism and perpendicularity of two digital line segments are also defined. Finally, rectangular digital regions are defined and characterized, and an algorithm that determines whether or not a given digital region is a digital rectangle is presented.     

Differentiating seawater and groundwater sulfate attack in Portland cement mortars

The study reported in this article deals with understanding the physical, chemical and microstructural differences in sulfate attack from seawater and groundwater. Portland cement mortars were completely immersed in solutions of seawater and groundwater. Physical properties such as length, mass, and compressive strength were monitored periodically. Thermal analysis was used to study the relative amounts of phases such as ettringite, gypsum, and calcium hydroxide, and microstructural studies were conducted by scanning electron microscopy. Portland cement mortars performed better in seawater solution compared to groundwater solution. The difference in performance could be attributed to the reduction in the quantity of the expansive attack products (gypsum and ettringite). The high Cl concentration of seawater could have played an important role by binding the C₃A to form chloroaluminate compounds, such as Friedel's salt (detected in the microstructural studies), and also by lowering the expansive potential of ettringite. Furthermore, the thicker layer of brucite forming on the specimens in seawater could have afforded better protection against ingress of the solution than in groundwater.     

Developing a limb repositioning robotic interface for persons with severe physical disabilities

Limb repositioning is necessary for individuals with severe physical disabilities to sustain muscle strength and prevent pressure sores. As robotic technologies become ubiquitous, these tools offer promise to support the repositioning process. However, research has yet to focus on ways in which individuals with severe physical disabilities can control robots for these tasks. This paper presents a study that examines the needs and attitudes of potential users with physical disabilities to control a robotic aid for limb repositioning. Subjects expressed interest in using brain–computer interface (BCI) and speech recognition technologies for purposes of executing robotic tasks. The performance of four subjects controlling arm movements on an avatar through the keyboard, mouse, BCI, and Dragon NaturallySpeaking speech recognition was evaluated. Although BCI and speech technologies may limit physical fatigue, more challenges were faced using BCI and speech conditions compared to the keyboard and mouse. This research promotes accessibility into mainstream robotic technologies and represents the first step in the development of a robotic prototype using a BCI and speech recognition technologies for limb repositioning.     

Synthesis of Co3 O4 /graphene nanocomposite using paraffin wax for adsorption of methyl violet in water

This study discusses the use of Co₃ O₄ impregnated graphene (CoOIG) as an efficient adsorbent for the removal of methyl violet (MV) dye from wastewater. CoOIG nanocomposites have been prepared by pyrolyzing paraffin wax with cobalt acetate. The synthesised nanocomposite was characterised by X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscope, Raman spectroscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller isotherm studies. The above studies indicate that the composites have cobalt oxide nanoparticles of size 51–58 nm embedded in the graphene nanoparticles. The adsorption studies were conducted with various parameters, pH, temperature and initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage and contact time by the batch method. The adsorption of MV dye by the adsorbent CoOIG was about 90% initially at 15 min and 98% dye removal at pH 5. The data were fitted in Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevich and Sips isotherm models. Various thermodynamic parameters like Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy of the on‐going adsorption process have also been calculated.Inspec keywords: cobalt compounds, graphene, nanoparticles, nanocomposites, nanofabrication, adsorption, dyes, scanning electron microscopy, field emission electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectra, free energy, enthalpy, entropyOther keywords: nanocomposite, paraffin wax, adsorption, methyl violet dye, water, X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller isotherm, cobalt oxide nanoparticles, graphene nanoparticles, thermodynamic parameters, Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, entropy, Co₃ O₄ ‐C     

Analytical modeling of Transmission Control Protocol NewReno using Generalized Stochastic Petri Nets

This paper presents a novel analytical model of Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) using a generalized stochastic Petri net (GSPN). Extensive simulation work has been done for the performance evaluation of TCP NewReno protocol. In view of the limitations of the simulation technique, we present an analytical approach using GSPN. A GSPN is a useful mathematical tool that solves continuous time Markov chains for complex systems and evaluates the stationary behavior. In this paper, we analyze the slow‐but‐steady variant of TCP NewReno. The model captures the behavioral aspects of the slow start and the congestion avoidance phase together with the fast retransmit and recovery capabilities of TCP NewReno. Performance metrics such as throughput, goodput, and task completion time of the system are obtained. The effect of variation in the model parameters on the performance is studied. The results are validated using the network simulator, and their accuracy is verified by evaluating the confidence interval. The performance of the proposed model is compared with that of TCP Reno. The performance of the proposed model is also compared with one of the previous models. The numerical illustrations and comparison of the proposed technique with simulation validates the accuracy, efficiency, and competence of the GSPN technique. While GSPN modeling for TCP is investigated in depth for the TCP NewReno and TCP Reno variant in this paper, other protocols could be also analyzed similarly. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Strombus gigas inspired biomimetic ceramic composites via SHELL—Sequential Hierarchical Engineered Layer Lamination

Nature has produced remarkable structural designs based on many millennia of evolutionary optimization. Biological materials, such as the sea-shell, possess unique microstructures and properties that provide inspiration for the next generation of structural ceramics. Strombus gigas (Queen conch) shells contain a hierarchical, multilayered, crossed-lamellar architecture built with two natural materials (calcium carbonate and protein) with at least three identifiable scales (or orders) of structure. Drawing on Strombus gigas for inspiration, we have developed a new process to realize such complex micro-architectures in macroscopic form. SHELL (Sequential Hierarchical Engineered Layer Lamination) is a thermoplastic forming process that is capable of producing the third order structural complexity over the micron-millimeter length scales. We have fabricated silicon nitride—boron nitride ceramics via SHELL that are endowed with excellent damage tolerance, exhibit graceful failure, and exhibit toughening mechanisms similar to those observed in Strombus gigas.