DCT Implementation on GPU

There has been a great progress in the field of graphics processors. Since, there is no rise in the speed of the normal CPU processors; Designers are coming up with multi-core, parallel processors. Because of their popularity in parallel processing, GPUs are becoming more and more attractive for many applications. With the increasing demand in utilizing GPUs, there is a great need to develop operating systems that handle the GPU to full capacity. GPUs offer a very efficient environment for many image processing applications. This thesis explores the processing power of GPUs for digital image compression using Discrete cosine transform

A Review on Block Matching Motion Estimation and Automata Theory based Approaches for Fractal Coding

Fractal compression is the lossy compression technique in the field of gray/color image and video compression. It gives high compression ratio, better image quality with fast decoding time but improvement in encoding time is a challenge. This review paper/article presents the analysis of most significant existing approaches in the field of fractal based gray/color images and video compression, different block matching motion estimation approaches for finding out the motion vectors in a frame based on inter-frame coding and intra-frame coding i.e. individual frame coding and automata theory based coding approaches to represent an image/sequence of images. Though different review papers exist related to fractal coding, this paper is different in many sense. One can develop the new shape pattern for motion estimation and modify the existing block matching motion estimation with automata coding to explore the fractal compression technique with specific focus on reducing the encoding time and achieving better image/video reconstruction quality. This paper is useful for the beginners in the domain of video compression

Fractal Image Compression Using Modified Operator (IFS)

Image data Compression based on fractal theory is fundamentally dierent from conventional compression methods, its idea is to generate a contraction operator whose fixed point approximates the original image in a complete metric space of images. The specication of such operator can be stored as the fractal code for the original image. The contraction mapping principle implies that the iteration of the stored operator starting from arbitrary initial image will recover its xed point which is an approximation for the original image. This Contraction mapping is usually constructed using the partitioned IFS(PIFS) technique which relies on the assertion that parts of the image resemble other parts of the same image. It then, nds the fractal code for each part by searching for another larger similar part. This high costly search makes fractal image compression dicult to be implemented in practice, even it has the advantages of a high compression ratio, a low loss ratio, and the resolution independence of the compression rate. In this paper, we investigate fractal image compression(FIC) using Iterated Function Systems(IFS). After reviewing the standard scheme, we state a mathematical formulation for the practical aspect. We then propose a modied IFS that relies on the fact  that, there are very smooth parts in certain images. From the view point of mathematics, we present the modied operator, proving its properties that make it not only a fractal operator but also more eective than the standard one. The experimental results are presented and the performance of the proposed algorithm is discussed

Characterisation of the Physical Chemical Processes Using the Fractal and Harmonic Analysis

Existuje mnoho různých způsobů jak analyzovat disperzní systémy a fyzikálně chemické processy ke kterým v takových systémech dochází. Tato práce byla zaměřena na charakterizaci těchto procesů pomocí metod harmonické fraktální analýzy. Obrazová data sledovaných systémů byly analyzovány pomocí waveletové analýzy. V průběhu práce byly navrženy různé optimalizace samotné analýzy, převážně zaměřené na odstranění manuálních operací během analýzy a tyto optimalizace byly také inkorporovány do softérového vybavení pro Harmonickou Fraktální Analýzu HarFA, který je vyvíjen na Fakultě chemické, VUT Brno.There are many different ways to characterize the dispersed systems and processes occuring in such systems. This work focuses on use of Fractal properties of such systems to describe the physical and chemical processes occuring in such systems. The Fractal properties are calculated from the image data of the systems under the observation using the Wavelet analysis. Since the Harmonic Fractal Analysis can be relatively easily automated, the work also focuses on algorithmisation of the analysis and the removal all manual steps from the process. The automation have been performed by incorporating all the findings into the software for Harmonic Fractal Analysis HarFA developed at the Faculty of Chemistry, BUT.

Biomimicry architecture : structures improving by imitating nature

This Final Degree Project consists of a research paper on Biomimicry Architecture, learning from other authors and drawing my own conclusions. It is a topic that I am passionate about because you can understand the way of designing from another point of view based on what nature provides us. Learn where the term comes from, how it applies to architecture and ways to apply it. I think that the structures have to be considered from the beginning when creating to obtain a good project. Purpose Nature is a clear example of optimal structures. Architecture should take more advantage of it, and continue to investigate its structural patterns, how different models work in nature and learn from it to be able to project and design in architecture achieving new forms. Nature is wise. There are many types of organisms in the world, both in the animal and plant kingdoms, and each of them has a form that has evolved according to its function. Therefore, there are thousands of examples of structures with different sizes that correspond to different stresses and situations. Clearly you can learn many things from nature, not only the structure. Therefore, this is the area in which the work will focus, the idea is to learn how to apply knowledge that nature gives in architecture. Architecture arises from the need to protect oneself from the environment and to provide a better quality of life. If we go back to prehistoric times, the first architectural constructions were built from the materials that were available in their context and learned from the influence of their surroundings. This can be seen both from their peers and from the observation of nature. Nowadays, we have it so incorporated that we do not stop to observe. We learn a way of designing by imitating other architects, and we follow that idea without taking into account that those architects did it for an older reason that is not necessary in today’s world. We should not be satisfied with this

An investigation into the requirements for an efficient image transmission system over an ATM network

This thesis looks into the problems arising in an image transmission system when transmitting over an A TM network. Two main areas were investigated: (i) an alternative coding technique to reduce the bit rate required; and (ii) concealment of errors due to cell loss, with emphasis on processing in the transform domain of DCT-based images. [Continues.

3D printing for membrane separation, desalination and water treatment

© 2019 Elsevier Ltd Additive manufacturing or commonly known as 3D printing is driving innovation in many industries and academic research including the water resource sector. The capability of 3D printing to fabricate complex objects in a fast and cost-effective manner makes it highly desirable over conventional manufacturing processes. Recent years have seen a rapid increase in research using 3D printing for membrane separation, desalination and water purification applications, potentially revolutionizing this field. This review focuses on recent advancements in 3D-printed materials and methods for water-related applications including developments in module spacers, novel filtration and desalination membranes, adsorbents, water remediation, solar steam generation materials, catalysis, etc. The emergence of new 3D printers with higher printing resolution, better efficiency, faster speed, and wider material applicability has garnered more interest and can potentially reshape research and development in this field. The promising potential, challenges and future prospects of 3D printing, additive manufacturing, and materials for water resource and treatment-related applications are all discussed in this review

Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) of the human brain: technique, findings and clinical applications

Neurological disorders are one of the most important public health concerns in developed countries. Established brain imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and x-ray computerised tomography (CT) have been essential in the identification and diagnosis of a wide range of disorders, although usually are insufficient in sensitivity for detecting subtle pathological alterations to the brain prior to the onset of clinical symptoms—at a time when prognosis for treatment is more favourable. The mechanical properties of biological tissue provide information related to the strength and integrity of the cellular microstructure. In recent years, mechanical properties of the brain have been visualised and measured non-invasively with magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), a particularly sensitive medical imaging technique that may increase the potential for early diagnosis. This review begins with an introduction to the various methods used for the acquisition and analysis of MRE data. A systematic literature search is then conducted to identify studies that have specifically utilised MRE to investigate the human brain. Through the conversion of MRE-derived measurements to shear stiffness (kPa) and, where possible, the loss tangent (rad), a summary of results for global brain tissue and grey and white matter across studies is provided for healthy participants, as potential baseline values to be used in future clinical investigations. In addition, the extent to which MRE has revealed significant alterations to the brain in patients with neurological disorders is assessed and discussed in terms of known pathophysiology. The review concludes by predicting the trends for future MRE research and applications in neuroscience

European Union Timber Regulation Impact on International Timber Markets

The trade of illegal timber, often from illegal logging, has severe environmental, social and economic consequences. The EU’s response to this problem came with the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan, with its specific goal to end illegal logging, thereby improving sustainability of forest resources. In March 2013, an additional step was taken by implementing the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR). The EUTR requires proof of timber’s origin and legality to ensure that no illegal timber is imported into the EU. To this end the EU intends to block imports of any wood or wood product which comes from unknown sources. Certification of sustainable forest management will help EU importers minimize risk, which is an essential part of their required due diligence system. Monitoring organizations are established to assist trade associations and businesses to construct comprehensive due diligence systems. National competent authorities are designated to follow the trade of the new FLEGT-licensed timber and timber products. In the first year of the EUTR there are positive impacts, of which the most important is awareness of the disastrous situation with illegal logging, driven by exports of illegal timber. Another positive development is tropical timber exporters documenting the legality of their wood exports. Yet another positive feature is establishment of due diligence systems by EU importers. However, there are considerable problems for ensuring legal trade; for example the lack of comprehensive documentation of origin and legality. Analysis of recent trends establishes changes in the European timber trade in terms of sourcing, substitution, diversion to less-demanding countries. Short-term forecasts of market trends and changes will enable further policy assessment to achieve the objectives of improved legality in international timber markets.JRC.H.3-Forest Resources and Climat