A hybrid of fuzzy theory and quadratic function for estimating and refining transmission map

© TÜBİTAK In photographs captured in outdoor environments, particles in the air cause light attenuation and degrade image quality. This effect is especially obvious in hazy environments. In this study, a fuzzy theory is proposed to estimate the transmission map of a single image. To overcome the problem of oversaturation in dehazed images, a quadratic-function-based method is proposed to refine the transmission map. In addition, the color vector of the atmospheric light is estimated using the top 1% of the brightest light area. Finally, the dehazed image is reconstructed using the transmission map and the estimated atmospheric light. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid method performs better than the other existing methods in terms of color oversaturation, visibility, and quantitative evaluation

Compression of micron-sized pillars of anodic aluminium oxide nano-honeycomb

Micro-pillars of anodic aluminium oxide with nano-sized honeycomb channels along the pillar axis exhibit compressive stressstrain response with large excursions corresponding to discrete, inhomogeneous deformation events. Each excursion is found to associate with the severe distortion of a material layer at the pillar's head, whereas the remaining of the pillar remains intact. The stresses at which these excursions occur do not exhibit any significant dependence on the pillar size. A simple model is proposed to describe the response of pillars under compression, which energetically, as well as kinetically, explains as to why the localized deformation always takes place at the pillar head. Predictions on the occurrence of instability events from this model also quantitatively agree with the experimental observations. © 2010 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.postprin

A new radial basis function for Helmholtz problems

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Using AdaBoost-based Multiple Functional Neural Fuzzy Classifiers Fusion for Classification Applications

© The Authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2018. In this study, two intelligent classifiers, the AdaBoost-based incremental functional neural fuzzy classifier (AIFNFC) and the AdaBoost-based fixed functional neural fuzzy classifier (AFFNFC), are proposed for solving the classification problems. The AIFNFC approach will increase the amount of functional neural fuzzy classifiers based on the corresponding error during the training phase; while the AFNFC approach is equipped with a fixed amount of functional neural fuzzy classifiers. Then, the weights of AdaBoost procedure are assigned for classifiers. The proposed methods are applied to different classification benchmarks. Results of this study demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed AIFNFC and AFFNFC methods

Acupuncture transmitted infections.

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A combined finite element-Langevin dynamics (FEM-LD) approach for analyzing the mechanical response of bio-polymer networks

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Building an Argument for the Use of Science Fiction in HCI Education

Science fiction literature, comics, cartoons and, in particular, audio-visual materials, such as science fiction movies and shows, can be a valuable addition in Human-computer interaction (HCI) Education. In this paper, we present an overview of research relative to future directions in HCI Education, distinct crossings of science fiction in HCI and Computer Science teaching and the Framework for 21st Century Learning. Next, we provide examples where science fiction can add to the future of HCI Education. In particular, we argue herein first that science fiction, as tangible and intangible cultural artifact, can serve as a trigger for creativity and innovation and thus, support us in exploring the design space. Second, science fiction, as a means to analyze yet-to-come HCI technologies, can assist us in developing an open-minded and reflective dialogue about technological futures, thus creating a singular base for critical thinking and problem solving. Provided that one is cognizant of its potential and limitations, we reason that science fiction can be a meaningful extension of selected aspects of HCI curricula and research.Comment: 6 pages, 1 table, IHSI 2019 accepted submissio

Comparison of acid and alkaline hydrogen-bromine fuel cell systems

The Conference abstracts' website is located at https://ecs.confex.com/ecs/224/webprogram/Paper20002.htmlSession - Vanadium Redox Systems 2 and Other Redox Systems 1: abstract no. 1674The hydrogen bromine (H2-Br2) fuel cell system is an attractive system for electrical energy storage because of its high round-trip conversion efficiency, high power density capability, and anticipated low costs. The hydrogen-bromine fuel cell system can be operated in the acid or alkaline modes. The charge and discharge electrode reactions in an acid H2-Br2 fuel cell system are as follows …postprin

A study on nitrogen removal efficiency of Pseudomonas stutzeri strains isolated from an anaerobic/anoxic/oxic wastewater treatment process

In order to improve the nitrogen removal efficiency in an anaerobic/anoxic/oxic treatment plant, a strain with high nitrification and denitrification capability was isolated from a specific anaerobic/anoxic/oxic treatment process. The characteristics of isolate were experimentally analyzed. By using the nitrogen balance method, the total nitrogen loss was calculated to be 40.1% (w/w) when the carbon source was citric acid with a C/N ratio of 5. Meanwhile, the isolated strain was identified by 16S rDNA to be a Pseudomonas stutzeri with a similarity of 99%. Varying the initial TN, the C/N, the pH value and the ambient temperature in the reaction system, the efficiency of nitrogen removal was studied. The results showed that the highest efficiency occurred when the C/N was 12, the pH value was 7 and the temperature was 32°C. The results were also compared to the practically monitoring data coming with a good agreement. Consequently, it is viable to improve the nitrogen removal efficiency by varying the reaction conditions

Protective effect of Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides on experimental Sjogren's syndrome

Sjogren's syndrome (SS), usually described as a chronic inflammation which results in xerostomia (dry mouth) and xerophthalmia (dry eyes). According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, body fluid impairment causes the dryness, inducing water secretion deficiency. Discovery of a family of water-specific membrane channel proteins, the aquaporins, provides an interesting molecular mechanism of water permeability and transportation which were found abnormal in tissues of SS patients. Thus, this dryness may lead to the dysfunction in organs as various systematic manifestations. We established an autoallergic mouse model in vivo, and human salivary gland cell line A-253 in vitro. Polysaccharides of Dendrobium officinale (DP) were administrated as treatment, which was described to nourish yin and promote the body fluid. Results showed that immunization with SG autoantigen induced decrease of body weight and increased water intake, decreased AQP5 expression in a series of organs related to body fluid. Sera from model mice induced apoptosis of A-253 cells with activation of caspase-3. Administration of DP could reverse these pathological changes in both the animal and cell model. Thus, DP may be a promising candidate for the treatment of SS by up-regulating the expression of AQP-5 and protecting cells from apoptosis. © 2010 The Berkeley Electronic Press. All rights reserved.published_or_final_versio