A new adaptive edge enhancement algorithm for color laser printers

This thesis presents a novel algorithm for improving quality of edges in printed text. The algorithm is designed to add pixels at selected edge locations after halftoning. The extent of the correction is proportional to the “strength” of the edge, as determined by comparing the local differences in a four-pixel neighborhood to a dynamically generated threshold. The process is computationally efficient and requires minimal memory resources. The performance of our proposed algorithm is clearly demonstrated on several characters and lines. While the algorithm aims to improve the quality of printed text (edges), it is possible to extend its application to improvement of any edge identifiable in an image document

Performance evaluation of BMI resin system for thin-ply composites

Composites materials are increasingly being used in aerospace applications over the past few years. The unique properties like high strength to weight ratio, thermal stability, fatigue and corrosion resistance set them apart from the conventional materials. Composite materials are well suited for the applications where weight is the primary concern in the design. Composites structures are vulnerable to mechanical as well as thermal loadings. Transverse micro-cracking and delamination are the most common type of failures in composite materials. The thickness of the ply being used play a key role dictating the properties of the resultant composite structure. As the ply gets thinner the properties get better. Thick laminates are more susceptible to micro-cracking than thin laminates. Thereby, to manufacture laminates resistant to micro-cracking and delamination it is advised to use thinner plies. In this work, a BMI hardened prepreg system was used to prepare the laminated composites. Thin and thick ply laminates were used to make the composite panels .Mechanical testing was performed on the panels to evaluate the performance of thin-ply and thick-ply laminate system --Abstract, page iv

Study comparing the efficacy of platelet rich plasma versus steroid versus placebo in lateral epicondylitis

Background: Lateral epicondylitis is seen more commonly in non-athletes than athletes. Non-operative methods are the mainstay of treatment being effective in more than 95% of cases. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) has shown promising results in many studies as compared to steroid injection & other modes of conservative management. Hence, this study was done to evaluate PRP efficacy in our clinical setup and in the people of age group most commonly being affected.Methods: This randomized study was conducted at Narayana Medical College Hospital, Nellore, for a period of two years from December 2014 to June 2016 on 150 consenting patients diagnosed as suffering from lateral epicondylitis. Using lottery method for randomization the patients were divided into three groups, based on which the treatment was received. Group –N with 50 patients received 3 ml of normal saline as placebo. Group –P with 50 patients received 3 ml of extracted PRP injection. Group –S with 50 patients received depot preparation of 40 mg of methyl prednisiolone injected into the affected area. The data collected and recorded in the appropriate proforma. Post therapy assessment was done using with Oxford elbow score.Results:  The overall mean ages of the patients in the three groups (Group P, Group S and Group N) are 38.62±7.53, 37.82±7.79 and 36.3±6.93 respectively. Female preponderance was observed in all the groups. Most common presenting complaint was elbow pain seen in 100% of cases. Most common side involved was the dominant side, right side involvement was seen in 136 cases and left side in 14 cases. The Oxford elbow score pre-treatment in all the groups was not statistically significant and the Oxford elbow score at the end of 12 weeks and 24 weeks treatment showed that PRP and steroid was better than normal saline in control of pain.Conclusion: Lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow is a painful debilitating condition of elbow, which creates disturbance in functional activities. A single injection of PRP at the site of the elbow pain resulted in relief of pain in patients with longer duration as compared to local steroids to other conservative treatments

AERODYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF DELTA WING AT LOW REYNOLDS NUMBER USING COMPUTATIONAL SIMULATIONS

The delta wing is best known for their contribution to stability and also, they have high structural advantages compared to other wings. Till now the delta wing has been used mostly in high speed or high Reynolds number flows. But no one concentrated on the low Reynolds number flows, here we have analyzed the flow at Re = 100000. Since we have taken the case of this Reynolds number range, the results obtained can be utilized in designing the Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs) which are mostly designed for the range of Reynolds number Re = 10000 to 100000. We have obtained Cl vs alpha and Cl/Cd vs alpha graphs using computational simulations. We used the CATIA software for designing the wing, it is a conceptual design based on delta wing and analyzed using XFLR 5 for ideal flows, here we used vortex lattice method – ring vortex method and ANSYS fluent software for realistic flows. We used Gamma – Re theta SST transition model for calculations in Ansys Fluent. We have expected CL to be start with smaller values and higher at higher angles of attack since, the delta wings have Low aspect ratio and also they have sweep back which induces leading edge vortices. But the Cl/Cd values will be at their minimum only

ASSESSMENT OF EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF ORAL FOSFOMYCIN SINGLE DOSE IN UNCOMPLICATED URINARY TRACT INFECTION AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN SOUTH INDIA

Objectives: Urinary tract infection (UTI) affects 150 million people worldwide each year. The rise in the UTIs is attributed to multidrug-resistant pathogens for which there are minimal treatment options available. This has facilitated the reemergence of certain old antimicrobials such as fosfomycin trometamol (FT). It seems an alternative, but the evidence towards its therapeutic efficiency is scanty. The objective of the study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of single dose of FT in treating uncomplicated UTI and the resultant variations in the intensity of symptoms after the treatment. Methods: The study is a prospective, observational, and open-label study in the outpatient unit of the Department of General Medicine, RVM institute of Medical Sciences, for 6 months. The study comprises 50 patients among the age group of 18–70 years. Urinary Tract Infection Symptom Assessment questionnaire was used for the evaluation of symptoms pre and post treatment. After the diagnosis of uncomplicated UTI, patients were treated with single-dose of FT. Results: The study comprises 22 males and 28 females. After the treatment, there was a drastic improvement in the condition of patients. The severity level reduced and the quality of life improved post treatment and the results were statistically significant. Among 50 patients treated with the drug, 11 patients reported the side effect of diarrhea. Conclusion: Single dose oral Fosfomycin (3 g) regimen is effective in managing uncomplicated UTI with minimal side effects

Design and Analysis of a Propeller Shaft in CAE tool and ANSYS

A Propeller Shaft is a device on which a propeller is attached to and transfers the power from the engine to the propeller. In the design of automobiles, the industry is exploiting in order to obtain reduction of weight without significant decrease in vehicle quality and reliability. This is due to the fact that the reduction of weight of a vehicle directly impacts its fuel consumption. Particularly in city driving, the reduction of weight is almost directly proportional to fuel consumption of the vehicle. A Propeller Shaft is a longitudinal drive shaft used in vehicles where the engine is suited at the opposite end of the vehicle to the drive wheels. A propeller shaft is an assembly of one or more tubular shaft connected by universal, constant velocity or flexible joints. Thus, in this project work the propeller shaft of a vehicle was chosen and analyzed by replacing it with different materials

Composite particle algorithm for sustainable integrated dynamic ship routing and scheduling optimization

Ship routing and scheduling problem is considered to meet the demand for various products in multiple ports within the planning horizon. The ports have restricted operating time, so multiple time windows are taken into account. The problem addresses the operational measures such as speed optimisation and slow steaming for reducing carbon emission. A Mixed Integer Non-Linear Programming (MINLP) model is presented and it includes the issues pertaining to multiple time horizons, sustainability aspects and varying demand and supply at various ports. The formulation incorporates several real time constraints addressing the multiple time window, varying supply and demand, carbon emission, etc. that conceive a way to represent several complicating scenarios experienced in maritime transportation. Owing to the inherent complexity, such a problem is considered to be NP-Hard in nature and for solutions an effective meta-heuristics named Particle Swarm Optimization-Composite Particle (PSO-CP) is employed. Results obtained from PSO-CP are compared using PSO (Particle Swarm Optimization) and GA (Genetic Algorithm) to prove its superiority. Addition of sustainability constraints leads to a 4–10% variation in the total cost. Results suggest that the carbon emission, fuel cost and fuel consumption constraints can be comfortably added to the mathematical model for encapsulating the sustainability dimensions

Clinical evaluation of neodymium-iron-boron (Ne2Fe14B) rare earth magnets in the treatment of mid line diastemas

Background: To evaluate the closure of midline diastema using the Neodymium-Iron-Boron magnets and to compare the treatment duration of midline diastemas with the use of magnets compared to regular orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with age group 12 to 30 years with the midline diastema ranging from 0.5 to 3mm were selected. These patients were divided into two groups. Diastema closure in one group was accomplished by conventional method, in other group was done with Ne 2 Fe 14 B magnets. These magnets were fitted to the labial surfaces of the maxillary central incisors such a way that the opposite poles of the magnets face each other. At each appointment, study models and radiographs were taken for study subjects and the midline diastema was measured using digital vernier calipers on the study models obtained. Descriptive statistics carried out using Paired t-test . Results: Subjects treated with Ne 2 Fe 14 B magnets showed a significant difference compared to fixed orthodontic appliance subjects with respect to time of closure, rate of space closure and incisal inclination. Significant difference between 2 groups with reduction of 64.6 days in time to diastema closure in subjects treated with Ne 2 Fe 14 B magnets ( P <0.05). Conclusions: Ne 2 Fe 14 B magnets more efficient in complete closure of mid line diastema in less duration of time