Robust vision-based displacement measurement and acceleration estimation using RANSAC and Kalman filter

Computer vision(CV)-based techniques have been widely used in the field of structural health monitoring(SHM)owing to ease of installation and cost-effectiveness for displacement measurement.This paper introduces computer vision based method for robust displacement measurement under occlusion by incorporating random sample consensus(RANSAC).The proposed method uses the Kanade-Lucas-Tomasi(KLT)tracker to extract feature points for tracking,and these feature points are filtered through RANSAC to remove points that are noisy or occluded.With the filtered feature points,the proposed method incorporates Kalman filter to estimate acceleration from velocity and displacement extracted by the KLT.For validation,numerical simulation and experimental validation are conducted.In the simulation,performance of the proposed RANSAC filtering was validated to extract correct displacement out of group of displacements that includes dummy displacement with noise or bias.In the experiment,both RANSAC filtering and acceleration measurement were validated by partially occluding the target for tracking attached on the structure.The results demonstrated that the proposed method successfully measures displacement and estimates acceleration as compared to a reference displacement sensor and accelerometer,even under occluded conditions.

Dental impact of anti-fibroblast growth factor 23 therapy in X-linked hypophosphatemia

Elevated fibroblast growth factor 23(FGF23)in X-linked hypophosphatemia(XLH)results in rickets and phosphate wasting,manifesting by severe bone and dental abnormalities.Burosumab,a FGF23-neutralizing antibody,an alternative to conventional treatment(phosphorus and active vitamin D analogs),showed significant improvement in the long bone phenotype.Here,we examined whether FGF23 antibody(FGF23-mAb)also improved the dentoalveolar features associated with XLH.Four-week-old male Hyp mice were injected weekly with 4 or 16 mg·kg−1 of FGF23-mAb for 2 months and compared to wild-type(WT)and vehicle(PBS)treated Hyp mice(n=3–7 mice).Micro-CT analyses showed that both doses of FGF23-mAb restored dentin/cementum volume and corrected the enlarged pulp volume in Hyp mice,the higher concentration resulting in a rescue similar to WT levels.FGF23-mAb treatment also improved alveolar bone volume fraction and mineral density compared to vehicle-treated ones.Histology revealed improved mineralization of the dentoalveolar tissues,with a decreased amount of osteoid,predentin and cementoid.Better periodontal ligament attachment was also observed,evidenced by restoration of the acellular cementum.These preclinical data were consistent with the retrospective analysis of two patients with XLH showing that burosumab treatment improved oral features.Taken together,our data show that the dentoalveolar tissues are greatly improved by FGF23-mAb treatment,heralding its benefit in clinics for dental abnormalities.

Investigation of long-wavelength elastic wave propagation through wet bentonite-filled rock joints

The saturation of the compacted bentonite buffer in the deep geological repository can cause bentonite swelling,intrusion into rock fractures,and erosion.Inevitably,erosion and subsequent bentonite mass loss due to groundwater inflow can aggravate the overall integrity of the engineered barrier system.Therefore,the coupled hydro-mechanical interaction between the buffer and rock during groundwater inflow and bentonite intrusion should be evaluated to guarantee the long-term safety of deep geological disposal.This study investigated the effect of bentonite erosion and intrusion on the elastic wave propagation characteristics in jointed rocks using a quasi-static resonant column test.Jointed rock specimens with different joint conditions(i.e.joint surface saturation and bentonite filling)were prepared using granite rock discs sampled from the Korea Underground Research Tunnel(KURT)and Gyeongju bentonite.The long-wavelength longitudinal and shear wave velocities were measured under different normal stress levels.A Hertzian-type power model was used to fit the wave velocities,and the relationship between the two fitted parameters provided the trend of joint conditions.Numerical simulations using three-dimensional distinct element code(3DEC)were conducted to better understand how the long-wavelength wave propagates through wet bentonite-filled rock joints.

Effects of Mo and Zr on Microstructure,Mechanical Properties and Wear Resistance of Fe-Al Based Alloys

In this work the microstructure, mechanical properties and wear resistance of Fe-Al based alloys with various alloying elements were studied. The microstructures were examined by optical and scanning electron microscopy （SEM） equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope （EDS）. Two types of alloys were prepared by vacuum arc melting. One is Fe-28Al based alloys （D03 structured） with and without alloying elements such as Mo and Zr. The other one is Fe-35Al based alloys （B2 structured） produced with the same manner. For both types of alloys, Mo addition had found to exhibit an equiaxed microstructure, while dendritic structure was observed to show the effect of Zr addition. These microstructural features were more evinced with increasing content of alloying element. Concerning the mechanical properties and wear resistance, Fe-35Al based alloys were superior to Fe-28Al based alloys over the whole temperature range investigated.

Microstructure and texture evolution of Ti-Nb-Si based alloys for biomedical applications

Microstructure and texture of Ti-Nb-Si based alloys, prepared by water quenching from β-phase field, cold rolling and recrystallization heat treatment followed by water quenching, were investigated in terms of optical microstructure and analysis of X-ray pole figure result. In as-quenched sample, relatively random distribution of pole figure was detected without showing a specific texture component. In as-cold rolled sample, however, it is found well-developed several texture components consisting of rotated cube, α-fiber and γ-fiber texture components which are frequently observed in bcc-structured metals and alloys were found. Therefore, texture components developed in the present alloys are closely related to the deformation of β-phase even though small amount of α″ phase co-exist in the microstructure. In recrystallized sample, α-fiber texture component is weakly detected while the other texture components, rotated cube and γ-fiber components, appears to be relatively unchanged. No additional texture components were detected besides those texture components observed in the cold rolled samples.

Kriging-based reliability analysis of the long-term stability of a deep driftconstructed in the Callovo-Oxfordian claystone

Callovo-Oxfordian(COx)claystone has been considered as a potential host rock for geological radioactive waste disposal in France(Cigéo project).During the exploitation phase(100 years),the stability of drifts(e.g.galleries/alveoli)within the disposal is assured by the liner,which includes two layers:concrete arch segment and compressible material.The latter exhibits a significant deformation capacity(about 50%)under low stress(<3 MPa).Although the response of these underground structures can be governed by complex thermo-hydro-mechanical coupling,the creep behavior of COx claystone has been considered as the main factor controlling the increase of stress state in the concrete liner and hence the long-term stability of drifts.Therefore,by focusing only on the purely mechanical behavior,this study aims at investigating the uncertainty effect of the COx claystone time-dependent properties on the stability of an alveolus of Cigéo during the exploitation period.To describe the creep behavior of COx claystone,we use Lemaitre’s viscoplastic model with three parameters whose uncertainties are identified from laboratory creep tests.For the reliability analysis,an extension of a well-known Kriging metamodeling technique is proposed to assess the exceedance probability of acceptable stress in the concrete liner of the alveolus.The open-source code Code_Aster is chosen for the direct numerical evaluations of the performance function.The Kriging-based reliability analysis elucidates the effect of the uncertainty of COx claystone on the long-term stability of the concrete liner.Moreover,the role of the compressible material layer between the concrete liner and the host rock is also highlighted.

Studies of the quality parameters of blended oils and sensory evaluation of gram flour products

Blended oils have many uses when compared with single oils,due to presence of high Omega9 levels.They help in brain development and reduce the risk of heart diseases.This investigation of blended oils was chosen taking into consideration the regular use of coconut oil(CO),palm oil(PAO),peanut oil(PO),and groundnut oil(GO),and using these blends three popular South Indian snacks were prepared.The oil blending was in the proportion of 50:50 using four different oils.This study includes the physicochemical properties of blended oils such as their p H,colour,nutritional assessment,and changes in the parameters of mixed oils.Additionally,these oil mixes were utilized for preparing different types of gram flour snacks including potato fries,pakoda,and karasev.The shelf life of the snacks was studied,considering the changes in their synthetic and tangible attributes.The changes seen in the oil separated from the fried items were very close to that of the control.Tangible assessment of the prepared fritters showed that they were synthetically safe to eat for up to two weeks.Six oil blends(CO:PO,CO:PAO,CO:GO,PO:GO,PO:PAO,and GO:PAO)were prepared successfully.Among the blended oils,coconut oil with peanut oil showed the highest spread ability,while groundnut oil with palm oil showed the lowest spread ability.The coconut and groundnut oil blend showed the highest ratio(58.8%)of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids.Polyunsaturated linoleic acid(18:2;24.3%),α-linoleic acid(18:2;5%),oleic acid(18:1;25%),capric acid(2.8%),lauric acid(1.8%),myristic acid(1.6%),palmitic acid(16:0;14.5%),and steric acid(18:0;9.2%)were seen in the coconut and groundnut oil blend.The palm and peanut oil blend showed the least ratio(51.4%)for unsaturated and saturated oils,with oleic acid(21%),lauric acid(1.9%),andα-linoleic acid(2%).Among all the blended oils,coconut oil mixed with groundnut oil showed the highest level of acceptability for gram flour products.The content of free fatty acids was very high in the combination of palm and peanut oil.The three gram flour products prepared using blends of coconut oil and groundnut oil showed good appearance(8%),flavour of the product prepared with combinations of groundnut(refined)oil has high acceptability,good texture(8%),high acceptability(8%)in taste and overall acceptability of sensory evaluation.These blends in the future may develop good quality oils giving a high shelf life to food products.

Towards smart farming solutions in the U.S.and South Korea:A comparison of the current status

Smart farming solutions combine information,data software tools,and technology with the intent to improve agricultural production.While smart farming concepts are well described in the literature,the potential societal impacts of smart farming are less conspicuous.To demonstrate how smart farming solutions could influence future agricultural production,agri-business and rural communities and their constituents,this article compares smart farming approaches and reasons behind the pursuit of smart farming solutions by the U.S.and South Korea.The article compares agricultural assets and productivity among the two countries as well as the technical and societal challenges impacting agricultural production as a basis to understanding the motivations behind and pathways for developing smart farming solutions.In doing so,the article compares some of the technological and social advantages and disadvantages of smart farming,dependending on the choice and implementation of smart farming solutions.The South Korean government has implemented a national policy to establish smart farming communities;a concept that addresses the entire agri-food supply chain.In the U.S.,a national plan to develop smart farming technologies does not exist.However,discrete smart farming solutions driven mainly by competition in the private sector have resulted in high-tech solutions that are advancing smart farming concepts.The differences in approaches and reporting of successes and failures between the two countries could facilitate the rate of evolution of successful smart farming solutions,and moreover,could provide pathways to facilitate sustainable development goals in developing countries where smart farming activities are currently underway.

Synthesis of Silica Decorated MWCNTs for Field Emission Property

A novel route to nanocomposites containing surface modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes(MWCNTs) by silica thin film is reported.The effect of chemical oxidation on the surface of MWCNTs by using different acid-treatments is studied.The acidic processes are characterized by Raman spectroscopy,thermogravimetry analysis,scanning electron microscopy,and transmission electron microscopy.MWCNTs can be coated homogeneously with silica film by using tetraethoxysilane(TEOS) as a precursor in a sol-gel process.Varying the shell thickness of amorphous silica coating layers on MWCNTs exhibits excellent thermal stability,reliability,and lifetime of field emission properties,especially down to less than 10 nm.

High Temperature Mechanical Properties of Ni-Al-Cr Based Alloys for Advanced Die-Materials Applications

In this study, we report on advanced Ni3Al based high temperature structural alloys with Zr and B addition in order to apply in the fields of die-casting and high temperature press forming as die materials. Microstructures and mechanical properties of Ni3Al based intermetallic alloys produced by vacuum arc melting were investigated in terms of phase analysis by using a scanning electron microscope （SEM） equipped with an X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer （EDS）, an X-ray diffractometer （XRD） and tensile test. The duplex microstructural feature consisting of γ＇ matrix phase and small intermetallic dispersoids was observed to be distributed over the whole microstructure. The ultimate tensile strength of the present alloy was superior to commercial iron-based and Ni-based die-materials especially in the high temperature region.

Color Restoration Method Based on Spectral Information Using Normalized Cut

This paper proposes a novel method for color restoration that can effectively apply accurate color based on spectral information to a segmented image using the normalized cut technique. Using the proposed method, we can obtain a digital still camera image and spectral information in different environments. Also, it is not necessary to estimate reflectance spectra using a spectral database such as other methods. The synthesized images are accurate and high resolution. The proposed method effectively works in making digital archive contents. Some experimental results are demonstrated in this paper.

Improving Effect of Acetic Acid Bacteria (Gluconacetobacter hansenii GK-1) on sIgA and Physical Conditions in Healthy People: Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Study

It is known that the consumption of bacteria such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria has beneficial effects on human immune function. Most of them are Gram-positive bacteria, and there are few reports on Gram-negative bacteria. In this study, we evaluated the effects of intake of Gluconacetobacter hansenii GK-1 (GK-1), Gram-negative acetic acid bacteria, for 12 weeks on physical condition and immune indices. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study in 100 healthy adults. The subjects were randomized into the GK-1 and the placebo groups. The diary-administered physical condition survey was conducted during the study period. The evaluation of salivary sIgA levels, NK-cell activity, and serum IFN-γ levels and quality of life survey was conducted before, in 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after the start of ingestion. Based on the physical condition survey, the cumulative onset-days of symptoms were significantly suppressed in the GK-1 group compared to the placebo group regarding the evaluation of 13 symptoms related to immunity, every 3 weeks. Additionally, salivary sIgA levels per hour were significantly increased in the GK-1 group compared with the placebo group at 6 and 12 weeks. Despite no significant differences in the NK-cell activity, serum IFN-γ levels or quality of life survey between the groups. Serum IFN-γ levels in the GK-1 group were significantly elevated at 12 weeks after the start of ingestion compared with those before ingestion. In conclusion, intake of GK-1 was shown to increase salivary sIgA levels and improve physical condition. This suggested that oral intake of GK-1 may help maintain the immune system.

Facile and Efficient Method for Synthesis of Benzimidazole Derivatives Catalyzed by Zinc Triflate

We report the synthesis of benzimidazole derivatives using zinc triflate as an efficient catalyst. One-pot synthesis of 2-substituted benzimidazole derivatives from o-phynelyenediamine and substituted aldehydes were developed under zinc triflate in ethanol solvent at reflux temperature.

Effect of a Combination of Berberine and Monacolin on CYP Enzymes： An Oral Cocktail Interaction Study in Healthy Volunteers

Objectives： This study was aimed at investigating the potential of the herbal exctracts, berberine and monacolin, administered in combination at the recommended dose, to generate clinically relevant inhibition of the CYP （cytochromes P450） enzyme system after a single oral administration in human healthy volunteers. Methods： Twelve healthy male volunteers received a five-probe drug cocktail alone （reference） or with the combination of berberine and monacolin （test）, in a randomized, open label, crossover fashion. Plasma concentrations of cocktail components, caffeine （CYP1A2）, metoprolol （CYP2D6）, omeprazole （CYP2C 19）, midazolam （CYP3A4）, warfarin （CYP2C9）, and plasma concentrations of berberine, monacolin and its metabolite were measured by LC-MS/MS. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by non-compartmental analysis. Lack of inhibition was assumed if the 90% CI （confidence interval） for estimated ratio test/reference was included in the acceptance limits 0.70-1.43 for phenotyping metrics AUClast and Cmax. Key findings： All test/reference ratios were close to unity and CIs （confidence intervals） were within the acceptance limits, except for the upper value of omeprazole Cmax. Given the high intraindividual variability, this finding was considered clinically irrelevant. Conclusions： Clinically relevant inhibition of the activities of the CYP isoenzymes investigated can be excluded when berberine and monacolin are administered in combination at the recommended dose.

Calcium chloride linked camel milk derived casein nanoparticles for the delivery of sorafenib in hepatocarcinoma cells

Sorafenib,a multikinase inhibitor used for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma,is limited by its low oral bioavailability.To overcome this drawback,we have developed novel camel milk casein-derived nanoparticles as a drug delivery system.Camel milk casein is not only biocompatible on oral administration but is actually a dietary protein of pharmaceutical relevance.Casein is used because of its amphiphilic nature,self-assembling property,ability to show sustained release,and capability of encapsulating both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs.In this study,camel milk casein nanoparticles loaded with sorafenib were developed and characterized.Characterization of casein nanoparticles was done by dynamic light scattering(DLS),zeta potential analysis,scanning light microscopy(SEM),and FTIR.The drug content in nanoparticle and drug-protein binding studies were conducted by UV spectroscopy.The cytotoxicity and cellular uptake efficiency studies were performed in HepG2 cell lines.It was observed that the cytotoxic effect of sorafenib loaded camel milk casein nanoparticles was more than free sorafenib in HepG2 cells.This work suggests camel milk casein as a suitable drug delivery molecule for sorafenib.In the future,it may also be used in enhancing the efficacy and specific distribution of other water-insoluble anticancer drugs.

Effect of food on the Oral Bioavailability of Berberine and Monacolin Administered in Combination in Healthy Male Volunteers

Objectives： To investigate the effect of food on the bioavailability of a combination of monacolin and berberine in healthy volunteers. Methods： Eighteen male volunteers received a single recommended oral dose of the combination under fasted conditions （reference） and fed conditions （high fat meal; test）, in a randomized, open label, crossover fashion. Plasma concentrations of berberine, monacolin and its metabolite were measured by LC-MS/MS. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by non-compartmental analysis. No effect of food was assumed if the 90% CIs （confidence intervals） for estimated ratio test/reference was included in the acceptance limits 0.80-1.25 for phenotyping metrics AUCt and Cmax- Key findings： For berberine, the Cmax and AUCt test/reference ratios were 2.97 and 2.69, respectively, and relevant 90% CIs （2.25-3.91 and 2.15-3.36, respectively） were above the acceptance limit. For lovastatin hydroxy acid, the active metabolite of monacolin, the test/reference ratios were 1.18 （Cmax） and 0.98 （ALJCt）. The 90% CIs fell entirely within the acceptance limit for AUCt, （0.85-1.13）, whereas the upper bound of the 90% CIs for Cmax （1.01-1.37） was just above the predefined interval. Conclusions： Food intake significantly increases berberine bioavailability and does not significantly affect monacolin bioavailability when these two extracts are administered in combination.

Electric Tilt ＆ Telescopic Column Driven by EPS Motor

In order to improve driver convenience, electronic tilt ＆ tele column is applied to a full sized car. To operate electronic tilt ＆ tele, it needs two motors and one electronic controller. Because of high cost component parts, it is difficult to apply to a midsize car. Meanwhile, to cope with regulations of fuel efficiency and emission, motor driven power steering system is applied to a full sized car from a small car. But MDPS （Markov decision processes） also consist of high cost component parts （motor and electronic controller）. This paper proposed the MDPS motor-driven electronic tilt ＆ tele column system which has single motor and an integrated electronic controller and introduced the detailed design study and evaluation results.

An analysis of quantitative PCR reliability through replicates using the C_(t)method

There is considerable interest in quantitatively measuring nucleic acids from single cells to small populations. The most commonly employed laboratory method is the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyzed with the crossing point or crossing threshold (Ct) method. Utilizing a multiwell plate reader we have performed hundreds of replicate reactions each at a set of initial conditions whose initial number of copies span a concentration range of ten orders of magnitude. The resultant Ct value distributions are analyzed with standard and novel statistical techniques to assess the variability/reliability of the PCR process. Our analysis supports the following conclusions. Given sufficient replicates, the mean and/or median Ct values are statistically distinguishable and can be rank ordered across ten orders of magnitude in initial template concentration. As expected, the variances in the Ct distributions grow as the number of initial copies declines to 1. We demonstrate that these variances are large enough to confound quantitative classi?cation of the initial condition at low template concentrations. The data indicate that a misclassi?cation transition is centered around 3000 initial copies of template DNA and that the transition region correlates with independent data on the thermal wear of the TAQ polymerase enzyme. We provide data that indicate that an alternative endpoint detection strategy based on the theory of well mixing and plate ?lling statistics is accurate below the mis- classi?cation transition where the real time method becomes unreliable.

Control strategy and methods for continuous direct compression processes

We presented a control strategy for tablet manufacturing processes based on continuous direct compression.The work was conducted by the experts of pharmaceutical companies,machine suppliers,academia,and regulatory authority in Japan.Among different items in the process,the component ratio and blended powder content were selected as the items requiring the control method specific to continuous manufacturing different from the conventional batch manufacturing.The control and management of the Loss in Weight(LIW)feeder were deemed the most important,and the Residence Time Distribution(RTD)model were regarded effective for setting the control range and for controlling of the LIW feeder.Based on these ideas,the concept of process control using RTD was summarized.

Evaluation the Properties of Titanium Matrix Composites by Melting Route Synthesis

The main purpose of this study is an in-situ synthesis of （TiB＋TiC） hybrid titanium matrix composites （TMCs） by vacuum induction melting method and to verify its mechanical properties.The melting route was adopted to synthesize the commercial pure titanium （cp Ti） and granular boron carbide （B-4C）.The reinforcements,the fraction of 10 vol.pct,were formed by adding 1.88 wt pct B-4C to cp Ti.After in-situ synthesis of TMCs,electron probe micro-analysis elemental mapping was carried out to confirm the distribution and shape of reinforcements.The cone-on-disk type sliding wear test was also done for the identification of TMCs.It is concluded that （TiB＋TiC） hybrid TMCs can be in-situ synthesized and has better wear properties than H13.