Determination of geological strength index of jointed rock mass based on image processing

The geological strength index(GSI) system,widely used for the design and practice of mining process,is a unique rock mass classification system related to the rock mass strength and deformation parameters based on the generalized Hoek-Brown and Mohr-Coulomb failure criteria.The GSI can be estimated using standard chart and field observations of rock mass blockiness and discontinuity surface conditions.The GSI value gives a numerical representation of the overall geotechnical quality of the rock mass.In this study,we propose a method to determine the GSI quantitatively using photographic images of in situ jointed rock mass with image processing technology,fractal theory and artificial neural network(ANN).We employ the GSI system to characterize the jointed rock mass around the working in a coal mine.The relative error between the proposed value and the given value in the GSI chart is less than 3.6%.

SLC-index: A scalable skip list-based index for cloud data processing

Due to the increasing number of cloud applications,the amount of data in the cloud shows signs of growing faster than ever before.The nature of cloud computing requires cloud data processing systems that can handle huge volumes of data and have high performance.However,most cloud storage systems currently adopt a hash-like approach to retrieving data that only supports simple keyword-based enquiries,but lacks various forms of information search.Therefore,a scalable and efficient indexing scheme is clearly required.In this paper,we present a skip list-based cloud index,called SLC-index,which is a novel,scalable skip list-based indexing for cloud data processing.The SLC-index offers a two-layered architecture for extending indexing scope and facilitating better throughput.Dynamic load-balancing for the SLC-index is achieved by online migration of index nodes between servers.Furthermore,it is a flexible system due to its dynamic addition and removal of servers.The SLC-index is efficient for both point and range queries.Experimental results show the efficiency of the SLC-index and its usefulness as an alternative approach for cloud-suitable data structures.

A method for improving graph queries processing using positional inverted index (P.I.I) idea in search engines and parallelization techniques

The idea of positional inverted index is exploited for indexing of graph database. The main idea is the use of hashing tables in order to prune a considerable portion of graph database that cannot contain the answer set. These tables are implemented using column-based techniques and are used to store graphs of database, frequent sub-graphs and the neighborhood of nodes. In order to exact checking of remaining graphs, the vertex invariant is used for isomorphism test which can be parallel implemented. The results of evaluation indicate that proposed method outperforms existing methods.

Development of index system for inherently safer process design using an integrated approach

With a growing population, an increasing number of petrochemical facilities are built with larger capacity and more complexity, which pose a great risk to assets, community and environment. The value of inherently safer design is recognized with time by all stakeholders, and an effective tool is needed to evaluate and compare inherent safety of alternative technologies. This study developed a safety index to evaluate existing technologies for their safety levels and guide inherently safer design. The Integrated Risk-based Safety Index(IRSI) was developed based on a comprehensive review of petrochemical processes, incident cases from Sinopec and US Chemical Safety Board, and existing safety index systems. The IRSI included all major hazards, including fire, explosion,toxic release, dust explosion, physical explosion, and runaway. Also, the integrated life cycle approach considered chemical hazards, equipment failure rates and safety measures in this risk-based index. Advanced modeling techniques, PHAST simulation and Neural Network, were used in the development of three novel sub-indices in the projects, fire, explosion and toxic release. The index system could be easily incorporated into a user friendly tool for the ease of application. A case study of hydrogen dioxide was conducted using the IRSI, which showed its capability for evaluating the safety level of process facilities.

Critical Nitrogen Dilution Curve in Processing Potato Cultivars

The critical nitrogen dilution curve (CNDC) can be used as a diagnostic tool to assess crop N nutrition during the growing season. Potato cultivars have different biomass production and accumulation of N and consequently different growth patterns. These differences among cultivars may result in different CNDC. The aims were a) to determine the CNDC for different potato cultivars;b) to compare these curves with reference curves;and c) to assess the possibility of using the CNDC to estimate the N nutritional status of the crop. The biomass production and N concentration of shoots and tubers of potato cultivars Innovator, Gem Russet, Umatilla Russet, Bannock Russet and Markies Russet were measured. The harvest index (HI) and N harvest index (NHI) were determined. The coefficient a of the CNDC was similar among cultivars, while the coefficients b for Innovator and Gem Russet (-0.42 and -0.36, respectively) were smaller than those for the other cultivars (average -0.25). HI and NHI were greater in Innovator, smaller in Markies Russet, and intermediated in the other three cultivars. The coefficients b of the CNDC were correlated with HI and NHI (HI, r = -0.62, p < 0.0001 and -0.53, p < 0.0001;NHI, r = -0.60, p < 0.0001 and -0.61, p < 0.0001 for 2004/5 and 2005/6, respectively). The relationship between relative tuber yield (RY) and N nutrition index (NNI) was fit by a quadratic-plateau function. At similar situations of N deficiency, Innovator had lower yield and greater response to N rate than the other potato cultivars. The differences in HI and NHI among cultivars may explain the differences in the coefficient b of the CNDC. The NNI identified the status of N adequately in potato cultivars.

Development and Processing of Millettia speciosa Instant Tea

This paper analyzed the effect of raw material crushing fineness,cooking time,ethanol content during ethanol precipitation and other factors on the preparation of raw material extract from Millettia speciosa Champ. instant tea. The raw materials of Millettia speciosa Champ.,Philippine flemingia root and radix fici simplicissimae were crushed into 10 mesh or finer powder,and cooked for 60 min. During ethanol precipitation,the ethanol content was about 50% to 70%,standing 12 h. The ophiopogon root was cooked in 1∶ 15 boiling water for 45 min,and chrysanthemum was leached for 45 min with 1∶ 20 demineralized water at 80 ℃. After concentration,preparation and spray drying,the finished Millettia speciosa Champ. instant tea was created. The detection of each product index indicated that Millettia speciosa Champ. instant tea had good taste and flavor,and there were no heavy metals,harmful substances and excessive microbes,thereby showing that the raw material of Millettia speciosa Champ. instant tea was selected reasonably,the mixture ratio was rational,and the processing technology was of some security,stability and maturity,which provided a theoretical basis for its development and application.

Effects of Different Processing Modes of Reconstituted Tobacco on Cigarette Quality

In order to explore the most suitable mode for the primary processing model of reconstituted tobacco, another two kinds of conditioning process schemes for reconstituted tobacco were designed based on the existing reconstituted tobacco processing method. Comparative analysis and evaluation were conducted for moisture content uniformity, intrinsic chemical compositions, casing uniformity, blending uniformity and sensory quality of the samples from the three kind of processing modes. The results showed that loosing and conditioning or the vacuum conditioning pretreatment of the reconstituted tobacco could effectively reduce the difference in moisture content during the blending, and improve the casing uniformity and blending uniformity. Moreover, the samples with the loosing and conditioning pretreatment had higher total sugar and reducing sugar contents, which indicated that the loosing and conditioning pretreatment method was more favorable for the improvement of the intrinsic quality of cigarettes. In addition, the three kinds of aromatic components contents of cigarettes using the loosing and conditioning pretreatment were higher,and the casing uniformity, blending uniformity and overall sensory quality of this pretreatment were all superior to that of the other two kinds of reconstituted tobacco pretreatment methods. The contents of total sugar, reducing sugar as well as the three kinds of aromatic components of cigarettes processed with vacuum conditioning pretreatment were all slightly lower than those of the existing methods, but the casing uniformity and blending uniformity were improved, while it showed small difference in the sensory quality with the existing processing method.

Bitumen Removal Determination on Asphalt Pavement Using Digital Imaging Processing and Spectral Analysis

This research aims to define an efficient and fast quantification of bitumen removal on the road surface by Digital Imaging Processing (DIP) and spectral analysis. The retrieval of bitumen removal is an important issue for road management and environmental studies related to asphalt wear and environmental pollution. The calculation of the Exposed Aggregate Index (EAI), based on DIP, allows to quantify in each frame the superficial removal of bitumen and the exposure of aggregates. A procedure, based on non-parametric classification process of digital images, gives a fast response of EAI. A correlation among EAI and spectral data, between 390 nm and 900 nm range, is evaluated. Results show a good correlation between spectral data at different wavelength and EAI. Finally, this work evaluates the possibility to retrieve asphalt bitumen removal through remote sensed imagery.

A Multivariate Process Capability Index

Process capability indices have been widely used in the manufacturing industry,providing numerical measures on process precision,process accuracy,and process performance.Capability measures for processes with a single characteristic have been investigated extensively.However,capability measures for processes with multiple characteristics are comparatively neglected. In this paper,inspired by the approach and model of process capability index investigated by K.S.Chen et al.(2003) and A.B. Yeh et al.(1998),a note model of multivariate process capability index based on non-conformity is presented.As for this index, the data of each single characteristic don’t require satisfying normal distribution,of which its computing is simple and particioners will not fell too theoretical.At last the application analysis is made.

Response of Freezing/Thawing Indexes to the Wetting Trend under Warming Climate Conditions over the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau during 1961–2010:A Numerical Simulation

Since the 1990s,the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau(QTP)has experienced a strikingly warming and wetter climate that alters the thermal and hydrological properties of frozen ground.A positive correlation between the warming and thermal degradation in permafrost or seasonally frozen ground(SFG)has long been recognized.Still,a predictive relationship between historical wetting under warming climate conditions and frozen ground has not yet been well demonstrated,despite the expectation that it will become even more important because precipitation over the QTP has been projected to increase continuously in the near future.This study investigates the response of the thermal regime to historical wetting in both permafrost and SFG areas and examines their relationships separately using the Community Land Surface Model version 4.5.Results show that wetting before the 1990s across the QTP mainly cooled the permafrost body in the arid and semiarid zones,with significant correlation coefficients of 0.60 and 0.48,respectively.Precipitation increased continually at the rate of 6.16 mm decade–1 in the arid zone after the 1990s but had a contrasting warming effect on permafrost through a significant shortening of the thawing duration within the active layer.However,diminished rainfall in the humid zone after the 1990s also significantly extended the thawing duration of SFG.The relationship between the ground thawing index and precipitation was significantly negatively correlated(−0.75).The dual effects of wetting on the thermal dynamics of the QTP are becoming critical because of the projected increases in future precipitation.

Modified Multivariate Process Capability Index Using Principal Component Analysis

The existing research of process capability indices of multiple quality characteristics mainly focuses on nonconforming of process output, the concept development of tmivariate process capability indices, quality loss function and various comprehensive evaluation methods. The multivariate complexity increases the computation difficulty of multivariate process capability indices（MPCI）, which makes them hard to be used in practice. In this paper, a new PCA-based MPCI approach is proposed to assess the production capability of the processes that involve multiple product quality characteristics. This approach first transforms the original quality variables into standardized normal variables. MPCI measures are then provided based on the Taam index. Moreover, the statistical properties of these MPCIs, such as confidence intervals and lower confidence bound, are given to let the practitioners understand the capability indices as random variables instead of deterministic variables. A real manufacturing data set and a synthetic data set are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. An implementation procedure is also provided for quality engineers to apply our MPCI approach in their manufacturing processes. The case studies demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of this new kind of MPCI, which is easier to be used in production practice. The proposed research provides a novel approach of MPCI calculation.

Optimization of Screening Method for Feed Nutrition and Processing Conditions

On the basis of regressional relationship between nutritional indexes and technological conditions,when confronted with feed quality that contains multiple nutritional indexes,a comprehensive equation of evaluating feed quality was developed by using fuzzy mathematical method at first in this study,and then the optimum technological conditions were established by introduction of statistical frequency analysis method pursuant to the comprehensive evaluating equation mentioned above compared with conventional multi-aim nonlinear programming,this method can lead to easy solutions,and also can make adjustment of the importance of nutritional indexes to feed quality according to practical considerations.An example was given of soybean extruding to show how the method worked.

Assessment and Application of Beach Quality Based on Analytic Hierarchy Process in Yangkou Beach, Qingdao

The whole-beach quality assessment is the basis of building and preserving beautiful beaches.The beach quality assessment index system and assessment standard have been established based on the attributes of beaches(including the width,slope,landform,and types),sorting coefficient,and softness degree of surface sediment.The assessment weight of each index for quality evaluation was analyzed using the analytic hierarchy process,and comprehensive scores of selected beach profiles were calculated in accordance with the light assessment standard.A beach quality evaluation model based on index weight and scores was established in this paper.The factors of 12 profiles of Yangkou Beach in Qingdao City were surveyed to carry out a quality assessment,and the comprehensive scores of each profile were calculated in accordance with the evaluation model.The results showed that the quality of Yangkou Beach can be divided into four ratings:excellent,good,medium,and poor.The excellent-quality area includes a wide and flat dry beach zone and soft,flat,and clean intertidal and subtidal zones covered with well-sorted fine sand,and leisure sports,such as volleyball,running,and swimming,are suitable for tourists.The good-quality area features a slightly narrow and dry beach zone,moderately soft and uneven intertidal and subtidal zones covered with fine sand and a small tidal gully,and a small amount of foreign matter;leisure sports,such as walking and running,are suitable for tourists.This study recommends the building of fixed drainage ditches or underground culverts to reduce the tidal gully.The medium-quality area consisted of a narrow and dry beach zone,moderately soft and uneven intertidal and subtidal zones covered by poorly sorted medium sand,a tide ditch,and a small amount of foreign matter.In this area,walking is suitable for tourists.Sand should be supplemented in the intertidal zone.The poor-quality area contained a very narrow and dry beach zone covered with poor-sorted gravel,a very chaotic intertidal zone with a considerable amount of foreign matters,such as bricks and rocks,wide tidal ditches,and an uneven subtidal zone with some reefs;leisure sports are unsuitable here.Thus,foreign matter and reefs should be removed,and the dry beach zone should be supplemented with sand.Therefore,the beach quality assessment is a very useful tool for building beautiful beaches.

Insiders' Hedging for Jump Diffusion Processes with Applications to Index Tracking

The hedging problem for insiders is very important in the financial market.The locally risk minimizing hedging was adopted to solve this problem.Since the market was incomplete,the minimal martingale measure was chosen as the equivalent martingale measure.By the F-S decomposition,the expression of the locally risk minimizing strategy was presented.Finally,the local risk minimization was applied to index tracking and its relationship with tracking error variance (TEV)-minimizing strategy was obtained.

Asymptotic Evaluations of the Stability Index for a Markov Control Process with the Expected Total Discounted Reward Criterion

In this work, for a control consumption-investment process with the discounted reward optimization criteria, a numerical estimate of the stability index is made. Using explicit formulas for the optimal stationary policies and for the value functions, the stability index is explicitly calculated and through statistical techniques its asymptotic behavior is investigated (using numerical experiments) when the discount coefficient approaches 1. The results obtained define the conditions under which an approximate optimal stationary policy can be used to control the original process.

Processing of Landsat 8 Imagery and Ground Gamma-Ray Spectrometry for Geologic Mapping and Dose-Rate Assessment, Wadi Diit along the Red Sea Coast, Egypt

Maximum Likelihood (MLH) supervised classification of atmospherically corrected Landsat 8 imagery was applied successfully for delineating main geologic units with a good accuracy (about 90%) according to reliable ground truth areas, which reflected the ability of remote sensing data in mapping poorly-accessed and remote regions such as playa (Sabkha) environs, subdued topography and sand dunes. Ground gamma-ray spectrometric survey was to delineate radioactive anomalies within Quaternary sediments at Wadi Diit. The mean absorbed dose rate (D), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE) and external hazard index (Hex) were found to be within the average worldwide ranges. Therefore, Wadi Diit environment is said to be radiological hazard safe except at the black-sand lens whose absorbed dose rate of 100.77 nGy/h exceeds the world average. So, the inhabitants will receive a relatively high radioactive dose generated mainly by monazite and zircon minerals from black-sand lens.

Effects of Process and Storage Temperature on Browning Index, Furosine, and HMF of Aseptic Cold Break Tomato Paste during Storage Time

Effects of process and storage temperature on concentration of Maillard compounds in aseptic cold break tomato paste were evaluated during 12 months of storage time. Cold break tomato paste was processed at 104 ℃ or 112℃, aseptically filled into 5 liter bags, and stored at 21 ℃ and 33 ℃. Level of Browning Index, Furosine, and HMF was monitored in the aseptic cold break tomato paste during the storage time. Browning Index, Furosine, and HMF significantly increased in the aseptic cold break tomato paste during storage at 33℃, and there was linear correlation between Browning Index and Furosine （or HMF）. At the lower storage temperature of 21℃, no significant increases were observed. Effects of the process temperature on Browning Index, Furosine, and HMF of aseptic cold break tomato paste were less significant than the storage temperature.

Image Processing of Corona Virus Using Interferometry

A new method of image processing of corona virus based on two and multiple beam interference is suggested. The method is based on measuring the fringe shift with respect to the background interference pattern. The interested application of the corona virus image in confocal microscopy is getting depth information since it has the property of optical sectioning. An accurate measurement of the fringe shift is obtained using multiple beam interference since contrast is higher than that for two beam interference. The refractive index of the corona virus image is deduced from the fringe shift. A MATLAB code is used for the processing of all images.

Estrada index of dynamic random graphs

The Estrada index of a graph G on n vertices is defined by EE(G)=∑^(n)_(i=1)^(eλ_(i)),whereλ_(1),λ_(2),···,λ_(n)are the adjacency eigenvalues of G.We define two general types of dynamic graphs evolving according to continuous-time Markov processes with their stationary distributions matching the Erd¨os-R´enyi random graph and the random graph with given expected degrees,respectively.We formulate some new estimates and upper and lower bounds for the Estrada indices of these dynamic graphs.

Computing Method of Multivariate Process Capability Index Based on Normalized Pretreatment

For the traditional multi-process capability construction method based on principal component analysis,the process variables are mainly considered,but not the process capability,which leads to the deviation of the contribution rate of principal component.In response to the question,this paper first clarifies the problem from two aspects:theoretical analysis and example proof.Secondly,aiming at the rationality of principal components degree,an evaluation method for pre-processing data before constructing MPCI using PCA is proposed.The pre-processing of data is mainly to standardize the specification interval of quality characteristics making the principal components degree more reasonable and optimizes the process capability evaluation method.Finally,the effectiveness and feasibility of the method are proved by an application example.