Sparse regularization method for the detection and removal of random-valued impulse noise

In this paper, we propose a novel two-stage algorithm for the detection and removal of random-valued impulse noise using sparse representations. The main aim of the paper is to demonstrate the strength of image inpainting technique for the reconstruction of images corrupted by random-valued impulse noise at high noise densities. First, impulse locations are detected by applying the combination of sparse denoising and thresholding, based on sparse and overcomplete representations of the corrupted image. This stage optimally selects threshold values so that the sum of the number of false alarms and missed detections obtained at a particular noise level is the minimum. In the second stage, impulses, detected in the first stage, are considered as the missing pixels or holes and subsequently these holes are filled-up using an image inpainting method. Extensive simulation results on standard gray scale images show that the proposed method successfully removes random-valued impulse noise with better preservation of edges and other details compared to the existing techniques at high noise ratios.     

A novel symbiotic organisms search algorithm for congestion management in deregulated environment

Abstract

In today’s competitive electricity market, managing transmission congestion in deregulated power system has created challenges for independent system operators to operate the transmission lines reliably within the limits. This paper proposes a new meta-heuristic algorithm, called as symbiotic organisms search (SOS) algorithm, for congestion management (CM) problem in pool based electricity market by real power rescheduling of generators. Inspired by interactions among organisms in ecosystem, SOS algorithm is a recent population based algorithm which does not require any algorithm specific control parameters unlike other algorithms. Various security constraints such as load bus voltage and line loading are taken into account while dealing with the CM problem. In this paper, the proposed SOS algorithm is applied on modified IEEE 30- and 57-bus test power system for the solution of CM problem. The results, thus, obtained are compared to those reported in the recent state-of-the-art literature. The efficacy of the proposed SOS algorithm for obtaining the higher quality solution is also established.     

Preparation and characterization of tantalum/polyaniline composite based chemiresistor type sensor for hydrogen gas sensing application

In the present work we have reported the effect of Shift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation on the gas sensing properties of tantalum (Ta)/Polyaniline (PANI) composite thin film based chemiresistor type gas sensor for hydrogen gas sensing application. PANI was synthesized chemically by in situ oxidative polymerization method. The thin sensing films of PANI were deposited onto finger type Cu-interdigited electrodes using spin cast technique and a thin Ta layer was deposited on to PANI thin film to prepare Ta/PANI composite chemiresistor sensor. These chemiresistor sensing films were irradiated with energetic Au⁺¹² ions (150 MeV) at the different fluencies ranging from 1 × 10⁹ to 1 × 10¹¹ ions/cm². The structural and morphological properties of these composite thin films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements before and after SHI irradiation. The electrical properties of these composite thin films were characterized by I–V characteristic measurements. The changes in resistance of the composite thin film sensor were utilized for detection of hydrogen gas. It was observed that after SHI irradiation Ta/PANI composite sensor shows a high response value and sensitivity with good repeatability in comparison to the pristine sample.     

Effect of succinylation on mineral binding ability of whey proteins and its effect on physicochemical characteristics of proteins

Milk proteins are widely accepted as good vehicle for the delivery of various bioactive compounds including minerals. Whey proteins (WP) being a cheapest source of proteins could be utilized for the production of protein–mineral complexes. Succinylation of proteins liberally enhances cation mineral binding efficiency of proteins by introducing additional carboxylic group. In the present investigation whey protein concentrate (a major commercial source for WP) was selected to evaluate its extent of iron/zinc (mineral) binding ability up on succinylation using ultrafiltration technique. The obtained protein–mineral complexes were also characterized for their physicochemical properties. Maximum mineral binding ability of succinylated WP (SWP) was observed at 5.6 and 5.0 mM for iron and zinc concentration, respectively. Most of the succinic acid was removed from the SWP–mineral complexes during diafiltration, which was also confirmed from the micrographs of scanning electron microscopy. Physicochemical characteristics such as chromatographic behaviour and fluorescence intensity confirmed the structural modification of SWP. SWP-mineral complexes showed improved solubility at 6–10 pH values and less solubility at ≤?4 pH values.     

Aligned CNT/Polymer nanocomposite membranes for hydrogen separation

CNT/Polymer nanocomposites have been fabricated by dispersing (0.1%) weight fraction of SWNT and MWNT in polycarbonate matrix separately using benzene as a solvent. Alignment has been performed by inducing DC electric field (500 V/cm). X-ray diffraction measurements have been performed to confirmation of SWNT, MWNT and their presence in PC matrix. Gas permeability has been found to be increased in aligned CNT/polymer nanocomposites comparison to random dispersed CNT/polymer nanocomposites. The electrical conductivity in aligned CNT/polymer composite membranes indicates two resistive regions. Experimental results exhibits here that CNT/polymer nanocomposite membranes can be used as good hydrogen separating media. Surface morphology of aligned CNT/polymer nanocomposites was confirmed by optical microscopy.     

Correction to: Wideband Antipodal Vivaldi Antenna Using Metamaterial for Micrometer and Millimeter Wave Applications

Journal of Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz Waves -     

SSEER: Segmented sectors in energy efficient routing for wireless sensor network

Multimedia Tools and Applications - Nowadays, wireless sensor network (WSN) is an essential segment in the Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm. Essentially, WSN provides access to location, latest...     

A comprehensive review and analysis of solar forecasting techniques

In the last two decades, renewable energy has been paid immeasurable attention to toward the attainment of electricity requirements for domestic, industrial, and agriculture sectors. Solar forecasting plays a vital role in smooth operation, scheduling, and balancing of electricity production by standalone PV plants as well as grid interconnected solar PV plants. Numerous models and techniques have been developed in short, mid and long-term solar forecasting. This paper analyzes some of the potential solar forecasting models based on various methodologies discussed in literature, by mainly focusing on investigating the influence of meteorological variables, time horizon, climatic zone, pre-processing techniques, air pollution, and sample size on the complexity and accuracy of the model. To make the paper reader-friendly, it presents all-important parameters and findings of the models revealed from different studies in a tabular mode having the year of publication, time resolution, input parameters, forecasted parameters, error metrics, and performance. The literature studied showed that ANN-based models outperform the others due to their nonlinear complex problem-solving capabilities. Their accuracy can be further improved by hybridization of the two models or by performing pre-processing on the input data. Besides, it also discusses the diverse key constituents that affect the accuracy of a model. It has been observed that the proper selection of training and testing period along with the correlated dependent variables also enhances the accuracy of the model.     

Maximizing Shelf Life of Paneer—A Review

Paneer resembling soft cheese is a well-known heat- and acid-coagulated milk product. It is very popular in the Indian subcontinent and has appeared in the western and Middle East markets. The shelf life of paneer is quite low and it loses freshness after two to three days when stored under refrigeration. Various preservation techniques, including chemical additives, packaging, thermal processing, and low-temperature storage, have been proposed by researchers for enhancing its shelf life. The use of antimicrobial additives is not preferred because of perceived toxicity risks. Modified atmosphere packaging has been recommended as one of the best techniques for maximizing the shelf life of paneer.     

Identification of Small Molecules that Interfere with H1N1 Influenza A Viral Replication

Successful replication of the influenza A virus requires both viral proteins and host cellular factors. In this study we used a cellular assay to screen for small molecules capable of interfering with any of such necessary viral or cellular components. We used an established reporter assay to assess influenza viral replication by monitoring the activity of co‐expressed luciferase. We screened a diverse chemical compound library, resulting in the identification of compound 7 , which inhibits a novel yet elusive target. Quantitative real‐time PCR studies confirmed the dose‐dependent inhibitory activity of compound 7 in a viral replication assay. Furthermore, we showed that compound 7 is effective in rescuing high‐dose influenza infection in an in vivo mouse model. As oseltamivir‐resistant influenza strains emerge, compound 7 could be further investigated as a new and potentially suitable scaffold for the development of anti‐influenza agents that act on novel targets.