Perceptual evaluation of color gamut mapping algorithms

The recommendation of the CIE has been followed as closely as possible to evaluate the accuracy of five color gamut mapping algorithms (GMAs)—two nonspatial and three spatial algorithms—by psychophysical experiments with 20 test images, 20 observers, one test done on paper and a second one on display. Even though the results do not show any overall “winner,” one GMA is definitely perceived as not accurate. The importance of a high number of test images to obtain robust evaluation is underlined by the high variability of the results depending on the test images. Significant correlations between the percentage of out‐of‐gamut pixels, the number of distinguishable pairs of GMAs, and the perceived difficulty to distinguish them have been found. The type of observers is also important. The experts, who prefer a spatial GMA, show a stronger consensus and look especially for a good rendering of details, whereas the nonexperts hardly make a difference between the GMAs. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 33, 470–476, 2008     

In Search of the "Ideal" Pear (pyrus spp.): Results of a Multidisciplinary Exploration

Preference mapping with 10 pears identified 3 segments among New Zealand consumers. While 1 segment preferred ripe European cultivars, another rejected only the seedling with strong off‐flavors. A 3rd segment combined the 2 former segments, but also rejected 2 hybrid samples. Survey responses to the question “To me, the ideal pear is ?” from a 2nd consumer sample confirmed the general preference for juicy and sweet pears, the key characteristics of ripeness. A separate appearance evaluation revealed 4 segments based on color and shape. Combining information from several sources resulted in suggestions for new breeding directions for pears, while highlighting the importance of appearance and the need for more extensive measurements.     

Prediction of the effects on dynamic response due to distributed structural modification with additional degrees of freedom

The aim of this study is to investigate means of efficiently assessing the effects of distributed structural modification on the dynamic properties of a complex structure. The dynamic properties of the modified structure can be determined by experimental testing or numerical simulation, both of which are complex, expensive and time-consuming. Assuming that the original dynamic characteristics are already established and that the modification is a relatively simple attachment, the modified dynamic properties may be determined numerically without solving the equations of motion of the full-modified structure. The frequency response functions (FRFs) of the modified structure can be computed by coupling the original FRFs and a delta dynamic stiffness matrix for the modification introduced. The validity of this approach is investigated by applying it to a cantilever beam to which a smaller beam is attached as modification. The original FRFs were obtained experimentally as well as numerically. The delta dynamic stiffness matrix was determined numerically by modeling the attachment and part of the original structure including the attachment points. The FRFs of the modified beam were then computed. Good agreement is obtained by comparing the results to the FRFs of the modified beam determined experimentally as well as by numerical modeling of the complete modified structure.     

Dynamic averaging and foraging decisions in horses (Equus callabus).

The variability of most environments taxes foraging decisions by increasing the uncertainty of the information available. One solution to the problem is to use dynamic averaging, as do some granivores and carnivores. Arguably, the same strategy could be useful for grazing herbivores, even though their food renews and is more homogeneously distributed. Horses (Equus callabus) were given choices between variable patches after short or long delays. When patch information was current, horses returned to the patch that was recently best, whereas those without current information matched choices to the long-term average values of the patches. These results demonstrate that a grazing species uses dynamic averaging and indicate that, like granivores and carnivores, they can use temporal weighting to optimize foraging decisions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Mapping the Characteristics of a 'Good' Play Therapist.

In this pilot study, concept mapping, a methodological approach combining qualitative and quantitative analytic strategies, was used to identify the therapist qualities, competencies, and skills necessary for effective play therapy outcomes as perceived by a sub-sample of 28 experienced play therapists who are members of the Association for Play Therapy (APT). The clusters associated with the therapeutic relationship and facilitative skills (e.g., empathy, warmth, and genuineness) were rated as the most essential skills to possess and also as the most difficult to develop. In contrast, the clusters associated with play therapy interventions and theories were rated as the least important skills to possess but as the easiest to acquire. The findings are discussed, with implications for therapeutic practice, research, and policy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

基于GPS的高层建筑环境激励动态特性研究及应用

本文结合重庆大学主教学楼工程实例,对GPS技术在环境激励下的动态特性进行监控的情况进行了分析和论述。研究结果表明,在高层建筑施工中,应用GPS技术进行建筑物环境激励动态特性监控是一种行之有效的方法。     

南桐矿区龙潭煤系热演化及煤变质研究

川东地区二叠系龙潭煤系煤变质分带与褶皱关系密切，背斜部位变质浅，向斜部位变质深，且变化急剧．在对南桐矿区重点研究的基础上，用沉积速率比值法和沉积趋势法恢复了川东地区各时期的沉积厚度以及褶皱运动前后龙潭煤系的热演化史，并用Ｈｏｏｄ法确定了煤变质阶段，对川东的煤变质规律作出了合理的解释。     

利用Love波特性计算地基动力响应

本文利用Love波弥散特性在频域上对地基出平面振动及扭振问题进行了研究。在计算区域内结构将采用有限单元划分,而在边界上则根据Love 面波特性使用传递边界有限单元。本文同时讨论了不同模态波对结构动力响应的贡献。本文方法也适合于静力分析。     

Frequency response function of magnetic bearings using high-temperature superconductor

A high-temperature superconductor YBa₂Cu₃O_7-x with strong pinning force has allowed stable magnetic suspension with no control to be developed. Two types of superconducting magnetic bearings (SMB) using YBCO and permanent magnet were assembled. The two types are radial and axial. The dynamic stiffness of each SMB as it was cooled down under a magnetic field by liquid nitrogen was measured both radially and axially. As a result, it was found that the spring constants of these SMBs were almost as large as a practically desirable value; however, their damping coefficients were lower than the practical level. These findings are useful as one of the data bases for development of an optimum SMB design to support the weight of rotors in an axial direction.     

Discrete-time adaptive sliding mode power system stabilizer with only input/output measurements

In this paper a discrete-time adaptive sliding mode control method is newly developed and applied to the power system stabilization problem. A controllable canonical form of state space realization is constructed using the parameters identified by the on-line recursive least squares method and the system state is estimated from the input/output measurements and the simple state transformations. The identified parameters and the estimated state are then used by the discrete-time sliding mode control, which is suitable for the digital equipment. The most important advantage of the proposed power system stabilizer (PSS) is that it is able to maintain its regulating performance with a slower sampling period than that of the conventional sliding mode PSS because it is developed in a pure discrete-time domain. Another advantage of the proposed PSS is that it needs neither a mathematical model of the power system nor the full-state measurements because they are identified through on-line identifications. Several computer simulations for the linear power system are performed to verify the performance of the proposed PSS. In the computer simulations for various circumstances which are probable in a power system are considered, such as transitions of the active and reactive powers, change of parameters of the synchronous machine, line-to-ground faults and measurement noise. As a result, a new power system stabilizer which can operate in a wide range of operating conditions and can overcome various disturbances and measurement noises is proposed.