Adjacent Blocks Research Articles

A multi-level sorting prediction enhancement-based two-dimensional reversible data hiding algorithm for JPEG images

To improve the performance of reversible data hiding on JPEG images, a multi-level sorting prediction enhancement-based two-dimensional reversible data hiding algorithm for JPEG images is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the smoothness of each DCT block is evaluated by counting the location of the last non-zero coefficient in each DCT block. Then, the gradient of the object block is calculated with the DC coefficients of its surrounding blocks, and the lowest gradient direction blocks are employed to achieve the prediction of object block AC coefficients. Secondly, these gradient of adjacent blocks of the object block are compared to found the lowest gradient direction. The AC coefficient of the object block is accurately predicted by coefficients at the same position of its lowest gradient-direction adjacent blocks. Thirdly, the obtained DCT coefficient prediction errors are paired with a similar prediction-error pairing strategy to construct a two-dimensional prediction-error plane, and the secret data is imperceptibly embedded into the AC coefficients by using the two-dimensional histogram shifting algorithm. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated on different datasets, and six representative images are involved in demonstrating its superiority. Extensive experimental results show that, compared to other state-of-the-art reversible data hiding algorithms, the proposed algorithm can achieve higher visual quality of the data-embedded image while maintaining low JPEG image file size increment.

Radial search for accelerating block matching to detect copy-move forgery in digital photographs

One of the exciting areas of image processing research right now is image forensics. The most common kind of image forgery is copy-move (CM) forgery. In this study, a method for quickly detecting CM counterfeiting is proposed. The suggested approach speeds up the block matching process by employing the proposed radial search method. DCT features are extracted from each block and only the most "R' significant features are considered to create the feature vector which in turn shortens the processing time for feature matching. Then radix sorting is used to sort the blocks based on the DCT coefficients, and the proximity of blocks is used to indicate how similar they are. Each pair of adjacent blocks has their difference measured, and if the difference between two blocks is less than a predetermined threshold, the blocks are deemed comparable. Once a match is found, the nearby eight blocks are located using the radial search strategy, which eliminates the need for the traditional sequential block comparison. As opposed to exhaustive block matching, the radial search approach is experimented with which gives commendable improvement in copy move forgery detection.

Load-Frequency and Power Sharing Control in a Multi-Area Power System Using Intelligent Sliding Surface Approach

With the penetration of DGs in power systems, some restrictions such as economic dispatch in non-dispatchable sources, their control technology and voltage/frequency stability may be challenging. In conventional power systems, the transient stability has been obtained by high-inertia of upstream network in all conditions; however, in modern power grids, the micro grids (MGs) which could operate in both islanded mode and grid-connected mode are taken into account to overcome this issue. AC or DC types of DGs usually connect to the loads through power electronic converters, in which for researchers, this issue has been interesting and applicable to continue. When loads have been changed, the frequency has influenced correspondingly and must not exceed the permissible range. Therefore in this paper, this intention has been studied using conventional droop controller and intelligent sliding surface approach (ISSA) to evaluate the DGs effects on load-frequency control. While two or more areas (as some individual MGs) connect to each other via a transmission line, the voltage/frequency stability and power balancing constrained may be changed, which the ISSA is hired to track the frequency changes. To examine this problem, in this paper there are three MGs operate separately to show if the load may not supply, they should connect to adjacent block. If this important concern has not considered, it may cause global black-out. The simulation results obtained by ISSA compared with droop controller method represent the superiority of proposed technique to achieve best power sharing.

Mid-Neoproterozoic tectonic switch from orogeny to intraplate extension in NW Tarim Craton: New evidence from a composite dike of the Aksu Group

It is widely acknowledged that the Tarim Craton plays a crucial role in the supercontinent Rodinia. However, the timing and regime of the Neoproterozoic orogeny, as well as the subsequent tectonic evolution along the northern margin of the Tarim Craton, remain contentious. Recent research has revealed a composite dike in the Aksu blueschist terrane located in the NW Tarim, which sheds new light on the pivotal Neoproterozoic tectonic transition. This dike comprises deformed granites and undeformed diabases, resulting from two-episode igneous events shortly after the orogenic metamorphism. The granites exhibit S-type affinities, with high silica, calcic-alkalic, and peraluminous compositions. Enriched isotopic signatures and diagnostic inherited zircons suggest that they derived from the metasedimentary rocks of the accretionary complex. Conversely, the following diabase dike displays tholeiitic affinity, right-sloping REE patterns, enriched LILEs, and a pronounced depletion of high-field-strength elements. Moderately enriched Sr-Nd isotopes and chondrite-akin Hf isotopes of these diabases imply that they were likely derived from partial melting of the metasomatized subcontinental lithospheric mantle. Zircon U-Pb chronological results reveal that the crystallization of these granites occurred at around 780 Ma. When combined with the maximum depositional age of protolith of the Aksu Group metapsammite obtained by detrital zircon dating, the metamorphic age of the Aksu blueschist terrane is limited to a short duration of 800–780 Ma, which is similar to the syn-orogenic metamorphism and crustal melting in the NE Tarim margin constrained to 830–790 Ma. Structural and petrological analysis suggests that the granites underwent deformation and dynamic recrystallization, while the diabases did not. This likely reflects the post-orogenic processes followed by the extrusion of mafic dike swarm associated with lithospheric stretching. The composite dike highlights a rapid tectonic shift from orogeny to intraplate extension during the mid-Neoproterozoic (780–760 Ma). Widespread late Neoproterozoic intraplate mafic and A-type granitic magmatism occurred in the Tarim and its adjacent blocks (Central Tianshan, Yili, and Kazakhstan) along the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt, indicating that these blocks shared a similar geodynamic evolution related to the breakup of Rodinia.

Optimal reconstruction of constrained janbu method with ADP and non-integral safety factor

Notwithstanding the rich research on the slicing method, it is still impossible to accomplish the limit equilibrium analysis of all phases before the evaluation of the safety factor. Bearing this dilemma in view, in this paper, the Janbu method is optimized and reformulated by introducing adaptive dynamic programming (ADP). The fractional average safety factor is no longer used; instead, a sequence of safety factors is used. The critical slip state is chosen as the equilibrium point, the nonlinearity of safety coefficients of adjacent blocks is approximated by the neural network, and the remaining variables and constraints of the system are added to assist in transforming the original redundant safety coefficient evaluation-finding optimal solution problem into a Janbu-qualified cost function. The action network and critic network of ADP accomplish the boundary trajectory solving and safety evaluation, respectively. The validity of the method is verified when the optimized and reorganized framework is applied to solve the critical slip surface of a clay slope.

Triassic convergence and tectonic evolution of the West Qinling orogen: Constraints from reflection-seismology imaging

Although it is well known that the West Qinling orogen was created by the convergence and collision between the North China block (NCB) and the South China block (SCB), the process of the microplate convergence in the West Qinling orogen and its adjacent blocks remains poorly understood. Here we address this question by analyzing ∼ 400 km seismic-reflection-profile data to constrain the subsurface structure of the orogenic system. Our data reveal two north-dipping reflection sets sandwiched between a sub-horizontal Moho (16 s to 18 s, t.w.t.) and a decollement zone (∼6 s, t.w.t.) that separates the upper and mid-lower crusts. In detail, two sets of north-dipping reflectors occur beneath the Zoige basin (CDP 3000–4500, NR-1) and the southern West Qinling orogen (CDP 7000–10500, NR-2), which correlate to south-directed thrusts and are best interpreted as the result of the closure of the Paleo-Tethys Mianlue ocean in the early Triassic. This interpretation is consistent with the presence of an ocean separating the southern West Qinling orogen (S-WQO) from the northern West Qinling orogen (N-WQO). The origin of the required ocean is likely to be a branch of the Paleo-Tethys Mianlue ocean.

Observed hydrological changes associated with active tectonic blocks before three consecutive earthquakes in Qinghai, China

In the past 2 years, three earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 and above occurred consecutively in Qinghai province, China, i.e., the 22 May 2021 Ms7.4 Maduo, 8 January 2022 Ms6.9 Menyuan, and 26 March 2022 Ms6.0 Delingha earthquakes. The hydrological observation instruments set up by the China Earthquake Administration allow us to study the dynamic processes in the well-aquifer systems during the establishment of criticality. Particularly, the observations played an important role in the prediction of the 8 January 2022 Ms6.9 Menyuan earthquake that was approved by the People’s Government of Qinghai province. This work presents the hydrological data recorded by 7 stations to show the short-term anomalies before these earthquakes. To explore the performance of the hydrological observations in detecting earthquakes that occurred on different active tectonic blocks, we calculate the relative amplitudes of the pre-seismic changes. Results indicate that markedly pre-seismic change is found if the observation station and the detection earthquake are on the same block, and moderate change is found if they are on the adjacent blocks, while the precursor is hard to be identified if they are on the separated blocks. The variations in the hydrological responses may be caused by the strength weakening (or dilatancy) of source media. And the increased volumes in the crust can be evidenced by the changes in the geodetic time series in the same neighborhoods and during the same period, augmenting stress loading between the blocks.

Linking the Paleozoic evolution of Hainan Island to Indochina and Australia: Implication for the paleogeography of the Eastern Tethys Ocean

Paleozoic paleogeographic and tectonic evolution of blocks within the eastern Tethyan Orogenic Belt remains ambiguous due to limited and fragmentary geological records. New detrital zircon U-Pb-Hf isotopic analyses integrated with published data from Paleozoic strata in Hainan Island reveal three significant changes in provenance, providing excellent insights into the assembly record with adjacent blocks. Detrital zircon age spectra of early Cambrian strata from Hainan Island yield a major peak at 1.17 Ga, resembling equivalent units from the Kontum Massif (South Indochina) and were likely sourced from Australia. Mid-late Cambrian successions contain a dominantly 1.78–1.40 Ga zircon population sourced from Precambrian rocks on the island. Detrital zircon age spectra of late Ordovician samples yield major age peaks of 0.97 Ga and 0.45 Ga that originated from India and Indochina, respectively. The two provenance shifts in the Cambrian-Ordovician strata are interpreted to result from the consumption of a branch of the Proto-Tethys associated with progressive amalgamation of the Kontum (South Indochina)-Hainan-Australia block and Truong Son (North Indochina)-India-South China block. The late Devonian-early Carboniferous succession encompass significant ca. 368 Ma zircons derived from arc-related rocks that formed during initial subduction of the main Paleo-Tethys Ocean. The lack of ca. 970 Ma Indian-derived zircons within the Devonian-Carboniferous units suggests that Hainan Island rifted away from Gondwana before the late Devonian. Late Paleozoic detrital zircon age pattern of Hainan Island coincides with that of Indochina and North Qiangtang, but is distinct from that of Gondwana and South China, indicating that the coherent Hainan-Indochina-North Qiangtang continental sliver was separated from Gondwana and South China by the main Paleo-Tethys Ocean and the Ailaoshan Ocean, respectively.

Authorized Vehicles Only: Police, parking, and pedestrian access in New York City

Sidewalks and crosswalks do not benefit pedestrians if they are blocked by automobiles. In New York City, local media have documented that cars outside of law-enforcement offices routinely park on sidewalks and in crosswalks. This study systematically and longitudinally pursues this topic by tracking the geographic extent of this obstructive parking via in-person observation of the streets surrounding all 77 New York Police Department (NYPD) station houses, across all five boroughs. Combined with review of historical street imagery, this approach reveals widespread and longstanding parking on sidewalks, and to a lesser extent, in crosswalks. Of 77 NYPD station houses, 70 (91%) exhibited parking of at least one of these kinds, with sidewalk parking often extending along the entire block (and not simply in front of station houses), on adjacent blocks, and on both sides of the street. This renders many sidewalks impassable – forcing pedestrians into traffic – and in many cases directly abuts residences and businesses, curtailing access to such destinations. Longitudinally, such obstructive parking was present across 82% of 703 street-imagery data points, indicating this has largely become the default (and not occasional) use of adjacent sidewalks. In-person observation also demonstrated other ways this parking has had negative effects surrounding NYPD station houses, including double parking, obstruction of bus and bike lanes, and blocking of fire hydrants. These findings broaden the study of pedestrian accessibility and safety beyond the quality and design of sidewalks and intersections, to include chronic automotive obstruction, and indicate that parking behavior surrounding public-sector offices, if left unchecked, significantly degrades walkability.

A reassessment of the CSA S304 chi-factor for design of reinforced concrete masonry members: large-scale experimental investigation

An experimental investigation was conducted that consisted of 12 pairs of reinforced masonry specimens in which the two specimens were constructed with their longitudinal axes oriented parallel and perpendicular to the laboratory floor, respectively. This work was conducted to reassess the need for the χ-factor accounting for the direction of compressive stresses in masonry members in relation to the direction used to establish their masonry assemblage strength included in CSA S304-14— Design of Masonry Structures. Parameters investigated included block size and reinforcement ratio. Test results suggest that the χ-factor can be eliminated from future editions of CSA S304 but should be considered with caution: a review of the literature and the current tests show that, in some cases, voids may develop between the exterior webs of adjacent blocks and so may be the source of the reduction in the magnitude of the equivalent rectangular compressive stress block.

Detecting Urban Commercial Districts by Fusing Points of Interest and Population Heat Data with Region-Growing Algorithms

Reasonable urban commercial planning must clarify the location and scope of urban commercial districts (UCDs). However, existing studies typically detect spurious UCDs owing to the bias in a single data source while ignoring the continuity and ambiguity of commercial district boundaries. Therefore, in this study, we designed a two-stage approach for detecting UCDs. First, points of interest and population heat data were fused through hotspot and overlay analyses to detect core commercial areas. The boundaries of the UCDs were then identified by considering adjacent blocks using adjusted cosine similarity and region-growing algorithms. Finally, an experiment was conducted in Xiamen, revealing concentrated businesses on Xiamen Island and sparse businesses outside Xiamen Island. An experimental comparison with other strategies confirmed the improved modeling ability of this approach for the edge ambiguity of UCDs. This framework provides tools for urban commercial planning and helps recognize urban commercial patterns in a timely manner.

Reversible Data Hiding in Encrypted Images Based on an Adaptive Recognition Strategy for Blocks

As the rapid development of third-party storage and homomorphic encryption have profoundly stimulated the desire for secure communication, reversible data hiding in encrypted images has received widespread attention, since it allows lossless data conveying and perfect image recovery. In order to obtain secure reversible data hiding with high embedding capacity, a novel block embedding method is proposed, based on an adaptive recognition strategy for combined blocks in the binary image, with which the adjacent identical blocks can be integrated into a combination to reserve more spare bits for data accommodation. Furthermore, a fully reversible data hiding method for grayscale images in the encryption domain is designed. The secret data is hidden into lower bit-planes of the image while the original bits of those embedded lower pixels are recorded into the vacated space of higher bit-planes. The original image can be reconstructed flawlessly as well as the secret data being extracted without errors. To reinforce security, the original image and the secret data are encrypted and scrambled based on sequences generated with the high-dimension chaotic system. Due to its high sensitivity of initial values, the performance such as security and robustness is guaranteed. By comparing the PSNR value of the marked decrypted image and evaluating the quality of the extracted secret image, experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can obtain higher embedding capacity, achieving 0.2700–0.3924 bpp increment over the state-of-the-art methods, and recover the marked decrypted image with high visual symmetry/quality, and efficiently resist against potential attacks, such as the histogram analysis, differential, brute-force, JPEG attacks, and so on.

Privacy‐preserving remote sensing images recognition based on limited visual cryptography

AbstractWith the arrival of new data acquisition platforms derived from the Internet of Things (IoT), this paper goes beyond the understanding of traditional remote sensing technologies. Deep fusion of remote sensing and computer vision has hit the industrial world and makes it possible to apply Artificial intelligence to solve problems such as automatic extraction of information and image interpretation. However, due to the complex architecture of IoT and the lack of a unified security protection mechanism, devices in remote sensing are vulnerable to privacy leaks when sharing data. It is necessary to design a security scheme suitable for computation‐limited devices in IoT, since traditional encryption methods are based on computational complexity. Visual Cryptography (VC) is a threshold scheme for images that can be decoded directly by the human visual system when superimposing encrypted images. The stacking‐to‐see feature and simple Boolean decryption operation make VC an ideal solution for privacy‐preserving recognition for large‐scale remote sensing images in IoT. In this study, the secure and efficient transmission of high‐resolution remote sensing images by meaningful VC is achieved. By diffusing the error between the encryption block and the original block to adjacent blocks, the degradation of quality in recovery images is mitigated. By fine‐tuning the pre‐trained model from large‐scale datasets, we improve the recognition performance of small encryption datasets for remote sensing images. The experimental results show that the proposed lightweight privacy‐preserving recognition framework maintains high recognition performance while enhancing security.

Delineating protective boundaries using the HUL approach a case study: heritage waterways of Isfahan

PurposeThe UNESCO recommendation under the historic urban landscapes (HUL) title and Operational Guidelines (OPG) were used to create dynamic protective boundaries to maintain the integrity and authenticity of Isfahan's heritage waterways. Accordingly, by using GIS and Isfahan urban layers, three protective zones were proposed and evaluated; the central zone, the functional zone and the visual zone.Design/methodology/approachHeritage waterways in historic cities are not adequately protected against the negative impacts of urban development, and there is a lack of a dynamic protective system to protect their integrity and authenticity. The problem can be observed in Isfahan, a historic Iranian city, where the boundaries of urban heritage waterways (Madi canals) are usually rigid and arbitrary. This study aims to develop a practicable paradigm for determining protection boundaries for Isfahan's Jolfa Madi, an urban heritage waterway.FindingsCompared to the current protective boundaries, the authors found that proposed protective boundaries create a greater amount of protection space, which makes a strong connection among the ecological, historical and socio-economic characteristics of the urban context. Furthermore, the protective zones based on the HUL approach give Isfahan's urban planning policy the opportunity to consider participatory tools, financial tools and regulatory systems.Originality/valueMany studies have emphasized a fixed-width buffer or an arbitrary distance from the urban waterway's axis (urban heritage) or its banks. Although these protections include technical conservation or setting restrictions on the adjacent buildings and blocks, studying crucial concepts such as urban dynamic, urban heritage context and producing a particular technique for protected boundaries has not been investigated. In this article three dynamic boundaries are delineated with various functions in order to provide urban heritage with dynamic preservation and sustainable development for the historic urban landscapes.

Innovative FRP-Reinforced Self-Bearing Arches

The architectural beauty of curved structures is recognized worldwide. Owing to their balanced form, vaults, domes, and arches were largely adopted over the last centuries. Currently, the erection of new curved masonry structures is dramatically reduced. However, strengthening existing arches is often required to prevent their collapse under static or seismic force. Present limitations regarding such constructions include the antiquated and expensive erection technique employed for curved members. Moreover, the assembly of provisional supporting structures (scaffolding) is generally time- and cost-consuming. Accordingly, the following research provides an innovative construction method that focuses on overcoming the drawbacks of the scaffolding-based approach. A fast lift-up technique was developed to reduce the time and costs of traditional construction techniques. Specifically, the required number of blocks that constitute the arch in this study was aligned side by side on the floor and then connected using a bonded strip of composite material (i.e., FRP—fiber-reinforced polymer). The middle block was then lifted. Thus, each corresponding block could be rotated around the contact point with the adjacent block. When all blocks left the floor, an arch shape was achieved. To validate the proposed method in terms of mechanical performance, an experiment was conducted, as reported herein. A traditional masonry arch built using scaffolding was tested for comparison, and two types of reinforced arches were tested until failure. The first was traditionally built and then reinforced, whereas the second was built using the proposed innovative technique. The specimens were instrumented and tested under a centered or eccentric vertical point load. In all cases, the composite application prevented failure of the hinged joints, as is typical of unreinforced arches, resulting in significantly increased loadbearing capacity, which registered scatters of |11|% and |28|% for the centered and eccentric loads, respectively, when comparing the traditional reinforced arch with the innovative solution.

Tectonic evolution of circum-Rodinia subduction: Evidence from Neoproterozoic A-type granitic magmatism in the Central Tianshan Block, northwest China

Neoproterozoic igneous rocks associated with the assembly and configuration of the Rodinia supercontinent are widely distributed in the Central Tianshan Block, southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), northwest China. The Central Tianshan Block is an important geological unit in tectonic reconstructions of the CAOB and Rodinia. However, the early Neoproterozoic tectonic framework and evolution of the Central Tianshan Block are poorly understood. Here we present a geochronological, mineral and whole-rock geochemical, and Nd–Hf isotopic study of early Neoproterozoic augen granites from the Bingdaban area. In situ zircon U–Pb dating shows that the augen granites have crystallization ages of 1002–992 Ma. The augen granites have high SiO2 (70.46–76.24 wt%) and K2O (3.36–4.96 wt%) contents, and FeOT/(FeOT + MgO) ratios (0.76–0.84), low Mg# values (29–39), slightly enriched light rare earth element patterns, enriched large-ion lithophile elements, depleted high-field-strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti), and high 10,000 × Ga/Al ratios (2.3–8.3) and Zr + Nb + Ce + Y contents (256–408 ppm). The augen granites have geochemical features typical of A2-type granites, variable εNd(t) values of –1.64 to +6.87 and Nd model ages of 1.78–1.08 Ga, and zircon εHf(t) values of −1.96 to +6.42 with Hf model ages of 1.98–1.48 Ga. These data indicate the granites had a juvenile crustal-dominated source, with subordinate input of ancient crustal components, and formed in a subduction-related extensional setting. The extension might have been related to slab break-off beneath Rodinia. The early Neoproterozoic igneous rocks in the Central Tianshan and adjacent microcontinental blocks in the southwestern CAOB formed at or near an active continental margin, possibly part of the circum-Rodinian subduction zone during or after the assembly of Rodinia. Similar Neoproterozoic magmatism in the Central Tianshan and Yili blocks suggests that they had a comparable crustal evolution and a close tectonic and paleogeographic relationship during the Neoproterozoic. However, significant age and isotopic differences characterize the Central Tianshan–Yili blocks and Tarim Craton, suggesting that the Central Tianshan–Yili blocks were not separated from the Tarim Craton during the early Neoproterozoic.

Snap-interlock module system: Exploring an alternative architectural construction method

Responding to the rise of temporary architecture motivated by fast changing cultural and societal interests, construction methods must be adapted to meet the needs of reconfigurable systems. The prototype of Snap-Interlock Module System (SIMS) proposed in this study aims to integrate the simplicity of dry stacking as a primitive construction method through a coordinated joint system in order to increase material efficiency and structural integrity. This study explores a method of stacking blocks using unique interconnecting mechanisms without bonding agents to allow for reconfigurability. The considered unit of SIMS is configured to have four legs with integrated hooks on both top and bottom, allowing each block to snap into four adjacent blocks on either end. The centerpiece is designed such that each block can individually possess geometric versatility toward organic growth of the whole system. Larger assemblies of SIMS blocks can create full-scale structures without the use of bolting, welding, or other bonding agents. Finite element analysis demonstrates that the explored interlocking motion falls into the elastic range of the considered steel and confirms that structural integrity can be secured at the building scale as well. In order to test the proof-of-concept, 1:3 scaled Polylactic Acid (PLA) blocks are 3D printed and assembled into a 2.5 m tall portal frame, leading to a full-scale structural model executed with six full-scale steel blocks. The assembly and disassembly of both prototype structures are easily executed by a single individual. Despite the limitations of the chosen fabrication methods and material choices, the study promises diverse applications in the changing urban context and contributes to the broader sustainability of our built environment via an alternative and reconfigurable construction method.

Effect of Precompression and Material Uncertainty on the In-Plane Behavior of URM Pier–Spandrel Systems

Theoretical and experimental studies on loadbearing masonry walls have shown the significant influence of the axial load level (i.e., precompression) and wall aspect ratio on in-plane lateral resistance. Nonetheless, the impact of the precompression and spatial variability of the material properties needs to be further investigated at the scale of walls with openings. This study presents a stochastic analysis of unreinforced (URM) pier–spandrel systems subjected to both axial loads on piers and lateral loads, considering the spatial variation in material properties. A discontinuum-based computational model was utilized to assess the force–displacement behavior of a benchmark pier–spandrel structure under different vertical precompression levels on piers. A total of 750 simulations were carried out to propagate material uncertainties in lateral load analysis. The proposed modeling strategy, based on the discrete element method, explicitly represents joint openings, sliding, and crushing phenomena at the contact points defined between the adjacent discrete rigid blocks. According to the validated computational modeling strategy, meaningful inferences were made regarding the effect of the precompression level on the maximum displacement and ultimate lateral load-carrying capacity of the benchmark URM pier–spandrel system. The results showed that vertical pressure on piers had considerable influence on the displacement ductility of the system while yielding less variation in the displacement capacity. Furthermore, the appealing feature of the spatial probabilistic analysis is noted in the variation in the lateral load-carrying capacity of the structural system.

Color assignment optimization for categorical data visualization with adjacent blocks

Color assignment optimization for categorical data visualization with adjacent blocks

Improving Image Compression With Adjacent Attention and Refinement Block

Recently, learned image compression algorithms have shown incredible performance compared to classic hand-crafted image codecs. Despite its considerable achievements, the fundamental disadvantage is not optimized for retaining local redundancies, particularly non-repetitive patterns, which have a detrimental influence on the reconstruction quality. This paper introduces the autoencoder-style network-based efficient image compression method, which contains three novel blocks, i.e., adjacent attention block, Gaussian merge block, and decoded image refinement block, to improve the overall image compression performance. The adjacent attention block allocates the additional bits required to capture spatial correlations (both vertical and horizontal) and effectively remove worthless information. The Gaussian merge block assists the rate-distortion optimization performance, while the decoded image refinement block improves the defects in low-resolution reconstructed images. A comprehensive ablation study analyzes and evaluates the qualitative and quantitative capabilities of the proposed model. Experimental results on two publicly available datasets reveal that our method outperforms the state-of-the-art methods on the KODAK dataset (by around 4dB and 5dB) and CLIC dataset (by about 4dB and 3dB) in terms of PSNR and MS-SSIM.