Independent Setup Research Articles

3DCD: Scene Independent End-to-End Spatiotemporal Feature Learning Framework for Change Detection in Unseen Videos.

Change detection is an elementary task in computer vision and video processing applications. Recently, a number of supervised methods based on convolutional neural networks have reported high performance over the benchmark dataset. However, their success depends upon the availability of certain proportions of annotated frames from test video during training. Thus, their performance on completely unseen videos or scene independent setup is undocumented in the literature. In this work, we present a scene independent evaluation (SIE) framework to test the supervised methods in completely unseen videos to obtain generalized models for change detection. In addition, a scene dependent evaluation (SDE) is also performed to document the comparative analysis with the existing approaches. We propose a fast (speed-25 fps) and lightweight (0.13 million parameters, model size-1.16 MB) end-to-end 3D-CNN based change detection network (3DCD) with multiple spatiotemporal learning blocks. The proposed 3DCD consists of a gradual reductionist block for background estimation from past temporal history. It also enables motion saliency estimation, multi-schematic feature encoding-decoding, and finally foreground segmentation through several modular blocks. The proposed 3DCD outperforms the existing state-of-the-art approaches evaluated in both SIE and SDE setup over the benchmark CDnet 2014, LASIESTA and SBMI2015 datasets. To the best of our knowledge, this is a first attempt to present results in clearly defined SDE and SIE setups in three change detection datasets.

Computational Experiments on Workflow Balancing of Parallel Machine Scheduling with Precedence Constraints and Sequence Independent Setup Time

The workflow balancing of parallel machines scheduling (PMS) with precedence constraints and sequence independent setup time is considered for study. The setup time consideration produces alternate schedule along with lesser relative percentage of imbalance (RPI) value for PMS problem is demonstrated with an example. The lesser RPI indicates better workflow balancing among machines. The computational experiments are conducted on large instances of randomly generated PMS problems with precedent constraints and setup time. The various combinations of heuristics are used to solve the problems. The results show that genetic algorithm (GA) performs well against the other heuristics with lesser RPI values

Non‐Stationary Complementary Non‐Uniform Sampling (NOSCO NUS) for Fast Acquisition of Serial 2D NMR Titration Data

AbstractNMR spectroscopy offers unique benefits for ligand binding studies on isotopically labelled target proteins. These benefits include atomic resolution, direct distinction of binding sites and modes, a lowest detectable affinity limit, and function independent setup. Yet, retracing protein signal assignments from apo to holo states to derive exact dissociation constants and chemical shift perturbation amplitudes (for ligand docking and structure‐based optimization) requires lengthy titration series of 2D heteronuclear correlation spectra at variable ligand concentration that may exceed the protein's lifetime and available spectrometer time. We present a novel method to overcome this critical limitation, based on non‐stationary complementary non‐uniform sampling (NOSCO NUS) combined with a robust particle swarm optimization algorithm. We illustrate its potential in two challenging studies with very distinct protein sizes and binding affinities, showing that NOSCO NUS can reduce measurement times by an order of magnitude to make such highly informative NMR titration studies more broadly feasible.

Modified differential evolution and heuristic algorithms for dump tippler machine allocation in a typical sugar mill in Thailand

This paper focuses on a computational tool for scheduling and sequencing sugarcane vehicles for dump tippler machines at the mill yard of a sugar mill, which can be represented as an NP-hard problem for parallel capacitated machines with machine restrictions, job grouping, and sequencing independent setup time. This research aims to determine the optimal sequencing of jobs, i.e. minimizing the makespan by considering machine restrictions, capacitated machines, group size, number of jobs, and the constraints of the sugar mill. In the considered problem machines alternatively operate, that distinguishes it from a general parallel machine problem. The mixed integer linear programing model is developed for solving the small-scale problem instances. Large-scale instances are handled by four heuristics, and four differential evolution (DE) metaheuristics. In order to improve the computational results, solution quality and computation time were considered. In addition, modified DE algorithms were used in encoding operation (initial solution), mutation and local search operation. The computational results revealed that the modified DE algorithms had higher relative improvement on the makespan. Furthermore, this decision-making support tool was implemented as a prototype in the sector of cane and sugar industry in Thailand and extended to other similar industries.

Impact of COVID-19 on gastrointestinal endoscopy practice in India: a cross-sectional study.

Background and study aims Gastrointestinal endoscopy, being an aerosol-generating procedure, has the potential to transmit Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) during the current pandemic. Adequate knowledge is the key to prevention. A survey, perhaps the first, was conducted among Indian endoscopists to assess the impact of Coronavirus Disease (COVID)-19 on gastroinestinal endoscopy practice in the country. Methods From April 24 to 28, 2020, an electronic survey (using Google Form) was conducted with 23 questions (single or multiple answers) on: (1) endoscopy practice before the pandemic; (2) knowledge about COVID-19; and (3) its impact on endoscopy practice. Results Responses were received from 375 of 1205 (31.1 %) endoscopists. Most (35.7 %) were young (31–40 years), practicing in corporate multi-speciality hospitals (44.6 %) or independent practice set-up (17.7 %) in metropolitan cities (55.6 %) and urban areas (42.3 %). In most units (75.4 %), fewer than 10 % of procedures performed are endoscopies, as compared to before the pandemic. A reduction in volume of endoscopy related to restriction of the routine procedures by the latest guideline was reported by 86.9 % of respondents. Most are using N95 masks (74.7 %) and/or complete personal protective equipment (PPE, 49.2 %) during endoscopic procedures . Only 18.3 % of respondents had access to negative pressure rooms either within (5.4 %) or outside (12.9 %) the usual endoscopy suite. Conclusion Endoscopy units in India are performing fewer than 10 % of their usual volumes due to current restrictions. Resources to follow current international guidelines, including use of negative pressure rooms and PPE, are limited. Alternate measures are needed to keep up the services.

SPWM BASED BATTERY AND PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE-INTEGRATED STAND-ALONE SINGLE-STAGE SWITCHED CAPACITOR INVERTER FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT

An exchanged capacitor (SC) based inverter that tracks the greatest power point (MPP) of a photovoltaic (PV) source and produces an unadulterated sine yield is exhibited. To empower reconciliation with the PV module, productivity and minimization are augmented with a solitary stage topology that tracks the MPP of the PV source, supports the info dc voltage, and creates a controlled air conditioning yield in an independent setup with degree for network associated applications. The SC inverter is acknowledged with numerous indistinguishable SC squares controlled by sinusoidal heartbeat width regulation and load-subordinate yield capacitor alteration. A nitty gritty consistent state investigation is completed, and a scientific model is inferred to comprehend the association of different inverter parameters on one another and to ideally pick the inverter segments. An equipment model of the independent single-organize SC inverter that works from a 60 V/70 W PV module and conveys a 110 Vrms, 50 Hz yield is wired to show the working of the proposed MPP following inverter under various working conditions. A reversal effectiveness > 95%, a following proficiency > 97%, and an all out consonant contortion (THD) < 4% have been for all intents and purposes accomplished. Every one of the subtleties of this work are displayed. Augmentation: Here we are adding battery to pv framework to store the vitality and in remote regions chiefly in slope stations, the electric shaft can't be embedded which makes the zap excessively troublesome. So as to redress the issue of zap in such regions, we need to actualize sun oriented power plant. The fundamental point of this paper is to advance the promising answer for give power where matrix isn't accessible. The proposed arrangement which can support the low voltage of photovoltaic (PV) exhibit, can likewise change over the sunlight based dc control into top notch air conditioning power for driving independent burdens with no channel and insurance of over charge and release of battery. In this paper examination, reenactment results are exhibited.

Heuristics with novel approaches for cyclical multiple parallel machine scheduling in sugarcane unloading systems

This paper focuses on a computational tool for scheduling sugarcane vehicles for dump tippler machines operating at a sugar mill. This problem was defined as scheduling M parallel capacitated machines with a cyclic sequence where machine restriction, and sequencing independent setup time are included with the objective to minimise makespan. To solve the problem, mathematical programing was developed to solve small-sized problems, while realistic-sized problems were solved by an effective metaheuristic called variable neighbourhood strategy adaptive search (VaNSAS). According to our literature review, it is the first time that VaNSAS has ever been proposed to solve the problem. The procedure, formulae and components of VaNSAS were first created based on the idea of increasing the search performance of existing heuristics. Additionally, K-variable move heuristics have been also first proposed. The VaNSAS was developed using the traditional Differential Evolution (DE) with heuristics embedded in it to obtain near optimal conditions for solving realistic-sized problems. The numerical results showed that the VaNSAS outperformed all other proposed methods, since it could often find new optimal solutions during the simulation, while the local search based heuristics were often trapped at some local optima and the DE lacked search intensification.

Ant Colonized and Taguchi Parallel Scheduliing with Sequence Independent Setup Time

The Job Shop Parallel Machine Scheduling (JSPMS) is a hybrid production system, and hence has received significant attention in the past few years. The JSPMS problem is a rationalization of the traditional job shop scheduling problem in computer science and operation research that permits to process operations on single machine out of a set of possible parallel machines. To maximize the job completion rate and minimize job completion time, a hybrid production system is necessary. With this objective, a novel meta-heuristic method is designed. This paper develops a scheduling method called, Ant Colonized and Taguchi Parallel Operation Scheduling (ACTPOS), for JSPMS, aimed to minimize job completion time and maximize job completion rate. The design of AC-TPOS method involves two different models, namely, Ant Colonized Parallel Machine Selection (ACPMS) model and Taguchi Parallel Operation Scheduling (TPOS) model. In ACPMS model, optimal selection of machine is done via operation being processed by parallel machines using local pheromone updating rule concentrating on the makespan time. In addition, the processing time and sequence-independent setup time are considered. Next, in TPOS model, optimal scheduling of operation is performed using Taguchi method concentrating on the makespan rate. Finally, the test results first show that our algorithm outperforms existing methods in terms of job completion rate, job completion time and computational complexity involved in scheduling operations.

Investigation of a synthetic diamond detector response in kilovoltage photon beams.

An important characteristic of radiation dosimetry detectors is their energy response which consists of absorbed-dose and intrinsic energy responses. The former can be characterized using Monte Carlo (MC) simulations, whereas the latter (i.e., detector signal per absorbed dose to detector) is extracted from experimental data. Such a characterization is especially relevant when detectors are used in nonrelative measurements at a beam quality that differs from the calibration beam quality. Having in mind the possible application of synthetic diamond detectors (microDiamond PTW 60019, Freiburg, Germany) for nonrelative dosimetry of low-energy brachytherapy (BT) beams, we determined their intrinsic and absorbed-dose energy responses in 25-250kV beams relative to a 60 Co beam, which is usually the reference beam quality for detector calibration in radiotherapy. Three microDiamond detectors and, for comparison, two silicon diodes (PTW 60017) were calibrated in terms of air-kerma free in air in six x-ray beam qualities (from 25 to 250kV) and in terms of absorbed dose to water in a 60 Co beam at the national metrology laboratory in Sweden. The PENELOPE/penEasy MC radiation transport code was used to calculate the absorbed-dose energy response of the detectors (modeled based on blueprints) relative to air and water depending on calibration conditions. The MC results were used to extract the relative intrinsic energy response of the detectors from the overall energy response. Measurements using an independent setup with a single ophthalmic BEBIG I25.S16 125 I BT seed (effective photon energy of 28keV) were used as a qualitative check of the extracted intrinsic energy response correction factors. Additionally, the impact of the thickness of the active volume as well as the presence of extra-cameral components on the absorbed-dose energy response of a microDiamond detector was studied using MC simulations. The relative intrinsic energy response of the microDiamond detectors was higher by a factor of 2 in 25 and 50kV beams compared to the 60 Co beam. The variation in the relative intrinsic energy response of silicon diodes was within 10% over the investigated photon energy range. The use of relative intrinsic energy response correction factors improved the agreement among the absorbed dose to water values determined using microDiamond detectors and silicon diodes, as well as with the TG-43 formalism-based calculations for the 125 I seed. MC study of microDiamond detector design features provided a possible explanation for inter-detector response variation at low-energy photon beams by differences in the effective thickness of the active volume. MicroDiamond detectors had a non-negligible variation in the relative intrinsic energy response (factor of 2) which was comparable to that in the absorbed-dose energy response relative to water at low-energy photon beams. Silicon diodes, in contrast, had an absorbed-dose energy dependence on photon energy that varied by a factor of 6, whereas the intrinsic energy dependence on beam quality was within 10%. It is important to decouple these two responses for a full characterization of detector energy response especially when the user and reference beam qualities differ significantly, and MC alone is not enough.

New Energy Setup Strategy for Intact N-Glycopeptides Characterization Using Higher-Energy Collisional Dissociation.

With the optional setting of multiple stepped collisional energies (NCEs), higher-energy collisional dissociation (HCD) as available on Orbitrap instruments is a widely adopted dissociation method for intact N-glycopeptides characterization, where peptide backbones and N-glycan moieties are selectively fragmented at high and low NCEs, respectively. Initially, a dependent setting of a central value plus minus a variation is available to the users to set up NCEs, and the combination of 30 ± 10% to give the energies 20%/30%/40% has been mostly adopted in the literature. With the recent availability of an independent NCEs setup, we found that the combination of 20%/30%/30% is better than 20%/30%/40%; in the analysis of complex intact N-glycopeptides enriched from gastric cancer tissues, total IDs with spectrum-level FDR ≤ 1%, site-specific IDs with site-determining fragment ions, and structure-specific IDs with structure-diagnostic fragment ions were increased by 42% (4,767 → 6,746), 57% (599 → 942), and 97% (1771 → 3495), respectively. This finding will benefit all the coming N-glycoproteomics studies using HCD as the dissociation method.

Confirmation of the existence of the X17 particle

In a 2016 paper, an anomaly in the internal pair creation on the M1 transition depopulating the 18.15 MeV isoscalar 1+ state on 8Be was observed. This could be explained by the creation and subsequent decay of a new boson, with mass mXc2 = 16.70 MeV. Further experiments of the same transition with an improved and independent setup were performed, which constrained the mass of the X17 boson (mXc2) and its branching ratio relative to the γ-decay of the 8Be excited state (BX), to mXc2 = 17.01(16) MeV and BX = 6(1) 10−6, respectively. Using the latter setup, the e+e− pairs depopulating the 21 MeV Jπ = 0− 0+ transition in 4He were investigated and a resonance in the angular correlation of the pairs was observed, which could be explained by the same X17 particle, with mass mXc2 = 16.98 ± 0.16(stat) ± 0.20(syst) MeV.

Low Cost 2 Station Industrial Automation Trainer

The study designed and developed a Low Cost 2- Station Industrial Automation Trainer using locally available parts. It is composed of two (2) workstations, namely; (1) Pick and Place Robotic Arm and (2) Sorting Device, which is commonly used and found in modern industries today. It can also be re-configured as either interconnected or stand-alone station/s since each of them has an independent set-up and capability. Initially, it is designed to detect and sort three (3) kinds of work pieces namely; iron, aluminum and copper. This can set up can be revised according to the specifications of the end-users. This research aimed to address the problem of inadequate training facilities in SUCs, especially in Industrial Automation/Mechatronics because of expensive training equipment. The project is intended not only for use in SUCs but it can also be used in actual industry settings, particularly in the training of workers in the different aspects of manufacturing processes.

Regional adaptive affinitive patterns (RADAP) with logical operators for facial expression recognition

Automated facial expression recognition plays a significant role in the study of human behaviour analysis. In this study, the authors propose a robust feature descriptor named regional adaptive affinitive patterns (RADAP) for facial expression recognition. The RADAP computes positional adaptive thresholds in the local neighbourhood and encodes multi-distance magnitude features which are robust to intra-class variations and irregular illumination variation in an image. Furthermore, they established cross-distance co-occurrence relations in RADAP by using logical operators. They proposed XRADAP, ARADAP, and DRADAP using xor, adder and decoder, respectively. The XRADAP engrains the quality of robustness to intra-class variations in RADAP features using pairwise co-occurrence. Similarly, ARADAP and DRADAP extract more stable and illumination invariant features and capture the minute expression features which are usually missed by regular descriptors. The performance of the proposed methods is evaluated by conducting experiments on nine benchmark datasets Cohn-Kanade+ (CK+), Japanese female facial expression (JAFFE), Multimedia Understanding Group (MUG), MMI, OULU-CASIA, Indian spontaneous expression database, DISFA, AFEW and Combined (CK+, JAFFE, MUG, MMI & GEMEP-FERA) database in both person dependent and person independent setup. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method over state-of-the-art approaches.

Emanation and bulk fluorescence in liquid argon from tetraphenyl butadiene wavelength shifting coatings

We study the stability of three types of popularly employed TPB coatings under immersion in liquid argon. TPB emanation from each coating is quantified by fluorescence assay of molecular sieve filter material after a prolonged soak time. Two of the coatings are shown to emanate a detectable concentration of TPB into argon over a 24 hour period, which corresponds to tens of parts per billion in argon by mass. In an independent setup, the dissolved or suspended TPB is shown to produce a wavelength shifting effect in the argon bulk. Interpretations of these results and implications for present and future liquid argon time projection chamber experiments are discussed.

External Cavity Tunability of Some NIR Semiconductor Lasers

In this paper, tunability of four near-infrared semiconductor lasers which typically lase at 783nm, 808 nm, 892 nm and 980 nm is studied. Both Littrow (wavelength dependent beam direction setup) and Littman (wavelength independent beam direction setup) configurations have been used for single mode tuning. In addition, the tunability of 783 nm laser in dual mode tuning is studied in both Littrow and Litman configurations. The wavelength and the power of the output beam of the laser have been measured. In all four cases, Littrow configuration shows a little better tuning range. In both Littrow and Littman configurations, the wavelengths near the main wavelength of the laser had more power. The highest achieved power of these lasers in the Littrow setup was more than that of the Littman setup. Moreover, the tuning speed and effect of tuning on the bandwidth of the laser were investigated.

IDENTICAL PARALLEL MACHINES SCHEDULING USING GENETIC ALGORITHM

Minimizing the scheduling production time consider one of the most important factors forcompanies which their objectives is achieve the maximum profits. This paper studies theidentical parallel machine scheduling problem which involves the assignment numbers ofjob (N) to set of identical parallel machine (M) in order to minimize the makespan(maximum completion time of all job). There are numerous troubles in solving the largesize of “parallel machine scheduling” problem with an excessive jobs and machines, sothe genetic algorithm was proposed in this paper which is consider an efficient algorithmthat fits larger size of identical “parallel machine scheduling” for minimizing themakespan. Most studies in the scheduling field suppose setup time is insignificant orincluded in the processing time, in this paper both the sequence independent setup timesand processing time were considered. The solutions of algorithms are coding in(MATLAB). A numerical example of (11) jobs are schedule on (3) machines todemonstrative the effectiveness of algorithm solution. The result show the algorithm caneffectively solve large size of scheduling problem and given the best schedule withminimum makespan.

New results on the 8Be anomaly

Recently, we observed anomalous internal pair creation for the M1 transition depopulating the 18.15 MeV isoscalar 1+ state in 8Be. We observed a significant (σ = 7.37) peak-like deviation from the predicted angular correlation of the e+ e pairs at θ = 140°. To the best of our knowledge no nuclear physics related description of such deviation can be made. However, the deviation can be described by assuming the creation and subsequent decay of a boson with mass of ≈17 MeV. In order to clarify the interpretation, we re-investigated the 8Be anomaly with an improved, and independent setup. We have confirmed the signal of the assumed X(17) particle and constrained its mass (m0c2 = 17.01(16) MeV) and branching ratio compared to the γ-decay (Bx = 6(1) × 10−6).

AfpCOOL: A tool for antifreeze protein prediction

Various cold-adapted organisms produce antifreeze proteins (AFPs), which prevent the freezing of cell fluids by inhibiting the growth of ice crystals. AFPs are currently being recognized in various organisms, living in extremely low temperatures. AFPs have several important applications in increasing freeze tolerance of plants, maintaining the tissue in frozen conditions and producing cold-hardy plants by applying transgenic technology. Substantial differences in the sequence and structure of the AFPs, pose a challenge for researchers to identify these proteins. In this paper, we proposed a novel method to identify AFPs, using supportive vector machine (SVM) by incorporating 4 types of features. Results of the two used benchmark datasets, revealed the strength of the proposed method in AFP prediction. According to the results of an independent test setup, our method outperformed the current state-of-the-art methods. In addition, the comparison results of the discrimination power of different feature types revealed that physicochemical descriptors are the most contributing features in AFP detection. This method has been implemented as a stand-alone tool, named afpCOOL, for various operating systems to predict AFPs with a user friendly graphical interface.

Linac-based VMAT radiosurgery for multiple brain lesions: comparison between a conventional multi-isocenter approach and a new dedicated mono-isocenter technique

BackgroundLinac-based stereotactic radiosurgery or fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (SRS/FSRT) of multiple brain lesions using volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is typically performed by a multiple-isocenter approach, i.e. one isocenter per lesion, which is time-demanding for the need of independent setup verifications of each isocenter. Here, we present our initial experience with a new dedicated mono-isocenter technique with multiple non-coplanar arcs (HyperArc™, Varian Inc.) in terms of a plan comparison with a multiple-isocenter VMAT approach.MethodsFrom August 2017 to October 2017, 20 patients with multiple brain metastases (mean 5, range 2–10) have been treated by HyperArc in 1–3 fractions. The prescribed doses (Dp) were 18–25 Gy in single-fraction, and 21–27 Gy in three-fractions. Planning Target Volume (PTV), defined by a 2 mm isotropic margin from each lesion, had mean dimension of 9.6 cm3 (range 0.5–27.9 cm3). Mono-isocenter HyperArc VMAT plans (HA) with 5 non-coplanar 180°-arcs (couch at 0°, ±45°, ±90°) were generated and compared to multiple-isocenter VMAT plans (RA) with 2 coplanar 360°-arcs per isocenter. A dose normalization of 100%Dp at 98%PTV was adopted, while D2%(PTV) < 150%Dp was accepted. All plans had to respect the constraints on maximum dose to the brainstem (D0.5cm3 < 18 Gy) as well as to the optical nerves/chiasm, eyes and lenses (D0.5cm3 < 15 Gy). HA and RA plans were compared in terms of dose-volume metrics, by Paddick conformity (CI) and gradient (GI) index and by V12 and mean dose to the brain-minus-PTV, and in terms of MU and overall treatment time (OTT) per fraction. OTT was measured for HA treatments, whereas for RA plans OTT was estimated by assuming 3 min. For initial patient setup plus 5 min. For each CBCT-guided setup correction per isocenter.ResultsSignificant variations in favour of HA plans were computed for both target dose indexes, CI (p < .01) and GI (p < .01). The lower GI in HA plans was the likely cause of the significant reduction in V12 to the brain-minus-PTV (p = .023). Although at low doses, below 2–5 Gy, the sparing of the brain-minus-PTV was in favour of RA plans, no significant difference in terms of mean doses to the brain-minus-PTV was observed between the two groups (p = .31). Finally, both MU (p < .01) and OTT (p < .01) were significantly reduced by HyperArc plans.ConclusionsFor linac-based SRS/FSRT of multiple brain lesions, HyperArc plans assured a higher CI and a lower GI than standard multiple-isocenter VMAT plans. This is consistent with the computed reduction in V12 to the brain-minus-PTV. Finally, HyperArc treatments were completed within a typical 20 min. time slot, with a significant time reduction with respect to the expected duration of multiple-isocenters VMAT.

A study of job shop standard setup time quota

For the multi-item and small lot size production mode and single machine job shop scheduling sequence independent setup time, many setup times are difficult to estimate accurately, which influences the ability to achieve accurate production cycles and costs of products. The survey shows that the length of the setup time depends on the level of employee’s knowledge. Therefore, a method for determining the standard setup time quota based on the level of employees’ knowledge is proposed. First, an evaluation index system for the level of employee’s knowledge is built; the level of employee’s knowledge is estimated by the masses and experts fuzzy comprehension evaluation and entropy method. Second, the range and definition of the level of employees’ knowledge index are developed. Third, the relational model of the employee’s knowledge level and the level of employees’ knowledge index is constructed through the least squares method. Finally, an example application is presented to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed model.