A new model for automatic normalization of multitemporal satellite images using Artificial Neural Network and mathematical methods

Relative Radiometric Normalization is often required in remote sensing image analyses particularly in the land cover change detection process. Normalization process minimizes the radiometric differences between two images caused by inequalities in the acquisition conditions rather than changes in surface reflectance. A wide range of RRN methods have been developed to adjust linear models. This paper proposes an automated Relative Radiometric Normalization (RRN) method to adjust a non-linear model based on an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and unchanged pixels. The proposed method includes the following stages: (1) automatic detection of unchanged pixels based on a new idea that uses CVA (Change Vector Análysis) method, PCA (Principal Component Analysis) transformation and K-means clustering technique, (2) evaluation of different architectures of perceptron neural networks to find the best architecture for this specific task and (3) use of the aforementioned network for normalizing the subject image. The method has been implemented on two images taken by the TM sensor. Experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the presented technique in the automatic detection of unchanged pixels and minimizing imaging condition effects (i.e., atmosphere and other effective parameters).     

Varieties of Pragmatic Encroachment

According to a recent view, known as the 'pragmatic encroachment' thesis, an agent’s non-truth-related factors are relevant to the epistemic status of her beliefs. In particular, in addition to truth-related factors, practical factors are said to be relevant to the question whether or not true belief amounts to knowledge. Despite the intuitive appeal of the thesis, however, it is puzzling how practical factors can impact the truth-related factors that ground the epistemic status of one's beliefs. In this paper, I will distinguish between a strong and a weak sense of the way in which practical factors are said to be thus relevant. Their differences are explicated in terms of the nature and the extent to which practical factors are said to impact the epistemic status of one's beliefs. I begin by considering a strong version of the thesis that suggests principles according to which the practical rationality of one's actions is a necessary condition on knowledge and justification. Having noted an inadequacy in the formulation of such principles, the arguments in their support are subsequently stated and criticized. Finally, I identify two modest versions of the thesis of pragmatic encroachment and argue that they, too, fail to explain how practical factors can bear on the epistemic status of one's beliefs.     

Strong Convergence of an Inexact Proximal Point Algorithm in a Banach Space

Journal of Optimization Theory and Applications - By using our own approach, we study the strong convergence of an inexact proximal point algorithm with possible unbounded errors for a maximal...     

Spontaneous emission in the near field of two-dimensional photonic crystals

We show theoretically that photonic crystal membranes cause large variations in the spontaneous emission rate of dipole emitters, not only inside but also in the near field above the membranes. Our three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain calculations reveal an inhibition of more than five times and an enhancement of more than ten times for the spontaneous emission rate of emitters with select dipole orientations and frequencies. Furthermore, we demonstrate theoretically the potential of a nanoscopic emitter attached to the end of a glass fiber tip as a local probe for mapping the large spatial variations of the photonic crystal local radiative density of states. This arrangement is promising for on-command modification of the coupling between an emitter and the photonic crystal in quantum optical experiments.     

甲烷氧化偶联锂/氧化镁催化剂和纳米催化剂

采用初湿浸渍和溶胶凝胶法分别制备了Li/MgO催化剂和Li/MgO纳米催化剂. 比较两种Li/MgO催化剂对于甲烷氧化偶联反应的催化性能. 采用X射线衍射、BET吸附和透射电镜进行了表征.在973-1073 K和总压力为101 kPa下对催化剂进行了测试. 实验结果表明,Li/MgO纳米催化剂比普通催化剂对于甲烷氧化偶联反应表现为更高的甲烷转换率,较高选择性和较高的的主要产品(乙烷和乙烯)的产率.     

Application of Monte Carlo simulation method to polymerization kinetics over Ziegler–Natta catalysts

In the current work, the Monte Carlo simulation method was applied to ethylene polymerization over Ziegler–Natta catalysts. As expected, polymerization over each center of a Ziegler–Natta catalyst leads to a polymer having a Schultz–Flory molecular weight distribution. Notwithstanding, the total molecular weight distribution obtained by all catalyst centers together is at least twice as broad as that of each center. As another interesting finding, the introduction of hydrogen to the reaction deactivates the catalyst active centers and thereby reduces the catalyst activity. Nevertheless, it does not mainly affect the polymerization kinetics. In addition, the polymer molecular weight falls as hydrogen is added to the reaction since it acts as a strong transfer agent. The same effect is seen when cocatalyst concentration increases. Hydrogen also widens the polymer molecular weight distribution. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 41: 45–56, 2009     

Physical and Rheological Characteristics of Emulsion Model Structures Containing Iranian Tragacanth Gum and Oleic Acid

The physical and rheological properties of oil in water model emulsion systems containing Iranian tragacanth gum (TG) (0.5, 1 g/100 ml emulsions), whey protein isolate (WPI) (2, 4 g/100 ml emulsions), and oleic acid (5, 10 ml/100 ml emulsions) were investigated for droplet-size distribution, creaming index, and rheological properties of emulsions. The shear-thinning behavior of all dispersions was modeled using power law, Cross, and Ellis models. The power law model described the flow behavior of dispersions for its lowest standard error (0.29) and highest determination coefficient (R²) (0.99). Rheological investigation showed that both loss (G″) and storage (G′) modules increased as gum and oil content increased. Delta degree was 0.1 and increased as frequency increased, indicating that liquid-like viscose behavior dominated solid-like elastic behavior. Droplet-size distribution was measured by light scattering and microscopic observations revealed a flocculated system. Gum, WPI, and oil contents decreased the emulsion creaming index with gum concentration having the greatest effect.     

Ligandless-ultrasound-assisted emulsification microextraction followed by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry for simultaneous determination of heavy metals in water samples

In this study, a simple and efficient method of ligandless-ultrasound-assisted emulsification microextraction (LL-USAEME) followed by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) has been developed for simultaneous extraction, preconcentration and determination of manganese, cadmium, cobalt and nickel in water samples. In the proposed approach, tetrachloroethylene was selected as extraction solvent. The effect of important experimental factors such as volume of extraction solvent, pH, sonication time, salt concentration, and temperature was investigated by using a fractional factorial design (2^5?1) to identify important factors and their interactions. In the next step, a Box-Behnken design (BBD) was applied for optimisation of significant factors. The obtained optimal conditions were: 30?µL for extraction solvent, 12 for pH, 5?min for sonication time, and 5% w/v for salt concentration. The limits of detections (LODs) for Cd(II), Co(II), Mn(II) and Ni(II) were 0.20, 0.13, 0.21 and 0.28?µg?L^?1, respectively. Relative standard deviations (RSD, C?=?200.0?µg?L^?1, n?=?9) were between 3.4–7.5% and the calibration graphs were linear in the range of 0.25 to 1000.0?µg?L^?1 for Mn, 0.5–1000.0?µg?L^?1 for Co and Ni and 1.0–250.0?µg?L^?1 for Cd. The determination coefficients (R ²) of the calibration curves for the analytes were in the range of 0.993 to 0.999. The proposed method was validated by using two certified reference materials, and also the method was applied successfully for the determination of heavy metals in different real water samples.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Crystal Structure of a Chromium(III)‐Complex Containing 2,6‐Pyridinedicarboxylic Acid and 1,10‐Phenanthroline

The reaction of solution 2,6‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid and 1,10‐phenanthroline ( 1 ) with CrCl₃·6H₂O led to the complex [Cr(phen)(pydc)(H₂O)][Cr(pydc)₂]·4H₂O ( 2 ) (phen is 1,10‐phenanthroline and pydcH₂ is 2,6‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid). 2 was characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and single‐crystal structure determination. Crystal data for 2 at ?80 °C: triclinic, space group , a = 818.5(1), b = 1492.2(1), c = 1533.6(2) pm, α = 76.45(1)°, β = 84.22(1)°, γ = 77.99(1)°, Z = 2, R₁ = 0.0416.     

Copper-catalyzed domino reaction between terminal alkynes,isocyanates, and oxiranes: An atom-economic route to morpholine derivatives

In situ generated copper acetylides react with isocyanates and oxiranes to form a decent range of morpholine derivatives. The reactions proceeded with acceptable yields and excellent regioselectivity. The presence of oxygen and moisture completely inhibited the reaction. The scope of the reaction is wide and the reactions involve consecutive C–C, C–N, and C–O bond formations.