A multiscale fourth‐order model for the image inpainting and low‐dimensional sets recovery

We consider a fourth‐order variational model, to solve the image inpainting problem, with the emphasis on the recovery of low‐dimensional sets (edges and corners) and the curvature of the edges. The model permits also to perform simultaneously the restoration (filtering) of the initial image where this one is available. The multiscale character of the model follows from an adaptive selection of the diffusion parameters that allows us to optimize the regularization effects in the neighborhoods of the small features that we aim to preserve. In addition, because the model is based on the high‐order derivatives, it favors naturally the accurate capture of the curvature of the edges, hence to balance the tasks of obtaining long curved edges and the obtention of short edges, tip points, and corners. We analyze the method in the framework of the calculus of variations and the Γ‐convergence to show that it leads to a convergent algorithm. In particular, we obtain a simple discrete numerical method based on a standard mixed‐finite elements with well‐established approximation properties. We compare the method to the Cahn–Hilliard model for the inpainting, and we present several numerical examples to show its performances. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Phenolics from Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Characterisation and Potential as Biostimulants and Bioprotectants

Biostimulants and bioprotectants are derived from natural sources and can enhance crop growth and protect crops from pests and pathogens, respectively. They have attracted much attention in the past few decades and contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural system. Despite not having been explored extensively, plant extracts and their component secondary metabolites, including phenolic compounds have been shown to have biostimulant effects on plants, including enhancement of growth attributes and yield, as well as bioprotectant effects, including antimicrobial, insecticidal, herbicidal and nematicidal effects. Medicinal and aromatic plants are widely distributed all over the world and are abundant sources of phenolic compounds. This paper reviews the characterisation of phenolic compounds and extracts from medicinal and aromatic plants, including a brief overview of their extraction, phytochemical screening and methods of analysis. The second part of the review highlights the potential for use of phenolic compounds and extracts as biostimulants and bioprotectants in agriculture as well as some of the challenges related to their use.     

Crystal Structure and Vibrational Spectra of Erbium Trisodium Bis(Cyclotriphosphate) Nonahydrate,ErNa<Subscript>3</Subscript>(P<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>9</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript> · 9H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

Abstract The cyclotriphosphate salt, ErNa₃(P₃O₉)₂ · 9H₂O, has been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction [hexagonal, space group , with unit cell parameters of a = b = 30.8451(14), c = 12.8063(8) ?; Z = 18]. The structure consists of alternating layers of [P₃O₉]³⁻ groups, ErO₈ dodecahedra, Na(1)O₆ and Na(2)O₇ polyhedra linked together by water molecules. The P₃O₉ rings are grouped along the c-axis in a P₃O₉–ErO₈ arrangement thereby producing broad, hexagonal channels of diameter of 6.65 ? with a side dimension of 3.907 ?. The absence of coincidences for the majority of the IR and Raman bands observed for the cyclotriphosphate salt is in accord with the centrosymmetric structure of the material. The vibrational spectra have been interpreted on the basis of factor group effects. Graphical abstract We report the crystal structure and vibrational spectra of erbium trisodium bis(cyclotriphosphate)nanohydrate salt ErNa ₃ (P ₃ O ₉ ) ₂ · 9H ₂ O H. Assaaoudi, M. Ijjaali, A. Ennaciri, I. S. Butler* and J. A. Kozinski Crystal structure and vibrational spectra of erbium trisodium bis(cyclotriphosphate) nonahydrate,ErNa₃(P₃O₉)₂ · 9H₂O. Projection of the coordination polyhedra of ErNa₃(P₃O₉)₂ · 9H₂O down the c axis     

Application of Non-toxic Yield Stress Fluids Porosimetry Method and Pore-Network Modelling to Characterize the Pore Size Distribution of Packs of Spherical Beads

Transport in Porous Media - With X-ray computed tomography still being flawed as a result of limitations in terms of spatial resolution and cost, toxic mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) is...     

Adsorption,Thermodynamic, and Experimental Studies of Corrosion Inhibitor of Tin in 0.2 M Maleic Acid by Hydrogen Phosphate Ions (HPO42−)

The inhibition efficiency of H₂PO₄²⁻ ions against tin corrosion in 0.2 M maleic acid is studied using electrochemical methods, surface analytical methods, and thermodynamic analysis. The potentiodynamic polarization plots showed the presence of an active/passive transition state of the tin electrode. The EIS measurements confirmed that the inhibition efficiency of H₂PO₄²⁻ increased by increasing the concentration (η=81 % at C_inh=2.10⁻² M) and decreased by rising the temperature. The polarization tests demonstrated that the inhibitor performs as a cathodic-type. The adsorption of the inhibitor was spontaneous and followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. A model of the inhibition mechanism was suggested.     

Development of Provesicular Nanodelivery System of Curcumin as a Safe and Effective Antiviral Agent: Statistical Optimization,In Vitro Characterization,and Antiviral Effectiveness

Curcumin is a natural compound that has many medical applications. However, its low solubility and poor stability could impede its clinical applications. The present study aimed to formulate dry proniosomes to overcome these pitfalls and improve the therapeutic efficacy of Curcumin. Curcumin-loaded proniosomes were fabricated by the slurry method according to 3² factorial design using Design-Expert software to demonstrate the impact of different independent variables on entrapment efficiency (EE%) and % drug released after 12 h (Q_12h). The optimized formula (F5) was selected according to the desirability criteria. F5 exhibited good flowability and appeared, after reconstitution, as spherical nanovesicles with EE% of 89.94 ± 2.31% and Q_12h of 70.89 ± 1.62%. F5 demonstrated higher stability and a significant enhancement of Q_12h than the corresponding niosomes. The docking study investigated the ability of Curcumin to bind effectively with the active site of DNA polymerase of Herpes simplex virus (HSV). The antiviral activity and the safety of F5 were significantly higher than Curcumin. F5 improved the safety of Acyclovir (ACV) and reduced its effective dose that produced a 100% reduction of viral plaques. Proniosomes could be promising stable carriers of Curcumin to be used as a safe and efficient antiviral agent.     

Empirical Flow Rate/Pressure Drop Relationships for Capillaries of Triangular and Rectangular Cross-Sections to be Used in Yield Stress Fluid Porosimetry

Transport in Porous Media - The aim of the present work is to investigate the flow rate/pressure gradient relationship for the flow of yield stress fluids through rectilinear capillaries of...