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Segmenting outdoor images in the presence of haze, fog or smog (which fades the colors and diminishes the contrast of the observed objects) has been a challenging task in image processing with several important applications. In this paper, we propose a new fractional-order variational model that will be able to de-haze and segment a given image simultaneously. The proposed method incorporates the atmospheric veil estimation based on the dark channel prior (DCP). This transmission map can reduce significantly the edge artifacts and enhance estimation precision in the resulting image. The transmission map is then changed over to the high-quality depth map, with which the new fractional-order variational model can be framed to look for the haze free segmenting image for both grey and color outdoor images. An explicit gradient descent scheme is employed to find efficiently the minimizer of the proposed energy functional. Experimental tests on real world scenes show that the proposed method can jointly de-haze and segment hazy or foggy images effectively and efficiently.

Natural products have been the focus of biomedical and pharmaceutical research to develop new therapies in recent years. 2-methoxy-6-acetyl-7-methyljuglone (2-methoxystypandrone, MAM) a natural bioactive juglone derivative, is known to have various levels of pharmacotherapeutic efficacies as an anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-HIV activities. MAM fights cancer progression by inducing apoptosis, necroptosis and deregulating signaling pathways through H2O2-induced JNK/iNOS/NO and MAPK, ERK1/2 pathways, JNK activation, and the RIP1/RIP3 complex. In this review, we summarize the pharmacological importance of MAM in the field of drug discovery. Furthermore, this review not only emphasizes the medicinal properties of MAM, but also discusses its potential efficacy in future medicinal products.

Purpose This study aims to focus on second grade fluid flow over a rotating disk in the presence of chemical reaction. Uniform magnetic field is also taken into account. Because of the smaller magnetic Reynolds number, induced magnetic field is negligible. Heat equation is constructed by considering heat source/sink. Design/methodology/approach Suitable variables are used to transform nonlinear partial differential equations to ordinary ones. Convergent series solutions are attained by applying homotopy analysis method. Findings Trends of different parameters on concentration, velocity and temperature are shown graphically. Skin friction coefficient and local Nusselt number are calculated and investigated under the effect of elaborated parameters. An elevation in the value of magnetic field parameter causes collapse in the velocity distributions. Velocity distribution in increasing function of viscoelastic parameter. Temperature and concentration profiles are decreasing functions of viscoelastic parameter. Concentration distribution reduces by increasing the chemical reaction parameter. There is more surface drag force for larger M, while opposite behavior is noted for β. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, such consideration is yet to be published in the literature.

Durur, Hülya; Ardahan Üniversitesi - Mühendislik Fakültesi - Bilgisayar Mühendisliği Bölümü - Yazılım Anabilim Dalı - Makale, In this article, modified versions of variational iteration algorithms are presented for the numerical simulation of the diffusion of oil pollutions. Three numerical examples are given to demonstrate the applicability and validity of the proposed algorithms. The obtained results are compared with the existing solutions, which reveal that the proposed methods are very effective and can be used for other nonlinear initial value problems arising in science and engineering.

Outdoor images are usually affected by haze which limits the visibility and reduces the contrast of the images. Removal of haze from real-world images is always a challenging task. Recently, many mathematical models have been proposed for the effective removal of haze from real-world images. However, these models may produce staircase effects or lower the image contrast or smooth the edges of the object. In this paper, we propose a model based on Gaussian curvature for the de-hazing of images. The atmospheric veil estimate is included based on dark channel prior (DCP), which can significantly reduce the artifacts on the edge of the image and increase the accuracy. The transmission map then changes to a high-quality map to reduce haze or fog from gray and color images. DCP combined with Gaussian curvature is done for the first time for image de-hazing/de-fogging. The augmented Lagrangian method is used to find the minimizer of the proposed functional, which will be a system of partial differential equations. To get fast convergence, fast Fourier transforms (FFT) is used to solve the system of PDEs. The performance of the proposed model is compared with other state-of-the-art models qualitatively and quantitatively. The proposed model is tested on various real and synthetic images which show better efficiency in staircase effects reduction, haze/fog removal, image contrast, corners, and sharp edges conservation respectively.

In this paper, we propose an incredible modification of variational iteration algorithm-II that will accelerate the fast convergence of the series solution. We utilize the proposed algorithm on KdV, mKdV and combined KdV–mKdV equations to illustrate its accuracy and reliability. The consequences of modified variational iteration algorithm-II (MVIA-II) show that the proposed technique minimizes the size of calculations, converges rapidly, computationally efficient and yields accurate results. This modification demonstrated the high efficiency and attained very good agreement in illustrated models and might be promptly reached out to other nonlinear PDEs.

The role of integer and noninteger order partial differential equations (PDE) is essential in applied sciences and engineering. Exact solutions of these equations are sometimes difficult to find. Therefore, it takes time to develop some numerical techniques to find accurate numerical solutions of these types of differential equations. This work aims to present a novel approach termed as fractional iteration algorithm-I for finding the numerical solution of nonlinear noninteger order partial differential equations. The proposed approach is developed and tested on nonlinear fractional-order Fornberg–Whitham equation and employed without using any transformation, Adomian polynomials, small perturbation, discretization, or linearization. The fractional derivatives are taken in the Caputo sense. To assess the efficiency and precision of the suggested method, the tabulated numerical results are compared with the standard variational iteration method and the exact solution as well. In addition, numerical results for different cases of the fractional-order α are presented graphically, which show the effectiveness of the proposed procedure and revealed that the proposed scheme is very effective, suitable for fractional PDEs, and may be viewed as a generalization of the existing methods for solving integer and noninteger order differential equations.

Variational iteration method has been extensively employed to deal with linear and nonlinear differential equations of integer and fractional order. The key property of the technique is its ability and flexibility to investigate linear and nonlinear models conveniently and accurately. The current study presents an improved algorithm to the variational iteration algorithm-II (VIA-II) for the numerical treatment of diffusion as well as convection-diffusion equations. This newly introduced modification is termed as the modified variational iteration algorithm-II (MVIA-II). The convergence of the MVIA-II is studied in the case of solving nonlinear equations. The main advantage of the MVIA-II improvement is an auxiliary parameter which makes sure a fast convergence of the standard VIA-II iteration algorithm. In order to verify the stability, accuracy, and computational speed of the method, the obtained solutions are compared numerically and graphically with the exact ones as well as with the results obtained by the previously proposed compact finite difference method and second kind Chebyshev wavelets. The comparison revealed that the modified version yields accurate results, converges rapidly, and offers better robustness in comparison with other methods used in the literature. Moreover, the basic idea depicted in this study is relied upon the possibility of the MVIA-II being utilized to handle nonlinear differential equations that arise in different fields of physical and biological sciences. A strong motivation for such applications is the fact that any discretization, transformation, or any assumptions are not required for this proposed algorithm in finding appropriate numerical solutions.

The main aim of this article is to use a new and simple algorithm namely the modified variational iteration algorithm-II (MVIA-II) to obtain numerical solutions of different types of fifth-order Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equations. In order to assess the precision, stability and accuracy of the solutions, five test problems are offered for different types of fifth-order KdV equations. Numerical results are compared with the Adomian decomposition method, Laplace decomposition method, modified Adomian decomposition method and the homotopy perturbation transform method, which reveals that the MVIA-II exceptionally productive, computationally attractive and has more accuracy than the others.

Dysfunctions of metacognitive aspects of metamemory and metaconcentration are common in substance use. No questionnaire tool has been validated among substance users to assess these metacognitive abilities. Therefore, this study investigated the psychometric properties of a brief metamemory and metaconcentration scale (BMMS) in adults with substance use. Using a cross-section design, participants (n = 395, age = 18–45 years, 22.7 ± 2.4 kg/m2) were purposively selected from houses earmarked by simple random sampling in Mizan, south-west Ethiopia. Interviewer-administered BMMS, the severity of dependence on khat (SDS-khat), and a socio-demographics tool were employed. A two-factor model with correlated error terms was found valid based on adequate model fit and measurement invariance across gender groups. No major ceiling or floor effect was found in the BMMS scores. Good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.83) and adequate internal homogeneity (moderate to strong item-total ISI score correlations; r ≥ 0.46) were found. Khat dependent and non-dependents differed significantly across BMMS total score, factor scores and all the item scores except three. The BMMS has adequate psychometric validity in the population with substance use.

In this paper, modified variational iteration algorithm-II is investigated for finding approximate solutions of nonlinear Parabolic equations. Comparisons of the MVIA-II with trigonometric B-spline collocation method, variational iteration method, homotopy perturbation transform method, Adomian decomposition method, and modified variational iteration method are carried out, which show that the proposed algorithm (MVIA-II) is robust one. Some nonlinear Parabolic equations are given to demonstrate the implementation and accuracy of the MVIA-II.

In this article, variational iteration algorithm I with an auxiliary parameter is used for simple and damped mass–spring systems that undergo forced vibrations and transverse vibration of uniform and variable beams with simply supported analytical treatment. In addition, common vibration problems are classified and the values of Lagrange multipliers are identified for each type of problem. Examples are given at the end, which shows that this modification demonstrated the high efficiency and attained very good agreement in illustrated models and might be promptly reached out to other nonlinear differential and partial differential equations.

These days, consumers are more inclined towards a healthy lifestyle. They understand the quality of food intake directly affects their health. Consuming organic food is a good option available to them. India being a big producer of organic food has started showing interest towards consumption of organic food. Understanding of consumer is very important for marketers for the holistic growth of organic food market. The aim of this study is to comprehend the key factors affecting purchase intention of the Indian organic customers. This study has used a semi-structured questionnaire on 200 organic customers and proposed a research model. The data analysis has used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and identified that all the indicating variables have reflected their underlying constructs. After undergoing CFA, it is also established that the acceptable fit to the data has been reflected by the measurement model. Moreover, path analysis was used to check the predicted causal relationship among the latent constructs (structural model). Contribution to the sustainable environment is the target of mature organizations. The proposed relationship model for purchase intention may help organization dealing in an organic food market.

Here peristalsis of Carbon nanotubes is performed between non-uniform propagating waves channel/tube. Viscosity of the material is considered dependent upon temperature here. Thermally radiative aspects are considered through linear term of heat flux. Channel boundaries retain the momentum and thermal slip characteristics. Iijima suggested physical quantities for single and multiple WCNTS are taken. Conservation principles (i.e. Mass, momentum and energy) are used to modeled the flow. Later on lubrication assumptions are utilized to simplified such equations. Exact solution for stream function, velocity and temperature is carried out. Further pressure rise per wavelength is plotted via numerical integration. Effective heat transfer rate is analyzed through bar charts.

The nonlinear partial differential equations having travelling or solitary wave solutions is numerically challenging, in which one of the important type is the Fornberg–Whitham model equation. This article aims to solve the Fornberg–Whitham type equations numerically via the variational iteration algorithm-I (MVIA-I). The MVIA-I gives approximate and exact solutions with easily computable terms to linear and nonlinear PDEs without the linearization or discretization, small perturbation and Adomian polynomials. To assess the precision, reliability and compactness of the recommended algorithm, we have compared the obtained results with the traditional variational iteration method (VIM), homotopy analysis method, reproducing kernel Hilbert space method and Adomian’s decomposition method which reveals that the MVIA-I is computationally attractive, exceptionally productive and is more reliable than the others techniques used in the literature.

This work aims to propose a new analyzing tool, called the fractional iteration algorithm I for finding numerical solutions of nonlinear time fractional-order Cauchy reaction-diffusion model equations. The key property of the suggested technique is its ability and flexibility to investigate linear and nonlinear models conveniently and accurately. The proposed approach can be utilized without the use of any transformation, Adomian polynomials, small perturbation, discretization or linearization. The main feature of the fractional iteration algorithm-I is the improvement of an auxiliary parameter that can ensure a rapid convergence. To check the stability, accuracy and speed of the method, obtained results are compared numerically and graphically with the exact solutions and results available in the latest literature. In addition, numerical results are displayed graphically for various cases of the fractional-order α . These results demonstrate the viability of the proposed technique and show that this technique is exceptionally powerful and suitable for solving fractional PDEs.

This study investigated the psychometric properties of the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) in substance-using Ethiopian adults. A simple random sampling of houses and a purposive sampling selection was performed in Mizan city, Ethiopia (

This communication investigates water-based carbon nanotubes nonlinear stretched flow embedded in Darcy-Forchheimer porous medium. Features of both single (SWCNTs) and multi (MWCNTs) walls carbon nanotubes are discussed. Heat transport mechanism are explored via heat source/sink and nonlinear thermal radiation. Total entropy generation rate is calculated. Suitable developments are through homotopy technique. Impact of thermophysical parameters on entropy generation, velocity and temperature are addressed through graphs. Furthermore the physical quantities like velocity and temperature gradients are studied graphically. Temperature and entropy generation increase for higher estimations of radiation parameter, nanoparticles fraction for both SWCNTs and MWCNTs. Entropy generation rate is prominent in case of (MWCNTs) through nanoparticles volume fraction when compared with (SWCNTs).

In this work, the variational iteration algorithm-I with an auxiliary parameter is used for the analytical treatment of the wave equations and wave-like vibration equations. The technique has the capability of reducing the size of computational work and easily overcomes the difficulty of the perturbation method or Adomian polynomials. Comparison with the classic variational iteration algorithm-I (VIA-1) is carried out, showing that the modification is more efficient and reliable.

In this communication, an optimization of entropy generation is performed through thermodynamics second law. Tangent hyperbolic nanomaterial model is used which describes the important slip mechanism namely Brownian and thermophoresis diffusions. MHD fluid is considered. The novel binary chemical reaction model is implemented to characterize the impact of activation energy. Nonlinear mixed convection, dissipation and Joule heating are considered. Appropriate similarity transformations are implemented to get the required coupled ODEs system. The obtained system is tackled for series solutions by homotopy method. Graphs are constructed to analyze the impact of different flow parameters on entropy number, nanoparticle volume concentration, temperature and velocity fields. Total entropy generation rate is calculated via various flow variables. It is noticed from obtained results that entropy number depend up thermal irreversibility, viscous dissipation and Joule heating irreversibility and concentration irreversibility. Decreasing behavior of concentration is witnessed for higher estimations of chemical reaction variable. Entropy number is more for higher Hartmann number, Weissenberg number and chemical reaction variable while contrast behavior is noted for Bejan number.

The focus of my research is based on the gas electron multiplier (GEM) foil test, repairing and effective gain calculation of GEM detector. During my research work define procedure of GEM foil testing short-circuit, detection short-circuits in the foil. Study different ways to remove the short circuits in the foils. Set and define the GEM foil testing procedures in the open air, and with nitrogen gas. Measure the leakage current of the foil and applying different voltages with specified step size. Define the Quality Control (QC) tests and different components of GEM detectors before assembly. Calculate the effective gain of GEM detectors using 109 Cd and 55 Fe radioactive source.

In this article, two new modified variational iteration algorithms are investigated for the numerical solution of coupled Burgers&prime, equations. These modifications are made with the help of auxiliary parameters to speed up the convergence rate of the series solutions. Three numerical test problems are given to judge the behavior of the modified algorithms, and error norms are used to evaluate the accuracy of the method. Numerical simulations are carried out for different values of parameters. The results are also compared with the existing methods in the literature.

This study addresses the stagnation flow of a hyperbolic tangent nanofluid over a stretching sheet. Nonlinear convection, Brownian motion and thermophoresis are studied. In addition the nonlinear thermal radiation, dissipation and heat generation/absorption are taken into account. To characterize the effect of the Arrhenius activation energy, a binary chemical reaction is considered. The total entropy generation rate is calculated and discussed as per the criteria of the second law of thermodynamics. Convergent solutions for the resulting nonlinear systems are derived and the effects of embedded parameters of interest on velocity, concentration, temperature and entropy are examined. The skin friction coefficient and Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are numerically discussed.

Background Although the ventricular size is significantly reduced after endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in most successfully treated patients, ventricular size reduction is not always seen after a successful ETV. Practical and reliable radiologic parameters are still needed to assess the clinical success of an ETV. Methods We retrieved the clinical and radiologic data of patients who underwent an ETV. Patients with the following criteria were included: (1) preoperative magnetic resonance imaging studies available, (2) postoperative magnetic resonance imaging studies done within the first 2 postoperative weeks, and (3) the infundibular recess clearly visible on preoperative and postoperative sagittal magnetic resonance imaging. Preoperative and postoperative measurements of the angle of the infundibular recess of the third ventricle were performed on midsagittal T1-weighted, T2-weighted, fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition, or constructive interference in steady state images. Results The extent of reduction of the infundibular recess angle predicted the clinical outcome of ETV during the early postoperative period with a high degree of accuracy. The average reduction was about 48% in successful procedures versus only 15% in failed procedures. Conclusions The degree of reduction of the angle of the infundibular recess of the third ventricle correlated with the amount of third ventricular decompression after ETV. Most importantly, such a reduction was noted to occur during the early postoperative period when radiologic changes are less pronounced. Assessment of change in infundibular recess angle measurement is easy to perform and may prove helpful in cases with no clear-cut clinical evidence of success of ETV.

The effects of wall impedances on the radiation of the dominant transverse electromagnetic wave by an impedance loaded parallel-plate waveguide radiator immersed in a cold plasma have been analyzed. The solution to the governing mathematical model in cold plasma is determined while using the Wiener–Hopf technique. It is observed that the amplitude of the radiated field increases with increasing permittivity of the plasma. The work presented may be of great interest to quantify the effects of ionosphere plasma on the communicating signals between Earth station and an artificial satellite in the Earth's atmosphere. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The aim of this study is to document the dynamic behavior of a choroid plexus cyst of the third ventricle. Although these lesions may float freely within the ventricle leading to intermittent obstruction of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation at variable points in a single patient, such a phenomenon has only been documented using cranial ultrasonography and was never observed intraoperatively. We endoscopically treated a case of third ventricular choroid plexus cyst in a 9-year-old boy who presented with headaches and disturbed conscious level. He underwent a transventricular approach through a single burr hole. During the procedure, the cyst was noted to intermittently herniate into the lateral ventricle and recede back through the foramen of Monro. Endoscopic ablation of the cyst was achieved and followed by endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). The patient made an excellent recovery after the procedure. We were able to endoscopically observe the dynamic behavior displayed by a choroid plexus cyst of the third ventricle. To the best of our knowledge, intraoperative documentation of the obstruction of the CSF pathway by a single choroid plexus cyst that intermittently herniates through the foramen of Monro and back into the third ventricular cavity has not been previously demonstrated neither microsurgically nor endoscopically.

Nowadays, customers are more interested toward a healthy way of life. They apprehend that the meals they are consuming have direct impact on their health and they are preferring organic food over the food prepared with the help of harmful chemicals. Indian population is showing a huge interest in the use of natural meals. It is very difficult for a businessman to know the changing buying habit of customers, so the current research is very useful to understand the affecting factors on the buying attitude of Indian organic food customers. This study proposed a research model and used a questionnaire to collect the data of 200 organic food users. The information evaluation has used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to establish validities of the instrument and in the process, identified that every indicating variable has meditated their primary constructs. After the CFA, it is described that the perfect fit for the statistics contemplated by the form of measurement. Path analysis approach was used to test the causal effect association with several constructs (structural model). The association ship model for buying intention may additionally assist the agency in dealing with the market for organic food.

Properties of fully nonlinear electron-acoustic solitary waves in an unmagnetized and collisionless electron-positron-ion plasma containing cold dynamical electrons, superthermal electrons and positrons obeying Cairns’ distribution have been analyzed in the stationary background of massive positive ions. A linear dispersion relation has been derived, from which it is found that even in the absence of superthermal electrons, the superthermal positron component can provide the restoring force to the cold inertial electrons to excite electron-acoustic waves. Moreover, superthermal electron and positron populations seem to enhance the electron acoustic wave phase speed. For nonlinear analysis, Korteweg-de Vries equation is obtained using the reductive perturbation technique. It is found that in the presence of positron both hump and dip type solitons appear to excite. The present work may be employed to explore and to understand the formation of electron acoustic soliton structures in the space and laboratory plasmas with nonthermal electrons and positrons.

Linear and nonlinear properties of coupled modes in a magnetized quantum plasma in the presence of electron Fermi pressure are studied in a nonuniform magnetoplasma composed of electrons, ions, and extremely massive and negatively charged immobile dust grains. Stationary solutions of the nonlinear equations that govern the dynamics of coupled modes are presented. It is found that electrostatic dipolar vortex structure can form in such a plasma. The dipolar structures in dense plasmas are observed to be formed on a much shorter scalelength by comparison with their classical counterparts. It is found that the increasing Fermi temperature shortens the scalelength over which the nonlinear coherent structures are formed. The relevance of the present investigation with regard to the dense astrophysical plasmas is also pointed out.

Properties of fully nonlinear ion-acoustic solitary waves in an unmagnetized and collisionless pair-ion (PI) plasma containing superthermal electrons obeying Cairns distribution have been analyzed. A linear biquadratic dispersion relation has been derived, which yields the fast (supersonic) and slow (subsonic) modes in a pair-ion-electron plasma with nonthermal electrons. For nonlinear analysis, Korteweg-de Vries equation is obtained using the reductive perturbation technique. It is found that in case of slow mode, both electrostatic hump and dip type structures are formed depending on the temperature difference between positively and negatively charged ions, whereas, only dip type solitary structures have been observed for fast mode. The present work may be employed to explore and to understand the formation of solitary structures in the space (especially, the Earth’s ionosphere where two distinct pair ion species (H ±) are present) and laboratory produced pair-ion plasmas with nonthermal electrons.

The aim of this investigation is to understand the effects of genetically modified food on the health of consumers in the area of Yavatmal, a city in the Indian state of Maharashtra. This knowledge is essential since genetically modified (GM) foods are newly introduced in India. GM cotton is publically available; however, approval for GM Brinjal and GM mustard is still pending in India. To understand the impact of GM food consumption on the health of consumers, a survey was organised in Yavatmal district in Maharashtra among 350 consumers of GM cotton and its by-products (like cotton oil) and 350 consumers of non-GM cotton and the by-products. This study also observed the health of 125 livestock that eats GM food and 91 livestock that eat non-GM food. The collected information was analysed with t-test along with the descriptive statistics. Results of this investigation show that GM food consumers were less affected by any health-related problems than non-GM food users. This study is useful for policymakers to prepare the most favourable policy for different stakeholders of GM food.