Image segmentation using bi-level thresholds works well for straightforward scenarios; however, dealing with complex images that contain multiple objects or colors presents considerable computational difficulties. Multi-level thresholding is crucial for these situations, but it also introduces a challenging optimization problem. This paper presents an improved Reptile Search Algorithm (RSA) that includes a Gbest operator to enhance its performance. The proposed method determines optimal threshold values for both grayscale and color images, utilizing entropy-based objective functions derived from the Otsu and Kapur techniques. Experiments were carried out on 16 benchmark images, which included COVID-19 scans along with standard color and grayscale images. A thorough evaluation was conducted using metrics such as the fitness function, peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity index measure (SSIM), and the Friedman ranking test. The results indicate that the proposed algorithm seems to surpass existing state-of-the-art methods, demonstrating its effectiveness and robustness in multi-level thresholding tasks.
In earthquake engineering problems, uncertainty exists not only in the seismic excitations but also in the structure's parameters. This study investigates the influence of structural geometry, elastic modulus, mass density, and section dimension uncertainty on the stochastic earthquake response of a multi-story moment resisting frame subjected to random ground motion. The North-south component of the Ali Gharbi earthquake in 2012, Iraq, is selected as ground excitation. Using the power spectral density function (PSD), the two-dimensional finite element model of the moment resisting frame's base motion is modified to account for random ground motion. The probabilistic study of the moment resisting frame structure using stochastic fin
... Show MoreAir stripping for removal of Trichloroethylene (TCE), Chloroform (CF) and Dichloromethane (DCM) from water were studied in a bubble column (0.073 m inside dia. and 1.08 m height with several sampling ports). The contaminated water was prepared from deionized water and VOCs. The presence of VOCs in feed solution was single, binary or ternary components. They were diluted to the concentrations ranged between 50 mg/l to 250 mg/l. The experiments were carried out in batch experiments which regard the bubble column as stirred tank and only gas was bubbled through stationary liquid. In this case transient measurements of VOC concentration in the liquid phase and the measured concentra
... Show MoreIn this paper, we present new algorithm for the solution of the nonlinear high order multi-point boundary value problem with suitable multi boundary conditions. The algorithm is based on the semi-analytic technique and the solutions are calculated in the form of a rapid convergent series. It is observed that the method gives more realistic series solution that converges very rapidly in physical problems. Illustrative examples are provided to demonstrate the efficiency and simplicity of the proposed method in solving this type of multi- point boundary value problems.
Utilizing phase change materials in thermal energy storage systems is commonly considered as an alternative solution for the effective use of energy. This study presents numerical simulations of the charging process for a multitube latent heat thermal energy storage system. A thermal energy storage model, consisting of five tubes of heat transfer fluids, was investigated using Rubitherm phase change material (RT35) as the. The locations of the tubes were optimized by applying the Taguchi method. The thermal behavior of the unit was evaluated by considering the liquid fraction graphs, streamlines, and isotherm contours. The numerical model was first verified compared with existed experimental data from the literature. The outcomes re
... Show MoreWithin this research, The problem of scheduling jobs on a single machine is the subject of study to minimize the multi-criteria and multi-objective functions. The first problem, minimizing the multi-criteria, which include Total Completion Time, Total Late Work, and Maximum Earliness Time (∑𝐶𝑗, ∑𝑉𝑗, 𝐸𝑚𝑎𝑥), and the second problem, minimizing the multi-objective functions ∑𝐶𝑗 + ∑𝑉𝑗 +𝐸𝑚𝑎𝑥 are the problems at hand in this paper. In this study, a mathematical model is created to address the research problems, and some rules provide efficient (optimal) solutions to these problems. It has also been proven that each optimal solution for ∑𝐶𝑗 + ∑𝑉𝑗 + 𝐸𝑚𝑎𝑥 is an effic
... Show MoreBackground: The objectives of this study are to evaluate the effect of addition of Multi-Wall Carbon Nano Tubes (MWCNTs) of different concentrations (0.05 mg.mL-1,0.25 mg.mL-1,0.5 mg.mL-1and1 mg.mL-1) on dimethyl sulphoxide DMSO and distilled water (DW) on tooth enamel. It intends to evaluate enamel microhardness in (Kg. m-2) pre and post the application of Multi-Wall Carbon Nano Tubes (MWCNTs). Materials and Methods: Thirty specimens prepared for the present study to measure the hardness of the enamel. Results: The results showed that a significant increase in the enamel microhardness for groups 0.05 mg/mL (group B), 0.25 mg/mL (group C), 0.5 mg/mL (group D) and 1 mg/mL (group E) compared with control group (group A) in dimethyl sulphoxi
... Show MoreBackground: Immediate postpartum contraceptive and post abortion contraception methods are effective safe methods and are becoming a standard practice in many countries, yet it is not widely used in Iraq.
Aims: this study: is designed to assess the attitude and willingness of women to immediate contraception after giving birth or abortion and their satisfaction to previous use.
Methods and Material: Four hundred thirty-four women were surveyed in the labor word immediately after giving birth/ abortion. Their knowledge, attitude and contraception use were assessed according to the response they reported to a given questionnaire.
Results: women were not sure abo
... Show MoreNewly series of 6,6’-((2-(Aryl)dihydropyrimidine-1,3(2H,4H)-diyl)bis(methylene))bis(2-methoxy phenol) (3a-i) were synthesized from cyclization of 6,6’-((propane-1,3-diylbis (azanediyl)) bis(methylene)) bis(2-methoxyphenol) with several aryl aldehyde in the presence of acetic acid. The newly compounds characterized from their IR, NMR and EIMs spectra. The antioxidant capacity of these compounds screened by utilizing DPPH and FRAP assays. Compounds 3g and 3i exhibited significant antioxidant capability in both assays. Docking study for these compounds as a potential inhibitors of gyrase enzyme were carried out. Compound 3g exhibited significant inhibition with binding free energies (DG) higher than novobiocin. compounds 2, 3a, 3b, 3
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