Image segmentation is a basic image processing technique that is primarily used for finding segments that form the entire image. These segments can be then utilized in discriminative feature extraction, image retrieval, and pattern recognition. Clustering and region growing techniques are the commonly used image segmentation methods. K-Means is a heavily used clustering technique due to its simplicity and low computational cost. However, K-Means results depend on the initial centres’ values which are selected randomly, which leads to inconsistency in the image segmentation results. In addition, the quality of the isolated regions depends on the homogeneity of the resulted segments. In this paper, an improved K-Means

In present work examined the oxidation desulfurization in batch system for model fuels with 2250 ppm sulfur content using air as the oxidant and ZnO/AC composite prepared by thermal co-precipitation method. Different factors were studied such as composite loading 1, 1.5 and 2.5 g, temperature 25 ^oC, 30 ^oC and 40 ^oC and reaction time 30, 45 and 60 minutes. The optimum condition is obtained by using Tauguchi experiential design for oxidation desulfurization of model fuel. the highest percent sulfur removal is about 33 at optimum conditions. The kinetic and effect of internal mass transfer were studied for oxidation desulfurization of model fuel, also an empirical kinetic model was calculated for model fuels

This study depicts the removal of Manganese ions (Mn2+) from simulated wastewater by combined electrocoagulation/ electroflotation technologies. The effects of initial Mn concentration, current density (C.D.), electrolysis time, and different mesh numbers of stainless steel screen electrodes were investigated in a batch cell by adopting Taguchi experimental design to explore the optimum conditions for maximum removal efficiency of Mn. The results of multiple regression and signal to noise ratio (S/N) showed that the optimum conditions were Mn initial concentration of 100 ppm, C.D. of 4 mA/cm2, time of 120 min, and mesh no. of 30 (wire/inch). Also, the relative significance of each factor was attained by the analysis of variance (ANO

Reliability analysis methods are used to evaluate the safety of reinforced concrete structures by evaluating the limit state function 𝑔(𝑋𝑖). For implicit limit state function and nonlinear analysis , an advanced reliability analysis methods are needed. Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) can be used in this case however, as the number of input variables increases, the time required for MCS also increases, making it a time consuming method especially for complex problems with implicit performance functions. In such cases, MCS-based FORM (First Order Reliability Method) and Artificial Neural Network-based FORM (ANN FORM) have been proposed as alternatives. However, it is important to note that both MCS-FORM and ANN-FORM can also be time-con

   In this research, an adaptive Canny algorithm using fast Otsu multithresholding method is presented, in which fast Otsu multithresholding method is used to calculate the optimum maximum and minimum hysteresis values and used as automatic thresholding for the fourth stage of the Canny algorithm.      The new adaptive Canny algorithm and the standard Canny algorithm (manual hysteresis value) was tested on standard image (Lena) and satellite image. The results approved the validity and accuracy of the new algorithm to find the images edges for personal and satellite images as pre-step for image segmentation.  
 

Abstract

Theoretical and experimental methodologies were assessed to test curved beam made of layered   composite material. The maximum stress and maximum deflection were computed for each layer and the effect of radius of curvature and curve shape on them. Because of the increase of the use of composite materials in aircraft structures and the renewed interest in these types of problems, the presented theoretical assessment was made using three different approaches: curved beam theory and an approximate 2D strength of material equations and finite element method (FEM) analysis by ANSYS 14.5 program for twelve cases of multi-layered cylindrical shell panel differs in fibe

Medium Access Control (MAC) spoofing attacks relate to an attacker altering the manufacturer assigned MAC address to any other value. MAC spoofing attacks in Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) network are simple because of the ease of access to the tools of the MAC fraud on the Internet like MAC Makeup, and in addition to that the MAC address can be changed manually without software. MAC spoofing attacks are considered one of the most intensive attacks in the WiFi network; as result for that, many MAC spoofing detection systems were built, each of which comes with its strength and weak points. This paper logically identifies and recognizes the weak points
and masquerading paths that penetrate the up-to-date existing detection systems. Then the

This study aims to find out the effectiveness of instructional scaffolding strategy in the development of academic achievement and critical thinking of female second grade secondary mathematics students. Semi-experimental and relational descriptive method was used. The sample of the study consisted of (50) students divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group was taught using scaffolding strategy whereas the control group was taught using traditional method. Pre- and Post-tests were used to achieve the objective of the study. The results of the study revealed that there are statistically significant differences in the mean scores of the experimental and control groups in the posttest for both the academi

Background: The antimicrobial resistance is one of the most serious and expanding health problems world -wide in the last decades. The esbl escherichia coli. (extended – spectrum beta-lactamase e.coli) represents an important aspect of it .Objectives: To get an overview on the esbl e.coli prevalence profile in general. Also to assess the antibiotic sensitivity of esbl e. coli trying to specify the most effective antibiotics in combating this micro-organism.Methods: this study tries to focus on this problem in Iraq which through a prospective study approach by taking 35 clinical samples from various sources (urine, blood, abscess, eye ,vagina ,stool and others),and after confirming the presence of e.coli, the presence of esbl e.coli and

     In this study, carbon nanotubes were prepared using a pure chemical method modified similar to the Hummers method with simple changes in the work steps. The carbon nanotubes were then coated and reduced on copper and aluminum metals using the electrodeposition method (EDP) for corrosion protection application in seawater medium (NaCl 3.5%) at four different temperatures: 20, 30, 40, and 50 °C, which were studied using three electrode potentiostats. All corrosion measurements, thermodynamics, and kinetics parameters were nominated from Tafel plots. The films deposited by the carbon nanotubes were examined by the SEM technique, and this technique showed the formation of carbon nanotubes.