Statistical feature-based steganalysis for pixel-value differencing steganography

Pixel-value differencing (PVD) steganography is a popular spatial domain technology. Several PVD-based studies have proposed extended PVD steganography methods. The majority of these studies have verified their security against the regular-singular (RS) analysis. However, RS analysis is aimed at the feature of the least significant bit substitution method, which is relatively less significant for PVD steganography. The pixel difference histogram (PDH) is generally utilized to attack PVD steganography. If the embedding capacity is high, then the features on the PDH are evident; otherwise, the features are less obvious. In this paper, we propose a statistical feature-based steganalysis technique for the original PVD steganography. Experimental results demonstrate that, compared with existing steganalysis technique with weighted stego-image (WS) method, the proposed method effectively detects PVD steganography at low embedding ratios, such that there is no need of using the original embedding parameters. Furthermore, the accuracy and precision of the method are better than those of existing PVD steganalysis techniques. Therefore, the proposed method contributes to the security analysis of the original PVD steganography as an alternative to the commonly used RS, PDH and WS attack techniques.

On the interplay of microstructure and residual stress in LPBF IN718

The relationship between residual stresses and microstructure associated with a laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) IN718 alloy has been investigated on specimens produced with three different scanning strategies (unidirectional Y-scan, 90° XY-scan, and 67° Rot-scan). Synchrotron X-ray energy-dispersive diffraction (EDXRD) combined with optical profilometry was used to study residual stress (RS) distribution and distortion upon removal of the specimens from the baseplate. The microstructural characterization of both the bulk and the near-surface regions was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). On the top surfaces of the specimens, the highest RS values are observed in the Y-scan specimen and the lowest in the Rot-scan specimen, while the tendency is inversed on the side lateral surfaces. A considerable amount of RS remains in the specimens after their removal from the baseplate, especially in the Y- and Z-direction (short specimen dimension and building direction (BD), respectively). The distortion measured on the top surface following baseplate thinning and subsequent removal is mainly attributed to the amount of RS released in the build direction. Importantly, it is observed that the additive manufacturing microstructures challenge the use of classic theoretical models for the calculation of diffraction elastic constants (DEC) required for diffraction-based RS analysis. It is found that when the Reuß model is used for the calculation of RS for different crystal planes, as opposed to the conventionally used Kröner model, the results exhibit lower scatter. This is discussed in context of experimental measurements of DEC available in the literature for conventional and additively manufactured Ni-base alloys.

Monitoring of Carbon Sequestration in Iceland Using Remote Sensing Technology: An Overview of the LanDeg Project

The monitoring of restoration and forestation is essential to reduce future drought and flood risk as well as ongoing carbon sequestration projects in Iceland. This is especially relevant for Iceland’s efforts to become carbon neutral by 2040. Such a monitoring can be done by using the state-of-art remote sensing technology, using remotely sensed data and digital mapping approaches. The LanDeg project will use free Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) data to map soil degradation, restoration and ongoing forestation efforts to assess carbon sequestration. For this purpose, we will validate GIS and RS data analysis with field mapping of vegetation and soil cover in a restored area in southern Iceland. The validated GIS and RS analysis will be used to assess restoration efforts and trends in vegetation cover in the area. Subsequently, the changes in the vegetation cover will be used to assess the carbon sequestration rate. Based on these results we will identify best-restoration and carbon sequestration practices.

ANÁLISE DA FEPRAF - A FEIRA DA PRODUÇÃO DA REFORMA AGRÁRIA DA AGRICULTURA FAMILIAR DE JÚLIO DE CASTILHOS/RS (ANALYSIS OF FEPRAF - THE FAIR OF THE PRODUCTION OF THE AGRARIAN REFORM OF FAMILY AGRICULTURE IN JULIO DE CASTILHOS/RS)

RESUMO:O artigo baseia-se em relatar as atividades desenvolvidas no projeto de pesquisa, registrado no DEPEP do IF Farroupilha: “A Feira da Produção da Reforma Agrária da Agricultura Familiar – FEPRARF – de Júlio de Castilhos: uma análise”, ocorrido de maio a agosto de 2016, junto aos agricultores familiares, pertencentes a FEPRAF. Identificar o perfil dos feirantes, os produtos comercializados, o processo de produção, os custos, a logística, os canais de comercialização, a rotulagem dos produtos e o marketing realizado foi o objetivo. Pesquisa bibliográfica e o estudo de caso embasaram a elaboração e aplicação de questionários e entrevistas com os feirantes. O diagnóstico demonstrou a importância da agricultura familiar, da FEPRAF e os benefícios oferecidos para o município. A observação participante, por parte de duas estudantes do curso de Agronegócio, possibilitou reflexões expressivas nos envolvidos.Palavras-chave: Agricultura Familiar. Feira da Agricultura familiar. FEPRAF. ABSTRACT:The article is based on reporting the activities carried out in the research project, registered in DEPEP of IF Farroupilha: "The Fair of the Production of Agrarian Reform of Family Agriculture - FEPRAF - by Júlio de Castilhos: an analysis", occurred from May to August 2016, together with family farmers, belonging to FEPRAF. Identifying the profile of marketers, marketed products, production process, costs, logistics, marketing channels, product labeling and marketing was the objective. Bibliographical research and the case study were based on the elaboration and application of questionnaire and interviews with the fairgrounds. The diagnosis demonstrated the importance of family farming, FEPRAF and the benefits offered to the municipality. The participant observation, by two students of the course of Agribusiness, allowed for significant reflections on those involved.Keywords: Family farming. Family Agriculture Fair. FEPRAF.

Vibrational Fingerprint of Erlotinib: FTIR, RS, and DFT Studies

In this study, we provide the first Fourier-transform infrared absorption spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy (RS) analysis of a vibrational fingerprint of erlotinib, a drug which is applied in non-small cell lung cancer therapy, in solid state and solution in different pH conditions. Additionally, the performed DFT theoretical calculations in vacuum and PCM models support the interpretation of vibrational spectra and give insight into an optimized spatial configuration of the investigated drug. The present considerations show vibrational structure of erlotinib and details of its molecular geometry. Furthermore, we discuss the pH condition where the protonated –NH+ and C=N+ forms occur and indicate the spectral changes characteristic for the erlotinib protonation. It is of great of importance to better understand biological activity of the drug and to develop new tyrosine kinase inhibitors.