The discrete cosine transform (DCT) is widely used in image and video coding schemes. By applying the DCT to image blocks and quantizing the DCT coefficients, efficient image compression can be achieved. However, the quantization of the DCT coefficients introduces errors in the decompressed images, which appear as blocky artifacts. The blocky artifacts can be converted into “Gaussian-type” nois...

In open pit mines, the slope stability of benches, inter-ramps, and overall is vital not only for economy extraction process but also safety personnel equipment. Geological discontinuities, geometry, other factors can induce different failure modes in hard rock masses such as planar, wedge sliding, toppling. Hence, analysis must be carried out carefully using a suitable technique by considering...

Veins in rocks have been studied for well over 150 years, initially driven by interest in how economically mineralised veins formed (e.g. Buckland, 1836; Hulin, 1929). Veins provide information on how fluids migrate through the crust, and how material is transferred by these fluids. Many studies have suggested that veins (including ‘crack-seal’ textured veins; Ramsay, 1980) form as a result of ...

We construct the thermodynamic limit of the stationary measures of the Bak-Tang-Wiesenfeld sandpile model with a dissipative toppling matrix (sand grains may disappear at each toppling). We prove uniqueness and mixing properties of this measure and we obtain an infinite volume ergodic Markov process leaving it invariant. We show how to extend the Dhar formalism of the ‘abelian group of toppling...

This article explores some of the recent debates over statues, memorials and cultures commemoration in New Zealand. These 'statue wars' are particularly focused on explorers, military men, colonial governors, even Queen Victoria herself, figures who seen as being deeply implicated production persistent inequalities pain that has resulted from colonialism empire. My analysis focuses city Tūranga...

Toppling of individual rock blocks resting on an inclined surface has often been observed in nature. This instability mechanism typically analysed for simple block geometries, considering the contact between and base where it lies is a planar surface. In this study, authors analyse case regularly rough To do that, resort to analytical limit equilibrium formulations, laboratory physical models d...