Path Representation in Circuit Netlists Using Linear-Sized ZDDs with Optimal Variable Ordering

The efficient representation and manipulation of a large number of paths in a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) requires the usage of special data structures that may become of exponential size with respect to the size of the graph. Several methodologies targeting Electronic Design Automation problems such as timing analysis, physical design, verification and testing involve path representation and necessary manipulation. Previous works proposed an encoding using Zero-suppressed Binary Decision Diagrams (ZDDs), which has been shown experimentally to cope well when representing structural or logical paths in VLSI circuits. However, it is well known that the ordering of the variables in a ZDD highly affects its size and, therefore, the efficiency of the methodologies utilizing these data structures. In this work, we show that using a reverse topological order for the ZDD variables bounds the number of nodes in the ZDD representing structural paths to the number of edges in the DAG considered, hence, making the ZDD size linear to the DAG’s size. This result, supported here both theoretically and experimentally, is very important as it can render methodologies with questionable scalability applicable to larger industrial designs. We demonstrate the applicability of the proposed variable ordering in one such methodology which utilizes ZDDs to grade the Path Delay Fault coverage of a given test set.     

Robust Encryption

We provide a provable-security treatment of “robust” encryption. Robustness means it is hard to produce a ciphertext that is valid for two different users. Robustness makes explicit a property that has been implicitly assumed in the past. We argue that it is an essential conjunct of anonymous encryption. We show that natural anonymity-preserving ways to achieve it, such as adding recipient identification information before encrypting, fail. We provide transforms that do achieve it, efficiently and provably. We assess the robustness of specific encryption schemes in the literature, providing simple patches for some that lack the property. We explain that robustness of the underlying anonymous IBE scheme is essential for public-key encryption with keyword search (PEKS) to be consistent (meaning, not have false positives), and our work provides the first generic conversions of anonymous IBE schemes to consistent (and secure) PEKS schemes. Overall, our work enables safer and simpler use of encryption.     

A minimum projected-distance test for parametric single-index Berkson models

In this paper, we propose a minimum projected-distance test for parametric single-index regression models when the predictors are measured with Berkson errors. This test asymptotically behaves like a locally smoothing test as if the null model were with one-dimensional predictor, and is omnibus to detect all global alternative models. The test can also detect local alternative models that converge to the null model at the fastest rate that the existing locally smoothing tests with one-dimensional predictor can achieve. Therefore, the proposed test has potential for alleviating the curse of dimensionality in this field. We also give two bias-correction methods to center the test statistic. Numerical studies are conducted to examine the performance of the proposed test.     

Recent advances in finite element modeling of the human cervical spine

The human cervical spine is a complex structure that is the most frequently injured site among all spinal injuries. Therefore, understanding of the cervical spine injury and dysfunction, and also biomechanical response to external stimuli is important. Finite element (FE) modeling can help researchers to access the internal stresses and strains in the bones, ligaments and soft tissues more realistically, and it has been widely adopted for spine biomechanics research. Although in recent years numerous techniques have been developed, there are no recent literature reviews on FE models of the cervical spine. Our objective was to present recent advances in FE modeling of the human cervical spine in terms of component modeling, material properties, and validation procedures. Model applications and further development are also discussed. The integration of new technologies will allow us to generate more accurate and comprehensive model of the cervical spine, which can increase efficiency and model applicability. Finally, the FE modeling can help to facilitate diagnosis, treatment, and prevention technologies for cervical spine injuries.     

Fermented and malted millet products in Africa: Expedition from traditional/ethnic foods to industrial value-added products

With the prevalent food insecurity in Africa, there is a growing need to utilize the available crops to develop nutritious, affordable and palatable food for the populace. Millet is critical in this role, relative to its abundance in the continent and good nutritional composition. For ages, fermentation and malting have been traditionally used to transform millet into variety of produce. A paradigm shift has however occurred over the years, giving birth to new commercially available products. This review thus appraises and gives an overview of traditional and modern fermented and malted products. Although, millet has been diversified to several products, its major food uses are still restrained to traditional consumers and largely remains underutilized. Considering the potential embedded in this grain, it is important to explore this crop through the application of appropriate modern fermentation and malting technologies. This will ensure the availability of ready to eat (RTE) and ready to use (RTU) food products and to a large extent address the incessant food security challenges plaguing Africa.     

Transformation of sputtered calcium copper titanate thin film into nanorods by sequential annealing

Rapid synthesis of long calcium copper titanate (CCTO) nanorods was carried out by sequential annealing. CCTO thin films have been deposited on p-Si substrate by RF sputtering technique and afterwards, the samples were thermally treated using a preheated furnace by varying the annealing temperature from 850 °C to 1100 °C. CCTO nanorods of 12 µm lengths and 400–600 nm diameters were synthesized at 1100 °C. Based on the FESEM observations, a plausible growth mechanism has been proposed to explain the formation of nanorods. The (220) XRD peak of the CCTO film became prominent for the annealing temperature of 950 °C. The presence of nanoscale crystals in amorphous matrix has been observed by HRTEM studies. The elemental mapping of CCTO nanorod has shown a spatial variation of elements throughout the nanorod. The oxide and interface charge density was found to be increased with the rise in annealing temperature.