Multichannel ECG data compression based on multiscale principal component analysis

In this paper, multiscale principal component analysis (MSPCA) is proposed for multichannel electrocardiogram (MECG) data compression. In wavelet domain, principal components analysis (PCA) of multiscale multivariate matrices of multichannel signals helps reduce dimension and remove redundant information present in signals. The selection of principal components (PCs) is based on average fractional energy contribution of eigenvalue in a data matrix. Multichannel compression is implemented using uniform quantizer and entropy coding of PCA coefficients. The compressed signal quality is evaluated quantitatively using percentage root mean square difference (PRD), and wavelet energy-based diagnostic distortion (WEDD) measures. Using dataset from CSE multilead measurement library, multichannel compression ratio of 5.98:1 is found with PRD value 2.09% and the lowest WEDD value of 4.19%. Based on, gold standard subjective quality measure, the lowest mean opinion score error value of 5.56% is found.     

Significance of image representation for face verification

In this paper we discuss the significance of representation of images for face verification. We consider three different representations, namely, edge gradient, edge orientation and potential field derived from the edge gradient. These representations are examined in the context of face verification using a specific type of correlation filter, called the minimum average correlation energy (MACE) filter. The different representations are derived using one-dimensional (1-D) processing of image. The 1-D processing provides multiple partial evidences for a given face image, one evidence for each direction of the 1-D processing. Separate MACE filters are used for deriving each partial evidence. We propose a method to combine the partial evidences obtained for each representation using an auto-associative neural network (AANN) model, to arrive at a decision for face verification. Results show that the performance of the system using potential field representation is better than that using the edge gradient representation or the edge orientation representation. Also, the potential field representation derived from the edge gradient is observed to be less sensitive to variation in illumination compared to the gray level representation of images.     

Detection of repolarization alternans with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator lead in a porcine model

Mechanistic links have been suggested between repolarization alternans (RPA) and the onset of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and/or fibrillation. Endocardial detection of RPA may, therefore, be an important step in future device-based treatments of arrhythmias. Here, we investigate if RPA could be detected during acute ischemia using an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) lead (tip to distal coil) located in the right ventricular apex. In 18 pigs, the right coronary (n = 10) or left anterior descending coronary (n = 8) artery was occluded for 10 min using a balloon catheter, followed by reperfusion for 30 min, and re-occlusion for 30 min. RPA magnitude, computed using the modified moving average (MMA) method, showed a sharp increase in all 18 animals, from a mean baseline level of 1.9 +/- 1.3 mV to 3.0 +/- 1.3 mV during first occlusion (p < 0.001). RPA magnitude showed a prominent increase in 10 animals during re-occlusion, from a mean baseline level of 1.7 +/- 1.0 mV to 3.3 +/- 1.5 mV (p < 0.001). The protocol was terminated during the first two stages of occlusion and reperfusion for the remaining 8 animals due to the occurrence of ventricular fibrillation (VF). These results confirm that RPA increases under ischemic conditions and that it is possible to detect and track RPA dynamics with an ICD lead that is positioned in a clinically realistic location. Such an approach may be useful in formulating improved arrhythmia detection and control algorithms.     

Error Performance of DQPSK with EGC Diversity Reception over Fading Channels

This paper derives the average bit error probability (BEP) of differential quaternary phase shift keying (DQPSK) with postdetection equal gain combining (EGC) diversity reception over independent and arbitrarily correlated fading channels. First, using the associated Legendre functions, the average BEP of DQPSK is analyzed over independent Rayleigh, Nakagami-m, and Rician fading channels. Finite-series closed-form expressions for the average BEP of DQPSK over L-branch independent Rayleigh and Nakagami-m fading channels (for integer Lm) are presented. Besides, a finite-series closed-form expression is given for the average BEP of differential binary phase shift keying (DBPSK) with EGC over independent Rician fading channels. Second, an alternative approach is propounded to study the performance of DQPSK over arbitrarily correlated Nakagami-m and Rician fading channels. Relatively simple BEP expressions in terms of a finite sum of a finite-range integral are proposed. Moreover, the penalty in signal to noise ratio (SNR) due to arbitrarily correlated channel fading is also investigated. Finally, the accuracy of the results is verified by computer simulation.     

Steady state and dynamic characteristics of partial journal bearings

The response of the lubricant film of a partial journal bearing to displacements and velocities of its journal for laminar Newtonian flow of the lubricant is presented. The bearing force coefficients (spring and damping coefficients) were evaluated experimentally on a sophisticated test rig, with control over all the essential variables. Test results are presented in non-dimensional form and are applicable to a bearing of 130° arc and with a length-to-diameter ratio of 0.8. Useful design data and a theoretical comparison are given.     

QoS aware and fault tolerant handovers in software defined LTE networks

Wireless Networks - In order to handle a huge number of mobile users connections and their requirements like higher throughput, lower delay and seamless mobility, telecom operators have started...     

Comprehensive review for energy efficient hierarchical routing protocols on wireless sensor networks

Wireless Networks - In recent years, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have played a major role in applications such as tracking and monitoring in remote environments. Designing energy efficient...     

Atomic layer chemical vapour deposition of copper

Copper films with (1 1 1) texture are of crucial importance in integrated circuit interconnects. We have deposited strongly (1 1 1)-textured thin films of copper by atomic layer deposition (ALD) using [2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptadionato] Cu(II), Cu(thd)₂, as the precursor. The dependence of the microstructure of the films on ALD conditions, such as the number of ALD cycles and the deposition temperature was studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy. Analysis of (1 1 1)-textured films shows the presence of twin planes in the copper grains throughout the films. SEM shows a labyrinthine structure of highly connected, large grains developing as film thickness increases. This leads to low resistivity and suggests high resistance to electromigration.     

A Hybrid Clustering Approach Based Q-Leach in TDMA to Optimize QOS-Parameters

An Orthogonal frequency part multiplexing suffers from a considerable challenge due to a high peak to average power ratio (PAPR). Hence, an effective method such as partial transmits sequence (PTS) can avert this defiance by limit the design of PAPR. Therefore, an improving PAPR reduction performance via a novel approach is proposed by detaching each subblock into two parts furthermore exchanges the first sample with the final selection in each portion of the subblock to generate a new partitioning scheme. Several typical traditional segmentation schemes are used to analyze and apply the presented algorithm, such as adjacent, interleaving, and pseudo-random schemes. Besides, two scenarios are adopted based on simulation software in which the number of subcarriers is set to 128 and 256. Based on the results, a superior PAPR reduction performance is achieved based on the improved segmentation schemes regarding traditional strategies in both systems. Moreover, the enhanced adjusted PTS scheme poses a low computational complexity compared with that of the conventional schemes.

     

Spreading Behavior and Evolution of IMCs During Reactive Wetting of SAC Solders on Smooth and Rough Copper Substrates

The effect of surface roughness of copper substrate on the reactive wetting of Sn-Ag-Cu solder alloys and morphology of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) was investigated. The spreading behavior of solder alloys on smooth and rough Cu substrates was categorized into capillary, diffusion/reaction, and contact angle stabilization zones. The increase in substrate surface roughness improved the wetting of solder alloys, being attributed to the presence of thick Cu₃Sn IMC at the interface. The morphology of IMCs transformed from long needle shaped to short protruded type with an increase in the substrate surface roughness for the Sn-0.3Ag-0.7Cu and Sn-3Ag-0.5Cu solder alloys. However, for the Sn-2.5Ag-0.5Cu solder alloy the needle-shaped IMCs transformed to the completely scallop type with increase in the substrate surface roughness. The effect of Ag content on wetting behavior was not significant.