Optimal video stream multiplexing through linear programming

This paper presents a new optimal multiplexing scheme for compressed video streams based on their individual e-PCRTT transmission schedules. A linear programming algorithm is proffered, which takes into account the different constraints of each client. The algorithm simultaneously finds the optimum total multiplexed and individual stream schedules that minimize the peak transmission rate. Since the problem is formulated as a linear program it is bounded in polynomial time. It is shown that the algorithm succeeds in obtaining maximum bandwidth utilization with Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees. Simulation results using 10 real MPEG-1 video sequences are presented. The optimal multiplexing linear programming results are compared to the e-PCRTT and Join-the-Shortest-Queue (JSQ) procedures in terms of peak transmission bandwidth, P-loss performance and standard deviation. For several client buffer sizes, the rate obtained by our LP solution when compared to a previous e-PCRTT and JSQ methods resulted in reductions of 47% and 56%, respectively. This implies for a fixed rate problem that the proposed scheme can allow an increase in the number of simultaneously served video streams.     

Modelling of heated composite floor slabs with reference to the Cardington experiments

This paper describes a method of modelling composite floor slabs in fire conditions using a stress-resultant approach. The FEAST suite, which consists of two main computer programs is described. The first, SRAS, is designed to model the behaviour of arbitrary orthotropic plate sections at elevated temperatures. The second program, FEAI, interfaces with the finite element package ABAQUS, allowing realistic models of the behaviour of whole structures in fire conditions to be obtained. The paper describes how SRAS was used to analyse the floor slab of the Cardington fire tests and results showing the behaviour of the slab under a variety of loading conditions are presented. The suitability of FEAI as a key component in the analysis of redundant structures under fire conditions is briefly demonstrated.     

Time-Resolved Linewidth Enhancement Factors in Quantum Dot and Higher-Dimensional Semiconductor Amplifiers Operating at 1.55 $mu{hbox{m}}$

We report time-resolved measurements of the linewidth enhancement factors (-factors) , and , associated with the adiabatic carrier recovery, carrier heating, and two-photon absorption dynamical processes, respectively, in semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) with different degrees of dimensionality-one InAs/InGaAsP/InP quantum dot (0-D), one InAs/InAlGaAs/InP quantum dash (1-D), and a matching InGaAsP/InGaAsP/InP quantum well (2-D)-all operating near 1.55- wavelengths. We find the lowest values in the QD SOA, 2-10, compared to 8-16 in the QW, and values of and that are also lower than in the QW. In the QD SOA, the -factors exhibit little wavelength dependence over the gain bandwidth, promising for wide-bandwidth all-optical applications. We also find significant differences in the -factors of lasers with the same structure, due to the differences between gain changes that are induced optically or through the electrical bias. For the lasers we find the QW structure instead has the lower -factor, having implications for directly modulated laser applications.     

A comparison of some objective measures of expectancy.

4 measures of expectancy were compared. "Similarities of results in the four groups indicate that all four methods are tending to measure the same thing… There appears to be a close relationship between previous training in a specific situation and expectations for future performance." 26 references. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Buckling of rings in column-supported bins and tanks

Theories for the out-of-plane buckling of rings under uniform circumferential compression are well established. However these theories are not applicable to rings in column-supported bins where the circumferential stress in the ring varies significantly over the cross-section and around the circumference.

This paper deals with the out-of-plane buckling of annular plate rings in column-supported bins and tanks. The stress distributions in such rings are first examined using a finite element shell analysis. A closed-form solution for the buckling of rings under non-uniform circumferential stresses is then derived. Numerical results from the closed-form solution are compared with those from a finite element shell buckling analysis, and close agreement is found. The significant effect of stress non-uniformity on the buckling predictions is demonstrated. Finally, simplified equations are given which are suitable for structural design purposes, and which closely model the predictions of the more rigorous solution.     

Detection of Helicobacter pylori in stool specimens by PCR and antigen enzyme immunoassay

A highly sensitive seminested PCR assay to detect Helicobacter pylori DNA in feces was developed. PCR with stool specimens and a novel antigen enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for H. pylori detection in feces were evaluated as diagnostic tools and in follow-up with samples from 63 infected and 37 noninfected persons. Infected individuals received eradication therapy followed by endoscopic follow-up 35 days after the start of treatment. At that time, a second stool specimen was obtained from 55 of these patients. Before eradication, the sensitivity of PCR was 93.7% and that of EIA 88.9%. Specificities were 100 and 94.6%, respectively. Of the 55 follow-up specimens, 41 originated from patients from whom H. pylori had been eradicated. Of these, 21 were still positive by PCR and 13 were positive by EIA, indicating that 1 month may be too short a period for follow-up evaluation of stool specimens by these tests.     

A Hybrid Compression Method for Integral Images Using Discrete Wavelet Transform and Discrete Cosine Transform

Integral imaging (II) is a promising three-dimensional (3-D) imaging technique that uses an array of diffractive or refractive optical elements to record the 3-D information on a conventional digital sensor. With II, the object information is recorded in the form of an array of subimages, each representing a slightly different perspective of the object In order to obtain high-quality 3-D images, digital sensors with a large number of pixels are required. Consequently, high-quality II involves recording and processing large amounts of data. In this paper, we present a compression method developed for the particular characteristics of the digitally recorded integral image. The compression algorithm is based on a hybrid technique implementing a four-dimensional transform combining the discrete wavelet transform and the discrete cosine transform. The proposed algorithm outperforms the baseline JPEG compression scheme applied to II and a previous compression method developed for II based on MPEG II.     

Carrier Dynamics of Quantum-Dot, Quantum-Dash, and Quantum-Well Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers Operating at 1.55 μm

We assess the influence of the degree of quantum confinement on the carrier recovery times in semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) through an experimental comparative study of three amplifiers, one InAs-InGaAsP-InP quantum dot (0-D), one InAs-InAlGaAs-InP quantum dash (1-D), and one InGaAsP-In-GaAsP-InP quantum well (2-D), all of which operate near 1.55-mum wavelengths. The short-lived (around 1 ps) and long-lived (up to 2 ns) amplitude and phase dynamics of the three devices are characterized via heterodyne pump-probe measurements. The quantum-dot device is found to have the shortest long-lived gain recovery (~80 ps) as well as gain and phase changes indicative of a smaller linewidth enhancement factor, making it the most promising for high-bit-rate applications. The quantum-dot amplifier is also found to have reduced ultrafast transients, due to a lower carrier density in the dots. The quantum-dot gain saturation characteristics and temporal dynamics also provide insight into the nature of the dot energy-level occupancy and the interactions of the dot states with the wetting layer.     

Novel concepts for GaAs/LiNbO(3) layered systems and their device applications

Thin semiconductor quantum well structures fused onto LiNbO(3 ) substrates using the epitaxial lift-off (ELO) technology offer the possibility of controlling the surface acoustic wave (SAW) velocity via field effect. The tunability of the conductivity in the InGaAs quantum well results in a great change in SAW velocity, in general, accompanied by an attenuation. We show that an additional lateral modulation of the sheet conductivity reduces the SAW attenuation significantly, enhancing device performance. At high SAW intensity the bunching of electrons in the SAW potential also leads to a strong reduction of attenuation. These effects open new possibilities for voltage-controlled SAW devices. We demonstrate a novel, wireless, passive voltage sensor, which can be read out from a remote location.