Demosaicing algorithms for area- and line-scan cameras in print inspection

Most color image sensors use color filter arrays (CFA). With this sensor design the captured information at each sensor pixel position is restricted to a specific spectral portion (typically red, green and blue bands). To obtain the missing color responses at each pixel position, so-called CFA demosaicing algorithms are commonly used. We propose two new CFA demosaicing algorithms, which are well suited for industrial print inspection with respect to the requirements in accuracy and speed. As a main contribution, we introduce novel demosaicing algorithms for specific high-speed color digital time delay and integration (DTDI) CFA line-scan cameras. We compare the suggested CFA demosaicing algorithms to state-of-the art algorithms for area and line-scan camera operation modes. We show that the two new algorithms perform superior to conventional algorithms as indicated by reconstruction error.     

Do ESD fails in systems correlate with IC ESD robustness?

Integrated circuits (ICs) are qualified for their electrostatic discharge (ESD) robustness according to the well-known IC ESD standards Human Body Model, Machine Model, and Charged Device Model in order to guarantee safe handling in ESD protected areas. For electronic systems like mobile phones which are in direct use by consumers, certain robustness against system level ESD is demanded, too. As the ESD test methods of device and system level stress are completely different (waveforms, stress application, operating condition of the DUT, etc.), correlations between models of both worlds are difficult to establish. Therefore, the system vendors more and more demand a specified ESD robustness for devices (ICs) according to an ESD system level standard. Testing ICs to a system level ESD standard requires careful considerations; first ideas are summarized in the new Standard Practice “Human Metal Model” of the ESDA/ANSI. However, the approach of deriving system ESD robustness from IC robustness is currently too much simplified and bears severe potential risks. Nevertheless, there are methodologies and approaches to use IC ESD characterization for defining ESD protection concepts for systems. Appropriate high-current characterization of ICs can be the cornerstone for a successfully optimized system ESD protection.     

Real-Time Detection of Terahertz Pulse Amplitude and Position

A novel and continuous detection scheme for the pulse amplitude and temporal position of a terahertz time domain system is presented. Currently, we have achieved a sampling time of 25 Hz and a resolution of less than 70 fs. The method is therefore very well suited for online measurements in production processes to monitor the thickness and inhomogeneities in the composition of non-conducting materials.     

Mental health supplement to the Ontario Health Survey: methodology

OBJECTIVE: To describe the methodology of a province-wide, cross-sectional, epidemiologic study of psychiatric disorder among those aged 15 years and over living in household dwellings in Ontario. METHOD: Respondents for the survey were drawn from households (N = 13002) participating in a province-wide health survey. One person per household was selected, and 9953 (76.5%) participated. RESULTS: Participants and nonparticipants were similar to each other. An extensive array of data, including measures of psychiatric disorder classified using a revised version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI), are available for all respondents. CONCLUSIONS: The Ontario Health Supplement is contained in a public-use data file at the Ontario Ministry of Health and is available to investigators for study. A strong survey design, careful measurement, and acceptable levels of response provide the rationale for our inviting researchers to access and use the Ontario Health Supplement data base.     

One-year prevalence of psychiatric disorder in Ontarians 15 to 64 years of age

OBJECTIVE: To present the one-year prevalence of 14 psychiatric disorders in a community sample of Ontarians aged 15 to 64 years. METHOD: Data on psychiatric disorders were collected on 9953 respondents using the University of Michigan revision of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (UM-CIDI). DSM-III-R criteria were used to define the psychiatric disorders. RESULTS: Almost 1 in 5 Ontarians (18.6%) had one or more of the disorders measured in the survey. Among 15-to 24-year-olds, 1 in 4 was affected. The distribution of individual disorders varied by sex and age. CONCLUSION: Because of the immense burden of suffering associated with psychiatric disorders, clinical and research efforts in this area should receive high priority within the health budget.     

Influence of Spatially Variable Side Friction on Single Drilled Shaft Resistance and LRFD Resistance Factors

Load and resistance factor design (LRFD) is a method that aims at meeting specified target reliabilities (probabilities of failure) of engineered systems. The present work focuses on ultimate side friction resistance for axial loads on single cylindrical drilled shaft foundations in the presence of spatially variable rock/soil strength. Core sample data are assumed to provide reliable information about local strength in terms of mean, coefficient of variation and spatial correlation structure (variogram) at a site. The geostatistical principle of support up-scaling is applied to quantify the reduction in variability between local strength and the average ultimate shaft side friction resistance without having to recur to lengthy stochastic finite difference/element simulations. Site and shaft specific LRFD resistance factors (Φ values) are given based on the assumption of lognormal load and resistance distributions and existing formulas recommended by the Federal Highway Administration. Results are efficiently represented in dimensionless charts for a wide range of target reliabilities, shaft dimensions, and geostatistical parameters including nested variograms of different types with geometric and/or zonal anisotropies. Field data of local rock strength is used to demonstrate the method and to evaluate the sensitivity of obtained resistance factors to potentially uncertain variogram parameters.     

Occupational Factors and 5-Year Weight Change Among Men in a Danish National Cohort.

This study explored whether factors related to the work environment could predict changes in body mass index (BMI) and whether the effect of psychosocial factors was dependent on baseline BMI. The sample consisted of 1,980 male employees from the Danish National Work Environment Cohort Study. Changes in BMI between 1995 and 2000 were analyzed, by multiple regression, as a function of background variables and a series of occupational variables obtained in 1995. Age, baseline BMI, job insecurity, and psychological demands predicted changes in BMI. Job insecurity and high or low psychological demands increased the likelihood of weight gain among obese employees, whereas they increased the likelihood of weight loss among employees with a low BMI. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)