Single image super resolution for texture images through neighbor embedding

This article proposes an improved learning based super resolution scheme using manifold learning for texture images. Pseudo Zernike moment (PZM) has been employed to extract features from the texture images. In order to efficiently retrieve similar patches from the training patches, feature similarity index matrix (FSIM) has been used. Subsequently, for reconstruction of the high resolution (HR) patch, a collaborative optimal weight is generated from the least square (LS) and non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) methods. The proposed method is tested on some color texture, gray texture, and some standard images. Results of the proposed method on texture images advocate its superior performance over established state-of-the-art methods.

     

Decoder side Wyner–Ziv frame estimation using Chebyshev polynomial-based FLANN technique for distributed video coding

Multidimensional Systems and Signal Processing - In this paper, a Chebyshev polynomial-based functional link artificial neural network (CFLANN) technique for Wyner–Ziv (WZ) frame estimation...     

A new modelling and identification scheme for time-delay systems with experimental investigation: a relay feedback approach

In this paper, the conventional relay feedback test has been modified for modelling and identification of a class of real-time dynamical systems in terms of linear transfer function models with time-delay. An ideal relay and unknown systems are connected through a negative feedback loop to bring the sustained oscillatory output around the non-zero setpoint. Thereafter, the obtained limit cycle information is substituted in the derived mathematical equations for accurate identification of unknown plants in terms of overdamped, underdamped, critically damped second-order plus dead time and stable first-order plus dead time transfer function models. Typical examples from the literature are included for the validation of the proposed identification scheme through computer simulations. Subsequently, the comparisons between estimated model and true system are drawn through integral absolute error criterion and frequency response plots. Finally, the obtained output responses through simulations are verified experimentally on real-time liquid level control system using Yokogawa Distributed Control System CENTUM CS3000 set up.     

Secrecy Capacity Analysis of MIMO System over Multiple Destinations and Multiple Eavesdroppers

Wireless Personal Communications - In this paper we address physical layer security of multiple input multiple output (MIMO) communication system in presence of multiple destinations and passive...     

Electrical conductivity of a novel cast 6351 Al–Al4SiC4 in situ composite

In this research work, electrical conductivity of a novel cast 6351 Al–Al₄SiC₄ composite has been studied for varying Al₄SiC₄ particle content (2–7 vol%). Analytical models were developed on the basis of free electron theory and local resistance approach in order to predict electrical conductivity of metal matrix composites. The electrical conductivity of cast 6351 Al–Al₄SiC₄ composite was found to decrease with increasing Al₄SiC₄ content. Overprediction of results and more % deviation of the predicted electrical conductivity from experimental value were observed for local-resistance-approach-based model. However, the model developed on the basis of electron theory considering scattering of electrons at particle–matrix interface accurately predicted the experimental electrical conductivity data.     

Bailout forward contracts for edge-to-edge internet services

Despite the huge success of the Internet in providing basic communication services, its economic architecture needs to be upgraded so as to provide end-to-end guaranteed or more reliable services to its customers. Currently, a user or an enterprise that needs end-to-end bandwidth guarantees between two arbitrary points in the Internet for a short period of time has no way of expressing its needs. To allow these much needed basic services, we propose a single-domain edge-to-edge (g2g) dynamic capacity contracting mechanism, where a network customer can enter into a bandwidth contract on a g2g path at a future time, at a predetermined price. For practical and economic viability, such forward contracts must involve a bailout option to account for bandwidth becoming unavailable at service delivery time, and must be priced appropriately to enable Internet Service Providers (ISPs) manage risks in their contracting and investments. Our design allows ISPs to advertise point-to-point different prices for each of their g2g paths instead of the current point-to-anywhere prices, allowing discovery of better end-to-end paths, temporal flexibility and efficiency of bandwidth usage. We compute the risk-neutral prices for these g2g bailout forward contracts (BFCs), taking into account correlations between different contracts due to correlated demand patterns and overlapping paths. We apply this multiple g2g BFC framework on network models with Rocketfuel topologies. We evaluate our contracting mechanism in terms of key network performance metrics like fraction of bailouts, revenue earned by the provider, and adaptability to link failures. We also explore the tradeoffs between complexity of pricing and performance benefits of our BFC mechanism.     

Electrical reliability aspects of HfO2 high-k gate dielectrics with TaN metal gate electrodes under constant voltage stress

The dielectric breakdown property of ultrathin 2.5 and 5.0 nm hafnium oxide (HfO₂) gate dielectric layers with metal nitride (TaN) gate electrodes for metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) structure has been investigated. Reliability studies were performed with constant voltage stressing to verify the processing condition effects (film thicknesses and post metal annealing temperatures) on times to breakdown. The leakage current characteristics are improved with post metal annealing temperatures (PMA) for both 2.5 and 5.0 nm HfO₂ physical thicknesses. However, it is more prominent (2 orders of magnitudes) for 2.5 nm HfO₂ film thickness. The values of oxide-trapped charge density and interface-state density are also improved for 2.5 nm HfO₂ film. The different stages of charge-trapping behaviors, i.e., stress-induced leakage current, soft and hard breakdown mechanisms have been detected. During constant voltage stress of the MOS capacitors, an increase in the time-dependent gate current is observed, followed by the occurrence of several fluctuations. The amplitude of the fluctuations is much larger in the 5.0 nm HfO₂ gate dielectric layer compared to the 2.5 nm HfO₂ layer. After the occurrence of such fluctuations, the current–voltage characteristics exhibited an increased in gate current compared to the fresh (unstressed) devices.     

Microstructural Analysis of Multi-phase Ultra-Thin Oxide Overgrowth on Al–Mg Alloy by High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy

High-resolution transmission electron microscopy analyses are carried out to understand the microstructure of the ultra-thin oxide-film grown on a (native) amorphous Al₂O₃-coated Al-0.8 at.% Mg alloy substrate at T = 600 K for t = 2 h and at pO₂ of 1 × 10^?2 Pa. This oxide-film is found to be non-uniformly thick with thicknesses varying from 1.50 to 4.60 nm. Occasionally, this oxide is found to diffuse into the Al–Mg alloy substrate, forming oxide thicknesses up to 10.5 nm. Overall, this oxide-film is found to consist of a mixed amorphous, (poly) crystalline and an intermediate amorphous-to-crystalline transition regions, with crystalline regions consisting mostly of MgO and the diffused oxide regions into the Al–Mg alloy substrate coated with γ-Al₂O₃. These observations are then compared with the experimental results obtained using angle-resolved X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy analysis and thermodynamic predictions for the growth of an ultra-thin oxide-film due to dry, thermal oxidation of Al–Mg alloy substrates.