Fast algorithms for the discrete Fourier preprocessing transforms

It is pointed out that the two-stage Fourier algorithms are useful in a variety of applications in signal/image processing and recognition. The first stage, known as the DFPT (discrete Fourier preprocessing transform), has the potential of very fast and low-cost implementation, say, in a VLSI chip, as well as high-quality performance in applications without the second stage. The DFT (discrete Fourier transform), the RDFT (real DFT), or any other DFPT can be obtained if the second stage is completed. Since the second stage consists of independent blocks of circular correlations, they can be computed in fast sequential or parallel architectures. There are two groups of fast algorithms for the computation of DFPTs. The first group involves the representation of a DFPT in terms of skew-circular correlations (SCCs), which are then computed by fast SCC algorithms or parallel architectures such as semisystolic arrays. The second group involves the fast computation of a DFPT, including the DFT and the RDFT, by the implementationally simplest DFPT, such as class 2, case V DFPT     

Image coding with the discrete cosine-III transform

The discrete cosine-III transform (DC3T) is the same as the discrete symmetric cosine transform (DSCT) with a specific preprocessing of input data. It has less computational complexity than the discrete cosine transform (DCT) in terms of multiplications. The DC3T is also related to the DCT by a weighting matrix. The performance of the DC3T is compared to the DCT when compression is performed by adaptive coding. Experimental results show that a significant improvement in visual performance and mean square reconstruction error can be achieved over what is possible with the DCT. The better performance is attributed to the weighting of the DCT coefficients, which is indirectly achieved at reduced computational cost     

Generalized discrete Hartley transforms

The discrete Hartley transform is generalized into four classes in the same way as the generalized discrete Fourier transform. Fast algorithms for the resulting transforms are derived. The generalized transforms are expected to be useful in applications such as digital filter banks, fast computation of the discrete Hartley transform for any composite number of data points, fast computations of convolution, and signal representation. The fast computation of skew-circular convolution by the generalized transforms for any composite number of data points is discussed in detail     

Evaluation of destruction specific energy of fly ash and slag admixed concrete interlocking paving blocks (CIPB)

Concrete interlocking paving blocks (CIPB) are widely used in flooring and covering applications such as city roads, pedestrian foots, gardening architecture and many surface coverings. The focus of this study is to evaluate destruction specific energy (SE_des) of CIPB containing fly ash and blast-furnace slag at different curing conditions. The SE_des is estimated from the area (integral) under stress–strain envelope for an unconfined compression test. This method provides a better understanding between performance and the main mechanical character of CIPB. Compressive strength, splitting tensile and flexural tensile strengths, rebound hardness and abrasion resistance tests at 3, 7, 28, 90 and 180 days were carried out. The test results showed that fly ash (FA) and blast-furnace slag (BFS) can replace the cement by amounts of 10–20%, 30–40% of mass, respectively. This helps to produce CIPB with lower cost and better engineering properties. The relationship between SE_des, strength, hardness and abrasion are defined for CIPB.     

A statistical self-organizing learning system for remote sensing classification

A new learning system called a statistical self-organizing learning system (SSOLS), combining functional-link neural networks, statistical hypothesis testing, and self-organization of a number of enhancement nodes, is introduced for remote sensing applications. Its structure consists of two stages, a mapping stage and a learning stage. The input training vectors are initially mapped to the enhancement vectors in the mapping stage by multiplying with a random matrix, followed by pointwise nonlinear transformations. Starting with only one enhancement node, the enhancement layer incrementally adds an extra node in each iteration. The optimum dimension of the enhancement layer is determined by using an efficient leave-one-out cross-validation method. In this way, the number of enhancement nodes is also learned automatically. A t-test algorithm can also be applied to the mapping stage to mitigate the effect of overfitting and to further reduce the number of enhancement nodes required, resulting in a more compact network. In the learning stage, both the input vectors and the enhancement vectors are fed into a least squares learning module to obtain the estimated output vectors. This is made possible by choosing the output layer linear. In addition, several SSOLSs can be trained independently in parallel to form a consensual SSOLS, whose final output is a linear combination of the outputs of each SSOLS module. The SSOLS is simple, fast to compute, and suitable for remote sensing applications, especially with hyperspectral image data of high dimensionality.     

Scattering from a finite length rod with endpoint contribution

A uniform, high frequency analysis for calculating scattering from thin, finite length cylinders is presented. The cylinder diameter is assumed to be small (on the order of a wavelength or less) so that the modal solution is valid. The total field consists of the incident field, the scattered field from the specular point, and two endpoint contributions. A thin wire tip diffraction coefficient (TDC) is developed for calculating the end point contributions. The incident fields are those of a spherical source radiating throughout space. While the specularly scattered field and end point contributions are discontinuous, these discontinuities cancel each other, resulting in a uniformly continuous total field. Good agreement is obtained between measured and calculated results.     

Unilateral spinal anaesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine

BACKGROUND: The dosage of local anaesthetic and the time the patient must be kept in the lateral decubitus position for a unilateral spinal anaesthesia is not known. The aim of this study was to determine the ideal dosage of hyperbaric bupivacaine and the time required for the lateral decubitus position for a unilateral spinal block. METHODS: Ninety patients who were scheduled to receive spinal block for surgery in the lower extremity were randomised into 9 groups (n = 10). The spinal block was performed through the L4-L5 intervertebral space with the patient in the lateral decubitus position. Patients in groups Ia, Ib, Ic; IIa, IIb, IIc; IIIa, IIIb, IIIc received 1.5 ml of 0.5%, 2 ml of 0.5%, and 2.5 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine solutions, respectively. The patients were turned to the supine position for 5 min after the injection in groups Ia, IIa, IIIa, 10 min after the injection in groups Ib, IIb, IIIb, and 15 min after the injection in groups Ic, IIc, IIIc. The onset and regression of sensory and motor block were checked and compared between the dependent and non-dependent sides in each group. RESULTS: The rate of block progression of the non-dependent side was higher in the groups receiving 2.5 ml 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine solution than in the other groups; at the same time the level of block was higher and the duration of block was longer. The incidence of hypotension was 10-20% in these groups. In the 2 ml 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine solution groups, a satisfactory block level and duration of anaesthesia for surgery was obtained. The rate of block progression to non-dependent side in the groups receiving 1.5 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine solution was lower than the other groups, but the duration of block was shorter and the level of block was lower than the other groups. CONCLUSION: For unilateral spinal anaesthesia in lower extremity operations, 2ml 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine solution for operations above the knee and 1.5 ml 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine solution for operations below the knee and keeping the patients for 10 min in the lateral decubitus position were found to be appropriate.     

Systematik und katalog für räumliche elementenpaareClassification of and catalog for spatial pairs of elements

Design catalogs, much used in recent years in Germany [1–3], are excellent resources for methodical mechanical design. They are a kind of information store, containing the special knowledge necessary for design engineers in a concentrated, clearly arranged and easily accessible form. A design catalog consists of three parts: (1) classification, (2) main part, and (3) charactersitic properties. The first part presents a systematic, contradiction-free subdivision of solutions in the main part. It enables a quick check of completeness and, if necessary, allows completion of the solution field. The main part contains the solution field and identifies each solution in the form of sketches, text, equations or diagrams. The third part is used to seek and select the solution that is most suitable for a given problem. Therefore this part should contain all important characteristic properties of each solution.This paper introduces a design catalog for “Spatial Pairs of Elements”. In 1876 Reuleux discovered that in the general solution of the machine problem the elementary parts of a machine are not single, but always occur in pairs. Therefore, from a kinematic point of view, the machine must be divided into pairs of elements. A catalog that includes all important spatial pairs of elements, therefore, would be a fundamental resource for the designer.The design catalog for spatial pairs of elements contains 9 point-contact, 31 line-contact, and 10 surface-contact pairs, divided according to three classification aspects: type of contact, type of spatial element, and type of surface element. The main part shows the pairs of elements with their sketches, pairing restraints, and specific axis. The third part includes the kinetic and construction properties, frequency and application fields, which render possible the selection of an optimal pair of elements for given conditions.     

A dynamic theory for polarizable and magnetizable magneto-electro thermoviscoelastic,electrically and thermally conductive anisotropic solids having magnetic symmetry

A unified dynamic theory for polarizable and magnetizable magneto-electro thermoviscoelastic. electrically and thermally conducting anisotropic solids possessing magnetic symmetry is developed for time-dependent electromagnetic fields. Considering the Chu formulation of the Maxwell equations, the balance equations of nonrelativistic continuum mechanics and the boundary conditions together with the constitutive equations for anisotropic materials are given. It is shown that the entropy, polarization. magnetization and the nondissipative part of stress are derivable from a potential while the dissipative part of stress, electric current and heat flux vectors satisfy a residual inequality. The theory developed for a general anisotropy and interaction is applied to special cases.