A Level-Crossing Analog-to-Digital Converter With Triangular Dither

In this paper, a level-crossing analog-to-digital converter is described. It can convert audio bandwidth signals with high resolution using few threshold levels and digital interpolation. Samples are generated at nonuniform time intervals and then interpolated to produce uniformly spaced output samples. A periodic triangular dither signal added to the input ensures that low-amplitude or slowly varying signals are sampled and converted accurately. The dither is estimated and removed digitally before interpolation. Simulations show that greater than 10-bit resolution can be achieved with only seven comparators when using a sixth-order polynomial interpolator.     

Combining algorithms for automatic detection of optic disc and macula in fundus images

This paper proposes an efficient combination of algorithms for the automated localization of the optic disc and macula in retinal fundus images. There is in fact no reason to assume that a single algorithm would be optimal. An ensemble of algorithms based on different principles can be more accurate than any of its individual members if the individual algorithms are doing better than random guessing. We aim to obtain an improved optic disc and macula detector by combining the prediction of multiple algorithms, benefiting from their strength and compensating their weaknesses. The location with maximum number of detectors’ outputs is formally the hotspot and is used to find the optic disc or macula center. An assessment of the performance of integrated system and detectors working separately is also presented. Our proposed combination of detectors achieved overall highest performance in detecting optic disc and fovea closest to the manually center chosen by the retinal specialist.     

Towards a New MODDE of Improving Legal Decision Support Design

This paper contributes to the ebb and flow of innovations in decision support system design by presenting the MODDE methodology (Model Of Decision support system Design and Evaluation). It utilizes a simple conceptualisation of the software engineering process, and aims to provide computer consultants with guidance to the way they may include consideration of three qualitative dimensions of high level autonomous decision making. These three dimensions--discretion, consistency and resolution--have arisen directly from work in an applied legal domain. MODDE facilitates systematic attention to these dimensions in a way not previously done and thus complements existing software and requirements engineering practices.     

Amino acid composition of guineafowl's egg

Samples of eggs from two breeds (White-breasted and Pearl) of guinea hens which were housed either on deep litter or in layer cages were analysed for their content of amino acids. The protein content of whole eggs ranged from 482 to 494 mg g^?1, with a mean of 487 mg g^?1. Concentrations of the various amino acids in the egg ranged from 118 mg (tryptophan) to 752 mg (glutamic acid) per g N. The mean concentration of total sulphur amino acids was 395 mg per g N. Overall the amino acid composition of guineafowl egg was not affected by either breed or housing system.     

Food insecurity and coping strategies in South-West Nigeria

Food insecurity and coping strategies in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State in the south-western part of Nigeria were studied by means of a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected from 80 households, consisting of 321 members, with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire, and were analysed using a Food Insecurity Index. The overall incidence of food insecurity was 58.8 % while the depth of food insecurity, expressed as the average percent increase in calories required to meet the recommended daily requirement, was 19.5 %. Thus, the study confirmed the widespread existence of household food insecurity but with mild severity. Food insecurity indices declined with higher levels of income and educational attainment but increased with household size and number of dependants. Incidence of food insecurity was slightly higher among female headed than male headed households but the depth and severity were lower. Eating less expensive and less preferred food and reducing portion sizes were the three most common coping strategies for combating short-term food shortages. Policies that would enhance income earning capacity of household members and their access to higher education, well-focused gender specific interventions and promotion of backyard farming are advocated.