Human respiration rate estimation using ultra-wideband distributed cognitive radar system

It has been shown that remote monitoring of pulmonary activity can be achieved using ultra-wideband (UWB) systems,which shows promise in home healthcare, rescue, and security applications. In this paper, we first present a multi-ray propagation model for UWB signal, which is traveling through the human thorax and is reflected on the air/dry-skin/fat/muscle interfaces. A geometry-based statistical channel model is then developed for simulating the reception of UWB signals in the indoor propagation environment. This model enables replication of time-varying multipath profiles due to the displacement of a human chest. Subsequently,a UWB distributed cognitive radar system (UWB-DCRS) is developed for the robust detection of chest cavity motion and the accurate estimation of respiration rate. The analytical framework can serve as a basis in the planning and evaluation of future measurement programs. We also provide a case study on how the antenna beamwidth affects the estimation of respiration rate based on the proposed propagation models and system architecture.     

Experimental validation of hybrid micro-macro optical method for distortion removal in multi-chip global free-space optical-interconnection systems

Experimental validation of a distortion removal technique for multi-chip free-space optical shuffle interconnections is presented. The free-space fabric links dense two-dimensional arrays of vertical cavity surface emitting laser(s) (VCSEL)(s) and detectors and must achieve full field registration on the order of 10 microns across the entire array. The new hybrid micro-macro optical concept realizes the required high-registration accuracy by simultaneously eliminating distortion in each of the interleaved off-axis imaging systems that comprise the complete fabric. This is achieved by exploiting the typically low numerical aperture of VCSELs. Individually tailored beam-deflecting micro-optical elements were used to create symmetry about a central aperture for VCSEL beams in the optical system. Experiments were developed to quantify the registration accuracy, the VCSEL images, and the associated spot sizes. The experimental results show that beam steering can be implemented to remove distortion in off-axis free-space optical-interconnection systems.     

Impact of weathering on slope stability in soft rock mass

Weathering of soft rocks is usually considered as an important factor in various fields such as geology, engineering geology, mineralogy, soil and rock mechanics, and geomorphology. The problem of stability over time should be considered for slopes excavated in soft rocks, in case they are not protected against weathering processes. In addition to disintegration of material on slope surface, the weathering also results in shear strength reduction in the interior of the slope. Principal processes in association with weatherinz are discussed with the examnles of marl hosted on flvsch formations near Solit. Croatia.     

Mechanisms of Crust Development at the Surface of Beef Meat Subjected to Hot Air: An Experimental Study

When cooking meat, the development of a crust is an important element for consumer. It is the place of Maillard reactions and development of flavor. It is also where carcinogenic compounds can be formed. To our knowledge, no study has been devoted to the formation of the crust during cooking pieces of meat, so these mechanisms were studied under laboratory conditions. Temperatures were measured close to the surface using a special isolated device that corrects for movements due to meat thermal shrinkage. These temperature measurements were paired with microscopic measurements of the crust thickness and with the measurement of profiles of water content by magnetic resonance imaging to interpret crust formation and structure. Three areas were characterized in the crust, and the thickness of the colored area was proved to vary linearly with time. Images obtained by X-ray microtomography showed a great heterogeneity of the porosity in the crust of the heated samples.     

An interval extension of SMS method for computing weighted Moore–Penrose inverse

An interval extension of successive matrix squaring (SMS) method for computing the weighted Moore–Penrose inverse \(A^{\dagger }_{MN}\) along with its rigorous error bounds is proposed for given full rank \(m \times n\) complex matrices A, where M and N be two Hermitian positive definite matrices of orders m and n, respectively. Starting with a suitably chosen complex interval matrix containing \(A^{\dagger }_{MN}\), this method generates a sequence of complex interval matrices each enclosing \(A^{\dagger }_{MN}\) and converging to it. A new method is developed for constructing initial complex interval matrix containing \(A^{\dagger }_{MN}\). Convergence theorems are established. The R-order convergence is shown to be equal to at least l, where \(l \ge 2\). A number of numerical examples are worked out to demonstrate its efficiency and effectiveness. Graphs are plotted to show variations of the number of iterations and computational times compared to matrix dimensions. It is observed that ISMS is more stable compared to SMS.     

Effects of oxytocin and prosocial behavior on brain responses to direct and vicariously experienced pain.

In this study, we tested the validity of 2 popular assumptions about empathy: (a) empathy can be enhanced by oxytocin, a neuropeptide known to be crucial in affiliative behavior, and (b) individual differences in prosocial behavior are positively associated with empathic brain responses. To do so, we measured brain activity in a double-blind placebo-controlled study of 20 male participants either receiving painful stimulation to their own hand (self condition) or observing their female partner receiving painful stimulation to her hand (other condition). Prosocial behavior was measured using a monetary economic interaction game with which participants classified as prosocial (N = 12) or selfish (N = 6), depending on whether they cooperated with another player. Empathy-relevant brain activation (anterior insula) was neither enhanced by oxytocin nor positively associated with prosocial behavior. However, oxytocin reduced amygdala activation when participants received painful stimulation themselves (in the nonsocial condition). Surprisingly, this effect was driven by "selfish" participants. The results suggest that selfish individuals may not be as rational and unemotional as usually suggested, their actions being determined by their feeling anxious rather than by reason. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)