Complexity control of HEVC encoders targeting real-time constraints

High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) encoders impose several challenges in computing constrained embedded applications, especially under real-time throughput constraints. This paper proposes an adaptive complexity control scheme (CCS) that dynamically adjusts the encoder to the varying computing capabilities of the hardware platform. To design an efficient scheme, an extensive complexity analysis of key HEVC encoding parameters is herein presented. For this analysis, we developed a parameterized complexity model called “arithmetic complexity,” which can be widely applied to any computing platform. Our results demonstrate that the proposed scheme provides time savings ranging from 10 up to 90 % with an average error (between target and effective complexity) of 1.2 %. Our adaptability and control performance analysis show that the scheme rapidly adapts to dynamic set-point adjustments. Compared to state of the art, our complexity control achieves more accurate results and extra features (such as dynamic set-point adjustment) at the cost of minor losses in coding efficiency.     

Stress distributions in a horizontal pressure vessel and the saddle supports

This paper presents analysis results of stress distributions in a horizontal pressure vessel and the saddle supports. The results are obtained from a 3D finite element analysis. A quarter of the pressure vessel is modeled with realistic details of saddle supports. In addition to presenting the stress distribution in the pressure vessel, the results provide details of stress distribution in different parts of the saddle separately, i.e. wear, web, flange and base plates. The effect of changing the load and various geometric parameters is investigated and recommendations are made for the optimal values of ratio of the distance of support from the end of the vessel to the length of the vessel and ratio of the length of the vessel to the radius of the vessel for minimum stresses both in the pressure vessel and the saddle structure. Physical reasons for favoring of a particular value of ratio of the distance of support from the end of the vessel to the length of the vessel are also outlined.     

Fractional factorial design for the optimization of supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of La, Ce and Sm ions from a solid matrix using bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)dithiophosphinic acid + tributylphosphate

In this study, La³⁺, Ce³⁺ and Sm³⁺ were removed from a solid matrix using supercritical CO₂ which contained bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)dithiophosphinic acid (Cyanex 301) as a chelating agent and tributylphosphate (TBP) as a co-extractant. The fractional factorial design, 2⁵⁻¹, was employed to optimize the SFE of these ions from spiked filter paper matrices. Effect of five experimental factors: amount of Cyanex 301, flow rate, temperature, pressure and amount of TBP and each factor at two levels on the SFE of these ions were studied and optimized. The results showed that these ions could be quantitatively extracted from the solid matrix at amount of Cyanex 301 of 0.14 g, flow rate of 4 ml min⁻¹, 313 K, 250 bar and amount of TBP of 30 μl. Finally, by employing a regression analysis a model was proposed. Results showed that obtained recoveries are similar to those predicted by the model.     

Energy and exergy analysis of a 747-MW combined cycle power plant Guddu

ABSTRACT

The paper presents a detailed study based on the energy and exergy analysis of a combined cycle power plant (CCPP) Guddu having triple pressure heat recovery steam generator (HRSG). The energy loss and the energy efficiency of each plant component with HRSG as a whole is calculated. The exergy destruction of these components and the sub-parts of the HRSG are also found out. All the three stages of the steam turbine are analysed individually. The combustion chamber is found to have the maximum share of exergy destruction while the condenser is having a maximum of energy loss. The total net power output, energy and exergy efficiency of the whole plant is calculated as 737.8?MW, 59.12% and 58.24%, respectively. The error in getting the designed power output of 747?MW is 3.16%. The thermal efficiency of the Brayton and Rankine cycle is 62.01% and 56.38%, respectively.     

Generation and transmission of dispersion tolerant 10-Gbps RZ-OOK signal for radio over fiber link

We proposed and demonstrated the generation and transmission of 10-Gbps return-to-zero ON/OFF keying (RZ-OOK) signal using a new technique without pulse carving at transmitter.The new technique is char...     

Maximum Stress Triaxiality Ratio Criterion for Mixed Mode Crack Initiation in Anisotropic Materials

The maximum stress triaxiality ratio criterion, originally proposed for mixed mode crack initiation in isotropic materials, is adapted for anisotropic materials using an anisotropic yield function.     

Dental Composites with Magnesium Doped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Prevent Secondary Caries in the Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Model

Antibacterial restorative materials against caries-causing bacteria are highly preferred among high-risk patients, such as the elderly, and patients with metabolic diseases such as diabetes. This study aimed to enhance the antibacterial potential of resin composite with Magnesium-doped Zinc oxide (Mg-doped ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) and to look for their effectiveness in the alloxan-induced diabetic model. Hexagonal Mg-doped ZnO NPs (22.3 nm diameter) were synthesized by co-precipitation method and characterized through ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The Mg-doped ZnO NPs (1, 2.5 and 5% w/w) were then evaluated for antibacterial activity using a closed system in vitro biofilm model. Significant enhancement in the antibacterial properties was observed in composites with 1% Mg-doped ZnO compared to composites with bare ZnO reinforced NPs (Streptococcus mutans, p = 0.0005; Enterococcus faecalis, p = 0.0074, Saliva microcosm, p < 0.0001; Diabetic Saliva microcosm, p < 0.0001). At 1–2.5% Mg-doped ZnO NPs concentration, compressive strength and biocompatibility of composites were not affected. The pH buffering effect was also achieved at these concentrations, hence not allowing optimal conditions for the anaerobic bacteria to grow. Furthermore, composites with Mg-doped ZnO prevented secondary caries formation in the secondary caries model of alloxan-induced diabetes. Therefore, Mg-doped ZnO NPs are highly recommended as an antibacterial agent for resin composites to avoid biofilm and subsequent secondary caries formation in high-risk patients.     

Novel sensing and joint beam and null steering based resource allocation for cross-tier interference mitigation in cognitive femtocell networks

Wireless Networks - Cognitive radios and femtocell networks are gaining much popularity due to the formers ability to carry out unlicensed transmission in licensed bands and the latter’s...     

Ultra trace quantification of chromium(VI) in food and water samples by highly sensitive catalytic adsorptive stripping voltammetry with rubeanic acid

A simple and highly selective and sensitive catalytic adsorptive stripping voltammetric procedure for determination of ultra trace levels of chromium(VI) on hanging mercury drop electrode is reported. The method is based on the adsorptive preconcentration of the Cr(III)–dithiooxamide (rubeanic acid) complex and the utilization of the catalytic reaction in the presence of nitrate. At optimized conditions the calibration graph is linear from 0.01 to 6 ng/ml and detection limit is 0.002 ng/ml for accumulation time of 50 s. The interference of some common ions was studied and this method has been applied to the determination of chromium in food and waste water samples with satisfactory results.