Low-power differential coefficients-based FIR filters using hardware-optimised multipliers

A minimal-difference differential coefficients method is presented for low power and high-speed realisation of differential-coefficients-based finite impulse response filters. The conventional differential coefficients method (DCM) uses the difference between adjacent coefficients whereas we identify the coefficients that have the least difference between their magnitude values and use these minimal difference values to encode the differential coefficients. Our minimal-difference differential coefficients can be coded using fewer bits, which in turn reduces the number of full additions required for coefficient multiplication. By employing a differential-coefficient partitioning algorithm and a pseudofloating-point representation, we show that the number of full adders and the net memory needed to implement the coefficient multipliers can be significantly reduced. The proposed method is combined with common subexpression elimination for further reduction of complexity. Experimental results show the average reductions of full adder, memory and energy dissipated achieved by our method over the DCM are 40, 35 and 50%, respectively     

Digital controller design for absolute value function constrained nonlinear systems via scalar sign function approach

In this paper, a scalar sign function-based digital design methodology is developed for modeling and control of a class of analog nonlinear systems that are restricted by the absolute value function constraints. As is found to be not uncommon, many real systems are subject to the constraints which are described by the non-smooth functions such as absolute value function. The non-smooth and nonlinear nature poses significant challenges to the modeling and control work. To overcome these difficulties, a novel idea proposed in this work is to use a scalar sign function approach to effectively transform the original nonlinear and non-smooth model into a smooth nonlinear rational function model. Upon the resulting smooth model, a systematic digital controller design procedure is established, in which an optimal linearization method, LQR design and digital implementation through an advanced digital redesign technique are sequentially applied. The example of tracking control of a piezoelectric actuator system is utilized throughout the paper for illustrating the proposed methodology.     

Survival of probiotic strains in non-dairy indian spice condiment exhibiting cholesterol reducing properties

The feasibility of a novel formulated spice condiment suitable for delivery of probiotic cultures to consumers has been reported in this study. The spice condiment (pH 4.5, Aw=0.81) exhibited high sensorial scores and stability after storage for 60 days. Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus delbrueckii strains were incorporated in the spice condiment and evaluated for survival and expression of important functional characteristics: cholesterol reduction. Both strains survived excellently in the food matrix and sustained simulated gastro-intestinal conditions (viability to 0.3% bile salts and pancreatic enzymes). Probiotic enriched spice condiment fed to experimental mice on high cholesterol diet resulted in significant (p<0.05) lowering of serum total cholesterol, HDLs, LDLs, and triglycerides; moreover; histopathological changes were less intensive. Results of our study suggested the formulated spice condiment as a potential non-dairy food adjunct for delivery of probiotics and may help in managing hypercholesterolaemia.     

Denoising Medical Images Using Deep Learning in IoT Environment

Medical Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive, nonradioactive, and meticulous diagnostic modality capability in the field of medical imaging. However, the efficiency of MR image reconstruction is affected by its bulky image sets and slow process implementation. Therefore, to obtain a high-quality reconstructed image we presented a sparse aware noise removal technique that uses convolution neural network (SANR_CNN) for eliminating noise and improving the MR image reconstruction quality. The proposed noise removal or denoising technique adopts a fast CNN architecture that aids in training larger datasets with improved quality, and SARN algorithm is used for building a dictionary learning technique for denoising large image datasets. The proposed SANR_CNN model also preserves the details and edges in the image during reconstruction. An experiment was conducted to analyze the performance of SANR_CNN in a few existing models in regard with peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity index (SSIM), and mean squared error (MSE). The proposed SANR_CNN model achieved higher PSNR, SSIM, and MSE efficiency than the other noise removal techniques. The proposed architecture also provides transmission of these denoised medical images through secured IoT architecture.     

Electrooptic deflection at 1 GHz

Experimental results of electrooptic deflection at 1 GHz using KD*P prisms are presented. Using iterated KD*P prisms of 1 cm active length in a parallel plate resonator, deflections up to 3.9 mrad were obtained at -10°C. This deflection corresponds to 8 resolvable spots.     

Effect of Processing Variables on WC Nanoparticles Synthesized by Solvothermal Route

In this work, the effect of processing variables on the synthesis of WC nanoparticles by solvothermal route has been reported. Nanoparticles of tungsten carbide (WC) have been prepared by taking metallic magnesium (Mg), acetone (C₃H₆O), and tungsten trioxide (WO₃) in an autoclave at 600°C. The XRD results showed that the optimization of the reaction time facilitates the reduction as well as carburization of the tungsten source. The Williamson-–Hall analysis was used to study the effect of synthesis time on the crystallite size and lattice strain of the sample. Differential thermal analysis/thermogravimetric analysis shows the stability of the synthesized product. It has been observed that the synthesis of WC nanoparticles is a multistep process and the complete carburization reaction occurs at particular carburization time.     

The case for treating depression in military spouses.

The increased operational tempo associated with current deployments to Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) is placing considerable strain on military families. Among other sequelae of OIF and OEF deployment, findings from recent studies suggest high rates of depression in spouses of service members. This review presents a rationale for targeting depression among military spouses. It examines how stressors relating to the deployment cycle may contribute to depression in spouses and outlines the effects of spousal depression on the mental health of service members and their children. Mental health services currently available to military spouses as well as barriers to their care are also described. Considerations for the adaptation of treatment to their unique circumstances and needs are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)