GENs: generative encoding networks

Machine Learning - Mapping data from and/or onto a known family of distributions has become an important topic in machine learning and data analysis. Deep generative models (e.g., generative...     

Quantification of 3-D field effects during 2-D microwave imaging

Two-dimensional (2-D) approaches to microwave imaging have dominated the research landscape primarily due to the moderate levels of measurement data, data-acquisition time, and computational costs required. Three-dimensional (3-D) approaches have been investigated in simulation, phantom, and animal experiments. While 3-D approaches are certainly important in terms of the potential to improve image quality, their associated costs are significant at this time. In addition, benchmarks are needed to evaluate these new generation systems as more 3-D methods begin to appear. In this paper, we present a systematic series of experiments which assess the capability of our 2-D system to image classical 3-D geometries. We demonstrate where current methods suffer from 3-D effects but also identify situations where they remain quite useful. Comparisons between reconstructions utilizing phantom measurements and simulated 3-D data are also shown to validate the results. These findings suggest that for certain biomedical applications, 2-D approaches remain quite attractive.     

DSP based inverter control for alternate energy systems

This paper presents a DSP based algorithm to control inverters used in interfacing alternate energy systems with the electric utility. Since a constant and ripple free dc bus voltage is not ensured at the output of alternate energy sources, the main aim of the proposed algorithm is to make the output of the inverter immune to the fluctuations in the dc input voltage. In this paper a modified space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) technique is proposed which will maintain the quality of the ac output of the inverter, regardless of the ripple present at the inverter input. The principle is explained qualitatively and extensive experiments have been carried out to verify and validate the proposed algorithm. A 16-bit fixed-point C2000 family DSP from Texas Instruments was used as the controller to implement the proposed control algorithm.     

Renewable surfactants in spray adjuvants

Adjuvants are chemically and biologically active components that improve herbicide performance. Certain herbicides require the addition of an adjuvant to be effective. Adjuvants sometimes enhance the penetration of herbicide into plants by ensuring adequate spray coverage and maintaining the herbicide contact with plant tissues, or by increasing the rate of foliar and/or stomatal penetration. Although adjuvants are typically categorized as “inert” or “essentially non‐phytotoxic” (i. e. not toxic to plants) compounds, many can produce wide ranging effects on physiological and metabolic processes within plants, animals, and/or microorganisms. Surfactants affect the environment not only in their use and disposal, but also in their production and delivery. Agrochemical formulations and delivery systems that consist of surfactants are evolving to meet new standards including increased safety, convenience, and efficiency of application, as well as lower production costs. Regulatory bodies across the globe are insisting on the requirement of extensive testing to meet stringent safety criteria. Here we discuss the changing trend of renewable chemicals in the crop protection adjuvant.     

Microbial hydrogen production from sewage sludge bioaugmented with a constructed microbial consortium

A constructed microbial consortium was formulated from three facultative H₂-producing anaerobic bacteria, Enterobacter cloacae IIT-BT 08, Citrobacter freundii IIT-BT L139 and Bacillus coagulans IIT-BT S1. This consortium was tested as the seed culture for H₂ production. In the initial studies with defined medium (MYG), E. cloacae produced more H₂ than the other two strains and it also was found to be the dominant member when consortium was used. On the other hand, B. coagulans as a pure culture gave better H₂ yield (37.16 ml H₂/g COD_consumed) than the other two strains using sewage sludge as substrate. The pretreatment of sludge included sterilization (15% v/v), dilution and supplementation with 0.5% w/v glucose, which was found to be essential to screen out the H₂ consuming bacteria and ameliorate the H₂ production. Considering (1:1:1) defined consortium as inoculum, COD reduction was higher and yield of H₂ was recorded to be 41.23 ml H₂/g COD_reduced. Microbial profiling of the spent sludge showed that B. coagulans was the dominant member in the constructed consortium contributing towards H₂ production. Increase in H₂ yield indicated that in consortium, the substrate utilization was significantly higher. The H₂ yield from pretreated sludge (35.54 ml H₂/g sludge) was comparatively higher than that reported in literature (8.1–16.9 ml H₂/g sludge). Employing formulated microbial consortium for biohydrogen production is a successful attempt to augment the H₂ yield from sewage sludge.     

Development and validation of the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale: A brief self-report measure of anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder.

This article describes the development and validation of a brief self-report scale for diagnosing anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. Study 1 used a panel of eating-disorder experts and provided evidence for the content validity of this scale. Study 2 used data from female participants with and without eating disorders (N?=?367) and suggested that the diagnoses from this scale possessed temporal reliability (mean κ?=?.80) and criterion validity (with interview diagnoses; mean κ?=?.83). In support of convergent validity, individuals with eating disorders identified by this scale showed elevations on validated measures of eating disturbances. The overall symptom composite also showed test–retest reliability (r?=?.87), internal consistency (mean α?=?.89), and convergent validity with extant eating-pathology scales. Results implied that this scale was reliable and valid in this investigation and that it may be useful for clinical and research applications. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Isolation and evaluation of a high H2-producing lab isolate from cow dung

Hydrogen producing bacterial strain was isolated from Indian cow dung and identified of the bacterial family Enterobacteriaceae. This lab isolate was differentiated from Citrobacter Y-19 at molecular level by using RAPD, PCR based technique, and OPO-03₄₆₀ and OPO-17₈₀₀ RAPD marker for this specific strain (lab isolate) was identified. Fermentative studies were investigated for important parameters, starting with pH of the culture, temperature, inoculum age and inoculum volume, initial substrate concentration and different substrates. Among different substrates, dextrose and sucrose were the preferred substrates for hydrogen production. The optimal starting pH of the culture was found to be 5.0. The H₂ production increased with increase in temperature up to 30 °C. The maximum value of H₂ production was recorded when inoculum volume was 12.5% of the culture broth and inoculum age was 14 h. Under batch fermentation conditions, the maximum hydrogen production rate and yield were 355.2 ml l⁻¹ h⁻¹ and 2.1 mol/mol glucose (conversion 35%), respectively. These results indicate that this lab isolate is an ideal hydrogen producer.     

Randomized trial of behavioral activation, cognitive therapy, and antidepressant medication in the prevention of relapse and recurrence in major depression.

This study followed treatment responders from a randomized controlled trial of adults with major depression. Patients treated with medication but withdrawn onto pill-placebo had more relapse through 1 year of follow-up compared to patients who received prior behavioral activation, prior cognitive therapy, or continued medication. Prior psychotherapy was also superior to medication withdrawal in the prevention of recurrence across the 2nd year of follow-up. Specific comparisons indicated that patients previously exposed to cognitive therapy were significantly less likely to relapse following treatment termination than patients withdrawn from medication, and patients previously exposed to behavioral activation did almost as well relative to patients withdrawn from medication, although the difference was not significantly different. Differences between behavioral activation and cognitive therapy were small in magnitude and not significantly different across the full 2-year follow-up, and each therapy was at least as efficacious as the continuation of medication. These findings suggest that behavioral activation may be nearly as enduring as cognitive therapy and that both psychotherapies are less expensive and longer lasting alternatives to medication in the treatment of depression. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)