Defect detection in analog and mixed circuits by neural networks using wavelet analysis

An efficient defect-oriented parametric test method for analog & mixed-signal integrated circuits based on neural network classification of a selected circuit's parameter using wavelet decomposition preprocessing is proposed in this paper. The neural network has been used for detecting catastrophic defects in two experimental analog & mixed-signal CMOS circuits by sensing the abnormalities in selected parameters, observed under defective conditions and by their consequent classification into a proper category. To reduce complexity of the neural network, wavelet decomposition is used to perform preprocessing of the analyzed parameter. Moreover, we show that wavelet analysis brings significant enhancement in the correct classification, and makes the neural network-based test method extremely efficient & versatile for detecting hard-detectable catastrophic defects in analog & mixed-signal circuits.     

Gap Junctional Communication via Connexin43 between Purkinje Fibers and Working Myocytes Explains the Epicardial Activation Pattern in the Postnatal Mouse Left Ventricle

The mammalian ventricular myocardium forms a functional syncytium due to flow of electrical current mediated in part by gap junctions localized within intercalated disks. The connexin (Cx) subunit of gap junctions have direct and indirect roles in conduction of electrical impulse from the cardiac pacemaker via the cardiac conduction system (CCS) to working myocytes. Cx43 is the dominant isoform in these channels. We have studied the distribution of Cx43 junctions between the CCS and working myocytes in a transgenic mouse model, which had the His-Purkinje portion of the CCS labeled with green fluorescence protein. The highest number of such connections was found in a region about one-third of ventricular length above the apex, and it correlated with the peak proportion of Purkinje fibers (PFs) to the ventricular myocardium. At this location, on the septal surface of the left ventricle, the insulated left bundle branch split into the uninsulated network of PFs that continued to the free wall anteriorly and posteriorly. The second peak of PF abundance was present in the ventricular apex. Epicardial activation maps correspondingly placed the site of the first activation in the apical region, while some hearts presented more highly located breakthrough sites. Taken together, these results increase our understanding of the physiological pattern of ventricular activation and its morphological underpinning through detailed CCS anatomy and distribution of its gap junctional coupling to the working myocardium.     

Analysis of multi-agent activity using petri nets

This paper presents the use of place/transition petri nets (PNs) for the recognition and evaluation of complex multi-agent activities. The PNs were built automatically from the activity templates that are routinely used by experts to encode domain-specific knowledge. The PNs were built in such a way that they encoded the complex temporal relations between the individual activity actions. We extended the original PN formalism to handle the propagation of evidence using net tokens. The evaluation of the spatial and temporal properties of the actions was carried out using trajectory-based action detectors and probabilistic models of the action durations. The presented approach was evaluated using several examples of real basketball activities. The obtained experimental results suggest that this approach can be used to determine the type of activity that a team has performed as well as the stage at which the activity ended.     

The reliability of CPTu and DMT for the mechanical characterisation of soft tailings

Nowadays, the stability and the safe cover and closure of soft tailings has become one of the most challenging topics in geotechnical and environmental engineering. For appropriate analysis and modelling, geotechnical properties of tailings should be well defined. Due to low strength, viscous nature and poor trafficability, as well as due to the specific geometrical properties of fine particles and pore water chemistry in tailings, different test methods and their modification and improvements must be used for valid and reliable characterisation of tailings. This paper analyses and compares the results of different field test methods, piezocone penetration test (CPTu), flat dilatometer test (DMT) and field vane test (FVT), performed on the red gypsum sludge and complementary laboratory tests. CPTu and DMT measurements were evaluated using procedures developed for soils and the obtained mechanical properties were compared with those measured in the laboratory. The significant distinctions between different test methods and different empirical correlations were analysed taking into account differences in index properties of soils and the red gypsum sludge. Based on analysis, some modifications of conventional empirical correlations were proposed for field tests results interpretation and sludge characterisation. The obtained data also show the advantages and limitations of some conventional methods and prove the need for further development in that field of geotechnical investigation.

     

Characterization of Calcium Alginate Beads Containing Structurally Similar Drugs

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of alginate beads prepared by ionotropic gelation in which structurally similar drugs were incorporated. For this purpose theophylline and theobromine were selected as model drugs. The influence of incorporated drugs on bead characteristics such as size, shape, and morphology, as well as encapsulation efficiency, was examined. It was found that theobromine as well as theophylline content in beads significantly decreased with increasing hardening time due to drug diffusion into the hardening media. In theobromine beads the drug content was extremely improved by dropping the alginate and drug solution into an acidic calcium chloride solution, while theophylline content was to some extent improved by the hardening of beads in a calcium chloride solution saturated with the drug. The most evident difference between theophylline and theobromine beads was in their shape and morphology. Theobromine beads were round, while theophylline ones had an irregular shape with an extremely wrinkled surface. The distinction in shape was highly dependent on drug content. Additionally, it was demonstrated that beads' shape was dependent on preparation conditions as well. On the basis of x-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses and scanning electron microscope (SEM) photographs it was found that the most of the drug in bead was present in an amorphous state. Therefore, it is suggested that some drug–alginate interactions could be present in beads and might be responsible for the different shape of theophylline and theobromine beads.

Thus it can be concluded that the preparation of beads by ionotropic gelation cannot be generalized even though structurally similar drugs are incorporated.     

Model-based prognostics of gear health using stochastic dynamical models

In this paper we present a statistical approach to estimating the time in which an operating gear will reach a critical stage. The approach relies on measured vibration signals. From these signals features are first extracted and then their evolution over time is predicted. This is done based on a dynamic model that relates hidden degradation phenomena to measured outputs. The Expectation-Maximization algorithm is used to estimate the parameters of the underlying state-space model on line. The time to reach the safety alarm threshold is determined by estimating the distribution of the remaining useful life using the estimated linear model. The results obtained on a pilot test bed are presented.     

Mechanochemistry of copper sulphides: phase interchanges during milling

Covellite, CuS and chalcocite, Cu₂S nanoparticles prepared in the explosive manner from elemental precursors were further ball-milled in order to observe additional changes caused by mechanical action. Three phases of chalcocite were interchanging during milling, monoclinic one being major at the equilibrium after 30 min. In the case of covellite synthesis, milling for 15 min brought about a significant diminishment in the content of digenite, Cu_1.8S, impurity. Covellite powder exhibited finer character than chalcocite, as documented by crystallite size, grain size and specific surface area analysis. Finally, the effect of milling speed on the explosive character of the reaction and phase composition of chalcocite was investigated. The most drastic conditions favored the formation of the monoclinic phase with the lowest symmetry and the time and intensity of the explosion was found to depend on the milling speed. The whole process is mechanically driven.     

Fines characterization through the methylene blue and sand equivalent test: comparison with other experimental techniques and application of criteria to the aggregate quality assessment

In road construction the general term fines is used to describe particles passing the 0.063, 0.074 or 0.08 mm sieve. Some types of fines are considered to be relatively inert and have almost no effect on pavement performance, whilst the presence of even small amounts of others can significantly affect the stiffness and freezing–thawing behaviour of unbound and hydraulically bound layers. This paper presents the results of research on 12 Slovenian aggregates produced from limestone and dolomite bedrock, and naturally occurring river alluvium gravel. At each production site three different materials were sampled and tested: the actual aggregate for unbound base layers, the clayey soils, which presented the most potentially harmful component at the specific location, and the stony dust, which presented the finest size of crushed aggregate and is typically found as coatings on the crushed grains. Six different methods were used to identify the nature of the fines: X-ray diffractometry, carbonate content determination, methylene blue, sand equivalent, Enslin–Neff water absorption, Atterberg limits test, soil suction measurements and soil water characteristic curves. Based on the results, the relationship between the properties of the different fines was determined and included in draft Slovenian national criteria for sand equivalent and methylene blue values currently being trialed.     

Corona noise on a 400 kV overhead power line: Measurements and computer modeling

The paper presents experimental research into the corona noise performed on a 400 kV overhead power line with a horizontal disposition of conductors. The high-voltage power line in its role of a communication channel is a source of different noises, characterizing an important feature of this communication media. The main objective was measuring and modeling the corona noise. Measurements of the power spectrum density and relative corona noise within a power frequency period are presented for different weather conditions. The algorithm for measuring variations in the corona noise level is described on the basis of noise samples. The maximum peaks exceed the root-mean square noise level by 7.95 dB in foul weather conditions and by 2.9 dB in fair weather conditions. An appropriate computer model of the corona noise compliant with the measurement results is proposed.