Minimum entropy restoration using FPGAs and high-level techniques

One of the greatest perceived barriers to the widespread use of FPGAs in image processing is the difficulty for application specialists of developing algorithms on reconfigurable hardware. Minimum entropy deconvolution (MED) techniques have been shown to be effective in the restoration of star-field images. This paper reports on an attempt to implement a MED algorithm using simulated annealing, first on a microprocessor, then on an FPGA. The FPGA implementation uses DIME-C, a C-to-gates compiler, coupled with a low-level core library to simplify the design task. Analysis of the C code and output from the DIME-C compiler guided the code optimisation. The paper reports on the design effort that this entailed and the resultant performance improvements

Restoration of star-field images using high-level languages and core libraries

Research into the use of FPGAs in Image Processing began in earnest at the beginning of the 1990s. Since then, many thousands of publications have pointed to the computational capabilities of FPGAs. During this time, FPGAs have seen the application space to which they are applicable grow in tandem with their logic densities. When investigating a particular application, researchers compare FPGAs with alternative technologies such as Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Application-Specific Integrated Cir-cuits (ASICs), microprocessors and vector processors. The metrics for comparison depend on the needs of the application, and include such measurements as: raw performance, power consumption, unit cost, board footprint, non-recurring engineering cost, design time and design cost. The key metrics for a par-ticular application may also include ratios of these metrics, e.g. power/performance, or performance/unit cost. The work detailed in this paper compares a 90nm-process commodity microprocessor with a plat-form based around a 90nm-process FPGA, focussing on design time and raw performance. The application chosen for implementation was a minimum entropy restoration of star-field images (see [1] for an introduction), with simulated annealing used to converge towards the globally-optimum solution. This application was not chosen in the belief that it would particularly suit one technology over another, but was instead selected as being representative of a computationally intense image-processing application

Preparing for a conference, doctoral or professional presentation

At some stage of their career development, doctoral candidates, qualified psychologists and other professionals are called upon to make formal presentations at conferences or in work or clinical contexts. For many people, public speaking can be anxiety provoking. Thorough preparation and forethought can help manage anxiety so the speaker can feel empowered to develop confidence, new experiences and skills. A successful presentation on research findings, systemic or clinical issues, or innovative recommendations for service provision can have a significant impact for service users, other psychologists, professional organisations, policy makers or commissioners, who all potentially stand to benefit. Giving a presentation can also have various professional advantages, including creating opportunities for collaborations, networking, developing new ideas, the raising of a professional or organizational profile and even potential employability opportunities. This paper will discuss strategies to help the potential presenter ensure they meet designated or pre-set requirements, hone skills, convey the intended message and optimize professional opportunities. This paper will focus upon: being clear about the aim of presenting; the importance of a dissemination strategy; selecting the most appropriate context to deliver your presentation; preparing an abstract or presentation summary; explanations and recommendations on how to deliver a successful presentation (be that poster presentation, individual presentation, symposium, or workshop); the presentation delivery; answering questions from the audience; and maximising the associated opportunities

The changes in leaf reflectance of sugar maple seedlings (Acer saccharum Marsh) in response to heavy metal stress

The effects of heavy metal stress on leaf reflectance of sugar maple seedlings (Acer saccharum Marsh) are examined. It is found that sugar maple seedlings treated with anomalous amounts of heavy metals in the rooting medium exhibited an increased leaf reflectance over the entire range of investigated wavelengths, from 475 to 1650 nm. These results conform to those of a previous investigation in the wavelengths from 475 to 660nm, but tend to contradict the previous study in the near infrared wavelengths from 1000 to 1650nm. The differences may possible be due to different water regimes in the two investigations

Effects of Enamel Paint on the Behavior and Survival of the Periodical Cicada, \u3ci\u3eMagicicada Septendecim\u3c/i\u3e (Homoptera) and the Lesser Migratory Grasshopper, \u3ci\u3eMelanoplus Sanguinipes (Orthoptera).

We present information compiled from several studies on the effects of methods for marking individual arthropods on their longevity and behavior. Results from our own research on effects of enamel paint marking on two in- sect species, the periodical cicada, Magicicada septendecim, and the lesser migratory grasshopper, Melanoplus sanguinipes, are also presented. Neither species showed any adverse survivorship or behavioral effects from marking

Reactive attachment disorder in the general population: a hidden ESSENCE disorder

Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) is a severe disorder of social functioning. Previous research has shown that children with RAD may have poor cognitive and language abilities; however, findings mainly come from biased, institutionalised samples. This paper describes the characteristics of all children who were given a suspected or likely diagnosis of reactive attachment disorder in an epidemiological study of approximately 1,600 children investigating the prevalence of RAD in the general population. We found that children with RAD are more likely to have multiple comorbidities with other disorders, lower IQs than population norms, more disorganised attachment, more problem behaviours, and poorer social skills than would be found in the general population and therefore have a complex presentation than can be described as ESSENCE. We discuss the clinical and educational implications