A novel approach to the design of DSP systems using minimum complexity Finite State Machines

The paper presents a new and different approach to the design and realisation of Digital Signal Processing (DSP)systems by utilising Finite State Machines (FSM). The DSP system is modelled by mapping all its potential states into an FSM, whose complexity is usually very high. The FSM mirrors the complete functionality of the system and thus describes its behaviour in full detail. Examples for FSMs of first and second order digital recursive filters are provided and the current version of the software simulating the FSM corresponding to any linear time-invariant DSP system is described. The potential of this approach including state reduction techniques as well as the inclusion of non-linear DSP systems is also outlined, and further future research intentions are briefly explored

Exploring small energy scales with x-ray absorption and dichroism

Soft x-ray linear and circular dichroism (XLD, XMCD) experiments at the Ce M$_{4,5}$ edges are being used to determine the energy scales characterizing the Ce $4f$ degrees of freedom in the ultrathin ordered surface intermetallic CeAg$_x$/Ag(111). We find that all relevant interactions, i. e. Kondo scattering, crystal field splitting and magnetic exchange coupling occur on small scales. Our study demonstrates the usefulness of combining x-ray absorption experiments probing linear and circular dichroism owing to their strong sensitivity for anisotropies in both charge distribution and paramagnetic response, respectively.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure

Time-resolved X-ray microscopy of nanoparticle aggregates under oscillatory shear

Of all current detection techniques with nanometer resolution, only X-ray microscopy allows imaging nanoparticles in suspension. Can it also be used to investigate structural dynamics? When studying response to mechanical stimuli, the challenge lies in applying them with precision comparable to spatial resolution. In the first shear experiments performed in an X-ray microscope, we accomplished this by inserting a piezo actuator driven shear cell into the focal plane of a scanning transmission X-ray microscope (STXM). Thus shear-induced reorganization of magnetite nanoparticle aggregates could be demonstrated in suspension. As X-ray microscopy proves suitable for studying structural change, new prospects open up in physics at small length scales.Comment: submitted to J. Synchrot. Radia

ECCENTRIC MUSCLE ACTIONS PRODUCE 36% TO 154% LESS ACTIVATION THAN CONCENTRIC MUSCLE ACTIONS

This study evaluated the differences in eccentric and concentric phase muscle activation of variety of muscles during lower body resistance training exercises. Surface electromyography data (EMG) from 12 subjects was analyzed for the eccentric and concentric phases of the squat, deadlift, step-up, and lunge. Data from the test exercises were averaged for the eccentric and concentric phase for each muscle group to produce a comprehensive measure of activation differences between the eccentric and concentric phases. A paired samples t-test revealed differences between eccentric and concentric phase activation for all muscles assessed (p ≤ 0.05). Results demonstrated that during lower body multi-joint exercises the eccentric phase produced 36% to 154% less muscle activation that the concentric phase

THE EFFECT OF REMOTE VOLUNTARY CONTRACTIONS ON STRENGTH AND POWER TASKS OF WOMEN

This study evaluated the effect of remote voluntary contractions (RVC’s) on the performance of closed kinetic chain exercises. Subjects performed the squat and jump squat in a RVC condition and a condition without RVC’s (NO-RVC’s). Peak ground reaction force (GRF), rate of force development during the first 100 ms (RFD 100), RFD to peak GRF (RFD-P), and jump squat height (JH) were assessed with a force platform. Data were analyzed with a one way ANOVA. Results revealed there were no significant differences between RVC and NO-RVC conditions for peak GRF for either the squat (p = 0.11) or jump squat (p = 0.47), RFD 100 for either the squat (p = 0.25) or jump squat (p = 0.23), RFD-P for either the squat (p = 0.88) or jump squat (p = 0.38), or for JH for the jump squat (p = 0.68)

THE ACUTE TIME COURSE OF CONCURRENT ACTIVATION POTENTIATION

This study evaluated the acute time course of the ergogenic effect of concurrent activation potentiation (CAP). Forty-two men and women, including CAP non-responders and responders, performed a 5 second isometric knee extension on a dynamometer with the use of remote voluntary contractions (RVC). Mean torque was assessed in seven 500 millisecond (ms) time periods. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant main effects for time period (p ≤ 0.001), but no significant interaction between time period and CAP non-responders and responders (p > 0.05). The ergogenic effects of CAP are accrued during the first 1000ms. Concurrent activation potentiation responders produce greater initial force than the CAP non-responders, without a concomitant acceleration in force decay throughout the time course

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN KNEE EXTENSOR AND FLEXOR PERFORMANCE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate gender differences in peak torque (PT), rate of torque development (RTD), power, and work during isometric (ISOM) knee extension and isokinetic (ISOK) knee extension and flexion. Forty-four university women and men volunteered to perform the test exercises on a computerized dynamometer. Data were reduced with manufacturer software and were analyzed with an independent-samples t-test in order to determine gender differences. Results revealed significant differences (P ≤ 0.001) for ISOM PT and ISOK PT, RTD, power, and work. Gender differences in knee extensor and flexor performance are present, with women demonstrating a range of 68.9 to 76.9% of their male counterparts. Conversely, the rate of force production is not gender specific during ISOM knee extension