Probabilistic computing with future deep sub-micrometer devices: a modelling approach

An approach is described that investigates the potential of probabilistic "neural" architectures for computation with deep sub-micrometer (DSM) MOSFETs. Initially, noisy MOSFET models are based upon those for a 0.35 /spl mu/m MOS technology with an exaggerated 1/f characteristic. We explore the manifestation of the 1/f characteristic at the output of a 2-quadrant multiplier when the key n-channel MOSFETs are replaced by "noisy" MOSFETs. The stochastic behavior of this noisy multiplier has been mapped on to a software (Matlab) model of a continuous restricted Boltzmann machine (CRBM) - an analogue-input stochastic computing structure. Simulation of this DSM CRBM implementation shows little degradation from that of a "perfect" CRBM. This paper thus introduces a methodology for a form of "technology-downstreaming" and highlights the potential of probabilistic architectures for DSM computation

Critical gap analysis of merging sections at Kuala Lumpur middle ring road

At merging sections, drivers normally slow down and sometimes need to stop while seeking a suitable gap before merging with the mainstream. Thus, there will always be several observed rejected gaps and an accepted gap which can be used to determine the smallest average gap, so-called critical gap. This study was carried out to determine critical gap values at selected merging sections at the Jalan Tun Razak and the DUKE Expressway uses the Maximum Likelihood method. Data were collected by using videotaping method and the gap acceptance data were extracted for analysis. A gap acceptance event at highway merging sections in this study was redefined due to unavailability of stopping vehicles at the ramp junction. Therefore, the gap data were estimated starting from a ramp’s vehicle passing the end of gore marking to where it merges with the mainstream. The analysis of the critical gap takes into consideration accepted gaps greater than 5 seconds to avoid forced entry due to lead impedance of successive vehicles on mainstream. The critical gap values obtained in this study, according to vehicle classification were ranged between 4.5 to 5.0 seconds, which are slightly smaller if compared to critical gap values for particularly left turn from minor movement at priority junction of the Arahan Teknik (Jalan) 11/87 and the United States Highway Capacity Manual 2000. The findings shall help to study driving behavior of local drivers, especially at priority control facilities such as merging sections

Exact String-like Solutions of the Gauged Nonlinear O(3) Model

We show that the least energy conditions in the gauged nonlinear sigma model with Chern-Simons term lead to exact soliton-like solutions which have the same features as domain walls. We will derive and discuss the corresponding solutions, and compute the total energy, charge, and spin of the resulting system.Comment: 7 pages, 5 figure

Growth characteristics and biomass production of kenaf

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is one of the important fibre crops next to cotton, which is planted throughout the world. It is cultivated for its core and bast fibres. Unlike cotton, the fibre of kenaf is obtained from vegetative part of plant. Hence, growth and biomass production of kenaf is a fundamental issue that should be considered for its successful commercial cultivation. This study was designed to elucidate growth and biomass production of three kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) varieties; Guatemala 4 (G4), kohn-kaen 60 (KK60) and V36. 24 plants of each varieties were cultivated in completely randomize design under control conditions throughout a period of 105 days. Parameters of height, diameter and internode were measured within four to six regular intervals of 10 to 15 days, while biomass production parameters of dry one meter stalk mass (DMSM), defoliated plant mass (DPM), one meter stalk mass (MSM) and fresh plant mass (FPM) were measured at harvest time. There was no significant difference between them in terms of diameter and number of internode. However, KK60 was found to have significant higher height than V36 and G4. The varieties, G4 and KK60, showed significant greater fresh plant mass (FPM), defoliated plant mass (DPM), one meter  stalk mass (MSM) and dry one meter stalk mass (DMSM) than V36. In all of biomass parameters of FPM, DPM, MSM and DMSM, the highest value belonged to G4 except for DMSM where KK60 showed greater value. Results of this study indicated that G4 is a more efficient variety of kenaf for biomass production compared to the other two varieties of KK60 and V36.Key words: Kenaf, biomass, growth, internode

Differentiation of frog fats from vegetable and marine oils by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and chemometric analysis

The agro-based production and consumption of frogs coupled with world-wide trading have been increased in the recent years giving rise to the risk of frog fat adulteration in expensive vegetable and marine oils. For the first time, we profiled here frog fats using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy coupled with multivariate principal component analysis (PCA). The comparison of the FTIR spectral absorbance intensities demonstrated linkage of frog fats to other edible fats and oils. Three commercially available marine oils and three vegetables oils were studied with frog fats and clear pattern of clusters with distinctive identifiable features were obtained through PCA modeling. PCA analysis identified 2922.21 cm-1, 2852.88 cm-1, 1745.45 cm-1, 1158.29 cm-1 and 721.51 cm-1 FTIR-frequencies as the most discriminating variables influencing the group separation into different clusters. This fundamental study has clear implications in the identification of frog fat from its marine and vegetable counterparts for the potential detection of frog fat adulteration in various fat and oils

Existence and multiplicity for elliptic problems with quadratic growth in the gradient

We show that a class of divergence-form elliptic problems with quadratic growth in the gradient and non-coercive zero order terms are solvable, under essentially optimal hypotheses on the coefficients in the equation. In addition, we prove that the solutions are in general not unique. The case where the zero order term has the opposite sign was already intensively studied and the uniqueness is the rule.Comment: To appear in Comm. PD

A Comparative Study on Different Baits Used to Attract House Fly in Malaysia

House flies are commonly found at homes and businesses in Malaysia. Many kinds of baits are used to attract and trap these flies either by mechanical or chemical means. But all these baits are not capable of attracting flies equally. The main goal of this study is to find out the best bait that can attract house fly effectively. Two baits made in abroad and four baits made in Malaysia were selected for conducting this study because these baits are commonly used in Malaysia. Experiments were carried out by using six selected baits in food industry, fish market and poultry farm in the east coast of Malaysia. Data were collected from the field experiments continuously for six days and analysed to determine the best bait that trap the house flies very effectively. Data analysis results show that the Chinese Electronic Fly Catcher bait is the best one for trapping house flies effectively compared to other baits. Further investigation is still underway to find the volatile compound used for this Chinese Electronic Fly Catcher bait, which will help to generate new bait with the same effect

A Model-Driven Methodology Approach for Developing a Repository of Models

International audienceTo cope with the growing complexity of embedded system design, several development approaches have been proposed. The most popular are those using models as main artifacts to be constructed and maintained. The wanted role of models is to ease, systematize and standardize the approach of the construction of software-based systems. In order to enforce reuse and to interconnect the process of models’ specification and the system development with models, we promote a model-based approach coupled with a repository of models. In this paper, we propose a Model-Driven Engineering methodological approach for the development of a repository of models and an operational architecture for development tools. In particular, we show the feasibility of our own approach by reporting some preliminary prototype providing a model-based repository of security and dependability (S&D) pattern models

A Review of Forensic Entomology Cases at Ipoh Hospital and Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia for the Year 2003

Forensic entomology was utilized to determine the postmortem interval of eleven forensic cases sentfor autopsy examination at Ipoh Hospital and Hospital University Kebangsaan Malaysia between of Januaryto December 2003. Sixth species of sarcosaprophagous flies: Chrysomya megacephala, Chrysomya rufifacies,Chrysomya villeneuvi, Chrysomya nigripes, Synthesiomya nudiseta and a sarcophagid fly were found amongthe maggot specimens received by the Forensic Entomology Laboratory, Department of Parasitology &Medical Entomology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Those maggots were collected from dead bodiesfound among others in wrapped in gunny bags, around water tank, hanged with black nylon clothes, insidehome, beside road, drowning in lombong and an estate. Ch. megacephala was the main species found in eightcases examined. Postmortem Interval (PMI) estimated from the cases varied from one day to 10 days