Joint Optimization of Low-power DCT Architecture and Effcient Quantization Technique for Embedded Image Compression

International audienceThe Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT)-based image com- pression is widely used in today's communication systems. Signi cant research devoted to this domain has demonstrated that the optical com- pression methods can o er a higher speed but su er from bad image quality and a growing complexity. To meet the challenges of higher im- age quality and high speed processing, in this chapter, we present a joint system for DCT-based image compression by combining a VLSI archi- tecture of the DCT algorithm and an e cient quantization technique. Our approach is, rstly, based on a new granularity method in order to take advantage of the adjacent pixel correlation of the input blocks and to improve the visual quality of the reconstructed image. Second, a new architecture based on the Canonical Signed Digit and a novel Common Subexpression Elimination technique is proposed to replace the constant multipliers. Finally, a recon gurable quantization method is presented to e ectively save the computational complexity. Experimental results obtained with a prototype based on FPGA implementation and com- parisons with existing works corroborate the validity of the proposed optimizations in terms of power reduction, speed increase, silicon area saving and PSNR improvement

Finite-SNR Diversity-Multiplexing-Delay Tradeoff in Half-Duplex Hybrid ARQ Relay Channels

International audienceIn this paper, we consider a delay-limited hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) protocol that makes use of incremental redundancy over the three-node decode-and-forward (DF) relay fading channel where one source cooperates with a relay to transmit information to the destination. We provide an estimate of the diversity-multiplexing tradeoff (DMT) at finite signal to noise ratio (SNR) based on tight bounds on outage probabilities for two channel models. The results for the long term quasi-static channel highlight the distributed diversity, ie. the cooperative space diversity, and the HARQ coding gain, achieved by soft combining the successive transmitted punctured codewords via incremental redundancy. On the other hand, the results for the short term quasi-static channel illustrate the diversity gains obtained thanks to cooperative space diversity and time diversity, along with the HARQ coding gain. Using the DMT formulation, we show that equal power partitioning between the source and the relay nodes provides close to optimal performance. Furthermore, thanks to the extension of the finite-SNR DMT to the finite-SNR diversity-multiplexing-delay tradeoff, we show that, unlike the asymptotic SNR analysis, the ARQ delay, defined as the number of retransmissions rounds, impacts the performance of the HARQ relay protocol for high effective multiplexing gain

Immunopurification and characterization of a rape (Brassica napus L.) seedling lipase

Lipase or triacylglycerol acylhydrolase (E.C.3.1.1.3) was purified to homogeneity from rapeseed-germinated cotyledons (Brassica napus L.). The purification scheme involved homogenization, centrifugation, ultracentrifugation and affinity chromatography using polyclonal antibodies raised against porcine pancreatic lipase. The purified rapeseed lipase was homogenous and did not contain contaminating proteins detectable by SDS-PAGE and HPLC analysis. The specific activity of the purified preparation was increased about 1950 times, with an overall yield of 35%. The rapeseed lipase was found to be a cytosoluble, glycosylated and heat-labile serine-hydrolase. It was monomeric with a molecular mass of 38 kDa and a pH of 6.6. The purification method used in the present work is rapid, simple, and yields highly purified lipase. It may therefore be applicable in the purification of other uncharacterized plant lipases.Keywords: Brassica napus L., immuno-affinity, lipase, purification, triacylglycerol acyl hydrolaseAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(21), pp. 3224-323

Formulation interactive des requêtes pour l’analyse et la compréhension du code source

Nous proposons une approche basée sur la formulation interactive des requêtes. Notre approche sert à faciliter des tâches d’analyse et de compréhension du code source. Dans cette approche, l’analyste utilise un ensemble de filtres de base (linguistique, structurel, quantitatif, et filtre d’interactivité) pour définir des requêtes complexes. Ces requêtes sont construites à l’aide d’un processus interactif et itératif, où des filtres de base sont choisis et exécutés, et leurs résultats sont visualisés, changés et combinés en utilisant des opérateurs prédéfinis. Nous avons évalués notre approche par l’implantation des récentes contributions en détection de défauts de conception ainsi que la localisation de fonctionnalités dans le code. Nos résultats montrent que, en plus d’être générique, notre approche aide à la mise en œuvre des solutions existantes implémentées par des outils automatiques.We propose an interactive querying approach for program analysis and comprehension tasks. In our approach, an analyst uses a set of basic filters (linguistic, structural, quantitative, and user selection) to define complex queries. These queries are built following an interactive and iterative process where basic filters are selected and executed, and their results displayed, changed, and combined using predefined operators. We evaluated our querying approach by implementing recent state-of-the-art contributions on feature location and design defect detection. Our results show that, in addition to be generic; our approach helps improving existing solutions implemented by fully-automated tools

Etude, Modélisation et Amélioration des Performances desConvertisseurs Analogique Numérique Entrelacés dans le Temps

Dans un contexte où les systèmes communicants fleurissent, les Convertisseurs Analogique Numérique CAN doivent suivre les demandes des nouveaux standards de télécommunications. Un convertisseur seul, ne peut pas allier rapidité, précision et faible consommation de puissance. Dans le cadre de nos travaux, nous somme intéressé à une structure prometteuse de CAN basée sur l'entrelacement temporel de plusieurs convertisseurs, TIADC. Le taux d'échantillonnage augmente proportionnellement avec le nombre de CAN mais des problèmes de disparité entre les différents CAN réduisent la résolution effective du TIADC. Dans ce mémoire, nous avons contribuer à l'étude de ces convertisseurs, notamment aux pertes engendrées par les disparités entre les différents convertisseurs. La structure du TIADC a été modélisé dans un environnement de description matérielle. Plusieurs solutions de calibrations existantes ont été simulé afin de vérifier leur fonctionnement et de pouvoir proposer deux méthodes de correction. Une première méthode en différé visant le domaine de l'instrumentation et une seconde, en ligne visant des application de élécommunications. La première méthode a été vérifié par des données expérimentales, la seconde était implémenté dans un FPGA et vérifié par des tests et des mesures

L'ingénierie des documents d'affaires dans le cadre du web sémantique

Dans cette thèse, nous présentons les problèmes d’échange de documents d'affaires et proposons une méthode pour y remédier. Nous proposons une méthodologie pour adapter les standards d’affaires basés sur XML aux technologies du Web sémantique en utilisant la transformation des documents définis en DTD ou XML Schema vers une représentation ontologique en OWL 2. Ensuite, nous proposons une approche basée sur l'analyse formelle de concept pour regrouper les classes de l'ontologie partageant une certaine sémantique dans le but d'améliorer la qualité, la lisibilité et la représentation de l'ontologie. Enfin, nous proposons l’alignement d'ontologies pour déterminer les liens sémantiques entre les ontologies d'affaires hétérogènes générés par le processus de transformation pour aider les entreprises à communiquer fructueusement.In this thesis, we present the problems of business document exchanges. We propose a methodology to adapt the XML-based business standards for the Semantic Web technologies by mapping documents defined on DTD or XML Schema to an ontological representation in OWL 2. Next, we propose an approach based on formal concept analysis techniques to regroup the ontology classes sharing some semantics to improve the quality, readability and the representation of the ontology. Finally, we propose ontology alignment to determine the semantic links between heterogeneous business ontologies generated by the transformation process to help entreprises to communicate fruitfully

Use of natural fluorescent triacyglycerols from Parinari glaberrimum to detect low lipase activity in Brassica napus seedlings

Lipases (triacylglycerol acyl hydrolass EC 3.1.1.3) are defined as enzymes that catalyse the hydrolysis of triacylglycerols, releasing long-chain fatty acids. Germinating oilseeds have been explored as a possible source of lipases for biotechnological processing of oils and fats. However, purification and sensitive assays to detect a true lipase activity in plant cellular homogenates and culture media are required. The main aim of this study was to design a convenient, specific, sensitive and continuous lipase activity assay using natural long-chain triacylglycerols (TAGs). Oil was extracted from Parinari glaberrimum seed kernels and the purified TAGs were used as a substrate for detecting low levels of lipase activities. An increase in the fluorescence was observed, which is due to the parinaric acid released by various lipase activities. This increase in the fluorescence intensity is linear with time and proportional to the amount of lipase added. This new method, performed under non-oxidative conditions, was applied successfully to detect low lipase levels in crude protein extracts from plant seeds.Keywords: Brassica napus, fluorescent lipids, lipase assay, plant lipasesAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(23), pp. 3719-372

A VLSI implementation of a new simultaneous images compression and encryption method

International audienceIn this manuscript, we describe a fully pipelined single chip architecture for implementing a new simultaneous image compression and encryption method suitable for real-time applications. The proposed method exploits the DCT properties to achieve the compression and the encryption simultaneously. First, to realize the compression, 8-point DCT applied to several images are done. Second, contrary to traditional compression algorithms, only some special points of DCT outputs are multiplexed. For the encryption process, a random number is generated and added to some specific DCT coefficients. On the other hand, to enhance the material implementation of the proposed method, a special attention is given to the DCT algorithm. In fact, a new way to realize the compression based on DCT algorithm and to reduce, at the same time, the material requirements of the compression process is presented. Simulation results show a compression ratio higher than 65% and a PSNR about 28 dB. The proposed architecture can be implemented in FPGA to yield a throughput of 206 MS/s which allows the processing of more than 30 frames per second for 1024x1024 images

Endobronchial localization of Hodgkin’s disease

The endobronchial localization of Hodgkin's disease is a rare entity which is often confused with endobronchial tuberculosis in our setting. We report the case of a 16 years old female who presented with 6 months history of dry cough, hemoptysis, dyspnea, dysphagia and dysphonia. The chest  radiography showed a mediastinal and pulmonary opacity. The chest CT scan found enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes. The bronchial biopsy and peripheral lymph node biopsy confirmed Hodgkin's disease with  endobronchial localization. The patient received chemotherapy (ABVDprotocol) and radiotherapy with a favorable follow up

Improving Document Exchanges in the Supply Chain

Abstract. In order to help businesses to communicate fruitfully, we present a solution based on ontology alignment for integrating business documents. We focus on detecting and resolving semantic conflicts encountered during the integration process due to different terminologies used in xCBL, cXML and RosettaNet. Our contribution is to benefit from research in the ontology alignment area and considered as empirical study to test if alignment solution can overcome the heterogeneity problems between business systems. As case study, we apply alignment on purchase order ontologies, a common task of the supply chain