FPGA Implementation of Convolutional Neural Networks with Fixed-Point Calculations

Neural network-based methods for image processing are becoming widely used in practical applications. Modern neural networks are computationally expensive and require specialized hardware, such as graphics processing units. Since such hardware is not always available in real life applications, there is a compelling need for the design of neural networks for mobile devices. Mobile neural networks typically have reduced number of parameters and require a relatively small number of arithmetic operations. However, they usually still are executed at the software level and use floating-point calculations. The use of mobile networks without further optimization may not provide sufficient performance when high processing speed is required, for example, in real-time video processing (30 frames per second). In this study, we suggest optimizations to speed up computations in order to efficiently use already trained neural networks on a mobile device. Specifically, we propose an approach for speeding up neural networks by moving computation from software to hardware and by using fixed-point calculations instead of floating-point. We propose a number of methods for neural network architecture design to improve the performance with fixed-point calculations. We also show an example of how existing datasets can be modified and adapted for the recognition task in hand. Finally, we present the design and the implementation of a floating-point gate array-based device to solve the practical problem of real-time handwritten digit classification from mobile camera video feed

Advanced magneto-optical microscopy: Imaging from picoseconds to centimeters - imaging spin waves and temperature distributions (invited)

© 2016 Author(s).Recent developments in the observation of magnetic domains and domain walls by wide-field optical microscopy based on the magneto-optical Kerr, Faraday, Voigt, and Gradient effect are reviewed. Emphasis is given to the existence of higher order magneto-optical effects for advanced magnetic imaging. Fundamental concepts and advances in methodology are discussed that allow for imaging of magnetic domains on various length and time scales. Time-resolved imaging of electric field induced domain wall rotation is shown. Visualization of magnetization dynamics down to picosecond temporal resolution for the imaging of spin-waves and magneto-optical multi-effect domain imaging techniques for obtaining vectorial information are demonstrated. Beyond conventional domain imaging, the use of a magneto-optical indicator technique for local temperature sensing is shown

Where are “Borders” of Early Wittgenstein’s World?

Статья рассматривает проблему «пределов» языка и мысль Витгенштейна о проведении этой границы «изнутри». Автор предполагает узнать о методе Витгенштейна через анализ пространственных метафор, которые используются в его текстах.The article considers the problem of “limits” of the language and Wittgenstein’s idea about marking them “from inside”. The author suggests to know more about Wittgenstein’s method by analysis of spatial metaphors, which had been used in his texts

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ МАТЕРИАЛОВ ДЛЯ ИК–ЛАЗЕРОВ НА ОСНОВЕ ПОЛУПРОВОДНИКОВ AIIBVI, ЛЕГИРОВАННЫХ ИОНАМИ Fe2+

It well−known that optical fibers have a «window of transparency » (1.5−3 µm) which is much wider than the spectra of the transmitted signals. For this reason there is some potential in transmitting signals using different, previously unused frequencies, in order to increase the economic efficiency of existing and new optical fiber lines. This may be the origin of the great interest to research into the creation of А2В6 and А3В5 semiconductor lasers doped with Cr2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Fe2+ and rare earth element ions. Theoretical and experimental studies in this field are usually focused on one type of semiconductor doped with one type of ion. With the appearance of the general theory of ligand structure environment of iron group ions (Co2+, Ni2+ and Fe2+) there is now a way to calculate the full matrix of luminescence parameters of iron group ions for the entire group of А2В6 semiconductors, in addition to conventional research methods. The results of research for Fe2+ ions in А2В6 semiconductors are presented in this paper. Полоса прозрачности волоконно− оптических линий связи (ВОЛС) в диапазоне длин волн 1,5—3 мкм значительно шире спектров передаваемых сигналов. Для повышения экономической эффективности построенных и новых ВОЛС перспективно применение передачи сигналов на новых, еще не использованных частотах. С этим, возможно, связан интерес к исследованиям по созданию лазеров на полупроводниках АIIВVI и АIIIВV, легированных ионами Cr2+, Co2+, Ni2+ и Fe2+ и редкоземельных элементов. Ранее исследования в этом направлении выполняли на отдельном типе полупроводника, легированного одним из ионов. C появлением общей теории лигандной структуры окружения ионов группы железа (Co2+, Ni2+ и Fe2+) появилась возможность рассчитать весь набор параметров областей люминесценции ионов группы железа в полупроводниках АIIВVI, в дополнение к более традиционным способам исследований. Приведены результаты расчета параметров массива областей люминесценции для ионов Fe2+ в полупроводниках АIIВVI. Показано, что полученные расчетные значения спектральных областей люминесценции совпадают со значениями, определенными экспериментально другими авторами, что подтверждает правильность выбранного метода расчета. Полученные результаты позволяют целенаправленно выбирать из всего рассчитанного массива переходов в материалах AIIBVI, легированных Fe2+, наиболее подходящие для создания ИК−лазеров с требуемыми значениями длины волны и спектральных характеристик излучения, перестраиваемых в широком диапазоне длин волн.

Percutaneous cystolithotripsy for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Introduction. According to the literature, 5.0% of patients with urolithiasis are characterized by the presence of stones in the bladder. The issue of bladder stones for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia remains relevant and requires further improvement of approaches to surgical treatment.Purpose of the study. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of energy-diverse percutaneous cystolithotripsy (and placement of a cystostomy catheter) in comparison with transurethral cystolithotripsy.Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of 56 cases in patients (aged 54-82 years) with bladder stones was carried out. All patients were treated in the Urology Clinic of the Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University from 2019 to 2021. Two groups were formed: group I — 26 (46.4%) patients who underwent percutaneous cystolithotripsy, group II — 30 (53.6%) patients underwent transurethral cystolithotripsy. The duration of surgery, intraoperative and postoperative complications were assessed.Results. On average, the duration of surgery for the percutaneous approach was shorter than for transurethral access (35 vs 44 min). The stone-free rate in the case of the percutaneous approach was 100.0%, while in transurethral cystolithotripsy the stone-free rate was 90.0%. In the early postoperative period, in groups I and II, gross hematuria was observed for 2 (7.6%) and 4 (13.3%) patients, respectively. In the late postoperative period, 2 patients from group II had a urethral stricture.Conclusions. Percutaneous cystolithotripsy is a minimally invasive method of stone fragmentation, characterized by a minimal risk of intra- and postoperative complications

Nonperturbative QCD Vacuum Effects in Nonlocal Quark Dynamics

A straightforward calculation reveals the essentially nonlocal character of the leading heavy $Q\bar{Q}$ interaction arising from nonperturbative gluon field correlations in the model of a fluctuating QCD vacuum. In light of this quarkonium spin splitting ratio predictions which have supported the scalar confinement ansatz are reconsidered as a specific example of possible consequences for spectroscopy.Comment: Latex, 9 page

Карстоопасность территории архитектурно-этнографического музея «Хохловка»

Exogenous geologic processes (EGP) on the territory of Perm Krai have a wide development. In this list, karst occupies a special position, as this process is widespread and, in addition, can serve as a catalyst for associated hazardous geological processes. At the request of the management of the State Regional Budgetary Cultural Institution "Perm Regional Museum of History" the authors conducted a reconnaissance survey of karst occurrences in the territory of the architectural and ethnographic museum "Khokhlovka" to assess the geological risks and to ensure the safe operation of cultural heritage object, non-capital structures and engineering facilities. This article presents the results of preliminary assessment of karst hazard of the territory, based on the analysis of stock materials, remote sensing data and field reconnaissance survey.Экзогенные геологические процессы (ЭГП) на территории Пермского края имеют широкое развитие. В этом перечне карст занимает особое положение, так как этот процесс имеет широкое распространение и, кроме того, может служить катализатором сопутствующих опасных геологических процессов. По просьбе руководства Государственного краевого бюджетного учреждения культуры «Пермский краеведческий музей» авторами проведено рекогносцировочное обследование карстопроявлений территории архитектурно-этнографического музея «Хохловка» для оценки геологических рисков и обеспечения безопасной эксплуатации объектов культурного наследия, некапитальных сооружений и инженерных объектов. В данной статье приводятся результаты предварительной оценки карстоопасности территории, выполненные на основе анализа фондовых материалов, данных дистанционного зондирования Земли и полевого рекогносцировочного обследования

Growth of the fast ice and its influence on the freezing of bottom sediments in the Buor-Khaya Bay coastal zone, Laptev Sea (in Russian)

Results of the ice and hydrological measurements carried out in the winter of 2014/15 in theTiksiGulf(Buor-KhayaBay) are described. These data served a basis for development of a conceptual thermodynamic model of seasonal freezing of the sea water layers and underlying bottom sediments in the sea-shore zone. The model uses two methods of localization of the phase transition zones: a classical (frontal) one is used for water, while another one within the range of temperatures – for the bottom. For real atmospheric conditions, we investigated specific features of the water freezing through in the shallow coastal zone of theLaptev Sea. The quantitative characteristics of the process were obtained. The calculations demonstrated that the distinguishing feature of the process is a stabilization of the ice thickness, taking place due to essential increasing of a salinity of the sea water. As a result of this, a shallow water body does not frozen through down to the bottom at even the very low air temperatures. Cooled salt waters does not allow liquid to be frozen in pores of the bottom ground. Salinization of the under-ice water layer can cause the melting of fast ice in the shallow water with its simultaneous increase away from the coast. Ice formation in water layers and bottom sediments begins at the same time, although it proceeds differently at different depths. Due to salinization of the bottom ground a continuous frozen zone is not formed, and the whole layer of freezing precipitation is a two-phase (partially frozen) area. As a whole, the model estimates of the process parameters including the motions of the phase fronts agree with known data of direct measurements. Despite such conformity, the model data should be considered as only evaluative ones. If a bottom is flat, the horizontal mixing and advection, which are not reproduced by a one-dimensional model in principle, the actual salinity parameters will most likely not reach the calculated values. However, for small values of the tides in theBuor-KhayaBayand insignificant reverse flows of salt, effect of the last ones does not apparently exert significant influence on the intensity of cooling of the under-ice water layer as well as on the ice formation in upper layers of the bottom within such time scales as a season