Signal Integrity Analysis of Modified Coplanar Waveguide Structure Using ADI-FDTD Method

Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) technology shrinks to Deep Sub Micron (DSM) geometries, interconnect is becoming a limiting factor in determining circuit performance. High speed interconnect suffers from signal integrity effects like crosstalk, and propagation delay thereby degrading the entire system operation. In order to reduce the adverse signal integrity effects, if is necessary for the interconnect to have accurate physical dimensions. The interconnection and packaging related issues are main factors that determine the number of circuits that can be integrated in a chip as well as the chip performance. In this paper, it is proposed to simulate high speed interconnect structures using Alternate Direction Implicit Finite-Difference Time-Domain Method (ADI-FDTD) method. The electrical parameters such as mutual inductance and mutual capacitance were calculated from E and H fields for Coplanar waveguide (CPW) and Stacked Grounded Coplanar waveguide (SGCPW). Keywords: Interconnects, ADI-FDTD Method, Coplanar Waveguide, Crosstalk and Signal Integrit

Optimisation of image processing networks for neuronal membrane detection

This research dealt with the problem of neuronal membrane detection, in which the core challenge is distinguishing membranes from organelles. A simple and efficient optimisation framework is proposed based on several basic processing steps, including local contrast enhancement, denoising, thresholding, hole-filling, watershed segmentation, and morphological operations. The two main algorithms proposed Image Processing Chain Optimisation (IPCO) and Multiple IPCO (MIPCO)combine elements of Genetic Algorithms, Differential Evolution, and Rank-based uniform crossover. 91.67% is the highest recorded individual IPCO score with a speed of 280 s, and 92.11% is the highest recorded ensembles IPCO score whereas 91.80% is the highest recorded individual MIPCO score with a speed of 540 s for typically less than 500 optimisation generations and 92.63% is the highest recorded ensembles MIPCO score.Further, IPCO chains and MIPCO networks do not require specialised hardware and they are easy to use and deploy. This is the first application of this approach in the context of the Drosophila first instar larva ventral nerve cord. Both algorithms use existing image processing functions, but optimise the way in which they are configured and combined. The approach differs from related work in terms of the set of functions used, the parameterisations allowed, the optimisation methods adopted, the combination framework, and the testing and analyses conducted. Both IPCO and MIPCO are efficient and interpretable, and facilitate the generation of new insights. Systematic analyses of the statistics of optimised chains were conducted using 30 microscopy slices with corresponding ground truth. This process revealed several interesting and unconventional insights pertaining to preprocessing, classification, post-processing, and speed, and the appearance of functions in unorthodox positions in image processing chains, suggesting new sets of pipelines for image processing. One such insight revealed that, at least in the context of our membrane detection data, it is typically better to enhance, and even classify, data before denoising them

Optimisation of image processing networks for neuronal membrane detection

This research dealt with the problem of neuronal membrane detection, in which the core challenge is distinguishing membranes from organelles. A simple and efficient optimisation framework is proposed based on several basic processing steps, including local contrast enhancement, denoising, thresholding, hole-filling, watershed segmentation, and morphological operations. The two main algorithms proposed Image Processing Chain Optimisation (IPCO) and Multiple IPCO (MIPCO)combine elements of Genetic Algorithms, Differential Evolution, and Rank-based uniform crossover. 91.67% is the highest recorded individual IPCO score with a speed of 280 s, and 92.11% is the highest recorded ensembles IPCO score whereas 91.80% is the highest recorded individual MIPCO score with a speed of 540 s for typically less than 500 optimisation generations and 92.63% is the highest recorded ensembles MIPCO score.Further, IPCO chains and MIPCO networks do not require specialised hardware and they are easy to use and deploy. This is the first application of this approach in the context of the Drosophila first instar larva ventral nerve cord. Both algorithms use existing image processing functions, but optimise the way in which they are configured and combined. The approach differs from related work in terms of the set of functions used, the parameterisations allowed, the optimisation methods adopted, the combination framework, and the testing and analyses conducted. Both IPCO and MIPCO are efficient and interpretable, and facilitate the generation of new insights. Systematic analyses of the statistics of optimised chains were conducted using 30 microscopy slices with corresponding ground truth. This process revealed several interesting and unconventional insights pertaining to preprocessing, classification, post-processing, and speed, and the appearance of functions in unorthodox positions in image processing chains, suggesting new sets of pipelines for image processing. One such insight revealed that, at least in the context of our membrane detection data, it is typically better to enhance, and even classify, data before denoising them

Exploring Academics’ Work-Life Balance and Stress Levels Using Flexible Working Arrangements

Flexible working arrangements (FWAs) provide academics a degree of freedom to control their working time, location and method. Academics need to be agile in managing their multiple work roles, but many universities are still not supportive. This research explores whether FWAs can affect academics’ work-life balance (WLB) and stress levels. Using a focus group discussion, eight academics were interviewed. Findings reveal that FWAs have a positive impact on WLB and reduce stress levels amongst Malaysian academics. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, working from home (WFH) has become a new normal, paving the way for similar policies to be put in place. Keywords: Flexible working arrangements; academics; work-life balance; stress eISSN: 2398-4287© 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5i15.2497

A FlexiWork App : An Innovative Way to Measure and Monitor Productivity while WFH for Academicians

Academics need better workplace flexibility as their brains can never wholly switch off from work. Therefore, flexible working arrangements (FWA) are linked with enhanced productivity. This research proposes a self-monitoring tool using a mobile application. FlexiWork App is a self-monitoring application designed for an academic to self-measure the impact of workplace flexibility on productivity; and secondly, for the institution to monitor the academic's key performance indicator (KPI) achievement. Hence, this application will benefit both the academics and the university in monitoring the KPI of the staff

1-Methyl-3-p-tolyl-3,3a,4,9b-tetra­hydro-1H-chromeno[4,3-c]isoxazole-3a-carbonitrile

In the title compound, C19H18N2O2, the dihedral angle between the mean planes of the fused chromeno and isoxazole units is 43.71 (7)°. The isoxazole and pyran rings exhibit envelope and half chair conformations, respectively. The crystal packing is stabilized by inter­molecular C—H⋯π inter­actions

Condensation of nicotinaldehydes with acetophenones and NH4OAc: A convenient synthesis and biological activities of 2',6'-diphenyl-3,4'-bipyridines #

1001-10092',6'-Diphenyl-3,4'-bipyridines 3a-t have been achieved by the three-component, one-pot reaction of nicotinaldehydes 1a-b, acetophenones 2a-j and anhydrous ammonium acetate under solvent free conditions at 120°C. All the prepared compounds 3a-t have been screened for anti-microbial, free-radical scavenging and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Compounds 3m-r have shown anti-bacterial activity and compounds 3m-n identified as anti-fungal agents. Compounds 3d, 3h, 3m and 3r-s have shown α-glucosidase inhibitory activity

Condensation of nicotinaldehydes with acetophenones and NH4OAc: A convenient synthesis and biological activities of 2',6'-diphenyl-3,4'-bipyridines

2',6'-Diphenyl-3,4'-bipyridines 3a-t have been achieved by the three-component, one-pot reaction of nicotinaldehydes 1a-b, acetophenones 2a-j and anhydrous ammonium acetate under solvent free conditions at 120°C. All the prepared compounds 3a-t have been screened for anti-microbial, free-radical scavenging and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Compounds 3m-r have shown anti-bacterial activity and compounds 3m-n identified as anti-fungal agents. Compounds 3d, 3h, 3m and 3r-s have shown α-glucosidase inhibitory activity

Contribution of infection and vaccination to population-level seroprevalence through two COVID waves in Tamil Nadu, India.

This study employs repeated, large panels of serological surveys to document rapid and substantial waning of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at the population level and to calculate the extent to which infection and vaccination separately contribute to seroprevalence estimates. Four rounds of serological surveys were conducted, spanning two COVID waves (October 2020 and April-May 2021), in Tamil Nadu (population 72 million) state in India. Each round included representative populations in each district of the state, totaling ≥ 20,000 persons per round. State-level seroprevalence was 31.5% in round 1 (October-November 2020), after India's first COVID wave. Seroprevalence fell to 22.9% in round 2 (April 2021), a roughly one-third decline in 6 months, consistent with dramatic waning of SARS-Cov-2 antibodies from natural infection. Seroprevalence rose to 67.1% by round 3 (June-July 2021), with infections from the Delta-variant induced second COVID wave accounting for 74% of the increase. Seroprevalence rose to 93.1% by round 4 (December 2021-January 2022), with vaccinations accounting for 63% of the increase. Antibodies also appear to wane after vaccination. Seroprevalence in urban areas was higher than in rural areas, but the gap shrunk over time (35.7 v. 25.7% in round 1, 89.8% v. 91.4% in round 4) as the epidemic spread even in low-density rural areas

Valsartan (Profiles of Drugs Substances, Excipients and Related Methodology)

Valsartan is an antihypertensive drug which selectively inhibits angiotensin receptor type II. This tetrazole derivative was first developed by Novartis and marketed under brand name Diovan® . This compound is orally active and is rapidly absorbed after oral doses, having a bioavailability of approximately 23% . Valsartan appears as a white or almost white hygroscopic powder. This compound must be kept in an air-tight container and should be protected from light and heat. It is available in film-coated tablets containing valsartan 40, 80, 160, or 320 mg, and capsules with dosage of 80 or 160 mg. Tablet combinations of valsartan with hydrochlorothiazide or amlodipine are also availabl