Fast Split-Radix and Radix-4 Discrete Cosine Transform Algorithms

The Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) has a plethora of applications in applied mathematics and electrical engineering. Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) is a real-arithmetic analogue of DFT. DCTs with orthogonal trigonometric transforms have been especially popular in recent decades due to their applications in digital video technology and high efficiency video coding. One can say that DCT is the key transform in image processing, signal processing, finger print enhancement, quick response code (QR code), multi-mode interface, etc. In this talk, we first introduce sparse and scaled orthogonal factorization for the DCT and inverse DCT. Afterwards, we present fast split-radix and radix-4 DCT and inverse DCT algorithms. We show that the proposed algorithms attain the lowest theoretical multiplication complexity and arithmetic complexity for 8-point DCT II/III matrices. We perform execution time of the proposed algorithms while verifying the connection to the order of the arithmetic complexity. Finally, the language of signal flow graph representation of digital structures is used to describe potential for real-world circuit implementation

Development of Amino Acid-Derived Ligands for Enantioselective Synthesis of Amines and Alcohols

Thesis advisor: Amir H. HoveydaChapter One Development of Simple Organic Molecules as Catalysts for Enantioselective Allyl Additions to N-Phosphinoylaldimines and Isatins A new catalytic protocol for the enantioselective addition of organoborates to imines and carbonyls is described. This novel method, which does not require transition metals utilizes a modular and easily accessed aminophenol to dictate the stereochemistry of the products. Allyl-additions to N-phosphinoylaldimines and isatins, as well as allenyl-additions to isatins are studied and literature relevant to these transformations is discussed. Additionally, two separate methods for obtaining "crotyl-type" addition products to aldimines; one requiring α-chiral allylboronates and the other requiring a zinc-alkoxide, are discussed. Studies to elucidate the mechanism of this catalytic protocol are also contained in this chapter. Chapter Two Enantioselective Additions to Fluorinated Ketones: A Platform for Studying the Interaction Between Organofluorine and a Small Molecule Utilizing the new protocol discussed in Chapter One, allyl- and allenyl-groups are added enantioselectively to ketones containing a fluorinated substituent. Myriad tertiary alcohols are synthesized, demonstrating the value of this method. This study also allows for examining how organofluorine containing compounds bind to other organic molecules, which is a current topic of intense interest in the field of medicinal chemistry. Mechanistic studies support the idea that, in many cases, the fluorine of the substrate is electrostatically attracted to the ammonium-ion in the catalyst. Chapter Three Enantioselective Additions of Organoboronates to Ketones and Alphaketoesters Promoted by an Aminophenol Containing Catalyst Modification of the aminophenol disclosed in Chapter One allows for increased enantioselectivity for the allyl-addition to both simple ketones (such as acetophenone) and alphaketoesters. For simple ketones, a critical component of the optimal catalyst is replacing the tert-butyl group ortho to the phenol with the sterically large triphenylsilyl group. For alphaketoesters, this tert-butyl group was replaced with the sterically smaller metyl group. Rationale for why these contradictory changes in the catalyst structure lead to higher enantioselectivity for reactions with these two classes of ketones is discussed. Chapter Four Ag-Catalyzed Enantioselective Vinylogous Mannich Reactions of γ-Substituted Siloxyfurans with Aldimines A previously disclosed Ag-catalyzed enantioselective vinylogous Mannich reaction (EVM) with α-, β-, and unsubstituted siloxyfurans is extended to include γ-substituted siloxyfurans. This method, which generates a tertiary stereogenic center concurrent with an adjacent to a quaternary stereogenic center, requires a rarely used 2-thiomethylaniline N-protecting group for the aldimines.Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2014.Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.Discipline: Chemistry

A Novel Binaural Audio Device for Cross-Platform Situational Awareness and Recall

The goal is to create a lightweight integrated device consisting of a small camera, binaural microphones, a head orientation tracker, and a GPS unit mounted onto a pair of glasses. The device will allow the user to capture and record audio and video in the same manner that it was experienced organically by the user. This is enabled by the glasses-mounted camera and the small profile binaural microphones, which sit inside the ear without blocking the eardrum. The head orientation tracker and GPS unit are attached to the glasses and record positioning and orientation of the user for realistic playback. A Raspberry Pi will be used as the microcontroller for data retrieval and processing. Connections are made between the components on the chassis, and data are compiled and synchronized. Further, an Android device, web server, and SQL database will be used for storage and playback of the captured data. There are many applications and uses for such a device. In military training situations, realistic audio and video captured from a first-person perspective can be used to create the best training simulations where the recorded data could be played back during training. This methodology would provide the most realistic scenarios, as each person would hear and see the video exactly as if they experienced it firsthand. In a combat scenario, the recorded audio could be transmitted between soldiers so that each soldier knows the relative position and environment of every other soldier. Further, the device can assist users that struggle with short-term memory loss, a common side-effect of a large swath of medical conditions. If the user is having difficulties remembering a situation that happened, they can use their Android device to easily playback the recorded environment to assist them in remembering the details

Centro juvenil para la convivencia social y el desarrollo de habilidades creativas para jóvenes de 15 a 25 años de Tehuacán que forman parte de una “bedroom culture”

"El objetivo de esta tesis es aprovechar y mejorar el interés y la preferencia que los jóvenes tienen hacia el uso de la tecnología y medios digitales para generar en ellos el interés hacia la socialización, la convivencia y puedan desarrollar sus habilidades creativas con el uso de estos mismos medios digitales, esto para crear un interés y motivación en los jóvenes para que al retomar la socialización y los factores que implica la misma también puedan definirse a ellos mismos con talentos y habilidades desarrolladas en un ambiente creativo, dinámico y tecnológico"

Nuevas estrategias de digitalización dentro del megalitismo cantábrico: modelos 3d, visitas y aproximaciones virtuales del proyecto de La Cobertoria (Salas, Asturias)

This paper reports on the main methodological aspects developed during the Cobertoria’s Project, which aims to study the architecture and the landscapes linked with the prehistoric barrows in mid-western Asturias. The two main lines of the project are focused on digging remarkable sites (Cobertoria’s dolmen), as well as in updating the Sites and Monuments Record of Salas council. Regarding excavations, the archaeological record gathered in the dolmen of the Cobertoria allowed us to do several 3D photogrammetries. Two drone flights were developed over the tumulus for taking information in the two main stages of the excavations. As a result, several 3D models of different parts of the excavated area are accesible now on the web for purposes of interpretation and research. Finally, two virtual tours and two approachings to the necropolises are already available as part of a broader analysis of the landscape.El presente texto sintetiza las novedosas metodologías de registro, así como el modo de elaboración de materiales de divulgación, puestos en marcha en el proyecto de la Cobertoria, orientado al estudio de los paisajes megalíticos del área centro-occidental asturiana. Las dos líneas de trabajo preferentes son, en la actualidad, la excavación de sitios de especial interés, como el dolmen de la Cobertoria, y la actualización del catálogo de túmulos prehistóricos de todo el concejo de Salas. Durante la primera, se reunió un registro tridimensional a través de técnicas fotogramétricas y se realizaron dos vuelos de dron sobre la estructura megalítica, en 2016 y 2019, que permitieron el montaje de varios modelos 3D que ya están disponibles en web. Además, dos aproximaciones y dos visitas (ambas virtuales) a las necrópolis de San Juan y Penausén completan el lote de materiales empleados para el análisis del paisaje arqueológico, sirviendo también de itinerarios virtuales por estos lugares

Angiographic and clinical outcome of SARS-CoV-2 positive patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary angioplasty: A collaborative, individual patient data meta-analysis of six registry-based studies

The characteristics and outcome of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-positive patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) are still poorly known

Uso terapêutico de produtos à base de canabidiol no Brasil: estudo descritivo, 2014–2017

Introduction: Little is known about the characteristics and clinical conditions of patients on therapeutic use of cannabidiol-based products in combination with other cannabinoids, despite a growing number of countries that have authorized the use of these products. Objective: This study describes the characteristics and clinical conditions of patients who obtained exceptional authorization from Anvisa to import cannabidiol-based products in combination with other cannabinoids for therapeutic use in Brazil. Method: A descriptive and retrospective study based on records of patients who obtained authorization from Anvisa to import cannabidiol-based products in association with other cannabinoids, between December 2014 and May 2017. The characteristics of the patients studied were: i) demographic (sex and age); ii) geographical (region and Federation Unit); iii) medical diagnoses of patients by ICD-10 codes; iv) medical specialties that prescribed the products to patients; and v) products intended for import by patients or caregivers (main products and country of importation). Results: 1,713 patients were identified, of whom 61.7% were aged ≤ 19 years. Epilepsy (62.9%), chronic pain (3.8%) and Parkinson’s disease (3.6%) were the most frequent ICD-10 codes. Of the products requested for therapeutic use, 15 (57.7%) were not included in the Anvisa’s Resolution. Conclusions: Patients who have obtained authorization from Anvisa to import cannabidiol-based products in combination with other cannabinoids are mostly under the age of 20 and suffering from epilepsy. These findings are in accordance with the determinations provided for in Resolution No. 2,113 / 2014 of the Federal Council of Medicine.Introdução: Pouco se conhece sobre as características e as condições clínicas dos pacientes em uso terapêutico de produtos à base de canabidiol, apesar de um número crescente de países ter autorizado o uso desses produtos. Objetivo: Descrever as características e as condições clínicas dos pacientes que obtiveram autorização excepcional da Anvisa para importação de produtos à base de canabidiol em associação com outros canabinoides para uso terapêutico no Brasil. Método: Estudo descritivo e retrospectivo baseado nos registros de pacientes que obtiveram autorização da Anvisa para importação de produtos à base de canabidiol em associação com outros canabinoides, entre dezembro de 2014 e maio de 2017. As características dos pacientes estudadas foram: i) demográficas (sexo e idade); ii) geográficas (região e Unidade de Federação); iii) diagnósticos médicos dos pacientes por códigos da CID-10; iv) especialidades médicas que prescreveram os produtos aos pacientes; e v) os produtos com pretensão de importação pelos pacientes ou responsáveis (principais produtos e país de importação). Resultados: Foram 1.713 pacientes identificados, dos quais 61,7% apresentaram idade ≤ 19 anos. Os quadros de epilepsia (62,9%), dor crônica (3,8%) e doença de Parkinson (3,6%) foram os códigos da CID-10 mais frequentes. Entre os produtos solicitados para uso terapêutico, 15 (57,7%) não constavam em Resolução da Anvisa. Conclusões: Os pacientes que obtiveram autorização da Anvisa para importação de produtos à base de canabidiol em associação com outros canabinoides são, na sua maioria, menores de 20 anos e que sofrem de epilepsia. Tais achados estão de acordo com as determinações da Resolução nº 2.113/2014 do Conselho Federal de Medicina

Kepler-20: A Sun-like Star with Three Sub-Neptune Exoplanets and Two Earth-size Candidates

We present the discovery of the Kepler-20 planetary system, which we initially identified through the detection of five distinct periodic transit signals in the Kepler light curve of the host star 2MASSJ19104752+4220194. We find a stellar effective temperature Teff=5455+-100K, a metallicity of [Fe/H]=0.01+-0.04, and a surface gravity of log(g)=4.4+-0.1. Combined with an estimate of the stellar density from the transit light curves we deduce a stellar mass of Mstar=0.912+-0.034 Msun and a stellar radius of Rstar=0.944^{+0.060}_{-0.095} Rsun. For three of the transit signals, our results strongly disfavor the possibility that these result from astrophysical false positives. We conclude that the planetary scenario is more likely than that of an astrophysical false positive by a factor of 2e5 (Kepler-20b), 1e5 (Kepler-20c), and 1.1e3 (Kepler-20d), sufficient to validate these objects as planetary companions. For Kepler-20c and Kepler-20d, the blend scenario is independently disfavored by the achromaticity of the transit: From Spitzer data gathered at 4.5um, we infer a ratio of the planetary to stellar radii of 0.075+-0.015 (Kepler-20c) and 0.065+-0.011 (Kepler-20d), consistent with each of the depths measured in the Kepler optical bandpass. We determine the orbital periods and physical radii of the three confirmed planets to be 3.70d and 1.91^{+0.12}_{-0.21} Rearth for Kepler-20b, 10.85 d and 3.07^{+0.20}_{-0.31} Rearth for Kepelr-20c, and 77.61 d and 2.75^{+0.17}_{-0.30} Rearth for Kepler-20d. From multi-epoch radial velocities, we determine the masses of Kepler-20b and Kepler-20c to be 8.7\+-2.2 Mearth and 16.1+-3.5 Mearth, respectively, and we place an upper limit on the mass of Kepler-20d of 20.1 Mearth (2 sigma).Comment: accepted by ApJ, 58 pages, 12 figures revised Jan 2012 to correct table 2 and clarify planet parameter extractio

Potential use of space-based lightning detection in electric power systems

Information about lightning activity and its parameters is necessary to design and evaluate the lightning protection of an electrical power system. This information can be obtained from ground-based lightning detection networks that provide information on cloud-to-ground lightning strikes with a location accuracy of few hundred meters. Recently, the first satellite-based lightning optical detectors are operating continuously from geostationary orbits. These imagers observe the luminosity escaping from clouds to detect and locate total lightning activity with a spatial accuracy of several kilometers. This allows delineating the initiation and propagation (sometimes over tens to hundreds of kilometers before striking the ground) not observable by the ground-based networks. In this paper, we explore the use of this new technology for lightning protection in power systems. We focus on tall objects such as wind turbines and overhead transmission lines. We show how the optical detections allow identifying lightning flashes that likely produce continuing currents. This provides additional information for the identification of dangerous events and also can be used to estimate the number of upward-flashes from tall objects triggered by a nearby flash. The analysis of a transmission line shows the concentration of faults in the areas of high total lightning flash density. We found regional variations of the optical energy of the flashes along the line.This work was supported by research grants ESP2017-86263-C4-2-R funded by MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033 and by “ERDF A way of making Europe”, by the “European Union”; and Grants PID2019- 109269RB-C42 and ENE2017-91636-EXP funded by MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033. S. Goodman was in part supported by NASA Grant 80NSSC18K1689. M. M. F. Saba was in part supported by research grants 2012/15375–7 and 2013/05784–0, from Sao ˜ Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP). S. Visacro was supported by a research grant (307381/2019–6) of the Brazilian National Council of Technological and Scientific Development (CNPq). The GLM data are available from the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) and Cloud Service Providers (e.g., Amazon Web Services, AWS). The LIS data are available from the NASA GHRC Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC) (https:// https://ghrc.nsstc.nasa.gov/home/access-data. The power system information for the 500 kV transmission line is provided by ISA-INTERCOLOMBIA and is supported by L. Porras.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Epidemiology And Factors Related to Psychiatric Diseases in a Child Psychosocial Support Center in a City in Northeastern Brazil

Objetivo: Os distúrbios mentais têm representado um grande desafio para a saúde mundial, considerando que 12% da população necessita de algum atendimento em saúde mental e 3% apresenta algum transtorno mental severo e persistente que necessita de acompanhamento. O desenvolvimento psíquico-cognitivo da criança é influenciado por diversas situações, genéticas e ambientais. O objetivo principal deste estudo foi observar quais são as doenças psiquiátricas mais prevalentes em pacientes atendidos pelo Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Infanto-Juvenil (CAPSIJ) de Imperatriz e levantar fatores que poderiam estar relacionados ao aparecimento e a apresentação desses distúrbios na infância. Métodos: Essa pesquisa se caracteriza como indutiva, analítica-descritiva, retrospectiva e documental. O presente estudo foi conduzido no Centro de Apoio Psicossocial Infanto-Juvenil de Imperatriz-MA. Resultados. Ao todo, foram 137 diagnósticos ou hipóteses diagnosticas levantadas, tendo algumas crianças recebido mais de um diagnóstico. São 22 diagnósticos diferentes definidos por Código Internacional de Doenças (CID) que foram reagrupados em categorias maiores conforme a semelhança dos transtornos. O sexo masculino é o mais prevalente e a média de idade aproximada é de 6 anos. Conclusão: Os transtornos mentais mais prevalentes entre as crianças analisadas foram os transtornos globais do desenvolvimento (em primeiro lugar autismo infantil) e transtornos hipercinéticos, seguidos pelo estado de stress pós-traumático, retardo mental e transtornos ansiosos. Foi comprovada a associação entre os transtornos presentes neste estudo e fatores genéticos, biológicos e ambientais.  Objectives: Mental disorders have posed a major challenge to global health, considering that 12% of the population needs some mental health care and 3% have some severe and persistent mental disorder requiring medical attention. The psychic-cognitive development of the child is influenced by several genetic and environmental situations. The main objective of this study was to observe which are the most prevalent psychiatric diseases in patients attended by the Child Psychosocial Support Center (CAPSIJ) of Imperatriz and to find factors that could be related to the appearance and presentation of these disorders in children. Method: This research is characterized as inductive, analytical-descriptive, retrospective and documentary. The present study was conducted at the Child Psychosocial Support Center of Imperatriz-MA. Results: In all, 137 diagnoses or diagnostic hypotheses were raised, with some children receiving more than one diagnosis. There are 22 different diagnoses defined by the International Code of Diseases (ICD) that have been regrouped into larger categories according to the similarities of the disorders. The male sex is the most prevalent and the average age is approximately 6 years. Conclusion: The most prevalent mental disorders among the children analyzed were child development disorders (primarily childhood autism) and hyperkinetic disorders, followed by post-traumatic stress disorder, mental retardation, and anxiety disorders. The association between the disorders present in this study and genetic, biological and environmental factors