Image processing applications using a novel parallel computing machine based on reconfigurable logic

Zelig is a 32 physical node fine-grained computer employing field-programmable gate arrays. Its application to the high speed implementation of various image pre-processing operations (in particular binary morphology) is described together with typical speed-up result

Hierarchical strategies for efficient fault recovery on the reconfigurable PAnDA device

A novel hierarchical fault-tolerance methodology for reconfigurable devices is presented. A bespoke multi-reconfigurable FPGA architecture, the programmable analogue and digital array (PAnDA), is introduced allowing fine-grained reconfiguration beyond any other FPGA architecture currently in existence. Fault blind circuit repair strategies, which require no specific information of the nature or location of faults, are developed, exploiting architectural features of PAnDA. Two fault recovery techniques, stochastic and deterministic strategies, are proposed and results of each, as well as a comparison of the two, are presented. Both approaches are based on creating algorithms performing fine-grained hierarchical partial reconfiguration on faulty circuits in order to repair them. While the stochastic approach provides insights into feasibility of the method, the deterministic approach aims to generate optimal repair strategies for generic faults induced into a specific circuit. It is shown that both techniques successfully repair the benchmark circuits used after random faults are induced in random circuit locations, and the deterministic strategies are shown to operate efficiently and effectively after optimisation for a specific use case. The methods are shown to be generally applicable to any circuit on PAnDA, and to be straightforwardly customisable for any FPGA fabric providing some regularity and symmetry in its structure

The polymyxin derivative NAB739 is synergistic with several antibiotics against polymyxin-resistant strains of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii

The antibiotic crisis has reinstated polymyxins, once abandoned because of their toxicity. Now, preclinical studies have revealed better tolerated and more effective derivatives of polymyxins such as NAB739. Simultaneously, polymyxin-resistant (PMR) strains such as the mcr-1 strains have received lots of justified publicity, even though they are still very rare. Here we show that NAB739 sensitizes the PMR strains to rifampin, a classic "anti-Gram-positive" antibiotic excluded by the intact outer membrane (OM) permeability barrier, as well as to retapamulin, the surrogate of lefamulin, an antibiotic under development against Gram-positive bacteria. Polymyxin B was used as a comparator. The combination of NAB739 and rifampin was synergistic against ten out of eleven PMR strains of Escherichia coll. (Fractional Synergy Indices, FICs, 0.14-0.19) and that of NAB739 and retapamulin against all the tested eleven strains (FICs 0.19-0.25). Against PMR Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 7), the FICs were 0.13-0.27 for NAB739 + rifampin and 0.14-0.28 for NAB739 + retapamulin. Against Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 2), the combination of NAB739 and rifampin had the FIC of 0.09-0.19. Furthermore, NAB739 and meropenem were synergistic (FICs 0.25-0.50) against four out of five PMR strains that were simultaneously resistant to meropenem.Peer reviewe

Best practice in the management of online sex offending

Our report sets out the outcomes from reviews of the relevant literature, and a series of consultations held by IWG_OSO, with participation from practitioners and researchers working in the field of child protection and online sex offending. Online sex offending. Internationally, researchers and practitioners have documented rises in the scale and impact of online sex offending, including the grooming of minors and vulnerable people for sexual purposes, sexual trafficking, and most dramatically, child sexual exploitation material and the related offences of its possession, production and distribution. Such a ‘high volume crime’ outweighs the capacity for effective management and prevention through the strategies and resources currently being used. This makes prosecution and case management increasingly difficult. Challenges to good practice.Without empirically based good practice, professionals are unable to deal effectively with the prevention of online sex offending, risk-management, and treatment decisions. This creates major limitations for the police, courts, probation, child protection, and other services, which are working to protect and safeguard children from online child sexual offenders, and to manage and prevent offending behaviours. Current issues and possible solutions. A series of current issues were highlighted, with possible solutions offered by IWG_OSO stakeholders. These included suggestions for changes in: international policy on CSEM offending; working with the internet industry; policing issues; research concerns; risk assessment and treatment developments; inter-agency and multi-disciplinary collaboration; barriers to change; and preventative methods.Conclusions.1. An increase in arresting and prosecuting offenders; 2. An increase in earlier interventions and primary and secondary prevention; 3. An increase in research to aid risk assessments, treatment options and prevention approaches; 4. An increase in international collaboration and consistency in applying learning to policy and practice