A Hybrid Quantum Encoding Algorithm of Vector Quantization for Image Compression

Many classical encoding algorithms of Vector Quantization (VQ) of image compression that can obtain global optimal solution have computational complexity O(N). A pure quantum VQ encoding algorithm with probability of success near 100% has been proposed, that performs operations 45sqrt(N) times approximately. In this paper, a hybrid quantum VQ encoding algorithm between classical method and quantum algorithm is presented. The number of its operations is less than sqrt(N) for most images, and it is more efficient than the pure quantum algorithm. Key Words: Vector Quantization, Grover's Algorithm, Image Compression, Quantum AlgorithmComment: Modify on June 21. 10pages, 3 figure

Condition monitoring of an advanced gas-cooled nuclear reactor core

A critical component of an advanced gas-cooled reactor station is the graphite core. As a station ages, the graphite bricks that comprise the core can distort and may eventually crack. Since the core cannot be replaced, the core integrity ultimately determines the station life. Monitoring these distortions is usually restricted to the routine outages, which occur every few years, as this is the only time that the reactor core can be accessed by external sensing equipment. This paper presents a monitoring module based on model-based techniques using measurements obtained during the refuelling process. A fault detection and isolation filter based on unknown input observer techniques is developed. The role of this filter is to estimate the friction force produced by the interaction between the wall of the fuel channel and the fuel assembly supporting brushes. This allows an estimate to be made of the shape of the graphite bricks that comprise the core and, therefore, to monitor any distortion on them

Photoluminescence and spectral switching of single CdSe/ZnS colloidal nanocrystals in poly(methyl methacrylate)

Emission from single CdSe nanocrystals in PMMA was investigated. A fraction of the nanocrystals exhibiting switching between two energy states, which have similar total intensities, but distinctly different spectra were observed. We found that the spectral shift characteristic frequency increases with the pump power. By using the dynamic shift in the spectral position of emission peaks, we were able to correlate peaks from the same nanocrystal. The measured correlation is consistent with assignment of low energy lines to phonon replicas.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure

Investigation of Settlements of a Trunk Road Embankment in Hong Kong

A 25 m high fill embankment was constructed as part of a Trunk Road scheme in Hong Kong. In June 1985, large settlements of the order of 250 mm were observed in the embankment. This was followed by a local slippage of surface material from the downstream slope face. To meet the schedule for opening the trunk road in late September, a number of emergency measures costing about HK$1 M (US$0.13 M) were implemented to stabilize the embankment. An investigation was subsequently carried out to assess the cause of the movement and the long term stability of the embankment. This paper summarizes the sequence of events leading to the settlements and outlines the investigation carried out. The proposed hydrocompaction mechanism and the effects of grouting on the embankment are discussed

Gender difference in the association between education and schizophrenia in Chinese adults

Background: Improving education level was evidenced to decrease the risk of schizophrenia, but whether this strength of education role depends on gender is not. This study aimed to investigate whether there was gender difference in the association between education and schizophrenia in Chinese adults. Methods: Data were obtained from the Second China National Sample Survey on Disability in 2006, including 1,909,205 participants aged 18 years or older. Schizophrenia was ascertained according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision. Logistics regression models were fitted to examine the combined effect of gender and education on schizophrenia. Results: The lifetime prevalence of schizophrenia in female groups was higher than in male groups, with 0.44% (95%CI: 0.42-0.45%) and 0.36% (95%CI: 0.35-0.37%), respectively. Compared with schizophrenia male patients, more females with schizophrenia experienced severe or extreme difficulty in understanding and communicating. However, more males with schizophrenia suffered from severe or extreme difficulty in the function of daily activities. The combined effect of education and schizophrenia was statistically significant, indicating that, as the level of education increased, schizophrenia risk of females decreased faster than the risk of males. Conclusions: This study showed that additional years of education associated with lower risk of schizophrenia, and this association was stronger in females than in males. As education elevated, the risk of schizophrenia decreased more for women than for men. The findings indicate that improving education level may have an effect on reducing the gender disparities in mental health of China. Actions to prevent schizophrenia and address its gender disparities will require attention to the improving educational opportunities

The effects of indoor air pollution from solid fuel use on cognitive function among middle-aged and older population in China

Objectives Growing evidence has linked outdoor air pollution exposure with higher risk of cognitive impairments. However, the role of indoor air pollution in cognitive decline is not well elaborated. By using nationally representative longitudinal data, this study aimed to explore the effects of indoor air pollution from solid fuel use on cognitive function among middle-aged and older individuals in China. Methods Data were obtained from 2011-2015 waves of CHARLS (China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study). Scores from the Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status and figure drawing/word recall tests were used to measure cognitive function in 39,482 individuals. Exposure to indoor air pollution was measured as use of solid fuel for cooking. Solid fuel was defined as coal, biomass charcoal, wood, and straw; clean fuel was defined as liquefied gas, natural gas, and electricity. Linear mixed effect models were applied to examine the effect of indoor air pollution from solid fuel use on cognitive function. Results Participants had an average global cognitive function of 9.67 (SD=4.13). Solid fuel users made up 49.71% of participants, but this proportion was much greater among those living in rural areas (64.22%). Compared with clean fuel users, solid fuel users had worse cognitive function. On average, solid fuel users had a 0.81 (95%CI: -0.89,-0.73) lower global cognition score, 0.63 (95%CI: -0.69,-0.57) lower mental health score, and 0.16 (95%CI: -0.22,-0.14) lower episodic memory score. These effects were stronger among participants who are female, aged 65 years old and above, have education level of primary school and below, or have cardiovascular diseases. Conclusions These results provide evidence for the role of indoor air pollution in neurobehavioral disorders in China. Promotion of practices like expanded use of clean fuel and improved stoves in households may be crucial to significantly reduce indoor air pollution and protect mental health