Robust symmetric multiplication for programmable analog VLSI array processing

This paper presents an electrically programmable analog multiplier. The circuit performs the multiplication between an input variable and an electrically selectable scaling factor. The multiplier is divided in several blocks: a linearized transconductor, binary weighted current mirrors and a differential to single-ended current adder. This paper shows the advantages introduced using a linearized OTA-based multiplier. The circuit presented renders higher linearity and symmetry in the output current than a previously reported single-transistor multiplier. Its inclusion in an array processor based on CNN allows for a more accurate implementation of the processing model and a more robust weight distribution scheme than those found in previous designs.Office of Naval Research (USA) N-00014- 02-1-0884Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología TIC2003-09817-C02-0

A Focal-Plane Image Processor for Low Power Adaptive Capture and Analysis of the Visual Stimulus

Portable applications of artificial vision are limited by the fact that conventional processing schemes fail to meet the specifications under a tight power budget. A bio-inspired approach, based in the goal-directed organization of sensory organs found in nature, has been employed to implement a focal-plane image processor for low power vision applications. The prototype contains a multi-layered CNN structure concurrent with 32times32 photosensors with locally programmable integration time for adaptive image capture with on-chip local and global adaptation mechanisms. A more robust and linear multiplier block has been employed to reduce irregular analog wave propagation ought to asymmetric synapses. The predicted computing power per power consumption, 142MOPS/mW, is orders of magnitude above what rendered by conventional architectures

Relationship between shoulder pain and skin temperature measured by infrared thermography in a wheelchair propulsion test

Wheelchair Users (WCUs) depend on their upper extremities for their daily living. Therefore, it is not unusual to find that shoulder pain (SP) is a problem for WCUs and reduces their participation in sport and leisure activities

Parásitos intestinales en fangos de depuradora y posible riesgo asociado a su reutilización

La reutilización de fangos de salida de depuradora se ha convertido en un valioso recurso dado su contenido en nutrientes. Sin embargo, puede suponer un riesgo para la salud pu´blica si su higienización no es adecuada, por la variedad de potenciales pato´genos que pueden contener. La normativa vigente sobre reutilización de fangos (RD 1310/90 y AAA/1072/2013) únicamente hace referencia a la presencia de E. coli y Salmonella spp. Sin embargo, varios estudios sugieren que el uso tradicional de bacterias indicadoras de contaminacio´n fecal no predice la presencia de otros pato´genos como para´sitos y protozoos1. Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp. o Entamoeba spp. son protozoos distribuidos mundialmente, causantes de trastornos gastrointestinales en gran número de hospedadores y transmitidos principalmente por el consumo de agua y alimentos de consumo crudo contaminados

Relación del peso máximo con la fuerza aplicada y la potencia producida en un test creciente, en el ejercicio de press de banca plano con barra libre, en levantadores

Se evaluaron 9 levantadores que realizaron 2 test, en el ejercicio de press de banca plano con barra libre. Un test progresivo con pesos ligeros a máximos (TPR), y el test de una máxima repetición (1 MRD). Se midió la fuerza (f), velocidad (v) y potencia (p) con cada peso movilizado, se determinó el máximo peso desplazado en una única repetición (1 MR). Se observaron correlaciones significativas entre el valor de la 1 MR obtenida en el test de 1 MRPr y el de 1 MRD, entre la potencia máxima (absoluta y relativa al peso corporal) y la 1 MR absoluta y relativa al peso corporal. No se observaron diferencias significativas (p < 0,05) entre el valor de la 1 MR obtenida en el test progresivo (1 MRPr) y el alcanzado en el test de 1 MRD. Se acepta la aplicación del test progresivo (TPR) para determinar los niveles de f, v, p, el valor de la 1 MR en kg, así como localizar los porcentajes de peso, respecto al nivel de la 1 MR, en donde se alcanzan los valores más altos de potencia mecánica, y estimar las adaptaciones funcionales inducidas por los entrenamientos de fuerza

Relació del pes màxim amb la força aplicada i la potència produïda en un test creixent, en l’exercici de press de banca pla amb barra lliure, en aixecadors

Es van avaluar 9 aixecadors que van realitzar 2 tests, en l’exercici de press de banca pla amb barra lliure. Un test progressiu amb pesos lleugers a màxims (TPR), i el test d’una màxima repetició (1 MRD). Es va mesurar la força (f), la velocitat (v) i la potència (p) amb cada pes mobilitzat, es va determinar el pes màxim desplaçat en una única repetició (1 MR). Es van observar correlacions significatives entre el valor de la   1 MR obtinguda en el test d’1 MRPr i el d’1 MRD, entre la potència màxima (absoluta i relativa al pes corporal) i la  1 MR absoluta i relativa al pes corporal. No es van observar diferències significatives (p < 0,05) entre el valor de la 1 MR obtinguda en el test progressiu (1 MRPr) i l’assolit al test d’1 MRD. S’accepta l’aplicació del test progressiu (TPR) per determinar els nivells d’f, v, p, el valor de la 1 MR en kg, igual com per localitzar els percentatges de pes, respecte al nivell de la 1 MR, on s’aconsegueixen els valors més alts de potència mecànica, i estimar les adaptacions funcionals induïdes pels entrenaments de força

Techno-economic feasibility of ionic liquids-based CO2 chemical capture processes

A techno-economic assessment of Ionic Liquids (ILs)-based post-combustion, biogas and pre-combustion CO2 chemical capture processes was carried out using Aspen Plus and Aspen Process Economic Analyzer (APEA). This cost estimation procedure is newly integrated to our COSMO-based/Aspen Plus methodology used to design the chemical absorption processes with 90% of CO2 capture. The equipment investment and variable operating cost were analyzed relating to the process operating conditions and the IL performance. The total annualized cost was used as the index to economically evaluate the processes at three CO2 treatment capacities and employing three different ILs: [P2228][CNPyr], [P66614][CNPyr] and [Bmim][acetate]. It benefits from economy of scale as well as it is directly related to both IL enthalpy of reaction and process gap capacity, being [P2228][CNPyr] -which has the most exothermic reaction and highest gap capacity- the solvent achieving the lowest costs. Current results indicate that operating at vacuum pressure to better regenerate the IL entails a remarkable cost penalty. Hence, both capital (CAPEX) and operational expenses (OPEX) could be reduced to achieve a total cost of 81.32 $/tCO2 for [P2228][CNPyr] in post-combustion CO2 capture when regenerating the IL at atmospheric pressure and 121.5 °C. Three IL pricing basis were considered when calculating the solvent cost. A conservative IL scaled up price of 50$/kg only increments around 5% the total annualized cost of the processThe authors are grateful to Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad of Spain (project CTQ2017-89441-R) and Comunidad de Madrid (project P2018/EMT4348) for financial support and Centro de Computación Científica de la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid for computational facilitie

3-Layer CNN Chip for Focal-Plane Complex Dynamics with Adaptive Image Capture

This paper presents a CMOS implementation of a layered CNN concurrent with 32times32 photosensors with locally programmable integration time for adaptive image capture. The network is arranged in two layers containing feedback and control templates, inter-layer connections and programmable ratio of time constants. There are also feedforward connections to a third layer, which is faster, and devoted exclusively for combining the outputs of the other two. A more robust and linear multiplier block has been employed to reduce irregular analog wave propagation ought to asymmetric synapses. Global and local adaptation circuits are included on-chip. The predicted computing power per power consumption, 240MOPS/mW, is amongst the largest reported, what renders this kind of devices as especially adequate for portable applications of artificial visionMinisterio de Ciencia y Tecnología TIC2003-09817-C02-01Office of Naval (USA) N-00014-02-1-088