Approximate Computing Circuits for Embedded Tactile Data Processing

In this paper, we demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of approximate computing techniques (ACTs) in the embedded Support Vector Machine (SVM) tensorial kernel circuit implementation in tactile sensing systems. Improving the performance of the embedded SVM in terms of power, area, and delay can be achieved by implementing approximate multipliers in the SVD. Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) is the main computational bottleneck of the tensorial kernel approach; since digital multipliers are extensively used in SVD implementation, we aim to optimize the implementation of the multiplier circuit. We present the implementation of the approximate SVD circuit based on the Approximate Baugh-Wooley (Approx-BW) multiplier. The approximate SVD achieves an energy consumption reduction of up to 16% at the cost of a Mean Relative Error decrease (MRE) of less than 5%. We assess the impact of the approximate SVD on the accuracy of the classification; showing that approximate SVD increases the Error rate (Err) within a range of one to eight percent. Besides, we propose a hybrid evaluation test approach that consists of implementing three different approximate SVD circuits having different numbers of approximated Least Significant Bits (LSBs). The results show that energy consumption is reduced by more than five percent with the same accuracy loss.

Synthesis of SAPO-20 Using Isopropylamine as a Template from a SAPO-34 Precursor

SAPO-20 molecular sieve with the SOD framework was successfully synthesized using SAPO-34 as the precursor and isopropylamine (IPA) as the template by phase-transformation route. The influence of post-treatment time (in IPA, H2O, and SAPO-34 system) and NaOH concentration (in IPA, NaOH, H2O, and SAPO-34 system) on the products was investigated. The results showed that sheet debris SAPO-34 building the hollow-inside cubic morphologies which was padding with irregular SAPO-34. It was received for the as-synthesized spherical aggregation SAPO-20 with hexagonal shape when the ratio of n(OH-)/n (H2O) is 0.12 and the ratio of n(IPA)/n (H2O) is 0.07 in the synthesis gel. This method not only develops a new route for the synthesis of SAPO-20 molecular sieve, but also provides a way of using waste SAPO-34 catalyst, which can be used as a new exploration model for energy saving, consumption reduction and comprehensive utilization in SAPO-34 catalyst process.

Mitochondria-targeted nanoplatforms for enhanced photodynamic therapy against hypoxia tumor

Background Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising therapeutic modality that can convert oxygen into cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) via photosensitizers to halt tumor growth. However, hypoxia and the unsatisfactory accumulation of photosensitizers in tumors severely diminish the therapeutic effect of PDT. In this study, a multistage nanoplatform is demonstrated to overcome these limitations by encapsulating photosensitizer IR780 and oxygen regulator 3-bromopyruvate (3BP) in poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanocarriers. Results The as-synthesized nanoplatforms penetrated deeply into the interior region of tumors and preferentially remained in mitochondria due to the intrinsic characteristics of IR780. Meanwhile, 3BP could efficiently suppress oxygen consumption of tumor cells by inhibiting mitochondrial respiratory chain to further improve the generation of ROS. Furthermore, 3BP could abolish the excessive glycolytic capacity of tumor cells and lead to the collapse of ATP production, rendering tumor cells more susceptible to PDT. Successful tumor inhibition in animal models confirmed the therapeutic precision and efficiency. In addition, these nanoplatforms could act as fluorescence (FL) and photoacoustic (PA) imaging contrast agents, effectuating imaging-guided cancer treatment. Conclusions This study provides an ideal strategy for cancer therapy by concurrent oxygen consumption reduction, oxygen-augmented PDT, energy supply reduction, mitochondria-targeted/deep-penetrated nanoplatforms and PA/FL dual-modal imaging guidance/monitoring. It is expected that such strategy will provide a promising alternative to maximize the performance of PDT in preclinical/clinical cancer treatment. Graphical Abstract

Analysis of compensating devices efficiency in ac traction power supply systems

The article describes the main methods of reactive power compensation used in 27.5 kV AC traction power supply systems on the railways of the Russian Federation. The cases of installation of the longitudinal and transverse capacitive compensation devices at traction substation and sectiolizing post are considered in this paper. Based on experimental data their effectiveness has been analysed by comparing the main parameters of the traction power supply system before and after the installation of the compensating devices. The main effect in terms of power consumption reduction is achieved through application of reactive power cross-compensation devices. The results of the analysis show that the total electricity consumption in the researched area decreased by 23 % and the proportion of higher harmonic elements of voltage decreased by 15 %.

Excess Fuel Consumption Due to Selection of a Lower Than Optimal Gear—Case Study Based on Data Obtained in Real Traffic Conditions

Appropriate driving technique, in compliance with eco-driving principles, remains an effective method to reduce fuel consumption. The selection of the correct gear is one of the pertinent factors when driving a car with a manual gearbox. In this study we have analyzed fuel overconsumption based on data recorded in real traffic conditions for vehicles driven by experienced drivers, using a black-box model. It was found that the total share of trip time with a lower than optimal gear selected amounted to from c.a. 3% for motorway driving up to 28% on rural roads. The mean fuel consumption reduction factor (following selection of the next gear up) amounted to from c.a. 2% up to 20%, depending on the selected gear and type of driving. Unfortunately, the potential for reduction of fuel consumption is not evenly distributed over the entire operating area of the engine. Thus, the cumulative reduction of fuel consumption, due to selection of the optimal gear, amounted to from c.a. 0.2% for motorway driving up to 3–6%, for urban and rural driving. It was shown that due to the selection of the appropriate gear, there still exists a real possibility of reduction of fuel consumption, even in the case of experienced drivers.

Comparison of Energy Performance of Existing Building with Adoption of Nearly Zero Energy Building Concept in Rural Area of Bhutan

The climate is changing very fast today, and this is not natural. We are experiencing the impact of climate change in many aspects. It is also expected to impact the performance of buildings badly in due course of time. In recent years, many countries started investing to evaluate the energy performances of the buildings and opting for the best suited energy-saving measures. However, this concept may be new in the context of Bhutan. However, the author expects that this new concept may revolutionize the building construction sectors in Bhutan. Many studies show that buildings are one of the world’s largest consumers of energy, and on the other hand, strategies are available to reduce energy consumption. The strategies can be applied right from the design phases for the new buildings and retrofits for the old buildings. In order to apply the best strategies of energy consumption reduction and to understand building energy consumption patterns, an evaluation of the building’s energy performance needs to be carried out.