Convergence analysis of hybrid bi-directional associative memory neural networks with discrete delays

In this paper, the dynamical characteristics of hybrid bi-directional associative memory (BAM) neural networks with constant transmission delays are investigated. Without assuming the symmetry of synaptic connection weights and the monotonicity and differentiability of activation functions, the Lyapunov functionals are constructed and Halanay-type inequalities are respectively employed to derive the delay-independent sufficient conditions under which the networks converge exponentially to the equilibria associated with temporally uniform external inputs. Some examples are given to illustrate that the results are less conservative and less restrictive than the previously known results.     

Do changes in cognitive factors influence outcome following multidisciplinary treatment for chronic pain? A cross-lagged panel analysis.

Changes in maladaptive cognitions may constitute therapeutic processes of multidisciplinary pain programs. A cross-lagged panel design was used to determine whether (a) early-treatment cognitive change predicted late-treatment outcome index change, but not vice versa; and (b) these effects remained significant with depression change controlled. Ninety chronic pain patients, in a 4-week multidisciplinary program, completed measures of catastrophizing, pain helplessness, depression, pain, interference, and activity level at pre-, mid-, and posttreatment. With depression changes controlled, early-treatment catastrophizing and pain helplessness changes predicted late-treatment outcome index changes, but not vice versa; early-treatment depression changes predicted late-treatment activity changes, but not vice versa. Findings advance understanding of pain treatment process and suggest that negative cognition changes may indeed affect improvements in treatment outcome. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Residential Energy-Efficiency Upgrades in Phoenix, Arizona

With worldwide energy consumption rising, there is a need to reduce energy use of the housing stock. While this general idea is well-known, there is an overwhelming amount of product data and manufacturers claims through which the homebuilder or designer must sort to make informed selections of energy-efficient upgrades. The main objective of this research was to identify cost effective–energy efficient upgrades from a group of 16 commonly available choices, and rank them according to the most beneficial for the least cost. This study was conducted in Phoenix, Arizona, and included a sample of 30 production-style homes typical of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Energy-simulation software was used to perform energy evaluations and derive the benefits of each upgrade. The cost of each upgrade was obtained from a database of national average costs and from a local context. Differences in the selection of beneficial upgrades vary dramatically with the source of the cost information. This research provides a generic methodology that can be used by builders and designers to select appropriate energy-efficient upgrades for a given geographic area that will provide high operating benefits relative to the amount of capital investment.     

A PLL clock generator with 5 to 10 MHz of lock range formicroprocessors

A microprocessor clock generator based on an analog phase-locked loop (PLL) is described for deskewing the internal logic control lock to an external system lock. This PLL is fully generated onto a 1.2-million-transistor microprocessor in 0.8-μm CMOS technology without the need for external components. It operates with a lock range from 5 to 110 MHz. The clock skew is less than 0.1 ns, with a peak-to-peak jitter of less than 0.3 ns for a 50-MHz system clock frequency     

Degradation Behaviors of Metal-Induced Laterally Crystallized n-Type Polycrystalline Silicon Thin-Film Transistors Under DC Bias Stresses

Device degradation behaviors of typical-sized n-type metal-induced laterally crystallized polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistors were investigated in detail under two kinds of dc bias stresses: hot-carrier (HC) stress and self-heating (SH) stress. Under HC stress, device degradation is the consequence of HC induced defect generation locally at the drain side. Under a unified model that postulates, the establishment of a potential barrier at the drain side due to carrier transport near trap states, device degradation behavior such as asymmetric on current recovery and threshold voltage degradation can be understood. Under SH stress, a general degradation in subthreshold characteristic was observed. Device degradation is the consequence of deep state generation along the entire channel. Device degradation behaviors were compared in low V_d-stress and in high V_d-stress condition. Defect generation distribution along the channel appears to be different in two cases. In both cases of SH degradation, asymmetric on current recovery was observed. This observation, when in low V_d-stress condition, is tentatively explained by dehydrogenation (hydrogenation) effect at the drain (source) side during stress     

Ethics of practice: The beliefs and behaviors of psychologists as therapists.

There is an absence of comprehensive, systematically gathered data concerning psychologists' beliefs about and compliance with ethical principles. Furthermore, we know little about which resources are valued as effective in guiding appropriate behavior. Survey data were collected from 456 APA Division 29 members regarding the degree to which they engaged in each of 83 behaviors and the degree to which they considered each behavior to be ethical. These data were categorized and examined in terms of five principles derived from the Hippocratic oath (avoiding harm, competence, avoiding exploitation, respect, and confidentiality) as well as two additional principles (informed consent; social equity and justice). Twelve of the behaviors were very difficult for participants to evaluate on the basis of ethics. Seven of the 83 behaviors were practiced by over 90% of the participants; 16 by fewer than 10%. Colleagues, the APA Ethical Principles, and internship training were rated as the most helpful resources in guiding behavior; state and federal laws, published research, and local ethics committees were rated least helpful. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

On the use of confidence levels in risk management

A framework for incorporating uncertainty in risk management is developed and applied to two aspects of decision making: meeting standards or safety goals, and cost-benefit criteria. The framework is applied to several case studies including toxic chemicals in water, failure of civil engineering structures and nuclear power plants. The framework proposes that decisions be based on a level of confidence, in addition to comparing best estimate or point values with standards and goals.     

The Climate for Creativity and Change in Teams

This article reports the results of a study conducted to examine the ability of the Situational Outlook Questionnaire (SOQ^TM) to effectively discern climates that either encourage or discourage creativity and the ability to initiate change in a team setting. The purpose of the study is to examine the concurrent criterion–related validity of the SOQ. The article explores the characteristics in an organisational climate that promote teamwork and some of the tripwires one needs to be aware of in the formation and management of teams. Nine dimensions of the climate for creativity and change as measured by the Situational Outlook Questionnaire are put forward and defined in relation to teams. The methodology and results of the study are reported. The results show that when subjects (N7equals;154) complete the SOQ based on their recollection of a best– and worst–case team experience, the measure is able to consistently and significantly discriminate between the two types of experiences. Conclusions, implications, and areas for future research to further examine the validity of the SOQ are explored.     

A transmit/receive IF chip set for WCDMA mobiles in 0.35 /spl mu/m CMOS

An implementation of the IF section of WCDMA mobile transceivers with a set of two chips fabricated in an inexpensive 0.35-/spl mu/m two-poly three-metal CMOS process is presented. The transmit/receive chip set integrates quadrature modulators and demodulators, wide dynamic range automatic gain control (AGC) amplifiers, with linear-in-decibel gain control, and associated circuitry. This paper describes the problems encountered and the solutions envisaged to meet stringent specifications, with process and temperature variations, thus overcoming the limitations of CMOS devices, while operating at frequencies in the range of 100 MHz-1 GHz. Detailed measurement results corroborating successful application of the new techniques are reported. A receive AGC dynamic range of 73 dB with linearity error of less than /spl plusmn/2 dB and spread of less than 5 dB for a temperature range of -30/spl deg/C to +85/spl deg/C in the gain control characteristic has been measured. The modulator measurement shows a carrier suppression of 35 dB and sideband/third harmonic suppression of over 46 dB. The core die area of each chip is 1.5 mm/sup 2/.