This paper presents a performance analysis of strategies for storing XML data sets in relational databases, focusing on XML datasets that are a combination of structured and semi-structured data. The analysis demonstrates advantages of a hybrid approach combining structure mapping and XML data type instances. However problems remain with current technology with regards to scaling of the approac...

This work deals with a classic problem: ”Given a set of coins among which there is a counterfeit coin of a different weight, find this counterfeit coin using ordinary balance scales, with the minimum number of weighings possible, and indicate whether it weighs less or more than the rest”. The method proposed here not only calculates the minimum number of weighings necessary, but also indicates ...

A compact, real-time PCR instrument was developed for rapid, multiplex analysis of nucleic acids in an inexpensive, portable format. The instrument consists of a notebook computer, two reaction modules with integrated optics for four-color fluorescence detection, batteries, and a battery-charging system. The instrument weighs 3.3 kg, measures 26 x 22 x 7.5 cm, and can run continuously on the in...

The paper presents a mixed signal CMOS feedforward neural-network chip with on-chip error-reduction hardware for real-time adaptation. The chip has compact on-chip weighs capable of high-speed parallel learning; the implemented learning algorithm is a genetic random search algorithm: the random weight change (RWC) algorithm. The algorithm does not require a known desired neural network output f...

Captain Basile is a robot inspired from the cockroach and built to participate at the SAE Walking Machine Challenge 2004, an undergraduate competition of walking robots. The robot weighs 35 kg and is 86 cm long, 58 cm wide and 38 cm tall. Initially validated by the use of dynamic simulations, this pneumatic actuated hexapod is characterised by specialized legs, passive visco-elastic elements an...

The human brain weighs on average about three pounds, consists of 200 billion cells. Surprisingly, there are only two categories of brain cells, neurons and glia, but more than 50 different cellular subtypes. Nerve cells or neurons are specialized cells that are electrically
excitable,
and
processes
 and
 transmit
 information
 to
 other
 neurons
 and
 cells
 through
electrochemical
signaling
v...

Lipomas are slow-growing benign soft-tissue tumors which are typically asymptomatic and occur in approximately 1% of the population. A lipoma is considered to be of excessive size when it is greater than 10 cm in length (in any dimension) or weighs over 1000 g (Kransdorf (1995)). We describe a case of a man presenting with a giant posterior neck mass which greatly reduced the sagittal range of ...

This paper presents a micro-sized self-reconfigurable modular robotic system using shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators. Composed of identical robotic modules, the system can actively configure various structures. The motion of module is based on two-dimensional rotation by using an actuator mechanism with two SMA torsion coil springs. The micro-sized module measures 2cm cube and weighs 15g, half...