Quantum search in structured database using local adiabatic evolution and spectral methods

Since Grover’s seminal work which provides a way to speed up combinatorial search, quantum search has been studied in great detail. We propose a new method for designing quantum search algorithms for finding a marked element in the state space of a graph. The algorithm is based on a local adiabatic evolution of the Hamiltonian associated with the graph. The main new idea is to apply some techniques such as Krylov subspace projection methods, Lanczos algorithm and spectral distribution methods. Indeed, using these techniques together with the second-order perturbation theory, we give a systematic method for calculating the approximate search time at which the marked state can be reached. That is, for any undirected regular connected graph which is considered as the state space of the database, the introduced algorithm provides a systematic and programmable way for evaluation of the search time, in terms of the corresponding graph polynomials.     

Preparation and Characterization of Magnetite–Chitosan Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Their Cytotoxicity Effects on MCF7 and Fibroblast Cells

Nowadays, magnetic nanoparticles play a key role in drug treatment. However, if they are uncoated, they might aggregate and cause embolism in drug delivery. To avoid this, they are generally coated with polymers. In this investigation, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were coated with chitosan through in situ co-precipitation process and their properties in addition to their cytotoxicity in MCF7 and fibroblast cells were analyzed. The results showed MNPs–chitosan nanoparticles would contain an average mean diameter of 32 nm and a saturation magnetization (M _S) value of 38.87 emu/g. To characterize the synthesized nanoparticles in terms of structural, morphological and magnetic properties, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) studies were used. Toxicity test was also done to investigate whether their presence would cause any toxicity in the body; in addition, antibacterial assay was done to analyze if nanoparticles could be used as an antimicrobial agent.     

Optimisation of a combined Stirling cycle–organic Rankine cycle using a genetic algorithm

In a Stirling cycle a huge amount of energy is wasted due to the losses. This wasted energy may be utilised as a heat source for the boiler of an organic Rankine cycle (ORC). Combination of these two cycles leads to an increased cycle efficiency compared to a single Stirling cycle and the analysis and optimisation of the integrated system is carried out. Optimisation is performed using the genetic algorithm and considering three decision variables: the temperature of the cold tank of the Stirling cycle, the pressure ratio and the temperature of the ORC condenser. In optimisation, the efficiency is considered as the objective function and the highest value is achieved by adjusting the decision variables. Using this method, the efficiency of the overall combined cycle was improved in which the highest efficiency was obtained to be 41.5%.     

Clean hydrogen generation and storage strategies via CO2 utilization into chemicals and fuels: A review

Hydrogen becomes one of the most clean energy sources. The major issues on hydrogen are lack of practical clean and high‐temperature processes and possible practical storage of clean hydrogen. An energy intensive of clean hydrogen storage via chemical and liquid fuel production route is the current demand. This article reviewed the most recent research for hydrogen (H₂) production by using several methods, such as thermochemical process, thermal decomposition, biological approaches, electrolysis, and photocatalytic method. H₂ storage types, including physical and chemical approaches, were also reviewed. The produced H₂ was stored as valuable chemicals and fuels via CO₂ hydrogenation reaction. Reactor designs are the illustrated number of design ranging from the fixed bed to the continuous stirred tank reactor. Catalyst type, catalytic system, and the related mechanism of CO₂ hydrogenation reaction to form alcohol, alkanes, and carboxylic acid were also discussed in detail.     

Characterization of High-k Gate Dielectric with Amorphous Nanostructure

In the present study, Zr _x La_1?x O _y amorphous nanostructures were prepared by the sol–gel method such that the Zr atomic fraction (x) ranged from 0% to 70%. An analytical model is described for the dielectric constant (k) of Zr _x La_1?x O _y nanostructures in a metal–oxide–semiconductor (MOS) device. The structure and morphology of Zr _x La_1?x O _y film was studied using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Elemental qualitative analysis was performed using energy-dispersive x-ray spectra and a map that confirmed the findings. Preliminary information on the influence of thermal annealing on the morphological control of Zr _x La_1?x O _y amorphous nanostructures is presented. The dielectric constant of the crystalline Zr_0.5La_0.5O _y thin film is about 36. Electrical property characterization was performed using a metal–dielectric–semiconductor structure via capacitance–voltage and current density–voltage measurements.     

Compact bidirectional circularly polarized dedicated short range communication antenna for on‐board unit vehicle‐to‐everything applications

This article presents a newly circularly polarized (CP) antenna for V2X's dedicated short range communications applications. Its CP characteristic is enabled by a 70 Ω sequential phase feeding network and sequential rotation technique designed on top of the substrate. It has features of ≈90° phase difference in sequence between ports of S₂₁ = 2.4°, S₃₁ = ?87°, S₄₁ = ?180°, and S₅₁ = ?276°, resulting in a 2.19 dB axial ratio centered at 5.9 GHz. The length of the SP feeding network to each ports designed in the different form of meander lines are the key to control the generated phase at the center frequency It also contributes to the smaller final size of 0.59λ × 0.59λ. The proposed antenna operated from 5.850 to 5.925 GHz with a gain between 4 and 6 dBi. The gains are radiated in bidirectional mode due to the presence of the complimentary dipoles located on the opposite side of the substrate. These features indicate the suitability of the proposed antenna in compliance to the ITS‐G5 OBU V2X standard.     

Intrusion Detection Systems of ICMPv6-based DDoS attacks

Neural Computing and Applications - Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks are thorny and a grave problem of today’s Internet, resulting in economic damages...     

Nanohydroxyapatite-coated hydroxyethyl cellulose/poly (vinyl) alcohol electrospun scaffolds and their cellular response

The present study focused on the preparation of nanohydroxyapatite (nHA)-coated hydroxyethyl cellulose/polyvinyl alcohol (HEC/PVA) nanofibrous scaffolds for bone tissue engineering application. The electrospun HEC/PVA scaffolds were mineralized via alternate soaking process. FESEM revealed that the nHA was formed uniformly over the nanofibers. The nHA mineralization enhanced the tensile strength and reduced the elongation at breakage of scaffolds. The wettability of the nanofibrous scaffolds was significantly improved. The in vitro biocompatibility of scaffolds was evaluated with human osteosarcoma cells. nHA-coated scaffolds had a favorable effect on the proliferation and differentiation of osteosarcoma cell and could be a potential candidate for bone regeneration.