Electrochemical mass transfer between an impinging jet and a rotating disk in a confined system

This paper presents the mass transfer results from an impinging liquid jet to a rotating disk. The mass transfer coefficients were measured using the electrochemical limiting diffusion current technique (ELDCT). Rotational Reynolds number (Re_r) in the range of 3.4 × 10⁴–1.2 × 10⁵, jet Reynolds number (Re_j) 1.7 × 10⁴–5.3 × 10⁴ and non-dimensional jet-to-disk spacing (H/d) 2–8 were taken into consideration as parameters. It was found that the jet impingement resulted in a substantial enhancement in the mass transfer compared to the case of the rotating disk without jet.     

About the Collatz conjecture

This paper refers to the Collatz conjecture. The origin and the formalization of the Collatz problem are presented in the first section, named “Introduction”. In the second section, entitled “Properties of the Collatz function”, we treat mainly the bijectivity of the Collatz function. Using the obtained results, we construct a (set of) binary tree(s) which “simulate(s)”– in a way that will be specified – the computations of the values of the Collatz function. In the third section, we give an “efficient” algorithm for computing the number of iterations (recursive calls) of the Collatz function. A comparison between our algorithm and the standard one is also presented, the first being at least 2.25 “faster” (3.00 in medium). Finally, we describe a class of natural numbers for which the conjecture is true. Received 28 April 1997 / 10 June 1997     

HIV-2 Neutralization Sensitivity in Relation to Co-Receptor Entry Pathways and Env Motifs

HIV-2, compared to HIV-1, elicits potent and broadly neutralizing antibodies, and uses a broad range of co-receptors. However, both sensitivity to neutralization and breadth of co-receptor use varies between HIV-2 isolates, and the molecular background is still not fully understood. Thus, in the current study, we have deciphered relationships between HIV-2 neutralization sensitivity, co-receptor use and viral envelope glycoprotein (Env) molecular motifs. A panel of primary HIV-2 isolates, with predefined use of co-receptors, was assessed for neutralization sensitivity using a set of HIV-2 Env-directed monoclonal antibodies and co-receptor indicator cell lines. Neutralization sensitivity of the isolates was analysed in relation target cell co-receptor expression, in addition to amino acid motifs and predicted structures of Env regions. Results showed that HIV-2 isolates were more resistant to neutralizing antibodies when entering target cells via the alternative co-receptor GPR15, as compared to CCR5. A similar pattern was noted for isolates using the alternative co-receptor CXCR6. Sensitivity to neutralizing antibodies appeared also to be linked to specific Env motifs in V1/V2 and C3 regions. Our findings suggest that HIV-2 sensitivity to neutralization depends both on which co-receptor is used for cell entry and on specific Env motifs. This study highlights the multifactorial mechanisms behind HIV-2 neutralization sensitivity.     

Design of practical broadband matching networks with commensurate transmission lines

To design broadband matching networks for microwave communication systems, commercially available computer aided design (CAD) tools are always preferred. But these tools need proper matching network topology and element values. Therefore, in this paper, a practical method is proposed to generate distributed-element matching networks with good initial element values. Then, the gain performance of the designed matching network can be optimized employing these tools. The utilization of the proposed method is illustrated by means of the given example. It is shown that proposed method provides very good initials for CAD tools.     

A design method for substrate integrated waveguide electromagnetic bandgap (SIW-EBG) filters

An efficient design method for substrate integrated waveguide electromagnetic bandgap (SIW-EBG) filters is proposed which provides direct dimensional synthesis approach for desired filter objectives without using network representations. The method is applied to the design of an X band SIW-EBG filter and its response is compared with HFSS (high frequency structure simulator) simulations for validation purposes. Fairly good agreement between the results shows the applicability of the proposed method for SIW-EBG filter design.     

Artificial Neural Network Channel Estimation Based on Levenberg-Marquardt for OFDM Systems

The many advantages responsible for the widespread application of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems are limited by the multipath fading. In OFDM systems, channel estimation is carried out by transmitting pilot symbols generally. In this paper, we propose an artificial neural network (ANN) channel estimation technique based on levenberg-marquardt training algorithm as an alternative to pilot based channel estimation technique for OFDM systems over Rayleigh fading channels. In proposed technique, there are no pilot symbols which added to OFDM. Therefore, this technique is more bandwidth efficient compared to pilot-based channel estimation techniques. Also, this technique is making full use of the learning property of neural network. By using this feature, there is no need of any matrix computation and the proposed technique is less complex than the pilot based techniques. Simulation results show that ANN based channel estimator gives better results compared to the pilot based channel estimator for OFDM systems over Rayleigh fading channel.     

Two-Dimensional Green's Function for Thermal Stresses in a Semi-Layer Under a Point Heat Source

We present specific new expressions for thermal stresses as Green's functions for a plane boundary value problem of steady-state thermoelasticity for a semi-layer. We also obtain new integration formulas of Green's type, which determine the thermal stresses in the form of integrals of the products of the given distributed internal heat source, boundary temperature, and heat flux and derived kernels. Elementary functions results obtained are formulated in a theorem, which is proved using the harmonic integral representations method to derive thermal stresses Green's functions, which are written in terms of Green's functions for Poisson's equation. A new solution to particular two-dimensional boundary value problem for a semi-layer under a boundary constant temperature gradient is obtained in explicit form. Graphical presentations for thermal stresses Green's functions created by a unit heat source (line load in out-of-plane direction) and by a temperature gradient are also included.     

Thermoeconomic optimization of subcooled and superheated vapor compression refrigeration cycle

An exergy-based thermoeconomic optimization application is applied to a subcooled and superheated vapor compression refrigeration system. The advantage of using the exergy method of thermoeconomic optimization is that various elements of the system—i.e., condenser, evaporator, subcooling and superheating heat exchangers—can be optimized on their own. The application consists of determining the optimum heat exchanger areas with the corresponding optimum subcooling and superheating temperatures. A cost function is specified for the optimum conditions. All calculations are made for three refrigerants: R22, R134a, and R407c. Thermodynamic properties of refrigerants are formulated using the Artificial Neural Network methodology.