Evolutionary Algorithms and Theirs Use in the Design of Sequential Logic Circuits

In this paper an approach based on an evolutionary algorithm to design synchronous sequential logic circuits with minimum number of logic gates is suggested. The proposed method consists of four main stages. The first stage is concerned with the use of genetic algorithms (GA) for the state assignment problem to compute optimal binary codes for each symbolic state and construct the state transition table of finite state machine (FSM). The second stage defines the subcircuits required to achieve the desired functionality. The third stage evaluates the subcircuits using extrinsic Evolvable Hardware (EHW). During the fourth stage, the final circuit is assembled. The obtained results compare favourably against those produced by manual methods and other methods based on heuristic techniques.     

A simplified design approach for high-speed wind tunnels. Part I: Table of inclination

Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology - This study aims to develop a simplified approach for the design of high-speed wind tunnels, operating within the range of Mach 1-4. The study is...     

Robust design of processes and products using the mathematics of the stochastic frontier (SF)

The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology - The paper discusses a generic procedure for the parameter design of product and process development using planned and non-planned...     

Chemical Coupled PEDOT:PSS/Si Electrode: Suppressed Electrolyte Consumption Enables Long‑Term Stability

Huge volume changes of Si during lithiation/delithiation lead to regeneration of solid-electrolyte interphase(SEI)and consume electrolyte.In this article,γ-glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane(GOPS)was incorporated in Si/PEDOT:PSS electrodes to construct a flexible and conductive artificial SEI,effectively suppressing the consumption of electrolyte.The optimized electrode can maintain 1000 mAh g^−1 for nearly 800 cycles under limited electrolyte compared with 40 cycles of the electrodes without GOPS.Also,the optimized electrode exhibits excellent rate capability.The use of GOPS greatly improves the interface compatibility between Si and PEDOT:PSS.XPS Ar+etching depth analysis proved that the addition of GOPS is conducive to forming a more stable SEI.A full battery assembled with NCM 523 cathode delivers a high energy density of 520 Wh kg^−1,offering good stability.     

Membrane Targeting and GTPase Activity of Rab7 Are Required for Its Ubiquitination by RNF167

Rab7 is a GTPase that controls late endosome and lysosome trafficking. Recent studies have demonstrated that Rab7 is ubiquitinated, a post-translational modification mediated by an enzymatic cascade. To date, only one ubiquitin E3 ligase and one deubiquitinase have been identified in regulating Rab7 ubiquitination. Here, we report that RNF167, a transmembrane endolysosomal ubiquitin ligase, can ubiquitinate Rab7. Using immunoprecipitation and in vitro ubiquitination assays, we demonstrate that Rab7 is a direct substrate of RNF167. Subcellular fractionation indicates that RNF167 activity maintains Rab7′s membrane localization. Epifluorescence microscopy in HeLa cells shows that Rab7-positive vesicles are larger under conditions enabling Rab7 ubiquitination by RNF167. Characterization of its ubiquitination reveals that Rab7 must be in its GTP-bound active form for membrane anchoring and, thus, accessible for RNF167-mediated ubiquitin attachment. Cellular distribution analyses of lysosome marker Lamp1 show that vesicle positioning is independent of Rab7 and RNF167 expression and that Rab7 endosomal localization is not affected by RNF167 knockdown. However, both Rab7 and RNF167 depletion affect each other’s lysosomal localization. Finally, this study demonstrates that the RNF167-mediated ubiquitination of Rab7 GTPase is impaired by variants of Charcot–Marie–Tooth Type 2B disease. This study identified RNF167 as a new ubiquitin ligase for Rab7 while expanding our knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the ubiquitination of Rab7.     

Oxidative Stress and Chemoradiation-Induced Oral Mucositis: A Scoping Review of In Vitro,In Vivo and Clinical Studies

Chemoradiation-induced mucositis is a debilitating condition of the gastrointestinal tract eventuating from antineoplastic treatment. It is believed to occur primarily due to oxidative stress mechanisms, which generate Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). The aim of this scoping review was to assess the role of oxidative stress in the development of Oral Mucositis (OM). Studies from the literature, published in MEDLINE and SCOPUS, that evaluated the oxidative stress pathways or antioxidant interventions for OM, were retrieved to elucidate the current understanding of their relationship. Studies failing inclusion criteria were excluded, and those suitable underwent data extraction, using a predefined data extraction table. Eighty-nine articles fulfilled criteria, and these were sub-stratified into models of study (in vitro, in vivo, or clinical) for evaluation. Thirty-five clinical studies evaluated antioxidant interventions on OM’s severity, duration, and pain, amongst other attributes. A number of clinical studies sought to elucidate the protective or therapeutic effects of compounds that had been pre-determined to have antioxidant properties, without directly assessing oxidative stress parameters (these were deemed “indirect evidence”). Forty-seven in vivo studies assessed the capacity of various compounds to prevent OM. Findings were mostly consistent, reporting reduced OM severity associated with a reduction in ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), but higher glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity or expression. Twenty-one in vitro studies assessed potential OM therapeutic interventions. The majority demonstrated successful a reduction in ROS, and in select studies, secondary molecules were assessed to identify the mechanism. In summary, this review highlighted numerous oxidative stress pathways involved in OM pathogenesis, which may inform the development of novel therapeutic targets.     

Reactions with Thiazolo[3,2-b]-s-triazol-3(2H)-ones

5-Aryl-3-carboxymethylthio-1,2,4-triazoles 2 are cyclised to 6-arylthiazolo[3,2-b]-s-triazol-3(2H)-ones 3 . This structural assignment has been based on IR and NMR spectra. 2-Arylmethylene-6-arylthiazolo[3,2-b]-s-triazol-3(2H)-ones 7 were prepared by several methods. Compounds 3 coupled with diazotised anilines to give 2,3-dihydro-6-arylthiazolo[3,2-b]-s-triazole-2,3-dione 2-arylhydrazones 8 . The action of amines on 3a opens the thiazolone ring with the formation of substituted (5-phenyltriazol-3-ylthio)-acetamides 9 .     

A proposed approach for setup time reduction through integrating conventional SMED method with multiple criteria decision-making techniques

Short setup time is an essential element for the effective implementation of many lean pillars, i.e., JIT, and Kanban. Most of the current setup reduction methodologies are based on Shingo’s Single Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED) that suggests the conversion of internal setup operations to external operations. However, the conventional SMED approach – as proposed by Shingo – does not possess a systematic approach to accomplish this conversion. Thus, a new approach is proposed in order to aid the process engineers in implementing SMED. The proposed approach is based on the conventional SMED, but also it incorporates Multiple Criteria Decision-Making Techniques (MCDM) to the third implementation phase. The MCDM techniques used in this work are Analytical Hierarchal Process (AHP), Preference Selection Index (PSI) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The proposed approach provides a systematic procedure for selecting the best setup technique among the available alternatives, and takes also into consideration other factors that affect the decision-making process; including: cost, energy, facility layout, safety, life, quality and maintenance. A real example of PVC industry is used to exemplify the approach. The results demonstrate the capability of the proposed approach in setup time reduction, which in turn will improve machines’ utilization, and increase the productivity and flexibility of the whole facility.