Distributed decision propagation in mobile-agent proximity networks

This paper develops a distributed algorithm for decision/awareness propagation in mobile-agent networks. A time-dependent proximity network topology is adopted to represent a mobile-agent scenario. The agent-interaction policy formulated here is inspired from the recently developed language-measure theory. Analytical results related to convergence of statistical moments of agent states are derived and then validated by numerical simulation. The results show that a single (user-defined) parameter in the agent interaction policy can be identified to control the trade-off between Propagation Radius (i.e. how far a decision spreads from its source) and Localisation Gradient (i.e. the extent to which the spatial variations may affect localisation of the source) as well as the temporal convergence properties.

     

Function of magnesium aluminate hydrate and magnesium nitrate as MgO addition in crystal structure and grain size control of <Emphasis Type="Italic">α</Emphasis>-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> during sintering

Chemically pure reactive alumina (α-Al₂O₃) which is commercially available was used for densification study in presence of widely accepted dopant MgO as additive. MgO was added both as spinel (MgAl₂O₄) forming precursor i.e. magnesium aluminate hydrate, and magnesium nitrate. Sintering investigations were conducted in the temperature range 1500–1600°C with 2 h soaking. Structural study of sintered pellets was carried out by extensive XRD analysis. Scanning electron mode SEM images of the specimens were considered to understand the effect of both types of additions. Addition of MgO within and beyond optimum amount had some effect on development of microstructure of sintered bodies. Densification, around 99% ρ _th, with fine grain microstructure was achieved. These different types of additions caused two distinct changes in crystal structure of alumina—one small contraction and the other expansion of unit cell parameters.     

Microstructural aspects of superplasticity

The microstructural aspects of the superplastic phenomenon are reviewed. The experimental results of a very large number of investigations are critically analysed in the context of: grain shape and size; grain growth; grain boundary sliding and migration, grain rotation and rearrangement; diffusion and dislocation activity. It is shown, that in spite of often conflicting evidence in the literature, a common pattern of microstructural behaviour emerges for all the materials and conditions investigated to date.     

Studies on Hg(II) ion retention properties of cross-linked graft copolymer of acrylic acid and its analytical application

The effects of different parameters such as time, concentration, pH and temperature, on metal ion retention properties of the polymer have been investigated. Metal ion adsorption kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamics have been studied. A plausible mechanism for mercury ion retention has been suggested. Mercuric ion has been isolated quantitatively from various synthetic mixture containing metal ions (Ni²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Zn²⁺).     

Comparative Study on the Properties of Galvanically Deposited Nano- and Microcrystalline Thin Films of PbSe

Thin films of PbSe having both nano- and microstructures have been deposited on transparent conducting oxide (TCO)-coated glass substrates electrochemically, from an aqueous solution of Pb(OAc)₂, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), and SeO₂. A Pb strip acted as the sacrificial anode, while the TCO glass was the cathode. No external bias was applied. The formation of PbSe was pH sensitive, and pH ~3 was found to be optimum for film deposition. Films grown at room temperature (25°C) were nanocrystalline (~25 nm), while those deposited at 80°C were microcrystalline (~150 nm). Films were characterized by x-ray diffraction studies, field-emission scanning electron microscope image analysis, infrared spectral analysis, and by both alternating-current (a.c.) and direct-current (d.c.) electrical measurements. A blue-shift was observed for the nanocrystalline films. Film resistivity and junction properties were obtained from electrical measurements.