Enhancement of test data compression with multistage encoding

In this paper, we present two multistage compression techniques to reduce the test data volume in scan test applications. We have proposed two encoding schemes namely alternating frequency-directed equal-run-length (AFDER) coding and run-length based Huffman coding (RLHC). These encoding schemes together with the nine-coded compression technique enhance the test data compression ratio. In the first stage, the pre-generated test cubes with unspecified bits are encoded using the nine-coded compression scheme. Later, the proposed encoding schemes exploit the properties of compressed data to enhance the test data compression. This multistage compression is effective especially when the percentage of do not cares in a test set is very high. We also present the simple decoder architecture to decode the original data. The experimental results obtained from ISCAS'89 benchmark circuits confirm the average compression ratio of 74.2% and 77.5% with the proposed 9C-AFDER and 9C-RLHC schemes respectively.     

A feasibility study of a post-buckled beam for actuating helicopter trailing edge flap

Active trailing edge flaps (TEFs) are one of the most promising devices for helicopter vibration reduction. Smart actuators such as the piezoelectric stack actuators (PEAs) are used for TEF actuation. PEAs possess high energy density and have large force in dynamic condition but are limited to small displacements. In this investigation, we study a linear to rotary motion amplification mechanism (AM-2) based on a pinned–pinned post-buckled beam to actuate trailing edge flaps. A linear motion amplification mechanism is developed and coupled with AM-2 to amplify angular flap deflections. Experiments are conducted on bench top-test setup, and maximum flap angle deflections of the order of 12° are achieved in the static case. An aeroelastic analysis is performed and 91 % reduction in helicopter vibration is obtained with multiharmonic control inputs.     

Physico-chemical studies of polyetherurethaneurea in phosphate buffer solution

Polyetherurethaneureas are increasingly used as implants in the human body, where they come in contact with body fluid. Most of the reported properties of polyetherurethaneureas have been determined in the dry state. The present work deals with the properties of these materials in aqueous systems. A number of linear polyetherurethaneureas based on polyethoxyglycol and polypropoxyglycol of different molecular weights, 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocynate, 1,3-propanediamine and 1,6-hexanediamine have been prepared. Their swelling characteristics and phase composition in phosphate buffer solution are evaluated. The role of water in changing various properties of polyetherurethaneureas is discussed.     

Long-term outcome of adult-onset minimal-change nephropathy

BACKGROUND: Adult-onset minimal-change nephropathy has been associated with a slower response to corticosteroids and a less benign prognosis when compared to children. However, there are few long-term outcome data reported. METHODS: We have reviewed retrospectively 51 idiopathic adult-onset minimal-change nephropathy patients investigated and treated at a single centre. RESULTS: Male to female ratio was 1:1.4, mean age at diagnosis was 37 years, and average length of follow-up was 14.1 years. Significant comorbidity was identified in 33%. A raised serum creatinine was found in 55% but returned to normal almost invariably upon remission. At presentation, hypertension was found in 47% of patients, microscopic haematuria in 33%, hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia in 96%, and hyperuricaemia in 42%. Remission (complete or partial) was achieved by 46, 70 and 92% within 4, 8 and 21 weeks respectively, in patients treated with steroids; steroid resistance was encountered in 8%. The time to remission was positively correlated with age (P = 0.002) and initial albumin level (P = 0.005), and negatively correlated to the number of subsequent relapses (P = 0.029); 33% of patients had a spontaneous remission at some time during the disease course. Patients with multiple relapses were treated with cyclophosphamide and 63% of them had remained in remission after 5 years. Hypertension was present in 25% of patients after an average interval of 11 years. At the time of the final follow-up, only three patients had a raised creatinine and all but three patients were in complete remission. CONCLUSIONS: Adult-onset minimal-change nephropathy shares the same good long-term outcome as the childhood counterpart, with sustained remission and preserved renal function.     

Low-temperature decomposition of hydrated transition metal chlorides on hydrous gel substrates

The thermal decomposition of hydrated transition metal chlorides of nickel, cobalt and iron was studied on a highly dispersed alumina gel substrate. The salts were found to decompose at significantly lower temperatures than the unsupported materials. This was found to be as a result of strongly bound surface water, characteristic of this type of hydrous alumina. The resulting decomposed products were highly homogeneous and reactive, forming ceramic precursor compounds at much lower temperatures than conventional methods.     

Inorganic sol gel synthesis of zirconium titanate fibres

This note describes the preparation of zirconium titanate gel fibres from an aqueous mixed zirconia titania sol. The fibres are well formed and free of shot. Heat treatment to 750 °C produces a crystalline porous zirconium titanate fibre which shows a good (1%) strain to break. Further firing to 1100 °C causes a deterioration in properties, with retention of some porosity and a reduced strain to break. Recommendations for improving the material are suggested.     

The Seville Statement on Violence.

Presents the Seville Statement on Violence, which was drafted by an international committee of scholars at the 6th International Colloquium on Brain and Aggression held at the University of Seville, Spain, in May 1986. The statement's purpose is to dispel the belief that human beings are inevitably disposed to war as a result of innate, biologically determined aggressive traits. (0 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Catalytic activity of a soft composite material: Nanoparticle location–activity relationship

A nanostructure, fiber-shaped morphology of a conjugated polymer (poly-5 amono-ortho-cresol, PAOC) has been synthesized using palladium acetate as the oxidizing agent. A one pot, in situ chemical synthesis approach has been utilized in which palladium acetate was reduced during the polymerization process of 5-amono-o-cresol (AOC) and formed well dispersed palladium nanoparticles in the polymer fibers. The resultant composite material was characterized by means of optical, thermo and micro-analytical techniques. The elemental identity of the nanoparticles was determined by means of electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) mapping using analytical transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Subsequently, the sample was used as a catalyst for a model gas-phase hydrogenation reaction. The activation and deactivation behaviour of the catalyst as a function of temperature is discussed in the light of different phase transition points of the polymer as well as the orientation of the palladium nanoparticles. The fact that palladium nanoparticles (2 nm) were uniformly distributed throughout the polymer matrix makes the composite material an excellent hybrid structure.     

Anomalous high pressure behaviour in nanosized rare earth sesquioxides

We report Raman spectroscopic studies of the nanosized rare earth sesquioxides, namely yttrium sesquioxide (Y(2)O(3)), gadolinium sesquioxide (Gd(2)O(3)) and samarium sesquioxide (Sm(2)O(3)), under high pressure. The samples were characterized using x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy at atmospheric pressures. Y(2)O(3) and Gd(2)O(3) were found to be cubic at ambient, while Sm(2)O(3) was found to be predominantly cubic with a small fraction of monoclinic phase. The strongest Raman peaks are observed at 379, 344 and 363?cm(-1), respectively, for Y(2)O(3), Sm(2)O(3) and Gd(2)O(3). All the samples were found to be nanosized with 50-90?nm particle sizes. The high pressures were generated using a Mao-Bell type diamond anvil cell and a conventional laser Raman spectrometer is used to monitor the pressure-induced changes. Y(2)O(3) seems to undergo a crystalline to partial amorphous transition when pressurized up to about 19?GPa, with traces of hexagonal phase. However, on release of pressure, the hexagonal phase develops into the dominant phase. Gd(2)O(3) is also seen to develop into a mixture of amorphous and hexagonal phases on pressurizing. However, on release of pressure Gd(2)O(3) does not show any change and the transformation is found to be irreversible. On the other hand, Sm(2)O(3) shows a weakening of cubic phase peaks while monoclinic phase peaks gain intensity up to about a pressure of 6.79?GPa. However, thereafter the monoclinic phase peaks also reduce in intensity and mostly disordering sets in which does not show significant reversal as the pressure is released. The results obtained are discussed in detail.     

The design and experimental characterisation of an asymmetric compound parabolic photovoltaic concentrator for building façade integration in the UK

A novel non-imaging asymmetric compound parabolic photovoltaic concentrator (ACPPVC) has been designed, constructed and experimentally characterised at the University of Ulster, Northern Ireland (54°36^′N, 5°37^′W). Different numbers of PV strings connected in series were experimentally characterised under outdoor conditions both with and without concentrators. Transient I–V curves for each set of parameter data points were determined and the maximum power generation, fill factor and efficiency of the system calculated for each individual I–V curve. Experiments showed that the use of an ACPPVC increased the maximum power point by 62% (i.e. the power by a factor of 1.62) when compared to a similar non-concentrating PV panel.