Parallel <Emphasis Type="Italic">LL</Emphasis> parsing

A deterministic parallel LL parsing algorithm is presented. The algorithm is based on a transformation from a parsing problem to parallel reduction. First, a nondeterministic version of a parallel LL parser is introduced. Then, it is transformed into the deterministic version—the LLP parser. The deterministic LLP(q,k) parser uses two kinds of information to select the next operation — a lookahead string of length up to k symbols and a lookback string of length up to q symbols. Deterministic parsing is available for LLP grammars, a subclass of LL grammars. Since the presented deterministic and nondeterministic parallel parsers are both based on parallel reduction, they are suitable for most parallel architectures.     

Thermal stresses and related phenomena in composite ceramics

The paper deals with elastic thermal stresses in an isotropic multi-particle-matrix system consisted of periodically distributed spherical particles in an infinite matrix, imaginarily divided into cubic cells containing a central spherical particle. Originating during a cooling process as a consequence of the difference in thermal expansion coefficients between the matrix and the particle, and investigated within the cubic cell, the thermal stresses, as functions of the particle volume fraction v, being transformed for v = 0 to those of an isotropic one-particle-matrix system, are maximal at the critical particle volume fraction, representing a considerable value related to maximal resistance of the thermal-stress strengthened multi-particle-matrix system against mechanical loading. The thermal stresses are derived for such temperature range within which the multi-particle-matrix system exhibits elastic deformations, considering the yield stress and the particle-matrix boundary adhesion strength. With regard to a curve integral of the thermal-stress induced elastic energy density, critical particle radii related to crack initiation in ideal-brittle particle and matrix, functions describing crack shapes in a plane perpendicular to the direction of crack formation in the particle and in the matrix, and consequently dimensions of a crack in the particle and in the matrix are derived along with the condition concerning the direction of the crack formation. Additionally, derived by two equivalent mathematical techniques, the elastic energy gradient within the cubic cell, representing a surface integral of the thermal-stress induced elastic energy density, is presented to derive the thermal-stress induced strengthening in the spherical particle and in the cubic cell matrix. The former parameters for v = 0 are derived using the model of a spherical cell with the radius . Derived formulae are applied to the SiC–Si₃N₄ multi-particle-matrix system, and calculated values of investigated parameters are in a good agreement with those from published experimental results.     

Raman spectroscopy and in situ Raman spectroelectrochemistry of bilayer ¹²C/¹³C graphene

Bilayer graphene was prepared by the subsequent deposition of a (13)C single-layer graphene and a (12)C single-layer graphene on top of a SiO(2)/Si substrate. The bilayer graphene thus prepared was studied using Raman spectroscopy and in situ Raman spectroelectrochemistry. The Raman frequencies of the (13)C graphene bands are significantly shifted with respect to those of (12)C graphene, which allows us to investigate the single layer components of bilayer graphene individually. It is shown that the bottom layer of the bilayer graphene is significantly doped from the substrate, while the top layer does not exhibit a signature of the doping from the environment. The electrochemical doping has the same effect on the charge carrier concentration at the top and the bottom layer despite the top layer being the only layer in contact with the electrolyte. This is here demonstrated by essentially the same frequency shifts of the G and G' bands as a function of the electrode potential for both the top and bottom layers. Nevertheless, analysis of the intensity of the Raman modes showed an anomalous bleaching of the Raman intensity of the G mode with increasing electrode potential, which was not observed previously in one-layer graphene.     

Graphene nanoplatelets outperforming platinum as the electrocatalyst in co-bipyridine-mediated dye-sensitized solar cells

Graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) in the form of thin semitransparent films on F-doped SnO2 (FTO) exhibit high electrocatalytic activity for the Co(bpy)3(3+/2+) redox couple in acetonitrile electrolyte solution. The GNP film is superior to the traditional electrocatalyst, that is, platinum, both in charge-transfer resistance (exchange current) and in electrochemical stability under prolonged potential cycling. The good electrochemical performance of GNP is readily applicable for dye-sensitized solar cells with Y123-sensitized TiO2 photoanodes and Co(bpy)3(3+/2+) as the redox shuttle. The dye-sensitized solar cell with GNP cathode is superior to that with the Pt-FTO cathode particularly in fill factor and in power conversion efficiency at higher illumination intensity.     

Naturalistic conversation improves daytime motorway driving performance under a benzodiazepine: A randomised,crossover, double-blind,placebo-controlled study

The adverse effects of benzodiazepines on driving are widely recognised. The aims of this study were both to determine the impact of naturalistic conversation on the driving ability of drivers under a benzodiazepine, and to measure the accuracy of drivers’ assessments of the joint effects of the benzodiazepine and conversation. Sixteen healthy male participants (29.69 ± 3.30 years) underwent a randomised, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with the benzodiazepine lorazepam (2 mg). They drove 200 km (125 miles) on a motorway in the morning. We measured two driving ability-related variables (i.e., lane-keeping performance), and collected a set of self-assessed variables (i.e., self-assessment of driving performance) during two 10-min sequences of interest (no conversation vs. conversation). An analysis of variance revealed an interaction whereby lane-keeping performance under lorazepam was worse in the no-conversation condition than in the conversation condition. No such difference was detected under placebo. Pearson's correlation coefficients revealed that self-assessments were (i) not at all predictive of lane-keeping when performed before the drive, but (ii) moderately predictive of lane-keeping performance when performed during or after the drive. We conclude that conversation with a passenger may contribute to safer lane-keeping when driving under a benzodiazepine. Moreover, a degree of awareness may be attained after some experience of driving under the influence of this type of medication.     

Imperfections generation in finite element models of welding

Welded components contain certain geometrical imperfections which may affect buckling behaviour of the final product. However, geometrical perfect models are usually used in the finite element method simulation. When a simple weld model is used, the mode of the end-distortion is predictable. Imperfections are created in the same shape as predicted. This paper presents a novel numerical approach on how to generate geometrical imperfections in finite element models. In this approach, as first, a large temperature gradient for the weld seam elements is prescribed. Then a linear steady-state thermal analysis is conducted and is followed by a structural analysis to determine the initial stress stiffness matrix for an eigenvalue analysis. The mode shapes of eigenvalue analysis are finally used to generate the imperfections. The results obtained in the course of this work allowed to calculate resultant welding distortion more accurate.     

Effect of glass fibers on rheology,thermal and mechanical properties of recycled PET

PET‐glass fiber composites were prepared by melt mixing of recycled PET with chopped glass fibers (15, 20, and 30 wt%) and their degree of dispersion was assessed by scanning electron microscopy. Rotational rheometry was employed to analyze the interfacial shear strength between the fibers and polymer matrix in the molten state. The composite containing 30 wt% of glass fibers revealed a moderate G′ secondary plateau; hence strong fiber‐matrix interactions were confirmed. Results of mechanical testing were in a good accordance with structural and rheological measurements. The higher rate of mixing under production‐scale conditions resulted in lower fiber‐matrix adhesion and in a similar level of fiber dispersion as compared to the same mixture compounded on pilot‐plant scale. Thermal characterization of the composites was performed by differential scanning calorimetry and total crystalline fraction was analyzed. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Selected characteristics of dry fermented sausages prepared with quick‐dry‐slice (QDS process) technology and their comparison with traditional products

The aim of the study was to compare selected chemical, microbiological, instrumental, and sensory properties of sliced dry fermented sausages produced using quick‐dry‐slice (QDS) technology or by the traditional way. The fermentation process took place as standard with both the technologies employed, and the level of lactic acid and acetic acid in the QDS products corresponded to the traditional technology. QDS products showed lower pH value, higher total viable count, and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count by approximately 1 log cfu/g (p < .05). Species determination of LAB found the presence of only Pediococcus pentosaceus in QDS products, while species of the genus Lactobacillus were also found in samples of the traditional products. The results of instrumental color analysis did not indicate statistically significant differences between the samples. The sensory analysis of the products revealed only minimal differences.

Practical applications

Quick‐dry‐slice (QDS) technology is a new method for preparing sliced dry meat products that enables shortened production period for fermented sausages. This paper brings a comparison of selected chemical, instrumental, microbiological, and sensory properties of sliced dry fermented sausages produced using QDS technology with similar products produced in the traditional way. The QDS products in our study showed similar sensory, chemical, and instrumental properties and better microbiological quality in comparison to the traditional sausages. QDS technology can be said to be entirely suitable for the preparation of standard industrially produced dry fermented sausages.     

Thermal analysis and phase transformation behaviour during additive manufacturing of Ti–6Al–4V alloy

Despite the fact that the additive manufacturing (AM) technique has been established for almost two decades, its optimisation is still performed by trial and error experimentation. In the present work, a finite element modelling approach was used to study both the temperature distribution and heat flux vector characteristics during multi-layer deposition of a Ti–6Al–4V alloy that take place in the AM process. The results revealed the difference between different powder deposition time intervals on thermal cycles, heat flux vectors and the resulting microstructures. Good agreement between the numerical and experimental results was found. The results obtained can be used for process optimisation.     

The Time Characteristics Making Exact the Screening by Aerodispersion from Smoke Grenade with the Charge Based on Red Phosphorus

The time of ignition τ_r, the time of burning τ_h, and the time of burning-out τ_d at the definite wave length of radiation being attenuated can be determined reliably from time course of attenuation of radiation caused by aerodispersions generated from the smoke protection grenades. In case of grenades being tested containing the smoke mixtures with red phosphorus, the first mentioned time characteristics at the wave length of radiation 10.6 μm were typical by longer values than at the wave length 0.82 μm. With the grenades containing charges of smoke mixture in pressings the maximum attenuation values 0.82 μm were reached at the time of ignition τ_r=3 s, at the wave length 10.6 μm approximately up to τ_r=5 s. The mentioned values of ignition τ_r and the time of burning τ_h make exact the technical data of screening smokes created from the smoke grenades mentioned.