A Framework for Evaluating the Performance of Cluster Algorithms for Hierarchical Networks

Table-driven routing algorithms in flat networks have the scalability problem due to the need for global topology updates. To reduce update cost, networks are hierarchically organized. Clustering algorithms organize flat networks into hierarchical networks. One important problem, which has not been adequately addressed so far, is to evaluate how good a clustering algorithm is. In other words, it is useful to know what the desired properties of hierarchical networks are. In this paper, we address this issue by considering the routing update cost, which can be measured by the total routing table size and the variance of cluster size distribution. We provide a set of desired properties of clustering algorithms. Applying these properties to the cluster structure generated by an algorithm, we can determine how good a clustering algorithm is. Specifically, we discuss how to choose appropriate number of hierarchy levels, number of clusters, and cluster size distribution, such that the topology update cost is minimized. The desired properties obtained from the analysis can be used as guidelines in the design of clustering algorithms for table-driven hierarchical networks. We apply the idea developed in this paper to evaluate three routing algorithms, namely the lowest ID algorithm, the maximum degree algorithm, and the variable degree clustering algorithm. We show how the variable degree clustering algorithm, which takes into account these desired properties, improves routing performance.     

Effect of condensation product on electrodeposition of zinc on mild steel

Electrodeposition of zinc on steel was obtained from acid chloride bath containing condensation products (CP) of 3,4,5-trimethoxy benzaldehyde (TMB) and chitosan (CTN). The effect of bath constituents, pH, current density and temperature on the nature of deposit was studied by Hull cell experiments. The bath composition and operating parameters were optimized. The adhesion, ductility and corrosion resistance of the deposits were discussed. Throwing power and current efficiency values under different plating conditions were measured. SEM photomicrographs of the deposit were taken to study the surface morphology. The inclusion of addition agent in the deposit was investigated from IR spectrum of the scrapped deposit. The consumption of brightener in the lab scale is 10 mLL⁻¹ for 1000 amp-h.     

An accurate computational model for thermal analysis of laminated composite and sandwich plates

In the present study, a new computational model which incorporates the effect of transverse shear and normal deformation is presented for the thermal analysis of laminated composite and sandwich plates. The present theory involves nine unknowns and uses a polynomial function in terms of thickness coordinates which is expanded up to fifth-order. In the present fifth-order shear and normal deformation theory (FOSNDT), the governing equations are variationally consistent and obtained by using the principle of virtual work. Plates are analyzed for simply supported boundary conditions using Navier’s solution technique. Numerical results obtained by using the present theory are compared with three-dimensional elasticity solution and other higher-order theories available in the literature. It is found that the present theory is accurately predicting the thermal response of laminated composite and sandwich plates compared to any other theory available in the literature.     

The self-organizing properties of squid reflectin protein

Reflectins, a recently identified protein family that is enriched in aromatic and sulphur-containing amino acids, are used by certain cephalopods to manage and manipulate incident light in their environment. These proteins are the predominant constituent of nanoscaled photonic structures that function in static and adaptive colouration, extending visual performance and intra-species communication. Our investigation into recombinantly expressed reflectin has revealed unanticipated self-assembling and behavioural properties, and we demonstrate that reflectin can be easily processed into thin films, photonic grating structures and fibres. Our findings represent a key step in our understanding of the property-function relationships of this unique family of reflective proteins.     

Fabrication of Au/ZnO Schottky nanodiode using mesoporous silica film as template

Au/ZnO Schottky nanodiode is prepared by two-step electrodeposition, using mesoporous silica (MPS) film as template. Nano-ZnO is firstly deposited in the pores of MPS film, which achieves enhanced conductivity and enables continued electrodeposition of Au to form an Au/ZnO Schottky nanodiode. Current-voltage (I-V) curves of Au/ZnO nanodiode are recorded under a switched UV-light with the wavelength of 365 nm. The characteristic I-V curves show rectifying behavior in the dark, and present more linear Ohmic response upon UV exposure, which might be caused by the lowered Schottky barrier height and narrowered Schottky barrier width. In addition, fast increased forward-current and lowered breakdown voltage are observed from I-V curves of Au/ZnO Schottky nanodiode. The ideality factor of the Au/ZnO Schottky diode is determined to be approximately 8. These results suggest a different photocurrent-generation process, and provide experimental support to the model proposed in ultrasmall Schottky diodes.     

Plasmonic circular dichroism of Peptide-functionalized gold nanoparticles

Nature is remarkable at tailoring the chirality of different biomolecules to suit specific functions. Chiral molecules can impart optical activity to achiral materials in the form of the particle's electronic transition frequency. Herein, we used peptides of differing secondary structures (random coil and α-helix) to artificially create optically active chiral gold nanoparticles through peptide-nanoparticle interactions as observed by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. This interaction produces a CD signal at the plasmon resonance frequency (～520 nm) of the chiral peptide-nanoparticle complex. Aggregation of the peptide-coated nanoparticles using metal ions results in a red-shifted plasmonic CD response. Our results suggest that chiroptical properties of nanomaterials can be engineered using peptides.     

A facile template-free approach for the large-scale solid-phase synthesis of CdS nanostructures and their excellent photocatalytic performance

The simple, template-free, low-temperature, large-scale synthesis of nanostructured CdS with the hexagonal wurtzite phase from bulk cadmium oxide under solid-phase conditions is demonstrated for the first time. The novel approach involves the homogenization of cadmium oxide (CdO) and thiourea in various stoichiometric ratios at moderate temperature. Among the different molar ratios of CdO and thiourea studied, the CdO/NH(2) CSNH(2) molar ratio of 1:2 is found to be the best to obtain highly pure CdS. The obtained CdS nanostructures exhibit excellent cubic morphology and high specific surface area with a particle size in the range of 5-7 nm. The bandgap of the nanostructured CdS is in the range of 2.42 to 2.46 eV due to its nanocrystalline nature. In photoluminescence studies, emission is observed at 520.34 and 536.42 nm, which is characteristic of the greenish-yellow region of the visible spectrum. Considering the bandgap of the CdS is within the visible region, the photocatalytic activity for H(2) generation and organic dye degradation are performed under visible-light irradiation. The maximum H(2) evolution of 2945 μmol h(-1) is obtained using nanostructured CdS prepared in the 1:2 ratio, which is three times higher than that of bulk CdS (1010 μmol h(-1) ). CdS synthesized using the 1:2 molar ratio shows maximum methylene blue degradation (87.5%) over a period of 60 min, which is approximately four times higher than that of bulk CdS (22%). This amazing performance of the material is due to its nanocrystalline nature and the high surface area of the CdS. The proposed simple methodology is believed to be a significant breakthrough in the field of nanotechnology, and the method can be further generalized as a rational preparation scheme for the large-scale synthesis of various other nanostructured metal sulfides.     

Spin Transition Sensors Based on β-Amino-Acid 1,2,4-Triazole Derivative

A β-aminoacid ester was successfully derivatized to yield to 4H-1,2-4-triazol-4-yl-propionate (βAlatrz) which served as a neutral bidentate ligand in the 1D coordination polymer [Fe(βAlatrz)₃](CF₃SO₃)₂·0.5H₂O (1·0.5H₂O). The temperature dependence of the high-spin molar fraction derived from ⁵⁷Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy recorded on cooling below room temperature reveals an exceptionally abrupt single step transition between high-spin and low-spin states with a hysteresis loop of width 4 K (T_c^↑ = 232 K and T_c^↓ = 228 K) in agreement with magnetic susceptibility measurements. The material presents striking reversible thermochromism from white, at room temperature, to pink on quench cooling to liquid nitrogen, and acts as an alert towards temperature variations. The phase transition is of first order, as determined by differential scanning calorimetry, with transition temperatures matching the ones determined by SQUID and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The freshly prepared sample of 1·0.5H₂O, dried in air, was subjected to annealing at 390 K, and the obtained white compound [Fe(βAlatrz)₃](CF₃SO₃)₂ (1) was found to exhibit a similar spin transition curve however much temperature was increased by (T_c^↑ = 252 K and T_c^↓ = 248 K). The removal of lattice water molecules from 1·0.5H₂O is not accompanied by a change of the morphology and of the space group, and the chain character is preserved. However, an internal pressure effect stabilizing the low-spin state is evidenced.     

Mercury and trace metal partitioning and fluxes in suburban Southwest Ohio watersheds

Many natural watersheds are increasingly affected by changes in land use associated with suburban sprawl and such alterations may influence concentrations, partitioning, and fluxes of toxic trace metals in fluvial ecosystems. We investigated the cycling of mercury (Hg), monomethylmercury, cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc in three watersheds at the urban fringe of Dayton, Ohio, over a 13-month period. Metal concentrations were related positively to discharge in each stream, with each metal having a high affinity for suspended particles and Hg also having a noticeable association with dissolved organic carbon. Although not observed for the other metals, levels of Hg in river water varied seasonally and among streams. Yields of Hg from two of the catchments were comparable to that predicted for runoff of atmospherically deposited Hg (∼25% of wet atmospheric flux), whereas the third watershed had a significantly greater annual flux associated with greater particle-specific and filtered water Hg concentrations, presumably from a point source. Fluxes of metals other than Hg were similar among each watershed and suggestive of a ubiquitous source, which could be either atmospheric deposition or weathering. Results of this study indicate that, with the exception of Hg being increased in one watershed, processes affecting metal partitioning and loadings are similar among southwest Ohio streams and comparable to other North American rivers that are equally or less impacted by urban development. Relative differences in land use, catchment area, and presence or absence of waste water treatment facilities had little or no detectable effect on most trace metal concentrations and fluxes. This suggests that suburban encroachment on agricultural and undeveloped lands has either similarly or not substantially impacted trace metal cycling in streams at the urban fringe of Dayton and, by extension, other comparable metropolitan areas.     

Optical properties change in amorphous (As2S3)0.87Sb0.13 thin films by photo and thermal induced process

Exposure with above band gap light and thermal annealing at a temperature near to glass transition temperature, of thermally evaporated amorphous (As₂S₃)_0.87Sb_0.13 thin films of 1 μm thickness, were found to be accompanied by structural effects, which in turn, lead to changes in the optical properties. The optical properties of thin films induced by illumination and annealing were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Photo darkening or photo bleaching was observed in the film depending upon the conditions of the light exposure or annealing. These changes of the optical properties are assigned to the change of homopolar bond densities.