Modeling the reliability of a group membership protocol for dual-scheduled time division multiple access networks

We present reliability models for a group membership protocol designed for TDMA networks such as FlexRay, a protocol that is likely to become the de facto standard for next generation automotive networks. The models are based on discrete-time Markov chains and consider a comprehensive set of fault scenarios. Furthermore, they are parametric allowing for a sensitivity analysis. The results, obtained by a numeric solution of the models using the PRISM model-checker, show that they are computationally practical for realistic configurations and that the GMP can achieve reliability levels in the range required for safety critical applications.     

Genetic Variation of the Endangered Gentiana lutea L. var. aurantiaca (Gentianaceae) in Populations from the Northwest Iberian Peninsula

Gentiana lutea L. (G. lutea L.) is an endangered plant, patchily distributed along the mountains of Central and Southern Europe. In this study, inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to investigate the genetic variation in this species within and among populations of G. lutea L. var. aurantiaca of the Cantabrian Mountains (Northwest Iberian Peninsula). Samples of G. lutea L. collected at different locations of the Pyrenees and samples of G. lutea L. subsp. vardjanii of the Dolomites Alps were also analyzed for comparison. Using nine ISSR primers, 106 bands were generated, and 89.6% of those were polymorphic. The populations from the Northwest Iberian Peninsula were clustered in three different groups, with a significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances. Gentiana lutea L. var. aurantiaca showed 19.8% private loci and demonstrated a remarkable level of genetic variation, both among populations and within populations; those populations with the highest level of isolation show the lowest genetic variation within populations. The low number of individuals, as well as the observed genetic structure of the analyzed populations makes it necessary to protect them to ensure their survival before they are too small to persist naturally.     

传统建筑的再探索——田子坊私宅

正如恩在本次案例中,将一个位于上海田子坊地区的老式弄堂建筑改造成了充分满足现代化生活需要的新式公寓,同时又保留了老建筑本身独特的空间划分方式,从而在设计中真正做到了对传统的扬弃。上海的弄堂保存着老上海的记忆和荣光,但随着城市的发展,这些神奇的建筑却开始逐渐离开人们的视野,被更为现代化的高密度建筑所取代。这次,设计师受托对一个弄堂建筑进行改建,而这座可怜的建筑当     

Target tracking of autonomous robotic vehicles using range‐only measurements: a switched logic‐based control strategy

This paper considers the pursuing or target tracking problem where an autonomous robotic vehicle is required to move towards a maneuvering target using range‐only measurements. We propose a switched logic‐based control strategy to solve the pursuing problem that can be described as comprising a continuous cycle of two distinct phases: (1) the determination of the bearing, and (2) the steering control of the vehicle to follow the direction computed in the previous step while the range is decreasing. We provide guaranteed conditions under which the switched closed‐loop system achieves convergence of the relative distance error to a small neighborhood around zero. Simulation results are presented and discussed.Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Multivariate Analysis of the Stability of Spray-Dried Eupenicillium javanicum Peptidases

Peptidases occupy a central position in the enzyme market because of their importance in many areas, such as for physiological processes, foods, and detergents, as well as in the pharmaceutical, leather, and biotechnology industries. Microbial production is among the major sources of peptidases because it presents many advantages when compared with other methods. In this study, the metallopeptidases produced by the fungus Eupenicillium javanicum under a solid-state fermentation bioprocess were spray-dried. The enzymatic extract was dried using drying adjuvants, and optimal conditions for preserving enzymatic activity were studied following a Box-Behnken experimental design. The spray process factors studied were the air-drying temperature, enzyme feed flow rate, and the proportion of enzyme/additive. The responses analyzed were the dry extract yield and enzymatic activity after spray drying. Additionally, the stability of the dry extracts was assessed during 180 days at 4°C and 25°C. The results revealed extract yields of up to 66.12% and good enzymatic activity for intermediate values of temperature and adjuvant proportions. Furthermore, the dried enzymatic extracts showed potential for future commercial applications because of their stability at 25°C for 180 days.     

Performance of the most common non‐cryptographic hash functions

Non‐cryptographic hash functions (NCHFs) have an immense number of applications, ranging from compilers and databases to videogames and computer networks. Some of the most important NCHF have been used by major corporations in commercial products. This practical success demonstrates the ability of hashing systems to provide extremely efficient searches over unsorted sets. However, very little research has been devoted to the experimental evaluation of these functions. Therefore, we evaluated the most widely used NCHF using four criteria as follows: collision resistance, distribution of outputs, avalanche effect, and speed. We identified their strengths and weaknesses and found significant flaws in some cases. We also discuss our conclusions regarding general hashing considerations such as selection of the compression map. Our results should assist practitioners and engineers in making more informed choices regarding which function to use for a particular problem. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Lead‐Free Polycrystalline Ferroelectric Nanowires with Enhanced Curie Temperature

Ferroelectrics are important technological materials with wide‐ranging applications in electronics, communication, health, and energy. While lead‐based ferroelectrics have remained the predominant mainstay of industry for decades, environmentally friendly lead‐free alternatives are limited due to relatively low Curie temperatures (T _C) and/or high cost in many cases. Efforts have been made to enhance T _C through strain engineering, often involving energy‐intensive and expensive fabrication of thin epitaxial films on lattice‐mismatched substrates. Here, a relatively simple and scalable sol–gel synthesis route to fabricate polycrystalline (Ba_0.85Ca_0.15)(Zr_0.1Ti_0.9)O₃ nanowires within porous templates is presented, with an observed enhancement of T _C up to ≈300 °C as compared to ≈90 °C in the bulk. By combining experiments and theoretical calculations, this effect is attributed to the volume reduction in the template‐grown nanowires that modifies the balance between different structural instabilities. The results offer a cost‐effective solution‐based approach for strain‐tuning in a promising lead‐free ferroelectric system, thus widening their current applicability.