The inherent price of indulgence

An indulgent algorithm is a distributed algorithm that tolerates asynchronous periods of the network when process crash detection is unreliable. This paper presents a tight bound on the time complexity of indulgent consensus algorithms. We consider a round-based eventually synchronous model, and we show that any t-resilient consensus algorithm in this model, requires at least t+2 rounds for a global decision even in runs that are synchronous. We contrast our lower bound with the well-known t+1 round tight bound on consensus in the synchronous model. We then prove the bound to be tight by exhibiting a new t-resilient consensus algorithm in the eventually synchronous model that reaches a global decision at round t+2 in every synchronous run. Our new algorithm is in this sense significantly faster than the most efficient indulgent algorithm we know of, which requires 2t+2 rounds in synchronous runs. Our lower bound applies to round-based consensus algorithms with unreliable failure detectors such as ⋄ P and ⋄ S, and our matching algorithm can be adapted to such failure detectors. This work is partially supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (project number 510-207).     

Ionic current in MOS structures

A new approach of determining dynamic ionic current-voltage characteristic that is due to ion transport phenomenon in the oxide is presented. In this approach, the formulation of I–V characteristics ofmos device can be achieved through the use of the theoretical model of mobile ion distribution in oxides. The used theoretical model of ion distribution is based on the concept that the equilibrium concentration of the ions is obtained when the combined mobilizing forces, namely, thermal diffusion, internal, and external electric fields, become just sufficient to provide necessary activation energy to the ions to surmount the effective potential well. The obtained I–V curve is compared with the experimental curves under varying bias conditions by a slow linear ramp voltage at high temperature (tvs technique). An agreement between the experimental and computed curves provides a support to this method which in turn it gives formulation that is easier to apply for deriving the theoretical I–V characteristic.     

Measured infrared optical cross sections for a variety of chemical and biological aerosol simulants

We conducted a series of spectral extinction measurements on a variety of aerosolized chemical and biological simulants over the spectral range 3-13 microm using conventional Fourier-transform IR (FTIR) aerosol spectroscopy. Samples consist of both aerosolized particulates and atomized liquids. Materials considered include Bacillus subtilis endospores, lyophilized ovalbumin, polyethylene glycol, dimethicone (SF-96), and three common background materials: kaolin clay (hydrated aluminum silicate), Arizona road dust (primarily SiO2), and diesel soot. Aerosol size distributions and mass density were measured simultaneously with the FTIR spectra. As a result, all optical parameters presented here are mass normalized, i.e., in square meters per gram. In an effort to establish the utility of using Mie theory to predict such parameters, we conducted a series of calculations. For materials in which the complex indices of refraction are known, e.g., silicone oil (SF-96) and kaolin, measured size distributions were convolved with Mie theory and the resultant spectral extinction calculated. Where there was good agreement between measured and calculated extinction spectra, absorption, total scattering, and backscatter were also calculated.     

Definition of the diffusion coefficient in scattering and absorbing media

We revisit the definition of the diffusion coefficient for light transport in scattering and absorbing media. From an asymptotic analysis of the transport equation, we present a novel derivation of the diffusion coefficient, which is restricted neither to low absorption nor to a situation in which the specific intensity is quasi-isotropic. Our result agrees with previous expressions of the diffusion coefficient in the appropriate limit. Using numerical simulations, we discuss the implications of the proper choice of the diffusion coefficient for time-dependent transport.     

A Review of Statistical Approaches to Level Set Segmentation: Integrating Color,Texture, Motion and Shape

Since their introduction as a means of front propagation and their first application to edge-based segmentation in the early 90’s, level set methods have become increasingly popular as a general framework for image segmentation. In this paper, we present a survey of a specific class of region-based level set segmentation methods and clarify how they can all be derived from a common statistical framework. Region-based segmentation schemes aim at partitioning the image domain by progressively fitting statistical models to the intensity, color, texture or motion in each of a set of regions. In contrast to edge-based schemes such as the classical Snakes, region-based methods tend to be less sensitive to noise. For typical images, the respective cost functionals tend to have less local minima which makes them particularly well-suited for local optimization methods such as the level set method. We detail a general statistical formulation for level set segmentation. Subsequently, we clarify how the integration of various low level criteria leads to a set of cost functionals. We point out relations between the different segmentation schemes. In experimental results, we demonstrate how the level set function is driven to partition the image plane into domains of coherent color, texture, dynamic texture or motion. Moreover, the Bayesian formulation allows to introduce prior shape knowledge into the level set method. We briefly review a number of advances in this domain.     

Nonlinear feedback control and trajectory tracking of vehicle

This paper mainly studies nonlinear feedback control applied to the nonlinear vehicle dynamics with varying velocity. The main objective of this study is the stabilisation of longitudinal, lateral and yaw angular vehicle velocities. To this end, a nonlinear vehicle model is developed which takes both the lateral and longitudinal vehicle dynamics into account. Based on this model, a method to build a nonlinear state feedback control is first designed by which the complexity of system structure can be simplified. The obtained system is then synthesised by the combined Lyapunov–LaSalle method. The simulation results show that the proposed control can improve stability and comfort of vehicle driving. Moreover, this paper presents a lemma which ensures the trajectory tracking and path-following problem for vehicle. It can also be exploited simultaneously to solve both the tracking and path-following control problems of the vehicle ride and driving stability. We also show how the results of the lemma can be applied to solve the path-following problem, in which the vehicle converges and follows a designed path. The effectiveness of the proposed lemma for trajectory tracking is clearly demonstrated by simulation results.     

Bio-inspired delayed evolutionary game dynamics with?networking applications

We study in this paper some evolutionary games where competition between individuals from a large population occurs through many local interactions between randomly selected individuals. We focus on games that have the property of possessing a single interior evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS). We study in particular the effect of the time delays on the convergence of evolutionary dynamics to the ESS in an evolutionary game in which each pure strategy is associated with its own delay. In particular, we study a multiple access game as well as a Hawk and Dove game. We study the properties of the ESS in these games and also the effect of time delays on the convergence of various bio-inspired evolutionary game dynamics to the ESS.     

Al0.3Ga0.7As-GaAs microwave resonant tunneling oscillator

We describe the design of a microwave oscillator using resonant tunneling diodes. The devices are fabricated from Al_0.3Ga_0.7As-GaAs double barrier hetero-structures grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Design criteria improving current drivability are established from a theoretical study of tunneling transmission probabilities. Very high peak current densities up to 3.10⁴ A/cm², favorable for high frequency operation as an oscillator, have been achieved experimentally. The devices exhibit stable oscillations at liquid nitrogen temperature and at room temperature when the tunnel diode oscillator is constructed with a stabilizing network.     

Comparative evaluation of the antioxidant potential of some Iranian medicinal plants

Medicinal plants are a source for a wide variety of natural antioxidants. In the study reported here, we have conducted a comparative study between five medicinal plants having the same geographic origin: the Hamadan region in the west of Iran and growing in the same natural conditions. The amount of total phenolics and total flavonoids for parts of these plants used in Iranian popular medicine were evaluated. Furthermore, antioxidant activities for these parts using vitamin C equivalent antioxidant capacity (VCEAC) test were also evaluated. The results show that the antioxidant activities varied greatly among the different plant parts used in this study and some plants are rich in natural antioxidants especially leaves of Lavandula officinalis and of Melissa officinalis. A positive correlation between total phenolic or flavonoid contents and VCEAC was found with a correlation coefficient of R² = 0.961 and R² = 0.817, respectively. These findings show that phenolics in these plants provide substantial antioxidant activity.     

On the influence of gamma prime upon machining of advanced nickel based superalloy

Whilst gamma prime (γ′) phase is the strengthening phase in Ni-based superalloys its influence on machining has been seldom investigated. This paper reports for the first time on the effect of γ′ upon machining of Ni-based superalloys when cutting with parameters yielding different cutting temperature intervals which lead to strengthening/softening effects on the workpiece (sub)surface. In-depth XRD, SEM/FIB, EBSD analysis and unique micro-pillar testing in the workpiece superficial layers indicated that with the increase of γ′ fraction the grain plastic deformation significantly decreased, while specific cutting energy can switch from low to high values influenced by the real cutting temperature.