E2LG: a multiscale ensemble of LSTM/GAN deep learning architecture for multistep-ahead cloud workload prediction

The Journal of Supercomputing - Efficient resource demand prediction and management are two main challenges for cloud service providers in order to control dynamic autoscaling and power consumption...     

Design and analysis of a diesel processing unit for a molten carbonate fuel cell for auxiliary power unit applications

Fuel cell-based auxiliary power units (APUs) are a promising technology for meeting global energy needs in an environmentally friendly way. This study uses diesel containing sulfur components such as dibenzothiophene (DBT) as a feed. The sulfur tolerance of molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) modules is not more than 0.5 ppm, as sulfur can poison the fuel cell and degrade the performance of the fuel cell module. The raw diesel feed in this study contains 10 ppm DBT, and its sulfur concentration should be reduced to 0.1 ppm. After desulfurization, the feed goes through several unit operations, including steam reforming, water-gas shift, and gas purification. Finally, hydrogen is fed to the fuel cell module, where it generates 500 kW of electrical energy. The entire process, with 52% and 89% fuel cell and overall system efficiencies, respectively, is rigorously simulated using Aspen HYSYS, and the results are input into a techno-economic analysis to calculate the minimum electricity selling price (MESP). The electricity cost for this MCFC-based APU was calculated as 1.57$/kWh. According to predictions, the cost reductions for fuel cell stacks will afford electricity selling prices of 1.51$/kWh in 2020 and 1.495$/kWh in 2030. Based on a sensitivity analysis, the diesel price and capital cost were found to have the strongest impact on the MESP.     

Selective solid-phase extraction of trace Pb(II) from aqueous solution using Pb(II)-ion imprinted polymer

In this work, we synthesized several ions imprinted polymers based on the inclusion of 8-hydroxyquinoline, vinyl benzoic acid, and diazoaminobenzene as ligands into the polymer matrix to complex with lead ions. Besides, to optimize various parameters for the selective extraction and enrichment of lead ions using the best synthesized imprinted polymers, the selectivity of the chosen inorganic ions was investigated. These investigations indicated that the synthesized imprinted polymer particles have good potential for selective enrichment of lead ions compared with other heavy metal ions, and the selectivity of lead ion-imprinted polymers for lead ion was higher than non-imprinted polymer.     

In vitro evaluation of biopolymer networks based on crosslinked cellulose with various diamines

In this study, we investigated some hydrogels based on natural, biodegradable, and biocompatible polysaccharides and cellulose, as sustained release carriers and evaluated their controlled drug release. The crosslinking of bromoacetylated cellulose with various aliphatic and aromatic diamines, such as ethylene diamine, hexamethylene diamine, and paraphenylene diamine, were carried out in N,N‐dimethylformamide in the presence of triethylamine as a base. On the other hand, the synthesized hydrogels were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and CHN elemental analysis. Also, the equilibrium swelling behavior of the hydrogels in water was calculated, and this indicated their sustained expansion. The loading of ceftizoxime antibiotic was carried out on the prepared hydrogels, and the in vitro and drug‐release behaviors were investigated in three different media (HCl solution at pH 3 and bicarbonate buffer solutions at pH 6 and 8). Finally, the release profiles of ceftizoxime from the hydrogels and their loading capacities were determined by ultraviolet–visible absorption measurements at λ_max 295 nm. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42568.     

Assessing the effectiveness of disease awareness programs: Evidence from Google Trends data for the world awareness dates

Objectives

The process of disease awareness distribution on the web was studied. The contribution of WHO world awareness days to the total awareness process over the internet was investigated.

Amorphous Silicon Display Backplanes on Plastic Substrates

Amorphous silicon (a-Si) thin-film transistor (TFT) backplanes are very promising for active-matrix organic light-emitting diode displays (AMOLEDs) on plastic. The technology benefits from a large manufacturing base, simple fabrication process, and low production cost. The concern lies in the instability of the TFTs threshold voltage (V_T) and its low device mobility. Although V_T-instability can be compensated by means of advanced multi-transistor pixel circuits, the lifetime of the display is still dependent on the TFT process quality and bias conditions. A-Si TFTs with field-effect mobility of 1.1 cm²/Vmiddots and pixel driver circuits have been fabricated on plastic substrates at 150 degC. The circuits are characterized in terms of current drive capability and long-term stability of operation. The results demonstrate sufficient and stable current delivery and the ability of the backplane on plastic to meet AMOLED requirements     

Functional Pixel Circuits for Elastic AMOLED Displays

While fabrication of active matrix organic LED (AMOLED) displays on plastic substrates continues to face technological challenges, stable electrical operation of thin-film transistor (TFT) pixel circuits under mechanical stress induced by substrate bending remains a critical issue. This paper investigates strain-induced shifts in hydrogenated amorphous silicon TFT characteristics and the compound impact on TFT circuit behavior. Measurements show that the magnitude of the shifts is determined by the direction of current flow in the TFT with respect to the bending stress orientation as well as bias conditions. Physically based compact models are developed that relate device characteristics to material behavior for design and optimization of AMOLED pixel circuits that can maintain immunity to bending stress. In particular, current mirror-based pixel circuits are presented that compensate for the long term threshold voltage shift and instantaneous strain-induced shifts in device characteristics.     

Negotiation decision functions for autonomous agents

We present a formal model of negotiation between autonomous agents. The purpose of the negotiation is to reach an agreement about the provision of a service by one agent for another. The model defines a range of strategies and tactics that agents can employ to generate initial offers, evaluate proposals and offer counter proposals. The model is based on computationally tractable assumptions, demonstrated in the domain of business process management and empirically evaluated.     

Scalable Feature Selection in High-Dimensional Data Based on GRASP

Feature selection in high-dimensional data is one of the active areas of research in pattern recognition. Most of the algorithms in this area try to select a subset of features in a way to maximize the accuracy of classification regardless of the number of selected features that affect classification time. In this article, a new method for feature selection algorithm in high-dimensional data is proposed that can control the trade-off between accuracy and classification time. This method is based on a greedy metaheuristic algorithm called greedy randomized adaptive search procedure (GRASP). It uses an extended version of a simulated annealing (SA) algorithm for local search. In this version of SA, new parameters are embedded that allow the algorithm to control the trade-off between accuracy and classification time. Experimental results show supremacy of the proposed method over previous versions of GRASP for feature selection. Also, they show how the trade-off between accuracy and classification time is controllable by the parameters introduced in the proposed method.     

Pixel circuits and drive schemes for glass and elastic AMOLED displays

Abstract— Flexible AMOLED displays pose unique opportunities and challenges for a‐Si. Leveraging the existing a‐Si process infrastructure is the fastest and lowest‐cost route to flexible AMOLEDs. However, the displays must maintain high performance, long lifetimes, and high uniformity despite low‐temperature processes and mechanical stress. New pixel circuits and drive schemes shown here demonstrate that high‐performance flexible AMOLED displays are possible using well‐established a‐Si technology.