Capacitor placement for switching noise reduction using genetic algorithms and distributed computing

This work investigates capacitor placement on a printed circuit board (PCB) to reduce the effect of simultaneous switching noise as a genetic algorithm (GA) search problem. The solution process makes use of distributed computing resources available on a local area network in order to solve larger problems more efficiently. The objective is to determine the number of added capacitors with minimum cost, and their position on the PCB, while keeping the maximum voltage deviation within some specified noise margin. The presence of capacitors at the selected positions is represented by a stream of zeros and ones, which is interpreted as a genotype. At each generation, the GA assesses the fitness function of a population of genotypes using linear transient circuit analysis, which involves a single matrix inversion, by determining the maximum voltage dip given the capacitor locations. For large systems, the fitness calculations are divided among several processors according to a simple distributed computing algorithm.     

Feature Subset Selection with Artificial Intelligence-Based Classification Model for Biomedical Data

Recently, medical data classification becomes a hot research topic among healthcare professionals and research communities, which assist in the disease diagnosis and decision making process. The latest developments of artificial intelligence (AI) approaches paves a way for the design of effective medical data classification models. At the same time, the existence of numerous features in the medical dataset poses a curse of dimensionality problem. For resolving the issues, this article introduces a novel feature subset selection with artificial intelligence based classification model for biomedical data (FSS-AICBD) technique. The FSS-AICBD technique intends to derive a useful set of features and thereby improve the classifier results. Primarily, the FSS-AICBD technique undergoes min-max normalization technique to prevent data complexity. In addition, the information gain (IG) approach is applied for the optimal selection of feature subsets. Also, group search optimizer (GSO) with deep belief network (DBN) model is utilized for biomedical data classification where the hyperparameters of the DBN model can be optimally tuned by the GSO algorithm. The choice of IG and GSO approaches results in promising medical data classification results. The experimental result analysis of the FSS-AICBD technique takes place using different benchmark healthcare datasets. The simulation results reported the enhanced outcomes of the FSS-AICBD technique interms of several measures.     

Design and Analysis of Localized DNA Hybridization Chain Reactions

Theoretical models of localized DNA hybridization reactions on nanoscale substrates indicate potential benefits over conventional DNA hybridization reactions. Recently, a few approaches have been proposed to speed‐up DNA hybridization reactions; however, experimental confirmation and quantification of the acceleration factor have been lacking. Here, a system to investigate localized DNA hybridization reactions on a nanoscale substrate is presented. The system consists of six metastable DNA hairpins that are tethered to a long DNA track. The localized DNA hybridization reaction of the proposed system is triggered by a DNA strand which initiates the subsequent self‐assembly. Fluorescence kinetics indicates that the half‐time completion of a localized DNA hybridization chain reaction is six times faster than the same reaction in the absence of the substrate. The proposed system provides one of the first known quantification of the speed‐up of DNA hybridization reactions due to the locality effect.     

Evaluation of material constants in NdCa4O(BO3)3 piezoelectric single crystal

A neodymium calcium oxoborate NdCa₄O(BO₃)₃ piezoelectric single crystal that belongs to the monoclinic system with point group m was grown by the Czochralski technique. A practical evaluation method was developed to determine the 27 independent material constants for acoustic wave device applications. A longitudinal effect face–shear vibration was analyzed and used in the resonance–antiresonance measurement. This method avoided measuring d ₁₁ and d ₃₃ directly by use of X-bar and Z-bar, in which leak of electric field would cause large errors because of the very small dielectric constants. At room temperature, dielectric constants were ${{\varepsilon _{11}^{\text{T}} } \mathord{\left/{\vphantom {{\varepsilon _{11}^{\text{T}} } {\varepsilon _0 }}} \right.\kern-0em} {\varepsilon _0 }} = 9.9$ , ${{\varepsilon _{22}^{\text{T}} } \mathord{\left/{\vphantom {{\varepsilon _{22}^{\text{T}} } {\varepsilon _0 }}} \right.\kern-0em} {\varepsilon _0 }} = 15$ , ${{\varepsilon _{33}^{\text{T}} } \mathord{\left/{\vphantom {{\varepsilon _{33}^{\text{T}} } {\varepsilon _0 }}} \right.\kern-0em} {\varepsilon _0 }} = 10$ and ${{\varepsilon _{13}^{\text{T}} } \mathord{\left/{\vphantom {{\varepsilon _{13}^{\text{T}} } {\varepsilon _0 }}} \right.\kern-0em} {\varepsilon _0 }} = - 0.8$ , respectively. All the independent dielectric and elastic constants were determined in this work. The simulation of surface acoustic wave velocity showed a good agreement with the measured value.     

Optoelectronic Properties of Al/n-Si/ Bi<Subscript>4</Subscript>Ti<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>12</Subscript>/Au Photosensor

We have fabricated an Al/n-Si/Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂/Au photodiode by the sol-gel method. The photoelectrical response of the diode was measured under dark and various light intensity conditions. The photocurrent of the diode increases with increase in light intensity. The light sensitivity value of the photosensor was measured and observed to increase from 5.06 × 10^?8 (under dark) to 2.34 × 10^?4 A (under 100 mW/cm²). Furthermore, other parameters for instance, ideality factor and barrier height of the photosensors were calculated. The ideality factor and barrier height of the Al/n-Si/Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂/Au photosensor were found to be 3.01 and 0.86 eV respectively. Also capacitance-voltage (C-V) characteristics were measured. The C-V graph indicates changeable behavior with the varying frequency. The value of capacitance and the interface state density D_it value decrease with increase in frequency. Thus, the obtained results indicate that the Al/n-Si/Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂/Au photosensor can be used as a photosensor in optoelectronic applications.     

Optimization of electrical distribution networks fed by conventional and renewable energy sources

This paper provides a methodology for the optimization of an existing electrical distribution network when upgraded by renewable energies. The contribution of renewable energy in electricity generation is decided upon through both network design optimization and proper load management whereby applications that can be satisfied by non‐electrical means are separated from the main load. The remaining load will then be satisfied by an optimal mix of renewable energy which will be injected to the existing grid. The proposed problem will be formulated using multiobjective linear programming in conjunction with fuzzy logic. It will be shown that optimization using fuzzy logic can provide decision makers with more flexibility that would assist them in the allocation of various energy resources to optimally meet the various end uses and solve the problem of renewable energy connection to existing distribution networks. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hyperfine Induced Magnetic Ordering in a S=1/2 Quantum Magnets on Kagomé Lattice

Susceptibility and specific heat measurements have been carried out down to 23 mK on polycrystalline [Cu₃(titmb)₂(OCOCH₃)₆]?H₂O {titmb = 1,3,5-tris(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)-2,4,6 trimethylbenzene} with S=1/2 antiferromagnet on Kagomé lattice. The results show an unexpected ferromagnetic long range ordering at 56 mK. The entropy change from 10 K to 23 mK is much larger than the entropy corresponding to electron spin S=1/2 of Cu²⁺. The large excess entropy reduction strongly suggests a novel magnetic ordering of the coupled Cu electron and nuclear spin (I=3/2) system. We propose that a frustrated ground state changes to the complex ferromagnetic ground state with help of the enhanced indirect nuclear spin interaction through the hyperfine interaction.     

Two‐step Synthesis of Platelike Potassium Sodium Niobate Template Particles by Hydrothermal Method

Two‐step hydrothermal synthesis of platelike potassium sodium niobate (K, Na)NbO₃ (KNN) template particles was investigated. Platelike K₄Na₄Nb₆O₁₉·9H₂O (KNN‐hydrate) particles were synthesized in 4 mol/L aqueous alkali at 150°C by the sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) surfactant‐assisted hydrothermal method, which were used as crystal nucleus in the second step of hydrothermal synthesis. The two‐step synthesized KNN‐hydrate particles with 0.6 μm thickness and 7 μm width were prepared at 80°C after 10 h of the second step. After calcination of the KNN‐hydrate particle at 600°C, platelike KNN particles were obtained, which were used as templates for textured ceramics. Particles obtained by the two‐step synthesis showed regular morphology and uniform distribution, with a marked improvement in grain size.     

Refugee Food Insecurity & Technology: Surfacing Experiences of Adaptation,Navigation, Negotiation and Sharing

With the Syrian crisis still ongoing, 91% of Syrian refugee families in Lebanon do not have adequate access to safe and sufficient food. There has been a drive for technological innovation in humanitarian food assistance. To further inform such innovation, we used an Experience-Centred Design approach to gain a holistic understanding of the experiences of refugee food insecurity and how refugees envision technologies can support them. Design engagements with 13 women in an informal refugee settlement in Lebanon were conducted. The findings presented in this paper highlight that coping with food insecurity consists of experiences of adaptation, navigation, negotiation and sharing. We found that a multitude of technologies may be designed to enhance the aforementioned experiences and enable refugees to better cope with food insecurity. Through the lens of our findings, we discuss how technologies may support information sharing, the furthering of new practices and sharing of resources to support refugee food security.

     

Phosphorylation of the WWOX Protein Regulates Its Interaction with p73

We describe a molecular characterization of the interaction between the cancer-related proteins WWOX and p73. This interaction is mediated by the first of two WW domains (WW1) of WWOX and a PPXY-motif-containing region in p73. While phosphorylation of Tyr33 of WWOX and association with p73 are known to affect apoptotic activity, the quantitative effect of phosphorylation on this specific interaction is determined here for the first time. Using ITC and fluorescence anisotropy, we measured the binding affinity between WWOX domains and a p73 derived peptide, and showed that this interaction is regulated by Tyr phosphorylation of WW1. Chemical synthesis of the phosphorylated domains of WWOX revealed that the binding affinity of WWOX to p73 is decreased when WWOX is phosphorylated. This result suggests a fine-tuning of binding affinity in a differential, ligand-specific manner: the decrease in binding affinity of WWOX to p73 can free both partners to form new interactions.