On the absence of global solutions for quantum versions of Schrödinger equations and systems

We, first, consider the quantum version of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation

$i^q{D}_{q|t}u(t,x)+\Delta u(qt,x)=\lambda |u(qt,x){|}^p,t>0,x\in {\mathbb{R}}^N,$

where $0<q<1$, $i^q$ is the principal value of $i^q$, $D_{q|t}$ is the $q$-derivative with respect to $t$, $\Delta$ is the Laplacian operator in ${\mathbb{R}}^N$, $\lambda \in ??\left\{0\right\}$, $p>1$, and $u(t,x)$ is a complex-valued function. Sufficient conditions for the nonexistence of global weak solution to the considered equation are obtained under suitable initial data. Next, we study the system of nonlinear coupled equations

$i^q{D}_{q|t}u(t,x)+\Delta u(qt,x)=\lambda |v(qt,x){|}^p,t>0,x\in {\mathbb{R}}^N,$

$i^q{D}_{q|t}v(t,x)+\Delta v(qt,x)=\lambda |u(qt,x){|}^m,t>0,x\in {\mathbb{R}}^N,$     

The effect of combined use of chitosan and PIPS on push-out bond strength of root canal filling materials

Adhesion of root canal filling materials to root dentin is important for the long-term success of the treatment. Push-out bond strength test is used to evaluate the adhesion capacity of root canal filling materials to root canal walls. The aim of the present study is to compare the bond strength of root canal filling materials to root dentin after irrigation with EDTA, chitosan and the combination of chitosan and PIPS irridation using push-out bond strength test. Forty-eight extracted teeth were resected until 13-mm long roots were obtained. Root canals were prepared with a size-25 OneShape instrument. Samples were divided into three groups each including 15 roots. Group 1: Canals were rinsed with 0.2% chitosan and subjected to laser irridation with PIPS at the same time. Group 2: Canals were rinsed with 0.2% chitosan. Group 3: Canals were rinsed with EDTA. All canals were filled with .06 tapered gutta-percha and AH-plus sealer. One-mm thick slices were taken from coronal, middle and apical one-thirds of the roots. Push-out bond strength was determined using a Universal Testing Machine. One root from each group was observed under SEM to evaluate the degree of smear removal. Statistical analysis was performed with Kruskall-Wallis test. Results showed that bond strength values were statistically similar in overall evaluation for all groups (p > .05). In segmental evaluation, group 1 revealed the highest bond strength in apical one-third compared to other groups (p < .05).     

Improved harmonic suppression efficiency of single-phase APFs in distorted distribution systems

In this study, a control method is proposed to improve the harmonic suppression efficiency of the single-phase active power filter in a distorted power system to suppress current harmonics and reactive power. The proposed method uses the self-tuning filter (STF) algorithm to process single-phase grid voltage in order to provide a uniform reference grid current, which increases the efficiency of the system. The results of the simulation study are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control technique in this study.     

Electrochemical degradation of waters containing O-Toluidine on PbO2 and BDD anodes

Electrochemical oxidation of O-Toluidine (OT) was studied by galvanostatic electrolysis using lead dioxide (PbO₂) and boron-doped diamond (BDD) as anodes. The influence of operating parameters, such as current density, initial concentration of OT and temperature was investigated. Measurements of chemical oxygen demand were used to follow the oxidation. The experimental data indicated that on PbO₂ and BDD anodes, OT oxidation takes place by reaction with electrogenerated hydroxyl radicals and is favoured by low current density and high temperature. Furthermore, BDD anodes offer significant advantages over PbO₂ in terms of current efficiency and oxidation rate.     

A bipolar implementation of the Beta neuron

The great flexibility of the Beta function and its universal approximation characteristics, make Beta basis function neural networks (BBFNNs) very useful. We present a hardware implementation of the Beta neuron. The proposed circuit was designed by using a standard bipolar technology. PSPICE simulations show the good concordance of the output of our circuit with the analytic Beta function. We also successfully integrated the electronic Beta neuron in the design of a BBFNN that approximates a nonlinear mapping.     

Utilization of Reliability Measurements in Bayesian Inference: Models and Human Performance

A normative 2-stage model for incorporating reliability measurements of data-reporting sources in a Bayesian inference system is presented. An experiment required human subjects to make intuitive inferences about two hypotheses on the basis of sample data which were reported with a given reliability. When compared with the optimal model, subjects exhibited systematic errors in estimating the diagnostic impact of less than perfectly reliable data. Their responses reflected the use of specific nonoptimal heuristic strategies to process the information. A utility function was added to the normative model to illustrate how a best choice might be made from among potential data-gathering experiments whose costs increase with their reliabilities. Recommendations for using computer aids to enhance efficiency in inference systems are made     

Use of a kaolinitic clay as a pozzolanic material for cements: Formulation of blended cement

Local kaolinitic clay (from the region of Tabarka, Tunisia) was tested as a pozzolanic material. Thermal treatments were performed as a means of activation of the minerals. The phase identification, before and after heat treatment, was studied by X-ray diffraction and differential thermal analysis/thermogravimetric analysis (DTA/TGA).

In order to check the effect of three variables (the calcination temperature, the specific surface of the calcined clay and the percentage of incorporation of the heat treated clay in the formula of the blended cement) on the compressive strength of blended cement mortar bars at 7, 28 and 91 days, a Box–Behnken design was set up. It was concluded that the mechanical properties of the blended cements were mainly governed by the percentage of incorporation and the fineness of the calcined clay. It was also demonstrated that increasing the fineness of the calcined clay allowed for increases in the level of cement substitution. Finally, a blended cement composition has been formulated, with optimal results at calcining temperature 700 °C, 30% of calcined clay ground at a Blaine fineness of 7700 cm²/g.     

Transfer characteristic of a Goto pair in small-size Josephson junctions

The response of a Goto pair, based on small-size Josephson junctions, to voltage jumps has been studied within the framework of a resistive model. An analytical formula for the time of establishment of the transfer characteristic is obtained and the corresponding estimates are calculated.