A Novel Energy-Efficient Ternary Successor and Predecessor Using CNTFET

This paper presents a novel design for a ternary successor and predecessor using carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNTFETs). The chirality of the CNTFETs is utilized for threshold voltage control. The proposed designs are simulated and examined, using Synopsys HSPICE with Standard 32 nm CNTFET technology in various situations. Simulation results demonstrate the correct and high-performance operation of the proposed circuits even in the presence of process variations. It is shown that the proposed ternary circuits achieve a significant saving in energy consumption (95.18 % for successor and 91 % for predecessor) compared with previously presented designs.     

A novel proposal for all-optical 1-bit comparator using nonlinear PhCRRs

Photonic Network Communications - All-optical comparators play crucial roles in all-optical data processing systems. In this paper, we proposed a novel structure for realizing an all-optical...     

Influence of molecular weight on the thermal and mechanical properties of polyurethane elastomers based on 4,4′-diisocyanato dicyclohexylmethane

Two series of segmented polyurethane elastomers based on 4,4′-diisocyanato dicyclohexylmethane were investigated with respect to their thermal properties and deformation behavior. We used a crystallizable soft segment, 1,4-poly(tetramethylene glycol), for one series and a noncrystallizable soft segment, 1,2-poly(propylene glycol), for the other. Both systems exhibited mechanical self-reinforcement that depended strongly on the deformation rate. We propose a mechanism for the observed stress/strain behavior in terms of two competing processes: (1) the buildup of orientation caused by deformation and (2) the loss of orientation caused by plastic slippage and segmental relaxation during deformation. The kinetics of these processes depend stronly on the deformation rate and overall molecular weight.     

Manufacture of a mechanical test rig to simulate the movements of forces within the shoulder

The shoulder complex, also known as the glenohumeral joint is the most manoeuvrable and one of the most well used joints of the human body. Over time problems can occur with the glenohumeral joint and surrounding muscles, cartilage, tendons and ligaments caused by ageing or by over stressing the shoulder complex. This work examines the design of a new innovative glenohumeral test rig. The test rig was required to imitate the movement of the humerus in the human body and replicate all the ranges of motion, which it can move in when combined with the relevant bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons in the shoulder complex. A variable force also had to be applied to the glenoid in all ranges of motion. Research had to be undertaken in the ranges of motion of the shoulder complex and the forces acting on the glenoid. Concept designs were initially created to mimic specific ranges of motion; adduction, flexion, internal (medial) and external (lateral) rotation for example. The concepts were evolved and combined to develop a test rig that would replicate any axial movement of the shoulder. Research determined the most appropriate manufacturing processes and materials so that the test rig could be manufactured in the material laboratories.     

Highly Linear High-Frequency Low-Noise Amplifier Design at ISM Band

A highly linear high-frequency low-noise amplifier is one of the important components in telecommunication receivers. The purpose of making such amplifiers is to amplify received signal from transmitter (antenna) at an acceptable level. A narrow band highly linear low-noise amplifier was studied and designed in this paper. A BFP720 bipolar transistor from Infineon Company associated with ADS software was used. Low-noise amplifier was initially designed and simulated and its results were obtained. Lumped elements of inductor and capacitor were used in the design of input and output matching network of this circuit, and two amplifier circuits were then designed and some techniques and methods proposed to improve its performance.

     

Investigation of the ConXL moment connection cyclic behavior in box columns without filling concrete with different arrangement of collar bolts

The aim of this study was to study numerically the seismic behavior of ConXL connection without filler concrete of columns and reduce the number of collar bolts with different arrangement. For this purpose, to verify the modeling and analyzing, we compared the numerical results of specimens (reduced beam section, end plate and Kaiser bolted bracket (KBB) connections) with the experimental results and observed a good agreement. Afterward, 18 specimens of ConXL moment connections in box columns not filled with concrete with axial force in single, planar and bi‐axial loading conditions with different arrangement of bolts were studied, and their performances were evaluated. Results show that seismic behavior of specimens with beam section depth less than W30 series under cyclic loading, even with reduces of number of bolts to 16 numbers, are suitable in the over 0.04 rad rotations. In addition, the use of 16 bolts in W30 series beams connections is suitable provided they are used in the corner connections (with single sided loading) and the material specifications ASTM‐A36 are used for the beams. Moreover, the closer the position of bolts related to the outer side of collar flange, the more axial strain of bolts shank and the lesser slippage. The most optimum of bolt position is the surface middle of the collar flange and collar corner. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A simple quantitative approach for post earthquake damage assessment of flexure dominant reinforced concrete bridges

Conventional methods for displacement based condition assessment of bridges solely rely on the maximum level of displacements experienced by the piers, and do not take into account the accumulated damage that result from cyclic loading. More advanced approaches take this into account by considering the structural damage as a linear combination of the normalized maximum displacements and hysteretic energy. Computation of the dissipated hysteretic energy requires monitoring of the lateral forces during the seismic events, which are not as practical as monitoring bridge pier deformations. This article reports on the development of a simple damage assessment method that considers the effect of cyclic loading on the state of damage and it is merely based on monitoring the bridge pier deformations. A fiber optic displacement serial array was designed for measuring the crack opening displacement reversals at the plastic hinge areas.     

Central composite design for the optimization of supercritical carbon dioxide fluid extraction of fatty acids from Borago officinalis L. flower

Abstract: In the present study, fatty acids and essential oils of the flower of borage (Borago officinalis L.) were obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide fluid extraction under different conditions. The extracts obtained were compared to oils of borage flower oil isolated by hydrodistillation. The obtained oils were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The compounds were identified according to their retention indices and mass spectra. The experimental parameters of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) were optimized using a central composite design after a full factorial experimental design. Extraction yields based on SFE varied in the range of 0.02% to 1.96% (w/w), and the oil yield based on the hydrodistillation was 0.05% (v/w). The optimum conditions of SFE were obtained at a pressure of 350 atm, a temperature of 65 °C, a methanol modifier volume of 100 μL, and static and dynamic extraction time of 10 min. Main components of the extracts under optimum SFE conditions were palmitic acid, linoleic acid, γ‐linolenic acid, and oleic acid. The results indicated that by using the suitable extraction conditions, SFE is more effective than the conventional hydrodistillation method in the extraction of fatty acids and the preservation of its quality. Practical Application: SFE is a good technique for the extraction of oils from plants. The extraction yields by SFE are more than the conventional method. SFE is used on a large scale for production of essential oils and pharmaceutical products from plants.     

Incidence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli serogroups in ruminant's meat

To assess the presences of Escherichia coli, its serogroups, virulence factors and antibiotic resistance properties in ruminant's meat, a total of 820 raw meat samples were collected and then evaluated using culture, PCR and disk diffusion methods. Totally, 238 (29.02%) samples were positive for presence of Escherichia coli. All of the isolates had more than one virulence gene including Stx1, Stx2, eaeA and ehly. All investigated serogroups were found in beef and sheep and all except O145, O121 and O128 were found in goat. The O91, O113, O111, O103, O26 and O157 serogroups were found in camel. Totally, aadA1–blaSHV combination was the most predominant antibiotic resistance gene. The highest resistance of STEC strains was seen against penicillin while resistance to nitrofurantoin and ciprofloxacin was minimal. These findings showed that health care and meat inspection should be reconsidered in Iranian slaughterhouses and butchers.