Constraint-based performance comparison of multi-dimensional interconnection networks with deterministic and adaptive routing strategies

Several studies have examined the relative performance merits of the torus and hypercube taking into account the channel bandwidth constraints imposed by implementation technology. While the torus has been shown to outperform the hypercube under the constant wiring density constraint, the opposite conclusion has been reached when the constant pin-out constraint is considered. However, all these studies have assumed deterministic routing and have not taken into account the internal hardware cost of routers. This paper re-examines the performance merits of the torus and hypercube using both fully-adaptive and deterministic routing strategies. Moreover, it uses a new cost model which takes into account the internal hardware cost of routers.     

Design, manufacture and evaluation of a new and simple mechanism for transmission of power between intersecting shafts up to 135 degrees (Persian Joint)

This paper introduces a new mechanism which is designed for the transmission of power between two intersecting shafts. The mechanism consists of one drive shaft and one driven shaft, six guide arms, and three connecting arms. The intersecting angle between the input shaft and the output shaft can be varied up to 135° while the velocity ratio between the two shafts remains constant. The research also includes a kinematic analysis and a simulation using Visual NASTRAN, Autodesk Inventor Dynamic and COSMOS Motion. The softwares showed that this mechanism can transmit constant velocity ratios at all angles between two shafts. By comparing the graphs of analytical analysis and simulation analysis, validity of equations was proved. Finally, by fabrication and evaluation of the mechanism it was shown that this mechanism can transmit constant velocity practically.     

Discrete-time chaotic-map truly random number generators: design, implementation, and variability analysis of the zigzag map

In this paper, we introduce a novel discrete chaotic map named zigzag map that demonstrates excellent chaotic behaviors and can be utilized in truly random number generators (TRNGs). We comprehensively investigate the map and explore its critical chaotic characteristics and parameters. We further present two circuit implementations for the zigzag map based on the switched current technique as well as the current-mode affine interpolation of the breakpoints. In practice, implementation variations can deteriorate the quality of the output sequence as a result of variation of the chaotic map parameters. In order to quantify the impact of variations on the map performance, we model the variations using a combination of theoretical analysis and Monte-Carlo simulations on the circuits. We demonstrate that even in the presence of the map variations, a TRNG based on the zigzag map passes all of the NIST 800-22 statistical randomness tests using simple post processing of the output data.     

On the design of suboptimal sliding manifold for a class of nonlinear uncertain time-delay systems

This paper proposes a new method to design suboptimal sliding manifolds for a class of nonlinear uncertain systems with state and input delays. A switching control law is obtained based on the designed suboptimal sliding manifold. It is proved that the proposed method is able to guarantee the stability of the closed-loop system in the presence of uncertainty. Three numerical simulations are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.     

Investigating the effect of nano-silica on efficiency of the foam in enhanced oil recovery

Due to the vast production of crude oil and consequent pressure drops through the reservoirs, secondary and tertiary oil recovery processes are highly necessary to recover the trapped oil. Among the different tertiary oil recovery processes, foam injection is one of the most newly proposed methods. In this regard, in the current investigation, foam solution is prepared using formation brine, C₁₉TAB surfactant and air concomitant with nano-silica (SiO₂) as foam stabilizer and mobility controller. The measurements revealed that using the surfactant-nano SiO₂ foam solution not only leads to formation of stable foam, but also can reduce the interfacial tension mostly considered as an effective parameter for higher oil recovery. Finally, the results demonstrate that there is a good chance of reducing the mobility ratio from 1.12 for formation brine and reservoir oil to 0.845 for foam solution prepared by nanoparticles.     

Hypoglycemic effects of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) autolysates

Fat, alkaloid and polyphenol contents of two clones of cocoa (UIT1 and PBC 140) were removed and the remaining powder was autolyzed at pH 3.5 and 5.2. Based on the results, autolysates of UIT produced at pH 3.5 exhibited the highest ability to inhibit α-amylase activity. However, no α-glucosidase inhibition activity was observed under the conditions specified. Autolysates produced under pH 3.5 caused the highest amount of insulin secretion. In streptozotocin-diabetic rats, all cocoa autolysates significantly decreased blood glucose at 4 h. To assure that the results from the assays were not due to the polyphenols of cocoa autolysates qualitative and quantitative tests were applied. According to their results cocoa autolysates were found to be free from polyphenols. Analysis of amino acid composition revealed that cocoa autolysates were abundant in hydrophobic amino acids. It can be suggested that besides other compounds of cocoa, its peptides and amino acids could contribute to its health benefits.     

Stability analysis of shallow tunnels subjected to eccentric loads by a boundary element method

In this paper, stress behavior of shallow tunnels under simultaneous non-uniform surface traction and symmetric gravity loading was studied using a direct boundary element method(BEM). The existing fullplane elastostatic fundamental solutions to displacement and stress fields were used and implemented in a developed algorithm. The cross-section of the tunnel was considered in circular, square, and horseshoe shapes and the lateral coefficient of the domain was assumed as unit quantity. Double-node procedure of the BEM was applied at the corners to improve the model including sudden traction changes. The results showed that the method used was a powerful tool for modeling underground openings under various external as well as internal loads. Eccentric loads significantly influenced the stress pattern of the surrounding tunnel. The achievements can be practically used in completing and modifying regulations for stability investigation of shallow tunnels.     

A Numerical Method for Microstructure Generation of a Binary Aluminum Alloy and Study of Its Mechanical Properties Using the Finite Element Method

A numerical method for the generation of the microstructure of a binary aluminum copper alloy is presented. This method is based on the repeated addition of some basic grain shapes into a representative volume element. Depending of the orientation of adjacent grains, different type of grain boundaries can be formed. The primary and secondary phases are distinguishable in our model and have distinct properties, reflecting the heterogeneous nature of the microstructure. The digital microstructure was then transformed into a finite element model. Using the finite element software ABAQUS, the stress distribution inside our heterogeneous material model has been studied and its mechanical properties have been found. That also makes possible to study and to visualize the cracks generated during the loading of the material where the local stress was sufficiently high. As a result of these analyses, the elastic modulus of such a heterogeneous domain and the effect of crack formation on ductility were evaluated.