A Simulation Environment for e-Learning in Digital Design

Deeds is a simulation environment for e-learning in digital electronics. The simulators cover combinational and sequential logic networks, finite state-machine design, and microcomputer interfacing and programming. They are integrated together, and therefore allow the design and test of embedded digital systems. The environment guides students' activities by delivering learning materials through specialized browsers. An extensive collection of learning materials is available. This paper includes an example of activity on a problem assignment.     

A structure/function study of polyaminoamide dendrimers as silica scale growth inhibitors

Dendrimers have attracted immense attention during the last decade due to their interesting properties both from a basic and an applied research viewpoint. Encapsulation of metal nanoparticles for catalysis, drug delivery and light harvesting are only some applications of dendrimers that are breaking new ground. A novel application of dendrimer technology is described in the present paper that relates to industrial water treatment. Industrial water systems often suffer from undesirable inorganic deposits. These can form either in the bulk or on metallic surfaces, such as heat exchangers or pipelines. Silica (SiO₂) scale formation and deposition is a major problem in high‐silica‐containing cooling waters. Scale prevention rather than removal is highly desired. In this paper, benchtop screening tests on various silica inhibition chemistries are reported, with emphasis on materials with a dendrimeric structure. Specifically, the inhibition properties of commercially available STARBURST^® polyaminoamide (PAMAM) dendrimers generations 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 are investigated in detail together with other commonly‐used scale inhibitors. Experimental results show that inhibition efficiency largely depends on structural features of PAMAM dendrimers such as generation number and nature of the end groups. PAMAM dendrimers are effective inhibitors of silica scale growth at 40 ppm dosage levels. PAMAM dendrimers also act as silica nucleators, forming SiO₂–PAMAM composites. This occurs because the SiO₂ formed by incomplete inhibition interacts with cationic PAMAM‐1 and ‐2. The general scope of silica formation and inhibition in industrial waters is also discussed. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Precoded distributed space-time block codes in cooperative diversity-based downlink

Cooperative diversity is a rapidly emerging topic for wireless communications, with ad hoc and hybrid/relay networks as two main applications so far. In this paper, we investigate the cooperative diversity concept for MIMO multicell networks, where the processing must be optimized to account for the variability of the channel conditions across the cooperative devices. This can be done via distributed preceding and is realistically based on channel statistics (average gains, correlations, etc.). We give a new approach to the previously coined equal diversity spread principle, through minimization of an approximated SER expression. Next, we focus on a low-complexity approach to minimizing a PEP-based performance measure. Gains are evaluated in a multicell scenario with collaborating base stations.     

Yield of products from catalytic cracking of vacuum gasoils

In catalytic cracking of vacuum gasoils, the yields of products are correlated with their hydrogen content. A correlation that allows predicting the yields of products of this process was elaborated based on the results of cracking of 11 gasoils of different origin and data on their density, refractive index, and 50% distillation temperature. However, it is not possible to predict the octane number of the naphtha obtained in cracking with the group hydrocarbon composition of the feedstock. __________ Translated from Khimiya i Tekhnologiya Topliv i Masel, No. 4, pp. 31–34, July–August, 2007.     

Impact of Preferential P-Diffusion Along the Grain Boundaries on Fine-Grained Polysilicon Solar Cells

Thin-film polysilicon solar cells are a promising low-cost alternative for bulk silicon solar cells due to their reduced material thickness. Recently, we showed that the use of an amorphous silicon/polycrystalline silicon heterojunction emitter instead of a diffused homojunction emitter led to a boost in the open-circuit voltage by 90 mV. Now, we present a full evidence that shows that this improvement is related to the absence of dopant smearing along the grain boundaries. By using scanning spreading resistance microscopy, we found an enlargement of the junction area by a factor of five in case of a homojunction. The tips of the dopant spikes represent lowly doped areas with an enhanced recombination.     

A method for the efficient prioritization of infrastructure renewal projects

The infrastructure renewal program at MIT consists of a large number of projects with an estimated budget that could approach $1 billion. Infrastructure renewal at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is the process of evaluating and investing in the maintenance of facility systems and basic structure to preserve existing campus buildings. The selection and prioritization of projects must be addressed with a systematic method for the optimal allocation of funds and other resources. This paper presents a case study of a prioritization method utilizing multi-attribute utility theory. This method was developed at MIT's Department of Nuclear Engineering and was deployed by the Department of Facilities after appropriate modifications were implemented to address the idiosyncrasies of infrastructure renewal projects and the competing criteria and constraints that influence the judgment of the decision-makers. Such criteria include minimization of risk, optimization of economic impact, and coordination with academic policies, programs, and operations of the Institute. A brief overview of the method is presented, as well as the results of its application to the prioritization of infrastructure renewal projects. Results of workshops held at MIT with the participation of stakeholders demonstrate the feasibility of the prioritization method and the usefulness of this approach.     

Atomic force microscopic analysis of hydrogen peroxide bleached kraft northern black spruce fibres

Hydrogen peroxide is a potent, relatively inexpensive oxidant that chemically degrades chromophoric components in pulps and textiles. Oxidation of cellulose is a byproduct of this process step that decreases the tensile strength of individual fibres. The residence time of pulp in the bleaching reactor must be optimized to achieve the desired brightness and minimizing fibre degradation. To evaluate the impact of peroxide bleaching at the microfibrillar level, a single black spruce tree was chosen and kraft pulped. Peroxide bleaching was conducted via benchtop polyethylene bag bleaching in a temperature-controlled waterbath. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) topographical images acquired before and after the bleaching step show dramatic changes in fibre structure consistent with delignification and defects in the surface topography. This was further verified by X-ray work at Brookhaven National Laboratory, NY, U.S.A.     

The use of the Analytic Hierarchy Process for the comparison between microtunnelling and trench excavation

The technical and economic evaluation of a project should involve not only the technological aspects but also the factors related to the interference of the construction site with the population and roads or to the interaction of the operation with the environment. This paper, through the use of the Analytic Hierarchy Process, compares two different excavation alternatives, microtunnelling and trench excavation, for an urban sewer construction project.