Characterisation and modelling of VBR video traffic

The impact of VBR video traffic characteristics on broadband network performance is analysed. In particular, the authors compare in a queue the behaviour of several models that adjust different statistical parameters of actual MPEG traces. It is proved that a good fit of the probability density function (PDF) is essential to approximate queuing behaviour while the effects of short range dependence (SRD) are of secondary importance and those of long range dependence (LRD) could be neglected for practical purposes if realistic scenarios, with strict QoS requirements, are considered     

Reactions and early-age properties inin-situ polymerized gypsum-acryl amide composites

The development of the reactions and early-age properties of a system consisting of calcium sulfate hemihydrate and acrylamide monomer was studied. The hydration of the hemi-hydrate and the polymerization of the acrylamide were determined at various time intervals, and the expansion and rise in temperature were continuously recorded. Setting times and flow were determined using standard test methods. It was shown that acrylamide and hemi-hydrate could react simultaneously to form gypsum and polyacrylamide composite in which the reactions to form both components advanced almost until completion, for mixes containing up to 10% acrylamide. Increase in the content of acrylamide improved the flow properties of the mix, but delayed the setting. At contents of 2% acrylamide, the hemi-hydrate reaction occurred prior to the polymerization process. Above 6% acrylamide, the polymerization reaction preceded the hemi-hydrate reaction. This sequence of reactions can account for the observations that above 6% acrylamide two peaks in the heat liberation curves could be detected as well as that expansion was smaller at the higher acrylamide content, due probably to separation between gypsum crystals forming when the polymer is already present.     

Enhanced electron emission from phosphorus-doped diamond-cladsilicon field emitter arrays

Undoped and phosphorus (P)-doped diamond-clad Si field emitter arrays have been successfully fabricated using microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) technology. The electron emission from the blunt diamond-clad microtips are much higher than those for the pure Si tips with sharp curvature due to a lower work function. Furthermore, the characteristics of emission current against applied voltage for the P-doped diamond-clad tips show superior emission at lower field to the undoped ones. After the examination of Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and electrical characteristics of as-grown diamond, such a significant enhancement of the electron emission from the P-doped diamond-clad tips is attributed to a higher electron conductivity and defect densities     

A preliminary analysis of the biomass energy production potential in Africa in 2025 considering projected land needs for food production

This paper provides a preliminary examination of present and projected land use in Africa to estimate the potential availability of land in 2025 for use in producing biomass energy. Fifty countries are included in the analysis. Future cropland requirements are projected on the basis of average African cereal crop yield improvements since 1972, and minimum nutritional requirements are assumed to be met in 2025 without increasing imports above present absolute levels. Cropland, natural forests and other wilderness areas are excluded from consideration for biomass energy use. Woody biomass energy yields are estimated on the basis of nationally averaged precipitation, using a yield-precipitation correlation for commercial eucalyptus plantations in Brazil. The total African bioenergy production potential in 2025 is estimated to be about 18 EJ per year for a set of baseline assumptions that includes planting only 10% of the available non-crop, non-forest, non-wilderness area with biomass energy crops. A preliminary cost assessment suggests that much of this biomass could be produced for $1–2 GJ⁻¹. A number of uncertainties in the modelling assumptions are examined through a sensitivity analysis. Despite limitations in the model used here, one robust conclusion is that Africa as a whole has a significant biophysical potential for producing biomass energy. This result suggests that more detailed country and sub-country level assessments would be worthwhile to understand better the practical prospects for future biomass energy production in Africa.     

Main flux saturation modelling in double-cage and deep-barinduction machines

The available models of saturated double-cage and deep-bar induction machines are the current state-space model and the flux state-space model, where state-space variables are selected either as stator current and currents of both rotor cages, or stator flux linkage and flux linkages of both rotor cages. This paper presents a number of models of saturated double-cage (deep-bar) induction machines where alternative sets of state-spate variables are selected. The method of main flux saturation modelling relies on recently introduced concept of `generalised flux space vector', which has originally been developed for modelling of saturated single-cage induction machines. The procedure and the novel models are verified by experimental study and simulation of self-excitation process in a double-cage induction generator     

High-stability current control in the 10 A range

This paper reports on the design and evaluation of a high-stability current control developed for energizing the C-field magnet of the high-field cesium standard experiment, currently in progress at the Politecnico di Torino. This source must supply about 0.8 kW dc power with a current stability in the 10^-7 range for more than 1 h     

Effect of type of processing on the microstructural features and mechanical properties of Al-Cu/SiC metal matrix composites

In this study, an aluminum based metallic matrix (Al-2wt.% Cu) was reinforced with SiC particulates using a conventional casting technique and a new disintegrated melt deposition technique. Microstructural characterization studies conducted on the samples taken from disintegrated melt deposition technique revealed a more uniform distribution of SiC particulates and good interfacial integrity between SiC particulates and metallic matrix when compared to the conventionally cast composite samples. Results of ambient temperature mechanical tests demonstrate an increase in 0.2% YS and ultimate tensile strength of samples taken from disintegrated melt deposition technique when compared with the unreinforced and conventionally cast composite samples. The results of microstructural characterization and mechanical testing were finally rationalized in terms of the nature of processing technique employed to reinforce Al-2wt.% Cu metallic matrix with SiC particulates.     

Tablet Excipients to the Year 2001: A Look into the Crystal Ball

The future for tablet excipients is reviewed from a number of viewpoints: new materials, formulation development, quality, regulatory aspects, logistics, and production. The field of excipients is changing rapidly in response to economic, regulatory, and scientific pressures. As our understanding of drug delivery improves, so will the demands we place on excipients and on their quality, both chemical and functional. In order to fully optimize drug delivery systems, a better understanding of excipients and their properties and limitations is required. The materials science approach to the study of excipients will help to increase our understanding of excipients and how best to use them. But excipients are only one part of the very complex mechanism whereby new medicinal products are brought to the marketplace. It is important that the processes of formulation design and development are properly integrated to obtain optimized drug delivery systems as early as possible. Developments in related fields such as manufacturing technology, logistics, and analytical techniques will also influence the field of excipients.