UVM-based verification methodology for RFID-enabled smart-sensor systems

Universal verification methodology (UVM) is a standardized methodology for verifying integrated circuit designs. In this contribution, we present a UVM-based verification methodology for verifying mixed-signal smart-sensor systems. Our approach permits the validation of system functionality before implementation and also to verify the implementation on various levels of abstraction. The model-based verification approach enables to build a scalable and reusable framework, in which assertions and constrained-random stimuli are used to monitor and also to verify mixed-signal-system behavior automatically. A comprehensive example of an radio-frequency identification-based smart-sensor mixed-signal system used for bioanalytical applications is presented. Along with the designed UVM test bench architecture, we describe a novel solution for estimating the power consumption of the digital sub-system using application-specific random-activity patterns generated during UVM test bench runs (Neumann et al., Synthesis Modelling Analysis and Simulation Methods and Application to Circuit Design, SMACD, 2012).     

The influence of end mill helix angle on high performance milling process

The results of experimental research on the influence of the helix angle on high performance milling of AlZn5.5MgCu alloy are presented. End mills with a wavy shape of a cutting edge, dedicated to rough high performance machining, were used. The helix angle was changed in the range of 20° to 50° with a step of 5°. During the milling tests, three cutting force components were measured. After each test cutting, chips were collected and analyzed. A recording of the chip evacuation process using a high-speed camera was also conducted. The influence of the helix angle on cutting force components was determined and the mathematical models of the forces were calculated. The significance of coefficients in the obtained equations was analyzed as well. The recorded images of the chip evacuation were analyzed. The displacement and the angle of the chip evacuation were determined. Based on the analysis of the selected images the impact of the helix angle on the direction and evacuation velocity of chips was determined. The size and shape of the obtained chips was also analyzed.

     

Selection of the optimization method for identification of phase transformation models for steels

Material models for steels, used widely in numerical simulations of manufacturing chains, require identification of their coefficients on the basis of measurements obtained from laboratory test. Precision of the identification highly influences modelling reliability. This is visible especially in the case of phase transformation models, which are crucial in predicting of the modern Advanced High Strength Steels (AHSS) properties after applied heat treatment. However, identification of phase transformation models for steels based on dilatometric tests presents serious difficulties. Two problems are investigated in the paper i.e. (i) efficiency of the inverse algorithms used for identification of phase transformation models, (ii) final reliability of the identified models in numerical simulations of manufacturing processes. In the work two phase transformation models were selected as an example. The first was a modified JMAK (Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov) equation. The second was an upgrade of the Leblond equation, in which second order derivative with respect to time was introduced. The identification was performed by coupling the selected model with nature inspired optimization techniques and performing inverse analysis for the experimental data. Dilatometric tests performed for various cooling rates were used as an experiment, which supplies data for the inverse analysis. Finally, validation of identified models is presented by using industrial data.     

Correction to: Granular computing in mosaicing of images from capsule endoscopy

Natural Computing - In the original publication, Acknowledgments was published incorrectly. The correct Acknowledgments is provided in this correction.     

Unleashing the performance of ccNUMA multiprocessor architectures in heterogeneous stencil computations

The Journal of Supercomputing - This paper meets the challenge of harnessing the heterogeneous communication architecture of ccNUMA multiprocessors for heterogeneous stencil computations, an...     

Synthesis of solid epoxy resins base on BPC II and bisphenol A using conventional heating equipment and microwave

New solid state epoxy resins based on diglycidyl ether of 1,1‐dichloro‐2,2 bis (4‐hydroxyphenyl), ethylene (BPC) and BPA epoxy resins in the reaction with BPC and BPA were developed. Solid epoxy resins were synthesised by the use of two different heating methods: conventional and microwave reactor. The use of microwave radiation as novel heating medium as an alternative to the conventional methods, which provide a quicker and more effective synthesis. The solid epoxies have high melting points higher than 100°C and the polycondensation degree remains between n = 4–12. Epoxy value stays low and occurs around 0,02–0,1. BPA epoxy resins and diglycidylether of BPC II were compared in terms of reaction speed. It can be seen that the reaction of BPC diglycidylether occurs approximately 20% quicker given the same reaction conditions of temperature, and balance of catalyst. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 3850–3854, 2006     

Mechanical Properties and the Microstructure of Al2O3/Al/Al2O3 Joints with the Surface Modification of Alumina by a Thin Layer of Ti + Nb

Al₂O₃/Al/Al₂O₃ joints were formed by liquid-state bonding of alumina substrates covered with a thin Ti + Nb coating of 900 nm thickness with the use of an Al interlayer of 30 μm at 973 K under a vacuum of 0.2 mPa for 5 min. The bond strength of the joints was examined by a four-point bending test at 295, 373, and 473 K. Optical, scanning, and transmission electron microscopies were applied for detailed characterization of the interface structure and failure characteristics of fractured joint surfaces. The analysis of the results has shown that (i) bonding occurred due to the formation of a reactive interface on the metal side of the joint in the presence of Al₃Nb(Ti) precipitates and (ii) modification of Al₂O₃ by a thin layer of Ti + Nb increases the hardness at the interface and makes it possible to achieve reliable joints working at elevated temperatures.     

Discovery and biological activity of 6BrCaQ as an inhibitor of the Hsp90 protein folding machinery

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a significant target in the development of rational cancer therapy, due to its role at the crossroads of multiple signaling pathways associated with cell proliferation and viability. Here, a novel series of Hsp90 inhibitors containing a quinolein‐2‐one scaffold was synthesized and evaluated in cell proliferation assays. Results from these structure–activity relationships studies enabled identification of the simplified 3‐aminoquinolein‐2‐one analogue 2 b (6BrCaQ), which manifests micromolar activity against a panel of cancer cell lines. The molecular signature of Hsp90 inhibition was assessed by depletion of standard known Hsp90 client proteins. Finally, processing and activation of caspases 7, 8, and 9, and the subsequent cleavage of PARP by 6BrCaQ, suggest stimulation of apoptosis through both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways.