Fast parallel algorithms for decoding Reed-Solomon codes based onremainder polynomials

The problem of decoding cyclic error correcting codes is one of solving a constrained polynomial congruence, often achieved using the Berlekamp-Massey or the extended Euclidean algorithm on a key equation involving the syndrome polynomial. A module-theoretic approach to the solution of polynomial congruences is developed here using the notion of exact sequences. This technique is applied to the Welch-Berlekamp (1986) key equation for decoding Reed-Solomon codes for which the computation of syndromes is not required. It leads directly to new and efficient parallel decoding algorithms that can be realized with a systolic array. The architectural issues for one of these parallel decoding algorithms are examined in some detail     

Adaptive content-and-deadline aware chunk scheduling in mesh-based P2P video streaming

In mesh-based Peer-to-Peer (P2P) live video streaming systems packet scheduling is an important factor in overall video playback quality. In mesh based P2P video streaming systems, each video sequence is divided into chunks, which are then distributed by multiple suppliers to the receivers. The suppliers need to be coordinated by the receiver through specifying a transmission schedule for each of them. Many previous studies on scheduling of P2P streaming tend to mainly focus on networking issues which strongly depend on a particular P2P architecture such as tree or mesh. These algorithms suffer from some design issues: 1) they are too complex to deploy, 2) they do not take video characteristics into account and 3) they do not have sender-side transmission policy. To address all three of these problems, we propose a new chunk scheduling scheme which consists of two parts: i) receiver-side scheduler and ii) sender-side transmission order scheme. The proposed receiver-side scheduler considers the contribution level of each video frame as well as the frame’s urgency in order to define a priority for each video frame. It attempts to request frames with highest priority from peers which can deliver them in a shorter time. We also design a new chunk transmission order scheme that decides which requested chunk will be sent out first based on its importance to the requesting neighbor. Our simulation results show that the proposed scheduling scheme improves the overall quality of the perceived video in mesh-based P2P video streaming architectures substantially.     

Calculation of effectiveness factor for multiple claus reactions with single-step rate-controlling

Most of the bountiful literature on the calculation of effectiveness factors for catalyst particles deals with relatively simple reactions and kinetics. The performance of catalyst particles in the industrially important, modified Claus reaction introduces multiple reactions, sulphur vapour equilibria, non-linear kinetics and limiting thermodynamic conversions into the calculation of local effectiveness factors. This analysis demonstrates a means for generating local effectiveness factors, during reactor design calculations by the use of a single calculated curve of versus a modified Thiele parameter for spherical particles.     

Chemically Enhanced Wet‐Spinning Process to Accelerate Thermal Stabilization of Polyacrylonitrile Fibers

In this study, a fast and inexpensive approach is introduced to assist stabilization of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers by adding ammonium iron(II) sulfate in coagulation bath. Effects of chemical treatment on stabilization process and structural evolution of fibers are studied using calorimetric, infrared, and X‐ray techniques. A stepwise infrared study confirms the assisted cyclization reaction, and an X‐ray analysis reveals a significant improvement in crystallinity and orientation of polymer chains which lead to an increase in tensile strength and modulus of PAN fibers. Differential scanning calorimetry results show 13 °C reductions in peak temperature of the stabilization reaction which means a sign of chemical activation at lower temperature by adding sulfate ions. Quantification of IR spectra shows a 7% increase in extent of reaction of chemically treated fibers and higher degree of conjugation compared with untreated and post‐treated fibers. Finally, mechanical properties of chemically treated fibers are improved due to an increase in size and orientation of polymer chains after chemical treatment in the coagulation bath. Compared to control and post‐treated PAN fibers, thermochemical properties of presented fibers are improved due to chemically assisted stabilization, and as a consequence, energy consumption of the stabilization step will be reduced by a simple and facile treatment.     

Nanostructured nanoparticles of self-assembled lipid pro-drugs as a route to improved chemotherapeutic agents

We demonstrate that oral delivery of self-assembled nanostructured nanoparticles consisting of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) lipid prodrugs results in a highly effective, target-activated, chemotherapeutic agent, and offers significantly enhanced efficacy over a commercially available alternative that does not self-assemble. The lipid prodrug nanoparticles have been found to significantly slow the growth of a highly aggressive mouse 4T1 breast tumour, and essentially halt the growth of a human MDA-MB-231 breast tumour in mouse xenografts. Systemic toxicity is avoided as prodrug activation requires a three-step, enzymatic conversion to 5-FU, with the third step occurring preferentially at the tumour site. Additionally, differences in the lipid prodrug chemical structure and internal nanostructure of the nanoparticle dictate the enzymatic conversion rate and can be used to control sustained release profiles. Thus, we have developed novel oral nanomedicines that combine sustained release properties with target-selective activation.     

Chemical and electrochemical synthesis of conducting graft copolymer of acrylonitrile with aniline

A new conducting copolymer, polyacrylonitrile‐graft‐polyaniline (PAN‐g‐PANi), has been prepared by chemical and electrochemical methods from a precursor polymer. Poly[acrylonitrile‐co‐(acrylimine phenylenediamine)] (PAN‐co‐PAIPD) was synthesized chemically by reacting PAN with sodium 1,4‐phenylenediamine salt. PAN‐g‐PANi was synthesized chemically using ammonium peroxydisulfate as the oxidant and p‐toluenesulfonic acid in dimethylsulfoxide solution and adding aniline to oxidized PAN‐co‐PAIPD. Electrochemical polymerization was carried out by spin coating PAN‐co‐PAIPD on the surface of a Pt electrode, then the growth of the graft copolymer (PAN‐g‐PANi) in the presence of fresh aniline and acidic solution. The structures of the graft copolymer and PAN‐co‐PAIPD were characterized using UV‐visible, Fourier transform infrared, and ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopies. The thermal properties of PAN‐g‐PANi were studied using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that the morphology of PAN‐g‐PANi copolymer films was homogeneous. Electrical conductivity of the copolymer was studied using the four‐probe method, which gave a conductivity of 4.5 × 10^?3 S cm^?1 with 51.4% PANi. SEM and electrical conductivity measurements supported the formation of the graft copolymer. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Comparison of genetic programming and radial basis function neural network for open-channel junction velocity field prediction

In this paper, a new fuzzy adaptive artificial physics optimization (FAAPO) algorithm is used to solve security-constrained optimal power flow (SCOPF) problem with wind and thermal power generators. The stochastic nature of wind speed is modeled as a Weibull probability density function. The production cost is modeled with the overestimation and underestimation of available wind energy and included in the conventional SCOPF. Wind generation cost model comprises two components, viz. reserve capacity cost for wind power surplus and penalty cost for wind power shortage. The selection of optimal gravitational constant (G) is a tedious process in conventional artificial physics optimization (APO) method. To overcome this limitation, the gravitational constant (G) is fuzzified in this work. Therefore, based upon the requirement, the gravitational constant changes adaptively. Hence, production cost is reduced, settles at optimum point and takes less number of iterations. The proposed algorithm is tested on IEEE 30-bus system and Indian 75-bus practical system, including wind power in both the test systems. It is observed that FAAPO can outperform BAT algorithm and APO algorithm. Hence, the proposed algorithm can be used for integration of wind power with thermal power generators.

     

A study of interactions between soil fractions and PAH compounds in thermal desorption of contaminated soils

The interactions between three polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), namely fluorene, naphthalene and anthracene, and three fractions of a soil, namely fulvic acid (FA), humic acid (HA) and humin/inorganic fractions, were studied experimentally. Prepared PAH + soil fraction binary mixtures, with PAH concentrations ranging over 0.8–7 mass%, were tested using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) over a temperature range of 20?390°C. The DSC thermograms for the PAH + HA mixtures showed distinctly different characteristics compared to mixtures with the other two soil fractions, where the endothermic peak for the vaporization of the PAH was absent. With the aid of vapour-liquid flash calculations, the lack of the boiling point peak is interpreted to be due to the liquid-phase miscibility of the PAHs and the HA fraction. Implications of the DSC results on the design and performance of the thermal desorption process are discussed.