Low-power high-speed interconnection networks in NOC using multi-valued current-mode techniques

With the fast developments and growth of electronic applications and a great demand for increasing the speed of processors, VLSI circuits and on-chip interconnections the ＂Networks-On-Chip＂ （NOC） is the best solution for ＂System-On-Chip＂ （SOC）. The most fundamental part of networks On-Chip is the On-Chip interconnection. The model presented in this article describes the method of sending data on On-Chip interconnection by using a current-mode multi-valued logic instead of voltage-mode in order to increase speed and reduce the number of interconnection wires.     

The effect of fluorine content on the mechanical properties of poly (?-caprolactone)/nano-fluoridated hydroxyapatite scaffold for bone-tissue engineering

In this study, the effect of fluorine content on the mechanical properties of the novel poly (?-caprolactone)/nano-fluoridated hydroxyapatite nanocomposite scaffolds was investigated. Poly (?-caprolactone)/nano-fluoridated hydroxyapatite (PCL-FHA) scaffolds were produced by solvent casting/particulate leaching method. The fluoridated hydroxyapatite nanopowders had a chemical composition of Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆OH_2−xF_x (where x values were selected equal to 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2.0). Various weight percentages (10, 20, 30 and 40) of the FHA were added to the PCL. Sodium chloride (NaCl) particles having diameter of 300-500 μm were used as porogen. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were used to identify the phase structure and functional groups of obtained scaffolds. Mechanical properties of the prepared scaffolds were also determined. Results showed that the compressive strength of scaffolds increases with decreasing the weight percent of fluorine in FHA.     

A new blend of polymeric encapsulation of azithromycin by spray-drying with a pH responsive in drug release

The microencapsulation of macrolides with polymers has been reported to retard the release of the drug in oral cavity. However, these methods are unable to control drug release in gastrointestinal tract. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of formulation of a new polymeric encapsulation of azithromycin which is suitable for both masking and sustained release usage. Eudragit E100 and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000 were chosen as the barrier coatings. The spray drying technique was used to obtain the microcapsules containing azithromycin. To obtain the initial results, the effects of several parameters were evaluated. A 3:2:1 ratio of E100:PEG 4000:azithromycin at pH 6 gave the best coating condition. Thermogravimetric analysis and IR analysis data confirmed the encapsulation of azithromycin inside polymers. The encapsulated drug was released in different rates from the particles by changing the pH (1.7 and 7.4). An analysis of the kinetic release properties indicates that the release of the drug is a combination of swelling and diffusion mechanism. The synergistic cooperation between polymers and drug due to the existence of several hydrogen bonding is supposed to influence the pH-responsive property of the encapsulated drug. Moreover, the use of mixtures of E100 and PEG 4000 appears to offer a good balance between cost and efficiency.     

Service customization under capacity constraints: an auction-based model

In mass customization, companies strive to enhance customer value by providing products and services that are approximate to customers’ needs. A company’s strategy of allocating its limited capacity to meeting diverse customer requirements directly impact customer perceived value in terms of available options, cost, and schedule. Proposed in this paper is an auction-based mass customization model for solving the problem of service customization under capacity constraints. The proposed model integrates customers’ customization decision making with the allocation of company’s capacity through multilateral negotiation between the company and its customers. The negotiation is conducted through a combinatorial iterative auction designed to maximize the overall customer value given limited capacity. The auction is incentive-compatible in the sense that customers will follow the prescribed myopic best-response bidding strategy. Experimental results indicate that customization solutions computed by the proposed model are very close to the optimal one. Revenue performance is also adequate when there is sufficient competition in the market.     

[Hmim][HSO4], a Green and Recyclable Acidic Ionic Liqiud Medium for the One‐Pot Nitration of TADB to HNIW

An efficient and mild procedure for the one‐pot preparation of CL‐20 from TADB in the presence of the Brønsted acidic ionic liquid 1‐methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate [Hmim][HSO₄] as catalyst was developed. The ionic liquid was stable during the reaction process and could also be reused several times with steady activity. In order to optimize the process parameters to obtain higher yield and purity, a study was carried out with variation of the ionic liquids and some parameters like temperature, mole ratio of [Hmim][HSO₄] and nitric acid. This procedure may be a practical alternative to the existing procedures to meet the nees of academics as well as industry.     

Study of the transient release of water vapor from a fuel bed of wet biomass in a reciprocating-grate furnace

The present study investigates how sudden changes in fuel moisture affected the combustion characteristics of the fuel bed in a 4-MW reciprocating-grate furnace. The moisture content of the fuel fed to the furnace was monitored online using a near-infrared spectroscopy device, and the water vapor concentration in the flue gas was measured continuously. To obtain experimental data on fuel-bed conditions, the temperature and gas composition in the bed were measured using a probe. A simplified drying model was developed using the measured gas composition values as inputs. The model was then used to estimate the drying rate and to simulate the extent of the drying zone along the grate. Measurements indicated that a change in the moisture content of the fuel fed to the furnace was detected as a change in water vapor concentration in the flue gas with a delay of about 2 h. The model predicted that a portion of wet fuel would need about 2 h to become dry, in line with the measured time delay of the water vapor concentration change in the flue gas. Overall, there was good alignment between the measured and simulated results, supporting the validity of the model and the assumed mechanisms.     

A novel test method for evaluate asphaltene inhibitor efficiency on damage permeability

Asphaltene deposition has a significant detrimental effect on oilfield production. The key to effective treatment of asphaltene deposition is recognition of the problem. Asphaltene and effective treatment can be identified and quantified using laboratory methods. The most commonly way to asphaltene precipitation reduction is applying an asphaltene inhibitor. Most researchers investigate the effect of asphaltene inhibitors on fluid and precipitation reduction in static tests. This study is a coherent approach to measure effect of asphaltene precipitation on reservoir permeability and survey effect of asphaltene inhibitors on damage permeability.     

Investigation of Removal of Cu(II) Ions by Commercial Activated Carbon: Equilibrium and Thermodynamic Studies

Protection of Metals and Physical Chemistry of Surfaces - The present study deals with the application of activated carbon for the adsorptive removal of Cu(II) from its aqueous solutions. This...     

Synthesis and evaluation of several high absorbance black pigments for spacecraft thermal control coatings

Using black coatings and materials with high light absorbance that are capable of absorbing photons at visible and longer wavelengths is a very effective way to reduce unwanted stray light, also known as optical noise, within optical equipment. These lights can be greatly reduced to a reasonable level by functional and performable black coatings that are modified to absorb incident light as much as possible by their specific pigments. In the present work, several carbonaceous pigments were synthesized for the first time from wasteful materials and their optical properties in the visible and near‐infrared ranges studied. First, MCM‐48 and SBA‐15 were synthesized at different conditions and were then used as templates for carbonaceous products. SSS‐1 (the carbonic pigment synthesized by the mixture of sucrose and sodium silicate), SSS‐2 (the carbonic pigment synthesized by the mixture of sawdust and sodium silicate), and mesoporous carbon pigments (CMK‐3 and CMK‐1 with different levels of saturations) were synthesized. Finally, their structure, morphology, and optical properties were investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE‐SEM), and Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS). The results indicated that the SSS‐1 pigment had a lower reflectance (below 1%) than carbon black (about 2.5%) in the visible region despite it being more cost‐effective than carbon black. The mesoporous pigments showed very high light absorbance in the visible region (about 2.5%). Compared with other black pigments, the CMK‐1 was the blackest synthesized material with a very low reflectance (about 0.05% in visible region), making it an ideal candidate as a super black pigment for reducing unwanted stray light within optical equipment.