Polynomial-Time Approximation Schemes for Subset-Connectivity Problems in Bounded-Genus Graphs

We present the first polynomial-time approximation schemes (PTASes) for the following subset-connectivity problems in edge-weighted graphs of bounded-genus: Steiner tree, low-connectivity survivable-network design, and subset TSP. The schemes run in $\mathcal{O}(n \log n)$ time for graphs embedded on both orientable and nonorientable surfaces. This work generalizes the PTAS framework from planar graphs to bounded-genus graphs: any problem that is shown to be approximable by the planar PTAS framework of Borradaile et al. (ACM Trans. Algorithms 5(3), 2009) will also be approximable in bounded-genus graphs by our extension.     

Securing DSR against wormhole attacks in multirate ad hoc networks

A wormhole attack is one of the hardest problems to detect whereas it can be easily implanted in any type of wireless ad hoc network. A wormhole attack can easily be launched by the attacker without having knowledge of the network or compromising any legitimate nodes. Most existing solutions either require special hardware devices or make strong assumptions in order to detect wormhole attacks which limit the usability of these solutions. In this paper, we present a security enhancement to dynamic source routing (DSR) protocol against wormhole attacks for ad hoc networks which relies on calculation of round trip time (RTT). Our protocol secures DSR against a wormhole attack in ad hoc networks for multirate transmissions. We also consider the processing and queuing delays of each participating node in the calculation of RTTs between neighbors which to date has not been addressed in the existing literature. This work provides two test cases that show that not taking multirate transmission into consideration results in miss identifying a wormhole attack.     

Geometry and topology optimization of geodesic domes using charged system search

Dome structures provide cost-effective solutions for covering large areas without intermediate supports. In this article, simple procedures are developed to reach the configuration of the geodesic domes. A new definition of dome optimization problems is given which consists of finding optimal sections for elements (size optimization), optimal height for the crown (geometry optimization) and the optimum number of elements (topology optimization) under determined loading conditions. In order to find the optimum design, the recently developed meta-heuristic algorithm, known as the Charged System Search (CSS), is applied to the optimum design of geodesic domes. The CSS takes into account the nonlinear response of the domes. Using CSS, the optimum design of the geodesic domes is efficiently performed.     

Corrosion inhibition by naturally occurringsubstances—I. The effect of Hibiscus subdariffa (karkade) extract on the dissolution of Al and Zn

The thermometric, the weight-loss and the galvanostatic polarization techniques wereused to establish the inhibition of the dissolution of Al and Zn in HCl and NaOH by different concentrations of aqueous extract of Hibiscus subdariffa (Karkade). The extent of corrosion inhibition as measured by the three techniques is comparable. The results indicated that the additive acts by way of adsorption on both cathodic and anodic corrosion areas. Curves representing the variation of the reaction number (R.N.), in thermometric experiments, and the decrease in weight as a function of the concentration of the additive, are invariably sigmoid in nature. When present in enough amounts, the additive decreases the dissolution rate by as much as 85 per cent of the value recorded in its absence.     

Mechanism of Martensitic to Equiaxed Microstructure Evolution during Hot Deformation of a Near-Alpha Ti Alloy

Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A - In this study, mechanisms of microstructural evolution during hot deformation of Ti-1100 were investigated by EBSD analysis. Misorientation angle...     

Modification of poly(propylene) by grafted polyester‐amide‐based dendritic nanostructures with the aim of improving its dyeability

Fiber‐graded poly(propylene) was modified by polyester‐amide‐based dendritic nanostructures with the aim of improving its dyeability. Two different dendritic polymers were used and the dendritic nanostructures were formed in situ via reactive blending with maleic anhydride‐modified poly(propylene). Samples were chosen exploiting a 4‐component mixture design. Thermal, morphological, and rheological characterizations showed domains with different size and distribution were formed and primary properties of the dendritics determined the characteristics of the resulted domains. Morphological parameters were quantified by digital analysis of scanning electron microscope images. Thermal and rheological behavior also demonstrated good agreements with the inferred morphology of the formed dendritic domains. The modified samples were then dyed with dispersed dyestuffs. A variety of substantivities were obtained, and some of the modified samples showed a significant enhancement in dyeing properties. A predictive model was developed for K/S ratio, where K and S are absorption and scattering coefficients of the Kubelka‐Munk one constant theory, respectively. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Influence of various surface treated silica nanoparticles on the electrochemical properties of SiO2/polyurethane nanocoatings

Various organosilane-treated SiO₂ nanoparticles were dispersed in a 2-pack polyurethane coating. The influence of surface modification and silica content on the electrochemical behaviour of the resultant nanocoatings was investigated. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and open circuit potential (OCP) variations were examined. The surface chemistry of nanoparticles and its effect on the resultant nanocoating morphology were also studied utilising FTIR, and TEM analyses. The results reveal that the presence of more hydrophobic groups and longer-lengthed hydrophobic chains on the surface of nanoparticles, greatly improves the interfacial interactions at the polymer/filler interfaces resulting in a better corrosion performance.     

Wall Smoke Deposition from a Hot Smoke Layer

Smoke deposition from a hot smoke layer onto wall surfaces was studied in a hood apparatus using polymethylmethacrylate, polypropylene, and gasoline as fuels. Based upon prior analysis by Butler and Mulholland, the smoke deposition was expected to be dominated by thermophoresis. The deposited smoke samples were collected on glass filter paper attached to the hood wall and the mass per unit area of smoke deposited was measured gravimetrically. Measurements were made of quantities required for the prediction of thermophoretic smoke deposition. The smoke deposition measured in the experimental program was well predicted by the thermophoretic smoke deposition equation. The thermophoretic smoke deposition equation was found to be suitable for predicting smoke deposition onto wall surfaces exposed to fire environments.     

Action of acrylonitrile on 4-cyano- and 4-carbethoxy pyridazin-3(2H)-ones and their 3-mercapto derivatives. A novel Synthesis of Pyrano and Thiinopyridazines

Reaction of acrylonitrile with 4-cyano-5,6-diphenyl pyridazin-3(2H)-one and 3(2H)-thione derivative ( 1a, b ) at elevated temperature gave 7H-5-amino-6-cyano-3,4-diphenylpyrano and thiino [2,3-c] pyridazines ( 2a, b ), respectively. However, the reaction of 4-carbethoxy pyridazine derivatives ( 1c, d ) with the same reagent, under the same conditions afforded 6H, 7H-6-cyano-3,4-diphenyl-5-oxopyrano ( 3a ) and thiino [2,3-c] pyridazine ( 3b ), respectively. In addition, treatment of ( 1a, c ) and ( 1b, d ) with acrylonitrile ar reflux in alkaline medium give the respective 3-(2′-cyanoethyloxo) ( 7a, c ) and 3-2′-cyanoethylthio ( 7b, d ) pyridazine derivatives. Prolonged alkaline hydrolysis of either ( 1a, c ) or ( 7a, c ) yielded the same product ( 8a ). Also hydrolysis of ( 1b, d ) and ( 7b, d ) afforded one and the same product ( 8b ). The structures of the products were assigned on the basis of satisfactory analytical and spectroscopic data.