Home Security System Using Wireless Sensors Network

Wireless Personal Communications - In this paper, we propose a smart and robust home security system. This is for intrusion detection along with a proprietary Android application. Intruder-Spi...     

Comments, with reply, on `Consecutivek-out-of-n:F system with sequential failures' by R.C.Bollinger

The commenter considers the problem of finding the maximum number of failures that can occur when the system fails in R.C. Bollinger's system (see ibid., vol.R-34, no.1, p.43-5, 1985). A table is given which shows the difference in the values of M for various values of n when k=3. In replying, R.C. Bollinger thanks the commenter for calling attention to this problem     

Synthesis of highly fluorescent coumarinyl chalcones derived from 8-acetyl-1,4-diethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-7H-pyrano[2,3-g]quinoxalin-7-one and their spectral characteristics

A series of novel coumarin based chalcones were synthesized by the classical crossed aldol condensation reaction of 8-acetyl-1,4-diethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-7H-pyrano[2,3-g]quinoxalin-7-one and various substituted benzaldehydes. These novel ketocoumarin derivatives having a 1,4-diethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoxaline framework exhibited brilliant fluorescence. The novel chalcones absorbed in the range of 458-523 nm in various solvents. The wavelength of maximum absorption of these chalcones was found to be significantly longer than their simple acyl derivative known in the literature. The dyes displayed longer wavelength of absorption in the high polarity solvents compared to non-polar solvents. Thermogravimetric analysis of the chalcones revealed that the chalcones possess good thermal stability.     

DNA‐Binding Properties of New Fluorescent AzaHx Amides: Methoxypyridylazabenzimidazolepyrroleimidazole/pyrrole

DNA minor groove binding polyamides have been extensively developed to control abnormal gene expression. The establishment of novel, inherently fluorescent 2‐(p‐anisyl)benzimidazole (Hx) amides has provided an alternative path for studying DNA binding in cells by direct observation of cell localization. Because of the 2:1 antiparallel stacking homodimer binding mode of these molecules to DNA, modification of Hx amides to 2‐(p‐anisyl)‐4‐azabenzimidazole (AzaHx) amides has successfully extended the DNA‐recognition repertoire from central CG [recognized by Hx‐I (I=N‐methylimidazole)] to central GC [recognized by AzaHx‐P (P=N‐methylpyrrole)] recognition. For potential targeting of two consecutive GG bases, modification of the AzaHx moiety to 2‐ and 3‐pyridyl‐aza‐benzimidazole (Pyr‐AzaHx) moieties was explored. The newly designed molecules are also small‐sized, fluorescent amides with the Pyr‐AzaHx moiety connected to two conventional five‐membered heterocycles. Complementary biophysical methods were performed to investigate the DNA‐binding properties of these molecules. The results showed that neither 3‐Pyr‐AzaHx nor 2‐Pyr‐AzaHx was able to mimic I‐I=N‐methylimidazole–N‐methylimidazole to target GG dinucleotides specifically. Rather, 3‐Pyr‐AzaHx was found to function like AzaHx, f‐I (f=formamide), or P‐I as an antiparallel stacked dimer. 3‐Pyr‐AzaHx‐PI ( 2 ) binds 5′‐ACGCGT′‐3′ with improved binding affinity and high sequence specificity in comparison to its parent molecule AzaHx‐PI ( 1 ). However, 2‐Pyr‐AzaHx is detrimental to DNA binding because of an unfavorable steric clash upon stacking in the minor groove.     

Intelligent design systems for apparel mass customization

To deal with the challenges of shortened product life cycle while considering various trends and consumers’ demands, several companies have begun to explore mass customization. In this paper, we study the economic factors leading to mass customization, review the advanced technologies and develop a new process of computer‐aided design (CAD) for effective mass customization. To define the purchasing patterns of the consumers, we analyze the statistical data of the world economy, consumer expenditures and online sales in the apparel sector. We also use statistical information about employment and labor cost in the textile industry to understand growing interest in mass customization. Based on our understanding of the advanced technologies developed for mass customization, we offer two potential ways to facilitate the design personalization in the entire process of apparel mass customization: two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional computer‐aided garment intelligent design systems. By developing a new CAD system that provides a versatile selection of styles and fits for apparel production processes, the efficiency of mass customization can be improved in the apparel industry.     

The synthesis and characterization of novel coumarin dyes derived from 1,4-diethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-7-hydroxyquinoxalin-6-carboxaldehyde

1,4-Diethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-7-hydroxyquinoxalin-6-carboxaldehyde was synthesized and condensed with substituted active methylene compounds to obtain a series of novel coumarin compounds. Solutions of the dyes in various solvents exhibited an orange hue and brilliant fluorescence and displayed high thermal stability, as determined using thermogravimetric analysis. The dye having a heterocyclic benzimidazole ring as an electron withdrawing system was selected as a representative compound for comparison of its spectral characteristics with known analogues.     

Development of Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Bulk Polycrystalline Ceramics with Intragranular Carbon Nanotube Reinforcement

In the bulk polycrystalline ceramic–carbon nanotube (CNT) composites developed to date, reinforcing CNTs have been present just at the matrix grain boundaries, with the grain interiors being nearly completely devoid of CNT; thus severely limiting the improvements achieved in fracture and wear properties. Against this backdrop, bulk polycrystalline Al₂O₃‐based composites, having multi‐walled CNTs (MWCNTs) present within the matrix grain interiors (not just at grain boundaries), have been developed in this work for the first time. Such microstructure development has been rendered possible by an innovative, but facile, wet‐chemical synthesis route (sans ball‐milling) involving incorporation of well‐dispersed MWCNTs directly into matrix sol, followed by rapid gelation (within a few seconds) and sintering (inclusive of crystallization step). Intragranular MWCNT reinforcements (in “sol–gelled” composites) led to significant improvements in indentation‐induced crack propagation resistances and abrasive wear resistances, as compared to “conventionally” prepared Al₂O₃–MWCNT composites (i.e., “ball‐milled” counterpart) having the same contents of MWCNT, but present only at grain boundaries. Wear rates recorded with the “sol–gelled” Al₂O₃‐2.5 vol%MWCNT are lower than those for monolithic Al₂O₃ and “ball‐milled” counterpart by ~95% and ~90%, respectively. Such improvements, as never achieved before, are a consequence of reinforcing the matrix grain interiors with MWCNTs.     

Multifunctional Bio-Nanocomposite Coatings for Perishable Fruits

Hunger and chronic undernourishment impact over 800 million people, which translates to ≈10.7% of the world's population. While countries are increasingly making efforts to reduce poverty and hunger by pursuing sustainable energy and agricultural practices, a third of the food produced around the globe still is wasted and never consumed. Reducing food shortages is vital in this effort and is often addressed by the development of genetically modified produce or chemical additives and inedible coatings, which create additional health and environmental concerns. Herein, a multifunctional bio-nanocomposite comprised largely of egg-derived polymers and cellulose nanomaterials as a conformal coating onto fresh produce that slows down food decay by retarding ripening, dehydration, and microbial invasion is reported. The coating is edible, washable, and made from readily available inexpensive or waste materials, which makes it a promising economic alternative to commercially available fruit coatings and a solution to combat food wastage that is rampant in the world.