Waves in generalized thermo-viscoelastic infinite continuum with cylindrical cavity due to three-phase-lag time-nonlocal heat transfer

Abstract

Generalized thermoelastic interactions due to three-phase-lag time-nonlocal heat transfer in a Kelvin-Voigt type infinitely extended visco-thermoelastic continuum with cylindrical cavity has been investigated. The two-temperature generalized thermoelasticity theory has also been taken into account. The problem has been solved in the domain of Laplace on the assumption that the surface of the cavity is free from traction and is subjected to a smooth and time-dependent-heating effect. Laplace inversion of the transformed solutions has been carried out numerically. The obtained numerical data for different considerations are plotted in graphs to study the effects of time-nonlocal parameter, two-temperature parameter and visco-thermoelastic relaxation parameter on different thermoelastic quantities of physical interest.     

Distributed Transmit Antenna Selection (DTAS) Under Performance or Energy Consumption Constraints

Motivated by the transmit antenna selection (TAS) concept, used in Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output systems, we argue for distributed transmit antenna selection (DTAS), which corresponds to a method of selecting a subset of available relays in cooperative diversity systems. Assuming amplify and forward relays, the proposed selection method represents a low-complexity tool for determining the optimum relaying set. Two optimization problems are studied: the error probability minimization subject to total energy consumption constraints, and the dual one, the total energy consumption minimization under error performance constraints. Numerical examples verify the advantage of the proposed method in adapting the number of relaying terminals to the desired performance-consumption tradeoff.     

Quality-of-Service Based Protection in MPLS Control WDM Mesh Networks

Intelligent methods for automatic protection and restoration are critical in optical transport mesh networks. This paper discusses the problem of quality-of-service (QoS)-based protection in terms of the protection-switching time and availability for end-to-end lightpaths in a WDM mesh network. We analyze the backup lightpath-sharing problem in such networks and study the correlation of the working lightpaths and the impact of the correlation on the sharing of the backup lightpaths. We present a multi-protocol-label-switching (MPLS) control-based fully distributed algorithm to solve the protection problem. The proposed algorithm includes intelligent and automatic procedures to set up, take down, activate, restore, and manage backup lightpaths. It greatly reduces the required resources for protection by allowing the sharing of network resources by multiple backup lightpaths. At the same time, it guarantees, if possible, to satisfy the availability requirement even with resource sharing by taking the correlation of working lightpaths into consideration. A simple analysis of the proposed algorithm in terms of computation time and message complexity indicates that the implementation of the algorithm is practical. The illustrative studies that compare the performance of 1:1, unlimited sharing, and QoS-based backup sharing algorithms indicate that QoS-based sharing achieves comparable performance as unlimited sharing, which is much better than the 1:1 backup scheme in terms of connection blocking probability, average number of connections in the network for a given offered load, and network resource utilization.     

Small amphiphilic organics, coordination extended solids, and constant curvature structures

In this Account, we explore the role constant curvature structures play in amphiphilic small molecule crystals and extended coordination solids. A constant curvature structure is one in which there is a surface or interface that has the same curvature throughout its surface. Simple examples of such structures contain spheres (micelles), columns, or layers. Yet another family are cubic as is found in the gyroid topology. For amphiphilic systems, there are two domains, one generally hydrophobic and the other hydrophilic. We find that the interfaces between these two domains in small molecule structures resemble those in larger scale systems and adopt topologies related to constant curvature structures. The hydrophobic-to-total volume ratio, a molecular parameter, can be used to predict which type of constant curvature structure is adopted. In the case of three coordinate extended solids, constant curvature plays a role both in the extended net topology and in the hydrophobic-to-hydrophilic interface.     

Impending malunions of the hand. Treatment of subacute, malaligned fractures

Malunions of the hand present a challenging problem to the orthopaedic surgeon. Angular and rotational deformities, and shortening and articular incongruity, can lead to significant functional impairment or dysesthetic appearance. The prevention of malunion should remain a primary goal. When displaced fractures of the metacarpals or phalanges present within the first or second weeks, properly performed closed or open reduction with percutaneous pinning or internal fixation are excellent options with predictable results. Malaligned fractures that present later frequently cannot be readily reduced. Once fully united, treatment options have included corrective osteotomy if function is significantly impaired or if appearance is objectionable; for patients who are not suitable for surgery for medical or other reasons, or for whom appearance is acceptable, intensive occupational therapy to maximize function may yield sufficiently serviceable clinical results. During the past several years, the senior author (BL) has chosen to be more proactive in the prevention of malunions of the hand. In the authors' experience, results of aggressive surgical treatment of subacute, malaligned fractures in selected patients have produced results comparable with or superior to those reported for later reconstructive procedures. With the proliferation of managed care, there has been an increasing frequency of delayed referral patterns for fracture treatment by hand specialists. Definitive treatment of these "impending malunions" is preferable to passive treatment delay and secondary reconstructive procedures, offering both earlier correction of alignment and earlier opportunity for return of function.     

Alginate-Coated Alginate-Polyethyleneimine Beads for Prolonged Release of Furosemide in Simulated Intestinal Fluid

Furosemide-loaded calcium alginate (ALG), calcium alginate-polyethyleneimine (ALG-PEI) and alginate-coated ALG-PEI (ALG-PEI-ALG) beads were prepared by ionotropic/polyelectrolyte complexation method to achieve controlled release of the drug. Effects of several formulation factors on the characteristics of the beads were investigated. Although variation in formulation factors did not influence the drug-loading efficiency (DLE) of ALG beads, rapid release of the drug in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) could not be prevented. PEI treatment of ALG beads, however, prolonged the drug release considerably. Ionic interaction, as appeared from FTIR studies, between alginate and PEI led to the formation of polyelectrolyte complex membrane, the thickness of which was dependent on the conditions of PEI treatment as demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The membrane acted as a physical barrier to drug release from ALG-PEI beads. Alginate coating of ALG-PEI beads further prolonged the release of the drug by increasing membrane thickness and reducing swelling of the beads possibly by blocking the surface pores. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) study indicated that drug was not degraded by PEI treatment. The release data from ALG-PEI beads showed a good fit in power law expression, whereas the release data from ALG-PEI-ALG beads were found to fit in modified power law expression, and the mechanism of drug release changed from super case II transport to nearly Fickian transport, depending on the degree of gelation and formation of polyelectrolyte complex membrane.     

A comparative study of SiAlON ceramics

Two different varieties of Si₃N₄ powders were used to prepare SiAlON ceramics. 100% β-Si₃N₄ was used from refractory grade powders (B1) and another purer 98% α-Si₃N₄ (50A) powder was used to prepare the SiAlON samples. Since SiC + SiAlON composites reportedly perform better, batches were prepared with 15% SiC addition to the refractory powders (B1) and 17.5% SiC was added to the other SiAlON composition (50A). The samples were gas pressure sintered at 1840 °C and at 22 bar with 1 h dwelling time. Thereby, we could achieve 97–98% theoretical density. The hardness was recorded 14–17 GPa while fracture toughness varied from 4.3 to 5 MPa m^1/2. Fretting experiments showed initial running-in period of 300 cycles for all the tribo-couples. After which, the steady state coefficient of frictions (COF) were achieved. Steel ball of 10 mm diameter, fretting against 50A composition, showed 0.6 average steady state COF while the same composition while fretting against alumina ball of the same diameter, showed 0.57 average steady state COF. Results have been compared with SiAlON composition derived from refractory powder (B1) and found that the 50A composition performs better under identical test conditions. Moreover, cytocompatibility study also suggests that the investigated 50A composition can be used as substrate to support cell adhesion and proliferation of L929 mouse fibroblast cell lines whereas B1 composition derived from refractory powders are toxic in nature.     

Effect of Temperature on Hydraulic Parameters of Cable-In-Conduit-Conductor of SST-1

Stable operation of superconducting magnets depend critically on the balance of heat deposition rate versus heat extraction rate by the cryo-coolant. Thus, the mass flow rate of the coolant in case of force-flow cooled superconducting magnet with Cable-In-Co-nduit-Conductor (CICC) construction becomes an important factor for optimum stability of magnets. The Toroidal and Poloidal Field magnets of Steady-state Superconducting Tokamak-1 (SST-1) is made of superconducting CICC with a void fraction of 40 %±2 %. For adequate cooling of magnets, supercritical helium at 4 bar and 4.5 K is forced-flown through the voids. Effect of temperature on mass flow rate and pressure drop in SST-1 CICC is studied in a 7 m long piece wound helically. The experimental friction factor of the CICC is also measured at different temperatures and flow rates and is compared with the standard Katheder equation and Tada equation. Also, based on the new findings obtained from the experimental results, the dimensionless Reynolds number has been slightly modified. This new number is used to propose a modified Katheder correlation for the friction factor in CICCs similar to that of SST-1.     

Mixed-resolution HEVC based multiview video codec for low bitrate transmission

Multimedia Tools and Applications - There has been increasing demand for multiview video transmission over band limited channel over past years and various techniques have been proposed to fulfil...