Finite domination and Novikov rings. Iterative approach

Suppose C is a bounded chain complex of finitely generated free modules over the Laurent polynomial ring L = R[x,x -1]. Then C is R-finitely dominated, i.e. homotopy equivalent over R to a bounded chain complex of finitely generated projective R-modules if and only if the two chain complexes C ? L R((x)) and C ? L R((x -1)) are acyclic, as has been proved by Ranicki (A. Ranicki, Finite domination and Novikov rings, Topology 34(3) (1995), 619–632). Here R((x)) = R[[x]][x -1] and R((x -1)) = R[[x -1]][x] are rings of the formal Laurent series, also known as Novikov rings. In this paper, we prove a generalisation of this criterion which allows us to detect finite domination of bounded below chain complexes of projective modules over Laurent rings in several indeterminates.

Dynamic global security-aware synthesis using System-C

A dynamic global security-aware synthesis flow using the SystemC language is presented. SystemC security models are first specified at the system or behavioural level using a library of SystemC behavioural descriptions which provide for the reuse and extension of security modules. At the core of the system is incorporated a global security-aware scheduling algorithm which allows for scheduling to a mixture of components of varying security level. The output from the scheduler is translated into annotated nets which are subsequently passed to allocation, optimisation and mapping tools for mapping into circuits. The synthesised circuits incorporate asynchronous secure power-balanced and fault-protected components. Results show that the approach offers robust implementations and efficient security/area trade-offs leading to significant improvements in turnover.

AND Logic Gates Based on Small Molecules with Chemical Inputs and Luminescence Output

AND logic gate behaviour can be recognized in chemical-responsive luminescence phenomena concerning small molecules. Though initial developments concerned separate and distinguishable chemical species as inputs, consideration of other types of input sets allows substantial expansion of the sub-field. Dissection of these molecular devices into modules, where possible, enables analysis of their logic behaviour according to supramolecular photochemical mechanisms.

Double complexes and vanishing of Novikov cohomology

We consider non-standard totalisation functors for double complexes, involving left or right truncated products. We show how properties of these imply that the algebraic mapping torus of a self map h of a cochain complex of finitely presented modules has trivial negative Novikov cohomology, and has trivial positive Novikov cohomology provided h is a quasi-isomorphism. As an application we obtain a new and transparent proof that a finitely dominated cochain complex over a Laurent polynomial ring has trivial (positive and negative) Novikov cohomology.

Autoclave Cure Simulation of Composite Structures Applying Implicit and Explicit FE

Simulation of the autoclave manufacturing technique of composites can yield a preliminary estimation of induced residual thermal stresses and deformations that affect component fatigue life, and required tolerances for assembly. In this paper, an approach is proposed to simulate the autoclave manufacturing technique for unidirectional composites. The proposed approach consists of three modules. The first module is a Thermo-chemical model to estimate the temperature and the degree of cure distributions in the composite part during the cure cycle. The second and third modules are a sequential stress analysis using FE-Implicit and FE-Explicit respectively. User-material subroutine is used to model the Viscoelastic properties of the material based on theory of micromechanics.

Virtual Manufacturing of Composite Structures Applying Implicit and Explicit FE Techniques

Virtual manufacturing of composites can yield an initial early estimation of the induced residual thermal stresses that affect component fatigue life, and deformations that affect required tolerances for assembly. Based on these estimation, the designer can make early decisions, which can help in reducing cost, regarding changes in part design or material properties. In this paper, an approach is proposed to simulate the autoclave manufacturing technique for unidirectional composites. The proposed approach consists of three modules. The first module is a Thermochemical model to estimate temperature and the degree of cure distributions in the composite part during the cure cycle. The second and third modules are stress analysis using FE-Implicit and FE-Explicit respectively. User-material subroutine will be used to model the Viscoelastic properties of the material based on micromechanical theory. Estimated deformation of the composite part can be corrected during the autoclave process by modifying the process-tool design. The deformed composite surface is sent to CATIA for design modification of the process-tool.

C∗-Segal algebras with order unit

We introduce the notion of a (noncommutative) C *-Segal algebra as a Banach algebra (A, {norm of matrix}{dot operator}{norm of matrix} A) which is a dense ideal in a C *-algebra (C, {norm of matrix}{dot operator}{norm of matrix} C), where {norm of matrix}{dot operator}{norm of matrix} A is strictly stronger than {norm of matrix}{dot operator}{norm of matrix} C onA. Several basic properties are investigated and, with the aid of the theory of multiplier modules, the structure of C *-Segal algebras with order unit is determined.

A feasibility study on the development and integration of a teaching aid for pharmacology

Traditional methods of teaching and learning in higher education are ever-evolving. This report assesses the feasibility of developing a teaching aid for pharmacology modules. Focus groups were established to gauge student and staff opinions on the use of teaching aids and an extensive literature review was conducted. The study identifies and critically evaluates a range of possibilities that could be developed and discusses practical issues such as accessibility, inclusion and assessment, associated with these potential aids. This initial study concludes that a suitable aid could take the form of a student-led development of a wiki-type website resource that included access to case-studies giving students ‘real-life’ experience of the concepts being studied. This type of project requires considerable time and financial support; nevertheless, this idea could be extended for many drugs and could be used in any health science course.

Algorithms and architectures for high performance recursive filtering

Recently, a number of most significant digit (msd) first bit parallel multipliers for recursive filtering have been reported. However, the design approach which has been used has, in general, been heuristic and consequently, optimality has not always been assured. In this paper, msd first multiply accumulate algorithms are described and important relationships governing the dependencies between latency, number representations, etc are derived. A more systematic approach to designing recursive filters is illustrated by applying the algorithms and associated relationships to the design of cascadable modules for high sample rate IIR filtering and wave digital filtering.

New algorithms and VLSI architectures for SRT division and square root

In real time digital signal processing, high performance modules for division and square root are essential if many powerful algorithms are to be implemented. In this paper, a new radix 2 algorithms for SRT division and square root are developed. For these new schemes, the result digits and the residuals are computed concurrently and the computations in adjacent rows are overlapped. Consequently, their performance should exceed that of the radix 2 SRT methods. VLSI array architectures to implement the new division and square root schemes are also presented.

NuGO contributions to GenePattern

NuGO, the European Nutrigenomics Organization, utilizes 31 powerful computers for, e.g., data storage and analysis. These so-called black boxes (NBXses) are located at the sites of different partners. NuGO decided to use GenePattern as the preferred genomic analysis tool on each NBX. To handle the custom made Affymetrix NuGO arrays, new NuGO modules are added to GenePattern. These NuGO modules execute the latest Bioconductor version ensuring up-to-date annotations and access to the latest scientific developments. The following GenePattern modules are provided by NuGO: NuGOArrayQualityAnalysis for comprehensive quality control, NuGOExpressionFileCreator for import and normalization of data, LimmaAnalysis for identification of differentially expressed genes, TopGoAnalysis for calculation of GO enrichment, and GetResultForGo for retrieval of information on genes associated with specific GO terms. All together, these NuGO modules allow comprehensive, up-to-date, and user friendly analysis of Affymetrix data. A special feature of the NuGO modules is that for analysis they allow the use of either the standard Affymetrix or the MBNI custom CDF-files, which remap probes based on current knowledge. In both cases a .chip-file is created to enable GSEA analysis. The NuGO GenePattern installations are distributed as binary Ubuntu (.deb) packages via the NuGO repository.

Does flexibility in secondary level mathematics curriculum affect degree performance?

The authors have much experience in developing mathematics skills of first-year engineering students and attempting to ensure a smooth transition from secondary school to university. Concerns exist due to there being flexibility in the choice of modules needed to obtain a secondary level (A-level) mathematics qualification. This qualification is based on some core (pure maths) modules and a selection from mechanics and statistics modules. A survey of aerospace and mechanical engineering students in Queen’s University Belfast revealed that a combination of both mechanics and statistics (the basic module in both) was by far the most popular choice and therefore only about one quarter of this cohort had studied mechanics beyond the basic module within school maths. Those students who studied the extra mechanics and who achieved top grades at school subsequently did better in two core, first-year engineering courses. However, students with a lower grade from school did not seem to gain any significant advantage in the first-year engineering courses despite having the extra mechanics background. This investigation ties in with ongoing and wider concerns with secondary level mathematics provision in the UK.

Nearshore oscillating wave surge converters and the development of Oyster

Oscillating wave surge converters (OWSCs) are a class of wave power technology that exploits the enhanced horizontal fluid particle movement of waves in the nearshore coastal zone with water depths of 10–20 m. OWSCs predominantly oscillate horizontally in surge as opposed to the majority of wave devices, which oscillate vertically in heave and usually are deployed in deeper water. The characteristics of the nearshore wave resource are described along with the hydrodynamics of OWSCs. The variables in the OWSC design space are discussed together with a presentation of some of their effects on capture width, frequency bandwidth response and power take-off characteristics. There are notable differences between the different OWSCs under development worldwide, and these are highlighted. The final section of the paper describes Aquamarine Power’s 315kW Oyster 1 prototype, which was deployed at the European Marine Energy Centre in August 2009. Its place in the OWSC design space is described along with the practical experience gained. This has led to the design of Oyster 2, which was deployed in August 2011. It is concluded that nearshore OWSCs are serious contenders in the mix of wave power technologies. The nearshore wave climate has a narrower directional spread than the offshore, the largest waves are filtered out and the exploitable resource is typically only 10–20% less in 10m depth compared with 50m depth. Regarding the devices, a key conclusion is that OWSCs such as Oyster primarily respond in the working frequency range to the horizontal fluid acceleration; Oyster is not a drag device responding to horizontal fluid velocity. The hydrodynamics of Oyster is dominated by inertia with added inertia being a very significant contributor. It is unlikely that individual flap modules will exceed 1MW in installed capacity owing to wave resource, hydrodynamic and economic constraints. Generating stations will be made up of line arrays of flaps with communal secondary power conversion every 5–10 units.

Performance analysis of an infinite array linear clustered plug nozzle

The effects of module shape, module design, three dimensional flow field generated by modules, and partition of primary nozzle on the performance of an infinite array linear clustered plug nozzle are discussed. The module shape is a critical element for nozzle performance and the partition of the primary nozzle with round-to square modules causes a vacuum thrust reduction with respect to two-dimensional model. The performance analysis of different module configuration allows weighing separately the role of clustering and the role of module design. In operating conditions characterized by turned off modules the performance loss is larger, but the difference due to the module shape are smaller and mostly due to the module contribution. The performance of the plug nozzle can be improved by module design, which reduces the module exit flow nonuniformity.

The efficacy of a CDIO based integrated curriculum as preparation for professional practice in product design and development

The School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Queen’s University Belfast started BEng and MEng degree programmes in Product Design and Development (PDD) in 2004. Intended from the outset to be significantly different from the existing programmes within the School the PDD degrees used the syllabus and standards defined by the CDIO Initiative as the basis for an integrated curriculum. Students are taught in the context of conceiving, designing, implementing and operating a product. Fundamental to this approach is a core sequence of Design-Build-Test (DBT) experiences which facilitates the development of a range of professional skills as well as the immediate application of technical knowledge gained in strategically aligned supporting modules.
The key objective of the degree programmes is to better prepare students for professional practice. PDD graduates were surveyed using a questionnaire developed by the CDIO founders and interviewed to examine the efficacy of these degree programmes, particularly in this key objective. Graduate employment rates, self assessment of graduate attributes and examples of work produced by MEng graduates provided positive evidence that their capabilities met the requirements of the profession. The 24% questionnaire response rate from the 96 graduates to date did not however facilitate statistically significant conclusions to be drawn and particularly not for BEng graduates who were under represented in the response group. While not providing proof of efficacy the investigation did provide a good amount of useful data for consideration as part of a continuous improvement process.