Some adsorption-nucleation-based models for electrochemical phase formation

A new class of models which are based on adsorption, nucleation growth and their coupling is discussed. In particular, the potentiostatic response of a model that involves nucleative phase growth via direct incorporation and adsorptive discharge of metal ions on the free area is analysed for both instantaneous and progressive nucleation. This model is able to predict certain experimental features in the potentiostatic transient, like the initial fall, shoulder or maximum (as well as minimum) which have not been predicted by models analysed hitherto.Limiting behaviour for short and long times as well as a description of the above-mentioned features in terms of model parameters are given.A special case of the above model, viz. a reversible adsorption–nucleation model, wherein the adsorption is very fast, is shown to give rise to transients which can be distinguished from the pure nucleation-growth transients only by its parametric dependence, but not by the form.

Delay Optimal Event Detection on Ad Hoc Wireless Sensor Networks

We consider a small extent sensor network for event detection, in which nodes periodically take samples and then contend over a random access network to transmit their measurement packets to the fusion center. We consider two procedures at the fusion center for processing the measurements. The Bayesian setting, is assumed, that is, the fusion center has a prior distribution on the change time. In the first procedure, the decision algorithm at the fusion center is network-oblivious and makes a decision only when a complete vector of measurements taken at a sampling instant is available. In the second procedure, the decision algorithm at the fusion center is network-aware and processes measurements as they arrive, but in a time-causal order. In this case, the decision statistic depends on the network delays, whereas in the network-oblivious case, the decision statistic does not. This yields a Bayesian change-detection problem with a trade-off between the random network delay and the decision delay that is, a higher sampling rate reduces the decision delay but increases the random access delay. Under periodic sampling, in the network-oblivious case, the structure of the optimal stopping rule is the same as that without the network, and the optimal change detection delay decouples into the network delay and the optimal decision delay without the network. In the network-aware case, the optimal stopping problem is analyzed as a partially observable Markov decision process, in which the states of the queues and delays in the network need to be maintained. A sufficient decision statistic is the network state and the posterior probability of change having occurred, given the measurements received and the state of the network. The optimal regimes are studied using simulation.

Modelling and analysis of new coolstreaming for P2P IPTV

Peer to peer networks are being used extensively nowadays for file sharing, video on demand and live streaming. For IPTV, delay deadlines are more stringent compared to file sharing. Coolstreaming was the first P2P IPTV system. In this paper, we model New Coolstreaming (newer version of Coolstreaming) via a queueing network. We use two time scale decomposition of Markov chains to compute the stationary distribution of number of peers and the expected number of substreams in the overlay which are not being received at the required rate due to parent overloading. We also characterize the end-to-end delay encountered by a video packet received by a user and originated at the server. Three factors contribute towards the delay. The first factor is the mean shortest path length between any two overlay peers in terms of overlay hops of the partnership graph which is shown to be O (log n) where n is the number of peers in the overlay. The second factor is the mean number of routers between any two overlay neighbours which is seen to be at most O (log N-I) where N-I is the number of routers in the internet. Third factor is the mean delay at a router in the internet. We provide an approximation of this mean delay E W]. Thus, the mean end to end delay in New Coolstreaming is shown to be upper bounded by O (log E N]) (log N-I) E (W)] where E N] is the mean number of peers at a channel.

Rotating beams and non-rotating beams with shared eigenpair for pinned-free boundary condition

In this paper we look for a rotating beam, with pinned-free boundary conditions, whose eigenpair (frequency and mode-shape) is same as that of a uniform non-rotating beam for a particular mode. It is seen that for any given mode, there exists a flexural stiffness function (FSF) for which the ith mode eigenpair of a rotating beam with uniform mass distribution, is identical to that of a corresponding non-rotating beam with same length and mass distribution. Inserting these derived FSF's in a finite element code for a rotating pinned-free beam, the frequencies and mode shapes of a non-rotating pinned-free beam are obtained. For the first mode, a physically realistic equivalent rotating beam is possible, but for higher modes, the FSF has internal singularities. Strategies for addressing these singularities in the FSF for finite element analysis are provided. The proposed functions can be used as test functions for rotating beam codes and also for targeted destiffening of rotating beams.

Urea-Functionalized Self-Assembled Molecular Prism for Heterogeneous Catalysis in Water

Reaction of a ditopic urea ``strut'' (L-1) with cis-(tmen)Pd(NO3)(2) yielded a 3+3] self-assembled molecular triangle (T)L-1 = 1,4-di(4-pyridylureido)benzene; tmen = N,N,N',N'-tetrame-thylethane-1,2-diamine]. Replacing cis-(tmen)Pd(NO3)(2) in the above reaction with an equimolar mixture of Pd(NO3)(2) and a clip-type donor (L-2) yielded a template-free multicomponent 3D trigonal prism (P) decorated with multiple urea moieties L-2 = 3,3'-(1H-1,2,4-triazole-3,5-diyl)dipyridine]. This prism (P) was characterized by NMR. spectroscopy, and the structure was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The P was employed as an effective hydrogen-bond-donor catalyst for Michael reactions of a series of water-insoluble nitro-olefins in an aqueous medium. The P showed better catalytic activity compared to the urea based ligand L-1 and the triangle T. Moreover, the confined nanospace of P in addition to large product outlet windows makes this 3D architecture a perfect molecular vessel to catalyze Diels-Alder reactions of 9-hydroxymethylanthracene with N-substituted maleimide in the aqueous medium. The present results demonstrate new observations on catalytic aqueous Diels-Alder and Michael reactions in heterogeneous fashion employing a discrete 3D architecture of Pd(II). The prism was recycled by simple filtration and reused several tithes without significant loss of activity.

Design Optimization of Thin-Film Transistors Based on a Metal-Substrate-Semiconductor Architecture for High DC Voltage Sensing

We discuss the potential application of high dc voltage sensing using thin-film transistors (TFTs) on flexible substrates. High voltage sensing has potential applications for power transmission instrumentation. For this, we consider a gate metal-substrate-semiconductor architecture for TFTs. In this architecture, the flexible substrate not only provides mechanical support but also plays the role of the gate dielectric of the TFT. Hence, the thickness of the substrate needs to be optimized for maximizing transconductance, minimizing mechanical stress, and minimizing gate leakage currents. We discuss this optimization, and develop n-type and p-type organic TFTs using polyvinyldene fluoride as the substrate-gate insulator. Circuits are also realized to achieve level shifting, amplification, and high drain voltage operation.

Mechanics of a grip system of three-key-board hydraulic tongs developed for offshore oil pipe lines

This paper carries out the analysis of mechanics of a grip system of three-key-board hydraulic tongs developed for offshore oil pipe lines which has been successfully used in oil fields in China. The main improvement of this system is that a lever frame structure is used in the structural design, which reduces greatly the stresses of the major components of the oil pipe tongs. Theoretical analysis and numerical calculation based on thirteen basic equations developed Show that the teeth board of the tongs is not easy to slip as frequently happens to other systems and is of higher reliability.

A further discussion on basic equations for two-phase flow: On collision stress of solid phase

The following points are argued: (i) there are two independent kinds of interaction on interfaces, i.e. the interaction between phases and the collision interaction, and the jump relations on interfaces can accordingly be resolved; (ii) the stress in a particle can also be divided into background stress and collision stress corresponding to the two kinds of interaction on interfaces respectively; (iii) the collision stress, in fact, has no jump on interface, so the averaged value of its derivative is equal to the derivative of its averaged value; (iv) the stress of solid phase in the basic equations for two\|phase flow should include the collision stress, while the stress in the expression of the inter\|phase force contains the background one only. Based on the arguments, the strict method for deriving the equations for two\|phase flow developed by Drew, Ishii et al. is generalized to the dense two\|phase flow, which involves the effect of collision stress.

Producción de frijol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) bajo tres sistemas de labranza y tres métodos de control de malezas y su evaluación económica, primera 1996

Durante el ciclo de primera (mayo-agosto) 1996, se realizó el presente trabajo en la estación experimental La Compañía, ubicada en el municipio de San Marcos departamento de Carazo. Los objetivos fueron: evaluar la efectividad e influencia de tres sistemas de labranzas (cero, mínima y convencional), y tres métodos de control de malezas (pre­ emergente más post-emergente, pre-emergente más chapia y pre-emergente más cobertura), sobre la dinámica de las malezas, la incidencia y severidad de la enfermedad mustia hilachosa del frijol común (Phaseolu vulgaris L.) causada por el hongo Thanatephorus cucumeris (Frank) Donck, el crecimiento y rendimiento del cultivo de frijol. El diseño utilizado en el experimento fue de Bloques Completamente al Azar donde sus tratamientos fueron arreglados en un parcelas divididas. En la parcela grande se estableció el factor labranzas de suelo y en la parcela pequeña los controles de malezas. Los datos recopilados de las variables en estudio fueron sometidos a un análisis de varianza y comparaciones de medias por Duncan al 5 por ciento. Los resultados muestran que labranza convencional y el control de malezas pre-emergente más cobertura obtuvieron los mejores resultados en la reducción de la abundancia y dominancia de malezas, de igual forma labranza convencional presentó la menor diversidad de malezas con el control de malezas pre-emergente más chapia. Respecto a las variables de crecimiento en frijol, labranza cero y mínima y el control de malezas pre-emergente más cobertura resultaron con mayores promedios de altura de plantas. En cuanto a las variables del rendimiento en el cultivo del frijol común, labranza cero obtuvo el mayor rendimiento de grano con (1923.9 kg/ha) y el control de malezas pre­ emergente más cobertura con (1719.4 kg/ha), no así labranza convencional presentó el menor rendimiento de grano con (1470.3 kg/ha) y el control de malezas pre-emergente más post-emergente con (1634.8 kg/ha). La comparación de individuos/m2 en el banco de semillas versus individuosfm2 en el campo muestra que los individuos con mayor porcentaje de germinación fueron Cynodon dactylon (L) Pers, lxophorus unisetus K. B. Presl, Cyperus rotundus L y Ageratum conyzoides L, encontrando mayor número de individuosfm2 en el banco de semillas (invernadero). Los resultados del análisis económico a través del presupuesto parcial y de dominancia muestra que labranza cero y el control de malezas pre-emergente más post - emergente presentó mayor rentabilidad a nivel de costos y beneficios más altos, ya que sus costos son moderados y se obtienen ingresos netos rentables. La mayor taza de retomo marginal se obtiene al cambiar de labranza mínima (pre emergente más cobertura) a labranza cero (pre-emergente más cobertura) con una tasa de retomo marginal de 2 454 (C$/ha).

Caracterización y evaluación preliminar de treinta y tres cultivares de maiz (Zea mays L.) recolectadas en diferentes localidades de Nicaragua

En los terrenos del Programa de Recursos Genéticos Nicaragüenses (REGEN), adscrito a la Universidad Nacional Agraria (UNA), Km 12 ½ carretera Norte, Managua. Se estableció en Postrera de 1994 un experimento, con el objetivo de caracterizar y evaluar preliminarmente 32 cultivares criollos procedentes de diversas localidades de Nicaragua y una variedad comercial como testigo (NB-6). Se utilizó un diseño característico de ensayos preliminares, sin repetición. Para la descripción del germoplasma se usaron 14 descriptores cualitativos y 28 cuantitativos. Los resultados demostraron que en el país existe germoplasma criollo con variabilidad genética significativa para la mayoría de los caracteres de interés agronómico, como es el caso de Olotillo (1676), Olote colorado (2165), Tusa Morada (3077) y Rocamel Mejo (3103); que sobresalieron en caracteres de mazorca (longitud, peso y ancho de mazorca). En función del conjunto de descriptores de grano (longitud, ancho y grosor de grano), los cultivares: Masaya (2504), Maíz Rocamel (3074), Maíz Salco (3076), Blanco (2695) y Olotillo (3117) fueron catalogados como promisorios por presentar grano grande, estos caracteres pueden ser utilizados en programas de mejoramiento y/o aprovechados directamente en la producción de maíz en Nicaragua. Para la evaluación preliminar 12 cultivares superaron en rendimiento los 2 761 kg/ha que el testigo mostró, siendo Maíz Salco (3076) de Nueva Segovia, el cultivar sobresaliente al presentar rendimiento mayor a 4 000 kg/ha. En cuanto a precocidad, los cultivares Olotillo (3117) y Pujagua (2175) ambos originario de León, se catalogaron como material precoz, al obtener el inicio de la floración masculina a los 39 y 42 días después de la siembra respectivamente y 90 días para la cosecha. El cultivar Tusa Morada (3077) de Nueva Segovia, con 59 días después de la siembra para el inicio de floración masculina, obtuvo 121 días para la cosecha catalogado como material tardío, el resto del material evaluado se consideró de ciclo intermedio.

Caracterización y evaluación preliminar de treinta acciones de frijol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) recolectadas en diferentes localidades de Nicaragua

El presente trabajo se realizó en época de postrera (Octubre de 1992), en la estación experimental La Compañía, situada en el departamento de Carazo en la IV región, con el objetivo de caracterizar y evaluar preliminarmente 30 variedades criollos de frijol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) El germoplasma fué recolectado por el Programa de Recursos Genéticos Nicaraguenses en diferentes zonas del país. En las condiciones ecológicas en las que se desarrolló el ensayo el material evaluado presentó variación en la mayoría de los caracteres estudiados, tanto entre y dentro de las accesiones. Se presenta un catálogo de las 30 accesiones estudiadas conteniendo el valor máximo, medio, mínimo, desviación estandar y coeficiente de variación para los caracteres cuantitativos y la moda para los caracteres cualitativos considerados. Las accesiones 3059, 3008, 3094, 3005, 3073, 3129, 3099, 3030, 3104, 3093, 3043, 3105, 3027' 3058, y 3045, 3109 superaron al testigo IR-84) en cuanto al rendimiento relativo. Los menores porcentajes de severidad lo mostraron las accesiones 3107, 3079, 3042, 3101, 3058, 3109, 3073, 3104, y R- 84 para mancha angular, y en antracnosis las accesiones 3073, 3104, 3099, 3059, 3078, 3045, 3107, 3088, 3106, 3025, 3105, 3027, 3058, y el testigo (R-84).

Impact of cathode evaporation on a free-burning arc

A free-burning, high-intensity argon arc at atmospheric pressure was modelled during the evaporation of copper from the cathode. The effect of cathode evaporation on the temperature, mass flow, current flow and Cu concentration was studied for the entire plasma region. The copper evaporates from the tip of the cathode with an evaporation rate of 1 mg s-1. The copper vapour in the cathode region has a velocity of 210 m s-1 with a mass concentration of above 90% within 0.5 mm from the arc axis. The vapour passes from the cathode toward the anode with a slight diffusion in the argon plasma. Higher temperatures and current densities were calculated in the core of the arc caused by the cathode evaporation.

Lowndes and Locke on the value of money

This paper was presented at the 11th Annual Conference of the European Society for the History of Economic Thought (ESHET).