On the Information Engine of Circuit Design

This paper addresses a new approach to find a spectrum of information measures for the process of digital circuit synthesis. We consider the problem from the information engine point of view. The circuit synthesis as a whole and different steps of the design process (an example of decision diagram is given) are presented via such measurements as entropy, logical work and information vitality. We also introduce new information measures to provide better estimates of synthesis criteria. We show that the basic properties of information engine, such as the conservation law of information flow and the equilibrium law of information can be formulated.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figure, 2 tables, MWSCAS'0

TLA+ Proofs

TLA+ is a specification language based on standard set theory and temporal logic that has constructs for hierarchical proofs. We describe how to write TLA+ proofs and check them with TLAPS, the TLA+ Proof System. We use Peterson's mutual exclusion algorithm as a simple example to describe the features of TLAPS and show how it and the Toolbox (an IDE for TLA+) help users to manage large, complex proofs.Comment: A shorter version of this article appeared in the proceedings of the conference Formal Methods 2012 (FM 2012, Paris, France, Springer LNCS 7436, pp. 147-154

Development of Hydrophobic Concrete by Adding Dual-Crystalline Admixture at Mixing Stage

A novel approach has been presented to add a dual‐crystalline hydrophobic admixture in fresh concrete for improving hydrophobicity against chloride and harmful chemicals. Dual‐crystalline material can utilize water of the fresh concrete to form crystals, but the challenge is to maintain adequate hydration and strength while improving hydrophobicity. This study presents the results from a comprehensive laboratory investigation on the application of 1, 2 and 8% of crystallizing aqueous and cementitious hydrophobic mineral in fresh concrete. Despite the high slump in the fresh mixture, no segregation was observed in the matured concrete. There was a marginal reduction of strength when a high percentage of admixture was used. Despite this, significant reduction of water absorption was observed indicating greater hydrophobicity. The optimum performance was found in mixtures with 2% admixture. Mixture with 2% aqueous hydrophobic admixture revealed marginal strength gain compared to 2% crystalline cementitious hydrophobic admixture, although water protection appears to be better in cementitious mixture

Fundamental interaction of hydrophobic materials in concrete with different moisture contents in saline environment

The present paper investigates the performance and efficacy of four protective surface applied materials; sodium acetate, fluoropolymer, silicone resin and silane when applied to marine structures with different moisture contents. Materials were applied to fully dry and fully saturated concrete along with concrete with 2% and 4% moisture contents. The interaction mechanism of the materials with concrete and their microstructural and morphological assessments were conducted by running SEM, EDX and FTIR analyses to evaluate their performance in the presence of moisture. Also, their efficacy in protecting concrete from water ingress and chloride penetration was evaluated by operating the Initial Surface Absorption Test (ISAT) and Unidirectional salt ponding test respectively. Results demonstrated that moisture content imposes a vital effect on the interaction of the materials with concrete and their adhesion inside the pores, and consequently their efficacy in reducing both, water and chloride penetration

Development of Hydrophobic Concrete by Adding Dual-Crystalline Admixture at Mixing Stage

A novel approach has been presented to add a dual‐crystalline hydrophobic admixture in fresh concrete for improving hydrophobicity against chloride and harmful chemicals. Dual‐crystalline material can utilize water of the fresh concrete to form crystals, but the challenge is to maintain adequate hydration and strength while improving hydrophobicity. This study presents the results from a comprehensive laboratory investigation on the application of 1, 2 and 8% of crystallizing aqueous and cementitious hydrophobic mineral in fresh concrete. Despite the high slump in the fresh mixture, no segregation was observed in the matured concrete. There was a marginal reduction of strength when a high percentage of admixture was used. Despite this, significant reduction of water absorption was observed indicating greater hydrophobicity. The optimum performance was found in mixtures with 2% admixture. Mixture with 2% aqueous hydrophobic admixture revealed marginal strength gain compared to 2% crystalline cementitious hydrophobic admixture, although water protection appears to be better in cementitious mixture

Initiatives et mécanismes correcteurs

peer reviewe

Can online distance learning improve access to learning in conflict zones? The Oxford Psychiatry in Iraq (OxPIQ) experience

Psychiatry trainees in Iraq face many challenges that limit their immediate access to training opportunities. These include limited opportunities to attend international conferences due to visa restrictions, reduced access to evidence-based practice and guidelines and less experience in conducting quality improvement projects and audits. There are also issues related to their training programmes, including lack of regular meetings with supervisors and fewer opportunities for case-based discussions. Clinical Psychiatry is thus a potential key affected clinical domain due to the above factors. Technological advances in the field of e-learning created concepts such as Technology-enhanced or Web-based learning (TEL or WBL). These developments enabled the formation of “virtual teams” using an online platform. These teams overcome logistical geographical and other barriers to enable professionals to connect and learn from each other. This paper includes an appraisal of the TEL, looking at its advantages and challenges in meeting the needs of learners and educators. Also, we describe how we incorporated evidence-based and good practice guidelines on TEL use in these circumstances to the design, delivery and early evaluation of the distance learning programme. In our conclusion, we add to these and draw attention to the use of established online platforms (Medicine Africa in this case) and the importance of involving Iraqi Training leads, trainees and institutions in identifying trainee learning needs and supporting existing training provisions