Design and evaluation of convectively cooled nozzles

Computer program utilizes a desired gas sidewall temperature profile as an input and calculates the coolant passage dimensions required to achieve it. Second program utilizes fixed coolant passage dimensions as an input and calculates the resulting temperature profile

Automated unique input output sequence generation for conformance testing of FSMs

This paper describes a method for automatically generating unique input output (UIO) sequences for FSM conformance testing. UIOs are used in conformance testing to verify the end state of a transition sequence. UIO sequence generation is represented as a search problem and genetic algorithms are used to search this space. Empirical evidence indicates that the proposed method yields considerably better (up to 62% better) results compared with random UIO sequence generation

Using genetic algorithms to generate test sequences for complex timed systems

The generation of test data for state based specifications is a computationally expensive process. This problem is magnified if we consider that time con- straints have to be taken into account to govern the transitions of the studied system. The main goal of this paper is to introduce a complete methodology, sup- ported by tools, that addresses this issue by represent- ing the test data generation problem as an optimisa- tion problem. We use heuristics to generate test cases. In order to assess the suitability of our approach we consider two different case studies: a communication protocol and the scientific application BIPS3D. We give details concerning how the test case generation problem can be presented as a search problem and automated. Genetic algorithms (GAs) and random search are used to generate test data and evaluate the approach. GAs outperform random search and seem to scale well as the problem size increases. It is worth to mention that we use a very simple fitness function that can be eas- ily adapted to be used with other evolutionary search techniques

Repair, regenerative and supportive therapies of the annulus fibrosus: achievements and challenges

Lumbar discectomy is a very effective therapy for neurological decompression in patients suffering from sciatica due to hernia nuclei pulposus. However, high recurrence rates and persisting post-operative low back pain in these patients require serious attention. In the past decade, tissue engineering strategies have been developed mainly targeted to the regeneration of the nucleus pulposus (NP) of the intervertebral disc. Accompanying techniques that deal with the damaged annulus fibrous are now increasingly recognised as mandatory in order to prevent re-herniation to increase the potential of NP repair and to confine NP replacement therapies. In the current review, the requirements, achievements and challenges in this quickly emerging field of research are discussed

Investigation of the Photophysical Processes and Photochemical Reactions Involved in PVK Films Irradiated at lambda > 300 nm

International audienceThis paper is devoted to the investigation of the phototransformation mechanisms of PVK exposed to long-wavelength radiations (ì > 300 nm) in the absence and in the presence of oxygen. PVK irradiated as thin films was analyzed by fluorescence, UV-vis, and IR spectroscopies. The photoproducts formed were identified by postirradiation treatments including chemical derivatization reactions and HPLC analysis. The cross-linking was evaluated by gel fraction measurements. PVK is known to give an intense excimer fluorescence and no monomer fluorescence. The phototransformations provoked by light absorption are shown to lead to a dramatic decrease of this fluorescence which can be correlated with the modification of the chemical structure of the macromolecules. The decrease of fluorescence is the result of the diminution of the local mobility of the macromolecular chains resulting from cross-linking reactions provoked by the recombination of the several radicalar species. A general mechanism accounting for the phototransformation of PVK in the presence and in the absence of oxygen is proposed

Photochemistry study for holographic recording materials

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