Performance Analysis of Mesh-based NoC’s on Routing Algorithms

The advent of System-on-Chip (SoCs), has brought about a need to increase the scale of multi-core chip networks. Bus Based communications have proved to be limited in terms of performance and ease of scalability, the solution to both bus – based and Point-to-Point (P2P) communication systems is to use a communication infrastructure called Network-on-Chip (NoC). Performance of NoC depends on various factors such as network topology, routing strategy and switching technique and traffic patterns. In this paper, we have taken the initiative to compile together a comparative analysis of different Network on Chip infrastructures based on the classification of routing algorithm, switching technique, and traffic patterns. The goal is to show how varied combinations of the three factors perform differently based on the size of the mesh network, using NOXIM, an open source SystemC Simulator of mesh-based NoC. The analysis has shown tenable evidence highlighting the novelty of XY routing algorithm

Detailed Analysis of the Solution Heat Treatment of a Third-Generation Single-Crystal Nickel-Based Superalloy CMSX-10K^®

Abstract A detailed analysis of the response of as-cast third-generation single-crystal nickel-based superalloy CMSX-10K® to solution heat treatment (SHT) has been carried out, alongside an SHT optimization exercise. The analysis was conducted through microstructural characterization, differential scanning calorimetry, and compositional homogeneity measurements, quantifying (i) the dissolution and microstructural evolution of the inter-dendritic constituents, (ii) the shift in thermo-physical characteristics of the material, and (iii) the change in compositional homogeneity across the microstructure, in order to gain further understanding of these phenomena during the progression of the SHT. During the early stages of SHT, the coarse cellular γ′/narrow γ channel inter-dendritic constituents which were the last areas to solidify during casting, progressively dissolve; homogenization between these inter-dendritic areas and adjacent dendritic areas leads to a rapid increase in the incipient melting temperature T IM. The fine γ/γ′ morphology which were the first inter-dendritic constituents to solidify after primary γ dendrite solidification were found to progressively coarsen; however, subsequent dissolution of these coarsened γ/γ′ inter-dendritic areas did not result in significant increases in the T IM until the near-complete dissolution of these inter-dendritic areas. After the final SHT step, residual compositional micro-segregation could still be detected across the microstructure despite the near-complete dissolution of these remnant inter-dendritic areas; even so the T IM of the material approached the solidus temperature of the alloy.The authors would like to acknowledge funding through the EPSRC/Rolls-Royce Strategic Partnership (EP/H500375/1 and EP/M005607/1). The authors also wish to express appreciation to Dr. Chris Hayward at the School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh for carrying out the EPMA composition measurements and to Mr. Kevin Roberts of Dept. of Materials Science and Metallurgy for assistance in carrying out the solution heat treatment runs. Requests for access to the underlying research data should be directed to the corresponding author and will be considered against commercial interests and data protection.This is the final version of the article. It was first available from Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11661-015-3252-

Preon Prophecies by the Standard Model

The Standard Model of quarks and leptons is, at first sight, nothing but a set of {\it ad hoc} rules, with no connections, and no clues to their true background. At a closer look, however, there are many inherent prophecies that point in the same direction: {\it Compositeness} in terms of three stable preons.Comment: 13 pages, 8 eps-figures, invited talk at Beyond the Desert '03, Schloss Ringberg, Bavaria, June 2003; to be published in the Proceeding

Self-Care Behaviours and Glycemic Control among Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

Aim: To explore self-care behaviours and glycemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used for the study. Methods: The revised summary of diabetes mellitus questionnaire was used to collect data and glycated haemaglobin. A random sample comprising of 350 Omani adults with type 2 diabetes were selected between January-June 2010. Structural equation modelling and ANOVA were used for analysis. Results/Findings: One-third of the adults with type 2 diabetes followed diet, foot care and medications (on an average of 3 days/7 days) compared to half percentage of them adhering to foot care. 27% of the total variance in self-car activities was accounted by diet, 32% by exercise and 17% by medications. Blood glucose monitoring, foot care, and smoking and HbA1c accounted for 60%, 78%, and 51% variances. The standardized path coefficients of diet, exercise, smoking, foot care, blood sugar monitoring and medications had a significantly positive influence on self-care behaviours. Conclusion: There were inadequate self-care behaviours among the majority of adults with type 2 diabetes with poor glycaemic control. Nurses should use the self-care management model when designing tailored educational interventions to enhance glycemic control

Transmission of infection among health care personnel performing surgical tracheostomies on COVID-19 patients

Background: Staff and patient safety are of paramount importance while performing a surgical tracheostomy(ST) during the corona virus disease(COVID-19) pandemic. The aim was to assess the incidence of COVID-19 infection among the healthcare personnel(HCP) performing ST on COVID-19 patients. / Methods: One hundred and twenty-two HCP participating in 71 ST procedures performed at our institution between 26th March 2020 and 27th May 2020 were identified. A COVID-19 health questionnaire was distributed among staff with their consent. Data related to the presence of COVID-19 symptoms(new onset continuous cough, fever, loss of taste and/or loss of smell) among HCP involved in ST as well as patient related data were collected. / Results: Of the HCP who responded, eleven(15%,11/72) reported key COVID-19 symptoms and went into self-isolation. Ten members from this group underwent a COVID-19 swab test and three tested positive. Only one HCP attended hospital for symptomatic treatment, none required hospitalisation. Sixty percent(43/72) of the responders had a COVID-19 antibody test with a positive rate of 18.6%(8/43). Among the patients undergoing a ST, 67%(37/55) required a direct intensive care unit(ICU) admission; the mean age was 58 years(29-78) with a male preponderance(65.5%). The median time from intubation to ST was 15 days (range 5-33,IQR=9). The overall mortality was 11%(6/55). / Conclusions: ST can be carried out safely with strict adherence to both, personnel protective equipment and ST protocols which are vital to mitigate the potential transmission of COVID-19 to the HCP

The reproductive toxicity of the organophosphate pesticide 0, 0-dimethyl 0-4-nitrophenyl phosphorothioate (methyl parathion) in the male rat

Methyl parathion (MP) is a pesticide widely used to protect crops but also illegally used in many countries for spraying homes and businesses to contain insects. The present study was planned to investigate the effects of MP on the male reproductive organs in the rat. Male Wistar rats (13-14 weeks old) were treated with MP and sacrificed as follows. Experiment 1:0 (water vehicle), 1.75, 3.5 or 7 mg/kg (i.p.) for 5 days and sacrificed on day 14; experiment 2:0, 0.5 or 1 mg/kg (i.p.) for 12 days and sacrificed on day 130; experiment 3: 0, 0.5 or 1 mg/kg (i.p.) for 12 days and sacrificed on day 77; experiment 4: 0, 0.75 or 1.5 mg/kg (i.p.) for 25 days and sacrificed on day 17; experiment 5: 0 or 3.5 mg/kg (p.o.) for 25 days and sacrificed on day 17 after the last exposure. The reproductive organs were removed, weighed and processed for histopathological analysis. Structural changes, for example the morphology of the epithelium and the lumina of the organs, were observed in all animals. Biochemical estimates of acid phosphatase (ACP), cholesterol, total protein, uric acid, and vitamin C were conducted in the epididymes. The weight of the epididymes increased in experiment 2 in a dose-dependent pattern (p < 0.01) and decreased in experiments 4 and 5 (p < 0.01). The weight of the ductus deferens decreased in experiment 3 at 1 mg/kg dose level (p < 0.001) and increased in experiment 5 (p < 0.05). The weight of the seminal vesicle decreased in experiment 3 at both 0.5 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg dose levels (p < 0.001), and increased in experiment 5 (p < 0.01). The weight of the prostate decreased in experiments 4 (in a dose-dependent pattern) and 5 (p < 0.001). ACP levels decreased in experiment 4 (p < 0.001) with a greater effect at 0.5 mg/kg than at 1 mg/kg. In experiment 5 (p < 0.01) cholesterol levels decreased to less than 50% of the control level for this experiment (p < 0.01) and protein levels also decreased (p < 0.01). Vitamin C levels decreased in a dose-dependent pattern in experiments 4 (p < 0.001) and 5 (p < 0.01). There were no effects on uric acid level. Sperm density was decreased in the epididymes of the rats treated and the epithelium of the epididymis and ductus deferens showed cellular necrosis, brush-border disruption and nuclear pyknosis. Nuclei were haloed, except in experiment 2 and the 0.5 mg/kg group of experiment 3. Methyl parathion did not induce significant changes in the structure of the seminal vesicle and prostate, except that epithelial folding was shorter than in the control. In conclusion, MP is a reproductive toxicant in the male rat and causes deterioration in the structural integrity of the reproductive organs and also the biochemical parameters in the epididymis

Use of Linear Free Energy Relationships (LFERs) to Elucidate the Mechanisms of Reaction of a γ-Methyl-β-alkynyl and an ortho-Substituted Aryl Chloroformate Ester

The specific rates of solvolysis of 2-butyn-1-yl-chloroformate (1) and 2-methoxyphenyl chloroformate (2) are studied at 25.0 °C in a series of binary aqueousorganic mixtures. The rates of reaction obtained are then analyzed using the extended Grunwald-Winstein (G-W) equation and the results are compared to previously published G-W analyses for phenyl chloroformate (3), propargyl chloroformate (4), p-methoxyphenyl choroformate (5), and p-nitrophenyl chloroformate (6). For 1, the results indicate that dual side-by-side addition-elimination and ionization pathways are occurring in some highly ionizing solvents due to the presence of the electron-donating γ-methyl group. For 2, the analyses indicate that the dominant mechanism is a bimolecular one where the formation of a tetrahedral intermediate is rate-determining

Cordierite honeycomb supported Mo(VI)/ZrO2 for microwave assisted Pinacol-Pinacolone rearrangement

181-188ZrO2, Mo(VI)/ZrO2, SO42-/ZrO2 and Pt-SO42-/ZrO2 supported on honeycomb monoliths have been prepared and characterized for their physico-chemical properties such as surface acidity, crystalinity, functionality and morphology. These materials have been used as solid acid catalysts in the pinacol rearrangement of benzopinacol under microwave irradiation. A few diols have also been subjected to pinacol rearrangement to obtain a good conversion of rearrangement products with high selectivity. Optimization of reaction conditions has also studied to determine the most suitable reaction conditions for the effective synthesis of pinacolone derivatives. Up to 98% conversion of benzopinacol is observed under a set of optimized reaction conditions. A reactivation and reusability study of zirconia based solid acid catalysts has also performed