A Modified Signal Feed-Through Pulsed Flip-Flop for Low Power Applications

In this paper a modified signal feed-through pulsed flip-flop has been presented for low power applications. Signal feed-through flip-flop uses a pass transistor to feed input data directly to the output. Feed through transistor and feedback signals have been modified for delay, static and dynamic power reduction. HSPICE simulation shows 22% reduction in leakage power and 8% of dynamic power. Delay has been reduced by 14% using TSMC 90nm technology parameters. The proposed pulsed flip-flop has the lowest PDP (Power Delay Product) among other pulsed flip-flops discussed

Simultaneous Use of Ground-Based and Satellite Observation to Evaluate Atmospheric Air Pollution over Amman, Jordan

In this study, a combination of ground-based particulate matter measurements in synergy with space-borne CALIOP lidar recordings, meteorological observations, and reanalysis models have been used to study atmospheric air pollution over Amman, Jordan. The measurement was conducted over a 24-month period spanning from January 2018 to the end of December 2019. The CALIOP aerosol profiles and aerosol layer products version 4.21, level 2, with 5 km horizontal resolution were used to evaluate the vertical structure of the atmospheric constituent over the Amman region. The particle depolarization ratio (PDR) was extracted from CALIOP recordings and has been utilized to classify the type of atmospheric aerosols. This method reveals that the atmosphere above Amman mostly contains three different aerosol types including coarse-mode dust, fine-mode dust (polluted dust), and non-dust aerosols (pollution). Aerosols with 0 < δp≤ 0.075 are categorized as pollution, aerosols with 0.075 < δp≤ 0.20 as polluted dust, and aerosols with 0.20 < δp≤ 0.40 are classified as dust. Both the one- and two-step POlarization-LIdar PHOtometer Networking (POLIPHON) approaches have been applied to the CALIOP aerosol profile product to retrieve the vertical profile of the optical and micro-physical properties of each aerosol type. Lofted-layer top heights and layer thickness in the atmosphere above Amman during the study period were also extracted from the CALIOP aerosol layer products. The highest frequency of occurrence was observed for layers with a top height of 0.5 to 2.5 km with a second smaller peak at 3.5 km. The maximum frequency of the lofted layers (40% of cases) were observed with layer thickness below 0.5 km. For layers with a top height lower than 500 m above ground level, the atmosphere was mostly impacted by polluted dust and pollution aerosols. On the other hand, for layers with a top height above 2500 m agl, the atmosphere was contaminated by depolarizing dust particles

Developing retailer selection factors for collaborative planning, forecasting and replenishment

Purpose– Selecting an appropriate partner is a vital and strategic decision-making process in any supply chain collaboration initiative. The purpose of this study is to introduce and explore the key factors considered by manufacturers in the selection of an appropriate retailer(s) for Collaboration and Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR) implementation and the relationships between these factors. Design/methodology/approach– A comprehensive literature review and experts’ views are applied to identify the main retailer selection and evaluation factors for CPFR implementation. A Fuzzy DEMATEL approach is then used to rank and analysis the interaction among identified factors. The findings are finally evaluated using a case study from a high-tech industry. Findings– The most important partner selection factors comprising of five dimensions and 24 factors are introduced. Of the identified criteria, three factors: manufacturer’s familiarity with the retailer, workforce skills and training and customer service orientation and capability have been identified as critical when selecting retailers for CPFR implementation. The technological capabilities dimensions are identified as the only net cause dimension which affects all other dimensions and its importance and role in simplifying and enhancing the speed and flexibility of CPFR implementation. Practical implications– The study identifies practical retailer selection factors for CPFR implementation and the causal relationships between factors. Developed retailer selection dimensions and criteria will assist manufacturers and retailers in understanding the role these factors play in CPFR implementation. This will also assist in appropriate retailer(s) selection by manufacturers. Originality/value– This study contributes to the literature on CPFR and tackles the important issue of selecting appropriate partners by developing retailer selection dimensions and criteria in CPFR implementation

ISM analysis of CPFR implementation barriers

Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR) as an interconnection scheme between organizations has been shown to have significant benefits. Since its inception in the 1990s, its uptake has been lower than originally predicted. This paper identifies the major barriers and their interrelationships in CPFR implementations with a focus on high-tech industries. Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) is used with a group of CPFR experts from industry/academia and Matrice d’Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée àun Classement (MICMAC) analysis to identify the driving and dependence powers. The paper identified 45 CPFR barriers and classifies them into four categories based on expert opinion, with only 13 of these determined to be significant. The results indicate that in terms of categories, managerial barriers are a significant root cause for both process and cultural barriers and CPFR implementation difficulties. It also indicates that although the importance of information technology to launch collaborative schemes has been addressed by many scholars, technology alone is not the complete solution for successful CPFR implementation. The paper has significant practical implications for organizations as it identifies the main CPFR barriers and their causal relationships. This will help firms in the process of CPFR strategy development particularly for mitigation strategies for dominant barriers

A framework for collaborative planning, forecasting and replenishment (CPFR): state of the art

Purpose– Although many papers purport the significant value attributable to supply chain performance from the use of Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR), the question of ‘what are the main constructs and efficient framework for successful implementation of CPFR?’ remains largely unanswered. This question will be addressed by identifying and analysing the main constructs for successful implementation of CPFR. This paper attempts first to seek answers to this question. Second, to review the scope and value of CPFR using a devised state-of-the-art taxonomy for the classification of selected bibliographical references and third, to develop a conceptual framework by identifying areas which need more research. Design/methodology/approach– The method underlying this paper followed the steps of a systematic literature review process outlined by Soni and Kodali (2011). The review is based on a total of 93 papers published from 1998 to 2013 on CPFR. Findings– Four main constructs for successful implementation of CPFR have been identified: CPFR enablers, CPFR barriers, trading partner selection and incentive alignment. The findings indicate that there is a need for better understanding of the amount and level of information sharing as an important function of CPFR implementation. The paper also illustrates a number of shortcomings in the current literature and provides suggestions to guide future research on implementing CPFR in different industries. Practical implications– This paper is of interest to both academicians and practitioners as it helps to better understand the concept and role of CPFR in supply chain integration and its implementation results, enablers and inhibitors. The proposed framework in this paper can be used to give insight for future research and practice. Originality/value– The paper offers a framework for the review of previous research on CPFR and identifies the most important shortcomings that need to be addressed in future research. In addition, this review is both greater in scope than previous reviews and is broader in its subject focus

Mathematical modeling and performance study of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis of liquid fuel over cobalt-silica

AbstractA numerical one-dimensional pseudo-homogeneous mathematical model of a fixed bed reactor for Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis was developed over a simulated nitrogen-rich syngas (33% hydrogen, 17% carbon monoxide and 50% nitrogen (volume basis)), on a cobalt-silica catalyst. An algorithm was developed and the MATLAB codes were written in order to predict the product selectivity (H2O, CO2 and hydrocarbons i.e. CH4, C2, C3, C4 and C5+) and syngas conversion (CO and H2). In order to predict the kinetic parameters, the global search optimization subroutine (from MATLAB Global Optimization) was used. The model was fitted with experimental data at five different operating conditions with respect to conversion and selectivity. Discrimination between the model and the experiments was determined by the mean absolute relative residuals percentage (MARR %) and the value was 13.29%. The Effects of operating conditions such as reaction temperature, total pressure, flow rate and H2/CO molar ratio were investigated on the catalytic performance of the cobalt-silica for synthesis of liquid fuel. The model was studied in the range of 200-260°C, 1-25bar, reduced gas flow rate (per unit mass of catalyst) of 2.4-3.6 NL gcat-1 h-1 and H2/CO = 1.75-2.75 (mole basis)

Development and reliability of a multi-modality scoring system for evaluation of disease progression in pre-clinical models of osteoarthritis: celecoxib may possess disease-modifying properties

SummaryObjectiveWe sought to develop a comprehensive scoring system for evaluation of pre-clinical models of osteoarthritis (OA) progression, and use this to evaluate two different classes of drugs for management of OA.MethodsPost-traumatic OA (PTOA) was surgically induced in skeletally mature rats. Rats were randomly divided in three groups receiving either glucosamine (high dose of 192 mg/kg) or celecoxib (clinical dose) or no treatment. Disease progression was monitored utilizing micro-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), micro-computed tomography (CT) and histology. Pertinent features such as osteophytes, subchondral sclerosis, joint effusion, bone marrow lesion (BML), cysts, loose bodies and cartilage abnormalities were included in designing a sensitive multi-modality based scoring system, termed the rat arthritis knee scoring system (RAKSS).ResultsOverall, an inter-observer correlation coefficient (ICC) of greater than 0.750 was achieved for each scored feature. None of the treatments prevented cartilage loss, synovitis, joint effusion, or sclerosis. However, celecoxib significantly reduced osteophyte development compared to placebo. Although signs of inflammation such as synovitis and joint effusion were readily identified at 4 weeks post-operation, we did not detect any BML.ConclusionWe report the development of a sensitive and reliable multi-modality scoring system, the RAKSS, for evaluation of OA severity in pre-clinical animal models. Using this scoring system, we found that celecoxib prevented enlargement of osteophytes in this animal model of PTOA, and thus it may be useful in preventing OA progression. However, it did not show any chondroprotective effect using the recommended dose. In contrast, high dose glucosamine had no measurable effects