A Deterministic Polynomial--Time Algorithm for Constructing a Multicast Coding Scheme for Linear Deterministic Relay Networks

We propose a new way to construct a multicast coding scheme for linear deterministic relay networks. Our construction can be regarded as a generalization of the well-known multicast network coding scheme of Jaggi et al. to linear deterministic relay networks and is based on the notion of flow for a unicast session that was introduced by the authors in earlier work. We present randomized and deterministic polynomial--time versions of our algorithm and show that for a network with $g$ destinations, our deterministic algorithm can achieve the capacity in $\left\lceil \log(g+1)\right\rceil$ uses of the network.Comment: 12 pages, 2 figures, submitted to CISS 201

Towards electron holography of working transistors

As semiconductor device dimensions are reduced to the deep sub-micron regime, minor departures from the designed distributions of electrostatic potentials can affect device performance dramatically. Parameter optimisation in device processing and modelling is crucial for achieving precise potential profiles. Such optimisation is not possible without comprehensive feedback from advanced characterisation techniques. The ability to acquire two- and three-dimensional measurements of potential distributions with high spatial resolution, high precision and under an applied electrical bias is therefore in great demand. The technique of off-axis electron holography in the transmission electron microscope (TEM) promises to fulfil these requirements in two dimensions and can be combined with electron tomography for three-dimensional measurements. In this dissertation, the practical challenges that are involved in the application of electron holography to the characterisation of electrostatic potentials in working MOSFETs are addressed. A novel method for the application of electrical contacts to a TEM specimen is developed and applied to a diode structure. Off-axis electron holography measurements are carried out on a pn junction using both this and an alternative geometry and compared with simulations. A semi-biased MOSFET is then characterised successfully using electron holography, suggesting that the examination of working transistors in the TEM is a realistic prospect. In order to investigate sources of error and practical challenges, the influence of diffraction contrast on electron holographic phase images is investigated. The effects of electron beam irradiation on the in-situ characterisation of electrical properties in semiconductor devices are then assessed using three complementary techniques: off-axis electron holography and measurements of electron beam induced current in the TEM and secondary electron dopant contrast in the scanning electron microscope

Medicinal plants and phytotherapy in Iran: Glorious history, current status and future prospects

This study is an endeavour to analyse the status of medicinal plants research in Iran. Because of its exceptional phytogeography, Iran has a unique and diverse flora. It is estimated that, 8167 species of vascular plants are present in Iran of which about 2075 have medicinal importance. Situated at the heart of the Silk Road, Iran enjoys a mix of cultures providing a rich backbone for the development of traditional herbal medicine practices. Notwithstanding the brilliant history in traditional medicine and success of investigation to produce herbal medicines, attempts in recent decades, face many challenges. Many text and paper about these concerns were never translated in English. Strong need was felt to record such data of medicinal plants of Iran, their conservation status and related information. The scattered literature over medicinal plants of Iran were collected, analysed and presented in this review, highlighting not only their therapeutic potential but also concerns about product authenticity, quality, safety and efficacy. This will provide ways for future scientific research in this area. Awareness of critical issues in traditional medicinal herbs can play a pivotal role in the discovery and development of plant based drugs and to sustain consumer confidence

Comparing the effect of lecture and rescue training methods with the war maneuvers on the public aid preparedness in the personnel of the navy's military barracks

Aims: Simulation is one of active learning techniques that learners are encouraged to acquire skills and knowledge. This study aimed to determine comparing the effect of lecture and rescue training methods with the war maneuvers on the public aid preparedness in the personnel of the navy's military barracks in 2014. At first, Kolmogorov Smirnov test was used to detect normal data, and independent t-test was performed for normal data, and Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests were used for non-normal data to examine the proposal. Methods: This research was a quasi-experimental study. 132 military personnel were selected by stratified sampling and divided identically in two groups into lectures and training along with combat maneuvers. Multiple-choice test made by researcher was used to determine the level of knowledge before and after the intervention. After gathering information and bringing them into the SPSS software, version 19, data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (Mean and Standard deviation) and inferential statistics. Results: The mean score of the subjects before and after intervention was obtained 12.81 ± 3 and 20.59 ± 3.34, respectively. The results of the comparison between the two groups before and after intervention showed that there were significant differences both lectures and practical groups (P <0.001). Moreover, both groups after intervention indicated an increased score, but the score of operation group increased more than lecture group. Conclusion: The practical training of military forces with war maneuvers has more impact than lecture training method on the amount of preparation and rescue. It is recommended to be used practical training method of military forces along with war maneuvers for military preparedness