Deposition and Characterization of Multilayer DLC/BN Films

In this article, the results obtained from a study on multilayer diamond-like carbon and boron nitride (DLC/BN) films are reported. The microstructure, atomic concentration, hardness and friction coefficient of the films were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, auger electron microscopy, nano-indentation measurements and ball-on-disk friction testing. The effects of bilayer thickness and substrate bias on film growth were investigated. All multilayer films showed alternate DLC and BN layers, except the 2- and 4-nm bilayer of multilayer DLC/BN films deposited without substrate bias. Although the layers were very thin, each layer was distinguishable. This was confirmed by the use of TEM imaging and AES measurements. The hardness values of all the multilayer films were lower than those measured for the monolayer DLC and BN films. However, the hardness can be altered with a change in the bilayer thickness. Furthermore, in the case of the films deposited with substrate bias, multilayer DLC/BN films showed an improvement in wear resistance compared to monolayer DLC and BN films. Thus, the deposition of multilayer DLC/BN films can be considered to be beneficial in prolonging the service life of the surface.

Proposal of ZigBee Systems for the Provision of Location Information and Transmission of Sensor Data in Medical Welfare

This paper proposes a scheme to obtain location and vital health information using ZigBee system. ZigBee systems are wireless communication systems defined by IEEE 802.154. In the proposed scheme, location information is obtained using the Link Quality Indication (LQI) function of a ZigBee system, which represents the received signal strength. And, the vital health information are collected from the electrocardiogram monitor, the pulse and blood pressure device, attached to the patient’s body. This information is then transmitted to an outside network by ZigBee systems. In this way, vital health information can be transmitted as ZigBee sensor data while patients with the ZigBee terminal are moving. In the experiments using actual ZigBee devices, the proposed scheme could obtain accurate location and vital health information from the sensor data. Moreover, to achieve high reliability in the actual service, the collected amount of sensor data was confirmed by the theoretic calculation, when a ZigBee terminal passed through ZigBee routers. These results indicate that the proposed scheme can be used to detect the accurate location of the ZigBee terminal. And over 99% of the sensor data on vital health information was obtained when the ZigBee terminal passed through approximately four ZigBee routers.

Improvement of Thermal Stability and Tribological Performance of Diamond-Like Carbon Composite Thin Films

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) is a metastable amorphous film that exhibits unique properties. However, many limitations exist regarding the use of DLC, for example, its tribological characteristics at high temperature, as well as its limited thermal stability. In this study, silicon/oxygen and silicon/nitrogen co-incorporated diamond-like carbon (Si-O-DLC and Si-N-DLC) films are studied, taking into account the thermal stability and tribological performance of these films compared with pure DLC. All the films were prepared on Si wafers, WC-Co materials, and aluminum foils using a plasma-based ion implantation (PBII) technique using acetylene (C2H2), tetramethylsilane (TMS, Si(CH3)4), oxygen (O2) and nitrogen (N2) as plasma sources. The structure of the films was characterized using Raman spectroscopy. The thermal stability of the films was measured using thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA). The friction coefficient of the films was assessed using ball-on-disk friction testing. The results indicate that Si-N-DLC films present better thermal stability due to the presence of Si-O networks in the films. The Si-N-DLC (23 at.%Si, 8 at.%N) film was affected using thermal annealing in an air atmosphere with increasing temperature until 500°C. The film can also resist thermal shock by cycling 10 times between the various temperatures and air atmosphere until 500°C. Further, Si-O-DLC and Si-N-DLC films exhibit excellent tribological performance, especially the Si-N-DLC (23 at.%Si, 8 at.%N) film, which exhibits excellent tribological performance at 500°C in an air atmosphere. It is concluded that Si-O-DLC and Si-N-DLC films improve upon the thermal stability and tribological performance of DLC.

Scenario Formation of Energy Demand and CO_2 Emissionsfor Sustainable China

Co-integration theory has been employed in this paper and Granger causes are found between urbanization rate and GDP, between capital stock and GDP. Scenario analysis of GDP is performed using the GDP model established in the paper. The energy consumptions in Germany, Japan and other developed countries are analyzed and compared with the energy consumption in China. Environmental friendly scenario of energy demand and CO2 emissions for sustainable China has been formed based on the results of comparison. Under environmental friendly scenario, the primary energy consumption will be 4.31 billion ton coal equivalence （tee） and CO2 emissions will be 1.854 billion t-c in 2050; energy per capital will be 3.06 tee that is 1.8 times of energy consumed in 2005 in China and 51% of consumed energy per capital in Japan in 2003. In 2050, the energy requirement of unit GDP will be 20% lower than that of Germany in 2003, but will be still 37% higher than that in Japan in 2003. It is certain that to fulfill the environmental friendly Scenario of energy demand and CO2 emissions is a difficult task and it needs long term efforts of the whole society, not only in production sectors but also in service and household sectors,

Slip Detection of Robotic Hand Based on Vibration Power of Pressure Center

This paper proposes an incipient slip detection method for a robotic hand based on the vibration power of the pressure center. Firstly,an array-type pressure sensor was planted into the soft skin of the robotic hand to measure the stick-slip vibration component of the pressure center generated in the process of slip of the grasped object. Secondly,the vibration power of the pressure center was calculated based on the measured stick-slip vibration component,and was used as a slip-detection function to judge the incipient slip of the grasped object. Finally,in order to use the same threshold value to judge incipient slip for different grasping forces,a weight coefficient was experimentally identified and used in the slip-detection function. The effectiveness of the proposed slip detection method was verified by experimental results,which showed that incipient slip can be detected by the proposed slip-detection function with the same threshold value for various materials,different slipping speeds grasping forces. In addition,multiple iterations of the experiment had demonstrated that the slip detection is repeatable.

Applying Fuzzy Rule-Based System on FMEA to Assess the Risks on Project-Based Software Engineering Education

Project-based learning has been in widespread use in education. However, project managers are unaware of the students’ lack of experience and treat them as if they were professional staff. This paper proposes the application of a fuzzy failure mode and effects analysis model for project-based software engineering education. This method integrates the fuzzy rule-based system with learning agents. The agents construct the membership function from historical data. Data are processed by a clustering process that facilitates the construction of the membership function. It helps students who lack experience in risk assessment to develop their expertise in that skill. The paper also suggests a classification technique for a fuzzy rule-based system that can be used to judge risk based on a fuzzy inference system. The student project will thus be further enhanced with respect to risk assessment. We then discuss the design of experiments to verify the proposed model.

Tribological Behavior of Binary B-C Films Deposited by Sputtering-PBII Hybrid System

In this article, the authors report on the use of Radio Frequency (RF) Magnetron Sputtering combined with Plasma-Based Ion Implantation (PBII) technique to synthesize the Boron-Carbon (B-C) films. High purity of boron carbide (99.5%) disk was used as a target with an RF power of 300 W. The mixtures of Argon (Ar)-Methane (CH4) ware used as reactive gas under varying CH4 partial flow pressure at the specified range of 0 - 0.15 Pa and fixed total gas pressure and total gas flow at 0.30 Pa and 30 sccm, respectively. The effect of CH4 flow ratio on the friction coefficient of B-C films was studied. The friction coefficient of the film depended on the concentration of B. When it was 10% or lower, the coefficient decreased to 0.2 or lower. In this concentration range of B, the specific wear rate also decreased to the order of 10-7 mm3/Nm, and excellent wear resistance was displayed.

Effects of Fluorine and Silicon Incorporation on Tribological Performance of Diamond-Like Carbon Films

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) is a metastable amorphous film that exhibits unique properties. However, a number of limitations exist regarding the use of DLC, for instance, its tribological characteristics. In this article, the fluorine and silicon incorporated diamond-like carbon (F-DLC and Si-DLC) films are studied, taking into account the tribological properties of these films compared with pure DLC. The structures of the films were characterized using Auger electron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The hardness and elastic modulus were evaluated by nanoindentation hardness testing. The friction behavior was assessed using ball-on-disk friction testing and optical microscopy. The results indicated that the deposited DLC films contained 0.6 - 2.1 at.% F and 26.7 - 38.4 at.% Si. A decrease in the hardness and elastic modulus was obtained as F increased in content, which was the opposite of the behavior observed in the Si-DLC films. This was due to the shifting in the G-peak position, which is related to the sp3 bonding fraction in the film. When measured in ambient air, the addition of Si into the DLC film strongly influenced the friction coefficient, whereas doping with F only slightly influenced the films, as evidenced by their wear scars. In addition, only a 26.7 at.% Si-DLC film showed a very low friction coefficient when measured in dry air. This was attributed to the formation of silicon-rich transfer layer on the ball surfaces. Therefore, the addition of Si with 26.7 at.% content to a DLC film can be considered beneficial for improving tribological performance.

Heat Resistant Properties of Some Elements-Incorporated Diamond-Like Carbon Films and Their Trial Applications for Micro End Mill Coatings

In this article, the results obtained from a study carried out on the some elements-incorporated diamond-like carbon (DLC) films are reported. All the films were deposited using plasma-based ion implantation (PBII) technique. The deposited films were annealed at 400℃, 650℃ and 900℃ in an air atmosphere for 1 hour. The effects of adding hydrogen, silicon/oxygen and silicon/nitrogen into the DLC film on chemical composition, friction coefficient and corrosion resistance were investigated. The films coated micro end mills performance was also assessed. The results indicate that all the films showed almost constant atomic contents of C, Si, O and N until annealing at 400℃. However, the films were completely destroyed at 650℃ with the increased Si and O contents, while the C content decreased. The incorporation of silicon/oxygen and silicon/nitrogen into the DLC exhibited lower values of friction coefficients than the hydrogenated DLC (DLC and H-DLC) before and after annealing at 400℃, whereas all the films presented the same values of friction coefficients after annealing at 650℃ due to the completely destroy of the films. Furthermore, the incorporation of silicon/nitrogen into the DLC also exhibited better corrosion resistance and unbroken micro end mills performance on their surfaces. Thus, the incorporation of silicon/nitrogen into the DLC film can be considered beneficial in improving the micro end mills performance.

Formation of Photosensitizing Crystalline C₆₀Particles by Ink-Jet Method

The crystalline fullerene C60 particles were formed and immobilized on poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) substrates under the various discharge conditions by an ink-jet method, and investigated for the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation property under visible light irradiation. The particles were synthesized by discharging a toluene solution dissolved C60 and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with the ink-jet spotting system. The ROS generation was evaluated by comparisons of the fluorescence intensities measured for the formed particles under green laser irradiation and in a dark room using fluorescent dyes, 2’,7’-dichlorofluorescein diacetate and dihydroethidium. The results of transmission electron microscope (TEM) observation showed that the formed particles consisted of crystalline C60. The optimal ink-jet discharge conditions for synthesizing the particles to generate more ROS were found. In the case of the optimal conditions, the structure in which the needle-like particles were three-dimensionally formed was confirmed. The surface area of the crystalline C60 particles was calculated using the SEM observation results, and it was suggested that when the needle-like finer particles were three-dimensionally formed under the optimal conditions, increasing the surface area lead to an increase in the ROS generation amount.

An Algorithm for Global Optimization Using Formula Manupulation

Constrained nonlinear optimization problems are well known as very difficult problems. In this paper, we present a new algorithm for solving such problems. Our proposed algorithm combines the Branch-and-Bound algorithm and Lipschitz constant to limit the search area effectively;this is essential for solving constrained nonlinear optimization problems. We obtain a more appropriate Lipschitz constant by applying the formula manipulation system of each divided area. Therefore, we obtain a better approximate solution without using a lot of searching points. The efficiency of our proposed algorithm has been shown by the results of some numerical experiments.

Covering Salesman Problem with Nodes and Segments

In the Covering Salesman Problem (CSP), a distribution of nodes is provided, and the objective is to identify the shortest-length tour of a subset of all given nodes such that each node is not on the tour which is within a radius r of any node on the tour. In this paper, we define a new covering problem called the CSP with Nodes and Segments (CSPNS). The main difference between the CSP and the CSPNS is that in the CSPNS, not only the nodes on the tour but also the segments on the tour can cover the nodes not on the tour. We formulated the CSPNS via integer programming and found an optimal solution by using a general-purpose mixed-integer program solver. Benchmark instances of the CSPNS were generated by DIMACS, which is one of the benchmark problems of the Traveling Salesman Problem. Optimal solutions could not be obtained in a reasonable time frame for a large size of instances. Thus, in this study, we developed a simple heuristic method to find good near-optimal solutions to the CSPNS. The proposed heuristic method quickly finds good solutions.

Web Acceleration by Prefetching in Extremely Large Latency Network

A scheme for high-speed data transfer via the Internet for Web service in an extremely large delay environment is proposed. With the wide-spread use of Internet services in recent years, WLAN Internet service in high-speed trains has commenced. The system for this is composed of a satellite communication system between the train and the ground station, which is characterized by extremely large latency of several hundred milliseconds due to long propagation latency. High-speed web access is not available to users in a train in such an extremely large latency network system. Thus, a prefetch scheme for performance acceleration of Web services in this environment is proposed. A test-bed system that implements the proposed scheme is implemented and is its performance in this test-bed is evaluated. The proposed scheme is verified to enable high-speed Web access in the extremely large delay environment compared to conventional schemes.

An Effective Routing Algorithm with Chaotic Neurodynamics for Optimizing Communication Networks

In communication networks, the most significant impediment to reliable communication between end users is the congestion of packets. Many approaches have been tried to resolve the congestion problem. In this regard, we have proposed a routing algorithm with chaotic neurodynamics. By using a refractory effect, which is the most important effect of chaotic neurons, the routing algorithm shows better performance than the shortest path approach. In addition, we have further improved the routing algorithm by combining information of the shortest paths and the waiting times at adjacent nodes. We confirm that the routing algorithm using chaotic neurodynamics is the most effective approach to alleviate congestion of packets in a communication network. In previous works, the chaotic routing algorithm has been evaluated for ideal communication networks in which every node has the same transmission capability for routing the packets and the same buffer size for storing the packets. To check whether the chaotic routing algorithm is practically applicable, it is important to evaluate its performance under realistic conditions. In 2007, M. Hu et al. proposed a practicable communication network in which the largest storage capacity and processing capability were introduced. New-man et al. proposed scale-free networks with community structures;these networks effectively extract communities from the real complex network using the shortest path betweenness. In addition, the scale-free networks have common structures in real complex networks such as collaboration networks or communication networks. Thus, in this paper, we evaluate the chaotic routing algorithm for communication networks to which realistic conditions are introduced. Owing to the effective alleviation of packets, the proposed routing algorithm shows a higher arrival rate of packets than the conventional routing algorithms. Further, we confirmed that the chaotic routing algorithm can possibly be applied to real communication networks.

Admission and Traffic Control Schemes Suitable for QoS Applications in WLAN Systems

This paper proposes the use of admission and traffic control schemes for real-time applications. The admission control scheme determines the admission of high-priority real-time applications such as voice and video streams in terms of their bandwidth utilization time (medium time), whereas the traffic control scheme maintains the communication quality of applications permitted admission by restricting other traffic. Owing to the use of contention-based access, a conventional scheme without admission control will degrade the communication quality when the number of terminals using high-priority applications increases. Moreover, only the capabilities (i.e., frame and sequence procedures) of admission control are defined in the IEEE 802.11e standard;the detailed usage in terms of the application characteristics is not specified, and it may be difficult to achieve a sufficient level of quality of service (QoS). The proposed schemes achieve the optimum QoS for actual services. The software used in the proposed schemes was implemented into hardware at the access point, and was evaluated experimentally. Based on the evaluation results, excellent performances with high QoS applications were obtained.

Efficient Routing Strategy with Memory Information for Complex Networks

In this paper, we propose a new packet routing strategy that incorporates memory information for reducing congestion in communication networks. First, we study the conventional routing strategy which selects the paths for transmitting packets to destinations using the distance information and the dynamical information such as the number of accumulating packets at adjacent nodes. Then, we evaluate the effectiveness of this routing strategy for the scale-free networks. From results of numerical simulations, we conclude that this routing strategy is not effective when the density of the packets increases due to the impermeability of the communication network. To avoid this undesirable problem, we incorporate memory information to the routing strategy. By using memory information effectively, packets are spread into the communication networks, achieving a higher performance than conventional routing strategies for various network topologies, such as scale-free networks, small-world networks, and scale-free networks with community structures.

Neural-Based Routing Method for Alleviating Congestion in Complex Networks

In this paper, we propose a new packet routing strategy that incorporates memory information for reducing congestion in communication networks. First, we study the conventional routing strategy which selects the paths for transmitting packets to destinations using the distance information and the dynamical information such as the number of accumulating packets at adjacent nodes. Then, we evaluate the effectiveness of this routing strategy for the scale-free networks. From results of numerical simulations, we conclude that this routing strategy is not effective when the density of the packets increases due to the impermeability of the communication network. To avoid this undesirable problem, we incorporate memory information to the routing strategy. By using memory information effectively, packets are spread into the communication networks, achieving a higher performance than conventional routing strategies for various network topologies, such as scale-free networks, small-world networks, and scale-free networks with community

Influence of oxygen flow rate and compost addition on reduction of organic matter in aerated waste layer containing mainly incineration residue

Landfilling municipal solid waste incineration （MSWI） residue alkalizes the waste layer, causing a subsequent decrease in microbial activity and a delay in the decomposition of organic matter. In this study, efficiencies of neutralization of the leachate and organic matter decomposition in the waste layer in a column filled with MSWI residue using aeration and compost addition were evaluated. Total organic carbon （TOC） reduction in the waste layer is large at high oxygen flow rate （OFR）. To effectively accelerate TOC reduction in the waste layer to which compost was added, a high OFR exceeding that by natural ventilation was required. At day 65, the pH of the leachate when OFR was above 102 mol-O2/（day.m3） was lower than that when OFR was below 101 mol-Oz/（day.m3）. At the same OFR, the pH of waste sample was lower than that of waste sample with compost. Although leachate neutralization could be affected by compost addition, TOC reduction in the waste layer became rather small. It is possible that humic substances in compost prevent the decomposition of TOC in MSWI residue.

A new algorithm based on metaheuristics for data clustering

This paper presents a new algorithm for clustering a large amount of data.We improved the ant colony clustering algorithm that uses an ant’s swarm intelligence,and tried to overcome the weakness of the classical cluster analysis methods.In our proposed algorithm,improvements in the efficiency of an agent operation were achieved,and a new function "cluster condensation" was added.Our proposed algorithm is a processing method by which a cluster size is reduced by uniting similar objects and incorporating them into the cluster condensation.Compared with classical cluster analysis methods,the number of steps required to complete the clustering can be suppressed to 1% or less by performing this procedure,and the dispersion of the result can also be reduced.Moreover,our clustering algorithm has the advantage of being possible even in a small-field cluster condensation.In addition,the number of objects that exist in the field decreases because the cluster condenses;therefore,it becomes possible to add an object to a space that has become empty.In other words,first,the majority of data is put on standby.They are then clustered,gradually adding parts of the standby data to the clustering data.The method can be adopted for a large amount of data.Numerical experiments confirmed that our proposed algorithm can theoretically applied to an unrestricted volume of data.