On a class of languages recognizable by probabilistic reversible decide-and-halt automata

We analyze the properties of probabilistic reversible decide-and-halt automata (DH-PRA) and show that there is a strong relationship between DH-PRA and 1-way quantum automata. We show that a general class of regular languages is not recognizable by DH-PRA by proving that two “forbidden” constructions in minimal deterministic automata correspond to languages not recognizable by DH-PRA. The shown class is identical to a class known to be not recognizable by 1-way quantum automata. We also prove that the class of languages recognizable by DH-PRA is not closed under union and other non-trivial Boolean operations.     

Comparative characterization of particle emissions from asbestos and non-asbestos cement roof slates

The first aim of this study was to characterise total and size-fractionated particulate matter (PM) aerosol, including fibres, released from the processing operations of cement roofing slates. The second aim was to compare particle emissions from asbestos-cement and non-asbestos cement sheets, with respect to total and size-fractionated particulate matter as well as fibres emissions. Asbestos and cellulose-based cement sheets were compared during slate treatment processes, namely crushing, rubbing, rasping and scrubbing. Generated PM and fibres were classified by a variety of methods (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ cyclones, aerodynamic particle spectrometer and optical particle counter). A substantial variation in the mass of generated particles has been noticed, both within each PM fraction and between different treatment processes. The PM₁₀/PM_total concentration ratio ranged from 70 to 98% and PM_2.5/PM_total ratio equalled to ∼20%. The new generation non-asbestos sheets produced three times higher PM emissions than asbestos-cement sheets during crushing operation. Particle size distribution of number concentrations was mostly bimodal (two modes at 0.5 and 2.5 μm). With respect to fibres, the release of cellulose fibres from non-asbestos slates was from 1.8 to 13 times lower in comparison with asbestos fibres. At the same time, cellulose fibre length was 1.4–1.6 times lower. Hence, new generation non-asbestos roofing slates were proved to be less hazardous from the point of view of fibre release, but more hazardous with respect to total particle release.     

Oxidation-abrasion of TiC-based cermets in SiC medium

The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of oxidation on abrasive wear behaviour of TiC based cermets at temperatures ranging from 20 to 900 °C. Three types of material performance maps were constructed: oxidation rate maps, wear rate maps and maps showing the effect of oxidation on abrasion. Discussion on the performance of different cermet grades is supported by the SEM images combined with EDS and XRD analysis. The results should facilitate the selection of TiC-based cermets providing optimum composition of cermets for high temperature applications.     

Test Time Minimization for Hybrid BIST of Core-Based Systems

This paper presents a solution to the test time minimization problem for core-based systems. We assume a hybrid BIST approach, where a test set is assembled, for each core, from pseudorandom test patterns that are generated online, and deterministic test patterns that are generated off-line and stored in the system. In this paper we propose an iterative algorithm to find the optimal combination of pseudorandom and deterministic test sets of the whole system, consisting of multiple cores, under given memory constraints, so that the total test time is minimized. Our approach employs a fast estimation methodology in order to avoid exhaustive search and to speed-up the calculation process. Experimental results have shown the efficiency of the algorithm to find near optimal solutions.     

Dielectric properties of cubic bismuth based pyrochlores containing lithium and fluorine

In this work dielectric properties of Bi_1.5Zn_1?xLi_xNb_1.5O_7?xF_x with x = 0.25 were investigated in a 20 Hz–12 GHz frequency and 120–500 K temperature range and compared to that of regular cubic BZN (when x = 0). Measurements showed that both ceramics have dipolar glass type dielectric dispersion with wide relaxation time distributions. Mean relaxation time follows Arrhenius law in the investigated frequency range, although Vogel–Fulcher law was anticipated.     

Cermets surface transformation under erosive and abrasive wear

The subsurface developed in ceramic-metal composites WC-Co, TiC-NiMo and Cr₃C₂-Ni during tribological testing (abrasion, sliding, erosion) under different conditions (impact angle, velocity, pressure, temperature) is the primary concern of the study. Mechanisms responsible for mechanically mixed layer (MML) development and wear resistance of materials are discussed in details. Instrumented indentation combined with consecutive polishing-testing procedure was used for mechanical characterisation. Microstructural features of the worn surface and subsurface region were studied with the help of optical microscope and scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy analyser to evaluate difference between properties of the bulk and modified subsurface layers of materials.Formation of subsurface layer is found to be an essential feature of materials response to applied loading. Modified layer consists of highly deformed binder metal; cracked and decohesed large grains of carbides; embedded and/or fused debris of erosive/abrasive particles; and products of oxidation.