Automatic transport plane resource discovery mechanisms for ASON/GMPLS ring networks

In this letter, we propose two novel mechanisms which enable GMPLS LMP to cope with the automatic discovery of all-optical transport planes. The feasibility of our contributions and their performances are assessed by simulations as well as experimental results over the ASON/GMPLS CARISMA field-trial     

Is implementation of continuous improvement possible? An evolutionary model of enablers and inhibitors

The purpose of this article is to present an evolutionary model of the enablers and inhibitors affecting the implementation and sustainability of continuous improvement. With this aim, a qualitative study using the grounded theory was carried out. Interviews were conducted with managers responsible for continuous improvement in first‐tier suppliers in the automotive sector. As a result, two existing lines of research in the continuous improvement literature are synthesized: on one hand, the literature concerning the enablers and barriers associated with continuous improvement sustainability; and on the other, the literature concerning the evolutionary model. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Large-Area Single-Crystal Graphene via Self-Organization at the Macroscale

In 1665 Christiaan Huygens first noticed how two pendulums, regardless of their initial state, would synchronize.  It is now known that the universe is full of complex self-organizing systems, from neural networks to correlated materials. Here, graphene flakes, nucleated over a polycrystalline graphene film, synchronize during growth so as to ultimately yield a common crystal orientation at the macroscale. Strain and diffusion gradients are argued as the probable causes for the long-range cross-talk between flakes and the formation of a single-grain graphene layer. The work demonstrates that graphene synthesis can be advanced to control the nucleated crystal shape, registry, and relative alignment between graphene crystals for large area, that is, a single-crystal bilayer, and (AB-stacked) few-layer graphene can been grown at the wafer scale.     

Controlled loops for quality-of-service differentiation in delay-sensitive optical burst switching networks

A novel quality-of-service (QoS) differentiation framework for optical burst switching networks is introduced. Two different methods are provided and subsequently validated. Particularly, both methods aim at using controlled loops as deflection routes, which assures an upper bounded number of hops from source to destination. This yields a 2-fold outcome. First, the insufficient offset time problematic of standard deflection routing under just-enough-time is solved. Second, excessively long delays owing to uncontrolled deflections are avoided. In both methods, the number of allowed loops is proposed as a QoS metric, giving support for class differentiation. This applies to a scenario with heterogeneous traffic demands, each one with different latency and burst loss requirements. The benefits of each proposal are quantified and further compared with existent alternatives by simulations.     

Test structures for MCM-D technology characterization

In this paper we present a set of classic and novel test structures addressed to fully characterize multichip module (MCM) technologies. The structures have been implemented and fabricated in our D-type, flip-chip, ball grid array, silicon substrate technology. In this technology, a silicon chip is used as a substrate on which other commercial chips are flipped and soldered by a screen-printing method. These complex technologies have specific test problems that are solved with this approach. We have specially focused on the measurement of the effects of wafer rerouting on CMOS parameters, the chip-to-chip ball contact resistance, thermal behavior, yield, and reliability of the technology. Experimental results are shown, proving that this methodology is suitable for our technology and can also be applied to other different MCM technologies     

An Analytical Study of Control Plane Failures Impact on GMPLS Ring Optical Networks

Within the generalized multi-protocol label switching (GMPLS), link management protocol (LMP) has been proposed to maintain the connectivity of the out-of-fiber control plane. In this paper, we analytically quantify the impact of control plane link failures on whole network performance. Then, we use the obtained results to suggest the keep-alive interval for LMP, introducing the least overhead to the control network while keeping an acceptable network grade of service (GoS).     

Small hysteresis nanocarbon-based integrated circuits on flexible and transparent plastic substrate

We report small hysteresis integrated circuits by introducing monolayer graphene for the electrodes and a single-walled carbon nanotube network for the channel. Small hysteresis of the device originates from a defect-free graphene surface, where hysteresis was modulated by oxidation. This uniquely combined nanocarbon material device with transparent and flexible properties shows remarkable device performance; subthreshold voltage of 220 mV decade(-1), operation voltage of less than 5 V, on/off ratio of approximately 10(4), mobility of 81 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1), transparency of 83.8% including substrate, no significant transconductance changes in 1000 times of bending test, and only 36% resistance decrease at a tensile strain of 50%. Furthermore, because of the nearly Ohmic contact nature between the graphene and carbon nanotubes, this device demonstrated a contact resistance 100 times lower and a mobility 20 times higher, when compared to an Au electrode.     

Occurrence of ochratoxin A and biogenic amines in Asian beers sold in French markets

Fifty‐one samples of 17 Asian beer brands commercially available in France were analysed for the occurrence of ochratoxin A and biogenic amines, including ethanolamine, histamine, methylamine, ethylamine, tyramine, tryptamine, 2‐phenylethylamine, putrescine, isopenthylamine and cadaverine. The types and levels of biogenic amines varied from one brand to another. None of the ochratoxin A or biogenic amine contaminants in the Asian beer samples exceeded the recommended levels for safe consumption. Ochratoxin A was found to range from n.d. to 0.175 µg L^?1. Biogenic amines were detected in all samples at a level ranging from 6.15 to 47.30 mg L^?1. Isoamylamine was not detected in any of the beers. Ethanolamine, tyramine, putrescine, and cadaverine were the most abundant of the nine biogenic amines found in this study. The concentrations were 2.75–12.88 mg L^?1 for ethanolamine, 0.58–17.37 mg L^?1 for tyramine, 1.54‐9.78 mg L^?1 for putrescine and 0.31–11.39 mg L^?1 for cadaverine. The work revealed significant, strong correlations (p < 0.01) between concentrations of ochratoxin A and biogenic amines, especially tyramine, tryptamine and cadaverine. Copyright © 2013 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling