A homotopy continuation method for solving normal equations

In this paper, we present a continuation method for solving normal equations generated byC ² functions and polyhedral convex sets. We embed the normal map into a homotopyH, and study the existence and characteristics of curves inH ¹(0) starting at a specificd point. We prove the convergence of such curves to a solution of the normal equation under some conditions on the polyhedral convex setC and the functionf. We prove that the curve will have finite are length if the normal map, associated with the derivative df(·) and the critical coneK, is coherently oriented at each zero of the normal mapf _c inside a certain ball of ⁿ . © 1998 The Mathematical Programming Society, Inc. Published by Elsevier Science B.V.This research was performed at the Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.     

Incentive edge caching in software‐defined internet of vehicles: A Stackelberg game approach

In this paper, we investigate an incentive edge caching mechanism for an internet of vehicles (IoV) system based on the paradigm of software‐defined networking (SDN). We start by proposing a distributed SDN‐based IoV architecture. Then, based on this architecture, we focus on the economic side of caching by considering competitive cache‐enablers market composed of one content provider (CP) and multiple mobile network operators (MNOs). Each MNO manages a set of cache‐enabled small base stations (SBS). The CP incites the MNOs to store its popular contents in cache‐enabled SBSs with highest access probability to enhance the satisfaction of its users. By leasing their cache‐enabled SBSs, the MNOs aim to make more monetary profit. We formulate the interaction between the CP and the MNOs, using a Stackelberg game, where the CP acts first as the leader by announcing the popular content quantity that it which to cache and fixing the caching popularity threshold, a minimum access probability under it a content cannot be cached. Then, MNOs act subsequently as followers responding by the content quantity they accept to cache and the corresponding caching price. A noncooperative subgame is formulated to model the competition between the followers on the CP's limited content quantity. We analyze the leader and the follower's optimization problems, and we prove the Stackelberg equilibrium (SE). Simulation results show that our game‐based incentive caching model achieves optimal utilities and outperforms other incentive caching mechanisms with monopoly cache‐enablers whilst enhancing 30% of the user's satisfaction and reducing the caching cost.     

Tavis–Cummings Model with Moving Atoms

In this work, we examine a nonlinear version of the Tavis–Cummings model for two two-level atoms interacting with a single-mode field within a cavity in the context of power-law potentials. We consider the effect of the particle position that depends on the velocity and acceleration, and the coupling parameter is supposed to be time-dependent. We examine the effect of velocity and acceleration on the dynamical behavior of some quantumness measures, namely as von Neumann entropy, concurrence and Mandel parameter. We have found that the entanglement of subsystem states and the photon statistics are largely dependent on the choice of the qubit motion and power-law exponent. The obtained results present potential applications for quantum information and optics with optimal conditions.     

One-step Synthesis of PCL-Urethane Networks using a Crosslinking/de-crosslinking Agent

Thermally reversible cross-linked polycaprolactone-urethane (PCL-U) was prepared in one-step procedure. The PCL-U networks were synthesized from a di-isocyanate (4,4′-methylene bis(cyclohexylisocyanate) (HMDI) and hydroxyl bearing macromers and monomers: hydroxy-terminated PCL, glycerol and a di-alcohol Diels-Alder (DA) adduct. This adduct was used to introduce both diene and dienophile functions in the structure and also to protect the maleimide functions from polymerization. The thermoresponsive behavior of the material was characterized by commonly used methods such as solubility tests at different temperatures and differential scanning calorimetry analyses to highlight rDA reactions and also by rheological analysis. The effects of the cooling rate, the molar mass of polycaprolactone as well as the molar ratio [di-Isocyanate]/[PCL-diol] on the cross-linking/de-cross-linking temperatures were also analyzed. The reversible networks obtained have a self-healing behavior.     

An All-Unbounded-Operator Version of the Fuglede–Putnam Theorem

We present in this paper a new version of the famous Fuglede?CPutnam theorem where all the operators involved are unbounded.     

Characterization of Maximizers via Mass Transportation Techniques

In this paper, we address the question of existence and uniqueness of maximizers of a class of functionals under constraints, via mass transportation theory. We also determine suitable assumptions ensuring that balls are the unique maximizers. In both cases, we show that our hypotheses are optimal.     

Chemical composition and in vitro evaluation of antimicrobial and anti-acetylcholinesterase properties of the flower oil of Ferula lutea

The present work describes the chemical composition and evaluates the antimicrobial and the anti-acetylcholinesterase properties of the flower oil from the Tunisian Ferula lutea obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by combination of GC/FID and GC/MS. The chemical composition of the flower oil of this species is reported for the first time. Seventeen compounds were identified accounting for 94.3% of the total oil. The chemical composition of this essential oil was characterized by a high proportion of monoterpene hydrocarbons (80.4%) among which delta-3-carene (31.2%) and alpha-pinene (25.8%) were the predominant compounds. The oxygenated monoterpenes represent the second major fraction (12.0%), 2,3,6-trimethylbenzaldehyde (10.9%) being the predominant one. Furthermore, the isolated oil was tested for its antimicrobial activity using the disc-diffusion and the microdilution assays against six Gram-positive and five Gram-negative bacteria as well as towards eight Candida species. It was found that flower oil of F. lutea exhibited interesting antibacterial and anticandidal activity (MIC = 39 mcirog/mL against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis and MIC = 156 microg/mL against Candida albicans). The anti-acetylcholinesterase effect of this oil was also evaluated in this work. Results showed that this oil exhibits significant activity (IC50 =70.25 +/- 5.41 microg/mL).     

Development and characterisation of glass and glass ceramic sealants for solid oxide electrolyser cells

Glass and glass ceramic are now well known for their high performances as sealants operating around 800 °C in solid oxide electrolyser cell. Several new formulations have been prepared and investigated: silica alkali borosilicate glass formulations that will create a glass sealant and calcium aluminosilicate formulations that will create a glass ceramic sealant. Thermal and physicochemical properties of several glasses and glass ceramics along with the crystallisation behaviour were investigated. The glass transition temperatures (T _g) of the prepared glasses were found to be within the range of 600–730 °C. Shrinkage, sintering, softening, deformation and crystallisation temperatures of the parent glasses have been measured by hot stage microscopy. Microstructure and chemical composition of crystalline phases have been investigated using microprobe analysis. Bonding characteristics as well as chemical interactions of the parent glasses with yttria-stabilised zirconia (YSZ®) electrolyte and high chromium steel-based interconnect (Crofer®) have also been studied.