scholarly journals A Novel Characterization and Performance Measurement of Memristor Devices for Synaptic Emulators in Advanced Neuro-Computing

Micromachines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 89 ◽  
Author(s):  
AlaaDdin Al-Shidaifat ◽  
Shubhro Chakrabartty ◽  
Sandeep Kumar ◽  
Suvojit Acharjee ◽  
Hanjung Song

The advanced neuro-computing field requires new memristor devices with great potential as synaptic emulators between pre- and postsynaptic neurons. This paper presents memristor devices with TiO2 Nanoparticles (NPs)/Ag(Silver) and Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) Nanoparticles (NPs)/Au(Gold) electrodes for synaptic emulators in an advanced neurocomputing application. A comparative study between Ag(Silver)- and Au(Gold)-based memristor devices is presented where the Ag electrode provides the improved performance, as compared to the Au electrode. Device characterization is observed by the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) image, which displays the grown electrode, while the morphology of nanoparticles (NPs) is verified by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The resistive switching (RS) phenomena observed in Ag/TiO2 and Au/TiO2 shows the sweeping mechanism for low resistance and high resistance states. The resistive switching time of Au/TiO2 NPs and Ag/TiO2 NPs is calculated, while the theoretical validation of the memory window demonstrates memristor behavior as a synaptic emulator. Measurement of the capacitor–voltage curve shows that the memristor with Ag contact is a good candidate for charge storage as compared to Au. The classification of 3 × 3 pixel black/white image is demonstrated by the 3 × 3 cross bar memristor with pre- and post-neuron system. The proposed memristor devices with the Ag electrode demonstrate the adequate performance compared to the Au electrode, and may present noteworthy advantages in the field of neuromorphic computing.

Coatings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 165
Author(s):  
Sandip Madhukar Deshmukh ◽  
Mohaseen S. Tamboli ◽  
Hamid Shaikh ◽  
Santosh B. Babar ◽  
Dipak P. Hiwarale ◽  
...  

In the present work, we have reported a facile and large-scale synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) through urea-assisted thermal decomposition of titanium oxysulphate. We have successfully synthesized TiO2 NPs by using this effective route with different weight ratios of titanium oxysulphate: urea. The structures and properties of TiO2 NPs were confirmed by scanning electron microscope) (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultra violet–visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), and photoluminescence (Pl) techniques. XRD demonstrated that TiO2 NPs holds of anatase crystal phase with crystallizing size 14–19 nm even after heating at 600 °C. TGA, SEM, and TEM images reveal urea’s role, which controls the size, morphology, and aggregation of TiO2 NPs during the thermal decomposition. These TiO2 NPs were employed for photodegradation of Methyl Orange (MO) in the presence of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. An interesting find was that the TiO2 NPs exhibited better photocatalytic activity and excellent recycling stability over several photodegradation cycles. Furthermore, the present method has a great perspective to be used as an efficient method for large-scale synthesis of TiO2 NPs.


Photonics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 115
Author(s):  
Zeinab Ebrahimpour ◽  
Humberto Cabrera ◽  
Fahimeh Ahmadi ◽  
Asghar Asgari ◽  
Joseph Niemela

In this work, time-resolved thermal lens and beam deflection methods were applied to determine the thermo-optical properties of Er3+ doped sulfophosphate glass in which different concentrations of Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) were embedded. Thermal diffusivity (D), thermal conductivity (κ), and the temperature coefficient of the optical path length (ds/dT) were determined as a function of NPs concentrations. Moreover, the growth of TiO2 NPs inside the amorphous glass matrix was evidenced by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images as well as through optical effects such as refractive index change of the glass. The outcomes indicated relatively high values for D and κ as well as a low ds/dT as required for most optical components used for laser media. The addition of TiO2 NPs with concentration of dopants up to 0.6 mol% improved the optical properties of the glass samples but did not affect its thermal properties. The results indicate that the enhanced optical and thermal performance of the proposed co-doped glass fits the quality standards for materials used in photonic devices.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 128
Author(s):  
Sergej Lackmann ◽  
Pierre-Majorique Léger ◽  
Patrick Charland ◽  
Caroline Aubé ◽  
Jean Talbot

Millions of students follow online classes which are delivered in video format. Several studies examine the impact of these video formats on engagement and learning using explicit measures and outline the need to also investigate the implicit cognitive and emotional states of online learners. Our study compared two video formats in terms of engagement (over time) and learning in a between-subject experiment. Engagement was operationalized using explicit and implicit neurophysiological measures. Twenty-six (26) subjects participated in the study and were randomly assigned to one of two conditions based on the video shown: infographic video or lecture capture. The infographic video showed animated graphics, images, and text. The lecture capture showed a professor, providing a lecture, filmed in a classroom setting. Results suggest that lecture capture triggers greater emotional engagement over a shorter period, whereas the infographic video maintains higher emotional and cognitive engagement over longer periods of time. Regarding student learning, the infographic video contributes to significantly improved performance in matters of difficult questions. Additionally, our results suggest a significant relationship between engagement and student performance. In general, the higher the engagement, the better the student performance, although, in the case of cognitive engagement, the link is quadratic (inverted U shaped).


2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary B. Awino ◽  
Dominic C. Muteshi ◽  
Reginah K. Kitiabi ◽  
Ganesh P. Pokhariyal

The study tested the impact of organization culture on the on the relationship between firm-level strategy and performance of food and beverage manufacturing firms in Kenya. The opinion of the CEO/MDs from 125 firms in this sector was sought by application of a structured questionnaire; the collected data was analysed using hierarchical regression analysis. The paper stated hypothesis that organizational culture has a significant effect on the relationship between firm-level strategy and performance. The results supported the hypothesis. Therefore, firm development of strong organization culture to support firm-level strategy for higher performance is paramount. These findings will contribute to government policy formulation for sector’s expansion and competitiveness and management drives in building a positive organization culture to support firm-level strategy for improved performance.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcel C. Minutolo ◽  
Albena Ivanova ◽  
Michelle Cong

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated model assessing the frequency and timing between reports on the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) reporting the framework by higher education institutions (HEIs) and the relationship between the STARS score and reputation (enrollment), finances (endowment) and performance (emissions). Design/methodology/approach The development of the theoretical model is based on learning, signaling and legitimacy theories. This study collects data from the AASHE STARS to indicate the rating level of 202 HEIs, control variables, enrollment, endowments and emissions. The hypotheses were tested using generalized linear models. Findings Findings suggest that as HEIs report on their sustainability activity, they learn to report better but that there is also an “un-learning” aspect if the HEI skips reporting in a period. The results support the main hypothesis that there is a relationship between reporting and engagement with the HEIs in the form of enrollment and endowments. Finally, the findings provide evidence that the HEIs’ reporting is associated with a reduction in emissions. Practical implications The findings suggest that HEIs should develop a reporting strategy on a standardized framework such as AASHE STARs and they ought to codify the approach to learn from prior reporting. Students and alumni are increasingly seeking to engage the HEI in the sustainability process and the report is a mechanism for signaling activities. Social implications The findings suggest that AASHE STARS scores may be used by HEIs as a signaling mechanism to stakeholders of their commitment to sustainability. The signal is a mechanism to reduce information asymmetry between the HEI and stakeholders who may want more information on the institution’s attempts toward sustainability but lack access to information. Further, HEI partners have a mechanism to assess the overall level of commitment of the HEI toward sustainability and can, therefore, engage accordingly. Originality/value There has been significant work on signaling theory and sustainability. However, the relationship between STARs reporting as a signal that legitimates the HEI, learning how to report well and HEI performance has received less attention. The current study demonstrates that the STARS framework as a reporting mechanism signals the HEIs’ level of commitment to sustainability thereby legitimating it resulting in improved performance.


2016 ◽  
Vol 125 (5) ◽  
pp. 1046-1055 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huaping Sun ◽  
Yan Zhou ◽  
Deborah J. Culley ◽  
Cynthia A. Lien ◽  
Ann E. Harman ◽  
...  

Abstract Background As part of the Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology Program® (MOCA®), the American Board of Anesthesiology (Raleigh, North Carolina) developed the MOCA Minute program, a web-based intensive longitudinal assessment involving weekly questions with immediate feedback and links to learning resources. This observational study tested the hypothesis that individuals who participate in the MOCA Minute program perform better on the MOCA Cognitive Examination (CE) compared with those who do not participate. Methods Two separate cohorts of individuals eligible for July 2014 and January 2015 CEs were invited to participate in this pilot. The CE scores for each cohort were compared between those who did and did not participate, controlling for the factors known to affect performance. For the first cohort, examination performances for topics covered and not covered by the MOCA Minute were analyzed separately. Results Six hundred sixteen diplomates in July 2014 and 684 diplomates in January 2015 took the CE for the first time. In multiple regression analysis, those actively participating scored 9.9 points (95% CI, 0.8 to 18.9) and 9.3 points (95% CI, 2.3 to 16.3) higher when compared with those not enrolled, respectively. Compared to the group that did not enroll in MOCA Minute, those who enrolled but did not actively participate demonstrated no improvement in scores. MOCA Minute participation was associated with improvement in both questions covering topics included the MOCA Minute and questions not covering these topics. Conclusions This analysis provides evidence that voluntary active participation in a program featuring frequent knowledge assessments accompanied by targeted learning resources is associated with improved performance on a high-stakes CE.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jahanzeb Yousaf

In this thesis, we describe a simulator of residential power consumption, as the first step towards a comprehensive demand-side simulator in the context of smart grid. The si mulator uses a commercialRelational Database Management System (RDBMS) as its simulation engine, and is thus capable of supporting much larger simulated systems than other existing simulators which are mostly based on a multi-agent simulation paradigm. The RDBMS-based design also leads to much improved performance while requiring less resources than comparable MAS-based system. Moreover, simulator records all the events which exceed a certain threshold and in response controls demand and assures the stability of the system, based on the future and past events. furthermore, simulator can help utility companies to obtain initial data that can lead to the development of more complex solutions to monitor and control energy consumption, and thus identify target operating points for the generation and distribution systems, with the ultimate goal of balancing the demand and supply, and of improving energy efficiency at the utility level.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 234-240
Author(s):  
Elnaz Moslehifard ◽  
Mahmood Robati Anaraki ◽  
Saeed Shirkavand

Background. The current study evaluated the compressive, flexural and impact strengths of heat-cured acrylic resins reinforced by TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs). Methods. TiO2 NPs were provided and characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine their morphology and crystalline structure. For three mechanical tests, 12 acrylic resin groups (n=9), totaling 108 specimens, were prepared using a special mold for each test, with TiO2 nanoparticle contents of 0, 0.5, 1 or 2 wt% in different groups. After curing, the compressive, flexural and impact strengths of the specimens were examined according to ISO 1567. Results. In the SEM and XRD study of TiO2 NPs, anatase was identified as the major crystalline phase followed by rutile (average particle size: 20.4 nm). SEM images showed that the nanocomposite with 1 wt% NPs had a more homogenized blend. 1 wt% TiO2 nanocomposite exhibited a higher, but non-significant, impact strength compared to the controls. ANOVA showed significant differences in the impact and flexural strengths between nanocomposites with various contents of TiO2 NPs. Conclusion. The nanocomposite with 1 wt% TiO2 NPs exhibited fewer micro-pores and micro-cracks in the SEM cross-sections. A non-significant increase was also observed in the impact strength with TiO2 NPs at 1 wt%. Further increase in TiO2 NPs decreased both the impact and flexural strengths. The compressive strength of the heat-cured acrylic resin was not affected by the incorporation of NPs.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Eyink ◽  
Benjamin Motz ◽  
Gordon Heltzel ◽  
Torrin Liddell

Teachers use injunctive norms when telling students what they should be doing. But researchers find that sometimes descriptive norms, information about what others are doing, more powerfully influence behavior. Currently, we examine which norm is more effective at increasing self-regulated studying and performance in an online college course. We found injunctive norms increased study behaviors aimed at fulfilling course requirements (completion of assigned activities), but did not improve learning outcomes. Descriptive norms increased behaviors aimed at improving knowledge (ungraded practice with activities after they were due), and improved performance. These results imply norms have a stronger influence over behavior when there is a match between the goal of the behavior (fulfilling course requirements vs. learning goals) and the pull of a stated norm (social approval vs. efficacy). Because the goal of education is learning, this suggests descriptive norms have a greater value for motivating self-regulated study in authentic learning environments.


2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Reny Sukmawani ◽  
Sri Ayu Andayani

Problems in agricultural development often encountered in almost all regions in Indonesia are the inadequate use of natural resource potentials, limited ability to manage resources, and lack of synergy between economic actors. These various problems require improved performance through integrated management and development of commodities from upstream to downstream. This research aims to design a working model for the development of local superior commodities in Sukabumi Regency through a survey method conducted in 33 subdistricts. The research resulted in a working model design for the development of local superior commodities in Sukabumi Regency which involved aspects of resource contribution (labor/human resources, natural resources, capital and infrastructure) as well as aspects of work and performance (farmer institutions, extension agencies, financial and marketing institutions, education, training, experiences, sales ability and product demand) to be able to generate advantages. Until now, agricultural development is still facing various obstacles and added value (profitability, market, productivity and learning). All components in the working model design for developing local superior commodities in Sukabumi Regency must be supported by government policies to maximize the increase in added value for both farmers and the community


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