In this article, we propose the realization of XNOR logic function by using all-optical XOR and NOT logic gates. Initially, both XOR and NOT gates are designed, simulated and optimized for high contrast outputs. T-shaped waveguides are created on the photonic crystal platform to realize these logic gates. An extra input is used to perform the inversion operation in the NOT gate. Inputs in both the gates are applied with out of phase so as to have a destructive interference between them and produce negligible intensity for logic ‘0'. The XOR and NOT gates are simulated using Finite Difference Time Domain method which results with a high contrast ratio of 55.23 dB and 54.83 dB, respectively at a response time of 0.136 ps and 0.1256 ps. Later, both the gates are cascaded by superimposing the output branch of the waveguide of XOR gate with the input branch of the waveguide of NOT gate so that it can be resulted with compact size for XNOR logic function. The resultant structure of XNOR logic came out with the contrast ratio of 12.27 dB at a response time of 0.1588 ps. Finally, it can be concluded that the proposed structures with fair output performance can suitably be applied in the design of photonic integrated circuits for high speed computing and telecommunication systems.
Given the whole spectrum of doubts and controversies that arise in discussions about laws affecting historical memory (and their subcategory of memory laws), the question of assessing them in the context of international standards of human rights protection – and in particular the European system of human rights protection – is often overlooked. Thus this article focuses on the implications and conditions for introducing memory laws in light of international human rights standards using selected examples of various types of recently-adopted Polish memory laws as case studies. The authors begin with a brief description of the phenomenon of memory laws and the most significant threats that they pose to the protection of international human rights standards. The following sections analyse selected Polish laws affecting historical memory vis-à-vis these standards. The analysis covers non-binding declaratory laws affecting historical memory, and acts that include criminal law sanctions. The article attempts to sketch the circumstances linking laws affecting historical memory with the human rights protection standards, including those entailed both in binding treaties and other instruments of international law.
This paper presents a force-dynamics analysis of the meaning of English periphrastic causative verbs. It challenges the traditional categorization of causative semantics into direct and indirect causation and highlights the role of lexico-semantic elements such as (i) the balance of forces, (ii) the desirability of the causal effect, and (iii) the animacy of the causative entities in interaction. Combined together, these elements help define causative semantics and offer a new causative typology built on the categories of factitivity, manipulation and permission.
This article explores the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) migrants from Central and Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union in Scotland. Drawing on interviews with 50 migrants, the article focuses on the experiences and aspirations which they articulate as being part of ‘a normal life’, and analyses them within broader conceptual understandings of security and ‘normal-ity’. We first examine how normality is equated with an improved economic position in Scotland, and look at the ways in which this engenders feelings of emotional security and well-being. We then explore how more positive experiences around sexuality and gender identity are key to a sense of emotional security – i.e. of feeling accepted as ‘normal’, being visible as an LGBT person but ‘blending in’ rather than standing out because of it. Finally we look at the ways in which the institutional framework in Scotland, in particular the presence of LGBT-affirmative legislation, is seen by participants to have a normalising effect within society, leading to a broader sense of inclusion and equality – found, again, to directly impact upon participants’ own feelings of security and emotional well-being. The article engages with literatures on migration and sexuality and provides an original contribution to both: through its focus upon sexuality, which remains unexplored in debates on ‘normality’ and migration in the UK; and by bringing a migration perspective to the debates in sexuality studies around the normal-ising effect of the law across Europe. By bringing these two perspectives together, we reveal the inter-rela-tionship between sexuality and other key spheres of our participants’ lives in order to better understand their experiences of migration and settlement.
The paper presents the results of preliminary research on the application of olivine moulding sands with hydrated sodium silicate containing 1.5 % wt. of binder to perform ecological casting cores in hot-box technology using a semi-automatic core shooter. The following parameters were used in the process of core shooting: initial shot pressure of 6 bar, shot time 3 s, the temperature of the corebox: 200, 250 and 300 °C and the core curing time: 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 s. The matrix of the moulding mixture was olivine sand, and the binder of the sandmix was commercial, unmodified hydrated sodium silicate with molar module SiO2/Na2O of 2.5. In one shot of the automatic core-shooter were formed three longitudinal specimens (cores) with a dimensions 22.2×22.2×180 mm. The samples obtained in this way were subjected to the assessment of the influence of the shooting parameters, i.e. shooting time, temperature and curing time in core-box, using the following criteria: core box fill rate, mechanical strength to bending Rg U, apparent density, compaction degree and susceptibility to friability of sand grains after hardening. The results of trials on the use of olivine moulding sands with hydrated sodium silicate (olivine SSBS) in the process of core shooting made it possible to determine the conditions for further research on the improvement of inorganic hot-box process technology aimed at: reduction of the heating temperature and the curing time. It was found that correlation between the parameters of the shooting process and the bending strength of olivine moulding sands with sodium silicate is observed.
The topic of Polish diaspora in Japan, a community with which Poles in Japan identify as Poles, recognize Polish heritage and connection to what it means to be Polish is one of important, but practically unresearched issues in Poland-Japan relations. From the 1970s a growth in Polish population in Japan can be observed. They began to organize meetings, establish formal and less official groups and have helped and maintained connections to Poland. This paper will focus on the post-war history of Polish diaspora in Japanese islands.
The paper presents an example of the application of vibratory machining for castings based on the results of visual testing. The purpose of the work is to popularize non-destructive testing and vibratory machining as finishing process, especially in the case of cast objects. Visual testing is one of the obligatory non-destructive tests used for castings and welded joints. The basic requirements concerning the dimensional accuracy and surface texture of cast components are not met if visible surface flaws are detected. The tested castings, which had characteristic traces of the casting process, were subjected to vibratory machining. The machining with loose abrasive media in vibrating containers is aimed at smoothing the surface and reducing or completely removing flashes. To complement the visual testing were also conducted research on the contact profilometer Taylor Hobson PGI 1200. Particular attention was focused on measuring the height of flashes and changes in the surface of smoothed details based on BNIF No. 359 touch-visual patterns. Based on the work, it can be concluded that vibratory machining allows for removal flashes and smoothing of the surface of aluminum alloy cast objects.