A magnetically coupled regenerative turn-on and turn-off snubberconfiguration

This paper presents a magnetically coupled regenerative turn-on and turn-off snubber configuration applied to a boost converter, which operates in continuous conduction mode (CCM). In addition to reducing the stresses in the switch, providing soft transitions in its turn-off voltage and turn-on current, it transfers the energy stored in the snubber capacitor to the load. This is achieved by using a coupled inductor mounted on the main inductor of the converter, which resets the capacitor voltage at each switching period. Design equations, as well as experimental results are presented, showing the high performance of the boost converter using the proposed snubber     

Power limits for secondary devices operating on TV white spaces

The use of TV white spaces as an alternative to overcome spectrum scarcity is a huge opportunity for new telecommunication systems and services. While being attractive for its desirable propagation characteristics, this part of the spectrum imposes a major difficulty from design and regulatory perspectives: how to optimize the use of spectrum and to ensure the protection of primary users, TV systems for example, at the same time. This paper discusses strategies to be adopted by geo-location database operators to calculate adaptive maximum permitted power levels for secondary devices, according to permissible levels of interference into the digital terrestrial television primary system.     

Engineering DNA-Grafted Quatsomes as Stable Nucleic Acid-Responsive Fluorescent Nanovesicles

The development of artificial vesicles into responsive architectures capable of sensing the biological environment and simultaneously signaling the presence of a specific target molecule is a key challenge in a range of biomedical applications from drug delivery to diagnostic tools. Herein, the rational design of biomimetic DNA-grafted quatsome (QS) nanovesicles capable of translating the binding of a target molecule to amphiphilic DNA probes into an optical output is presented. QSs are synthetic lipid-based nanovesicles able to confine multiple organic dyes at the nanoscale, resulting in ultra-bright soft materials with attractiveness for sensing applications. Dye-loaded QS nanovesicles of different composition and surface charge are grafted with fluorescent amphiphilic nucleic acid-based probes to produce programmable FRET-active nanovesicles that operate as highly sensitive signal transducers. The photophysical properties of the DNA-grafted nanovesicles are characterized and the highly selective, ratiometric detection of clinically relevant microRNAs with sensitivity in the low nanomolar range are demonstrated. The potential applications of responsive QS nanovesicles for biosensing applications but also as functional nanodevices for targeted biomedical applications is envisaged.     

Influence of the deposition parameters on the growth of SiGe nanocrystals embedded in Al2O3 matrix

Si_1−xGe_x nanocrystals (NCs), embedded in Al₂O₃ matrix, were fabricated on Si (100) substrates by RF-magnetron sputtering technique with following annealing procedure at 800 °C, in nitrogen atmosphere. The presence of Si_1−xGe_x NCs was confirmed by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) and Raman spectroscopy. The influence of the growth conditions on the structural properties and composition of Si_1−xGe_x NCs inside the alumina matrix was analyzed. Optimal conditions to grow Si_1−xGe_x (x∼ 0.8) NCs sized between 3 and 4 nm in Al₂O₃ matrix were established.     

SDN-based architecture for providing quality of service to high-performance distributed applications

The specification of quality of service (QoS) requirements in most of the existing networks is still challenging. In part, traditional network environments are limited by their high administrative cost, although software-defined networks (SDNs), a newer network paradigm, simplify the management of the whole network infrastructure. In fact, SDN provides a simple way to effectively develop QoS provisioning mechanisms. In this sense, we explore the SDN model and its flexibility to develop a QoS provisioning architecture. Through the use of our new architecture, network operators are able to specify QoS levels in a simple way. Each individual data flow can be addressed, and the architecture we propose also negotiates the QoS requirements between the network controller and applications. On the other hand, the network controller continuously monitors the network environment. Then, it allocates network elements resources and prioritizes traffic, adjusting the network performance. We evaluate the feasibility of our QoS provisioning mechanism by presenting three experimental setups under realistic scenarios. For example, for a given scenario where we evaluate file transfers, our results indicate that the additional SDN modules present negligible overhead. Moreover, for a given setup, we observe a reduction of up to 82% in the file transfer times.     

A quadratic buck converter with lossless commutation

High switching frequency associated with soft commutation techniques is a new trend in switching converters. Following this trend, the authors present a buck pulsewidth modulation converter, where the DC voltage conversion ratio has a quadratic dependence on duty cycle, providing a large step-down. By introducing two resonant networks, soft switching is attained, providing highly efficient operating conditions for a wide load range at high switching frequency. Contrary to most of the converters that apply soft-switching techniques, the switches presented are not subjected to high switch voltage or current stresses and, consequently, present low conduction losses. The authors present, for this converter, the principle of operation, theoretical analysis, relevant equations and simulation and experimental results     

Improving a Cluster Based Directional Channel Model in Realistic Macro-Cell Environment

In this paper a realistic directional channel model that is an extension of the COST 273 channel model is presented. The model uses a cluster of scatterers and visibility region generation based strategy with increased realism, due to the introduction of terrain and clutter information. New approaches for path-loss prediction and line of sight modeling are considered, affecting the cluster path gain model implementation. The new model was implemented using terrain, clutter, street and user mobility information for the city of Lisbon, Portugal. Some of the model’s outputs are presented, mainly path loss and small/large-scale fading statistics.     

Developing Smart Grids Based on GPRS and ZigBee Technologies Using Queueing Modeling–Based Optimization Algorithm

Smart metering systems have become widespread around the world. RF mesh communication systems have contributed to the creation of smarter and more reliable power systems. This paper presents an algorithm for positioning GPRS concentrators to attain delay constraints for a ZigBee‐based mesh network. The proposed algorithm determines the number and placement of concentrators using integer linear programming and a queueing model for the given mesh network. The solutions given by the proposed algorithm are validated by verifying the communication network performance through simulations.     

Single-frequency, single-knob tuning of a CW color center laser

We describe a simple way to achieve CW single-frequency laser operation with a grating as the sole tuning element. It is Shown, both experimentally and theoretically, that by proper choice of cavity parameters, the competing hole burning modes can be completely suppressed. Experiments to demonstrate the theoretical calculations were carried out in a CW color center laser using Tl⁰(1) centers. Linewidths of 0.01 cm^-1were obtained and this figure can probably be much improved by proper cavity stabilization. The method can be readily extended to any compact gain medium.     

Impact of Thermal Blanching and Thermosonication Treatments on Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) Quality: Thermosonication Process Optimisation and Microstructure Evaluation

The objectives of the present work were to optimise watercress heat and thermosonication blanching conditions, in order to obtain a product with better quality for further freezing, and to evaluate the effects of thermosonication on the microstructure of watercress leaves. In a chart of optimal time–temperature conditions for a 90% peroxidase inactivation (imposed constraint), vitamin C (objective function) and a-value (improvement toward green) were mathematically predicted for both heat and thermosonication blanching treatments. Two optimal thermosonication combinations were selected: 92 °C and 2 s, retaining 95% of vitamin C content and 5% a-value improvement, and a better condition in terms of practical feasibility, 86 °C and 30 s, allowing a 75% vitamin C retention and 8% a-value improvement. The experimental values, for each thermosonication optimal time–temperature zone, were in good agreement with the models' predicted responses. In terms of microstructure, thermosonicated watercress at 86 and 92 °C showed similar loss of turgor and release of chloroplasts. The proposed optimal thermosonication blanching conditions allow the improvement of the blanched watercress quality and consequently contribute for the development of a high-quality new frozen product. However, a suitable scale-up is mandatory for industrial implementation.