Generalized M-2M Mapping Scheme for SLM and PTS Based OFDM Systems Without Side-Information

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is an attractive multicarrier modulation scheme, but it suffers from the problem of high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR). Selected mapping (SLM) and partial transmit sequences (PTS) are two well known, distortion-less techniques with good PAPR reduction capabilities. But, both the methods require side information (SI) about the phase rotation factors to recover the original data signal at the receiving end. The transmission of SI not only results in data rate loss but also, in BER performance degradation if SI gets corrupted over the channel. In this paper we have proposed a new mapping scheme, named “ $M\text{- }2M$ Mapping scheme” for SLM and PTS based methods to completely eliminate the requirement of SI at the receiver. In this scheme $M$ data points are mapped to the constellation points of 2M-ary modulation scheme using (1, j) as the phase rotation factors. Some criteria are suggested with which the method is applied for different constellation sizes, $M=4$ to $M=16$ . The method can be easily coupled with conventional SLM and PTS techniques. When compared with the existing methods like multi point square mapping, which do not need SI, our technique is scalable and provides good PAPR reduction capability with consistent BER performance.     

Evaluation of plant products from the Legnicko–Głogowski region for their contamination with arsenic

Contents of arsenic were determined in plant products originating from the region of two copperworks, G?ogów and Legnica. Analyses were carried out by means of atomic absorption spectrometry, using an MHS-10 unit for hydride generation (acetylene/argon), after wet mineralisation of samples.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in smoked cheese

BACKGROUND: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) represent a group of organic compounds containing two or more aromatic rings. Their control in the human food chain is required due to the mutagenic and carcinogenic potential, exhibited in vertebrates. In the present study, the occurrence of PAHs in 36 cheeses smoked by various processes was investigated. RESULTS: PAH concentrations (sum of 15 US EPA PAHs) found in samples smoked under controlled industrial conditions were at level 0.11 µg kg^?1, whereas in ‘home‐made’ cheeses, the PAH content was up to 10 times higher. A similar trend was observed for B[a]P, a marker compound representing carcinogenic PAHs. While its levels in commercial products prepared by controlled smoking technologies were close to the limit of quantification (0.03 µg kg^?1); in household samples, the B[a]P content ranged from 0.6 to 0.9 µg kg^?1. Significantly higher amounts of PAHs (up to three to six times) were found in surface layers as compared to internal parts of cheese. CONCLUSION: Although smoked cheese is a popular food, only several papers have focused on PAH levels in these products. This paper evaluates the contribution of different smoking technologies to PAH contamination of several cheeses and thus can help in a risk assessment associated with their consumption. Moreover, the study shows the concentration ratios of selected PAHs, from which the type of smoking technology can be indicated. The results obtained in this study also supported the suggestion of the EU Scientific Committee on Food to use benzo[a]pyrene as an indicator of the occurrence of higher‐molecular mass PAHs. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Einsatz von Vakuumpumpen bei der Herstellung von Photovoltaik‐Modulen

Use of vacuum technology in crystal pulling and lamination application in manufacturing of photovoltaic modules Dry compressing screw type vacuum pumps such as the SCREWLINE SP 630/250 are designed to reduce cost of ownership in crystal pulling plant and in lamination processes. The construction of gear house sealings, the easy maintenance of the pump on site and the use of gas ballast guarantee a very reliable performance, and long maintenance and service intervals. In the case of crystal pulling the process does not even need a dust separator at the inlet of the vacuum pump.     

The effect of geometry on three-dimensional tissue growth.

Tissue formation is determined by uncountable biochemical signals between cells; in addition, physical parameters have been shown to exhibit significant effects on the level of the single cell. Beyond the cell, however, there is still no quantitative understanding of how geometry affects tissue growth, which is of much significance for bone healing and tissue engineering. In this paper, it is shown that the local growth rate of tissue formed by osteoblasts is strongly influenced by the geometrical features of channels in an artificial three-dimensional matrix. Curvature-driven effects and mechanical forces within the tissue may explain the growth patterns as demonstrated by numerical simulation and confocal laser scanning microscopy. This implies that cells within the tissue surface are able to sense and react to radii of curvature much larger than the size of the cells themselves. This has important implications towards the understanding of bone remodelling and defect healing as well as towards scaffold design in bone tissue engineering.     

Simplified method for the determination oftrans monoenes in edible fats by TLC-GLC

Several modifications of an established thin-layer chromatography-gas-liquid chromatography (TLC-GLC) procedure for quantitatingtrans unsaturated fatty acids in edible fats are presented. These refinements considerably simplify the procedure without affecting accuracy. The modifications include: i) the use of pre-coated silica sheets, dynamically impregnated with Ag⁺, which allow separated bands to be cut off with a pair of scissors; and ii) the use of stearic acid in the deliberately combined saturated andtrans monounsaturated fatty acid methyl ester bands as an (endogenous) internal standard.Trans values thereby obtained agree favorably with the results from the conventional technique.     

Dioxin and dioxin-like PCB levels in cod-liver and -muscle from different fishing grounds of the North- and Baltic Sea and the North Atlantic

The contaminant levels of dioxins, dioxin-like PCBs and non dioxin-like PCBs were determined in pooled samples of cod liver and corresponding cod muscle from different fishing grounds of the North- and Baltic Sea and from East Greenland. The dependence of the contaminant concentrations was studied on cod of three different sizes caught at the same fishing ground. Samples were taken during different research trips at 11 fishing grounds of the Baltic Sea, and 3 fishing grounds of the North Sea and of East Greenland in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Cod liver from the Baltic- and the North Sea were highly contaminated. Mean concentrations were 93 and 83 ng WHO-TEQ/kg wet weight (w.w.), respectively. Cod livers from East Greenland had only low contaminant levels of 3.4 ng WHO-TEQ/kg w.w. Highest concentrations were found in livers from the Bay of Kiel. Within the same fishing area the concentrations increased with the size of the cod. The WHO-TEQ amounts of the cod fillets were below 1 ng WHO-TEQ/kg w.w. and thus within the commonly observed low range for lean fish.     

Plant‐Derived Substances Used Against Beetles–Pests of Stored Crops and Food–and Their Mode of Action: A Review

Plants are sources of numerous active substances that are used to protect crops. Currently, due to the limitations of using synthetic insecticides, plant products have attracted increasing attention as possible pesticides. In this review, we discuss some of the most interesting plant products (for example, Solanaceae, or Asteraceae extracts, Artemisia absinthium or Citrus spp. essential oils, and single compounds like α‐chaconine, or α‐solanine) that exhibit insecticidal activity against beetles that are pests of stored food products. Next, we describe and discuss the mode of action of these products, including lethal and sublethal effects, such as antifeedant or neurotoxic activity, ultrastructural malformation, and effects on prooxidant/antioxidant balance. Furthermore, the methods of application of plant‐derived substances in food storage areas are presented.