Nonlinear intermodulation coupling in ferrite circulator junctions

We have solved the nonlinear intermodulation coupling problem of a planar ferrite junction containing 3N ports. The coupling is represented as driving currents within the junction, and the induced fields can be solved by using the radiation and the boundary-value Green's functions. Maximum coupling of intermodulations occur if the excitation frequencies at the ports are close to the circulation frequency of the circulator. Also, we find that the static demagnetizing field can effectively increase the intermodulation output power     

Structure–property relationships in crosslinked networks from cis-1,4-polybutadiene and methacrylic acid. Preliminary results

In this paper we report preliminary results obtained analyzing structural data and mechanical properties of a composite system prepared vulcanizing mixtures of cis polybutadiene and methacrylic acid with different acid amount. The structure was investigated by the small angle x-ray scattering, while the physicomechanical properties were analyzed carrying out stress and birefringence measurements as function of the strain at constant temperature.     

Permeation of carbon dioxide in a thermotropic liquid-crystalline polyester

The transport properties of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polyester have been analyzed using carbon dioxide as permeant. Carbon dioxide, in the analyzed range of temperature and pressure, gives some information on the phase organization of the system. The structural model compatible with the transport behavior assumes the presence of a disordered phase within the well-ordered liquid crystalline domains. The same structural model was previously suggested on the basis of the transport behavior of methylene chloride vapors in nematic and smectic liquid-crystalline polymers.     

Robots in a domestic setting: a psychological approach

The study presented in this paper aims at improving the current understanding of human-robot interaction by adopting a psychological approach. The acceptability of robotic devices in home settings, especially by elderly people, does not depend only on the practical benefits they can provide, but on complex relationships between the cognitive, affective and emotional components of peoples images of robots. This study has investigated the main dimensions of these representations, by comparing the attitudes towards technology in general, and domestic robots in particular, held by people at different stages of the lifespan. The results confirm that age is a critical variable.     

Coherence of PRNU weighted estimations for improved source camera identification

Multimedia Tools and Applications - This paper presents a method for Photo Response Non Uniformity (PRNU) pattern noise based camera identification. It takes advantage of the coherence between...     

Autochthonous white grape pomaces as bioactive source for functional jams

Seeds and skins from grape pomaces of Pecorello and Mantonico cv underwent extraction (ultrasound–assisted or maceration), in order to obtain added-value ingredients for the production of a functional pear jam. The antioxidant features of the extracts were tested by in vitro colorimetric assays. Among seeds, Mantonico by maceration (MSC) showed the best results, as well as Mantonico by ultrasound-assisted extraction (MBs) among skin extracts. The selected extracts were fully characterised by NMR and MS techniques, confirming the presence of many polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins among others. Pectin was then derivatised by the grafting procedure with the active molecules of MBs and MSC. The latter produced the best antioxidant polymer also without toxicity evaluated using Caco-2 cells and was used for the jam preparation. The functional pear jam showed improved antioxidant performances in comparison with its non-functional counterparts as well as its maintenance over time (15 days).     

Solvent-induced crystallization of syndiotactic polystyrene in different liquids—sorption and diffusion phenomena

Transport properties of different liquids inducing crystallization in syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) were investigated at 25°C. The weight uptake kinetics in the different liquids imply Fickian behaviour, with the exclusion of n-hexane and cyclohexane for which the weight uptake starts after an induction time. The equilibrium concentration of the different liquids in sPS is a function of the solubility parameter and shows a maximum with respect to chloroform, indicating a maximum in the polymer-solvent interaction. The swollen samples are birefringent but appear substantially amorphous on the basis of the X-ray diffractograms. After drying a well developed crystalline order appears, and the diffractograms indicate the presence of solvated structures, characterized by chains in helical conformation.