Radio Network Aggregation for 5G Mobile Terminals in Heterogeneous Wireless and Mobile Networks

This paper provides a novel design concept for advanced mobile multi interface terminals with radio network aggregation capability and enhanced quality of service (QoS) provisioning for multimedia services (voice, video and data) in heterogeneous wireless and mobile networks. A new module is established which provides the best QoS and lowest cost for any given multimedia service by using simultaneously all available wireless and mobile access networks for a given traffic flow. This novel adaptive QoS module with adaptive QoS routing algorithm is called advanced QoS routing algorithm (AQoSRA), which is defined independently from any existing and future radio access technology. The performance of our proposal is evaluated using simulations and analysis with multi-interface mobile stations with AQoSRA within, carrying multimedia traffic in heterogeneous mobile and wireless environment with coexistence of multiple Radio Access Technologies, such as 3G, 4G as well as future 5G radio access networks. The analysis of the proposed framework for radio networks aggregation in advanced mobile terminals has shown overall better performances regarding the achievable throughput and multimedia access probability in heterogeneous wireless and mobile environment.     

Characterization of the fracture behavior of polyethylene using measured cohesive curves. III. Structure–property relationships

In part I of this article, the deformation and failure mechanisms of different polyethylene grades formed under different rate and constraint conditions were identified. This study attempts to develop a microstructural understanding of the long term behavior of polyethylene by linking it to the measured fracture properties. Examination of the influence of the microstructural properties, particularly the effect of the chain structure and their interrelated nature on the crack growth resistance forms a basis of discussion. The study performed here should provide pipe manufacturers a valuable understanding of the crack growth behavior of polyethylene. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 46:792–798, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers     

COHESIVE ZONE MODELS AND THE PLASTICALLY DEFORMING PEEL TEST

The peel test is a popular test method for measuring the peeling energy between flexible laminates. However, when plastic deformation occurs in the peel arm(s) the determination of the true adhesive fracture energy, G c , from the measured peel load is far from straightforward. Two different methods of approaching this problem have been reported in recently published papers, namely: (a) a simple linear-elastic stiffness approach, and (b) a critical, limiting maximum stress, σmax , approach. In the present article, these approaches will be explored and contrasted. Our aims include trying to identify the physical meaning, if any, of the parameter σmax and deciding which is the better approach for defining fracture when suitable definitive experiments are undertaken.

Cohesive zone models Fracture mechanics Laminates Peel tests Plastic deformation     

Lead and cadmium in red deer and wild boar from different hunting grounds in Croatia

The concentration and relations of Cd and Pb as environmental risk factors were studied by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in the liver, kidney and muscle of free ranging wild boar (n = 94) and red deer (n = 45) from hunting grounds in four counties of north-east Croatia. In all four counties, the levels of Cd found in the kidney of red deer ranged from 2.28 to 5.91 mg/kg, and in wild boar from 3.47 to 21.10 mg/kg. The mean renal concentration of Cd was significantly higher in wild boar than in red deer from all four study areas. The mean hepatic (0.11 to 0.49 mg/kg, respectively) and muscle (0.01 to 0.04 mg/kg, respectively) Cd concentrations were similar in both species. The mean renal Cd concentration in wild boar and red deer exceeded 1 mg/kg in all four counties, ranging from 67.0% to 91.4% and from 45.5% to 69.2%, respectively. Also, the hepatic Cd/renal Cd ratio was lower than 1 in all animals. In all four counties, renal Pb concentration ranged from 0.058 to 3.77 mg/kg in red deer and from 0.056 to 11.60 mg/kg in wild boar. Hepatic Pb concentration was similar in both species (0.061 to 0.202 mg/kg in wild boar and 0.077 to 0.108 mg/kg in red deer). Because of the high Cd level in the organs of wild boar and red deer, further research is needed to identify the source of contamination in order to preserve the health of animals and humans.     

Characterization of traditional Istrian dry-cured ham by means of physical and chemical analyses and volatile compounds

The aroma-active compounds of Istrian dry-cured ham were investigated by using headspace-solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Samples of biceps femoris were also evaluated by measuring physical and chemical characteristics: moisture, protein, fat, ash and NaCl content, a(w) value; colour: L*, a*, b* and oxidation of fat: TBARS test. About 50 volatile compounds were identified and quantified which belonged to several classes of chemical: 5 alcohols, 8 aldehydes, 7 alkanes, 1 ketone, 2 esters, 9 monoterpenes and 15 sesquiterpenes. Except volatile compounds derived from lipolysis and proteolysis the most abundant constituents were terpenes (62.97; 41.43%) that originate from spices added in the salting phase of the production process.     

Determination of volatile compounds and quality parameters of traditional Istrian dry-cured ham

The aim of this work was to determine the characteristics of Istrian dry-cured ham by instrumental methods and sensory analysis. The aroma-active compounds of Istrian dry-cured ham from 2010 and 2012 were investigated by using headspace-solid phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Samples of biceps femoris were also evaluated by measuring physical and chemical characteristics. 92 volatile aroma compounds of Istrian dry-cured ham were found. Volatile compounds belonged to several chemical groups: aldehydes (51.4; 51.3%), terpenes (16.5; 16.4%), alcohols (15.5; 13.2%), ketones (8.6; 7.4%), alkanes (3.8; 5.7%), esters (1.3; 1.6%), aromatic hydrocarbons (0.8; 3.9%) and acids (0.6; 0.9%). Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that fat content, tenderness and melting texture were positively correlated. Terpenes were strongly correlated with flavour of added spices. Sweet taste and the presence of esters were positively correlated as well as negative odour, raw meat flavour and water content.     

Cohesive zone models and the plastically deforming peel test

The peel test is a popular test method for measuring the peeling energy between flexible laminates. However, when plastic deformation occurs in the peel arm(s) the determination of the true adhesive fracture energy, G c , from the measured peel load is far from straightforward. Two different methods of approaching this problem have been reported in recently published papers, namely: (a) a simple linear-elastic stiffness approach, and (b) a critical, limiting maximum stress, σ max , approach. In the present article, these approaches will be explored and contrasted. Our aims include trying to identify the physical meaning, if any, of the parameter σ max and deciding which is the better approach for defining fracture when suitable definitive experiments are undertaken. Cohesive zone models Fracture mechanics Laminates Peel tests Plastic deformation     

Oxygen plasma pretreatment improves dyeing and antimicrobial properties of wool fabric dyed with natural extract from pomegranate peel

This paper presents the application of conventional potassium aluminium sulphate wool mordanting and a biochemical method with silver nitrate (as antimicrobial agent and mordant)_, alone and in combination with oxygen plasma, as part of comprehensive research into pretreatment processes for wool dyeing with natural extract from pomegranate peel (Punica granatum L.). Pretreatment with oxygen plasma significantly improved the hydrophilicity and tensile strength of all tested samples and showed that oxygen plasma can improve K/S, washing fastness, and even replace certain mordants in wool dyeing with natural pomegranate dye. All dyed samples exhibited good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, which can be contributed to the phenol content in pomegranate dye. Only after 28 days of intensive ageing in natural weathering conditions did K/S and antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae slightly decrease in dyed samples pretreated with oxygen plasma.     

Salt and moisture content determination of fish by bioelectrical impedance and a needle-type multi-electrode array

The aim of this study was to test the applicability of bioelectrical measurements and a needle-type multi-electrode array in evaluating salt and moisture content of structurally heterogeneous food samples, such as fish. Impedance measurements were performed at different frequencies in order to find the most appropriate range, where impedance module and/or phase angle are the most sensitive to salt and moisture content. The salt, moisture, and water phase salt (WPS) of the salted rainbow trout samples were successfully evaluated by the impedance module measured at 50 kHz (AdR2 > 0.85). Due to rapid and non-destructive analysis coupled with low cost device design, this method for determination of salt and/or moisture has potential as the quality control technique for the fish industry.