Interference analysis and capacity for forward link 3G CDMA network with adaptive antennas

In code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, the capacity of forward link (FL) communication to mobile receivers is limited primarily by co‐channel interference (CCI). Adaptive antenna arrays (AAAs) that use antenna arrays along with advanced signal processing at the base station (BS) have been proposed to mitigate this limitation. For a 3G CDMA cellular network, where each BS equipped with an AAA serves mixture of voice and data users within its coverage, we study FL capacity and investigate the effects of different factors (array topology, multipath angle spread, data rate, and beamforming algorithm) on this capacity under Rayleigh fading channel. By modeling the instantaneous signal‐to‐interference power ratio received at the mobile, we derive the system outage equation that considers blocking of either desired voice or data user. Simulation results show that for the same element spacing and number of antenna elements per cell, the uniform circular array (UCA) topology results in larger capacity than the sectorized uniform linear array (ULA) topology does, and that a larger angle spread or data user rate reduces FL capacity. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Towards monitoring electrostatics in gas–solid fluidized beds

The electrostatic charge distribution in a lab‐scale 2‐D fluidized bed of 900 µm glass beads was determined using arrays of induction probes, and the influence of relative humidity and superficial gas velocity was examined. The bubble presence, relative humidity, and superficial gas velocity were found to influence charge separation. Bipolar charging was observed; the net charge build‐up was found to be negligible. Moreover, the system was monitored by applying the attractor comparison method to the electrostatic charge signals from an induction probe. It was concluded that this approach can indeed be used to monitor changes in the electrostatic behaviour.     

Laser damage resistance of hafnia thin films deposited by electron beam deposition, reactive low voltage ion plating, and dual ion beam sputtering

A comparative study is made of the laser damage resistance of hafnia coatings deposited on fused silica substrates with different technologies: electron beam deposition (from Hf or HfO(2) starting material), reactive low voltage ion plating, and dual ion beam sputtering. The laser damage thresholds of these coatings are determined at 1064 and 355 nm using a nanosecond pulsed YAG laser and a one-on-one test procedure. The results are associated with a complete characterization of the samples: refractive index n measured by spectrophotometry, extinction coefficient k measured by photothermal deflection, and roughness measured by atomic force microscopy.     

Effect of high‐pressure processing on the migration of antioxidant Irganox 1076 from polypropylene film into a food simulant

The effect of high‐pressure processing (HPP) on the migration behaviour of a typical antioxidant, Irganox 1076, from polypropylene (PP) flexible structures was studied. Initial concentrations of Irganox 1076 in polypropylene (PP) were 2.0 and 5.0 mg g^?1. The migration experiments were carried out on high‐pressure treated and non‐treated polypropylene pouches containing either 95 or 10% ethanol aqueous food simulating liquids (FSL) for 20 days at 40 and 60 °C. After the contact period, concentrations of Irganox in PP and FSL were measured to determine migration behaviour. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the concentration of Irganox 1076 migrating from PP, and into the FSL for pressure‐treated vs non‐treated samples. No significant concentration differences were found in non‐treated (control) samples and those treated for 5 and 10 min. However, there was a storage time effect on the migration level. There was also a significant migration effect on the migration of Irganox between the two different food simulants, and an increase in the HPP temperature increased the rate of migration. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Whey protein isolate coating and concentration effects on egg shelf life

The influences of three different concentrations (6, 12 and 18%) of whey protein isolate (WPI) coatings on shelf‐life enhancements of the fresh egg quality (weight loss, pH, Haugh unit, yolk index and colors) and the shelf life were evaluated at room temperature. All coated eggs showed lower weight loss than uncoated eggs. Less weight loss (2.46 for 12% WPI and 2.38 for 18% WPI) was observed in WPI‐coated eggs. Haugh units (HU) indicated that coated eggs remained in grade ‘A’ during 3 weeks storage period, whereas uncoated (UC) changed from grade ‘A’ to ‘B’ after 1 week of storage. The HU and yolk‐index (YI) values of all WPI‐coated eggs were significantly higher than those of UC. Among the coated eggs, there were no significant differences in HU, but 12 and 18% WPI coated had higher YI than WPI 6% coated and UC. The albumen pH of the UC eggs was significantly higher than that of coated eggs. Yolk lightness (L*) and (b*); shell (a*) and (b*) of coated eggs were not different from UC after 4 weeks. Performance of WPI coatings depended on the concentration up to 12% but not between 12 and 18%. Results also indicated that WPI coatings served as protective barrier for shelf life of the eggs. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Evaluation of the shifting of the line of sight and higher order aberrations of eyes with keratoconus after corneal cross-linking

Aim

To evaluate changes in the coordinates of the line of sight (LoS) and higher order aberrations (HOAs) of eyes with keratoconus, following corneal cross-linking (CXL).

Effectiveness of chitosan‐based coating in improving shelf‐life of eggs

Despite eggs having a natural packaging—shell—they are perishable and can lose their quality during storage. Chitosan‐based coatings were applied to shell eggs to examine potential effects on egg quality properties (weight loss, Haugh unit, yolk index) during 4 weeks of storage. Mineral amounts in yolks were also evaluated after 4 weeks of storage. Three chitosan‐based coatings produced with organic acids (acetic‐(C‐AA), lactic‐(C‐LA), and propionic (C‐PA)) were evaluated on shelf‐life enhancements of fresh egg quality. All chitosan‐coated eggs showed greater interior quality than the non‐coated eggs. The coatings significantly maintained weight loss compared to the control specimen (4.96%). Lower weight loss (3.45% for C‐PA, 3.53% for C‐LA) was observed in the coated eggs. Eggshell chitosan coat containing lactic and propionic acids maintained higher Haugh unit and yolk index than eggs coated with acetic acid. Uncoated (UC) eggs changed from grade ‘A’ to ‘B’ after 1 week of storage. Chitosan‐based coating containing lactic and propionic acids maintained eggs in grade ‘A’ for 4 weeks. Haugh unit showed that C‐LA and C‐PA effectively maintained eggs at grade ‘A’ quality for at least 3 weeks more than control and 1 week more than C‐AA. Results also indicated that the chitosan coating maintained mineral amounts at nutritional values (especially calcium, iron and magnesium concentration) in yolks after 4 weeks storage. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Consumer complaints and accidents related to food packaging

This study investigated consumer complaints related to food packaging design and the occurrence of injuries associated with the opening of various types of containers. Each study participant (245) took a 15 min fact‐to‐face interview and was asked attitudinal questions about 10 different categories of packaging including cans, glass and plastic bottles and jars, and paper‐based composite packages. The subjects were also asked whether they had been injured while opening these packaging types. The survey showed that cans which needed a tool for opening were most difficult to enter. In some cases the tool was the source of injury. The respondents were also most concerned about deformation, spillage and product wastage associated with these types of containers. This included brick‐type composite packages without a peelable seal over the pour spout. A large percentage of the respondents felt that more information was needed on the various methods of opening packages in general. Glass bottles and jars were most likely to be used for storage of products after they were emptied of their original contents. The results of this study could be used by manufacturers to assist them in the design and development of packaging with a lower potential to cause accidents and injuries. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.