Frequency transfer function of an opto-pneumatic detector

An example of an opto-pneumatic detector's (OPD) frequency transfer function is presented for the development of an opto-pneumatic interface. The theoretical model is tested through experiments in the laboratory on a real OPD prototype. In this way many of the model's parameters are studied and evaluated, such as the dimensions of the gas chamber, the thickness of the absorbent body, and the load of the OPD. The results obtained are good and show the utility of the studies described here.     

An investigation of seated postural stability

Results of tests undertaken to identify which measures of seated posture control are most effective in two areas, distinguishing differences in the x and y direction control strategies for a given task and distinguishing differences in overall control strategies for pairs of different tasks, are presented. The test platform, calibration tests, test protocol, and data analysis method are described. The results of statistical analyses performed on the data are summarized     

Designing for parallel fuzzy computing

As the number of fuzzy logic applications increases, demand for faster architectures will grow. Our design for a VLSI fuzzy processor uses fuzzy inference techniques that optimize processing time. Preprocessing that reduces the number of rules to be processed, parallel computation of active rule degrees of activation, and scalability are major features of this architecture. The journal issue contains a concise summary of this article. The complete article is linked to Micro's home page on the World Wide Web (http://www.computer.org/pubs/micro/micro.htm)     

Calculation of unbalanced magnetic pull in small cage inductionmotors with skewed rotors and dynamic rotor eccentricity

This paper sets out a simple analytical model which is able to account for the damping effects of a cage rotor on the unbalanced magnetic pull (UMP) when the rotor is dynamically eccentric. The algorithm is implemented for a 4-pole cage induction motor with a variety of rotors with different rotor eccentricity and skew. The model is verified by the assessment of the UMP vibration when the different rotors are fitted in the stator. The characteristics are compared and it is found that the predicted and measured UMP characteristics compare well. It is observed that skewing the rotor cage increases the UMP when the motor is loaded     

Comparison between normal and reverse thin crystalline silicon solar cells

The newly developed ingot growing techniques, as the three-grain and the columnar multigrain ingot processes, are now offering the possibility of slicing thinner wafers (≤ 100 μm). In this paper we present the results obtained on p type large area (≥ 100 cm²) and 100 μm thick wafers by using both conventional and reverse cell manufacturing technologies.The conventional cells are provided with aluminium or boron BSF plus screen-printed silver mirror or a silver-aluminium net; the reverse cells have a FSF and the deep back junction completely covered by a screen-printed or CVD silver layer.The constructing parameters have been chosen on the base of one and two dimensions modeling and both raw material and devices have been completely characterized.This work shows that very thin wafers do not introduce serious problems for the conventional manufacturing of solar cells. The efficiencies of the normal and of the reverse cells are found to be comparable and are of the same order than those of thicker cells, however at a significant lower cost. The main obtained result has to be related to the demonstration of a cell manufacturing feasibility starting from very thin wafers.     

Flow-dependent platelet behaviour in blood—material interactions

Platelet activation and adhesion are important parameters characterizing blood compatibility of biomaterials. A platelet transport theory based on convection diffusion, which describes the influence of wall shear rate, platelet concentration, axial position, hematocrit and red cell size, was originally proposed by Turitto and Baumgartner and later expanded by Aarts. This theory was applied in an in vitro perfusion system for three different materials with wall shear rates between 100s^-1 and 4300 s^-1 in order to cover the regions of diffusion controlled, reaction controlled and intermediate platelet adherence. Platelet diffusivity and platelet vessel wall surface reactivity were determined for these cases and the constants m and n were calculated using the relation between platelet diffusivity and shear rate as expressed by the following power law function: D _w=m*y ⁿ _w.     

Extending trouble ticket systems to fault diagnostics

Network management in large heterogeneous communication environments requires the incorporation of more advanced tools than are currently available, especially in the area of fault management. By providing an informational infrastructure for documenting network behavior and maintenance activities, TTSs (trouble ticket systems) have provided some relief for the fault management problem. Researchers have recognized TTSs as a means for realizing more advanced functions in network management platforms to effect automatic trouble ticket generation, fault diagnostics, and the correlation of multiple views network problems and behavior. The authors describe current research trends towards understanding and implementing these advanced functions in a TTS framework     

Services and applications: requirements and realizations in theUMTS era

The ACTS program is moving the results of the R&D of the parent RACE program nearer to realization through technology and user trials. Particularly in the mobile domain of ACTS, several projects have been investigating the user dimension in the context of the third-generation Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service. Results so far suggest many opportunities to broaden participation, exploit the inherent benefits of the mobile environment, and take advantage of the enormous improvements in wireless communications to realize the potential of global multimedia mobility. This article considers the needs of users for mobile multimedia applications and the consequences of those needs on the equipment, supporting services and teleservices, and communications bearers