Bandwidth Adaptation Algorithms for Adaptive Multimedia Services in Mobile Cellular Networks

The fluctuation of available link bandwidth in mobilecellular networks motivates the study of adaptive multimediaservices, where the bandwidth of an ongoing multimedia call can bedynamically adjusted. We analyze the diverse objectives of theadaptive multimedia framework and propose two bandwidth adaptationalgorithms (BAAs) that can satisfy these objectives. The firstalgorithm, BAA-RA, takes into consideration revenue and``anti-adaptation' where anti-adaptation means that a user feelsuncomfortable whenever the bandwidth of the user's call ischanged. This algorithm achieves near-optimal total revenue withmuch less complexity compared to an optimal BAA. The secondalgorithm, BAA-RF, considers revenue and fairness, and aims at themaximum revenue generation while satisfying the fairnessconstraint defined herein. Comprehensive simulation experimentsshow that the difference of the total revenue of BAA-RA and thatof an optimal BAA is negligible. Also, numerical results revealthat there is a conflicting relationship between anti-adaptationand fairness.     

Capacitance of dielectric coated cylinder of finite axial lengthand truncated cone isolated in free space

The capacitance of dielectric coated metallic cylinder and truncated cone are evaluated using the method of moments based on the pulse function and point matching. The analysis is based on the boundary condition for the potential on the conductor surface and the normal component of the displacement density at the dielectric-free space interface. The total free charge on the conductor surface is found from the inversion of a matrix partitioned into submatrices. Numerical data on the capacitance and charge distribution are presented     

Classification of pixels in a noisy grayscale image of polar ice

Often, in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images of polar ice, one encounters shadow-like features across the images. Such features make it difficult to classify pixels into ice and water. Accordingly, it becomes a challenge to determine the true size and boundaries of ice floes in an SAR image of polar ice. We develop a simple statistical procedure which classifies pixels of an image by eliminating the effects of shadow-like features. Methodology developed in this paper is illustrated using some noisy SAR images of ice floes in the Arctic sea.     

Effect of Lead-Free Soldering on Key Material Properties of FR-4 Printed Circuit Board Laminates

The transition to lead-free soldering of printed circuit boards (PCBs) using solder alloys such as SnAgCu has resulted in higher temperature exposures during assembly compared with eutectic SnPb solders. The knowledge of PCB laminate material properties and their dependence on the material constituents, combined with their possible variations due to lead-free soldering temperature exposures, is an essential input in the laminate selection process. This paper provides laminate selection guidelines that were arrived at by assessing key material properties (glass transition temperature, coefficient of thermal expansion, decomposition temperature, and water absorption), and their responses to lead-free soldering assembly conditions. A range of commercially available FR-4 PCB laminate materials, classified on the basis of glass transition temperature (high, mid, and low), curing agents (dicyandiamide and phenolic), flame retardants (halogenated and halogen-free), and fillers (presence or absence) were studied. The laminate material properties under investigation were measured as per the IPC-TM-650 test methods before and after exposure to multiple lead-free soldering cycles. Combinatorial property analysis was conducted to investigate the causes behind variations in material properties.     

Polynomial approximated phase-only multiple sector beam patterns of linear antenna arrays with pre-fixed amplitude distribution using real-valued genetic algorithms

In this paper, the authors present second degree polynomial approximated phase-only synthesis of two different types of symmetric sector or flat-top beams of equally spaced linear antenna arrays of isotropic radiators with single pre-fixed cosine on a pedestal amplitude distributions using real-coded or real-valued genetic algorithm. This gives a regular shape to the phase distributions of the radiators. Regular shape phase distributions result in simpler feed network design compared to irregular shape phase distributions. A good agreement between desired and synthesized pattern using genetic algorithm (GA) is reported.     

Floating Point CGRA based Ultra-Low Power DSP Accelerator

Journal of Signal Processing Systems - Coarse Grained Reconfigurable Arrays (CGRAs) are emerging as energy efficient accelerators providing a high grade of flexibility in both academia and...     

Interfacial Engineering of Bifunctional Niobium (V)-Based Heterostructure Nanosheet Toward High Efficiency Lean-Electrolyte Lithium–Sulfur Full Batteries

High-efficiency lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries depend on an advanced electrode structure that can attain high sulfur utilization at lean-electrolyte conditions and minimum amount of lithium. Herein, a twinborn holey Nb₄N₅–Nb₂O₅ heterostructure is designed as a dual-functional host for both redox–kinetics–accelerated sulfur cathode and dendrite-inhibited lithium anode simultaneously for long-cycling and lean-electrolyte Li–S full batteries. Benefiting from the accelerative polysulfides anchoring–diffusion–converting efficiency of Nb₄N₅–Nb₂O₅, polysulfide-shutting is significantly alleviated. Meanwhile, the lithiophilic nature of holey Nb₄N₅–Nb₂O₅ is applied as an ion-redistributor for homogeneous Li-ion deposition. Taking advantage of these merits, the Li–S full batteries present excellent electrochemical properties, including a minimum capacity decay rate of 0.025% per cycle, and a high areal capacity of 5.0 mAh cm⁻² at sulfur loading of 6.9 mg cm⁻², corresponding to negative to positive capacity ratio of 2.4:1 and electrolyte to sulfur ratio of 5.1 µL mg⁻¹. Therefore, this work paves a new avenue for boosting high-performances Li–S batteries toward practical applications.     

Assessment of organizational reliability capability

A reliability capability assessment process can assist OEMs and system integrators in assessing prospective suppliers for their ability to design and manufacture reliable products before they are delivered for use, and on an ongoing basis, help a company in identifying shortcomings in its reliability program, which can be rectified by subsequent improvement actions. The assessment can also help to establish reliability management practices for use by designers, suppliers, customers, and independent authorities. The assessment method may be used to evaluate the reliability capability of all types of electronics-related industries that perform activities influencing the reliability of a product. It can produce increased customer satisfaction, provide competitive opportunities, and shorten the product development cycle. In summary, a reliability capability assessment can be used for: 1) specifying or planning reliability practices if product development is implemented internally; 2) evaluating reliability practices to determine the extent to which a supplier is capable of providing a product that meets the reliability requirements/needs; and 3) improving reliability practices if the current reliability practices have been evaluated and improvement is desired or required.