THE FEDERAL ROLE IN ENERGY R&D

This paper documents and analyzes recent trends in Federal energy research and development programs. In light of the marketplace philosophy of the present Administration, the possible benefits of a strong Federal research program versus the potential advantages of relying on private sector research programs to develop new technology alternatives are analyzed in some detail. The impacts of the Reagan budget cuts and other initiatives on several major energy programs, including nuclear power, photovoltaics, and conservation, are also analyzed. This analysis reveals some of the difficulties inherent in attempting to project the consequences of particular policy decisions in a complex and changing environment, and identifies some of the problems of trying to evaluate the success of particular programs or actions on a limited time scale.     

Tuning of multivariable PI-controllers for unknown delay-differential systems

A design method for tuning of multivariable PI-controllers for possibly unknown linear time-invariant delay-differential systems is presented. The plant is assumed to be stable with input and output delays and subject to step disturbances. The multivariable PI-controller may be tuned with the aid of open-loop step responses. The stability and robustness of the control law is discussed and an example is given to show the applicability of the controller.     

Multi-H phase-coded modulations with asymmetric modulationindexes

Multi-H phase-coded modulation (MHPM) is a bandwidth-efficient modulation scheme which offers substantial coding gain over conventional digital modulation schemes. MHPM with asymmetric modulation indices corresponding to the bipolar data +1 and -1 is considered, and numerical results for the minimum Euclidean distances are provided. It is shown that performance improvements on the error probability over conventional MHPM are gained with essentially the same bandwidth and a very slight modification in implementation. The upper bounds on the error probabilities as functions of observation intervals and received E_b/N₀ are also investigated in detail. It is concluded that the concept of asymmetric modulation indices for MHPM is attractive for bandwidth and power-efficient modulation     

Implementation of sustainable sanitation in existing urban areas: long-term strategies for an optimised solution.

If technologies for decentralised sanitation and reuse (DESAR) and for natural stormwater management should at least partially replace existing systems, then intensive reconstruction work becomes essential. A conversion can only be realised successively over a long period due to high construction and financial expenses and requires new strategies. This paper presents the development and practical implementation of a mathematical tool to find an optimised strategy for the realisation of alternative and more decentralised drainage and sanitation concepts in existing urban areas. The succession of construction measures (e.g. the implementation of decentralised greywater recycling) for the whole period of consideration is determined based upon a mathematical optimisation model on the condition that the favoured future state is known. The model describes the complex interdependencies of the urban water and nutrient cycle and enables the minimisation of both financial efforts and ecological impacts on the way toward the future state. The results of the implementation for a rural area in Germany show that the mathematical optimisation is an adequate instrument to support decision-making processes in finding strategies for the realisation of sustainable urban water management.     

Kennzeichnung von ausschließlich oder überwiegend aus Separatorenfleisch hergestellten Fleischerzeugnissen

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

A compact full MMIC module for Ku-band phase-lockedoscillators

A compact Ku-band phase-locked oscillator module has been developed in a full MMIC (monolithic microwave integrated circuit) configuration. The module includes an MMIC voltage-controlled oscillator, an analog frequency divider, and interstage amplifiers. The constituent monolithic chips are integrated in a very small single-package module and operate at the target frequencies without any external trimming or matching network. The oscillator is tuned more than 1 GHz with a constant output amplitude. The frequency-divided output is also obtained over the whole tuning range. Spurious output is not found at any frequency up to 22 GHz. In spite of the very low-Q factor of GaAs monolithic circuitry, the oscillator phase noise exhibited is less than -80 dBc/Hz, due to the high-gain, high-speed phase lock     

Studies on curcumin and curcuminoids. VI. Kinetics of curcumin degradation in aqueous solution

The kinetics of the pH-dependent degradation of curcumin has been investigated. A plot of the rate constant against pH indicates the pKa values of the acid protons. The graph also indicates the complexity of the curcumin degradation.     

Influence of the Composition of Potatoes on Their Cooking Kinetics

A previous study of three potato varieties indicated that shear force measurement may be used to predict the behavior of certain potato properties during cooking. To verify this hypothesis and to confirm other previous findings, slices (6 mm thick, 30 mm in diameter) of 21 potato varieties were thermally treated in water at 100°C. Mathematical expressions were assessed, and coefficients were determined to describe the kinetic behavior of the varieties.     

Development of a high energy biscuit for use as a food supplement in disaster relief

International aid agencies undertake supplementary feeding programmes following disasters in order to alleviate or prevent protein energy malnutrition. The associated problems include lack of facilities for preparation and distribution of food on site and food hygiene dangers. In response to these factors a biscuit of high calorific value and acceptable organoleptic qualities has been developed. It is currently being used by Oxfam as part of their disaster relief programme in Ethiopia.