Efficient network coding techniques for time constrained multicast narrowband power line communications

Nowadays, power line communication (PLC) technology is receiving a renewed attention in many application fields. In particular, PLC is quite attractive for what concerns novel paradigms as smart microgrid systems and smart buildings. This paper deals with a proposal of a PLC scheme that efficiently allows multicast services based on the use of an efficient network coding (NC) scheme. Furthermore, an analytical approach is outlined to pursue the performance optimization of the proposed solution. Finally, the good behavior of the proposed NC approach is highlighted by presenting performance comparisons with the classical NC alternative.     

Statistical characterization of Rician multipath effects in a mobile-to-mobile communication channel

A statistical model is developed for a narrowband mobile-to-mobile channel taking into consideration Rician scattering near receiving and transmitting antennas both individually and concomitantly. From the proposed channel model we obtain the probability density function of the received signal envelope, the time correlation function and RF spectrum of the received signal, and level crossing rates and average fade durations. We briefly discuss the impact of these parameters on communication networks supporting an intelligent vehicle highway system (IVHS).     

Charge Transfer Modulation in Vanadium-Doped WS2/Bi2O2Se Heterostructures

The field of photovoltaics is revolutionized in recent years by the development of two–dimensional (2D) type-II heterostructures. These heterostructures are made up of two different materials with different electronic properties, which allows for the capture of a broader spectrum of solar energy than traditional photovoltaic devices. In this study, the potential of vanadium (V)-doped WS₂ is investigated, hereafter labeled V-WS₂, in combination with air-stable Bi₂O₂Se for use in high-performance photovoltaic devices. Various techniques are used to confirm the charge transfer of these heterostructures, including photoluminescence (PL) and Raman spectroscopy, along with Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). The results show that the PL is quenched by 40%, 95%, and 97% for WS₂/Bi₂O₂Se, 0.4 at.% V-WS₂/Bi₂O₂Se, and 2 at.% V-WS₂/Bi₂O₂Se, respectively, indicating a superior charge transfer in V-WS₂/Bi₂O₂Se compared to pristine WS₂/Bi₂O₂Se. The exciton binding energies for WS₂/Bi₂O₂Se, 0.4 at.% V-WS₂/Bi₂O₂Se and 2 at.% V-WS₂/Bi₂O₂Se heterostructures are estimated to be ≈130, 100, and 80 meV, respectively, which is much lower than that for monolayer WS₂. These findings confirm that by incorporating V-doped WS₂, charge transfer in WS₂/Bi₂O₂Se heterostructures can be tuned, providing a novel light-harvesting technique for the development of the next generation of photovoltaic devices based on V-doped transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs)/Bi₂O₂Se.     

Si nanotubes and nanospheres with two-dimensional polycrystalline walls

We report on the characteristics of a new class of Si-based nanotubes and spherical nanoparticles synthesized by the dc-arc plasma method in a mixture of argon and hydrogen. These two nanostructures share common properties: they are hollow and possess very thin, highly polycrystalline and mainly oxidized walls. In particular, we get several hints indicating that their walls could constitute only one single Si oxidized layer. Moreover, we find that only the less oxidized nanotubes exhibit locally atomic ordered, snakeskin-like areas which possess a hexagonal arrangement which can be interpreted either as an sp(2) or sp(3) hybridized Si or Si-H layer. Their ability to not react with oxygen seems to suggest the presence of sp(2) configuration or the formation of silicon-hydrogen bonding.     

Suspension copolymerization of styrene and divinylbenzene: Formation of beads

Suspension copolymerization of styrene and divinylbenzene (DVB) was carried out using benzoyl peroxide as initiator and magnesium hydroxide as suspending agent in water at 80°C under nitrogen atmosphere to produce styrene–DVB copolymer beads. These beads were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Porosity generated in styrene–DVB copolymer beads by incorporation of solvents in the polymerization system was confirmed by SEM micrograph, apparent density, swelling measurements, and Brunauer, Emmett, Teller surface area. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 3559–3563, 2006     

Ionic electroactive polymer control using co-evolutionary optimisation

Electroactive polymers are attracting much attention as sensors and actuators, but control algorithms need to address their non-repeatability to enhance their practicality. In this Letter, classical control is revisited with the co-evolutionary augmented Lagrangian method to develop a simple yet robust controller for an ionic electroactive polymer strip.     

Role of clays in the disposal of nuclear waste: A review

Applied and basic sciences of clay mineralogy have played significant roles in radioactive waste disposal practices. Clays and clay minerals as in situ lithologic components and engineered barriers are characterized by favorable properties from the viewpoint of radioactive-waste emplacement. Their high sorptivity, longevity, and low permeability make them promising candidates for retaining most natural and anthropogenic long-lived radionuclides within the contaminated and engineered disposal sites.In this review the following subjects are discussed: (1) source-term classification and current and proposed disposal methodology of low-level and high-level wastes: (2) selected physicochemical properties of clays pertinent to site characterization, grouting, and impermeable barrier components; (3) application of clays in current and future waste disposal practices.     

The induction of α-helical structure in partially unfolded HypF-N does not affect its aggregation propensity

The conversion of proteins into structured fibrillar aggregates is a central problem in protein chemistry, biotechnology, biology and medicine. It is generally accepted that aggregation takes place from partially structured states of proteins. However, the role of the residual structure present in such conformational states is not yet understood. In particular, it is not yet clear as to whether the α-helical structure represents a productive or counteracting structural element for protein aggregation. We have addressed this issue by studying the aggregation of pH-unfolded HypF-N. It has previously been shown that the two native α-helices of HypF-N retain a partial α-helical structure in the pH-unfolded state and that these regions are also involved in the formation of the cross-β structure of the aggregates. We have introduced mutations in such stretches of the sequence, with the aim of increasing the α-helical structure in the key regions of the pH-unfolded state, while minimizing the changes of other factors known to influence protein aggregation, such as hydrophobicity, β-Sheet propensity, etc. The resulting HypF-N mutants have higher contents of α-helical structure at the site(s) of mutation in their pH-unfolded states, but such an increase does not correlate with a change of aggregation rate. The results suggest that stabilisation of α-helical structure in amyloidogenic regions of the sequence of highly dynamic states does not have remarkable effects on the rate of protein aggregation from such conformational states. Comparison with other protein systems indicate that the effect of increasing α-helical propensity can vary if the stabilised helices are in non-amyloidogenic stretches of initially unstructured peptides (accelerating effect), in amyloidogenic stretches of initially unstructured peptides (no effect) or in amyloidogenic stretches of initially stable helices (decelerating effect).