Radiation and scattering from ferrite-tuned cavity-backed slotantennas: theory and experiment

A three-dimensional finite-element method hybridized with the spectral/spatial domain method of moments is presented for the analysis of ferrite-tuned cavity-backed slot antennas. The cavity, which is partially filled with magnetized ferrite layers, is flush mounted on an infinite ground plane with possible dielectric or magnetic overlay. The antenna operates primarily in the ultrahigh-frequency band. The finite-element method is used to solve for the electric-field distribution inside the cavity, whereas the spectral-domain approach is used to solve for the exterior region. An asymptotic extraction of the exponential behavior of the Green's function followed by a spatial evaluation of the resulting integral is used to improve computational speed. Radar cross section, input impedance, return loss, gain, and efficiency of ferrite-tuned cavity-backed slots (CBS) are calculated for various biasing conditions. Numerical results are compared with experimental data     

Estimating the cost of an interview survey using geographic information system software

Estimating the cost of interview surveys is difficult but important. A geographic information system (GIS) was used to determine the shortest time route to survey 533 medical facility locations in Perth. The results provided time and cost estimates for undertaking the survey and the interviewer agreed to a contract for the job on the basis of these estimates.     

Ultralow-voltage boron-doped diamond field emitter vacuum diode

A boron-doped diamond field emitter diode with ultralow turn-on voltage and high emission current is reported. The diamond field emitter diode structure with a built-in cap was fabricated using molds and electrostatic bonding techniques. The emission current versus anode voltage of the capped diamond emitter diode with boron doping, sp² content, and vacuum thermal electric (VTE) treatment shows a very low turn-on voltage of 2 V. A high emission current of 1 μA at an anode voltage of less than 10 V can be obtained from a single diamond tip. The turn-on voltage is significantly lower than comparable silicon field emitters     

Small-signal modeling and control of the quasi-square-wave boostconverter

Sampled-data techniques are used to examine the dynamic characteristics and closed-loop performance of the quasi-square-wave boost converter. Direct duty-ratio control and current-mode control are considered. With direct duty-ratio control, the system poles remain well damped under all load conditions, and there is no zero in the control-to-output transfer function. Good closed-loop performance is therefore achieved. Under current-mode control, the requirement for a stabilizing ramp is seen to depend on load conditions, and the achievable voltage control-loop bandwidth is smaller than that using direct duty-ratio control; however, there is a significant reduction in the magnitude of the DC source to output-voltage frequency response     

Simultaneous bilateral fractures of the hip following a grand mal seizure. An unusual complication

Pathological fractures as a consequence of convulsive seizures without direct trauma occur in 0.3% of cases. Some lesions such as bilateral posterior dislocation of the shoulder, fracture-dislocation of the shoulder or fracture and/or dislocation of the hip strongly suggest a seizure as the aetiology. We report on a patient with simultaneous central dislocation of one hip with fracture of the contralateral femoral neck provoked by spontaneous seizures. Unrecognized associated injuries following a convulsion may result in long-term functional disability and legal consequences.     

An empirical study of information technology enabled business process redesign and corporate competitive strategy

Business process redesign (BPR) has been widely touted as a means for leveraging the power of information technology to change business processes radically, resulting in substantial improvements in organizational effectiveness and efficiency. This study represents an early attempt at examining the strategic nature of the phenomenon. Because BPR is radical change and has the ability to alter both the competitive and operational nature of the corporation, it is critical that BPR be coordinated with corporate strategy. Through a survey of information system executives, the relationships between corporate competitive strategy and three types of BPR – intrafunctional, interfunctional and interorganizational – were examined. It was found that organizations following a cost strategy tended to do more BPR projects on interfunctional processes. Furthermore, the positive effect of a cost strategy on interfunctional BPR was found to be strengthened by the degree of integration of IS and business planning. It was also found that while interorganizational BPR was not related to a specific strategy, it was strongly related directly with IS–business planning integration.     

Performance of distance relay mho elements on MOV-protectedseries-compensated transmission lines

It is shown that the applicability of memory-polarized distance relay mho elements to the protection of MOV (metal oxide varistor) protected series-compensated lines is dependent on the system configuration, line loading, the location of the potential source, and the magnitude of memory polarization. For a configuration with compensation at one end of a line, the results indicate certain advantages in using the potential from the line side of the capacitor, and the use of a relatively large magnitude of memory polarization. The presence of a conducting MOV enhances the performance of the mho element both in terms of security on reverse faults and dependability on forward faults. The results obtained pertain to the proposed application in the Ontario Hydro system of a relatively large amount of compensation at one terminal in each circuit of a double-circuit line