Carrier Frequency Offset Estimation using Data-Dependent Superimposed Training

In this letter we propose, for the first time, a solution to the problem of carrier frequency offset (CFO) estimation within the data dependent superimposed training (DDST) framework for channel estimation. While time division multiplexed (TDM) trained systems can use the TDM sequence to determine the CFO, the original attraction of DDST for channel estimation was that it avoided any TDM training. So in this letter we show how CFO estimation can still be very effectively performed with the DDST algorithm, while continuing to preclude the need for any additional bandwidth-consuming TDM training. Finally, simulations are presented that verify the theoretical results.     

Exodontia‐induced muscular hypofunction by itself or associated to chronic stress impairs masseter muscle morphology and its mitochondrial function

Stress is associated with orofacial pain sensitivity and is qualified as a temporomandibular disorder risk factor. During stressful periods, painful thresholds of masticatory muscles in individuals suffering muscle facial pain are significantly lower than in controls, but the exact physiologic mechanism underlying this relation remains unclear. Our hypothesis is that chronic unpredictable stress and masticatory hypofunction induce morphologic and metabolic masseter muscle changes in rats. For test this hypothesis, adult Wistar rats were submitted to chronic unpredictable stress and/or exodontia of left molars and the left masseter muscle was removed for analysis. The parameters evaluated included ultrastructure, oxidative level, metabolism activity and morphological analysis in this muscle. Our data show by histological analysis, that stress and exodontia promoted a variation on diameters and also angled contours in masseter fibers. The masticatory hypofunction increased oxidative metabolism as well as decreased reactive species of oxygen in masseter muscle. The ultrastructural analysis of muscle fibers showed disruption of the sarcoplasmic reticulum cisterns in certain regions of the fiber in stress group, and the disappearance of the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane in group with association of stress and exodontia. Our findings clarify mechanisms by which chronic stress and masticatory hypofunction might be involved in the pathophysiology of muscular dysfunctions. Masticatory hypofunction influenced oxidative stress and induced oxidative metabolism on masseter muscle, as well as altered its fiber morphology. Chronic stress presented malefic effect on masseter morphology at micro and ultra structurally. When both stimuli were applied, there were atrophic fibers and a complete mitochondrial derangement.     

Core–Shell Polymer Adhesive for Aluminized Coatings: From Improved Barrier Properties to Commercial Formulation

The development and formulation of core–shell latex‐based adhesives to improve the adhesion of aluminium to poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) films and enhance the permeability of the final laminate to oxygen and water is described. All particles have a soft acrylic component (the shell in core–shell particles) to improve adhesion, and occasionally a hydrophobic core to enhance the permeability. The performance of the different latexes is compared to that of a commercially available reference material. The coatings formed by core–shell nanoparticles present a lower permeability to water than the particles synthesized in the absence of the seed, while the permeability to oxygen is found to be mainly related to the correct deposition of the metallic layer. In terms of the industrial formulation, it is found that a limited amount of a wetting agent (WA) is needed to ensure the correct spreading of the latex onto the PET substrate because of the low levels of surfactant used for the latex production. This compound has a positive effect on the adhesive strength of the coating. A curing agent also improves barrier properties, but the optimal level of this compound is dependent on the degree of crosslinker used in the base latex.     

Material‐Auswahlbox zur Herstellung fortgeschrittener Polymermembranen für die Wasseraufbereitung

Within the framework of the MABMEM research project, new high‐performance membranes are being developed for sustainable water management. The performance of the membranes will be evaluated in comparative and standardized fouling tests as well as in terms of the removal of trace impurities on a laboratory scale. Seven candidates are currently being tested in demonstrator trials with real‐water matrix in a waterworks for the direct treatment of dam water without prior coagulation over a period of 6 months. Subsequently, the new membrane materials will be operated with the effluent of a wastewater treatment plant.     

High accumulation of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in marine tucuxi dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) from the Brazilian coast

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and other perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs) were measured in liver samples from 29 marine tucuxi dolphins from Rio de Janeiro state (RJ), Brazil. PFC measurement combined liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, using a CapLC system connected to a Quadrupole-LIT mass spectrometer. PFOS was the only PFC detected and it was so in all samples. PFOS concentrations (ng x g(-1) dw) of dolphins (n=23) from the highly contaminated Guanabara Bay (in RJ) varied between 43 and 2431 as well as between 76 and 427 from areas of RJ other than the quoted bay (n=6). Concentrations of three fetuses and one neonate varied between 664 and 1590. Fetus/mother ratios were calculated in two situations (2.75 and 2.62). It seems that mother-to-calf transference plays important role for relationships between PFOS and age. When a one-year-old male calf presenting 2431 ng x g(-1) dw was excluded from the test, significant correlations were observed between PFOS concentrations and both age and total length. Despite the placental transference, PFOS concentrations were not significantly lower in females than in males. PFOS levels in marine tucuxi dolphins from Guanabara Bay are among the highest detected to date in cetaceans, and this may represent a threat to the small population concerned.     

Improving the shelf life stability of vacuum-packed fresh-cut peaches (Prunus persica L.) by radio frequency heating in water

The present study aimed to investigate the influence of radio frequency (RF) heating at 70 and 80 °C, in comparison with the traditional conventional heating. The RF heating technology was applied for maintaining the colour and textural quality as well as inactivating the enzymatic activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and reducing the Escherichia coli growth in packaged fresh-cut peach samples. To evaluate this, 120 g of freshly cut peach fruit was placed in heat-resistant plastic bags, and 50 mL of sugar solution (12°Brix) was added to each bag and vacuum-packed for conventional heating and radio frequency (RF) heating. Our results demonstrated that the RF heating process could reduce the heating time by up to 83% at 70 and 80 °C as compared to conventional heating. Moreover, RF heating at 70 and 80 °C reduced the PPO enzymatic activity, which caused enzymatic browning, up to 85.46% and 93.5%, respectively, as compared to 40.86% reduction only for conventional heating. Furthermore, RF heating completely inhibited E. coli growth. Collectively, we demonstrated that RF heating is an emerging and promising technology for improving the quality of fresh-cut fruits such as peach during various storage conditions. The present study provides relatively novel information on the effectiveness of RF heating in maintaining the quality of fresh-cut peaches. In the future, we would like to investigate the effectiveness of RF heating on other agricultural products.     

Expert system for problem solving in distance university education: The successful case of the subject “operations management”

Acquiring the skills needed to solve certain types of problems is one of the main challenges of distance university education, demanding extra motivation from students to tackle it. New technology should be one of our great allies in addressing these problems. This article proposes an expert system with a web‐based problem‐solving simulator for a multidevice environment in order to allow students to access an unlimited number of problems with their corresponding solutions, immediately, anytime and anywhere. The types of problems that can be used are those based on quantitative methods with a fixed methodology to be followed. A successful case study was carried out for the subject Operations Management at the Distance University of Madrid (UDIMA), with three different problem simulators having been developed. The results were very satisfactory compared with previous academic years in terms of motivation. A decrease in students that did not sit the final examination was observed, as was an increase in the number of visits to the Moodle classroom. Students also responded positively in their assessments of the initiative.