Information-Bearing Noncoherently Modulated Pilots for MIMO Training

In this correspondence, we deal with noncoherent communications over multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) wireless links. For a Rayleigh flat block-fading channel with M transmit- and N receive-antennas and a channel coherence interval of length T, it is well known that for TGtM, or, at high signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) rhoGt1 and Mlesmin{N,lfloorT/2rfloor}, unitary space-time modulation (USTM) is capacity-achieving, but incurs exponential demodulation complexity in T. On the other hand, conventional training-based schemes that rely on known pilot symbols for channel estimation simplify the receiver design, but they induce certain SNR loss. To achieve desirable tradeoffs between performance and complexity, we propose a novel training approach where USTM symbols over a short length T_tau(tau is a small fraction of T, and recovers part of the SNR loss experienced by the conventional training-based schemes. When rhorarrinfin and TgesT_tau ges2M=2Nrarrinfin, but the ratios alpha=M/T, alpha₁ =T_tau/T are fixed, we obtain analytical expressions of the asymptotic SNR loss for both the conventional and new training-based approaches, serving as a guideline for practical designs     

Biogenic synthesis,optimisation and antibacterial efficacy of extracellular silver nanoparticles using novel fungal isolate Aspergillus fumigatus MA

To eliminate the elaborate processes employed in other non‐biological‐based protocols and low cost production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), this study reports biogenic synthesis of AgNPs using silver salt precursor with aqueous extract of Aspergillus fumigates MA. Influence of silver precursor concentrations, concentration ratio of fungal extract and silver nitrate, contact time, reaction temperature and pH are evaluated to find their effects on AgNPs synthesis. Ultraviolet–visible spectra gave surface plasmon resonance at 420 nm for AgNPs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction techniques further confirmed the synthesis and crystalline nature of AgNPs, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy observed spherical shapes of synthesised AgNPs within the range of 3–20 nm. The AgNPs showed potent antimicrobial efficacy against various bacterial strains. Thus, the results of the current study indicate that optimisation process plays a pivotal role in the AgNPs synthesis and biogenic synthesised AgNPs might be used against bacterial pathogens; however, it necessitates clinical studies to find out their potential as antibacterial agents.Inspec keywords: nanoparticles, microorganisms, cellular biophysics, silver, antibacterial activity, pH, surface plasmon resonance, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectra, optimisation, nanomedicine, nanofabricationOther keywords: biogenic synthesis, optimisation, antibacterial efficacy, extracellular silver nanoparticles, fungal isolate Aspergillus fumigatus MA, nonbiological‐based protocols, silver salt precursor, fungal extract, silver nitrate, pH, ultraviolet‐visible spectra, surface plasmon resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, crystalline nature, transmission electron microscopy, spherical shapes, potent antimicrobial efficacy, bacterial strains, optimisation process, bacterial pathogens, antibacterial agents, wavelength 420 nm, size 3 nm to 20 nm, Ag     

Targeting for cogeneration potential through total site integration

Total site integration offers energy conservation opportunities across different individual processes and also to design as well as to optimize the central utility system. In total site integration of the overall process, indirect integration with intermediate fluids or through a central utility system are preferred as it offers greater advantages of flexibility and process control but with reduced energy conservation opportunities. To achieve the maximum possible indirect integration between processes assisted heat transfer, i.e., heat transfer outside the region between process pinch points, plays a significant role. A new concept is proposed in this paper for total site integration by generating a site level grand composite curve (SGCC). Proposed SGCC targets the maximum possible indirect integration as it incorporates assisted heat transfer. In this paper, a methodology is proposed to estimate the cogeneration potential at the total site level, utilizing the concept of multiple utility targeting on the SGCC. The proposed methodology to estimate the cogeneration potential is simple and linear as well as utilizes the rigorous energy balance at each steam header.     

An ab initio study of ZrB2–SiC interface strength as a function of temperature: Correlating phononic and electronic thermal contributions

This work focuses on understanding correlations between thermal conduction and mechanical strength in a model high temperature material interface. Analyses examine single crystal ZrB₂, single crystal SiC, and a 〈0 0 0 1〉–〈1 1 1〉 ZrB₂–SiC interface using a framework based on Car Parrinello molecular dynamics (CPMD) ab initio simulation method from 500 K to 2500 K. Analyses indicate that the strength reduction with increase in temperature is strongly correlated to phonon and electron thermal diffusivity change. With increase in temperature, phonon thermal diffusivity increases in the case of ZrB₂ and reduces in the cases of SiC as well as the interface. Electron contribution to thermal diffusivity increases with temperature increase in the case of interface. Examination of change in thermal properties at different mechanical strain levels reveals that the mechanisms of strength and thermal property change with increase in temperature may be similar to the mechanisms responsible for property change with change in applied strain.     

Patterning of Protein/Quantum Dot Hybrid Bionanostructures

Here we demonstrate patterning of protein/quantum dot hybrid bionanostructures via electrostatic assembly of engineered negatively charged fluorescent protein with positively charged CdSe/ZnS QD patterns formed through e-beam lithography and post-patterning modification with cationic ligands.     

The effect of grain size and composition on the fracture toughness of Ti–Al–Nb alloys undergoing stress-induced martensitic transformation

The effect of grain size and composition on the fracture toughness of Ti–Al–Nb alloys in β solution-treated condition was investigated. The fracture toughness of the alloys was found to increase with an increase in grain size initially, reach a maximum and subsequently decrease with further increase in grain size. This trend was attributed primarily to the effect of grain size on the enhancement of fracture toughness due to stress-induced martensitic transformation (SIMT) at the crack tip, which in turn can be related to the effect of grain size on trigger stress for SIMT. Alloys containing higher Al and Nb showed a higher toughness for the same grain size, which was also explained in terms of effect of composition on the trigger stress.     

A new algorithm for 2-D DOA estimation

In this paper we present a new algorithm to estimate the 2-D direction of arrival (DOA) of narrowband sources lying in the far field of the array. The array consists of matched co-directional triplets, and can be considered as an extension of the 1-D ESPRIT scenario to 2-D. The proposed approach is simple and direct and does not require a search procedure or initialization. Existing algorithms require a search to match the correct elevation and azimuth angles and are computationally more expensive. This technique automatically pairs the azimuth and elevation angles by marking them. The computational complexity is twice that of 1-D ESPRIT. Simulation results and comparisons with other existing algorithms are presented to demonstrate the performance of the proposed technique.     

Investigation of MEMS Piezoresistive Pressure Sensor with a Freely Supported Rectangular Silicon Carbide Diaphragm as a Primary Sensing Element for Altitudinal Applications

Silicon - Silicon and Polysilicon are used as piezoresistive materials in MEMS (Micro Electromechanical system) piezoresistive pressure sensors because of its reproducibility and enhanced...     

Electrophoretic studies of chhana whey and effect of temperature and time of storage on its quality

Chhana whey contains less protein than Cheddar cheese whey, acid casein and cottage cheese whey, and the protein composition is quite different. Electrophoretic methods demonstrated that most of the proteins in chhana whey were denatured, and there was considerable variation in the protein composition between samples of chhana whey and paneer whey obtained from different sources. The effect of storage temperature and time (up to 10 h at 40°C, 50°C, 60°C, 70°C and 80°C) on the quality of chhana whey was investigated. There were no significant changes in the pH and titratable acidity in any of these cases. Electrophoretic separation showed no qualitative changes in the protein composition pattern of chhana whey after up to 10 h of storage at 70°C.