Non-parametric maximum-likelihood channel estimator and detector for OFDM in presence of interference

A maximum-likelihood channel estimator for the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing communication environments, in the presence of interference is discussed here. In a training-based scenario, the channel is estimated based on pilots that precede the transmission of the information. To reduce the number of estimation parameters, the channel is estimated iteratively in time-domain. Since interference from other users provide no useful information, parameters of the interference are neither estimated nor the effect of the interference neglected, instead interference along with Gaussian noise is perceived as non-Gaussian noise process. The algorithm assumes no a priori knowledge about the interfering channel and signal at the receiver, further no assumption on the statistical properties of the interferer is assumed, which makes this algorithm robust. The estimated channel information along with the estimated distribution are then utilised to equalise the subsequent data blocks. The strength of the algorithm is in its robustness to both synchronous and asynchronous interference, which is confirmed by the simulation results for both flat and multipath fading channels in presence of synchronous and asynchronous interference.     

Dissolution of U,Np, Pu,and Am Oxides and Their Mixtures in Tributyl Phosphate Saturated with HNO3

It was shown for the first time that weighable amounts of uranium dioxide and its mixtures with Np, Pu, and Am in the form of solid solutions can be efficiently and quantitatively dissolved in the presence of tributyl phosphate saturated with HNO₃. Individual PuO₂ and NpO₂ are not dissolved under these conditions. In treatment of a mechanical mixture of UO₂ with PuO₂ or NpO₂, uranium is completely dissolved, while plutonium and neptunium remain in the precipitate.     

Model-based autonomy in deep space missions

The article discusses trade-offs involved in current-generation autonomy systems for deep-space applications and describes emerging research that will let future spacecraft operate unattended for significant periods of time, synthesizing control decisions in response to both planned and unplanned events.     

Runtime verification and monitoring of embedded systems

Ensuring the correctness of software applications is a difficult task. The area of runtime verification, which combines the approaches of formal verification and testing, offers a practical but limited solution that can help in finding many errors in software. Runtime verification relies upon tools for monitoring software execution. There are particular difficulties with regard to monitoring embedded systems. The concerns for arranging non-intrusive monitoring of embedded systems in a way that is suitable for use in runtime verification methods are considered here. A number of existing runtime verification tools are referenced, highlighting their requirement for monitoring solutions. Established and emerging approaches for the monitoring of software execution using execution monitors are reviewed, with an emphasis on the approaches that are best suited for use with embedded systems. A suggested solution for non-intrusive monitoring of embedded systems is presented. The conclusions summarise the possibilities for arranging non-intrusive monitoring of embedded systems, and the potential for runtime verification to utilise such monitoring approaches.     

Microhardness of silicon layers grown by liquid phase epitaxy

The microhardness of silicon epilayers grown from Sn fluxes is found to be lower than that of the silicon substrates and to significantly depend on the crystallographic orientation of the substrates. The microhardness values follow a Gaussian distribution in all of the epilayers. Unintentional impurities are shown to have a significant effect on the microhardness of the epilayers. The addition of ytterbium to the high-temperature solution reduces the microhardness of the epilayers.     

The International Technology Alliance in Network and Information Sciences

In May 2006, the US Army Research Laboratory and UK Ministry of Defense created the international technology alliance. The consortium of 26 partners including the ARL and MoD offers an open research environment in which leading US and UK companies and universities can collaborate (see table 1). It will also fuse the best aspects of the US Army's Collaborative Technology Alliances and UK MoD's Defense Technology Centers on an international scale. The ITA aims to develop flexible, distributed, and secure decision-making procedures to improve networked coalition operations. Network science is a young discipline we have limited information models and network theories to describe the behavior and scaling of large, complex mobile ad hoc networks.1 moreover, you can't understand a coalition network's performance without understanding its cognitive and sociocultural aspects and physical characteristics. A key ITA goal is to perform basic research in network-centric coalition decision making across four technical areas: network theory, security across a system of systems, sensor information processing and delivery, and distributed coalition planning and decision making, 2. we focus on the last area because this is where intelligent systems will play the biggest role.