The effects of phase noise on trellis coded modulation overGaussian and fading channels

In this paper, error performance bounds are derived for 8-PSK trellis coded modulation (TCM) over Gaussian and fading channels in the presence of phase noise. Coherent demodulation combined with both phase-locked loop (PLL) and transparent tone in band technique (TTIB) for phase recovery is assumed. The analysis is then applied to a number of Ungerboeck 8-PSK trellis codes and the results for the bit error rate (BER) performance, obtained both analytically and by Monte Carlo simulation, are presented. The derived bounds can be directly extended to any M-PSK trellis code     

Multidimensional M-PSK trellis codes for fading channels

This paper investigates the code search problem for trellis-coded multidimensional phase modulation for Rayleigh fading channels. New set partitionings for multiple phase-shift keying (M-PSK) are proposed using the effective code length (ECL) and the minimum product distance (PD) as the code design criteria. By using these set-partitionings rules, new multidimensional codes which are optimum for Rayleigh fading channels are constructed. The proposed codes compare favorably with the existing multidimensional trellis codes on fading channels in terms of bit error performance. The bit error performance is evaluated by simulation     

Study of multicycle melting and freezing of sodium thiosulphate pentahydrate

The behaviour of sodium thiosulphate pentahydrate in the course of repeated use as a heat-storing medium can be predicted, cycle by cycle, on the basis of a generalised phase-transition equation adapted for incongruently melting material. An indice is derived for this purpose and named ‘coefficient of true phase-transition reversibility’. Its predictive value is shown for three additional incongruently melting materials well known as heat-storing media: CaCl₂.6H₂O, Na₂SO₄.10H₂O and the mixture Na₂SO₄.10H₂O + 2/3NH₄Cl + 2/3NaCJ.     

A biometric identification system based on eigenpalm and eigenfinger features

This paper presents a multimodal biometric identification system based on the features of the human hand. We describe a new biometric approach to personal identification using eigenfinger and eigenpalm features, with fusion applied at the matching-score level. The identification process can be divided into the following phases: capturing the image; preprocessing; extracting and normalizing the palm and strip-like finger subimages; extracting the eigenpalm and eigenfinger features based on the K-L transform; matching and fusion; and, finally, a decision based on the (k, l)-NN classifier and thresholding. The system was tested on a database of 237 people (1,820 hand images). The experimental results showed the effectiveness of the system in terms of the recognition rate (100 percent), the equal error rate (EER = 0.58 percent), and the total error rate (TER = 0.72 percent).     

Wear Behavior of Composites Based on ZA-27 Alloy Reinforced by Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> Particles Under Dry Sliding Condition

In present study, the effect of Al₂O₃ particle reinforcement on the sliding behavior of ZA-27 alloy composites was investigated. The composites with 3, 5, and 10 wt% of Al₂O₃ particles were produced by the compocasting procedure. Tribological properties of unreinforced alloy and composite were studied, using block-on-disk tribometer under unlubricated sliding conditions at different specific loads and sliding speeds. The worn surfaces of samples were examined by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The test results revealed that those composite specimens exhibited significantly lower wear rate than the ZA-27 matrix alloy specimens in all combinations of applied loads and sliding speeds. The difference in the wear resistance of composite with respect to the matrix alloy, increased with the increase of the applied load/sliding speed and Al₂O₃ particle content. The highest degree of improvement of the ZA-27 alloy tribological behavior corresponded with change of the Al₂O₃ particles content from 3 to 5 wt%. At low sliding speed, moderate lower wear rate of the composites over that of the matrix alloy was noticed. This has been attributed to micro cracking tendency of the composites. Significantly reduced wear rate, experienced by the composite over that of the matrix alloy at the higher sliding speeds and loads, could be explained due to enhanced compatibility of matrix alloy with dispersoid phase and greater thermal stability of the composite in view of the presence of the dispersoid. Level of wear rate of tested ZA-27/Al₂O₃ samples pointed to the process of mild wear, which was primarily controlled by the formation and destruction of mechanical mixed layers (MMLs).     

Torque calculation between circular coils with inclined axes in air

In this paper we derive new semi‐analytical expressions for calculating the electromagnetic torque between inclined circular coils in air. The torque calculation has been obtained from the corresponding mutual inductance between inclined circular coils using the filament method. The coils of rectangular cross‐section whose centers are at the same and the different axes have been considered. From this general case it is possible to calculate the torque between all possible coil combinations either with rectangular or neglected cross‐section. Results obtained by the presented approach are in very good agreement with already published data. This method can be used for industrial electromagnetic devices such as torque sensors, transducers and torque‐measuring devices. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Lipids and Antiplatelet Therapy: Important Considerations and Future Perspectives

Lipids play an essential role in platelet functions. It is known that polyunsaturated fatty acids play a role in increasing platelet reactivity and that the prothrombotic phenotype plays a crucial role in the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events. The ongoing increase in cardiovascular diseases’ incidence emphasizes the importance of research linking lipids and platelet function. In particular, the rebound phenomenon that accompanies discontinuation of clopidogrel in patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy has been associated with changes in the lipid profile. Our many years of research underline the importance of reduced HDL values for the risk of such a rebound effect and the occurrence of thromboembolic events. Lipids are otherwise a heterogeneous group of molecules, and their signaling molecules are not deposited but formed “on-demand” in the cell. On the other hand, exosomes transmit lipid signals between cells, and the profile of such changes can be monitored by lipidomics. Changes in the lipid profile are organ-specific and may indicate new drug action targets.     

Sensitivity of direct metal laser sintering Maraging steel fatigue strength to build orientation and allowance for machining

This work deals with the effect of build orientation and of allowance for machining on DMLS‐produced Maraging Steel MS1. The experimental results, arranged by tools of Design of Experiment, have been statistically processed and compared. The outcomes were that, probably due to effect of the thermal treatment, machining, and material properties, the aforementioned factors do not have a significant impact on the fatigue response. This made it possible to work out a global curve that accounts for all the results, consisting in a high amount of data points. This can be regarded as one of the most complete and reliable fatigue models in the current literature. Fractographic and micrographic studies have been performed as well, to individuate the crack initiation points, usually located at subsurface porosities, and to investigate the location of internal inclusions and the actual martensitic microstructure along the stacking direction and on the build plane.