BER analysis of group-orthogonal multicarrier code-division multiplex systems

Group-orthogonal multi-carrier code division multiple access (GO-MC-CDMA) has recently been proposed as a promising technique for the uplink segment of wireless systems. In this paper we propose and analyze a related scheme, group-orthogonal multi-carrier code division multiplexing (GO-MC-CDM), suitable for the downlink segment of the future generation of wireless systems. The proposed system is shown to offer a similar bit error rate (BER) performance as the downlink version of GO-MC-CDMA at a fraction of its computational complexity. An analytical expression for the BER when using maximum likelihood (ML) detection is derived providing valuable insight into the parameters affecting the system performance and providing a basis for its optimization. Simulation results using parameters and (correlated) channel models aiming at the next generation of wireless systems are provided confirming the analytically derived results.     

DGEBA thermosets modified with an amphiphilic star polymer. Study on the effect of the initiator on the curing process and morphology

We have studied the preparation of a new class of epoxy thermosets from diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) modified with an amphiphilic star polymer (SP), initiated either by 1-methyl imidazole or ytterbium triflate, anionic and cationic initiators, respectively. The curing process has been characterized by means of DSC, FTIR and rheology. The last technique allowed us to monitor the shrinkage during curing. DMTA provided valuable information about the transitions of the materials, as well as their modulus in the rubbery state. Cationic systems produce monomodal tan δ relaxations, whereas anionics presented a shoulder in this peak. By means of electron microscopy we could observe phase separation in the case of cationically initiated systems while in the anionic initiated materials zones with different electronic densities were appreciated. Finally, Young’s modulus and hardness of the materials were determined by nanoinentation.     

Improvement of epoxy thermosets using a thiol‐ene based polyester hyperbranched polymer as modifier

The anionic curing initiated by 1‐methyl imidazole of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A with a hyperbranched polymer (HBP) containing long aliphatic chains in the structure were studied. The hydroxyl groups present as chain ends in the HBP structure played an important role in the curing kinetics, as demonstrated by differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and rheological studies. Properties such as shrinkage on curing and thermomechanical characteristics were also investigated. The structure of the HBP, which contains long aliphatic chains and reactive hydroxyl groups as chain ends, flexibilizes the network significantly, improving the impact resistance without notably affecting either the glass transition temperature or the microhardness of the modified thermosets. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Multiarm star poly(glycidol)-block-poly(styrene) as modifier of anionically cured diglycidylether of bisphenol A thermosetting coatings

Well-defined multiarm star copolymer poly(glycidol)-b-poly(styrene) (PGOH-b-PS) with an average number of PS arms per molecule of 85 has been prepared. The core first approach has been selected as the methodology using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene to grow the arms from an activated hyperbranched poly(glycidol) as core. This activated hyperbranched macroinitiator was prepared by esterification of hyperbranched poly(glycidol) (PGOH) with 2-bromoisobutyryl bromide.PGOH-b-PS was used to modify diglycidylether of bisphenol A coatings cured by anionic ring-opening mechanism using 1-methyl imidazole as the initiator. The kinetics of the curing process, studied by dynamic scanning calorimetry (DSC), was not much affected when PGOH-b-PS was added to the formulation. By rheometry the effect of this new polymer topology on the complex viscosity (η^*) of the reactive mixture was analyzed. The phase-separation of the modified coatings was proved by dynamic thermomechanical analysis (DMTA) and electronic microscopy (SEM and TEM) showing nano- or microphase separation as a function of the modifier content. The addition of this star polymer led to increase in the rigidity in terms of Young's modulus and in the microhardness in comparison to neat DGEBA.     

Characterization and reactivity of MoO3/SiO2 catalysts in the selective catalytic oxidation of ammonia to N2

Silica-supported MoO₃ catalysts with MoO₃ loadings up to 21% w/w were prepared, characterized and tested in the selective catalytic oxidation (SCO) of ammonia to N₂ under dilute conditions. It is found that the catalysts are active and selective in the reaction, and that the catalytic performance increases on increasing the Mo loading. Crystalline MoO₃, detected over the silica support, is supposed to be the active species in the reaction. The reactivity of the catalysts is depressed by water addition to the feed at low temperatures and is enhanced by the presence of selected promoters, like Bi and Pb.     

Performance Analysis of Multiuser Detectors for Uplink Quasi-synchronous MC-CDMA Systems

This paper analyses and compares the average bit error rate (BER) of different multiuser detectors (MUD) in the uplink of a multicarrier code- division multiple access (MC-CDMA) system. In particular, maximum likelihood, zero-forcing, minimum mean-square error and interference cancellation-based multiuser detectors have been analysed for the special case of uncorrelated subcarriers. The derived BER expressions are based upon previous results on diversity combining and also on recent findings on multiple input multiple output (MIMO) architectures. The subcarrier correlation is considered in the context of physical parameters currently under discussion for future wireless systems to give an indication up to what extent the assumption of uncorrelated subcarrier fading is plausible.     

Crosslinking of mixtures of diglycidylether of bisphenol‐A with 1,6‐dioxaspiro[4.4] nonan‐2,7‐dione initiated by tertiary amines: III. Effect of hydroxyl groups on network formation

BACKGROUND: Blends of epoxy resin oligomers, diglycidylether of bisphenol‐A (DGEBA), and a bislactone, 1,6‐dioxaspiro[4.4]nonan‐2,7‐dione (s(γBL)), were anionically copolymerized using two tertiary amines as anionic initiators. Their curing rheology and gelation behaviour were studied to provide a more comprehensive knowledge of the curing of these previously studied systems. RESULTS: The activation energy for gelation was found to be similar to that previously measured using differential scanning calorimetry and appeared to increase in the presence of the bislactone. The reaction rate during copolymerization of DGEBA with s(γBL) was slower than DGEBA homopolymerization alone because the alkoxide attack on the epoxide is faster than the reaction of the carboxylate ion and the epoxy group. The effect of the initiator type on the gel conversion was small and was presumably due to differences in the kinetic chain length caused by amine regeneration from the quaternary amine. For the same initiator and at a constant ratio of DGEBA/s(γBL), an increase in the hydroxyl concentration of the DGEBA oligomer raised the gel conversion. For a DGEBA oligomer with low hydroxyl levels, an increase in the concentration of s(γBL) increased the gel conversion; however, for a DGEBA oligomer with high hydroxyl levels, increasing s(γBL) concentration decreased the gel conversion. CONCLUSION: These results are interpreted in terms of the effect of initiation rate and chain transfer rate on the kinetic chain length. The glass transition temperature of the gel was found to be controlled by the fraction of the aliphatic s(γBL) and the amount of plasticizing sol in the matrix. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

On the role of acidity in catalytic oxidation

The role of the catalyst surface acid-base properties on the heterogeneously-catalyzed oxidation reaction mechanisms is discussed. Acid-base properties depend on the covalent/ionic character of the metal-oxygen bonds and are involved in some steps of the oxidation reactions, such as the activation of the C---H hydrocarbon bonds, the step associated with the evolution of alkoxide species and the desorption/overoxidation of the partial oxidation products. Thus they participate with the cation redox properties in determining the selective/unselective catalyst behavior.     

Toward emotional interactive videogames for children with autism spectrum disorder

Universal Access in the Information Society - Technology and videogames have been proven as motivating tools for working attention and complex communication skills, especially in children with...     

New thermosets obtained by cationic copolymerization of DGEBA with γ‐caprolactone with improvement in the shrinkage. II. Time–temperature–transformation (TTT) cure diagram

Mixtures of diglycidylether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) with different proportions of γ‐caprolactone (γ‐CL) were cured with ytterbium triflate as initiator. The curing was studied with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermo mechanical analysis (TMA). The results are presented in the form of a time–temperature–transformation diagram. The kinetic analysis was performed by means of the isoconversional integral procedure and the kinetic model was also determined using the Coats–Redfern method. Gelation was determined by means of combined experiences of DSC and TMA. The relationship between the glass transition temperature (T_g) and the degree of conversion α was determined by DSC. Using the isoconversional lines and the T_g‐α relationship, the vitrificacion curve was obtained. The methodology developed makes it possible to obtain the TTT diagram using only no‐isothermal experiments with equivalent results to those using classical isothermal procedures. The addition of γ‐CL accelerates the curing and reduces the shrinkage after gelation and consequently the internal stresses in the material. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007