A Criterion for Determining the Optimal Position of the Demodulate-and-Forward (DMF) Relay

This paper considers the issue of selecting the optimal position where a Relay could be fixed to enable the communication between a Source and a Destination. Our analysis is focused on the case when Relay works on Demodulate-and-Forward (DMF) mode, due its simple nature in implementation. DMF Relay only demodulates the received signals from the Source without checking the integrity of the signals and it may happen that it forwards the erroneous signals toward the Destination. Since moving the Relay in different positions between the Source and the Destination brings different performances, we are interested to find the position at which the benefit of using the Relay is maximized. To help us find this optimal position analytically and numerically, we have introduced a criterion which relies on the trade-off between the demodulation errors on the channel S-R and the ability of the Relay to succeed on the transmission path R-D, where the theoretical analysis of the criterion matches perfectly with the simulation analysis. Moreover, in a scenario of having more than one Relay, this criterion helps us to choose the best instantaneous Relay for cooperation. The comparison of our proposed criterion with a referent criterion from the literature, has shown that our criterion outperforms the referent criterion.

Microfluidic Pressure in Paper (µPiP)

We present a simple, low-cost and scalable method for fabricating externally pressurized paper-based microfluidic devices. Known as microfluidic pressure in paper (µPiP), devices fabricated by this technique are capable of sustaining a pressure gradient for use in precise liquid handling and manipulation applications. In addition, the simple nature of this fabrication technique allows device designs to be scalably manufactured and deployed with minimal time, equipment and training requirements. This new platform democratizes the field of microfluidics and offers budget-friendly technology for both academic device prototyping and largescale commercial device production.

Digital Currencies from the Perspective of Jurisprudence and Law

The emergence of digital currencies has drawn a great deal of attention in research projects. Digital currency is a type of money in virtual space that are born on the Internet ground. Along with the introduction of digital currencies in the economy, we have seen a profound change in payment systems that may change the future of money. Digital currencies are money in nature and considered as a property in jurisprudence. According to studies, emergence, extraction, and framework or digital currencies are free of any jurisprudence impediment. Based on theoretical foundations, digital currencies are property and money and given their ambiguities and shortages and the administrative jurisprudence approach, digital currencies may not be approved by the religion while the ambiguities are not solved. Jurisprudence rules namely no damage, destruction and the rule of negation of domination (the sovereignty of non-Muslims on Muslim is not acceptable) are the key rules that limit the extent to which digital currencies are acceptable. At the beginning, digital currencies appear as highly complicated and ambiguous, while, they actually have a simple nature. The essence of digital currencies is not clear despite different opinions stated about them and advantages and disadvantages. The present study is an attempt to introduce efficient strategies to use digital currencies and solve many of the disadvantages.

H∞ mixed sensitivity optimization for high speed tilting trains

The industrial norm of tilting high speed trains, nowadays, is that of Precedence tilt (also known as Preview tilt). Precedence tilt, although succesfull as a concept, tends to be complex (mainly due to the signal interconnections between vehicles and the advanced signal processing required for monitoring). Research studies of early prior to that of precedence tilt schemes, i.e. the so-called Nulling-type schemes, utilized local-per-vehicle signals to provide tilt action (this was essentially a typical disturbance rejection-scheme) but suffered from inherent delays in the control). Nulling tilt may still be seen as an important research aim due to the simple nature and most importantly due to the more straightforward fault detection compared to precedence schemes. The work in this paper presents a substantial extension conventional to robust H∞ mixed sensitivity nulling tilt control in literature. A particular aspect is the use of optimization is used in the design of the robust controller accompanied by rigorous investigation of the conflicting deterministic/stochastic local tilt trade-off

The Case for Equality, Bringing Bolted Joint Management in Line With Welded Joint Management: Trends in European Standards

The bolted joint by its simple nature, can be tightened by anyone who can lift a spanner. This has led over the years to a lack of respect and the acceptance of un-managed assembly and tightening. The results have been lack of control over the key goal — a joint that performs reliably and safely in service. ASME has recently updated a number of key standards such as PCC-1-2010 [1] and a parallel initiative is ongoing in Europe [2]. Both have the same end goal to recognize the importance and need for careful control and diligent application of standards for bolted joints on critical pressurized systems. The paper will compare the developments in Europe with those in ASME and state the case for continued development and application of standards to reduce the level of leakage and failures associated with bolted flanged joints. Under Europe Safety Directives there is a growing recognition that the Pressure Equipment Directive [3] does not treat the bolted joint equally with the Welded joint this anomaly will be explained in the paper.

Podcasting and Really Simple Syndication (RSS)

The simple nature of podcasting and Really Simple Syndication (RSS) belies the power for change embodied in them, either singly or in tandem. On the surface, podcasting is merely the recording of an audio file in MP3 format for sharing on the Internet, an MP3 player or some other device; this chapter covers the history and technical aspects of that process. Podcasting and the RSS feeds that keep consumers of podcasting connected to the source are examined as part of a larger movement in computer mediated collaboration that centers on mobility, immediacy, and interactivity. Podcasting, as a personal tool or an organizationally managed one is examined in terms of types of podcasts, their current applications and future trends that can be anticipated in their use..

Flexural Resonant Frequencies of Thin Rectangular Cantilever Plates

Knowledge of the flexural vibration frequencies of thin rectangular cantilever plates forms the basis for numerous applications in sensing and instrumentation. Despite the seemingly simple nature of the problem, an accurate formula for the fundamental resonant frequency that is valid for all aspect ratios and Poisson’s ratios is notably lacking in the literature. In this article, we present such a result using a variational and singular perturbation formulation. This yields a simple analytical formula that exhibits a maximum error of 2%.