Full-Duplex Relaying in MIMO-OFDM Frequency-Selective Channels with Optimal Adaptive Filtering

In-band full-duplex transmission allows a relay station to theoretically double its spectral efficiency by simultaneously receiving and transmitting in the same frequency band, when compared to the traditional half-duplex or out-of-band full-duplex counterpart. Consequently, the induced self-interference suffered by the relay may reach considerable power levels, which decreases the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) in a decode-and-forward (DF) relay, leading to a degradation of the relay performance. This paper presents a technique to cope with the problem of self-interference in broadband multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) relays. The proposed method uses a time-domain cancellation in a DF relay, where a replica of the interfering signal is created with the help of a recursive least squares (RLS) algorithm that estimates the interference frequency-selective channel. Its convergence mean time is shown to be negligible by simulation results, when compared to the length of a typical orthogonal-frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) sequences. Moreover, the bit-error-rate (BER) and the SINR in a OFDM transmission are evaluated, confirming that the proposed method extends significantly the range of self-interference power to which the relay is resilient to, when compared with other mitigation schemes

Analytical characterization of ancient mortars from the archaeological roman site of Pisões (Beja, Portugal)

The analytical characterization of mortar samples from the roman archaeological site of Pisões, located in Southern Portugal, were carried out by means of X-ray diffractometry (XRD), thermogravimetry (TGADTA), optical and electron scanning microscopy (SEM-EDS), potentiometry and combustion analysis. The Pisões archaeological complex includes a villa rustica, characterized by well-preserved mosaics and thermal baths, as well as a mill and a mausoleum. Countryside villae epitomized the Romanization of the Iberian Peninsula for over six centuries (2nd century BCE–4th century CE). Nevertheless, most of the Roman villae identified in Portugal have not yet been systematically explored and studied. This study provides valuable data on the construction materials and techniques used in Roman times in the Iberian Peninsula. The careful selection of raw materials and the use of natural and artificial pozzolanic materials can explain the favourable state of conservation, mechanical strength and long-term durability of these mortars

Novas tendências em embalagens alimentares funcionalidades e materiais

Motivada pela crescente preocupação com a qualidade e a segurança dos alimentos, a utilização de embalagens alimentares é uma prática de há muito enraizada na sociedade. As funções solicitadas aos materiais utilizados para produzir embalagens alimentares estão relacionadas com as tendências de consumo e com as evoluções tecnológicas adotadas ao longo dos anos pela indústria alimentar e pela distribuição, o que implica um esforço adicional para encontrar soluções de embalagem que respondam a essas solicitações. Por outro lado, mais recentemente, tem emergido uma grande polémica relacionada com a pegada ambiental deixada pelos materiais plásticos não biodegradáveis, muito comumente utilizados no fabrico de embalagens alimentares, a que urge dar resposta. Estes desafios originaram o aparecimento de novos materiais de embalagem, com novas funcionalidades, que poderão chegar ao mercado mais cedo do que possamos imaginar.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Massive MIMO Full-Duplex Relaying with Optimal Power Allocation for Independent Multipairs

With the help of an in-band full-duplex relay station, it is possible to simultaneously transmit and receive signals from multiple users. The performance of such system can be greatly increased when the relay station is equipped with a large number of antennas on both transmitter and receiver sides. In this paper, we exploit the use of massive arrays to effectively suppress the loopback interference (LI) of a decode-and-forward relay (DF) and evaluate the performance of the end-to-end (e2e) transmission. This paper assumes imperfect channel state information is available at the relay and designs a minimum mean-square error (MMSE) filter to mitigate the interference. Subsequently, we adopt zero-forcing (ZF) filters for both detection and beamforming. The performance of such system is evaluated in terms of bit error rate (BER) at both relay and destinations, and an optimal choice for the transmission power at the relay is shown. We then propose a complexity efficient optimal power allocation (OPA) algorithm that, using the channel statistics, computes the minimum power that satisfies the rate constraints of each pair. The results obtained via simulation show that when both MMSE filtering and OPA method are used, better values for the energy efficiency are attained.Comment: Accepted to the 16th IEEE International Workshop on Signal Processing Advances in Wireless Communications - SPAWC, Stockholm, Sweden 201

Genetic diversity of Lusitano horse in Brazil using pedigree information

This study aimed to evaluate population parameters and to describe the genetic diversity of the Lusitano breed in Brazil using pedigree data. Two populations were evaluated: total population (TP) containing 18,922 animals, and reference population (RP) composed of a part of TP containing 8,329 animals, representing the last generation. The generation interval (10.1 ± 5.1 years) was in the range for horse populations. Pedigree completeness in RP shows almost 100% filling in the three most recent generations, indicating improvement in the pedigree data and accuracy of the results, and the inbreeding coefficient (4.46%) and average relatedness (5.97%) for RP, indicating control on the part of breeders. The effective population size was 89 (TP) and 90 (RP). The effective number of founders (fe) were 33 and 29, effective number of ancestors (fa) were 30 and 26, and effective number of founder genomes (fg) were 19 and 15 for TP and RP, respectively, indicating a reduction of genetic variability in the last generations. The total number of ancestors that explains 100% of the genetic diversity in the Lusitano breed in Brazil was 427 (TP) and 341 (RP). The reproductive parameters, probabilities of gene origin showing loss of variability in the last generations, and the genetic contributions of ancestors suggest the need to monitor genetic diversity over time in breeding programs to allow control of the next generations and to increase their variability.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Laitiers d’aciérie portugaise : un nouveau géomatériau

The engineering properties of Portuguese processed steel slags (ISACs) are tested to evaluate the appropriateness of their use in transportation infrastructures and geotechnical works. The laboratory results are compared with values specified in the Portuguese standards for natural aggregates and with values found for natural aggregates of various geological origins. The elastic modulus is carefully evaluated in order to compare the two ISACs with two standard base coarse materials (granite aggregate 0/31.5mm and limestone aggregate 0/19mm). All laboratory results show that the national processed steel slags could be used in geotechnical works, and particularly in transportation infrastructures. The two ISACs demonstrated better mechanical properties than the standard, unbound, granular base, coarse materials.Dans cet article sont présentés les résultats d'essai en laboratoire pour évaluer les propriétés des agrégats laitiers d’aciérie Portugaises (ISAC), dans le but de leur utilisation dans des infrastructures de transport et des travaux géotechniques. Les résultats sont comparés aux valeurs indiquées dans les normes portugaises pour les agrégats traditionnels et avec des valeurs trouvées pour les agrégats naturels de différentes origines géologiques. Une attention particulière est faite en termes du module élastique, comparant les deux ISACs, à deux matériaux standards de sous-couches de chaussées (agrégat 0/31.5mm de granite et agrégat 0/19mm de calcaire). Tous les résultats de laboratoire montrent que les laitiers d’aciérie Portugaises pourraient être employés dans les travaux géotechniques, et en particulier dans les infrastructures de transport. On l'a également expérimentalement observé que les deux ISACs ont de meilleures propriétés mécaniques que les matériaux non traités des sous-couches des chaussées.FEDERFundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - POCI/ECM/56952/2004POCI 201

Duration of Low Wage Employment: A Study Based on a Survival Model

This paper includes a survival analysis which attempts to explain the duration, as in the number of years a worker remains in a low wage situation. Explanatory variables take into account the characteristics of the employee, such as education, age, tenure with the company, gender and nationality, and the characteristics of the job and the company such as industry affiliation, number of employees, age of the company and location.low wage, survival, Portugal

A hydroinformatic tool for sustainable estuarine management

Book edited by Harry Edmar Schulz, André Luiz Andrade Simões and Raquel Jahara Lobosco• Short characterization of estuarine systems and the Mondego estuary (Portugal); • Research methods: sampling program description and mathematical integrated modelling (hydroinformatic tool presentation) • Hydrodynamic estuarine modelling, including calibration and validation procedures; • New approach for tidal prism and flow estimation in estuaries, using mathematical modelling. • Estuarine dispersion conditions, including the assessment of saline wedge propagation into the Mondego estuary. • Influence of tides and freshwater discharges on residence time spatial distribution in the Mondego estuary

Processed Portuguese steel slag: a new geomaterial

The management strategy for waste, in which the prevention of its produc- tion is not yet feasible, should lead to the prioritization of the exploitation of its performance potential, especially through re-use solutions. On this basis, a Research and Development Project is under way in Portugal, which is intended to re-use the processed steel slags pro- duced in the two Portuguese Companies. In this paper are presented the results obtained by laboratory performance-related tests for geometrical, physical and mechanical properties for the two Portuguese processed steel slags, named Inert Steel Aggregates for Construction (ISAC). A special emphasis is made in terms of elastic modulus, comparing the two ISACs, with two standard base course materials (granite and limestone aggregates). The laboratory results show that the ISACs could be used in transportation infrastructures. It was also exper- imentally observed that the two ISACs have better mechanical properties than the standard unbound granular base course materials.University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaig, Illinois Center for Transportation, Center of Excellence for Airport Pavement Research, University of Illinois Railroad Engineering Program, Illinois Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Association of American Railroads, Transportation Research Board, American Society of Civil Engineer

Use of non traditional materials in geotechnical works – valorisation of nacional steel slags

Para avaliar a viabilidade de utilização dos ASIC (Agregado Siderúrgico Inerte para Construção) produzidos pela Siderurgia Nacional, em obras geotécnicas, estudam-se em laboratório as suas propriedades mineralógicas, químicas, geométricas, físicas e mecânicas. Neste trabalho apresentam-se os resultados obtidos para as propriedades mecânicas designadamente, a rigidez estudada através de um equipamento triaxial de precisão. Os resultados são comparados com os obtidos em materiais especificados para as camadas de base dos pavimentos, quer em Portugal, quer em França (agregados granítico 0/31,5 e calcário 0/19, respectivamente). Da comparação dos resultados conclui-se que os ASIC apresentam propriedades mecânicas superiores às dos agregados naturais. Estes resultados enfatizam que os ASIC nacionais podem ser utilizados em obras geotécnicas, muito particularmente nas infra-estruturas de transporte.To evaluate the re-use of ASIC (Inert Steel Aggregate for Construction) produced by Siderurgia Nacional in geotechnical constructions viability, a huge laboratory experimental programme was implemented to study the mineralogical, chemical, geometrical, physical and mechanical properties. In this paper are presented the results obtained by laboratory performance-related tests for mechanical properties, namely the stiffness, studied by means of precision triaxial tests. The results obtained for the two steel slags, were compared with a standard base course materials used at Portugal and at France (granite 0/31,5 and limestone aggregate 0/19, respectively). The results obtained show that ASIC have better mechanical properties than a standard base course materials. These results emphasize that the ASIC produced at Portugal could be used in geotechnical works, and particularly in transportation infrastructures.Universidade de Coimbra. Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT-UC)Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - (POCI/ECM/56952/2004)Siderurgia Nacional (SN