Slow Electromagnetic Waves: Theory and New Applications

In this chapter, the usage of slow electromagnetic waves in several application domains is deeply discussed. Starting from an outline of the classical Cerenkov effect, various related topics are presented in detail, namely the generation of electromagnetic waves by the Cerenkov effect, the Cerenkov free-electron laser, pickup and kickers in accelerators, pulse compression in radar and linac, and compact components and waveguides in the microwave region

Does the Embodiment Influence the Success of Visuo-haptic Learning?

The purpose of this work is to demonstrate the influence of embodiment on the success of Visuo-haptic Learning, as it has not been yet investigated by current literature. With this aim, we conducted an experimental campaign to compare the users’ Sense of Embodiment (SoE) and learning success values obtained by experiencing the same simulated duty cycle within two different Visuo-haptic Learning environments. Interesting results have been found: the embodiment influenced the users’ completion time and mental workload, but it did not have particular incidence on the obtained learning level (intended as knowledge of the procedure). With this work, we aim to highlight the necessity of conducting wider and deeper studies about the influence of human factors and subjective perceptions on the success of Visuo-haptic Learning

Metaplanning, Geodesign e Sistemi di Supporto alla Pianificazione di seconda generazione

Il processo di pianificazione ha subito un’evoluzione significativa negli ultimi decenni, passando gradualmente da un paradigma tecnocratico ad uno partecipativo. Tuttavia la complessità del processo aumenta con il coinvolgimento di numerosi attori e occorrono nuovi strumenti per governare tale complessità, capaci di facilitare la gestione del processo. La modellazione del processo di pianificazione dovrebbe essere alla base di un Sistema di Supporto alla Pianificazione (PSS), contribuendo così all’ottimizzazione, all’automazione, alla documentazione dei contenuti, ed al monitoraggio del progetto. Al fine di sperimentare questa ipotesi, il geodesign è stato individuato come un approccio metodologico adatto al paradigma partecipativo della pianificazione, per sperimentare la modellazione del processo secondo un approccio di “metaplanning”, attraverso tecniche e strumenti di Business Process Management. L’obiettivo finale è di aprire la strada verso lo sviluppo di PSS di 2a generazione

Millimeter-Waves Structures on Benzocyclobutene Dielectric Substrate

The need of low-loss substrate materials with stable dielectric performances is a strong requirement when working at millimeter frequencies, where standard dielectrics exhibit prohibitive losses. In this paper, the authors focus their attention on a polymer material, the benzocyclobutene (BCB), having a low dielectric constant and a low loss tangent, with a stable behavior up to THz frequencies. A specific in-house manufacture technology is described to realize millimeter-wave structures on a BCB dielectric substrate. Experimental validations on BCB-based circuits and antennas prototypes are discussed

Analysis and interpretation of airborne electromagnetic and magnetic data

In this research, I focused on processing and modeling of TDEM and aeromagnetic data acquired during the same survey, with the aim of exploring the possibilities for a joint interpretation of these different datasets. My research involved both methodological advances and applications to real dataset. In particular, I will show two case studies, both located in Canada. The first one, is related to Broken Evil prospect in Ontario. This region hosts some of the richest mineral deposits of Canada (especially volcanic massive sulfide deposits). The second one is related to Drybones bay in Northwest Territories, where in 1994 a completely underwater kimberlite structure was discovered. The interpretative results of the TDEM and magnetic data reveal that the sensitivity of the two methods may differ with respect to the investigated geological structures. This would imply a certain difficulty in setting up a true joint inversion algorithm to interpret these two data types simultaneously that would be valid in all the studied cases. However, results show how with different resolution and depth of investigation, in the studied areas the cooperation of the TDEM and aeromagnetic data can lead to a better understand of the structures at depth

Coastal ocean radars applied to coral reef science and management

Coastal ocean radars provide detailed surface current maps and wind directions; some types of High Frequency radar also provide maps of wave heights. Radar range is dependent upon the radar frequency, extending up to 150 km from the shore. In the case of the Great Barrier Reef, this includes the continental shelf and some open water beyond. Detailed knowledge of the dynamics of the surface water opens the way for understanding much about localised environmental conditions, connectivity between sites and the movement of nutrients and pollution in the coastal ocean. Lagrangian tracking of buoyant particles can be achieved in the Great Barrier Reef lagoon within an accuracy (error) approaching 1 km per day of drift. This is a significant capability for search and rescue operations as well as reef science and management. A sequence of surface current maps has been shown to be useful for identifying areas where the currents are high enough to induce spontaneous turbulence throughout the water column. These areas are less vulnerable to coral bleaching because the heat from insolation is distributed through the water column rather than remaining at the surface. Spatial scales (i.e., range, resolution) for ocean radars are adjustable and it is shown that mapping of surface currents on a high resolution grid is possible with radars operating in the Very High Frequency band

LSE students write: young people deserve a say on the Brexit negotiations

Young people deserve a say on the Brexit negotiations, write the MSc EU Politics students Elettra Di Massa, Sjoukje Von Oosterhout, Olli Jokinen, and Hugo Stratton, who submitted this article as part of the LSE Brexit competition: “Brexit means Brexit. But what does Brexit mean to you?