1 Joint Scheduling and Fast Cell Selection in OFDMA Wireless Networks

Abstract—In modern broadband cellular networks, the omni-directional antenna at each cell is replaced by 3 or 6 directional antennas, one in every sector. While every sector can run its own scheduling algorithm, bandwidth utilization can be significantly increased if a joint scheduler makes these decisions for all the sectors. This gives rise to a new problem, referred to as “joint scheduling, ” addressed in this paper for the first time. The problem is proven to be NP-hard, but we propose efficient algorithms with a worstcase performance guarantee for solving it. We then show that the proposed algorithms indeed substantially increase the network throughput. Index Terms—Cellular networks, 4G mobile communication, Optimal scheduling. I

Movers and Shakers: Kinetic Energy Harvesting for the Internet of Things

Numerous energy harvesting wireless devices that will serve as building blocks for the Internet of Things (IoT) are currently under development. However, there is still only limited understanding of the properties of various energy sources and their impact on energy harvesting adaptive algorithms. Hence, we focus on characterizing the kinetic (motion) energy that can be harvested by a wireless node with an IoT form factor and on developing energy allocation algorithms for such nodes. In this paper, we describe methods for estimating harvested energy from acceleration traces. To characterize the energy availability associated with specific human activities (e.g., relaxing, walking, cycling), we analyze a motion dataset with over 40 participants. Based on acceleration measurements that we collected for over 200 hours, we study energy generation processes associated with day-long human routines. We also briefly summarize our experiments with moving objects. We develop energy allocation algorithms that take into account practical IoT node design considerations, and evaluate the algorithms using the collected measurements. Our observations provide insights into the design of motion energy harvesters, IoT nodes, and energy harvesting adaptive algorithms.Comment: 15 pages, 11 figure

Panda: Neighbor Discovery on a Power Harvesting Budget

Object tracking applications are gaining popularity and will soon utilize Energy Harvesting (EH) low-power nodes that will consume power mostly for Neighbor Discovery (ND) (i.e., identifying nodes within communication range). Although ND protocols were developed for sensor networks, the challenges posed by emerging EH low-power transceivers were not addressed. Therefore, we design an ND protocol tailored for the characteristics of a representative EH prototype: the TI eZ430-RF2500-SEH. We present a generalized model of ND accounting for unique prototype characteristics (i.e., energy costs for transmission/reception, and transceiver state switching times/costs). Then, we present the Power Aware Neighbor Discovery Asynchronously (Panda) protocol in which nodes transition between the sleep, receive, and transmit states. We analyze \name and select its parameters to maximize the ND rate subject to a homogeneous power budget. We also present Panda-D, designed for non-homogeneous EH nodes. We perform extensive testbed evaluations using the prototypes and study various design tradeoffs. We demonstrate a small difference (less then 2%) between experimental and analytical results, thereby confirming the modeling assumptions. Moreover, we show that Panda improves the ND rate by up to 3x compared to related protocols. Finally, we show that Panda-D operates well under non-homogeneous power harvesting

IEC 61850 Goose Managing applications in distribution network protection and automation

Introducing distributed generators into distribution networks creates problems for protection systems like electric island formations or protection blinding. Possible solutions utilizing communication aided automation in IEC 61850 standard are presented in following paper. A hybrid adaptive islanding detection method and advanced network automation features in form of adaptive protection and distribution management system (DMS) are demonstrated. The results obtained through hardware-in-the-loop simulations using OPAL-RT simulator and SEL 421 relays show that presented functionalities can augment overall microgrid reliability.publishedVersionProc. of the 25th International Conference on Electricity Distribution (CIRED 2019

DETERMINATION OF ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C) CONTENT IN GLUTEN FREE PASTA ENRICHED IN BIOACTIVE COMPUNDS

In this study, total ascorbic acid (TAA), dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) and ascorbic acid (AA) content of gluten free pasta enriched in bioactive compounds were analysed using HPLC system. In lucerne powder and S3 pasta sample were determined the major concentration of TAA, DHA and AA. Ascorbic acid content was determined by HPLC system. All pasta samples contained higher amount of TAA, DHA, AA compared with the control sample. The obtained results revealed that lucerne (Medicago Sativa) powder is rich in bioactive value

‘THE PURPLE GOLD’ AND THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF ITS CULTIVATION IN THE TRANSYLVANIAN PLATEAU AREA ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT

We give the name of ‘The Purple Gold’ to the miraculous lavender plant, after following some analysis and evaluations to consider that it is one of the most important aromatic plants in existence. The review of literature proves that lavender is a shrub whose flower mass has beneficial properties on human health. It contains active substances that give the plant antiseptic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, carminative, healing, digestive and toning properties. That is why it is used as a curative source both internally and externally in traditional alternative medicine. It is therefore important to provide information on the content of these active substances present in the lavender plant and their curative capacity to promote their consumption. Lavender cultivation can be an important source of income for families living in rural areas. The aim of this study is to assess the economic impact of lavender cultivation in the Transylvanian Plateau on rural development. Data from representative case-studies were collected using direct interviews with farmers to establish the economic sustainability of this production in Romania. The study addresses some essential aspects of the bioactive properties of lavender as well as the investment feature in lavender plantations, their establishment, organization and financing in order to investigate the economic impact and profitability of lavender plantations for small and medium accessible farms in rural areas by farmers who do not have a very high capital. The farms are profitable even on small areas of land, and the success of the business depends on an efficient system of capitalization of the production, by processing the lavender flower mass resulting in lavender essential oils and derived products. Based on the representative study cases it was proved that the cultivation and processing of lavender is a sustainable business

EVALUATION OF NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF BLACKTHORN AND ROSE FRUITS

Wild fruits can be found in many different climates. They are full of nutrients and powerful plant compounds that are beneficiary for the human health. Although wild berries can be tart, they are quite versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. The chemical composition and biological properties of blackthorn and rose fruits were evaluated, in order to valorize these products as sources of nutrients and nutraceuticals. Analyses for the determination of moisture, protein, fatty acids and ash were done in order to evaluate the nutritional composition of these wild fruits. From the analyzed samples, rose fruits had the highest nutritional value. The combination of bioactive compounds and rich nutritional composition of these wild berries, which have high carbohydrate content and low-fat content (constituted mainly of polyunsaturated fatty acids which are precursors of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) make them a very valuable source in the human food diet