Reducing complexity and improving the reliability of frequency reconfigurable antennas

In this paper the complexity and reliability of frequency reconfigurable antennas are presented. A new approach for decreasing the complexity of reconfigurable antennas while maintaining the reliability of such structures is discussed. An example is given to prove the validity of the proposed approaches

Analyzing capacitor-based reconfigurable antennas using graph models

This paper discusses reconfigurable antennas using variable capacitors or varactors to achieve reconfiguration. We propose graph models as tools to understand reconfigurable antenna topologies and their configurations. Guidelines are set to model this type of reconfigurable antennas using graphs and examples are studied to investigate their optimal performance

An exponential open hashing function based on dynamical systems theory

In this paper an efficient open addressing hash function called exponential hashing is developed using concepts from dynamical systems theory and number theory. A comparison of exponential hashing versus a widely used double hash function is performed using an analysis based on Lyapunov exponents and entropy. Proofs of optimal table parameter choices are provided for a number of hash functions. We also demonstrate experimentally that exponential hashing nearly matches the performance of an optimal double hash function for uniform data distributions and performs significantly better for nonuniform data distributions. We show that exponential hashing exhibits a higher integer Lyapunov exponent and entropy than double hashing for initial data probes which offers one explanation for its improved performance on nonuniform data distributions

Delayed positive feedback can stabilize oscillatory systems

This paper expands on a method proposed in [1] for stabilizing oscillatory system with positive, delayed feedback. The closed-loop system obtained is shown (using the Nyquist criterion) to be stable for a range of delays

Distributed Load Balancing in the Presence of Node Failure and Network Delays

In this paper, we present a new dynamic, and adaptive distributed load balancing algorithm. This algorithm is able to handle the loss of some computational nodes, the connectivity of the network, and the variations in tasks and transfer delays. An experimental verification of the algorithm is presented using PlanetLab

Surface engineering and vapor phase technologies for coating and functionalizing complex objects and small particles

The requirements for materials performance in different areas of application continues to face increased technological, economical and environmental challenges, while considering ever improving materials mechanical, optical, electrical, electrochemical and other functional properties and their combination (multifuntionality). This opens new and exciting opportunities for further development of surface engineering methodologies that allow one to fabricate functional coatings and functionalized surfaces with tailored characteristics. Further progress in this field is only possible when considering a holistic approach in which the desired functions are well understood and closely linked with the materials microstructure and the detailed physical and chemical reactions involved in the processes. This presentation will describe the progress in surface engineering of materials using chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, and plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition of functional coatings. It will particularly focus on the following aspects: a) Effect of surface reactions on the evolution of the coating microstructure during the film growth in different pressure regimes ranging from vacuum to the atmospheric pressure. b) Relationship between the microstructure and the film functional characteristics suitable for different areas of application including optics, aerospace, energy, manufacturing and others. c) Application of the vapor phase deposition techniques to coat complex objects including small particles. The latter one will be illustrated by our recent results on the development of the fluidized bed chemical vapor deposition process. Throughout the presentation, we demonstrate the need for advanced diagnostic techniques suitable for the process and materials control on the nanoscale

Optimal discrete-time control for non-linear cascade systems

In this paper we develop an optimality-based framework for designing controllers for discrete-time nonlinear cascade systems. Specifically, using a nonlinear-nonquadratic optimal control framework we develop a family of globally stabilizing backstepping-type controllers parameterized by the cost functional that is minimized. Furthermore, it is shown that the control Lyapunov function guaranteeing closed-loop stability is a solution to the steady-state Bellman equation for the controlled system and thus guarantees both optimality and stability

Dynamical system representation of open address hash functions

This paper demonstrates how a broad collection of hash function families can be expressed as dynamical systems. We then show that this representation can be useful for analysis. In particular, we provide an analysis which proves that a widely-used family of double hash functions will transform any initial distribution of keys into the uniform distribution over the table space

On Load balancing in distributed systems with large time delays: Theory and experiment

In a distributed computing environment with a high communication cost, limiting the number of balancing instants results in a better performance than the case where load balancing is executed continuously. Therefore, finding the optimal number of balancing instants and optimizing the performance over the interbalancing time and over the load-balancing gain becomes an important problem. In this paper we discuss the performance of a previously reported, control-theoretic motivated single load-balancing strategy on a distributed physical system and the performance is compared to our simulation predictions. Based on the concept of regeneration, we also present a mathematical model for the distributed system with two nodes where a one-shot balancing is done. We obtain a system of four difference-differential equations characterizing the mean of the overall completion time. and compare its predictive capabilities via simulation to the physical system

Introducing Agility in Hybrid Communication Systems and Sensors

This paper presents a new approach in dealing with hybridization issues in communication systems or sensors. The thrust is to separate the logical network (sensor) infrastructure from the physical one. Here we show how we can exploit concepts such as persistent identification which we believe is crucial to be able to connect a variety of heterogeneous devices in a network that grows, and that is robust to failures. A vital characteristic of our architecture is the ability to accommodate a variety of heterogeneous devices and subsystems. Several examples of hybridization of sensors at the physical, logical, and network levels are presented and discussed