On the Performance Limits of Pilot-Based Estimation of Bandlimited Frequency-Selective Communication Channels

In this paper the problem of assessing bounds on the accuracy of pilot-based estimation of a bandlimited frequency selective communication channel is tackled. Mean square error is taken as a figure of merit in channel estimation and a tapped-delay line model is adopted to represent a continuous time channel via a finite number of unknown parameters. This allows to derive some properties of optimal waveforms for channel sounding and closed form Cramer-Rao bounds

Statistical Characterization and Mitigation of NLOS Errors in UWB Localization Systems

In this paper some new experimental results about the statistical characterization of the non-line-of-sight (NLOS) bias affecting time-of-arrival (TOA) estimation in ultrawideband (UWB) wireless localization systems are illustrated. Then, these results are exploited to assess the performance of various maximum-likelihood (ML) based algorithms for joint TOA localization and NLOS bias mitigation. Our numerical results evidence that the accuracy of all the considered algorithms is appreciably influenced by the LOS/NLOS conditions of the propagation environment

Map-Aware Models for Indoor Wireless Localization Systems: An Experimental Study

The accuracy of indoor wireless localization systems can be substantially enhanced by map-awareness, i.e., by the knowledge of the map of the environment in which localization signals are acquired. In fact, this knowledge can be exploited to cancel out, at least to some extent, the signal degradation due to propagation through physical obstructions, i.e., to the so called non-line-of-sight bias. This result can be achieved by developing novel localization techniques that rely on proper map-aware statistical modelling of the measurements they process. In this manuscript a unified statistical model for the measurements acquired in map-aware localization systems based on time-of-arrival and received signal strength techniques is developed and its experimental validation is illustrated. Finally, the accuracy of the proposed map-aware model is assessed and compared with that offered by its map-unaware counterparts. Our numerical results show that, when the quality of acquired measurements is poor, map-aware modelling can enhance localization accuracy by up to 110% in certain scenarios.Comment: 13 pages, 11 figures, 1 table. IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications, 201

Quantum symmetries induced by phonons in the Hubbard model

We show how the addition of a phonon field to the Hubbard model deforms the superconducting su(2) part of the global symmetry Lie algebra su(2)⊗su(2)/openZ2, holding at half filling for the customary model, into a quantum [su(2)]q symmetry, holding for a filling which depends on the electron-phonon interaction strength. Such symmetry originates in the feature that in the presence of phonons the hopping amplitude turns out to depend on the coupling strength. The states generated by resorting to this q symmetry exhibit both off-diagonal long-range order and pairing

Minilaparoscopic Colorectal Resections: Technical Note

Laparoscopic colorectal resections have been shown to provide short-term advantages in terms of postoperative pain, general morbidity, recovery, and quality of life. To date, long-term results have been proved to be comparable to open surgery irrefutably only for colon cancer. Recently, new trends keep arising in the direction of minimal invasiveness to reduce surgical trauma after colorectal surgery in order to improve morbidity and cosmetic results. The few reports available in the literature on single-port technique show promising results. Natural orifices endoscopic techniques still have very limited application. We focused our efforts in standardising a minilaparoscopic technique (using 3 to 5 mm instruments) for colorectal resections since it can provide excellent cosmetic results without changing the laparoscopic approach significantly. Thus, there is no need for a new learning curve as minilaparoscopy maintains the principle of instrument triangulation. This determines an undoubted advantage in terms of feasibility and reproducibility of the procedure without increasing operative time. Some preliminary experiences confirm that minilaparoscopic colorectal surgery provides acceptable results, comparable to those reported for laparoscopic surgery with regard to operative time, morbidity, and hospital stay. Randomized controlled studies should be conducted to confirm these early encouraging results

A combined numerical approach for the thermal analysis of a piston water pump

The paper proposes a numerical model for the investigation of a piston water pump under different operating conditions. In particular, the lubricating system is analysed and modelled. The study accounts for the lubrication and friction phenomena, heat transfer, multiphase fluid approach and motion simulation. A computational thermo fluid dynamics approach has been adopted to develop a numerical tool able to simulate the behaviour of the oil during the machine working phases. The CFD approach simulates the moving metal components by means of moving meshes techniques; the friction phenomenon is estimated on the basis of formulations available in literature. The numerical model evaluates the heat transfer between moving metal parts and oil during the operating phases of the system. Furthermore, the heat transfer between oil and environment is calculated, accounting for conduction through the metal crankcase walls. A multiphase fluid approach is used for the simulation of the oil and air mixing during the crank rotation. The heat transfer coefficient predicted by the CFD approach are employed in a lumped and distributed numerical model; the reliability and accuracy of the proposed numerical approach is addressed and validated against experimental results. Experimental data have been collected by means of a thermographic camera and thermocouples. Finally, the tool's predictive capabilities are addressed by simulating different working conditions