Channel Selection in Uncoordinated IEEE 802.11 Networks Using Graph Coloring.

One of the big challenges in decentralized Wi-Fi networks is how to select channels for the different access points (APs) and their associated stations (STAs) in order to minimize interference and hence maximize throughput. Interestingly enough, de facto standards in terms of uncoordinated channel selection are quite simple, and in many cases result in fairly suboptimal channel allocations. Here, we explore how graph coloring can be used to evaluate and inform decisions on Wi-Fi channel selection in uncoordinated settings.

Elongate mineral particles (EMP) characteristics and mesothelioma: Summary and resolution for session I of the Monticello II conference.

The summary contains a consensus opinion regarding the current state of the science about the dimensions of Elongate Mineral Particles (EMPs) as a factor impacting their carcinogenicity.

Discriminant analysis of amphiboles: Additional considerations.

Amphibole minerals are found throughout nature and could pose a respiratory hazard if these exist in the asbestiform growth habit. Though amphibole asbestos has not been used in commercial products as an added material for more than 30 years, these minerals could exist in other materials as trace contaminants as well as occurring in mines and earth-moving environments. It is necessary, then, that the asbestiform amphibole minerals be properly identified in order to appropriately use health-protective measures.

On the choice of the best chunk size for the speculative execution of loops.

Loops are a rich source of parallelism. Unfortunately, many loops cannot be safely parallelized at compile time because the compiler is not able to guarantee that there will be no dependence violations. Thread-Level Speculation (TLS) techniques, either hardware or software-based, allow the parallel execution of non-analyzable loops, issuing the execution of blocks of consecutive iterations (called chunks) while a hardware or software monitor ensures that no dependence violations arise.

Analysis of self-equilibrated networks through cellular modelling.

Network equilibrium models represent a versatile tool for the analysis of interconnected objects and their relationships. They have been widely employed in both science and engineering to study the behaviour of complex systems under various conditions, including external perturbations and damage. In this paper, network equilibrium models are revisited through graph-theory laws and attributes with special focus on systems that can sustain equilibrium in the absence of external perturbations (self-equilibrium).

Physical Properties and Consumer Evaluation of Cocoa Bean Shell-Functionalized Biscuits Adapted for Diabetic Consumers by the Replacement of Sucrose with Tagatose.

The cocoa bean shell (CBS), a by-product of the cocoa industry, has been reported to be rich in fiber and polyphenols, which could contribute to reducing the metabolism of sugars and glucose adsorption. The production of CBS-based biscuits in which sucrose is replaced with tagatose (a low-glycemic sugar with prebiotic properties), benefiting diabetic consumers, is proposed. Six prototype biscuits were produced using sucrose, tagatose, and CBS powder at 0%, 10%, and 20% as a wheat flour replacement.

Identification and analysis of ambient EMPs.

Mineral particles have long been observed in the ambient air and for >40 years, samples of these airborne particulate have been collected in attempt to identify and quantify the amount of asbestos particles in the air. For most of this time, regulated asbestos particles (in the shape of fibers) were the target for these analyses. However, since the turn of the century, more emphasis has been placed on finding and identifying elongate mineral particles (EMPs).

Impact of muffle furnace preparation on the results of crystalline silica analysis.

A prior report demonstrated an unacceptably low level of accuracy in silica analytical testing, with a general negative bias (i.e., underreporting) although other inaccuracies included false-positive results when analyzing blank filters.

Automated Negotiation for Resource Assignment in Wireless Surveillance Sensor Networks.

Due to the low cost of CMOS IP-based cameras, wireless surveillance sensor networks have emerged as a new application of sensor networks able to monitor public or private areas or even country borders. Since these networks are bandwidth intensive and the radioelectric spectrum is limited, especially in unlicensed bands, it is mandatory to assign frequency channels in a smart manner. In this work, we propose the application of automated negotiation techniques for frequency assignment.

How reliable are crystalline silica dust concentration measurements?

To determine how reliably commercial laboratories measure crystalline silica concentrations corresponding to OSHA's proposed limits, 105 filters were prepared with known masses of 20, 40, and 80 μg of respirable quartz corresponding to airborne silica concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 μg/m(3) and were submitted, in a blind test, to qualified commercial laboratories over a nine month period. Under these test conditions, the reported results indicated a lack of accuracy and precision needed to reliably inform regulatory compliance decisions. This was true even for filters containing only silica, without an interfering matrix.

Airborne asbestos take-home exposures during handling of chrysotile-contaminated clothing following simulated full shift workplace exposures.

The potential for para-occupational, domestic, or take-home exposures from asbestos-contaminated work clothing has been acknowledged for decades, but historically has not been quantitatively well characterized. A simulation study was performed to measure airborne chrysotile concentrations associated with laundering of contaminated clothing worn during a full shift work day. Work clothing fitted onto mannequins was exposed for 6.

Evaluation of take-home exposure and risk associated with the handling of clothing contaminated with chrysotile asbestos.

The potential for para-occupational (or take-home) exposures from contaminated clothing has been recognized for the past 60 years. To better characterize the take-home asbestos exposure pathway, a study was performed to measure the relationship between airborne chrysotile concentrations in the workplace, the contamination of work clothing, and take-home exposures and risks. The study included air sampling during two activities: (1) contamination of work clothing by airborne chrysotile (i.

Integrated tunable CMOS laser.

An integrated tunable CMOS laser for silicon photonics, operating at the C-band, and fabricated in a commercial CMOS foundry is presented. The III-V gain medium section is embedded in the silicon chip, and is hermetically sealed. The gain section is metal bonded to the silicon substrate creating low thermal resistance into the substrate and avoiding lattice mismatch problems.

State-of-the-science assessment of non-asbestos amphibole exposure: is there a cancer risk?

The distinction between amphibole asbestos fibers and non-asbestos amphibole particles has important implications for assessing potential cancer risks associated with exposure to amphibole asbestos or amphibole-containing products. Exposure to amphibole asbestos fibers can pose a cancer risk due to its ability to reside for long periods of time in the deep lung (i.e.

Asbestos exposure from the overhaul of a Pratt & Whitney R2800 engine.

This study assessed the asbestos exposures of airplane piston engine mechanics while performing overhaul work on a Pratt & Whitney R2800 radial engine, with tools and practices in use since the time these engines were manufactured. Approximately 40% of the bulk samples collected during this test were found to contain chrysotile. Air samples were collected during the overhaul and were analyzed by phase contrast microscopy (PCM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Assessment of potential asbestos exposures from jet engine overhaul work.

Asbestos fibers have been used in a wide variety of products and numerous studies have shown that exposures from the use or manipulation of these products can vary widely. Jet engines contained various components (gaskets, clamps, o-rings and insulation) that contained asbestos that potentially could release airborne fibers during routine maintenance or during an engine overhaul. To evaluate the potential exposures to aircraft mechanics, a Pratt & Whitney JT3D jet engine was obtained and overhauled by experienced mechanics using tools and work practices similar to those used since the time this engine was manufactured.

Twisted chains of resonant particles: optical polarization control, waveguidance, and radiation.

Linear chains of metallic nanoparticles that are sequentially rotated about the chain axis display interesting polarization-sensitive optical properties. Such twisted chains posses and extend properties of chiral gratings and general periodic gratings. They are characterized by high anisotropy and polarization sensitivity, and have subwavelength transverse dimensions.

Optical waves on nanoparticle chains coupled with surfaces.

Linear chains of metal nanoparticles coupled with dielectric surfaces support a variety of optical phenomena including traveling and leaky waves of several types. We investigate the chain-surface interactions and show that traveling waves can remain bound to the chain, radiate into surface wave beams, or radiate into space and surface wave beams. Radiation into surface waves may be exploited to create a leaky surface wave antenna with potential applications to surface wave microscopy.