A Stochastic Game Analysis of the Binary Exponential Backoff Algorithm with Multi-Power Diversity and Transmission Cost

In this paper, we present a game analysis of the Binary Exponential Backoff (BEB), a popular bandwidth allocation mechanism used by a large number of distributed wireless technologies. A Markov chain analysis is used to obtain equilibrium retransmission probabilities and throughput. Numerical results show that when the arrival probability increases, the behavior of mobile stations MSs become more and more aggressive resulting in a global deterioration of the system throughput. We then consider a non-cooperative game framework to study the operation and evaluate the performance of the BEB algorithm when a group of MSs competing with each other to gain access to the wireless channel. We focus our attention to the case when an MS acts selfishly by attempting to gain access to the channel using a higher retransmission probability as a means to increase its own throughput. As a means to improve the system performance, we further explore the use of two transmission mechanisms and policies. First, we introduce the use of multiple power levels (MPLs) for the data transmission. The use of multiple power levels results on a capture effect allowing the receiver to properly decode the message even in the presence of a collision. Under the proposed scheme, named MPL-BEB, the effect of the aggressive behavior, higher transmission probabilities, is diminished since the power level is chosen randomly and independently by each and every station. Second, we introduce a disutility policy for power consumption. The resulting mechanism, named MPL-BEB with costs, is of prime interest in wireless networks composed of battery-powered nodes. Under this scheme aggressive behavior is discouraged since each retransmission translates into the depletion of the energy stored in the battery. Via price of anarchy, our results identify a behavior similar to the well-know prisoner’s dilemma. A non-efficiency of Nash equilibrium is observed for all schemes (BEB, MPL-BEB, MPL-BEB with costs) under heavy traffic with a notable outperformance of MPL-BEB with costs over both MPL-BEB and BEB.     

Characterization of TiO2 Nanoparticles in Langmuir-Blodgett Films

In this work we have synthesized TiO₂ nanoparticles, using either a sol–gel base catalysed process in the interior of CTAB reversed micelles (TiO₂ CTAB sol), or the neutralization of a TiO₂/H₂SO₄ solution in the interior of AOT reversed micelles. From the absorption and emission data of the TiO₂ nanoparticles it is possible to conclude that in the sol–gel route there remains alkoxide groups in the structure, originating transitions lower than the energy gap of TiO₂ semiconductor. These transitions disappear in the neutralization procedure, where the alkoxide groups are absent in the structure. We have assigned the observed indirect and direct optical transitions according to the anatase band structure. TiO₂ Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films were prepared either by direct deposition of titanium isopropoxide or by deposition of the TiO₂ CTAB sol. These films showed photoluminescence, which was attributed to band-gap emission and to surface recombination of defect states.     

Thermodynamic and dynamic anomalies for a three-dimensional isotropic core-softened potential

Using molecular-dynamics simulations and integral equations (Rogers-Young, Percus-Yevick, and hypernetted chain closures) we investigate the thermodynamics of particles interacting with continuous core-softened intermolecular potential. Dynamic properties are also analyzed by the simulations. We show that, for a chosen shape of the potential, the density, at constant pressure, has a maximum for a certain temperature. The line of temperatures of maximum density (TMD) was determined in the pressure-temperature phase diagram. Similarly the diffusion constant at a constant temperature, D, has a maximum at a density rho(max) and a minimum at a density rho(min) < rho(max). In the pressure-temperature phase diagram the line of extrema in diffusivity is outside of the TMD line. Although this interparticle potential lacks directionality, this is the same behavior observed in simple point charge/extended water.     

Total syntheses of oxygenated brazanquinones via regioselective homologous anionic Fries rearrangement of benzylic O-carbamates

Using new variations of anionic aromatic chemistry, the total synthesis of oxygenated brazanquinones (1a-1c), derived from beta-brasan, a natural product isolated from Caesalpina echinata, via carbamates 2a-2c is described.     

Macro,minor and trace elements in bovine milk from two Brazilian dairy regions

Brazil started to export dairy products in the early 2000s and since then has slowly consolidated its position in the world dairy market. To ensure the position in the international market by improving the quality of milk produced in the country, the government created a national program and a network of laboratories for milk quality. The Normative Instruction 51 (Instrução Normativa 51—IN51) was introduced within the national program establishing parameters for milk quality and safety. In spite of not being included in the IN51, chemical elements are under thorough discussion as quality parameters for their nutritional and toxicological relevance. This work aimed at evaluating the quality of milk from one of the major dairy regions in Brazil, located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, by the determination of chemical elements, comparing the results with those previously obtained for milk samples from the main dairy region of the country, in the state of Minas Gerais. Samples were collected from cooling tanks in nineteen dairy farms. After freeze drying, chemical elements were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). For ten out of sixteen chemical elements determined, there were significant differences between samples from both producing regions (p < 0.01).     

Diffusion enhancement in core-softened fluid confined in nanotubes

We study the effect of confinement in the dynamical behavior of a core-softened fluid. The fluid is modeled as a two length scales potential. This potential in the bulk reproduces the anomalous behavior observed in the density and in the diffusion of liquid water. A series of NpT molecular dynamics simulations for this two length scales fluid confined in a nanotube were performed. We obtain that the diffusion coefficient increases with the increase of the nanotube radius for wide channels as expected for normal fluids. However, for narrow channels, the confinement shows an enhancement in the diffusion coefficient when the nanotube radius decreases. This behavior, observed for water, is explained in the framework of the two length scales potential.     

Quantifying time-varying coordination of multimodal speech signals using correlation map analysis

This paper demonstrates an algorithm for computing the instantaneous correlation coefficient between two signals. The algorithm is the computational engine for analyzing the time-varying coordination between signals, which is called correlation map analysis (CMA). Correlation is computed around any pair of points in the two input signals. Thus, coordination can be assessed across a continuous range of temporal offsets and be detected even when changing over time due to temporal fluctuations. The correlation algorithm has two major features: (i) it is structurally similar to a tunable filter, requiring only one parameter to set its cutoff frequency (and sensitivity), (ii) it can be applied either uni-directionally (computing correlation based only on previous samples) or bi-directionally (computing correlation based on both previous and future samples). Computing instantaneous correlation for a range of time offsets between two signals produces a 2D correlation map, in which correlation is characterized as a function of time and temporal offset. Graphic visualization of the correlation map provides rapid assessment of how correspondence patterns progress through time. The utility of the algorithm and of CMA are exemplified using the spatial and temporal coordination of various audible and visible components associated with linguistic performance.