The Group of Automorphisms of the Rational Group Algebra of a Finite Metacyclic Group

We investigate the group of automorphisms Aut(? G) of a rational group algebra ? G of a finite metacyclic group G by first describing the simple components of the Wedderburn decomposition of ? G and then investigating when two of these simple components are isomorphic.     

Microwave absorption behavior of a polyaniline magnetic composite in the X-band

The development of nanosized materials is a subject of considerable interest both for understanding of the fundamental properties of magnetic materials for new technological applications. Polyaniline, composites Fe₃O₄/(PANI) with conducting, magnetic and electromagnetic properties with different amounts of Fe₃O₄ were successfully prepared. The samples were structurally characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and magnetically, with a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. In order to explore microwave-absorbing properties in X-band, the composite nanoparticles were mixed with an epoxy resin to be converted into a microwave-absorbing composite. Microwave behavior with different Fe₃O₄/(PANI)-epoxy resin ratio was studied using a microwave vector network analyzer (VNA) in the range 7.5 to 13 GHz. For a constant thickness of 1.5 mm, absorption increases with the magnetite contents in the composites and in the oriented samples by the application of a magnetic field.     

Information sets in abelian codes: defining sets and Groebner basis

In Bernal and Simón (IEEE Trans Inf Theory 57(12):7990–7999, 2011) we introduced a technique to construct information sets for every semisimple abelian code by means of its defining set. This construction is a non trivial generalization of that given by Imai (Inf Control 34:1–21, 1977) in the case of binary two-dimensional cyclic (TDC) codes. On the other hand, Sakata (IEEE Trans Inf Theory IT-27(5):556–565, 1981) showed a method for constructing information sets for binary TDC codes based on the computation of Groebner basis which agrees with the information set obtained by Imai. Later, Chabanne (IEEE Trans Inf Theory 38(6):1826–1829, 1992) presents a generalization of the permutation decoding algorithm for binary abelian codes by using Groebner basis, and as a part of his method he constructs an information set following the same ideas introduced by Sakata. In this paper we show that, in the general case of q-ary multidimensional abelian codes, both methods, that based on Groebner basis and that defined in terms of the defining sets, also yield the same information set.     

Goodness-of-fit tests for a semiparametric model under random double truncation

Doubly truncated data are commonly encountered in areas like medicine, astronomy, economics, among others. A semiparametric estimator of a doubly truncated random variable may be computed based on a parametric specification of the distribution function of the truncation times. This semiparametric estimator outperforms the nonparametric maximum likelihood estimator when the parametric information is correct, but might behave badly when the assumed parametric model is far off. In this paper we introduce several goodness-of-fit tests for the parametric model. The proposed tests are investigated through simulations. For illustration purposes, the tests are also applied to data on the induction time to acquired immune deficiency syndrome for blood transfusion patients.     

Bifurcation of homoclinics

We show that homoclinic trajectories of nonautonomous vector fields parametrized by a circle bifurcate from the stationary solution when the asymptotic stable bundles of the linearization at plus and minus infinity are ``twisted' in different ways.

     

Nonparametric estimation under length-biased sampling and Type I censoring: A moment based approach

Observation of lifetimes by means of cross-sectional surveys typically results in left-truncated, right-censored data. In some applications, it may be assumed that the truncation variable is uniformly distributed on some time interval, leading to the so-called length-biased sampling. This information is relevant, since it allows for more efficient estimation of survival and related parameters. In this work we introduce and analyze new empirical methods in the referred scenario, when the sampled lifetimes are at risk of Type I censoring from the right. We illustrate the method with real economic data. Work supported by the Grants PGIDIT02PXIA30003PR and BFM2002-03213.     

CFD analysis of a TG–DSC apparatus

A ThermoGravimetric analyser with differential scanning calorimetry (TG–DSC) has been studied during the fusion of an indium sample using both an experimental procedure and a CFD simulation. To do so, a CAD model of the real device was built and meshed in detail, in order to take into account the small scale processes which occur inside the crucibles. Several theoretical models, some previously existing in the CFD software used and others developed ad hoc, were applied to simulate the whole facility. Therefore, realistic boundary conditions and a PID-based control system already developed for previous studies had to be used. The validation of the CFD model was done by comparing the outcome of the resulting simulation to the results obtained by experimental procedure in a case where natural convection is the main heat and mass transfer mechanism. This comparison was made for two different heating rates inside the furnace. Typical characteristics of phase change process inside a TG-DSC as thermal lag, onset temperature or heat flow exchange during the fusion could be analysed. As well, a more detailed approach to physical phenomena taking place inside the furnace could be done, since CFD simulations allow to obtain data which is not achievable experimentally. Besides, a valid CFD model for a TG-DSC could be later used in further CFD simulations.