Abstract
IEEE 802.11-based Stub Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) are a cost-effective and flexible solution to extend wired network infrastructures. Yet, they suffer from two major problems: inefficiency and unfairness. A number of approaches have been proposed to tackle these problems, but they are too restrictive, highly complex, or require time synchronization and modifications to the IEEE 802.11 MAC. PACE is a simple multi-hop scheduling mechanism for Stub WMNs overlaid on the IEEE 802.11 MAC that jointly addresses the inefficiency and unfairness problems. It limits transmissions to a single mesh node at each time and ensures that each node has the opportunity to transmit a packet in each network-wide transmission round. Simulation results demonstrate that PACE can achieve optimal network capacity utilization and greatly outperforms state of the art CSMA/CA-based solutions as far as goodput, delay, and fairness are concerned.

Abstract
Automotive Safety Integrity Levels (ASILs) are used in the new automotive functional safety standard, ISO 26262, as a key part of managing safety requirements throughout a top-down design process. The ASIL decomposition concept, outlined in the standard, allows the safety requirements to be divided between multiple components of the system whilst still meeting the ASILs initially allocated to system-level hazards. Existing exhaustive automatic decomposition techniques drastically reduce the effort of performing such tasks manually. However, the combinatorial nature of the problem leaves such exhaustive techniques with a scalability issue. To overcome this problem, we have developed a new technique that uses a penalty-based genetic algorithm to efficiently explore the search space and identify optimum assignments of ASILs to the system components. The technique has been applied to a hybrid braking system to evaluate its effectiveness. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.

Abstract
This PhD work has the goal to develop an inexpensive, easily deployable and widely compatible localization system for indoor use, suitable for pre-installed public address sound systems, avoiding costly installations or significant architectural changes in spaces. Using the audible sound range will allow the use of low cost off-the-shelf equipment suitable for keeping a low deployment cost. The state-of-the-art presented in this paper evidences a technological void in low-cost, reliable and precise localization systems and technologies. This necessity was also confirmed by the authors in a previous project (NAVMETRO (R)) where no suitable technological solution was found to exist to overcome the need to automatically localize people in a public space in a reliable and precise way. Although research work is in its first steps, it already provides a thorough view on the problem while discussing some possible approaches and predicting strategies to overcome the key difficulties. Some experiments were already conducted validating some initial premises and demonstrating how to measure the signal's time-of-flight necessary to infer on distance calculations.

Abstract
This paper presents a Rapid P rototyping Framework (RPF) based on MATLAB/Simulink and the next steps towards developing an interactive control architecture based on the TI TMS320F28335 DSP. Firstly, the rapid proto typing framework is described comprising the details of the tools and hardware. Secondly, the experiments towards the realization of a real-time control application for the experimental setup are revealed. Finally, a controller for managing the DC link control of EVs with multiple energy sources was implemented by the RPF to demonstrate the performance of the developed system.

Abstract
The coordinated control of vehicle actuators is gaining more importance as new platforms are becoming available, with chassis endowed with many different actuators that may help controlling the vehicle motion. Further, in-wheel motors (IWMs) allow using a single system to apply both positive and negative torques at the wheels, which can be actuated independently one from the other. In electric vehicles (EVs), moreover, such a freedom in the actuation mechanisms opens the way to the combined optimization of performance and energy consumption issues. In this paper, the problem of torque allocation for maximizing the vehicle performance in EVs is addressed. The proposed strategy is compared against a benchmark, a-causal optimal solution showing that only a negligible loss of performance is experienced.

Abstract
This paper presents a new control system, based on field programmable gate array technology, targeting the power-train control of multi-motor electric vehicles (EVs). The control chip builds around a reusable intellectual property core named propulsion control unit, which features motor control functions with field-orientation methods, and energy loss minimization of induction motors. In order to improve the EV safety, the control system was extended with a wheel slip controller based on the sliding mode framework. The robustness to parametric and modeling uncertainties is the main attraction in this design, thanks to a simple connection that was found between the driving torque request and the model uncertainty. To overcome the chattering issue, which arrives from the discontinuous nature of the sliding control, the conditional integrator approach was employed, enabling a smooth transition to a Proportional+Integral control law, with anti-windup, when the tire slip is close to the setpoint. The controller asymptotic stability and robustness was analytically investigated through the Lyapunov method. Experimental results, obtained with a multi-motor EV prototype under low grip conditions, demonstrate a good slip regulation and robustness to disturbances.