Self-Synchronization in Duty-cycled Internet of Things (IoT) Applications

In recent years, the networks of low-power devices have gained popularity. Typically these devices are wireless and interact to form large networks such as the Machine to Machine (M2M) networks, Internet of Things (IoT), Wearable Computing, and Wireless Sensor Networks. The collaboration among these devices is a key to achieving the full potential of these networks. A major problem in this field is to guarantee robust communication between elements while keeping the whole network energy efficient. In this paper, we introduce an extended and improved emergent broadcast slot (EBS) scheme, which facilitates collaboration for robust communication and is energy efficient. In the EBS, nodes communication unit remains in sleeping mode and are awake just to communicate. The EBS scheme is fully decentralized, that is, nodes coordinate their wake-up window in partially overlapped manner within each duty-cycle to avoid message collisions. We show the theoretical convergence behavior of the scheme, which is confirmed through real test-bed experimentation.Comment: 12 Pages, 11 Figures, Journa

Role of multi detector computed tomography (MDCT) in evaluation of renal masses

Background: Due to rapid pace in development of imaging techniques and increasing number of investigations being done, more number of renal masses are discovered incidentally during evaluation of unrelated or unspecific symptoms. Hence it is vital to differentiate neoplastic and non-neoplastic masses. Among the neoplastic masses, there is a need to differentiate benign and malignant masses so that appropriate treatment strategies like nephron sparing surgery, radio frequency ablation etc. can be planned at an early stage and avoiding unnecessary radical treatments for improved patients survival.Methods: A Cross-sectional Observational study was done in 35 patients. Patients of either sex in any age group who had presented with suspected renal mass by clinical signs and symptoms (palpable renal angle mass, renal angle pain, hematuria) confirmed on USG examination or an incidental Renal mass diagnosed on USG/CT examination were included in our study.Results: Ultrasound is the initial imaging modality of choice since it is inexpensive, easy to perform and no radiation exposure. On USG, the renal lesions are classified as solid or cystic. Anechoic, thin walled cyst without any septations or solid components is usually Bosniak I cyst (simple cyst) and does not need any further evaluation. Rest of the cystic and solid lesions cannot be characterized by ultrasound and hence need further evaluation.Conclusions: Multidetector Computed Tomography is the imaging modality of choice for further evaluation and characterization. CT is done in four phases viz., unenhanced, corticomedullary, nephrographic and excretory phase especially in cases of malignancy while in benign conditions like angiomyolipoma and abscess, evaluation with unenhanced and single phase post contrast in portovenous phase is sufficient