Fingerprint positioning of users devices in long term evolution cellular network using K nearest neighbour algorithm

The rapid exponential growth in wireless technologies and the need for public safety has led to increasing demand for location-based services. Terrestrial cellular networks can offer acceptable position estimation for users that can meet the statutory requirements set by the Federal Communications Commission in case of network-based positioning, for safety regulations. In this study, the proposed radio frequency pattern matching (RFPM) method is implemented and tested to determine a user’s location effectively. The RFPM method has been tested and validated in two different environment. The evaluations show remarkable results especially in the Micro cell scenario, at 67% of positioning error 15m and at 90% 31.78m for Micro cell scenario, with results of 75.66m at 67% and 141.4m at 90% for Macro cell scenario

Power-Sharing in Bahrain: A Still-Absent Debate

Bahrain was among the first Arab Spring countries in which mass protests arose in February 2011. The authoritarian monarchy, which excludes vast segments of society from fair political and economic participation, opted for the use of force to suppress the mainly peaceful demonstrations, but it could not expunge the protests by a popular movement that continues to exist to this day. The power struggle is occurring along a Sunna-Shia divide that interconnects with regional sectarian tensions. This article investigates powersharing arrangements as an option to deal with such deep divisions. It outlines the historical background of the sectarian tensions in Bahrain and the rudimentary forms of powersharing that have existed there in the past. It then analyses the current debate between the regime and the opposition regarding the distribution of political power. While the reality still seems to be far removed from a power-sharing solution, we nevertheless recommend power-sharing as a feasible way out of the current stalemate

PEG Coated Fe3O4/RGO Nano-Cube-Like Structures for Cancer Therapy via Magnetic Hyperthermia

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have high saturation magnetization and are promising candidates for hyperthermia. They may act as magnetic heating agents when subjected to magnetic field in nano-based hyperthermia. In this work, cube-like Fe3O4 nanoparticles (labelled as cubic SPIONs) with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanocomposites were prepared by a microwave hydrothermal method. The shape and size of magnetic nanoparticles were controlled by varying synthesis parameters, including reaction time, pressure and microwave power. This study successfully synthesized cubic SPIONs nanocomposites with an average particle size between 24–34 nm. Poly-(ethylene) glycol (PEG) was used as a coating material on SPIONs to enhance biocompatibility. The RGO sheets provided a high surface area-to-volume ratio for SPIONs to be dispersed on their surface, and hence, they prevented aggregation of the SPIONs in the nanocomposites. Magnetically induced heating studies on the optimized nanocomposite (Fe3O4/RGO/PEG) demonstrated heating capabilities for magnetic hyperthermia application with a promising specific absorption rate (SAR) value of 58.33 W/g in acidic solution. Cytotoxicity tests were also performed to ensure low nanoparticle toxicity before incorporation into the human body. The results of the standard assay for the toxicity determination of the nanocomposites revealed over 70% cell survival after 48 h, suggesting the feasibility of using the synthesized nanocomposites for magnetic hyperthermia

Development and evaluation of foam-based conformance control for a high-salinity and high-temperature carbonate

Abstract The extreme heterogeneity of carbonate reservoirs in the form of fracture corridors and super-permeability thief zones present challenges to the efficient sweep of oil in both secondary and tertiary recovery operations. In such reservoirs, conformance control is crucial to ensure injected water and any EOR chemicals optimally contact the remaining oil with minimal throughput. Foam-based conformance control is a relatively new technology especially its use for deep diversion in high-salinity and high-temperature conditions. In this work, a laboratory study was conducted to develop and evaluate a foam-based conformance control technology for application in a high-salinity and high-temperature carbonate. Foaming agents (surfactants) were first screened for their suitability with regard to reservoir temperature and salinity where properties such as foamability and foam stability were measured. The best performing surfactants were then used to study the foam-induced mobility reduction across a core composite. The experiments were conducted at reservoir conditions. Foam stability and decay were also investigated in those permeability reduction experiments. Brine and crude oil were injected after foam formation where observed pressure drops allowed quantification of foam stability and decay; hence, the sustainability of mobility reduction. Finally, the potential improvement in reservoir contact and hence oil recovery were examined by oil displacement experiments conducted in specially prepared heterogeneous composites. For the studied conditions of high salinity and high temperature, foaming agents of the amphoteric family as well as one manufacturer proprietary surfactants blend were found suitable in terms of salt tolerance and foam stability. Using the proprietary blend and without oil in core, the generated foam reduced fluids mobility by a factor of 12. The attained mobility reduction was lower in presence of oil but was still acceptable for flow diversion purposes. Using the proprietary blend and with oil in core, the generated foam reduced fluids mobility by a factor of 6 (compared to 12 without oil in core). Oil recovery improvement with foam placement was also found to be significant. These results demonstrate the potential of foams for carbonates with harsh salinity and temperature conditions

Hydrogen Production by Steam Reforming of Ethanol over Nickel Catalysts Supported on Sol Gel Made Alumina: Influence of Calcination Temperature on Supports

material

α1-Acid Glycoprotein-Decorated Hyaluronic Acid Nanoparticles for Suppressing Metastasis and Overcoming Drug Resistance Breast Cancer

Robust inflammation-suppressing nanoparticles based on α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP)-conjugated hyaluronic acid nanoparticles (AGP-HA NPs) were designed to regulate breast cancer cells’ sensitivity to chemotherapy and to suppress tumor metastasis. The successful conjugation between AGP and HA NPs was confirmed using FTIR, zeta potential, and UV–vis spectroscopy. In vitro studies on MCF-7 cells indicated the remarkable ability of AGP-HA NPs in suppressing migratory tumor ability by 79% after 24 h. Moreover, the efficacy study showed the high capability of AGP-HA NPs in modulating MDA-MB-231 cells and restoring cell sensitivity to the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX). Furthermore, the finding obtained by flow cytometry and confocal spectroscopy demonstrated that AGP-HA NPs enhanced DOX uptake/retention and aided it to reach cell nucleus within 4 h of incubation. Therefore, AGP-HA NPs represent a viable and effective treatment option to strengthen the anticancer effects of chemotherapeutic agents and potentially improve patients’ survival rates

Hypermanganesemia with Dystonia Type 2: A Potentially Treatable Neurodegenerative Disorder: A Case Series in a Tertiary University Hospital

Importance: Hypermanganesemia with dystonia type 2 is a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of previously acquired milestones, dystonia, parkinsonian features, a high serum manganese level, and characteristic neuroimaging findings such as bilateral and symmetrically increased T1 and decreased T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery signal intensity in the basal ganglia. This condition is secondary to a mutation in the SLC39A14 gene. Objective: To present a series of three cases of hypermanganesemia with dystonia type 2, which was genetically confirmed secondary to a mutation in the SLC39A14 gene, and to describe the treatment and clinical course in these cases. Design: A retrospective case series. Setting: University, Tertiary hospital. Participants: Three unrelated pediatric patients with hypermanganesemia with dystonia type 2, genetically confirmed to be secondary to a mutation in the SLC39A14 gene. Exposures: Chelation therapy using calcium disodium edetate. Main outcome(s) and measure(s): The response to chelation therapy based on clinical improvements in motor and cognition developments. Results: All three patients were started on chelation therapy using calcium disodium edetate, and two of them showed an improvement in their clinical course. The chelation therapy could alter the course of the disease and prevent deterioration in the clinical setting. Conclusions and Relevance: Early diagnosis and intervention with chelating agents, such as calcium disodium edetate, will help change the outcome in patients with hypermanganesemia with dystonia type 2. This finding highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in improving the outcomes of patients with treatable neurodegenerative disorders