Simplified Frame and Symbol Synchronization for 4–CPFSK with h=0.25

This paper examines the problem of rapid frame and symbol synchronization techniques intended particularly for constant envelope modulation formats M–CPFSK with modulation index h=1/M which are used in strictly bandwidth limited narrowband industrial applications. The data aided and non data aided versions of the algorithm based on digital frequency discrimination are discussed and compared against the synchronization techniques found in literature. Sample wise pattern correlation technique for joint frame and symbol synchronization is also studied. With the focus on a practical digital implementation the advantages and disadvantages of the described approaches are discussed

Implementation of Industrial Narrow Band Communication System into SDR Concept

The rapid expansion of the digital signal processing has penetrated recently into a sphere of high performance industrial narrow band communication systems which had been for long years dominated by the traditional analog circuit design. Although it brings new potential to even increase the efficiency of the radio channel usage it also forces new challenges and compromises radio designers have to face. In this article we describe the design of the IF sampling industrial narrowband radio receiver, optimize a digital receiver structure implemented in a single FPGA circuit and study the performance of such radio receiver architecture. As an evaluation criterion the communication efficiency in form of maximum usable receiver sensitivity, co-channel rejection, adjacent channel selectivity and radio blocking measurement have been selected

Handheld computers for self-administered sensitive data collection: A comparative study in Peru

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Low-cost handheld computers (PDA) potentially represent an efficient tool for collecting sensitive data in surveys. The goal of this study is to evaluate the quality of sexual behavior data collected with handheld computers in comparison with paper-based questionnaires.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A PDA-based program for data collection was developed using Open-Source tools. In two cross-sectional studies, we compared data concerning sexual behavior collected with paper forms to data collected with PDA-based forms in Ancon (Lima).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The first study enrolled 200 participants (18–29 years). General agreement between data collected with paper format and handheld computers was 86%. Categorical variables agreement was between 70.5% and 98.5% (Kappa: 0.43–0.86) while numeric variables agreement was between 57.1% and 79.8% (Spearman: 0.76–0.95). Agreement and correlation were higher in those who had completed at least high school than those with less education. The second study enrolled 198 participants. Rates of responses to sensitive questions were similar between both kinds of questionnaires. However, the number of inconsistencies (p = 0.0001) and missing values (p = 0.001) were significantly higher in paper questionnaires.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This study showed the value of the use of handheld computers for collecting sensitive data, since a high level of agreement between paper and PDA responses was reached. In addition, a lower number of inconsistencies and missing values were found with the PDA-based system. This study has demonstrated that it is feasible to develop a low-cost application for handheld computers, and that PDAs are feasible alternatives for collecting field data in a developing country.</p

Monitorowanie stężenia pirymetaminy w surowicy krwi u niemowląt z wrodzonym zarażeniem Toxoplasma gondii – obserwacje własne

The study objective was to determine plasma concentration of pyrimethamine in 24 infants aged 1–5 months, treated for congenital toxoplasmosis. Pyrimethamine was used in a single daily dose at an amount of 0.35–0.98 mg/kg daily, with sulfadiazine (50–100 mg/kg/day) in divided doses 2–3 times a day, and folinic acid given twice a week (7.5 mg). This regimen was continued for 2–6 months, then Fansidar® was administered. Pyrimethamine concentration in plasma was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography method (HPLC). A total of 70 tests were performed. Concentration of pyrimethamine ranged from 0.01 to 1.2 μg/ml. In 14 children (58 tests) the concentration of pyrimethamine achieved therapeutic value. In 7 patients (8 tests) the concentration was below therapeutic level, and in 3 patients (4 tests) above therapeutic level. In 11/24 (46%) children transient moderate neutropenia was observed. Modification of therapy was necessary in 12 patients. Monitoring of pyrimethamine concentration in plasma improves safety and effectiveness of the therapy and is useful in obtaining correct individual dose of the drug. Neutropenia is the most common side-effect of pyrimethamine observed even when using the recommended dose

Monitorowanie stężenia pirymetaminy w surowicy krwi u niemowląt z wrodzonym zarażeniem Toxoplasma gondii – obserwacje własne

The study objective was to determine plasma concentration of pyrimethamine in 24 infants aged 1–5 months, treated for congenital toxoplasmosis. Pyrimethamine was used in a single daily dose at an amount of 0.35–0.98 mg/kg daily, with sulfadiazine (50–100 mg/kg/day) in divided doses 2–3 times a day, and folinic acid given twice a week (7.5 mg). This regimen was continued for 2–6 months, then Fansidar® was administered. Pyrimethamine concentration in plasma was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography method (HPLC). A total of 70 tests were performed. Concentration of pyrimethamine ranged from 0.01 to 1.2 μg/ml. In 14 children (58 tests) the concentration of pyrimethamine achieved therapeutic value. In 7 patients (8 tests) the concentration was below therapeutic level, and in 3 patients (4 tests) above therapeutic level. In 11/24 (46%) children transient moderate neutropenia was observed. Modification of therapy was necessary in 12 patients. Monitoring of pyrimethamine concentration in plasma improves safety and effectiveness of the therapy and is useful in obtaining correct individual dose of the drug. Neutropenia is the most common side-effect of pyrimethamine observed even when using the recommended dose