Fairness Comparison of Uplink NOMA and OMA

In this paper, we compare the resource allocation fairness of uplink communications between non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) schemes and orthogonal multiple access (OMA) schemes. Through characterizing the contribution of the individual user data rate to the system sum rate, we analyze the fundamental reasons that NOMA offers a more fair resource allocation than that of OMA in asymmetric channels. Furthermore, a fairness indicator metric based on Jain's index is proposed to measure the asymmetry of multiuser channels. More importantly, the proposed metric provides a selection criterion for choosing between NOMA and OMA for fair resource allocation. Based on this discussion, we propose a hybrid NOMA-OMA scheme to further enhance the users fairness. Simulation results confirm the accuracy of the proposed metric and demonstrate the fairness enhancement of the proposed hybrid NOMA-OMA scheme compared to the conventional OMA and NOMA schemes.Comment: 6 pages, accepted for publication, VTC 2017, Spring, Sydne

Vector Representation for Sub-Graph Encoding to Resolve Entities

AbstractEntity Resolution, i.e., determining whether two mentions refer to the same entity, is a crucial step in combining evidence from multiple sources, and is a problem encountered in a wide-range of areas, from modeling causes of cancer to identifying terrorist networks. Entity mentions are represented by attributes and relations to other entities. However, entity attributes and relations from different sources often use different names and specify relationships differently, which leads to low entity resolution precision and recall. Our contribution is based on our observation that relationships are more reliable than attributes when comparison is based on relational similarity, not exact matches. Traditional graph comparison techniques rely on finding precise matches of a significant part of the graph structure, and require custom comparison functions for every type of attribute and every type of relation. This leads to a system that is difficult to maintain and enhance. We encode entity nodes and their graph neighborhoods in semantic vectors, efficiently indexing the vectors, and calculating vector similarity. Our approach is insensitive to small variations in relational graph representation. Our approach uses simple vector addition, permutation, and difference only, leading to reduced computational complexity. Our preliminary experiment shows 83.05% accuracy

Recent advances in non-optical microfluidic platforms for bioparticle detection

The effective analysis of the basic structure and functional information of bioparticles are of great significance for the early diagnosis of diseases. The synergism between microfluidics and particle manipulation/detection technologies offers enhanced system integration capability and test accuracy for the detection of various bioparticles. Most microfluidic detection platforms are based on optical strategies such as fluorescence, absorbance, and image recognition. Although optical microfluidic platforms have proven their capabilities in the practical clinical detection of bioparticles, shortcomings such as expensive components and whole bulky devices have limited their practicality in the development of point-of-care testing (POCT) systems to be used in remote and underdeveloped areas. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop cost-effective non-optical microfluidic platforms for bioparticle detection that can act as alternatives to optical counterparts. In this review, we first briefly summarise passive and active methods for bioparticle manipulation in microfluidics. Then, we survey the latest progress in non-optical microfluidic strategies based on electrical, magnetic, and acoustic techniques for bioparticle detection. Finally, a perspective is offered, clarifying challenges faced by current non-optical platforms in developing practical POCT devices and clinical applications.</p

Qualitative Evaluation of High School Implementation Strategies for Youth Sports Concussion Laws

Context: All 50 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws governing concussion management and education. These concussion laws, featuring common tenets regarding removal from play, return to play, and concussion education, have shaped school and district policies. Objective: To evaluate the strategies commonly used to implement concussion laws at the school and district levels, as reported by certified athletic trainers (ATs). Design: Qualitative study. Setting: High schools. Patients or Other Participants: We interviewed 64 ATs from high schools (1 per school) participating in High School Reporting Information Online. Data Collection and Analysis: Interviews were conducted with participants between April and October 2015 regarding implementation of the 3 core tenets of concussion laws. Research team members independently evaluated the interview transcripts and field notes to identify common themes in implementation strategies. Results: Of the 64 schools represented, 90.6% were public schools, 89.1% sponsored more than 15 sports, and all schools employed at least 1 AT and had a written concussion policy. Four commonly used strategies to implement removal from play were reliance on coaches, immediate response, referral and guidance after injury, and notification of key individuals. Use of assessment or baseline tests, communication among parties involved, reliance on AT assessments, and return-to-learn policies were 4 frequent strategies to implement return to play. Finally, 3 major implementation strategies to effectuate concussion education were use of existing educational tools, timing of education, and concussion training for school professionals. Conclusions: Although concussion laws were passed at different times and varied in content across states, common themes in implementation strategies emerged across jurisdictions. The identification of strategic approaches to implementation will help ensure proper concussion management and education, reducing negative health outcomes among youths with concussions