A simple importance sampling technique for orthogonal space-time block codes on Nakagami fading channels

In this contribution, we present a simple importance sampling technique to considerably speed up Monte Carlo simulations for bit error rate estimation of orthogonal space-time block coded systems on spatially correlated Nakagami fading channels

Efficient BER simulation of orthogonal space-time block codes in Nakagami-m fading

In this contribution, we present a simple but efficient importance sampling technique to speed up Monte Carlo simulations for bit error rate estimation of orthogonal space-time block codes on spatially correlated Nakagami-m fading channels. While maintaining the actual distributions for the channel noise and the data symbols, we derive a convenient biased distribution for the fading channel that is shown to result in impressive efficiency gains up to multiple orders of magnitude

MIMO pre-equalization and DFE for high-speed off-chip communication

In this contribution, we present a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transceiver scheme for high-speed chip-to-chip communication over low-cost electrical interconnects. Linear MIMO pre-equalization at the transmitter is combined with decision feedback equalization (DFE) at the receiver to counteract the adverse effect of inter symbol interference (ISI) and crosstalk (XT). Considering an energy constraint at the transmit side, we derive elegant closed-form expressions for the equalization filters under a minimum mean square error (MMSE) criterion. Numerical analysis shows that the combination of linear MIMO pre-equalization and MIMO DFE allows to significantly improve the reliability of future high-speed off-chip communication

Application of MIMO DF equalization to high-speed off-chip communication

In this contribution, we present a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) equalizer with decision feedback (DF) for high-speed chip-to-chip communication. We derive an elegant closed-form expression for the minimum mean square error (MMSE) equalization filters and show that the application of MIMO DF equalization (DFE) allows to significantly improve the reliability of high-speed communication over low-cost electrical interconnects

Performance analysis of pre-equalized multilevel partial response schemes

In order to achieve high speed on electrical interconnects, channel attenuation at high frequencies must be dealt with by proper transceiver design. In this paper we investigate finite-complexity MMSE pre-equalization under an average transmit power constraint, to compensate for channel distortion in the case of both full-response and precoded partial response signaling with L-PAM mapping, and consider the resulting error performance for symbol-by-symbol detection and sequence detection. For a representative electrical interconnect, we point out that the constellation size (2-PAM or 4-PAM), the type of signaling (full response or partial response), the detection method (symbol-by-symbol detection or sequence detection) and the number of pre-equalizer taps should be carefully selected in order to achieve satisfactory error performance at high data rates. For several scenarios, precoded duobinary 4-PAM is found to yield the best error performance for given average transmit power

Between reproductive rights and access to reproductive healthcare services: narratives of reproductive rights activists in South Africa

The motivation behind the research paper, “Between reproductive rights and access to reproductive healthcare services: Narratives of reproductive rights activists in South Africa” stems from the notion that civil society groups have often played a critical role in addressing social justice issues concerning women’s rights. Since 1996 after implementation of the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy (CTOP) Act, South Africa has frequently been praised for its progressive abortion laws that formally recognises women’s need for reproductive autonomy and equality. However, ineffective implementation has resulted in many women facing a combination of barriers to accessing reproductive healthcare services. Thus, resulting in some women opting for unsafe, illegal abortion services and placing their health and lives in danger. The purpose of the study, therefore, is to capture the perceptions of contemporary South African based reproductive rights activists and NGOs who engage in campaigns that seek to highlight the complex relationship between reproductive rights and access to such rights. Data for the study was collected through open-ended questionnaires in which participants provided their unique opinions as activists who regularly engage with the abortion and access issues in South Africa. Results from the study suggest that ineffective implementation of the CTOP Act can be attributed to a lack of political will to prioritise women’s sexual and reproductive rights, thereby further marginalising women in society. Results also point to the need for widespread support from civil society on women’s rights matters so that the State can more effectively be held accountable for catering to the most marginalised women in South African society