Wavelet Domain Communication System (WDCS): Packet-Based Wavelet Spectral Estimation and M-ARY Signaling

A recently proposed Wavelet Domain Communication System (WDCS) using transform domain processing demonstrated excellent interference avoidance capability under adverse environmental conditions. This work extends previous results by: 1) incorporating a wavelet packet decomposition technique, 2) demonstrating M-Ary signaling capability, and 3) providing increased adaptivity over a larger class of interference signals. The newly proposed packet-based WDCS is modeled and its performance characterized using MATLAB®. In addition, the WDCS response to two scenarios simulating Doppler effects and physical separation of transceivers are obtained. The fundamental metric for analysis and performance evaluation is bit error rate (Pb). Relative to the previous non-packet WDCS, the proposed packet-based WDCS provides improved/comparable bit error performance in several interference scenarios single-tone, multiple-tone, swept-tone, and partial band interference is considered. Interference avoidance capability was characterized for a bit energy-to-noise power level (Eb/N0) of 4.0 dB and interference energy-to-signal energy (I/E) ratios ranging from 0.0 dB to 16.0 dB. For binary, 4-Ary, and 8-Ary CSK data modulations, the packet-based WDCS exhibited average Pb improvements of 6.7, 9.2, and 12.0 dB, respectively, for partial band and swept-tone interference. For single and multiple-tone interference, improvements of 8.0, 12.4, and 15.7 dB were realized. Furthermore, bit error sensitivity analyses indicate the WDCS communicates effectively under non-ideal real-world conditions (transceivers located in dissimilar environments) while exhibiting average Pb improvements of 5.4, 5.1, and 5.8 dB, relative to systems having no interference suppression

Associations among Human-Associated Fecal Contamination, Microcystis aeruginosa, and Microcystin at Lake Erie Beaches

Lake Erie beaches exhibit impaired water quality due to fecal contamination and cyanobacterial blooms, though few studies address potential relationships between these two public health hazards. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Microcystis aeruginosa was monitored in conjunction with a human-associated fecal marker (Bacteroides fragilis group; g-Bfra), microcystin, and water quality parameters at two beaches to evaluate their potential associations. During the summer of 2010, water samples were collected 32 times from both Euclid and Villa Angela beaches. The phycocyanin intergenic spacer (PC-IGS) and the microcystin-producing (mcyA) gene in M. aeruginosa were quantified with qPCR. PC-IGS and mcyA were detected in 50.0% and 39.1% of samples, respectively, and showed increased occurrences after mid-August. Correlation and regression analyses showed that water temperature was negatively correlated with M. aeruginosa markers and microcystin. The densities of mcyA and the g-Bfra were predicted by nitrate, implicating fecal contamination as contributing to the growth of M. aeruginosa by nitrate loading. Microcystin was correlated with mcyA (r = 0.413, p \u3c 0.01), suggesting toxin-producing M. aeruginosa populations may significantly contribute to microcystin production. Additionally, microcystin was correlated with total phosphorus (r = 0.628, p \u3c 0.001), which was higher at Euclid (p \u3c 0.05), possibly contributing to higher microcystin concentrations at Euclid

How cultural norms and values shaped national responses to the COVID-19 pandemic

Global turmoil, local responses. Citizens in Asian countries spontaneously put on protective masks, Europeans were forced to stay home but protested lockdown (though enforcement was often lax) and the Swedes just carried on with their lives. Across the world, countries tackled the COVID-19 epidemic in very different ways. Why? Cultural norms and values strongly shaped behaviours, argue researchers Marion Festing, Tobias Schumacher and Yong-Yueh Lee

Associated Factors with Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Screening Awareness in the Black Belt Region of Alabama: a Comparison among Three Types of CRC Screening

Objective: The present study aims to assess the levels of awareness of three types of CRC screening tests (FIT or FBOT, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy) among African Americans living in the Black Belt area, and examine the factors associated with awareness of CRC screening tests among this population. Methods: The current study utilized a survey research design. Univariate analysis was used to assess the awareness of three types of colorectal cancer screening: FIT or FOBT, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy. Three sets of logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the factors associated with the awareness level of each of the three colorectal cancer screening types among study participants. Results: More than half of study participants heard of FOBT/FIT. Only one third of participants heard of sigmoidoscopy. The majority of study participants heard of colonoscopy. Participation in socializing groups was found to be positively associated with awareness of all three types of CRC screening. Employment and having a primary care physician were positively associated with FOBT/FIT and colonoscopy. Study participants with a primary care physician demonstrated awareness of FOBT/FIT and colonoscopy Conclusion: Health education on different types of CRC screening especially FOBT/FIT and sigmoidoscopy is needed for the study population. CRC screening awareness among rural African Americans is likely to be improved by removing barriers of accessing primary physicians or other healthcare resources. Health education intervention in community setting or socializing groups such as clubs or religious group can potentially improve awareness of CRC screening

Assessment of Temperature and Ultraviolet Radiation Effects on Sunburn at an Inland U.S. Beach: A Cohort Study

Background Increases in outdoor temperature may lead to increases in sunburn, outdoor exposure, and skin cancer in human populations. Objective This study aimed to quantify sunburn incidence and risk for Ohio beachgoers exposed to varying outdoor conditions. Methods Sunburn incidence data were obtained through a prospective cohort study at East Fork Lake (Cincinnati, Ohio, USA). Recruitment occurred over 26 weekend days. Beach interviews and follow-up telephone interviews obtained exposure and health information. New sunburns were self-reported 8–9 days post-enrollment. Survey data were paired with ultraviolet radiation (UVR) index and temperature data for statistical analysis. Results Among 947 beachgoers, new sunburns were reported in 18% of swimmers. Sunburn incidence was associated with temperature (odds ratio = 1.2; 95% CI: 1.1 – 1.4) and UVR index (odds ratio = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.0 – 2.5) in models adjusted for water exposure, arrival time, and beach visit frequency. Some evidence of a temperature+UVR interaction was observed. Limitations Exposure and sunburn data were self-reported without clinical diagnosis and date of onset. The follow-up period enabled sunburns to be reported from a variety of days rather than only the beach visit day thereby limiting interpretation. Sun protection behaviors were not evaluated. Conclusions Temperature and UVR influence sunburn frequency. Temperature, however was more strongly associated with sunburn in beachgoers than the nearest measured UVR index, suggesting future investigations are needed to better understand how temperature effects sunburn development. Interventions for decreasing sunburn are needed

Distance dependence of the phase signal in eddy current microscopy

Atomic force microscopy using a magnetic tip is a promising tool for investigating conductivity on the nano-scale. By the oscillating magnetic tip eddy currents are induced in the conducting parts of the sample which can be detected in the phase signal of the cantilever. However, the origin of the phase signal is still controversial because theoretical calculations using a monopole appoximation for taking the electromagnetic forces acting on the tip into account yield an effect which is too small by more than two orders of magnitude. In order to determine the origin of the signal we used especially prepared gold nano patterns embedded in a non-conducting polycarbonate matrix and measured the distance dependence of the phase signal. Our data clearly shows that the interacting forces are long ranged and therefore, are likely due to the electromagnetic interaction between the magnetic tip and the conducting parts of the surface. Due to the long range character of the interaction a change in conductivity of $\Delta\sigma=4,5\cdot10^{7} (\Omega$m$)^{-1}$ can be detected far away from the surface without any interference from the topography