Noise sustained propagation: Local versus global noise

We expand on prior results on noise supported signal propagation in arrays of coupled bistable elements. We present and compare experimental and numerical results for kink propagation under the influence of local and global fluctuations. As demonstrated previously for local noise, an optimum range of global noise power exists for which the medium acts as a reliable transmission ``channel''. We discuss implications for propagation failure in a model of cardiac tissue and present a general theoretical framework based on discrete kink statistics. Valid for generic bistable chains, the theory captures the essential features ob served in our experiments and numerical simulations.Comment: 1 latex file 20 pages, 9 figures. Accepted for publication in Physical Review

Viewing the efficiency of chaos control

This paper aims to cast some new light on controlling chaos using the OGY- and the Zero-Spectral-Radius methods. In deriving those methods we use a generalized procedure differing from the usual ones. This procedure allows us to conveniently treat maps to be controlled bringing the orbit to both various saddles and to sources with both real and complex eigenvalues. We demonstrate the procedure and the subsequent control on a variety of maps. We evaluate the control by examining the basins of attraction of the relevant controlled systems graphically and in some cases analytically

Rooftop and indoor reception with transmit diversity applied to DVB-T networks: A long term measurement campaign

Although transmit Delay Diversity (DD) can provide a gain in indoor and other Non Line of Sight situations (NLOS), it can introduce degradation in rooftop reception. In fact, when the Ricean K factor of the channel is significantly high (e.g. Line of Sight reception), the channel performs similar to an AWGN channel where the performance degrades due to DD that artificially increase the fading. This paper investigates through practical evaluation the impacts of Transmit DD on LOS and NLOS stationary reception. Then, it studies 2 techniques to reduce the degradation performance in LOS while aiming to keep the same diversity gain in NLOS receptio

Maternal Illiteracy and its Impact on Child Survival: An International Perspective

Maternal illiteracy is known to effect child survival. How closely maternal education and illiteracy rates affect child morbidity and mortality is explored in this study. Over 29,000 children die a day from preventable causes. More than a quarter of these deaths occur in the first twenty eight days of life. Child survival is a strategy to improve the health of children under age five. Exact mechanisms of how maternal education effects child health may be based on the age of young mothers and their lack of formal or non formal education. An analysis of infant and child mortality indicates that, on an average, an additional year of education for a mother results in a reduction of 9/1000 in the mortality rate of her children. The impact of maternal illiteracy on child health is discussed with reference to illness management, health systems access, and psychosocial consequences. Community based training programs can empower a local community for effective change. Models of community programs are reviewed. Options on how to effectively train a non literate population in non formal methods are discussed. Increasingly, literacy is part of a variety of skills needed for an adult to function and succeed in society. The connection between literacy, health, and disease with child survival will gain more importance in the developing nations the next century. Healthy populations will survive disasters and epidemics. Healthy and literate populations will sustain a national economy. One of the most effective ways to help girls in poor countries who are at risk of becoming pregnant at an early age is to focus on girls' education. Few programs in child survival look at maternal illiteracy. Mothers' risk factors, based on their age of child bearing or education level, need to be included in effective strategies for improving infant and child survival rates. Recommendations for child survival programs and goals for public policy advocacy are proposed.Master of Public Healt

Skin prick testing does not reflect the presence of IgE against food allergens in adult eosinophilic esophagitis patients: a case study

Skin prick testing is widely used to predict the presence of allergen-specific IgE. In eosinophilic esophagitis patients, who frequently exhibit polysensitization and broad reactivity upon skin prick testing, this is commonly used to aid avoidance recommendations in the clinical management of their disease. We present here the predictive value of skin prick testing for the presence of allergen-specific IgE, in 12 patients, determined by immunoblot against the allergen extracts using individual-matched serum. Our results demonstrate a high degree of predictive value for aeroallergens but a poor predictive value for food allergens. This suggests that skin prick testing likely identifies IgE reactivity towards aeroallergens in adult eosinophilic esophagitis but this is not true for foods. Consequently, IgE immunoblotting might be required for determining food avoidance in these patients