A Linear Multi-User Detector for STBC MC-CDMA Systems based on the Adaptive Implementation of the Minimum-Conditional Bit-Error-Rate Criterion and on Genetic Algorithm-assisted MMSE Channel Estimation

The implementation of efficient baseband receivers characterized by affordable computational load is a crucial point in the development of transmission systems exploiting diversity in different domains. In this paper, we are proposing a linear multi-user detector for MIMO MC-CDMA systems with Alamouti’s Space-Time Block Coding, inspired by the concept of Minimum Conditional Bit-Error-Rate (MCBER) and relying on Genetic-Algorithm (GA)-assisted MMSE channel estimation. The MCBER combiner has been implemented in adaptive way by using Least-Mean-Square (LMS) optimization. Firstly, we shall analyze the proposed adaptive MCBER MUD receiver with ideal knowledge of Channel Status Information (CSI). Afterwards, we shall consider the complete receiver structure, encompassing also the non-ideal GA-assisted channel estimation. Simulation results evidenced that the proposed MCBER receiver always outperforms state-of-the-art receiver schemes based on EGC and MMSE criterion exploiting the same degree of channel knowledge (i.e. ideal or estimated CSI)

Studio sperimentale della qualita della circolazione sulle strade a due corsie

L’idea dello studio presentato in questa tesi prende le mosse da alcune considerazioni riguardo l’importanza della valutazione della qualità della circolazione stradale lungo le strade ed in particolare rispetto alle strade a due corsie: oggigiorno la possibilità da parte delle Istituzioni di poter prevedere od analizzare l’andamento e la fluidità del traffico lungo le arterie stradali è diventata ben più di una necessità, infatti dato l’aumento di veicoli circolanti degli ultimi decenni, l’insorgere di fenomeni di congestione per gli automobilisti è troppo spesso una consuetudine; in questa ottica la capacità di desumere ed analizzare le condizioni del traffico al fine di progettare o pianificare la viabilità, in modo da ottenere livelli di servizio accettabili, è una prerogativa alla quale i progettisti non possono fare a meno

Fully Bio-Based Polymer Composites: Preparation, Characterization, and LCD 3D Printing

The present work aimed to prepare novel bio-based composites by adding fillers coming from agro-wastes to an acrylate epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) resin, using liquid crystal display (LCD) 3D printing. Different photocurable formulations were prepared by varying the reactive diluents, iso-bornyl methacrylate (IBOMA) and tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate (THFA). Then, two fillers derived from different industrial wastes, corn (GTF) and wine (WPL-CF) by-products, were added to the AESO-based formulations to develop polymer composites with improved properties. The printability by LCD of the photocurable formulations was widely studied. Bio-based objects with different geometries were realized, showing printing accuracy, layer adhesion, and accurate details. The thermo-mechanical and mechanical properties of the 3D-printed composites were tested by TGA, DMA, and tensile tests. The results revealed that the agro-wastes’ addition led to a remarkable increase in the elastic modulus, tensile strength, and glass transition temperature in the glassy state for the systems containing IBOMA and for flexible structures in the rubbery region for systems containing THFA. AESO-based polymers demonstrated tunable properties, varying from rigid to flexible, in the presence of different diluents and biofillers. This finding paves the way for the use of this kind of composite in applications, such as biomedical for the realization of prostheses

A Near-Optimum Multiuser Receiver for STBC MC-CDMA Systems Based on Minimum Conditional BER Criterion and Genetic Algorithm-Assisted Channel Estimation

The implementation of efficient baseband receivers characterized by affordable computational load is a crucial point in the development of transmission systems exploiting diversity in different domains. This would be a crucial point in the future development of 4G systems, where space, time, and frequency diversity will be combined together in order to increase system throughput. In this framework, a linear multiuser detector for MC-CDMA systems with Alamouti's Space-Time Block Coding (STBC), which is inspired by the concept of Minimum Conditional Bit Error Rate (MCBER), is proposed. The MCBER combiner has been implemented in adaptive way by using Least-Mean-Square (LMS) optimization. The estimation of Channel State Information (CSI), necessary to make practically feasible the MCBER detection, is aided by a Genetic Algorithm (GA). The obtained receiver scheme is near-optimal, as both LMS-based MCBER and GA-assisted channel estimation perform closely to optimum in fulfilling their respective tasks. Simulation results evidenced that the proposed receiver always outperforms state-of-the-art receiver schemes based on EGC and MMSE criterion exploiting the same degree of channel knowledge

Hydrochemical and Isotopic Features of the Khaung Daing Hot Spring (Inle lake, Southern Shan State, Myanmar)

Abstract The Inle lake watershed develops along a right-lateral strike-slip fault running parallel to the Sangaing fault, a major continental transform fault between the India and Sunda Plates. Located on the northwestern border of the Inle lake basin, the Khaung Daing hot spring outflows at a temperature of about 70C. This contribution represents a reconnaissance study of the spring and describes its main hydrochemical and isotopic features, compared to surface and ground waters in the watershed. The water pH is slightly acidic, and, compared to the other water samples from the watershed, shows an EC in the high range (57-1284μS/cm), the lowest pH and Eh values, and is Na-HCO 3 , whereas surface and ground waters are Ca(Mg)-HCO 3 type. The hot spring isotopic composition falls close to the Yangon Meteoric Water Line, indicating that, despite its temperature, it is not strongly modified by water-rock interaction processes. Preliminary results suggest that this hydrothermal water is likely related to deep meteoric and ground water circulation within a fault zone, in a region characterized by an elevated geothermal gradient

A two-channel Molecular dosimeter for the optical detection of copper(II)

A cyclam-like macrocycle with an integrated push-pull chromophore selectively detects Cu2+ inclusion through both orange-to-yellow colour change and quenching of the green fluorescence

Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in Cultivated Soils from Lombardy (Northern Italy): Spatial Distribution, Origin, and Management Implications

This work aims to quantify the contribution of agricultural practices to diffuse pollution in cultivated soils. Two samples (the first from the top layer and the second from a depth of about 100 cm) were retrieved from about 1000 soil profiles and analyzed for their potentially toxic elements (PTEs) content (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Mn). In addition, we collected dedicated soil profiles for three specific types of land use and agronomic practice, namely vine-, cereal- and rice-growing areas. Baseline concentrations and distribution maps were produced. Statistical data treatment, coupled with the results of the dedicated soil profiles, enabled the identification of precise pollution sources and processes. In cultivated soils, PTEs contents prove to be generally well below the Italian regulatory limits, with the exception of Cu in vineyard soils, due to the long-lasting use of Cu-based pesticides. South of Milan and in other urban areas, we attribute the top soil enrichment in Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn to industrial activities and urban settlement. Ni sporadically exceeds regulatory standards, but its association with Mn and its depth distribution point to a natural origin, mostly due to the occurrence of serpentine. The project demonstrates that although agriculture, especially in the form of vineyards and of intensive cultivation, certainly contributes to pollution, such contribution is exceeded by that deriving from industry and road traffic

Rituximab in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide in the treatment of patients with recurrent follicular lymphoma

The current study was conducted to asses the safety profile and clinical activity of rituximab in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide in patients with recurrent follicular lymphoma (FL). METHODS: This study was a noncomparative, multicenter, phase II study. Between March 2000 and December 2002, 54 patients with recurrent FL were enrolled in the FC+R trial. Patients received fludarabine at a dose of 25 mg/m(2) and cyclophosphamide at a dose of 300 mg/m(2) daily for 3 consecutive days, every 3 weeks for 4 cycles. Rituximab was administered at a dose of 375 mg/m(2) beginning 2 weeks after the first course of fludarabine and cyclophosphamide and then on Day 1 of each cycle thereafter. The planned treatment duration was 10 weeks. RESULTS: Overall, 92% of patients completed the planned therapy in 10 to 14 weeks and 74% achieved a complete response (CR). Among patients with BCL2-positive bone marrow, 86% obtained a molecular disease remission (MR). The median survival from treatment (SFT), the duration of disease remission (DR), and time to disease progression (TTP) had not been reached after a median follow-up of 45 months. Of the baseline characteristics, >2 previous treatments, BCL2-positive bone marrow, and low Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) score were found to be associated with better DR and/or TTP. Hematologic toxicity was transient and reversible, with the exception of 3 patients with severe and prolonged neutropenia. Three patients presented with infections, 1 of whom died of bronchopneumonia. CONCLUSIONS: The FC+R scheme, a nonanthracycline-containing regimen lasting up to 10 weeks, was found to be relatively well-tolerated and demonstrated significant antilymphoma activity with excellent clinical CR and molecular response rates

Risk of second primary malignancy in breast cancer survivors: A nested population-based case-control study

Purpose: Evolving therapies have improved the prognoses of patients with breast cancer; and currently, the number of long-term survivors is continuously increasing. However, these patients are at increased risk of developing a second cancer. Thus, late side effects are becoming an important issue. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether patient and tumor characteristics, and treatment type correlate with secondary tumor risk. Methods: This case-control study included 305 patients with a diagnosed second malignancy after almost 6 months after the diagnosis of primary breast cancer and 1,525 controls (ratio 1:5 of cases to controls) from a population-based cohort of 6,325 women. The control patients were randomly selected from the cohort and matched to the cases according to age at diagnosis, calendar period of diagnosis, disease stage, and time of follow-up. Results: BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)+ status, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy were related to increased risk of developing a second cancer, whereas hormonotherapy showed a protective effect. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and estrogenic receptor level <10% increased the risk of controlateral breast cancer. HER2+ status increased the risk of digestive system and thyroid tumors, while BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation increased the risk of cancer in the genital system. Conclusion: Breast cancer survivors are exposed to an excess of risk of developing a second primary cancer. The development of excess of malignancies may be related either to patient and tumor characteristics, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation and HER2+ status, or to treatments factors