Data-precoded algorithm for multiple-relay-assisted systems

A data-precoded relay-assisted (RA) scheme is proposed for a system cooperating with multiple relay nodes (RNs), each equipped with either a single-antenna or a two-antenna array. The classical RA systems using distributed space-time/frequency coding algorithms, because of the half-duplex constraint at the relays, require the use of a higher order constellation than in the case of a continuous link transmission from the base station to the user terminal. This implies a penalty in the power efficiency. The proposed precoding algorithm exploits the relation between QPSK and 4 L -QAM, by alternately transmitting through L relays, achieving full diversity, while significantly reducing power penalty. This algorithm explores the situations where a direct path (DP) is not available or has poor quality, and it is a promising solution to extend coverage or increase system capacity. We present the analytical derivation of the gain obtained with the data-precoded algorithm in comparison with distributed space-frequency block code (SFBC) ones. Furthermore, analysis of the pairwise error probability of the proposed algorithm is derived and confirmed with numerical results. We evaluate the performance of the proposed scheme and compare it relatively to the equivalent distributed SFBC scheme employing 16-QAM and non-cooperative schemes, for several link quality scenarios and scheme configurations, highlighting the advantages of the proposed scheme

Starting-up unregistered and firm performance in Turkey

© 2016 The Author(s) Recent years have seen a questioning of the negative representation of informal sector entrepreneurship and an emergent view that it may offer significant benefits. This paper advances this rethinking by evaluating the relationship between business registration and future firm performance. Until now, the assumption has been that starting-up unregistered is linked to weaker firm performance. Using World Bank Enterprise Survey data on 2494 formal enterprises in Turkey, and controlling for other determinants of firm performance as well as the endogeneity of the registration decision, the finding is that formal enterprises that started-up unregistered and spent longer unregistered have significantly higher subsequent annual sales and productivity growth rates compared with those registered from the outset. This is argued to be because in such weak institutional environments, the advantages of registering from the outset are outweighed by the benefits of deferring business registration and the low risks of detection and punishment. The resultant implication is that there is a need to shift away from the conventional eradication approach based on the negative depiction of informal entrepreneurship as poorly performing, and towards a more facilitating approach that improves the benefits of business registration and tackles the systemic formal institutional deficiencies that lead entrepreneurs to decide to delay the registration of their ventures

Micelle-templated, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles for hydrophobic drug delivery

Gauri M Nabar,1 Kalpesh D Mahajan,1 Mark A Calhoun,2 Anthony D Duong,1 Matthew S Souva,1 Jihong Xu,3,4 Catherine Czeisler,5 Vinay K Puduvalli,3,4 José Javier Otero,5 Barbara E Wyslouzil,1,6 Jessica O Winter1,2 1William G Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, 2Department of Biomedical Engineering, 3Division of Neuro-oncology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 4Dardinger Laboratory for Neuro-oncology and Neurosciences, Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 5Department of Pathology and the Neurological Research Institute, College of Medicine, 6Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA Purpose: Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is widely used for drug delivery because of its biocompatibility, ability to solubilize a wide variety of drugs, and tunable degradation. However, achieving sub-100 nm nanoparticles (NPs), as might be desired for delivery via the enhanced permeability and retention effect, is extremely difficult via typical top-down emulsion approaches.Methods: Here, we present a bottom-up synthesis method yielding PLGA/block copolymer hybrids (ie, “PolyDots”), consisting of hydrophobic PLGA chains entrapped within self-assembling poly(styrene-b-ethylene oxide) (PS-b-PEO) micelles.Results: PolyDots exhibit average diameters <50 nm and lower polydispersity than conventional PLGA NPs. Drug encapsulation efficiencies of PolyDots match conventional PLGA NPs (ie, ~30%) and are greater than those obtained from PS-b-PEO micelles (ie, ~7%). Increasing the PLGA:PS-b-PEO weight ratio alters the drug release mechanism from chain relaxation to erosion controlled. PolyDots are taken up by model glioma cells via endocytotic mechanisms within 24 hours, providing a potential means for delivery to cytoplasm. PolyDots can be lyophilized with minimal change in morphology and encapsulant functionality, and can be produced at scale using electrospray.Conclusion: Encapsulation of PLGA within micelles provides a bottom-up route for the synthesis of sub-100 nm PLGA-based nanocarriers with enhanced stability and drug-loading capacity, and tunable drug release, suitable for potential clinical applications. Keywords: PLGA, nanoparticles, micelles, drug delivery, hydrophobic drug, block copolymer, glioma, electrospra