Can Farmer Networks Foster A Resilient Agriculture?

This study aimed at determining the contribution of farmer networks (FNs) structure to resilience of agroecosystems. A total of 23 actors were surveyed using a census sampling method. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using a mixed methods approach. Data were analyzed using social network analysis and a deductive codebook. Findings revealed a cohesive group with high density (0.67), good arc reciprocity (54%), high transitivity (0.75). The network is cohesive and centralized, but periphery actors were more connected externally. There was positive correlation between frequency of communication and decision to change production system. Network is specifically for diffusion, but 90% of actors also adopted BMPs through social interactions. This study concludes that FNs can help in scaling up adoption of BMPs. FNs contributes to a resilient agriculture based on resilience principles of connectivity, encourage learning and experimentation and broadening participation. This is encouraging for policy to invest in FNs for BMPs adoption

Does Aid for Trade Enhance Exports by Kenya in COMESA

There is limited empirical evidence that establish a link between aid for trade and trade outcomes between the countries receiving aid. This study examine whether aid for economic infrastructure, and policy and regulatory reforms affect trade by Kenya to COMESA countries. Using an augmented gravity model, the study find both aid categories to increase exports. Aid for economic infrastructure is economically significant even when aid for policy is absent. While aid for economic infrastructure positively complement aid for policy and regulations. The policy implication is that donors should provide both categories of aid to promote regional trade. Keywords: Aid for Trade, Trade Facilitation, Infrastructure, Policy and Regulations, International Trade, Common Market of Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), DOI: 10.7176/JESD/11-12-11 Publication date:June 30th 202

Performance improvements in SNR of a Multipath channel using OFDM-MIMO

The Non Line of Sight (NLOS) broadband wireless access provided by Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) operating in 2-11 GHz frequency is susceptible to the effects of multipath propagation, diffraction fading, vegetation attenuation, shadowing loss etc. In order to overcome these effects effective fade mitigation techniques, have to be implemented. The Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing- Multiple Input Multiple Output (OFDM-MIMO) is an efficient method that helps in combatting the fading and providing higher SNR to the WiMAX system. According to the IEEE 802.16 specification, for QPSK modulation, a threshold SNR of 6 dB is required for the link to operate. In the present work the use of OFDM-MIMO achieves a SNR above this operating threshold.

CED3: Comparative Evaluation of DDoS Defences

DDoS defence validation provides a way to capture the usefulness of defensive solutions to one of the most notorious Internet attacks of our generation. A uniform method of defence evaluation, enables not only the individual assessment of defences but, if well formed, offers a valuable mechanism by which different DDoS defences can be objectively analysed and commensurably compared. Success in this area would not only enable individual organizations to make better individual decisions on which defences to implement, but would facilitate inter-organizational collaboration for the improvement of national infrastructure. This paper presents CED3 (pronounced “Seed”), a DDoS defence evaluation methodology that enables objective comparison of DDoS defences. Instead of gauging a defence’s effectiveness by testing it under benchmark scenarios that are formed independently of the defence in question, CED3 starts with theoretical analysis that considers “metrics of distinction” to identify relevant tests. This approach enables CED3 to more completely evaluate defences by capturing both strengths and limitations. CED3 introduces the notion of “true effectiveness” in a defence’s evaluation, which encapsulates not just the performance of a defence under test but also the cost to an attacker necessary to overcome that defence. Lastly, CED3 provides a taxonomy-based defence-map, using which a defence’s scope and evaluation performance can be more clearly visualised. The CED3 methodology was applied to three notable defence schemes: capacity enlargement, Passport and TrustGuard and the formulated. Tests were performed via simulation, using the NS-3 software executing on a high performance computing cluster, and comprised of hundreds of thousands of CPU hours. The resulting comparative evaluation, discussion and conclusions are presented in this paper.EPSR

Performance improvements in SNR of a Multipath channel using OFDM-MIMO

The Non Line of Sight (NLOS) broadband wireless access provided by Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) operating in 2-11 GHz frequency is susceptible to the effects of multipath propagation, diffraction fading, vegetation attenuation, shadowing loss etc. In order to overcome these effects effective fade mitigation techniques, have to be implemented. The Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing- Multiple Input Multiple Output (OFDM-MIMO) is an efficient method that helps in combatting the fading and providing higher SNR to the WiMAX system. According to the IEEE 802.16 specification, for QPSK modulation, a threshold SNR of 6 dB is required for the link to operate. In the present work the use of OFDM-MIMO achieves a SNR above this operating threshold.