Comparative Analysis of Downlink Packet Scheduling Algorithms in 3GPP LTE Networks

Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile network aims to support high speed network services even in highmobility scenarios. To achieve this goal, LTE adopts some advanced features in Radio Resource Management (RRM) procedures. Among them, LTE packet scheduling plays a fundamental role in maximising system performance. In this paper, a comparative analysis on the performances of Proportional Fair (PF), Exponential/Proportional Fair (EXP/PF), Exponential (EXP) Rule, MaximumLargest Weighted Delay First (M-LWDF), Logarithmic (LOG) Rule and Frame Level Scheduler (FLS) LTE downlink packet scheduling algorithms is reported. Performance is evaluated in single cell with interference environment while increasing user number and user speed. Results show that for multimedia flow, FLS scheme outperforms other five schemes in terms of packet delay, packet loss ratio, and average throughput, whereas for best-effort flow, EXP-PF scheme shows better average throughput performance on average as compared with other algorithms being considered herein

An effective uncertainty based framework for sustainable industrial product-service system transformation

Industrial Product-Service Systems (IPS2) can provide insights to enhance the environmental sustainability and lower environmental impact. However, its successful realisation for preventing the production of waste, while increasing efficiencies in the uses of energy and human capital remains a highly convoluted problem. This research article aims to address this issue by presenting an innovative uncertainty-based framework that can be used to assist in achieving increased sustainability within the context of IPS2. The developed framework explains the drivers for decision-making and cost to enable sustainability improvements in transforming to industrial services. This is based on academic literature, and multiple case studies of seven industrial companies with over 30 h of semi-structured interviews. The validation of the framework through two case studies demonstrates that uncertainty management can enable resource efficiency and offer sustainable transformation to service provision

A modular multilevel voltage-boosting Marx pulse-waveform generator for electroporation applications

In order to overcome the limitations of the existing classical and solid-state Marx pulse generators, this paper proposes a new modular multilevel voltage-boosting Marx pulse generator (BMPG). The proposed BMPG has hardware features that allow modularity, redundancy, and scalability as well as operational features that alleviate the need of series-connected switches and allows generation of a wide range of pulse waveforms. In the BMPG, a controllable, low-voltage input boost converter supplies, via directing/blocking (D/B) diodes, two arms of a series modular multilevel converter half-bridge sub-modules (HB-SMs). At start up, all the arm's SM capacitors are resonantly charged in parallel from 0 V, simultaneously via directing diodes, to a voltage in excess of the source voltage. After the first pulse delivery, the energy of the SM capacitors decreases due to the generated pulse. Then, for continuous operation without fully discharging the SM capacitors or having a large voltage droop as in the available Marx generators, the SM capacitors are continuously recharged in parallel, to the desired boosted voltage level. Because all SMs are parallelly connected, the boost converter duty ratio is controlled by a single voltage measurement at the output terminals of the boost converter. Due to the proposed SMs structure and the utilization of D/B diodes, each SM capacitor is effectively controlled individually without requiring a voltage sensor across each SM capacitor. Generation of the commonly used pulse waveforms in electroporation applications is possible, while assuring balanced capacitors, hence SM voltages. The proposed BMPG has several topological variations such as utilizing a buck-boost converter at the input stage and replacing the HB-SM with full-bridge SMs. The proposed BMPG topology is assessed by simulation and scaled-down proof-of-concept experimentation to explore its viability for electroporation applications

Secreted CLIC3 drives cancer progression through its glutathione-dependent oxidoreductase activity

The secretome of cancer and stromal cells generates a microenvironment that contributes to tumour cell invasion and angiogenesis. Here we compare the secretome of human mammary normal and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). We discover that the chloride intracellular channel protein 3 (CLIC3) is an abundant component of the CAF secretome. Secreted CLIC3 promotes invasive behaviour of endothelial cells to drive angiogenesis and increases invasiveness of cancer cells both in vivo and in 3D cell culture models, and this requires active transglutaminase-2 (TGM2). CLIC3 acts as a glutathione-dependent oxidoreductase that reduces TGM2 and regulates TGM2 binding to its cofactors. Finally, CLIC3 is also secreted by cancer cells, is abundant in the stromal and tumour compartments of aggressive ovarian cancers and its levels correlate with poor clinical outcome. This work reveals a previously undescribed invasive mechanism whereby the secretion of a glutathione-dependent oxidoreductase drives angiogenesis and cancer progression by promoting TGM2-dependent invasion

Adaptive Learning Pedagogy in UDL and Multi-Modal Training

Currently, most learning methods are based on classroom teaching through unidirectional communication using boards or slides. However, the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) asserts that the students can increase their performance if the instructors can provide the students with diversified information representation, expression, and engagement means. Although UDL minimizes the mismatch between the teaching and learning styles, we lack the detailed methods to implement the UDL and its associated multi-modal training methods in the context of air traffic control candidates and/or technical operators. We propose an approach that adapts the Index of Learning Styles (ILS) based on four categories: perception, input, processing, and understanding. Tailored to air traffic control candidates, we show how the adapted ILS framework can be used to (1) map the UDL principles (associated with multi-modal training methods) with the ILS outcomes using specific examples, (2) assess the teaching and learning styles of instructors and students, and (3) provide possible approaches to address any mismatch and/or ways to enhance the teaching materials. The developed approach will be used as a framework to investigate whether and how we would be able to enhance the air traffic control candidates’ performances at the FAA academy

Adaptive Learning Pedagogy of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) for Multimodal Training

Traditionally, students or trainees usually receive training through a unidirectional instructional approach that can lack interactive activities or through a single material source in classrooms. Therefore, it is possible that some trainees might encounter a sink-or-swim situation if they are not able to understand the materials presented during classroom lectures nor execute correct procedures during laboratory sessions with time-intensive training. To address this issue, the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) asserts that trainees can increase their performance if instructors can provide the trainees with diversified means of information representation, expression opportunities, and engagement means. However, we lack the framework on how to adapt and integrate the process of evaluating the trainees’ learning styles with the UDL principles, especially in the context of time-intensive tasks such as air traffic control training. In this article, we propose an adapted framework that (1) utilizes the Index of Learning Styles (ILS) based on categories such as perception, input, processing, and understanding, (2) maps the UDL methods with the ILS outcomes, and (3) provides possible approaches to address any issues with the teaching materials. The developed approach might be used to investigate whether and how we could enhance the air traffic trainees’ performances at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Academy with minimum need to elongate the training time. The proposed approaches were benchmarked with a small group of qualified Aviation students at the University of Oklahoma who are preparing for the FAA training program to see whether we could find ways to support their learning styles given the time and resource constraints. This preliminary research provides a foundation to improve our approaches when we investigate the learning styles of the trainees’ at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Academy in the near future

Identification of elongated cilia and chiral malformation in TMEM67 mutant brains

poster abstractTransmembrane protein 67 (TMEM67) is encoded by one of four syndromic encephalocele genes. In humans a mutation in TMEM67 causes Meckel Gruber Syndrome, type 3 (MKS3) which is characterized by severe encephalocele and cystic kidneys and is usually fatal in the neonatal period. MKS3 is one of a spectrum of diseases known as ciliopathies because the proteins responsible for the disease are found in cells with the primary cilia. Primary cilia are a single, hair-like organelle that is found on the apical membrane of polarized cells and is thought to be involved in formation of left-right asymmetry during development as well as mechano- and chemo-reception. Here we characterize previously unreported details of cerebral phenotype in the Wistar polycystic kidney (Wpk) rats with a TMEM67 mutation. In choroid plexus (CP) epithelia of wild type animals, TMEM67 localizes to the plasma membrane and to a region close to the basal side of CP primary cilia. In a choroid plexus cell line that forms an epithelial sheet, the TMEM67 is found intracellularly but also localizes to the junctional complexes as evidenced by β catenin co-localization. Absence of normal TMEM67 leads to elongation of primary cilia in the ependymal cells lining the cerebral ventricles of the TMEM67-/- animals indicating that this protein is involved in the regulation of cilia length. Reduced aqueduct, bilateral dilatation with fusion of lateral ventricles, swelling of the hippocampus, and altered hindbrain histoarchitecture are noted in the TMEM67-/- rats. In the heterozygous animals mild asymmetric ventriculomegaly primarily on the left side is observed during early postnatal periods and continues into adulthood. These results suggest that TMEM67 is required for cilia length control and normal development of cerebral midline that maintains the symmetry of the left and right hemispheres. The Wpk rat model, orthologous to human MKS3, provides a unique model in which to study the development of both severe (TMEM67-/-) and mild (TMEM67+/-) hydrocephalus and other developmental abnormalities that are commonly found in human patients with ciliopathies

Antibacterial Activity of River Water Bacteriophage against Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative Bacteria, An In vitro Study

Microbes show a high antimicrobial resistance due to a high rate of mutations predisposed by many factors, especially the abuse of antibiotics. Therefore, there is a great need for an alternative therapeutic agent for infectious diseases caused by microbes resistant to antibiotics. Bacteriophages are viruses parasitizing microbes, that got a big scientist’s attention due to their ability as an alternative therapy for severe bacterial infections. This study is devoted to identifying bacteriophage from river water on tested pathogenic isolates isolated from clinical cases of UTI in vitro and finding out the effect of phage on these bacterial isolates as an initial step of further in vivo phage therapeutic study on the same tested isolates. The results showed a significant bactericidal effect of the isolated bacteriophages against the pathogenic bacterial isolates.</jats:p

Solar Chimney Power Plants: A Mini Review

The main investigations of a novel solar thermal application known as SCPP are summarized in this paper. It is a method of producing electricity from solar energy that relies on the fact that air rises when it is heated. An adequate position within a tall chimney can be utilized to position a turbine to turn it, creating an updraft that can be used to generate power. This system\u27s specifications, design, construction, and use are all covered in the paper along with experimental and analytical research related to it. It also emphasizes the development and execution of SCPP programs