Performance Analysis and Design of Maximum Ratio Combining in Channel-Aware MIMO Decision Fusion

In this paper we present a theoretical performance analysis of the maximum ratio combining (MRC) rule for channel-aware decision fusion over multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channels for (conditionally) dependent and independent local decisions. The system probabilities of false alarm and detection conditioned on the channel realization are derived in closed form and an approximated threshold choice is given. Furthermore, the channel-averaged (CA) performances are evaluated in terms of the CA system probabilities of false alarm and detection and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) through the closed form of the conditional moment generating function (MGF) of the MRC statistic, along with Gauss-Chebyshev (GC) quadrature rules. Furthermore, we derive the deflection coefficients in closed form, which are used for sensor threshold design. Finally, all the results are confirmed through Monte Carlo simulations.Comment: To appear in IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communication

Italian Mutual Banks: Performance, Efficiency and Mergers and Acquisitions

1) Are Italian mutual banks efficient? Evidence from two different cost frontier techniques, by Juan Sergio Lopez, Alessandra Appenini, and Stefania P.S. Rossi. The aim of the first paper is to analyze the efficiency of co-operative banks in Italy. The increasing competition induced by the ongoing process of liberalization in Europe has been affecting also these small financial institutions that used to operate in a more protected environment. Based on a panel of about 450 banks covering the period 1995-99, two different techniques were employed: non-parametric frontier analysis, and parametric frontier analysis. By means of this analysis it is possible to compare the results obtained using these two methodologies and analyze the determinants of bank inefficiency 2) Mergers and acquisitions between mutual banks in Italy: an analysis of the effects on performance and productive efficiency, by Roberto Di Salvo, Maria Carmela Mazzilis, and Andrea Guidi. The second paper is aimed at testing the hypothesis that the M&A wave over the past ten years has increased the level of efficiency of co-operative credit banks (CCBs), both in terms of overall performance and productive efficiency. The logical development is hinged on two steps: 1) an explorative analysis which is based on the observation of balance sheet ratios by quantiles, 2) a DEA application for estimating productive efficiency scores. The analysis refers to 94 CCBs which have been involved in M&As over the period 1995-98 and is carried out on both merged and non-merged banks, either before concentration or in the subsequent years. The explorative analysis mainly shows a higher level of fee-based income for merged banks, which is consistent with the hypothesis that concentration strategies enhance diversification. It also detects some degree of cost reduction just after merging. The DEA application models (CRS and VRS) tends to confirm the results of the previous analysis and estimates higher efficiency for merged banks, a lower efficiency degree for pre-merger banks, and a significant degree of scale econonomies.

HUBUNGAN SUPERVISI KLINIS, PENGALAMAN MENGAJAR GURU DAN IKLIM ORGANISASI DENGAN KETERAMPILAN GURU DALAM PEMBELAJARAN IPA DI SMP NEGERI KOTA SALATIGA

The purpose of this study was to assess and analyze: (1) the relationship of clinical supervision with the skills of teachers in the Learning Science in Secondary Schools Salatiga. (2) the relationship between teaching experience of teachers with the skills of teachers in the Learning Science in Secondary Schools Salatiga. (3) the relationship between organizational climate with the skills of teachers in learning science at the Junior High School Salatiga. (4) the relationship between the clinical supervision, teaching experience of teachers and the climate of the organization with the skills of teachers in learning science at the Junior High School Salatiga. Research conducted a research relationship/ correlation which aims to find the relationship of independent variables to the dependent variable. The population in this study are science teacher Salatiga totaling 65 teachers. Determination of the number of samples based on based Arikunto if the sample is under 100 then the whole sample is used so that the number of samples in the study 65 teachers. The data collection technique using Likert scale questionnaire. Data analysis techniques using correlation analysis techniques and multiple regression analysis to test the prerequisite test for normality, linearity testing, and independence testing. Based on these results it can be concluded: (1) There is a relation variable clinical supervision, teaching experience, and organizational climate on learning the skills of teachers in junior high school science Salatiga simultaneously, as shown by the results of the calculation obtained rxy price of 0,658 > 0,244 means that the relationship significant at 5% level. R² value of 0,433 means that the variable clinical supervision, teaching experience, and organizational climate together may explain the variable skills of teachers in learning science by 43,3%. While the remaining 56,7% is explained by other variables not examined. (2) There is a relation variable clinical supervision with the skills of teachers in Junior High School Science Learning Salatiga, as shown by the product moment correlation coefficient of 0,375 > 0,244 and p = 0,001 means that the relationship is significant at the 5% level. (3) There is a relation variable of teaching experience with the skills of teachers in Junior High School Science Learning Salatiga, it is indicated product moment correlation coefficient of 0,341 > 0,244 and p= 0.003 means that the relationship is significant at the 5% level. (4) There is a relationship of organizational climate variables with the skills of teachers in junior high school pembelajara Salatiga, as shown by the product moment correlation coefficient of 0,518 > 0,244 and p= 0,000, meaning that the relationship is significant at the 5% level. The test results show that the assumptions of classical regression model is not biased or problems classical assumptions (normality, linearity, multicollinearity, and heteroscedasticity) that can be expressed BLUE (Best, Linear, Unbiased, Estimator). Keywords: Clinical Supervision, Master Teaching Experience, Organizational Climate, Teacher Skills in Learning Science

Experimental Analysis of Wideband Spectrum Sensing Networks Using Massive MIMO Testbed

In this paper, we investigate the practical implication of employing virtual massive multiple-input-multiple output (MIMO) based distributed decision fusion (DF) for collaborative wideband spectrum sensing (WSS) in a cognitive radio (CR)-like network. Towards that end, an indoor-only measurement campaign has been conducted to capture the propagation statistics of a 4 × 64 massive MIMO system with one authorized primary user (PU) and 4 unauthorized secondary users (SUs) transmitting simultaneously over a 20 MHz band divided into 1200 subcarriers. The frequency subcarriers belong to an Orthogonal-frequency-division-multiplexing (OFDM)-like set-up without the addition of cyclic prefix (CP) to the transmit symbols. Measurements are accumulated for different relative positions of the SUs which are analysed to extract fading, shadowing, noise and interference power statistics. Log-likelihood ratio (LLR) based fusion rule and three different sets of sub-optimum fusion rules along with their time-reversed versions are formulated for combining decisions on the availability of each subcarrier transmitted by the SUs. The extracted channel characteristics are incorporated in both analytical and simulated performance analysis of the devised fusion rules for comparison and testing the validity of distributed DF in realistic collaborative WSS scenario

Hmm-based monitoring of packet channels

Abstract. Performance of real-time applications on network communication channels are strongly related to losses and temporal delays. Several studies showed that these network features may be correlated and exhibit a certain degree of memory such as bursty losses and delays. The memory and the statistical dependence between losses and temporal delays suggest that the channel may be well modelled by a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) with appropriate hidden variables that capture the current state of the network. In this paper we discuss on the effectiveness of using an HMM to model jointly loss and delay behavior of real communication channel. Excellent performance in modelling typical channel behavior in a set of real packet links are observed. The system parameters are found via a modified version of the EM algorithm. Hidden state analysis shows how the state variables characterize channel dynamics. State-sequence estimation is obtained by use of the Viterbi algorithm. Real-time modelling of the channel is the first step to implement adaptive communication strategies.

Preparation and characterisation of isotopically enriched Ta2_2O5_5 targets for nuclear astrophysics studies

The direct measurement of reaction cross sections at astrophysical energies often requires the use of solid targets of known thickness, isotopic composition, and stoichiometry that are able to withstand high beam currents for extended periods of time. Here, we report on the production and characterisation of isotopically enriched Ta$_2$O$_5$ targets for the study of proton-induced reactions at the Laboratory for Underground Nuclear Astrophysics facility of the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso. The targets were prepared by anodisation of tantalum backings in enriched water (up to 66% in $^{17}$O and up to 96% in $^{18}$O). Special care was devoted to minimising the presence of any contaminants that could induce unwanted background reactions with the beam in the energy region of astrophysical interest. Results from target characterisation measurements are reported, and the conclusions for proton capture measurements with these targets are drawn.Comment: accepted to EPJ

Treatment efficacy with electrochemotherapy: A multi-institutional prospective observational study on 376 patients with superficial tumors

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous metastases represent a therapeutic challenge. An increasing body of experience suggests that electrochemotherapy (ECT) provides effective tumor control, although its evidence basis should be strengthened. METHODS: This prospective, multicenter, observational study enrolled patients with superficial metastases, who underwent ECT at 10 centers between 2008 and 2013. Outcomes included adherence to European Standard Operating Procedures of ECT (ESOPE), tumor response, local progression-free survival (LPFS), toxicity and patient-reported outcomes (PROs, EORTC QLQ-C30 plus an 8-item questionnaire). RESULTS: We enrolled 376 eligible patients. Tumor histotype distribution was as follows: melanoma, 56%; squamous cell carcinoma, 11%; Kaposi sarcoma, 11%; breast carcinoma, 8%; basal cell carcinoma, 6%; soft tissue sarcomas, 3%; others, 5%. We registered 1304 target tumors (median size 1 cm). Treatment adhered to ESOPE in 88% of patients as to the route of drug administration, and in 70% as to electrode application. The procedure was mainly performed under sedation (64.6%) and by using intravenous chemotherapy (93.4%). Tumor response rate at 60 days was 88% (complete, 50%). Small tumor size predicted complete response achievement (OR 2.24, p = 0.003), higher LPFS (HR 0.68, p = 0.004) and improved PROs (Global Health Status, p < 0.001; wound bleeding, p < 0.001; healing, p = 0.002; and aesthetics, p < 0.001). Skin toxicity (grade 653, 7.8%) was lower in patients with tumors <2 cm (p 640.001). One-year LPFS was 73.7% (95%CI 68.4-78.3). CONCLUSIONS: ECT represents a valuable skin-directed therapy across a range of malignancies. The most frequently applied treatment modality is intravenous chemotherapy under sedation. Small tumor size predicts durable tumor control, fewer side-effects and better PROs

The structure of Chariklo's rings from stellar occultations

Two narrow and dense rings (called C1R and C2R) were discovered around the Centaur object (10199) Chariklo during a stellar occultation observed on 2013 June 3. Following this discovery, we planned observations of several occultations by Chariklo's system in order to better characterize the physical properties of the ring and main body. Here, we use 12 successful occulations by Chariklo observed between 2014 and 2016. They provide ring profiles (physical width, opacity, edge structure) and constraints on the radii and pole position. Our new observations are currently consistent with the circular ring solution and pole position, to within the $\pm 3.3$ km formal uncertainty for the ring radii derived by Braga-Ribas et al. The six resolved C1R profiles reveal significant width variations from $\sim 5$ to 7.5 km. The width of the fainter ring C2R is less constrained, and may vary between 0.1 and 1 km. The inner and outer edges of C1R are consistent with infinitely sharp boundaries, with typical upper limits of one kilometer for the transition zone between the ring and empty space. No constraint on the sharpness of C2R's edges is available. A 1$\sigma$ upper limit of $\sim 20$ m is derived for the equivalent width of narrow (physical width <4 km) rings up to distances of 12,000 km, counted in the ring plane