Ultra-Wideband Relay Communication Systems

Impulse-radio ultra-wide-band (IR-UWB) signaling is a promising technique for high-speed, short-range relay communications networks. Depending on how the relay node retransmits the signal, there are two main relay schemes: conventional one-directional (one-way) relay model, and bi-directional (two-way) relay model. In bi-directional relay communications, wireless network coding (WNC), also called physical-layer network coding (PNC), could be applied to overcome the spectral efficiency limitation of the conventional one-way relay. In the first part of this work, we propose asynchronous, differential, and bidirectional decode and forward (ADBDF) and asynchronous, differential, and bidirectional denoise and forward (ADBDNF) UWB relay methods, where the relay node (RN) does not need to be synchronized with the end nodes (ENs). The proposed schemes are attractive for networks in which stringent/complicated synchronization between the RN and the ENs may not be feasible. The second part of this work focuses on UWB channel classification. We propose a 2-dimensional (2-D) LOS/NLOS classification scheme that uses skewness of the channel impulse/pulse response. The proposed channel classification decreases the complexity of existing channel classification methods and can be used in a variety of areas such as localization, relay communications, and cooperative communications. The final part of this work deals with compressive sensing (CS) algorithms that employ sub-Nyquist sampling for UWB communications. We develop coarse graining (CG) for the proposed CS sub-Nyquist sampling technique, which leads to: (1) reduced sampling rate at the receiver, and hence reduced use of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) resources; and (2) low-complexity channel estimation

Comparing Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nursing Support in Mothers With Newborn Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and Mothers of Healthy Neonates

Background: The experience of having neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a psychological crisis. It might cause many emotional problems for parents. Entire parental support is among the duties of the healthcare team. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the nursing support received by the mothers with Newborn Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and the mothers of other neonates admitted to the NICU.Methods: The present cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study was conducted in the selected hospitals in Kerman Province, Iran. In total, 62 mothers with NAS and 61 non-addicted mothers with neonates admitted to the NICU were selected through convenience sampling method. The inclusion criteria were neonates under the care of parents, neonate admitted to the NICU for at least 24 hours, opiate dependence in the case group mothers, and no substance dependence in the control group mothers. The amount of nursing support for mothers having neonates with NAS was compared with that of the control mothers. The study groups were homogenized in terms of the study variables (neonate age, gender, and the duration of hospitalization). The required data were collected by the Nurse-Parent Support Tool (NPST) and analyzed in SPSS.Results: The study results revealed that among the neonates of 123 mothers, 75 (60.97%) were boys, and 58(39.02%) were girls. The majority of neonates in both groups were breastfed. The Mean±SD age of the mothers in the case and control group were 31.93±7.25 and 28.99±4.36 years, respectively. The nursing support level was desirable in both groups, and no significant difference was found in this regard (P>0.05). Furthermore, the level of nursing support in emotional, information-communication, self-esteem, and quality caregiving support dimensions was desirable in both groups.Conclusion: The obtained results revealed that nurses’ support was desirable in both groups. The prevalence of maternal addiction and the impact of this social harm on neonates who were admitted are essential. Furthermore, families having neonates with NAS need more support from the healthcare staff and nurses, in comparison with healthy parents; thus, the importance of this issue should be addressed in training and briefing courses for nurses

Evaluation of Transit Signal Priority for Bus Rapid Transit in Heterogeneous Traffic Flow

Inefficient traffic signal control at intersections causes vehicle delays, increased fuel consumption, and vehicle emissions. With respect to the large number of fixed signalized intersections along the 7th line of Tehran BRT, passengers experience long delays and travel time while BRT is defined as a high-quality bus-based transit system that delivers fast and efficient service according to literature. Due to constraints on increasing supply, actuated traffic signal (ATS) and public transportation priority (PTP) are some of the possible signal control methods that can reduce the above-mentioned problems. In this paper, the 7th line of Tehran BRT is simulated using Aimsun. ATS and PTP have been simulated and traffic, environmental and economic indicators of transit and non-transit vehicles have been derived. Finally, a cost-benefit analysis is conducted to calculate the net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR) and payback period (PP) of investment. Results show a decrease in travel time, delay, stop time, fuel consumption and pollutant emissions and an increase in average speed and flow at intersections. The payback period is estimated to be approximately two months, indicating a short-term policy and other economic indices confirm the profitability of project

Report of the clinical features of patients with leptospirosis in Golestan, Iran, 2011-2015: Based on information available at the provincial health center

BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with a global distribution that is caused by pathogenic spirochetes of Leptospira. It has a global spread, but it is more common in warm and tropical regions. In developing countries such as Iran, it is considered as a work-related illness and occurs mostly in farmers, ranchers, slaughterhouse workers, butchers, and fishermen in the warm seasons of the year. The aim of this study was to report the information available at the provincial health center about the clinical features of patients with leptospirosis in Golestan province, Iran, from 2011 to 2015.METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study surveyed all patients with leptospirosis in Golestan provincial health center from 2011 to 2015. All information was collected by a self-designed checklist that its reliability was approved by three infectious specialists. In case of defective files, patients were contacted. The collected data were analyzed by an epidemiologist via SPSS software.RESULTS: In this study, during the years of 2011 to 2015, 75 cases of leptospirosis were recorded. 50 cases (66.6%) were men and 25 (33.3%) were women. The most common complaint of patients at referral was fever (70 cases, 93.33%). The most complained problem after fever (93.33%) was musculoskeletal pain and jaundice reported 57.33% and 54.66%, respectively.CONCLUSION: It is important to pay attention to this disease in farmers and villagers, especially in agricultural seasons. Due to the high prevalence, morbidity, and mortality of leptospirosis, early diagnosis based on common symptoms is important. Healthcare centers in each area are required to recognize common diseases to reduce irreversible complications

An assessment of recent Iranian fertility trends using parity progression ratios

Background In 2013 a draft population bill was introduced in the Iranian Parliament. Based on the presumption that fertility in Iran had fallen to a very low level, the bill proposed a wide range of pronatalist policies with the aim of increasing fertility to 2.5 births per woman. The draft law called for restrictions on the employment of women and young single people and inducements for women to marry in their late teens. New estimates of fertility, such as those provided in this paper, cast doubt upon the view that fertility had fallen to a very low level. In May 2014 a statement issued by the Supreme Leader provided guidelines for a more moderate approach to sustaining fertility at around the replacement level. Objective To measure the trend in fertility in Iran, especially from 2000 onwards. Methods Using the 2010 IDHS, the synthetic cohort parity progression ratio method is used to measure the fertility trend in Iran. Synthetic parity progressions are compared with real cohort parity progressions to examine the presence of tempo effects. Comparison is made with age-based measures from surveys, censuses, and the birth registration system. Results This paper demonstrates that fertility in Iran was constant for the decade 2000-2009, at a level of around 1.8-2.0 births per woman. Conclusions Our findings provide evidence supporting a more moderate approach to sustaining fertility in Iran at around the replacement level. Comments The paper demonstrates the advantages of parity-based measurement over age-based measurement when tempo effects may be involved

Contamination of chicken eggs supplied in Tehran by heavy metals and calculation of their daily intake

Background and Aims: Chicken eggs, owing to richness in protein and essential minerals, are used in many communities and for all age groups. Metals are considered as one of the most important environmental pollutants which may lead to egg contamination. The consumption of contaminated eggs can harm human health. The aim of this study was to evaluate heavy metal (arsenic, cadmium, lead, nickel, copper, zinc and iron) contents in chicken eggs supplied in Tehran. Daily intake rates of heavy metals were also calculated.Materials and Methods: A total of 29 chicken eggs were sampled from various food stores in Tehran. Sample preparation was performed using wet acid digestion. Heavy metals concentrations were determined using ICP-OES. Data analysis was carried out by means of the statistical software SPSS as well as Excel (V.2.26). Kruskal Wallis and ANOVA tests were executed to compare heavy metal concentrations between different brands. Results: Mean concentrations of cadmium, lead, arsenic, nickel, copper, iron and zinc in collected chicken eggs were 0.01, 0.074, 0.03, 0.014, 1.46, 34.37 and 12.55 mg/kg, respectively. Iron and cadmium respectively showed the highest and lowest daily intake through chicken egg consumption. Conclusion: It was concluded that the levels of heavy metals in sampled chicken eggs were less than permissible limits and thus are considered safe. However, due to the importance of food contamination in public health, the continuous monitoring of these contaminants in food is recommended.Key words: Chicken Eggs, Heavy Metals, Food Safety, Tehra

Frequency and characteristics of Brucellosis in Golestan Province, Iran

BACKGROUND: Brucellosis is a common widespread zoonotic disease between humans and livestock with significant economic and health problems caused by various species of Brucella. The disease is a significant public health issue throughout the world and one of the most socioeconomic problems in many developing countries. This study aimed to report the information available at the Provincial Health Center about the frequency and characteristics of patients with Brucellosis in Golestan Province, Iran.METHODS: This study was analytic-descriptive cross-sectional. The study population included all patients with Brucellosis diagnosed from 2011 to 2015 in the health center of Golestan Province, based on the serological method. The data gathering tool was a questionnaire that included demographic information, clinical presentation and examinations, history of exposure, laboratory findings, and treatment protocols. Descriptive statistics were reported as frequency and mean ± standard deviation (SD) and analyzed by SPSS software.RESULTS: In this study, a total of 1788 cases of Brucellosis were reported. The number of male cases was 1163 (65.04%) and female cases were 625 (34.95%). People who had a history of contact with infected animals were younger than the others. Musculoskeletal pain (79.69%) and fever (76.45%) were the most commonly reported clinical symptoms.CONCLUSION: Overall, the results indicate that Brucellosis is still a health problem in the province. The high incidence of Brucellosis in villages, the lack of full coverage of animal vaccination, and the link between the disease and livestock businesses are significant

Urinary Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) and Cystatin C in Early Detection of Pediatric Acute Kidney Injury; a Diagnostic Accuracy Study

Introduction: There is a controversy regarding accuracy of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and Cystatin C in early detection of acute kidney injury (AKI). The present study aimed to compare the diagnostic value of two biomarkers in this regard. Method: In the present diagnostic accuracy study, all children between the ages of 1 month to 14 years were entered. Pediatric Risk, Injury Failure, Loss, End-stage renal disease (pRIFLE) criteria was used for identification of children with AKI as the reference test. Blood samples were taken from all patients at baseline and 48 hours after admission to assess serum creatinine and Cystatin C level. In addition, a urine sample was obtained within 6 hours of admission in order to measure NGAL level. In the end, area under the receiving operating characteristics (ROC) curve, sensitivity, and specificity of urine NGAL (uNGAL) and Cystatin C in early detection of AKI were compared. Results: Data from 96 children with the mean age of 27.31±36.24 months were entered (56.25% girls). Area under the ROC curve of uNGAL level in diagnosis of AKI in children was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.80 to 1.00) and area under the ROC of Cystatin C was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.77 to 1.00). Both tests had the same value in diagnosis of AKI (p=0.89). The best cut-off point of uNGAL for diagnosing AKI was 125 mg/L. uNGAL had a sensitivity and specificity of 0.92 (0.62 to 0.99) and 0.69 (0.57 to 0.78), respectively. The best cut-off point of serum Cystatin C level was 0.4 mg/L. Cystatin C had a sensitivity and specificity of 0.92 (0.62 to 0.99) and 0.64 (0.52 to 0.74), respectively. Conclusion: The present study showed that uNGAL level has the same value as serum Cystatin C level in early diagnosis of AKI