Cooperative smartphone relay selection based on fair power utilization for network coverage extension

This paper presents a relay selection algorithm based on fair battery power utilization for extending mobile network coverage and capacity by using a cooperative communication strategy where mobile devices can be utilized as relays. Cooperation improves the network performance for mobile terminals, either by providing access to out-of-range devices or by facilitating multi-path network access to connected devices. In this work, we assume that all mobile devices can benefit from using other mobile devices as relays and investigate the fairness of relay selection algorithms. We point out that signal strength based relay selection inevitably leads to unfair relay selection and devise a new algorithm that is based on fair utilization of power resources on mobile devices. We call this algorithm Credit based Fair Relay Selection (CF-RS) and in this paper show through simulation that the algorithm results in fair battery power utilization, while providing similar data rates compared with traditional approaches. We then extend the solution to demonstrate that adding incentives for relay operation adds clear value for mobile devices in the case they require relay service. Typically, mobile devices represent self-interested users who are reluctant to cooperate with other network users, mainly due to the cost in terms of power and network capacity. In this paper, we present an incentive based solution which provides clear mutual benefit for mobile devices and demonstrate this benefit in the simulation of symmetric and asymmetric network topologies. The CF-RS algorithm achieves the same performance in terms of achievable data rate, Jain's fairness index and utility of end devices in both symmetric and asymmetric network configurations

Measuring cycle riding comfort in Southampton using an instrumented bicycle

The increased environmental awareness and the rising fuel costs make bicycles a more and more attractive mode of travel for short journeys. Considering the future prospect of this mode of transportation and the great advantages that it offers in terms of space consumption, health and environmental sustainability, several city authorities worldwide are presently undertaking schemes aiming at improving cycling infrastructure. The aim of the present study is to monitor the impact of such schemes on the riding comfort of cyclists, as expressed by the, usually lower, quantity and magnitude of vibrations occurring as a result of cycling over pavement defects. Millbrook Road East in the western edge of the city center of Southampton is used as a case study, where vibration measurements are taken by means of an instrumented bicycle during periods before and after a redevelopment scheme involving the resurfacing of the road pavement. The results show a clear overall improvement in cycling comfort post-redevelopment, with statistically significant reductions in both the number of high severity vibrations and of their magnitude in "typical" cycling trips taken on the road. However, instances of finishing "snags" in some parts of the surface appear to introduce new minor defects (e.g. around manholes) that are not visible to the naked eye, and these still have some negative effect on the riding experience. Moreover, the study highlights the detrimental impact that widespread pavement defects can have on riding comfort, which affect cyclists of all ages, abilities and styles

Credit-Based Relay Selection Algorithm Using Stackelberg Game

Public wireless networks usually comprise of self-interested users who are reluctant to cooperate with other users of the network unless and until they are provided with some incentives. This paper presents a new incentive-based relay selection algorithm, which motivates the self-interested in-range mobile users to act as relays providing network access to the out-of-range users, thus extending the coverage range of a wireless network. The new Credit-based Relay Selection (CRS) algorithm uses Stackelberg game employing a credit-based incentive mechanism, providing instantaneous as well as long-term benefit to the selfish in-range users. In addition to this, the CRS algorithm takes into account both the achievable data rate at the out-of-range user and fair consumption of battery power of in-range user as the relay selection criteria. Simulation results presented in this paper show that when the CRS algorithm is used for relay selection, it is advantageous even for the self-interested in-range users to participate in the relaying process to earn some benefit to utilize it when they move outside the transmission range of access point and need to buy assistance from other users. The CRS algorithm also provides better data rate to the out-of-range users as well as fair utilization of battery power of the in-range users compared to a default algorithm which uses Signal to Interference and Noise Ratio (SINR) as relay selection criterion

National diversity and conflict : the role of social attitudes and beliefs

To figure out how to minimize the costs and maximize the benefits, we need to understand all dimensions and types of diversity. Research shows that some diversity characteristics have a larger impact than others (Tsui, Egan, & O’Reilly, 1992). One type of diversity that could have a significant impact on workgroup interaction is national diversity. Every member, however, enters the workgroup with a set of personal and social attitudes and beliefs. These pre-programmed attitudes and beliefs may largely affect one’s perceptions and thus behaviors. Whether diversity will have positive or negative consequences may be explained by investigating attitudes of the group members. For this reason, I investigate nationalistic attitudes as exacerbators of conflict in nationally diverse workgroups. A set of studies investigates propositions that members with diverse national backgrounds, especially if they have strong nationalistic attitudes, are likely to experience more conflict than nationally homogenous groups (and/or if members do not hold strong nationalistic views). Other moderators of conflict and outcomes in nationally diverse workgroups that I examine using multiple methods (field, scenario, and lab studies) include social distances, national stereotypes, similarity preferences, and perceived respect.LEI Universiteit LeidenSocial decision makin

Pengaruh Kualitas Pelayanan terhadap Kepuasan Konsumen pada Bengkel Maju Mandiri

Workshop is one of the businesses that are in the service industry, one of which is the Independent Forward Workshop. Service delivery is expected to provide maximum satisfaction to the consumer on Advanced Workshop Maju Mandiri. The aim of the studies to determined whether the dimensions of servqual affect the consumer statisfaction in the Independent Forward Workshop. The population in this study are all consumers at Maju Mandiri Workshop aged 17 years and over. The number of sample as taken by 126 respondents with a purposive samplings method. Data was collect by questionnaires, interviews. Based on regression analysis showed that the overall service quality positive effect on customer satisfaction in Maju Mandiri Workshop. These results indicate that the better quality of service will increase customer satisfaction

The Predictors of Habitual Behavior in Using Mobile Phone among University Students

The use of technology in academic activities, particularly in higher education institutions is one thing in common and undeniable. Entering the era of information technology without borders, the use of technology such as computers, laptops, tablets, mobile phones and so on are seen as essential roles to assist educational activities. Therefore, the utilization has become the norm among instructors and students in higher education institutions. Through previous studies, the terms of norms often referred to habitual behavior or automatically behavior. This study focused on three of independent variables from UTAUTrsquos model (performance expectancy, effort expectancy and social influences) to predict studentsrsquo habitual behavior in higher education in the use of mobile phone. This study involved 393 of undergraduatesrsquo student and was conducted entirely in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang.nbsp The results of data analysis revealed all the independent variables have significant effect on habitual behavior.nbs

Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Berbasis Masalah Terhadap Hasil Belajar Fisika Siswa Kelas X Sman 2 Praya Tahun Pelajaran 2015/2016

– The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of problem based learning model toward physics learning outcomes at SMAN 2 Praya grade X at the academic year 2015/2016. This study was experiment with post-test only control group design. The population of this study were all students of Xth grade with number of students were 400 students. Cluster random sampling was used to choose the class sample with X-4 as experiment class and X-6 as control class. The instrument of this study used multiple choise test with 5 alternative answer. Based from the result, data were analyzed using t-test polled varians. The data obtained 3.42 for the t-hint and 1.99 for the t-table with significant level 5%. Therefore t-hint > t-table, the H0 rejected and Ha be accepted. This result shows that problem based learning model is influencing the stuent's physics academy result at SMAN 2 Praya Xth grade academic year 2015/2016

Fair relay selection in wireless rural networks using game theory

Access to Internet is the key to facilitate the economic growth and development of the rural communities and to bridge the digital-divide between the urban and rural population. The traditional broadband access technologies are not always suitable for the rural areas due to their difficult topography and sparsely populated communities. Specialized relay stations can be deployed to extend the coverage of a wireless rural network but they come with an inherited increase in the infrastructural cost. An alternative is to utilize the in-range users as relays to enhance the coverage range of the wireless rural network. In this thesis, the in-range ordinary users termed as primary users (PUs) are used to act as relays for the out-of-range users called the secondary users (SUs). Two relay selection solutions, the Fair Battery Power Consumption (FBPC) algorithm and the Credit based Fair Relay Selection (CF-RS) protocol have been proposed with the aim of providing fair chance to every PU to assist the SUs, thus resulting in fair utilization of battery power of all relays along with the coverage extension. The FBPC algorithm uses the concept of proportional fairness as the relay selection criterion. However, if only proportionally fair consumption of battery power is taken as the relay selection parameter, the FBPC algorithm may result in selecting relays with poor channel conditions. The rural network may also consist of selfish PUs which need to be incentivized to use their resources for the SUs. The CF-RS protocol is developed which takes into account both the achievable data rate and consumption of battery power for selection of a relay. The CF-RS protocol is formulated using Stackelberg game which employs a credit-based incentive mechanism to motivate the self-interested PUs to help the SUs by providing instantaneous as well as long term benefit to the PUs. A basic network model consisting of PUs and SUs has been simulated and the performance of the FBPC algorithm and the CF-RS protocol have been evaluated in terms of data rate and utility achievable at the SUs, dissipation of battery power of the PUs and Jain’s fairness index to determine fairness in utilization of battery power. The results obtained show that the FBPC algorithm achieves approximately 100% fairness for utilization of battery power of relays but compromises the data rate attainable by the SUs. Thus the FBPC algorithm shall be viewed as a trade-off between the fair battery power dissipation of relays and the data rate achievable by the SUs. Whereas, the CF-RS protocol provides 55% better utility and longer service time to the SUs without harming the attainable data rate and achieves 80% fairness. When the CF-RS protocol is used for relay selection, it is advantageous even for the self-interested users to participate in the relaying process to earn some benefit to utilize it when needed to buy assistance from other users

Commercialization of Smallholder Farming: It’s Inclusive Household Welfare Effects on Smallholder Farmers in Butaleja District

This paper explains the potential impact of agriculture commercialization on the welfare of smallholder farmers participating in the Doha rice scheme project of Butaleja District in Uganda. The study used cross-sectional data from 368 respondents in the three counties that make up Butaleja District. Stratified random sampling was used with each county serving as a stratum. With the help of the National agriculture advisory services farmers list in each county, simple random sampling was applied to select respondents to participate in the study. Results reveal a significant positive relationship between commercialization of Smallholder Farming and household welfare, with key variables of market access and internal farming activities positively and significantly contributing to improved household incomes and farm outputs. The study recommends that improvement in household welfare could be achieved by farmers actively working on improving market access and internal farm activities. The results imply that development players like government and farmers should use improved farming approaches and improve market access so as to transform household welfare. Keywords: Smallholder farming, commercialization, welfare and market acces