Low-Complexity Detection/Equalization in Large-Dimension MIMO-ISI Channels Using Graphical Models

In this paper, we deal with low-complexity near-optimal detection/equalization in large-dimension multiple-input multiple-output inter-symbol interference (MIMO-ISI) channels using message passing on graphical models. A key contribution in the paper is the demonstration that near-optimal performance in MIMO-ISI channels with large dimensions can be achieved at low complexities through simple yet effective simplifications/approximations, although the graphical models that represent MIMO-ISI channels are fully/densely connected (loopy graphs). These include 1) use of Markov Random Field (MRF) based graphical model with pairwise interaction, in conjunction with {\em message/belief damping}, and 2) use of Factor Graph (FG) based graphical model with {\em Gaussian approximation of interference} (GAI). The per-symbol complexities are $O(K^2n_t^2)$ and $O(Kn_t)$ for the MRF and the FG with GAI approaches, respectively, where $K$ and $n_t$ denote the number of channel uses per frame, and number of transmit antennas, respectively. These low-complexities are quite attractive for large dimensions, i.e., for large $Kn_t$. From a performance perspective, these algorithms are even more interesting in large-dimensions since they achieve increasingly closer to optimum detection performance for increasing $Kn_t$. Also, we show that these message passing algorithms can be used in an iterative manner with local neighborhood search algorithms to improve the reliability/performance of $M$-QAM symbol detection

Methods for the rapid diagnosis and control of bacterial diseases in shellfishes and finfishes

The culture of finfish and shellfish are often threatened by disease causing bacteria. At times it is difficult to distinguish between infection with a pathogen and disease that may result from such infections. In addition, the stressed animals (physiological or environmental) are easily predisposed to encounter bacterial infections as well as diseases

Does Function Follow Organizational Form? Evidence From the Lending Practices of Large and Small Banks

Theories based on incomplete contracting suggest that small organizations may do better than large organizations in activities that require the processing of soft information. We explore this idea in the context of bank lending to small firms, an activity that is typically thought of as relying heavily on soft information. We find that large banks are less willing than small banks to lend to informationally 'difficult' credits, such as firms that do not keep formal financial records. Moreover, controlling for the endogeneity of bank-firm matching, large banks lend at a greater distance, interact more impersonally with their borrowers, have shorter and less exclusive relationships, and do not alleviate credit constraints as effectively. All of this is consistent with small banks being better able to collect and act on soft information than large banks.

Does Function Follow Organzizational Form? Evidence From the Lending Practices of Large and Small Banks

Theories based on incomplete contracting suggest that small organizations may do better than large organizations in activities that require the processing of soft information. We explore this idea in the context of bank lending to small firms, an activity that is typically thought of as relying heavily on soft information. We find that large banks are less willing than small banks to lend to informationally “difficult†credits, such as firms that do not keep formal financial records. Moreover, controlling for the endogeneity of bank-firm matching, large banks lend at a greater distance, interact more impersonally with their borrowers, have shorter and less exclusive relationships, and do not alleviate credit constraints as effectively. All of this is consistent with small banks being better able to collect and act on soft information than large banks. The opinions in this paper do not necessarily reflect those of the Federal Reserve Board or its staff. This work has been supported by the National Science Foundation (Rajan, Stein), and the George J. Stigler Center for Study of the State and Economy (Rajan). Thanks also to seminar participants at Yale, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Tulane, Babson, the University of Illinois, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Bank Structure Conference, the NBER and the Western Finance Association meetings, as well as to Abhijit Banerjee, Michael Kremer, David Scharfstein, Andrei Shleifer, Greg Udell, Christopher Udry and James Weston for helpful comments and suggestions.

Bottle-nose dolphin stranded at Kovalam in Kerala

On 5th September 1998, an Indian bottle-nose dolphin {Tursiops truncatus aduncus Ehrenberg. 1833) was washed ashore at Ashoka beach in Kovalam

Stranding of a rare marine dolphin at Vizhinjam

On sighting a dolphin struggling for survival In the near shore area off Adimaithura (near Vizhinjam) on 31-08-1998, the fishermen encircled it with a shore seine. It was a rare marine Risso's dolphin, Grampus griseus (Cuvier, 1812), measuring 250 cm in length. In spite of the medical treatments given for the injuries, it survived in the Marine Aquarium at Vizhinjam for about 13 hrs only