DOW-PR dolphin and whale pods routing protocol for underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs)

Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks (UWSNs) have intrinsic challenges that include long propagation delays, high mobility of sensor nodes due to water currents, Doppler spread, delay variance, multipath, attenuation and geometric spreading. The existing Weighting Depth and Forwarding Area Division Depth Based Routing (WDFAD-DBR) protocol considers the weighting depth of the two hops in order to select the next Potential Forwarding Node (PFN). To improve the performance of WDFAD-DBR, we propose DOlphin and Whale Pod Routing protocol (DOW-PR). In this scheme, we divide the transmission range into a number of transmission power levels and at the same time select the next PFNs from forwarding and suppressed zones. In contrast to WDFAD-DBR, our scheme not only considers the packet upward advancement, but also takes into account the number of suppressed nodes and number of PFNs at the first and second hops. Consequently, reasonable energy reduction is observed while receiving and transmitting packets. Moreover, our scheme also considers the hops count of the PFNs from the sink. In the absence of PFNs, the proposed scheme will select the node from the suppressed region for broadcasting and thus ensures minimum loss of data. Besides this, we also propose another routing scheme (whale pod) in which multiple sinks are placed at water surface, but one sink is embedded inside the water and is physically connected with the surface sink through high bandwidth connection. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme has high Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR), low energy tax, reduced Accumulated Propagation Distance (APD) and increased the network lifetime

On the performance of video resolution, motion and dynamism in transmission using near-capacity transceiver for wireless communication

This article investigates the performance of various sophisticated channel coding and transmission schemes for achieving reliable transmission of a highly compressed video stream. Novel error protection schemes including Non-Convergent Coding (NCC) scheme, Non-Convergent Coding assisted with Differential Space Time Spreading (DSTS) and Sphere Packing (SP) modulation (NCDSTS-SP) scheme and Convergent Coding assisted with DSTS and SP modulation (CDSTS-SP) are analyzed using Bit Error Ratio (BER) and Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) performance metrics. Furthermore, error reduction is achieved using sophisticated transceiver comprising SP modulation technique assisted by Differential Space Time Spreading. The performance of the iterative Soft Bit Source Decoding (SBSD) in combination with channel codes is analyzed using various error protection setups by allocating consistent overall bit-rate budget. Additionally, the iterative behavior of SBSD assisted RSC decoder is analyzed with the aid of Extrinsic Information Transfer (EXIT) Chart in order to analyze the achievable turbo cliff of the iterative decoding process. The subjective and objective video quality performance of the proposed error protection schemes is analyzed while employing H.264 advanced video coding and H.265 high efficient video coding standards, while utilizing diverse video sequences having different resolution, motion and dynamism. It was observed that in the presence of noisy channel the low resolution videos outperforms its high resolution counterparts. Furthermore, it was observed that the performance of video sequence with low motion contents and dynamism outperforms relative to video sequence with high motion contents and dynamism. More specifically, it is observed that while utilizing H.265 video coding standard, the Non-Convergent Coding assisted with DSTS and SP modulation scheme with enhanced transmission mechanism results in Eb/N0 gain of 20 dB with reference to the Non-Convergent Coding and transmission mechanism at the objective PSNR value of 42 dB. It is important to mention that both the schemes have employed identical code rate. Furthermore, the Convergent Coding assisted with DSTS and SP modulation mechanism achieved superior performance with reference to the equivalent rate Non-Convergent Coding assisted with DSTS and SP modulation counterpart mechanism, with a performance gain of 16 dB at the objective PSNR grade of 42 dB. Moreover, it is observed that the maximum achievable PSNR gain through H.265 video coding standard is 45 dB, with a PSNR gain of 3 dB with reference to the identical code rate H.264 coding scheme.Web of Science235art. no. 56

SP-DSTS-MIMO scheme-aided H.266 for reliable high data rate mobile video communication

With the ever growth of Internet users, video applications, and massive data traffic across the network, there is a higher need for reliable bandwidth-efficient multimedia communication. Versatile Video Coding (VVC/H.266) is finalized in September 2020 providing significantly greater compression efficiency compared to Highest Efficient Video Coding (HEVC) while providing versatile effective use for Ultra-High Definition (HD) videos. This article analyzes the quality performance of convolutional codes, turbo codes and self-concatenated convolutional (SCC) codes based on performance metrics for reliable future video communication. The advent of turbo codes was a significant achievement ever in the era of wireless communication approaching nearly the Shannon limit. Turbo codes are operated by the deployment of an interleaver between two Recursive Systematic Convolutional (RSC) encoders in a parallel fashion. Constituent RSC encoders may be operating on the same or different architectures and code rates. The proposed work utilizes the latest source compression standards H.266 and H.265 encoded standards and Sphere Packing modulation aided differential Space Time Spreading (SP-DSTS) for video transmission in order to provide bandwidth-efficient wireless video communication. Moreover, simulation results show that turbo codes defeat convolutional codes with an averaged E-b/N-0 gain of 1.5 dB while convolutional codes outperform compared to SCC codes with an E-b/N-0 gain of 3.5 dB at Bit Error Rate (BER) of 10(-4). The Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) results of convolutional codes with the latest source coding standard of H.266 is plotted against convolutional codes with H.265 and it was concluded H.266 outperform with about 6 dB PSNR gain at E-b/N-0 value of 4.5 dB.Web of Science741101099

Chemical characterisation and the anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic and antibacterial properties of date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Date fruit, Phoenix dactylifera L. has traditionally been used as a medicine in many cultures for the treatment of a range of ailments such as stomach and intestinal disorders, fever, oedema, bronchitis and wound healing. Aim of the review: The present review aims to summarise the traditional use and application of Phoenix dactylifera date fruit in different ethnomedical systems, additionally the botany and phytochemistry are identified. Critical evaluation of in vitro and in vitro studies examining date fruit in relation to anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic and antimicrobial activities are outlined. Key Findings: The ethnomedical use of Phoenix dactylifera in the treatment of inflammatory disease has been previously identified and reported. Furthermore, date fruit and date fruit co-products such as date syrup are rich sources of polyphenols, anthocyanins, sterols and carotenoids. In vitro studies have demonstrated that date fruit exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic activity. The recent interest in the identification of the numerous health benefits of dates using in vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed that date fruit and date syrup have beneficial health effects that can be attributed to the presence of natural bioactive compounds. Conclusions: Date fruit and date syrup have therapeutic properties, which have the potential to be beneficial to health. However, more investigations are needed to quantify and validate these effects

Global, regional, and national burden of colorectal cancer and its risk factors, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Funding: F Carvalho and E Fernandes acknowledge support from Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P. (FCT), in the scope of the project UIDP/04378/2020 and UIDB/04378/2020 of the Research Unit on Applied Molecular Biosciences UCIBIO and the project LA/P/0140/2020 of the Associate Laboratory Institute for Health and Bioeconomy i4HB; FCT/MCTES through the project UIDB/50006/2020. J Conde acknowledges the European Research Council Starting Grant (ERC-StG-2019-848325). V M Costa acknowledges the grant SFRH/BHD/110001/2015, received by Portuguese national funds through Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT), IP, under the Norma Transitória DL57/2016/CP1334/CT0006.proofepub_ahead_of_prin

The global burden of adolescent and young adult cancer in 2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background: In estimating the global burden of cancer, adolescents and young adults with cancer are often overlooked, despite being a distinct subgroup with unique epidemiology, clinical care needs, and societal impact. Comprehensive estimates of the global cancer burden in adolescents and young adults (aged 15–39 years) are lacking. To address this gap, we analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, with a focus on the outcome of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), to inform global cancer control measures in adolescents and young adults. Methods: Using the GBD 2019 methodology, international mortality data were collected from vital registration systems, verbal autopsies, and population-based cancer registry inputs modelled with mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIRs). Incidence was computed with mortality estimates and corresponding MIRs. Prevalence estimates were calculated using modelled survival and multiplied by disability weights to obtain years lived with disability (YLDs). Years of life lost (YLLs) were calculated as age-specific cancer deaths multiplied by the standard life expectancy at the age of death. The main outcome was DALYs (the sum of YLLs and YLDs). Estimates were presented globally and by Socio-demographic Index (SDI) quintiles (countries ranked and divided into five equal SDI groups), and all estimates were presented with corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). For this analysis, we used the age range of 15–39 years to define adolescents and young adults. Findings: There were 1·19 million (95% UI 1·11–1·28) incident cancer cases and 396 000 (370 000–425 000) deaths due to cancer among people aged 15–39 years worldwide in 2019. The highest age-standardised incidence rates occurred in high SDI (59·6 [54·5–65·7] per 100 000 person-years) and high-middle SDI countries (53·2 [48·8–57·9] per 100 000 person-years), while the highest age-standardised mortality rates were in low-middle SDI (14·2 [12·9–15·6] per 100 000 person-years) and middle SDI (13·6 [12·6–14·8] per 100 000 person-years) countries. In 2019, adolescent and young adult cancers contributed 23·5 million (21·9–25·2) DALYs to the global burden of disease, of which 2·7% (1·9–3·6) came from YLDs and 97·3% (96·4–98·1) from YLLs. Cancer was the fourth leading cause of death and tenth leading cause of DALYs in adolescents and young adults globally. Interpretation: Adolescent and young adult cancers contributed substantially to the overall adolescent and young adult disease burden globally in 2019. These results provide new insights into the distribution and magnitude of the adolescent and young adult cancer burden around the world. With notable differences observed across SDI settings, these estimates can inform global and country-level cancer control efforts. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities, St Baldrick's Foundation, and the National Cancer Institute

The global burden of adolescent and young adult cancer in 2019 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background In estimating the global burden of cancer, adolescents and young adults with cancer are often overlooked, despite being a distinct subgroup with unique epidemiology, clinical care needs, and societal impact. Comprehensive estimates of the global cancer burden in adolescents and young adults (aged 15-39 years) are lacking. To address this gap, we analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, with a focus on the outcome of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), to inform global cancer control measures in adolescents and young adults. Methods Using the GBD 2019 methodology, international mortality data were collected from vital registration systems, verbal autopsies, and population-based cancer registry inputs modelled with mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIRs). Incidence was computed with mortality estimates and corresponding MIRs. Prevalence estimates were calculated using modelled survival and multiplied by disability weights to obtain years lived with disability (YLDs). Years of life lost (YLLs) were calculated as age-specific cancer deaths multiplied by the standard life expectancy at the age of death. The main outcome was DALYs (the sum of YLLs and YLDs). Estimates were presented globally and by Socio-demographic Index (SDI) quintiles (countries ranked and divided into five equal SDI groups), and all estimates were presented with corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). For this analysis, we used the age range of 15-39 years to define adolescents and young adults. Findings There were 1.19 million (95% UI 1.11-1.28) incident cancer cases and 396 000 (370 000-425 000) deaths due to cancer among people aged 15-39 years worldwide in 2019. The highest age-standardised incidence rates occurred in high SDI (59.6 [54.5-65.7] per 100 000 person-years) and high-middle SDI countries (53.2 [48.8-57.9] per 100 000 person-years), while the highest age-standardised mortality rates were in low-middle SDI (14.2 [12.9-15.6] per 100 000 person-years) and middle SDI (13.6 [12.6-14.8] per 100 000 person-years) countries. In 2019, adolescent and young adult cancers contributed 23.5 million (21.9-25.2) DALYs to the global burden of disease, of which 2.7% (1.9-3.6) came from YLDs and 97.3% (96.4-98.1) from YLLs. Cancer was the fourth leading cause of death and tenth leading cause of DALYs in adolescents and young adults globally. Interpretation Adolescent and young adult cancers contributed substantially to the overall adolescent and young adult disease burden globally in 2019. These results provide new insights into the distribution and magnitude of the adolescent and young adult cancer burden around the world. With notable differences observed across SDI settings, these estimates can inform global and country-level cancer control efforts. Copyright (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.Peer reviewe

Transmitter Diversity Gain Technique Aided Irregular Channel Coding for Mobile Video Transmission

The reliable transmission of multimedia information that is coded through highly compression efficient encoders is a challenging task. This article presents the iterative convergence performance of IrRegular Convolutional Codes (IRCCs) with the aid of the multidimensional Sphere Packing (SP) modulation assisted Differential Space Time Spreading Codes (IRCC-SP-DSTS) scheme for the transmission of H.264/Advanced Video Coding (AVC) compressed video coded stream. In this article, three different regular and irregular error protection schemes are presented. In the presented Regular Error Protection (REP) scheme, all of the partitions of the video sequence are regular error protected with a rate of 3/4 IRCC. In Irregular Error Protection scheme-1 (IREP-1) the H.264/AVC partitions are prioritized as A, B & C, respectively. Whereas, in Irregular Error Protection scheme-2 (IREP-2), the H.264/AVC partitions are prioritized as B, A, and C, respectively. The performance of the iterative paradigm of an inner IRCC and outer Rate-1 Precoder is analyzed by the EXtrinsic Information Transfer (EXIT) Chart and the Quality of Experience (QoE) performance of the proposed mechanism is evaluated using the Bit Error Rate (BER) metric and Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR)-based objective quality metric. More specifically, it is concluded that the proposed IREP-2 scheme exhibits a gain of 1 dB Eb/N0 with reference to the IREP-1 and Eb/N0 gain of 0.6 dB with reference to the REP scheme over the PSNR degradation of 1 dB

Robust mobile video transmission using DSTS-SP via three-stage iterative joint source-channel decoding

The last decade has witnessed a great growth in the number of cellular users, and consequently there is a prominent inclination towards wireless and mobile communication by the researchers. This research work considers the optimization of joint source and channel coding for the H.264/AVC (advanced video coding) stream. The source encoded video is serially transmitted using concatenated source bit coding (SBC) assisted by Rate-1 Precoder through a non-coherent differential space-time spreading (DSTS) scheme with multidimensional sphere packing (SP) modulation. More specifically, the Precoder is invoked as an intermediate encoder having an infmite impulse response which assists in the distribution of information across the decoders. Furthermore, the Precoder enhances the iterative decoding performance by splitting the overall system's iteration into inner and outer iterations. The H.264/AVC stream is highly compressed and yields residual redundancy which limits the iterative decoding performance. Therefore, for enhancing the performance of iteratively decoded systems, artificial redundancy is incorporated along the video bit stream using the SBC. Specifically, the iterative decoding provides better bit error ratio and also enhances the perceptual peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) metric. Extrinsic information transfer (EXIT) chart analysis is done to measure the convergence behavior of our proposed system. The effect of minimum Hamming distance (d(H,min)) on the attainable performance of the joint source-channel coded video sequence is investigated. Quantitatively, our proposed DSTS - SP - Precoder - SBC[5 15] scheme having d(H,min) = 6 exhibits a noticeable improvement of about 22 dB gain at the PSNR degradation of 2 dB, against the DSTS - SP - Precoder - SBC[2 6]* benchmarker having d(H,min) = 1 for the correlated Rayleigh fading channel.Web of Science11art. no. 4