Open RAN: A Concise Overview

Open RAN has emerged as a transformative approach in the evolution of cellular networks, addressing challenges posed by modern applications and high network density. By leveraging disaggregated, virtualized, and software-based elements interconnected through open standardized interfaces, Open RAN introduces agility, cost-effectiveness, and enhanced competition in the Radio Access Network (RAN) domain. The Open RAN paradigm, driven by the O-RAN Alliance specifications, is set to transform the telecom ecosystem. Despite extensive technical literature, there is a lack of succinct summaries for industry professionals, researchers, and policymakers. This paper addresses this gap by providing a concise, yet comprehensive overview of Open RAN. Compared to previous work, our approach introduces Open RAN by gradually splitting up different components known from previous RAN architectures. We believe that this approach leads to a better understanding for people already familiar with the general concept of mobile communication networks. Building upon this general understanding of Open RAN, we introduce key architectural principles, interfaces, components and use-cases. Moreover, this work investigates potential security implications associated with adopting Open RAN architecture, emphasizing the necessity of robust network protection measures

Factors associated with shunt dynamic in patients with cryptogenic stroke and patent foramen ovale: an observational cohort study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>As previously reported there is evidence for a reduction in right to left shunt (RLS) in stroke patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO). This occurs predominantly in patients with cryptogenic stroke (CS). We therefore analysed factors associated with a shunt reduction on follow-up in stroke patients suffering of CS.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>On index event PFO and RLS were proven by transesophageal echocardiography and contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler-sonography (ce-TCD). Silent PE was proved by ventilation perfusion scintigraphy (V/Q) within the stroke work-up on index event; all scans were re-evaluated in a blinded manner by two experts. The RLS was re-assessed on follow-up by ce-TCD. A reduction in shunt volume was defined as a difference of ≥20 microembolic signals (MES) or the lack of evidence of RLS on follow-up. For subsequent analyses patients with CS were considered; parameters such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and silent pulmonary embolism (PE) were analysed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In 39 PFO patients suffering of a CS the RLS was re-assessed on follow-up. In all patients (n = 39) with CS a V/Q was performed; the median age was 40 years, 24 (61.5%) patients were female. In 27 patients a reduction in RLS was evident. Silent PE was evident in 18/39 patients (46.2%). Factors such as atrial septum aneurysm, DVT or even silent PE were not associated with RLS dynamics. A greater time delay from index event to follow-up assessment was associated with a decrease in shunt volume (median 12 vs. 6 months, <it>p </it>= 0.013).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>In patients with CS a reduction in RLS is not associated with the presence of a venous embolic event such as DVT or silent PE. A greater time delay between the initial and the follow-up investigation increases the likelihood for the detection of a reduction in RLS.</p

Decrease in shunt volume in patients with cryptogenic stroke and patent foramen ovale

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO) there is evidence supporting the hypothesis of a change in right-to-left shunt (RLS) over time. Proven, this could have implications for the care of patients with PFO and a history of stroke. The following study addressed this hypothesis in a cohort of patients with stroke and PFO.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The RLS volume assessed during hospitalisation for stroke (index event/T0) was compared with the RLS volume on follow-up (T1) (median time between T0 and T1 was 10 months). In 102 patients with a history of stroke and PFO the RLS volume was re-assessed on follow-up using contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler/duplex (ce-TCD) ultrasound. A change in RLS volume was defined as a difference of ≥20 microembolic signals (MES) or no evidence of RLS during ce-TCD ultrasound on follow-up.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>There was evidence of a marked reduction in RLS volume in 31/102 patients; in 14/31 patients a PFO was no longer detectable. An index event classified as cryptogenic stroke (P < 0.001; OD = 39.2, 95% confidence interval 6.0 to 258.2) and the time interval to the follow-up visit (P = 0.03) were independently associated with a change in RLS volume over time.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>RLS volume across a PFO decreases over time, especially in patients with cryptogenic stroke. These may determine the development of new strategies for the management in the secondary stroke prevention.</p

Spectrum Utilization Assessment of Wi-Fi Network Using Qualcomm/Atheros 802.11 Wireless Chipset

Wireless spectrum is a scarce resource and with the market boom of wireless technology over the years, unlicensed spectrum has become over-crowded with different wireless standards. In this paper, we proposed and demonstrated a proof of concept solution using FFT spectral scan with two methodologies: MaxHold-RMS approach and percentage ratio count approach. Both approaches could be used to detect a free/best channel from different scanned channel on the spectrum. The subsequent contributions were made to knowledge: an FFT based visual spectrum analyzer tool, an algorithm to classify different frequency channel on a spectrum, an algorithm which calculate frequency channel scores using weighted sum model, and channel ranking model. After different experimental evaluations coupled with the FFT spectral sampling timing, operation, a one(1) second scan duration is enough to detect signal transmission from a permanent device on the frequency spectrum since management and control frame signals are always transmitted periodically, while there is little chance for detecting a sporadic signal transmission from the non-permanent user since the FFT spectral scan is performed in passive mode. But to guarantee detection of such sporadic signals then scanning longer at different time segment of the day on the spectrum will increase the probability of detecting such some sporadic signals. Also, the FFT spectral scan capability has shown a high degree of probability for detecting non-WiFi signal on the shared spectrum using Qualcomm/Atheros chipset

Tako-Tsubo Cardiomyopathy in a 92-Year Old Woman

Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is an acute reversible cause of segmental myocardial dysfunction that is poorly understood and cannot be explained by the occlusion of a single coronary vessel. Its clinical presentation is similar to that of acute coronary syndrome and is often precipitated by a severe psychological or physical stress