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An In-Depth Study and Practical Deployment of Index Modulation Techniques in Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing Systems
Get PDFThis paper provides an insightful overview of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) technology, starting with a detailed explanation of its underlying principles. OFDM is a sophisticated technique that splits a single data stream across multiple separate subcarriers, thereby increasing spectral efficiency and combating multi-path distortion. It significantly improves the data transmission rate and quality, making it an essential element in various modern communication systems. A comparative analysis is then presented to distinguish OFDM from other multiplexing technologies. The unique advantages of OFDM, including its robustness to channel fading, high spectral efficiency, and the ability to handle high data rates, make it a compelling choice for digital data transmission. The paper further delves into the applications of OFDM in real-world scenarios, demonstrating its prevalence in diverse fields such as digital television and radio broadcasting, wireless networking, and 4G/5G mobile communications. These examples illustrate the integral role of OFDM in powering our connected world. However, despite its advantages, OFDM is not without limitations. The paper elucidates issues such as high Peak-to-Average Power Ratio (PAPR), sensitivity to frequency offset and phase noise, and the necessity for complex receiver algorithms. Overcoming these challenges is a key area of ongoing research
Reviewing the Impact of Maternal Opioid Use Disorder on Fetal Development and Long-Term Pediatric Health Outcomes
Get PDFOpioid use during pregnancy has emerged as a notable public health concern with far-reaching impacts on both maternal and child health. This review investigates the consequences of opioid use disorder (OUD) and maternal opioid use during pregnancy, focusing on fetal and pediatric outcomes and available treatment options. The study focuses on the rising prevalence of opioid use among pregnant women, with emphasis on the adverse effects on neonates, including neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), preterm birth, low birth weight, and long-term cognitive and behavioral deficits. Furthermore, it explores the neurological implications of opioid exposure on fetal brain development, emphasizing disrupted synaptic plasticity, oligodendrocyte differentiation, and myelination. Current treatment strategies such as opioid maintenance therapy (OMT) with methadone and buprenorphine are discussed, including their benefits in improving prenatal care adherence but also their associated risks, such as NAS and small birth weights. Maternal OUD underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach to manage opioid dependence in pregnant women effectively and calls for more comprehensive research to address the long-term developmental impacts on children, as well as to explore more effective prevention and intervention strategies for maternal OUD
Targeting Glycogen Phosphorylase as a Potential Therapeutic Strategy for Glioblastoma
No full textGlioblastoma (GB) is one of the most aggressive malignancies of the brain and spinal cord. The current standard of care has remained surgical resection of the tumour, followed by radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Crucial challenges in the effective treatment of GB include resistance to the main chemotherapeutic, temozolomide. Prognosis is poor with median survival remaining at 14.6 months. A now established hallmark of cancer is the ability of malignant cells to “modify, or reprogram, cellular metabolism”, such as glycogenolysis upregulation. This hallmark could suggest the potential of targeting a specific metabolic component within glycolysis, thus reducing energy production, resulting in possible apoptosis or suppressed proliferation. Studies suggest that glycogen phosphorylase (GP), an enzyme in glycogenolysis, could be inhibited for a therapeutic effect in GB. In this project, GP levels across the three different isoforms (PYGB, PYGL, and PYGM) and the effect of the GP inhibitor CP-91149 was investigated across three different GB cell lines. Cell viability of T98G, U251, and U87 glioblastoma cell lines and SVGp12 human foetal glial cell line was measured after administration of CP-91149 for 24, 48, and 72 hours. Migration of T98G and U251 cells following treatment with CP-91149 was measured in a wound healing assay. Visualisation of the three GP isoforms was achieved through western blotting and confirmed by immunocytochemistry. Flow cytometry was utilised to expand analysis on GP inhibition by assessing the cell cycle before and after treatments. Results showed that CP-91149 had a significant dose- and time-dependent effect in vitro on all GB cell lines. Inhibition of GP caused a reduction in cell viability and cell migration. Western blot and immunocytochemistry analysis showed that PYGL is the most predominant isoform of GP. There was no clear effect on the cell cycle following treatment with CP-91149. Inhibition of glycogenolysis by targeting GP shows potential as a novel therapeutic approach in the treatment of glioblastoma
Levelled Up or Left-Behind? A Relational Approach to Social Inclusion in Low-Income Coastal Communities
No full textThis PhD by Portfolio thesis explore s the question What is the role of a relational approach in fostering social inclusion in English low income coastal communities within the context of participation in civil society?’. This is done through a curation of community level research projects in low income coastal communities along the Cumbrian coastline, all of which sought to foster social inclusion. These projects worked directly with 237 and indirectly with 646 residents in a specific geographic area over ten years, engaging with policy in education, community development and democratic participation. A critically reflective synthesis of the three studies identified various consistent themes Firstly, social exclusion was multi dimensional, and objectively and subjectively experienced. Perceived capitals contributed to the social construction of social exclusion, which operates on multiple relational levels. Secondly, strengths based approaches fostered participatory social inclusion across all projects. Finally, the value of participatory methodologies when collaborating with communities experiencing social exclusion was evident across all projects. A reflexive critique of the capital approaches applied across the projects cumulated in a relational capital approach to interpret the interplays between the objective and subjective dimensions of social inclusion. An explicit appreciation of the critical roles that relationships play in both inclusion and exclusion in civil society can inform the development of a relational framework when working with marginalised communities. Such relational practices are critical in shaping any form of participatory democracy, providing the conditions for all actors to participate meaningfully. These conditions create inclusive physical and symbolic spaces characterised by mutual respect and honesty. Counter hegemonic practices can normal cooperation and coproduction promoting openness to scrutiny and challenge. A new sociological perspective is needed to examine how social justice issues of equality impact inclusion in civil society. In an English political context, characterised by increasing division and political unrest, this thesis argues for building relationships and removing barriers to foster a fairer and more inclusive society
Robust Optimization
No full textAnalysts building mathematical models for real-world systems often face challenges with uncertain, noisy, incomplete, or erroneous data
Enhancing Safety in Autonomous Vehicles through Advanced AI-Driven Perception and Decision-Making Systems
Get PDFAccidents, congested roads, consumption of energy, and emissions may all decrease significantly with the rise of self-driving cars, providing a promising response to social and environmental issues. In this study, researchers investigate the way the integration of innovative AI-driven perception and decision-making systems into AVs impacts safety. AVs have the potential to change transportation by reducing accidents caused mainly by human error. They may operate on their own or in conjunction with human drivers. The primary goal is to investigate and enhance AV safety by creating highly sophisticated perception and decision-making technologies driven by machine learning. Pragmatism research philosophy, experimental research design, and inductive approach serve as the selected methods of the study. In addition, secondary qualitative data analysis methods help evaluate the entire study. The outcomes of the study demonstrated that the advancement of autonomous vehicles depends significantly on the creation of AI-driven sensors. “Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2X) networks” for communication and safety features increase security, while integrated camera systems with acoustic and thermal sensors improve sensing capacities. Deep learning techniques, especially “convolutional neural networks (CNN)” and “fully convolutional networks (FCN)”, facilitate accurate object recognition and segmentation. Vehicles’ ability to handle difficult road conditions is further improved by a real-time risk evaluation and trajectory planning based on human-like behavioral modeling
Effect of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on muscle mass, fat mass, and visceral fat of hemodialysis patients; A randomized clinical trial
No full textObjectives
Several studies demonstrated the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in body composition, specifically on the lean body mass and fat mass in hemodialysis patients.
Methods
In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, a total of 120 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients were randomly allocated into two groups. The intervention group has taken three grams of omega-3 fatty acids daily while the placebo group received three grams of medium chain triglycerides (MCT) as a placebo for a total of 2 months. The changes in the body mass index (BMI) and body composition (fat mass, muscle, and visceral fat) were assessed at baseline and following the intervention.
Results
No significant difference was found in the mean of BMI, FAT, muscle, and visceral fat in the intervention group compared to the control group after the intervention. After two months of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, the study found no statistically significant impact of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on various indices of body composition. The effect of ω-3 supplementation in reducing visceral fat was close to significant (p=0.08).
Conclusions
This study suggests that there is currently inadequate evidence to support the effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in improving anthropometric measurements in patients with CKD, except a partial effect on visceral fat. Further large-scale and long-term clinical trials are needed to confirm the present results
Spin dynamics of strain induced topological antiferromagnetic spin textures in thin film canted antiferromagnet hematite (α-Fe2O3)
No full textTopological spin textures are considered promising candidates for beyond-CMOS computing and memory applications. The canted antiferromagnet α-Fe2O3 (hematite), provides a unique platform for novel magnonic devices due to its low magnetic damping and fast spin waves (SW). Spin textures such as half-skyrmions and bimerons are reported in thin films of hematite. Here, we report inelastic Brillouin light scattering measurement on GHz SWs in high-quality thin films of hematite. Measured spectra show several modes and irregular frequency jumps at low field values. The observed frequencies exhibits strong spatial dependency including localized SWs at a given eigen frequency and field. Assuming a spatial distribution of strain in the thin film which results from the substrate clamping and intrinsic magnetostriction effect, we solve the coupled magnetoelastodynamics equations. Our micromagnetic simulations unravel the underlying mechanism of noncollinear spin texture formation as well as spatially non-uniform SW frequencies. Our results provide a fundamental understanding of the origin of the non-collinear textures and their spin dynamics observed in hematite thin films
Breast size, thoracic kyphosis, and thoracic spine pain: a correlational survey of Nigerian postpartum mothers
Get PDFBackground: Thoracic spine postural dysfunctions are common postpartum-related health problems, compromising breastfeeding efficacy and quality of life among women. Previous studies have particularly associated these conditions with increased breast sizes in several populations. However, such empirical evidence is scarce in the Nigerian population. Objectives: To investigate the relationship among breast size, thoracic-kyphosis, and -spine pain among postpartum Nigerian women. Methods: This correlational survey involved 400 consenting postpartum mothers (between 0 and 24 months of postpartum period). Their breast size, thoracic spine posture, and pain were measured using a measuring tape (cm), inclinometer, and Revised Oswestry thoracic spine pain disability questionnaire, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive and relevant inferential statistics at p < 0.05. Results: The majority of the participants fall under the category of breast cup size B (61.75%), have no history of thoracic spine pain (87.4%), and about half of them (50.2%) have normal thoracic spine posture (low category with values ranging between 20⁰ and 35⁰. Breast size was significantly (r = 0.162, p = 0.001) correlated with thoracic spine posture but showed no significant correlation (r = 0.066, p = 0.622) with thoracic spine pain. Conclusion: Increasing breast size is weakly associated with a tendency towards a kyphotic posture of the thoracic spine. Postural education and care around adequate support of the breast with suitable fitting brassieres may help prevent kyphotic deformities. Future research with a randomized control trial and long-term follow-up is recommended to further confirm the causal relationship of these variables
Transitioning to Independence: Late Adolescents Access to Food and Health Care and Self-Management of Food Allergies
Get PDFThe period of transition from late adolescence to adulthood is a pivotal life stage characterised by increasing autonomy, risk-taking and many developmental changes. This can lead to poorer food choices, which will directly impact dietary intake. The presence of a food allergy will significantly impact both food choice and dietary intake due to the implementation of avoidance diets and the reduced access to safe, allergen-free food. The management of food allergies during the life stage of late adolescence necessitates adequate support. Despite this, access to sufficient support is a challenge for this group. At present, little research exists exploring the food choice, food access, dietary intake and healthcare access of late adolescents with food allergies. To understand the factors which influence food choice and therefore dietary intake and to understand the challenges and opportunities faced by late adolescents with food allergies when accessing food and healthcare is crucial. This can enable the development of tailored interventions which contribute to a more robust support system, consequently optimising the overall health and quality of life in this group. Therefore, the overall aim of this research was to investigate the current food choice, food access, healthcare access and dietary intake in late adolescents with food allergies in North West England.
This research consisted of five stages - the first three addressing the current food choice, food access and healthcare access of late adolescents with food allergies; the fourth stage explored their dietary intake while in the fifth stage, possible interventions were discussed and suggested with a diverse group of participants (food-allergic patients, parents/carers and healthcare professionals) to improve the current food and healthcare access of late adolescents with food allergies.
A mixed methods approach was used for this research. Through quantitative questionnaires, geographical mapping and qualitative focus groups, the current food choice, food access and healthcare access of late adolescents with food allergies was explored. In each case, a comparative analysis between late adolescents with and without food allergies was also conducted. Main results highlighted no differences between groups in relation to food choice. Challenges in accessing allergen-free foods were also identified. Similarly, late adolescents with food allergies struggled in accessing sufficient healthcare, in particular nutritional and psychological support were challenging. Through diet diaries the current dietary intake of late adolescents with food allergies was also explored. Dietary intake was found to be broadly similar in both late adolescents with and without food allergies. Diet quality was considered to be poor in all participants, with increased intakes of saturated fat, refined carbohydrates, sugar and salt and an inability to meet the recommended fibre intake. A novel approach of this research was the collaboration between food-allergic patients, parents and healthcare professionals in recommending potential interventions based on the findings of each stage of this research.
The results of this PhD research have important implications for further research. Late adolescents with food allergies desire to be like their peers and balancing this with the realities of managing food allergies is a challenge. The need to create an environment that promotes inclusivity while at university and supports the needs of late adolescents with food allergies is crucial. Additionally, access to quality health care that considers the unique needs during the transition from adolescence to adulthood is an imperative aspect of management. Collaboration is key – educational institutions, healthcare providers, policymakers and food-allergic patients themselves must work together to ensure a holistic and supportive approach in the management of food allergies