12 research outputs found
Energy-Efficient Mobility for Small-Cell Overlaid Cellular Networks
No full textTo satisfy the ever-growing demand for enhanced data rate in future cellular networks, an ultra-densification approach is introduced to shrink the coverage of base stations (BSs) and improve frequency reuse. A gain in system capacity is anticipated by increasing the density of BSs; however this gain is expected to come at the expense of a high number of handovers (HOs), increased HO delays, increased HO failures (HOFs), and a high ping pong (PP) rate, which for moderate-to-high-speed users implies significant signaling overhead traffic resulting in an unsatisfactory user experience.In this thesis, we provide a simulation analysis to study the performance of current 3GPP cellular networks (e.g. Long Term Evolution (LTE)/ New Radio (NR)) with a legacy downlink handover (DL-HO) procedure by taking into account the cell sizes and user mobility. In particular, the potential problems of HOFs are highlighted especially in the case of ultra-densification. Moreover, this work derives a power consumption model and addresses the signaling overhead and power consumption that results from the transmission and reception of HO signaling both at the BS and at the User Equipment (UE) during DL-HO.
The DL-HO analysis exhibits that the measurement report (MeasReport) transmission is the largest contributor to air-interface signaling and its power consumption is higher than random access channel (RACH) signaling and the signaling confirming the HO. In order to cope with the problem of high MeasReport signaling and effectively reduce the associated power consumption, a handover that is based on the uplink (UL) reference signal, referred to here as UL-HO, is proposed that exploits uplink (UL) reference signals (RSs), namely the sounding reference signal (SRS), transmitted by UEs. The performance of UL-HO is compared with DL-HO to quantify the potential benefits in terms of reduction in HO rates, HOFs, PPs, UE, and BS power consumption.
After this, we then highlight another major challenge of today's cellular networks which is the increasing demand for voice and data services in fast-moving public transportation (i.e. bus, tram, train, subway, etc.), especially in urban areas. To this end, we investigate the utilization of mobile relay nodes (MRNs) in vehicles to facilitate efficient group HO and reduce the energy consumption for all on-board UEs. In this thesis, we also address the DL-HO performance of an MRN to identify the causes of MRN HOFs towards the donor BS (DBS) that are more critical for the on-board UEs.To sort out the problem of MRN HOF to the DBS, we extend the applicability of the UL-HO scheme for the MRN to eliminate the MeasReprot signaling during MRN HO to the DBS. Therefore the HO delay can be reduced, decreasing the chances of single point of failure (SPoF) and thus, uninterrupted services can be provided to on-board UEs. Moreover, we analyze the impact of on-board UE cluster size on HO performance and the associated power consumption
Analysis of the Misconceptions about Aid and Hepatitis among the Student of Nishtar Medical College Multan: A Study of Knowledge, Aptitude, and Perspective
No full textIntroduction: A number of evaluations regarding awareness among people about modes of transmission, sources of transmission and vaccination against HBV, HCV, and HIV have been carried out but very few of them have specifically focused medical students. This study reflects the degree of awareness of 3rd year MBBS students on these issues and their vaccination status. It also depicts whether medical students are afraid of examining patients afflicted with these diseases or not.
Objectives of study: To determine the knowledge and aptitude of medical students about various aspects of HBV, HCV, and HIV diseases.
Data & Methodology: We used primary data in this study which is cross-sectional in study. The data was collected through a structured questionnaire. As many 130 third years students of MBBS students of Nishtar Medical College were selected as the sample of the study. The field survey method was used to collect the data. Statistical description methods such as frequency distribution, graphs, and tables were used to explain and analyze the data.
Findings and Results: Our study evidence shows that 28.4 percent students possessed complete knowledge about the modes of transmission of HBV, HCV, and HIV while 70.7 percent have incomplete knowledge whereas 0.07 percent of the students have no knowledge about these diseases. Similarly, 60 percent of the students have no fear about the examinations of the patients suffering these diseases while 40 percent were afraid about them. Regarding the availability of vaccination against HBV, HCV and HIV 80.7 percent have knowledge about HBV, 42.3 percent about HCV and 16.9 percent about HIV. Our results show that 81.5 percent sampling students were vaccinated against HBV while 19.5 percent were not. Due to lack of awareness, negligence, etc.
Conclusions: Our study concludes that majority of sampling students having full knowledge about these fatal diseases were lower than expected and it is, therefore, recommended that an awareness campaign should be launched so that students should be well-acquainted about the fatal impact of HBV, HCV, and HIV. Special seminars or workshops should be arranged to educate and train these students so that they may be able to cope with these diseases effectively after completion of their education.
 
Estimating the impact of high-fidelity rainfall data on traffic conditions and traffic prediction
No full textAccurate prediction of network-level traffic parameters during inclement weather conditions can greatly help in many transportation applications. Rainfall tends to have a quantifiable impact on driving behavior and traffic network performance. This impact is often studied for low-resolution rainfall data on small road networks, whereas this study investigates it in the context of a large traffic network and high-resolution rainfall radar images. First, the impact of rainfall intensity on traffic performance throughout the day and for different road categories is analyzed. Next, it is investigated whether including rainfall information can improve the predictive accuracy of the state-of-the-art traffic forecasting methods. Numerical results show that the impact of rainfall on traffic varies for different rainfall intensities as well as for different times of the day and days of the week. The results also show that incorporating rainfall data into prediction models improves their overall performance. The average reduction in mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) for models with rainfall data is 4.5%. Experiments with downsampled rainfall data were also performed, and it was concluded that incorporating higher resolution weather data does indeed lead to an increase in performance of traffic prediction models.Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository ‘You share, we take care!’ – Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-care Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public.Signal Processing System
Implications of Stereotype Mosque Architecture on Sustainability
No full textabstract: Stereotypical construction of buildings, however convenient, poses its own set of challenges. It affects the sustainable development critically and can give rise to social, economic and environmental problems. In other words, same design of a building if repeated irrationally from one place to another even within an identical climatic region gives rise to some grave problems which can compromise multiple dimensions of sustainability. Mosque architecture has some elements that have gradually become its identity. In this research different elements of repetition i.e. stereotype features in mosque architecture are explored. While using a case study approach this research is used to assess mosque projects in an urban region of Lahore, Pakistan. While considering the case studies the positive and negative effects of stereotype elements on three dimensions of sustainability are investigated
Buildings and Their Integration in Communities: Case Study of a Parking Plaza
No full textabstract: The development of projects in isolation and such treatment by urban development authorities can lead to socioeconomic success or failure in projects. This dilemma has its roots in poor initial planning both at the level of individual project, and that of community and neighborhoods. Although the facts like project success or failure are readily determinable in case of socioeconomic sustainability, it is difficult to determine how various variables interact in determining project success. This research is aimed at using system dynamics for investigating the phenomenon of unpopularity of building projects within the urban fabric. An attempt is made to discuss the case study of a parking plaza in its context and for detailed investigation of this building, systems thinking methodology is employed. The research has highlighted various variables that have a role to play in making the case study project an example of success or failure in terms of sustainability. The practice of using systems thinking in case of deeply rooted sustainability analysis has brought some new insight which seems to have a promising role to play
Ultrasensitive electronic impedance based microfluidic assays for proteins and nucleic acids
No full textProteins are useful biomarkers for a wide range of applications such as cancer detection, discovery of vaccines, and determining exposure to viruses and pathogens. Similarly, fast and accurate detection of genetic material is a cornerstone for diagnostics with far reaching applications, including the identification of infectious diseases and patient biomarkers. In the research presented here, I address multiple challenges for the improvement in impedance-based detection of proteins and nucleic acids. I demonstrate that I can detect these macromolecules with increased accuracy digitally in a microfluidic cytometry format through the use of both biological and electronic signal enhancement and advanced data analysis techniques.A challenge associated with impedance-based sensing is to develop a sensitive readout system in a portable form factor without compromising performance. I start by developing a low-noise front-end analog circuit interface towards development of a portable readout system for the label-free sensing of proteins with a form factor of approximately 35 cm2. The electronic interface consists of a low-noise lock-in amplifier enabling reliable detection of changes in impedance as low as 0.1% and thus detection of proteins down to the picomolar level.
I applied machine learning techniques along with a commercial off the shelf programmable fluid control system to realize a fully integrated system for the detection and quantification of proteins down to 10 pg/ml in a digital microfluidic impedance cytometry format via the conjugation of proteins to beads. The aim of this research is to present the proof of concept for a machine learning assisted label-free electrochemical impedance-based method for oral health monitoring through quantification of proteins in a custom microfluidic chip using multiple frequencies. This work represents a proof-of-concept that machine learning enabled assays with automated fluidic control may eliminate much of the challenges associated with developing a point of care (POC) based solution.
For the nucleic acid detection, I present a novel pathogen detection method combining a one-pot isothermal generation of DNA nanoballs with their detection by electrical impedance. We modified Loop-mediated Isothermal amplification (LAMP) by utilizing compaction oligonucleotides that self-assemble the amplified target into nanoballs. The movement of individual nanoballs between two electrodes is detected by a change in impedance providing a quantized readout. To demonstrate the applicability of this technology, I apply it to the detection of SARS-CoV-2. I also demonstrate detection of multiple DNA and RNA pathogenic sequences such as Influenza, HIV, β-lactamase, and mycobacterium to show the adaptability of the novel method to any sequence of interest.
In the novel detection of pathogenic sequences using DNA nanoballs, I optimized the detection method by tuning the electrical parameters for the detection by using beads as a reference. I present a method to achieve better detection fidelity and more by adapting advanced wireless communications technique to a digital microfluidic impedance cytometry format. Specifically, I leverage the Alamouti code, a technique used for space time diversity in communication systems as an inspiration, to design space time coded electrodes and corresponding signal combining techniques to achieve high detection fidelity through improved thresholding.
Finally, I present a novel method for the digital genotyping of known diseases by harnessing the power of multifrequency impedance spectroscopy on DNA directly in solution. The method for characterizing DNA in solution is based on the gradual change in impedance due to the increasing concentration of DNA in solution around the sensing region. I have verified the method by using DNA at various concentrations. Furthermore, I have successfully demonstrated the applicability of the method on clinical samples for the detection of TTR variant DNA obtained from cardiac amyloidosis patients.Ph.D.Includes bibliographical reference
Buildings and Their Integration in Communities: Case Study of a Parking Plaza
No full textAbstractThe development of projects in isolation and such treatment by urban development authorities can lead to socioeconomic success or failure in projects. This dilemma has its roots in poor initial planning both at the level of individual project, and that of community and neighborhoods. Although the facts like project success or failure are readily determinable in case of socioeconomic sustainability, it is difficult to determine how various variables interact in determining project success. This research is aimed at using system dynamics for investigating the phenomenon of unpopularity of building projects within the urban fabric. An attempt is made to discuss the case study of a parking plaza in its context and for detailed investigation of this building, systems thinking methodology is employed. The research has highlighted various variables that have a role to play in making the case study project an example of success or failure in terms of sustainability. The practice of using systems thinking in case of deeply rooted sustainability analysis has brought some new insight which seems to have a promising role to play
Tailoring triple charge conduction in BaCo0.2Fe0.1Ce0.2Tm0.1Zr0.3Y0.1O3−δ semiconductor electrolyte for boosting solid oxide fuel cell performance
No full textFunding Information: This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) under the (grant # 11674085 and 51772080 ) and National Laboratory of solid-state Microstructures, Nanjing University for project support is also acknowledged. Dr. Asghar thanks the Hubei overseas Talent 100 program (as a distinguished professor at Hubei University) and Academy of Finland (Grant No. 13329016 and 13322738 ) for their support. Muhammad Akbar helped in the Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images assistance. Publisher Copyright: © 2021 The Author(s) Copyright: Copyright 2021 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.Introducing multiple-ionic transport through a semiconductor-electrolyte is a promising approach to realize the low-temperature operation of SOFCs. Herein, we designed and synthesized a single-phase Ce-doped BaCo0.2Fe0.3-xTm0.1Zr0.3Y0.1O3-δ semiconductor-electrolyte possessing triple-charge (H+/O2−/e−) conduction ability. Two different compositions are synthesized: BaCo0.2Fe0.3-xCexTm0.1Zr0.3Y0.1O3-δ [x = 0.1–0.2]. The 20% doped Ce composition exhibits an outstanding oxide-ion and protonic conductivity of 0.193 S cm−1 and 0.09 S cm−1 at 530 °C and the fuel cell utilizing BaCo0.2Fe0.2Ce0.2Tm0.1Zr0.3Y0.1O3-δ as an electrolyte yields an excellent power density of 873 mW cm−2 at 530 °C. Moreover, the fuel cell performed reasonably well (383 mW cm−2) even at a low temperature of 380 °C. Furthermore, the 10% Ce-doped utilized in fuel cell device illustrates lower performance (661 mW cm−2 at 530 °C and 260 mW cm−2 at 380 °C). Successful doping of Ce supports the formation of oxygen-vacancies at the B-site of perovskite and adjusting the ratio of Fe in the compositions. Moreover, the presence of Tm also assist in the creation of oxygen vacancies. Furthermore, the boosting of electrochemical performance and ionic conductivity of applied materials are enlightened by tuning the energy-band structure via employing the UPS and UV–Vis. The physical characterizations and verification of dual-ions (H+/O2−) in the semiconductor materials are performed via different electrochemical, spectroscopic, and microscopic techniques. A systematic study revealed triple charge conduction in this promising material, which helps in boosting the electrochemical performance of the LT-SOFC.Peer reviewe
Appraisal of reservoir quality for hydrocarbon-bearing deep-water Miocene sandstones incised valley, south-east Asian offshore Indus: An application of seismic attributes and instantaneous spectral porosity quantitative reservoir simulations
No full textIncised marine valleys (IVS) are hot topics in exploring the stratigraphic oil and gas-bearing plays. Multiple channelized sandstone lenses at varying depths [m], thicknesses [m], and porosities [%] constrain seismic impedance. The presence of hydrocarbon-bearing resources affects the seismic impedance (density (g/cc) and velocity (m/s)). Therefore, a quantitative prediction has been carried out for determining the thickness [m], porosity [%], and depths [m] of laterally distributed channelized sandstone lenses (SLS) for IVS, Indus offshore Basin (IOB), Pakistan, using 2-D instantaneous spectral porosity quantitative modelling (2DSSM), continuous wavelet transforms-based (CWT) 2-D instantaneous spectral density modelling (2DSSDM), and spectral decomposition tools. The 2DSSM remained limited in predicting the number of channelized sandstone lenses and their quantitative stratigraphic attributes. The 45-Hz-based processing of conventional 2DSSM has resolved the two channelized sandstone lenses of the stratigraphic trap. The deepest channelized sandstone lens has attained 1–6 m thickness with a lateral extent of 3 km, within the porosity range of 18–33 %. The highest confidence level for predicted petrophysical attributes such as 13 m-thick pay zones, −0.08, −0.067, and −0.07 acoustic impedances [g/c.c.*m/s], and 28 % porosities with R2 > 0.85 have validated interpretations. The response of 45-Hz CWT waveform-based inverted density and thickness simulations has predicted the highest thicknesses and lowest densities of reservoir sandstones within the meandering channel belt of the deepwater depositional system. The predicted densities and thicknesses for the coarse-grained sandstone lenses of point bars were 1.8–1.9 g/cc and 15 m, respectively. In the same way, the quantitative estimates of predicted density and simulated thickness have shown a strong coefficient correlation (R2 > 0.80), which confirms the presence of gas-bearing prospects within the IVS. The facies-controlled migration is thought to be the movement of the reservoir facies of the point bars and channelled sandstone-filled lenses to the side. © 2024 The Author(s
Interface engineering of bi-layer semiconductor SrCoSnO3-δ-CeO2-δ heterojunction electrolyte for boosting the electrochemical performance of low-temperature ceramic fuel cell
No full textFunding Information: This work was supported Southeast University (SEU) PROJET # 3203002003A1 and National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) under the grant # 51772080 and 11604088 . Dr. Asghar thanks the Hubei overseas Talent 100 program (as a distinguished professor at Hubei University) and Academy of Finland (Grant No. 13329016, 13322738) for their support. Publisher Copyright: © 2021 The Author(s)A comparative study is performed to investigate the electrochemical performance of the low-temperature ceramic fuel cells (CFCs) utilizing two different novel electrolytes. First, a perovskite semiconductor SrCo0.3Sn0.7O3-δ was used as an electrolyte in CFCs due to its modest ionic conductivity (0.1 S/cm) and demonstrated an acceptable power density of 360 mW/cm2 at 520 °C. The performance of the cell was primarily limited due to the moderate ionic transport in the electrolyte. In order to improve the ionic conductivity, a new strategy of using a novel bi-layer electrolyte concept consist of SrCo0.3Sn0.7O3-δ and CeO2-δ in CFCs. These bi-layers of two electrolytes have successfully established heterojunction which considerably improved the ionic conductivity (0.2 S/cm) and enhance the open-circuit voltage of the cell from 0.98 V to 1.001 V. Moreover, the CFCs utilizing bi-layer electrolyte have produced a remarkable power density of 672 mW/cm2 at 520 °C. This enhancement of ionic conduction, power density and blockage of electron conduction in the bi-layer electrolyte was studied via band alignment mechanism based on proposed p-n heterojunction. Our work presents a promising methodology for developing advanced low-temperature CFC electrolytes.Peer reviewe
