Quality of Service Class Identifier (QCI) radio resource allocation algorithm for LTE downlink.

The increasing demand for network applications, such as teleconferencing, multimedia messaging and mobile TV, which have diverse requirements, has resulted in the introduction of Long Term Evolution (LTE) by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). LTE networks implement resource allocation algorithms to distribute radio resource to satisfy the bandwidth and delay requirements of users. However, the scheduling algorithm problem of distributing radio resources to users is not well defined in the LTE standard and thus considerably affects transmission order. Furthermore, the existing radio resource algorithm suffers from performance degradation under prioritised conditions because of the minimum data rate used to determine the transmission order. In this work, a novel downlink resource allocation algorithm that uses quality of service (QoS) requirements and channel conditions to address performance degradation is proposed. The new algorithm is formulated as an optimisation problem where network resources are allocated according to users' priority, whereas the scheduling algorithm decides on the basis of users' channel status to satisfy the demands of QoS. Simulation is used to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm, and results demonstrate that it performs better than do all other algorithms according to the measured metrics.

Disaster Radio for Communication of Vital Messages and Health-Related Information: Experiences From the Haiyan Typhoon, the Philippines.

OBJECTIVE: Crisis communication is seen as an integrated and essential part of disaster management measures. After Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in the Philippines 2013, radio was used to broadcast information to the affected community. The aim of this study was to describe how disaster radio was used to communicate vital messages and health-related information to the public in one affected region after Typhoon Haiyan. METHODS: Mixed-methods analysis using qualitative content analysis and descriptive statistics was used to analyze 2587 logged radio log files. RESULTS: Radio was used to give general information and to demonstrate the capability of officials to manage the situation, to encourage, to promote recovery and foster a sense of hope, and to give practical advice and encourage self-activity. The content and focus of the messages changed over time. Encouraging messages were the most frequently broadcast messages. Health-related messages were a minor part of all information broadcast and gaps in the broadcast over time were found. CONCLUSION: Disaster radio can serve as a transmitter of vital messages including health-related information and psychological support in disaster areas. The present study indicated the potential for increased use. The perception, impact, and use of disaster radio need to be further evaluated. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:591-597).

SAR compliance assessment of PMR 446 and FRS walkie-talkies.

The vast amount of studies on radiofrequency dosimetry deal with exposure due to mobile devices and base station antennas for cellular communication systems. This study investigates compliance of walkie-talkies to exposure guidelines established by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and the Federal Communications Committee. The generic walkie-talkie consisted of a helical antenna and a ground plane and was derived by reverse engineering of a commercial walkie-talkie. Measured and simulated values of antenna characteristics and electromagnetic near fields of the generic walkie-talkie were within 2% and 8%, respectively. We also validated normalized electromagnetic near fields of the generic walkie-talkie against a commercial device and observed a very good agreement (deviation <6%). We showed that peak localized specific absorption rate (SAR) induced in the oval flat phantom by the generic walkie-talkie is in agreement with four commercial devices if input power of the generic walkie-talkie is rescaled based on magnetic near field. Finally, we found that SAR of commercial devices is within current SAR limits for general public exposure for a worst-case duty cycle of 100%, that is, about 3 times and 6 times lower than the limit on the 1 g SAR (1.6 W/kg) and 10 g SAR (2 W/kg), respectively. But, an effective radiated power as specified by the Private Mobile Radio at 446 MHz (PMR 446) radio standard can cause localized SAR exceeding SAR limits for 1 g of tissue.

Fault tolerant coverage and connectivity in presence of channel randomness.

Some applications of wireless sensor network require K-coverage and K-connectivity to ensure the system to be fault tolerance and to make it more reliable. Therefore, it makes coverage and connectivity an important issue in wireless sensor networks. In this paper, we proposed K-coverage and K-connectivity models for wireless sensor networks. In both models, nodes are distributed according to Poisson distribution in the sensor field. To make the proposed model more realistic we used log-normal shadowing path loss model to capture the radio irregularities and studied its impact on K-coverage and K-connectivity. The value of K can be different for different types of applications. Further, we also analyzed the problem of node failure for K-coverage model. In the simulation section, results clearly show that coverage and connectivity of wireless sensor network depend on the node density, shadowing parameters like the path loss exponent, and standard deviation.

Low-complexity user selection for rate maximization in MIMO broadcast channels with downlink beamforming.

We present in this work a low-complexity algorithm to solve the sum rate maximization problem in multiuser MIMO broadcast channels with downlink beamforming. Our approach decouples the user selection problem from the resource allocation problem and its main goal is to create a set of quasiorthogonal users. The proposed algorithm exploits physical metrics of the wireless channels that can be easily computed in such a way that a null space projection power can be approximated efficiently. Based on the derived metrics we present a mathematical model that describes the dynamics of the user selection process which renders the user selection problem into an integer linear program. Numerical results show that our approach is highly efficient to form groups of quasiorthogonal users when compared to previously proposed algorithms in the literature. Our user selection algorithm achieves a large portion of the optimum user selection sum rate (90%) for a moderate number of active users.

[Development of innovative methods of electromagnetic field evaluation for portable radio-station].

The results of portable radio-station "Radiy-301" electromagnetic fields (EMF) emission measurement and specific absorption rate data evaluation has shown that workers' exposure EMF levels may elevate hygienic norms and hereupon can be health risk factor. Possible way of portable radio-station EMF dosimetry enhancement by means of domestic and international approaches harmonization is considered.

[Methods of comparative evaluation of portable communication systems: Russian and international approaches].

The comparative analyze of specific absorption rate dosimetric evaluation and electromagnetic field levels by portable radio transmitters are shown. In paper there are divergence of Russian and international methodological approaches as hygienic assessment for hand-handle system communication.

Speech understanding in noise with integrated in-ear and muff-style hearing protection systems.

Integrated hearing protection systems are designed to enhance free field and radio communications during military operations while protecting against the damaging effects of high-level noise exposure. A study was conducted to compare the effect of increasing the radio volume on the intelligibility of speech over the radios of two candidate systems, in-ear and muff-style, in 85-dBA speech babble noise presented free field. Twenty normal-hearing, English-fluent subjects, half male and half female, were tested in same gender pairs. Alternating as talker and listener, their task was to discriminate consonant-vowel-consonant syllables that contrasted either the initial or final consonant. Percent correct consonant discrimination increased with increases in the radio volume. At the highest volume, subjects achieved 79% with the in-ear device but only 69% with the muff-style device, averaged across the gender of listener/talker pairs and consonant position. Although there was no main effect of gender, female listener/talkers showed a 10% advantage for the final consonant and male listener/talkers showed a 1% advantage for the initial consonant. These results indicate that normal hearing users can achieve reasonably high radio communication scores with integrated in-ear hearing protection in moderately high-level noise that provides both energetic and informational masking. The adequacy of the range of available radio volumes for users with hearing loss has yet to be determined.

Novel hysteretic noisy chaotic neural network for broadcast scheduling problems in packet radio networks.

Noisy chaotic neural network (NCNN), which can exhibit stochastic chaotic simulated annealing (SCSA), has been proven to be a powerful tool in solving combinatorial optimization problems. In order to retain the excellent optimization property of SCSA and improve the optimization performance of the NCNN using hysteretic dynamics without increasing network parameters, we first construct an equivalent model of the NCNN and then control noises in the equivalent model to propose a novel hysteretic noisy chaotic neural network (HNCNN). Compared with the NCNN, the proposed HNCNN can exhibit both SCSA and hysteretic dynamics without introducing extra system parameters, and can increase the effective convergence toward optimal or near-optimal solutions at higher noise levels. Broadcast scheduling problem (BSP) in packet radio networks (PRNs) is to design an optimal time-division multiple-access (TDMA) frame structure with minimal frame length, maximal channel utilization, and minimal average time delay. In this paper, the proposed HNCNN is applied to solve BSP in PRNs to demonstrate its performance. Simulation results show that the proposed HNCNN with higher noise amplitudes is more likely to find an optimal or near-optimal TDMA frame structure with a minimal average time delay than previous algorithms.

The quality of media reports on discoveries related to human genetic diseases.

OBJECTIVES: To examine (1) the quality of media reports (newspapers, television and public radio) of genetic discoveries with medical relevance and (2) factors related to the completeness and balance of the stories. METHODS: Analysis of the accuracy, balance, and completeness of 228 media stories reporting 24 genetic discoveries between 1996 and 2000 using a previously validated instrument. RESULTS: Although usually accurate, the stories contained only 45.5 +/- 13.8% (mean +/- SD) of relevant items. Stories appearing on television and stories reporting discoveries of genes for rare diseases were the least complete. Stories in non-US English-speaking newspapers included more content items per word than US stories. Less balanced stories exaggerated the benefits of discoveries, ignored possible risks, and did not present a range of expert opinion. Scientists were sometimes the source of exaggeration. CONCLUSIONS: To increase the quality of media reports about genetic discoveries, stories should include more relevant items and be written by journalists skilled in science writing. Scientists will have to resist the tendency to exaggerate. These conclusions may apply to media stories of other discoveries as well.

[Sanitary specification by electromagnetic factor for radiofrequency transmitters]. / Sanitarnaia pasportizatsiia peredaiushchikh radiotekhnicheskikh ob"ektov radiochastotnogo diapazona po élektromagnitnomu faktoru.

The article represents structure and contents of sanitary specification by electromagnetic factor to unify radio transmitter. The authors determined requirements to calculate intensity of radio frequency electromagnetic rays and to complete calculations in sanitary specification. Complete information on calculation of radio frequency electromagnetic rays intensity should be stored in electronic carrier (diskette). Notion is that using software complex analyzing electromagnetic situation could resolve many problems and discrepancies in coordination of sanitary specification by State Sanitary and Epidemiologic Supervision.

Mass media influences on sexuality.

The mainstream mass media (television, magazines, movies, music, and the Internet) provide increasingly frequent portrayals of sexuality. We still know relatively little about how this content is used and how it affects sexual beliefs and behaviors. The few available studies suggest that the media do have an impact because the media keep sexual behavior on public and personal agendas, media portrayals reinforce a relatively consistent set of sexual and relationship norms, and the media rarely depict sexually responsible models. More longitudinal research, especially with early adolescents is needed to learn more about how media content is attended to, interpreted, and incorporated into developing sexual lives.

Establishment of a Medical Implant Communications Service in the 402-405 MHz band. Federal Communications Commission. Final rule.

This document establishes a Medical Implant Communications Service (MICS) operating in the 402-405 MHz band. MICS operations will consist of high-speed, ultra-low power, non-voice transmissions to and from implanted medical devices such as cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators. The rules will allow use of newly-developed, life-saving medical technology without harming other users of the frequency band.

Female voice communications in high level aircraft cockpit noises--part II: vocoder and automatic speech recognition systems.

BACKGROUND: The intelligibility of female and male speech is equivalent under most ordinary living conditions. However, due to small differences between their acoustic speech signals, called speech spectra, one can be more or less intelligible than the other in certain situations such as high levels of noise. Anecdotal information, supported by some empirical observations, suggests that some of the high intensity noise spectra of military aircraft cockpits may degrade the intelligibility of female speech more than that of male speech. METHODS: In an applied research study, the intelligibility of female and male speech was measured in several high level aircraft cockpit noise conditions experienced in military aviation. RESULTS: In Part I, (Nixon CW, et al. Aviat Space Environ Med 1998; 69:675-83) female speech intelligibility measured in the spectra and levels of aircraft cockpit noises and with noise-canceling microphones was lower than that of the male speech in all conditions. However, the differences were small and only those at some of the highest noise levels were significant. Although speech intelligibility of both genders was acceptable during normal cruise noises, improvements are required in most of the highest levels of noise created during maximum aircraft operating conditions. These results are discussed in a Part I technical report. This Part II report examines the intelligibility in the same aircraft cockpit noises of vocoded female and male speech and the accuracy with which female and male speech in some of the cockpit noises were understood by automatic speech recognition systems. The intelligibility of vocoded female speech was generally the same as that of vocoded male speech. No significant differences were measured between the recognition accuracy of male and female speech by the automatic speech recognition systems. The intelligibility of female and male speech was equivalent for these conditions.

Effect of ethnic media on cervical cancer screening rates.

The effect on cervical screening rates of paid publicity on ethnic radio was evaluated. The radio publicity occurred during three discrete periods between 1992 and 1994. The numbers of women having Pap smears before and after the intervention were compared in postcode areas with high and low percentages of residents of non-English-speaking background. During the second and third publicity periods, when the media coverage was more intense, a larger increase in screening rates was evident in postcode areas with high percentages of women of non-English-speaking background. Across the three intervention periods, the media publicity appeared to generate an additional 6.7 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval 4.4 to 9.2 per cent) increase in screening in areas with a high proportion of women of non-English-speaking-background compared with changes in screening in areas with a low proportion of women of non-English-speaking background. Paid publicity on ethnic radio may be an effective strategy to increase cervical screening rates among women of non-English-speaking background.

Analisis del Campo Electromagnetico en Ciudad de La Habana / Analysis of the electromagnetic field in Havana City

Con el objetivo de valorar la exposicion de la poblacion al campo electromagnetico, a cuenta de las transmisiones civiles en Ciudad de La Habana, se efectuaron los calculos teoricos de propagacion de ondas en la gama de frecuencias medias, cortas y ultracortas en modulaciones de amplitud, frecuencia y pulso, y se obtuvieron estimaciones de las zonas de proteccion sanitaria y limite de construccion a partir de normas europeas para los transmisores instalados que operaban a su maxima capacidad. Con la tecnica de reconocimiento de patrones se observo que el riesgo sanitario era de igual modo mayor en los transmisores de television del oeste de la ciudad, en los emisores de frecuencia modulada del centro y en una de las frecuencias de radar del este de la ciudad, se hallaron multiples edificaciones civiles en areas de presunta restriccion. El riesgo seria minimo en las emisiones de ondas medias. Los valores que resultan de la situacion real y los valores medidos indican que en ningun momento llega a transgredirse el nivel permisible de campo para la salud humana. El calculo teorico de los campos asociados a las lineas de alta tension que se hallan en zonas aledanas y dentro de la ciudad delimita una extension de la zona de proteccion sanitaria del orden hasta de las centenas de metros