Error performance analysis of a jointly optimal single-cochannel-interferer BPSK receiver

An analytical solution is derived for the average error-rate performance of a jointly optimal binary phase-shift keying receiver operating in the presence of one cochannel interferer and additive white Gaussian noise. The solution takes different analytical forms, depending on the region of signal-to-interference ratio. The regions depend, in turn, on the phase difference between the desired signal and the interferer signal.     

Linear threaded algebraic space-time constellations

Space-time (ST) constellations that are linear over the field of complex numbers are considered. Relevant design criteria for these constellations are summarized and some fundamental limits to their achievable performances are established. The fundamental tradeoff between rate and diversity is investigated under different constraints on the peak power, receiver complexity, and rate scaling with the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). A new family of constellations that achieve optimal or near-optimal performance with respect to the different criteria is presented. The proposed constellations belong to the threaded algebraic ST (TAST) signaling framework, and achieve the optimal minimum squared Euclidean distance and the optimal delay. For systems with one receive antenna, these constellations also achieve the optimal peak-to-average power ratio for quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) and phase-shift keying (PSK) input constellations, as well as optimal coding gains in certain scenarios. The framework is general for any number of transmit and receive antennas and allows for realizing the optimal tradeoff between rate and diversity under different constraints. Simulation results demonstrate the performance gains offered by the proposed designs in average power and peak power limited systems.     

Critical evaluation and optimization of the thermodynamic properties of liquid tin solutions

Thermodynamic and phase equilibrium data for the following 18 elements in molten Sn were collected and critically evaluated: Al, Ca, Ce, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, H, Mg, Mo, Na, Ni, O, P, S, Se, Si, and Ti. Binary and ternary data were optimized to give polynomial expressions for the excess Gibbs energies as functions of temperature and composition. For some solutes, the optimized expressions are valid over the entire composition range 0 ≤ X_Sn ≤ 1. In other cases, the expressions apply to Snrich solutions. Solute-solute interaction terms were estimated where data were not available. The optimized Gibbs energy expressions are also presented in the form of interaction parameters, and the equivalence between the polynomial and interaction parameter formalisms is discussed. Through the Kohler equation, or the modified interaction parameter formalism, the thermodynamic properties of the multicomponent solution of 18 elements in Sn can be calculated. The database is suitable for computer storage and manipulation.     

Assessing cognitive coping strategies for acute postsurgical pain.

The Cognitive Coping Strategy Inventory (CCSI), developed from a theoretical taxonomy of coping strategies, allows for the assessment of coping strategies in acute pain settings. The initial instrument was administered to 83 postsurgical patients, and acceptable internal consistency was obtained for the subscales. After minor revisions it was administered to 100 postsurgical patients, a concurrent validity study was conducted, and its factor structure was investigated. The final version of the inventory was administered to 81 postsurgical patients. A sum index derived from the CCSI was significantly related to both self-perception of pain tolerance and independent ratings of subjects' pain coping ability. Concurrent validity studies indicated that a small portion of pain coping variance was accounted for by the CCSI, and cautions are raised regarding its use as an isolated measure. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A simple series for personal computer computation of the errorfunction Q(·)

A simple series for computation of the error function Q(·) is derived. It is well suited for implementation on a personal computer, having six or more significant figure accuracy over a wide range of argument and requiring few lines of code to program. Its advantage over other series is its rapid convergence over a wide range of argument     

An Analytical Expression for the BER of an Individually Optimal Single Cochannel Interferer BPSK Receiver

An analytical expression for the bit-error rate (BER) of an individually optimal receiver in a two-user synchronous channel is derived. The desired signal is a binary phase-shift keying (BPSK) signal corrupted by a like-modulated interference and additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). The BER expression decomposes into the probability of error of BPSK in AWGN plus an interference term which tends to zero when either the interferer power or the interferer signal correlation with the desired signal approaches zero     

Performance of Two Dual-Branch Postdetection Switch-and-Stay Combining Schemes in Correlated Rayleigh and Rician Fading

The performance of binary frequency-shift keying (BFSK) and M-ary frequency shift keying (MFSK) with dual-branch postdetection switch-and-stay combining (SSC) in correlated Rayleigh and Rician fading is studied. Two postdetection SSC receivers are considered and the performances of noncoherent BFSK and MFSK are analyzed. Closed-form expressions are derived for the average bit-error rate (BER) of BFSK and MFSK with postdetection SSC in correlated Rayleigh and Rician fading. Optimum switching thresholds that minimize the average BER are obtained. Extensive Monte Carlo simulations are presented to test the validity of the analytical results. The performance of dual-branch postdetection SSC is compared with the performance of dual-branch predetection SSC. The effects of correlation, fading parameter, average fading power imbalance, and switching threshold on the performances of postdetection SSC receivers are examined     

A MAP Estimator for the m Parameter in Nakagami Fading Ultra-Wide Bandwidth Indoor Channels

A maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimator for the Nakagami m parameter in an ultra-wide bandwidth (UWB) indoor channel is proposed. Previous work exclusively studies maximum likelihood (ML) estimation and moment method (MM) estimation of the Nakagami m parameter. This letter derives the MAP estimator for the Nakagami m parameter by using the a priori probabilities of the Nakagami fading parameters in an indoor UWB channel. The performance of the MAP estimator is examined and compared with those of the ML estimator and the MM estimator. Numerical results demonstrate that the new MAP estimator is superior to the ML estimator and the MM estimator in an indoor UWB channel, especially when the sample size in the estimation is small     

Impacts d'un programme d'interventions multidimensionnel con?u pour les parents et leur enfant ayant un TDAH sur le stress parental et la relation parent–enfant.

The behaviours that characterize ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) often lead to impairments in the parent–child relationship and contribute to increased stress amongst parents of children with the disorder. The main objective of this research is to evaluate the impact of a multimodal intervention program (Multi-Propulsions) on parental stress and on parent–child relationship as perceived by parents. The program combines: (1) a cognitive-behavioural program for ADHD children including physical activities in an adapted gymnasium; (2) a cognitive-behavioural parent training program; (3) joint activities with children and parents under the supervision of professionals. Sample contents 23 families with ADHD children aged between 6 and 12 years old from the ADHD clinic of the Rivière-des-Prairies Hospital in Montreal. Participants were randomly assigned to treatment or waiting group. Results highlight the efficiency of Multi-Propulsions program for diminishing parental stress, particularly stress associated with child's characteristics, and these therapeutic gains were maintained four months after the treatment. Furthermore, the results show an improvement in the quality of parent–child relationship. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

High performance materials based on a self‐assembled multiple‐percolated ternary blend

In this study, it will be shown that morphologically tailored tricontinuous ternary blends, comprising polybutylene succinate (PBS), polylactic acid (PLA), and poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)(PBAT), can generate new materials with excellent properties. Detailed morphological analysis is used to establish that all three phases in the ternary 33%PBS/33%PLA/33%PBAT blend morphology are highly continuous with a phase structure dominated by complete wetting dynamics. PBS is shown to situate itself between PLA and PBAT. This melt processed, self‐assembled, multiple percolated, blend possesses a high elongation at break (567%), high Young's modulus (1130 MPa), high impact strength (271 J/m), and a storage modulus about 50% higher than pure PBS at room temperature. None of the neat materials demonstrate this combination of high properties and the synergy derives from the tricontinuous structure of the system. The ternary nature of the blend allows for a modulation of the crystallinity behavior as examined by differential scanning calorimeter and X‐ray Diffraction. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 3005–3012, 2014