On Modeling Coverage and Rate of Random Cellular Networks under Generic Channel Fading

In this paper we provide an analytic framework for computing the expected downlink coverage probability, and the associated data rate of cellular networks, where base stations are distributed in a random manner. The provided expressions are in computable integral forms that accommodate generic channel fading conditions. We develop these expressions by modelling the cellular interference using stochastic geometry analysis, then we employ them for comparing the coverage resulting from various channel fading conditions namely Rayleigh and Rician fading, in addition to the fading-less channel. Furthermore, we expand the work to accommodate the effects of random frequency reuse on the cellular coverage and rate. Monte-Carlo simulations are conducted to validate the theoretical analysis, where the results show a very close match

E-learning adoption in higher education in Jordan: vision, reality and change

This paper discusses the implementation of an e-learning program at a Jordanian University (Al-Ahliyya Amman University). The program originally aimed to establish a virtual university which offers totally online courses but due to a number of reasons there had to be some changes in the implementation process. The paper discusses such changes and challenges faced by AAU in implementing its e-learning program from an IS project management point of view. Findings suggest that implementing such projects needs careful consideration of a variety of issues to ensure that the objectives are achieved. The case provides rich insights to other educational institutions wishing to implement such projects

Physical Activity and Obesity Indicators: National Cross Sectional Study on Lebanese Adults

Association between higher levels of physical activity and lower rates of obesity has been shown. The aim is to assess the relation between the prevalence of physical activity and the Physical Activity Index (PAI) of 300 Lebanese healthy adults, with age, gender, occupation, body mass indices and waist circumferences (WC). The cutoff points of WC for both genders were determined using the values of Body Mass Index (BMI). A cross-sectional study using self-reported valid questionnaire was conducted randomly on 150 men and 150 women, between 18 and 74 years, from Beirut region. Association between variables was performed using chi2, T-Test and ANOVA. Linear regression determined the WC cutoffs based on BMI. 22% of the population was obese with WC mean level of 92.47±14.4cm (87.71±14.4 cm for women and 97.24±12.96 cm for men). The prevalence of physical activity was 34% in overall population (27% in women and 40% in men).There was no significant association between BMI values and PAI (p< 0.085 for men and p< 0.300 for women). However there was an inverse association between WC values and PAI in both genders (p<0.043 in men and p< 0.036 in women). Linear regression showed WC cut-off point in Lebanese women with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and ≥30 kg/m2 of 86 cm and 100 cm respectively, whereas for men it was 92.12 cm and 105 cm respectively. The prevalence of physical activity in Beirut is low with differences among genders. The highest physical activity index is associated with the decreased values of waist circumference

A long-lasting controversy : Western democracy promotion in Jordan

Since the end of the cold war and, in particular, the Al Qaeda attacks of 11 September 2001 in the United States, Western governments have in their rhetoric stressed democratization in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region as a key policy goal. 1 The EU, the US and other Western countries have developed and extended their democracy promotion activities in the region, in particular democracy assistance to civil society, independent media, the judiciary, parliament and political parties. 2 Such assistance has at times been complemented with public criticism of perceived non-democratic behaviour and political conditionalities, i.e. making democratic reform a precondition for granting favours such as trade deals and development assistance.peer-reviewe

Antiviral functions of bone morphogenetic proteins and the activins

Previous work in the Drakesmith lab has revealed a novel anti-HCV function of bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6), a TGFβ-superfamily cytokine unrelated to type I IFN. Recombinant BMP6 is antiviral against both replication-competent HCV and a full-length genomic replicon model. Data presented in this thesis demonstrate that an anti-HCV effect extends to multiple BMPs and segregates with ability to ligate the type I BMP receptor. Canonically, the type I BMP receptor signals intracellularly via phosphorylation of SMAD1/5/8 transcription factors. Prior work in the lab shows that BMP6 exerts both type I IFN-dependent and type I IFN-independent antiviral effects. In terms of delineating mechanistic basis for the latter, we have formulated a model whereby BMP6 induces cell cycle arrest in phases characterized by reduced cytosolic nucleotide availability, and which are therefore less permissive to viral replication. A recent report indicates that another TGFβ-type cytokine, activin B, is able to signal through a nonclassical type I BMP receptor dependent mechanism. Activin A and B have multiple established roles in innate immunity and inflammatory responses. However, no direct link between activin A and B and the early response to viral infection has been described. Given their "immune precedent" within the literature, and their high level of structural and phylogenetic homology to the BMPs, both activin A and B represented promising candidates to explore for an antiviral effect. Our data indicate that activin A mRNA, encoded by the INHBA gene, is induced upon activation of RIG-I, MDA5 and TLR7/8 viral nucleic acid sensors in vitro, across multiple cell lines and also in PBMCs. In vitro infection of A549 lung adenocarcinoma-derived cells and Huh7 hepatoma-derived cells with the murine paramyxovirus Sendai Virus also elicits robust INHBA induction. In vitro dengue virus infection also elicits INHBA upregulation by Huh7.5 hepatoma cells. In vivo, infection of mice with influenza A PR8 also elicits induction of activin A message within the lung. Treatment of Huh7 cells with activin A increases transcription of multiple type I IFN transduction elements; moreover, co-incubation of Huh7 cells with IFNα and either activin A or B augments transcriptional induction of key anti-HCV enzymes. This boosting of type I IFN extends to a functional enhancement: activin A elicits a synergistic, dose-dependent enhancement of both type I and type III IFN’s antiviral effect against a full-length HCV genomic replicon. In a full-length genomic replicon model of HCV, both activin A and B alone exert a potent, dose-dependent antiviral effect that is contingent upon signalling via type I BMP receptor. A component of the activins' antiviral effect does not require intact type I IFN signalling. A small-molecule inhibitor of signalling downstream of type I IFN receptor blocks the anti-HCV effect of IFNα but does not impair the antiviral effects of activin A. Both BMP6 and activin A exert dose-dependent antiviral effects against Hepatitis B Virus infection in vitro. Of note, SMAD1/5/8-binding sites have been identified in the promoter sequences of multiple antiviral Interferon Stimulated Genes (ISG), providing a possible route for the enhancement of ISG induction by the SMAD1/5/8 axis. Furthermore, strong topological homology exists between of the transactivation domains of the SMADs and Interferon Response Factors (IRF), which postulated to have diverged from a common ancestor in early metazoans. Preliminary bioinformatic analyses reveal striking parallels between the genome-wide binding profiles of activated SMAD1 and IRF1, including proximal to genes encoding antiviral effectors. The observations presented in this study may represent the first characterization of a non-IFN intracellular antiviral response in human cells, with implications for the development of targeted therapies against diverse viral diseases. Moreover, these data reveal a novel facet of activin biology, in addition to in part elucidating the nature of the genomic interactions between BMP-SMAD and IFNIRF signalling

Designing and Implementing Future Aerial Communication Networks

Providing "connectivity from the sky" is the new innovative trend in wireless communications. High and low altitude platforms, drones, aircrafts and airships are being considered as the candidates for deploying wireless communications complementing the terrestrial communication infrastructure. In this article, we report the detailed account of the design and implementation challenges of an aerial network consisting of LTE Advanced (LTE-A) base stations. In particular, we review achievements and innovations harnessed by an aerial network composed of Helikite platforms. Helikites can be raised in the sky to bring Internet access during special events and in the aftermath of an emergency. The trial phase of the system mounting LTE-A technology onboard Helikites to serve users on the ground showed not only to be very encouraging but that such a system could offer even a longer lasting solution provided that inefficiency in powering the radio frequency equipment in the Helikite can be overcome.Comment: IEEE Communications Magazine 201

The Biopsychosocial Factors Affecting the Quality of Life and Disability Level among Refugees across the countries

Tutora: D.ª María Consuelo Sancho Sánchez[ES]ANTECEDENTES: El fin de la Segunda Guerra Mundial no eliminó el sufrimiento global, ya que los conflictos, el desplazamiento forzado y las crisis de salud mental continúan. A finales de 2022, más de 108,4 millones de personas fueron desplazadas por la fuerza, con la crisis siria convirtiéndose en la mayor desde la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Los refugiados enfrentan importantes desafíos de salud mental, incluyendo trastorno de estrés postraumático (TEPT), depresión y ansiedad, agravados por el trauma, la pérdida y el aislamiento social. A pesar de la alta carga de trastornos mentales en la región árabe, la investigación sigue siendo limitada. Las redes sociales y las condiciones del país de acogida desempeñan un papel crucial en el bienestar de los refugiados; sin embargo, hay poca investigación que compare estos factores en diferentes contextos socioeconómicos. Este estudio aborda esta brecha examinando la calidad de vida (QoL), los niveles de discapacidad y los factores psicosociales que afectan a los refugiados sirios en Jordania y España, representando contextos en desarrollo y desarrollados. A través de un análisis comparativo, el estudio busca identificar cómo las políticas y las infraestructuras de los países de acogida impactan los resultados de salud mental, proporcionando información clave para intervenciones y estrategias de rehabilitación. Al conectar el conocimiento teórico con la aplicación práctica, los hallazgos contribuyen al apoyo global en salud mental para refugiados, especialmente en entornos con recursos limitados. OBJETIVOS: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar de manera integral la calidad de vida (QoL), los niveles de discapacidad y los factores biológicos, psicológicos y sociales que afectan a los refugiados que experimentaron persecución, guerra y violaciones de los derechos humanos. Además, buscó comparar estos factores entre los refugiados que residen en un país en desarrollo (Jordania) y un país desarrollado (España). Los objetivos específicos fueron:1. Evaluar la QoL, la discapacidad y los principales factores influyentes (biológicos, psicológicos y sociales) entre los refugiados en diferentes contextos socioeconómicos.2. Analizar las diferencias en estos factores entre los refugiados en países en desarrollo y desarrollados, considerando determinantes personales, biológicos, psicológicos y sociales. MÉTODOS: Diseño del Estudio y Muestreo El estudio empleó un diseño correlacional transversal para evaluar los síntomas psicológicos en refugiados sirios en Jordania y España, con el objetivo de mejorar la planificación de recursos en salud mental. Se incluyeron refugiados sirios mayores de 18 años con estatus confirmado durante los últimos 10 años. Jordania y España fueron seleccionados por sus contextos contrastantes en la acogida de refugiados: • Jordania: país de bajos recursos con políticas restrictivas, donde los refugiados enfrentan dificultades de acceso a educación, empleo y salud. • España: país con altos recursos y un enfoque estructurado en integración mediante vivienda, capacitación lingüística y empleo. Se utilizó un muestreo intencional para garantizar representatividad, incluyendo participantes de áreas urbanas y campos de refugiados en Jordania, y de centros urbanos y rurales en España. Se reclutaron 200 participantes (100 por país) mediante redes sociales, ONG y muestreo en cadena (snowball sampling). Recolección de Datos Los participantes fueron reclutados en campamentos, residencias y centros comunitarios. Se usaron anuncios en redes sociales y colaboraciones con ONG. Se aplicó muestreo en cadena para alcanzar más participantes. Se garantizó el consentimiento informado y la confidencialidad. Los cuestionarios fueron administrados en árabe, en formato electrónico y en papel, asegurando respuestas completas en ambos métodos. La recolección de datos se realizó de febrero de 2023 a febrero de 2024, con cada participante completando los cuestionarios en 45 minutos. Características Demográficas Se diseñó un formulario para recopilar datos sociodemográficos clave como edad, género, estado civil, nivel educativo, empleo, ingresos y percepción de discriminación. Instrumentos de Evaluación Psicológica • Escala de Depresión, Ansiedad y Estrés (DASS-21): mide estados psicológicos negativos en tres subescalas. Las puntuaciones más altas indican mayor gravedad de los síntomas. • Inventario de Trastorno de Estrés Postraumático – 8 (PTSD-8): evalúa la severidad de síntomas de TEPT según criterios del DSM-IV. Medidas Biológicas Y Sociales • Índice de Calidad del Sueño de Pittsburgh (PSQI): mide la calidad del sueño en siete componentes con puntuaciones de 0 a 21 (mayores valores indican peor calidad). • Escala de Funcionamiento Social (SFS): evalúa el desempeño social en áreas como actividades diarias, comunicación y empleo. Medidas de Discapacidad •El estudio utilizó la Escala de Evaluación de la Discapacidad de la OMS 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) para medir la discapacidad funcional entre los refugiados sirios. Se aplicó un xiii cuestionario de 12 ítems que evaluó seis dominios: cognición, movilidad, autocuidado, interacción social, actividades diarias y participación. Cada ítem se calificó en una escala de 5 puntos, donde puntajes más altos indicaban mayor discapacidad. Los resultados se categorizaron en discapacidad leve, moderada o severa, utilizando una versión traducida al árabe para mayor accesibilidad. Medidas de Calidad de Vida y Bienestar •Cuestionario de Calidad de Vida de la OMS (WHOQOL-BREF): evalúa la calidad de vida en cuatro dimensiones: física, psicológica, social y ambiental. Consideraciones Éticas El estudio fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética de la Universidad de Salamanca. Se obtuvo consentimiento informado por escrito y se garantizó el anonimato. Se ofreció apoyo psicológico para minimizar el impacto mocional del estudio. RESULTADOS: Este estudio examinó la salud mental, la discapacidad, el funcionamiento social y la calidad de vida (QoL) de 200 refugiados sirios que residen en Jordania y España. Los resultados revelaron diferencias significativas en el bienestar psicológico y la integración social entre ambos países. Hallazgos sobre Salud Mental • Los niveles de estrés, ansiedad y depresión fueron más altos en Jordania, con 66.7% de los refugiados experimentando ansiedad severa y 60.4% reportando depresión moderada a severa (p < 0.05). • Los jóvenes (18-29 años), los desempleados y aquellos con bajos ingresos o alta exposición a la discriminación tenían un mayor riesgo de ansiedad y depresión clínica (p < 0.05). •Las mujeres mostraron niveles más altos de estrés y depresión que los hombres, especialmente en Jordania (p < 0.05). Trastorno de Estrés Postraumático (TEPT) • Los síntomas de TEPT fueron significativamente más altos en Jordania, incluyendo pensamientos recurrentes, pesadillas e hipervigilancia (p < 0.05). • Los desempleados y quienes vivían en familias de tamaño mediano mostraron una mayor prevalencia de síntomas de TEPT. Trastornos del Sueño • Más del 60% de los participantes reportaron mala calidad del sueño, con latencia y alteraciones del sueño de moderadas a severas más prevalentes en Jordania (p < 0.01). • La calidad del sueño fue mejor en España, donde el 61.5% no usaba medicación para dormir, en comparación con Jordania (p < 0.01). Funcionamiento Social y Participación • La participación social y la independencia fueron significativamente más bajas en Jordania, donde el 78.8% reportó un bajo funcionamiento social en comparación con España (p < 0.001). • Los refugiados casados y aquellos en familias más pequeñas mostraron mejor integración social, mientras que la alta presión financiera y social se asoció con menor participación. Discapacidad y Calidad de Vida • Los refugiados en Jordania mostraron mayores niveles de discapacidad, especialmente en movilidad, autocuidado y participación social (p < 0.01). • El 47.5% de los participantes calificó su calidad de vida como neutral, con una mayor satisfacción en España. Estos hallazgos resaltan el impacto profundo de las condiciones del país de acogida en la salud mental, integración social y bienestar general de los refugiados, subrayando la necesidad de intervenciones psicológicas y sociales adaptadas a la disponibilidad de recursos y políticas nacionales. CONCLUSIÓN: Este estudio destaca el impacto continuo del conflicto post-sirio en los refugiados, enfatizando las disparidades en la calidad de vida y la discapacidad entre los que se encuentran en países desarrollados y en desarrollo. Subraya la necesidad de un enfoque integral de atención médica que integre factores biológicos, psicológicos y sociales para abordar la salud mental y el bienestar de los refugiados. Los hallazgos clave abogan por un tamizaje temprano, intervenciones culturalmente informadas y reformas sistémicas, incluidas mejoras en las condiciones de vida, programas de integración social y un mayor apoyo psicosocial. Estas medidas tienen como objetivo mitigar los desafíos relacionados con la discriminación, la exclusión social y los factores estresantes ambientales, mejorando finalmente la calidad de vida y la resiliencia de los refugiados sirios en diversos contextos socioeconómicos.[EN]BACKGROUND: The end of World War II did not eliminate global suffering, as conflicts, forced displacement, and mental health crises continue. By the end of 2022, more than 108.4 million people had been forcibly displaced, with the Syrian crisis becoming the largest since World War II. Refugees face significant mental health challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, exacerbated by trauma, loss, and social isolation. Despite the high burden of mental disorders in the Arab region, research remains limited. Social networks and host country conditions play a crucial role in refugees’ well-being; however, little research compares these factors across different socioeconomic contexts. This study addresses this gap by examining the quality of life (QoL), disability levels, and psychosocial factors affecting Syrian refugees in Jordan and Spain, representing developing and developed contexts. Through a comparative analysis, the study aims to identify how host country policies and infrastructure impact mental health outcomes, providing key insights for interventions and rehabilitation strategies. By connecting theoretical knowledge with practical application, the findings contribute to global mental health support for refugees, especially in resource-limited settings. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to comprehensively assess the quality of life (QoL), disability levels, and biological, psychological, and social factors affecting refugees who experienced persecution, war, and human rights violations. Additionally, it sought to compare these factors among refugees residing in a developing country (Jordan) and a developed country (Spain). The specific objectives were: 1.To assess QoL, disability, and key influencing factors (biological, psychological, and social) among refugees in different socioeconomic contexts. 2. To analyze differences in these factors between refugees in developing and developed countries, considering personal, biological, psychological, and social determinants. METHODS: Study Design and Sampling. The study employed a cross-sectional correlational design to assess psychological symptoms in Syrian refugees in Jordan and Spain, aiming to improve mental health resource planning. Syrian refugees over 18 years old with confirmed refugee status in the past 10 years were included. Jordan and Spain were selected due to their contrasting refugee reception contexts:•Jordan: A low-resource country with restrictive policies, where refugees face difficulties in accessing education, employment, and healthcare. •Spain: A high-resource country with a structured integration approach through housing, language training, and employment programs.Purposive sampling was used to ensure representativeness, including participants from urban areas and refugee camps in Jordan, and from urban and rural centers in Spain. A total of 200 participants (100 per country) were recruited through social media, NGOs, and snowball sampling. Data Collection. Participants were recruited from camps, residences, and community centers. Social media announcements and collaborations with NGOs were used, and snowball sampling helped reach more participants. Informed consent and confidentiality were ensured. Questionnaires were administered in Arabic, both electronically and on paper, ensuring complete responses in both formats. Data collection occurred from February 2023 to February 2024, with each participant completing the questionnaires in 45 minutes. Demographic Characteristics. A form was designed to collect key sociodemographic data, such as age, gender, marital status, education level, employment, income, and perceived discrimination. Psychological Assessment Instruments •Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21): Measures negative psychological states in three subscales. Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity. •Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Inventory – 8 (PTSD-8): Assesses PTSD symptom severity according to DSM-IV criteria. Biological and Social Measures •Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI): Measures sleep quality across seven components, with scores ranging from 0 to 21 (higher values indicate poorer quality). •Social Functioning Scale (SFS): Evaluates social performance in areas such as daily activities, communication, and employment. Disability Measures. The study used the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) to assess functional disability among Syrian refugees. A 12-item questionnaire evaluated six domains: cognition, mobility, self-care, social interaction, daily activities, and participation. Each item was rated on a 5-point scale, with higher scores indicating greater disability. Results were categorized as mild, moderate, or severe disability, using an Arabic-translated version for better accessibility. Quality of Life and Well-being Measures •WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF): Assesses QoL in four dimensions: physical, psychological, social, and environmental. Ethical Considerations. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Salamanca. Written informed consent was obtained, and anonymity was ensured. Psychological support was offered to minimize the emotional impact of the study. RESULTS: This study examined the mental health, disability, social functioning, and quality of life (QoL) of 200 Syrian refugees residing in Jordan and Spain. The results revealed significant differences in psychological well-being and social integration between the two countries. Mental Health Findings •Stress, anxiety, and depression levels were higher in Jordan, with 66.7% of refugees experiencing severe anxiety and 60.4% reporting moderate to severe depression (p < 0.05). •Young refugees (18-29 years old), the unemployed, and those with low incomes or high exposure to discrimination were at greater risk for clinical anxiety and depression (p < 0.05). •Women showed higher levels of stress and depression than men, especially in Jordan (p < 0.05). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) •PTSD symptoms were significantly higher in Jordan, including recurrent thoughts, nightmares, and hypervigilance (p < 0.05). •The unemployed and those living in medium-sized families had a higher prevalence of PTSD symptoms. Sleep Disorders •More than 60% of participants reported poor sleep quality, with moderate to severe sleep disturbances more prevalent in Jordan (p < 0.01). •Sleep quality was better in Spain, where 61.5% did not use sleep medication, compared to Jordan (p < 0.01). Social Functioning and Participation •Social participation and independence were significantly lower in Jordan, where 78.8% reported poor social functioning compared to Spain (p < 0.001).•Married refugees and those in smaller families showed better social integration, while high financial and social pressure was associated with lower participation. Disability and Quality of Life Refugees in Jordan showed higher levels of disability, especially in mobility, self-care, and social participation (p < 0.01) •47.5% of participants rated their quality of life as neutral, with higher satisfaction in Spain. These findings highlight the profound impact of host country conditions on refugees’ mental health, social integration, and overall well-being, emphasizing the need for tailored psychological and social interventions aligned with resource availability and national policies. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the ongoing impact of the post-Syrian conflict on refugees, emphasizing disparities in quality of life and disability between those in developed and developing countries. It underscores the need for a comprehensive healthcare approach that integrates biological, psychological, and social factors to address refugee mental health and well-being. The key findings advocate for early screening, culturally informed interventions, and systemic reforms, including improvements in living conditions, social integration programs, and increased psychosocial support. These measures aim to mitigate challenges related to discrimination, social exclusion, and environmental stressors, ultimately enhancing quality of life and resilience among Syrian refugees in diverse socioeconomic contexts

Spiking Neural Networks for Detecting Satellite-Based Internet-of-Things Signals

With the rapid growth of IoT networks, ubiquitous coverage is becoming increasingly necessary. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations for IoT have been proposed to provide coverage to regions where terrestrial systems cannot. However, LEO constellations for uplink communications are severely limited by the high density of user devices, which causes a high level of co-channel interference. This research presents a novel framework that utilizes spiking neural networks (SNNs) to detect IoT signals in the presence of uplink interference. The key advantage of SNNs is the extremely low power consumption relative to traditional deep learning (DL) networks. The performance of the spiking-based neural network detectors is compared against state-of-the-art DL networks and the conventional matched filter detector. Results indicate that both DL and SNN-based receivers surpass the matched filter detector in interference-heavy scenarios, owing to their capacity to effectively distinguish target signals amidst co-channel interference. Moreover, our work highlights the ultra-low power consumption of SNNs compared to other DL methods for signal detection. The strong detection performance and low power consumption of SNNs make them particularly suitable for onboard signal detection in IoT LEO satellites, especially in high interference conditions