Density Evolution and Functional Threshold for the Noisy Min-Sum Decoder

This paper investigates the behavior of the Min-Sum decoder running on noisy devices. The aim is to evaluate the robustness of the decoder in the presence of computation noise, e.g. due to faulty logic in the processing units, which represents a new source of errors that may occur during the decoding process. To this end, we first introduce probabilistic models for the arithmetic and logic units of the the finite-precision Min-Sum decoder, and then carry out the density evolution analysis of the noisy Min-Sum decoder. We show that in some particular cases, the noise introduced by the device can help the Min-Sum decoder to escape from fixed points attractors, and may actually result in an increased correction capacity with respect to the noiseless decoder. We also reveal the existence of a specific threshold phenomenon, referred to as functional threshold. The behavior of the noisy decoder is demonstrated in the asymptotic limit of the code-length -- by using "noisy" density evolution equations -- and it is also verified in the finite-length case by Monte-Carlo simulation.Comment: 46 pages (draft version); extended version of the paper with same title, submitted to IEEE Transactions on Communication

Update on the use of misoprostol in current obstetric practice

Misoprostol is one of the most important drugs in obstetric practice today. However, because of its uterotonic effects and consequent adverse effects on the pregnant uterus and foetus, the use of this drug requires extreme caution and very close monitoring particularly in developing countries. The aim of this update is to review the pharmacokinetics and the physiology of misoprostol and to familiarise fellow practitioners with information and evidence concerning this medication as it is currently available for use in obstetric practice. Clinics in Mother and Child Health Vol. 3(1) 2006: 483-48

Synthetic and Computational Studies on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Derivatives, Nucleoside Analogs and Peptides

In recent years, the understanding of the structure and functions of biological macromolecules has advanced rapidly, the result of which is a better mechanistic understanding of many biological processes. As an outgrowth of this understanding, organic molecules that react with biological macromolecules (DNA) or adopt conformations responsible for specific functions in biological macromolecules (peptides and proteins) have been synthesized and computational modeling studies performed. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and β-peptides are among synthetic organic compounds known to interact with natural biological macromolecules. This interaction may affect the specific biological functions of the biomacromolecules. A variety of synthetic methodologies have been employed in the synthesis of benzo[c]phenanthrene derivatives, single electron oxidation nucleoside adducts and deoxynucleoside derivatives (Part 1). In Part 2 heterogeneous backbone oligomers containing the β-amino acid, trans-2-aminocyclohexanecarboxylic acid (ACHC), and α-amino acids Ala, Phe, Val, Lys, and Tyr in an alternating sequence have been synthesized. Computational modeling studies have been applied in studying the diastereoselectivity of reaction intermediates in the PAH syntheses (Part 1), the interaction between the organic compounds and biomacromolecules (β-peptides with proteins Fos and Jun, Part 2), and the conformational preference (conformations of α/β-peptides, Part 2). Computational modeling based on molecular and quantum mechanical techniques were applied to complement the syntheses in Parts 1 and 2

Diversity in Advertising & Media: A Historical Analysis on the Portrayal of African Americans in Media & Advertising

An analysis of the portrayal of African Americans in advertising and the media throughout American history, including racist advertisements of the 20th century, modern-day representation, and the development of inclusion and diversity in the media in recent years

Preferential oxidation of CO (CO-PROX) over CuOx/CeO2 coated microchannel reactor

The general aspects of the synthesis and characterization results of a CuOx/CeO2 catalyst were presented. In addition the principal steps for manufacturing a microchannel reactor and for the coating of the CuOx/CeO2 catalyst onto the microchannels walls, were also summarized. The catalytic activity of this microchannel reactor during the preferential oxidation of CO (CO-PROX) was evaluated employing a feed-stream that simulates a reformate off-gas after the WGS unit. Two activation atmospheres were studied (H2/N2 and O2/N 2). The reducing pretreatment improved the resistance to deactivation by formation of carbonaceous species over the catalyst surface at high temperatures. The presence of H2O and CO2 in the feed-stream was also analyzed indicating that the adsorption of CO2 inhibited the conversion of CO at lower temperatures because these compounds modified the active sites through the formation of carbonaceous species on the catalyst surface. Finally, the experimental results of the microreactor performance were compared with CFD simulations that were carried out using a kinetic for the CuOx/CeO2 powder catalyst. The experimental results were reasonably well described by the model, thus confirming its validity.Peer Reviewe

Preferential oxidation of CO (CO-PROX) over CuOx/CeO2 coated microchannel reactor

The general aspects of the synthesis and characterization results of a CuOx/CeO2 catalyst were presented. In addition the principal steps for manufacturing a microchannel reactor and for the coating of the CuOx/CeO2 catalyst onto the microchannels walls, were also summarized. The catalytic activity of this microchannel reactor during the preferential oxidation of CO (CO-PROX) was evaluated employing a feed-stream that simulates a reformate off-gas after the WGS unit. Two activation atmospheres were studied (H2/N2 and O2/N 2). The reducing pretreatment improved the resistance to deactivation by formation of carbonaceous species over the catalyst surface at high temperatures. The presence of H2O and CO2 in the feed-stream was also analyzed indicating that the adsorption of CO2 inhibited the conversion of CO at lower temperatures because these compounds modified the active sites through the formation of carbonaceous species on the catalyst surface. Finally, the experimental results of the microreactor performance were compared with CFD simulations that were carried out using a kinetic for the CuOx/CeO2 powder catalyst. The experimental results were reasonably well described by the model, thus confirming its validity.Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación ENE2009-14522-C05-01, ENE2009-14522-C05-03Junta de Andalucía P09-TEP-545

Diabetic nephropathy in a tertiary care clinic in South Africa: a cross-sectional study

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of micro- or macroalbuminuria in type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients, and to  examine the relationship with the diabetes control parameters such as haemoglobin (Hb)A1c, blood pressure (BP) and lipids.Design: This was an analytical cross-sectional study.Setting and subjects: The study consisted of 754 patients with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, attending a diabetes clinic at the Kalafong Hospital in Pretoria, South Africa.Outcome measures: Micro- or macroalbuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were the outcome measures.Results: An HbA1c > 7% was recorded in 88.9% of the patients, and  low-density lipoprotein cholesterol . 1.8 mmol/l in 81%. Overall, the prevalence of micro- or macroalbuminuria was 33.6%. Logistic regression revealed that HbA1c, the duration of diabetes, systolic BP, male sex and triglycerides were predictive of microalbuminuria.Conclusion: The prevalence of micro- or macroalbuminuria in this study fell within the ranges of what has previously been reported in Africa. HbA1c and the duration of diabetes were the strongest predictors of microalbuminuria in all of the patients, and age was the strongest predictor of a low eGFR. Diabetes was poorly controlled, making the progression to end-stage renal failure a real concern in these patients

Demographic Growth and Environment In Sub-Saharan Africa : An Analysis of the Panel Data on the 1980-2016 Period

The objective of this paper is to determine the impact of the demographic growth on environment in the Sub- Saharan Africa The data come from the World Bank Africa Development Indicators 2017 The study period goes from 1980 to 2016 37 years and the sample contains 25 Sub- Saharan Africa countries The estimate Within Between method is used to value the parameters of a multiple regression model developed by York and al 2003 The results show that the demographic growth deteriorate the environmental quality in the Sub-Saharan Afric