Random Blockage Research Articles

Packet error rate analysis of decode-and-forward free-space optical cooperative networks in the presence of random link blockage

This paper analyses end-to-end packet error rate (PER) of a free-space optical decode-and-forward cooperative network over a gamma–gamma atmospheric turbulence channel in the presence of temporary random link blockage. Closed-form analytical expressions for PER are derived for the cases with and without transmission links being prone to blockage. Two cooperation protocols (denoted as ‘selfish’ and ‘pilot-adaptive’) are presented and compared, where the latter accounts for the presence of blockage and adapts transmission power. The influence of scintillation, link distance, average transmitted signal power, network topology and probability of an uplink and/or internode link being blocked are discussed when the destination applies equal gain combining. The results show that link blockage caused by obstacles can degrade system performance, causing an unavoidable PER floor. The implementation of the pilot-adaptive protocol improves performance when compared to the selfish protocol, diminishing internode link blockage and lowering the PER floor, especially for larger networks.

Performance Analysis of Outdoor mmWave Ad Hoc Networks

Ad hoc networks provide an on-demand, infrastructure-free means to communicate between soldiers in war zones, aid workers in disaster areas, or consumers in device-to-device (D2D) applications. Unfortunately, ad hoc networks are limited by interference due to nearby transmissions. Millimeter-wave (mmWave) devices offer several potential advantages for ad hoc networks including reduced interference due to directional antennas and building blockages, not to mention huge bandwidth channels for large data rates.. This paper uses a stochastic geometry approach to characterize the one-way and two-way signal-to-interference ratio distribution of a mmWave ad hoc network with directional antennas, random blockages, and ALOHA channel access. The interference-to-noise ratio shows that a fundamental limitation of an ad hoc network, interference, may still be an issue. The performance of mmWave ad hoc networks is bounded by the transmission capacity and area spectral efficiency. The results show that mmWave networks can support much higher densities and larger spectral efficiencies, even in the presence of blockage, compared with lower frequency communication for certain link distances. Due to the increased bandwidth, the rate coverage of mmWave can be much greater than lower frequency devices.

Outage capacity evaluation of extended generalized-[formula omitted] fading channel in the presence of random blockage

In this paper, we analyse the outage and ergodic capacity performance of the extended generalized-K fading channel in the presence of possible temporary physical blockage between the source and the destination. Presented outage capacity analysis is general and can be used in analysis of wireless radio frequency or free-space optics systems. We establish the novel relation among significant parameters as outage capacity, probability of outage, probability of blockage, as well as severity and shaping parameters of multipath fading and shadowing. The theoretical results are expressed in terms of special Fox׳s H functions. The work clearly illustrates the usefulness of Fox׳s H and Meijer׳s G functions in analysing wireless communication systems. The analytical expression derived here enables us to determine the maximum error free data transmission rate for fixed value of outage probability under particular channel conditions. Using expressions for ergodic capacity previously reported in literature, we briefly analyse the impact of blockage on ergodic capacity, too. The numerical results show that the shadowing shaping factor has the considerable effect on outage capacity and is pronounced more extensively when probability of outage is lower. In addition, the results show that the effect of shadowing shaping factor is stronger for outage than ergodic capacity. The effect of multipath fading severity on outage capacity is stronger for lower values of shadowing spread. The link blockage causes significant decreasing of ergodic capacity and appearance of outage floor.

Maximum Throughput Path Selection With Random Blockage for Indoor 60 GHz Relay Networks

Indoor communications in the 60 GHz band is capable of supporting multi-gigabit wireless access thanks to the abundant spectrum and the possibility of using dense antenna arrays. However, the high directivity and penetration loss make it vulnerable to blockage events, which can be frequent in indoor environments. Given network topology information in sufficient precision, we investigate the average throughput and outage probability when the connection between any two nodes can be established either via the line-of-sight (LOS) link, through a reflection link, or by a half-duplex relay node. We model the reflection link as an LOS with extra power loss and derive the closed-form expression for the relative reflection loss. For networks with a central coordinator and multiple relays, we also propose a generic algorithm, maximum throughput path selection (MTPS), to select the optimal path that maximizes the throughput. The complexity of the MTPS algorithm is O(n <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup> ) for networks equipped with n relays, whereas a brute-forced algorithm has complexity of O(n · n!). Numerical results show that increasing the number of relays can significantly increase the average throughput and decrease the outage probability, and resorting to reflection paths provides significant gains when the probability of link blockage is high.

Analysis of Blockage Effects on Urban Cellular Networks

Large-scale blockages such as buildings affect the performance of urban cellular networks, especially at higher frequencies. Unfortunately, such blockage effects are either neglected or characterized by oversimplified models in the analysis of cellular networks. Leveraging concepts from random shape theory, this paper proposes a mathematical framework to model random blockages and analyze their impact on cellular network performance. Random buildings are modeled as a process of rectangles with random sizes and orientations whose centers form a Poisson point process on the plane. The distribution of the number of blockages in a link is proven to be a Poisson random variable with parameter dependent on the length of the link. Our analysis shows that the probability that a link is not intersected by any blockages decays exponentially with the link length. A path loss model that incorporates the blockage effects is also proposed, which matches experimental trends observed in prior work. The model is applied to analyze the performance of cellular networks in urban areas with the presence of buildings, in terms of connectivity, coverage probability, and average rate. Our results show that the base station density should scale superlinearly with the blockage density to maintain the network connectivity. Our analyses also show that while buildings may block the desired signal, they may still have a positive impact on the SIR coverage probability and achievable rate since they can block significantly more interference.

Effect of ion channel random blocking on the spatiotemporal dynamics of neuronal network

Ion channels in the membrane of neuron can be blocked by some toxic chemicals. Blocking ion channels will reduce the conductivity and the number of activated channels, and affect the electrical activity of neurons. And then the spatiotemporal patterns of neuronal network would be changed. In this paper, the nearest-neighbor coupled Hodgkin-Huxley neuronal network with periodic boundary is adapted to the investigation of the evolution of spatiotemporal patterns of neuronal network when the sodium and potassium ion channels are blocked randomly, by using numerical method. The results indicate that sodium ion and potassium ion channel random blockage could lead to the breakup of spiral wave. Furthermore, we analyze the firing probability of neuronal network and find that sodium ion channel random blockage reduces the excitability of neuronal network, which is sensitive to noise; but potassium ion channel random blockage enhances the excitability of neuronal network. Compared with uniform blockage of ion channels, the random blockage of ion channels makes neuronal network have rich dynamics phenomena. Finally, the no-flux boundary condition is applied and the results are similar to the above ones.

Fluid transport in branched structures with temporary closures: a model for quasistatic lung inflation.

We analyze the problem of fluid transport through a model system relevant to the inflation of a mammalian lung, an asymmetric bifurcating structure containing random blockages that can be removed by the pressure of the fluid itself. We obtain a comprehensive description of the fluid flow in terms of the topology of the structure and the mechanisms which open the blockages. We show that when calculating averaged flow properties of the fluid, the tree structure can be partitioned into a linear superposition of one-dimensional chains. In particular, we relate the pressure-volume P-V relationship of the fluid to the distribution Pi(n) of the generation number n of the tree's terminal branches, a structural property. We invert this relation to obtain a statistical description of the underlying branching structure of the lung, by analyzing experimental pressure-volume data from dog lungs. The Pi(n) extracted from the experimental P-V data agrees well with available data on lung branching structure. Our general results are applicable to any physical system involving transport in bifurcating structures with removable closures.

Characterization of the branching structure of the lung from "macroscopic" pressure-volume measurements.

We analyze the problem of fluid flow in a bifurcating structure containing random blockages that can be removed by fluid pressure. We introduce an asymmetric tree model and find that the predicted pressure-volume relation is connected to the distribution Pi(n) of the generation number n of the tree's terminal segments. We use this relation to explore the branching structure of the lung by analyzing experimental pressure-volume data from dog lungs. The Pi(n) extracted from the data using the model agrees well with experimental data on the branching structure. We can thus obtain information about the asymmetric structure of the lung from macroscopic, noninvasive pressure-volume measurements.

Simple and Accurate Formula for the Beam Efficiency of Reflector Antennas

An easy-to-use equation is presented to allow for a quick estimate of the beam efficiency of reflector antennae. This estimate includes the effects of edge tapers, feed spillover, random surface errors and central blockage. Attempts are made to determine theoretically the approximate fields on the beam efficiency of the reflector antennae under several simplifying assumptions. In most practical cases the approximations are acceptable. The application of this formula is detailed in a case study, and its accuracy is demonstrated in comparison with a numerical simulation using diffraction analysis. An excellent agreement is found between theoretical and experimental results.

A reexamination of some deviations from Darcy's Law in coniferous wood

A number of workers have noted a marked decrease of wood permeability with increasing specimen length, and to date a model proposed by Bramhall has been used to explain the phenomenon. This describes the effect of random blockages on the permeability of an anisotropic porous medium. However, the model does not allow for the fact that transverse flow may allow longitudinal flow paths to circumvent blockages to some extent, so some deviation from it can be expected. The issue is an important one if laboratory experiments are to be used as a basis for the prediction of the behaviour of wood during impregnation or drying on a commercial scale. A modified model which allows for transverse flow is therefore developed. New experimental evidence which cannot be explained by the Bramhall model, but which can be explained by the new model, is presented.

The sensitivity of apical Na+ permeability in frog skin to hypertonic stress.

Na+ transport across abdominal skins of the frog species Rana esculenta and Rana pipiens was analyzed by recording short-circuit current (Isc), transepithelial conductance (Gt), and the current noise generated by the random blockage of apical Na+ channels by the diuretic, amiloride. Specific Na+ current (INa) and conductance (GNa), as reflected by the amiloride-sensitive part of Isc and Gt, respectively, were markedly depressed after addition of some osmotically active substances, like sugars or alcohols to the mucosal Na+-Ringer solution. These hypertonicity-induced reactions were fast and fully reversible, even at mucosal osmolarities of 1 Osmol. With mucosal solutions of moderate hyperosmolarity a recovery of INa and GNa was observed in presence of the osmotic gradient. This "regulatory" current showed to be carried by Na+ through the Na+-specific apical channels. Contrary to the fast current drop during the initial phase of hyperosmotic shocks, the "osmoregulation" was considerably slower. The recovery of INa was only complete at smaller osmotic gradients but became more and more suppressed at higher osmolarities. Steady-state analysis of the kinetics of the Na+-specific current revealed that the current depression by osmotic shocks obeys Michaelis-Menten kinetics. This current depression at high osmolarities, as well as during the initial phase before "osmoregulation" with small osmotic gradients, can be described in terms of a non-competitive inhibition. This was also suggested by Na+-concentration jump experiments indicating a reduction of the maximal, apical Na+ permeability as mechanism of the hypertonicity-induced drop in INa. The INa kinetics after complete "osmoregulation" were, however, indistinguishable from the isotonic control condition.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Random rough surface model for spectral directional emittance of rough metal surfaces

The theoretical prediction of the spectral directional emittance of roughened metal surfaces are presented. The direct emission is evaluated by assuming the roughened surface to have a Gaussian random distribution of surface slopes and heights. The effect of random blockage of surface peaks by adjacent peaks in the direction of observation is taken into account.

Function of sulfhydryl groups in ribosome-elongation factor G reactions. Assignment of guanine nucleotide binding site to elongation factor G.

Titration of elongation factor G (EF-G) with the thiol reagents 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoate) (DNTB), p-hydroxymercuribenzoate (HMB), and N-ethylmaleimide and analysis of cysteic acid after performic acid oxidation revealed a total of four sulfhydryl groups per EF-G molecule. One of these is exposed in the native state and could be used to distinguish between two different conformations of EF-G in our preparations according to its rate of reaction with DTNB and HMB. No evidence for disulfide bridges was obtained. Among the different nucleotides tested, GTP, GDP, and GMP were able to protect the native sulfhydryl group against reaction with DTNB in the absence of ribosomes. Their Kd values with the faster reacting EF-G were 3.4 x 10(-4) M, 0.3 X 10(-4)M, and 2.0 x 10(-4) M, respectively. Because of the specificity of protection by guanine nucleotides and the correspondence of the Kd values with Ki values for GDP and GMP in the ribosome-EF-G GTPase reaction, their binding site on EF-G should be closely related to the active center for ribosome-dependent GTP hydrolysis. Blockage of the native sulfhydryl group of EF-G with a variety of irreversible thiol reagents reduced its activity from one to two-thirds in ribosome-dependent complex formation, GTP hydrolysis, and poly(U)-directed poly(phenylalanine) synthesis. A test of the N-ethylmaleimide-treated EF-G showed both the Km and Vmax of the GTPase reaction to be affected. Thus, the native sulfhydryl group, although important, appears not to be located in the GTPase active center. Denaturation of EF-G with guanidine-HCl and random blockage of any of the three masked sulfhydryl groups caused inactivation, likely due to steric interference with proper chain folding upon renaturation. Treatment of ribosomes or ribosomal subunits with six different thiol reagents at a concentration of 0.27 mM had little or no effect on the ribosome-EF-G GTPase, except for the case with HMB which inactivated the 30 S subunit. An interaction of EF-G with the 30 S subunit in addition to that known to occur with the 50 S subunit is suggested by a rapid and preferential exchange of HMB from the native sulfhydryl group of EF-G to the 30 S subunit of 70 S ribosomes.

The validity of Darcy's law in the axial penetration of wood

Longitudinal air permeability measurements were made on specimens of British Columbia Interior and Coastal types of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) sapwood and heartwood, kiln dried and solvent dried, which were successively reduced in length from 3.5 to 0.5 cm. Most sapwood, which was quite permeable, was found to obey Darcy's law with respect to length. Heartwood and kiln-dried Interior sapwood specimens were less permeable, and were found to deviate from Darcy's law. A physical model was proposed in which, due to random blockage of tracheids by aspirated pits, the number of conducting tracheids was reduced exponentially with depth of penetration. This was expressed as a linear relationship between the logarithm of permeability and specimen length at lengths exceeding one tracheid. This model conformed with the experimental data. A new mathematical equation was proposed: $$\frac{{dQ}}{{dt}} = \frac{{KA e^{ - bl} \Delta P}}{{\eta ^l }}$$ which differs from the Darcy equation only by the insertion of e-bt , where e = base of natural logarithms andb is a positive constant determined by experiment. Whereb=0, e-bl =1, and the equation reduces to the Darcy equation.