Abstract-An adaptive beamforming technique is proposed based on directly minimizing the bit-error rate (BER). It is demonstrated that this minimum BER (MBER) approach utilizes the antenna array elements more intelligently than the standard minimum mean square error (MMSE) approach. Consequently, MBER beamforming is capable of providing significant performance gains in terms of a reduced BER over MMSE beamforming. A block-data adaptive implementation of the MBER beamforming solution is developed based on the Parzen window estimate of probability density function. Furthermore, a sample-by-sample adaptive implementation is considered, and a stochastic gradient algorithm, referred to as the least bit error rate, is derived. The proposed adaptive MBER beamforming technique provides an extension to the existing work for adaptive MBER equalization and multiuser detection.Index Terms-Adaptive beamforming, bit-error rate (BER), mean square error, probability density function (pdf), smart antenna.

This paper investigates the factors affecting the impulse characteristics of purposely built grounding systems. We installed 2 m × 2 m grounding systems in four different sites with different soil resistivity values. The effect of impulse polarity on soil characteristics was also investigated for different soil resistivity. A circular ring electrode was used as a return electrode in all four sites. For one of the sites, different configurations of grounding systems were installed to allow the study of the effect of ground electrode configurations on soil characteristics. The aim of this study was to quantify the effects of soil resistivity, impulse polarity, and earth electrode configurations on soil electrical properties under high impulse conditions by field measurements. The new data could be useful in understanding the characteristics of grounding systems in various factors under high impulse conditions. It is hoped that by considering these factors, it can help optimize the design of earthing systems.

A developed colorimetric pH sensor film based on edible materials for real-time monitoring of food freshness is described. The mixed natural dyes from edible plants Clitoria sp and Brassica sp were extracted and incorporated into ι-carrageenan film as a colorimetric pH sensor film for monitoring food spoilage and its freshness. The color changes of the developed colorimetric sensor film were measured with chromametry and UV-vis spectroscopy, respectively. Experimental results show that colorimetric pH sensor film demonstrated statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between CIE-L*a*b* coordinates color system indicated that the developed colorimetric sensor film was able to give a gradual change in color over a wide pH range. The color of the colorimetric sensor film also changes discretely and linearly with factors that contribute to food spoilage using shrimp and durian samples. Moreover, the developed colorimetric pH sensor film has the potential to be used as a safe, non-destructive testing and also a flexibly visual method for direct assessment of food freshness indicator during storage.

A novel adaptive beamforming technique is proposed for wireless communication application based on the minimum bit error rate (MBER) criterion. It is shown that the MBER approach provides significant performance gain in terms of smaller bit error rate (BER) over the standard minimum mean square error (MMSE) approach. Using the classical Parzen window estimate of probability density function (p.d.f.), both the block-data and sample-by-sample adaptive implementations of the MBER solution are developed.

This paper considers interference limited communication systems where the desired user and interfering users are symbol-synchronized. A novel adaptive beamforming technique is proposed for quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) receiver based directly on minimizing the bit error rate. It is demonstrated that the proposed minimum bit error rate (MBER) approach utilizes the system resource (antenna array elements) more intelligently, than the standard minimum mean square error (MMSE) approach. Consequently, an MBER beamforming assisted receiver is capable of providing significant performance gains in terms of a reduced bit error rate over an MMSE beamforming one. A block-data based adaptive implementation of the theoretical MBER beamforming solution is developed based on the classical Parzen window estimate of probability density function. Furthermore, a sample-by-sample adaptive implementation is also considered, and a stochastic gradient algorithm, called the least bit error rate, is derived for the beamforming assisted QPSK receiver.  2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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This paper examines the formal and informal caregiving for elderly in the Malaysian society under the absence of a structured long-term care environment. We surveyed 31 health care providers and 56 informal caregivers for elderly. The private for-profit care providers offer better facilities and services than non-profit centres. Females especially daughters were usually the informal caregivers to the elderly. Caregivers spent below USD$330 on long-term care expenses and relying heavily on public health care services. The results suggest government to implement a comprehensive social insurance for long-term care to ensure protection and equal treatment to be received by elderly.

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