Lam (2007) introduces a generalization of renewal processes named Geometric processes, where inter-arrival times are independent and identically distributed up to a multiplicative scale parameter, in a geometric fashion. We here envision a more general scaling, not necessarily geometric. The corresponding counting process is named Extended Geometric Process (EGP). Semiparametric estimates are provided and studied for an EGP, which includes consistency results and convergence rates. In a reliability context, arrivals of an EGP may stand for successive failure times of a system submitted to IMPERFECT REPAIRs. In this context, we study: 1) the mean number of failures on some finite horizon time; 2) a replacement policy assessed through a cost function on an infinite horizon time.

We address the throughput maximization problem for downlink transmission in DF-relay-assisted cognitive radio networks (CRNs) based on simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) capability. In this envisioned network, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) relay and secondary user (SU) equipment are designed to handle both radio frequency (RF) signal energy harvesting and SWIPT functional tasks. Additionally, the cognitive base station (CBS) communicates with the SU only via the MIMO relay. Based on the considered network model, several combined constraints of the main problem complicate the solution. Therefore, in this paper, we apply heuristic guidelines within the convex optimization framework to handle this complexity. First, consider the problem of maximizing throughput on both sides of the relay separately. Second, each side progresses to solve the complex problem optimally by adopting strategies for solving sub-problems. Finally, these optimal solutions are synthesized by proposing a heuristic iterative power allocation algorithm that satisfies the combinatorial constraints with short convergence times. The performance of the optimal proposed algorithm (OPA) is evaluated against benchmark algorithms via numerical results on optimality, convergence time, constraints’ compliance, and IMPERFECT channel state information (CSI) on the CBS-PU link.

Background & Aim: Replacement of a fractured metal-ceramic restoration is not possible in some cases.combination of different surface treatments and REPAIR systems have been recommended for this purpose. The present study assessed the shear bond strength of three intra-oral metal-ceramic REPAIR systems.Materials & Methods: In this in vitro study, 30 cylindrical metal specimens and 30 porcelain specimens were fabricated. The specimens were embedded in a ring, after surface treatment, the specimens received one of the following REPAIR systems including Ultradent, Ivoclar Vivadent and Clearfil Multi-Purpose according to the manufacturers’instructions. The specimens were stored in incubator then thermal cycled. The shear bond strength of the specimens and failure types was determined. The data were analyzed.Results: On porcelain substrate, the mean and standard deviation of shear bond strength using Ultradent, Clearfil and Ivoclar Vivadent REPAIR systems were 12.16 (±4.59), 10.19 (±4.18) and 12.68 (±4.89) while the rates were 14.32 (±3.15), 24.66 (±3.25) and 13.32 (±3.83) in the metal substrate. The bond strength of Clearfil system was significantly higher than others in the metal substrate (both: p<0.0001) while no other significant differences was noted in the paired comparisons. all metal specimens showed adhesive failures while the porcelain specimens demonstrated more cohesive failures.Conclusion: Although, replacement of the fractured metal-ceramic restorations is the ideal treatment modality, in the porcelain substrate all REPAIR systems can be used. Clearfil REPAIR system was associated with higher bond strength in the metal substrate.

Introduction & Objective: Osteogenesis IMPERFECTa (OI) is a generalized connective tissue disorder and it is mostly inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. It may present with fragile bones, blue sclerae and hearing loss. We present two cases of OI. Case presentation: First case is a 18 Y/O man referred with bilateral hearing loss, who had 40db hearing loss in left side (operated ear) and underwent stapedotomy and received a good hearing. Second case is a 13 Y/O boy referred with bilateral hearing loss, who had 45db hearing loss in left side (operated ear) and underwent stapedotomy and received a good hearing with SRT less than 15.  Conclusion: If the patient is selected properly, good result is achieved.

In this paper, the renewal process, for the homogeneous and non-homogeneous Poisson process as well as Kijima models, are reviewed. Given the distribution function of time of the successive REPAIR time's form, the corresponding cost function is defined. Then, using the failure function the optimal time of REPAIR is achieved.

It is possible to noticeably increase the capacity of wireless communication systems through the use of multiple antennas both in the transmitter and in the receiver. In such systems, which are referred to in short as MIMO, the receiver uses its knowledge of the channel to detect the transmitted signal. Different methods have been proposed for optimal and sub-optimal detection of the transmitted signals. Recently, principles of deep learning and implementing neural networks have been employed as a near optimal approach for MIMO detection with fewer calculations during the testing process compared to traditional methods. In the event an error occurs in the receiver’ s channel estimation process, this type of detector suffers a drop in performance and as a result, BER will increase. Given that in practice, the receiver only has an estimation of the CSI instead of the exact values, the current study presents an enhanced detection method based on deep learning, which is also robust against channel estimation error. In this detection method, by using the covariance matrix of the channel estimator and the principles of deep learning, a robust detector against channel estimation error is proposed and comprehensively evaluated. Numerical simulations confirm the performance of the proposed method.