arXiv subjects

Nestor D. Chatzidiamantis

Publications and source records attributed to Nestor D. Chatzidiamantis.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Parametrization of microbial survival models under UVC exposure

This work presents a unified framework for the parametrization and comparison of microbial survival models under UVC exposure. Four dose-response models - the single-target, multi-target, linear-quadratic, and two-stage decay models - are analyzed with respect to their mathematical structure, parameter identifiability, and biological interpretability, while ensuring physically meaningful parameter estimates. To address the limited size and lack of replication in published datasets, parameter uncertainty is quantified using a parametric bootstrap approach under multiplicative dose uncertainty. Model comparison combines goodness-of-fit in logarithmic survival space, the Akaike Information Criterion corrected for small samples, and identifiability considerations. Application to data for 32 microorganisms shows that no single model is universally optimal, highlighting that reliable model selection requires combining statistical performance with physical and biological consistency, and providing a robust basis for UVC survival analysis and disinfection modeling.

physics.med-ph↗

arXiv2026

Reliable ORIS-assisted FSO Communications via HARQ

This paper studies a free-space optical (FSO) link assisted by an optical reconfigurable intelligent surface (ORIS) and enhanced by a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) scheme. The ORIS creates a virtual line-of-sight path around obstacles, while HARQ recovers frames corrupted by turbulence, pointing jitter, and geometric loss through retransmission and combining. We first derive a tractable statistical model for the end-to-end transmitter-ORIS-receiver (Tx-ORIS-Rx) reflected channel by jointly accounting for atmospheric turbulence, ORIS-induced pointing errors, and geometric attenuation. Building on these results, we obtain closed-form outage probability (OP) expressions for HARQ with Chase combining (HARQ-CC) and analytical outage upper bounds for HARQ with incremental redundancy (HARQ-IR), valid for an arbitrary maximum number of transmission rounds. We further conduct a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) analysis that provides a thorough characterization of the outage behavior and reveals the diversity order of both schemes. In addition, we characterize the delay behavior of the truncated HARQ process through the mean number of transmission rounds and the conditional mean number of rounds given successful decoding. Finally, numerical and Monte Carlo results validate the proposed analysis and show that HARQ substantially improves ORIS-assisted FSO reliability, with HARQ-IR achieving lower outage and delay than HARQ-CC, even for a small number of retransmission rounds.

eess.SP↗

arXiv2025

Optical RIS-enabled Multiple Access Communications

In this paper, we identify optical reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (ORISs) as key enablers of next-generation free-space optical (FSO) multiple access systems. By leveraging their beam steering and beam splitting capabilities, ORISs are able to effectively address line-of-sight (LoS) constraints, while enabling multi-user connectivity. We consider an ORIS-assisted non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) system model consisting of a single transmitter (Tx) and two receivers (Rxs). We derive novel analytical expressions to characterize the statistical particularities of the Tx-ORIS-Rx communication channel. Building upon the aforementioned expressions, we investigate the outage performance of the Rxs by deriving exact analytical expressions for the outage probability (OP) of each Rx. To provide deeper insights into the impact of various system parameters and physical conditions on the outage performance of each Rx, we conduct a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) analysis, that returns asymptotic expressions for the Rxs OPs at the high-SNR regime. Monte Carlo simulations validate the analysis, demonstrate the effectiveness of ORIS-enabled NOMA under a variety of configurations and physical scenarios, and showcase its superiority over its orthogonal-based counterpart.

eess.SP↗

arXiv2024

On the Reliability and Security of Ambient Backscatter Uplink NOMA Networks

A fundamental objective of the forthcoming sixth-generation wireless networks is to concurrently serve a vast array of devices many of which, such as Internet-of-Things (IoT) sensors, are projected to have low power requirements or even operate in a battery-free manner. To achieve this goal, non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) and ambient backscatter communications (AmBC) are regarded as two pivotal and promising technologies. In this work, we present a novel analytical framework for studying the reliability and security of uplink NOMA-based AmBC systems. Specifically, closed-form analytical expressions for both NOMA-users' and IoT backscatter device's (BD's) outage probabilities (OPs) are derived for both cases of perfect and imperfect successive interference cancellation (SIC). In addition, assuming that one NOMA-user transmits an artificial noise in order to enhance system's security, the physical layer security (PLS) of the system is investigated by extracting analytical expressions for NOMA-users' and BD's intercept probabilities (IPs). To gain insightful understandings, an asymptotic analysis is carried out by focusing on the high signal-to-noise (SNR) regime, which reveals that NOMA-users and BDs face outage floors in the high SNR regime as well as that IPs reach constant values at high SNR. Additionally, practical insights regarding how different system parameters affect these OP floors and IP constant values are extracted. Numerical results verify the accuracy of othe developed theoretical framework, offer performance comparisons between the presented NOMA-based AmBC system and a conventional orthogonal multiple access-based AmBC system, and reveal the impact of different system parameters on the reliability and security of NOMA-based AmBC networks.

eess.SP↗

arXiv2023

Power-Optimal HARQ Protocol for Reliable Free Space Optical Communication

This paper investigates the usage of hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) protocols for power-efficient and reliable communications over free space optical (FSO) links. By exploiting the large coherence time of the FSO channel, the proposed transmission schemes combat turbulence-induced fading by retransmitting the failed packets in the same coherence interval. To assess the performance of the presented HARQ technique, we extract a theoretical framework for the outage performance. In more detail, a closed-form expression for the outage probability (OP) is reported and an approximation for the high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) region is extracted. Building upon the theoretical framework, we formulate a transmission power allocation problem throughout the retransmission rounds. This optimization problem is solved numerically through the use of an iterative algorithm. In addition, the average throughput of the HARQ schemes under consideration is examined. Simulation results validate the theoretical analysis under different turbulence conditions and demonstrate the performance improvement, in terms of both OP and throughput, of the proposed HARQ schemes compared to fixed transmit power HARQ benchmarks.

cs.IT↗

arXiv2022

Mixed RF-VLC Relaying Systems for Interference-Sensitive Mobile Applications

Due to their Radio-Frequency (RF) immunity, Visible Light Communications (VLC) pose as a promising technology for interference sensitive applications such as medical data networks. In this paper, we investigate mixed RF-VLC relaying systems especially suited for this type of applications that support mobility. In this system setup, the end-user, who is assumed to be on a vehicle that is in dynamic movement, is served by an indoor VLC system, while the outdoor data traffic is conveyed through multiple backhaul RF links. Furthermore, it is assumed that a single backhaul RF link is activated by the mobile relay and due to feedback delay, the RF link activation is based on outdated channel state information (CSI). The performance of this system is analyzed in terms of outage probability and bit error rate (BER), and novel closed form analytical expressions are provided. Furthermore, the analysis is extended for the case where the average SNR over the RF links and/or LED optical power is high, and approximate analytical expressions are derived which determine performance floors. Numerical results are provided which demonstrate that the utilization of multiple RF backhaul links can significantly improve overall RF-VLC system performance when outage/BER floors are avoided. This calls upon joint design of both subsystems. Additionally, the outdated CSI exploited for active RF selection can significantly degrade the quality of system performance.

cs.NI↗

arXiv2021

Channel modeling for in-body optical wireless communications

Next generation in-to-out-of body biomedical applications have adopted optical wireless communications (OWCs). However, by delving into the published literature, a gap is recognised in modeling the in-to-out-of channel, since most published contributions neglect the particularities of different type of tissues. Towards this direction, in this paper we present a novel pathloss and scattering models for in-to-out-of OWC links. Specifically, we derive extract analytical expressions that accurately describe the absorption of the five main tissues' constituents, namely fat, water, melanin, oxygenated and de-oxygenated blood. Moreover, we formulate a model for the calculation of the absorption coefficient of any generic biological tissue. Next, by incorporating the impact of scattering in the aforementioned model we formulate the complete pathloss model. The developed theoretical framework is verified by means of comparisons between the estimated pathloss and experimental measurements from independent research works. Finally, we illustrate the accuracy of the theoretical framework in estimating the optical properties of any generic tissue based on its constitution. The extracted channel model is capable of boosting the design of optimized communication protocols for a plethora of biomedical applications.

eess.SP↗

arXiv2021

On the symmetric and skew-symmetric K-distributions

We propose a family of four-parameter distributions that contain the K-distribution as special case. The family is derived as a mixture distribution that uses the three-parameter reflected Gamma distribution as parental and the two-parameter Gamma distribution as prior. Properties of the proposed family are investigated as well; these include probability density function, cumulative distribution function, moments, and cumulants. The family is termed symmetric K-distribution (SKD) based on its resemblance to the K-distribution as well as its symmetric nature. The standard form of the SKD, which often proves to be an adequate model, is also discussed. Moreover, an order statistics analysis is provided as well as the distributions of the product and ratio of two independent and identical SKD random variables are derived. Finally, a generalisation of the proposed family, which enables non-zero skewness values, is investigated, while both the SKD and the skew-SKD are proven capable of describing the complex dynamics of machine learning, Bayesian analysis and other fields through simplified expressions with high accuracy.

math.ST↗

arXiv2021

Pathloss modeling for in-body optical wireless communications

Optical wireless communications (OWCs) have been recognized as a candidate enabler of next generation in-body nano-scale networks and implants. The development of an accurate channel model capable of accommodating the particularities of different type of tissues is expected to boost the design of optimized communication protocols for such applications. Motivated by this, this paper focuses on presenting a general pathloss model for in-body OWCs. In particular, we use experimental measurements in order to extract analytical expressions for the absorption coefficients of the five main tissues' constitutions, namely oxygenated and de-oxygenated blood, water, fat, and melanin. Building upon these expressions, we derive a general formula for the absorption coefficient evaluation of any biological tissue. To verify the validity of this formula, we compute the absorption coefficient of complex tissues and compare them against respective experimental results reported by independent research works. Interestingly, we observe that the analytical formula has high accuracy and is capable of modeling the pathloss and, therefore, the penetration depth in complex tissues.

eess.SY↗

arXiv2020

New Results for Pearson Type III Family of Distributions and Application in Wireless Power Transfer

Pearson and log Pearson type III distributions have been considered in several scientific fields, as in hydrology and seismology. In this paper, we present new results for these distributions and we utilize them, for first time in the literature, to investigate the statistical behavior of wireless power transfer (WPT), assuming that the harvested energy follows a well-established nonlinear energy harvesting model based on the logistic function. Specifically, we present new closed-form expressions for the statistical properties of a general form of Pearson and log Pearson type III distributions and we utilize them to introduce a new member of the Pearson type III family, the logit Pearson type III distribution, through which the logit gamma distribution is also defined. Moreover, we derive closed-form expressions for the probability density function, the cumulative distribution function and moments of the distributions of the sum, the log sum and the logit sum of Pearson type III random variables. Furthermore, taking into account that Pearson type III family of distributions is closely related to the considered nonlinear harvesting model the statistical properties of the distribution of the harvested power and derived, for both single input single output and multiple input single output scenarios.

stat.AP↗

arXiv2020

All-Optical Cochlear Implants

In the present work, we introduce a novel cochlear implant (CI) architecture, namely all-optical CI (AOCI), which directly converts acoustic to optical signals capable of stimulating the cochlear neurons. First, we describe the building-blocks (BBs) of the AOCI, and explain their functionalities as well as their interconnections. Next, we present a comprehensive system model that incorporates the technical characteristics and constraints of each BB, the transdermal-optical-channel particularities, i.e. optical path-loss and external-implanted device stochastic pointing-errors, and the cochlear neurons biological properties. Additionally, in order to prove the feasibility of the AOCI architecture, we conduct a link-budget analysis that outputs novel closed-form expressions for the instantaneous and average photon flux that is emitted on the cochlear neurons. Likewise, we define three new key-performance-indicators (KPIs), namely probability of hearing, probability of false-hearing, and probability of neural damage. The proposed theoretical framework is verified through respective simulations, which not only quantify the efficiency of the proposed architecture, but also reveal an equilibrium between the optical transmission power and the patient's safety, as well as the AOCI BBs specifications. Finally, it is highlighted that the AOCI approach is greener and safer than the conventional CIs.

eess.SP↗

arXiv2020

Optical wireless communications for in-body and transdermal biomedical applications

This article discusses the fundamental architectures for optical wireless systems for biomedical applications. After summarizing the main applications and reporting their requirements, {we describe the characteristics of the transdermal and in-body optical channels as well as the challenges that they impose in the design of communication systems.} In more detail, we provide three possible architectures for transdermal communications, namely electro-optical (EO) monitoring, opto-electrical (OE), and all-optical (AO) for neural stimulation, which are currently under investigation, whereas for in-body communications, we provide a nano-scale AO (NAO) concept. For each architecture, we discuss the main operation principles, the technology enablers, and research directions for their development. Finally, we highlight the necessity of designing an information-theoretic framework for the analysis and design of the physical (PHY) and medium access control (MAC) layers, which takes into account the channels'~characteristics.

eess.SP↗

arXiv2019

Capacity and Algorithms for a Cognitive Network with Primary-Secondary User Cooperation

In this work, we examine cognitive radio networks, where secondary users may act as relays for messages sent by the primary user, hence offering performance improvement of primary transmissions, while at the same time obtaining more transmission opportunities for their own data. In particular, assuming the broadcast packet erasure model with feedback, we investigate the capacity of the fundamental cooperative cognitive radio network which consists of one primary and one secondary transmitter-receiver pairs. The primary transmitter is the owner of the channel and as such, we intend to keep its operations simple and to avoid increasing its storage requirements. Specifically, the primary transmitter does not receive data sent by the secondary transmitter and does not perform any coding operations. On the other hand, the secondary transmitter can overhear primary transmissions and is allowed to perform any coding operations. We develop an outer bound to the capacity of the fundamental cooperative cognitive radio network under consideration. Then, we propose a coding-scheduling algorithm suitable for this type of networks, which involves only XOR network coding operations. The complexity of the scheduling decisions of the proposed algorithm depends on the channel statistical parameters and three cases, depending on the relations between channel erasure probabilities, are distinguished. For the first two cases the rate region of the proposed algorithm coincides with the developed capacity outer bound, hence the algorithm is capacity achieving. For the third case, the rate region of the proposed algorithm is not identical to the outer bound; however, numerical results show that it is fairly close to the derived outer bound for a wide range of the statistical parameters of the system.

cs.IT↗

arXiv2018

Network Coding Techniques in Cooperative Cognitive Networks

In this paper, we investigate transmission techniques for a fundamental cooperative cognitive radio network, i.e., a radio system where a Secondary user may act as relay for messages sent by the Primary user, hence offering performance improvement of Primary user transmissions, while at the same time obtaining more transmission opportunities for its own transmissions. Specifically, we examine the possibility of improving the overall system performance by employing network coding techniques. The objective is to achieve this while affecting Primary user transmissions only positively, namely: 1) avoid network coding operations at the Primary transmitter in order avoid increase of its complexity and storage requirements, 2) keep the order of packets received by the Primary receiver the same as in the non cooperative case and 3) induce packet service times that are stochastically smaller than packet service times induced in the non-cooperative case. A network coding algorithm is investigated in terms of achieved throughput region and it is shown to enlarge Secondary user throughput as compared to the case where the Secondary transmitter acts as a simple relay, while leaving the Primary user stability region unaffected. A notable feature of this algorithm is that it operates without knowledge of channel and packet arrival rate statistics. We also investigate a second network coding algorithm which increases the throughput region of the system; however, the latter algorithm requires knowledge of channel and packet arrival rate statistics.

eess.SP↗

arXiv2018

Spectrum Sensing with Multiple Primary Users over Fading Channels

We investigate the impact of multiple primary users (PUs) and fading on the spectrum sensing of a classical energy detector (ED). Specifically, we present novel closed-form expressions for the false-alarm and detection probabilities in a multiple PUs environment, assuming Nakagami-m fading and complex Gaussian PUs transmitted signals. The results reveal the importance of taking into consideration the wireless environment, when evaluating the ED spectrum sensing performance and selecting the ED threshold.

cs.IT↗

arXiv2015

Spectrum Sensing Under Hardware Constraints

Direct-conversion radio (DCR) receivers can offer highly integrated low-cost hardware solutions for spectrum sensing in cognitive radio systems. However, DCR receivers are susceptible to radio frequency (RF) impairments, such as in-phase and quadrature-phase imbalance, low-noise amplifier nonlinearities and phase noise, which limit the spectrum sensing capabilities. In this paper, we investigate the joint effects of RF impairments on energy detection based spectrum sensing for cognitive radio (CR) systems in multi-channel environments. In particular, we provide closed-form expressions for the evaluation of the detection and false alarm probabilities, assuming Rayleigh fading. Furthermore, we extend the analysis to the case of CR networks with cooperative sensing, where the secondary users suffer from different levels of RF imperfections, considering both scenarios of error free and imperfect reporting channel. Numerical and simulation results demonstrate the accuracy of the analysis as well as the detrimental effects of RF imperfections on the spectrum sensing performance, which bring significant losses in the spectrum~utilization.

cs.IT↗

arXiv2012

Error Performance of Multidimensional Lattice Constellations-Part I: A Parallelotope Geometry Based Approach for the AWGN Channel

Multidimensional lattice constellations which present signal space diversity (SSD) have been extensively studied for single-antenna transmission over fading channels, with focus on their optimal design for achieving high diversity gain. In this two-part series of papers we present a novel combinatorial geometrical approach based on parallelotope geometry, for the performance evaluation of multidimensional finite lattice constellations with arbitrary structure, dimension and rank. In Part I, we present an analytical expression for the exact symbol error probability (SEP) of multidimensional signal sets, and two novel closed-form bounds, named Multiple Sphere Lower Bound (MLSB) and Multiple Sphere Upper Bound (MSUB). Part II extends the analysis to the transmission over fading channels, where multidimensional signal sets are commonly used to combat fading degradation. Numerical and simulation results show that the proposed geometrical approach leads to accurate and tight expressions, which can be efficiently used for the performance evaluation and the design of multidimensional lattice constellations, both in Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN) and fading channels.

cs.IT↗

arXiv2012

Error Performance of Multidimensional Lattice Constellations-Part II: Evaluation over Fading Channels

This is the second part of a two-part series of papers, where the error performance of multidimensional lattice constellations with signal space diversity (SSD) is investigated. In Part I, following a novel combinatorial geometrical approach which is based on parallelotope geometry, we have presented an exact analytical expression and two closed-form bounds for the symbol error probability (SEP) in Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN). In the present Part II, we extend the analysis and present a novel analytical expression for the Frame Error Probability (FEP) of multidimensional lattice constellations over Nakagami-m fading channels. As the FEP of infinite lattice constellations is lower bounded by the Sphere Lower Bound (SLB), we propose the Sphere Upper Bound (SUB) for block fading channels. Furthermore, two novel bounds for the FEP of multidimensional lattice constellations over block fading channels, named Multiple Sphere Lower Bound (MSLB) and Multiple Sphere Upper Bound (MSUB), are presented. The expressions for the SLB and SUB are given in closed form, while the corresponding ones for MSLB and MSUB are given in closed form for unitary block length. Numerical and simulation results illustrate the tightness of the proposed bounds and demonstrate that they can be efficiently used to set the performance limits on the FEP of lattice constellations of arbitrary structure, dimension and rank.

cs.IT↗