Presentation

Without even thinking about it, the Universidad del Cauca (Popayan, Colombia) is the main contributor of this edition: three of the five published articles were prepared from authors in that university. Effects of blind channel equalization using the regressive accelerator algorithm version ɣ is the first of them. The authors implement a blind equalizing system using the ARɣ algorithm and the use of superior order statistics of the Bussgang algorithms. Further, the evaluation of the mean squared error in the symbol detection was performed and the obtained results were simulated and compared with the algorithms based on the stochastic gradient and in the Bussgang algorithms. Their results show that the constant module algorithm present better convergence speeds in the calculation of the mean squared error; therefore, a better detection of the transmitted symbols compared with the Sato and decision algorithms was achieved. This latter represents higher reliability in the detection of the transmitted symbols.

The two following articles arriving directly from the Universidad del Cauca have as a common factor the fact of being state of the art researches related with LTE networks. Firstly, the so-called Handover Algorithms in LTE Networks for Massive Means of Transport reviews handover algorithms in LTE —as its name indicates, focused on massive means of transport—. From here, the authors show how the new algorithms provide a higher successful handover rate —entailing in a better data transfer rate—; authors also present the reason that factors such as speed, position, and direction should be included in the algorithms focused on improving the handover in means of transport. Last but not least, they present some algorithms related with mobile relays as an important research field for future works. The second article called Machine learning algorithms for inter-cell interference coordination presents an investigation where the authors start from observing how the effort for the radio resource management is larger due to the increase in the number of users and the large demand of services in the current LTE and LTE-A networks. Furthermore, the relevance of the automatic optimization is a key objective to avoid problems such as the inter-cell interference. On their work, the authors gather proposals of algorithms employing machine learning techniques focused on the solution of this problem. These works seek that the cellular systems achieve a self-optimization state in order to provide automatic responses to the current needs of the different network traffic dynamic scenarios.

This edition also includes Guiding scheme for path following without temporary restrictions using the Krick Felix model boat under the influence of sea currents, a paper derived from a research work performed by researchers of the Universidad Central Marta Abreu de Las Villas (Santa Clara, Cuba). Their work is focused on the guiding system of the unmanned surface vehicles, the same system having a fundamental role in missions without human intervention. The authors present the design of a guiding scheme formed by an I-LOS controller, where its objective is to achieve convergence and precise path following tasks, regardless of the fact of having (or not) sea currents. The proposed guiding algorithm is assessed through simulation and favorable results are obtained.

This edition ends with LIES: Learning Immersive Experiences Significative, a case study developed in the Universidad Icesi (Cali, Colombia) addressing the use of non-traditional tools —such as the immersion games supported in mobile devices— for the development of particular skills in engineers. The “game” consists of hunting a jamming source via the triangulation process; a simple and native concept of the telecommunications engineering. The method is tested in a heterogeneous group of people and some preliminary conclusions arise, not only about the achievement of the technical goal, but also mainly about the relationship between the player and the tool.