Abstract: A method of producing a set of coded bits from a set of information bits for transmission between a first node and a second node in a wireless communications system, the method comprises generating a codeword vector by encoding the set of information bits with a low-density parity-check code, wherein the codeword vector is composed of systematic bits and parity bits. The method comprises performing circular buffer-based rate matching on the generated codeword vector to produce the coded bits for transmission, wherein the circular buffer-based rate matching comprises puncturing a first plurality of systematic bits.

Abstract: A method of making a hard constituent powder coated with Co and/or Ni in a solution by liquid reduction of the Co and/or Ni from a suitable metal compound with a polyol while keeping the powder in suspension, the polyol functioning both as a solvent and as a reducing agent at the same time. By separating the intermediate solid compound and hard constituent from the suspension before any by-products are formed and reducing the intermediate solid compound in the dry state by H.sub.2 for around 24 hours or by using an excess of about 10 times more moles polyol than moles metal, the polyol can be conserved or reused leading to improved cost efficiency of the process.

Abstract: A process for the production of hard materials wherein hard constituent powders are coated with cobalt and/or nickel metal in solution by reducing the metals from a suitable compound such as an oxide, hydroxide or salt with a polyol while keeping the powder in suspension. The polyol functions both as a solvent and a reducing agent at the same time and is present in an amount of at least 5 times more moles polyol than moles metal. There is obtained an even distribution of the cobalt and/or nickel over the surface of the hard constituent powder without the formation of islands of pure metal.