A cell outage management framework for dense heterogeneous networks

In this paper, we present a novel cell outage management (COM) framework for heterogeneous networks with split control and data planes-a candidate architecture for meeting future capacity, quality-of-service, and energy efficiency demands. In such an architecture, the control and data functionalities are not necessarily handled by the same node. The control base stations (BSs) manage the transmission of control information and user equipment (UE) mobility, whereas the data BSs handle UE data. An implication of this split architecture is that an outage to a BS in one plane has to be compensated by other BSs in the same plane. Our COM framework addresses this challenge by incorporating two distinct cell outage detection (COD) algorithms to cope with the idiosyncrasies of both data and control planes. The COD algorithm for control cells leverages the relatively larger number of UEs in the control cell to gather large-scale minimization-of-drive-test report data and detects an outage by applying machine learning and anomaly detection techniques. To improve outage detection accuracy, we also investigate and compare the performance of two anomaly-detecting algorithms, i.e., k-nearest-neighbor- and local-outlier-factor-based anomaly detectors, within the control COD. On the other hand, for data cell COD, we propose a heuristic Grey-prediction-based approach, which can work with the small number of UE in the data cell, by exploiting the fact that the control BS manages UE-data BS connectivity and by receiving a periodic update of the received signal reference power statistic between the UEs and data BSs in its coverage. The detection accuracy of the heuristic data COD algorithm is further improved by exploiting the Fourier series of the residual error that is inherent to a Grey prediction model. Our COM framework integrates these two COD algorithms with a cell outage compensation (COC) algorithm that can be applied to both planes. Our COC solution utilizes an actor-critic-based reinforcement learning algorithm, which optimizes the capacity and coverage of the identified outage zone in a plane, by adjusting the antenna gain and transmission power of the surrounding BSs in that plane. The simulation results show that the proposed framework can detect both data and control cell outage and compensate for the detected outage in a reliable manner

Sustainable Neighborhoods in the State of Qatar: Msheireb Downtown Doha

Over the past three decades, rapid urban sprawl, a changing economy, and shifting demographics have caused rapid developments, which included the urban regeneration of existing neighborhoods. In the 1940s, after oil and natural gas discoveries in the State of Qatar, Doha experienced massive transformations on social, economic, cultural and environmental levels. These transformations have created (A) the need for creating sustainable neighborhoods and (B) raised questions related to how existing neighborhoods can be more sustainable in the future. This study investigates the neighborhood of Msheireb Downtown Doha and the reasons which have caused its urban regeneration. The study investigates (1) practical forms of sustainable urbanism principles by analyzing the Msheireb project and (2) how this urban project can be enhanced according to these principles. The research design encompasses a summary of the literature, the site analysis, structured interviews and a resultant vision of a sustainable concept for Msheireb to define the actions needed to implement the sustainable neighborhood concept. The findings reveal that, comparing the image of old Msheireb with the current regenerated one, the later neighborhood is compact, pedestrian-friendly and mixed use, which in turn encourage people to engage and promote a higher level of social interaction and therefore, contribute to enhancing the urban livability of the neighborhood

EVALUATION OF THE BURDEN OF PEDESTRIANS’ INJURIES IN QATAR FROM ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IN TERMS OF HEALTH CARE RESOURCES AND COST

Background: Road traffic injures is a significant public health issue which increase the global concern after being the tenth leading causes of death worldwide. The major victims from this issue are road users which include drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians. According to Qatar National Road Safety Strategy, every year around 220 people lose their lives and a further 550 victims are seriously injured due to road traffic accidents (National Road Safety Strategy, 2013-2022). However, pedestrians’ fatal injuries constitute about twelve percent of the total death rate. Objective: To investigate the health care resources and costs burden of pedestrian injuries from Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) in Qatar during 2009 to 2011 and to estimate the injury severity score and mortality rates among these patients in order to provide evidence on the burden of managing pedestrians’ injuries in Qatar. Methods: A retrospective cross sectional analysis of data collected from Hamad General Hospital trauma registry between January 2009 and December 2011. We used a cost model for various healthcare services used by the HMC Finance Department. Resource use and cost data are produced across various injury severity scores and years. Since this study is investigating and analyzing pedestrians’ injury resources and costs, the injury severity score is chosen as the main variable reflecting the total cost, length of stay (LOS) cost, intensive care unit (ICU) cost, ward unit cost, total procedure cost, total diagnostic cost, and blood unit cost. The frequency of sex, nationality 1 (Arab – Non-Arab – Qatari), nationality 2 (Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines, and others), and year were analyzed. Data were analyzed using SPSS program. Results: The discoveries of this report could be determined as the following; the majority of pedestrians’ injury was males and the highest rate of admission was in year 2011. It can be noticed that there are significant differences in diagnosis cost due to years with p-value <0.0001. The injury severity score had a strong relationship with the total cost, length of stay (LOS), total procedure cost, total diagnostic cost, and blood unit cost. Thus, there are significant differences between groups of total procedure cost, LOS cost, blood unit cost, and total cost due to ISS with p-value <0.0001. The injury severity score had a strong relationship with the total cost, length of stay (LOS), total procedure cost, total diagnostic cost, and blood unit cost. Conclusion: This report offers evidence on healthcare resources and costs burden of pedestrians’ injuries over three years period in Qatar. It gives indication on how to better manage these patients in terms of healthcare resource allocations, and can be used in future planning by policy makers

International Conference on Civil Infrastructure and Construction (CIC 2020)

This is the proceedings of the CIC 2020 Conference, which was held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani in Doha, Qatar from 2 to 5 February 2020. The goal of the conference was to provide a platform to discuss next-generation infrastructure and its construction among key players such as researchers, industry professionals and leaders, local government agencies, clients, construction contractors and policymakers. The conference gathered industry and academia to disseminate their research and field experiences in multiple areas of civil engineering. It was also a unique opportunity for companies and organizations to show the most recent advances in the field of civil infrastructure and construction. The conference covered a wide range of timely topics that address the needs of the construction industry all over the world and particularly in Qatar. All papers were peer reviewed by experts in their field and edited for publication. The conference accepted a total number of 127 papers submitted by authors from five different continents under the following four themes: Theme 1: Construction Management and Process Theme 2: Materials and Transportation Engineering Theme 3: Geotechnical, Environmental, and Geo-environmental Engineering Theme 4: Sustainability, Renovation, and Monitoring of Civil InfrastructureThe list of the Sponsors are listed at page 1

SPATIAL LOGIC OF PARK ACCESS IN QATAR

Urban parks unite communities and enhance livability. Spatial distribution of parks, however, does not always adhere to people's needs. Using the established and new methodologies, this paper identifies the green park distribution pattern in Greater Doha, Qatar using two approaches, (a) using walkable service areas to highlight zones underserved by parks, and (b) identifying park need zones using variables such as population density, housing type and population subgroup. Walkability levels in selected park service areas are assessed using audits. Results show that about 22% of the zones, majorly housing the expatriates and low-wage migrants in Doha municipality are underserved by parks. Need based analysis shows actual park need both in Doha and suburbs. Walkability analysis highlights lack of street-level policy regulations that confound pedestrian access. Findings provide insight into drafting policies on planning parks based on the need to ensure equitable access to different demographic section

Factors Influencing Qatari Women's Physical Activity

Although physical activity (PA) has numerous health benefits, data show that 60% of Qatari women do not engage in regular PA. To successfully modify PA behavior among Qatari women, factors that influence this behavior must be understood. This study aims to understand the factors that influence Qatari women aged 18-44 to be physically active and to identify possible interventions for enhancing PA behavior among Qatari women. This ethnographic study is framed by Islamic Feminism and guided by the Socio-ecological Model. It involved three data collection methods: interview, photovoice, and participant observation. Eight Qatari women aged 18-44 years were involved in interviews and/or photovoice activities, and participant observation was carried out in public places. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes and subthemes across all transcripts, photographs, and fieldnotes. Findings are organized under four themes: beliefs and faith, culture, the physical environment, and wealth and luxury. Four subthemes emerged within the beliefs and faith theme: positive perceptions of PA with some misconceptions, perceived low motivation for PA, Islam supports for women’s PA within specific guidelines, and Islamic activities create a domain for PA. The results of this study suggest that PA is informed by gender ideologies that structure the framework of men and women to engage in PA behavior. Six main culture-related issues that impact Qatari women’s PA are identified in this study: social roles and caregiving responsibilities, the need for approval to engage in outdoor PA, the conservative dress codes and behavioral expectations, the negative perception towards women walking in streets and neighborhoods, the restricted time rules for PA, and the fact that PA is not considered as leisure and social activity. The results of this study show that the natural environment in Qatar creates a challenge for the adoption of PA behavior and the built environment supports PA but only in specific locations. This study documents the effect of wealth, luxury, socio-economic transition, and the rapid urbanization on PA behavior. The opportunities, constraints, and needs identified in this study provide important insights about changes that could be undertaken to increase the PA of Qatari women

Sustainable Qatar

This open access book provides a topical overview of the key sustainability issues in Qatar, focusing on environmental sustainability from a socio-political perspective. The transition to a sustainable Qatar requires engagement with diverse areas of social-political, human, and environmental development. On the environmental aspects, the contributors address climate change, food security, water reuse and desalination, energy, and biodiversity. The socio-political section examines state strategy and regulation, the place of environmental law and geopolitics and sustainability innovators and catalysts. The human section considers economics, sustainability education, the knowledge economy, and waste management. In doing so, the book demarcates the ways in which the country encounters and grapples with significant challenges and delves into the range of options for future pathways to sustainability in Qatar. Relevant to policymakers and scholars in energy and environment, urban and developmental studies, as well as the arenas of politics, climate change and policy, this book is a landmark collection on environmental policy in the Gulf and beyond. ; This volume provides a topical overview of the key sustainability issues in Qatar, focusing on environmental sustainability from a socio-political perspective. The transition to a sustainable Qatar weaves together pillars of social-political, human, and environmental development, and so this book tackles each aspect accordingly. In the environmental section, the contributors address climate change, food security, water reuse and desalination, energy, air quality and biodiversity. The socio-political section examines state strategy and regulation, the place of environmental law and geopolitics, and sustainability innovators and catalysts. The human section considers demographic trends and models, economics – including the circular economy and green finance – transport, the built environment, and waste management. In doing so, the volume demarcates the ways in which the country encounters and grapples with significant challenges, and delves into the range of options for future pathways to sustainability in Qatar. Relevant to policymakers and scholars in energy and environment, urban, and developmental studies, as well as the arenas of politics, climate change, and policy, this book is a landmark collection on environmental policy in the Gulf, and beyond