A successive optimization approach to pilot design for multi-cell massive MIMO systems

In this letter, we introduce a novel pilot design approach that minimizes the total mean square errors of the minimum mean square error estimators of all base stations (BSs) subject to the transmit power constraints of individual users in the network, while tackling the pilot contamination in multicell Massive MIMO systems. First, we decompose the original non-convex problem into distributed optimization sub-problems at individual BSs, where each BS can optimize its own pilot signals given the knowledge of pilot signals from the remaining BSs. We then introduce a successive optimization approach to transform each optimization sub-problem into a linear matrix inequality (LMI) form, which is convex and can be solved by available optimization packages. Simulation results confirm the fast convergence of the proposed approach and prevails a benchmark scheme in terms of providing higher accuracy

A successive optimization approach to pilot design for multi-cell massive MIMO systems

In this letter, we introduce a novel pilot design approach that minimizes the total mean square errors of the minimum mean square error estimators of all base stations (BSs) subject to the transmit power constraints of individual users in the network, while tackling the pilot contamination in multicell Massive MIMO systems. First, we decompose the original non-convex problem into distributed optimization sub-problems at individual BSs, where each BS can optimize its own pilot signals given the knowledge of pilot signals from the remaining BSs. We then introduce a successive optimization approach to transform each optimization sub-problem into a linear matrix inequality (LMI) form, which is convex and can be solved by available optimization packages. Simulation results confirm the fast convergence of the proposed approach and prevails a benchmark scheme in terms of providing higher accuracy

A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO DEVELOP ENGINEERING PROGRAMME OUTCOMES: A CASE STUDY OF TAYLOR'S UNIVERSITY

Part fulfilment of providing an engineering programme which implements outcome based education includes various outcomes that are tied to what the graduate should achieve after, during and before graduation. The programme outcomes are specifically crafted to encapsulate attributes that must be attained by a student upon graduation. The following paper details the principles used to craft the programme outcomes of an engineering undergraduate degree programme. The principles used were chosen based its importance and innovative content as well as being aligned to the purpose of the university which is running the degree programme. Upon crafting the prescribed outcomes, the paper will also detail how stakeholders were engaged and how their opinion was accounted for in the final crafting of the new set of programme outcomes. The paper also highlights how a gap analysis was performed to capture areas which were not covered by the previous programme outcomes

Comparison of outcomes following transfemoral versus trans-subclavian approach for transcatheter aortic valve Implantation: a meta-analysis

Background The subclavian artery is an alternative access route for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), with a potential advantage in patients unsuitable for traditional access routes such as the femoral artery. This study aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of the trans-subclavian (TSc) compared to the trans-femoral (TF) approach. Methods A systematic review was conducted on two online databases: Embase and Medline. The initial search returned 508 titles. Nine observational studies were included: n = 2938 patients (2382 TF and 556 TSc). Results Both TSc and TF groups were comparable for: 30-day mortality (Odds ratio, OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.49 – 1.16, p = 0.195); in-hospital stroke (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.60–1.85, p = 0.859); myocardial infarction (OR 1.97, 95% CI 0.74–5.23, p = 0.176); paravalvular leaks (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.76–1.90, p = 0.439); rates of postoperative permanent pacemaker implantation (OR 1.49, 95% CI 0.92–2.41, p = 0.105); in-hospital bleeding and meta-analysis demonstrated no significant difference between access points (OR 3.44, 95% CI 0.35–34.22, p = 0.292). Procedural time was found to be longer in the TSc group (SMD 1.02; 95% CI 0.815–1.219, p < 0.001). Major vascular complications were significantly higher in the TF group (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.32–0.94, p = 0.029). Meta regression found no influence of the covariates on the outcomes. Conclusion Subclavian access is both a safe and feasible alternative access route for TAVI with lower risks of major vascular complications. This study supports the use of subclavian access as a viable alternative in patient groups where transfemoral TAVI is contraindicated

Carbon footprint of inhalers in respiratory treatment : SABA CARBON International

Funding statement: The study was designed and funded by AstraZenecaPeer reviewedPostprin

Over-the-counter (OTC) short-acting β2-agonist (SABA) purchase and asthma outcomes in SABINA III

Peer reviewedPostprin

Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients with asthma who were prescribed ≥3 SABA canisters/year in the SABINA International study

Peer reviewedPostprin