Improving the Performance of Viterbi Decoder using Window System

An efficient Viterbi decoder is introduced in this paper; it is called Viterbi decoder with window system. The simulation results, over Gaussian channels, are performed from rate 1/2, 1/3 and 2/3 joined to TCM encoder with memory in order of 2, 3. These results show that the proposed scheme outperforms the classical Viterbi by a gain of 1 dB. On the other hand, we propose a function called RSCPOLY2TRELLIS, for recursive systematic convolutional (RSC) encoder which creates the trellis structure of a recursive systematic convolutional encoder from the matrix “H”. Moreover, we present a comparison between the decoding algorithms of the TCM encoder like Viterbi soft and hard, and the variants of the MAP decoder known as BCJR or forward-backward algorithm which is very performant in decoding TCM, but depends on the size of the code, the memory, and the CPU requirements of the application

Predicting Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Bloodstream Infection Incidence Rates using Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program (CNISP)

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is among the most prevalent nosocomial pathogens globally, causing significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. MRSA bloodstream infection (BSI) incidence rates in Canadian hospitals have significantly risen by almost 60% and have a mortality of over 20% upon Intensive Care Unit admission. MRSA is believed to be spread through healthcare workers; thus, high hand hygiene compliancy in addition to environmental cleaning are the cornerstone countermeasures to disrupting its transmission. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), in collaboration with the Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program (CNISP), conducts national, sentinel surveillance on healthcare-associated infections like MRSA. As a Student Epidemiologist, I developed a research proposal detailing two study objectives: 1) develop a regression model to predict all incident MRSA BSI rates among acute-care hospitals in Canada using CNISP MRSA BSI incident cases from 2000 to 2019, and 2) create a compartmental (Susceptible-Infected-Recovered-Deceased) model to determine the impact of various Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures on the risk of healthcare-associated MRSA BSI transmission specifically. This study hopes to demonstrate that proper IPC compliance is associated with lower incident MRSA BSI rates with the goal being to produce a manuscript draft by 2021. MRSA poses a serious threat to patient safety globally and is becoming a growing national public health concern in Canada; determining which IPC strategy is most effective at disrupting MRSA transmission is essential to reducing incidence and mortality rates

Advanced hybrid algorithms for precise multipath channel estimation in next-generation wireless networks

Multipath channels continue to present challenges in wireless communication for both 5G and 6G networks. A multipath channel is a phenomenon in wireless communications where signals traverse from the sender to the receiver along various paths. This end occurs due to the reflection, diffraction, and refraction of signals of various objects and structures in the environment. Such pathways can cause symbol interference in the transmitted signal, leading to communication issues. To this end, our paper proposes the integration of three algorithms: teaching-learning-based optimization (TLBO), particle swarm optimization (PSO), and artificial neural networks (ANN). This combination effectively analyzes and stabilizes the transmission channel, minimizing symbol interference. We have developed, simulated, and evaluated this hybrid approach for multipath fading channels. We apply it to various coding schemes, including tail-biting convolutional code, turbo codes, low-density parity-check, and polar code. Additionally, we have explored various decoding methods such as Viterbi, maximum logarithmic maximum a posteriori, minimum sum, and cyclic redundancy check soft cancellation list. Our study encompasses new channel equalization schemes and coding gains derived from simulations and mathematical analysis. Our proposed method significantly enhances channel equalization, reducing interference and improving error correction in wireless communication systems

Aperçu - Crise des opioïdes : assurer le suivi et faire évoluer les données de surveillance

Le nombre de cas de surdoses liées à la consommation d’opioïdes augmente à un rythme alarmant, principalement en raison de l’usage accru du fentanyl et de ses analogues. Des sources de données fiables et solides sur l’utilisation des opioïdes sont cruciales pour la planification d’interventions efficaces, de même que pour l’élaboration de politiques et de directives appropriées en vue de réduire le fardeau des opioïdes. Cet article porte sur les mesures entreprises par les partenaires fédéraux pour s’attaquer à la crise des opioïdes au Canada. Il traite aussi de la nécessité de nouvelles méthodes de surveillance destinées à améliorer la collecte et l’harmonisation des données sur les drogues

New Survey Questions and Estimators for Network Clustering with Respondent-Driven Sampling Data

Clustering coefficient estimation in respondent-driven samplin

At-a-glance - Opioid surveillance: monitoring and responding to the evolving crisis

The incidence of opioid-related overdoses is increasing at an alarming pace, largely driven by the increased use of fentanyl and its analogues. The need for sound and reliable sources of data on opioid use is crucial in order to make decisions on implementing efficient interventions, and develop appropriate policies and guidelines to mitigate the burden of opioid use. This article highlights initiatives undertaken by federal partners to address the opioid crisis in Canada. The need for novel surveillance approaches that improve the collection and harmonization of drug-related data is also discussed

Antimicrobial use among adult inpatients at hospital sites within the Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program: 2009 to 2016

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a growing threat to the world’s ability to prevent and treat infections. Links between quantitative antibiotic use and the emergence of bacterial resistance are well documented. This study presents benchmark antimicrobial use (AMU) rates for inpatient adult populations in acute-care hospitals across Canada. Methods: In this retrospective surveillance study, acute-care adult hospitals participating in the Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program (CNISP) submitted annual AMU data on all systemic antimicrobials from 2009 to 2016. Information specific to intensive care units (ICUs) and non-ICU wards were available for 2014–2016. Data were analyzed using defined daily doses (DDD) per 1000 patient days (DDD/1000pd). Results: Between 2009 and 2016, 16–18 CNISP adult hospitals participated each year and provided their AMU data (22 hospitals participated in ≥1 year of surveillance; 11 in all years). From 2009 to 2016, there was a significant reduction in use (12%) (from 654 to 573 DDD/1000pd, p = 0.03). Fluoroquinolones accounted for the majority of this decrease (47% reduction in combined oral and intravenous use, from 129 to 68 DDD/1000pd, p < 0.002). The top five antimicrobials used in 2016 were cefazolin (78 DDD/1000pd), piperacillin-tazobactam (53 DDD/1000pd), ceftriaxone (49 DDD/1000pd), vancomycin (combined oral and intravenous use was 44 DDD/1000pd; 7% of vancomycin use was oral), and ciprofloxacin (combined oral and intravenous use: 42 DDD/1000pd). Among the top 10 antimicrobials used in 2016, ciprofloxacin and metronidazole use decreased significantly between 2009 and 2016 by 46% (p = 0.002) and 26% (p = 0.002) respectively. Ceftriaxone (85% increase, p = 0.0008) and oral amoxicillin-clavulanate (140% increase, p < 0.0001) use increased significantly but contributed only a small component (8.6 and 5.0%, respectively) of overall use. Conclusions: This study represents the largest collection of dispensed antimicrobial use data among inpatients in Canada to date. Between 2009 and 2016, there was a significant 12% decrease in AMU, driven primarily by a 47% decrease in fluoroquinolone use. Modest absolute increases in parenteral ceftriaxone and oral amoxicillin-clavulanate use were noted but contributed a small amount of total AMU. Ongoing national surveillance is crucial for establishing benchmarks and antimicrobial stewardship guidelines.Other UBCNon UBCReviewedFacult