Performance of UMTS/WLAN Integration at Hot-Spot Locations Using OPNET

Due to the many benefits provided by both the third-generation (3G) mobile networks and the IEEE 802.11 wireless local area networks (WLANs), it is desirable to integrate both types of networks. While studies specifying generic integration architectures are abundant, there are little or no studies that are dedicated for applications performance over such heterogeneous networks. Using simulations, this paper evaluates the performance of two 3G/WLAN integration schemes: loose and open coupling, together with two mobility management schemes: Mobile IP and mobile stream control transmission protocol (mSCTP) for an airport as a typical example of a hot-spot location. In addition, the evaluation is carried out for a wide range of application mixes consisting of FTP, HTTP and multimedia. Utilizing OPNET as the simulation platform and incorporating the required protocols to support our implementation of the Mobile IP and mSCTP, we generate a large matrix of performance figures for the 4 network configurations under all applications mixes considered. The results summarized in this paper indicate that integration methods considered have little impact on the application mixes studied in terms of delay but show that FTP and HTTP throughput is better with loose coupling scheme. Further, quantifying the handoff delay between the 3G and WLAN networks, the results indicate that a loose-couple integration solution together with Mobile IP provides the best performance

Performance of UMTS/WLAN Integration at Hot-Spot Locations Using OPNET

Due to the many benefits provided by both the third-generation (3G) mobile networks and the IEEE 802.11 wireless local area networks (WLANs), it is desirable to integrate both types of networks. While studies specifying generic integration architectures are abundant, there are little or no studies that are dedicated for applications performance over such heterogeneous networks. Using simulations, this paper evaluates the performance of two 3G/WLAN integration schemes: loose and open coupling, together with two mobility management schemes: Mobile IP and mobile stream control transmission protocol (mSCTP) for an airport as a typical example of a hot-spot location. In addition, the evaluation is carried out for a wide range of application mixes consisting of FTP, HTTP and multimedia. Utilizing OPNET as the simulation platform and incorporating the required protocols to support our implementation of the Mobile IP and mSCTP, we generate a large matrix of performance figures for the 4 network configurations under all applications mixes considered. The results summarized in this paper indicate that integration methods considered have little impact on the application mixes studied in terms of delay but show that FTP and HTTP throughput is better with loose coupling scheme. Further, quantifying the handoff delay between the 3G and WLAN networks, the results indicate that a loose-couple integration solution together with Mobile IP provides the best performance

The strategic plan for combating antimicrobial resistance in Gulf Cooperation Council States

Summary: The Gulf Cooperation Council Center for Infection Control (GCC-IC) has placed the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) on the top of its agenda for the past four years. The board members have developed the initial draft for the GCC strategic plan for combating AMR in 2014. The strategic plan stems from the WHO mandate to combat AMR at all levels. The need for engaging a large number of stakeholders has prompted the GCC-IC to engage a wider core of professionals in finalizing the plan. A multi-disciplinary group of more than 40 experts were then identified. And a workshop was conducted in Riyadh January 2015 and included, for the first time, representation of relevant ministries and agencies as well as international experts in the field. Participants worked over a period of two and a half days in different groups. International experts shared the global experiences and challenges in addressing human, food, animal, and environmental aspects of controlling AMR. Participants were then divided into 4 groups each to address the human, animal, microbiological and diagnostic, or the environmental aspect of AMR. At the end of the workshop, the strategic plan was revised and endorsed by all participants. The GCC-IC board members then approved it as the strategic plan for AMR. The document produced here is the first GCC strategic plan addressing AMR, which shall be adopted by GCC countries to develop country-based plans and related key performance indicators (KPIs). It is now the role of each country to identify the body that will be accountable for implementing the plan at the country level. Keywords: Strategic plan, Antimicrobial resistance, AMR, GCC, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwai