Relay selection based clustering techniques for high density LTE networks

In very crowded areas, a large number of LTE users contained in a single cell will try to access services at the same time causing high load on the Base Station (BS). Some users may be blocked from getting their requested services due to this high load. Using a two-hop relay architecture can help in increasing the system capacity, increasing coverage area, decreasing energy consumption, and reducing the BS load. Clustering techniques can be used to configure the nodes in such two-layer topology. This paper proposes a new algorithm for relay selection based on the Basic Sequential Algorithmic Scheme (BSAS) along with power control protocol. Unlike other capacity improving techniques such as small cells and relay stations this approach does not require additional infrastructure. Instead, users themselves will act as a temporary relay stations. Modifications are implemented to the original BSAS to make it suitable for LTE environment and to improve its performance. The protocol for resource allocation and power control is implemented assuming a multi cell scenario. The algorithm is compared to other relaying and clustering schemes in addition to the conventional LTE. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm has improved system capacity and energy consumption compared to other existing clustering/relaying schemes

Evaluating Palliative Care Needs in Middle Eastern Countries

WOS: 000347152600006PubMed ID: 25302525Background: Cancer incidence in Middle Eastern countries, most categorized as low- and middle-income, is predicted to double in the next 10 years, greater than in any other part of the world. While progress has been made in cancer diagnosis/treatment, much remains to be done to improve palliative care for the majority of patients with cancer who present with advanced disease. Objective: To determine knowledge, beliefs, barriers, and resources regarding palliative care services in Middle Eastern countries and use findings to inform future educational and training activities. Design: Descriptive survey. Setting/Subjects: Fifteen Middle Eastern countries; convenience sample of 776 nurses (44.3%), physicians (38.3%) and psychosocial, academic, and other health care professionals (17.4%) employed in varied settings. Measurements: Palliative care needs assessment. Results: Improved pain management services are key facilitators. Top barriers include lack of designated palliative care beds/services, community awareness, staff training, access to hospice services, and personnel/time. The nonexistence of functioning home-based and hospice services leaves families/providers unable to honor patient wishes. Respondents were least satisfied with discussions around advance directives and wish to learn more about palliative care focusing on communication techniques. Populations requiring special consideration comprise: patients with ethnic diversity, language barriers, and low literacy; pediatric and young adults; and the elderly. Conclusions: The majority of Middle Eastern patients with cancer are treated in outlying regions; the community is pivotal and must be incorporated into future plans for developing palliative care services. Promoting palliative care education and certification for physicians and nurses is crucial; home-based and hospice services must be sustained.MECCFunding was provided by MECC. Ronit Esther, MECC coordinator, is acknowledged for assistance with data collection and manuscript formatting. ONS leaders Barbara Lubejko, RN, MS, Project Manager/Education Team and Nurse Peer Review Leader/Approver Unit and Kate Shaughnessy Hankle, MBA, CVA, Management of International and Leadership Development are acknowledged for their assistance with survey revision and qualitative data analysis

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