Architecture for Cooperative Prefetching in P2P Video-on- Demand System

Most P2P VoD schemes focused on service architectures and overlays optimization without considering segments rarity and the performance of prefetching strategies. As a result, they cannot better support VCRoriented service in heterogeneous environment having clients using free VCR controls. Despite the remarkable popularity in VoD systems, there exist no prior work that studies the performance gap between different prefetching strategies. In this paper, we analyze and understand the performance of different prefetching strategies. Our analytical characterization brings us not only a better understanding of several fundamental tradeoffs in prefetching strategies, but also important insights on the design of P2P VoD system. On the basis of this analysis, we finally proposed a cooperative prefetching strategy called "cooching". In this strategy, the requested segments in VCR interactivities are prefetched into session beforehand using the information collected through gossips. We evaluate our strategy through extensive simulations. The results indicate that the proposed strategy outperforms the existing prefetching mechanisms.Comment: 13 Pages, IJCN

Clinical features and management of Merkel cell carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive dermal tumour of neuroendocrine origin. MCC is a rare tumour and all information pertaining to its behaviour, therapy and prognosis is based on retrospective reports. The two potentially curative treatment modalities are surgery and radiotherapy. It is a rare, highly malignant primary skin tumour, originally called trabecular carcinoma of the skin. MCC poses a challenge to the clinician because of its rarity and poor prognosis. The optimal therapy is customised and tailored for each individual patient with the appropriate use of operative resection and radiation therapy. This review covers reports from several authors regarding the rationale of using postoperative radiotherapy to the primary tumour and regional lymphatics. Although MCC is classified as a type of neuroendocrine carcinoma, it is less likely to be controlled by systemic chemotherapy. Management of primary lesion with clinically localised disease is wide excision with margin of at least 2 cm whenever possible. MCC is a radiosensitive tumour, adjuvant radiotherapy has been advocated in order to control local as well as regional disease. Radiation induced toxicity should be considered and discussed with the patient. Adjuvant radiation to the nodal bed after complete lymphadenectomy in patients with metastatic disease is generally not recommended

The Impact of Leadership Styles on Innovation in the Health Services

In Pakistan, the health sector has remained the victim of negligence on the part of all those who are responsible for the matters pertaining with this sector. The status of the health sector is one of the significant indicators of the social development as it places a very important role in building a health society leading a sound mind and ultimately a stable economy. Presently, the apathetic situation prevailing in the health related departments is telling upon the health of the entire nation in all respects. In this regard, the responsibility falls upon the shoulders of all the concerned especially people at the helm namely the leadership. Although, the problems are age-long rather entrenched yet a dedicated and committed leadership can resolve the situation through comprehensive and well-concerted efforts. There is a dire need to plan and implement certain well-consented measures to the grade of innovations to bring out the whole system from the clutches of status quo marked by lethargy, insensitivity and apathy. The aim and focus of all these innovative measures rests upon the smooth and timely provision of all the health services to those who seek them.