Clustering algorithm for D2D communication in next generation cellular networks : thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand

Next generation cellular networks will support many complex services for smartphones, vehicles, and other devices. To accommodate such services, cellular networks need to go beyond the capabilities of their previous generations. Device-to-Device communication (D2D) is a key technology that can help fulfil some of the requirements of future networks. The telecommunication industry expects a significant increase in the density of mobile devices which puts more pressure on centralized schemes and poses risk in terms of outages, poor spectral efficiencies, and low data rates. Recent studies have shown that a large part of the cellular traffic pertains to sharing popular contents. This highlights the need for decentralized and distributive approaches to managing multimedia traffic. Content-sharing via D2D clustered networks has emerged as a popular approach for alleviating the burden on the cellular network. Different studies have established that D2D communication in clusters can improve spectral and energy efficiency, achieve low latency while increasing the capacity of the network. To achieve effective content-sharing among users, appropriate clustering strategies are required. Therefore, the aim is to design and compare clustering approaches for D2D communication targeting content-sharing applications. Currently, most of researched and implemented clustering schemes are centralized or predominantly dependent on Evolved Node B (eNB). This thesis proposes a distributed architecture that supports clustering approaches to incorporate multimedia traffic. A content-sharing network is presented where some D2D User Equipment (DUE) function as content distributors for nearby devices. Two promising techniques are utilized, namely, Content-Centric Networking and Network Virtualization, to propose a distributed architecture, that supports efficient content delivery. We propose to use clustering at the user level for content-distribution. A weighted multi-factor clustering algorithm is proposed for grouping the DUEs sharing a common interest. Various performance parameters such as energy consumption, area spectral efficiency, and throughput have been considered for evaluating the proposed algorithm. The effect of number of clusters on the performance parameters is also discussed. The proposed algorithm has been further modified to allow for a trade-off between fairness and other performance parameters. A comprehensive simulation study is presented that demonstrates that the proposed clustering algorithm is more flexible and outperforms several well-known and state-of-the-art algorithms. The clustering process is subsequently evaluated from an individual user’s perspective for further performance improvement. We believe that some users, sharing common interests, are better off with the eNB rather than being in the clusters. We utilize machine learning algorithms namely, Deep Neural Network, Random Forest, and Support Vector Machine, to identify the users that are better served by the eNB and form clusters for the rest of the users. This proposed user segregation scheme can be used in conjunction with most clustering algorithms including the proposed multi-factor scheme. A comprehensive simulation study demonstrates that with such novel user segregation, the performance of individual users, as well as the whole network, can be significantly improved for throughput, energy consumption, and fairness

RIGHT-WING POPULISM IN INDIA: EFFECTS ON INDIA PAKISTAN RELATIONS

The rise of right-wing populism in India has transformed politics and foreign relations since 2014. By seeing right-wing populism as a social construct, we can better figure out how it affects the relationship between India and Pakistan, two nuclear-armed neighbors who have a history of animosity and tensions. Using social constructivism, we argue that the rise of right-wing populism in India has transformed India's national identity. This has brought change in India's foreign policy priorities and made tensions with Pakistan worse. This study takes a qualitative approach by looking at political speeches, news stories, and policy documents to show how right-wing populism has intensified nationalist sentiments. As result, India's relationship with Pakistan has become more confrontational and less cooperative. The study also discusses the far-reaching effects of right-wing populism in India, including greater polarization and divisiveness, a politics of hate towards Muslims, an increase in nationalist sentiments, and the erosion of social and democratic norms. The article contends that the ascent of populism in India has had severe effects on human rights, academia, cultural identity, and the media. It is crucial to develop strategies to enhance regional stability and security. To improve understanding and cooperation between India and Pakistan, policymakers and other interested parties can take several approaches, such as promoting dialogue and engagement, engaging in multi-track diplomacy, enabling people-to-people contacts, highlighting common social norms, and inspiring a constructive and cooperative foreign policy. Also, the international community must actively play role in promoting regional stability and collaboration. Key words: Social Constructivism, Right-wing Populism, Hindu Nationalism, Hindutva Ideology

Cytophagic Histiocytic Panniculitis (CHP) in a Patient with SLE Found after Autopsy: When a Rash Is "Complicated!"

Introduction: Cytophagic histolytic panniculitis (CHP) is a clinical disorder characterized by nodular panniculitis of the subcutaneous adipose tissue. It was first described in 1980 by Winkelmann. Histologically it is described as an infiltration of the adipose tissue by T- lymphocytes and phagocytic macrophages (also known as "bean bag cells"). Most of the cases are reported under the age of 50 and is a rare cause of panniculitis. We report a case of CHP in a young patient who presented to our emergency room (ER). Case Summary: A 39-year-old African American woman who presented to our hospital with lethargy, progressive confusion, and generalized rash involving both lower extremities of 1 week duration. She had a history of pancytopenia and focal proliferative and membranous lupus nephritis classes 3 and 5. Her physical examination was remarkable for bilateral lower extremity pitting edema and a desquamating rash on both of her legs. The Nicolsky sign was positive. She was noted to be hypotensive and was started on intravenous fluids and broad spectrum antibiotics. Routine laboratory tests revealed severe pancytopenia, with a hemoglobin of 3.9 g/dl, white blood cell count 600/ul, and platelet count of 11000/ul. Within an hour of arrival to the ER she developed acute respiratory failure. She was intubated and placed on mechanical ventilation. She developed shock requiring vasopressors. No imaging could be done due to her unstable condition. Four hours after her initial presentation she developed asystole and expired. Postmortem histopathology of the adipose tissue revealed CHP. Conclusion: CHP can be rapidly fatal. The treatment involves high dose of intravenous steroids and immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine

Student Perceptions of Gender Studies as an Academic Discipline in Pakistan

The article aimed to highlight the varied perceptions of students studying Gender Studies as an academic discipline at Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Pakistan. The research objective of this article was to document the students’ experiences, perceptions, misconceptions, and anxieties regarding Gender Studies. This research is the result of a continuous journey in this field where we have actively engaged and interacted with students studying in various semesters. The research was qualitative in nature and in-depth interview guidelines were employed to conduct interviews with the students of the Center of Excellence in Gender Studies (CEGS) at QAU, Islamabad. The sample size consisted of 20 students who hailed from different geographical areas of Pakistan and belonged to diverse socio-cultural and economic backgrounds. Additionally, the sample was purposely selected to include only students in their final semester. The study revealed that the instructors teaching Gender Studies were accused of propagating Western theories, and this had become a cause of concern and provocation for many students. A large number of students have indicated that they were unaware or ignorant of this academic discipline and were familiarized only after securing admission based on merit. The research demonstrates that these students were unsure of the scope of the subject and the employment opportunities it offered upon completion of their degree in Gender Studies. The respondents were under the impression that this academic discipline is not only antagonistic to their Pakistani culture but also promotes a Western agenda. A few respondents shared their experiences and pointed out that feminism faces a strong backlash in Pakistani society; hence, they found it difficult to see the relevance of feminism in Pakistan. The research also revealed that studying the discipline of Gender Studies has helped the respondents to introspect, deconstruct, and criticize their preconceived notions about gender and women. While Gender Studies as an academic discipline has equipped the students to deal with gender-based issues, it has also stirred arguments with their families. Lastly, Gender Studies created awareness related to gender issues and helped the students to overcome their misconceptions

Sudden Vision Loss in a Young Patient with Pulmonary Hypertension, A Rare and Unusual Finding

Loss of vision associated with pulmonary hypertension in the pediatric age group has been rarely reported in the literature and often goes unnoticed for a long period. Pulmonary hypertension may manifest as shortness of breath limiting the activity of the individual, palpitation, headaches, easy fatiguability, dizziness been the most common symptoms encountered. However, primary pulmonary hypertension would not present itself instead secondary to other diseases like congenital heart disease, lung disease, connective tissue disorders or genetic diseases. Our case demonstrated a 17-year old individual with a primary complaint of progressive loss of vision in the left eye leading to complete vision loss. The patient experienced dyspnea two years back which exacerbated affecting his normal routine activity. His Echocardiography revealed severe pulmonary hypertension and was started on appropriate medications. His vision worsened and slit-lamp examination revealed multiple hemorrhages. Further investigations with FFA and OCT revealed significant hypoperfusion and significant elevation of the retina of the left eye. Anti-VEGF injections were given in an attempt to restore vision, but it resulted in no further improvement. Our case emphasizes the importance of prompt ophthalmologic examination in Pulmonary Hypertension

Spatial variations in COVID-19 risk perception and coping mechanism in Pakistan

The outbreak of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, which instigated governments to impose lockdowns across their countries. Amidst the lockdown in Pakistan, this study comprised measures of the COVID-19 risk perception, coping mechanism, and spatial variations. The data from 40 selected indicators was collected using an online questionnaire and grouped into domains (4 risk perception and 3 coping mechanisms domains). The results revealed the spatial variations and the levels of risk perception and coping mechanisms within the study area. Relative to each other, overall risk perception was highest in Northern Areas (Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir) and Islamabad, and lowest in Balochistan province. Very little spatial variation was observed in terms of coping mechanisms. Age, gender, and marital status influenced the risk perception associated with COVID-19. The findings suggest spatial variation in risk perception, implying the need for localized and modified COVID-19 risk communication and risk reduction strategies. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41324-022-00498-7

Heterocyclic Electrochemistry: Renewable Electricity in the Construction of Heterocycles

Numerous applications in the realm of biological exploration and drug synthesis can be found in heterocyclic chemistry, which is a vast subject. Many efforts have been developed to further improve the reaction conditions to access this interesting family to prevent employing hazardous ingredients. In this instance, it has been stated that green and environmentally friendly manufacturing methodologies have been introduced to create N-, S-, and O-heterocycles. It appears to be one of the most promising methods to access these types of compounds avoiding use of stoichiometric amounts of oxidizing/reducing species or precious metal catalysts, in which only catalytic amounts are sufficient, and it represent an ideal way of contributing toward the resource economy. Thus, renewable electricity provides clean electrons (oxidant/reductant) that initiate a reaction cascade via producing reactive intermediates that facilitate in building new bonds for valuable chemical transformations. Moreover, electrochemical activation using metals as catalytic mediators has been identified as a more efficient strategy toward selective functionalization. Thus, indirect electrolysis makes the potential range more practical, and less side reactions can occur. The latest developments in using an electrolytic strategy to create N-, S-, and O-heterocycles are the main topic of this mini review, which was documented over the last five years

Towards adopting Zero Interest Loan (ZIL) and Profit and Loss Sharing (PLS) principle in Islamic microfinance: the case of Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia

Microfinance institutions evolved to alleviate poverty by providing micro-credit to the poor. There have been few poverty alleviation success stories from institutions such as Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM). For the majority however, there is no solid evidence to support the positive impacts of microfinance institutions on the poor (Kono and Takahashi, 2010; as cited by Aliyu, 2012). One factor that hinders the positive impact of microfinance institutions on the poor is the inherent nature of the microcredit scheme which charges fixed and high interest rate due to high administrative cost (IRTI, 2007, as cited by Aliyu, 2012). Islamic microfinance evolved to provide alternative to the interest based conventional microfinance. However, the financing modes being used by the Islamic micro-finance institutions (IMFIs) are mostly debt based, which have resemblance to the interest based conventional modes. IMFs shun away from using the PLS scheme, which they consider risky. Theoretically, it is argued that PLS mobilizes factors of production, encourages risk sharing and ensures distributive equity in income and wealth. There is hardly any literature that has shown that PLS is workable in a pristine environment of zero interest. Furthermore, there is hardly any studies that have discussed on the feasibility of financing the poor using a combination of PLS and zero interest financing (ZIF). This study will experiment on the feasibility of providing small financing using a combination of PLS and ZIF to empower the working poor. The research incorporates literature survey, field study and business model applications in its methodology to achieve the desired objectives. The results of this pioneering project are expected to promote the local socio-economic welfare of the poor and provide opportunities in applied areas for future research. © 2013 The IIUM Institute of Islamic Banking and Finance. Keywords: Poverty; Islamic microfinance; Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia; Equity-based financing; Interest-free financing