Performance study of an underlay cognitive radio network in the presence of co-channel interference

PhD ThesisMassive innovation in all aspects of the wireless communication network has been witnessed over the last few decades. The demand for data throughput is continuously growing, as such, the current regulations for allocating frequency spectrum are not able to respond to this exponential growth. Cognitive radio (CR), has been proposed as a solution to this problem. One of the possible scenarios of the implementation of CR is underlay cognitive radio. In this thesis the performance of an underlay cognitive radio network (UCRN) in the presence of the co-channel interference (CCI) is assessed. Firstly, the impact of CCI on the dual-hop cooperative UCRN is investigated over Rayleigh fading channels. In order to do this, the exact outage probability (OP), average error probability (AEP) and the ergodic capacity (EC) are studied. In addition, simple and asymptotic expressions for the OP and AEP are derived. Furthermore, the optimal power allocation is investigated to enhance the network performance. Moreover, the performance of a multi-user scenario is studied by considering the opportunistic SNR-based selection technique. Secondly, the effect of both primary network interference and CCI on the dual-hop UCRN over Rayleigh fading channels are studied. The equivalent signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) for this network scenario is obtained by considering multi-antenna schemes at all receiver nodes. The different signal combinations at the receiver nodes are investigated and compared, such as selection combining (SC) and maximum ratio combining (MRC) techniques. Then, the equivalent probability density function (PDF) and cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the network’s equivalent SINR are derived and discussed. Furthermore, expressions for the exact OP, AEP, and EC are derived and reviewed. In addition, asymptotic OP expressions are obtained for different case scenarios to gain an insight into the network parameters. Thirdly, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) UCRN is investigated under the influence of primary transmitter interference and CCI over Rayleigh fading channels. The transmit antenna selection and maximum ratio combining (TAS/MRC) techniques are considered for examining the performance of the secondary network. At first the equivalent SINR for the system is derived, then the exact and approximate expressions for the OP are derived and discussed. Fourthly, considering Nakagami-m fading channels, the performance of the UCRN is thoroughly studied with the consideration of the impact of primary network interference and CCI. The equivalent SINR for the secondary system is derived. Then, the system equivalent PDF and CDF are derived and discussed. Furthermore, the OP and AEP performances are investigated. Finally, for the cases mentioned above, numerical examples in conjunction with MatLab Monte Carlo simulations are provided to validate the derived results. The results show that CCI is one of the factors that severely reduces the UCRN performance. This can be more observable when the CCI power increases linearly with the transmission power of the secondary transmitter nodes. Furthermore, it was found that in a multi-user scenario the opportunistic SNR-based selection technique consideration can improve the performance of the network. Moreover, adaptive power allocation is found to give better results than equal power allocation. In addition, cooperative communication can be considered to be an effective way to combat the impact of transmission power limitation of the secondary network and interference power constraint. The multi-antenna schemes are another important consideration for enhancing the overall performance. In fact, despite the interference from the CCI and primary user sources, the multi-antennas scheme does not lose its advantage in the UCRN performance improvementHigher Committee for Education Development in Iraq (HCED). I am also grateful to the Ministry of Transportation and Communication, Kurdistan Regional Government-Iraq

Assessment of disturbed voltage supply effects on steady-state performance of an induction motor

An electric power system is usually exposed to unequal and variable loads across its three phases, which leads to voltage unbalance and variation, making the three-phase voltages asymmetrical in nature at the distribution end. This problem is clearly evident in Iraq country, particularly with regard to the fluctuating voltage levels of electricity distribution during peak hours. Providing a three-phase motor with asymmetric voltages is badly affecting its working performance. Estimating the performance of this motor at steady-state under different conditions of voltage disturbances is investigated in this paper through Matlab simulation using Symmetrical component approach. The motor performance represented by active and reactive input powers, output put power, developed torque, power losses, efficiency and power factor is analyzed under full load conditions. Also, the steady-state power losses- and torque-slip characteristics at certain degrees of voltage unbalance have been calculated and plotte

Exploring the potential of offline cryptography techniques for securing ECG signals in healthcare

In the research, a software for ECG signal based on Chaos encryption based on C#-programmed and Kit of Microsoft Visual Studio Development was implemented. A chaos logic map (ChLMp ) and its initial value are utilized to create Level-1 ECG signal based on Chaos encryption bit streams. A ChLMp, an initial value, a ChLMp bifurcation parameter, and two encryption level parameters are utilized to create level-2 ECG signal based on Chaos encryption bit streams. The level-3 ECG signal based on Chaos encryption software utilizes two parameters for the level of encryption, a permutation mechanism, an initial value, a bifurcation parameter of the level of encryption, and a ChLMp. We assess 16-channel ECG signals with great resolution utilizing encryption software. The level-3 ECG signal based on Chaos encryption program has the slowest and most reliable encryption speed. The encryption effect is superior, according to test findings, and when the right decoding parameter is utilized, the ECG signals may be completely recovered. The high resolution 16-channel ECG signals (HRMCECG) won't be recovered if an invalid input parameter occurred, such as a 0.00001% initial point error, which will result in chaotic encryption bit streams

COVID-19 anomaly detection and classification method based on supervised machine learning of chest X-ray images

The term COVID-19 is an abbreviation of Coronavirus 2019, which is considered a global pandemic that threatens the lives of millions of people. Early detection of the disease offers ample opportunity of recovery and prevention of spreading. This paper proposes a method for classification and early detection of COVID-19 through image processing using X-ray images. A set of procedures are applied, including preprocessing (image noise removal, image thresholding, and morphological operation), Region of Interest (ROI) detection and segmentation, feature extraction, (Local binary pattern (LBP), Histogram of Gradient (HOG), and Haralick texture features) and classification (K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM)). The combinations of the feature extraction operators and classifiers results in six models, namely LBP-KNN, HOG-KNN, Haralick-KNN, LBP-SVM, HOG-SVM, and Haralick-SVM. The six models are tested based on test samples of 5,000 images with the percentage of training of 5-folds cross-validation. The evaluation results show high diagnosis accuracy from 89.2% up to 98.66%. The LBP-KNN model outperforms the other models in which it achieves an average accuracy of 98.66%, a sensitivity of 97.76%, specificity of 100%, and precision of 100%. The proposed method for early detection and classification of COVID-19 through image processing using X-ray images is proven to be usable in which it provides an end-to-end structure without the need for manual feature extraction and manual selection methods.Web of Science31art. no. 10504

Design Of Helical Antenna For Next Generation Wireless Communication

This study proposes a novel helical antenna design for next generation applications. The strip helical antenna is prescribed for next generation wireless communication and wideband applications that offer circular polarization and a wide bandwidth. In fact, the proposed helical antenna suits 5.8 GHz frequency by using Teflon material. The newly-designed strip was printed on a substrate and rolled into a helix shape to achieve circular polarization without impedance matching. This antenna is meant for wideband wireless communication applications. A wide bandwidth of 2.7 GHz with 5.8 GHz resonant frequency was attained through the use of helical antenna on Teflon substrate. The proposed antenna on Teflon substrate recorded a gain of 8.97 dB and 92% efficiency. The antenna design parameters and the simulated results were retrieved using Computer Simulation Technology software (CST). The measurement result of return loss displayed mismatch at 5.22 GHz due to manual fabrication. This developed antenna may be applied for a number of wireless applications, including Wideband, Ultra-wideband, and 5G

Human Wharton's Jelly Stem Cell (hWJSC) Extracts Inhibit Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines OVCAR3 and SKOV3 in vitro by Inducing Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis

Ovarian cancer is a highly lethal and the second highest in mortality among gynecological cancers. Stem cells either naïve or engineered are reported to inhibit various human cancers in both in-vitro and in-vivo. Herein we report the cancer inhibitory properties of human Wharton's jelly stem cell (hWJSC) extracts, namely its conditioned medium (hWJSC-CM) and cell lysate (hWJSC-CL) against two ovarian cancer cell lines (OVCAR3 and SKOV3) in-vitro. Cell metabolic activity assay of OVCAR3 and SKOV3 cells treated with hWJSC-CM (12.5, 25, 50, 75, 100%) and hWJSC-CL (5, 10, 15, 30, and 50 μg/ml) demonstrated concentration dependent inhibition at 24–72 h. Morphological analysis of OVCAR3 and SKOV3 cells treated with hWJSC-CM (50, 75, 100%) and hWJSC-CL (15, 30, and 50 μg/ml) for 24–72 h showed cell shrinkage, membrane damage/blebbings and cell death. Cell cycle assay demonstrated an increase in the sub-G1 and G2M phases of cell cycle following treatment with hWJSC-CM (50, 75, 100%) and hWJSC-CL (10, 15, and 30 μg/ml) at 48 h. Both OVCAR3 and SKOV3 cells demonstrated mild positive expression of activated caspase 3 following treatment with hWJSC-CM (50%) and hWJSC-CL (15 μg/ml) for 24 h. Cell migration of OVCAR3 and SKOV3 cells were inhibited following treatment with hWJSC-CM (50%) and hWJSC-CL (15 μg/ml) for 48 h. Tumor spheres (TS) of OVCAR3 and SKOV3 treated with hWJSC-CM (50, 75, 100%) and hWJSC-CL (10, 15, 30 μg/ml) for 48 h showed altered surface changes including vacuolations and reduction in size of TS. TS of OVCAR3 and SKOV3 also showed the presence of few ovarian cancer stem cells (CSCs) in minimal numbers following treatment with hWJSC-CM (50%) or hWJSC-CL (15 μg/ml) for 48 h. Real-time gene expression analysis of OVCAR3 and SKOV3 treated with hWJSC-CM (50%) or hWJSC-CL (15 μg/ml) for 48 h demonstrated decreased expression of cell cycle regulatory genes (cyclin A2, Cyclin E1), prostaglandin receptor signaling genes (EP2, EP4) and the pro-inflmmatory genes (IL-6, TNF-α) compared to untreated controls. The results indicate that hWJSC-CM and hWJSC-CL inhibit ovarian cancer cells at mild to moderate levels by inducing cellular changes, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, decreasing the expression of CSC markers and related genes regulation. Therefore, the stem cell factors in hWJSCs extracts can be useful in cancer management

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

The global burden of cancer attributable to risk factors, 2010-19 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Understanding the magnitude of cancer burden attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors is crucial for development of effective prevention and mitigation strategies. We analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 to inform cancer control planning efforts globally. Methods The GBD 2019 comparative risk assessment framework was used to estimate cancer burden attributable to behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risk factors. A total of 82 risk-outcome pairs were included on the basis of the World Cancer Research Fund criteria. Estimated cancer deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in 2019 and change in these measures between 2010 and 2019 are presented. Findings Globally, in 2019, the risk factors included in this analysis accounted for 4.45 million (95% uncertainty interval 4.01-4.94) deaths and 105 million (95.0-116) DALYs for both sexes combined, representing 44.4% (41.3-48.4) of all cancer deaths and 42.0% (39.1-45.6) of all DALYs. There were 2.88 million (2.60-3.18) risk-attributable cancer deaths in males (50.6% [47.8-54.1] of all male cancer deaths) and 1.58 million (1.36-1.84) risk-attributable cancer deaths in females (36.3% [32.5-41.3] of all female cancer deaths). The leading risk factors at the most detailed level globally for risk-attributable cancer deaths and DALYs in 2019 for both sexes combined were smoking, followed by alcohol use and high BMI. Risk-attributable cancer burden varied by world region and Socio-demographic Index (SDI), with smoking, unsafe sex, and alcohol use being the three leading risk factors for risk-attributable cancer DALYs in low SDI locations in 2019, whereas DALYs in high SDI locations mirrored the top three global risk factor rankings. From 2010 to 2019, global risk-attributable cancer deaths increased by 20.4% (12.6-28.4) and DALYs by 16.8% (8.8-25.0), with the greatest percentage increase in metabolic risks (34.7% [27.9-42.8] and 33.3% [25.8-42.0]). Interpretation The leading risk factors contributing to global cancer burden in 2019 were behavioural, whereas metabolic risk factors saw the largest increases between 2010 and 2019. Reducing exposure to these modifiable risk factors would decrease cancer mortality and DALY rates worldwide, and policies should be tailored appropriately to local cancer risk factor burden. Copyright (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license.Peer reviewe