Academic literature on the topic 'Self-organisation'

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine how humanitarian organisation size affects inter-organisational coordination and further tested the mediating role of organisational innovativeness, self-organisation in the relationship between humanitarian organisation size and inter-organisational coordination among humanitarian organisations in Uganda.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on cross-sectional survey; data was collected from 101 humanitarian organisations. The analysis of the proposed hypotheses was done with the help of PLS-SEM using SmartPLS version 3.3.0 for professionals.FindingsThe results show that humanitarian organisation size significantly relates with inter-organisational coordination. In addition, self-organisation and organisational innovativeness play a complementary role between humanitarian organisation size and inter-organisational coordination.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this research provide useful insights into the role of humanitarian organisation size in boosting inter-organisational coordination in humanitarian relief delivery. High levels of self-organisation and organisational innovativeness not only improve inter-organisational coordination in humanitarian relief delivery but also enhance the transformation of humanitarian organisation size benefits into inter-organisational coordination.Originality/valueThis research is one of the few studies that investigated the effect of humanitarian organisation size and inter-organisational coordination. It also brings into the limelight the mediating role of self-organisation and organisational innovativeness between humanitarian organisation size and inter-organisational ordination in humanitarian relief delivery.

Abstract This article proposes a new swarm control method using distributed proportional-derivative (PD) control for self-organisation of swarm of nonholonomic robots. Kinematics control with distributed proportional-derivative (DPD) controller enables generation of desired robot trajectory achieving collective behaviour of a robotic swarm such as aggregation and pattern formation. Proposed method is a generalisation of virtual spring-damper control used in swarm self-organisation. The article includes the control algorithm synthesis using the Lyapunov control theory and numeric simulations results.

Autonomic computing suggests the need for dynamic systems that adapt their struc-ture in response to environmental changes in a bottom-up fashion. Such systems can be considered to be composed of agents that self-organise in support of more effective operation. While various self-organisation approaches that aim to meet this need for continuous adaptation have been developed, these typically operate on structures that are not constrained to particular patterns (pipelines, hierarchies). Yet the ubiquitous use of such patterns when structuring task workflows, communication protocols, and traditional organisational design, suggests a need for their preservation when reorganis-ing. In cases where specific patterns, or topologies, result from self-organisation, these are artefacts of the self-organisation mechanism, rather than the underlying topology itself being preserved. In contrast, this thesis explicitly tackles such adaptation, while accommodating the need to preserve topology. The thesis introduces techniques for adapting a system’s structure to improve task throughput, and builds on these techniques, to provide a means of preserving particular topologies. A framework for the reorganisation of defined topologies is introduced, and specific solutions are given for the case of pipelines and hierarchies, which reorganise to improve performance based on application-specific metrics, while preserving topology. Importantly, efficacy is only slightly diminished when topology is maintained, but at the cost of diminished autonomy.

Cette thèse porte sur la fonctionnalisation des métalloarchitectures auto-assemblés, les grilles [2 × 2], avec deux modes distincts: chargé "axial" et neutre "latéral". La base de l'auto-assemblage consiste d'entités bien défini de la gamme des ions métalliques paramagnétiques / diamagnétiques [Fe (II), Co (II), Ni (II), Cu (II), Zn (II), etc] en symétrique très manière. La couche organique est formée par ligands bis-hydrazone aromatiques, et les périphéries sont décorées avec les résidus fonctionnels. Ces récepteurs sont multivalents, bien défini (entre 1. 5 nm), solubles dans les solvants organiques et aqueux. Ils peuvent, en principe, reconnaître les molécules hôtes guests par des interactions supramoléculaires coopératives. En raison de leur nature dynamique à cause de la réversibilité de la liason de coordination, une bibliothèque dynamique combinatoire de ces entités pourrait être utilisée pour explorer des cibles biologiques. Dans une première partie, on décrit la décoration axiale d’architectures grilles [2 × 2]. Le fonctionnalisation de ligands bishydrazone a commencé avec l'alkylation par les haloacyl-acetals. Tentatives diverses ont abouti aux ligands fonctionnalisés par bisaldehydes avec les longueurs de chainons différentes. Tous ont donné les grilles [2 × 2] avec plusieurs métaux de transition. Les propriétés magnétiques de ces complexes ont été étudiées. La possibilité d'avoir hydrazides ou des amines comme des groupes fonctionnels dans les grille [2 × 2] a également été étudiée. Les grilles fonctionnalisés avec groupes urées ont été caracterisées. La reconnaissance d'anions n'a pas réussi en raison de l'instabilité des grilles eux-mêmes. La reconnaissance des oligosaccharides a échoué et en raison de la polarité forte des solvants (acétonitrile), qui empêche la formation de liaisons hydrogènes de manière significative. Décoration de l'amide des grilles par des liens avec des acides aminés comme les groupes fonctionnels sont allés plus facilement. La formation des grilles a été démontrée par RMN et structures cristallines. Enfin, nous avons été en mesure de greffer carboxylique unités carboxyliques sur la grille de base, qui devrait être de grands intérêts comme unité de former un nouveau type de polymère supramoléculaire par la formation de liaisons hydrogènes. Dans une deuxième partie, on décrit la décoration latérale d’architectures grilles [2 × 2]. Contrairement à la décoration axial - dont la plupart des produits sont solubles que dans l'acétonitrile et le nitrométhane, nous avons proposé un type de novo de la décoration. Il s'agit de “l'auto-assemblage” à partir de hydrazides de donner une grille [2 × 2] décor latéralement. En raison de la disponibilité de les hydrazides, par conséquent, la fonctionnalisation est devenu beaucoup plus simple. Nous avons montré que les grilles peut être formé par ions métalliques différents [Fe (II), Co (II), Ni (II), Cu (II), Zn (II), etc] et avec groupes alkyls et aromatiques. Pour explorer les caractéristiques multivalentes des grilles, nous avons intégré des acides aminés ou des segments oligopeptides dans le structure des grilles neutres. Il a été constaté que le groupe amino doivent être protégés. Tous les grilles ont été bien caractérisés. En utilisant les Girard réactifs T / P, grilles neutres [2 × 2] portant huit groupes à charge positive a été généré en une seule étape. L'interaction de ces réseaux multicationic avec espèces multianionic telles que le pyrène tetrasulfonate a été étudiée. En modifiant les contre-anions, les grilles peuvent être solubles dans les deux en solution aqueuse et organique. Huit urées ont été introduites dans une grille [2 × 2] d'agir en tant que pierre angulaire de l’ auto-assemblage hiérarchie de polymères supramoecular par liasons hydrogènes urée-urée. Un gel rigide a été créé en toluène. Différences ont été constatées entre les ligands bis-urées et les grilles portant huit groupes urées: alors que le dernier a formé un joli gel, le premier a donné seulement du gel partiel, même si la concentration est très élevé
This dissertation describes the multifunctionalization of a self-assembled, inorganic, grid-like architecture, namely that of [2×2] grids (Figure), with two distinct modes of substitution: "axial" in charged grids and "lateral" in neutral. The core of the self-assembled entities consists well-defined, highly-symmetrical, tetranuclear arrays of paramagnetic and diamagnetic metal ions [Fe(II), Co(II), Ni (II), Cu(II), Zn(II), etc. ]. In the grids which are the subject of this thesis, an organic sheath is formed by aromatic bis-hydrazone ligands, and their peripheries are variously functionalised. These multivalent receptors are well-defined, ranging in size between 1-5 nm, and can be soluble both in organic and aqueous solvents. They may in principle be able to recognize guest molecules via cooperative supramolecular interactions. Due to their constitutionally dynamic nature arising from the reversibility of the coordinate bonds, a dynamic combinatorial library of these entities might be used to explore biological targets. Chapter 2 describes the axial decoration of [2×2] grid architectures. The functionalization of bishydrazone ligands started with alkylation by haloalkyl-acetals. This resulted in the desired bisaldehyde-functionalized ligands with alkyl chains of two different lengths. Both types gave [2×2] grids with several transition metal ions. The magnetic properties of these metal complexes were investigated. The possibility of having hydrazides or amines as functional groups on the [2×2] grid backbones was also investigated. Grids were also prepared bearing urea substituents functionalised with various alkyl chains. The recognition of anions was not successful due to the instability of the grids. The recognition of oligosaccharides was unsuccessful as well, due to the need to use polar solvents which were efficient competitors for H-bonding. Decoration of the grids with amino acids as functional groups went more smoothly and grid formation was demonstrated by NMR spectroscopy and crystal structure determinations. Finally, we were able to graft carboxylic acid units onto the grid backbone, potentially of interest for the formation of a new type of supramolecular polymer via hydrogen bonding. Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 describe the lateral decoration of [2×2] grid architectures. Unlike the axial decoration of the charged grids, this can be achieved very conveniently by a template reaction involving acid hydrazides and a dialdehyde in the presence of the desired metal ion. The ready availability of many different hydrazides made this a very straightforward method of obtaining laterally decorated grids. We demonstrated that grids derived from numerous functionalised alkyl and aromatic acid hydrazides can be formed by various metal ions [Fe(II), Co(II), Ni (II), Cu(II), Zn(II), etc. ]. Using Girard T/P reagents, neutral [2×2] grid cores bearing eight positively charged groups were generated in one step. The interaction of these multicationic grids with multianionic species such as pyrene tetrasulfonate was investigated. By changing the counter anions, the grids can be made soluble both in aqueous and organic solutions. To explore the multivalency of grids, we also incorporated amino acid and oligopeptide segments into the neutral grid framework. Provided the amino group was first protected, well-characterised grids were readily obtained. Eight urea substituents were attached to a [2×2] grid to act as building block for the hierarchical self-assembly of a supramoecular polymer via urea-urea hydrogen bonding. A rigid gel was formed with toluene. Distinct differences were found between the bis-urea bearing ligand and the grid bearing eight urea groups: while the latter readily produced gelation, the former, even at very high concentrations, was almost ineffective. Lateral crown ether substituents were introduced to form tweezer-like receptors for diammonium ions. The eight units arrayed on the grid proved to give effectively a four-armed tweezer

Nowadays, the rapid growth of mobile communications is changing the world towards a fully connected society. Current 4G networks account for almost half of total mobile traffic, and in the forthcoming years, the overall mobile data traffic is expected to dramatically increase. To manage this increase in data traffic, operators adopt network topologies such as Heterogeneous Networks. Thus, operators can de­ ploy hundreds of small cells for each macro cell, allowing them to reduce coverage hales and/or lack of capacity. The advent of this technology is expected to tremendously increase the number of nodes in this new ecosystem, so that traditional network management activities based on, e.g., classic manual and field trial design approaches are just not be viable anymore. As a consequence, the academic J literature has dedicated a significant amount of effort to Self-Organising Network (SON) algorithms. These solutions aim to bring intelligence and autonomous adaptability into cellular networks, thereby reducing capital and operation expenditures (CAPEX/OPEX). Another aspect to take into account is that, these type of networks generate a large amount of data during their normal operation in the form of control, management and data measurements. This data is expected to increase in SG due to different aspects, such as densification, heterogeneity in layers and technologies, additional control and management complexity in Network Functions Virtualisation (NFV) and Software Defined Network (SDN), and the advent of the Internet of Things (loT), among others. In this context, operators face the challenge of de ­ signing efficient technologies, while introducing new services, reaching challenges in terms networks, which are self-aware, self-adaptive, and intelligent. This dissertation provides a contribution to the design, analysis, and evaluation of SON solutions to improve network opera tor performance, expenses, and users' experience, by making the network more self-adaptive and intelligent. It also provides a contribution to the design of a self-aware network planning tool, which allows to predict the Quality of Service (QoS) offered to end-users, based on data al ­ ready available in the network . The main thesis contributions are divided into two parts. The first part presents a novel functional architecture based on an automatic and self-organised Reinforcement Learning (RL) based approach to model SON functionalities, in which the main task is the self-coordination of different actions taken by different SON functions to be automatically executed in a self-organised realistic Long Term Evolution (LTE) network. The proposed approach introduces a new paradigm to deal with the conflicts genera ted by the concurrent execution of multiple SON functions, revealing that the proposed approach is general enough to modelali the SON functions and their derived conflicts. The second part of the thesis is dedicated to the problem of QoS prediction. In particular, we aim at finding patterns of knowledge from physical layer data acquired from heterogeneous LTE networks. We propose an approach that not only is able to verify the QoS level experienced by the users, through physical layer measurements of the UEs, but it is a lso able to predict it based on measurements collected at different time, and from different regions of the heterogeneous network. We propose then to make predictions independently of the physical location, in order to exploit the experience gained in other sectors of the network, to properly dimension and deploy heterogeneous nodes. In this context, we use Machine Learning (ML) as a tool to allow the network to learn from experience, improving performances, and big data analytics to drive the network from reactive to predictive.
Hoy en día, el rápido crecimiento de las comunicaciones móviles está cambiando el mundo hacia una sociedad completamente conectada. Las redes 4G actuales representan casi la mitad del tráfico móvil total, y en los próximos años se espera que el tráfico total de los dispositivos móviles aumente drásticamente. Para gestionar este incremento de tráfico de datos, los operadores adoptan tecnologías de redes como las redes heterogéneas. De esta manera, los operadores pueden desplegar centena res de pequeñas celdas por cada macro celda, permitiendo reducir zonas sin cobertura y/o falta de capacidad. Con la introducción de esta tecnología, se espera que incremente de manera sustancia l el número de nodos en el nuevo ecosistema, de manera que las actividades de gestión de las redes tradicionales, basadas en, por ejemplo, el diseño manual, sean inviables. Como consecuencia, la literatura académica ha dedicado un esfuerzo significativo al diseño de algoritmos de redes auto-organizadas (SON). Estas soluciones tienen como objetivo introducir inteligencia y capacidad autónoma a las redes móviles, reduciendo la capacidad y costes operativos. Otro aspecto a tener en cuenta es que este tipo de redes generan una gran cantidad de datos durante su funcionamiento habitual, en forma de medidas de control y gestión de datos. Se espera que estos datos incrementen con la tecnología SG, debido a diferentes aspectos como los son la densificación de redes heterogéneas, la complejidad adicional en el control y la gestión de la virtualización de las funciones de redes (NFV) y las redes definidas por software (SON), así como la llegada del internet de las cosas (loT), entre otros. En este contexto, los operadores se enfrentan al reto de diseñar tecnologías eficientes, mientras introducen nuevos servicios, consiguiendo objetivos en términos de satisfacción del cliente, en donde el objetivo global del operador es la construcción de redes auto-conscientes, auto-adaptables e inteligentes. Esta tesis ofrece una contribución al diseño y evaluación de soluciones SON para mejorar el rendimiento de las redes, los costes y la experiencia de los usuarios, consiguiendo que la red sea auto-adaptable e inteligente. Así mismo, proporciona una contribución al diseño de una herramienta de planificación de red auto-consciente, que permita predecir la calidad de servicio brindada a los usuarios finales, basada en la explotación de datos disponibles en la red.
Avui en dia, el ràpid creixement de les comunicacions mòbils està canviant el món cap a una societat completament connectada. Les xarxes 4G actuals representen casi la m trànsit mòbil total, i en els propers anys s’espera que el trànsit total de dades mòbils augmenti dràsticament. Per gestionar aquest increment de trànsit de dades, els operadors adopten topologies de xarxa com ara les xarxes heterogènies (HetNets). D’aquesta manera, els operadors poden desplegar centenars de cel·les petites per a cada cella macro, permetent reduir forats en la cobertura i/o la manca de capacitat. Amb l’arribada d’aquesta tecnologia, s’espera que incrementi enormement el nombre de nodes en el nou ecosistema, de manera que les activitats de gestió de xarxa tradicionals, basades en, per exemple, el disseny manual i els assaigs de camp esdevenen simplement inviables. Com a conseqüència, la literatura acadèmica ha dedicat una quantitat significativa d’esforç als algorismes de xarxa auto organitzada (SON). Aquestes solucions tenen com a objectiu portar la intel·ligència i capacitat d’adaptació autònoma a les xarxes mòbils, reduint el capital i les despeses operatives (CAPES/OPEX). Un altre aspecte a tenir en compte és que aquest tipus de xarxes generen una gran quantitat de dades durant el seu funcionament habitual, en forma de mesuraments de control, gestió i dades. S’espera que aquestes dades incrementin amb la tecnologia 5G, degut a diferents aspectes com ara la densificació, l’heterogeneïtat en capes i tecnologies, la complexitat addicional en el control i la gestió de la virtualització de les funcions de xarxa (NFV) i xarxes definides per software (SDN), i l’adveniment de la internet de les coses (IoT), entre d’altres. En aquest context, els operadors s’enfronten al repte de dissenyar tecnologies eficients, mentre introdueixen nous serveis, aconseguint objectius en termes de satisfacció del client, i on l’objectiu global d’un operador és la construcció de xarxes que són autoconscients, auto-adaptables i intel·ligents. Aquesta tesis ofereix una contribució al disseny, l’anàlisi i l’avaluació de les solucions SON per millorar el rendiment de l’operador de xarxa, les xi despeses i l’experiència dels usuaris, fent que la xarxa sigui més auto-adaptable i intel·ligent. També proporciona una contribució al disseny d’una eina de planificació de xarxa autoconscient, el que permet predir la qualitat de servei (QoS) oferta als usuaris finals, basada en dades ja disponibles a la xarxa. Les contribucions principals d’aquesta tesis es divideixen en dues parts. La primera part presenta una nova arquitectura funcional basada en un aprenentatge per reforç (RL) automàtic i auto-organitzat, enfocat en modelar funcionalitats SON, on la tasca principal és l’auto-coordinació de les diferents accions dutes a terme perles diferents funcions SON a ser executades de forma automàtica en una xarxa Long Term Evolution (LTE) auto-organitzada. L’enfocament proposat introdueix un nou paradigma perfer front als conflictes generats per l’execució simultània de múltiples funcions SON, revelant que l’enfocament proposat és prou general per modelar totes les funcions SON i els seus conflictes derivats. La segona part de la tesis està dedicada al problema de la predicció de la qualitat de servei. En particular, el nostre objectiu és trobar patrons de coneixement a partir de dades de la capa física adquirides de xarxes LTE heterogènies. Proposem un enfocament que no només és capaç de verificar el nivell de QoS experimentat pels usuaris, a través de mesuraments de la capa física dels UEs, sinó que també és capaç de predir-ho basant-se en mesuraments adquirits en diferents instants, i de diferents regions de la xarxa heterogènia. Proposem per tant fer prediccions amb independència de la ubicació física, aprofitant l’experiència adquirida en altres sectors de la xarxa, per dimensionar i desplegar nodes heterogenis correctament. En aquest context, utilitzem l’aprenentatge automàtic (ML) com a eina per permetre que la xarxa aprengui de l’experiència, millorant el rendiment, i l’anàlisi de grans volums de dades per a conduir la xarxa de reactiva a predictiva. Durant l’elaboració d’aquesta tesis, s’han extret dues conclusions principals clau. En primer lloc, destaquem la importància de dissenyar algorismes SON eficients per fer front eficaçment a diversos reptes, com ara la ubicació més adequada de funcions SON i algorismes per resoldre adequadament el problema d’implementació distribuïda o centralitzada, o la solució de conflictes entre funcions SON executades a diferents nodes o xarxes. En segon lloc, en termes d’eines de planificació de xarxes, es poden trobar diferents eines cobrint una àmplia gamma de sistemes i aplicacions orientades a la indústria, així com per a fins d’investigació. En aquest context, les solucions investigades són sotmeses contínuament a canvis importants, on un del principals impulsors és presentar solucions més rentables

Active matter theory studies the collective behaviour of self-propelled organisms or objects. Although the field has made great progress in the past decade, little is known of the role played by confinement and surfaces. This thesis analyses the self-organisation of dense bacterial suspensions in three different microchambers: flattened drops, racetracks and lattices of cavities. Suspensions of swimming bacteria are well-known to spontaneously form macroscopic quasi-turbulent patterns such as jets and swirls. Confinement inside flattened drops and racetracks stabilises their motion into a spiral vortex and wavy streams, respectively. We have quantitatively measured and analysed bacterial circulation and discovered cells at the interfaces to move against the bulk. To understand this phenomenon, we developed a method able to measure simultaneously the directions of swimming and of motion. Experiments in drops reveal that cells align in a helical pattern, facing outward and against the main bulk circulation. Likewise, bacteria in racetracks share a biased orientation against the overall stream. Particle-based simulations confirm these results and identify hydrodynamic interactions as the main driving force: bacteria generate long-range fluid flows which advect the suspension in the bulk against its swimming direction, resulting in the double-circulation pattern. We have finally injected dense suspensions of bacteria into lattices of cavities. They form a single vortex in each cavity, initially spinning clockwise or counterclockwise with equal probabilities. Changing the topology of the lattice and the geometry of connections between cavities allows us to control the lattice state (random, ferromagnetic, antiferromagnetic, or unstable). Edge currents along interfaces and connections appear to determine the lattice organisation. We finally propose an Ising model to understand experimental results and estimate Hamiltonian and interactions parameters. This work opens new perspectives for the study of active matter and, we hope, will have a great impact on the field.

Self-organisation and natural selection are fundamental in shaping the natural world. Substantial progress in understanding how these two forces interact as biological systems evolve has been made through the study of abstract models, for example by evolving boolean networks on computers. Further progress may be made by identifying a model system in which the interaction between self-organisation and selection can be investigated empirically. To this end, we investigate how the self-organising thermoregulatory huddling behaviours displayed by rodents might influence natural selection of the genetic components of metabolism. By applying a simple evolutionary algorithm to a simplistic description of self-organising thermoregulation huddling, we arrive at a clear albeit counterintuitive prediction: Animals able to huddle together in cold environments should evolve an increased thermal conductance at a faster rate than animals reared in isolation. According to the model, within-lifetime adaptation (self organising huddling) is able to guide the evolution of complementary between-lifetime adaptation (natural selection of thermoregulatory genes). Confirmation of these predictions in future experiments would constitute strong evidence of a mechanism by which self-organisation can guide natural selection.

Self-organisation describes emergence of global order from local interactions between components of a system without supervision by external directing forces.This decentralised mode of decision making is central to social phenomena such as swarm behaviour in bacteria, flocking of birds, and schooling of fish. Biological self-organisation also governs morphogenic dynamics during development of multi-cellular organisms. By self-organisation, dichotomies such as proliferation/differentiation are resolved based on simple interactions of cells. During neural morphogenesis, for example, self-organisation cues instruct temporal commitment to differentiation of neural progenitor cells and sub-lineage differentiation outcomes. In this thesis, the identity of molecular switches that orchestrate human neural self-organisation is investigated. In the first data chapter, a primary cellular model of human adult neurogenesis is developed that is not confounded by noise inherent to cell lines. The model is based on direct trans-differentiation of human microvascular pericytes to functional interneurons without exogenous interference. Due to lack of transitional cellular forms, such as transient amplifying cells, the model system demonstrated minimal temporal noise and high fidelity. In the second data chapter of the thesis, the signalling activity of a novel morphogenic microRNA is described that can access and override the self-organisation program of human neural progenitors. The microRNA interacts with an ancient cascade involved in detection of metabolic stressors. By downregulating a key component of the cascade, cdk-18,the miRNA invokes a faux stress response that impacts upon availability of free-cytoplasmic catenin-β1 and synchronises the cycling neural progenitors and also instructs their differentiation fate. In the third data chapter, evolutionary origin of the microRNA is investigated in order to gain insight into the interface of the microRNA and Wnt/catenin-β1 signalling cascades during emergence of self-organisation. Finally, in the last data chapter it is demonstrated that catenin-β1 encodes the self-organisation lexicon of human neural progenitors by coupling the cell cycle of individual cells. By manipulating the subcellular localisation of catenin-β1 and hence the strength of coupling, spatial organisation and differentiation propensity of neural progenitors is reprogrammed.

The rapid growth in mobile communications due to the exponential demand for wireless access is causing the distribution and maintenance of cellular networks to become more complex, expensive and time consuming. Lately, extensive research and standardisation work has been focused on the novel paradigm of self-organising network (SON). SON is an automated technology that allows the planning, deployment, operation, optimisation and healing of the network to become faster and easier by reducing the human involvement in network operational tasks, while optimising the network coverage, capacity and quality of service. However, these SON autonomous features cannot be achieved with the current drive test coverage assessment approach due to its lack of automaticity which results in huge delays and cost. Minimization of drive test (MDT) has recently been standardized by 3GPP as a key self- organising network (SON) feature. MDT allows coverage to be estimated at the base station using user equipment (UE) measurement reports with the objective to eliminate the need for drive tests. However, most MDT based coverage estimation methods recently proposed in literature assume that UE position is known at the base station with 100% accuracy, an assumption that does not hold in reality. In this work, we develop a novel and accurate analytical model that allows the quantification of error in MDT based autonomous coverage estimation (ACE) as a function of error in UE as well as base station (user deployed cell) positioning. We first consider a circular cell with an omnidirectional antenna and then we use a three-sectored cell and see how the system is going to be affected by the UE and the base station (user deployed cell) geographical location information errors. Our model also allows characterization of error in ACE as function of standard deviation of shadowing in addition to the path-loss.

The paper present a dynamic macro model of world dynamics. The world is divided into 19 geographic regions in the model. The internal development of the regions is described by regression equations for demographic and economic indicators (Population, Gross Domestic Product, Gross Capital Formation). The bilateral trade flows from region to region describes interregional interactions and represented the trade submodel. Four types and two types of functional dependence were considered, in total eight variants of the trading equation were studied. The quality of regression models is compared by the coefficient of determination. By calculations the model satisfactorily approximates the dynamics of monotonically changing indicators. The dynamics of non-monotonic trade flows is analyzed, three types of functional de-pendence on time are proposed for their approximation. The forecast of regional development and global dynamics up to 2040 is constructed.

The facilitated self-assessment provides the opportunity to discuss and reflect on current strengths and how to improve processes that drive positive change in GESI through your projects and organisation. It also provides an opportunity for your project and organisation to measure progress towards transformative practice and outcomes. It enables participants to identify strategies to strengthen gender equality/diversity and social inclusion, consider strategies to make change, and highlight opportunities for improvement within their work.

Over the last decade, the migration landscape in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) has changed significantly. In this context, the socio-economic integration of immigrants is an increasingly high priority on the regional development and policy agenda. For this reason, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have collaborated on this joint exercise that builds on OECDs previous experience in measuring migrant inclusion as well as IDBs expertise in building data around the state of migration in Latin America and the Caribbean, and UNDPs presence on the ground and experience working with national and local governments in the region to advance their development priorities. This report provides a general overview of the state of socio-economic integration of migrants in 12 LAC countries by 2021. It presents a series of quantitative indicators related with, for instance, labor market informality, self-employment, youth employment, school attendance, reading literacy and living conditions. This exercise also relies on selected policy indicators that shed light on the regulatory framework within which migrants integration takes place. The objective is to provide decisionmakers and policymakers in host countries with useful indicators to better understand where the gaps are in terms of migrants integration and to help them identify the areas where they should focus their efforts and scarce resources.

Highly acute mental illness and acute severe behavioural disturbance (ASBD) are two of the most challenging problems faced by Mental Health Intensive Care Units (MHICU). ASBD is defined as behaviour that places the patient or others at imminent risk of injury or death. It includes extreme distress, aggression, and serious self-harm, in the context of mental illness. This Evidence Check assessed the literature on models of care and treatment strategies for these conditions, aiming to refine the model used in MHICU in NSW. It attempted to find the most effective models of care for high acuity and ASBD—and the barriers and enablers to implementing them. A total of 58 relevant papers were found, spanning 2015 to 2020. They were rated on a hierarchy of evidence designed for models of care and interventions in complex settings. Two models of care, ‘Safewards’ and ‘Improving the therapeutic milieu of the wards’, were rated as best practice. These were followed by five models of care, themes and groups of treatments at middle levels of the hierarchy, and nine themes and treatment practices at the lowest level. There were several features common to numerous papers in the review: therapeutic engagement, meaningful activities, safe spaces, and welcoming spaces. Barriers and enablers to implementation were generally not addressed specifically. However, themes emerging from the papers showed several enabling factors: training, buy-in from stakeholders at all levels of the organisation, and assessment of progress. Barriers to implementation included lack of support from management and lack of engagement from frontline staff. Complex, multilevel practice change interventions appear necessary for effective implementation.

Overview Skin cancer prevention is a component of the new Cancer Plan 2022–27, which guides the work of the Cancer Institute NSW. To lessen the impact of skin cancer on the community, the Cancer Institute NSW works closely with the NSW Skin Cancer Prevention Advisory Committee, comprising governmental and non-governmental organisation representatives, to develop and implement the NSW Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy. Primary Health Networks and primary care providers are seen as important stakeholders in this work. To guide improvements in skin cancer prevention and inform the development of the next NSW Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy, an up-to-date review of the evidence on the effectiveness and feasibility of skin cancer prevention activities in primary care is required. A research team led by the Daffodil Centre, a joint venture between the University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSW, was contracted to undertake an Evidence Check review to address the questions below. Evidence Check questions This Evidence Check aimed to address the following questions: Question 1: What skin cancer primary prevention activities can be effectively administered in primary care settings? As part of this, identify the key components of such messages, strategies, programs or initiatives that have been effectively implemented and their feasibility in the NSW/Australian context. Question 2: What are the main barriers and enablers for primary care providers in delivering skin cancer primary prevention activities within their setting? Summary of methods The research team conducted a detailed analysis of the published and grey literature, based on a comprehensive search. We developed the search strategy in consultation with a medical librarian at the University of Sydney and the Cancer Institute NSW team, and implemented it across the databases Embase, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Scopus, Cochrane Central and CINAHL. Results were exported and uploaded to Covidence for screening and further selection. The search strategy was designed according to the SPIDER tool for Qualitative and Mixed-Methods Evidence Synthesis, which is a systematic strategy for searching qualitative and mixed-methods research studies. The SPIDER tool facilitates rigour in research by defining key elements of non-quantitative research questions. We included peer-reviewed and grey literature that included skin cancer primary prevention strategies/ interventions/ techniques/ programs within primary care settings, e.g. involving general practitioners and primary care nurses. The literature was limited to publications since 2014, and for studies or programs conducted in Australia, the UK, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, Western Europe and Scandinavia. We also included relevant systematic reviews and evidence syntheses based on a range of international evidence where also relevant to the Australian context. To address Question 1, about the effectiveness of skin cancer prevention activities in primary care settings, we summarised findings from the Evidence Check according to different skin cancer prevention activities. To address Question 2, about the barriers and enablers of skin cancer prevention activities in primary care settings, we summarised findings according to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). The CFIR is a framework for identifying important implementation considerations for novel interventions in healthcare settings and provides a practical guide for systematically assessing potential barriers and facilitators in preparation for implementing a new activity or program. We assessed study quality using the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) levels of evidence. Key findings We identified 25 peer-reviewed journal articles that met the eligibility criteria and we included these in the Evidence Check. Eight of the studies were conducted in Australia, six in the UK, and the others elsewhere (mainly other European countries). In addition, the grey literature search identified four relevant guidelines, 12 education/training resources, two Cancer Care pathways, two position statements, three reports and five other resources that we included in the Evidence Check. Question 1 (related to effectiveness) We categorised the studies into different types of skin cancer prevention activities: behavioural counselling (n=3); risk assessment and delivering risk-tailored information (n=10); new technologies for early detection and accompanying prevention advice (n=4); and education and training programs for general practitioners (GPs) and primary care nurses regarding skin cancer prevention (n=3). There was good evidence that behavioural counselling interventions can result in a small improvement in sun protection behaviours among adults with fair skin types (defined as ivory or pale skin, light hair and eye colour, freckles, or those who sunburn easily), which would include the majority of Australians. It was found that clinicians play an important role in counselling patients about sun-protective behaviours, and recommended tailoring messages to the age and demographics of target groups (e.g. high-risk groups) to have maximal influence on behaviours. Several web-based melanoma risk prediction tools are now available in Australia, mainly designed for health professionals to identify patients’ risk of a new or subsequent primary melanoma and guide discussions with patients about primary prevention and early detection. Intervention studies have demonstrated that use of these melanoma risk prediction tools is feasible and acceptable to participants in primary care settings, and there is some evidence, including from Australian studies, that using these risk prediction tools to tailor primary prevention and early detection messages can improve sun-related behaviours. Some studies examined novel technologies, such as apps, to support early detection through skin examinations, including a very limited focus on the provision of preventive advice. These novel technologies are still largely in the research domain rather than recommended for routine use but provide a potential future opportunity to incorporate more primary prevention tailored advice. There are a number of online short courses available for primary healthcare professionals specifically focusing on skin cancer prevention. Most education and training programs for GPs and primary care nurses in the field of skin cancer focus on treatment and early detection, though some programs have specifically incorporated primary prevention education and training. A notable example is the Dermoscopy for Victorian General Practice Program, in which 93% of participating GPs reported that they had increased preventive information provided to high-risk patients and during skin examinations. Question 2 (related to barriers and enablers) Key enablers of performing skin cancer prevention activities in primary care settings included: • Easy access and availability of guidelines and point-of-care tools and resources • A fit with existing workflows and systems, so there is minimal disruption to flow of care • Easy-to-understand patient information • Using the waiting room for collection of risk assessment information on an electronic device such as an iPad/tablet where possible • Pairing with early detection activities • Sharing of successful programs across jurisdictions. Key barriers to performing skin cancer prevention activities in primary care settings included: • Unclear requirements and lack of confidence (self-efficacy) about prevention counselling • Limited availability of GP services especially in regional and remote areas • Competing demands, low priority, lack of time • Lack of incentives.

If you or a person you know is struggling with their mental health, please seek support by accessing the helplines and resources provided by the NHS website. For those outside the UK please use an internet search to find an organisation that can offer direct support. 1 March is globally recognised as Self-Harm and Self-Injury Awareness Day and serves as an opportunity to raise awareness, encourage an understanding, and promote more conversations around the topic of self-harm and self-injury. We encourage you to explore the learning opportunities available on our website and do please share with your networks and colleagues.

Dr. Beck is the President Elect of BABCP, taking the position in July 2020 and he talks about his hopes for the future of the organisation, the importance of self-care, CAMHS, and why CBT is his intervention of choice.