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Multi-link operation for low-latency
No full textNext generation applications will have strict network requirement, such as higher throughput
and low latency. As Wi-Fi continues to grow, it needs to adapt to these new requirements.
This thesis focuses on latency reduction over Wi-Fi networks and one of the main features of
the upcoming Wi-Fi 7: Multi-Link Operation (MLO). With MLO, devices can associate to an
Access Point over multiple links at the same time and transmit over multiple channels
simultaneously, multiplying their bandwidth. This feature can also be used to improve
network delay, as using independent backoffs in different links allows the device to adapt
and choose the least congested link opportunistically. We focus on this aspect of MLO,
showing that this can lead to an order of magnitude delay reduction over the worst-case
delay in Single-Link Wi-Fi. We also analyze the use of MLO to deliver the traffic of Cloud
gaming and Virtual Reality applications.Les aplicacions de nova generació tindran estrictes requisits per operar, com ara major
throughput i baixa latència. A mesura que Wi-Fi continua creixent, necessita adaptar-se a
aquests nous requisits. Aquesta tesi es centra en la reducció de latència per a xarxes Wi-Fi,
utilitzant una de les característiques principals de Wi-Fi 7: Multi-Link Operation (MLO). Amb
MLO, un node es pot associar a un Punt d'Accés amb multiples links al mateix temps i
transmetre simultàneament per múltiples canals, multiplicant la seva amplada de banda.
MLO pot també ajudar a millorar el retard de la xarxa, ja que utilitzar backoffs independents
permet escollir el link menys congestionat de manera oportunista. Mostrem que MLO pot
obtenir una reducció del retard d'una ordre de magnitud respecte el pitjor cas del Wi-Fi amb
un sol link. També analitzem l’ús de MLO per l'enviament del tràfic cloud gaming i realitat
virtual de manera ràpida i efectiva.Programa de Doctorat en Tecnologies de la Informació i les Comunicacion
Performance art in the age of extinction
No full textThis paper aims to map out the transformations in contemporary performance art during the current 'age of extinction'. The first section extends Claire Bishop's notion of "delegated performance" in order to categorize a turn towards the inclusion of other-than-human entities in the performance field. This operation leads to the concept of 'performative animism', referring to the strategies of re-animation of reality through artistic performance. The second section works out the idea of 'planetarization' of the performance field, which designates its opening to spatial and temporal fluxes coming from a dimension that overcomes the scale of human experience, that is, the planetary dimension. The third and final section interprets the meaning of these two transformations by introducing the concepts of 'exbodiment' and 'excarnation', which tie closely to a new political task for performance art.This research was funded by the European Union's Horizon 2022 research and innovation programme under the Marie-Skłodowska Curie Grant Agreement No. 101105444
Detaining asylum seekers at the borders: De jure and De facto practices under the new migration pact
No full textThis paper examines the EU’s New Pact for Migration and Asylum, addressing concerns about its potential to exacerbate human suffering at EU borders through increased detention. It critically analyzes the Pact’s pre-entry border procedures, focusing on the legal framework for detaining asylum seekers and the provisions’ impact on the right to liberty. To understand whether the procedures risk proliferating unlawful de facto detention, the paper assesses both the new legislation as well as current practices of de facto detention under the so-called hotspot approach on the Greek island of Samos, which served as a blueprint for the Pact. The findings reveal that the new procedures significantly expand the legal and practical possibilities for detaining asylum seekers during screening, asylum border, and return border procedures, risking to render the detention of asylum seekers at the external border the default. Thereby, the provisions contravene the right to liberty enshrined in human rights law in manifold ways. Moreover, by expanding the possibilities for EU countries to impose mobility restrictions, the procedures severely exacerbate the risk for unlawful de facto detention, as the practice of mobility restrictions in places like Samos shows. Rather than representing a shift in EU migratory policies, the paper demonstrates how the Pact replicates and extends existing practices of (unlawfully) detaining asylum seekers under the hotspot approach. The paper argues that these provisions enhance detention capacities to restrict asylum seekers’ mobility and facilitate deportations, aligning predominantly with the Northern EU states’ priorities to curb ‘secondary’
migration
Deep learning for precipitation nowcasting in Slovenia
No full textTreball fi de màster de: Erasmus Mundus joint Master in Artificial Intelligence (EMAI)Mentor: Asst. Prof. dr. Jana Faganeli PucerAccurate probabilistic precipitation nowcasting remains a major challenge due to the inherent uncertainty and complexity of atmospheric systems, which deterministic models often fail to capture. This thesis addresses this gap by introducing Conditional Flow Matching (CFM), a novel generative modeling approach, to the task of probabilistic nowcasting. We adapt state-of-the-art deep learning architectures to serve as the backbone for CFM, enabling the generation of diverse, high-fidelity ensemble forecasts. Our method achieves state-of-the-art performance on the SEVIR dataset, with a 15% improvement in CRPS over strong baselines like CasCast. We further validate the approach on the ARSO dataset, curated for nowcasting in Slovenia, where transfer learning from SEVIR yields consistent performance gains. Both qualitative and quantitative results demonstrate that CFM produces sharp, reliable, and spatially coherent forecasts, thus advancing the state of probabilistic nowcasting
Nucleus pulposus cell network modelling in the intervertebral disc
No full textIntervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) results from an imbalance between anabolic and catabolic processes in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Due to complex biochemical interactions, a comprehensive understanding is needed. This study presents a regulatory network model (RNM) for nucleus pulposus cells (NPC), representing normal intervertebral disc (IVD) conditions. The RNM includes 33 proteins, and 153 interactions based on literature, incorporating key NPC regulatory mechanisms. A semi-quantitative approach calculates the basal steady state, accurately reflecting normal NPC activity. Model validation through published studies replicated pro-catabolic and pro-anabolic shifts, emphasizing the roles of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) in ECM regulation. This IVD RNM is a valuable tool for predicting IDD progression, offering insights into ECM degradation mechanisms and guiding experimental research on IVD health and degeneration.Financial support was received from the European Commission (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network Disc4all, grant agreement 955735 and from the European Research Council (ERC Consolidator Grant O-Health, grant agreement 101044828)
A SERS-active plasmonic nanosensor-chemometrics platform reveals a biphasic zinc switch that controls breast-cancer metastasis
No full textLabile Zn2+ is emerging as a quantitative driver, not just a biomarker, of metastasis, yet rapid, second-resolved intracellular measurement remains elusive. Here we engineer terpyridine-functionalised, hollow Au@SiO2 nanocapsules (NCs@TPY) and couple their SERS signal to cell-specific partial-least-squares (PLS) chemometrics, yielding an 8-log dynamic range (10-12 - 10-4 M), a low-nanomolar detection limit and ≤4.5 % cross-validated error while rejecting Ca2+/Mg2+ interference. Applying this platform to four breast-cancer lines reveals that basal cytosolic Zn2+ forms a "ladder" paralleling metastatic aggressiveness (MCF-7 25 pM < MDA 430 pM < LM2 4.7 nM < BrM2 51 nM). Manipulating extracellular zinc uncovers a biphasic switch: migration, invasion and proliferation all peak when intracellular Zn2+ rises into the nanomolar band (∼10-560 nM) and collapse once it exceeds ∼5-70 μM (line-specific). Primary-tumour-derived MDA cells are hypersensitive, reaching maximal metastatic traits at ∼0.6 μM Zn2+, whereas lung- and brain-tropic variants show partial resistance, indicating micro-environmental adaptation. The NCs@TPY-PLS assay thus provides the first tool to track intracellular zinc across eight orders of magnitude in situ and demonstrates that tightly regulated Zn2+ dyshomeostasis controls metastatic behaviour. Because the Raman ligand is exchangeable, the capsule architecture is readily extendable to multiplex ion or redox sensing, and the identified "functional window" positions zinc transporters as actionable targets for anti-metastatic therapy.PRG acknowledges the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Technology (AEI-PID2022-140423NB-100/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and CNS2023 - 143700) for funding. TZ. and PRG appreciate the financial support from the China Scholarship Council (CSC) by a State Scholarship Fund (NSCIS no. 202008350121). With the support of the Department of Research and Universities of the Generalitat of Catalonia in the Chemometrics and Sensorics for Analytical Solutions Research Group, CHEMOSENS (Code: 2021 SGR 00705)
Transparencia y responsabilidad en el uso de la IA en medios de comunicación: análisis comparativo
No full textEl objetivo de este informe es presentar un análisis exploratorio sobre la forma en que los medios de comunicación abordan la transparencia ante sus audiencias respecto al uso de la Inteligencia Artificial (IA) en sus redacciones y producciones periodísticas. La metodología empleada consistió en identificar medios que hacen pública esta información en sus sitios web, recopilar y descargar sus declaraciones sobre el uso de la IA, y extraer los datos pertinentes para su posterior análisis mediante un enfoque sistemático.
El estudio se basa en una muestra de 20 medios de comunicación que cumplen con el criterio fundamental de elegibilidad: disponer de una página web accesible al público en la que informen sobre sus políticas en torno al uso de la IA en sus procesos editoriales. Los medios analizados son: Aftonbladet, ANP, CB-NEWS, DPA, El País, Financial Times (FT), Heidi.News, Hong Kong Free Press, Insider, Mediahuis, News Media Alliance, Núcleo, Organización Flamenca para el Periodismo (RVDJ), Reuters, Ringier, STT, Tabloide Noruego (VG), The Guardian, Volkskrant y Wired.
Los resultados evidencian una serie de patrones y tendencias, así como similitudes y diferencias en la forma en que los medios han incorporado la transparencia como un requisito en la adopción de IA dentro de sus productos editoriales e informativos. Este informe contribuye a la reflexión sobre el impacto de la IA en la industria periodística, proporcionando casos de estudio para la implementación de buenas prácticas en materia de transparencia y ética en el uso de la IA en los medios de comunicación.Este trabajo forma parte de las actividades de la línea transversal del proyecto "Parámetros y estrategias para
incrementar la relevancia de los medios y la comunicación digital en la sociedad: curación, visualización y
visibilidad (CUVICOM)” financiado por MICIU/AEI/PID2021-123579OB-I00 y por “FEDER/UE”
The CSF p-tau/ß-amyloid 42 ratio correlates with brain structure and fibrillary ß-amyloid deposition in cognitively unimpaired individuals at the earliest stages of pre-clinical Alzheimer's disease
No full textCSF concentrations of β-amyloid 42 (Aβ42) and phosphorylated tau (p-tau) are well-established biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease and have been studied in relation to several neuropathological features both in patients and in cognitively unimpaired individuals. The CSF p-tau/Aβ42 ratio, a biomarker combining information from both pathophysiological processes, has emerged as a promising tool for monitoring disease progression, even at pre-clinical stages. Here, we studied the association between the CSF p-tau/Aβ42 ratio with downstream markers of pre-clinical Alzheimer's disease progression including brain structure, glucose metabolism, fibrillary Aβ deposition and cognitive performance in 234 cognitively unimpaired individuals, who underwent cognitive testing, a lumbar puncture, MRI, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose and 18F-flutemetamol PET scanning. We evaluated both main effects and interactions with Alzheimer's disease risk factors, such as older age, female sex and the apoliporoptein E (APOE)-ɛ4 allele, in a priori defined regions of interest and further examined the associations on the whole-brain using voxel-wise regressions. In addition, as the association between CSF Alzheimer's disease biomarkers and brain structure and function may be non-linear, we tested the interaction between the CSF p-tau/Aβ42 ratio and stages of pre-clinical Alzheimer's disease defined using the amyloid (A) and tau (T) classification. We found significantly positive associations between CSF p-tau/Aβ42 and both cortical Aβ deposition and regional grey matter volume while no effect was observed for brain metabolism. A significant interaction with age indicated that, for the same level of CSF p-tau/Aβ42, older individuals displayed both increased Aβ deposition and lower grey matter volume, in widespread cortical areas. In addition, we found that women compared with men had a greater Aβ fibrillary accumulation in midline cortical areas and inferior temporal regions, for the same level of the CSF biomarker. The impact of CSF p-tau/Aβ42 on grey matter volume was modulated by AT stages, with A+T+ individuals displaying significantly less positive associations in areas of early atrophy in the Alzheimer's continuum. Finally, we found that sex and APOE-ɛ4 modulated the association between the CSF biomarker and episodic memory as well as abstract reasoning, respectively. Our data indicate that the CSF p-tau/Aβ42 ratio is strongly associated with multiple downstream neuropathological events in cognitively unimpaired individuals and may thus serve as a potent biomarker to investigate the earliest changes in pre-clinical Alzheimer's disease. Given that its impact on both Aβ deposition and grey matter volume is modulated by specific risk factors, our results highlight the need to take into account such predisposing variables in both clinical practice and prevention trials.The research leading to these results has received funding from ‘la Caixa’ Foundation (ID 100010434), under agreement LCF/PR/GN17/50300004 and the Alzheimer’s Association and an international anonymous charity foundation through the TriBEKa Imaging Platform project (TriBEKa-17-519007). Additional support has been received from the Universities and Research Secretariat, Ministry of Business and Knowledge of the Catalan Government under the grant no. 2021 SGR 00913. R.C. receives funding from ‘Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades—Agencia Estatal de Investigación’ MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/FEDER, EU, through project PID2021-125433OA-100 and support from grant RYC2021-031128-I, funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and the European Union NextGenerationEU/Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia (PRTR). H.Z. is a Wallenberg Scholar supported by grants from the Swedish Research Council (#2018-02532), the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement no. 101053962, Swedish State Support for Clinical Research (#ALFGBG-71320), the Alzheimer Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF), USA (#201809-2016862), the AD Strategic Fund and the Alzheimer’s Association (#ADSF-21-831376-C, #ADSF-21-831381-C and #ADSF-21-831377-C), the Bluefield Project, the Olav Thon Foundation, the Erling-Persson Family Foundation, Stiftelsen för Gamla Tjänarinnor, Hjärnfonden, Sweden (#FO2022-0270), the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement no. 860197 (MIRIADE), the European Union Joint Programme—Neurodegenerative Disease Research (JPND2021-00694) and the UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London (UCL) (UKDRI-1003). K.B. is supported by the Swedish Research Council (#2017-00915), the Alzheimer Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF), USA (#RDAPB-201809-2016615), the Swedish Alzheimer Foundation (#AF-930351, #AF-939721 and #AF-968270), Hjärnfonden, Sweden (#FO2017-0243 and #ALZ2022-0006), the Swedish state under the agreement between the Swedish government and the County Councils, the Avtal om Läkarutbildning och Forskning (ALF) agreement (#ALFGBG-715986 and #ALFGBG-965240), the European Union Joint Programme for Neurodegenerative Disorders (JPND2019-466-236), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA, (grant #1R01AG068398-01), the Alzheimer’s Association 2021 Zenith Award (ZEN-21-848495) and the Alzheimer’s Association 2022–25 Grant (SG-23-1038904 QC). M.S.-C. receives funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement no. 948677), Project ‘PI19/00155’, funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) and co-funded by the European Union and from a fellowship from ‘la Caixa’ Foundation (ID 100010434) and from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement no. 847648 (LCF/BQ/PR21/11840004). O.G.-R. is supported by the ‘Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades' (IJC2020-043417-I) and receives funding from the Alzheimer’s Association (2019-AARF-644568) and the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (PI19/00117)
Are entrepreneurs more upwardly mobile?
No full textEntrepreneurship is often hailed as a path to upward intergenerational mobility, but few studies have explicitly tested this belief. Drawing on insights from the literature on entrepreneurial heterogeneity and returns, we compare the extent and direction of mobility across generations among Swedish entrepreneurs and employees. We study intergenerational income rank mobility using high-quality lifetime income measures for 215,000 father-son pairs. Entrepreneurs are drawn disproportionately from both poorer and richer families, but the patterns we uncover hold across the entire paternal income distribution. Sons who own incorporated businesses are more upwardly mobile across generations than employees; sons who own unincorporated businesses are more downwardly mobile. Selection on (un)observable traits fully explains incorporated sons' moves up, but only a small share of unincorporated sons' moves down. Income underreporting and, crucially, lower returns to human capital explain the remaining downward mobility. Unincorporated ventures appear to use entrepreneurs' human capital inefficiently
Strategic autonomy in security and defence as an impracticability? How the European Union’s rhetoric meets reality
No full textThis chapter investigates debates on European Strategic Autonomy (ESA), viewing ESA as the main response of the European Union and its members to the fragmentation of the Liberal International Order in security and defence. By tracing the evolution of EU and national approaches to three main strands of the debates (defence industry, crisis management, and relations with global powers), we argue that the lack of an EU-wide permissive consensus about the direction and applicability of ESA rendered this impracticable. A handful of EU actors believed this could be an effective answer but the majority of member states were less keen to breathe life into the idea: whereas lip service to a vague concept was acceptable, committing to its implementation was not