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Non-cooperative edge server selection game for federated learning in IoT
No full textInternational audienceComputational offloading is an efficient way to help constrained IoT devices by performing heavy tasks on Edge servers, especially tasks related to Machine Learning. Moreover, due to their limited learning capacity and memory size, such devices can only store a limited amount of data as a training set for their learning. Consequently, learning prediction is bound to be smeared with relatively high error. To mend that issue, IoT devices can federate the learning process with their pairs via an Edge server. However, offloading repeatedly the learning model through a wireless access network is time consuming. Hence, although learning collectively can reduce the learned model variance, it inflicts a communication cost depending on the selected Edge server. Therefore, in this paper, we model the Edge Selection problem as a non-cooperative game where devices autonomously and efficiently select an Edge server to reduce both their learning error and their communication cost. Depending on the characteristics of the dataset, we discern two different types of games. For each game type, we implemented and compared a semi-distributed algorithm based on Best Response dynamics. We compared the obtained results with the optimal centralized approach and with a less computationally intensive meta-heuristics, to assess the price of anarchy. Our numerical analysis shows that the Best Response algorithm strikes a good balance between efficiency and swift convergence
Optimization of Aqueous Extraction of Polyphenols from Cuminum cyminum Seeds Using Response Surface Methodology and Assessment of Biological Activity
No full textInternational audience(1) Background: Cumin seeds, extracted from the plant Cuminum cyminum, are abundant in phenolic compounds and have been extensively researched for their chemical makeup and biological effects. The objective of this research is to enhance the water extraction of polyphenols through the water bath (WB) technique and to evaluate the antiradical, antibacterial, and anticancer effects of the extract. (2) Methods: Response Surface Methodology was used to find the best parameters to extract polyphenols. Three experimental parameters, time, temperature, and solid-liquid ratio, were tested. The disc diffusion method has been used to determine the antimicrobial activities against Salmonella Typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The antiradical activity was performed using the DPPH method, while total phenolic content was performed using Folin–Ciocalteu. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was conducted to analyze the phytochemical profile of WB extracts. The anticancer activity of the lyophilized extract was assessed against three cancer cell lines (colon (HT29), lung (A549), and breast (MCF7) cancer cell lines).; (3) Results: The optimal conditions for water extraction were 130 min at 72 °C. The total phenolic compounds yield (14.7 mg GAE/g DM) and antioxidant activity (0.52 mg trolox eq./mL) were obtained using a 1:40 solid–liquid ratio. The primary polyphenols identified were the flavonoids rutin (0.1 ppm) and ellagic acid (3.78 ppm). The extract had no antibacterial or antifungal activities against the microorganisms tested. The extract showed anticancer activity of about 98% against MCF7 (breast cancer cell line), about 81% against HT29 (colon cancer cell line), and 85% against A549 (lung cancer cell line) at high doses. (4) Conclusions: Extraction time and a high solid–liquid ratio had a positive impact on polyphenol recovery and in maintaining their quantity and quality. Furthermore, the optimal aqueous extract exhibited strong antiradical activity reflected by the inhibition of free radicals in addition to a significant specificity against the tested cancer cell lines
Effects of extraction processes on the physicochemical characteristics and phenolic compound content of olive mill wastewater: a comparative study
No full textInternational audienceThe olive oil industry generates two types of olive liquid waste, i.e., olive mill wastewater (OMWW) and olive washing wastewater (OWW), which are considered a major environmental issue, particularly in Mediterranean areas. This study was designed to assess the influence of trituration systems on OMWW physicochemical characteristics, and of the olive pressing seasons on OMWW and OWW. The results showed that olive trituration systems had a significant impact on OMWW quality, with the traditional system producing the most polluting effluent in terms of chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solid, total solids, ash and metal levels. The phenolic compound study revealed high tyrosol concentrations in all OMWW (384 ± 71 mg/L, 370 ± 70 mg/L, and 286 ± 54 mg/L for traditional, semi-traditional and modern three-phase systems, respectively), while no gallic acid was noted within our detection limit (< 0.4 mg/L). The OWW results revealed that its pollution load was lower than that of OMWW, yet it still exceeded the limits authorized by wastewater discharge legislation for total suspended solid, total solid, oil and grease, and chemical oxygen demand. Finally, our findings showed that the olive pressing season factor did not induce significant variations in most of the OMWW and OWW physicochemical components. Regardless the olive mill wastewater origin, this study revealed the need for pretreatment steps before application of a wastewater purification system to avoid hindering the system performance
Bacillus thuringiensis serovar kurstaki (Btk) Strains for Industrial Production in wheat bran based medium: Insights from Genomic Exploration and Nutritional Optimization
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Kinematic adaptations from self-selected to fast speed walking in patients with adult spinal deformity
No full textInternational audiencePurposeTo investigate kinematic adaptations from self-selected to fast speed walking in ASD patients.Methods115 primary ASD and 66 controls underwent biplanar radiographic X-rays and 3D gait analysis to calculate trunk, segmental spine and lower limb kinematics during self-selected and fast speed walking. Kinematic adaptation was calculated as the difference (Δ) between fast and self-selected speed walking. ASD with 7 or more limited kinematic adaptation parameters were classified as ASD-limited-KA, while those with less than 7 limited kinematic adaptation parameters were classified as ASD-mild-KA.Results25 patients were classified as ASD-limited-KA and 90 as ASD-mild-KA. ASD-limited-KA patients walked with a lesser increase of pelvic rotation (Δ = 1.7 vs 5.5°), sagittal hip movement (Δ = 3.1 vs 7.4°) and shoulder–pelvis axial rotation (Δ = 3.4 vs 6.4°) compared to controls (all p < 0.05). ASD-limited-KA had an increased SVA (60.6 vs − 5.7 mm), PT (23.7 vs 11.9°), PI–LL (9.7 vs − 11.7°), knee flexion (9.2 vs − 0.4°) and a decreased LL (44.0 vs 61.4°) compared to controls (all p < 0.05). Kinematic and radiographic alterations were less pronounced in ASD-mild-KA. The limited increase of walking speed was correlated to the deteriorated physical component summary score of SF-36 (r = 0.37).DiscussionKinematic limitations during adaptation from self-selected to fast speed walking highlight an alteration of a daily life activity in ASD patients. ASD with limited kinematic adaptations showed more severe sagittal malalignment with an increased SVA, PT, PI–LL, and knee flexion, a decreased LL and the most deteriorated quality of life. This highlights the importance of 3D movement analysis in the evaluation of ASD
A Comprehensive Review of PM-Related Studies in Industrial Proximity: Insights from the East Mediterranean Middle East Region
No full textInternational audienceThis comprehensive review synthesizes the current knowledge regarding the characteristics of particulate matter (PM) at locations directly impacted by industrial emissions. A particular emphasis was given to the morphology and size of these particles and their chemical characteristics per type of industrial activity. The relationship between the exposure to PM from industrial activities and health issues such as cancer, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases was also discussed, highlighting significant epidemiological findings. Furthermore, this work highlights the source apportionment of PM in these areas as well as available databases for source profiles. The majority of the studies accentuate the ambiguity found in the identification of industrial sources mainly due to the lack of specific tracers and the overlapping between these sources and other natural and anthropogenic ones. The contribution of industrial sources to PM concentrations is generally less than 10%. Moreover, this review gathers studies conducted in the 18 countries of the East Mediterranean-Middle East (EMME) region, focusing on sites under industrial influence. In these studies, PM 10 concentrations range from 22 to 423 µg/m 3 while PM 2.5 levels vary between 12 and 250 µg/m 3 . While extensive studies have been conducted in Egypt, Iran, and Lebanon, a lack of research in the UAE, Bahrain, Greece, Israel, Palestine, and Yemen highlights regional disparities in environmental health research. The major industrial sources found in the region were oil and gas industries, metallurgical industries, cement plants, petrochemical complexes, and power plants running on gas or heavy fuel oil. Future research in the region should focus on longitudinal studies and a more detailed chemical analysis of PM in the vicinity of industrial areas to enhance the accuracy of current findings and support effective policy making for air pollution control.</div
Unlocking HRM Challenges: Exploring Motivation and Job Satisfaction within Military Service (LAF)
No full textInternational audienceThis research investigates the intricacies of motivation and job satisfaction among military service members within the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) amidst various challenges. Employing an intrinsic–extrinsic framework, the study adopts a sequential mixed-method design. Interviews were conducted with 42 LAF service members, a Focus Group was convened with 12 LAF subject matter experts, and a survey was administered to 3880 LAF service members across the country. The findings underscore the significance of monetary rewards and praise as primary motivators. Notably, the expectation of rewards emerges as a crucial motivating factor closely linked to job satisfaction, while intrinsic factors exhibit comparatively lesser influence. Salary emerges as the foremost determinant of job satisfaction. Moreover, economic challenges, particularly the drastic decline in purchasing power, serve as a significant moderating factor, adversely impacting the relationship between motivation and job satisfaction. Health challenges, such as the scarcity and increased prices of medical supplies, also exert a negative moderating influence. Conversely, security challenges demonstrate no significant moderating impact. Insights gleaned from the Lebanese context emphasize the importance of offering competitive salaries and recognition programs, ensuring equitable compensation, designing reward systems aligned with performance expectations, regularly reviewing, and adjusting salary structures, providing comprehensive support for employees’ physical and mental well-being, and fostering a secure work environment
Serious game for radiotherapy training
No full textInternational audienceBackgroundCancer patients are often treated with radiation, therefore increasing their exposure to high energy emissions. In such cases, medical errors may be threatening or fatal, inducing the need to innovate new methods for maximum reduction of irreversible events. Training is an efficient and methodical tool to subject professionals to the real world and heavily educate them on how to perform with minimal errors. An evolving technique for this is Serious Gaming that can fulfill this purpose, especially with the rise of COVID-19 and the shift to the online world, by realistic and visual simulations built to present engaging scenarios. This paper presents the first Serious Game for Lung Cancer Radiotherapy training that embodies Biomedical Engineering principles and clinical experience to create a realistic and precise platform for coherent training.MethodsTo develop the game, thorough 3D modeling, animation, and gaming fundamentals were utilized to represent the whole clinical process of treatment, along with the scores and progress of every player. The model’s goal is to output coherency and organization for students’ ease of use and progress tracking, and to provide a beneficial educational experience supplementary to the users’ training. It aims to also expand their knowledge and use of skills in critical cases where they must perform crucial decision-making and procedures on patients of different cases.ResultsAt the end of this research, one of the accomplished goals consists of building a realistic model of the different equipment and tools accompanied with the radiotherapy process received by the patient on Maya 2018, including the true beam table, gantry, X-ray tube, CT Scanner, and so on. The serious game itself was then implemented on Unity Scenes with the built models to create a gamified authentic environment that incorporates the 5 main series of steps; Screening, Contouring, External Beam Planning, Plan Evaluation, Treatment, to simulate the practical workflow of an actual Oncology treatment delivery for lung cancer patients.ConclusionThis serious game provides an educational and empirical space for training and practice that can be used by students, trainees, and professionals to expand their knowledge and skills in the aim of reducing potential errors
Well-posedness of the Optimal Control Problem Related to Degenerate Chemo-attraction Models
No full textInternational audienceThis paper delves into the mathematical analysis of optimal control for a nonlinear degenerate chemotaxis model with volume-filling effects. The control is applied in a bilinear form specifically within the chemical equation. We establish the well-posedness (existence and uniqueness) of the weak solution for the direct problem using the Faedo Galerkin method (for existence), and the duality method (for uniqueness). Additionally, we demonstrate the existence of minimizers and establish first-order necessary conditions for the adjoint problem. The main novelty of this work concerns the degeneracy of the diffusive term and the presence of control over the concentration in our nonlinear degenerate chemotaxis model. Furthermore, the state, consisting of cell density and chemical concentration, remains in a weak setting, which is uncommon in the literature for solving optimal control problems involving chemotaxis models
Création d’un algorithme spatiotemporel et application aux données de la COVID-19
No full textInternational audienceThis study offers an in-depth analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic's trajectory in several member countries of the European Union (EU) in order to assess similarities in their crisis experiences. We also examine data from the United States to facilitate a larger comparison across continents. We introduce our new approach, which uses a spatiotemporal algorithm to identify five distinct and recurring phases that each country underwent at different times during the COVID-19 pandemic. These stages include: Comfort Period, characterized by minimal COVID-19 activity and limited impacts; Preventive Situation, demonstrating the implementation of proactive measures, with relatively low numbers of cases, deaths, and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admissions; Worrying Situation, is defined by high levels of concern and preparation as deaths and cases begin to rise and reach substantial levels; Panic Situation, marked by a high number of deaths relative to the number of cases and a rise in ICU admissions, denoting a critical and alarming period of the pandemic; and finally, Epidemic Control Situation, distinguished by limited numbers of COVID-19 deaths despite a high number of new cases. By examining these phases, we identify the various waves of the pandemic, indicating periods where the health crisis had a significant impact. This comparative analysis highlights the time lags between countries as they transitioned through these different critical stages and navigated the waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.Cette étude propose une analyse approfondie de la trajectoire de la pandémie de COVID-19 dans plusieurs pays membres de l’Union européenne (UE) afin d’évaluer les similitudes dans leur expérience de la crise. Nous examinons également les données des États-Unis pour faciliter une comparaison plus large entre les continents. Nous introduisons notre nouvelle approche, qui utilise un algorithme spatiotemporel pour identifier cinq phases distinctes et récurrentes que chaque pays a traversées à différents moments de la pandémie de COVID-19. Ces phases incluent : la Période de Confort, caractérisée par une activité minimale du COVID-19 et des impacts limités ; la Situation Préventive, illustrant la mise en place de mesures proactives avec un nombre relativement faible de cas, de décès et d’admissions en unité de soins intensifs (USI) ; la Situation Inquiétante, définie par des niveaux élevés de préoccupations et de préparations alors que les décès et les cas commencent à augmenter et atteignent des niveaux significatifs ; la Situation de Panique, marquée par un nombre élevé de décès par rapport au nombre de cas et une augmentation des admissions en USI, désignant une période critique et alarmante de la pandémie ; et enfin, la Situation de Contrôle Épidémique, caractérisée par un nombre limité de décès liés au COVID-19 malgré un nombre élevé de nouveaux cas. En examinant ces phases, nous identifions les différentes vagues de la pandémie, indiquant les périodes où la crise sanitaire a eu un impact significatif. Cette analyse comparative met en évidence les décalages temporels entre les pays alors qu’ils ont traversé ces différentes étapes critiques et navigué à travers les vagues de la pandémie de COVID-19