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Implementing a novel PAM-4 modulation/demodulation scheme along with source and link protection in a high capacity data center architecture
Get PDFDesirable data-center features include cost efficiency, high bandwidth, scalability, and protection against component failures. In this study, we propose an architecture that employs a small number of optical sources to transport data over a large number of links inside a data center. To further increase the bandwidth, two bits per symbol are transmitted by employing a novel technique for the generation and demodulation of pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) signals having a data rate of 100 Gbps. The proposed architecture provides protection against two major sources of breakdown, the laser source and the channel used for the transmission of signals. Furthermore, diversity gain can also be achieved by simultaneously transmitting the same optical signals through different channels inside the data center. The performance of the proposed architecture is observed in terms of bit error rate under different amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise powers
Enhancing the functionality of soft continuum robots for minimally invasive and endoluminal interventions: a review
Get PDFThe introduction and development of soft continuum robots (SCRs) for minimally invasive surgery and endoluminal intervention offers a promising option for navigating delicate, convoluted human anatomy across various procedures. However, successful translation of SCRs from research prototypes through to clinically viable tools relies on overcoming the challenge of functionalization for targeted diagnostic and therapeutic intervention. Functionalization demands specialized design and fabrication strategies to ensure practical integration of operational components, such as stimuli-responsive materials and tip-mounted transducers, with soft bioinspired geometry and actuation mechanisms. This review aims to highlight the state of the art in the development of functionalized SCRs for minimally invasive and endoluminal applications. Drawing on advances over the past twenty-five years, we provide a comprehensive discussion of the innovations to date and of the pivotal clinical and developmental challenges to be overcome for the functionalization, therapeutic benefit and therefore, clinical translation of SCRs. Through developing coherence between the fields of bio-inspired soft robotic design, digitally driven fabrication, materials engineering and intra-operative control, further clinically significant advances may be realized in the domain of functionalized SCRs
Fuzzy-Based MCDA Technique Applied in Multi-Risk Problems Involving Heatwave Risks in and Pandemic Scenarios
No full textAssessing the increased impacts/risks of urban heatwaves generated by stressors such as a pandemic period, such as the one experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, is complicated by the lack of comprehensive information that allows for an analytical determination of the alteration produced on climate risks/impacts. The assessment of the increased impacts/risks of urban heatwaves generated by stressors such as those due to the presence of a pandemic is complicated by the lack of comprehensive information that allows for the functional determination of the increased impacts/risks due to such stressors. On the other hand, it is essential for decision makers to understand the complex interactions between climate risks and the environmental and socioeconomic conditions generated by pandemics in an urban context, where specific restrictions on citizens’ livability are in place to protect their health. This study aims to address this need by proposing a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making framework in a GIS environment that intuitively allows experts to assess the increase in heatwave risk factors for the population generated by pandemics. This assessment is ccomplished by varying the values in the pairwise comparison matrices of the criteria that contribute to the construction of physical and socioeconomic vulnerability, exposure, and the hazard scenario. The framework was tested to assess heatwave impacts/risks on the population in the study area, which includes the municipalities of the metropolitan city of Naples, Italy, an urban area with high residential density where numerous summer heatwaves have been recorded over the last decade. The findings indicate a rise in impact/risks during pandemic times, particularly in municipalities with the greatest resident population density, situated close to Naples
Cannabinoid receptors orchestrate distinct anti-tumour pathways in gastric cancer via and beyond specialized pro-resolving mediators
No full textEndocannabinoids (ECS) and specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) are both lipid-based compounds, but differ significantly in origin, mechanisms, and functions. Their mechanistic interaction in cancer remains undefined, particularly in gastric cancer (GC). Several interconnections have been described between these two “bioactive lipids” involved in inflammation resolution, homeostatic and anti-tumour functions. Cannabinoid signalling can modulate SPM biosynthesis in immune cells, thus we investigated whether this crosstalk operates in GC cells, and whether SPMs mediate part of the anti-tumour activity of cannabinoid receptors. Using synthetic and selective agonists for the cannabinoid G-protein-coupled receptors CB1 and CB2 (ACEA and JWH133, respectively), we found that receptor activation in GC cells (AGS and MKN45) sustains the synthesis of two SPMs, Resolvin D1 and Lipoxin B4, which in turn suppresses the angiogenic potential of GC cells. These CB1/CB2-driven activities required a SRC/MAPK signalling. At physiological concentrations, these SPMs further enhanced the binding affinity of ACEA and JWH133 for CB1 and CB2, indicating a functional crosstalk between the two systems. Beyond angiogenesis, CB1/2 stimulation reduced cell proliferation and viability, induced apoptosis, impaired the migration and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal program in GC cells. Only CB2 activation reduced the stemness properties of GC cells. Interestingly, while the anti-angiogenic properties of CB1 and CB2 required SPM production, their other anti-tumour actions were independent of the pro-resolving pathway. Our results extend the current knowledge of the endocannabinoid system by defining a new dual mechanism, SPM-dependent and SPM-independent, that restrains GC progression and identify the ECS-SPM axis as a potential target for therapeutic intervention
La riforma costituzionale sulla giustizia
No full textLa relazione affronta la riforma costituzionale della giustizia, analizzandone i potenziali rischi per l'ordinamento costituzional
Plasma neurofilament light chain to evaluate response during cladribine treatment in multiple sclerosis
No full textIntroduction: Cladribine treatment in year 1 and 2 provides high efficacy on multiple sclerosis(MS) outcomes over 4 years. Use of biomarkers of neuro-axonal damage, such as plasma neurofilament light chain (pNfL), might support prognostication and treatment decisions. Objectives: To:1)investigate pNfL variations over time in people with MS(pwMS) treated with cladribine;2)compare pNfL levels during cladribine treatment to age- and sex-matched controls;3) assess pNfL prediction on clinical and radiological outcomes. Methods: This retrospective analysis of longitudinally-collected data included 258 pwMS treated with cladribine and 304 age and sex-matched controls. During follow-up,in pwMS,we collected evidence of disease activity (EDA3). Results: When compared with pNfL before or in the first 3 months of treatment,pNfL was lower between 3 and 12 months(Coeff = −182.05; 95 %CI = -303.73, -60.36; p = 0.004), between 12 and 24 months (Coeff = −149.98; 95 %CI = -272.41, -27.55; p = 0.017) and after 24 months from the first cladribine dosing (Coeff = −280.32; 95 %CI = -280.32,-29.86; p = 0.016). When compared with controls,pNfL was higher in pwMS before or in the first 3 months of cladribine treatment(Coeff = 7.43; 95 %CI = 2.45, 12.40; p = 0.004), but was similar between 3 and 12 months(Coeff = −1.04; 95 %CI = -3.36, 1.27; p- = 0.376), between 12 and 24 months(Coeff = 1.48; 95 %CI = -0.60, 3.55; p = 0.162) and after 24 months(Coeff = 2.23; 95 %CI = -0.47, 5.08; p = 0.103). We observed no significant associations between baseline pNfL and EDA(11 patients,4.26 %). Conclusions: Cladribine significantly reduced pNfL levels, which stabilized at values comparable to matched healthy controls, confirming its strong efficacy with minimal disease activity during follow-up
Expert consensus on skill acquisition in sport: A Delphi study
Get PDFSkill acquisition is a rapidly evolving field in sport, but its definitions, roles and professional practices remain inconsistently articulated. Despite growing recognition of its importance, there is a lack of consensus regarding the core competencies and responsibilities of skill acquisition specialists. The aim of this study was to consult with experts to establish a consensus definition of the field of skill acquisition, clarify the roles of its specialists, and understand the needs and requirements of effective applied practice. A panel of 22 international experts in skill acquisition took part in a Delphi study using online surveys. The panel reached consensus that skill acquisition specialists represent a unique role within multidisciplinary support teams and defined the field as an applied science addressing the performance, learning, and refinement of perceptual, cognitive, and motor skills across the spectrum from novice to expert performers. Key responsibilities of a skill acquisition specialist included practice design, individualised skill development, and education at the organisational level. Furthermore, the panel reached consensus on the essential knowledge and professional skills required to fulfil this role effectively. Findings present an important step towards establishing a framework for professional development, accreditation, and high-quality, evidence-based skill acquisition practice
The Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit 2019 – 2023: A system change evaluation
Get PDFThe Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit (GMVRU) was established in 2019 to lead a public-health, evidence-based and whole-system approach to reducing serious violence across Greater Manchester. Its ambition was to influence how violence is understood, governed and addressed across sectors, with a strong emphasis on prevention, early intervention, partnership working and community-led activity. This executive summary synthesises the findings from an evaluation covering the GMVRU’s first four years (2019–2023). Overall, the evaluation finds that the GMVRU has plausibly and meaningfully contributed to system change in Greater Manchester, strengthening governance, embedding public-health principles, improving partnership alignment, and supporting place-based and community-led activity. While measurable population-level impacts remain modest and influenced by wider contextual forces, there is strong evidence of improved system functioning, enhanced coordination and changes in professional practice consistent with long-term violence-prevention ambitions
Global value chains and transnational social spaces and communities: the emergence of a circular economy in the apparel industry
No full textThe transition to a circular economy (CE) requires multinational enterprises (MNEs) to engage with diverse social actors involved in production, reuse, and recycling across global value chains. Existing research often adopts a static, economics-based perspective that privileges MNEs while overlooking the dynamic interactions between MNEs and other social actors, as well as their varying interests, which shape the emergence of CE policies and practices in global supply chains. This study applies the concepts of transnational social spaces (TSSs) and transnational communities (TCs) to examine CE transitions in Bangladesh’s garment industry. Drawing on interviews with various social actors embedded in two interlinked cases, we develop a contextualized view of MNEs and their evolving relationships. We explore three emergent properties—shared purpose, shared cognition and logic, and symbolic change and transformation—that drive structured interactions within TSSs, fostering TCs that facilitate the transition to a CE in MNEs’ global supply chains. We highlight how shared objectives emerge from social actors’ interactions, fostering a TC with shared cognition that instigates symbolic changes across multiple actors and institutional contexts. At the same time, differences and tensions persist among these actors. By emphasizing the emergent and dynamic nature of TSSs and TCs—both of which reflect and enable the CE transition—this study contributes to research on sustainability transitions, international business management, and global value chains