Dependency-aware unequal erasure protection codes

Classical unequal erasure protection schemes split data to be protected into classes which are encoded independently. The unequal protection scheme presented in this paper is based on an erasure code which encodes all the data together according to the existing dependencies. A simple algorithm generates dynamically the generator matrix of the erasure code according to the packets streams structure, i.e., the dependencies between the packets, and the rate of the code. This proposed erasure code was applied to a packetized MPEG4 stream transmitted over a packet erasure channel and compared with other classical protection schemes in terms of PSNR and MOS. It is shown that the proposed code allows keeping a high video quality-level in a larger packet loss rate range than the other protection schemes

Engineering of an Extreme Rainfall Detection System using Grid Computing

This paper describes a new approach for intensive rainfall data analysis. ITHACA's Extreme Rainfall Detection System (ERDS) is conceived to provide near real-time alerts related to potential exceptional rainfalls worldwide, which can be used by WFP or other humanitarian assistance organizations to evaluate the event and understand the potentially floodable areas where their assistance is needed. This system is based on precipitation analysis and it uses rainfall data from satellite at worldwide extent. This project uses the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis dataset, a NASA-delivered near real-time product for current rainfall condition monitoring over the world. Considering the great deal of data to process, this paper presents an architectural solution based on Grid Computing techniques. Our focus is on the advantages of using a distributed architecture in terms of performances for this specific purpos

Adjoint bi-continuous semigroups and semigroups on the space of measures

For a given bi-continuous semigroup T on a Banach space X we define its adjoint on an appropriate closed subspace X^o of the norm dual X'. Under some abstract conditions this adjoint semigroup is again bi-continuous with respect to the weak topology (X^o,X). An application is the following: For K a Polish space we consider operator semigroups on the space C(K) of bounded, continuous functions (endowed with the compact-open topology) and on the space M(K) of bounded Baire measures (endowed with the weak*-topology). We show that bi-continuous semigroups on M(K) are precisely those that are adjoints of a bi-continuous semigroups on C(K). We also prove that the class of bi-continuous semigroups on C(K) with respect to the compact-open topology coincides with the class of equicontinuous semigroups with respect to the strict topology. In general, if K is not Polish space this is not the case

Trans-nasal endoscopic and intra-oral combined approach for odontogenic cysts

Maxillary cysts are a common finding in maxillofacial surgery, dentistry and otolaryngology. Treatment is surgical; a traditional approach includes Caldwell-Luc and other intra-oral approaches. In this article, we analyse the outcomes of 9 patients operated on using a combined intra-oral and trans-nasal approach to the aforementioned disease. Although the number of patients is small, the good results of this study suggest that the combined approach might be a reliable treatment option

Generalized Rayleigh and Jacobi processes and exceptional orthogonal polynomials

We present four types of infinitely many exactly solvable Fokker-Planck equations, which are related to the newly discovered exceptional orthogonal polynomials. They represent the deformed versions of the Rayleigh process and the Jacobi process.Comment: 17 pages, 4 figure

String Breaking in Non-Abelian Gauge Theories with Fundamental Matter Fields

We present clear numerical evidence for string breaking in three-dimensional SU(2) gauge theory with fundamental bosonic matter through a mixing analysis between Wilson loops and meson operators representing bound states of a static source and a dynamical scalar. The breaking scale is calculated in the continuum limit. In units of the lightest glueball we find $r_{\rm b} m_G\approx13.6$. The implications of our results for QCD are discussed.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures; equations (4)-(6) corrected, numerical results and conclusions unchange

Developement of real time diagnostics and feedback algorithms for JET in view of the next step

Real time control of many plasma parameters will be an essential aspect in the development of reliable high performance operation of Next Step Tokamaks. The main prerequisites for any feedback scheme are the precise real-time determination of the quantities to be controlled, requiring top quality and highly reliable diagnostics, and the availability of robust control algorithms. A new set of real time diagnostics was recently implemented on JET to prove the feasibility of determining, with high accuracy and time resolution, the most important plasma quantities. With regard to feedback algorithms, new model–based controllers were developed to allow a more robust control of several plasma parameters. Both diagnostics and algorithms were successfully used in several experiments, ranging from H-mode plasmas to configuration with ITBs. Since elaboration of computationally heavy measurements is often required, significant attention was devoted to non-algorithmic methods like Digital or Cellular Neural/Nonlinear Networks. The real time hardware and software adopted architectures are also described with particular attention to their relevance to ITER.Comment: 12th International Congress on Plasma Physics, 25-29 October 2004, Nice (France

Study on ultra-structural effects caused by Onion yellow dwarf virus infection in ‘Rossa di Tropea’ onion bulb by means of magnetic resonance imaging

\u2018Rossa di Tropea\u2019 onion is a particular pink/red coloured onion cultivated in Calabria region (Southern Italy), representing one of the Italian most important vegetable crops granted with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) trademarks. This local cultivar is characterised by a high nutraceutical compounds content showing anti-inflammatory, anti-cholesterol, anticancer and antioxidant properties. As all vegetable crops and Allium spp., \u2018Rossa di Tropea\u2019 onion is affected by several viruses. Among these, the species Onion yellow dwarf virus (OYDV, genus Potyvirus, family Potyviridae), represents the most limiting biotic stress, inducing severe symptoms. OYDV effect on tissues architecture in whole bulbs was investigated using magnetic resonance microimaging (MRI) technique, which allows the interior of samples to be imaged non-invasively and non-destructively and yields quantitative information on physico-chemical parameters describing water mobility (T1 and T2 relaxation times). The use of such tool allowed to determine how OYDV alters plant physiology by inducing water accumulation in bulb tissues as well as causing ultra-structural modifications of cell wall, highlighted by MRI. All these effects resulted in an increase of free water in plant tissues, and consequently relevant water losses during post-harvest storage, seriously affecting bulb quality, marketability and shelf life