Scalable Algorithms for Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN) Optimization

In the evolving scenario of 5G networks, resource allocation algorithms for the Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN) model have proven to be the key for managing ever increasing Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) and Operating Expenditure (OPEX) for mobile networks while ensuring high Quality of Service (QoS). In Chapter 1 a brief overview of the main elements of the C-RAN and of the methodologies that are employed in this work is provided. In Chapter 2, an exact scalable methodology for a static traffic scenario, based on lexicographic optimization, is proposed for the solution of a multi-objective optimization problem to achieve, among other goals, the minimization of the number of active nodes in the C-RAN while supporting reliability and meeting latency constraints. The optimal solution of the most relevant objectives for networks of several tens of nodes is obtained in few tens of seconds of computational time in the worst case. For the least relevant objective a heuristic is developed, providing near optimal solutions in few seconds of computing time. In Chapter 3, an optimization framework for dynamic C-RAN reconfiguration is developed. The objective is to maintain C-RAN cost optimization, while minimizing the cost of virtual network function migration. Significant savings in terms of migrations (above 82% for primary virtual BBU functions and above 75% for backup virtual BBU functions) can be obtained with respect to a static traffic scenario, with execution time of the optimization algorithm below 20 seconds in the worst cases, making its application feasible for dynamic scenarios. In Chapter 4, an alternative Column Generation model formulation is developed, and the quality of the computed lower bounds is evaluated. Further extensions from this baseline (e.g. Column Generation based heuristics, exact Branch&Price algorithms) are left as future work. In Chapter 5, the main results achieved in this work are summarized, and several possible extensions are proposed

Calibrated Probabilistic QoT Regression for Unestablished Lightpaths in Optical Networks

Quality-of-Transmission (QoT) regression of unestablished lightpaths is a fundamental problem in Machine Learning applied to optical networks. Even though this problem is well-investigated in current literature, many state-of-the-art approaches either predict point-estimates of the QoT or make simplifying assumptions about the QoT distribution. Because of this, during lightpath deployment, an operator might take either overly-aggressive or overly-conservative decisions due to biased predictions. In this paper, we leverage state-of-the-art Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT) models and recent advances in uncertainty calibration to perform QoT probabilistic regression for unestablished lightpaths. Calibration of a regression model allows for an accurate modeling of the QoT Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF) without any prior assumption on the QoT distribution. In our illustrative experimental results, we show that our calibrated GBDT model's predictions provide accurate confidence interval estimates, even when only few samples per lightpath configuration are available at training time

Author Correction:Human ESCRT-III polymers assemble on positively curved membranes and induce helical membrane tube formation

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper

Intensive insulin therapy increases glutathione synthesis rate in surgical ICU patients with stress hyperglycemia

OBJECTIVE: The glutathione system plays an essential role in antioxidant defense after surgery. We assessed the effects of intensive insulin treatment (IIT) on glutathione synthesis rate and redox balance in cancer patients, who had developed stress hyperglycemia after major surgery. METHODS: We evaluated 10 non-diabetic cancer patients the day after radical abdominal surgery combined with intra-operative radiation therapy. In each patient, a 24-hr period of IIT, aimed at tight euglycemic control, was preceded, or followed, by a 24-hr period of conventional insulin treatment (CIT) (control regimen). Insulin was administered for 24 hours, during total parenteral nutrition, at a dosage to maintain a moderate hyperglycemia in CIT, and normoglycemic blood glucose levels in IIT (9.3\ub10.5 vs 6.5\ub10.3 mmol/L respectively, P<0.001; coefficient of variation, 9.7\ub11.4 and 10.5\ub11.1%, P = 0.43). No hypoglycemia (i.e., blood glucose < 3.9 mmol/L) was observed in any of the patients. Insulin treatments were performed on the first and second day after surgery, in randomized order, according to a crossover experimental design. Plasma concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and erythrocyte glutathione synthesis rates (EGSR), measured by primed-constant infusion of L-[2H2]cysteine, were assessed at the end of each 24-hr period of either IIT or CIT. RESULTS: Compared to CIT, IIT was associated with higher EGSR (2.70\ub10.51 versus 1.18\ub10.29 mmol/L/day, p = 0.01) and lower (p = 0.04) plasma TBARS concentrations (2.2\ub10.2 versus 2.9\ub10.4 nmol/L). CONCLUSIONS: In patients developing stress hyperglycemia after major surgery, IIT, in absence of hypoglycemia, stimulates erythrocyte glutathione synthesis, while decreasing oxidative stress

Relazione tecnica e tabella contenente gli importi, le coordinate di bilancio di provenienza e di destinazione nonché le “Strutture di Ricerca” destinatarie dei fondi di cui allo “Elenco dei lavori” per l’anno 2020 del “Programma triennale dei lavori pubblici 2020-2022” approvato con Delibera del 31 marzo 2021, numero 14.

Il presente rapporto tecnico si pone l’obiettivo di individuare gli importi da destinare alle “Strutture di ricerca” di cui allo “elenco dei lavori” per l’anno 2020 del “Programma triennale lavori pubblici 2020-2022” approvato con delibera del 31 marzo 2021, numero 14 con le relative coordinate di bilancio sia di provenienza che di destinazione secondo quanto previsto con riferimento al Decreto 25 gennaio 2019, “Aggiornamento dell’allegato 1 del Decreto del Presidente della Repubblica 4 ottobre 2013, numero 132 “Piano dei conti integrato”, ai sensi dell’articolo 5 del medesimo D.P.R. e del comma 4, articolo 4 del Decreto Legislativo 31 maggio 2011, numero 91”

I Lavori Pubblici nello “Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica” nel triennio 2020 - 2022. Adozione dello schema di “Programma Triennale Lavori Pubblici dello "Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica" Triennio 2020-2022, "Elenco dei Lavori” per l’anno 2020, ed “Elenco degli interventi sotto 100 mila euro”.

Il rapporto tecnico contiene approfondimenti ai fini della adozione del “Programma Triennale dei Lavori Pubblici 2020 – 2022”, nella sua articolazione annuale e triennale, volto alla riqualificazione, gestione, recupero, attraverso una attenta e corretta programmazione, dell’ingente patrimonio immobiliare dell’Ente, caratterizzato prevalentemente da strutture di grande pregio storico, artistico, scientifico e paesaggistico. Il documento ha inoltre la finalità di definire gli interventi da inserire nello “Schema di Programma Triennale dei Lavori Pubblici 2020-2022", in particolare nell’“Elenco dei Lavori” per l’anno 2020, selezionati in considerazione delle priorità stabilite per Legge in relazione alle disponibilità economiche autonome delle Strutture di Ricerca e della proposta di assegnazione dei fondi destinati ad interventi di edilizia nel Bilancio dell’Ente avanzata dal “Tavolo Tecnico Permanente per il Patrimonio Immobiliare e i Lavori Pubblici”

Allocazione delle risorse per l’attuazione del “Programma dei Lavori Pubblici" per il Triennio 2020-2022 ed “Elenco dei Lavori” 2020.

Per l’attuazione degli interventi edilizi dell’Istituto relativamente al triennio 2020-2022 si è predisposto il quadro di dettaglio delle risorse che sono state rese disponibili per tale scopo, con riferimento alla opportuna allocazione delle medesime nel relativo Bilancio di previsione per l’annualità 2021. Il rapporto a tal fine preparato dalla struttura tecnica denominata “Tavolo Tecnico Permanente per il Patrimonio Immobiliare e i Lavori Pubblici”, è stato redatto sulla scorta degli approfondimenti tecnici ed amministrativi compiuti in fase di istruttoria sulle richieste formulate dalle Strutture di ricerca ubicate su tutto il territorio nazionale, costituenti il quadro generale delle esigenze