Novel architecture for cellular IoT in future non-terrestrial networks: store and forward adaptations for enabling discontinuous feeder link operation

© 2022 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. Permission from IEEE must be obtained for all other uses, in any current or future media, including reprinting/republishing this material for advertising or promotional purposes,creating new collective works, for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or reuse of any copyrighted component of this work in other works.The Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm has already progressed from an emerging technology to an incredibly fast-growing field. Defined as one of the three key services in 5th Generation (5G), massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC) are intended to enable the wide-spread adoption of IoT services across the globe. Satellite-based Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) are crucial in providing connectivity with global coverage including rural and offshore areas, which are fundamental for supporting important use cases in future networks. A rapidly growing market for IoT devices with mMTC applications using NarrowBandIoT (NB-IoT) will represent a large share of user equipment (UE) in such areas. While standardization efforts for NTN are underway for forthcoming 3GPP releases, they focus on transparent payload architectures where the satellite platform is necessarily connected to a ground station gateway to be able to provide satellite access services to IoT devices, thus requiring complex ground segment infrastructure in low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation deployments to achieve global coverage. In contrast, satellite network deployments targeting the delivery of delay-tolerant IoT applications using NB-IoT, which are a major mMTC use case, can benefit from architectures based on the use of regenerative payloads in the satellite and support for Store and Forward (S&F) operation where satellite access can remain operational even at times when the satellite is not connected to a ground station. In particular, such an approach would allow for extending satellite service coverage in areas where satellites cannot be connected to ground stations (e.g. maritime or very remote areas with lack of ground-stations infrastructures), improving ground segment affordability by enabling operation with fewer ground-stations and allowing more robust operation of the satellite under intermittent feeder link operation. In this paper, we provide a high-level design of an extended 3GPP architecture featuring store and forward mechanisms for IoT NTN delay-tolerant applications that address the previous challenges, as well as a laboratory validation of said architecture for a specific use case.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Neuro-Oncology Multidisciplinary Tumor Board: The Point of View of the Neuroradiologist

Background: The multi-disciplinary tumor board (MTB) is essential to quality cancer care and currently recommended to offer the best personalized clinical approach, but little has been published regarding MTBs in neuro-oncology (nMTBs). The aim of the present paper is to describe our nMTB, to evaluate its impact on clinical management decisions, and to assess the role of neuroradiologists. Methods: The retrospective evaluation of the cases discussed at our nMTB from March 2017 to March 2020. From the electronic records, we extracted epidemiological, clinical and other specific data of nMTB. From the radiological records, we calculated data relating to the number, time for revision, and other specifications of MRI re-evaluation. Statistical analysis was performed. Results: a total of 447 discussions were analyzed, representing 342 patients. The requests for case evaluations came from radiation oncologists (58.8%) and neurosurgeons (40.5%), and were mainly addressed to the neuroradiologist (73.8%). The most frequent questions were about the treatment's changes (64.4%). The change in patient treatment was reported in 40.5% of cases, 76.8% of these were based on the neuroradiologic assessment. A total of 1514 MRI examinations were re-evaluated, employing approximately 67 h overall. The median of the MRI exams reviewed per patient was 3 (min-max 1-12). Conclusions: Our study supported that the multidisciplinary approach to patient care can be particularly effective in managing brain tumors. A review by an expert neuroradiologist impacts patient management in the context of nMTBs, but has costs in terms of the time and effort spent preparing for it

Development and Implementation of the AIDA International Registry for Patients With Still's Disease

Objective: Aim of this paper is to present the design, construction, and modalities of dissemination of the AutoInflammatory Disease Alliance (AIDA) International Registry for patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) and adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD), which are the pediatric and adult forms of the same autoinflammatory disorder. Methods: This Registry is a clinical, physician-driven, population- and electronic-based instrument implemented for the retrospective and prospective collection of real-world data. The collection of data is based on the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) tool and is intended to obtain evidence drawn from routine patients' management. The collection of standardized data is thought to bring knowledge about real-life clinical research and potentially communicate with other existing and future Registries dedicated to Still's disease. Moreover, it has been conceived to be flexible enough to easily change according to future scientific acquisitions. Results: Starting from June 30th to February 7th, 2022, 110 Centers from 23 Countries in 4 continents have been involved. Fifty-four of these have already obtained the approval from their local Ethics Committees. Currently, the platform counts 290 users (111 Principal Investigators, 175 Site Investigators, 2 Lead Investigators, and 2 data managers). The Registry collects baseline and follow-up data using 4449 fields organized into 14 instruments, including patient's demographics, history, clinical manifestations and symptoms, trigger/risk factors, therapies and healthcare access. Conclusions: This international Registry for patients with Still's disease will allow a robust clinical research through collection of standardized data, international consultation, dissemination of knowledge, and implementation of observational studies based on wide cohorts of patients followed-up for very long periods. Solid evidence drawn from "real-life " data represents the ultimate goal of this Registry, which has been implemented to significantly improve the overall management of patients with Still's disease. NCT 05200715 available at

Electoral Reform and Public Sector Efficiency. Some Evidence From Italian Municipalities

We study the effect of Law 81/1993, which introduced a different electoral rule for the election of the mayor, on the technical efficiency of Italian cities. Since 1993, municipalities below 15,000 inhabitants vote with a single-ballot system, whereas cities above 15,000 inhabitants threshold are subject to a double ballot. We first estimate the technical efficiency in 1994 (taken as a pre-change year), and 1999 and 2004 for a sample of Italian municipalities, through a non-parametric DEA, and then we perform on both input and output oriented efficiency scores a difference-in-differences analysis, through various panel techniques. We find evidence that, after the reform, municipalities voting under a double-ballot show low levels of efficiency compared to cities voting under a single-ballot, by about 16 (input oriented) and 4 percentage points (output oriented). We speculate that the difference in the level of efficiency among cities voting under a different electoral rule is essentially driven by a lower average quality of politicians elected under a double ballot compared to those elected with a single ballot

From biology to clinical experience: evolution in the knowledge of neuroendocrine tumours

Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) represent a group of neoplasias characterized by significant histopathological and biological heterogeneity. Diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumours relies upon histological examination augmented by newer techniques, such as pet-dotatoc scan. Surgery represents the only curative therapeutic approach. In advanced unresectable disease, medical treatment is the best choice. Somatostatin analogues allow adequate control of the carcinoid syndrome with a low effect on tumour cell growth. Chemotherapy has a good activity only in poor prognosis patients. According to the clinical course of the disease, a multimodal approach could be evaluated in selected cases. New target therapy including multikinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibody and m-tor inhibitors is now under clinical investigation for the treatment of advanced NETs. Preliminary results demonstrated a good activity in terms of disease control rate and tumour shrinkage

Enabling multi-tenant cellular IoT services over LEO constellations in future 6G networks

Satellite-based, non-terrestrial networks (NTN) are crucial in providing global connectivity coverage, supporting important use cases in future 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) 6th generation networks (6G). Existing systems stand out due to their high complexity and specialized user equipment (UE) that comes with high operational costs. The rise of CubeSat and SmallSat spacecraft technology drastically cuts the cost of deployment, especially in Low Earth Orbits (LEO). Possible access architectures for NTN include repeater-like architectures with transparent payloads, where the gNB/eNB is located on the ground segment, or regenerative payloads, with a full gNB/eNB located on the satellite. A key NTN service is expected to be based on the extension of the NB-IoT (NarrowBand Internet of Things) protocol deployed over low-density LEO constellations using regenerative payloads, that are able to operate without having an active feeder link connection with a ground station. Enabling this service requires solving two key architectural challenges, namely the operation of the NB-IoT protocol in store and forward mode and supporting multi-tenancy, with multiples service providers using the same LEO constellation to extend their service footprint. The main contribution of this paper is the capacity analysis of a revised 3GPP architecture for NB-IoT services with a regenerative NTN architecture supporting discontinuous service and feeder link connectivity, by adding store and forward functionality. The assesment is supported by analysing the information flow of the revised architecture. Based on that architecture, we present a practical NB-IoT constellation and provide a capacity analysis. That constellation enabling for NB-IoT coverage across the globe may be possible with as little as one satellite, assuming its orbit covers the whole globe. Furthermore, we analyze authentication and user data transport with the maximum number of supported UE per satellite due to capacity constraints in the feeder link under typical data patterns. We find that variations in revisit and visibility times for both UEs and ground stations significantly impact the maximum number of supported users. Finally, the paper points out that new architectures for discontinuous backhauling, as one of the key NTN challenges, must be solved by future 6G networks.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Deployment of NB-IoT NTN core network functions on Software Defined Radio (SDR) nanosatellites: approach and performance assessment

According to forecasts, around 10 billion connected devices in the world will exchange data over the Internet by2028 and the significant connections increase threatens to congest terrestrial networks. These devices will mainly beembedded, controlled by smart software and operated in the cloud, integrating the Internet of Things ecosystem. Addi-tionally, current terrestrial infrastructures do not meet novel IoT requirements: remote access areas, multiple networkdomains crossing and adaptable latency and bandwidth. To provide global and ubiquitous coverage, the 3GPP stan-dardizes in rel-17 the concept of Non-Terrestrial-Networks. The term includes, among others, Non-Terrestrial nodessuch as GEO, MEO and LEO satellites. Lately, LEO satellites have contributed to consolidate the New Space indus-try opening new business opportunities by providing services using low-cost CubeSats. Despite offering importantbenefits compared to GEO (e.g. lower latency and propagation loss), LEO still has challenges to face related to com-munication discontinuity (intermittent satellite-to-ground links). Global region coverage is achieved through satelliteconstellations; however, the main concern is the non-guarantee of simultaneous contact from UE to the Ground StationNetwork via the satellite. While 3GPP rel-17 specs have centered on the specification of satellites using transparentpayload, the use of regenerative payloads has not precluded and has a central role in the technology roadmap. Re-generative payloads envision to embark part of the NF within the satellite, giving multiple enhancements (e.g. lowerlatencies, Store-and-Forward operation, in-satellite local loop communications and edge computing). Onboard func-tions may include radio access functions, such as eNB/gNB, as well as core NF, which enables direct satellite responseto UE. This paper provides a performance analysis of a deployment of core NF in a regenerative payload with a Soft-ware Defined Radio based on FPGA technology for nanosatellites. Measures are obtained and contrasted against aRPi4 board by running a tailored Evolved Packet Core (EPC) with NB-IoT NTN support.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

A shared CubeSat and LEO constellation for quantum key distribution service and 5G IoT service: QUANGO project overview and design considerations

Secure and reliable exchange of data and information plays a crucial role in our society, for example protecting money transfers, commercial transactions, medical data, remote control of sensible infrastructures, etc. Efforts are striving towards achieving global network coverage even in remote geographical areas. In this context, the QUANGO (cubesat for QUANtum and 5G cOmmunication) project, started in January 2021 under the EU Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation program, is aimed at designing and prototyping the key elements of a satellite mission that targets the delivery of both IoT services and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) services, implemented using a constellation of CubeSats that operate in LEO. The rationale behind this vision is to address the growing need for the safe, reliable, and ubiquitous exchange of data in our society that is becoming of paramount importance for a plethora of activities. The implementation of this project can provide a new paradigm to share the satellite infrastructure required for secure communication based on quantum technologies and for 5G communication. The spacecraft will carry two interconnected payloads: 1. A 5G IoT radio, called access network payload, based on a flexible software-defined radio (SDR). 2. A secure communication system based on a quantum link to distribute quantum keys to the ground. The combination of these two payloads allows for the implementation of a QKD service where the 5G IoT payload in addition to the delivery of IoT services, is intended to be used as an integral part of the envisioned QKD solution. Moreover, the combination of these two payloads will contribute to reduce the cost of both services by sharing the satellite platform and study how these two technologies can further improve synergically, getting benefits from each other’s ecosystem. The project is being developed by a consortium of European universities, research centres and SME with a strong heritage in areas such as quantum cryptography, optical communication, microsatellites development and 5G networks. The objective of the paper is to present an overview of the QUANGO project along with preliminary design considerations of the mission and platform to be developed.This work was supported by the QUANGO project (see https://quango.dei.unipd.it/), funded by the EU in the frame of Horizon 2020 programme.Peer ReviewedArticle signat per 17 autors/es: D. Sarica (a), A. Balossino (a), S. Simonetti (a), G. Vallone (b), P. Villoresi (b), F. Berra (b), M. Guadalupi (c), J. Ferrer (c), I. Llorens (c), R. Ferrús (c), A. Francesconi (d), F. Sansone (d), E. Birello (d), V. Pruneri (e), I. H. L. Grande (e), E. Diamanti (f), M. Schiavon (f) (a) Argotec Srl, Via Cervino 52, 10155, Torino, Italy, {danilo.sarica, alessandro.balossino, simone.simonetti} @argotecgroup.com / (b) Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, I-35131 Padova, Italy, {vallone, paolo.villoresi,} @dei.unipd.it, [email protected] / (c) Sateliot, Rambla de Catalunya 124, 08008, Barcelona, Spain, {marco, josep.ferrer, isaac.llorens, ramon.ferrus} @sateliot.space / (d) Stellar Project, Via Niccolò Tommaseo, 69/D, 35131, Padova, Italy, {alessandro.francesconi, francesco.sansone, edoardo.birello} @stellarproject.space / (e) ICFO, Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain, {Valerio.Pruneri, Ignacio.Lopez} @icfo.eu / (f) Sorbonne Université, 4 place Jussieu, 75005, Paris, France, {eleni.diamanti, matteo.schiavon} @lip6.frPostprint (published version