Long-term traffic forecasting in optical networks using Machine Learning

Knowledge about future traffic in backbone optical networks may greatly improve a range of tasks that Communications Service Providers (CSPs) have to face. This work proposes a procedure for long-term traffic forecasting in optical networks. We formulate a long-term traffic forecasting problem as an ordinal classification task. Due to the optical networks’ (and other network technologies’) characteristics, traffic forecasting has been realized by predicting future traffic levels rather than the exact traffic volume. We examine different machine learning (ML) algorithms and compare them with time series algorithms methods. To evaluate the developed ML models, we use a quality metric, which considers the network resource usage. Datasets used during research are based on real traffic patterns presented by Internet Exchange Point in Seattle. Our study shows that ML algorithms employed for long-term traffic forecasting problem obtain high values of quality metrics. Additionally, the final choice of the ML algorithm for the forecasting task should depend on CSPs expectations

Noncommutative Furstenberg boundary

We introduce and study the notions of boundary actions and of the Furstenberg boundary of a discrete quantum group. As for classical groups, properties of boundary actions turn out to encode significant properties of the operator algebras associated with the discrete quantum group in question; for example we prove that if the action on the Furstenberg boundary is faithful, the quantum group C*-algebra admits at most one KMS-state for the scaling automorphism group. To obtain these results we develop a version of Hamana's theory of injective envelopes for quantum group actions, and establish several facts on relative amenability for quantum subgroups. We then show that the Gromov boundary actions of free orthogonal quantum groups, as studied by Vaes and Vergnioux, are also boundary actions in our sense; we obtain this by proving that these actions admit unique stationary states. Moreover, we prove these actions are faithful, hence conclude a new unique KMS-state property in the general case, and a new proof of unique trace property when restricted to the unimodular case. We prove equivalence of simplicity of the crossed products of all boundary actions of a given discrete quantum group, and use it to obtain a new simplicity result for the crossed product of the Gromov boundary actions of free orthogonal quantum groups.Comment: 45 pages, v2 corrects a few minor points. A final version of the paper will appear in the Analysis & PD

Neoadjuvant radiotherapy and anastomosis dehiscence after total mesorectal excision for stage II and III rectal cancer

SummaryBackgroundAnterior resection is nowadays the preferred option of surgical treatment for rectal cancer without sphincter involvement. However, this operation is associated with the risk of anastomosis dehiscence (AD).AimThe aim of this study was to estimate the influence of neoadjuvant radiotherapy and other factors on the risk of anastomosis dehiscence after total mesorectal excision for stage II and III rectal cancer.Materials/MethodsOne hundred and thirty consecutive patients operated on due to histologically confirmed rectal carcinoma were studied with prospective data collection. Elective surgery with curative intent was administered. All patients underwent sphincter-sparing anterior resection with total mesorectal excision. End-to-end anastomosis with double stapled technique was performed. Impact of patient-, tumour- and treatment-related variables on anastomosis dehiscence rate was evaluated in univariate and multivariate analysis.ResultsIncidence of AD was 10.6%. There was no leakage-related mortality. Univariate analysis showed that patient's age and gender, presence of lymph node metastases and irradiation setting (pre- vs post-operative) did not significantly influence dehiscence rate (P>0.05). Tumour level at or below 7cm from the anal verge was related to increased AD risk with statistical importance (P=0.0438). Neither pelvic drainage nor omentoplasty effectively protected the anastomosis. Proximal diversion with protective stoma resulted in significantly decreasing AD risk (P=0.0012). In multivariate analysis the presence of transversostomy was found as the most important factor independently associated with significantly lower incidence of AD.ConclusionsNeoadjuvant radiotherapy does not seem to be a significant risk factor for anastomosis dehiscence, even after resection of low-sited tumours, but proximal diversion with temporary stoma needs to be considered

Particulate matter – a cancerous threat to our health?

Introduction: Particulate matter (PM) as a part of outdoor air pollutants are classified as human carcinogens. They are formed majorly as a result of combustion process by industry, power plants and engines. PM can be divided by the size of their particles into PM2.5 and PM10, where PM2.5 are small enough to penetrate into the alveoli sacs in the lung reaching the bloodstream, whereas PM10 affect mostly oral cavity, nose and the throat. Aim of the study: This study aims to investigate the impact of PM2.5 and PM10 particle concentrations in the EU NUTS 2 subregions on the death rates due to the most common malignant neoplasms. Results: There is a positive moderate correlation (r = 0.421; p < 0.001) between the annual mean concentration of PM2.5 and deaths due to malignant tumors. The strongest correlation was observed for malignant neoplasms of larynx, which is a positive correlation with a strong effect (r = 0.641; p < 0.001); and malignant neoplasm of bladder (r = 0.523; p < 0.001). For PM10, there is a moderately weak positive correlation (r = 0,195; p = 0.008) between the annual average concentration of PM10 and deaths due to malignant tumors. The strongest correlation was observed for malignant neoplasms of larynx, which is a positive correlation with a strong effect (r = 0,551; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The effect of PM impact on the malignant neoplasms is strong to moderate. The most affected neoplasm site are the ones the PMs intake occurs, being in the respiratory system. However other sites, where PMs can accumulate can be impacted as well. Further studies about the population with the highest risk due to the PMs exposure may be beneficial as other non-air quality-connected predictors may be found

Closed quantum subgroups of locally compact quantum groups

We investigate the fundamental concept of a closed quantum subgroup of a locally compact quantum group. Two definitions - one due to S.Vaes and one due to S.L.Woronowicz - are analyzed and relations between them discussed. Among many reformulations we prove that the former definition can be phrased in terms of quasi-equivalence of representations of quantum groups while the latter can be related to an old definition of Podle\'s from the theory of compact quantum groups. The cases of classical groups, duals of classical groups, compact and discrete quantum groups are singled out and equivalence of the two definitions is proved in the relevant context. A deep relationship with the quantum group generalization of Herz restriction theorem from classical harmonic analysis is also established, in particular, in the course of our analysis we give a new proof of Herz restriction theorem.Comment: 24 pages, v3 adds another reference. The paper will appear in Advances in Mathematic

Contemporary techniques of data acquisition for preparation of numerical models of hydrotechnical structures

This paper presents an analysis of possible uses of contemporary data acquiring methods for elaborating hydrotechnical object numerical models. The subject is considered in two aspects – preparation of a geometrical model based on the results of a geodetic survey of the structure as well as subsoil parameters, and data acquisition for building material characteristics. The results presented for non-invasive measurements of hydrotechnical concrete parameters and geometry of the modelled object are based on the example of Rożnów Dam. The research uses data obtained by terrestrial laser scan and sclerometer tests (taken with a S chmidt hammer)

Fusion of morphological data obtained by coronary computed tomography angiography with quantitative echocardiographic data on regional myocardial function

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) fusion of morphological data obtained by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) with functional data from resting and stress echocardiography could potentially provide additional information compared to examination results analyzed separately and increase the diagnostic and prognostic value of non-invasive imaging in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Using vendor-independent software developed in our institution, we aimed to assess the feasibility and reproducibility of 3D fusion of morphological CCTA data with echocardiographic data regarding regional myocardial function. Methods: Thirty patients with suspected CAD underwent CCTA and resting transthoracic echocardiography. From CCTA we obtained 3D reconstructions of coronary arteries and left ventricle (LV). Offline speckle-tracking analysis of the echocardiographic images provided parametric maps depicting myocardial longitudinal strain in 17 segments of the LV. Using our software, 3 independent investigators fused echocardiographic maps with CCTA reconstruc­tions in all patients. Based on the obtained fused models, each segment of the LV was assigned to one of the major coronary artery branches. Results: Mean time necessary for data fusion was 65 ± 7 s. Complete agreement between independent investigators in assignment of LV segments to coronary branches was obtained in 94% of the segments. The average coefficient of agreement (kappa) between the investigators was 0.950 and the intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.9329 (95% CI 0.9227–0.9420). Conclusions: Three-dimensional fusion of morphological CCTA data with quantitative echocardiographic data on regional myocardial function is feasible and allows highly repro­ducible assignment of myocardial segments to coronary artery branches

Pierwotna angioplastyka wieńcowa z zastosowaniem terapii supernasyconym tlenem u pacjenta z ostrym zawałem serca ściany przedniej: opis przypadku i przegląd piśmiennictwa

Infarct size is regarded as the main factor determining short- and long-term prognosis after acute myocardial infarction. Effective reperfusion therapy reduces infarct size by half. Despite broad implementation of primary percutaneous coronary interventions, the prognosis in many patients with large infarcts remains serious. We present a case report on a patient with an anterior wall ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction successfully treated interventionally with the use of supersaturated oxygen delivery