7 research outputs found
Software Reference Architecture for CubeSats – A Direct Approach
Ever since the first CubeSat mission was launched, the concept
and complexity of CubeSat missions has evolved at a pace that
current operational system/doctrine cannot match. In an increasingly dynamic space economy, where small businesses have
become the norm, innovative solutions that abstract away complexity and increase autonomy are fundamental to reduce operational costs. It is within this frame that the current study is
presented. To address the need for a standardized software architecture of NewSpace companies, we first assess the European
small satellite market needs through a survey with key players
in the space sector. From this survey, we derive the high-level
requirements, functionalities, and interfaces of a software architecture for CubeSats, the preferred platform due to its lower cost
when compared with traditional platforms. Finally, we report the
implementation results of a set of these components and show
how they reflect design drivers
Predicting respiratory failure in patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 by admission sex-specific biomarkers
Background: Several biomarkers have been identified to predict the outcome of COVID-19 severity, but few data are available regarding sex differences in their predictive role. Aim of this study was to identify sex-specific biomarkers of severity and progression of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in COVID-19.
Methods: Plasma levels of sex hormones (testosterone and 17β-estradiol), sex-hormone dependent circulating molecules (ACE2 and Angiotensin1-7) and other known biomarkers for COVID-19 severity were measured in male and female COVID-19 patients at admission to hospital. The association of plasma biomarker levels with ARDS severity at admission and with the occurrence of respiratory deterioration during hospitalization was analysed in aggregated and sex disaggregated form.
Results: Our data show that some biomarkers could be predictive both for males and female patients and others only for one sex. Angiotensin1-7 plasma levels and neutrophil count predicted the outcome of ARDS only in females, whereas testosterone plasma levels and lymphocytes counts only in males.
Conclusions: Sex is a biological variable affecting the choice of the correct biomarker that might predict worsening of COVID-19 to severe respiratory failure. The definition of sex specific biomarkers can be useful to alert patients to be safely discharged versus those who need respiratory monitoring