Approximations of the aggregated interference statistics for outage analysis in massive MTC

This paper presents several analytic closed-form approximations of the aggregated interference statistics within the framework of uplink massive machine-type-communications (mMTC), taking into account the random activity of the sensors. Given its discrete nature and the large number of devices involved, a continuous approximation based on the Gram–Charlier series expansion of a truncated Gaussian kernel is proposed. We use this approximation to derive an analytic closed-form expression for the outage probability, corresponding to the event of the signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio being below a detection threshold. This metric is useful since it can be used for evaluating the performance of mMTC systems. We analyze, as an illustrative application of the previous approximation, a scenario with several multi-antenna collector nodes, each equipped with a set of predefined spatial beams. We consider two setups, namely single- and multiple-resource, in reference to the number of resources that are allocated to each beam. A graph-based approach that minimizes the average outage probability, and that is based on the statistics approximation, is used as allocation strategy. Finally, we describe an access protocol where the resource identifiers are broadcast (distributed) through the beams. Numerical simulations prove the accuracy of the approximations and the benefits of the allocation strategy.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Trends in income inequality in the European Union: implications for health inequalities

The comparative analysis of income inequality across countries has acquired increasing importance in recent years. This paper is divided in two parts. The first one is focused on the analysis of income inequality in the European Union. To carry out this task, we use different models based on Lorenz curves and quantiles functions and different equivalence scales. The European Community Household Panel Data are used. The second part of the paper is focused on explaining the differences in income and health inequalities across European countries. In particular several hypotheses concerning the economic determinants of health inequalities are studied. KEY WORDS Income inequality, Lorenz curves, quantile functions, equivalence scales, European Community Household Panel, health inequalities

Astrometric Positions of Geostationary Satellites and Space Debris

Treballs Finals de Grau de Física, Facultat de Física, Universitat de Barcelona, Curs: 2020, Tutor: Jorge Núñez de MurgaSpace debris is becoming a real problem with the constant increase of many-orbit artificial satellites. It threatens other active satellites including the ISS. Currently the best option to mitigate its effects is performing routinely observations and cataloguing them. This research aims to study the astrometric positions of HISPASAT, an active geostationary satellite constellation, in order to optimize the methodology for space debris observation. We perform a GEO optical survey with the Telescope Fabra ROA Montsec and discuss the optimal observation strateg

2-arachidonoylglycerol metabolism is differently modulated by oligomeric and fibrillar conformations of amyloid beta in synaptic terminals

Alzheimer´s disease (AD) is the most prevalent disorder of senile dementia mainly characterized by amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) deposits in the brain. Cannabinoids are relevant to AD as they exert several beneficial effects in many models of this disease. Still, whether the endocannabinoid system is either up- or down-regulated in AD has not yet been fully elucidated. Thus, the aim of the present paper was to analyze endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) metabolism in cerebral cortex synaptosomes incubated with Aβ oligomers or fibrils. These Aβ conformations were obtained by "aging" the 1-40 fragment of the peptide under different agitation and time conditions. A diminished availability of 2-AG resulting from a significant decrease in diacylglycerol lipase (DAGL) activity was observed in the presence of large Aβ1-40 oligomers along with synaptosomal membrane damage, as judged by transmission electron microscopy and LDH release. Conversely, a high availability of 2-AG resulting from an increase in DAGL and lysophosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase activities occurred in the presence of Aβ1-40 fibrils although synaptosomal membrane disruption was also observed. Interestingly, neither synaptosomal mitochondrial viability assayed by MTT reduction nor membrane lipid peroxidation assayed by TBARS formation measurements were altered by Aβ1-40 oligomers or fibrils. These results show a differential effect of Aβ1-40 peptide on 2-AG metabolism depending on its conformation.Fil: Pascual, Ana Clara. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; ArgentinaFil: Gaveglio, Virginia Lucía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca; ArgentinaFil: Giusto, Norma Maria. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca; ArgentinaFil: Pasquaré, Susana Juana. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca; Argentin

Capacity development in water operator partnerships: more than just the right methods

This paper explores the question of effectiveness of knowledge transfer processes in Water Operator Partnerships (WOP). Increasing funds are allocated to the promotion and implementation of WOP projects, conceived as a strong approach to strengthening the capacity of water operators in developing countries. They are considered particularly useful for the transfer of tacit knowledge, crucial to support locally owned change. Despite the great promotional efforts there is very little known on how they function. This work aims at shedding light on the knowledge transfer activities in WOPs by analysing two WOP projects through the lenses of tested knowledge management theories. The findings show how in both cases there is an alignment between methods used and type of knowledge to be transferred, as well as a predominance of methods allowing for the transfer of tacit knowledge. However, despite both projects applying the same methods, the degree of knowledge integration into the local operator's working routines greatly differs, which calls for attention to other relevant factors beyond KT methods if effective KT is to be realised

Direct discourse expressing evidential values in Catalan Sign Language

This paper presents the unmarked grammatical and discursive means of expressing evidential values in Catalan Sign Language (LSC), an almost unexplored area in the signed language literature. The focusis on the evidential use of constructed direct discourse, not necessarily actual, to present the source of opinions and events. The study is based on own naturalistic and elicited data of various genres from 20 native LSC signers

Teràpia aquàtica en pacients afectats d' AVC

Curs 2012-2013La teràpia aquàtica o hidroteràpia és una de les tècniques de fisioteràpia poc valorades pels beneficis que aporten. En aquest estudi analitzem com aquest tractament en el medi aquàtic pot beneficiar als pacients afectats de un accident vascular cerebral (AVC). Els participants d’aquest estudi son pacients els quals han patit un AVC en els últims dos anys. Aquest estudi serà dut a terme ha l’Hospital Sant Joan de Déu de Palma de Mallorca. La investigació consisteix en una combinació entre el mètode qualitatiu i el mètode quantitatiu, cada mètode aporta diferents visions de l’estudi amb la finalitat d’obtenir resultats més complets, arribant als objectius marcats. Per una banda, l’aspecte bio-psico-social serà avaluat utilitzant el mètode qualitatiu, realitzant entrevistes semi-estructures abans i després del tractament amb la finalitat d’obtenir la sensació que percep el pacient en cada moment. Per l’altre banda, l’espasticitat la valorarem mitjançant l’escala de Ashworth amb el mètode quantitatiu abans i després del tractament. Tenint en compte que poden sorgir varis limitacions com el temps de durada de l’estudi, la planificació o limitacions entre els participants, és un estudi interessant per valorar els canvis en la qualitat de vida d’aquestes persones.The hydrotherapy or aquatic therapy is group of physiotherapy techniques that provide physical benefits which are undervalued. In this research study we discuss how this treatment in the aquatic environment can benefit patients with stroke (CVA). Participants in this study are patients who have suffered a stroke in the last two years. This study is will perform in “Hospital Sant Joan de Déu” from Palma, Mallorca. The investigation consist of a combination of qualitative and quantitative method, each method provided different views of the study in order to obtain better results and reach goals. On the one hand, bio-psycho-social aspects will evaluate by using the qualitative method. This method consists of semi-structured interviews before and after treatment in order to get the feeling that the patient perceives at any time. On the other hand, spasticity is will assess by the Ashworth scale quantitative method before and after treatment. Several limitations can appear for example the duration of the study, limitations of the planning and differences among participants , Although all this limitations it will be an interesting study to assess the changes in the life quality

THE EXPLANATORY POWER OF TRUST AND COMMITMENT AND STAKEHOLDERS’ SALIENCE: THEIR INFLUENCE ON THE REVERSE LOGISTICS PROGRAMS PERFORMANCE

There is a growing awareness among practitioners and scholars regarding the importance of Relationship Marketing and its advantages in the supply chain management context. This is particularly appropriate for Reverse Logistics (RL) activities, which are characterized by several relationships between different stakeholders and the firm. Drawing on multiple theoretical approaches, we propose that RL programs result from the combination of external, organizational, and individual factors. We emphasize the role of trust and commitment as key influential elements on the RL systems implementation and their subsequent performance.

La gobernanza democrática de la seguridad en las ciudades

La qüestió de la seguretat ciutadana, en tant que és un fenomen de gran complexitat, requereix ser abordada a partir d’una nova manera de governar que permeti desenvolupar polítiques de seguretat democràtiques i socialment inclusives, això és, la governança democràtica de la seguretat.The question of safety in cities, while is a phenomenon of big complexity, requires to be addressed from a new way to govern that allow to develop democratic policies of security, this is, the democratic governance of the security.La cuestión de la seguridad ciudadana, en cuanto que es un fenómeno de gran complejidad, requiere ser abordada a partir de una nueva manera de gobernar que permita desarrollar políticas de seguridad democráticas y socialmente inclusivas, esto es, la gobernanza democrática de la seguridad