Design and Implementation of Distributed Resource Management for Time Sensitive Applications

In this paper, we address distributed convergence to fair allocations of CPU resources for time-sensitive applications. We propose a novel resource management framework where a centralized objective for fair allocations is decomposed into a pair of performance-driven recursive processes for updating: (a) the allocation of computing bandwidth to the applications (resource adaptation), executed by the resource manager, and (b) the service level of each application (service-level adaptation), executed by each application independently. We provide conditions under which the distributed recursive scheme exhibits convergence to solutions of the centralized objective (i.e., fair allocations). Contrary to prior work on centralized optimization schemes, the proposed framework exhibits adaptivity and robustness to changes both in the number and nature of applications, while it assumes minimum information available to both applications and the resource manager. We finally validate our framework with simulations using the TrueTime toolbox in MATLAB/Simulink

A possible new approach in the prediction of late gestational hypertension: The role of the fetal aortic intima-media thickness

The aim was to determine the predictive role of combined screening for late-onset gestational hypertension by fetal ultrasound measurements, third trimester uterine arteries (UtAs) Doppler imaging, and maternal history. This prospective study on singleton pregnancies was conducted at the tertiary center of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of the University of Padua during the period between January 2012 and December 2014. Ultrasound examination (fetal biometry, fetal wellbeing, maternal Doppler study, fetal abdominal aorta intima-media thickness [aIMT], and fetal kidney volumes), clinical data (mother age, prepregnancy body mass index [BMI], and parity), and pregnancy outcomes were collected. The P value <0.05 was defined significant considering a 2-sided alternative hypothesis. The distribution normality of variables were assessed using Kolmogorov–Smirnoff test. Data were presented by mean (±standard deviation), median and interquartile range, or percentage and absolute values. We considered data from 1381 ultrasound examinations at 29 to 32 weeks’ gestation, and in 73 cases late gestational hypertension developed after 34 weeks’ gestation. The final multivariate model found that fetal aIMT as well as fetal umbilical artery pulsatility index (PI), maternal age, maternal prepregnacy BMI, parity, and mean PI of maternal UtAs, assessed at ultrasound examination of 29 to 32 weeks’ gestation, were significant and independent predictors for the development of gestational hypertension after 34 weeks’ gestation. The area under the curve of the model was 81.07% (95% confidence interval, 75.83%–86.32%). A nomogram was developed starting from multivariate logistic regression coefficients. Late-gestational hypertension could be independently predicted by fetal aIMT assessment at 29 to 32 weeks’ gestation, ultrasound Doppler waveforms, and maternal clinical parameters

Oral anticoagulant therapy in atrial fibrillation older patients with previous bleeding

Oral anticoagulant therapy (OAT) with direct oral anticoagulant (DOACs) is the established treatment to reduce thromboembolic risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Bleeding risk scores are useful to identify and correct factors associated with bleeding risk in AF patients on OAT. However, the clinical scenario is more complex in patients with previous bleeding event, and the decision about whether and when starting or re-starting OAT in these patients remains a contentious issue. Major bleeding is associated with a subsequent increase in both short- and long-term mortality, and even minimal bleeding may have prognostic importance because it frequently leads to disruption of antithrombotic therapy. There is an unmet need for guidance on how to manage antithrombotic therapy after bleeding has occurred. While waiting for observational and randomized data to accrue, this paper offers a perspective on managing antithrombotic therapy after bleeding in older patients with AF

SOURCE: a semi-automatic tool for spring-monitoring data analysis and aquifer characterisation

It has become increasingly necessary to optimise mountain groundwater resource management and comprehend resourcerecharging systems from a hydrogeological perspective to formulate adequate resource protection strategies. Analysing mountain spring behaviour and aquifer characteristics can be time-consuming, so new automated techniques and software tools are needed to estimate hydrogeological parameters and understand the exhaustion dynamics of groundwater resources. This paper introduces SOURCE, a new semi-automatic tool that automates the hydrogeological characterisation of water springs and provides proper estimations of the vulnerability index, as well as autocorrelation and cross-correlation statistical coefficients. SOURCE rapidly processed input data from the Mascognaz 1 spring (Aosta Valley) water probes and meteorological station to provide graphical outputs and values for the main hydrodynamic parameters. Having a single software package that contains all the main methods of water spring analysis could potentially reduce analysis times from a few days to a few hours