Fault Diagnosis in DSL Networks using Support Vector Machines

The adequate operation for a number of service distribution networks relies on the e�ective maintenance and fault management of their underlay DSL infrastructure. Thus, new tools are required in order to adequately monitor and further diagnose anomalies that other segments of the DSL network cannot identify due to the pragmatic issues raised by hardware or software misconfigurations. In this work we present a fundamentally new approach for classifying known DSL-level anomalies by exploiting the properties of novelty detection via the employment of one-class Support Vector Machines (SVMs). By virtue of the imbalance residing in the training samples that consequently lead to problematic prediction outcomes when used within two-class formulations, we adopt the properties of one-class classification and construct models for independently identifying and classifying a single type of a DSL-level anomaly. Given the fact that the greater number of the installed Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexers (DSLAMs) within the DSL network of a large European ISP were misconfigured, thus unable to accurately flag anomalous events, we utilize as inference solutions the models derived by the one-class SVM formulations built by the known labels as flagged by the much smaller number of correctly configured DSLAMs in the same network in order to aid the classification aspect against the monitored unlabelled events. By reaching an average over 95% on a number of classification accuracy metrics such as precision, recall and F-score we show that one-class SVM classifiers overcome the biased classification outcomes achieved by the traditional two-class formulations and that they may constitute as viable and promising components within the design of future network fault management strategies. In addition, we demonstrate their superiority over commonly used two-class machine learning approaches such as Decision Trees and Bayesian Networks that has been used in the same context within past solutions. Keywords: Network management, Support Vector Machines, supervised learning, one-class classifiers, DSL anomalie

Optimum Auxiliary Fan Location to Control Air Recirculation

This paper presents the optimum auxiliary fan(s) location to control air recirculation in dead-end workings where diesel-powered vehicles operate. Investigations were conducted with various secondary fan locations from the dead-end crosscut with varying the intake air quantities using a 30 m3/s capacity twin 75 kW auxiliary fan and 45 m3/s capacity twin 110 kW auxiliary fan to control air recirculation and DPM. The results showed that if the drive intake airflow rate matches the fan capacity, air recirculation will occur even when the fan is located 10 m away from the crosscut entry. Results also showed that if the intake drive air quantity was greater than or equal to 150% of fan capacity, no recirculation was observed when the twin 75 kW fan location was at least 5 m and the twin 110 kW fan location was at least 10 m away from the dead-end crosscut access

High Sensitivity C Reactive Protein in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with Antibodies against IL-6 or Jak Inhibitors: A Clinical and Ultrasonographic Study

Background: We examined whether high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) reflected the inflammatory disease status evaluated by clinical and ultrasound (US) parameters in RA patients receiving IL-6 receptor antibodies (anti-IL-6R) or JAK inhibitors (JAKi). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients with established RA receiving anti-IL-6R (tocilizumab, sarilumab) or JAKi (tofacitinib, baricitinib). Serum hsCRP and US synovitis in both hands were measured. Associations between hsCRP and clinical inflammatory activity were evaluated using composite activity indices. The association between hsCRP and US synovitis was analyzed. Results: 63 (92% female) patients (42 anti- IL-6R and 21 JAKi) were included, and the median disease duration was 14.4 (0.2–37.5) years. Most patients were in remission or had low levels of disease. Overall hsCRP values were very low, and significantly lower in anti-IL-6R patients (median 0.04 mg/dL vs. 0.16 mg/dL). Anti-IL-6R (82.4%) patients and 48% of JAKi patients had very low hsCRP levels (≤0.1 mg/dL) (p = 0.002). In the anti-IL-6R group, hsCRP did not correlate with the composite activity index or US synovitis. In the JAKi group, hsCRP moderately correlated with US parameters (r = 0.5) but not clinical disease activity, and hsCRP levels were higher in patients with US synovitis (0.02 vs. 0.42 mg/dL) (p = 0.001). Conclusion: In anti-IL-6R RA-treated patients, hsCRP does not reflect the inflammatory disease state, but in those treated with JAKi, hsCRP was associated with US synovitis

Imaging Findings in Patients with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Arthritis

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced arthritis is an increasingly recognized adverse event in patients with oncologic disease during immunotherapy. Four patterns are well described, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-like, polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)-like, psoriatic arthritis (PsA)-like, and oligo-monoarthritis, among others. Despite better clinical recognition of these syndromes, information about the main imaging findings is limited. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study including all adult patients referred to the Rheumatology Department of a single-center due to ICI-induced arthritis who underwent imaging studies [ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and (18)F-FDG PET/CT)] between January 2017 and January 2022. Results: Nineteen patients with ICI-induced arthritis with at least one diagnostic imaging assessment were identified (15 US, 4 MRI, 2 (18)F-FDG PET/CT). Most patients were male (84.2%), with a median age at inclusion of 73 years. The main underlying diagnoses for ICI treatment were melanoma in five cases. The distribution of ICI-induced arthritis was as follows: PMR-like (5, 26.2%), RA-like (4, 21.1%), PsA-like (4, 21.1%), and others (6, 31.6%). All RA-like patients had US findings indistinguishable from conventional RA patients. In addition, 3/5 (60%) of PMR-like patients had significant involvement of the hands and wrists. Abnormal findings on MRI or PET-CT were reported by clinical symptoms. No erosions or myofascitis were seen. Conclusions: ICI-induced arthritis patients present inflammatory patterns on imaging studies similar to conventional inflammatory arthropathies, and therefore these syndromes should be followed carefully and treated according to these findings

Neurocognition and functional outcome in patients with psychotic, non-psychotic bipolar I disorder, and schizophrenia. A five-year follow-up

Bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SZ) are characterized by neurocognitive and functional deficits with marked heterogeneity. It has been suggested that BD with a history of psychotic symptoms (BD-P) could constitute a phenotypically homogeneous subtype characterized by greater neurocognitive and functional impairments, or by a distinct trajectory of such deficits. The aim of this study was to compare the neurocognitive and functional course of euthymic BD-P, euthymic BD patients without a history of psychosis (BD-NP), stabilized patients with schizophrenia and healthy subjects, during a five-year follow-up

Relacion Entre La Densidad Óptima Agronomica Y El Número De Granos Por Planta En Maíz (Zea Maysl.)

The density of sowing (D) is one of the main management practices that influences the yield (Y) of corn. There exists a density value in which the yield is maximum (OPD), depending on the environment, the genotype and its interaction. The objectives of this project were: i-To determine the OPD for two corn genotypes in different productive environments; ii- Analyze the relationship between the number of kernel fixed per plant (KNP) and its plant growing rate (PGR) to different environments and genotypes iii- Determine the KNP that is related to the OPD for two corn genotypes. Three experiments were carried out in different locations (L) of Córdoba (Argentina) during 2013/14, comparing 2 genotypes (G) in 2 management zones (MZ). The statistical design was random blocks, with a factorial arrangement of subdivided plots, with L, MZ and G being the primary, secondary and tertiary factors, respectively. In addition, 5 D were planted to obtain the relationships that estimate OPD, PGR, KNP and Y. The results indicate that OPD was affected by L; the relationship between PGR and KNP was not modified by the environment, but by G. The PGR coincident with the OPD was modified by the G interaction: L. The OPD the PGR was between 2.74 to 4.81 g d -1 , which were associated with the NGP that varied only between 509 and 603 grains p-1

Plasma calprotectin as a biomarker of ultrasound synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving IL-6 antagonists or JAK inhibitors

To analyse the accuracy of plasma calprotectin in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving monoclonal antibodies against IL-6 receptors (anti-rIL-6) or JAK inhibitors (JAKis) in detecting ultrasound (US) synovitis and compare it with acute phase reactants [high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and ESR].An observational cross-sectional study of RA patients receiving anti-rIL-6 (tocilizumab or sarilumab) or JAKi, (baricitinib or tofacitinib) was made. Plasma calprotectin for the diagnosis of US synovitis [synovial hypertrophy grade (SH)???2 plus power Doppler signal (PD)???1] was analysed using receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs). The performance of ESR and hs-CRP was also studied. The three ROC curves were compared to determine which had the highest discriminatory power. Associations between plasma calprotectin and US scores were made using correlation analysis.Sixty-three RA patients were included. Mean plasma calprotectin levels were significantly higher in patients with US synovitis than in those without (0.89?±?0.85 vs 0.30?±?0.12 ?g/ml; p?=?0.0003). A moderate correlation between calprotectin and all US scores (HS score Rho?=?0.479; PD score Rho?=?0.492; and global score Rho?=?0.495) was found. The discriminatory capacity of plasma calprotectin showed an AUC of 0.795 (95% CI: 0.687-0.904). The AUC of hs-CRP and ESR was 0.721 and 0.564, respectively. hs-CRP serum levels showed a low positive correlation with the three US scores (Rho?<?0.40). After analysis according to the drugs administered, the correlation disappeared in patients receiving anti-rIL-6.Plasma calprotectin may be a sensitive biomarker of synovial inflammation in RA patients treated with anti-rIL-6 or JAKi.© The Author(s), 2022

Partnership for International Development: Finland–Argentina Conference on Circular Economy and Bioeconomy with Emphasis on Food Sovereignty and Sustainability

A joint collaboration between the Cuarto region of Argentina championed by the National University of Rio Cuarto and the Arctic Centre of the University of Lapland, Finland organised a conference on several topics that are related to food sovereignty, sustainability, circular economy and bioeconomy. The efficient utilisation of natural resources in both regions is an important theme in meeting the sustainable development goals agenda. Hence, this partnership between the partner institutions will lead to the cocreation of knowledge. The topics were multidisciplinary, and the discussion focussed on research and teaching opportunities for institutions in both countries. The experts from both countries will continue to engage on the possibility of promoting the research agenda in these important areas.EEA Marcos JuárezFil: Raheem, Dele. University of Lapland. Arctic Centre; FinlandiaFil: Soltermann, Arnaldo T. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Departamento de Química; ArgentinaFil: Tamiozzo, Laura Virginia. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Marcos Juárez. Agencia de Extensión Rural Río Cuarto; ArgentinaFil: Cogo, Ariel. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires. Agencia De Extensión Rural Luján; ArgentinaFil: Favén, Leena. Centria University of Applied Sciences. RDI Chemistry and Bioeconomy; FinlandiaFil: Punam, Noor Jahan. University of Lapland. Arctic Centre; FinlandiaFil: Sarmiento, Claudio R. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Departamento de Química; ArgentinaFil: Rainosalo, Egidija. Centria University of Applied Sciences. RDI Chemistry and Bioeconomy; FinlandiaFil: Picco, Franco. Cooperative Initia Limited; ArgentinaFil: Morla, Federico. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Departamento de Química; ArgentinaFil: Nilson, Armando. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Departamento de Química; ArgentinaFil: Stammler-Gossmann, Anna. University of Lapland. Arctic Centre; Finlandi

The alpha v beta 1 integrin functions as a fibronectin receptor but does not support fibronectin matrix assembly and cell migration on fibronectin

The fibronectin receptor, alpha 5 beta 1, has been shown to be required for fibronectin matrix assembly and plays an important role in cell migration on fibronectin. However, it is not clear whether other fibronectin binding integrins can take the place of alpha 5 beta 1 during matrix assembly and cell migration. To test this, we expressed the human alpha v subunit in the CHO cell line CHO-B2 that lacks the alpha 5 subunit. We found that the human alpha v combined with CHO cell beta 1 to form the integrin alpha v beta 1. Cells that expressed alpha v beta 1 attached to and spread well on fibronectin-coated dishes, but did so less well on vitronectin-coated dishes. This, along with other data, indicated that alpha v beta 1 functions as a fibronectin receptor in CHO-B2 cells. The alpha v beta 1-expressing cells failed to produce a fibronectin matrix or to migrate on fibronectin, although the same cells transfected with alpha 5 do produce a matrix and migrate on fibronectin. The affinity of the alpha v beta 1-expressing cells for fibronectin was fourfold lower than that of the alpha 5 beta 1- expressing cells. In addition, alpha v beta 1 was distributed diffusely throughout the cell surface, whereas alpha 5 beta 1 was localized to focal adhesions when cells were seeded onto fibronectin-coated surfaces. Thus, of the two fibronectin receptors, alpha v beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1, only alpha 5 beta 1 supports fibronectin matrix assembly and promotes cell migration on fibronectin in the CHO-B2 cells. Possible reasons for this difference in the activities of alpha v beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 include the lower affinity of alpha v beta 1 for fibronectin and the failure of this integrin to localize in adhesion plaques on a fibronectin substrate. These results show that two integrins with similar ligand specificities and cell attachment functions may be quite different in their ability to support fibronectin matrix assembly and cell motility on fibronectin

Continuous‑wavelet‑transform analysis of the multifocal ERG waveform in glaucoma diagnosis

The vast majority of multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) signal analyses to detect glaucoma study the signals’ amplitudes and latencies. The purpose of this paper is to investigate application of wavelet analysis of mfERG signals in diagnosis of glaucoma. This analysis method applies the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) to the signals, using the real Morlet wavelet. CWT coefficients resulting from the scale of maximum correlation are used as inputs to a neural network, which acts as a classifier. mfERG recordings are taken from the eyes of 47 subjects diagnosed with chronic open-angle glaucoma and from those of 24 healthy subjects. The high sensitivity in the classification (0.894) provides reliable detection of glaucomatous sectors, while the specificity achieved (0.844) reflects accurate detection of healthy sectors. The results obtained in this paper improve on the previous findings reported by the authors using the same visual stimuli and database.Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovació