Possible Improvements of TCP Protocol with the Use of Heuristic Methods

This paper describes the possibility of applying heuristic methods for parameter optimization in the TCP protocol. The proposed concept provides for a TCP protocol adjusting its parameters for greater efficiency through testing the network state and adapting accordingly. This can be achieved through careful analysis of the network state both before and during data transfer connections. The proposed solution introduces an innovative approach, incorporating the possibility of self-learning and self-adjusting capabilities. This sophisticated algorithm should define the next parameter values in terms of finding optimal parameter settings. Each TCP connection plays a crucial role as iteration in the process of finding the optimal solution. The concept focuses on calculating TCP parameter values at the network ends in order to optimize network traffic and to maximize the use of network resources. The approach has been tested on a dedicated test platform, validating its potential for verifying the network protocols functionality and for optimizing their parameters. The proposed solution, here referred to as the modified TCP, showed better performance compared to other versions of the TCP protocol. Notably, even under heavy traffic loads on links, the results for the modified TCP consistently outperform the standard TCP, delivering results that are several times better

Realistic video sequences for subjective QoE analysis

Multimedia streaming over the Internet (live and on demand) is the cornerstone of modern Internet carrying more than 60% of all traffic. With such high demand, delivering outstanding user experience is a crucial and challenging task. To evaluate user QoE many researchers deploy subjective quality assessments where participants watch and rate videos artificially infused with various temporal and spatial impairments. To aid current efforts in bridging the gap between the mapping of objective video QoE metrics to user experience, we developed DashReStreamer, an open-source framework for re-creating adaptively streamed video in real networks. DashReStreamer utilises a log created by a HAS algorithm run in an uncontrolled environment (i.e., wired or wireless networks), encoding visual changes and stall events in one video file. These videos are applicable for subjective QoE evaluation mimicking realistic network conditions. To supplement DashReStreamer, we re-create 234 realistic video clips, based on video logs collected from real mobile and wireless networks. In addition our dataset contains both video logs with all decisions made by the HASalgorithm and network bandwidth profile illustrating throughput distribution. We believe this dataset and framework will permit other researchers in their pursuit for the final frontier in understanding the impact of video QoE dynamics

Evaluation of pig welfare in lairage and process hygiene in a single abattoir

Food safety is indirectly affected by the welfare of food animals, due to close links between animal welfare, animal health and food borne diseases. Stress factors and poor welfare can lead to increased susceptibility to disease among animals and may intensify the fecal shedding of food borne pathogens, e.g. Salmonella, Campylobacter, Yersinia, and human pathogenic STEC in the pre-slaughter phase: on-farm, in transport and in lairage. This study evaluated two aspects: a) assessment of pig welfare in abattoir lairage founded on animal-based categories, and b) the relationship between pig welfare and microbial process hygiene at slaughter. The results revealed that the animal-based category ‘manure on the body’ assessed in abattoir lairage corresponded with microbial process hygiene at slaughter

Development and validation of a novel risk score for primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST elevation myocardial infarction

Background Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is the default treatment for patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and carries a higher risk of adverse outcomes when compared with elective and urgent PCI. Conventional PCI risk scores tend to be complex and may underestimate the risk associated with PPCI due to under-representation of patients with STEMI in their datasets. This study aimed to develop a simple, practical and contemporary risk model to provide risk stratification in PPCI. Methods Demographic, clinical and outcome data were collected for all patients who underwent PPCI between January 2009 and October 2013 at the Northern General Hospital, Sheffield. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of mortality and to construct a risk model. This model was then separately validated on an internal and external dataset. Results The derivation cohort included 2870 patients with a 30-day mortality of 5.1% (145 patients). Only four variables were required to predict 30-day mortality: age [OR:1.047, 95% CI:1.031–1.063], call-to-balloon (CTB) time [OR:1.829, 95% CI:1.198–2.791], cardiogenic shock [OR:13.886, 95% CI:8.284–23.275] and congestive heart failure [OR:3.169, 95% CI:1.420–7.072]. Internal validation was performed in 693 patients and external validation in 660 patients undergoing PPCI. Our model showed excellent discrimination on ROC-curve analysis (C-Stat = 0.87 internal and 0.86, external), and excellent calibration on Hosmer-Lemeshow testing (p = 0.37 internal, 0.55 external). Conclusions We have developed a bedside risk model which can predict 30-day mortality after PPCI using only four variables: age, CTB time, congestive heart failure and shock

Impact of platelet phenotype on myocardial infarction

In acute myocardial infarction patients the injured vascular wall triggers thrombus formation in the damage site. Fibrin fibers and blood cellular elements are the major components of thrombus formed in acute occlusion of coronary arteries. It has been established that the initial thrombus is primarily composed of activated platelets rapidly stabilized by fibrin fibers. This review highlights the role of platelet membrane phenotype in pathophysiology of myocardial infarction. Here, we regard platelet phenotype as quantitative and qualitative parameters of the plasma membrane outer surface, which are crucial for platelet participation in blood coagulation, development of local inflammation and tissue repair

Possible Improvements of TCP Protocol with the Use of Heuristic Methods

This paper describes the possibility of applying heuristic methods for parameter optimization in the TCP protocol. The proposed concept provides for a TCP protocol adjusting its parameters for greater efficiency through testing the network state and adapting accordingly. This can be achieved through careful analysis of the network state both before and during data transfer connections. The proposed solution introduces an innovative approach, incorporating the possibility of self-learning and self-adjusting capabilities. This sophisticated algorithm should define the next parameter values in terms of finding optimal parameter settings. Each TCP connection plays a crucial role as iteration in the process of finding the optimal solution. The concept focuses on calculating TCP parameter values at the network ends in order to optimize network traffic and to maximize the use of network resources. The approach has been tested on a dedicated test platform, validating its potential for verifying the network protocols functionality and for optimizing their parameters. The proposed solution, here referred to as the modified TCP, showed better performance compared to other versions of the TCP protocol. Notably, even under heavy traffic loads on links, the results for the modified TCP consistently outperform the standard TCP, delivering results that are several times better

Abstract Network

packet payload analysis for intrusion detectio