275 research outputs found
Resource-aware edge-based stream analytics
Understanding how machine learning algorithms can be used for stream processing on edge devices remains an important challenge. Such ML algorithms can be represented as operators and dynamically adapted based on the resources on which they are hosted. Deploying machine learning algorithms on edge resources often focuses on carrying out inference on the edge, whilst learning and model development takes place on a cloud data center. We describe TinyMOA, a modified version of the open-source Massive Online Analytics (MOA) library for stream processing, that can be deployed across both local and remote edge resources using the Parsl and Kafka systems. Using an experimental testbed, we demonstrate how machine learning stream processing operators can be configured based on the resource on which they are hosted, and discuss subsequent implications for edge-based stream processing systems
Training Competences in Industrial Risk Prevention with Lego (R) Serious Play (R): A Case Study
This paper proposes the use of the Lego (R) Serious Play (R) (LSP) methodology as a facilitating tool for the introduction of competences for Industrial Risk Prevention by engineering students from the industrial branch (electrical, electronic, mechanical and technological engineering), presenting the results obtained in the Universities of Cadiz and Seville in the academic years 2017-2019. Current Spanish legislation does not reserve any special legal attribution, nor does it require specific competence in occupational risk prevention for the regulated profession of a technical industrial engineer (Order CIN 351:2009), and only does so in a generic way for that of an industrial engineer (Order CIN 311:2009). However, these universities consider the training in occupational health and safety for these future graduates as an essential objective in order to develop them for their careers in the industry. The approach is based on a series of challenges proposed (risk assessments, safety inspections, accident investigations and fire protection measures, among others), thanks to the use of "gamification" dynamics with Lego (R) Serious Play (R). In order to carry the training out, a set of specific variables (industrial sector, legal and regulatory framework, business organization and production system), and transversal ones (leadership, teamwork, critical thinking and communication), are incorporated. Through group models, it is possible to identify dangerous situations, establish causes, share and discuss alternative proposals and analyze the economic, environmental and organizational impact of the technical solutions studied, as well as take the appropriate decisions, in a creative, stimulating, inclusive and innovative context. In this way, the theoretical knowledge which is acquired is applied to improve safety and health at work and foster the prevention of occupational risks, promoting the commitment, effort, motivation and proactive participation of the student teams
Prospects for Observations of Pulsars and Pulsar Wind Nebulae with CTA
The last few years have seen a revolution in very-high gamma-ray astronomy
(VHE; E>100 GeV) driven largely by a new generation of Cherenkov telescopes
(namely the H.E.S.S. telescope array, the MAGIC and MAGIC-II large telescopes
and the VERITAS telescope array). The Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) project
foresees a factor of 5 to 10 improvement in sensitivity above 0.1 TeV,
extending the accessible energy range to higher energies up to 100 TeV, in the
Galactic cut-off regime, and down to a few tens GeV, covering the VHE photon
spectrum with good energy and angular resolution. As a result of the fast
development of the VHE field, the number of pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe) detected
has increased from one PWN in the early '90s to more than two dozen firm
candidates today. Also, the low energy threshold achieved and good sensitivity
at TeV energies has resulted in the detection of pulsed emission from the Crab
Pulsar (or its close environment) opening new and exiting expectations about
the pulsed spectra of the high energy pulsars powering PWNe. Here we discuss
the physics goals we aim to achieve with CTA on pulsar and PWNe physics
evaluating the response of the instrument for different configurations.Comment: accepted for publication in Astroparticle Physic
Neurochemical markers in CSF of adolescent and adult SMA patients undergoing nusinersen treatment
Background: There is limited information on neurochemical markers being used to support and monitor the affection of motoneurons in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The objective of this study was to examine neurochemical markers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) under treatment with the antisense-oligonucleotide (ASO), nusinersen. Methods: We measured markers of axonal degeneration [neurofilament light chain (NfL) and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNfH)] along with basic CSF parameters in 25 adolescent and adult SMA type 2 and 3 patients at baseline and after four intrathecal injections of nusinersen. Neurochemical markers were compared with controls. In addition, neurochemical markers in SMA patients were related to the Hammersmith Functional Rating Scale Expanded (HFMSE). Results: No significant difference in neurofilament (Nf) values was observed between SMA and control group, neither at baseline nor after four injections of nusinersen. NfL, protein and quotients of albumin (Qalb) increased slightly in SMA patients after the fourth injection. The slight increase of NfL could be related to the development of mild CSF flow change. No relations were observed between changes in Nf and HFMSE. Conclusion: We assume that Nf levels in CSF in these patients may result from slow disease progression in this stage of disease, pre-existing loss of motoneurons due to long disease duration besides affection of the LMN only. Therefore, we conclude that Nf levels in CSF do not seem useful as diagnostic and monitoring markers in adolescent and adult SMA type 2 and 3 patients
On the origin of sub-TeV gamma-ray pulsed emission from rotating neutron stars
Intriguing sub-TeV tails in the pulsed -ray emission from the Crab
pulsar have been recently discovered by the MAGIC and VERITAS Collaborations.
They were not clearly predicted by any pulsar model. It is at present argued
that this emission is produced by electrons in the Inverse Compton process
occurring either in the outer gap of the pulsar magnetosphere or in the pulsar
wind region at some distance from the light cylinder. We analyse another
scenario which is consistent with the basic features of this enigmatic
emission. It is proposed that this emission is caused by electrons accelerated
very close to the light cylinder where the plasma can not saturate
induced huge electric fields. Electrons reach energies sufficient for
production of hard -ray spectra in the curvature radiation process. Due
to different curvature radii of the leading and trailing magnetic field lines,
the -ray spectra from separate pulses should extend to different
maximum energies. The scenario can also explain the lower level -ray
emission from the interpulse region (between P1 and P2) observed in the Crab
pulsar light curve. Moreover, we argue that pulsars with parameters close to
the Vela pulsar should also show pulsed emission with the cut-off at clearly
lower energies (50 GeV) than that observed in the case of the Crab
pulsar. On the other hand, such tail emission is not expected in pulsars with
parameters close to the Geminga pulsar. The model also predicts the tail
-ray emission extending up to 50 GeV from some millisecond
pulsars with extreme parameters such as PSR J0218+4243 and PSR J1823-3021A.Comment: 16 pages, 2 figures, accepted to MNRA
Treatment expectations and perception of therapy in adult patients with spinal muscular atrophy receiving nusinersen
Background and purpose: This was an investigation of treatment expectations and of the perception of therapy in adult patients with 5q-associated spinal muscular atrophy (5q-SMA) receiving nusinersen.
Methods: A prospective, non-interventional observational study of nusinersen treatment in adult 5q-SMA patients was conducted at nine SMA centers in Germany. The functional status, treatment expectations and perceived outcomes were assessed using the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-extended (ALS-FRS-ex), the Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP2), the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM-9) and the Net Promoter Score (NPS).
Results: In all, 151 patients were included with a median age of 36 years (15-69 years). SMA type 3 (n = 90, 59.6%) prevailed, followed by type 2 (33.8%) and type 1 (6.6%). In SMA types 1-3, median ALS-FRS-ex scores were 25, 33 and 46 (of 60 scale points), respectively. MYMOP2 identified distinct treatment expectations: head verticalization (n = 13), bulbar function (n = 16), arm function (n = 65), respiration (n = 15), trunk function (n = 34), leg function (n = 76) and generalized symptoms (n = 77). Median symptom severity decreased during nusinersen treatment (median observational period 6.1 months, 0.5-16 months) from 3.7 to 3.3 MYMOP2 score points (p < 0.001). The convenience of drug administration was critical (49.7 of 100 TSQM-9 points, SD 22); however, the overall treatment satisfaction was high (74.3, SD 18) and the recommendation rating very positive (NPS +66).
Conclusions: Nusinersen was administered across a broad range of ages, disease durations and motor function deficits. Treatment expectations were highly differentiated and related to SMA type and functional status. Patient-reported outcomes demonstrated a positive perception of nusinersen therapy in adult patients with 5q-SMA
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