Experimental validation of a reinforcement learning based approach for a service-wise optimisation of heterogeneous wireless sensor networks

Due to their constrained nature, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are often optimised for a specific application domain, for example by designing a custom medium access control protocol. However, when several WSNs are located in close proximity to one another, the performance of the individual networks can be negatively affected as a result of unexpected protocol interactions. The performance impact of this 'protocol interference' depends on the exact set of protocols and (network) services used. This paper therefore proposes an optimisation approach that uses self-learning techniques to automatically learn the optimal combination of services and/or protocols in each individual network. We introduce tools capable of discovering this optimal set of services and protocols for any given set of co-located heterogeneous sensor networks. These tools eliminate the need for manual reconfiguration while only requiring minimal a priori knowledge about the network. A continuous re-evaluation of the decision process provides resilience to volatile networking conditions in case of highly dynamic environments. The methodology is experimentally evaluated in a large scale testbed using both single- and multihop scenarios, showing a clear decrease in end-to-end delay and an increase in reliability of almost 25 %

Study protocol of KLIMOP: a cohort study on the wellbeing of older cancer patients in Belgium and the Netherlands

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Cancer is mainly a disease of older patients. In older cancer patients, additional endpoints such as quality of survival and daily functioning might be considered equally relevant as overall or disease free survival. However, these factors have been understudied using prospective designs focussing on older cancer patients. Therefore, this study will focus on the impact of cancer, ageing, and their interaction on the long-term wellbeing of older cancer patients.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>This study is an observational cohort study. We aim to recruit 720 cancer patients above 70 years with a new diagnosis of breast, prostate, lung or gastrointestinal cancer and two control groups: one control group of 720 patients above 70 years without a previous diagnosis of cancer and one control group of 720 cancer patients between 50 - 69 years newly diagnosed with breast, prostate, lung or gastrointestinal cancer. Data collection will take place at inclusion, after six months, after one year and every subsequent year until death or end of the study. Data will be collected through personal interviews (consisting of socio-demographic information, general health information, a comprehensive geriatric assessment, quality of life, health locus of control and a loneliness scale), a handgrip test, assessment of medical records, two buccal swabs and a blood sample from cancer patients (at baseline). As an annex study, caregivers of the participants will be recruited as well. Data collection for caregivers will consist of a self-administered questionnaire examining depression, coping, and burden.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>This extensive data collection will increase insight on how wellbeing of older cancer patients is affected by cancer (diagnosis and treatment), ageing, and their interaction. Results may provide new insights, which might contribute to the improvement of care for older cancer patients.</p

Effecten van verbetering bodemkwaliteit op waterhuishouding en waterkwaliteit : deelstudies Goede Grond voor een duurzaam watersysteem

Het doel van het onderhavige onderzoek is om een antwoord te geven op de vrasag: 'hoe kunnen effecten van maatregelen ter verbetering van de bodemkwaliteit op het watersysteem gekwantificeerd worden, welke meetgegevens zijn daarvoor nodig en hoe kunnen de effecten kwantitatief in beeld gebracht worden zodat ze meegewogen kunnen worden in besluitvormingsprocessen?

Effecten van verbetering bodemkwaliteit op waterhuishouding en waterkwaliteit : deelstudies Goede Grond voor een duurzaam watersysteem

Het doel van het onderhavige onderzoek is om een antwoord te geven op de vrasag: 'hoe kunnen effecten van maatregelen ter verbetering van de bodemkwaliteit op het watersysteem gekwantificeerd worden, welke meetgegevens zijn daarvoor nodig en hoe kunnen de effecten kwantitatief in beeld gebracht worden zodat ze meegewogen kunnen worden in besluitvormingsprocessen?

Long-term safety, objective and subjective outcomes of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy without peritoneal closure

Contains fulltext : 221679.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access

Prognostic value of circulating cytokines on overall survival and disease-free survival in cancer patients

Through their tumor-promoting and/or tumor-suppressive properties, cytokines can influence progression of cancer. We systematically reviewed the current literature on the prognostic value of the circulating cytokines IL-1α/β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-α, TGF-β and IFN-γ to predict overall and disease-free survival in any type of cancer patients. PubMed was systematically searched and based on eligibility assessment using our five criteria of the Reporting Recommendations for Tumor Marker Prognostic Studies (REMARK) checklist, six unique studies were reviewed. Elevated IL-6 and IL-10 levels seem independently associated with worse prognosis in terms of overall and disease-free survival. The prognostic value of IL-1α/β, IL-8, IL-12, TNF-α, TGF-β and IFN-γ could not be demonstrated. The small number of selected studies underlines the need for large well-designed prospective studies, using the REMARK checklist as a guideline, to determine which cytokines have prognostic value on survival in cancer patients.status: publishe