Improving the Performances of Asynchronous Search Algorithms in Scale-Free Networks Using the Nogood Processor Technique

The scale-free graphs were proposed as a generic and universal model of network topologies that exhibit power-law distributions in the connectivity of network nodes. In recent years various complex networks were identified as having a scale-free structure. Little research was done concerning the network structure for DisCSP, and in particular, for scale-free networks. The asynchronous searching techniques are characterized by the occurrence of nogood values during the search for a solution. In this article we analyze the distribution of nogood values to agents and the way how to use the information from the nogood; that is called the nogood processor technique. We examine the effect of nogood processor for networks that have a scale-free structure aiming to develop search algorithms specialized for scale-free networks of constraints, algorithms that require minimum costs for obtaining the solution. We develop a novel way for distributing nogood values to agents, thus obtaining a new hybrid search technique that uses the information from the stored nogoods. The experiments show that it is more effective for several families of asynchronous techniques; we perform tests with the model running on a cluster of computers. Also, we examine the effect of synchronization of agents' execution and of processing messages by packets in scale-free networks

Sawdust as low-cost natural adsorbent for removal of Cu(II) ions from aqueous solutions

Nowadays heavy metals are reported as priority pollutants, due to their mobility in natural water ecosystems and their toxicity; they are among the most important pollutants in source and treated water, and are becoming a severe public health problem. Cellulose can adsorb heavy metals from solution. In this paper, the inexpensive and effective metal ion (Cu2+) adsorbent from wood-waste materials (sawdust) was investigated using the biosorption process, which is a relatively new process that has proven very promising in the removal of metals ions from aqueous effluents. The results show that the biosorbtion of copper ion occurs with higher yields in alkaline solution (pH= 8.5), the adsorption equilibrium is quickly reached (after 15-30 minutes) and copper ions can be removed extensively from aqueous solution after successive adsorption stages

A Systemic Description of Sustainable Progress

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to shed light from a systemic perspective on the question: ‘How can the sustainable progress of the real systems SR(t,c,g) in any space-time-resources domain Dstr(t,c,g) of Universe/Multiverse be defined?’. In the first part of the paper, within a traditional, limited, non-integrative and non-systemic approach, the manner of the concept and determinants of sustainable progress is established. In the second part, a systemic approach is applied to the elaboration of new principled models for defining and achieving the integrative sustainable progress PsS(t,c,g), through c, c+1, ….. behavioural cycles and g, g+1, …. successive - parallel generations of entities SR(t,c,g). The principled model emphasizes the determinants categories of the progress PsS(t,c,g) in a domain Dstr(t,c,g): (1) Sustainable resources and environments RMs(t,c,g); (2) Sustainable competitive power CKs(t,c,g); (3) Sustainable/self-sustainable stability Sas(t,c,g); (4) Sustainable integrative innovation Iis(t,c,g); (5) Competitiveness and sustainable competitiveness program/culture Kcs(t,c,g); (6) Sustainable periodic welfare Bps(t,c,g); (7) Sustainable activation/entrepreneurship and mobility Ams(t,c,g) in the domain Dstr(t,c,g) or/and in other domains Dstr(t,c,g), more favourable for the future progress. The determinants categories of the progress PsS(t,c,g) are detailed in a model of the sustainable progress cycle with more space-time-resources domains {Dstr(t,c,g)}

Hodgkin's disease - case presentation

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer of the lymph tissue found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and bone marrow. The diagnosis can be set strictly morphological and it is based on the presence of Stemberg-Reed cells in the structure of an enlarged lymph node. The disease occurrence shows two peaks: the first in young adulthood (age 15-35) and the second in those over 55 years old. The cause is not known but risk factors include male gender, history of Epstein-Barr virus infection and a genetic predisposition. At onset the disease affects one lymph node and it slowly disseminates either through the lymph, or through the blood, affecting all the lymphatic system and other organs. Female patient, aged 22, without significant pathological history, is admitted in 2005 to the Hematological Clinic from Iasi for special diagnosis and therapy after the appearance of a left developing latero-cervical adenopathy. The clinical and paraclinical exams (lymph node biopsy, stem al puncture, thoracic and abdominal CT) have set the Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis with mixed cellularity, stage IV В and the cytostatic treatment was begun. Despite all treatment, the disease progressed rapidly - generalized adenopathies , osteolytic lesions in the lower Vi of the sternum and finally hepatorenal failure with exitus. Although the global cure rate of Hodgkin’s lymphoma is about 85%, in this case diagnosing the disease in an advanced stage (because of the absence of symptoms) has determined the unfavorable evolution of the disease, with lack of response to treatment administered according to international standards and exitus in 4 years

Initial single centre experience with Barrel VRD stent in large neck aneurisms

Introduction. Despite the use of new techniques, such as Y-stenting, the waffle-cone technique and intrasaccular flow disrupters the treatment of wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms is still challenging, especially for those where adjacent branches are arising at the neck level. Moreover, the use of flow diverter stents in bifurcation aneurysms has been proposed by several teams, although the results remain controversial.This study is reflecting initial experience in our department with a relatively new device available on the market: Barrel VRD stent. The unique design feature of the device is the “belly-like” central part of the stent which protects the adjacent branches.Methods. We retrospectively reviewed all patients in whom stenting with braided or laser-cut stents had been performed in our center. Three patients were identified and analyzed. Technical success, complications, immediate angiographic outcomes, procedural data, are reported here.Results. One MCA bifurcation and two basilar tip large neck aneurysms with one branch arising from the neck level have been identified. Technical success was achieved in all procedures. Overall procedure-related morbidity and mortality was 0%. In the immediate post-treatment angiography, adequate occlusion (neck remnant or total occlusion) was observed in all patients. Short- and mild-term follow-up angiography showed adequate occlusion of the aneurysms.Conclusions. In this small case series, retrospective single-center analysis we showed that Barrel VRD - stent assisted coiling is a safe and feasible technique. Moreover, it offers an elegant and effective endovascular solution for large neck basilar tip aneurysms on which the neurosurgical clipping remains challenging

Algorithmes pour le traitement des distorsions de forme de raie en Spectroscopie et Imagerie Spectroscopique par Résonance Magnétique

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) and Spectroscopic Imaging (MRSI) play an emerging role in clinical assessment, providing in vivo estimation of disease markers while being non-invasive and applicable to a large range of tissues. However, static magnetic field inhomogeneity, as well as eddy currents in the acquisition hardware, cause important distortions in the lineshape of acquired NMR spectra, possibly inducing significant bias in the estimation of metabolite concentrations. In the post-acquisition stage, this is classically handled through the use of pre-processing methods to correct the dataset lineshape, or through the introduction of more complex analytical model functions. This thesis concentrates on handling arbitrary lineshape distortions in the case of quantitation methods that use a metabolite basis-set as prior knowledge. Current approaches are assessed, and a novel approach is proposed, based on adapting the basis-set lineshape to the measured signal.Assuming a common lineshape to all spectral components, a new method is derived and implemented, featuring time domain local regression (LOWESS) filtering. Validation is performed on synthetic signals as well as on in vitro phantom data. Finally, a completely new approach to MRS quantitation is proposed, centred on the use of the compact spectral support of the estimated common lineshape. The new metabolite estimators are tested alone, as well as coupled with the more common residual-sum-of-squares MLE estimator, significantly reducing quantitation bias for high signal-to-noise ratio data.La Spectroscopie et l'Imagerie Spectroscopique de Résonance Magnétique (ISRM) jouent un rôle émergent parmi les outils cliniques, en donnant accès, d'une manière complètement non-invasive, aux concentrations des métabolites in vivo. Néanmoins, les inhomogénéités du champ magnétique, ainsi que les courants de Foucault, produisent des distorsions significatives de la forme de raie des spectres, induisant des conséquences importantes en termes de biais lors de l'estimation des concentrations. Lors des traitements post-acquisition, cela est habituellement traité à l'aide des méthodes de pré-traitement, ou bien par l'introduction de fonctions analytiques plus complexes. Cette thèse se concentre sur la prise en compte de distorsions arbitraires de la forme de raie, dans le cas des méthodes qui utilisent une base de métabolites comme connaissance a priori. L'état de l'art est évalué, et une nouvelle approche est proposée, fondée sur l'adaptation de l'amortissement de la base des métabolites au signal acquis. La forme de raie présumée commune à tous les métabolites est estimée et filtrée à l'aide de la méthode LOWESS. L'approche est validée sur des signaux simulés, ainsi que sur des données acquises in vitro. Finalement, une deuxième approche novatrice est proposée, fondée sur l'utilisation des propriétés spectrales de la forme de raie commune. Le nouvel estimateur est testé seul, mais aussi associé avec l'estimateur classique de maximum de vraisemblance, démontrant une réduction significative du biais dans le cas des signaux à haut rapport signal-sur-bruit

LASER PROFILOMETER METHOD FOR MEASURING THE DEFORMATIONS OF THE CAR BODY ELEMENTS

Abstract—In this paper is presented a new method that uses a polar coordinate system to determine the vehicles deformation magnitude. The laser profilometer method is distinguished by the small size of the equipment used, the simplicity of the measuring methodology, data acquisition and processing and high accuracy of the results. Keywords—vehicle deformations, laser telemeter, profilometer T I

RESEARCHES REGARDING MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF THE FRONTAL COLLISION OF TWO VEHICLES

In this paper we present an integrated mathematical model for the study of frontal collision between two vehicles, incorporating the impact of the two vehicles and the impact between the occupant and the vehicle. Such mathematical model developed determines occupant kinematic parameters, ie acceleration, velocity and movement of the thorax and pelvis, depending on: the primary impact parameters vehicle – vehicle, physical characteristics and occupant belt stiffness

Small cell mammary neuroendocrine carcinoma - case presentation

Neuroendocrine carcinomas are very rare and develop from the neuroendocrine cells which are present in the whole body. The carcinomas usually appear in the bronchopulmonary or the gastrointestinal tract, but these can also occur in the mammary glands. There have been reported only about 50 cases of this type of cance in the medical literature. The diagnosis is set on the presence of neuroendocrine markers present in the tumor cells (ex. Neuron Specific Enolase - NSE). Female patient aged 40, presents to the hospital for further investigation after the appearance of a mass at the level of the left breast. The clinical exam showed the presence of a painless tumoral mass with a diameter of 2cm. The anatomopathological and the imunohistochemical exams revealed the presence of a small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. The CT exam (thorax, abdomen, pelvis with constrast substance) exposed nodular hyperactive nodules at the level of the left mammary gland, left axillar adenopathy without other pathological changes. The final diagnosis was primary mammary neuroendocrine carcinoma with resection recommendation. The patient’s tumor and the lymph nodes from the first axillary station were excised and metastases were revealed in 3 of the 6 examined lymph nodes. The patient had cytostatic treatment to avoid recidive. The patient continues the cytostatic and radiotherapy but the prognosis is reserved due to metastases present in the axillary lymph nodes. The precocious discovery and the quick onset of treatment are vital for the increase in survival chances of patients