A channel aware adaptive modem for underwater acoustic communications

Acoustic underwater channels are very challenging, because of limited bandwidth, long propagation delays, extended multipath, severe attenuation, rapid time variation and large Doppler shifts. A plethora of underwater communication techniques have been developed for dealing with such a complexity, mostly tailoring specific applications scenarios which can not be considered as one-size-fits-all solutions. Indeed, the design of environment-specific solutions is especially critical for modulations with high spectral efficiency, which are very sensitive to channel characteristics. In this paper, we design and implement a software-defined modem able to dynamically estimate the acoustic channel conditions, tune the parameters of a OFDM modulator as a function of the environment, or switch to a more robust JANUS/FSK modulator in case of harsh propagation conditions. The temporal variability of the channel behavior is summarized in terms of maximum delay spread and Doppler spread. We present a very efficient solution for deriving these parameters and discuss the limit conditions under which the OFDM modulator can work. In such scenarios, we also calibrate the prefix length and the number of sub-carriers for limiting the inter-symbol interference and signal distortions due to the Doppler effect. We validate our estimation and adaptation techniques by using both a custom-made simulator for time-varying underwater channels and the well-known Watermark simulator, as well as real in field experiments. Our results show that, for many practical cases, a dynamic adjustment of the prefix length and number of sub-carriers may enable the utilization of OFDM modulations in underwater communications, while in harsher environments JANUS can be used as a fall-back modulation

A Channel-Aware Adaptive Modem for Underwater Acoustic Communications

Acoustic underwater channels are very challenging, because of limited bandwidth, long propagation delays, extended multipath, severe attenuation, rapid time variation and large Doppler shifts. A plethora of underwater communication techniques have been developed for dealing with such a complexity, mostly tailoring specific applications scenarios which can not be considered as one-size-fits-all solutions. Indeed, the design of environment-specific solutions is especially critical for modulations with high spectral efficiency, which are very sensitive to channel characteristics. In this paper, we design and implement a software-defined modem able to dynamically estimate the acoustic channel conditions, tune the parameters of a OFDM modulator as a function of the environment, or switch to a more robust JANUS/FSK modulator in case of harsh propagation conditions. The temporal variability of the channel behavior is summarized in terms of maximum delay spread and Doppler spread. We present a very efficient solution for deriving these parameters and discuss the limit conditions under which the OFDM modulator can work. In such scenarios, we also calibrate the prefix length and the number of sub-carriers for limiting the inter-symbol interference and signal distortions due to the Doppler effect. We validate our estimation and adaptation techniques by using both a custom-made simulator for time-varying underwater channels and the well-known Watermark simulator, as well as real in field experiments. Our results show that, for many practical cases, a dynamic adjustment of the prefix length and number of sub-carriers may enable the utilization of OFDM modulations in underwater communications, while in harsher environments JANUS can be used as a fall-back modulation

Seamless Handover in Hybrid VLC and WiFi Network: A Testbed Scenario

In response to the growing demand for wireless communication in high-density environments, Visible Light Communication (VLC) has emerged as a promising complement to Radio Frequency (RF) communication. VLC technology utilizes light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to enable high-speed data transmission, while also providing illumination. In this paper, we propose a hybrid VLC/RF network with multiple VLC access points (APs) under a single WiFi AP. However, frequent handovers are typically required as users move within the network, leading to significant overhead and reducing throughput. To address this issue, we propose an intelligent handover solution based on fuzzy logic (FL) that leverages machine learning algorithms and considers received signal strength indicator (RSSI), channel state information (CSI), and user mobility to enhance handover decisions. We aim to develop a seamless and robust mechanism for horizontal handover (HHO) and vertical handover (VHO) in hybrid VLC/WiFi networks, which we implement in our testbed. Our experiments demonstrate that our proposed approach can achieve maximum handover times at 100ms and 400ms for HHO and VHO, respectively. We have fine-tuned different decision-making models, such as an AdaBoost C4.5 model, which can achieve up to 97.5% accurac

Amarelli's Industry 4.0 Transformation with IoT and Digital Advertisement: Optimizing Operations and Engaging Customers

This paper presents a vertical IoT solution for Amarelli, a licorice producing company, aiming to optimize their operations and enhance their customer engagement through the integration of IoT technology, Enterprice Resource Planning (EPR) system, e-commerce and social media advertising. The proposed solution includes several key components, such as IoT-enabled production monitoring, warehouse monitoring, RFID tracking, and real-time data analysis. The solution also integrates an ERP system, to provide business intelligence and e-commerce combination to enhance online presence and customer engagement through social media advertising. This vertical solution will enable Amarelli to improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability, while also providing valuable insights into customer preferences and purchasing behavior. The implementation of this solution will position Amarelli at the forefront of Industry 4.0, and help the company to stay competitive in today's rapidly evolving marketplace

The Z-cad dual fluorescent sensor detects dynamic changes between the epithelial and mesenchymal cellular states

Z-cad sensor loses GFP expression early and gains RFP expression later upon miR-200c induction. All collected time points for time-lapse microscopy (from Fig. 1c) of identical grids within cell culture plate are shown for each treatment group. A) –DOX control. B) 2 μg/mL DOX treatment to induce miR-200c. All time points after DOX treatment are indicated. Scale bars = 50 μm. (TIF 9490 kb

p130Cas is an essential transducer element in ErbB2 transformation

The ErbB2 oncogene is often overexpressed in breast tumors and associated with poor clinical outcome. p130Cas represents a nodal scaffold protein regulating cell survival, migration, and proliferation in normal and pathological cells. The functional role of p130Cas in ErbB2-dependent breast tumorigenesis was assessed by its silencing in breast cancer cells derived from mouse mammary tumors overexpressing ErbB2 (N202-1A cells), and by its reexpression in ErbB2-transformed p130Cas-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts. We demonstrate that p130Cas is necessary for ErbB2-dependent foci formation, anchorage-independent growth, and in vivo growth of orthotopic N202-1A tumors. Moreover, intranipple injection of p130Cas-stabilized siRNAs in the mammary gland of Balbc-NeuT mice decreases the growth of spontaneous tumors. In ErbB2-transformed cells, p130Cas is a crucial component of a functional molecular complex consisting of ErbB2, c-Src, and Fak. In human mammary cells, MCF10A.B2, the concomitant activation of ErbB2, and p130Cas overexpression sustain and strengthen signaling, leading to Rac1 activation and MMP9 secretion, thus providing invasive properties. Consistently, p130Cas drives N202-1A cell in vivo lung metastases colonization. These results demonstrate that p130Cas is an essential transducer in ErbB2 transformation and highlight its potential use as a novel therapeutic target in ErbB2 positive human breast cancers.-Cabodi, S., Tinnirello, A., Bisaro, B., Tornillo, G., Camacho-Leal, M. P., Forni, G., Cojoca, R., Iezzi, M., Amici, A., Montani, M., Eva, A., Di Stefano, P., Muthuswamy, S. K., Tarone, G., Turco, E., Defilippi, P. p130Cas is an essential transducer element in ErbB2 transformation

Geoeconomic variations in epidemiology, ventilation management, and outcomes in invasively ventilated intensive care unit patients without acute respiratory distress syndrome: a pooled analysis of four observational studies

Background: Geoeconomic variations in epidemiology, the practice of ventilation, and outcome in invasively ventilated intensive care unit (ICU) patients without acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remain unexplored. In this analysis we aim to address these gaps using individual patient data of four large observational studies. Methods: In this pooled analysis we harmonised individual patient data from the ERICC, LUNG SAFE, PRoVENT, and PRoVENT-iMiC prospective observational studies, which were conducted from June, 2011, to December, 2018, in 534 ICUs in 54 countries. We used the 2016 World Bank classification to define two geoeconomic regions: middle-income countries (MICs) and high-income countries (HICs). ARDS was defined according to the Berlin criteria. Descriptive statistics were used to compare patients in MICs versus HICs. The primary outcome was the use of low tidal volume ventilation (LTVV) for the first 3 days of mechanical ventilation. Secondary outcomes were key ventilation parameters (tidal volume size, positive end-expiratory pressure, fraction of inspired oxygen, peak pressure, plateau pressure, driving pressure, and respiratory rate), patient characteristics, the risk for and actual development of acute respiratory distress syndrome after the first day of ventilation, duration of ventilation, ICU length of stay, and ICU mortality. Findings: Of the 7608 patients included in the original studies, this analysis included 3852 patients without ARDS, of whom 2345 were from MICs and 1507 were from HICs. Patients in MICs were younger, shorter and with a slightly lower body-mass index, more often had diabetes and active cancer, but less often chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure than patients from HICs. Sequential organ failure assessment scores were similar in MICs and HICs. Use of LTVV in MICs and HICs was comparable (42\ub74% vs 44\ub72%; absolute difference \u20131\ub769 [\u20139\ub758 to 6\ub711] p=0\ub767; data available in 3174 [82%] of 3852 patients). The median applied positive end expiratory pressure was lower in MICs than in HICs (5 [IQR 5\u20138] vs 6 [5\u20138] cm H2O; p=0\ub70011). ICU mortality was higher in MICs than in HICs (30\ub75% vs 19\ub79%; p=0\ub70004; adjusted effect 16\ub741% [95% CI 9\ub752\u201323\ub752]; p<0\ub70001) and was inversely associated with gross domestic product (adjusted odds ratio for a US$10 000 increase per capita 0\ub780 [95% CI 0\ub775\u20130\ub786]; p<0\ub70001). Interpretation: Despite similar disease severity and ventilation management, ICU mortality in patients without ARDS is higher in MICs than in HICs, with a strong association with country-level economic status. Funding: No funding

Antiinflammatory Therapy with Canakinumab for Atherosclerotic Disease

Background: Experimental and clinical data suggest that reducing inflammation without affecting lipid levels may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Yet, the inflammatory hypothesis of atherothrombosis has remained unproved. Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind trial of canakinumab, a therapeutic monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-1β, involving 10,061 patients with previous myocardial infarction and a high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level of 2 mg or more per liter. The trial compared three doses of canakinumab (50 mg, 150 mg, and 300 mg, administered subcutaneously every 3 months) with placebo. The primary efficacy end point was nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or cardiovascular death. RESULTS: At 48 months, the median reduction from baseline in the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level was 26 percentage points greater in the group that received the 50-mg dose of canakinumab, 37 percentage points greater in the 150-mg group, and 41 percentage points greater in the 300-mg group than in the placebo group. Canakinumab did not reduce lipid levels from baseline. At a median follow-up of 3.7 years, the incidence rate for the primary end point was 4.50 events per 100 person-years in the placebo group, 4.11 events per 100 person-years in the 50-mg group, 3.86 events per 100 person-years in the 150-mg group, and 3.90 events per 100 person-years in the 300-mg group. The hazard ratios as compared with placebo were as follows: in the 50-mg group, 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80 to 1.07; P = 0.30); in the 150-mg group, 0.85 (95% CI, 0.74 to 0.98; P = 0.021); and in the 300-mg group, 0.86 (95% CI, 0.75 to 0.99; P = 0.031). The 150-mg dose, but not the other doses, met the prespecified multiplicity-adjusted threshold for statistical significance for the primary end point and the secondary end point that additionally included hospitalization for unstable angina that led to urgent revascularization (hazard ratio vs. placebo, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.73 to 0.95; P = 0.005). Canakinumab was associated with a higher incidence of fatal infection than was placebo. There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality (hazard ratio for all canakinumab doses vs. placebo, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.06; P = 0.31). Conclusions: Antiinflammatory therapy targeting the interleukin-1β innate immunity pathway with canakinumab at a dose of 150 mg every 3 months led to a significantly lower rate of recurrent cardiovascular events than placebo, independent of lipid-level lowering. (Funded by Novartis; CANTOS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01327846.