A decentralized approach for self-coexistence among heterogeneous networks in TVWS

IEEE This paper focuses on coexistence and self- coexistence challenges between secondary heterogeneous wireless networks/users sharing TV Whitespace spectrum. The coexistence problems arise from having several primary and secondary networks of different technologies cohabiting the same licensed spectrum simultaneously. The self- coexistence problems arise from many secondary systems /users coexisting at the same place while using identical or different technologies. In particular, fair distribution of available spectrum becomes a serious issue. In this work we use a game theoretic approach to model the self-coexistence problem as a competitive game between secondary networks. We show that our game belongs to the class of congestion-averse games which are known to posses pure Nash Equilibria. This leads us to a decentralized approach for spectrum sharing among systems with different PHY/MAC characteristics. We show that our proposal outperforms other centralized algorithms in terms of user fairness and per-user theoretical data rates

Measurement of frequency occupancy levels in TV bands in urban environment in Kosovo

In this study we conduct an assessment of usage and availability of frequency bands, traditionally assigned to TV broadcasters, in urban environments in Kosovo. The assessment was performed for VHF and UHF bands at 8 different urban locations. Localized measurements indicate that a major part of these frequencies is severely under-utilized even in highly urbanized areas where a higher utilization level would be expected. Preliminary results further show that spectrum utilization level varies significantly with altitude and is much lower in indoor environments. Our initial calculations show that current percentage of availability of TV bands in tested locations varies between 87.5% and 100%. These results indicate that spectrum utilization in these bands could be greatly improved by allowing the opportunistic use of spectrum by cognitive radios and other wireless communication technologies, such as future cellular networks

Hepatobiliary neuroendocrine carcinoma: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gallbladder is a rather uncommon disease. We report a case of a neuroendocrine tumor that was located in the wall of the gallbladder and that extended into the liver.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 52-year-old Caucasian woman presented with right-sided abdominal pain, ascites and jaundice. An MRI scan revealed a tumor mass located in the gallbladder wall and involving the liver. A partial hepatectomy and cholecystectomy were performed. Histology revealed a neuroendocrine tumor, which showed scattered Grimelius positive cells and immuno-expressed epithelial and endocrine markers. Our patient is undergoing chemotherapy treatment.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors need a multidisciplinary approach, involving immunohistochemistry and molecular-genetic techniques.</p

Need satisfaction in intergroup contact:A multinational study of pathways toward social change

none43siFinanziamenti esterni a vari co-autoriWhat role does intergroup contact play in promoting support for social change toward greater social equality? Drawing on the needs-based model of reconciliation, we theorized that when inequality between groups is perceived as illegitimate, disadvantaged group members will experience a need for empowerment and advantaged group members a need for acceptance. When intergroup contact satisfies each group's needs, it should result in more mutual support for social change. Using four sets of survey data collected through the Zurich Intergroup Project in 23 countries, we tested several preregistered predictions, derived from the above reasoning, across a large variety of operationalizations. Two studies of disadvantaged groups (Ns = 689 ethnic minority members in Study 1 and 3,382 sexual/gender minorities in Study 2) support the hypothesis that, after accounting for the effects of intergroup contact and perceived illegitimacy, satisfying the need for empowerment (but not acceptance) during contact is positively related to support for social change. Two studies with advantaged groups (Ns = 2,937 ethnic majority members in Study 3 and 4,203 cis-heterosexual individuals in Study 4) showed that, after accounting for illegitimacy and intergroup contact, satisfying the need for acceptance (but also empowerment) is positively related to support for social change. Overall, findings suggest that intergroup contact is compatible with efforts to promote social change when group-specific needs are met. Thus, to encourage support for social change among both disadvantaged and advantaged group members, it is essential that, besides promoting mutual acceptance, intergroup contact interventions also give voice to and empower members of disadvantaged groups.mixedHässler, Tabea; Ullrich, Johannes; Sebben, Simone; Shnabel, Nurit; Bernardino, Michelle; Valdenegro, Daniel; Van Laar, Colette; González, Roberto; Visintin, Emilio Paolo; Tropp, Linda R; Ditlmann, Ruth K; Abrams, Dominic; Aydin, Anna Lisa; Pereira, Adrienne; Selvanathan, Hema Preya; von Zimmermann, Jorina; Lantos, Nóra Anna; Sainz, Mario; Glenz, Andreas; Kende, Anna; Oberpfalzerová, Hana; Bilewicz, Michal; Branković, Marija; Noor, Masi; Pasek, Michael H; Wright, Stephen C; Žeželj, Iris; Kuzawinska, Olga; Maloku, Edona; Otten, Sabine; Gul, Pelin; Bareket, Orly; Corkalo Biruski, Dinka; Mugnol-Ugarte, Luiza; Osin, Evgeny; Baiocco, Roberto; Cook, Jonathan E; Dawood, Maneeza; Droogendyk, Lisa; Loyo, Angélica Herrera; Jelić, Margareta; Kelmendi, Kaltrina; Pistella, JessicaHässler, Tabea; Ullrich, Johannes; Sebben, Simone; Shnabel, Nurit; Bernardino, Michelle; Valdenegro, Daniel; Van Laar, Colette; González, Roberto; Visintin, Emilio Paolo; Tropp, Linda R; Ditlmann, Ruth K; Abrams, Dominic; Aydin, Anna Lisa; Pereira, Adrienne; Selvanathan, Hema Preya; von Zimmermann, Jorina; Lantos, Nóra Anna; Sainz, Mario; Glenz, Andreas; Kende, Anna; Oberpfalzerová, Hana; Bilewicz, Michal; Branković, Marija; Noor, Masi; Pasek, Michael H; Wright, Stephen C; Žeželj, Iris; Kuzawinska, Olga; Maloku, Edona; Otten, Sabine; Gul, Pelin; Bareket, Orly; Corkalo Biruski, Dinka; Mugnol-Ugarte, Luiza; Osin, Evgeny; Baiocco, Roberto; Cook, Jonathan E; Dawood, Maneeza; Droogendyk, Lisa; Loyo, Angélica Herrera; Jelić, Margareta; Kelmendi, Kaltrina; Pistella, Jessic

Optimization of DNA concentration to amplify short tandem repeats of human genomic DNA

Analysis of the length polymorphisms of short tandem repeats (STR) loci in the human genome has become a standard approach for comparative genotyping in many areas including disease research and diagnostics, parentage assessment, investigations of human diversity, and forensic science. The purpose of this study is to optimize the DNA concentration in ng/10μL for amplification of DNA markers. AmpFlSTR Identifiler Kit is used to amplify STR markers and capillary electrophoresis is used to analyze DNA profile of human the genome. Two sets of samples with following DNA concentration: 100 pg – 6 ng/25 μL were used for this study. There was no DNA profile detected in samples with concentrations 100 pg - 300 pg/25 μL (pictogram), while in some cases partial DNA profile was yielded. On the other hand samples with 0.4 ng – 4 ng/25 μL, yielded a full DNA profile. We were not able to obtain any profile using concentrations over 4 ng/25 μL. Improvements in detection limits/sensitivity at upper and lower DNA concentrations are of potential benefits to amplify STR of Human Genomic in order to obtain a full DNA profile. The optimal DNA concentrations which produced reliable and balanced peaks, no off scale peaks and full DNA profile for all loci were at range 0.4 ng – 3 ng/25 μL

Who Is This New We? Similarities and Differences of Ethnic, Religious, and National Identity among the Albanian Majority and the Serb Minority in Post-Conflict Kosovo

This chapter on Kosovo offers a description of how Albanians and Serbs shape their social identities after conflict. Analyzing the construction of ethnic identities historically, it draws on social psychological literature to describe how identity content is negotiated now in light of Kosovo’s declaration of independence. For both groups, ethnic identity remains a central identity: perceived as primordial and heavily impeding intergroup relations. It overlaps with religious identity, although the relation is stronger for Serbs, for whom religion is as unchangeable as ethnic identity. New national identity differs in meaning: it conflates with ethnic identity for Albanians, while perceived as threatening to ethnic identity for Serbs. The chapter concludes by exploring the potential that Kosovar identity holds in reconciling these differences