Next-Generation Self-Organizing Networks through a Machine Learning Approach

Fecha de lectura de Tesis Doctoral: 17 Diciembre 2018.Para reducir los costes de gestión de las redes celulares, que, con el tiempo, aumentaban en complejidad, surgió el concepto de las redes autoorganizadas, o self-organizing networks (SON). Es decir, la automatización de las tareas de gestión de una red celular para disminuir los costes de infraestructura (CAPEX) y de operación (OPEX). Las tareas de las SON se dividen en tres categorías: autoconfiguración, autooptimización y autocuración. El objetivo de esta tesis es la mejora de las funciones SON a través del desarrollo y uso de herramientas de aprendizaje automático (machine learning, ML) para la gestión de la red. Por un lado, se aborda la autocuración a través de la propuesta de una novedosa herramienta para una diagnosis automática (RCA), consistente en la combinación de múltiples sistemas RCA independientes para el desarrollo de un sistema compuesto de RCA mejorado. A su vez, para aumentar la precisión de las herramientas de RCA mientras se reducen tanto el CAPEX como el OPEX, en esta tesis se proponen y evalúan herramientas de ML de reducción de dimensionalidad en combinación con herramientas de RCA. Por otro lado, en esta tesis se estudian las funcionalidades multienlace dentro de la autooptimización y se proponen técnicas para su gestión automática. En el campo de las comunicaciones mejoradas de banda ancha, se propone una herramienta para la gestión de portadoras radio, que permite la implementación de políticas del operador, mientras que, en el campo de las comunicaciones vehiculares de baja latencia, se propone un mecanismo multicamino para la redirección del tráfico a través de múltiples interfaces radio. Muchos de los métodos propuestos en esta tesis se han evaluado usando datos provenientes de redes celulares reales, lo que ha permitido demostrar su validez en entornos realistas, así como su capacidad para ser desplegados en redes móviles actuales y futuras

Optimización de la QoE de un servicio de vídeo streaming en un entorno celular

The rising traffic demand in mobile communications networks, as well as the increase in the number of available services and the expectations of users have led operators to seek new techniques to optimize mobile networks. In this way, traditional optimization techniques, based on improving the quality of service offered to users, have given way to new techniques based on improving the quality of experience (QoE) perceived by users. In this work, a study to improve the QoE perceived by the users in a real time video streaming service from the optimization of the transmission buffer size of the RLC (Radio Link Control) layer is presented. The optimization, which has been carried out in a simulated cellular environment, has been performed for two different system bandwidth values, thus proving the relationship between the quality perceived by the users, the optimal buffer size and the available bandwidth.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Evaluation of Little Ice Age cooling in Western Central Andes, suggested by paleoELAs, in contrast with global warming since late 19th century deduced from instrumental records

This paper attempts to evaluate climate cooling (ºC) during the glacial expansion phases using the product GTV•_ELA, where GTV is the vertical air temperature gradient (ºC/m) and _ELA (m) the difference in level observed between the Equilibrium Line Altitude (ELA) reconstructions for current and past glaciers. With this aim the Area x Altitude Balance Ratio-(AABR) method was used to produce reconstructions of present ELAs (2002-2010) and paleoELAs corresponding to the last glacier advance phase. The reconstructions were produced in three study areas located along a N-S transect of the western cordillera in the Central Andes: the south-western sector of the Nevado Hualcán (9ºS, 77ºW; Giráldez 2011); the southern slope of the Cordillera Pariaqaqa (12ºS, 76ºW; Quirós, 2013) and the NW, NE, SE and SW quadrants of the Nevado Coropuna (16ºS, 72ºW; García 2013; Úbeda 2011; Campos, 2012). The three mountains exceed 6000 m altitude, their summit areas are covered by glaciers, and on their slopes there are existing well-conserved moraines deposited by the last advances near the present front of the ice masses. Although there are no absolute dates to confirm this hypothesis, it has been assumed that the last glacial advances occurred during the Little Ice Age (LIA), which the oxygen isotopes of the Nevado Huascarán (9ºS, 77ºW) date to the period 1500-1890. For the Hualcán and Pariaqaqa the mean global value of the Earth’s GTV (6.5ºC/km) was used, considered valid for the Tropics. On the Coropuna GTV=8.4ºC/km was used, based on high resolution sensors installed in situ since 2007 (Úbeda 2011). This gradient is approaching the upper limit of the dry adiabatic gradient (9.8ºC/km), as the Coropuna region is more arid than the other case study areas. The climate cooling estimates deduced from the product GTV•_ELA were compared with the global warming shown by the 1880-2012 series, _T=0.85ºC, and 1850/1900-2003/2012, _T=0.78ºC. The differences are small (averaging 0.05 and 0.12 ºC) suggesting that the product GTV•_ELA may be a good indicator of climate cooling during glacial expansion phases. However, the role played by precipitation has not yet been determined, and this will be examined in future research

Molecular characterization of severe and mild cases of Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 strain from Argentina

While worldwide pandemic influenza A(H1N1) pdm case fatality rate (CFR) was 0.4%, Argentina's was 4.5%. A total of 34 strains from mild and severe cases were analyzed. A full genome sequencing was carried out on 26 of these, and a partial sequencing on the remaining eight. We observed no evidence that the high CFR can be attributed to direct virus changes. No evidence of re-assortment, mutations associated with resistance to antiviral drugs, or genetic drift that might contribute to virulence was observed. Although the mutation D225G associated with severity in the latest reports from the Ukraine and Norway is not observed among the Argentine strains, an amino acid change in the area (S206T) surrounding the HA receptor binding domain was observed, the same previously established worldwide

Ensayo de métodos para analizar el registro glacial del cambio climático en los Andes Centrales

El retroceso de los glaciares de los Andes Centrales es uno de los principales riesgos climáticos que afectarán a Perú durante las próximas décadas, debido a la importancia que tienen los glaciares como reserva hídrica estratégica para la costa del Pacífico, donde la mayor parte de la población del país se concentra en una de las regiones más áridas de la Tierra. Por esa causa, Perú se ha considerado uno de los países más sensibles a los efectos del cambio climático (IPCC, 2013) y el INGEMMET está realizando investigaciones para comprender el ritmo y la distribución territorial del proceso de deglaciación. En este trabajo se presentan los resultados preliminares de los ensayos realizados para deducir de las evidencias geomorfológicas el enfriamiento del clima cuando las masas de hielo avanzaron por última vez.En sucesivas etapas de la investigación, el reconocimiento de la evolución reciente de los glaciares deberá servir para extrapolar hacia el futuro las tendencias pasadas. De ese modo se espera poder realizar pronósticos que permitan a las autoridades políticas diseñar y priorizar las estrategias de adaptación al cambio climático que deberán emprenderse a lo largo del siglo XXI. Para validar los procedimientos empleados, el enfriamiento del clima durante el último avance de los glaciares se comparó con datos instrumentales sobre el calentamiento global de la Tierra desde la última pulsación fría globalmente reconocida en todo el planeta. A dicho periodo se le denomina Pequeña Edad del Hielo (PEH) y los isótopos de oxígeno de los testigos de hielo del Nevado Huascarán (Thompsom et al, 2000) sugieren que en los Andes Centrales ocurrió durante el periodo 1500-1890

Actualización de la Guía Española de la EPOC (GesEPOC): comorbilidades, automanejo y cuidados paliativos

[EN]: The current health care models described in GesEPOC indicate the best way to make a correct diagnosis, the categorization of patients, the appropriate selection of the therapeutic strategy and the management and prevention of exacerbations. In addition, COPD involves several aspects that are crucial in an integrated approach to the health care of these patients. The evaluation of comorbidities in COPD patients represents a healthcare challenge. As part of a comprehensive assessment, the presence of comorbidities related to the clinical presentation, to some diagnostic technique or to some COPD-related treatments should be studied. Likewise, interventions on healthy lifestyle habits, adherence to complex treatments, developing skills to recognize the signs and symptoms of exacerbation, knowing what to do to prevent them and treat them within the framework of a self-management plan are also necessary. Finally, palliative care is one of the pillars in the comprehensive treatment of the COPD patient, seeking to prevent or treat the symptoms of a disease, the side effects of treatment, and the physical, psychological and social problems of patients and their caregivers. Therefore, the main objective of this palliative care is not to prolong life expectancy, but to improve its quality. This chapter of GesEPOC 2021 presents an update on the most important comorbidities, self-management strategies, and palliative care in COPD, and includes a recommendation on the use of opioids for the treatment of refractory dyspnea in COPD.[ES]: Los modelos de atención sanitaria actuales descritos en GesEPOC indican la mejor manera de hacer un diagnóstico correcto, la categorización de los pacientes, la adecuada selección de la estrategia terapéutica y el manejo y la prevención de las agudizaciones. Además, en la EPOC concurren diversos aspectos que resultan cruciales en una aproximación integrada de la atención sanitaria a estos pacientes. La evaluación de las comorbilidades en el paciente con EPOC representa un reto asistencial. Dentro de una valoración integral debe estudiarse la presencia de comorbilidades que tengan relación con la presentación clínica, con alguna técnica diagnóstica o con algunos tratamientos relacionados con la EPOC. Asimismo, son necesarias intervenciones en hábitos de vida saludables, la adhesión a tratamientos complejos, desarrollar capacidades para poder reconocer los signos y síntomas de la exacerbación, saber qué hacer para prevenirlos y tratarlos enmarcados en un plan de automanejo. Finalmente, los cuidados paliativos constituyen uno de los pilares en el tratamiento integral del paciente con EPOC, con los que se buscan prevenir o tratar los síntomas de una enfermedad, los efectos secundarios del tratamiento, y los problemas físicos, psicológicos y sociales de los pacientes y sus cuidadores. Por tanto, el objetivo principal de estos cuidados paliativos no es prolongar la esperanza de vida, sino mejorar su calidad. En este capítulo de GesEPOC 2021 se presenta una actualización sobre las comorbilidades más importantes, las estrategias de automanejo y los cuidados paliativos en la EPOC, y se incluye una recomendación sobre el uso de opiáceos para el tratamiento de la disnea refractaria en la EPOC.Peer reviewe

Caracterización molecular de cepas de influenza A (H1N1) 2009 de casos leves y graves de la Argentina

Fil: Cisterna, Daniel. ANLIS Dr.C.G.Malbrán. Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas; Argentina.Fil: Campos, Ana. ANLIS Dr.C.G.Malbrán. Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas; Argentina.Fil: Pontoriero, Andrea. ANLIS Dr.C.G.Malbrán. Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas; Argentina.Fil: Alonio, Virginia. ANLIS Dr.C.G.Malbrán. Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas; Argentina.Fil: Molina, Viviana. ANLIS Dr.C.G.Malbrán. Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas; Argentina.Fil: Palacios, Gustavo. Columbia University. Center for Infection and Immunity; Estados Unidos.Fil: Solovyov, Alexander. Columbia University. Center for Infection and Immunity; Estados Unidos.Fil: Hui, Jeffrey. Columbia University. Center for Infection and Immunity; Estados Unidos.Fil: Savji, Nazir. Columbia University. Center for Infection and Immunity; Estados Unidos.Fil: Bussetti, Ana Valeria. Columbia University. Center for Infection and Immunity; Estados Unidos.Fil: Jabado, Omar J. Columbia University. Center for Infection and Immunity; Estados Unidos.Fil: Street, Craig. Columbia University. Center for Infection and Immunity; Estados Unidos.Fil: Hirschberg, David L. Columbia University. Center for Infection and Immunity; Estados Unidos.Fil: Rabadan, Raul. Columbia University. Department of Biomedical Informatics; Estados UnidosFil: Hutchison, Stephen. 454 Life Sciences; Estados UnidosFil: Egholm, Michael. 454 Life Sciences; Estados Unidos.Fil: Lipkin, W. Ian. Columbia University. Center for Infection and Immunity; Estados Unidos.Fil: Baumeister, Elsa. ANLIS Dr.C.G.Malbrán. Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas; ArgentinaWhile worldwide pandemic influenza A(H1N1) pdm case fatality rate (CFR) was 0.4%, Argentina’s was 4.5%. A total of 34 strains from mild and severe cases were analyzed. A full genome sequencing was carried out on 26 of these, and a partial sequencing on the remaining eight. We observed no evidence that the high CFR can be attributed to direct virus changes. No evidence of re-assortment, mutations associated with resistance to antiviral drugs, or genetic drift that might contribute to virulence was observed. Although the mutation D225G associated with severity in the latest reports from the Ukraine and Norway is not observed among the Argentine strains, an amino acid change in the area (S206T) surrounding the HA receptor binding domain was observed, the same previously established worldwide. (ES) Mientras que la tasa de letalidad (CFR) para (H1N1)pdm en todo el mundo era del 0.4%, en la Argentina la mortalidad observada fue de 4.5%. La secuenciación del genoma completo de 26 cepas de virus argentinos de influenza A (H1N1)pdm de casos leves y graves y de 8 cepas secuenciadas parcialmente no mostró evidencia de que la elevada tasa de letalidad se pueda atribuir directamente a cambios en el virus. No se encontraron hallazgos de recombinación, de mutaciones asociadas con la resistencia a los medicamentos antivirales ni de variaciones genéticas que puedan contribuir a la virulencia observada. Si bien la mutación D225G asociada con la gravedad, comunicada en informes procedentes de Ucrania y Noruega, no se ha encontrado en las cepas argentinas estudiadas, se ha observado un cambio aminoacídico en la región (S206T) en torno al dominio del sitio de unión al receptor en la HA, el mismo hallado en cepas distribuidas alrededor del mundo

Dynamics of adherens junctions in epithelial establishment, maintenance, and remodeling

The epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin)–catenin complex binds to cytoskeletal components and regulatory and signaling molecules to form a mature adherens junction (AJ). This dynamic structure physically connects neighboring epithelial cells, couples intercellular adhesive contacts to the cytoskeleton, and helps define each cell’s apical–basal axis. Together these activities coordinate the form, polarity, and function of all cells in an epithelium. Several molecules regulate AJ formation and integrity, including Rho family GTPases and Par polarity proteins. However, only recently, with the development of live-cell imaging, has the extent to which E-cadherin is actively turned over at junctions begun to be appreciated. This turnover contributes to junction formation and to the maintenance of epithelial integrity during tissue homeostasis and remodeling

Unpacking the behavioural components and delivery features of early childhood obesity prevention interventions in the TOPCHILD Collaboration: a systematic review and intervention coding protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Little is known about how early (eg, commencing antenatally or in the first 12 months after birth) obesity prevention interventions seek to change behaviour and which components are or are not effective. This study aims to (1) characterise early obesity prevention interventions in terms of target behaviours, delivery features and behaviour change techniques (BCTs), (2) explore similarities and differences in BCTs used to target behaviours and (3) explore effectiveness of intervention components in preventing childhood obesity. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Annual comprehensive systematic searches will be performed in Epub Ahead of Print/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane (CENTRAL), CINAHL, PsycINFO, as well as clinical trial registries. Eligible randomised controlled trials of behavioural interventions to prevent childhood obesity commencing antenatally or in the first year after birth will be invited to join the Transforming Obesity in CHILDren Collaboration. Standard ontologies will be used to code target behaviours, delivery features and BCTs in both published and unpublished intervention materials provided by trialists. Narrative syntheses will be performed to summarise intervention components and compare applied BCTs by types of target behaviours. Exploratory analyses will be undertaken to assess effectiveness of intervention components. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study has been approved by The University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee (project no. 2020/273) and Flinders University Social and Behavioural Research Ethics Committee (project no. HREC CIA2133-1). The study's findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and targeted communication with key stakeholders. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020177408

Transforming Obesity Prevention for CHILDren (TOPCHILD) Collaboration: protocol for a systematic review with individual participant data meta-analysis of behavioural interventions for the prevention of early childhood obesity.

INTRODUCTION: Behavioural interventions in early life appear to show some effect in reducing childhood overweight and obesity. However, uncertainty remains regarding their overall effectiveness, and whether effectiveness differs among key subgroups. These evidence gaps have prompted an increase in very early childhood obesity prevention trials worldwide. Combining the individual participant data (IPD) from these trials will enhance statistical power to determine overall effectiveness and enable examination of individual and trial-level subgroups. We present a protocol for a systematic review with IPD meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of obesity prevention interventions commencing antenatally or in the first year after birth, and to explore whether there are differential effects among key subgroups. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Systematic searches of Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycInfo and trial registries for all ongoing and completed randomised controlled trials evaluating behavioural interventions for the prevention of early childhood obesity have been completed up to March 2021 and will be updated annually to include additional trials. Eligible trialists will be asked to share their IPD; if unavailable, aggregate data will be used where possible. An IPD meta-analysis and a nested prospective meta-analysis will be performed using methodologies recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration. The primary outcome will be body mass index z-score at age 24±6 months using WHO Growth Standards, and effect differences will be explored among prespecified individual and trial-level subgroups. Secondary outcomes include other child weight-related measures, infant feeding, dietary intake, physical activity, sedentary behaviours, sleep, parenting measures and adverse events. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Approved by The University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee (2020/273) and Flinders University Social and Behavioural Research Ethics Committee (HREC CIA2133-1). Results will be relevant to clinicians, child health services, researchers, policy-makers and families, and will be disseminated via publications, presentations and media releases. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020177408