Joint optimization of delay and congestion in wavelength-routed optical networks using genetic algorithms

A new multipurpose genetic algorithm, based on Pareto optimality, is proposed to design logical topologies for wavelength-routed optical networks with the aim of minimizing both the congestion and the end-to-end delay. Simulation results show its efficiency when compared with other previously proposed algorithms, achieving in most cases optimal or near-optimal solutions, and in less time than other methods. Moreover, since the algorithm relies on Pareto optimality, not only does it obtain a single logical topology but a set of them, so that the network designer can easily select the most appropriate one according to the current network requirements.     

Genetic algorithm to design logical topologies in reconfigurable WDM networks

A new method to design logical topologies based on genetic algorithms is presented. Not only does the algorithm determine which nodes should be connected by means of lightpaths with the aim of minimizing congestion, but it also solves the routing and wavelength assignment problem. In this way, the algorithm guarantees that the logical topology obtained can be embedded in the optical network subject to the available set of resources. The algorithm is effective in terms of both congestion and fairness. For instance, when compared with other work, the congestion is significantly reduced (from 20% to 75% depending on the matrix of traffic considered), and the fairness, when evaluated in terms of the Jain index, is generally higher than 0.94. Moreover, the algorithm brings advantages when employed in dynamic scenarios where the logical topology is frequently reconfigured, as it is fast and, in contrast to other algorithms previously proposed, the calculation process can be stopped at any time (if required) in order to give the best virtual topology found up to the moment.

A radius and ulna TW3 bone age assessment system

An end-to-end system to automate the well-known Tanner--Whitehouse (TW3) clinical procedure to estimate the skeletal age in childhood is proposed. The system comprises the detailed analysis of the two most important bones in TW3: the radius and ulna wrist bones. First, a modified version of an adaptive clustering segmentation algorithm is presented to properly semi-automatically segment the contour of the bones. Second, up to 89 features are defined and extracted from bone contours and gray scale information inside the contour, followed by some well-founded feature selection mathematical criteria, based on the ideas of maximizing the classes' separability. Third, bone age is estimated with the help of a Generalized Softmax Perceptron (GSP) neural network (NN) that, after supervised learning and optimal complexity estimation via the application of the recently developed Posterior Probability Model Selection (PPMS) algorithm, is able to accurately predict the different development stages in both radius and ulna from which and with the help of the TW3 methodology, we are able to conveniently score and estimate the bone age of a patient in years, in what can be understood as a multiple-class (multiple stages) pattern recognition approach with posterior probability estimation. Finally, numerical results are presented to evaluate the system performance in predicting the bone stages and the final patient bone age over a private hand image database, with the help of the pediatricians and the radiologists expert diagnoses.     

Photovoltaic module reliability model based on field degradation studies

Crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules are often stated as being the most reliable element in PV systems. This presumable high reliability is reflected by their long power warranty periods. In agreement with these long warranty times, PV modules have a very low total number of returns, the exceptions usually being the result of catastrophic failures. Up to now, failures resulting from degradation are not typically taken into consideration because of the difficulties in measuring the power of an individual module in a system. However, lasting recent years PV systems are changing from small isolated systems to large grid‐connected power stations. In this new scenario, customers will become more sensitive to power losses and the need for a reliability model based on degradation may become of utmost importance. In this paper, a PV module reliability model based on degradation studies is presented. The main analytical functions of reliability engineering are evaluated using this model and applied to a practical case, based on state‐of‐the‐art parameters of crystalline silicon PV technology. Relevant and defensible power warranties and other reliability data are obtained with this model based on measured degradation rates and time‐dependent power variability. In the derivation of the model some assumptions are made about the future behaviour of the products—i.e. linear degradation rates—although the approach can be used for other assumed functional profiles as well. The method documented in this paper explicitly shows manufacturers how to make reasonable and sensible warranty projections. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Flexible oligomeric silicon-containing poly(ether-azomethine)s obtained from epoxide derivatives. Synthesis and characterization

Three new diamines derived from epoxide compounds were synthesized. The preparation of diamine monomers implied the reaction between a phenoxyalkyloxirane (alkyl: H, methyl, isopropyl) and bisphenol A, obtaining the respective aliphatic diols, which produced the corresponding dinitro derivatives. Finally, these derivatives were reduced by using palladium/carbon activated as catalyst and hydrazine as a hydrogen source. Then, six oligomeric poly(ether-azomethine)s (PEAzMs) were obtained from a polycondensation reaction between the new diamines and bis(4-formylbiphenyl-4-yl)dialkylsilane (alkyl: methyl, phenyl) with 84–93% yields. The structural characterization of the diamines and PEAzMs was performed by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H, ¹³C, and ²⁹Si). Furthermore, polymers were analyzed by solubility tests, gel permeation chromatography, ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and differential scanning calorimetry analysis. The results showed PEAzMs with 2–11 repetitive units, where the design of the monomers allowed to obtain improved solution processability in comparison with previously reported silylated poly(azomethine)s and good thermal stability. Additionally, all samples showed high transparency in the UV–vis region. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 48055.     

Nutritional status and its correlates in Equatorial Guinean preschool children: results from a nationally representative survey

BACKGROUND: In Equatorial Guinea, as a result of the recent growth of the oil industry, there is an opportunity to address important public health problems through public and private initiatives. To propose effective nutrition and public health strategies, it is important first to have reliable information on the nutritional status of the population and the underlying factors affecting it. OBJECTIVE: To assess the nutritional status and the prevalence of anemia among Equatoguinean children in a nationally representative sample and to identify the risk factors associated with the nutritional problems detected. METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional survey using a multistaged, stratified, cluster-selected sample. The survey included a sociodemographic, health, and dietary questionnaire and measurement of hematocrit and anthropometric features, from which nutritional indicators based on the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reference and the World Health Organization (WHO) standards were calculated. Logistic regression models were used for the multivariate analysis. A total of 552 children aged 0 to 60 months were surveyed. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of stunting (< -2 height-for-age z-scores [HAZ]) was 29.7% based on the NCHS reference and 35.2% based on WHO standards; the risk factors associated with stunting were age (p < .0001), low socioeconomic status (p = .01), and fishing by a member of the household (p = .003) The prevalence of mild anemia (hemoglobin < 110 g/L) was 69.3%, and that of moderate or severe anemia (hemoglobin < 80 g/L) was 8.3%. The only significant risk factor associated with moderate to severe anemia was low household socioeducational level (p = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Stunting and anemia are public health problems in Equatorial Guinea. Integrated strategies, including fighting poverty and improving maternal education, should be undertaken.     

No tillage affects the phosphorus status,isotopic composition and crop yield of Phaseolus vulgaris in a rain‐fed farming system

BACKGROUND: Conservation tillage promotes the accretion of soil organic matter and often leads to improved soil fertility and moisture availability. However, few studies have looked at the physiological response of crop plants to different tillage practices. It was therefore hypothesised that measuring the nutrient concentrations and stable isotope composition (δ¹³C, δ¹⁸O, δ¹⁵N) of shoots could help evaluate the physiological response of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to different tillage treatments (no tillage (NT) and mouldboard ploughing (MP)) in a rain‐fed farming system in northern Mexico. RESULTS: NT significantly enhanced shoot phosphorus concentration in bean plants. Tillage exerted a negative effect on the extent of root colonisation (%) by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Lower shoot δ¹⁸O but unchanged δ¹³C values in plants from the NT system suggest enhanced stomatal conductance but also enhanced photosynthetic rate, which overall resulted in unchanged water use efficiency. Bean plants in the NT system showed lower shoot δ¹⁵N values, which suggests that a larger proportion of total plant nitrogen was obtained through atmospheric nitrogen fixation in this treatment. CONCLUSION: Greater diversity of AMF soil communities and heavier colonisation of roots by AMF in the NT compared with the MP system appeared to contribute to improved crop nutrition, water relations and yield in this rain‐fed agroecosystem. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

BMS Derivatives C7-Linked to β-Cyclodextrin and Hyperbranched Polyglycerol Retain Activity against R5-HIV-1NLAD8 Isolates and Can Be Deemed Potential Microbicides

Amides from indole-3-glyoxylic acid and 4-benzoyl-2-methylpiperazine, which are related to entry inhibitors developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS), have been synthesized with aliphatic chains located at the C7 position of the indole ring. These spacers contain an azido group suitable for the well-known Cu(I)-catalyzed (3+2)-cycloaddition or an activated triple bond for the nucleophilic addition of thiols under physiological conditions. Reaction with polyols (β-cyclodextrin and hyperbranched polyglycerol) decorated with complementary click partners has afforded polyol-BMS-like conjugates that are not cytotoxic (TZM.bl cells) and retain the activity against R5-HIV-1_NLAD8 isolates. Thus, potential vaginal microbicides based on entry inhibitors, which can be called of 4^th generation, are reported here for the first time.     

Source time reversal (STR) method for linear elasticity

We study the problem of source reconstruction for a linear elasticity problem applied to seismicity induced by mining. We assume the source is written as a variable separable function $\mathit{f}\left(\mathit{x}\right)g\left(t\right)$. We first present a simple proof a local decay result for elasticity in the case of homogeneous media. We then extend the source time reversal method, originally developed for acoustic waves, to an elastic system of waves. Additionally, we present a fast reconstruction implementation for large data sets. This is especially useful in the elastic case, in which the numerical cost is higher than in fluid acoustics. We complement this work with several 2D and 3D numerical experiments and an analysis of the results.