Enhancing MPLS QoS routing algorithms by using the network protection degree paradigm

IP based networks still do not have the required degree of reliability required by new multimedia services, achieving such reliability will be crucial in the success or failure of the new Internet generation. Most of existing schemes for QoS routing do not take into consideration parameters concerning the quality of the protection, such as packet loss or restoration time. In this paper, we define a new paradigm to develop new protection strategies for building reliable MPLS networks, based on what we have called the network protection degree (NPD). This NPD consists of an a priori evaluation, the failure sensibility degree (FSD), which provides the failure probability and an a posteriori evaluation, the failure impact degree (FID), to determine the impact on the network in case of failure. Having mathematical formulated these components, we point out the most relevant components. Experimental results demonstrate the benefits of the utilization of the NPD, when used to enhance some current QoS routing algorithms to offer a certain degree of protection

Synthesis and evaluation of cyclic cationic peptides as antimicrobial agents for use in plant protection

Aquesta tesi doctoral se centra en l'estudi de l'aplicació de pèptids antimicrobians en la lluita contra agents patògens de cultius de plantes d'interès econòmic.L'estratègia sintètica s'ha portat a terme utilitzant metodologies convencionals de síntesi de pèptids en fase sòlida com l'estratègia tridimensional ortogonal Fmoc/tBut/Allyl. Ha calgut fer la recerca de les condicions òptimes per a l'eliminació del grup Allyl i la ciclació. D'entre els pèptids cíclics de 4-10 aminoacids sintetitzats, el decapèptid c(Lys-Leu-Lys-Leu-Lys-Phe-Lys-Lys-Leu-Gln) ha resultat ésser el més efectiu i s'ha pres com a base per al disseny d'una quimioteca de 56 pèptids. Dels resultats obtinguts s'ha sintetitzat una segona quimioteca basada en l'estructura general c(X1-X2-X3-X4-Lys-Phe-Lys-Lys-Leu-Gln) determinada com la que posseix el millor perfil d'activitat. Els pèptids més efectius obtinguts constituixen els primers exemples de pèptids cíclics actius contra E. amylovora i poden ser considerats com a bons candidats pel desenvolupament d'agents antimicrobians efectius en protecció vegetal.

Protection of Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus acidophilus by microencapsulation using spray-chilling

The aim of this study was to produce and evaluate solid lipid microparticles containing Bifidobacterium lactis or Lactobacillus acidophilus. Survival assays were conducted to evaluate the resistance of the probiotics to spray-chilling process, their resistance to simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) and their stability during 90 d of storage. The viability of the cells was not affected by microencapsulation. The free and encapsulated cells of B. lactis were resistant to SGF and SIF. The microencapsulation, however, provided protection for L. acidophilus against SGF and SIF. The free and encapsulated microorganisms lost their viability when they were stored at 37 degrees C. However, promising results were obtained when refrigerated and frozen storage was applied. The study indicates that spray-chilling using fat as carrier can be considered an innovative technology and matrix, respectively, for the protection, application and delivery of probiotics. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mechanisms of aminoglycoside ototoxicity and targets of hair cell protection.

Aminoglycosides are commonly prescribed antibiotics with deleterious side effects to the inner ear. Due to their popular application as a result of their potent antimicrobial activities, many efforts have been undertaken to prevent aminoglycoside ototoxicity. Over the years, understanding of the antimicrobial as well as ototoxic mechanisms of aminoglycosides has increased. These mechanisms are reviewed in regard to established and potential future targets of hair cell protection.

Application of mint and cinamon against Fusarium disease of winter wheat

In our study the application of mint species (spearmint, peppermint ‘Mitcham’ and peppermint ‘Mexian’) and cinnamon was investigated against Fusarium head blight of winter wheat in vitro and in vivo. The effect of crude drugs and the aqueous extract of mint, and the effect of essential oils of mint and cinnamon on mycelial growth were evaluated in lab. On artificial media the crude drug showed higher inhibition than aqueous plant extracts. Cinnamon and spearmint oils e.ectively inhibited mycelia growth. In field trial artificially inoculated winter wheat was treated with the in vitro effective oils under small-plot conditions. The disease incidence was most inhibited by cinnamon oil, applied curative. According to our results the essential oil of cinnamon can be an appropriate candidate for the research of alternative disease control.

Evaluating the probability and the impact of a failure in GMPLS based networks

In this paper, we define a new scheme to develop and evaluate protection strategies for building reliable GMPLS networks. This is based on what we have called the network protection degree (NPD). The NPD consists of an a priori evaluation, the failure sensibility degree (FSD), which provides the failure probability, and an a posteriori evaluation, the failure impact degree (FID), which determines the impact on the network in case of failure, in terms of packet loss and recovery time. Having mathematical formulated these components, experimental results demonstrate the benefits of the utilization of the NPD, when used to enhance some current QoS routing algorithms in order to offer a certain degree of protection

Analysis of an innovative slim floor composite beam conformed by a custom GFRP pultruded profile and reinforced concrete.

GFRP pultruded profiles have shown to be structural profiles with great stiffness, strenght and very low specific weight, making it a great candidate for the rehabilitation of damaged strucutres. To further enhance the strucutral mechanism of these type of beams, the Slimflor composite structural system has lead as basis for this analysis; by replacing the steel beam with a GFRP pultruded profile. To further increase its composite action, a continuous shear connector has been set as part of the beam cross section as well as its needed reinforcement and fire protection.

L'evoluzione della tutela cautelare nel processo amministrativo

L’effettività della tutela cautelare, intesa come tutela tempestiva, adeguata e piena, è stata la linea cardine dell’evoluzione della giustizia amministrativa, che, nel corso di un periodo durato più di un secolo, grazie all’opera della giurisprudenza e della dottrina, si è strutturata oggi su un vero processo. Approdo recente, e allo stesso tempo, simbolo di questa evoluzione, è sicuramente il Codice del processo amministrativo emanato con il d. lgs. 2 luglio 2010, n. 104. La ricerca, di cui questo contributo costituisce un resoconto, è iniziata contestualmente all’entrata in vigore del nuovo testo, e quindi è stata anche l’occasione per vederne le prime applicazioni giurisprudenziali. In particolare la lettura del Codice, prescindendo da una mera ricognizione di tutto il suo lungo articolato, è stata fatta alla luce di una ponderazione, nell’attualità, non solo del principio di effettività, ma anche del principio di strumentalità che lega tradizionalmente la fase cautelare con la fase di merito. I risultati della ricerca manifestano la volontà del legislatore di confermare questo rapporto strumentale, per fronteggiare una deriva incontrollata verso una cautela dagli effetti alle volte irreversibili, quale verificatasi nell’applicazione giurisprudenziale, ma contestualmente evidenziano la volontà di estendere la portata della tutela cautelare. Guardando a cosa sia diventata oggi la tutela cautelare, si è assistito ad un rafforzamento degli effetti conformativi, tipici delle sentenze di merito ma che si sono estesi alla fase cautelare. I giudici, pur consapevoli che la tutela cautelare non sia una risposta a cognizione piena, bensì sommaria, intendono comunque garantire una tutela tempestiva ed effettiva, anche per il tramite di tecniche processuali particolari, come quella del remand, cui, all’interno della ricerca, viene dedicato ampio spazio. Nella sua ultima parte la ricerca si è focalizzata, sempre volendo guardare in maniera globale agli effetti della tutela cautelare, sul momento dell’esecuzione e quindi sul giudizio di ottemperanza.

La tutela dei lavoratori a tempo determinato in Italia, Francia e Spagna, con spunti per un'analisi comparata

L’attività di ricerca è focalizzata sull’analisi delle normative in materia di contratto di lavoro a termine in Italia, Francia e Spagna. Si tratta di Stati che, al pari del nostro, fanno un grandissimo uso di tale fattispecie, divenuta nei fatti il principale canale di ingresso nel mondo del lavoro, con percentuali complessive di rapporti a tempo determinato anche superiori a quelle italiane. Il confronto con due Paesi a noi vicini da un punto di vista giuridico, culturale e sociale è servito allo scopo di valutare la razionalità e l’opportunità delle profonde modifiche apportate alla disciplina generale da parte del decreto-legge n. 34/2014 (c.d. Decreto Poletti) ed ancora prima dalla riforma del sistema risarcitorio ad opera della legge n. 183/2010. Per ciascun ordinamento sono prese in considerazione le regole finalizzate alla tutela dei diritti dei lavoratori a termine, nonché gli orientamenti giurisprudenziali che hanno contribuito, specie in materia di non discriminazione, ad implementare il livello di protezione della posizione dei lavoratori stessi. Specifica attenzione viene dedicata, inoltre, alla disciplina del pubblico impiego, settore in cui si riscontra spesso un uso distorto delle assunzioni a tempo determinato, come testimoniano le vicende degli agents contractuels francesi e dei lavoratori c.d. indefinidos no fijos de plantilla. La conclusione della tesi è affidata allo studio del contenzioso originato dai tre Stati avanti alla Corte di Giustizia dell’Unione Europea, al fine di isolare eventuali momenti di sintesi delle differenze delle rispettive regolamentazioni. L’elemento aggregante che affiora dai dicta del supremo organo di giustizia comunitario è il principio di stabilità dell’impiego, la cui portata generale e trasversale può essere utile al fine di orientare l’attività produttiva e interpretativa delle norme nazionali nella direzione di un’implementazione delle tutele spettanti ai prestatori di lavoro a termine.

DC MICROGRID STABILIZATION THROUGH FUZZY CONTROL OF INTERLEAVED, HETEROGENEOUS STORAGE ELEMENTS

As microgrid power systems gain prevalence and renewable energy comprises greater and greater portions of distributed generation, energy storage becomes important to offset the higher variance of renewable energy sources and maximize their usefulness. One of the emerging techniques is to utilize a combination of lead-acid batteries and ultracapacitors to provide both short and long-term stabilization to microgrid systems. The different energy and power characteristics of batteries and ultracapacitors imply that they ought to be utilized in different ways. Traditional linear controls can use these energy storage systems to stabilize a power grid, but cannot effect more complex interactions. This research explores a fuzzy logic approach to microgrid stabilization. The ability of a fuzzy logic controller to regulate a dc bus in the presence of source and load fluctuations, in a manner comparable to traditional linear control systems, is explored and demonstrated. Furthermore, the expanded capabilities (such as storage balancing, self-protection, and battery optimization) of a fuzzy logic system over a traditional linear control system are shown. System simulation results are presented and validated through hardware-based experiments. These experiments confirm the capabilities of the fuzzy logic control system to regulate bus voltage, balance storage elements, optimize battery usage, and effect self-protection.

Efficacy and safety of calcium channel blocker/diuretics combination therapy in hypertensive patients: a meta-analysis.

Although recent guidelines recommend the combination of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and thiazide (-like) diuretics, this combination is not widely used in clinical practice. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy and safety of this combination regarding the following endpoints: all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Four studies with a total of 30,791 of patients met the inclusion criteria. The combination CCB/thiazide (-like) diuretic was associated with a significant risk reduction for myocardial infarction (risk ratio [RR], 0.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73-0.95) and stroke (RR, 0.77; CI, 0.64-0.92) compared with other combinations, whereas it was similarly effective compared with other combinations in reducing the risk of all-cause (RR, 0.89; CI, 0.75-1.06) and cardiovascular (RR, 0.89; CI 0.71-1.10) mortality. Elderly patients with isolated systolic hypertension may particularly benefit from such a combination, since both drug classes have been shown to confer cerebrovascular protection.

Valoración de la fiabilidad de una red eléctrica de distribución

En el presente proyecto fin de carrera, se analiza una metodología para evaluar la fiabilidad de redes eléctricas de distribución radiales, en base a criterios de frecuencia y duración de los cortes en el suministro (fallos), tanto a nivel de consumidores finales, como para el sistema de distribución. Se analizan los índices de fiabilidad más comunes, y se modeliza el comportamiento de una red de distribución, incluyendo diferentes elementos de protección. ABSTRACT In this dissertation, we analyse a methodology for assessing the reliability of radial distribution grids from reliability indexes. This assessment is made based on frequency and duration of power cuts criteria at both the end consumer, and global distribution for the system. It discusses the most common reliability indices and models the behaviour of a distribution network, including various elements of protection.

Mechanical actuator for biomimetic propulsion and the effect of the caudal fin elasticity on the swimming performance

This paper presents a mechanical actuator for the biomimetic propulsion of swimming devices and the experimental study of the effect of the caudal fin elasticity on the overall performance. The design of the proposed drive allows the DC motor to operate at constant speed, so all the power of the motor is spent only for the motion of the caudal fin. A prototype of the actuator, in which the caudal fin serves as a driving element, is manufactured and tested in both laboratory and natural conditions. The swimming speed, the thrust efficiency and the maneuverability are evaluated for caudal fins with different stiffness. The caudal fin whose rigidity varies relative to both vertical and horizontal cross-section, exhibits the best performance. The achieved results also confirm that the proposed actuator could be of great interest to applications in the field of underwater operation, ocean investigation and environmental protection.

Diseño del sostenimiento primario y secundario del túnel de aducción de la central hidroeléctrica Renace III

El presente proyecto trata el diseño del sostenimiento y revestimiento del túnel de aducción de la Central hidroeléctrica Renace III. Se ha diseñado un sostenimiento con el fin de cumplir de forma óptima los requisitos funcionales , estructurales y económicos, garantizando de forma primordial la seguridad y durabilidad de la construcción. A partir del conocimiento geológico-geotécnico del macizo encajante se definen mediante clasificaciones geomecánicas divisiones del terreno en función de su calidad. Para cada una de ellas se ha definido una sección tipo de sostenimiento estableciendo sus respectivas especificaciones. A la justificación del cumplimiento de los requisitos se llega mediante distintos métodos empíricos y de cálculo, operando de la misma forma a la hora de decidir el revestimiento. Por último se ha definido la impermeabilización y el plan de auscultación con el fin de garantizar la seguridad y estanqueidad del túnel. ABSTRACT The aim of this project is to design the support and lining of the adduction tunnel in Renace III Hydroelectric Plant. The support has been defined to optimize functional structural and economical demands guaranteeing the tunnel´s safety and durability. Starting with an exhaustive knowledge of the rock mass, divisions of the quality ground by using geomechanical classifications shall be done. Special support for each division has been defined through several empirical and mathematical methods, using the same process to define the lining. Finally, a waterproofing and an auscultation plan has been designed in order to provide sealing and protection

Water, agriculture and ecosystem services in climate change vulnerable agricultural regions of Spain and Jordan

Irrigated agricultural landscapes generate a valuable set of ecosystem services, which are threatened by water scarcity in many aridand semi‐arid regions of the world. In the Mediterranean region, climate change is expected to decrease water availability through reduced precipitation and more frequent drought spells. At the same time, climate change, demographic and economic development and an agricultural sector highly dependent on irrigation, will raise water demand, increasing experienced water scarcity and affecting the provision of ecosystem services from water resources and agro-ecosystems. In this context, policy makers face the challenge of balancing the provision of different ecosystem services, including agricultural income and production and also water ecosystem protection.