Unified parallel encoding and decoding algorithms for Dandelion-like codes

The Dandelion-like codes are eight bijections between labeled trees and strings of node labels. The literature contains optimal sequential algorithms for these bijections, but no parallel algorithms have been reported. In this paper the first parallel encoding and decoding algorithms for Dandelion-like codes are presented. Namely, a unique encoding algorithm and a unique decoding algorithm, which when properly parameterized, can be used for all Dandelion-like codes, are designed. These algorithms are optimal in the sequential setting. The encoding algorithm implementation on an EREW PRAM is optimal, while the efficient implementation of the decoding algorithm requires concurrent reading.     

Quality adaptive end-to-end packet scheduling to avoid playout interruptions in Internet video streaming systems

In Internet multimedia streaming, the quality of the delivered media can be adapted to the Quality of Service provided by the underlying network, thanks to encoding algorithms. These allow a fine grained enhancement of a low quality base layer at streaming time. The main objective that should be satisfied in such systems is to avoid the starvation of the decoding process and consequent playout interruptions. In this work, we tackle the problem using a control theoretic approach. In particular, we design and implement the novel end-to-end Quality Adaptive Scheduler for properly distributing the network available bandwidth among base and enhancement layers. The developed solution can be adopted in many contexts given that it has been designed without assumptions on the delivered media nor on the protocol stack. Anyway, to test its effectiveness, we have casted it in a H.264/AVC SVC based video streaming architecture for unicast Internet applications. The performance of the scheduler has been experimentally evaluated in both a controlled testbed and several “wild” Internet scenarios, including also UMTS and satellite radio links. Results have clearly demonstrated that our Quality Adaptive Scheduler is able to significantly improve the performance of the video streaming system in all operative conditions.     

Machine Learning With Data Assimilation and Uncertainty Quantification for Dynamical Systems: A Review

Data assimilation (DA) and uncertainty quantification (UQ) are extensively used in analysing and reducing error propagation in high-dimensional spatial-temporal dynamics. Typical applications span from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to geoscience and climate systems. Recently, much effort has been given in combining DA, UQ and machine learning (ML) techniques. These research efforts seek to address some critical challenges in high-dimensional dynamical systems, including but not limited to dynamical system identification, reduced order surrogate modelling, error covariance specification and model error correction. A large number of developed techniques and methodologies exhibit a broad applicability across numerous domains, resulting in the necessity for a comprehensive guide. This paper provides the first overview of state-of-the-art researches in this interdisciplinary field, covering a wide range of applications. This review is aimed at ML scientists who attempt to apply DA and UQ techniques to improve the accuracy and the interpretability of their models, but also at DA and UQ experts who intend to integrate cutting-edge ML approaches to their systems. Therefore, this article has a special focus on how ML methods can overcome the existing limits of DA and UQ, and vice versa. Some exciting perspectives of this rapidly developing research field are also discussed.      

Proteolytic and lipolytic starter cultures and their effect on traditional fermented sausages ripening and sensory traits

In this study, three starter formulations including Lactobacillus curvatus and Staphylococcus xylosus strains selected in vitro on the basis of their lipolytic and proteolytic activities were employed for the manufacture of traditional fermented sausages of southern Italy. Microbial population, proteolysis, lipolysis, changes in free amino acids (FAA) and free fatty acids (FFA) and development of characteristic taste and flavor of the final product were investigated. Proteolysis and lipolysis were observed in sausages inoculated with proteolytic and lipolytic S. xylosus coupled with L. curvatus, while the sausage started with only S. xylosus without lactobacilli was identical to the non-inoculated control, indicating that the proteolysis could be due to both microbial activity and endogenous proteases activated by the decrease in pH. The statistical analysis applied to the instrumental and sensory data showed that there was an effect of the starter used on the characteristics of the sausage obtained. In particular, the control samples showed very close features different from the sausages obtained by adding starter cultures. Finally, analyzing the sensory parameters the sausages ripened without starter addition and those started without the L. curvatus AVL3 showed similar features indicating an influence of the presence of the lactobacilli on the final organoleptic quality of the sausages. An appropriate choice of a combination of strains in a starter formulation is fundamental to obtain products of the expected quality.     

Oxidation of Benzene to Phenol with Hydrogen Peroxide Catalyzed by a Modified Titanium Silicalite (TS‐1B)

The hydroxylation of benzene to phenol with hydrogen peroxide was investigated using different solvents and a series of catalysts, obtained by modification of titanium silicalite (TS‐1). The best results were obtained after post‐synthesis treatment of TS‐1 with NH₄HF₂ and H₂O₂. The new catalyst (TS‐1B), used in the presence of a particular co‐solvent (sulfolane) is able to protect the produced phenol from over‐oxidation and dramatically enhanced the selectivity of the reaction.     

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma with primary location in the oral cavity, extranodal variety. Report of a case

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas with primary localization in the oral cavity are a relatively rare nosological entity which is difficult to diagnose and is generally accompanied by a fatal prognosis. The authors describe a case referred to their attention that presented symptoms such as paresthesia to the lower half lip, local tumefaction, etc, easily attributed to the recent extraction of 3.7. The fact that prompted them to investigate further was precisely the clinical and radiological characteristics which, even if vague, are indicative of non-Hodgkin lymphoma with an oral localization. The authors also examine and discuss the staging techniques and type of polychemotherapy used in this case.     

Selective gold deposition on a nanostructured block copolymer film crystallized by epitaxy

An ordered nanostructure formed by epitaxial crystallization of a semicrystalline block copolymer on a substrate has been used as a patterned template for the selective deposition of thermally evaporated gold nanoparticles, resulting in the formation of structure-guiding host nanocomposites in which the ordered distribution of the guest particles is guided by the ordering of the host nanostructured block copolymer matrix. This opens new perspectives in the field of polymeric composites related to the maximum enhancement of effective physical properties and to the numerous possible applications that arise due to the presence of long-range order in the spatial distribution of functional nanoparticles.      

Large thermal biasing of individual gated nanostructures

We demonstrate very large and uniform temperature gradients up to about 1 K every 100 nm, in an architecture which is compatible with the field-effect control of the nanostructure under test. The temperature gradients demonstrated greatly exceed those typically obtainable with standard resistive heaters fabricated on top of the oxide layer. The nanoheating platform is demonstrated in the specific case of a short-nanowire device.