Performance analysis of container-based networking solutions for high-performance computing cloud

Recently, cloud service providers have been gradually changing from virtual machine-based cloud infrastructures to container-based cloud-native infrastructures that consider performance and workload-management issues. Several data network performance issues for virtual instances have arisen, and various networking solutions have been newly developed or utilized. In this paper, we propose a solution suitable for a high-performance computing (HPC) cloud through a performance comparison analysis of container-based networking solutions. We constructed a supercomputer-based test-bed cluster to evaluate the serviceability by executing HPC jobs

Technological aids to the efficient assessment of prior earning

Joosten-ten Brinke, D., Van der Klink, M., Kicken, W., & Sloep, P. B. (2011). Technological aids to the efficient Assessment of Prior Learning. In G. Magoulas (Ed.), E-Infrastructures and technologies for lifelong learning: Next generation environments (pp. 316-336). Hershey: IGI Global.It is generally acknowledged that learning and education plays a prominent part throughout employees’ careers across their entire lifespan. In our era of lifelong learning Assessment of Prior Learning (APL) is a powerful means for enhancing employees’ further professional development and learning, formally and informally. Though there is a growing attention for APL, the procedures, design, development and maintenance of APL remain a quite costly and time-consuming experience. After a description of the background and features of APL, this chapter examines the possibilities for re-using and interoperability by means of e-technologies. The chapter discusses the major components of the APL procedure, including the current possibilities for exchange and operability (e.g. specifications of QTI, IMS). The chapter concludes with a description and validation of an educational model of assessment for APL

Quantification and classification of potassium and calcium disorders with the electrocardiogram: What do clinical studies, modeling, and reconstruction tell us?

Diseases caused by alterations of ionic concentrations are frequently observed challenges and play an important role in clinical practice. The clinically established method for the diagnosis of electrolyte concentration imbalance is blood tests. A rapid and non-invasive point-of-care method is yet needed. The electrocardiogram (ECG) could meet this need and becomes an established diagnostic tool allowing home monitoring of the electrolyte concentration also by wearable devices. In this review, we present the current state of potassium and calcium concentration monitoring using the ECG and summarize results from previous work. Selected clinical studies are presented, supporting or questioning the use of the ECG for the monitoring of electrolyte concentration imbalances. Differences in the findings from automatic monitoring studies are discussed, and current studies utilizing machine learning are presented demonstrating the potential of the deep learning approach. Furthermore, we demonstrate the potential of computational modeling approaches to gain insight into the mechanisms of relevant clinical findings and as a tool to obtain synthetic data for methodical improvements in monitoring approaches

Updates and Debate Concerning Margin Adequacy and Management following Breast-Conserving Surgery

Objective: Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) experienced a significant surge during the last decades due to the increase of early breast cancer detection. Central to the discussion is margin adequacy which represents one of the most significant predictive factors for local relapse. This paper aims to shed light on the problem of margins in breast surgery. Mechanism: We performed a systematic narrative review of the literature by conducting a search using Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. The following keywords were considered: "breast-conserving surgery"AND "margins"/"margin". Findings in Brief: In the case of invasive breast cancer, "no ink on tumor"can be considered an adequate margin, while for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a distance of 2 mm from tumor should be obtained. Many novel tools have been developed based both on the latest radiological imaging techniques and on the tissue expression of certain markers, with the aim of precise navigation of tumor excision and intraoperative evaluation of cavity excision margins. Oncoplastic surgery can be considered oncologically safe while improving the cosmetic outcome and patients' quality of life. The appropriate use of adjuvant treatments in the context of a multidisciplinary and personalized management of breast cancer is the only means to omit a second intervention in some carefully selected cases. Conclusions: Debate still exists concerning the definition of adequate clear margin following BCS for DCIS. Further studies are required to better assess multimodal treatment approaches in this condition

Predicting adolescent social networks to stop smoking in secondary schools

Social networks are increasingly being investigated in the context of individual behaviours. Research suggests that friendship connections have the ability to influence individual actions, change personal opinions and subsequently impact upon personal wellbeing. This paper explores the effect of individual friendship selection decisions, and the impact they may have on the overall evolution of a social network. Using data from a large smoking cessation programme in secondary schools, an agent based simulation aiming to predict the evolution of the adolescent social networks is created. The simulation uses existing friendship selection algorithms from link prediction literature, along with a new approach to link prediction, termed PageRank-Max. This new algorithm is based upon the optimisation of an individuals eigen-centrality, and is found to be more successful than existing methods at predicting the future state of an adolescent social network. This research highlights the importance of eigen-centrality in adolescent friendship decisions, and the use of agent-based simulation to conduct behavioural investigations. Furthermore, it provides a proof-of-concept for targeted interventions driven by social network analysis, demonstrating the utility of using emerging sources of social network data for public heath interventions such as with tobacco use which is a major global health challenge