Modeling cost saving and innovativeness for blockchain technology adoption by energy management

In developed nations, the advent of distributed ledger technology is emerging as a new instrument for improving the traditional system in developing nations. Indeed, adopting blockchain technology is a necessary condition for the coming future of organizations. The distributed ledger technology provides better transparency and visibility. This study investigated the features that may influence the behavioral intention of energy experts to implement the distributed ledger technology for the energy management of developing countries. The proposed model is based on the Technology Acceptance Model construct and the diffusion of the innovation construct. Based on a survey of 178 experts working in the energy sector, the proposed model was tested using structural equation modeling. The findings showed that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitude, and cost saving had a positive and significant impact during the blockchain technology adoption. However, innovativeness showed a positive effect on the perceived ease of use whereas an insignificant impact on the perceived usefulness. The present study offers a holistic model for the implementation of innovative technologies. For the developers, it suggest rising disruptive technology solutions

From FPGA to ASIC: A RISC-V processor experience

This work document a correct design flow using these tools in the Lagarto RISC- V Processor and the RTL design considerations that must be taken into account, to move from a design for FPGA to design for ASIC

A Systematic Literature Review of the Adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) on Life Cycle Cost (LCC)

The need for embedding sustainability in construction development contributed to the introduction of Building information Modelling (BIM) to be adopted into the Life Cycle Cost (LCC) process. Through BIM, project information used during design can be shared to estimate the project’s end of life costs. LCC enables to assess the overall cost of an asset (building) through its life cycle via functionalities including the original investment costs, maintenance expenses, operating expenses, and the remaining value of the asset at the end of its life. The objective of this paper is to discuss the merging of BIM into LCC through four prevalent aspects; methodology, design software used, benefits, and challenges. A total of 20 studies were reviewed upon filtering process using PRISMA method. These studies discussed at least one of the aspects mentioned and contributed to the information regarding BIM and LCC. This paper thus aims to expanding studies on BIM adoption on LCC through the collected information sourced from peer-reviewed publications

Treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer with Bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG): Biological markers and simulation studies

AbstractIntravesical Bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG) vaccine is the preferred first line treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder carcinoma (NMIBC) in order to prevent recurrence and progression of cancer. There is ongoing need for the rational selection of i) BCG dose, ii) frequency of BCG administration along with iii) synergistic adjuvant therapy and iv) a reliable set of biochemical markers relevant to tumor response. In this review we evaluate cellular and molecular markers pertinent to the immunological response triggered by the BCG instillation and respective mathematical models of the treatment. Specific examples of markers include diverse immune cells, genetic polymorphisms, miRNAs, epigenetics, immunohistochemistry and molecular biology ‘beacons’ as exemplified by cell surface proteins, cytokines, signaling proteins and enzymes. We identified tumor associated macrophages (TAMs), human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I, a combination of Ki-67/CK20, IL-2, IL-8 and IL-6/IL-10 ratio as the most promising markers for both pre-BCG and post-BCG treatment suitable for the simulation studies.The intricate and patient-specific nature of these data warrants the use of powerful multi-parametral mathematical methods in combination with molecular/cellular biology insight and clinical input

3D computational modeling and perceptual analysis of kinetic depth effects

Humans have the ability to perceive kinetic depth effects, i.e., to perceived 3D shapes from 2D projections of rotating 3D objects. This process is based on a variety of visual cues such as lighting and shading effects. However, when such cues are weak or missing, perception can become faulty, as demonstrated by the famous silhouette illusion example of the spinning dancer. Inspired by this, we establish objective and subjective evaluation models of rotated 3D objects by taking their projected 2D images as input. We investigate five different cues: ambient luminance, shading, rotation speed, perspective, and color difference between the objects and background. In the objective evaluation model, we first apply 3D reconstruction algorithms to obtain an objective reconstruction quality metric, and then use quadratic stepwise regression analysis to determine weights of depth cues to represent the reconstruction quality. In the subjective evaluation model, we use a comprehensive user study to reveal correlations with reaction time and accuracy, rotation speed, and perspective. The two evaluation models are generally consistent, and potentially of benefit to inter-disciplinary research into visual perception and 3D reconstruction

Lost in modelling and simulation?

Over the past few decades, physiologically-based pharmacokinetic modelling (PBPK) has been anticipated to be a powerful tool to improve the productivity of drug discovery and development. However, recently, multiple systematic evaluation studies independently suggested that the predictive power of current oral absorption (OA) PBPK models needs significant improvement. There is some disagreement between the industry and regulators about the credibility of OA PBPK modelling. Recently, the editorial board of AMDET&DMPK has announced the policy for the articles related to PBPK modelling (Modelling and simulation ethics). In this feature article, the background of this policy is explained: (1) Requirements for scientific writing of PBPK modelling, (2) Scientific literacy for PBPK modelling, and (3) Middle-out approaches. PBPK models are a useful tool if used correctly. This article will hopefully help advance the science of OA PBPK models.