Guidance Notes for Cloud Research Users

There is a rapidly increasing range of research activities which involve the outsourcing of computing and storage resources to public Cloud Service Providers (CSPs), who provide managed and scalable resources virtualised as a single service. For example Amazon Elastic Computing Cloud (EC2) and Simple Storage Service (S3) are two widely adopted open cloud solutions, which aim at providing pooled computing and storage services and charge users according to their weighted resource usage. Other examples include employment of Google Application Engine and Microsoft Azure as development platforms for research applications. Despite a lot of activity and publication on cloud computing, the term itself and the technologies that underpin it are still confusing to many. This note, as one of deliverables of the TeciRes project1, provides guidance to researchers who are potential end users of public CSPs for research activities. The note contains information to researchers on: •The difference between and relation to current research computing models •The considerations that have to be taken into account before moving to cloud-aided research •The issues associated with cloud computing for research that are currently being investigated •Tips and tricks when using cloud computing Readers who are interested in provisioning cloud capabilities for research should also refer to our guidance notes to cloud infrastructure service providers. This guidance notes focuses on technical aspects only. Readers who are interested in non-technical guidance should refer to the briefing paper produced by the “using cloud computing for research” project

Managing Dynamic Enterprise and Urgent Workloads on Clouds Using Layered Queuing and Historical Performance Models

The automatic allocation of enterprise workload to resources can be enhanced by being able to make what-if response time predictions whilst different allocations are being considered. We experimentally investigate an historical and a layered queuing performance model and show how they can provide a good level of support for a dynamic-urgent cloud environment. Using this we define, implement and experimentally investigate the effectiveness of a prediction-based cloud workload and resource management algorithm. Based on these experimental analyses we: i.) comparatively evaluate the layered queuing and historical techniques; ii.) evaluate the effectiveness of the management algorithm in different operating scenarios; and iii.) provide guidance on using prediction-based workload and resource management

Potential impact of climate change on the geographical distribution of two wild vectors of Chagas disease in Chile: Mepraia spinolai and Mepraia gajardoi

Background: Mepraia gajardoi and Mepraia spinolai are endemic triatomine vector species of Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasite that causes Chagas disease. These vectors inhabit arid, semiarid and Mediterranean areas of Chile. Mepraia gajardoi occurs from 18° to 25°S, and M. spinolai from 26° to 34°S. Even though both species are involved in T. cruzi transmission in the Pacific side of the Southern Cone of South America, no study has modelled their distributions at a regional scale. Therefore, the aim of this study is to estimate the potential geographical distribution of M. spinolai and M. gajardoi under current and future climate scenarios. Methods: We used the Maxent algorithm to model the ecological niche of M. spinolai and M. gajardoi, estimating their potential distributions from current climate information and projecting their distributions to future climatic conditions under representative concentration pathways (RCP) 2.6, 4.5, 6.0 and 8.5 scenarios. Future predictions of suitability were constructed considering both higher and lower public health risk situations. Results: The current potential distributions of both species were broader than their known ranges. For both species, climate change projections for 2070 in RCP 2.6, 4.5, 6.0 and 8.5 scenarios showed different results depending on the methodology used. The higher risk situation showed new suitable areas, but the lower risk situation modelled a net reduction in the future potential distribution areas of M. spinolai and M. gajardoi. Conclusions: The suitable areas for both species may be greater than currently known, generating new challenges in terms of vector control and prevention. Under future climate conditions, these species could modify their potential geographical range. Preventive measures to avoid accidental human vectorial transmission by wild vectors of T. cruzi become critical considering the uncertainty of future suitable areas projected in this study.Fil: Garrido Sanchis, Rubén. Universidad de Chile; Chile. Universidad Católica del Maule; ChileFil: Bacigalupo, Antonella. Universidad de Chile; ChileFil: Peña Gómez, Francisco. Universidad de Chile; ChileFil: Bustamante, Ramiro O.. Universidad de Chile; ChileFil: Cattan, Pedro E.. Universidad de Chile; ChileFil: Gorla, David Eladio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal; ArgentinaFil: Botto Mahan, Carezza. Universidad de Chile; Chil

Business consulting – banco de alimentos del Perú

El Banco de Alimentos del Perú, conocido también como BAP, es una organización no gubernamental (ONG) sin fines de lucro que inició operaciones en el año 2014 con el objetivo de darle valor social a los productos que perdieron valor comercial. La organización asume el rol de intermediario entre las empresas donantes y las organizaciones sociales, generando trazabilidad y seguimiento a las donaciones para asegurar su buen uso. Los beneficios percibidos por las empresas donantes son: (a) reducción de costos administrativos y de almacenamiento; (b) escudo fiscal respaldado con certificados de donación, y (c) fortalecimiento de la marca con la generación de alianzas estratégicas entre las empresas y el BAP. El objetivo de la consultoría fue identificar el problema principal que no le permite al BAP alcanzar sus objetivos, analizando las principales causas y proponiendo un plan que les permita superarlo. Se encontró que el problema principal gira en torno al no-logro de la meta anual de alimentos rescatados que permitan asegurar una regularidad del 70% a las organizaciones sociales registradas con el BAP. La meta anual del Banco de Alimentos para el 2019 es de 3,105 toneladas rescatadas, que equivale a 35% más que el 2018, asimismo esperan crecer en diez nuevas organizaciones sociales. Luego de varias reuniones de trabajo con el BAP, se detectó que la causa raíz a su problema estaría relacionada con la baja difusión que tienen, actualmente, tanto la marca como su propuesta de valor. Es con base en el análisis externo e interno y la literatura investigada que se propone una serie de acciones para que el BAP pueda alcanzar sus objetivos, reforzando su propuesta de valor, planteando una estrategia de comunicación segmentada y estableciendo un sistema de medición que corrobore el impacto generado por las iniciativas recomendadas.The Food Bank of Peru, also known as BAP, is a non-profit non-governmental organization (NGO) that started operations in 2014 with the will of giving social value to products that lost commercial value. The organization assumes the role of intermediary between donor companies and social organizations, generating traceability and follow-up on donations to ensure their good use. The benefits perceived by the donor companies are: (a) reduction of administrative and storage costs; (b) fiscal shield backed with donation certificates, and (c) strengthening of the brand with the generation of strategic alliances between the companies and the BAP. The objective of the consultancy was to identify the main problem that does not allow the BAP to reach its objectives, analyzing the main causes and proposing a plan that allows them to overcome it. It was found that the main problem revolves around the nonachievement of the annual goal of rescued food that allows ensuring a regularity of 70% to social organizations registered with the BAP. The annual goal of the BAP for 2019 is 3,105 tons rescued, which is equivalent to 35% more than 2018, also expect to grow in ten new social organizations. After several meetings with the BAP, it was detected that the root cause of their problem would be related to the low diffusion that both the brand and its value proposition currently have. It is based on the external and internal analysis and the researched literature that several actions are proposed so that the BAP can reach its objectives, reinforcing its value proposal, proposing a segmented communication strategy and establishing a measurement system that corroborates the impact generated by the recommended initiatives.Tesi

Evaluación del efecto terapéutico de una nueva formulación hipotensora en un modelo de glaucoma en conejos

Evaluar y comparar la eficacia y toxicidad de una formulación hipotensora ocular compuesta por cristales líquidos liotrópicos nanométricos (cubosomas) (CLL) y latanoprost 0,005% (LT) en un modelo de glaucoma en conejos.Materiales y métodos: Se utilizaron 24 conejos hembra divididos en cuatro grupos: 1) normotensos oculares (NTO) tratados con CLL-LT; 2) NTO tratados con LT comercial (Louten® solución); 3) hipertensos oculares (HTO) tratados con CLL-LT, y 4) HTO tratados con LT comercial.La inducción del modelo de glaucoma se realizó con una inyección de 0,1 ml de α-quimiotripsina (3 mg/ml) en cámara posterior del ojo derecho. La forma de administración del tratamiento fue con una única inyección subconjuntival (50 μl) de las formulaciones en estudio. Se evaluaron midiendo la PIO una vez al día durante una semana al igual que la valoración clínica. Los datos se analizaron utilizando test t para muestras independientes, considerando p<0,05 para diferencias significativas. Resultados: Los CLL-LT disminuyeron la PIO en conejos HTO ~20% y en NTO ~25%. En compa-ración con la solución comercial, CLL-LT generó un mayor descenso (p<0,05). La irritación inicial pos-inyección cedió en 24 horas. Conclusión: El CLL-LT resultó ser más efectivo para reducir la PIO que la solución comercial en conejos NTO y con HTO, sin presentar daños per-manentes en la superficie ocular.Fil: Guaycochea, Mariana Andrea. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Departamento de Fisiología Humana y Física Biomedica. Cátedra de Física Biomedica; ArgentinaFil: Bessone, Carolina del Valle. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo en Tecnología Farmacéutica. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo en Tecnología Farmacéutica; ArgentinaFil: Bacigalupo, Lucía. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Departamento de Fisiología Humana y Física Biomedica. Cátedra de Física Biomedica; ArgentinaFil: Cremonezzi, David César. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina; ArgentinaFil: Allemandi, Daniel Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo en Tecnología Farmacéutica. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo en Tecnología Farmacéutica; ArgentinaFil: Campana, Vilma. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Departamento de Fisiología Humana y Física Biomedica. Cátedra de Física Biomedica; ArgentinaFil: Tártara, Luis Ignacio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo en Tecnología Farmacéutica. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo en Tecnología Farmacéutica; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Departamento de Fisiología Humana y Física Biomedica. Cátedra de Física Biomedica; Argentin

Acute graft versus host disease

Acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) occurs after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant and is a reaction of donor immune cells against host tissues. Activated donor T cells damage host epithelial cells after an inflammatory cascade that begins with the preparative regimen. About 35%–50% of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients will develop acute GVHD. The exact risk is dependent on the stem cell source, age of the patient, conditioning, and GVHD prophylaxis used. Given the number of transplants performed, we can expect about 5500 patients/year to develop acute GVHD. Patients can have involvement of three organs: skin (rash/dermatitis), liver (hepatitis/jaundice), and gastrointestinal tract (abdominal pain/diarrhea). One or more organs may be involved. GVHD is a clinical diagnosis that may be supported with appropriate biopsies. The reason to pursue a tissue biopsy is to help differentiate from other diagnoses which may mimic GVHD, such as viral infection (hepatitis, colitis) or drug reaction (causing skin rash). Acute GVHD is staged and graded (grade 0-IV) by the number and extent of organ involvement. Patients with grade III/IV acute GVHD tend to have a poor outcome. Generally the patient is treated by optimizing their immunosuppression and adding methylprednisolone. About 50% of patients will have a solid response to methylprednisolone. If patients progress after 3 days or are not improved after 7 days, they will get salvage (second-line) immunosuppressive therapy for which there is currently no standard-of-care. Well-organized clinical trials are imperative to better define second-line therapies for this disease. Additional management issues are attention to wound infections in skin GVHD and fluid/nutrition management in gastrointestinal GVHD. About 50% of patients with acute GVHD will eventually have manifestations of chronic GVHD

Ruxolitinib for Glucocorticoid-Refractory Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease

BACKGROUND: Acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remains a major limitation of allogeneic stem-cell transplantation; not all patients have a response to standard glucocorticoid treatment. In a phase 2 trial, ruxolitinib, a selective Janus kinase (JAK1 and JAK2) inhibitor, showed potential efficacy in patients with glucocorticoid-refractory acute GVHD. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, randomized, open-label, phase 3 trial comparing the efficacy and safety of oral ruxolitinib (10 mg twice daily) with the investigator's choice of therapy from a list of nine commonly used options (control) in patients 12 years of age or older who had glucocorticoid-refractory acute GVHD after allogeneic stem-cell transplantation. The primary end point was overall response (complete response or partial response) at day 28. The key secondary end point was durable overall response at day 56. RESULTS: A total of 309 patients underwent randomization; 154 patients were assigned to the ruxolitinib group and 155 to the control group. Overall response at day 28 was higher in the ruxolitinib group than in the control group (62% [96 patients] vs. 39% [61]; odds ratio, 2.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65 to 4.22; P<0.001). Durable overall response at day 56 was higher in the ruxolitinib group than in the control group (40% [61 patients] vs. 22% [34]; odds ratio, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.43 to 3.94; P<0.001). The estimated cumulative incidence of loss of response at 6 months was 10% in the ruxolitinib group and 39% in the control group. The median failure-free survival was considerably longer with ruxolitinib than with control (5.0 months vs. 1.0 month; hazard ratio for relapse or progression of hematologic disease, non-relapse-related death, or addition of new systemic therapy for acute GVHD, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.35 to 0.60). The median overall survival was 11.1 months in the ruxolitinib group and 6.5 months in the control group (hazard ratio for death, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.60 to 1.15). The most common adverse events up to day 28 were thrombocytopenia (in 50 of 152 patients [33%] in the ruxolitinib group and 27 of 150 [18%] in the control group), anemia (in 46 [30%] and 42 [28%], respectively), and cytomegalovirus infection (in 39 [26%] and 31 [21%]). CONCLUSIONS: Ruxolitinib therapy led to significant improvements in efficacy outcomes, with a higher incidence of thrombocytopenia, the most frequent toxic effect, than that observed with control therapy

A Categorisation of Cloud Computing Business Models

This paper reviews current cloud computing business models and presents proposals on how organisations can achieve sustainability by adopting appropriate models. We classify cloudcomputing business models into eight types: (1) Service Provider and Service Orientation; (2) Support and Services Contracts; (3) In-House Private Clouds; (4) All-In-One Enterprise Cloud; (5) One-Stop Resources and Services; (6) Government Funding; (7) Venture Capitals; and (8) Entertainment and Social Networking. Using the Jericho Forum’s ‘Cloud Cube Model’ (CCM), the paper presents a summary of the eight business models. We discuss how the CCM fits into each business model, and then based on this discuss each business model’s strengths and weaknesses. We hope adopting an appropriate cloud computing business model will help organisations investing in this technology to stand firm in the economic downturn

Using Cloud for Research: A Technical Review

The purpose of the TeciRes project was to conduct a technical review of the current landscape within cloud computing to establish the extent to which existing solutions meet encountered and envisioned requirements for using emerging cloud technologies, in particular those which enable computing and storage cloud facilities for research in Higher Education (HE) institutions, and to make recommendations on further development, guidance, and standardisation. The TeciRes project is one of three parallel projects funded by JISC, the other two complementary projects being a review of “using cloud computing” focusing on cloud use cases from users’ perspectives, and a review of “environmental and organisational” implications of cloud computing” in Higher Education (HE) and further education sectors. This project combined expert consultancy and desk research approaches. The project started with stakeholder analysis, case studies from HE institutions and research departments, and a close collaboration with the “using cloud for research” group, while paying particular attention to technical requirements and issues. The project team attended research conferences and organised workshops to enrich its understanding of technical requirements, challenges, available solutions, and ongoing technical research activities. Continuous desk research was ongoing throughout the project for information consolidation, reviewing available and emerging standards, and technical prototyping. This technical review and two guidance notes (cloud computing for research, technical issues on cloud computing for research) are available on the project website . During the course of the TeciRes project, the number of Cloud-related workshops and conferences, along with white papers and publications, has greatly risen. In part this shows the interest, both commercial and academically, of this field. The outputs from the project are a reflection of an extensive literature research focused on the issues that practitioners in the field are facing. Where possible the report tries to show how they have overcome these problems. There are still many questions unanswered, in part because cloud computing for research is still only a concept to many or has only been tried on a small scale. Recommendations Recommendation 1: JISC SHOULD continue support for proofs of concept of using cloud for research. Cloud computing is in its infancy; hence a number of proof of concept application are need in order to give a baseline understanding/measure from which to assess the usefulness of cloud computing for research. Recommendation 2: JISC SHOULD stimulate cloud-based shared service delivery. Various JISC committees have invested considerable time and resources in developing shared services in a non-cloud context. Hence there are a number of existing shared services in the Grid and VRE space that can be migrated to the cloud for research, and there are new services to be developed, including the need to provide management software for virtual machine images. This will allow Universities to explore the appropriateness of various cloud types and also their ‘green’ credentials. More detailed recommendations related to environmental issues can be found in the final report of review of the environmental and organisational implications of cloud computing in Higher and Further Education. Recommendation 3: JISC COULD work with international standard bodies, for instance Open Cloud Computing Interface, a working group in OGF, or similar non-grid organisations. This will require funding and efforts, however, on standards adoption through reference implementations. Recommendation 4: JISC COULD fund various cloud service facilities, particularly storage and data cloud facilities, to explore data security and privacy as highlighted areas of concern from practitioners and stakeholders. Funding projects in this area will allow researchers to provide alternative methods of sharing research data inside UK research communities, with enhanced security and data privacy. Recommendation 5: JISC MAY fund large scale institutional and cross institutional clouds for research. This could be informed by the work of the NGS cloud pilot project currently underway, with a view to providing cloud services on the NGS structure