A performance comparison of the contiguous allocation strategies in 3D mesh connected multicomputers

The performance of contiguous allocation strategies can be significantly affected by the distribution of job execution times. In this paper, the performance of the existing contiguous allocation strategies for 3D mesh multicomputers is re-visited in the context of heavy-tailed distributions (e.g., a Bounded Pareto distribution). The strategies are evaluated and compared using simulation experiments for both First-Come-First-Served (FCFS) and Shortest-Service-Demand (SSD) scheduling strategies under a variety of system loads and system sizes. The results show that the performance of the allocation strategies degrades considerably when job execution times follow a heavy-tailed distribution. Moreover, SSD copes much better than FCFS scheduling strategy in the presence of heavy-tailed job execution times. The results also show that the strategies that depend on a list of allocated sub-meshes for both allocation and deallocation have lower allocation overhead and deliver good system performance in terms of average turnaround time and mean system utilization

Hide-and-seek in a highly human-dominated landscape: insights into movement patterns and selection of resting sites of rehabilitated wolves (Canis lupus) in Northern Italy

Assessing the behavioural responses of floating wolves to human presence is crucial for investigating the chance of wolf populations expanding into urbanised landscapes. We studied the movement ecology of three rehabilitated wolves in a highly human-dominated landscape (Po Plain, Italy) to explore wolf’s plasticity amid widespread human pressure. To reach this aim, we estimated individual 95% utilisation distributions (UD) after the release and inspected both 95% UDs and net squared displacements to identify individual movement patterns; tested for differences in movement patterns during day and night; and analysed the selection of resting sites during dispersal movement in a highly human-altered environment. Both the 95% UDs and step lengths were smaller for wolves settling in suitable areas than for those settling in more urbanised areas. All wolves exhibited strong temporal segregation with humans during all movement phases, particularly while dispersing across highly urbanised areas. Main roads and proximity to built-up areas were shown to limit wolves’ dispersal, whereas small-wooded patches that provide shelter during rest facilitated long-distance movements. This study provides important insights into wolf movement and settling in urban and peri-urban areas, providing critical knowledge to promote human–carnivore coexistenc

An unusual presentation of erythema multiforme in a paediatric patient

Background: Erythema multiforme (EM) is an acute, vesiculobullous disease of skin and mucous membranes with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. A complex interaction of different factors has been implicated the condition; the majority with a preceding herpes simplex infection. This report describes an unusual presentation of erythema multiforme affecting the lips and oral mucosa of a healthy 7-year-old boy in the form of lip adherence. Case report: Two weeks following eruption of oral ulcerations, a 7-year-old healthy boy developed severe erosive ulceration of both lips, causing complete lip adherence. This was accompanied by marked bilateral submandibular and cervical lymphadenopathy, tremor and sweating. Clinical and laboratory investigations led to a diagnosis of erythema multiforme. The patient was treated initially with gentle application of Vaseline between the lips using cotton buds in an attempt to release lip adhesion, followed by surgical release of the lips under general anaesthesia. Analgesics and topical steroid mouthwash were provided. Follow-up: Seven months later, the patient presented with a recurrence of his EM which included lesions on the skin. The patient was treated with antivirals, topical and systematic steroids to suppress the recurrent attacks of EM. Eighteen months following the initial presentation the patient and parent reported considerable decrease in the frequency, severity and duration of the occurrence of intra-oral ulcers, with no major episode of target lesions on the skin. Conclusion: Erythema multiforme is rare in children, however it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of recurrent erosive oral ulcerative lesions especially when the oral lesions resemble those of primary herpetic gingivostomatitis

Charting the value and limits of other effective conservation measures (OECMs) for marine conservation: A Delphi study

Other effective conservation measures (OECMs) will play an important role in the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework as a way for governments to achieve “30 × 30” (30% protection of land and oceans by 2030). However, the policy tool remains relatively new, is expanding from multiple perspectives, and requires clarification. We conducted a Delphi study – a structured technique designed to elicit the insights of a panel of experts – to chart the value and limits of OECMs for marine conservation. Results of the Delphi reveal a high degree of consensus on several core areas of this emerging policy tool. Experts agreed that OECMs can advance equitable and effective conservation. Realizing these opportunities will require strengthening local and Indigenous rights and prioritizing principles of social equity. The panel also agreed on five key challenges, ranging from ensuring that the burden to prove effectiveness does not fall to local communities to securing adequate resources to support OECMs. In contrast, no consensus was reached on how to measure the effectiveness of OECMs, highlighting the need to develop shared monitoring guidelines. Taken together, these findings outline a clear policy and research agenda to support the contributions of OECMs towards equitable, effective, and enduring conservation

Elevated CO2 emissions during magmatic-hydrothermal degassing at Awu Volcano, Sangihe Arc, Indonesia

Awu is a remote and little known active volcano of Indonesia located in the northern part of Molucca Sea. It is the northernmost active volcano of the Sangihe arc with 18 eruptions in less than 4 centuries, causing a cumulative death toll of 11,048. Two of these eruptions were classified with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 4. Since 2004, a lava dome has occupied the centre of Awu crater, channelling the fumarolic gas output along the crater wall. A combined Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) and Multi-component Gas Analyzer System (Multi-GAS) study highlight a relatively small SO2 flux (13 t/d) sustained by mixed magmatic–hydrothermal emissions made-up of 82 mol.% H2O, 15 mol.% CO2, 2.55 mol.% total S (ST) and 0.02 mol.% H2. The CO2 emission budget, as observed during a short observation period in 2015, corresponds to a daily contribution to the atmosphere of 2600 t/d, representing 1% of the global CO2 emission budget from volcanoes. The gas CO2/ST ratio of 3.7 to 7.9 is at the upper limit of the Indonesian gas range, which is ascribed to (i) some extent of S loss during hydrothermal processing, and perhaps (ii) a C-rich signature of the feeding magmatic gas phase. The source of this high CO2 signature and flux is yet to be fully understood; however, given the peculiar geodynamic context of the region, dominated by the arc-to-arc collision, this may result from either the prolonged heating of the slab and consequent production of carbon-rich fluids, or the recycling of crustal carbon

Application of FT-IR spectroscopy to analyze casein in cow milk

AbstractInfrared spectrometry is, at present, the most frequently applied methodology for the composition analysis of milk and dairy products. The determination of fat, protein and lactose has been described during recent decades. The introduction of Fourier Transform Infra-red (FT-IR) technology in combination with the application of multi-dimensional procedures (i.e. principal component regression, partial least squares) has improved this methodology, opening new perspectives for the simultaneous and routinely determination of many new parameters such as casein, urea, specific sugars, etc.. The aim of our study was to develop on MilkoScanTM FT 120 (Foss Electric, Hillerod, Denmark) a calibration curve for the analysis of casein in cow milk and to execute a preliminary validation. The calibration curve was developed on 89 individual milk samples collected from 4 dairy herds in the Grana-Padano cheese district. In order to obtain a higher variability of milk protein content and composition, in each herd m..

Characteristics of the summit lakes of Ambae volcano and their potential for generating lahars

Volcanic eruptions through crater lakes often generate lahars, causing loss of life and property. On Ambae volcano, recent eruptive activities have rather tended to reduce the water volume in the crater lake (Lake Voui), in turn, reducing the chances for outburst floods. Lake Voui occupies a central position in the summit caldera and is well enclosed by the caldera relief. Eruptions with significantly higher magnitude than that of 1995 and 2005 are required for an outburst. A more probable scenario for lahar events is the overflow from Lake Manaro Lakua bounded on the eastern side by the caldera wall. Morphology and bathymetry analysis have been used to identify the weakest point of the caldera rim from which water from Lake Manaro Lakua may overflow to initiate lahars. The 1916 disaster described on south-east Ambae was possibly triggered by such an outburst from Lake Manaro Lakua. Taking into account the current level of Lake Manaro Lakua well below a critical overflow point, and the apparently low potential of Lake Voui eruptions to trigger lahars, the Ambae summit lakes may not be directly responsible for numerous lahar deposits identified around the Island