Response time analysis in distributed real-time systems: An improvement based on best-case finalization time analysis

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АНАЛІЗ ВІДМІННОСТЕЙ РЕГІОНАЛЬНОГО РОЗВИТКУ В УМОВАХ СОЦІАЛЬНОЇ КРИЗИ В УКРАЇНІ

The article proposes an approach to assessing the level of the social crisis in Ukraine, based on the use of expert assessment, factor analysis and cluster analysis. The authors identify the factors that most influence the crisis processes in Ukrainian society, namely: living standards, unemployment, the ecological situation in Ukraine, political instability, corrupt authorities, social security and economic situation. For the analysis of the social crisis in the regions expert data and statistical data were used which allowed to identify a more adequate and realistic state of affairs. On the basis of the factors that form the social crisis in the regions, the classification of regions of Ukraine of the group with high, medium and low level of social crisis has been carried out. This analysis will allow to affect the state of development of social processes in the regions with the implementation of programs of socio–economic development.В статье предложен подход к оценке уровня социального кризиса в Украине, основанный на использовании методов экспертной оценки, факторного и кластерного анализа. Авторами выявлены факторы, наиболее влияющие на кризисные процессы в украинском обществе, а именно: уровень жизни, уровень безработицы, экологическая ситуация в Украине, политическая нестабильность, коррумпированность власти, социальная безопасность и материальное положение. Для анализа социального кризиса в регионах были использованы данные, полученные экспертным путем, и статистические данные, что позволило определить более адекватную и реальную оценку состояния вещей. На основе факторов, формирующих социальный кризис в регионах, осуществлена классификация регионов Украины на группы с высоким, средним и низким уровнем социального кризиса. Проведенный анализ позволит учитывать состояние развития социальных процессов в регионах при внедрении программ социально–экономического развития.У статті запропоновано підхід до оцінки рівня соціальної кризи в Україні, що базується на використанні методів експертного оцінювання, факторного та кластерного аналізу. Авторами виявлено фактори, що найбільше впливають на кризові процеси в українському суспільстві, а саме: рівень життя, рівень безробіття, екологічна ситуація в Україні, політична нестабільність, корумпованість влади, соціальна безпека та матеріальне становище. Для аналізу соціальної кризи в регіонах було використано дані, отримані експертним шляхом, та статистичні дані, що дозволило визначити більш адекватну і реальну оцінку стану речей. На основі факторів, які формують соціальну кризу в регіонах, здійснено класифікацію регіонів України на групи з високим, середнім та низьким рівнем соціальної кризи. Здійснений аналіз дозволить враховувати стан розвитку соціальних процесів у регіонах при впровадженні програм соціально–економічного розвитку

System Architecture for 3D Gravity Modelling

A flexible software architecture for gravity modelling is establishedand the advantage is discussed of having several alternative programs tohandle complex 3D models. The flexible architecture consists of four parts, implemented in a distributed computer environment:the three-dimensional model builders and visualizers (GOCADsoftware, version 7.0), the model representation translators (GOCADsoftware or GEOMOD sofware), the forward simulation algorithmsof gravimetric data (alpplying Talwani-Ewing and Goetze- Lahmeyermethods in the finite-element representation class), and the inversion(model updating) scheme manager based on the Cordell - Hendersoninversion procedure.A good software architecture should at least keep the model building and updating software separate from the forward simulation software. Inversion schemes can then be realized by communication between the two parts of software.Several synthetic cascs are shown to demonstrate the use and thecapability of the architecture and methods applied. The gravity fieldsof complex 3D models, i.e. overhanging and non-overhanging saltdomes, are simulated. The gravimetric anomalies for both cases havevery similar shapes. Gravity modelling can distinguish between these,because the existing mass differences result in anomaly differencesboth for surface profiles and X-sections. The capability of the inversionprocedure is also shown in the discussed synthetic case. The inversion manager is able to create the global structural forms representedas a horizon with constant density contrast (a two-layer model) from residual gravity anomalies.</div

Geometric estimation of volcanic eruption column height from GOES-R near-limb imagery-Part 2: Case studies

In a companion paper (Horváth et al., 2021), we introduced a new technique to estimate volcanic eruption column height from extremely oblique near-limb geostationary views. The current paper demonstrates and validates the technique in a number of recent eruptions, ranging from ones with weak columnar plumes to subplinian events with massive umbrella clouds and overshooting tops that penetrate the stratosphere. Due to its purely geometric nature, the new method is shown to be unaffected by the limitations of the traditional brightness temperature method, such as height underestimation in subpixel and semitransparent plumes, ambiguous solutions near the tropopause temperature inversion, or the lack of solutions in undercooled plumes. The side view height estimates were in good agreement with plume heights derived from ground-based video and satellite stereo observations, suggesting they can be a useful complement to established techniques

Immunomagnetic t-lymphocyte depletion (ITLD) of rat bone marrow using OX-19 monoclonal antibody

Graft versus host disease (GVHD) may be abrogated and host survival prolonged by in vitro depletion of T lymphocytes from bone marrow (BM) prior to allotransplantation. Using a mouse anti-rat pan T-lymphocyte monoclonal antibody (0×19) bound to monosized, magnetic, polymer beads, T lymphocytes were removed in vitro from normal bone marrow. The removal of the T lymphocytes was confirmed by flow cytometry. Injection of the T-lymphocyte-depleted bone marrow into fully allogeneic rats prevents the induction of GVHD and prolongs host survival. A highly efficient technique of T-lymphocyte depletion using rat bone marrow is described. It involves the binding of OX-19, a MoAb directed against all rat thy-mocytes and mature peripheral T lymphocytes, to monosized, magnetic polymer spheres. Magnetic separation of T lymphocytes after mixing the allogeneic bone marrow with the bead/OX-19 complex provides for a simple, rapid depletion of T lymphocytes from the bone marrow. In vitro studies using flow cytometry and the prevention of GVHD in a fully allogeneic rat bone marrow model have been used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the depletion procedure. © 1989 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted

Validation of skeletal muscle mass assessment at the level of the third cervical vertebra in patients with head and neck cancer

Background: Low skeletal muscle mass (SMM) is associated with adverse outcomes. SMM is often assessed at the third lumbar vertebra (L3) on abdominal imaging. Abdominal imaging is not routinely performed in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). We aim to validate SMM measurement at the level of the third cervical vertebra (C3) on head and neck imaging. Material and methods: Patients with pre-treatment whole-body computed tomography (CT) between 2010 and 2018 were included. Cross-sectional muscle area (CSMA) was manually delineated at the level of C3 and L3. Correlation coefficients and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated. Cohen's kappa was used to assess the reliability of identifying a patient with low SMM. Results: Two hundred patients were included. Correlation between CSMA at the level of C3 and L3 was good (r = 0.75, p < 0.01). Using a multivariate formula to estimate CSMA at L3, including gender, age, and weight, correlation improved (r = 0.82, p < 0.01). The agreement between estimated and actual CSMA at L3 was good (ICC 0.78, p < 0.01). There was moderate agreement in the identification of patients with low SMM based on the estimated lumbar skeletal muscle mass index (LSMI) and actual LSMI (Cohen's κ: 0.57, 95%CI 0.45–0.69). Conclusions: CSMA at C3 correlates well with CSMA at L3. There is moderate agreement in the identification of patients with low SMM based on the estimated lumbar SMI (based on measurement at C3) and actual LSMI

Epistemic policy networks in the European Union’s CBRN risk mitigation policy

This paper offers insights into an innovative and currently flagship approach of the European Union (EU) to the mitigation of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) risks. Building on its long-time experience in the CBRN field, the EU has incorporated methods familiar to the students of international security governance: it is establishing regional networks of experts and expertise. CBRN Centers of Excellence, as they are officially called, aim to contribute to the security and safety culture in different parts of Africa, the Middle East, South East Asia, and South East Europe, in the broadly construed CBRN area. These regional networks represent a modern form of security cooperation, which can be conceptualized as an epistemic policy networks approach. It offers flexibility to the participating states, which have different incentives to get involved. At the same, however, the paper identifies potential limitations and challenges of epistemic policy networks in this form

Efficacy and safety of rozanolixizumab in moderate to severe generalized myasthenia gravis : a phase 2 randomized control trial

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of subcutaneous (SC) rozanolixizumab, an anti-neonatal Fc receptor humanized monoclonal antibody, in patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). METHODS: In this phase 2a, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-period, multicenter trial (NCT03052751), patients were randomized (1:1) in period 1 (days 1-29) to 3 once-weekly (Q1W) SC infusions of rozanolixizumab 7 mg/kg or placebo. In period 2 (days 29-43), patients were re-randomized to either rozanolixizumab 7 mg/kg or 4 mg/kg (3 Q1W SC infusions), followed by an observation period (days 44-99). Primary endpoint was change from baseline to day 29 in Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) score. Secondary endpoints were change from baseline to day 29 in MG-Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) and MG-Composite (MGC) scores and safety. RESULTS: Forty-three patients were randomized (rozanolixizumab 21, placebo 22 [period 1]). Least squares (LS) mean change from baseline to day 29 for rozanolixizumab vs placebo was as follows: QMG (LS mean -1.8 vs -1.2, difference -0.7, 95% upper confidence limit [UCL] 0.8; p = 0.221; not statistically significant), MG-ADL (LS mean -1.8 vs -0.4, difference -1.4, 95% UCL -0.4), and MGC (LS mean -3.1 vs -1.2, difference -1.8, 95% UCL 0.4) scores. Efficacy measures continued to improve with rozanolixizumab 7 mg/kg in period 2. The most common adverse event in period 1 was headache (rozanolixizumab 57%, placebo 14%). CONCLUSION: Whereas change from baseline in QMG was not statistically significant, the data overall suggest rozanolixizumab may provide clinical benefit in patients with gMG and was generally well tolerated. Phase 3 evaluation is ongoing (NCT03971422). CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class I evidence that for patients with gMG, rozanolixizumab is well-tolerated, but did not significantly improve QMG score

Long-term safety and efficacy of subcutaneous immunoglobulin IgPro20 in CIDP PATH extension study

PATH study group.[Objective] To investigate the long-term safety and efficacy of weekly subcutaneous IgPro20 (Hizentra, CSL Behring) in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).[Methods] In a 48-week open-label prospective extension study to the PATH study, patients were initially started on 0.2 g/kg or on 0.4 g/kg weekly and—if clinically stable—switched to 0.2 g/kg weekly after 24 weeks. Upon CIDP relapse on the 0.2 g/kg dose, 0.4 g/kg was (re)initiated. CIDP relapse was defined as a deterioration by at least 1 point in the total adjusted Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment score.[Results] Eighty-two patients were enrolled. Sixty-two patients initially received 0.4 g/kg, 20 patients 0.2 g/kg weekly. Seventy-two received both doses during the study. Sixty-six patients (81%) completed the 48-week study duration. Overall relapse rates were 10% in 0.4 g/kg–treated patients and 48% in 0.2 g/kg–treated patients. After dose reduction from 0.4 to 0.2 g/kg, 51% (27/53) of patients relapsed, of whom 92% (24 of 26) improved after reinitiation of the 0.4 g/kg dose. Two-thirds of patients (19/28) who completed the PATH study without relapse remained relapse-free on the 0.2 g/kg dose after dose reduction in the extension study. Sixty-two patients had adverse events (AEs) (76%), of which most were mild or moderate with no related serious AEs.[Conclusions] Subcutaneous treatment with IgPro20 provided long-term benefit at both 0.4 and 0.2 g/kg weekly doses with lower relapse rates on the higher dose. Long-term dosing should be individualized to find the most appropriate dose in a given patient. Classification of evidence This study provides Class IV evidence that for patients with CIDP, long-term treatment with SCIG beyond 24 weeks is safe and efficacious.This study was supported by CSL Behring

Subcutaneous immunoglobulin for maintenance treatment in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (PATH) : a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial

Mika Saarela työryhmän jäsenenä.Background Approximately two-thirds of patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) need long-term intravenous immunoglobulin. Subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) is an alternative option for immunoglobulin delivery, but has not previously been investigated in a large trial of CIDP. The PATH study compared relapse rates in patients given SCIg versus placebo. Methods Between March 12, 2012, and Sept 20, 2016, we studied patients from 69 neuromuscular centres in North America, Europe, Israel, Australia, and Japan. Adults with definite or probable CIDP who responded to intravenous immunoglobulin treatment were eligible. We randomly allocated participants to 0.2 g/kg or 0.4 g/kg of a 20% SCIg solution (IgPro20) weekly versus placebo (2% human albumin solution) for maintenance treatment for 24 weeks. We did randomisation in a 1: 1:1 ratio with an interactive voice and web response system with a block size of six, stratified by region (Japan or non-Japan). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with a CIDP relapse or who were withdrawn for any other reason during 24 weeks of treatment. Patients, caregivers, and study personnel, including those assessing outcomes, were masked to treatment assignment. Analyses were done in the intention-to-treat and per-protocol sets. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials. gov, number NCT01545076. Findings In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we randomly allocated 172 patients: 57 (33%) to the placebo group, 57 (33%) to the low-dose group, and 58 (34%) to the high-dose group. In the intention-to-treat set, 36 (63% [95% CI 50-74]) patients on placebo, 22 (39% [27-52]) on low-dose SCIg, and 19 (33% [22-46]) on high-dose SCIg had a relapse or were withdrawn from the study for other reasons (p=0.0007). Absolute risk reductions were 25% (95% CI 6-41) for low-dose versus placebo (p=0.007), 30% (12-46) for high-dose versus placebo (p=0.001), and 6% (-11 to 23) for high-dose versus low-dose (p=0.32). Causally related adverse events occurred in 47 (27%) patients (ten [18%] in the placebo group, 17 [30%] in the low-dose group, and 20 [34%] in the high-dose group). Six (3%) patients had 11 serious adverse events: one (2%) patient in the placebo group, three (5%) in the low-dose group, and two (3%) in the high-dose group; only one (an acute allergic skin reaction in the low-dose group) was assessed to be causally related. Interpretation This study, which is to our knowledge, the largest trial of CIDP to date and the first to study two administrations of immunoglobulins and two doses, showed that both doses of SCIg IgPro20 were efficacious and well tolerated, suggesting that SCIg can be used as a maintenance treatment for CIDP.Peer reviewe