Improved genetic algorithm for scheduling divisible data grid application

Data Grid technology promises geographically distributed scientists to access and share physically distributed resources such as computing resources, networks, storages, and most importantly data collections for large scale data intensive problems. In many Data Grid applications, Data can be decomposed into multiple independent sub datasets and distributed for parallel execution and analysis. In this paper, we exploit this property and propose an Improved Genetic Algorithm (IGA) for scheduling divisible data grid applications. A good heuristic approach used to generate the initial population. Experimental results show that the proposed IGA gives better performance compared to the Genetic Algorithm (GA)

A new load balancing scheduling model in data grid application

Scheduling an application in data grid is significantly complex and very challenging because of its heterogeneous in nature of the grid system. Thus, Divisible Load Theory (DLT) is a powerful model for modeling data intensive grid problem where both communication and computation load is partitionable. Previously, Task Data Present (TDP) model was proposed based on DLT model. This paper presents an Adaptive TDP (ATDP) model to reduce the makespan. New equations for calculating the load allocation are derived. Experimental results showed that the proposed model can balance the load efficiently

Simplified Dosing of Gentamicin for Treatment of Sepsis in Bangladeshi Neonates

Extended-interval dosing of gentamicin has several advantages over conventional multiple-daily dosing for the treatment of sepsis. The study was conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of gentamicin for the treatment of neonatal sepsis in predetermined doses at 24- or 48-hour intervals, according to weight category, and to develop a simplified protocol for use in peripheral healthcare settings in developing countries. This prospective observational study was conducted among 59 neonates admitted to the Special Care Nursery at Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Bangladesh, with suspected sepsis and treated with antibiotics, including gentamicin. Intravenous dosing of gentamicin according to weight category was: 10 mg every 48 hours if the infant weighed <2,000 g (n=23), 10 mg every 24 hours if the infant weighed 2,000–2,249 g (n=12), or 13.5 mg every 24 hours if the infant weighed 2,500–3,000 g (n=24). Peak and trough concentrations of gentamicin and the presence of signs of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity were determined. The mean±standard deviation peak concentration of gentamicin was 12.3±3.7 µg/mL in infants weighing <2,000 g, 9.6±3.1 µg/mL in infants 2,000–2,249 g, and 10.0±3.4 µg/mL in infants 2,500–3,000 g. Initial peak concentration of gentamicin was >12 µg/mL in 28.8% and initial trough concentration was >2 µg/mL in 6.8% of the subjects. No signs of nephrotoxicity or ototoxicity were detected. Favourable pharmacokinetic parameters found with the simplified dosing regimen suggest that it is safe for the treatment of neonatal sepsis

Impact of measurement backaction on nuclear spin qubits in silicon

Phosphorus donor nuclear spins in silicon couple weakly to the environment making them promising candidates for high-fidelity qubits. The state of a donor nuclear spin qubit can be manipulated and read out using its hyperfine interaction with the electron confined by the donor potential. Here we use a master equation-based approach to investigate how the backaction from this electron-mediated measurement affects the lifetimes of single and multi-donor qubits. We analyze this process as a function of electric and magnetic fields, and hyperfine interaction strength. Apart from single nuclear spin flips, we identify an additional measurement-related mechanism, the nuclear spin flip-flop, which is specific to multi-donor qubits. Although this flip-flop mechanism reduces qubit lifetimes, we show that it can be effectively suppressed by the hyperfine Stark shift. We show that using atomic precision donor placement and engineered Stark shift, we can minimize the measurement backaction in multi-donor qubits, achieving larger nuclear spin lifetimes than single donor qubits

The application of proximal visible and near-infrared spectroscopy to estimate soil organic matter on the Triffa Plain of Morocco

© 2020 Soil organic matter (SOM) is a fundamental soil constituent. The estimation of this parameter in the laboratory using the classical method is complex time-consuming and requires the use of chemical reagents. The objectives of this study were to assess the accuracy of two laboratory measurement setups of the VIS-NIR spectroscopy in estimating SOM content and determine the important spectral bands in the SOM estimation model. A total of 115 soil samples were collected from the non-root zone (0–20 cm) of soil in the study area of the Triffa Plain and then analysed for SOM in the laboratory by the Walkley–Black method. The reflectance spectra of soil samples were measured by two protocols, Contact Probe (CP) and Pistol Grip (PG)) of the ASD spectroradiometer (350–2500 nm) in the laboratory. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) was used to develop the prediction models. The results of coefficient of determination (R2) and the root mean square error (RMSE) showed that the pistol grip offers reasonable accuracy with an R2 = 0.93 and RMSE = 0.13 compared to the contact probe protocol with an R2 = 0.85 and RMSE = 0.19. The near-Infrared range were more accurate than those in the visible range for predicting SOM using the both setups (CP and PG). The significant wavelengths contributing to the prediction of SOM for (PG) setup were at: 424, 597, 1432, 1484, 1830,1920, 2200, 2357 and 2430 nm, while were at 433, 587, 1380, 1431, 1929, 2200 and 2345 nm for (CP) setup

The application of proximal visible and near-infrared spectroscopy to estimate soil organic matter on the Triffa Plain of Morocco

© 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier. This is an open access article available under a Creative Commons licence. The published version can be accessed at the following link on the publisher’s website: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iswcr.2020.04.005Soil organic matter (SOM) is a fundamental soil constituent. The estimation of this parameter in the laboratory using the classical method is complex time-consuming and requires the use of chemical reagents. The objectives of this study were to assess the accuracy of two laboratory measurement setups of the VIS-NIR spectroscopy in estimating SOM content and determine the important spectral bands in the SOM estimation model. A total of 115 soil samples were collected from the non-root zone (0–20 cm) of soil in the study area of the Triffa Plain and then analysed for SOM in the laboratory by the Walkley–Black method. The reflectance spectra of soil samples were measured by two protocols, Contact Probe (CP) and Pistol Grip (PG)) of the ASD spectroradiometer (350–2500 nm) in the laboratory. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) was used to develop the prediction models. The results of coefficient of determination (R2) and the root mean square error (RMSE) showed that the pistol grip offers reasonable accuracy with an R2 = 0.93 and RMSE = 0.13 compared to the contact probe protocol with an R2 = 0.85 and RMSE = 0.19. The near-Infrared range were more accurate than those in the visible range for predicting SOM using the both setups (CP and PG). The significant wavelengths contributing to the prediction of SOM for (PG) setup were at: 424, 597, 1432, 1484, 1830,1920, 2200, 2357 and 2430 nm, while were at 433, 587, 1380, 1431, 1929, 2200 and 2345 nm for (CP) setup.The authors acknowledge the facilities and financial supports provided by the Mohammed First University and the National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA) of Oujda.Published versio

The inherent tensions within sustainable supply chains: a case study from Bangladesh

The complexities surrounding the supply chain logistics for perishable commodities within Bangladesh are extensive. Poor infrastructure, fragmented transportation and corruption compound the operational complexities within this emerging market. This case study analyses many of the day-to-day operational challenges and tensions inherent within Micro-Small-Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) forming the backbone of the Bangladesh socio-economic structure. The drive for transition toward greater levels of sustainability and corporate responsibility is problematic, affecting many levels within an extended and fragmented supply chain. The selected case study highlights the “lived in” geographical, environmental, economic and cultural factors that impact the ability of emerging market enterprises to remain profitable within emergency scenarios whilst transitioning toward a more sustainable model. This study, whilst detailing many of the tensions and critical issues facing MSMEs, highlights the benefits of direct Government intervention, criticality of a leaner and more efficient supply chain and reassessment of financial incentives to drive the transition to a more efficient and sustainable economy

Revised estimates of influenza-associated excess mortality, United States, 1995 through 2005

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Excess mortality due to seasonal influenza is thought to be substantial. However, influenza may often not be recognized as cause of death. Imputation methods are therefore required to assess the public health impact of influenza. The purpose of this study was to obtain estimates of monthly excess mortality due to influenza that are based on an epidemiologically meaningful model.</p> <p>Methods and Results</p> <p>U.S. monthly all-cause mortality, 1995 through 2005, was hierarchically modeled as Poisson variable with a mean that linearly depends both on seasonal covariates and on influenza-certified mortality. It also allowed for overdispersion to account for extra variation that is not captured by the Poisson error. The coefficient associated with influenza-certified mortality was interpreted as ratio of total influenza mortality to influenza-certified mortality. Separate models were fitted for four age categories (<18, 18–49, 50–64, 65+). Bayesian parameter estimation was performed using Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods. For the eleven year study period, a total of 260,814 (95% CI: 201,011–290,556) deaths was attributed to influenza, corresponding to an annual average of 23,710, or 0.91% of all deaths.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Annual estimates for influenza mortality were highly variable from year to year, but they were systematically lower than previously published estimates. The excellent fit of our model with the data suggest validity of our estimates.</p

Simplified Dosing of Gentamicin for Treatment of Sepsis in Bangladeshi Neonates

Extended-interval dosing of gentamicin has several advantages over conventional multiple-daily dosing for the treatment of sepsis. The study was conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of gentamicin for the treatment of neonatal sepsis in predetermined doses at 24- or 48-hour intervals, according to weight category, and to develop a simplified protocol for use in peripheral healthcare settings in developing countries. This prospective observational study was conducted among 59 neonates admitted to the Special Care Nursery at Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Bangladesh, with suspected sepsis and treated with antibiotics, including gentamicin. Intravenous dosing of gentamicin according to weight category was: 10 mg every 48 hours if the infant weighed &lt;2,000 g (n=23), 10 mg every 24 hours if the infant weighed 2,000-2,249 g (n=12), or 13.5 mg every 24 hours if the infant weighed 2,500-3,000 g (n=24). Peak and trough concentrations of gentamicin and the presence of signs of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity were determined. The mean\ub1standard deviation peak concentration of gentamicin was 12.3\ub13.7 \u3bcg/mL in infants weighing &lt;2,000 g, 9.6\ub13.1 \u3bcg/mL in infants 2,000-2,249 g, and 10.0\ub13.4 \u3bcg/mL in infants 2,500-3,000 g. Initial peak concentration of gentamicin was &gt;12 \u3bcg/mL in 28.8% and initial trough concentration was &gt;2 \u3bcg/mL in 6.8% of the subjects. No signs of nephrotoxicity or ototoxicity were detected. Favourable pharmacokinetic parameters found with the simplified dosing regimen suggest that it is safe for the treatment of neonatal sepsis

Isolation of canine Anaplasma phagocytophilum strains from clinical blood samples using the Ixodes ricinus cell line IRE/CTVM20

AbstractAnaplasma phagocytophilum is an intracellular tick-borne rickettsial pathogen, which causes granulocytic anaplasmosis in various species of livestock and companion animals and also in humans. Previously A. phagocytophilum has been isolated and propagated in cell lines derived from the tick Ixodes scapularis and in the human promyelocytic cell line HL60. In this study we used the Ixodes ricinus-derived cell line IRE/CTVM20 to isolate and propagate two new canine strains of A. phagocytophilum.Blood samples were collected by veterinarians from two dogs, one from Germany and the other from Austria. Suspicion of clinical canine granulocytic anaplasmosis was raised by the treating veterinarians and after confirmation of A. phagocytophilum infection by real-time PCR, buffy coat cells were isolated and co-cultivated with IRE/CTVM20 cells maintained at 28°C in L15/L15B medium.In the tick cells, rickettsial inclusions were first recognised after 86 days of incubation. Electron microscopic examination of tick cells infected with one of the isolates revealed cytoplasmic vacuoles containing pleomorphic organisms with individual bacteria enveloped by a bilayer membrane. Sequencing of 16S rRNA genes confirmed the isolation of A. phagocytophilum and showed the highest identity to the A. phagocytophilum human HZ strain. The two A. phagocytophilum isolates were passaged several times in IRE/CTVM20 cells and transferred to the I. scapularis cell line ISE6. This confirms for the first time the successful establishment and continuous cultivation of this pathogen in I. ricinus cells as well as infectivity of these canine strains for I. scapularis cells