Modeling and optimum time performance for concurrent processing

The development of a new graph theoretic model for describing the relation between a decomposed algorithm and its execution in a data flow environment is presented. Called ATAMM, the model consists of a set of Petri net marked graphs useful for representing decision-free algorithms having large-grained, computationally complex primitive operations. Performance time measures which determine computing speed and throughput capacity are defined, and the ATAMM model is used to develop lower bounds for these times. A concurrent processing operating strategy for achieving optimum time performance is presented and illustrated by example

Improving dialysis adherence for high risk patients using automated messaging: Proof of concept

AbstractComorbidities and socioeconomic barriers often limit patient adherence and self-management with hemodialysis. Missed sessions, often associated with communication barriers, can result in emergency dialysis and avoidable hospitalizations. This proof of concept study explored using a novel digital-messaging platform, EpxDialysis, to improve patient-to-dialysis center communication via widely available text messaging and telephone technology. A randomized controlled trial was conducted through Washington University-affiliated hemodialysis centers involving ESRD patients with poor attendance, defined as missing 2–6 sessions over the preceding 12 weeks. A cross-over study design evaluated appointment adherence between intervention and control groups. Comparing nonadherence rates eight weeks prior to enrollment, median appointment adherence after using the system increased by 75%, and median number of unintended hospitalization days fell by 31%. A conservative cost-benefit analysis of EpxDialysis demonstrates a 1:36 savings ratio from appointment adherence. EpxDialysis is a low-risk, cost-effective, intervention for increasing hemodialysis adherence in high-risk patients, especially at centers caring for vulnerable and low-income patients.</jats:p

PBP4: A New Perspective on Staphylococcus aureus β-Lactam Resistance.

β-lactam antibiotics are excellent drugs for treatment of staphylococcal infections, due to their superior efficacy and safety compared to other drugs. Effectiveness of β-lactams is severely compromised due to resistance, which is widespread among clinical strains of Staphylococcus aureus. β-lactams inhibit bacterial cells by binding to penicillin binding proteins (PBPs), which perform the penultimate steps of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Among PBPs of S. aureus, PBP2a has received the most attention for the past several decades due to its preeminent role in conferring both high-level and broad-spectrum resistance to the entire class of β-lactam drugs. Studies on PBP2a have thus unraveled incredible details of its mechanism of action. We have recently identified that an uncanonical, low molecular weight PBP of S. aureus, PBP4, can also provide high-level and broad-spectrum resistance to the entire class of β-lactam drugs at a level similar to that of PBP2a. The role of PBP4 has typically been considered not so important for β-lactam resistance of S. aureus, and as a result its mode of action remains largely unknown. In this article, we review our current knowledge of PBP4 mediating β-lactam resistance in S. aureus

Investigation of Collapse of an Apartment Building Due to Differential Filling

Investigation of collapse of a five storey residential building in Calcutta is described. The failure occurred soon after construction but, fortunately, before occupation. Detailed soil investigation revealed that a bowl-shaped depression, 5. 5 m deep, existed in the collapsed building area which was subsequently filled up. The foundation raft was placed 5.325 m below ground level and the subsequent filling put an overburden pressure of varying magnitude resulting in non-uniform pressure on the subsoil. This was apparently not considered in design. Factor of safety was found to be low against bearing capacity failure and the building tilted towards the heavier load concentration. This caused over-stressing, in structural elements which gradually failed and ultimately led to the collapse of the building

Assessing the Impact of Religions and Castes on Population Fertility in an EAG District of India

Culture and subculture have given an imprint on social and economic development. Alongside, it has an impact on different aspects of social change and the extent of modernisation in a region. The present study investigates the role of religion and caste in determining the fertility and the causes responsible for religious and caste fertility differential in Sagar district. This district is geographically located in the state of Madhya Pradesh.&nbsp; To examine the contribution of religion and caste on a change in fertility in temporal scale, both primary and secondary data have been collected and were used for the analysis of the results of this study. The primary data, which was collected through a field survey, were conducted in the study area, and the secondary data were obtained from the Census of India (1981-2011). In order to receive more accurate results, statistical techniques—Multiple Classification Analysis, Logistic Regression Analysis and Decomposition Analysis have been applied. To find out the role of individual socioeconomic characteristics on religious fertility, Multiple classification analysis technique has been used in this study and Logistic regression analysis was applied to probe the likelihood of contraception adoption by the various socioeconomic backgrounds, while, Decomposition analysis has been conducted to probe the religious and caste composition change on temporal scale fertility change. The findings demonstrate that the Muslim and Scheduled population (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) have very high fertility than that of the other segments of society. Moreover, the inclination of fertility transition (from high to low) among other religions (Christians, Sikh and Jain) begins earlier than that of the Hindus, Muslims and Scheduled population. As per the decomposition analysis, the share of Hindu population was more prominent in reducing the fertility which gradually decreased from the decade 1981-91 to 2001-11, while the share of the schedule population and others religions have dramatically decreased during the period.&nbsp; On the other hand, the role of scheduled population and Muslim community has phenomenally increased for changing fertility behaviour. The analysis of the study suggests that education and adequate employment opportunities have reduced the role of religion and caste on fertility in the study area. &nbsp

Effect of X-rays on the somatic chromosomes of the exotic fish, Tilapia mossambica

Male and female T. mossambica were x-rayed with 100 r and the meta-phase chromosome aberrations in their gill epithelia were studied at 13 different intervals against suitable control. The chromosomes of males appeared more radiosensitive than those of females. Among the diploid complement of 44 chromosomes, the individual type aberrations were non-random in both sexes. The longest pair of chromosomes, taken as the marker pair, was found very highly radio-sensitive, while the remaining 21 pairs as non-markers were somewhat resistant to x-radiation when the observed and the expected numbers were subjected to statistical analysis. The break in the marker chromosome was also non-randomly distributed as the distal half had a significantly large number of breaks