Task Runtime Prediction in Scientific Workflows Using an Online Incremental Learning Approach

Many algorithms in workflow scheduling and resource provisioning rely on the performance estimation of tasks to produce a scheduling plan. A profiler that is capable of modeling the execution of tasks and predicting their runtime accurately, therefore, becomes an essential part of any Workflow Management System (WMS). With the emergence of multi-tenant Workflow as a Service (WaaS) platforms that use clouds for deploying scientific workflows, task runtime prediction becomes more challenging because it requires the processing of a significant amount of data in a near real-time scenario while dealing with the performance variability of cloud resources. Hence, relying on methods such as profiling tasks' execution data using basic statistical description (e.g., mean, standard deviation) or batch offline regression techniques to estimate the runtime may not be suitable for such environments. In this paper, we propose an online incremental learning approach to predict the runtime of tasks in scientific workflows in clouds. To improve the performance of the predictions, we harness fine-grained resources monitoring data in the form of time-series records of CPU utilization, memory usage, and I/O activities that are reflecting the unique characteristics of a task's execution. We compare our solution to a state-of-the-art approach that exploits the resources monitoring data based on regression machine learning technique. From our experiments, the proposed strategy improves the performance, in terms of the error, up to 29.89%, compared to the state-of-the-art solutions.Comment: Accepted for presentation at main conference track of 11th IEEE/ACM International Conference on Utility and Cloud Computin

Work Roll Cooling System Design Optimisation in Presence of Uncertainty

Organised by: Cranfield UniversityThe paper presents a framework to optimise the design of work roll based on the cooling performance. The framework develops Meta models from a set of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of the roll cooling. A design of experiment technique is used to identify the FEA runs. The research also identifies sources of uncertainties in the design process. A robust evolutionary multi-objective algorithm is applied to the design optimisation I order to identify a set of good solutions in the presence of uncertainties both in the decision and objective spaces.Mori Seiki – The Machine Tool Compan

Effects of chitin and salicylic acid on biological control activity of Pseudomonas spp. against damping off of pepper

Fluorescent pseudomonads (SE21 and RD41) and resistance inducers (chitin and salicylic acid) were examined for plant growth promotion and biological control of damping off of pepper caused by Rhizoctonia solani. The antagonists SE21 and RD41 isolated from the rhizosphere of pepper were found to be effective in inhibiting the mycelial growth of R. solani in a dual culture assay and increasing the seedling vigour in a roll towel assay. Both antagonists were further characterized for biocontrol and plant growth promoting features. The addition of inducers (chitin alone) increased the antagonist's population in the culture medium. In a further study, seed treatment with antagonists showed an increase in plant growth and controlled the damping off under in vivo conditions. Amendment with inducers alone showed a moderate degree of plant protection against R. solani. However, the reduction in disease was more pronounced when inducers were applied with antagonists. Amendment with chitin alone enhanced biocontrol efficiency of both SE21 and RD41. However, amendment with SA alone or in conjunction with chitin showed a moderate effect on biocontrol efficiency of the antagonists. These results show that the biocontrol efficiency of antagonists SE21 and RD41 may be stimulated by chitin resulting in a significant increase in their population density and antagonistic effect against R. solani.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B7XN9-4RWJW34-1/1/3803a2492b3f01bbfad363cd3b39108

IN VITRO ANTI-OBESITY EFFECT OF MACROLICHENS HETERODERMIA LEUCOMELOS AND RAMALINA CELASTRI BY PANCREATIC LIPASE INHIBITORY ASSAY

Objective: Obesity is a chronic disorder caused by an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure in which excessive fat will be deposited in adipose tissue and poses a risk to the health and well-being of humans. Agents which inhibit pancreatic lipase play an important role in the treatment of obesity. The aim of this study was to assess the potential effect of macro lichens Heterodermia leucomelos (L.) Poelt a foliose lichen and Ramalina celastri (Sprengel) Krog and Swinscow a fruticose lichen in the treatment of obesity.Methods: In vitro anti-obesity inhibitory effect of macro lichens were evaluated by using chicken pancreatic lipase activity. Lipase was extracted from the chicken pancreas. Different concentrations from 5-25 mg/ml of methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of lichens Heterodermia leucomelos and Ramalina celastri was incubated with pancreas lipase.Results: With the increase in the concentration of extracts the higher inhibition of the enzyme was observed. Solvent methanol showed good activity compared to ethyl acetate. Percentage of inhibition ranged from 19.7-69.8 and 20.0-86.6 % in the methanol extract of Heterodermia leucomelos and Ramalina celastri respectively. Comparatively lichen Ramalina celastri in methanol extract showed maximum inhibition of 86.6 %, whereas ethyl acetate showed an inhibition of 63.0% at 25 mg/ml against enzyme lipase.Conclusion: In the present study, the inhibitory activity of lichen indicates its protective role in treating obesity. Molecular sequencing of this lichen helps in future to determine the various metabolic pathways that are responsible for the production of novel compounds

Ex-situ conservation of Climbing plants at University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka

Ex-situ conservation center for climbing plants has been established at the Botanical Garden, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore. The Botanical garden of this university is of unique type adopting systematic classification for conservation plants of Karnataka in particular and country in general. The dedicated Climber plants block has the collection  More than 50 species collected from all parts of the Karnataka, which are used by various tribals and local people to cure different ailments ranging from simple injuries, wounds, cuts, fever, diarrhea, ulcers, swelling, bone fractures, potency, antidote, skin care, night blindness, toothache, asthma, cough & cold. The present study work provides detailed account of Climbing shrub and woody climber plants conserved with their unique uses

Effectiveness of Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises Vs Open Kinetic Chain Exercises in Reducing Pain and Improves Functional Activities of Lower Limb in Patients with Unilateral Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Comparative study

INTRODUCTION: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (anterior knee pain) is one of the most common treated conditions in orthopaedic and primary care practices. Patellofemoral pain syndrome is defined as peripatellar pain resulting from physical, biomechanical and soft tissues changes in the patellofemoral joint. Many of the structures of the anterior that compromise the patellofemoral joint can be the source of chronic that is associated with this condition. Patellofemoral pain syndrome constitutes 16-25% of all injuries occurring in runners and 11% musculoskeletal complaints in the office settings are caused by anterior knee pain. In general, patellofemoral pain can effect 25% of the population. It is more common in adolescents and young adults. It is very common clinical entity in active young people involved in sports and that can even dramatically end participation in sports events. Patients suffer from pain during activities and ascending stair or hills. It is also triggered by prolonged sittings with knee flexed. One or both knees can be affected. OBJECTIVES: 1. To find out the outcome measures of closed kinetic chain exercises in reducing pain and improve functional activities of lower limb in patients unilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome. 2. To find out the outcome measures of open kinetic chain exercises in reducing pain and improve functional activities of lower limb in patients unilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome. 3. To study the outcome measures of closed kinetic chain exercises versus open kinetic chain exercises in reducing pain and improves functional activities of lower limb in patients with unilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: MATERIALS: Stationary bicycle, Couch, Pillow, Towel roll, Stool, Theraband. METHODOLOGY: Study Design: 30 subjects with unilateral patellofemoral pain assigned in two groups. Group A: 15 subjects: closed kinetic chain exercises. Group B: 15 subjects: Open kinetic chain exercises. Study Setting: This study is proposed to conduct in outpatient, department of physiotherapy and patient referred from department of orthopaedics and various other departments of Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, Coimbatore. Study Duration: This study is proposed to be carried out for a period of 6 months. Treatment Duration: Subjects in each group will receive treatment 3 days per week two session per day for each group four weeks. Sampling: Unilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome patients are included in this study, according to inclusion criteria hence this will be a convenient sampling. Inclusion Criteria: 14-33 years, Both sexes, Moderate to chronic knee pain, Anterior knee pain for more than 6 weeks, Pain on direct compression of the patella against the femoral condyles with the knee in full extension. (on initial examination), Pain on resisted knee extension, Pain with isometric quadriceps muscle contraction against suprapatellar resistance with the knee slight flexion, Pain on palpation of patellar facet. Exclusion Criteria: History of knee operation, Acute knee pain cases, Patients age more than 35, Bilateral patellofemoral knee pain, Ligaments and meniscal injuries, Fracture in and around the knee joint, Metal implants, Diabetes, Peripheral vascular disease, Osteoporosis, Other knee problems. CONCLUSION: The literature review and statistical analysis done from the data collected from the study have shown that the closed kinetic chain exercises helps in early pain relief and improves functional activities effectively in patellofemoral pain syndrome when compared to the open kinetic chain exercises. Hence the alternate hypothesis of this study is accepted and stated as “There is a significant difference between the closed kinetic chain exercises than open kinetic chain exercises in reducing pain and improves functional activities of lower limb in patients with unilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome.” When compared closed kinetic chain exercises are more effective than open kinetic chain exercises in patients with unilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome

A rare case of immune-related pseudotumor of ovary mimicking ovarian malignancy

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting various body organs. However, genital tract involvement is rarely reported. A 40 years old reproductive-age woman presented with a solid abdominopelvic mass of 20 weeks size. CECT revealed a large multiloculated solid cystic lesion arising from right adnexa with multiple enlarged lymph nodes and omental thickening with gross right-sided hydroureteronephrosis suggestive of ovarian malignancy stage III. Surprisingly, tumor markers were normal. Intraoperatively, we noticed a 15×15 cm right ovarian mass encasing the right ureter all around and constricting it. The mass was densely adherent to recto-sigmoid and right pelvic wall, which mandated extensive surgery. Histopathological examination with immuno-histo-chemistry (IHC) suggested the diagnosis of IgG4-RD of ovary. Awareness about its occurrence in ovary will help in arriving at the diagnosis which may influence the extent of surgery. Lymphoplasmacytic infiltration with fibrosis in histopathological examination warrants IHC analysis for achieving a diagnosis

Ex-Situ Conservation of Medicinal Plants at University OF Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka

Ex-situ conservation center for medicinal plants has been established at the Botanical Garden, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore. The Botanical garden of this university is of unique type adopting systematic classification for conservation plants of Karnataka in particular and country in general. The dedicated medicinal plants block has the collection of 114 species collected from all parts of the Karnataka, which are used by various tribals and local people to cure different ailments ranging from simple injuries, wounds, cuts, fever, diarrhea, ulcers, swelling, bone fractures, potency, antidote, skin care, night blindness, toothache, asthma, cough & cold. The present paper provides detailed account of medicinal plants conserved with their unique uses