A Novel Method of Butterfly Optimization Algorithm for Load Balancing in Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is frequently alluded to as a model that furnishes boundless information handling conveniences with a compensation for each utilization framework. Present day cloud foundations resources as virtual machines (VMs) to actual machines utilizing virtualization innovation. All VMs works their involved structure and exhaust resources from their actual machine which behaves like a host. For load adjusting, Cloud moves VMs from exceptionally troubled real machines to low troubled actual machines. The delay of this calculation expansions in the organization as virtual machines are relocated. This work puts forward a new algorithm, namely Butterfly optimization for VM migration. The proposed optimization algorithm has been implemented in the MATLAB software.  A comparative analysis is performed between the outcomes of the preceding and the new algorithm.  The proposed algorithm has been evaluated over three performance parameters including delay, bandwidth used, and space used

Soil Health Beneath Amended Switchgrass: Effects of Biochar and Nitrogen on Active Carbon and Wet Aggregate Stability

Perennial crops, like switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), are important for bioenergy production and long-term carbon sequestration. Biochar, a byproduct of certain bioenergy production processes, is also identified as a potential tool for carbon sequestration and soil quality improvements, especially in marginal soils. Despite the focus on switchgrass, soil health characteristics under switchgrass production for biomass are unclear. This study focused on identifying the effects of four N rates (0, 17, 34, and 67 kg N ha−1) and biochar application (0 and 9 Mg ha−1) in a 3-year switchgrass field study on a silt loam soil. Soil active carbon (AC) and wet aggregate stability (WAS) were the indicators used to assess soil health. Our results indicated a decline in both AC and WAS over the study period, similar to other studies. Wet aggregate stability declined from 32% in 2018 to 15% in 2019. There were some significant differences between treatments, but no defined trends were observed. A decline in AC from 301 mg C kg soil−1 to 267 mg C kg soil−1 was also observed over the three-year period. Nitrogen rate also affected AC in the last year of study. Several possible explanations for the observed changes are proposed; however, a definitive mechanism is still unknown, thus future research is essential to improve our understanding and provide wider acceptance

MicroRNA-466 inhibits tumor growth and bone metastasis in prostate cancer by direct regulation of osteogenic transcription factor RUNX2.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key players in cancer progression and metastatic initiation yet their importance in regulating prostate cancer (PCa) metastasis to bone has begun to be appreciated. We employed multimodal strategy based on in-house PCa clinical samples, publicly available TCGA cohorts, a panel of cell lines, in silico analyses, and a series of in vitro and in vivo assays to investigate the role of miR-466 in PCa. Expression analyses revealed that miR-466 is under-expressed in PCa compared to normal tissues. Reconstitution of miR-466 in metastatic PCa cell lines impaired their oncogenic functions such as cell proliferation, migration/invasion and induced cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis compared to control miRNA. Conversely, attenuation of miR-466 in normal prostate cells induced tumorigenic characteristics. miR-466 suppressed PCa growth and metastasis through direct targeting of bone-related transcription factor RUNX2. Overexpression of miR-466 caused a marked downregulation of integrated network of RUNX2 target genes such as osteopontin, osteocalcin, ANGPTs, MMP11 including Fyn, pAkt, FAK and vimentin that are known to be involved in migration, invasion, angiogenesis, EMT and metastasis. Xenograft models indicate that miR-466 inhibits primary orthotopic tumor growth and spontaneous metastasis to bone. Receiver operating curve and Kaplan-Meier analyses show that miR-466 expression can discriminate between malignant and normal prostate tissues; and can predict biochemical relapse. In conclusion, our data strongly suggests miR-466-mediated attenuation of RUNX2 as a novel therapeutic approach to regulate PCa growth, particularly metastasis to bone. This study is the first report documenting the anti-bone metastatic role and clinical significance of miR-466 in prostate cancer

Weak Effects of Biochar and Nitrogen Fertilization on Switchgrass Photosynthesis, Biomass, and Soil Respiration

Application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer plus biochar may increase crop yield, but how biochar will interact with N fertilization to affect bioenergy crop switchgrass physiology, biomass, and soil CO2 emission (i.e., soil respiration) from switchgrass fields remains unclear. Here, we assessed this issue by conducting a field experiment near Nashville TN with two levels of biochar treatment (a control without biochar addition and biochar addition of 9 Mg ha−1), and four N fertilization levels (0 kg N ha−1, 17 kg N ha−1, 34 kg N ha−1, and 67 kg N ha−1, labeled as ON, LN, MN, and HN, respectively). Results showed that both biochar addition and N fertilization did not influence switchgrass leaf photosynthesis and biomass, but biochar addition enhanced leaf transpiration, and reduced water use efficiency. Soil respiration was reduced by biochar addition, but significantly enhanced by N fertilization. Biochar and N fertilization interactively influenced soil respiration and seasonal variation of soil respiration was mostly controlled by soil temperature. Our results indicated that switchgrass can maintain high productivity without much N input, at least for several years. The findings from this study are useful to optimize N fertilization and biochar addition in the switchgrass fields for maintaining relatively high productive switchgrass biomass while reducing soil CO2 emission

Influence of Altitude on Pulmonary Function

Variation in lung function at high altitude (HA) impacts the working capacity of individuals and may predispose body towards hypoxia induced illness. So, we investigated the changes in pulmonary function of healthy human male volunteers belonging to two different ethnicities i.e. Indian and Kyrgyz. Twenty, age and BMI matched, volunteers (Indian=10 and Kyrgyz=10) were recruited for the study. Measurement for pulmonary functions (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, PEF, FEF 25-75%, MEF 25%, MEF 50%, MEF 75%, MVV) were performed on each individual at basal (800 m) and high altitude (4,111 m) on day 3,7,14 and 21. Results indicate that Kyrgyz has comparatively higher FVC, FEV1, PEF and MVV values and lower FEV1/FVC ratio upon altitude induction than those of Indian counterparts. Mid expiratory flow FEF25-75% was significantly increased in Kyrgyz upon altitude induction indicate more proficient lung emptying while only moderate increase at day 7 in Indian. MEF25% was significantly increased in Kyrgyz, while no change is observed in Indians at high altitude which indicates that 75% of lung emptying through small airways is better in Kyrgyz. MEF 50% and MEF 75% increased with altitude in both groups. For MVV, the maximum increase was ~17% in Indian at HA14 (p<0.01) and in Kyrgyz ~33% (p<0.001) at HA14 as compared to basal. Difference in lung function response observed, indicates that Kyrgyz has better pulmonary dynamics during altitude exposure as compared to Indian counterparts. The varied result observed may be due to different ethnic origin of the groups

CURATION AND MANAGEMENT OF CULTURAL HERITAGE THROUGH LIBRARIES

Libraries, museums and archives hold valuable collections in a variety of media, presenting a vast body of knowledge rooted in the history of human civilisation. These form the repository of the wisdom of great works by thinkers of past and the present. The holdings of these institutions are priceless heritage of the mankind as they preserve documents, ideas, and the oral and written records. To value the cultural heritage and to care for it as a treasure bequeathed to us by our ancestors is the major responsibility of libraries. The past records constitute a natural resource and are indispensable to the present generation as well as to the generations to come. Libraries preserve the documentary heritage resources for which they are primarily responsible. Any loss of such materials is simply irreplaceable. Therefore, preserving this intellectual, cultural heritage becomes not only the academic commitment but also the moral responsibility of the librarians/information scientists, who are in charge of these repositories. The high quality of the papers and the discussion represent the thinking and experience of experts in their particular fields. The contributed papers also relate to the methodology used in libraries in Asia to provide access to manuscripts and cultural heritage. The volume discusses best practices in Knowledge preservation and how to collaborate and preserve the culture. The book also deals with manuscript and archives issues in the digital era. The approach of this book is concise, comprehensively, covering all major aspects of preservation and conservation through libraries. The readership of the book is not just limited to library and information science professionals, but also for those involved in conservation, preservation, restoration or other related disciplines. The book will be useful for librarians, archivists and conservators. We thank the Sunan Kalijaga University, Special Libraries Association- Asian Chapter for their trust and their constant support, all the contributors for their submissions, the members of the Local and International Committee for their reviewing effort for making this publication possible

Robust estimation of bacterial cell count from optical density

Optical density (OD) is widely used to estimate the density of cells in liquid culture, but cannot be compared between instruments without a standardized calibration protocol and is challenging to relate to actual cell count. We address this with an interlaboratory study comparing three simple, low-cost, and highly accessible OD calibration protocols across 244 laboratories, applied to eight strains of constitutive GFP-expressing E. coli. Based on our results, we recommend calibrating OD to estimated cell count using serial dilution of silica microspheres, which produces highly precise calibration (95.5% of residuals <1.2-fold), is easily assessed for quality control, also assesses instrument effective linear range, and can be combined with fluorescence calibration to obtain units of Molecules of Equivalent Fluorescein (MEFL) per cell, allowing direct comparison and data fusion with flow cytometry measurements: in our study, fluorescence per cell measurements showed only a 1.07-fold mean difference between plate reader and flow cytometry data

Effect of harvest timing on the quality of switchgrass for biofuel: Changes in lignocellulose, carbon and potential energy production

Bioenergy is important in the United States to improve energy security and environmental integrity. There is a strong need to increase production of biofuels to cope with rising energy costs and the risk of climate change related to fossil fuel combustion. In 1991, use of switchgrass for bioenergy was recommended by the U.S. DOE. Switchgrass is a promising feedstock due to its high productivity, low input requirements and positive environmental effects. To produce ethanol from switchgrass, high levels of cellulose and low levels of lignin are ideal for biochemical conversion while higher lignin and energy content are desirable for thermochemical conversion. These values change, however, during the growth of the plant. Determination of the optimum harvest date is therefore important to provide the best feedstock. The objective of this study was to identify this optimum window of harvest dates by harvesting different switchgrass plants at multiple times from a one-cut system during the 2011 and 2012 growing seasons. A total of 13 and 8 harvests of lowland switchgrass were taken at different dates in a one-cut system in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Samples were analyzed for lignocellulosic content, total carbon and energy that would affect the overall production and efficiency of ethanol from switchgrass. Generally, cellulose and hemicellulose concentrations increased through July and then remained relatively constant while the lignin concentrations continued to increase during the entire growth period studied (June–November). Carbon concentration decreased significantly followed by a significant increase in the mid/late growing season of 2011 and 2012. A period of drought in the beginning of 2012 affected cellulose, hemicellulose and carbon concentrations most likely causing these changes to be delayed by approximately one month. Energy content for switchgrass increased significantly, remained relatively similar from August and was unaffected by drought. It was concluded that switchgrass could be harvested earlier than the current recommended time, which is first killing frost, based on the requirements of conversion method selected. However, harvesting might be delayed in case of drought based on its severity

Analyzing Impacts of Biochar Amendment and Nitrogen Fertilization on Plant and Soil Characteristics in a Switchgrass Production System for Bioenergy

The current issue of energy security and the rapid rise in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere raises the necessity for the production of bioenergy crops. The acceptance of perennial crops, like switchgrass, is important for bioenergy production and long-term carbon sequestration with added environmental and agronomic benefits. However, to meet current yield goals, larger areas under perennial grass production are required. Cultivation of switchgrass can be beneficial in two ways, first, energy can be produced from aboveground biomass to replace fossil fuels, and, secondly, by returning assimilated CO2 to the soil organic matter pool through the production and turnover of belowground biomass. Biochar, a byproduct of the bioenergy production process, is also identified as a potential tool for carbon sequestration and soil quality improvements as a soil amendment. This study investigates the effect of four nitrogen rates (0, 17, 34, and 67 kg N ha–1) and biochar application (0 and 9 Mg ha–1) in an 8-year switchgrass field study. Multiple plant and soil characteristics were analyzed for an improved understanding of switchgrass production with biochar amendment. Soil active carbon (AC) and wet aggregate stability (WAS) were analyzed to assess both the chemical and physical components of soil health. The pinewood biochar used in the study was also analyzed for several adsorption characteristics to better interpret its use as a soil amendment. Switchgrass biomass yields increased significantly from 10.36 metric tons ha–1 to 12.21 metric tons ha–1 with biochar addition to the lowest nitrogen application treatments. The addition of biochar resulted in a significant increase in soil carbon content in biochar plots. Our results also indicated a decline in both AC and WAS over the study period, similar to some other studies. Results from adsorption experiments indicated higher adsorption of ammonium ions on biochar surface at pH 8.5–9. Spectroscopic analysis also indicated presence of various functional groups on biochar surface presenting biochar as an interesting option for adsorption of ammonium further, making it available for plant uptake

A study of exposure to sexual contents in print and audio-visual media and trends of sexual behaviour of late adolescent boys

Objective: To study the relationship between exposures to sexual contents in print and audiovisual media and attitude and sexual behavior of late adolescent boys. Methods: This study was undertaken in the Department of Pediatrics of a tertiary care centre in the year 2017. All respondents who gave informed consent were assessed using a preformed questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of six sections. Results: The study consisted of 500 late teen boys aged between 17-19 years, 350 from government and 150 from public schools. Mean age of onset of puberty was 12.47 in both groups. Majority of respondents were exposed to media (94.8%). High percentage of respondents from public schools (74.67%) watches pornography. Only 17% of respondents were educated about pubertal changes. Presence of depression was witnessed in 16.6% of respondents. Conclusion: Development of normal sexual behavior during the late adolescent phase of life has lifelong impact on the life of the adolescent and later on his family. Media use is rampant in all strata of society. Pediatricians, parents and teachers can help the adolescents realize the importance of media and incorporate basic principles of media literacy into their sex education program