Eventually-Consistent Federated Scheduling for Data Center Workloads

Data center schedulers operate at unprecedented scales today to accommodate the growing demand for computing and storage power. The challenge that schedulers face is meeting the requirements of scheduling speeds despite the scale. To do so, most scheduler architectures use parallelism. However, these architectures consist of multiple parallel scheduling entities that can only utilize partial knowledge of the data center's state, as maintaining consistent global knowledge or state would involve considerable communication overhead. The disadvantage of scheduling without global knowledge is sub-optimal placements-tasks may be made to wait in queues even though there are resources available in zones outside the scope of the scheduling entity's state. This leads to unnecessary queuing overheads and lower resource utilization of the data center. In this paper, extend our previous work on Megha, a federated decentralized data center scheduling architecture that uses eventual consistency. The architecture utilizes both parallelism and an eventually-consistent global state in each of its scheduling entities to make fast decisions in a scalable manner. In our work, we compare Megha with 3 scheduling architectures: Sparrow, Eagle, and Pigeon, using simulation. We also evaluate Megha's prototype on a 123-node cluster and compare its performance with Pigeon's prototype using cluster traces. The results of our experiments show that Megha consistently reduces delays in job completion time when compared to other architectures.Comment: 26 pages. Submitted to Elsevier's Ad Hoc Networks Journa

Using fMRI to investigate the potential cause of inverse oxygenation reported in fNIRS studies of motor imagery

© 2019 Elsevier B.V. Motor imagery (MI) is a commonly used cognitive task in brain–computer interface (BCI) applications because it produces reliable activity in motor-planning regions. However, a number of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) studies have reported the unexpected finding of inverse oxygenation: increased deoxyhemoglobin and decreased oxyhemoglobin during task periods. This finding questions the reliability of fNIRS for BCI applications given that MI activation should result in a focal increase in blood oxygenation. In an attempt to elucidate this phenomenon, fMRI and fNIRS data were acquired on 15 healthy participants performing a MI task. The fMRI data provided global coverage of brain activity, thus allowing visualization of all potential brain regions activated and deactivated during task periods. Indeed, fMRI results from seven subjects included activation in the primary motor cortex and/or the pre-supplementary motor area during the rest periods in addition to the expected activation in the supplementary motor and premotor areas. Of these seven subjects, two showed inverse oxygenation with fNIRS. The proximity of the regions showing inverse oxygenation to the motor planning regions suggests that inverse activation detected by fNIRS may likely be a consequence of partial volume errors due to the sensitivity of the optodes to both primary motor and motor planning regions

Data from: Clinical spectrum and risk factors associated with asymptomatic erosive esophagitis as determined by Los Angeles classification: a cross-sectional study

Background: Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic and recurrent disease, and it varies in regions. However, to date, there are no reports available on clinical features and the risk factors for the asymptomatic reflux esophagitis in Nepalese adults. Methods: Data were gathered from 142 erosive patients who had undergone endoscopy at Bir Hospital, Kathmandu. Los Angeles classification was used to grade the severity of the disease. Patients were interviewed to find out the presence of various reflux symptoms. Results: Based on the Los Angeles classification, the severity of the disease assessed was; grade A 31.8% (31/142), grade B 39.4 % (56/142), grade C 33.8% (48/142), and grade D 4.9% (7/142). One hundred and twenty six (88.7%) subjects had reflux symptoms. Prevalence of asymptomatic esophagits was 16(11.3%). Age was independently linked to asymptomatic esophagitis (P<0.05), and the odd of being asymptomatic appeared lower in younger adults (P<0.05; OR: 0.118; CI: 0.014-.994). Conclusion: A low prevalence of asymptomatic reflux esophagits (RE) was seen. Most subjects experienced mild to moderate RE. Age remained an independent factors associated with reflux esophagitis, and the odd of being asymptomatic was lower in younger age

Clinical spectrum and risk factors associated with asymptomatic erosive esophagitis as determined by Los Angeles classification: A cross-sectional study.

Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic and recurrent disease, and it varies in regions. However, to date, there are no reports available on clinical features and the risk factors for the asymptomatic reflux esophagitis in Nepalese adults.Data were gathered from 142 erosive patients who had undergone endoscopy at Bir Hospital, Kathmandu. Los Angeles classification was used to grade the severity of the disease. Patients were interviewed to find out the presence of various reflux symptoms.Based on the Los Angeles classification, the severity of the disease assessed was; grade A 31.8% (31/142), grade B 39.4% (56/142), grade C 33.8% (48/142), and grade D 4.9% (7/142). One hundred and twenty six (88.7%) subjects had reflux symptoms. Prevalence of asymptomatic esophagitis was 16(11.3%). Age was independently linked to asymptomatic esophagitis (P<0.05), and the odd of being asymptomatic appeared lower in younger adults (P<0.05; OR: 0.118; CI: 0.014-.994).A low prevalence of asymptomatic reflux esophagitis (RE) was seen. Most subjects experienced mild to moderate RE. Age remained an independent factor associated with reflux esophagitis, and the odds of being asymptomatic was lower in younger age

Association between Body Mass Index and Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms in Nepalese Adult Population. A Single Centered Hospital Based Study

Background &amp; Objectives: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disorder, and studies have reported inconsistent association between high BMI and its elevated risk of GERD symptoms. The aim of the present study was to estimate the strength of the association between body mass index and reflux symptoms in Nepalese adults.Materials &amp; Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at National Academy of Medical Science, Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. All patients of age 18 years or above who underwent endoscopy and diagnosed to have esophagitis were recruited for the analysis. Symptoms were identified by using a self-administered validated questionnaire regarding GERD that identify the onset for GERD symptoms and grade the frequency and severity of symptoms experienced over a period of one year. BMI data, the cut off points were based on the WHO classification of overweight and obesity. A BMI value ?25–30 represents overweight and BMI &gt;30 indicates obesity. A BMI value &lt;25 is considered as normal. Severity of erosive esophagitis was graded according to the Los Angeles classification.Results: The Among 127 enrolled esophagitis subjects, about 43% were under 20 BMI, 43% overweight and about 24% were obese. Obesity measured by BMI revealed no significant association among age, sex, smoker, alcoholics, hernia and severity grade of esophagitis (p&gt;0.05). Ages with various categories (18-40, &gt;40-60,&gt;60) were significantly associated with the GERD symptoms (P=0.021). We categorize BMI in three categories. A BMI value &lt; 25 (normal), ?25–30 (overweight), and BMI &gt;30 (obesity). Categorical analysis of BMI with GERD symptoms confirmed the absence of any tendency towards an association (p&gt;0.05).Conclusion: The tendency of reflux symptoms towards BMI is null, and weight reduction may not be the adequate justifiable for the symptoms therapy.JCMS Nepal. 2015; 11(2):23-26</p

Characteristics of symptomatic and asymptomatic groups.

<p>Characteristics of symptomatic and asymptomatic groups.</p

Association between Body Mass Index and Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms in Nepalese Adult Population. A Single Centered Hospital Based Study

<p class="Default"><strong>Background &amp; Objectives: </strong>Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disorder, and studies have reported inconsistent association between high BMI and its elevated risk of GERD symptoms. The aim of the present study was to estimate the strength of the association between body mass index and reflux symptoms in Nepalese adults.</p><p class="Default"><strong>Materials &amp; Methods: </strong>This was a cross-sectional study conducted at National Academy of Medical Science, Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. All patients of age 18 years or above who underwent endoscopy and diagnosed to have esophagitis were recruited for the analysis. Symptoms were identified by using a self-administered validated questionnaire regarding GERD that identify the onset for GERD symptoms and grade the frequency and severity of symptoms experienced over a period of one year. BMI data, the cut off points were based on the WHO classification of overweight and obesity. A BMI value ?25–30 represents overweight and BMI &gt;30 indicates obesity. A BMI value &lt;25 is considered as normal. Severity of erosive esophagitis was graded according to the Los Angeles classification.</p><p class="Default"><strong>Results: </strong>The Among 127 enrolled esophagitis subjects, about 43% were under 20 BMI, 43% overweight and about 24% were obese. Obesity measured by BMI revealed no significant association among age, sex, smoker, alcoholics, hernia and severity grade of esophagitis (p&gt;0.05). Ages with various categories (18-40, &gt;40-60,&gt;60) were significantly associated with the GERD symptoms (P=0.021). We categorize BMI in three categories. A BMI value &lt; 25 (normal), ?25–30 (overweight), and BMI &gt;30 (obesity). Categorical analysis of BMI with GERD symptoms confirmed the absence of any tendency towards an association (p&gt;0.05).</p><p class="Default"><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The tendency of reflux symptoms towards BMI is null, and weight reduction may not be the adequate justifiable for the symptoms therapy.</p><p class="Default">JCMS Nepal. 2015; 11(2):23-26</p

Demographics and Patient’s characteristics.

<p>Demographics and Patient’s characteristics.</p

Colorectal Cancer in Different Age Groups in a Tertiary Hospital in Nepal

Introduction: Some studies have suggested that colorectal cancer at a younger age had distinct biological characteristics: different clinical presentations, more advanced stage at time of diagnosis and poorly differentiated carcinoma. The aim of the study is to analyze clinical and histopathological differences between younger (≤40 years of age) and older (>40 years of age) colorectal cancer patients. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted amongst the colorectal cancer patients who visited Bir Hospital between July 2015 and April 2017. All colonoscopically diagnosed and histopathologically proven cases of colon cancer were included. Chi-square test and independent t – test was performed to analyze the difference between clinical presentations and histopathological findings among two groups of patients and p value of <0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Thirty younger patients and thirty older patients were enrolled without any differences in gender proportion. There were no statistical differences between clinical presentation and histological grade and type in younger and older patients. The younger patients had more complaints of altered bowel habit (p <0.001) while older patients mostly presented with per rectal bleeding (p< 0.008). Conclusions: In this study, colorectal cancer at younger ages showed similar characteristics to those of older patients except altered bowel habit was more common in younger patients while per rectal bleeding was more common in older patients. Although colorectal cancer incidence increases with age, younger patients with altered bowel habits, weight loss, anemia and anorexia should also be given due medical attention and undergo evaluation promptly.   Keywords: carcinoma; colon; per rectal bleeding; younger group. [PubMed

Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in a Tertiary Care Centre of Nepal

Introduction: AUGIB is characterized by hematemesis or melena or both. Peptic ulcers and variceal bleed account for majority of cases. Use of proton pump inhibitors in current era is associated with a gradual reduction in burden of peptic ulcer disease. We conducted this study to look into the cause of AUGIB in our community. Methods: We studied 100 patients in one year period who presented to us with hematemesis or melena. The study was conducted in department of Gastroenterology, Bir hospital, Kathmandu. We identified the culprit lesions by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Results: The average age of patients with AUGIB was 51.6 years with 59 (59%) males. Duodenal ulcers are most common 29 (29%), followed by varices 23 (23%) and gastric ulcers 14 (14%). More than one lesion was identified in 38 (38%) patients. Patients with variceal bleed were more likely to present with hematemesis alone as compared to those with ulcer bleed (p=0.005). Variceal bleed patients presented earlier to the hospital (p=0.005), had lower MAP at presentation (p=0.0002), had lower hemoglobin level (p=0.0001) and higher serum creatinine level at presentation (p=0.001). Patients with variceal bleed were more likely to have consumed alcohol 20 (86.9%) and patients with ulcer bleed were more likely to be smokers 29 (67.4%) or consume tobacco 14 (32.5%) (p=0.006). Conclusions: Ulcer related bleeding is still the most common cause of AUGIB. Many patients with AUGIB have more than one lesions identified during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Keywords:  bleeding; endoscopy; peptic ulcer; upper gastrointestinal;varices. [PubMed