App Parameter Energy Profiling: Optimizing App Energy Drain by Finding Tunable App Parameters

In this paper, we observe that modern mobile apps come with a large number of parameters that control the app behavior which indirectly affect the app energy drain, and using incorrect or non-optimal values for such app parameters can lead to app energy drain deficiency or even energy bugs. We argue conventional app energy optimization using an energy profiler which pinpoints energy hotspot code segments in the app source code may be ineffective in detecting such parameter-induced app energy deficiency. We propose app parameter energy profiling which identifies tunable app parameters that can reduce app energy drain without affecting app functions as a potentially more effective solution for debugging such app energy deficiency. We present the design and implementation of Medusa, an app parameter energy profiling framework. Medusa overcomes three key design challenges: how to filter out and narrow down candidate parameters, how to pick alternative parameter values, and how to perform reliable energy drain testing of app versions with mutated parameter values. We demonstrate the effectiveness of Medusa by applying it to a set of Android apps which successfully identifies tunable energy-reducing parameters

An Empirical Study on the Impact of Deep Parameters on Mobile App Energy Usage

Improving software performance through configuration parameter tuning is a common activity during software maintenance. Beyond traditional performance metrics like latency, mobile app developers are interested in reducing app energy usage. Some mobile apps have centralized locations for parameter tuning, similar to databases and operating systems, but it is common for mobile apps to have hundreds of parameters scattered around the source code. The correlation between these deep parameters and app energy usage is unclear. Researchers have studied the energy effects of deep parameters in specific modules, but we lack a systematic understanding of the energy impact of mobile deep parameters. In this paper we empirically investigate this topic, combining a developer survey with systematic energy measurements. Our motivational survey of 25 Android developers suggests that developers do not understand, and largely ignore, the energy impact of deep parameters. To assess the potential implications of this practice, we propose a deep parameter energy profiling framework that can analyze the energy impact of deep parameters in an app. Our framework identifies deep parameters, mutates them based on our parameter value selection scheme, and performs reliable energy impact analysis. Applying the framework to 16 popular Android apps, we discovered that deep parameter-induced energy inefficiency is rare. We found only 2 out of 1644 deep parameters for which a different value would significantly improve its app\u27s energy efficiency. A detailed analysis found that most deep parameters have either no energy impact, limited energy impact, or an energy impact only under extreme values. Our study suggests that it is generally safe for developers to ignore the energy impact when choosing deep parameter values in mobile apps

TableHop: an actuated fabric display using transparent electrodes

We present TableHop, a tabletop display that provides controlled self-actuated deformation and vibro-tactile feedback to an elastic fabric surface while retaining the ability for high-resolution visual projection. The TableHop surface is made of a highly stretchable pure spandex fabric that is electrostatically actuated using electrodes mounted on its underside. We use transparent indium tin oxide electrodes and high-voltage modulation to create controlled surface deformations. This setup actuates pixels and creates deformations in the fabric up to $\pm$ 5mm. Since the electrodes are transparent, the fabric surface can function as a diffuser for rear-projected visual images, and avoid occlusion by users. Users can touch and interact with the fabric to create expressive interactions as with any fabric based shape-changing interface. By using frequency modulation in the high-voltage circuit, we can also create localised tactile sensations on the user's finger-tip when touching the surface. We provide detailed simulation results of the shape of the surface deformation and the frequency of the haptic vibrations. These results can be used to build prototypes of different sizes and form-factors. We finally create a working prototype of TableHop that has 30$\times$40 cm surface area and uses a grid of 3$\times$3 transparent electrodes. Our prototype uses a maximum of 2.2 mW and can create tactile vibrations of up to 20 $Hz$. TableHop can be scaled to large interactive surfaces and integrated with other objects and devices. TableHop will improve user interaction experience on 2.5D deformable displays

The World's Biggest Country: India's Demographic Trajectory and it's Impact on Muslims, the Parliament and the Labour Market

India's dynamic population has undergone significant shifts over the years. Recently, surpassing China's total population presents a unique opportunity for growth and development. While facing the challenges of managing a large population, India also grapples with economic and resource-related complexities. Additionally, there are internal challenges stemming from communal differences among religious communities and representation in governance. These factors necessitate well-informed and effective policymaking. To ensure the smooth functioning of this vibrant democracy, it is crucial to focus on economic progress and enhancing quality of life. Understanding key concepts like demographic shifts, variations in age groups, uneven population growth, skill disparities, and resource requirements is paramount for a comprehensive approach. This paper explores various facets of India's population dynamics and addresses the hurdles in achieving sustainable growth and effective governance

Perception of Simulation‑based Learning among Medical Students in South India

Background: Traditional methods of educating medical students are no longer sufficient in the current era largely influenced by multimedia. Simulation‑based techniques may play a pivotal role in bridging this educational gap.Aim: This study was conducted to explore the perception of medical students towards simulation‑based learning (SBL).Subjects and Methods: This cross‑sectional study was conducted in May 2013 in a private medical college in Mangalore, Karnataka, India. A total of 247 participants from fourth, sixth, eighth semester and internship were chosen by convenience sampling method. Attitudinal data on perception towards SBL were collected using a self‑administered questionnaire with responses in a 5‑point Likert’s scale.Results: The mean age of students was 21.3 (standard deviation 1.9) years, and males constituted 55.5% (137/247). Most participants 72.5% (179/247) had favorable perceptions of SBL, with scores of92–118 out of a possible 118 points. Favorable perception towards SBL was seen significantly more among female students (P = 0.04) and senior MBBS students of sixth and eighth semesters (P = 0.05). Nearly, all students (90.7%; 224/247) agreed that simulation supports the development of clinical skills. As many as 29.6% (73/247) agreed that real patients might be replaced with simulated patients in practical examinations.Conclusion: SBL was perceived as favorable by a large number of participants in this study indicating a bright prospect for its implementation in the medical curriculum. Keywords: Interns, Medical students, Perception, Simulation‑based learnin

Integrative Approaches in Healthcare: The Convergence of Biology, Medicine, and Technology

The technological environment, difficulties, as well as innovations related to the incorporation of digital health technologies into healthcare systems are examined in this study. Using a descriptive design alongside a deductive methodology, interpretivism as a philosophy is applied to the analysis of secondary data from various sources. The part on the technical landscape describes the complex network of hardware, software, and other components that enable integration. Interoperability issues worries about data security, as well as stakeholder resistance are among the difficulties. Interoperability standards, cybersecurity protocols, and cooperative platforms are examples of innovations. Improved healthcare workflows, heightened cybersecurity, and increased interoperability are highlighted as technical outcomes. Performance metrics evaluate system uptime, dependability, and the efficiency of data exchange. Suggestions emphasize the necessity of user-centric design, evolving cybersecurity measures, in addition to universal standards. Future research should concentrate on scalability, emerging technologies, and real-time assessments

RASopathies: unraveling mechanisms with animal models

RASopathies are developmental disorders caused by germline mutations in the Ras-MAPK pathway, and are characterized by a broad spectrum of functional and morphological abnormalities. The high incidence of these disorders (∼1/1000 births) motivates the development of systematic approaches for their efficient diagnosis and potential treatment. Recent advances in genome sequencing have greatly facilitated the genotyping and discovery of mutations in affected individuals, but establishing the causal relationships between molecules and disease phenotypes is non-trivial and presents both technical and conceptual challenges. Here, we discuss how these challenges could be addressed using genetically modified model organisms that have been instrumental in delineating the Ras-MAPK pathway and its roles during development. Focusing on studies in mice, zebrafish and Drosophila, we provide an up-to-date review of animal models of RASopathies at the molecular and functional level. We also discuss how increasingly sophisticated techniques of genetic engineering can be used to rigorously connect changes in specific components of the Ras-MAPK pathway with observed functional and morphological phenotypes. Establishing these connections is essential for advancing our understanding of RASopathies and for devising rational strategies for their management and treatment

Genotoxic agents promote the nuclear accumulation of annexin A2: role of annexin A2 in mitigating DNA damage

Annexin A2 is an abundant cellular protein that is mainly localized in the cytoplasm and plasma membrane, however a small population has been found in the nucleus, suggesting a nuclear function for the protein. Annexin A2 possesses a nuclear export sequence (NES) and inhibition of the NES is sufficient to cause nuclear accumulation. Here we show that annexin A2 accumulates in the nucleus in response to genotoxic agents including gamma-radiation, UV radiation, etoposide and chromium VI and that this event is mediated by the nuclear export sequence of annexin A2. Nuclear accumulation of annexin A2 is blocked by the antioxidant agent N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and stimulated by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), suggesting that this is a reactive oxygen species dependent event. In response to genotoxic agents, cells depleted of annexin A2 show enhanced phospho-histone H2AX and p53 levels, increased numbers of p53-binding protein 1 nuclear foci and increased levels of nuclear 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanine, suggesting that annexin A2 plays a role in protecting DNA from damage. This is the first report showing the nuclear translocation of annexin A2 in response to genotoxic agents and its role in mitigating DNA damage.Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC); European Union [PCOFUND-GA-2009-246542]; Foundation for Science and Technology of Portugal; Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute; Terry Fox Foundationinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Unilateral cranial defect bone reconstruction utilising 3D design and manufacturing

A cranial contour defect can occur when bone is removed following direct trauma, removal of a tumor or for surgical access to the brain. These defects impair function (protection) and aesthetic contour and require a design strategy for reconstructing the defect. In principle, if the defect is unilateral (one side) then designing a form to restore the contour could be assisted by attaining a mirror image of the undamaged side of the skull. As an alternative to mirroring the undamaged skull an interpolated surface could also be generated for repairing this cranial defect. A case with a unilateral left temporal bone defect was considered for this study. A cranioplasty reconstruction was to be performed to restore the bone contour. The patient's Computed Tomography (CT) scan (1 mm slice thickness) was saved in the raw file format Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM). The DICOM data was converted to a standard tessellation file (stl.) using MIMICS software (Materialise V24. Belgium). The stl. file of the skull was used to generate a 3D design of the implant using Computer-aided Design/ Computer-aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software. The design was used to 3D print a base template, which could finally be used to fabricate the physical implant to restore the defect. This case explored the two techniques of mirroring and interpolation for repairing a cranial defect. A comparison of the two techniques was performed. Feedback from the surgeon suggested that interpolation provided a digitally accurate implant surface comparable to a mirrored implant