Implementation of Genetic Algorithms in FPGA-based Reconfigurable Computing Systems

Genetic Algorithms (GAs) are used to solve many optimization problems in science and engineering. GA is a heuristics approach which relies largely on random numbers to determine the approximate solution of an optimization problem. We use the Mersenne Twister Algorithm (MTA) to generate a non-overlapping sequence of random numbers with a period of 219937-1. The random numbers are generated from a state vector that consists of 624 elements. Our work on state vector generation and the GA implementation targets the solution of a flow-line scheduling problem where the flow-lines have jobs to process and the goal is to find a suitable completion time for all jobs using a GA. The state vector generation algorithm (MTA) performs poorly in traditional von Neumann architectures due to its poor temporal and spatial locality. Therefore its performance is limited by the speed at which we can access memory. With an approximate increase of processor performance by 60% per year and a drop of memory latency only 7% per year, a new approach is needed for performance improvement. On the other hand, the GA implementation in a general-purpose microprocessor, though performs reasonably well, has scope for performance gain in a parallel implementation. The parallel implementation of the GA can work as a kernel for applications that uses a GA to reach a solution. Our approach is to implement the state vector generation process and the GA in an FPGA-based Reconfigurable Computing (RC) system with the goal of improving the overall performance. Application design for FPGA-based RC systems is not trivial and the performance improvement is not guaranteed. Designing for RC systems requires algorithmic parallelism in order to exploit the inherent parallelism of the FPGA. We are using a high-level language that provides a level of abstraction from the lower-level hardware in the RC system making it difficult to fully exploit some of the architectural benefits of the FPGA. Considering these factors, we improve the state vector generation process algorithmically. Our implementation generates state vectors 5X faster than the previous implementation in an Intel Xeon microprocessor of 2GHz. The modified algorithm is also implemented in a Xilinx Virtex-4 FPGA that results in a 2.4X speedup. Improvement in this preprocessing step accelerates GA application performance as random numbers are generated from these state vectors for the genetic operators. We simulate the basic operations of a GA in an FPGA to study its behavior in a parallel environment and analyze the results. The initial FPGA implementation of the GA runs about 7X slower than its microprocessor counterpart. The reasons are explained along with suggestions for improvement and future work

Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) Approach on Consumers’ Preferences for Selecting Telecom Operators in Bangladesh

This study is designed for the analysis of the consumers’ preferences for selecting the telecom operators in Bangladesh. This study includes an empirical analysis using AHP model based on some criteria of consumers’ preferences. This study provides relevant ranking using AHP model rather than finding the causal relationship among the variables. The results of the empirical analysis shows that the respondents preferred the network criterion as most important criterion for their preferences, and also preferred two telecom operators Grameen Phone and Airtel under different criteria. Finally, the global weights of the AHP analysis show that the respondents preferred Grameen Phone most than all other telecom operators in Bangladesh. Keywords: AHP Analysis, Telecom Operators, Consumers’ Satisfaction

Effects and Consequences of Emphasizing Sectoral Recovery Rate and Sectoral Proportion in Loan Portfolio on Approving New Project Loans of Bangladesh Shilpa Bank

This study is designed for the identification of the effects and consequences of emphasizing the sectoral recovery rate and sectoral proportion in loan portfolio on approving new project loans of the Bangladesh Shilpa Bank (BSB). This study primarily focus on the role of sectoral recovery rate and the sectoral proportion of the loan portfolio, then conducts empirical studies considering the sacrifices of the profitability and growth opportunities, and leverage problem of the respective sectors. Empirical studies are conducted under two phases. The results of the empirical tests of Phase-I indicate the lack of reliability of the model under that phase in explaining the characteristics of the population. Empirical results of Phase-II have found significant results indicating the positive relationship of the sectoral recovery rate and sectoral proportion of loan portfolio in approving new projects. The empirical results have also found the evidence of approving project loans to high levered sectors. Keywords: Sectoral Recovery Rate, Sectoral Proportion in Loan Portfolio, Return on Investment, Debt to Asset Ratio

CONTROLLING THE DISTRIBUTION OF MULTIPLE STREAMS IN A VIDEO COLLABORATION ENVIRONMENT

In most video collaboration systems, only one user may share their screen at a time. If another user wishes to also share their screen, commonly the previous user\u27s shared screen disappears. Techniques are presented herein that allow any meeting participant to control the distribution of video streams. In particular, aspects of the presented techniques enable multiple participants to share their screens, allow individual users to choose which shared screens they wish to view on their local stage, and allow a user to synchronize their stage with other participants

Combined Effects of Nutrient Management on Nutrient Content and Uptake of Transplant Aus Rice (BRRI Dhan48)

A field experiment was conducted at Sutiakhali, Mymensingh for crop production and chemical analysis was performed at Department of soil science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to see the combined effect of nutrient management on nutrient content and uptake of Transplant  Aus  rice (BRRI dhan48) during march to july 2015 following Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. The treatments were T1: RD (N75 P12 K45 S9), T2: STB (N74 P11 K36 S7), T3: INM (N54 P5 K27 S5+ CD @ 5.0 t ha−1), T4: Farmer’s practice (N69 P30 K37), and T5: Control (no fertilizer). The NPKS content and uptake by BRRI dhan48 were also influenced significantly due to combined use of manure and fertilizers. The maximum N, P, K and S uptake by grain (35.55, 6.99, 15.20 and 3.38 kg/ha respectively) were obtained from the application of Integrated Nutrient Management. The minimum N, P, K and S uptake by grain (20.08, 3.64, 8.35 and 1.74 kg/ha respectively) were found from T5: Control. Similarly, The maximum N, P, K and S uptake by straw (3.38, 5.43, 99.25 and 7.37 kg/ha respectively) were found from T3: INM. The minimum N, P, K and S uptake by straw (1.74, 2.67, 49.70 and 3.87 kg/ha respectively) were obtained from T5 (Control). The performance of the treatment T3 was better than T1, T2, T4 and T5 in nutrient content and uptake of BRRI dhan48. Considering nutrient content and uptake, the application of chemical fertilizers in combination with manure based on INM could be recommended for BRRI dhan48 production in aus season

A conceptual framework for organizational attractiveness among Malaysian millennial jobseekers aimed at the aftermath of COVID-19

Attracting superior talent from the job market is a crucial task for the organization. Due to the technological paradigm-shifting in the direction of Industrial revolution 4.0, tech-savvy millennials are the organization's dominant priority to gain a competitive advantage. Scholars predict that the ongoing COVID-19 is likely to change millennial's job preferences. On the other hand, in this economic climate, where young people are at an amplified risk of being jobless, organizations must play a vital role in providing jobs and attract young entry-level millennial jobseekers. Millennials have unique expectations from employers, thus selective about organizations to join. Understanding the millennial job seeker's perception is imperative for the organization to create an "attractive employer" image. However, very little is known about the factor attracting entry-level millennial jobseekers towards an organization from literature. Consequently, the present study identifies four factors, corporate social responsibility, perceived work environment, individual value, and organizational reputation, which have organizational attractiveness. The study develops a conceptual model of organizational attractiveness utilizing social identity theory and signaling theory. Further, this concept will empirically be tested and validated in the future

Persistence of anti-HBs and immunologic memory in children immunized with hepatitis B vaccine

Background:  We aimed to examine the persistence of anti-HBs in Bangladeshi children aged 5 and 10 years after primary vaccination, and this response to a booster dose. Methods: A total of 100 children were enrolled who were divided into two groups (A and B). Group A comprised of 50 children vaccinated 5 years ago, and group B had 50 children vaccinated 10 years ago. Hepatitis B surface antibody titer was measured, and a booster dose of the vaccine was administered to those who had anti-HBs less than 10 mlU/ml. Seventeen such children from group A and 27 from group B were vaccinated with a booster dose. After one month, 12 children from group A and 18 children from group B were retested for hepatitis B surface antibody levels. Results: After 5 and 10 years of primary vaccination, 66.0% and 46.0% children had protective antibody levels. After one month of booster dose, 91.6% children responded to the increased level of anti-HBs in group A. Among them, 66.6% showed an adequate response. In group B, 88.8% had an increased level of anti-HBs antibody where 83.3% had an adequate response. Geometric mean titre of anti-HBs antibody boosted by 35 and 75 times from pre-booster time to post-booster vaccination in group A and B, respectively. Conclusion: Children had protective levels of anti-HBs antibodies at 5 and 10 years after completion of the primary vaccinations. Anamnestic response to booster vaccination confirmed the persistence of an effective immunological memory in vaccines. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Journal 2023;16(2): 101-10

Association between severity of chronic liver disease with grading of oesophageal varices in children

Chronic liver disease is a uncommon manifestation in the children and many of them presents with oesophageal varices. The aim of this study was to observe the association between severity of chronic liver diseases determined by Child- Pugh score with grading of oesophageal varices. 62 cases (male, 34) were included in the present study. Mean age of the study population was 9.5±3.3 years. Male to female ratio was 1.2:1. Wilson’s disease was the most common etiology of chronic liver disease (64.5%). Of the 62 children, 30.7% had Child class A, 16.1% had Child class B and the remaining 53.2% had Child class C cirrhosis. Oesophageal varices were found in 43 (69.3%) children. On univariate ananlysis low platelet count and splenomegaly were found to be associated with the presence of esophageal varices. Splenomegaly was found as independent predictor for presence of varices on multivariate analysis (OR; 15.51, 95% CI, 3.7-63.5). Furthermore, splenomegaly was also independent risk factor for large esophageal varices. No association was found between Child-Pugh classification (child A, B, C) with grading of oesophageal varices (Grade - I, II, III, IV). Our study showed no positive association between Child-Pugh classifications with grading of esophageal varices. Splenomegaly predicts the presence of oesophageal varices as well as the presence of large esophageal varices. BSMMU J 2022; 15(1): 29-3

Factors influencing organizational attractiveness among millennial job seekers: a study on students in Malaysian research universities

This study aims to empirically examine the influence of corporate social responsibility, perceived work environment, individual value, organizational reputation on organizational attractiveness among entry-level millennial job seekers of Malaysian research universities. The present study employs a quantitative method and commences a cross-sectional data collection via an online questionnaire where the research instruments were adopted from literature. A total of 400 (91%) usable responses could be retained for further analysis. Using SPSS software for data analysis, descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and ANOVA findings were measured. This study bridges the literature gap on entry-level job-seeking millennials' perspectives in the Malaysian context. The study provides insight into organizational attractiveness amid the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, provisions understanding on employee's perception about the organization to managers and policymakers. The present study contributes theoretically to developing the conceptual model that can be further expanded and examined. Millennial job-seeking employee attraction in Malaysia is an under-explored research area that has been empirically tested in this study. The pandemic is likely to impact the employer branding concept from an employee's perspective. Therefore, the study finding provides preliminary insight to managers, policymakers, and government in proclaiming effective recruitment, employer branding, and talent acquisition policies accordingly

Comparison of the structure and activity of glycosylated and asglycosylated human carboxylesterase 1

Human Carboxylesterase 1 (hCES1) is the key liver microsomal enzyme responsible for detoxification and metabolism of a variety of clinical drugs. To analyse the role of the single N-linked glycan on the structure and activity of the enzyme, authentically glycosylated and aglycosylated hCES1, generated by mutating asparagine 79 to glutamine, were produced in human embryonic kidney cells. Purified enzymes were shown to be predominantly trimeric in solution by analytical ultracentrifugation. The purified aglycosylated enzyme was found to be more active than glycosylated hCES1 and analysis of enzyme kinetics revealed that both enzymes exhibit positive cooperativity. Crystal structures of hCES1 a catalytically inactive mutant (S221A) and the aglycosylated enzyme were determined in the absence of any ligand or substrate to high resolutions (1.86 Å, 1.48 Å and 2.01 Å, respectively). Superposition of all three structures showed only minor conformational differences with a root mean square deviations of around 0.5 Å over all Cα positions. Comparison of the active sites of these un-liganded enzymes with the structures of hCES1-ligand complexes showed that side-chains of the catalytic triad were pre-disposed for substrate binding. Overall the results indicate that preventing N-glycosylation of hCES1 does not significantly affect the structure or activity of the enzyme