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Sufficient conditions for Hamiltonicity in multiswapped networks
No full textAbstractOTIS networks are interconnection networks amenable to deployment as hybrid networks containing both electronic and optical links. Deficiencies as regards symmetry led to the subsequent formulation of biswapped networks which were later generalized to multiswapped networks so as to still enable optoelectronic implementation (as it happens, multiswapped networks also generalize previously studied hierarchical crossed cubes). Multiswapped networks of the form Msw(H;G) are known to possess good (graph-theoretic) properties as regards their use as (optoelectronic) interconnection networks (in distributed-memory multiprocessors) and in relation to those of the component networks G and H. Combinatorially, they provide a hierarchical mechanism to define new networks from existing networks (so that the properties of the new network can be controlled in terms of the constituent networks). In this paper, we prove that if G and H are Hamiltonian networks then the multiswapped network Msw(H;G) is also Hamiltonian. At the core of our proof is finding specially designed Hamiltonian cycles in 2-dimensional and heavily pruned 3-dimensional tori, irrespective of the actual networks G and H we happen to be working with. This lends credence to the role of tori as fundamental networks within the study of interconnection networks
Biosorption of reactive red 2 using positively charged Metapenaeus monoceros shells
No full textAbstractMetapenaeus monoceros shell used for the removal of reactive red 2 from an aqueous solution was studied by batch biosorption system. The maximum dye uptake capacity was examined at biosorbent dosage, different pH, contact time and initial dye concentration. From the study the maximum dye uptake capacity was obtained as 166mg/g at an optimal condition of 0.1g/L of biosorbent dosage, pH value of 2 and initial dye concentration of 100mg/L. When compared to the Langmuir isotherm model, the equilibrium data were fitted well with the Freundlich isotherm model. The kinetic data were fitted well with the pseudo second order rate equation when compared to the pseudo first order rate equation. The biosorbent characteristics were observed by SEM and FTIR analyses
Ground state solutions and least energy sign-changing solutions for a class of fourth order Kirchhoff-type equations in RN
No full textAbstractIn this article we study the problem Δ2u−(1+λ∫RN|∇u|2dx)Δu+V(x)u=|u|p−2uin RN, where Δ2≔Δ(Δ) is the biharmonic operator, λ>0 is a parameter, p∈(2,2∗), and V(x)∈C(RN,R). Under appropriate assumptions on V(x), the existence of ground state solutions and a least energy sign-changing solution is obtained by combining the variational methods and the Nehari method
Multi-modal exercise training and protein-pacing enhances physical performance adaptations independent of growth hormone and BDNF but may be dependent on IGF-1 in exercise-trained men
No full textAbstractObjectiveProtein-pacing (P; 5–6meals/day @ 2.0g/kgBW/day) and multi-mode exercise (RISE; resistance, interval, stretching, endurance) training (PRISE) improves muscular endurance, strength, power and arterial health in exercise-trained women. The current study extends these findings by examining PRISE on fitness, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) response, cardiometabolic health, and body composition in exercise-trained men.DesignTwenty active males (>4daysexercise/week) completed either: PRISE (n=11) or RISE (5–6meals/day @ 1.0g/kgBW/day; n=9) for 12weeks. Muscular strength (1-repetition maximum bench and leg press, 1-RM BP, and 1-RM LP), endurance (sit-ups, SU; push-ups, PU), power (squat jump, SJ, and bench throw, BT), flexibility (sit-and-reach, SR), aerobic performance (5km cycling time-trial, TT), GH, IGF-1, BDNF, augmentation index, (AIx), and body composition, were assessed at weeks 0 (pre) and 13 (post).ResultsAt baseline, no differences existed between groups except for GH (RISE, 230±13 vs. PRISE, 382±59pg/ml, p<0.05). The exercise intervention improved 1-RM, SJ, BT, PU, SU, SR, 5km-TT, GH, AIx, BP, and body composition in both groups (time, p<0.05). However, PRISE elicited greater improvements in 1-RM BP (21 vs. 10∆lbs), SJ (171 vs. 13∆W), 5km-TT (−37 vs. −11∆s), and sit-and-reach (5.3 vs. 1.2∆cm) over RISE alone (p<0.05) including increased IGF-1 (12%, p<0.05).ConclusionsExercise-trained men consuming a P diet combined with multi-component exercise training (PRISE) enhance muscular power, strength, aerobic performance, and flexibility which are not likely related to GH or BDNF but possibly to IGF-1 response
Strategic competences for concrete action towards sustainability: An oxymoron? Engineering education for a sustainable future
No full textAbstractIn the current discourses on sustainable development, one can discern two main intellectual cultures: an analytic one focusing on measuring problems and prioritizing measures, (Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), Mass Flow Analysis (MFA), etc.) and; a policy/management one, focusing on long term change, change incentives, and stakeholder management (Transitions/niches, Environmental economy, Cleaner production).These cultures do not often interact and interactions are often negative. However, both cultures are required to work towards sustainability solutions: problems should be thoroughly identified and quantified, options for large change should be guideposts for action, and incentives should be created, stakeholders should be enabled to participate and their values and interests should be included in the change process. The paper deals especially with engineering education. Successful technological change processes should be supported by engineers who have acquired strategic competences. An important barrier towards training academics with these competences is the strong disciplinarism of higher education. Raising engineering students in strong disciplinary paradigms is probably responsible for their diminishing public engagement over the course of their studies. Strategic competences are crucial to keep students engaged and train them to implement long term sustainable solutions
The worldwide costs of dementia 2015 and comparisons with 2010
No full textAbstractIntroductionIn 2010, Alzheimer's Disease International presented estimates of the global cost of illness (COI) of dementia. Since then, new studies have been conducted, and the number of people with dementia has increased. Here, we present an update of the global cost estimates.MethodsThis is a societal, prevalence-based global COI study.ResultsThe worldwide costs of dementia were estimated at United States (US) 1 trillion will be crossed by 2018.DiscussionWorldwide costs of dementia are enormous and still inequitably distributed. The increase in costs arises from increases in numbers of people with dementia and in increases in per person costs
AquaCrop-OS: An open source version of FAO's crop water productivity model
No full textAbstractCrop simulation models are valuable tools for quantifying crop yield response to water, and for devising strategies to improve agricultural water management. However, applicability of the majority of crop models is limited greatly by a failure to provide open-access to model source code. In this study, we present an open-source version of the FAO AquaCrop model, which simulates efficiently water-limited crop production across diverse environmental and agronomic conditions. Our model, called AquaCrop-OpenSource (AquaCrop-OS), can be run in multiple programming languages and operating systems. Support for parallel execution reduces significantly simulation times when applying the model in large geospatial frameworks, for long-run policy analysis, or for uncertainty assessment. Furthermore, AquaCrop-OS is compliant with the Open Modelling Interface standard facilitating linkage to other disciplinary models, for example to guide integrated water resources planning
Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Risk of Stroke in Never Smokers: An Updated Review with Meta-Analysis
No full textObjectivesThe study aimed to review the epidemiological evidence relating environmental tobacco smoke exposure to stroke in never smokers.MethodsThe study is similar to our review in 2006, with searches extended to March 2016.ResultsTwelve further studies were identified. A total of 28 studies varied considerably in design, exposure indices used, and disease definition. Based on 39 sex-specific estimates and the exposure index current spousal exposure (or nearest equivalent), the meta-analysis gave an overall fixed-effect relative risk estimate of 1.23 (95% confidence interval: 1.16-1.31), with significant (P < .05) heterogeneity. There was no significant heterogeneity by sex, continent, fatality, disease end point, or degree of adjustment for potential confounding factors. Relative risks were less elevated in prospective studies (1.15, 1.06-1.24) than in case-control studies (1.44, 1.22-1.60) or cross-sectional studies (1.40, 1.21-1.61). They also varied by publication year, but with no trend. A significant increase was not seen in studies that excluded smokers of any tobacco (1.07, .97-1.17), but was seen for studies that included pipe- or cigar-only smokers, occasional smokers, or long-term former smokers. No elevation was seen for hemorrhagic stroke. Relative risk estimates were similar using ever rather than current exposure, or total rather than spousal exposure. Eleven studies provided dose–response estimates, the combined relative risk for the highest exposure level being 1.56 (1.37-1.79). Many studies have evident weaknesses, recall bias, and particularly publication bias being major concerns.ConclusionsAlthough other reviewers inferred a causal relationship, we consider the evidence does not conclusively demonstrate this. We repeat our call for publication of data from existing large prospective studies
Erratum to ‘Molecular approach to detect Albendazole resistance in Trichuris trichiura among Orang Asli in Malaysia’ [International Journal of Infectious Diseases Volume 45, Supplement 1, April 2016, page 369]
No full textManagement of asymptomatic pulmonary vein aneurysm
No full textAbstractAneurysm of a pulmonary vein is a rare vascular anomaly that is usually discovered incidentally as a pulmonary nodule or mediastinal mass. Most patients do not have any symptoms but some patients can present with dyspnea, hemoptysis, or cerebral thromboembolism. Proper diagnosis is crucial as to avoid unnecessary testing or surgical procedures. We highlight a case of an asymptomatic 59-year-old female with a pulmonary vein aneurysm presenting as a 1.5 cm right infrahilar nodule on contrast-enhanced CT during evaluation for acute cholecystitis. Further investigation with MRA revealed that it was vascular in nature, and pulmonary angiography showed dilation of the right inferior pulmonary vein with no communication to the pulmonary artery. On serial imaging, there has been no change in the size of the aneurysm. A small non-enlarging pulmonary vein aneurysm should be managed expectantly