Network Programming Research Articles

Construction of a Programmable Feedback Network with Continuously Activatable Molecular Beacon Fluorescence for One-Step Quantification of Long Noncoding RNAs in Clinical Breast Tissues.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators in numerous pathological and physiological processes, and their aberrant expression is implicated in many diseases. Herein, we develop a programmable feedback network with continuously activatable molecular beacon (MB) fluorescence for one-step quantification of mammalian-metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (lncRNA MALAT1) in clinical breast tissues. We introduce a functional MB with three domains, including a substrate for lncRNA MALAT1 recognition, a template for strand displacement amplification (SDA), and a reporter for signal output with FAM fluorescence being quenched by BHQ1. When MALAT1 is present, it recognizes and unfolds the MB, leading to the recovery of FAM fluorescence. Once the MB is opened, multiple rounds of SDA reaction are automatically initiated by recruiting primer, KF DNA polymerase, and Nt.BbvCI nicking enzyme, inducing the opening of more MBs and the dissociation of more FAM/BHQ1 pairs. Consequently, a feedback network is constructed through multicycle cascade SDA, achieving the exponential accumulation of fluorescence signals for accurate quantification of MALAT1. In this assay, only two oligonucleotides (i.e., MB and primer) are involved for the establishment of a feedback amplification network, greatly simplifying the design of the reaction system. Moreover, this assay requires only one step to realize the isothermal exponential amplification for real-time monitoring of MALAT1 with attomolar sensitivity. This assay displays single-base mismatch selectivity with high anti-interference capability, and it can further quantify endogenous MALAT1 at the single-cell level and differentiate MALAT1 expression between breast cancer patient tissues and healthy person tissues.

Investigating traffic characteristics for merging sections in Iraq

Abstract Recurring congestion on highways is the primary cause of traffic congestion in the urban traffic system while jams on merging sections are the worst section along the expressway. Due to the presence of heavy congestion in the site of University of Technology, this study aims to discover the traffic characteristics of this site to determine the appropriate solutions. Therefore, this study selects a merging section on Mohammed Al-Qassim expressway to investigate some characteristics of such a section in Iraq. Field data have been collected from this site for 4 h. The data were collected from video cameras installed along the expressway in Baghdad city which is called Mohammed Al-Qassim Expressway. These data present flow of upstream and ramp. The Advanced Interactive Microscopic Simulator for Urban and Non-Urban Networks (AIMSUN) program was also adopted to investigate other characteristics which are difficult to get such as speed and occupancy for the current case. The results showed that the simulated and real data significantly corresponded. In this study, the AIMSUN program received recognition by utilizing Geoffrey E. Havers a method for comparing two sets of traffic volumes that are used in traffic engineering, traffic forecasting, and traffic modeling as it was discovered to be comparable to reality, and the road management was then enhanced by the addition of ramp metering and cycle (green) time control.

Metode Peer-Assisted Learning Srategies (PALS) untuk Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Matematika Siswa SMK

Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS) is a teaching method that has been relatively underexplored in current research. PALS aims to enhance the academic performance of 10th-grade students at TJKT 2 Vocational School, Muhammadiyah 5 Jember, and to determine the impact of utilizing Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS) on the mathematical learning outcomes of these students. This method is a form of cooperative learning with peer assistance serving as tutors. This study employs an action research approach to improve the teaching process. The research process involves several steps, including initial idea generation, pre-survey, diagnosis, planning, action implementation, observation, and reflection. Students are organized into several groups to carry out the Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS) learning method. The subjects of this research are 24 students in the 10th-grade Computer Networking and Telecommunications program at SMK Muhammadiyah 5 Jember during the second semester of the 2022/2023 academic year. Data collection is conducted through mathematics test results. The research findings indicate that, prior to the intervention, only 38% of the students passed the assessment, while 62% did not. After implementing the Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS) method, the mathematical learning outcomes significantly improved, with 75% of the students passing and 25% remaining below the passing threshold. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the implementation of Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS) can enhance mathematics learning.

Empirical Model for the Retained Stability Index of Asphalt Mixtures Using Hybrid Machine Learning Approach

Moisture susceptibility is a complex phenomenon that induces various distresses in asphalt pavements and can be assessed by the Retained Stability Index (RSI). This study proposes a robust model to predict the RSI using a hybrid machine learning technique, including Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Gene Expression Programming. The model is expressed as a simple and direct mathematical function with input variables of mineral filler proportion (F%), water absorption rate of combined aggregate (Ab%), asphalt content (AC%), and air void content (Va%). A relative importance analysis ranked AC% as the most influential variable on RSI, followed by Va%, F%, and Ab%. The experimental RSI results of 150 testing samples of various mixes were utilized along with other data points generated by the ANN to train and validate the proposed model. The model promotes a high level of accuracy for predicting the RSI with a 96.6% coefficient of determination (R2) and very low errors. In addition, the sensitivity of the model has been verified by considering the effect of the variables, which is in line with the results of network connection weight and previous studies in the literature. F%, Ab%, and Va% have an inverse relationship with the RSI values, whereas AC% has the opposite. The model helps forecast the water susceptibility of asphalt mixes by which the experimental effort is minimized and the mixes’ performance can be improved.

In‐network computing—challenges and opportunities

AbstractThe rapid growth of new applications with high resource demands leads to the need for more computing power. Datacenter servers may not be the most efficient way to run the necessary software. The introduction of programmable dataplanes opens up the possibility to run software directly in the dataplane with lower latency and higher energy efficiency than general purpose servers. Thus, the concept of in‐network computing is introduced. This paper addresses the challenges associated with executing software resorting to programmable networking devices while presenting a high level conceptual architecture including three layers of computing. The paper ends by taking the evaluated challenges into consideration and proposing future research directions for the evolution of the in‐network computing technology.

Coordinating and doxing data: Hong Kong protesters’ and government supporters’ data strategies in the age of datafication

ABSTRACT Scholars across various disciplines have discussed the role of ICTs and social media in contentious politics and social movements. Other studies have also highlighted the duality of data particularly in the context of contentious politics: data is simultaneously an object of political struggle and a weapon in repertoires of political struggle. Taking the protesters’ collective and networked program of sousveillance during the 2019 Hong Kong Anti-ELAB Movement as an example, this article examines protesters’ and pro-establishment’s engagement with data, the datafication of police as proxies of the state, and attitudes towards various forms of ‘veillance’. The doxing at the heart of this case study provides an example in which data as constituents of movement repertoire and data as a contentious issue in its own right are conflated. This article bridges the surveillance and social movement literature by examining data practice and doxing during the protest.

Electrically programmable magnetic coupling in an Ising network exploiting solid-state ionic gating

Two-dimensional arrays of magnetically coupled nanomagnets provide a mesoscopic platform for exploring collective phenomena as well as realizing a broad range of spintronic devices. In particular, the magnetic coupling plays a critical role in determining the nature of the cooperative behavior and providing new functionalities in nanomagnet-based devices. Here, we create coupled Ising-like nanomagnets in which the coupling between adjacent nanomagnetic regions can be reversibly converted between parallel and antiparallel through solid-state ionic gating. This is achieved with the voltage-control of the magnetic anisotropy in a nanosized region where the symmetric exchange interaction favors parallel alignment and the antisymmetric exchange interaction, namely the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction, favors antiparallel alignment of the nanomagnet magnetizations. Applying this concept to a two-dimensional lattice, we demonstrate a voltage-controlled phase transition in artificial spin ices. Furthermore, we achieve an addressable control of the individual couplings and realize an electrically programmable Ising network, which opens up new avenues to design nanomagnet-based logic devices and neuromorphic computers.

A Review on Efficient Energy Consumption in Software-Defined Networking Using Routing Aware Protocols

The concept of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) has been a fascinating and growing interest in the field of research. The programmable network component is allowed by the SDN’s promising characteristics and partitions the control plane together with the forwarding plane. Energy Efficiency (EE) turned out to be a vital design requisite for modern networking mechanisms since the energy costs supply hugely to the entire costs in networks. Nevertheless, as it is necessary to handle the trade-off betwixt EE and Network Performance (NP), designing energy-effective solutions is non-trivial. Thus, by utilizing Energy-Aware Routing (EAR) approaches, this paper reviews the methodologies of Energy Consumption (EC) on SDN. The latest research related to the traffic-aware solution, compacting TCAM solution, end-host aware solutions, rule placement solutions, heuristic approach-centric solution, and EAR routing protocol was highlighted by this review article in terms of optimal EC on SDN. Finally, centered on the EC metrics, the current research methodologies’ performance is assessed in the performance evaluation. By utilizing EAR routing, this type of research is helpful for future research in efficient EC in SDN.

Programmable Compartment Networks by Unraveling the Stress-Dependent Deformation of Polymer Vesicles.

Nanocontainers that can sense and respond to environmental stimuli like cells are desirable for next-generation delivery systems. However, it is still a grand challenge for synthetic nanocontainers to mimic or even surpass the shape adaption of cells, which may produce novel compartments for cargo loading. Here, this work reports the engineering of compartment network with a single polymer vesicle by unraveling osmotic stress-dependent deformation. Specifically, by manipulating the way in exerting the stress, sudden increase or gradual increase, polymer vesicles can either undergo deflation into the stomatocyte, a bowl-shaped vesicle enclosing a new compartment, or tubulation into the tubule of varied length. Such stress-dependent deformation inspired us to program the shape transformation of polymer vesicles, including tubulation, deflation, or first tubulation and then deflation. The coupled deformation successfully transforms the polymer vesicle into the stomatocyte with tubular arms and a network of two or three small stomatocytes connected by tubules. To the author's knowledge, these morphologies are still not accessed by synthetic nanocontainers. This work envisions that the network of stomatocytes may enable the loading of different catalysts to construct novel motile systems, and the well-defined morphology of vesicles helps to define the effect of morphology on cellar uptake.

Toward Carbon-Aware Networking

Data transmission tends to be neglected when considering the carbon efficiency of systems, even though the electricity usage of data networks as a whole is as large, or larger, than that of data centers. Accounting for carbon cost of the movement of data is hard, and is often assumed to be the responsibility of the receiver or an intermediate provider. To be able to account for the carbon footprint of networks, mutually agreed metrics are required, covering the end-to-end environmental cost of data transmission and up-the-stack network software costs of data processing, rather than merely the independent network devices. Beyond discussing the considerations for defining these metrics, this paper suggests building upon existing practices, such as network telemetry, programmable network elements and cost-aware routing to enable carbon-intelligent networking, a concept that goes beyond network energy efficiency and considers the impact of energy decarbonization on the routing and scheduling of data transmission.

Pharmacists in Australian general practice: Discussion of the findings of an evaluation from 2016 to 2021

AbstractPharmacists embedded in general practice can improve medicines optimisation and patient safety, but Australia has been slower to adopt and fund this model than other comparable countries. Over the last decade there have been various local programs integrating pharmacists in general practice across Australia. This article summarises the results of an evaluation in Canberra from 2016–2021. Pharmacists predominantly conducted clinical activities, including medication reviews and clinical audits. General practitioner (GP) acceptance and implementation of medication review recommendations was high (75%). General practice pharmacists were able to achieve positive clinical outcomes in asthma and smoking cessation. Surveys and interviews identified that the general practice pharmacist role was welcomed by patients, GPs, and other healthcare professionals. Patient satisfaction was very high, with patients supporting the expansion of this pharmacy service. Collaboration between the pharmacists and other healthcare professionals was high. Some pharmacists left employment in general practice after less than a year. Introducing a clear job description could be beneficial in retaining pharmacists, improving trust and working relationships, and enhancing collaboration. The majority of clinical activities conducted by the pharmacists had the potential to improve patient care and decrease healthcare costs. Apart from healthcare savings, benefit–cost ratios of income generated and costs reduced by pharmacists when compared to salaries suggested that pharmacists may be cost‐beneficial in some scenarios. Absence of funding for this model of care remains a barrier to wider adoption in Australia and needs addressing. This study was approved by the University of Canberra Human Research Ethics Committee (Project number: 15–235) and funded under the Primary Health Network Program (Grant number: 25097479).

The national institute on drug abuse diversity scholars network: success for a diverse addiction science workforce.

There is a well-known lack of diversity in many Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. The gap in awarded National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants for scientists from underrepresented populations at the early stages of their careers contributes significantly to this lack of diversity. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Diversity Scholars Network (NDSN) program implemented a new model in 2016 to provide support to underrepresented early-career investigators (ECIs) by equipping them to navigate the competitive NIH grant process. NDSN has a demonstrable track record of providing equity through educational opportunities by enhancing the grant funding success of participants. Of 59 participants from 2016 through 2021, 53% received funding within the first two years after completing the program and 69% by four years. NDSN scholars surmount systemic funding barriers by building relationships with scientific coaches, mentors, NIDA Program Officials and intentionally engaging in network building, which all contribute to the funding success of ECIs. NIDA's NDSN program provides a model for retaining underrepresented ECIs that not only benefits individual scholars, but also the institutions they serve and society as a whole.

SDN-Based Reconfigurable Edge Network Architecture for Industrial Internet of Things

Internet of Things (IoT) with edge computing capability enhances efficiency, availability and improves latency of an industrial automation system. However, to provide dynamic services at the resource-constrained edge device, reconfiguration of services is necessary. This paper proposes a programmable edge network to (re)configure different services of industrial IoT, that employs programmable layers at the edge for reconfiguring the sensor/actuator network and application services. The lowermost layer allows reconfiguring the communication-related parameters and the middle layer consists of an SDN controller that can dynamically program different modules and handles actuation decisions from the edge. An interfacing protocol between the layers is proposed to provide reliability by considering the required configuration parameters among layers. At the top-layer, a priority forwarding mechanism is designed for SDN core (control-loop) communication when sensor and actuator are on different edges. The proposed architecture significantly improves the actuation-latency and is highly energy efficient compared to the existing state-of-the-art.

The impact of refusing esophagectomy for treatment of locally advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma

ObjectivePatients with esophageal cancer may be reluctant to proceed with surgery due to high complication rates. This study aims to compare outcomes between eligible surgical candidates who proceeded with surgery versus those who refused surgery. MethodsCharacteristics and survival of patients with locally advanced (cT3N0M0, cT1-3N+M0) mid-/distal esophageal adenocarcinoma in the National Cancer Database (2006-2019) who either proceeded with or refused surgery after chemoradiotherapy were evaluated with logistic regression, Kaplan–Meier curves, and Cox proportional hazards methods. ResultsOf the 13,594 patients included in the analysis, 595 (4.4%) patients refused esophagectomy. Patients who refused surgery were older, had less distance to travel to their treatment facility, were more likely to have cN0 disease, and were more likely to be treated at a community rather than academic or integrated network program, but did not have significantly different comorbid disease distributions. On multivariable analysis, refusing surgery was independently associated with older age, uninsured, lower income, less distance to a hospital, and treatment in a community program versus an academic/research or integrated network program. Esophagectomy was associated with better survival (5-year survival 40.1% [39.2-41] vs 23.6% [19.9-27.9], P < .001) and was also independently associated with better survival in the Cox model (hazard rate, 0.78 [95% confidence interval, 0.7-0.87], P < .001). ConclusionsThe results of this study can inform selected patients with resectable esophageal adenocarcinoma that their survival will be significantly diminished if surgery is not pursued. Many factors associated with refusing surgery are non-clinical and suggest that access to or support for care could influence patient decisions.

Improving the Quality of Residency Programs in Family and Community Medicine.

To develop and present an instrument to evaluate and monitor the quality of medical residency programs in residencies in family and community medicine (FCM) based on preceptors and residents, considering the insertion of the health network program. The instrument was developed in three stages: 1) interview with the preceptors of FCM; 2) literature review; and 3) production, adequacy, and approval of the evaluation instrument by renowned professionals of the Brazilian FCM. The third stage included 9 people and used the Delphi technique with 80% agreement. For the qualitative results, Bardin's Content Analysis was used. In all, there were five evaluation cycles to adapt the proposed recommendations, with the elimination of one item and weighting, with a results analysis methodology of 10 resulting items, reaching an expected matrix for organizing residency programs in the health network, divided into 3 domains: Organization of the Unit, Human Resources, and Preceptor-resident relationship. An instrument for evaluating and monitoring residency programs in family and community medicine can be a tool to facilitate program managers and allow evaluation and monitoring, continuously qualifying them.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Parents Regarding Neonatal Jaundice in Bisha City, Saudi Arabia.

Background Neonatal jaundice (NNJ) is one of the most common neonatal illnesses around the world. It continues to be a leading cause of avoidable brain damage, physical and mental impairment, and death in neonates. Neonatal morbidity due to NNJ has a significant impact and cost on families and healthcare resources. The majority of instances are addressed without intervention, but others require assessment and assistance in the form of follow-up or treatment. Inadequate family awareness and understanding of this frequent newborn condition can contribute to delays and difficulties. Aim This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudesof parents regarding NNJ in Bisha City, Saudi Arabia. Methodology A cross-sectional study involving 242 participants was carried out. Data were collected using an online questionnaire. The knowledge score differences between groups were analyzed using a Wilcoxon rank sum test and the Kruskal-Wallis rank test. Results In this study of 242 participants from Bisha, we found that the majority were female (155, 64.0%), employed (129, 53.3%), and held a postgraduate degree (150, 62.0%). Regarding knowledge of NNJ, 109 (45.0%) have correctly defined it as yellow pigmentation in the sclera and 64 (26.4%) as yellow pigmentation of the skin. Of most participants, 132 (54.5%) recognized that NNJ could cause complications, but 53 (40.2%) of these were unaware of what these complications might be. Notably, only 89 (36.8%) of respondents believed they had sufficient knowledge about NNJ. The median knowledge score was 3.0 (IQR, 1.0-4.0), and higher scores were significantly associated with being female and reporting sufficient knowledge about the disease. Strategies suggested for improving awareness included campaigns (98, 40.5%) and social networking programs (81, 33.5%). The data suggest a need for enhanced public education regarding NNJ. Conclusion The study highlights the need for increased awareness and education among parents in Bisha,SaudiArabia, about NNJ. The findings suggest that campaigns and social networking programs could effectively educate people about the condition. Additionally, the study provides insights into the factors associated withhigher knowledge scores, such as gender and having a child with NNJ. The results of this study may help healthcare professionals develop effective educational programs and interventions to improve parents' knowledge and attitudes toward NNJ.

The use of artificial intelligence to diagnose diseases and predict their outcomes in newborns

In recent years, modern models of artificial intelligence, including neural networks, have been successfully introduced into clinical practice, due to the high accuracy of functioning and the prospects of their use for the diagnosis and prediction of various diseases. Purpose. To improve the processes of predicting and diagnosing diseases and their outcomes in newborns using neural network intelligent technologies. Material and methods. The study is based on statistically reliable collection of patient history data, mathematical analysis, fuzzy logic theory and principles of trainable neural network systems. Results. Neural network programs have been developed to predict the course of posthypoxic disorders of the cardiovascular system in newborns; to determine the probability of occurrence and outcomes in newborns of such significant diseases as cerebral leukomalacia, intracranial hemorrhages, hydrocephalus, necrotizing enterocolitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, early anemia of prematurity; to predict the physical and neuropsychiatric development of a child to age of one year; and also to predict an unfavorable outcome (death or disability with persistent health problems) of children born earlier than 32 weeks of gestation. Conclusion. The developed artificial neural network programs can be used for personification of the therapeutic and diagnostic process and nursing of newborns, including very preterm ones.

«Integration processes in Eurasia» master program in sociology: development approaches

The article substantiates the need for training personnel with theoretical knowledge in the field of the history of Eurasianism as a civilizational space, cultural and historical features of the Eurasian states, as well as those who are able to work in a multinational team, research and design activities to improve the efficiency of integration processes in the post-Soviet space. The main approaches to the development and implementation of the Master's program in sociology «Integration processes in Eurasia» are proposed, the purpose of which is to form a pool of specialists with the necessary competencies for this: research, preparation of predictive and analytical recommendations for government agencies and various organizations, participation in the implementation of interstate programs. The socio-humanitarian meanings of the development of integration interaction of the EAEU member states, the tasks of promoting socio-humanitarian values for the development of Eurasian integration are substantiated. Based on expert assessments, conditions have been proposed to guarantee the successful implementation of the program: the introduction of new teaching methods and technologies; broad partnership with employers and public organizations; the use of the advantages of digitalization of the educational process, programs, applications and other digital resources for e-learning both remotely and directly at the university; the introduction of online courses. The ideas formulated in the article can be used in the development of educational programs for the training and education of not only specialists — sociologists, but also other specialists of social and humanitarian professions, additional professional programs (advanced training programs and professional retraining programs) for representatives of institutions of the Eurasian Economic Union, public authorities, business and non-profit sector of the EAEU member states and other countries, a network program in the field of Eurasian integration of the Eurasian Network University (ESU), a Network CIS universities, Slavic universities, etc.

Ensuring the future of otitis media research: Interest in and feasibility of a mentoring network program within the otitis media research community.

The goal of this study was to assess the feasibility of the implementation of a mentoring network program based on expressed interest and the diverse composition of the otitis media research community in order to address attrition of the scientific workforce. An online survey was sent to basic, translational, and clinical researchers with a known interest in otitis media. Of 509 eligible participants, 119 (23.4%) responded to the survey. Survey respondents had a diverse background by completed education, current job description, and membership in an underrepresented group in science. Most faculty respondents (76.4%) were willing to participate in the proposed program as mentors and faculty lecturers, or had early-career researchers or trainees in their research group who were willing to participate as mentees in the mentoring network. Scientific and non-scientific topics for inclusion in the training program were ranked, with immunology and inflammation, microbiology, science leadership and collaboration, mentoring, and grantsmanship as main foci of interest among respondents. Our survey results showed enthusiastic participation among responding otitis media researchers, indicating the feasibility of implementing a mentoring network program that will address workforce attrition, particularly among underrepresented groups in science.

USE OF ELECTRONIC RESOURCES AND WEB SERVICES IN TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGES

The article raises the question of the need to use network electronic resources and web services in teaching professionally oriented foreign language communication in non-linguistic institutions of higher education. The need to use a communicative approach is noted, as the introduction of new technologies involves active communication with foreign colleagues. That is why foreign language teaching in a non- linguistic educational institution is considered as an integral part of professional training for a specialist. It is noted that information and communication technologies provide information content for communication. Various Internet applications, network resources, platforms that help in foreign language learning are described in detail. The benefits of each network resource and program are revealed. It is emphasized that the application of modern computer technologies in the learning process is considered as one of the main tasks of increasing the educational efficiency at the university. It has been proven that information and communication technologies can be applied in different types of educational activities: independent information search, self-education, in classes, in extracurricular/extramural time, in distance courses. The need to create a catalog of educational resources of the Internet is considered, which introduces teachers to the possibilities of using information technologies in professional activities. The author emphasizes that the use of Internet applications, electronic and technical means stimulates language activity, communicative readiness and creativity, which is especially important when teaching professionally oriented foreign language communication. It is emphasized that Internet resources can include reference literature, educational, scientific, methodological, historical, cultural and technical information as well.a