Showing papers by "British Columbia Institute of Technology published in 2008"

Estimating a System's Mean Time-to-Compromise

Abstract: Mean time-to-compromise is a comparative security metric that applies lessons learned from physical security. To address this need in the SCADA world specifically and the corporate IT security world more generally, we propose a mean time-to-compromise (MTTC) interval as an estimate of the time it will take for an attacker with a specific skill level to successfully impact a target system. We also propose a state-space model (SSM) and algorithms for estimating attack paths and state times to calculate these MTTC intervals for a given target system. Although we use SCADA as an example, we believe our approach should work in any IT environment.

Spatial Bistability Generates hunchback Expression Sharpness in the Drosophila Embryo

Abstract: During embryonic development, the positional information provided by concentration gradients of maternal factors directs pattern formation by providing spatially dependent cues for gene expression. In the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, a classic example of this is the sharp on–off activation of the hunchback (hb) gene at midembryo, in response to local concentrations of the smooth anterior–posterior Bicoid (Bcd) gradient. The regulatory region for hb contains multiple binding sites for the Bcd protein as well as multiple binding sites for the Hb protein. Some previous studies have suggested that Bcd is sufficient for properly sharpened Hb expression, yet other evidence suggests a need for additional regulation. We experimentally quantified the dynamics of hb gene expression in flies that were wild-type, were mutant for hb self-regulation or Bcd binding, or contained an artificial promoter construct consisting of six Bcd and two Hb sites. In addition to these experiments, we developed a reaction–diffusion model of hb transcription, with Bcd cooperative binding and hb self-regulation, and used Zero Eigenvalue Analysis to look for multiple stationary states in the reaction network. Our model reproduces the hb developmental dynamics and correctly predicts the mutant patterns. Analysis of our model indicates that the Hb sharpness can be produced by spatial bistability, in which hb self-regulation produces two stable levels of expression. In the absence of self-regulation, the bistable behavior vanishes and Hb sharpness is disrupted. Bcd cooperative binding affects the position where bistability occurs but is not itself sufficient for a sharp Hb pattern. Our results show that the control of Hb sharpness and positioning, by hb self-regulation and Bcd cooperativity, respectively, are separate processes that can be altered independently. Our model, which matches the changes in Hb position and sharpness observed in different experiments, provides a theoretical framework for understanding the data and in particular indicates that spatial bistability can play a central role in threshold-dependent reading mechanisms of positional information.

Rapid, microscale, acetyl bromide-based method for high-throughput determination of lignin content in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Abstract: The acetyl bromide method has been modified to enable the rapid microscale determination of lignin content in Arabidopsis with the goal of determining the genes that control lignin in plants. Modifications include reduction in sample size, use of a microball mill, adoption of a modified rapid method of extraction, use of an ice-bath to stabilize solutions and reduction in the volume of solutions. The microscale method was shown to be rapid, accurate and precise with values in agreement with those determined by the full-scale acetyl bromide method. The extinction coefficient for Arabidopsis lignin, dissolved using acetyl bromide, was determined to be 23.35 g(-1) L cm(-1) at 280 nm. This value is independent of the Arabidopsis accession, environmental growth conditions and is insensitive to lignin structure. The newly developed method can be used to determine lignin content in the inflorescence stems of Arabidopsis for mapping of lignin-related genes.

Metabolic changes associated with adaptive diversification in Escherichia coli

Abstract: During a 1000-generation evolution experiment, two types of morphologically and kinetically distinct bacteria repeatedly diverged from a common ancestor in a fully sympatric seasonal environment containing glucose and acetate. To investigate the metabolic modifications associated with this adaptive diversification, we compared transcription profiles of the two derived types and the common ancestor. Both derived types share a suite of common metabolic changes that may represent adaptation to the environment preceding the diversification event. These include improved translation efficiency, glucose uptake capacity via the mal/lamB genes, upregulation of various transporters during stationary phase, and likely the disruption of the rbs operon. The diversification event is associated with the overexpression of genes involved in the TCA cycle, glyoxylate shunt, acetate consumption, and anaerobic respiration in one type and in acetate excretion in the other. These results reveal that competition for both carbon and oxygen have likely played an important role in the adaptation of Escherichia coli during this adaptive diversification event, where one derived type mainly consumes glucose at a fast rate when oxygen is not limiting, and the other derived type consumes glucose and acetate at a slower rate, even when oxygen is limiting.

Determination of hydrastine and berberine in goldenseal raw materials, extracts, and dietary supplements by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV: collaborative study

Abstract: A multilaboratory collaborative study was conducted on a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method utilizing UV detection, previously validated using AOAC single-laboratory validation guidelines for determination of hydrastine and berberine in goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) raw materials, extracts, and dietary supplements at levels ranging from 0.4 to 6% (w/w). Nine collaborating laboratories determined the hydrastine and berberine content in 8 blind samples. Sample materials included powdered botanical raw materials, whole root material, and 4 finished product dietary supplements containing either goldenseal powdered root material or extract. The materials were extracted with an acidified water and acetonitrile solution. HPLC analyses of the extracts were performed on a C18 column using UV detection at 230 nm. Results for powdered root material and capsule products ranged from about 0.2% (w/w) for each alkaloid to about 4% (w/w) for each alkaloid. Liquid tincture results were approximately 4000-5000 microg/mL for each alkaloid. Reproducibility relative standard deviations (RSDR) for hydrastine ranged from 2.68 to 6.65%, with HorRat values ranging from 0.77 to 1.89. RSDR for berberine ranged from 5.66 to 7.68%, with HorRat values ranging from 1.32 to 2.12. All finished products containing goldenseal extract yielded HorRat values <2.0. Based on these results, the method is recommended for Official First Action for determination of hydrastine and berberine in goldenseal raw materials and dietary supplement finished products containing powdered goldenseal and goldenseal extract.

Intelligent Micro Grid Research at BCIT

Abstract: This paper describes a major research initiative by British Columbia Institute of Technology for the construction of an Intelligent Micro Grid on its campus in Burnaby, BC, Canada.

Maintaining Integrity: Women and Treatment Seeking for the Symptoms of Potential Cardiac Illness:

Abstract: Cardiac disease is the number one killer of Canadian women. Therapy is highly time-dependent, yet treatment-seeking delay persists. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to explore how women seeking treatment for the symptoms of potential cardiac illness interpreted their symptoms, made decisions about seeking treatment, and understood experiences of care in the emergency department. Data were drawn from 100 hours of naturalistic observation, in-depth interviews with 16 women who visited one of two urban emergency departments between June 2005 and June 2006, and three interviews with nurses. The basic social psychological process of maintaining integrity was identified, encompassing three distinct phases: "resisting disruption," "suspending agency," and "integrating experiences and knowledge." The findings suggest that in the face of a threat to life, women are first and foremost striving to maintain both the integrity of their sense of self and their ability to carry out role responsibilities.

Sound transmission loss of extensive green roofs - Field test results

Abstract: A study was conducted to review the acoustical features and the potential contributions of green roofs to the acoustical environment, to investigate sound transmission theory, and to report on new empirical findings on the transmission loss of green roofs. The results of the study shows that existing sound transmission algorithms do not adequately predict TL of light-weight roof system or green roofs, nor describe the potential effect of moisture content of the substrate. The sound energy is dissipated in the substrate and provides a mass loading and damping effect on to the light-weight roof deck. The study also suggested that green roofs will provide a higher TL than the additional ceiling element and improve TL throughout the full architectural frequency range, specifically desirable in residential and institutional occupancies that are developed below aircraft flight paths.

When No One Has Time Measuring the Impact of Computerization on Health Care Workers

Abstract: Technological change is a constant in today's workplace, especially the modern health care workplace. The introduction of electronic health records changes workloads, job demands, interactions with other health care professionals, and work roles-all elements that have previously been noted to increase work stress and impact health. Despite the significant changes that accompany computerization, it is seldom studied as a source of stress. Also, the health effects of computerization within health care have not been extensively studied. This article summarizes the potential environmental impact of computerization on workers, with special reference to health care workers, and suggests ways occupational health nurses can monitor the health consequences of new technology and intervene in case of adverse health impact. In many health care organizations, high work pressure and staff shortages make it impractical, and perhaps impossible, to use standard in-depth research methods to investigate this issue. Therefore, several less obtrusive methods that can be triangulated are suggested as an alternative.

Wearable medical tubing and cabling containment harness

Abstract: A wearable tubing safety vest configured to harness medical treatment delivery tubing and/or communication cables. The tubing safety vest comprises a vest component having a body-encompassing component cooperable with a plurality of releasably securable flaps, and an elongate tubing harness configured to releasably receive and retain therethrough at least one of medical treatment delivery tubing and communication cables. The tubing harness may be securely engaged with the vest component or alternatively, at least one hinge component can be interposed the vest component and the tubing harness. The vest component is configured for demountably encircling a mammalian body torso, e.g, a human infant torso, juvenile torso, or an adult torso. The tubing harness may be demountably engaged with the front or with the back of the vest component. The wearble tubing safety vest may be optionally configured for demountable engagement about an animal's torso.

Single-Laboratory Validation of a Method for the Detection and/or Quantification of Select Alkaloids in Goldenseal Supplements and Raw Materials by Reversed-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

Abstract: Quality of botanical products and raw materials is important to manufacturers, regulators, researchers, and consumers. Many modern botanical quality-assurance schemes set specifications for select phytochemicals and measure against those specifications as one determinant of quality. While numerous publications describe procedures for determining compounds of interest in plant species, few methods have been systematically evaluated for accuracy, precision, or reliability, and often the analysis of finished products is not within the scope of the method. Hydrastis canadensis. L., commonly referred to as Goldenseal, is an economically important North American medicinal plant that has been subject to adulteration in commerce. The phytochemicals of interest in the plant are the alkaloids hydrastine, berberine, and canadine. Of interest is also palmatine, an alkaloid found in potential adulterant species but not in goldenseal. In this study, goldenseal materials in raw, capsule, and tablet form, includi...

Performance verification of a prototype non-invasive intra-oral bone growth stimulator for titanium dental implants

Abstract: A prototytpe non-invasive intra-oral device to promote bone growth following dental implantation was developed. The device generates a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) covering the bone interface of the titanium implant. The prescribed treatment period is two hours per day for eight-week duration. It is designed to be a single-patient use disposable device. All components are totally embedded into a mouth guard type enclosure so that it can be conveniently and comfortably placed inside and removed from the oral cavity by the patient. Laboratow verification tests confirmed the device meets the designed technical specifications. Initial in-vitro study showed positive results in promoting bone growth.

Kinetics of Hydrogen Peroxide Brightening of Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata Donn) CTMP

Abstract: The use of western red cedar mechanical pulp is limited by its very low brightness. This article presents the kinetic expressions for hydrogen peroxide brightening of western red cedar chemimechanical pulp. The significance of the results for the reaction mechanism and for brightening under practical conditions is discussed. The kinetics of peroxide brightening of western red cedar chemimechanical pulp was monitored at the three absorption maxima—357 nm, 457 nm, and 550 nm—in the UV-visible spectra. The reaction order with respect to hydrogen peroxide was around 1 at all three wavelengths. The reaction order with respect to chromophores was approximately 2.4 at the higher wavelengths and 5 at 357 nm. The kinetic equations were successful in predicting brightness values obtained under practical conditions.

Development of the public information and communication technology assessment tool.

Abstract: Purpose. Public information and communication technologies, such as information kiosks, automated banking machines and ticket dispensers, allow people to access services in a convenient and timely manner. However, the development of these technologies has occurred largely without consideration of access by people with disabilities. Inaccessible technical features make operation of a public technology difficult and barriers in the environment create navigational challenges, limiting the opportunity of people with disabilities to use these devices and access the services they provide. This paper describes the development of a tool that individuals, disability advocacy groups, business owners, healthcare providers, and urban planners can use to evaluate the accessibility of public technologies and the surrounding environment. Evaluation results can then be used to develop recommendations and advocate for technical and environmental changes to improve access.Methods. Tool development consisted of a review of ...

Biphasic external defibrillation for adults in ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia.

Abstract: Cardiac arrest, as a result of ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, is a common phenomenon, and the only treatment available is defibrillation. Currently, defibrillators deliver either a monophasic or biphasic shock, depending on the device used. In 2005, the American Heart Association published new cardiac arrest management guidelines, which included directions about energy selection for both types of defibrillators. These guidelines created a platform to address misconceptions that exist in the practice setting with regard to the use of biphasic defibrillators. The purpose of this literature review was to highlight the issues related to the practical use of biphasic energy, including optimal energy selection and safety.

A new interleaved Bachelor of Electrical Engineering Program

Abstract: This paper describes a new four-year Bachelor of Electrical Engineering program being introduced in British Columbia (BC), Canada at the BC Institute of Technology (BCIT). The program addresses the need in industry for engineering graduates that have a solid practical focus as well as the expected theoretical depth and topical breadth of knowledge. The program works in tandem with a nationally accredited two-year diploma of Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology. The program structure allows both the existing diploma program and the degree program to be optimized based on their respective priorities and market needs, i.e., there is no need to impose major changes on the diploma program in order to accommodate the degree program. The result is a pair of programs that allow students to graduate with either a diploma or a degree, and also to return after receiving their diploma to complete their degree later. This structure provides, in effect, a two-stage entrance evaluation process which allows the program to draw from a broader pool of prospective engineers, thereby providing a path to the profession to people that may otherwise have missed the opportunity. The programpsilas curriculum uses a contextual or spiral approach, where applications are introduced prior to theory, and then revisited once the theory is developed. While the program described here is designed to help address the shortage of electrical engineers in Canada, similar conditions prevail in the United States and elsewhere, and similar programs may be useful in addressing these shortages.

How to prepare engineers in medicine and biology

Abstract: Biomedical Engineering education has become very popular in the past two decades. New biomedical engineering programs have been developed to prepare students for this emerging field of study. Due to its highly multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary nature, combined with the fact that many engineering students have limited life sciences backgrounds, preparing graduates for an engineering career incorporating medicine and biology is not straight forward. The University of British Columbia established a graduate level biomedical engineering program in the fall of 2006 after an industry survey and extensive consultation process. The program curriculum also employs a device-based approach to the education of life science components including anatomy and physiology. Feedback from current students, industry sponsors, and practicing biomedical engineers favour this UBC approach. The program will continually update its curriculum and delivery style in response to the industry needs and student evaluation.

The Value of Stepping Outside Your Normal Role: Lessons Learned From Serving On Cross-Disciplinary Teams

Abstract: Business at Northern Arizona University. She received her MBA from the University of Toledo and teaches courses in business communications and organizational behavior. Her research interests include gender communication, team teaching, and group dynamics. Address correspondence to Mary Bowers, W. A. Franke College of Business, Northern Arizona University, PO Box 15066, Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5066; email: Mary.Bowers@nau.edu.