British Columbia Institute of Technology

About: British Columbia Institute of Technology is a education organization based out in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Smart grid & Belief revision. The organization has 458 authors who have published 785 publications receiving 16140 citations.

Machine Learning for Regenerator Placement Based on the Features of the Optical Network

Abstract: With network traffic projected to increase drastically over the new few years, Elastic Optical Networks (EONs) have been brought in to be the successor of the currently used optical technologies. Many factors must be taken into consideration when deploying EONs for wide-scale use. One of which is the overall network’s resource allocation. A simple, uniform distribution of regenerators is too inefficient as different locations have different regenerator requirements based on the amount of network traffic they receive. On the other hand, increasing the number of installed regenerators after initial deployment will incur a substantial cost. The ideal scenario is to accurately predict the number of regenerators that each location will need.One way to provide accurate predictions for regenerator allocation is through the use of machine learning. In order to maximize the accuracy of the prediction provided by the machine learning algorithm, it must be supplied with quality input training data. In this paper, we examine the impact that different network features can have on prediction results. We then propose a list of network features that hold significant impact in regards to predicting regenerator allocation accurately.

Single-Laboratory Validation for the Determination of Flavonoids in Hawthorn Leaves and Finished Products by LC-UV.

Abstract: Suitably validated analytical methods that can be used to quantify medicinally active phytochemicals in natural health products are required by regulators, manufacturers, and consumers. Hawthorn (Crataegus) is a botanical ingredient in natural health products used for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. A method for the quantitation of vitexin-2″-O- rhamnoside, vitexin, isovitexin, rutin, and hyperoside in hawthorn leaf and flower raw materials and finished products was optimized and validated according to AOAC International guidelines. A two-level partial factorial study was used to guide the optimization of the sample preparation. The optimal conditions were found to be a 60-minute extraction using 50 : 48 : 2 methanol : water : acetic acid followed by a 25-minute separation using a reversed-phased liquid chromatography column with ultraviolet absorbance detection. The single-laboratory validation study evaluated method selectivity, accuracy, repeatability, linearity, limit of quantitation, and limit of detection. Individual flavonoid content ranged from 0.05 mg/g to 17.5 mg/g in solid dosage forms and raw materials. Repeatability ranged from 0.7 to 11.7 % relative standard deviation corresponding to HorRat ranges from 0.2 to 1.6. Calibration curves for each flavonoid were linear within the analytical ranges with correlation coefficients greater than 99.9 %. Herein is the first report of a validated method that is fit for the purpose of quantifying five major phytochemical marker compounds in both raw materials and finished products made from North American (Crataegus douglasii) and European (Crataegus monogyna and Crataegus laevigata) hawthorn species. The method includes optimized extraction of samples without a prolonged drying process and reduced liquid chromatography separation time.

Inhibition of Human Pancreatic Cancer Cell Proliferation by Devil's Club Oplopanax horridus and Its Polyacetylene Bioactive Compound

Abstract: Devil's club Oplopanax horridus (DC) is a close relative of ginseng; its inner root and stem bark extract showed antiproliferation activity on human leukemia, ovarian, breast and colon cancer cells. We study here the effects of DC 70% ethanol extract alone, or in combination with cisplatin, gemcitabine, and paclitaxel on pancreatic endocrine HP62 and pancreatic ductal carcinoma PANC-1 and BxPC-3 cells. Antiproliferation activity assay, cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry, apoptosis-related markers by antibody array, and RT-PCR assay were used for this study. DC extract inhibited proliferation of HP62 with IC50 (50% inhibition concentration) at 0.037±0.002% (v/v), PANC-1 at 0.0058 ± 0.0004% and BxPC-3 at 0.021 ± 0.003%. DC at 0.0033% combined with 1 nM of paclitaxel showed inhibition synergy on PANC-1 cells with a combination index of 0.44. Apoptosis focused antibody array profile indicated upregulation of cytochrome C, claspin, cIAP-2 and HTRA2/Omi apoptosis-related markers in DC-treated HP62 and PANC-1...

A dose comparison survey in CT departments of dedicated paediatric hospitals in Australia and Saudi Arabia

Abstract: A dose comparison survey in CT departments of dedicated paediatric hospitals in Australia and Saudi Arabia

A faculty created strategic plan for excellence in nursing education.

Abstract: Strategic planning for nursing education, when seen through a faculty lens creates a deeper, more meaningful critical analysis of effective program development. New strategies are required for academic institutions to transform their curricula to meet the needs of a dynamic healthcare and changing global environment to provide quality education for students. In this article, an evidence-informed process is presented that was progressively co-created by the faculty and facilitators. Seminal business frameworks, leadership development philosophies, and innovative interventions enabled faculty to become engaged and developed as they created a strategic plan for a future-driven nursing program. Phase One presents the process of developing a strategic plan for excellence in nursing education by leveraging faculty potential and preparing for an upcoming accreditation. In Phase Two, four team members from Phase One continue as part of Phase Two team serving as the collective memory for this initial work. This method of strategic planning encouraged faculty engagement and leadership and laid the groundwork for a positive culture change among nursing faculty.