Showing papers by "Lancaster University published in 2022"

Horus: Interference-Aware and Prediction-Based Scheduling in Deep Learning Systems

Abstract: To accelerate the training of Deep Learning (DL) models, clusters of machines equipped with hardware accelerators such as GPUs are leveraged to reduce execution time. State-of-the-art resource managers are needed to increase GPU utilization and maximize throughput. While co-locating DL jobs on the same GPU has been shown to be effective, this can incur interference causing slowdown. In this article we propose Horus: an interference-aware and prediction-based resource manager for DL systems. Horus proactively predicts GPU utilization of heterogeneous DL jobs extrapolated from the DL model’s computation graph features, removing the need for online profiling and isolated reserved GPUs. Through micro-benchmarks and job co-location combinations across heterogeneous GPU hardware, we identify GPU utilization as a general proxy metric to determine good placement decisions, in contrast to current approaches which reserve isolated GPUs to perform online profiling and directly measure GPU utilization for each unique submitted job. Our approach promotes high resource utilization and makespan reduction; via real-world experimentation and large-scale trace driven simulation, we demonstrate that Horus outperforms other DL resource managers by up to 61.5 percent for GPU resource utilization, 23.7–30.7 percent for makespan reduction and 68.3 percent in job wait time reduction.

The Case for Adaptive Security Interventions

Abstract: Despite the availability of various methods and tools to facilitate secure coding, developers continue to write code that contains common vulnerabilities. It is important to understand why technological advances do not sufficiently facilitate developers in writing secure code. In order to widen our understanding of developers' behaviour, we considered the complexity of the security decision space of developers using theory from cognitive and social psychology. Our interdisciplinary study reported in this paper (1) draws on the psychology literature to provide conceptual underpinnings for three categories of impediments to achieving security goals, (2) reports on an in-depth meta-analysis of existing software security literature which identified a catalogue of factors that influence developers' security decisions, and (3) characterises the landscape of existing security interventions that are available to the developer during coding and identifies gaps. Collectively, these show that different forms of impediments to achieving security goals arise from different contributing factors. Interventions will be more effective where they reflect psychological factors more sensitively and marry technical sophistication, psychological frameworks, and usability. Our analysis suggests `adaptive security interventions' as a solution that responds to the changing security needs of individual developers and a present a proof-of-concept tool to substantiate our suggestion.

Racialized politics of garbage: waste management in urban Roma settlements in Eastern Europe

Abstract: Disproportionate exposure to adverse environmental conditions is part of the complex cycle of dispossession and racial discrimination faced by marginalized minorities in Europe—primarily the Roma. ...

Invited perspectives: Challenges and future directions in improving bridge flood resilience

Abstract: Abstract. Bridges are critical-infrastructure components of road and rail transport networks. A large number of these critical assets cross or are adjacent to waterways and floodplains and are therefore exposed to flood actions such as scour, hydrodynamic loading, and inundation, all of which are exacerbated by debris accumulations. These stressors are widely recognized as responsible for the vast majority of bridge failures around the world, and they are expected to be exacerbated due to climate change. While efforts have been made to increase the robustness of bridges to the flood hazard, many scientific and technical gaps remain. These gaps were explored during an expert workshop that took place in April 2021 with the participation of academics, consultants, and decision makers operating mainly in the United Kingdom and specializing in the fields of bridge risk assessment and management and flood resilience. The objective of the workshop was to identify and prioritize the most urgent and significant impediments to bridge flood resilience. In particular, the following issues, established at different levels and scales of bridge flood resilience, were identified and analysed in depth: (i) characterization of the effects of floods on different bridge typologies, (ii) uncertainties in formulae for scour depth assessment, (iii) evaluation of consequences of damage, (iv) recovery process after flood damage, (v) decision-making under uncertainty for flood-critical bridges, and (vi) use of event forecasting and monitoring data for increasing the reliability of bridge flood risk estimations. These issues are discussed in this paper to inform other researchers and stakeholders worldwide, guide the directions of future research in the field, and influence policies for risk mitigation and rapid response to flood warnings, ultimately increasing bridge resilience.

The multidimensionality of second language oral fluency: Interfacing cognitive fluency and utterance fluency

Abstract: Abstract The current study examined the extent to which cognitive fluency (CF) contributes to utterance fluency (UF) at the level of constructs. A total of 128 Japanese-speaking learners of English completed four speaking tasks—argumentative task, picture narrative task, reading-to-speaking task, and reading-while-listening-to-speaking task—and a battery of linguistic knowledge tests, capturing vocabulary size, lexical retrieval speed, sentence construction skills, grammaticality judgments, and articulatory speed. Their speaking performance was analyzed in terms of speed, breakdown, and repair fluency (i.e., UF), and scores on linguistic knowledge tests were used to assess students’ L2 linguistic resources and processing skills (i.e., CF). Structural equation modeling revealed a complex interplay between the multidimensionality of CF and UF and speaking task types. L2 processing speed consistently contributed to all aspects of UF across speaking tasks, whereas the role of linguistic resources in speed and repair fluency varied, depending on task characteristics.

Frances Power Cobbe

Abstract: This book brings together essential writings by the unjustly neglected nineteenth-century philosopher Frances Power Cobbe (1822–1904). A prominent ethicist, feminist, champion of animal welfare, and critic of Darwinism and atheism, Cobbe was very well known and highly regarded in the Victorian era. This collection introduces contemporary readers to Cobbe and shows how her original philosophical standpoint developed over time, beginning in 1855 with her Essay on Intuitive Morals. In this work she set out her duty-based moral theory, arguing that morality and religion are indissolubly connected. This provided the framework within which she addressed a host of theoretical and practical issues in her prolific publishing career. In the 1860s and early 1870s, she gave an account of human duties to animals; articulated a duty-based form of feminism; defended a unique type of dualism in the philosophy of mind; and argued against evolutionary ethics. Cobbe put her philosophical views into practice, campaigning for women’s rights and for first the regulation and later the abolition of vivisection. In turn, her political experiences led her to revise her ethical theory. From the 1870s onward she increasingly emphasized the moral role of the emotions, especially sympathy, and she theorized a gradual progression in sympathy across history. Moving into the 1880s, Cobbe combatted secularism, agnosticism, and atheism, arguing that religion is necessary not only for morality but also for meaningful life and culture. The critical introduction and explanatory notes provide historical and philosophical context for those encountering Cobbe for the first time.

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome following vaccination with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine

Abstract: Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a serious, potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity syndrome that usually occurs after exposure to a drug. The clinical features include rash, edema, fever, lymphadenopathy, and involvement of other organs. The etiopathogenesis is still being investigated. DRESS syndrome tends to occur after ingestion of a drug by a genetically predisposed individual. Reactivation of viruses, including human herpesvirus 6, human herpesvirus 7, Epstein-Barr virus, and human cytomegalovirus, has been reported in patients with DRESS syndrome, but the exact contribution of reactivation of viruses to symptoms and severity has not yet been established.1Roujeau J.C. Dupin N. Virus reactivation in drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) results from a strong drug-specific immune response.J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2017; 5: 811-812Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (14) Google Scholar We report a case of DRESS syndrome following administration of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine (Vaxzevria). A 45-year-old woman presented with an 8-day history of a gradually worsening rash consisting of red papules on the face, trunk, and extremities. She complained of chills, sore throat, and hoarseness. She had no preceding medical conditions and was taking no regular medication. She took levocetirizine and fexofenadine for the rash. She had received her first dose of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine (Vaxzevria) 7 weeks before onset of the rash. On examination, there was erythema and edema of the eyelids and lips (Fig 1) and multiple pink papules and plaques on the face, trunk, and extremities, some with superficial scale. There were small pustules on the upper lip. Edema of the arms and legs with coalescent erythema was observed. Violaceous patches on the feet (Fig 2) with some targetoid lesions and some central erosions were noted. There was conjunctivitis, erythema of the pharynx, and cervical lymphadenopathy.Fig 2Violaceous patches on the feet with targetoid lesions.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT) Blood test results on admission showed an elevated eosinophil count of 1.48 × 109/L (normal range 0.02-0.5 × 109/L), C-reactive protein 32.3 (normal range <5.0), normal liver function tests, COVID-19 IgG weakly positive, COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction tests negative × 2, negative respiratory panel, and negative serology for Mycoplasma pneumoniae, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and human herpesvirus 6. Chest computed tomography showed serositis with mild fluid in the pleural and peritoneal cavities. Skin biopsy showed diffuse marked spongiosis with patchy vacuolar interface change and occasional dyskeratotic cells (Fig 3). There was a patchy lichenoid band of lymphocytes with perivascular lymphocytes and abundant eosinophils (Fig 4). These features were consistent with the clinical impression of DRESS syndrome.Fig 4High-power view of dermal perivascular inflammatory infiltrate comprising lymphocytes and abundant eosinophils. (Hematoxylin-eosin stain; original magnification: ×400.)View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT) The patient was started on intravenous hydrocortisone on admission, and her condition improved. However, 5 days after admission, on switching to oral prednisolone, she had a relapse with chills, malaise, conjunctivitis, generalized erythema, and edema. Her eosinophil count rose to 3.65 × 109/L. Her liver enzymes rose slightly to 40 IU/L for aspartate aminotransferase (normal range 5-34 IU/L), to 87 IU/L for alanine aminotransferase (normal range <55 IU/L), and to 39 IU/L for gamma-glutamyl transferase (normal range 9-36 IU/L). Intravenous methylprednisolone was administered for 3 days, with marked improvement in skin condition and reduction in eosinophil count and liver enzymes. Oral prednisolone 60 mg daily was commenced after the course of methylprednisolone and slowly weaned. At review 3 weeks later, she still had some edema of the face, arms, and legs, and at review 7 weeks later, while she was taking prednisolone 8 mg daily, there was mild edema remaining, with a dusky purple color of the skin on the hands and feet. Liver enzymes remained normal, with a very mild increase in eosinophil count to 0.6 × 109/L. DRESS is a drug-induced hypersensitivity reaction that usually occurs 2 to 8 weeks after exposure to the culprit drug. It has an associated mortality of around 10%.2Chen Y.C. Chiu H.C. Chu C.Y. Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms: a retrospective study of 60 cases.Arch Dermatol. 2010; 146: 1373-1379Crossref PubMed Scopus (207) Google Scholar The most common drugs that cause DRESS are anticonvulsants, antibiotics, antiretrovirals, and allopurinol. DRESS has been reported rarely after influenza vaccination.3Hewitt N. Levinson M. Stephenson G. Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms associated with H1N1 vaccination.Intern Med J. 2012; 42: 1365-1366Crossref PubMed Scopus (4) Google Scholar, 4Solak B. Dikicier B.S. Kara R.O. Erdem T. DRESS syndrome potentially induced by allopurinol and triggered by influenza vaccine.BMJ Case Rep. 2016; 2016 (bcr206214563)PubMed Google Scholar, 5Griffin D.W.J. Martin G.E. McLean C. Cheng A.C. Giles M.L. A case of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) without a typical precipitant.Med J Aust. 2020; 212: 300-312Crossref PubMed Scopus (2) Google Scholar Our patient was taking no other medications before the onset of her symptoms. Therefore, we believe that her DRESS syndrome was precipitated by her first dose of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine (Vaxzevria). We are not aware of any other cases of DRESS syndrome occurring after the AstraZeneca vaccine. A case has been reported of a severe cutaneous adverse reaction to the Janssen Ad26.COV2.S COVID-19 vaccine, with a differential diagnosis of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, DRESS, or acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis-DRESS overlap.6Lospinoso K. Nichols C.S. Malachowski S.J. Mochel M.C. Nutan F. A case of severe cutaneous adverse reaction following administration of the Janssen Ad26,COV2.S COVID-19 vaccine.JAAD Case Rep. 2021; 13: 134-137Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (8) Google Scholar DRESS syndrome is treated by withdrawal of the offending agent, supportive care, monitoring for systemic involvement, and corticosteroids. Relapses can occur with a steroid taper, as occurred in our patient. Symptoms can persist for up to a year in some patients.7Tetart F. Picard D. Janela B. Joly P. Musette P. Prolonged evolution of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms: clinical, virologic and biological features.JAMA Dermatol. 2014; 150: 206-207Crossref PubMed Scopus (21) Google Scholar Organ damage can be very severe in some patients, leading to permanent impairment of organ function. Several autoimmune diseases, including thyroiditis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and systemic lupus erythematosus, have been reported from a few months to several years after recovery from DRESS syndrome.8Kano Y. Tohyama M. Aihara M. et al.Sequelae of 145 patients with drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms: survey conducted by the Asian Research Committee on severe cutaneous adverse reactions (ASCAR).J Dermatol. 2015; 42: 276-282Crossref PubMed Scopus (76) Google Scholar Patients with DRESS syndrome require careful follow-up after recovery, and clinicians need to be aware of the possibility of autoimmune sequelae. The role of reactivation of Herpesviridae in the pathogenesis of DRESS remains uncertain. Drug-specific T cells producing tumor necrosis factor alpha and interferon gamma have been identified and may be important in the pathogenesis.9Ye Y.M. Hur G.Y. Kim S.H. et al.Drug-specific CD4+ T-cell immune responses are responsible for antituberculous drug-induced maculopapular exanthema and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome.Br J Dermatol. 2017; 176: 378-386Crossref PubMed Scopus (24) Google Scholar We present this case to highlight the importance of a vaccination history in a patient presenting with clinical features suspicious for DRESS syndrome. This is particularly relevant in the case of vaccines requiring 2 doses, since the second dose should be withheld, as should boosters of the same vaccine. DRESS syndrome often has a longer latent period than other drug reactions, and thus the drug history should include exposures in the preceding 8 weeks. Some patients have a genetic predisposition to drug reactions and may be at higher risk of developing a severe reaction, including DRESS syndrome after the COVID-19 vaccine. None disclosed.

Characteristics and evolution of brown carbon in western United States wildfires

Abstract: Abstract. Brown carbon (BrC) associated with aerosol particles in western United States wildfires was measured between July and August 2019 aboard the NASA DC-8 research aircraft during the Fire Influence on Regional to Global Environments and Air Quality (FIREX-AQ) study. Two BrC measurement methods are investigated, highly spectrally resolved light absorption in solvent (water and methanol) extracts of particles collected on filters and in situ bulk aerosol particle light absorption measured at three wavelengths (405, 532 and 664 nm) with a photoacoustic spectrometer (PAS). A light-absorption closure analysis for wavelengths between 300 and 700 nm was performed. The combined light absorption of particle pure black carbon material, including enhancements due to internally mixed materials, plus soluble BrC and a Mie-predicted factor for conversion of soluble BrC to aerosol particle BrC, was compared to absorption spectra from a power law fit to the three PAS wavelengths. For the various parameters used, at a wavelength of roughly 400 nm they agreed, at lower wavelengths the individual component-predicted particle light absorption significantly exceeded the PAS and at higher wavelengths the PAS absorption was consistently higher but more variable. Limitations with extrapolation of PAS data to wavelengths below 405 nm and missing BrC species of low solubility that more strongly absorb at higher wavelengths may account for the differences. Based on measurements closest to fires, the emission ratio of PAS-measured BrC at 405 nm relative to carbon monoxide (CO) was on average 0.13 Mm−1 ppbv−1; emission ratios for soluble BrC are also provided. As the smoke moved away from the burning regions, the evolution over time of BrC was observed to be highly complex; BrC enhancement, depletion or constant levels with age were all observed in the first 8 h after emission in different plumes. Within 8 h following emissions, 4-nitrocatechol, a well-characterized BrC chromophore commonly found in smoke particles, was largely depleted relative to the bulk BrC. In a descending plume where temperature increased by 15 K, 4-nitrocatechol dropped, possibly due to temperature-driven evaporation, but bulk BrC remained largely unchanged. Evidence was found for reactions with ozone, or related species, as a pathway for secondary formation of BrC under both low and high oxides of nitrogen (NOx) conditions, while BrC was also observed to be bleached in regions of higher ozone and low NOx, consistent with complex behaviors of BrC observed in laboratory studies. Although the evolution of smoke in the first hours following emission is highly variable, a limited number of measurements of more aged smoke (15 to 30 h) indicate a net loss of BrC. It is yet to be determined how the near-field BrC evolution in smoke affects the characteristics of smoke over longer timescales and spatial scales, where its environmental impacts are likely to be greater.

How Much Food Can We Grow in Urban Areas? Food Production and Crop Yields of Urban Agriculture: A Meta‐Analysis

Abstract: Urban agriculture can contribute to food security, food system resilience and sustainability at the city level. While studies have examined urban agricultural productivity, we lack systemic knowledge of how agricultural productivity of urban systems compares to conventional agriculture and how productivity varies for different urban spaces (e.g., allotments vs. rooftops vs. indoor farming) and growing systems (e.g., hydroponics vs. soil-based agriculture). Here, we present a global meta-analysis that seeks to quantify crop yields of urban agriculture for a broad range of crops and explore differences in yields for distinct urban spaces and growing systems. We found 200 studies reporting urban crop yields, from which 2,062 observations were extracted. Lettuces and chicories were the most studied urban grown crops. We observed high agronomic suitability of urban areas, with urban agricultural yields on par with or greater than global average conventional agricultural yields. "Cucumbers and gherkins" was the category of crops for which differences in yields between urban and conventional agriculture were the greatest (17 kg m-2 cycle-1 vs. 3.8 kg m-2 cycle-1). Some urban spaces and growing systems also had a significant effect on specific crop yields (e.g., tomato yields in hydroponic systems were significantly greater than tomato yields in soil-based systems). This analysis provides a more robust, globally relevant evidence base on the productivity of urban agriculture that can be used in future research and practice relating to urban agriculture, especially in scaling-up studies aiming to estimate the self-sufficiency of cities and towns and their potential to meet local food demand.