Real-time probabilistic reasoning system using Lambda architecture

Thesis (MTech (Information Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019The proliferation of data from sources like social media, and sensor devices has become overwhelming for traditional data storage and analysis technologies to handle. This has prompted a radical improvement in data management techniques, tools and technologies to meet the increasing demand for effective collection, storage and curation of large data set. Most of the technologies are open-source. Big data is usually described as very large dataset. However, a major feature of big data is its velocity. Data flow in as continuous stream and require to be actioned in real-time to enable meaningful, relevant value. Although there is an explosion of technologies to handle big data, they are usually targeted at processing large dataset (historic) and real-time big data independently. Thus, the need for a unified framework to handle high volume dataset and real-time big data. This resulted in the development of models such as the Lambda architecture. Effective decision-making requires processing of historic data as well as real-time data. Some decision-making involves complex processes, depending on the likelihood of events. To handle uncertainty, probabilistic systems were designed. Probabilistic systems use probabilistic models developed with probability theories such as hidden Markov models with inference algorithms to process data and produce probabilistic scores. However, development of these models requires extensive knowledge of statistics and machine learning, making it an uphill task to model real-life circumstances. A new research area called probabilistic programming has been introduced to alleviate this bottleneck. This research proposes the combination of modern open-source big data technologies with probabilistic programming and Lambda architecture on easy-to-get hardware to develop a highly fault-tolerant, and scalable processing tool to process both historic and real-time big data in real-time; a common solution. This system will empower decision makers with the capacity to make better informed resolutions especially in the face of uncertainty. The outcome of this research will be a technology product, built and assessed using experimental evaluation methods. This research will utilize the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology as it describes guidelines for the effective and rigorous construction and evaluation of an artefact. Probabilistic programming in the big data domain is still at its infancy, however, the developed artefact demonstrated an important potential of probabilistic programming combined with Lambda architecture in the processing of big data

A recurrent granulosa cell tumor of the ovary 25 years after the initial diagnosis: A case report

Introduction Granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) are rare functional sex-cord-stromal ovarian neoplasms characterized by low malignancy potential and late relapse, which rarely metastasize to the liver. Presentation of case A 43-year-old female, who had undergone surgery to treat a GCT of the left ovary in 1976, complained of abdominal distention in May 2001. Imaging studies demonstrated masses in the right lobe of the liver, together with massive ascites. The patient\u27s bloody ascites showed no cytological evidence of malignancy. A diagnostic laparoscopy was performed, and the biopsy specimen was histologically proven to be a recurrent granulosa cell tumor. The patient was successfully treated surgery followed by systemic chemotherapy. Her postoperative course was uneventful and systemic chemotherapy was repeated due to the suspicion of a recurrence in the pelvic cavity. Discussion GCTs which are rare malignant tumors of the ovary, tend to be associated with late recurrence. Although most recurrences occur within 10 years after the initial diagnosis, there are occasional reports of recurrences after 10 years have been. We experienced the rare case of a patient who relapsed 25 years after the initial diagnosis. Conclusion The long natural history of this disease highlights the importance of extended follow up for GCT patients. In addition, aggressive therapy including surgery and chemotherapy may contribute to a patient\u27s long-term prognosis

A school-based intestinal helminthiasis programme in Nigeria: perceptions, attitude, and acceptability to community members

No Abstract. Nigerian Journal of Parasitology Vol. 26, 2005: 55-6

Antinociception produced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in female vs male rats

The primary aim of this study was to examine sex differences in acute antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in rats. Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) was administered to adult Sprague-Dawley rats to induce pain and inflammation in one hindpaw; 2.5 h later, vehicle or a single dose of the NSAIDs ibuprofen (1.0-32 mg/kg) or ketoprofen (0.1-10 mg/kg), or the COX-2-preferring inhibitor celecoxib (1.0-10 mg/kg) was injected i.p. Mechanical allodynia, heat hyperalgesia, biased weight-bearing, and hindpaw thickness were assessed 0.5-24 h after drug injection. Ibuprofen and ketoprofen were more potent or efficacious in females than males in reducing mechanical allodynia and increasing weight-bearing on the CFA-injected paw, and celecoxib was longer-acting in females than males on these endpoints. In contrast, ketoprofen and celecoxib were more potent or efficacious in males than females in reducing hindpaw edema. When administered 3 days rather than 2.5 h after CFA, ketoprofen (3.2-32 mg/kg) was minimally effective in attenuating mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia, and did not restore weight-bearing or significantly decrease hindpaw edema, with no sex differences in any effect. Neither celecoxib nor ketoprofen effects were significantly attenuated by cannabinoid receptor 1 or 2 (CB1 or CB2) antagonists in either sex. These results suggest that common NSAIDs administered shortly after induction of inflammation are more effective in females than males in regard to their antinociceptive effects, whereas their anti-inflammatory effects tend to favor males; effect sizes indicate that sex differences in NSAID effect may be functionally important in some cases