Strategies for Analysis of Unimodal and Multimodal Data for Simulation

The primary objective of this thesis is to provide strategies for analysis for data associated with simulation. Data analysis is an important part of the simulation process. Typically more stress is laid upon the development of the computer simulation while the data analysis takes a back seat. However, the accuracy of a simulation depends on the data driving it. In other words, any simulation is only as accurate as the input data fed into the simulation. Also, the output of simulation should be analyzed properly in order to validly estimate the performance of the system being simulated. The focus of this thesis is to develop tools for analyzing data associated to simulation. The thesis deals with analysis of two kinds of data sets, namely unimodal and multimodal data sets. Mode is one of the statistics that may be used to define any data set. Any data set having a single mode is known as a unimodal data set. If the data set has more than one modal value, it is known as a multimodal data set. Separate tools are developed for analyzing unimodal and multimodal data sets. The tools use existing goodness of fit tests. In the first part of the research, unimodal data sets are fitted against theoretical distributions using Chi square and Anderson-darling goodness of fit tests. While the goodness of fit tests are used directly for unimodal distributions, a different approach needs to be developed for multimodal distributions. The latter half of study deals with the development of an approach to analyze the multimodal distribution. The approach is subsequently used in the synthesis of a tool for analysis of multimodal data sets

The Inmate Transportation Problem

The Inmate Transportation Problem (ITP) is a common complex problem in any correctional system. In this project we studied the present policies and practices used by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (PADoC) to transport inmates between 25 different state Correctional Institutions (CIs) across the state of Pennsylvania. As opposed to the current practice of manually deciding about transportation we propose a mathematical optimization approach.We develop a weighted multi-objective mixed integer linear optimization (MILO) model. The MILO model optimizes the transportation of the inmates within a correctional system. Particularly, the MILO model assigns inmates, who needs to be transported from a particular CI to another, to routes and vehicles while considering all legal restrictions and best business practices. By using real data instances, we tested the performance of the MILO model and show that the transportation need in a correctional system can be organized efficiently using classic vehicle routing and assignment optimization models. As a proof of concept, this master\u27s thesis proves that operations research is an effective tool to solve a complicated business problem in a correctional system, and save significant time and money along with ensuring safety of people involved in transportation

Barriers to innovation in Indian small and medium-sized enterprises

Innovation plays a critical role in shaping the industrial and firm competitiveness of any nation. Innovation is often discussed in the setting of developed countries, but the rise of emerging economies such as India has generated a new interest in understanding innovation in developing economies. This paper aims to study and present the current state of innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in India. The focus of the paper is to bring out the key barriers SMEs face in the innovation process in the context of the existing government policy. India, being a developing nation, has its own set of unique situations and challenges that impede the innovation potential of SMEs operating in it. Many of these barriers are related to public policy, funding constraints, shortage of skilled research and development (R&D) workforce, and weak linkages between institutions and the firms, among others. The paper also discusses the existing government policy framework and enablers to support SMEs' innovation in India. It presents the key findings and recommendations in the form of policy suggestions to the government while taking into account the key challenges and enablers highlighted in the study

Analysis of package inserts of commonly used drugs in obstetrics and gynecology in Jhalawar district: an observational study in Rajasthan, India

Background: Package Insert is the primary source of drug information for the patient. It is a printed leaflet that contains information based on regulatory guidelines for the safe and effective use of a drug. Studies on package inserts in India had shown that crucial information was often missing, and they lacked uniformity.Methods: 100 oral drugs used in Obstertrics and Gynecology from different brands were collected from big pharmacies located at Jhalawar and available package inserts were analysed according to Sections 6.2 and 6.3 of Schedule D of Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945.Results: Out of 100 oral drugs studied, package inserts were found in 72 drugs, most available information in therapeutic indicators was Posology and method of administration (100%) followed by contra-indications (94.4%), use in pregnancy and lactation (83%), interactions (77.8%) whereas less information about antidote and least about ability in driving and use of machine. In pharmaceutical indicators, it is instruction for use (86%), followed by special precautions for storage (76.4%), shelf life in the medical product as packaged for sale (52.8%).Conclusions: This study showed that many information relevant to the safe and effective use of medication was lacking in the analyzed package inserts. It is, therefore, recommended to update the existing package inserts based on criteria mentioned in the Schedule D of Drug and Cosmetic Act, 1945

Study of drug utilization pattern in gynecology department of tertiary care hospital of Rajasthan, India

Background: With increasing awareness the flow of patients visiting gynecology outpatient department has increased. Drugs used in gynecology are one of the most selling drugs in India, however they are least studied with respect to drug utilization. Thus, present study was undertaken to analyse drug utilization pattern of Gynecology OPD in a tertiary care hospital.Methods: A retrospective, cross sectional, observational study of prescriptions in Gynecology OPD of Jhalawar medical college, Jhalawar. Data was obtained from medical record database of patients that attended Gynecology OPD from October 2017 to March 2018 over period of six months. Prescription records of patients were screened as per inclusion and exclusion criteria and 300 prescriptions were randomly selected. Patient related, and drug related information was collected on a customized data collection sheet.Results: The mean age of patients was 20.5±8.65 years and common age of presentation was >18-30 years. In infective cases, PID (40.6%) was common, and in non-infective cases, menorrhagia (23.8%) was common. The average number of drugs per prescription was 5.2. In drug category, minerals (46.4%) were most commonly prescribed, followed by antimicrobials (27.6%), and NSAIDs (20.1%). Polypharmacy was observed in 100% of the prescriptions.Conclusions: In the present study all of the drugs prescribed were generic which were from the essential medical list of NLEM and WHO. This study revealed deviation from rational prescribing by the prescribers because average number of drugs per prescription was significantly higher than that recommended by WHO

Study of incidence, trends and determinants of caesarean section in tertiary care hospital of Rajasthan, India

Background: Lower Segment Caesarean section (LSCS) is recommended when vaginal delivery might pose a risk to the mother or baby. Worldwide rise in LSCS rate during the last three decades, has been the cause of alarm and needs an in-depth study.Methods: It was a retrospective, observational study conducted in Obstetrics and Gynecology department of Jhalawar medical college, Jhalawar. Data were obtained from medical record database of patients admitted for deliveries from October 2017 to March 2018 over period of six months. The total number of patients delivered and the number of LSCS done were counted to find the incidence of LSCS in our hospital. Age, parity and gestational age of the patients who underwent LSCS were tabulated.Results: In present study the incidence of LSCS was 31.1%. Of these cases 91% belonged to age group 20 -29 yrs. Emergency LSCS (72.1%) and primary LSCS (66.5%) were more common. The commonest indication of LSCS was previous LSCS in 35% followed by foetal distress, breech presentation, severe oligohydrominos and pre-eclampsia.Conclusions: In present study LSCS rate was high as compared to the WHO standard. The scheme like Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) may have a great impact on accepting institutional deliveries by poor women which may be a reason of the increase of LSCS in India. Utilization of antenatal care, better doctor patient communication, doctor’s commitment to reduce the rate of LSCS, may help to reduce the increasing rate of caesarean delivery

Cost analysis and price variation of commonly used drugs in obstetrics and gynecology in Jhalawar district of Rajasthan, India

Background: Drugs used in obstetrics and gynecology are strong selling drugs in pharmaceutical market but they are the least studied drugs in terms of cost analysis and price variation.Methods: Cost of most commonly used Obstetrics and Gynecology drugs in Jhalwar district manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies, in the same strength and dosage forms was obtained from Drug Today (January-March 2018). The difference in the maximum and minimum price of the same drug manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies and percentage variation in cost per 10 tablets/10 capsule/1 injection/1 protein packet/1 sachet were analysed.Results: In Obstetrics drugs, the highest cost ratio (1:9.5) and percentage price variation (848) was found for Ferrous Salt + Folic acid combination followed by Cefixime (1:4.3, 330), Nifedipine (1:3.7, 270), Folic acid (1:3.67, 266), Paracetamol. Amoxicillin was having least cost ratio (1:1.4) and percentage price variation (37). Maximum number of brand available for Ferrous Salt + Folic acid combination (41) followed by Paracetamol, Calcium Salt + Vitamin D3 combination. In Gynecological drugs, the highest cost ratio (1:35) and percentage price variation (3433) was found for Ethinylestradiol + Levonorgetral combination followed by Doxycycline (1:8.9, 793), Fluconazole. Metronidazole was having least cost ratio (1:1.3) and percentage price variation (27). Maximum number of brand available for Omeperazole (27) followed by Ethamsylate (22).Conclusions: This study shows that the average percentage price variation of different brands of the same drugs were very wide. Improved adherence to the drug treatment can be ensured by decreasing the cost of therapy, which can be done by changes in the government policies and regulations, integrating pharmacoeconomics as part of medical education curriculum, and creating awareness among treating physicians for switching to cost effective therapy

Developing Model for Fuel Consumption Optimization in Aviation Industry

The contribution of aviation to society and economy is undisputedly significant. The aviation industry drives economic and social progress by contributing prominently to tourism, commerce and improved quality of life. Identifying the amount of fuel consumed by an aircraft while moving in both airspace and ground networks is critical to air transport economics. Aviation fuel is a major operating cost parameter of the aviation industry and at the same time it is prone to various constraints. This article aims to develop a model for fuel consumption of aviation product. The paper tailors the information for the fuel consumption optimization in terms of information development, information evaluation and information refinement. The information is evaluated and refined using statistical package R and Factor Analysis which is further validated with neural networking. The study explores three primary dimensions which are finally summarized into 23 influencing variables in contrast to 96 variables available in literature. The 23 variables explored in this study should be considered as highly influencing variables for fuel consumption which will contribute significantly towards fuel optimization. Keywords: Fuel Consumption, Civil Aviation Industry, Neural Networking, Optimizatio