New Algorithm for Clustering Distributed Data Using k-Means

The internet era and high speed networks have ushered in the capabilities to have ready access to large amounts of geographically distributed data. Individuals, businesses, and governments recognize the value of this available resource to those who can transform the data into information. These databases, though valuable as individual entities, become significantly more valuable when they function as parts of a federated database and their data can be aggregated for collective mining or computations. This requires new algorithms to shift their focus from working with single databases to efficiently working with federated databases. In this paper, we propose a new decomposable version of the popular k-means clustering algorithm that works in this desired manner with a set of networked databases. We show that it is possible to perform global computation in a reasonably secure manner for either horizontally or vertically distributed databases. The computation is completed by only exchanging a few local summaries among the databases. An empirical and analytical validation of our results is also presented

Leaching characteristics of the fine fraction from an excavated landfill: physico-chemical characterization

Leaching of fine fraction (<10 mm) obtained from landfill mining activities in an Estonian landfill was done. On-site excavation was carried out in four test pits (TP1, TP2, TP3, TP4) that were further divided in four layers (L1, L2, L3, L4). Total chemical oxygen demand (CODt), dissolved chemical oxygen demand (CODd), total organic carbon (TOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and metals (Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd) were analyzed. The results showed that approximately 70 % of CODt were in particulate/colloidal state. The TOC released ranged between 2326 and 3530-mg/kg dry matter for test pits suggesting spatial differences in the studied landfill. DOC ranged between 365–874 and 317–940 mg/kg for different test pits and sampling layers, respectively. Low average leaching rates of metals were observed (0.2–1.5 %). Pb had a significantly higher average leaching rate (1.0 %) compared to Zn (0.70 %) and Cu (0.35 %). The potential use of CODt as a surrogate indicator of TOC, DOC and Zn on the basis of high correlation coefficients was observed. To conclude, the implementation of adequate strategies to manage fine-grained fractions obtained from excavated waste relies on physico-chemical characterization of both the fine fractions itself and the leachate generated during storage and use. © 2015 Springer Japa

Typhoid and paratyphoid fever

Typhoid fever is estimated to have caused 21·6 million illnesses and 216 500 deaths globally in 2000, affecting all ages. There is also one case of paratyphoid fever for every four of typhoid. The global emergence of multidrug-resistant strains and of strains with reduced susceptibility to fluoroquinolones is of great concern. We discuss the occurrence of poor clinical response to fluoroquinolones despite disc sensitivity. Developments are being made in our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis, and genomic and proteomic studies reveal the possibility of new targets for diagnosis and treatment. Further, we review guidelines for use of diagnostic tests and for selection of antimicrobials in varying clinical situations. The importance of safe water, sanitation, and immunisation in the presence of increasing antibiotic resistance is paramount. Routine immunisation of school-age children with Vi or Ty21a vaccine is recommended for countries endemic for typhoid. Vi vaccine should be used for 2-5 year-old children in highly endemic settings

First principles structures and circular dichroism spectra for the close-packed and the 7/2 motif of collagen

The recently proposed close-packed motif for collagen is investigated using first principles semi-empirical wave function theory and Kohn-Sham density functional theory. Under these refinements the close-packed motif is shown to be stable. For the case of the 7/2 motif a similar stability exists. The electronic circular dichroism of the close-packed model has a significant negative bias and a large signal. An interesting feature of the close-packed structure is the existence of a central channel. Simulations show that, if hydrogen atoms are placed in the cavity, a chain of molecular hydrogens is formed suggesting a possible biological function for molecular hydrogen.Comment: 12 pages, 3 figures; 3(PPG)_6 xyz file attached; v2: minor modification

Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopic Studies on the Oviducts of Pekin Ducks Fed Methyl Mercury Containing Diets

This study was undertaken to examine the effects of varying levels of methyl mercury (MeHg) on the ultrastructure of the surface epithelium of the oviduct of ducks. Accordingly, Pekin ducks were maintained on feed containing varying doses of (0.0; 0.5; 5.0; 15.0 ppm) of MeHg (Group I - control to IV) for 12 weeks and sacrificed. Tissue from the magnum and the shell gland regions of the oviduct was processed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that the primary and secondary folds of these regions of the oviducts of the control and 0.5 ppm treatment group were densely populated with ciliated cells and that the cilia tend to cover the apical surfaces of the non-ciliated secretory cells. This unchanged ultrastructural morphology of the surface epithelium of 0.5 ppm treatment group was verified with TEM. The ciliated and nonciliated cells in surface epithelium appeared to be equal in frequency. The nuclei of ciliated cells were superficial in location compared to nonciliated secretory cells which had nuclei in the basal part of the cytoplasm. In the oviducal tissues from ducks fed 5.0 ppm MeHg isolated areas of ciliary loss, but minimal disruption of the apical plasma membrane were observed by SEM. In a few birds plasma membrane lesions, condensation of nuclear chromatin and very dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum were seen with TEM. In the oviducal tissues from ducks fed 15.0 ppm MeHg it could be seen that ciliary loss was much more extensive than hitherto observed, and disruption of the apex of cells could be seen. TEM showed degeneration of cytoplasmic organelles, more or less severely damaged ciliated cells, loss of ciliary extensions and formation of compound cilia. These observations indicate that methyl mercury at 5.0 and 15.0 ppm dose levels causes toxic injury to oviducal surface epithelium of Pekin duck that may cause reduced reproductive capability

Lobster trap census, 1973

This leaflet continues the information provided by Fishery Leaflets numbered, 11, 23, 26, 39, and 57. Although more lobster traps (51.0%) were used in relation to French crawfish, (49.0%) in 1973 (Table 1), the order of preference of lobster fishing (all types) remained the same as in previous years as follows: (a) French crawfish traps (b) Scottish creels (or variation thereof) (c) Other types of traps

Recovery of Vanadium Pentoxide from Vanadium Bearing Titaniferrous Magnetites Projected Pilot Plant Studies

The treatment of vanadium bearing ores for the recovery of vanadium pentoxide is not new to India. A plant capable of producing 250 lbs. of vanadium pentoxide per day was set up at Jamshedpur during World War II by the Tata Iron & Steel Co. Ltd., but as the demand of ferro-vanadium decreased considerably after the war, the plant had to be shut down. A company was also set up for the extraction of vanadium at Rairangpur during World War II and it is reported that the plant went-into production in September, 1945 and stopped work in April 1946 and has since been lying idle.Various reasons, viz., high cost of production, lack of demand etc. have been assigned for closing down the plant. With the country's industrial development and the establishment of'"the alloy and tool steel industry, as envisaged in the 3rd Five Year Plan, it is anticipated that the demand of ferro-vanadium will increase consid-erably

Iodization status of common salt in districts of western Uttar Pradesh

Research Problem: What is the amount of iodine in common salt samples. Objective: To estimate theamountof iodine in common salt samples. Study Design: Population based cross - sectional study. Setting: Randomly selected six districts of western U.P. Sample: Two salt samples randomly collected from house holds of each block area of the district. Sample Size: 152 salt samples. Study Variables: Iodine content in salt samples. Statistical Analysis: By chi - square test. Result: Unsatisfactory level of iodine was found in 52% of the salt samples. Crystal salt samples were more poorly iodized (70.9%) than powder salt samples (41.2%). Recommendations: Strict enforcement of ban on the sale of non-iodised salt

Correcting direction-dependent gains in the deconvolution of radio interferometric images

Astronomical imaging using aperture synthesis telescopes requires deconvolution of the point spread function as well as calibration of instrumental and atmospheric effects. In general, such effects are time-variable and vary across the field of view as well, resulting in direction-dependent (DD), time-varying gains. Most existing imaging and calibration algorithms assume that the corruptions are direction independent, preventing even moderate dynamic range full-beam, full-Stokes imaging. We present a general framework for imaging algorithms which incorporate DD errors. We describe as well an iterative deconvolution algorithm that corrects known DD errors due to the antenna power patterns and pointing errors for high dynamic range full-beam polarimetric imaging. Using simulations we demonstrate that errors due to realistic primary beams as well as antenna pointing errors will limit the dynamic range of upcoming higher sensitivity instruments and that our new algorithm can be used to correct for such errors. We have applied this algorithm to VLA 1.4 GHz observations of a field that contains two ``4C'' sources and have obtained Stokes-I and -V images with systematic errors that are one order of magnitude lower than those obtained with conventional imaging tools. Our simulations show that on data with no other calibration errors, the algorithm corrects pointing errors as well as errors due to known asymmetries in the antenna pattern.Comment: submitted to A&A; some clarifications added in the text; accepted for publication in A&