Second Order Neural Networks.

In this dissertation, a feedback neural network model has been proposed. This network uses a second order method of convergence based on the Newton-Raphson method. This neural network has both discrete as well as continuous versions. When used as an associative memory, the proposed model has been called the polynomial neural network (PNN). The memories of this network can be located anywhere in an n dimensional space rather than being confined to the corners of the latter. A method for storing memories has been proposed. This is a single step method unlike the currently known computationally intensive iterative methods. An energy function for the polynomial neural network has been suggested. Issues relating to the error-correcting ability of this network have been addressed. Additionally, it has been found that the attractor basins of the memories of this network reveal a curious fractal topology, thereby suggesting a highly complex and often unpredictable nature. The use of the second order neural network as a function optimizer has also been shown. While issues relating to the hardware realization of this network have only been addressed briefly, it has been indicated that such a network would have a large amount of hardware for its realization. This problem can be obviated by using a simplified model that has also been described. The performance of this simplified model is comparable to that of the basic model while requiring much less hardware for its realization

Statistical convergence of order α\alpha in probability

In this paper ideas of different types of convergence of a sequence of random variables in probability, namely, statistical convergence of order $\alpha$ in probability, strong $p$-Ces\grave{\mbox{a}}ro summability of order $\alpha$ in probability, lacunary statistical convergence or $S_{\theta}$-convergence of order $\alpha$ in probability, ${N_{\theta}}$-convergence of order $\alpha$ in probability have been introduced and their certain basic properties have been studied.Comment: Vol- 21, Issue-2, pages 253-265 in Arab Journal of Mathematical Sciences (2015

Solid Dispersions : An Approach to Enhance the Bioavailability of Poorly Water-Soluble Drugs

Improving oral bioavailability of drugs those given as solid dosage forms remains a challenge for the formulation scientists due to solubility problems. The dissolution rate could be the rate-limiting process in the absorption of a drug from a solid dosage form of relatively insoluble drugs. Therefore increase in dissolution of poorly soluble drugs by solid dispersion technique presents a challenge to the formulation scientists. Solid dispersion techniques have attracted considerable interest of improving the dissolution rate of highly lipophilic drugs thereby improving their bioavailability by reducing drug particle size, improving wettability and forming amorphous particles. The term solid dispersion refers to a group of solid products consisting of at least two different components, generally a hydrophilic inert carrier or matrix and a hydrophobic drug. This article reviews historical background of solid dispersion technology, limitations, classification, and various preparation techniques with its advantages and disadvantages. This review also discusses the recent advances in the field of solid dispersion technology. Based on the existing results and authors’ reflection, this review give rise to reasoning and suggested choices of carrier or matrix and solid dispersion procedure

SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THIOLATED JACKFRUIT SEED STARCH AS A COLONIC DRUG DELIVERY CARRIER

Objective: Site-specific drug delivery into the colonic region is extremely fascinating for local treatment of various colonic diseases like ulcerative colitis, colon cancer but it should be capable of saving the drug from hydrolysis and degradation. The present study reports the application of jackfruit seed starch and its thiol derivative as a drug delivery carrier for the colon. Methods: The starch was extracted from the jackfruit seeds by water extraction method and modified by the esterification reaction with thioglycolic acid. The thiolated starch was characterized for morphology, functional and flow properties. The safety profile of the thiolated starch was confirmed by acute toxicity study in a mice model as per OECD guidelines 423. The microspheres based on thiolated starch were prepared by ionic gelation method incorporating Ibuprofen as a model drug. The prepared microspheres were characterized for particle size, drug entrapment efficiency, drug loading, compatibility study, surface morphology, in vitro drug release and release kinetics. Results: The result attributed that starch was successfully modified by the thiolation with a degree of substitution of 3.30. The size of prepared microspheres ranges from 825.5±4.58 to 857±6.24 µm, the entrapment efficiencies ranges from 69.23±1.19 to 76.15±0.83 % and the drug loading capacity ranges from 17.75±0.30 to 46.05±0.49 %. The FT-IR, DSC and XRD studies confirmed that there is no interaction within drug and excipients. The thiolated starch microspheres show the maximum release of drug at pH 7.4 in the presence of rat caecal content as compared to pH 1.2 and pH 6.8 for up to 24 h and are following first order release kinetics. Conclusion: These results suggest the application of thiolated jackfruit seed starch could be promising as a long-term drug delivery carrier for the colon