Application of Fuzzy Clustering on Software Quality using Max-min Method

AbstractFuzzy clustering analysis is a decision approach, makes fuzzy equivalent relation to classify objects into different clusters according to some criterion. In this paper it is applied in the clustering of software quality using the following steps: Firstly, fuzzy compatibility matrix is created using max-min method. Secondly, fuzzy equivalent relation is generated using composition relation. Finally, fuzzy equivalent matrix is used to obtain optimal threshold value to get clusters of software quality

Software Effort Prediction - A Fuzzy Logic Approach

Accuracy in the estimation of software Effort/Cost is one of the desirable criteria for any software cost estimation model. The estimation of effort or cost before the actual development of any software is the most crucial task of the present day software development project managers. Software project attributes are often measured in terms of linguistic values such as very low, low, Average, high and very high. The imprecise nature of such attributes constitutes uncertainty and vagueness in their subsequent interpretation. In this paper we propose a Fuzzy logic based model for software effort prediction. We feel that fuzzy Software cost estimation Model should be able to deal with imprecision and uncertainty associated with various parameter values. Fuzzy analogy model has been developed and validated upon student data

Generation and characterisation of monoclonal antibodies specific to Plasmodium falciparum enolase

Background & objectives: Glycolysis is the sole source of energy for the intraerythrocytic stages ofPlasmodium falciparum, making glycolytic enzymes putative therapeutic targets. Enolase, a singlecopy gene in P. falciparum is one such enzyme whose activity is elevated ~10–15 fold in infectedRBC’s. It holds the possibility of having multiple biological functions in the parasite and hence canbe a suitable candidate for diagnostic and chemotherapeutic purposes.Methods: We have aimed at generating parasite-specific reagents in the form of monoclonalantibodies. We have raised monoclonal antibodies against the recombinant P. falciparum enolase.Results: Two IgG monoclonals were obtained with 1:1000 titre and specific for P. falciparum enolase.Apicomplexan parasites including P. falciparum enolase has a plant like pentapeptide sequence(104EWGWS108) which is uniquely different from the host counterpart. A peptide spanning thispentapeptide region (ELDGSKNEWGWSKSK) coupled to BSA was used to raise parasite-specificantibody. Four monoclonals were obtained with 1:1000 titre and of IgM isotype.Interpretation & conclusion: All the monoclonals are specific for P. falciparum enolase and one ofthem display reactivity against native P. falciparum enolase signifying this pentapeptide to be surfaceexposed and immunogeni

Littoral cell angioma: An incidental finding in a traumatic spleen

Littoral cell angioma (LCA) of the spleen, a rare vascular tumor, is usually asymptomatic, often discovered incidentally and a majority of them are benign in nature. A 20-year-old boy with a history of blunt abdominal trauma, who underwent splenectomy showed the presence of a capsular tear and variegated outer surface on gross examination of the spleen. On the cut section, multiple nodular areas with areas of hemorrhage were noted. Microscopical examination revealed the proliferation of anastomosing, irregular, tortuous blood-filled channels with plenty of histiocytes in the splenic tissue and extensive areas of hemorrhage, inflammatory cell infiltration, and fibrinoid deposits. Immunohistochemistry revealed positivity for CD31 (endothelial differentiation), CD68, and lysozyme (histiocytic differentiation) but was negative for CD34. The final diagnosis was LCA in a case of ruptured spleen after ruling out angiosarcoma. The possibility of this benign entity to have contributed to the potentially fatal splenic injury cannot be overlooked

A review on development and application of plant-based bioflocculants and grafted bioflocculants

Flocculation is extensively employed for clarification through sedimentation. Application of eco-friendly plant-based bioflocculants in wastewater treatment has attracted significant attention lately with high removal capability in terms of solids, turbidity, color, and dye. However, moderate flocculating property and short shelf life restrict their development. To enhance the flocculating ability, natural polysaccharides derived from plants are chemically modified by inclusion of synthetic, nonbiodegradable monomers (e.g., acrylamide) onto their backbone to produce grafted bioflocculants. This review is aimed to provide an overview of the development and flocculating efficiencies of plant-based bioflocculants and grafted bioflocculants for the first time. Furthermore, the processing methods, flocculation mechanism, and the current challenges are discussed. All the reported studies about plant-derived bioflocculants are conducted under lab-scale conditions in wastewater treatment. Hence, the possibility to apply natural bioflocculants in food and beverage, mineral, paper and pulp, and oleo-chemical and biodiesel industries is discussed and evaluated

Genome-wide Analyses Identify KIF5A as a Novel ALS Gene

To identify novel genes associated with ALS, we undertook two lines of investigation. We carried out a genome-wide association study comparing 20,806 ALS cases and 59,804 controls. Independently, we performed a rare variant burden analysis comparing 1,138 index familial ALS cases and 19,494 controls. Through both approaches, we identified kinesin family member 5A (KIF5A) as a novel gene associated with ALS. Interestingly, mutations predominantly in the N-terminal motor domain of KIF5A are causative for two neurodegenerative diseases: hereditary spastic paraplegia (SPG10) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2 (CMT2). In contrast, ALS-associated mutations are primarily located at the C-terminal cargo-binding tail domain and patients harboring loss-of-function mutations displayed an extended survival relative to typical ALS cases. Taken together, these results broaden the phenotype spectrum resulting from mutations in KIF5A and strengthen the role of cytoskeletal defects in the pathogenesis of ALS.Peer reviewe

Global, regional, and national progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 for neonatal and child health: all-cause and cause-specific mortality findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 has targeted elimination of preventable child mortality, reduction of neonatal death to less than 12 per 1000 livebirths, and reduction of death of children younger than 5 years to less than 25 per 1000 livebirths, for each country by 2030. To understand current rates, recent trends, and potential trajectories of child mortality for the next decade, we present the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 findings for all-cause mortality and cause-specific mortality in children younger than 5 years of age, with multiple scenarios for child mortality in 2030 that include the consideration of potential effects of COVID-19, and a novel framework for quantifying optimal child survival. Methods We completed all-cause mortality and cause-specific mortality analyses from 204 countries and territories for detailed age groups separately, with aggregated mortality probabilities per 1000 livebirths computed for neonatal mortality rate (NMR) and under-5 mortality rate (USMR). Scenarios for 2030 represent different potential trajectories, notably including potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential impact of improvements preferentially targeting neonatal survival. Optimal child survival metrics were developed by age, sex, and cause of death across all GBD location-years. The first metric is a global optimum and is based on the lowest observed mortality, and the second is a survival potential frontier that is based on stochastic frontier analysis of observed mortality and Healthcare Access and Quality Index. Findings Global U5MR decreased from 71.2 deaths per 1000 livebirths (95% uncertainty interval WI] 68.3-74-0) in 2000 to 37.1 (33.2-41.7) in 2019 while global NMR correspondingly declined more slowly from 28.0 deaths per 1000 live births (26.8-29-5) in 2000 to 17.9 (16.3-19-8) in 2019. In 2019,136 (67%) of 204 countries had a USMR at or below the SDG 3.2 threshold and 133 (65%) had an NMR at or below the SDG 3.2 threshold, and the reference scenario suggests that by 2030,154 (75%) of all countries could meet the U5MR targets, and 139 (68%) could meet the NMR targets. Deaths of children younger than 5 years totalled 9.65 million (95% UI 9.05-10.30) in 2000 and 5.05 million (4.27-6.02) in 2019, with the neonatal fraction of these deaths increasing from 39% (3.76 million 95% UI 3.53-4.021) in 2000 to 48% (2.42 million; 2.06-2.86) in 2019. NMR and U5MR were generally higher in males than in females, although there was no statistically significant difference at the global level. Neonatal disorders remained the leading cause of death in children younger than 5 years in 2019, followed by lower respiratory infections, diarrhoeal diseases, congenital birth defects, and malaria. The global optimum analysis suggests NMR could be reduced to as low as 0.80 (95% UI 0.71-0.86) deaths per 1000 livebirths and U5MR to 1.44 (95% UI 1-27-1.58) deaths per 1000 livebirths, and in 2019, there were as many as 1.87 million (95% UI 1-35-2.58; 37% 95% UI 32-43]) of 5.05 million more deaths of children younger than 5 years than the survival potential frontier. Interpretation Global child mortality declined by almost half between 2000 and 2019, but progress remains slower in neonates and 65 (32%) of 204 countries, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia, are not on track to meet either SDG 3.2 target by 2030. Focused improvements in perinatal and newborn care, continued and expanded delivery of essential interventions such as vaccination and infection prevention, an enhanced focus on equity, continued focus on poverty reduction and education, and investment in strengthening health systems across the development spectrum have the potential to substantially improve USMR. Given the widespread effects of COVID-19, considerable effort will be required to maintain and accelerate progress. Copyright (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd

Exploring Falls in Individuals with Intellectual Disability

Introduction: Falling appears to be a concern for individuals with intellectual disability. To date few studies have looked at falls, fall-related injuries and risk factors for falls in this population. In contrast, extensive fall-related research has been carried out in older population groups and has used a variety of methods to collect fall data. The use of similar methods to collect fall data might however be inappropriate for individuals with intellectual disability. Cognitive limitations, consenting issues and using proxy sources for collecting fall data are some research challenges evident in intellectual disability research. This thesis developed methods for collecting fall data about people with intellectual disability and tested these methods in two pilot studies. Furthermore, semi-structured interviews were conducted with occupational therapists and physiotherapists to discuss possible mobility/fall prevention strategies and to suggest future fall prevention programmes. Study Aims: The aims of this thesis were: 1. To develop an appropriate method to collect data on falls and fall-related injuries in adults with intellectual disability. 2. To develop a method to collect fall risk data in adults with intellectual disability. 3. To suggest suitable fall prevention strategies for adults with intellectual disability Methodology: A mixed method design was chosen for this thesis using a sequential exploratory design. The initial phase of the study involved qualitative data collection (stakeholder consultations and focus group discussions) and analysis, for developing and validating fall forms, followed by quantitative pilot studies (for testing these forms). An initial structured literature review explored how falls data had been collected in older adults, including those with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and with people with intellectual disability. The stakeholder consultations were completed to discuss falls and appropriate methods for collecting fall data. Based on the literature review findings and stakeholder consultations, three fall forms were developed – a fall risk form, a fall incident form and a fall calendar. These forms were discussed in focus group discussions. The fall risk form and the fall incident form were selected as suitable methods and tested in two pilot studies. An additional qualitative study was also conducted wherein therapists working with people with intellectual disability at risk of falling were interviewed to explore strategies they used to reduce falls. Findings from this latter study together with those from the pilot studies were used to suggest strategies to prevent falls for this population group. Results: 1. A fall incident form was developed and used to collect detailed fall-related data following a fall incident. A total of 135 individuals participated in two pilot studies and 125 falls were recorded. The fall incident form was considered as a useful and easy tool for collecting post-fall data in individuals with intellectual disability. The most common location of a fall was indoors especially in the lounge and bedroom areas. Individuals were more likely to fall in a face down position resulting in facial injuries (e.g. grazes and bruise/crush). 2. A fall risk form was developed and used to collect potential risk factors for falls in individuals with intellectual disability. Completing the fall risk form appeared to be a complex process for staff/support workers and it is suggested that adequate training on completing the fall risk form should be given to support workers. Alternatively researchers should be responsible for collecting data on risk factors for falls using the developed form. Potential risk factors for falls identified in the testing of this form included a previous history of falls and fractures, presence of epilepsy, balance and gait impairments, behavioural issues and orthopaedic conditions. 3. From the therapists’ interviews, the main strategies suggested to reduce falls risk in individuals with intellectual disability were the prescription of physical activities /exercises (e.g. hydrotherapy and purposeful walking) and assistive devices, environmental modifications, and education of staff on how to prevent falls. Conclusion: Using the fall risk form and fall incident form, detailed fall data were collected about 135 individuals with intellectual disability. These forms can be used in other prospective studies investigating the incidence/prevalence of falls and its risk factors in adults with intellectual disability. The suggested strategies to prevent falls provides a starting point from which fall prevention programmes can be developed and evaluated