Performance Evaluation of Spectral Clustering Algorithm using Various Clustering Validity Indices

In spite of the popularity of spectral clustering algorithm, the evaluation procedures are still in developmental stage. In this article, we have taken benchmarking IRIS dataset for performing comparative study of twelve indices for evaluating spectral clustering algorithm. The results of the spectral clustering technique were also compared with k-mean algorithm. The validity of the indices was also verified with accuracy and (Normalized Mutual Information) NMI score. Spectral clustering algorithm showed better results when compared to k-mean algorithm. All indices showed consistent results with spectral clustering technique. Silhouette Index, Hartigan Index, Davies-Bouldin (DB) index and Krzanowski-Lai (KL) index failed to evaluate k-mean clustering. Surprisingly, all eleven indices showed acceptable results for spectral clustering algorithm. This article confirms the superiority of spectral clustering algorithm and also confirms that all 12 indices are suitable for evaluating spectral clusterin

On accurate estimation of transverse stresses in multilayer laminates

New numerical algorithms are proposed for the accurate evaluation of transverse stresses in general composite and sandwich laminates. A set of higher-order theories with C0 isoparameteric finite elements and exact three-dimensional equilibrium equations are used. The integration of the equilibrium equations is carried out through exact surface fitting method, direct integration method and forward and central direct finite difference methods. Sixteen- and nine-noded quadrilateral Lagrangian elements with selective numerical integration techniques based on Gauss-Legendre product rules are used in the analysis. Validity of the present numerical techniques and the higher-order theories are demonstrated by comparing the present results with the available elasticity and other closed-form solutions for cross-ply, angle-ply and sandwich laminates. The exact surface fitting method is seen to give accurate estimate of the transverse stresses compared to other methods

Shoulder pain and disability index: its effectiveness and reliability in an outpatient setting in Indian population

Background: One of the most common joints to be treated in the clinic is the shoulder joint. An orthopedic surgeon and physical therapists should be knowledgeable about the proper assessment of the shoulder joint to effectively evaluate and design a treatment program in shoulder pathologies. Shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) is a questionnaire designed to measure pain and disability associated with shoulder pathologies in a clinical setting. SPADI’s effectiveness as a tool needed to be validated in Indian population hence this study. The objectives of this study were to measure effectiveness of SPADI in our setting and to measure the reliability and acceptability of SPADI in Indian population.Methods: 60 patients with shoulder pain between the age of 25-50 years who attended the orthopaedic OPD during the time period of April 2017 to April 2018 were included. The subjects were evaluated with SPADI and oxford shoulder score (OSS) questionnaires. The data was analyzed by paired sample T test and alpha coefficient level.Results: The data statistically analysed revealed that the scales are reliable as the Cronbach's alpha was high (>0.7) and was effective to measure the pain and disability of the shoulder joint in our clinical set up.Conclusions: It can be concluded from our statistical analysis that both SPADI and OSS are equally effective tools in measuring pain and disability in our clinical set up, the only difference being that SPADI is operationally very simple and lucid for our population

A study of maternal near miss at a district teaching hospital: a retrospective observational study

Background: Maternal health is an integral part of health care system. Maternal mortality is an indicator of maternal health and health care delivery system. Severe morbid conditions require comprehensive approach. Hence the concept of Maternal Near Miss (MNM) has emerged. The data of maternal near miss helps to reduce the maternal death and helps to achieve the goals related to reduce the maternal mortality rate of the country as well as the world and to improve the quality of life of the woman population by a quality care. Objectives of present study were to identify and analyze the strategies undertaken in the management of maternal near miss and outcome, measures to improve the quality of care and to assess the various indicators of MNM.Methods: With the permission from the hospital administrators and after taking the ethical clearance from the institutional ethical committee, a retrospective observational study was conducted for the period of one year between January 2016 to December 2016 at district teaching hospital of Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences, Madikeri, by collecting data from hospital records. Admissions to the ICU as well as wards which fit in to the WHO maternal near miss criteria were included and studied.Results: WHO criteria for the MNM was followed. In present study, there were 25 MNM cases and four Maternal Deaths out of 3347 live births giving a maternal mortality ratio of 119/100000 live births (LB), Maternal Near Miss ratio of 7.46/1000LB, MNM:1MD ratio is 6.25 and mortality index (MI) is 13.79%. Twenty five cases of obstetric emergencies with serious concerns for maternal health were selected out of 97 cases who met the WHO criteria for MNM (25.77%). Twelve cases (48%) received multiple blood-transfusions, 8 cases (32%) of sepsis, 7 (28%) of PPH, and 5 (20%) of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (pre-eclampsia, eclampsia). There were 12 cases (48%) that had more than one inclusion criteria. Surgical intervention was required in 8 (32%) i.e. 2 peripartum hysterectomies, 2 laparotomies, 1 manual removal of placenta, 1 uterine reposition and 2 traumatic PPH repair.Conclusions: Maternal-Near-Miss (MNM/SAMM) and its relation to maternal mortality contribute as sensitive measures of pregnancy outcome than mortality alone. Proper documentation is of paramount importance in analysis of data, to make conclusions and recommendation. Prospective structured study is required to get a clear picture and to suggest corrective measures which can be taken as far as obstetric care is concerned, to reduce maternal mortality and to achieve the sustainable developmental Goal (SDG) of maternal mortality ratio <70/100000 LB by 2030

Egg-laying rhythm in Drosophila melanogaster

Extensive research has been carried out to understand how circadian clocks regulate various physiological processes in organisms. The discovery of clock genes and the molecular clockwork has helped researchers to understand the possible role of these genes in regulating various metabolic processes. In Drosophila melanogaster, many studies have shown that the basic architecture of circadian clocks is multi-oscillatory. In nature, different neuronal subgroups in the brain of D. melanogaster have been demonstrated to control different circadian behavioural rhythms or different aspects of the same circadian rhythm. Among the circadian phenomena that have been studied so far in Drosophila, the egg-laying rhythm is unique, and relatively less explored. Unlike most other circadian rhythms, the egg-laying rhythm is rhythmic under constant light conditions, and the endogenous or free-running period of the rhythm is greater than those of most other rhythms. Although the clock genes and neurons required for the persistence of adult emergence and activity/rest rhythms have been studied extensively, those underlying the circadian egg-laying rhythm still remain largely unknown. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of the circadian egg-laying rhythm in D. melanogaster, and the possible molecular and physiological mechanisms that control the rhythmic output of the egg-laying process

Evaluation of fungal pathogens, Fusarium semitectum Berk. and Ravenel and Hirsutella thompsonii Fisher against red spider mite, Tetranychus neocaledoni-cus (Andre) of okra under laboratory and greenhouse conditions

Efficacy of fungal pathogens, Fusarium semitectum Berk. and Ravenel and Hirsutella thompsonii Fisher was evaluated against red spider mite, Tetranychus neocaledonicus (Andre) of okra under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Among the treatments evaluated under laboratory conditions, the highest mortality of 78.20 and 88.34 percent adults and immatures, respectively was recorded at 2.10 x 109 spores per ml of F. semitectum, whereas it was 82.05 and 92.31 per cent adults and immatures, respectively in case of H. thompsonii at 4.60 x 108 spores per ml. Among the twelve treatments evaluated under greenhouse conditions, H. thompsonii 4.60 x 108 spores per ml, F. semitectum 2.10 x 109 spores per ml + H. thompsonii 4.60 x 108 spores per ml, H. thompsonii 4.60 x 108 spores per ml + dicofol 0.025% and F. semitectum 2.10 x 109 spores per ml + H. thompsonii 4.60 x 108 spores per ml + dicofol 0.025% were found to be on par with each other with a cumulative percent mortality of 81.20, 81.48, 81.21 and 82.59 percent, respectively. By testing the field efficacy of F. semitectum and H. thompsonii against T. neocaledonicus, these fungal pathogens can be used as potential biocontrol agents for the sustainable management of mites on okra. Hence the present study evaluates the potentiality of F. semitectum for the management of T. neocaledonicus by comparing with the well-known acaricidal fungus, H. thompsonii

Qualitative Analysis of Subsurface Water Quality in Challakere Taluk, Karnataka, India

Rural India relies mainly on groundwater for drinking and agriculture. Unsustainable withdrawal of groundwater has led to the spectra of depleting the problem of water scarcity. The available groundwater quality is not only contaminated by hazardous pathogenic germs and anthropogenic substances but also geogenic substances is adversely affect the water supply of many regions. The groundwater of Challakere taluk had many threats such as anthropogenic activities, quality deterioration by agricultural activities and over exploitation and also persistence of continuous drought condition. This paper mainly addresses the physico-chemical concentration of 30 groundwater samples during August 2009 in Challakere taluk, Karnataka (India). The results of all the findings are discussed in details which reflect the present status of the groundwater quality of the study area. Groundwater is extremely important to the future economy and growth of rural India. If the resource is to remain available as high quality water for future generation it is important to protect from possible contamination. Hence it is recommended that suitable water quality management is essential to avoid any further contamination

Evaluation of Novel Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex. Hooker F.) Hybrids for Flower Quality Traits under Naturally-Ventilated Polyhouse

The present study was carried out to evaluate performance of two gerbera hybrids IIHR 3-34 and IIHR 8-45 along with their parents and check, for flower quality traits under naturally-ventilated polyhouse in Randomized Block Design, in the years 2014-15 and 2015-16. Both the hybrids had been developed through the half-sib method of breeding with IIHR-3 and IIHR-1, respectively, as parents. Data for the two years were pooled and analyzed statistically. Significant differences were observed in the quality traits studied. In the case of both hybrids IIHR 3-34 and IIHR 8-45, most of the quantitative traits were found to be on par with the check variety, Elite. They had novel flower colour (68D as per RHS Colour Chart), Red Purple Group (IIHR 3-34) and 50A Red Group (IIHR 8-45), with double type of flowers. These are suitable for cut-flower and flower arrangement purposes. These hybrids will prove useful for developing more gerbera hybrids with novel traits