Empirical performance analysis of two algorithms for mining intentional knowledge of distance-based outliers

This thesis studies the empirical analysis of two algorithms, Uplattice and Jumplattice for mining intentional knowledge of distance-based outliers [19]. These algorithms detect strongest and weak outliers among them. Finding outliers is an important task required in major applications such as credit-card fraud detection, and the NHL statistical studies. Datasets of varying sizes have been tested to analyze the empirical values of these two algorithms. Effective data structures have been used to gain efficiency in memory-performance. The two algorithms provide intentional knowledge of the detected outliers which determines as to why an identified outlier is exceptional. This knowledge helps the user to analyze the validity of outliers and hence provides an improved understanding of the data

A Study of the Effectiveness of Neural Networks for Elemental Concentration from Libs Spectra

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is an advanced data analysis technique for spectral analysis based on the direct measurement of the spectrum of optical emission from a laser-induced plasma. Assignment of different atomic and ionic lines, which are signatures of a particular element, is the basis of a qualitative identification of the species present in plasma. The relative intensities of these atomic and ionic lines can be used for the quantitative determination of the corresponding elements present in different samples. Calibration curve based on absolute intensity is the statistical method of determining concentrations of elements in different samples. Since we need an exact knowledge of the sample composition to build the proper calibration curve, this method has some limitations in the case of samples of unknown composition. The current research is to investigate the usefulness of ANN for the determination of the element concentrations from spectral data. From the study it is shown that neural networks predict elemental concentrations that are at least as good as the results obtained from traditional analysis. Also by automating the analysis process, we have achieved a vast saving in the time required for the data analysis

Investigating autistic traits, sensory experiences and personality: a mixed methods approach

The relatively recent spectrum view of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with symptoms potentially varying from mild to severe, in combination with high rates of co-morbid conditions, has raised the issue of heterogeneity among individuals with ASD. This has consequent challenges for obtaining consistent research findings and for the diagnosis of those with less severe symptoms or high-functioning ASD. Since evidence has suggested the presence of non-clinical levels of autistic traits within the general population, this thesis aimed to explore these traits in relation to personality and sensory experiences via a mixed methods design, comprising two parts. Part I consisted of two studies aimed at exploring the lived experiences of individuals with ASD and their caregivers, in relation to sensory experiences, in order to inform the subsequent studies. The focus of Part II was to explore autistic traits in the broader population and consisted of three studies. In Part I, Study one comprised a systematic review of studies containing qualitative data from caregivers of individuals with ASD in relation to sensory experiences. Key sensory challenges reported related to: single senses (most commonly touch, taste, movement, and hearing), sensory issues embedded in certain situations, understanding the individual's sensory experiences, strategies to manage sensory issues, and the impacts of an individual’s sensory issues on the family. A discrepancy between caregiver reports of the benefits of sensory based interventions and existing empirical evidence was identified. Study two involved qualitative analyses of sensory experiences, as described by three individuals with a diagnosis of ASD. Three main themes were identified: dominant types of sensory experiences including visual experiences, sounds, tastes and food preferences, tactile experiences, and less dominant senses including smells and movement, and multi-sensory experiences; management of sensory challenges; and participants’ perceptions of change and difference. The first study of Part II, study three, investigated the psychometric properties of the short form of the Autism Quotient (AQ-10) based on two separate non-clinical samples (N1 = 194; N2 = 310), via exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Results indicated a 7-item 3-factor solution for the AQ-10, with factors labelled social cues, intentions, and multi-tasking. Since the social cues factor accounted for the largest amount of variance (31%), and other factors together accounted for minimal explained variance (27%), only items comprising social cues were selected as a measure of autistic traits for subsequent analysis and studies. Structural equation modelling was conducted to analyse co-variate paths between social cues and selected personality traits, with findings indicating that social cue reading was not related to trait anger, introversion, or collecting. These results, therefore, challenged stereotypical associations between these constructs and ASD, and were consistent with existing evidence that social aspects of autistic traits are independent from repetitive behaviours, such as collecting. Study four extended these findings through exploration of social cue reading in relation to trait flexibility, anxiety, and sensory experiences. Consistent findings indicated positive associations between inflexibility, anxiety, and auditory and visual hypersensitivity, potentially suggesting that individuals with higher trait inflexibility and anxiety could experience greater sensory sensitivity or vice versa. Finally, study five involved a qualitative analysis of accounts of sensory experiences from a large combined sample (N = 504) of individuals from the general population. Content analysis of responses resulted in six main categories. Similar percentages of individuals scoring low and high on autistic traits (based on social cue reading difficulty) reported challenges relating to single senses (visual, auditory, tactile, and olfactory), people and crowds, and unexpected or unfamiliar stimuli. Unexpectedly, more individuals with low levels of autistic traits reported specific fears and anxiety responses to sensory stimuli, raising questions as to whether those with poorer social cue reading ability are more prone to report generalised anxiety (in line with trait anxiety) or are less aware or avoid reporting responses to sensory stimuli. Overall, the role of trait flexibility is highlighted across Parts I and II as being a central feature in individuals reporting experiences of sensory sensitivities. The collective findings of this program of research have implications for the further development of both clinical interventions and theoretical understandings, in addition to accommodations for individuals with sensory sensitivities and ASD traits. Keywords: autism, autistic traits, ASD, social cues, sensory, inflexibility, trait anger, trait anxiety, collecting interests

Comprehensive Analyses of miRNA and DNA Methylation in 17beta-Estradiol Exposed Juvenile Rainbow Trout Skeletal Muscle

Reproductive development in female teleosts like rainbow trout starts with release of the sex steroid estrogen, necessary for synthesis of the egg yolk protein vitellogenin. Increase in estrogen secretion during these reproductive phases results in increased energy demands. Skeletal muscle serves as an immediate endogenous source to address energy demands during vitellogenesis and spawning due to which it undergoes rapid degradation resulting in water accumulation, poor fillet and low egg quality. An imbalance in protein turnover is observed not only because of rapid increase in degradative pathways but also due to decreased protein synthesis. These changes in protein metabolism in skeletal muscle were identified within 24 hours of E2 exposure and confirmed in both in vivo and in vitro models. Normally during adult myogenesis myogenic precursor cells proliferate and differentiate further to form a mature muscle fiber resulting in either hyperplasty or hypertrophy or both in fishes. Signaling pathways and MRFs need to function in coordination with epigenetic factors and non-coding RNAs to positively or negatively regulate muscle synthesis. Interestingly, estrogen also influences the expression of miRNA and in turn their target genes. However, the effects of estrogen regulating protein imbalance in rainbow trout skeletal muscle is not completely understood. Hence studies to understand the influence of estrogen were carried out using juvenile, sexually immature fish. Juvenile rainbow trout were treated with either estrogen or vehicle and their skeletal muscle collected after 24 hours and 72 hours of treatment to understand the role of miRNA and DNA methylation in regulation of myogenesis. Findings from the miRNA study revealed diluted effects of estrogen after 72 hours of treatment, hence further studies were carried out with samples from 24-hour post treatment.;miRNAs play a crucial role in regulation of gene expression along with epigenetics. These are small non-coding RNAs with length ranging from 21--23bp mostly functioning as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. Generally, they bind to the 3\u27 region of transcribed mRNA with a complementary region called seed sequence. These genes are called target genes of miRNA. A single miRNA can target more than one mRNA. Binding of miRNA to its target gene results in either translational repression or deadenylation or both. Deadenylation results in loss of RNA stability, which leads to its degradation. miRNAs express in tissue specific manner and those that express specifically in muscle are called myomiRNA. Various myomiRNA have been identified and studied for their functions. Estrogen influence the expression of miRNA and in turn their target genes. Therefore, rainbow trout skeletal muscle samples were sequenced for small RNAs to understand the effects of estrogen. Differentially expressed miRNA were identified in estrogen treated samples when compared to control. A total of 36 miRNAs were either upregulated or down regulated in E2 exposed skeletal muscle of which two were novel. Target genes of these differentially expressed miRNAs were identified followed by gene ontology enrichment. These target genes are involved in various biological and molecular functions including their role in signaling pathways, cell cycle, DNA methylation, signal transduction and transcription factor binding. Genes regulated by miRNAs were also involved specifically in proliferation and differentiation of myogenic precursor cells and degradative pathways. E2 induced expression of miR-17 and miR-20, which are important in regulation of cell cycle. Further gene expression analysis of myogeneic regulatory factor, Pax7 specific to MPCs confirms increase in their number with decreased expression of MyoD, specific to differentiation. Similarly, miR-23a revealed its role in maintenance of mitochondrial outer membrane permeability and post-transcriptional regulation of atrophic genes. Decreased expression of miR-23a with increase in permeability was supported by increased gene expressions including fbxo32, caspases 3a and 9 that are involved in atrophy and apoptosis respectively. Expression analysis of one of the novel genes, miR-nov-285, was performed to know its expression pattern in different tissues, highest expression was observed in testis. C-5 methylation of cytosine was one of the GO term that was enriched during the target gene analysis of this novel miRNA. Further regulation of Dnmt1 gene expression by this novel miRNA was confirmed by luciferase assay. All together these observations indicate that E2 influences differential expression of various miRNAs which in turn regulate gene expression contributing to muscle metabolism.;Reduced expression of MyoD was observed in our previous study and direct regulation of this differentiation factor was not observed by any of the differentially expressed miRNA. Since gene expression is also regulated transcriptionally by epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation, efforts were made to understand its role in reduced MyoD expression. Generally, DNA methylation reduces gene expression by directly blocking transcription factor binding or by recruiting other epigenetic contributors like histone deacetylases or histone methyltransferases. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.)

STABILITY INDICATING ULTRA PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHIC METHOD FOR SIMULTANEOUS DETERMINATION OF PHENYLEPHRINE HYDROCHLORIDE, CHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE, PARACETAMOL, GUAIPHENESIN AND BROMHEXINE HYDROCHLORIDE IN BULK AND PHARMACEUTICAL FORMULATION

Objective: The objective of the present study is to develop simple, rapid, sensitive, accurate and economic stability-indicating ultra-performance liquid chromatographic (UPLC) method for the simultaneous quantification of phenylephrine hydrochloride, chlorpheniramine maleate, paracetamol, guaiphenesin and bromhexine hydrochloride in bulk and tablet dosage form. Methods: The separation of drugs in the chromatographic column was accomplished on Hibar C18 (100 mm x 2.1 mm, 1.6 µm) column at a detection wavelength of 220 nm. The mobile phase was a combination of sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate buffer (pH was adjusted to 3.5 with orthophosphoric acid) and acetonitrile in the ratio of 70:30 % v/v which was pumped at a flow rate of 0.3 ml/min. The column temperature was maintained at 30 °C and the injection volume was 0.3 µl. Forced degradation studies of drugs were carried out using acid, base, peroxide, light and heat. Results: All the five drugs have been eluted within 3 min. The retention times were found to be 0.834 min, 1.199 min, 1.600 min, 1.979 min and 2.525 min for phenylephrine, chlorpheniramine maleate, paracetamol, guaiphenesin and bromhexine respectively. The correlation coefficient (r2) was found to be 0.999 for all the drugs. The recovery levels were found to be in the range of 99.17 % to 100.69 %. RSD values of drugs were found to be below 2 %. The results of limit of detection and quantitation specified the sensitivity of the developed method. Significant degradation of drugs as a result of stress studies was found in acid, base and peroxide, but they were slightly degraded in photolytic and thermal conditions. The method has effectively resolved the degraded products. All the validation parameters were found to be within the limits according to International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. Conclusion: A simple and rapid UPLC method was established for the determination of five drugs. Hence, the proposed method can be employed for the quality control of specified drugs in bulk and pharmaceutical formulation even in the presence of degradation products

Design and Thermal Analysis of Segmental baffle and Helical baffle in Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers using Kern method

Shell and Tube Heat exchangers are the most common type of heat exchanger widely used in oil refineries, automobiles, aerospace applications because it suits for high pressure applications. An effort is made in this paper to design Shell and Tube Double Pass Heat Exchanger with helical baffle and comparing with segmental baffle using kern method. The helixangle of baffle is varying from 0 to 50 degrees .The paper also consists of thermal analysis of a heat exchanger with helical baffles using the Kern method, which has been modified to approximate results for different helical angles. The result obtained shows us a clear idea that the Overall heat coefficient is maximum in helix changer as compared to segmental baffle. The pressure drop decreases with the increase in helix angle. Helix angle of 6 degree has better heat transfer than the one with an angle of 18 degree as it expenses pumping cost

FORMULATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF BUOYANT IN SITU GELLING SYSTEM OF VALSARTAN USING NATURAL POLYMER

Objective: Currently natural polymers have wide spread importance in fabrication of controlled drug delivery systems. Hence in this study ocimum basilicum mucilage, (OBM) a natural polymer used to know its effect as polymer alone and in combination with HPMC K15M and Guargum in oral in situ floating gel of Valsartan using 3 full level factorial design.Methods: FTIR studies conducted to know major drug polymer interactions. OBM, HPMC K15M and Guargum were chosen as three independent variables and examined at 3 levels for in vitro buoyancy (Y1) and drug release at 10 h (Y2) as responses. By using mathematical model approach formulation variables were quantitatively evaluated, and optimized formulation (VFIG) subjected for in vitro buoyancy, density, pH, in vitro drug release, drug content, gelling capacity and drug release kinetics. In addition VFIG studied for In vivo buoyancy and release kinetics.Results: FTIR studies revealed that excipients were compatible with drug. ANOVA results shown that independent variables have significant effect (p<0.05) on both the responses. Observed responses of optimized formulation (3 % OBM, 0.88 % HPMC and 1.25 % Guar gum) were in good agreement with the experimental values. Results of all in vitro evaluations lies within the limits and drug release kinetics followed non-fickian diffusion mechanism. In vivo buoyancy study in rabbit evidenced floatation for>8 h and in vivo pharmacokinetic study exhibited increased bioavailability of optimized formulation.Conclusion: Prepared VFIG with optimized concentrations of OBM, HPMC K15M and Guargum exploiting as a promising dosage form for enhanced gastric delivery

SGA Model for Prediction in Cloud Environment

With virtual information, cloud computing has made applications available to users everywhere. Efficient asset workload forecasting could help the cloud achieve maximum resource utilisation. The effective utilization of resources and the reduction of datacentres power both depend heavily on load forecasting. The allocation of resources and task scheduling issues in clouds and virtualized systems are significantly impacted by CPU utilisation forecast. A resource manager uses utilisation projection to distribute workload between physical nodes, improving resource consumption effectiveness. When performing a virtual machine distribution job, a good estimation of CPU utilization enables the migration of one or more virtual servers, preventing the overflow of the real machineries. In a cloud system, scalability and flexibility are crucial characteristics. Predicting workload and demands would aid in optimal resource utilisation in a cloud setting. To improve allocation of resources and the effectiveness of the cloud service, workload assessment and future workload forecasting could be performed. The creation of an appropriate statistical method has begun. In this study, a simulation approach and a genetic algorithm were used to forecast workloads. In comparison to the earlier techniques, it is anticipated to produce results that are superior by having a lower error rate and higher forecasting reliability. The suggested method is examined utilizing statistics from the Bit brains datacentres. The study then analyses, summarises, and suggests future study paths in cloud environments

Pyoderma gangrenosum: a presenting sign of myelodysplastic syndrome in undiagnosed Fanconi anemia

A 26-year-old man with a history of congenital bilateral microtia, unilateral renal agenesis, left aural atresia, and right external auditory canal occlusion admitted for right rib cartilage graft harvest and left ear re-construction. Following surgery, an ulceration with violaceous borders and a yellow fibrinous base unresponsive to broad-spectrum antibiotics developed at the harvest site. The wound was expanding and not responsive to systemic broad-spectrum antibiotics. Biopsy revealed a dense dermal infiltrate of neutrophils with negative tissue cultures consistent with pyoderma gangrenosum (PG). He was treated with systemic, intralesional, and topical steroids, as well as doxycycline. Three weeks after the diagnosis of PG, he was found to have persistent anemia and leukopenia. Bone marrow aspiration analysis was consistent with hypocellular myelodysplastic syndrome and genetic testing was consistent with Fanconi anemia. There is a well-known association of PG with hematological disorders. Fanconi anemia is a rare genetic hematologic disorder with congenital defects leading to bone marrow failure and malignancy in long-standing disease. In our patient, we consider his development of PG a paraneoplastic sign associated with the onset of his hypocellular myelodysplastic syndrome

Huffman Coding and Multi-Generation Mixing Assisted Network Coding Based MAC for QoS-Centric Secure Data Communication over MANETs

The exponential rise in wireless transmission has gained widespread attention to meet major mobile communication purposes including, Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications. Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET) has emerged as one of the most viable solution to meet aforesaid mobile communication purposes; however, being decentralized and infrastructure-less network it undergoes adversaries including dynamic topology and security breaches due to malicious node attachment during routing. On the contrary, data security and allied Quality-of-Service (QoS) provision are inevitable in NextGen communication systems. Unlike routing-based security measures, Medium Access Control (MAC) based approaches are found more effective for MANETs. However, most of the classical MAC designs either address QoS or security as standalone objective. Unlike existing MAC solutions, in this paper a state-of-art novel Huffman Coding and Multi-Generation Mixing (MGM) assisted random linear network model-based MAC design (HM2-MAC) is proposed for MANET. Realizing the robustness of the network coding algorithms towards reliable, secure and error-free multicast transmission, we designed HM2-MAC in such manner that Huffman coding helps securing the source data packets, while MGM concept enables reduction in redundant packets to make overall communication resource efficient and secure. Unlike redundant packet-per-generation, MGM concept helps in reducing redundant transmission and hence achieves resource efficiency. Since, in HM2-MAC model the coefficient matrix used to encode the data is known only to the sink, no intermediate node can decode it or can pollute it. It makes multicast transmission more secure over MANET. Additionally, the use of iterative buffer flush technique preserves resources or buffer to accommodate more data for transmission and hence higher throughput. Noticeably, error sensitive packetization and MGM control strengthens our proposed model to retain optimal performance. HM2-MAC has been applied as a sub-layer of native IEEE 802.11 MAC and hence retains backward compatibility towards real-world implementation. MATLAB based simulation revealed that our proposed HM2-MAC protocol achieved almost 99.6% throughput even under varying link-loss patterns, which reveals its robustness to ensure QoS delivery with secure data transmission in MANET.&nbsp