Case-based reasoning approach for decision-making in building retrofit: A review

The rapid development of computer science has brought inspirations to building retrofit. Artificial intelligence (AI) provides more possibilities in decision-making for building retrofit, could be regarded as an alternative strategy compared to the abundant research time spent in the early decision-making stage of traditional retrofit approaches. This paper reviews the application of the statistic algorithm and AI approach, including CBR, in building retrofit decision-making, and the essential process of CBR, such as workflow, similarity degree calculation method, weight factors correction manner, and input or output content using building design to provide a synthetic overview of CBR utilisation in the building retrofit realm. Among those different models, Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) is valuable in providing references and avoiding possible failures, which is a promising approach for building retrofit. Yet, current research mainly focused on its utilisation to solve specific issues. There is still a lack of systematically summarised research on Case-Based Reasoning solution. Therefore, this study analyses the methods used for CBR approach in the field of building retrofit decision-making process, aiming to find the characteristics of internal commonness. It concludes that CBR has two significant impact factors: similarity attribute type and similarity calculation manner, which determines the judgement process. The results show that the CBR solution has great application potential in further building retrofit design

Over-expression of c-Myc oncoprotein in oral squamous cell carcinoma in the South Indian population

Oral neoplasm constitutes a predominant class of cancer that is encountered in South India. This is in large part due to the elevated risk of oncogenesis as a result of the habit of chewing of quids containing betel leaves, areca nut and smokeless tobacco. An array of molecular events are induced during the transformation of the buccal epithelium, among them the over-expression of oncogene products plays a key role. The c-Myc protein, a regulator of a number of key cellular signalling pathways, plays a pivotal role in a number of malignancies. The present study was undertaken to evaluate expression of the c-Myc protein in tumours of the oral cavity from the South Indian population, predominantly oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The c-Myc protein was over-expressed in 80% of the cases studied. Taking into account the pivotal role demonstrated for c-Myc in tumourigenesis, our observations suggest a key role for Myc oncoprotein in the genesis of OSCC as well as its potential as a therapeutic target in this population

Epidemiology and patterns of care for invasive breast carcinoma at a community hospital in Southern India

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Breast cancer incidence in India is on rise. We report epidemiological, clinical and survival patterns of breast cancer patients from community perspective.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>All breast cancer patients treated at this hospital from July 2000 to July 2005 were included. All had cytological or histological confirmation of breast cancer. TNM guidelines for staging and Immunohistochemistry to assess the receptor status were used. Either lumpectomy with axillary lymph node dissection or Modified radical mastectomy (MRM) was done for operable breast cancer, followed by 6 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy with FAC or CMF regimens to patients with pT >1 cm or lymph node positive or estrogen receptor negative and radiotherapy to patients after breast conservation surgery, pT size > 5 cm, 4 or more positive nodes and stage IIIB disease. Patients with positive Estrogen receptor or Progesterone receptor were advised Tamoxifene 20 mg per day for 3 years. Descriptive analysis was performed. Independent T test and Chi-square test were used. Overall survival time was computed by Kaplan – Meier method.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of 1488 cancer patients, 122 (8.2%) had breast cancer. Of 122 patients, 96.7% had invasive breast carcinoma and 3.3% had sarcoma. 94% came from the rural and semi urban areas. Premenopausal women were 27%. The median age was 50 years. Stage I-6.8%, II-45.8%, III-22%, IV-6.8%, Bilateral breast cancer – 2.5%. The mean pT size was 3.9 cm. ER and PR were positive in 31.6% and 28.1% respectively. MRM was done in 93.8%, while 6.3% patients underwent breast conservation surgery. The mean of the lymph nodes dissected were 3. CMF and FAC regimens were used in 48.8% and 51.2% of patients respectively. FAC group were younger than the CMF group (43.6 yr vs. 54 yrs, P = 0.000). Toxicities were more in FAC than CMF group, alopecia (100% vs. 26.2%), grade2 or more emesis (31.8% vs. 9.2%), grade2 or more fatigue (40.9% vs.19%), anemia (43.1% vs. 16.6%). Median Survival for the cohort was 50.8 months. ER positive patients had better median survival (P = 0.05).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>MRM was the most frequent surgical option. CMF and FAC showed equivalent survival. FAC chemotherapy was more toxic than CMF. ER positive tumors have superior survival. Overall 3 year survival was 70 percent</p