AIS-SFHM APPROACH FOR OPTIMIZATION OF MULTI OBJECTIVE JOB SHOP PROBLEMS

The n-job, m-machine Job shop scheduling (JSP) problem is one of the general production scheduling problems. The JSP problem is a scheduling problem, where a set of ‘n’ jobs must be processed or assembled on a set of ‘m’ dedicated machines. Each job consists of a specific set of operations, which have to be processed according to a given technical precedence order. Job shop scheduling problem is a NP-hard combinatorial optimization problem.  In this paper, optimization of three practical performance measures mean job flow time, mean job tardiness and makespan are considered. The hybrid approach of Sheep Flocks Heredity Model Algorithm (SFHM) is used for finding optimal makespan, mean flow time, mean tardiness. The hybrid SFHM approach is tested with multi objective job shop scheduling problems. Initial sequences are generated with Artificial Immune System (AIS) algorithm and results are refined using SFHM algorithm. The results show that the hybrid SFHM algorithm is an efficient and effective algorithm that gives better results than SFHM Algorithm, Genetic Algorithm (GA). The proposed hybrid SFHM algorithm is a good problem-solving technique for job shop scheduling problem with multi criteria

Predictors of unfavorable responses to therapy in rifampicin-sensitive pulmonary tuberculosis using an integrated approach of radiological presentation and sputum mycobacterial burden

INTRODUCTION: Despite the exalted status of sputum mycobacterial load for gauging pulmonary tuberculosis treatment and progress, Chest X-rays supplement valuable information for taking instantaneous therapeutic decisions, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though literature on individual parameters is overwhelming, few studies have explored the interaction between radiographic parameters denoting severity with mycobacterial burden signifying infectivity. By using a sophisticated approach of integrating Chest X-ray parameters with sputum mycobacterial characteristics, evaluated at all the three crucial time points of TB treatment namely pre-treatment, end of intensive phase and completion of treatment, utilizing the interactive Cox Proportional Hazards model, we aimed to precisely deduce predictors of unfavorable response to TB treatment. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We extracted de-identified data from well characterized clinical trial cohorts that recruited rifampicin-sensitive Pulmonary TB patients without any comorbidities, taking their first spell of anti-tuberculosis therapy under supervision and meticulous follow up for 24 months post treatment completion, to accurately predict TB outcomes. Radiographic data independently obtained, interpreted by two experienced pulmonologists was collated with demographic details and, sputum smear and culture grades of participants by an independent statistician and analyzed using the Cox Proportional Hazards model, to not only adjust for confounding factors including treatment effect, but also explore the interaction between radiological and bacteriological parameters for better therapeutic application. RESULTS: Of 667 TB patients with data available, cavitation, extent of involvement, lower zone involvement, smear and culture grade at baseline were significant parameters predisposing to an unfavorable TB treatment outcome in the univariate analysis. Reduction in radiological lesions in Chest X-ray by at least 50% at 2 months and 75% at the end of treatment helped in averting unfavorable responses. Smear and Culture conversion at the end of 2 months was highly significant as a predictor (p2 zones, were 3.05 (95% CI: 1.12–8.23) and 1.92 (95% CI: 0.72–5.08) respectively. Patients without cavitation, zonal involvement 2 zones and 3+ smear grade individually and independently forecasted a poorer TB outcome. The interaction model revealed that Zonal involvement confined to 2 zones, without a cavity and smear grade up to 2+, constituting “minimal disease”, had a better prognosis. Radiological clearance >50% along with smear conversion at the end of intensive phase of treatment, observed to be a reasonable alternative to culture conversion in predicting a successful outcome. These parameters may potentially take up key positions as stratification factors for future trials contemplating on shorter TB regimens

Predictors of mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients and risk score formulation for prioritizing tertiary care—An experience from South India

BACKGROUND: We retrospectively data-mined the case records of Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed COVID-19 patients hospitalized to a tertiary care centre to derive mortality predictors and formulate a risk score, for prioritizing admission. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Data on clinical manifestations, comorbidities, vital signs, and basic lab investigations collected as part of routine medical management at admission to a COVID-19 tertiary care centre in Chengalpattu, South India between May and November 2020 were retrospectively analysed to ascertain predictors of mortality in the univariate analysis using their relative difference in distribution among ‘survivors’ and ‘non-survivors’. The regression coefficients of those factors remaining significant in the multivariable logistic regression were utilised for risk score formulation and validated in 1000 bootstrap datasets. Among 746 COVID-19 patients hospitalised [487 “survivors” and 259 “non-survivors” (deaths)], there was a slight male predilection [62.5%, (466/746)], with a higher mortality rate observed among 40–70 years age group [59.1%, (441/746)] and highest among diabetic patients with elevated urea levels [65.4% (68/104)]. The adjusted odds ratios of factors [OR (95% CI)] significant in the multivariable logistic regression were SaO(2)3; 3.01 (1.61–5.83), Age ≥50 years;2.52 (1.45–4.43), Pulse Rate ≥100/min: 2.02 (1.19–3.47) and coexisting Diabetes Mellitus; 1.73 (1.02–2.95) with hypertension and gender not retaining their significance. The individual risk scores for SaO(2)3–11, Age ≥50 years-9, Pulse Rate ≥100/min-7 and coexisting diabetes mellitus-6, acronymed collectively as ‘OUR-ARDs score’ showed that the sum of scores ≥ 25 predicted mortality with a sensitivity-90%, specificity-64% and AUC of 0.85. CONCLUSIONS: The ‘OUR ARDs’ risk score, derived from easily assessable factors predicting mortality, offered a tangible solution for prioritizing admission to COVID-19 tertiary care centre, that enhanced patient care but without unduly straining the health system

Evaluation of performance and emission features of Jatropha biodiesel -turpentine blend as green fuel

An experimental study was conducted to measure the suitability of jatropha biodiesel-wood turpentine blend as a replacement for diesel fuel in a compression ignition engine. Tests were performed in a 4-stroke, single cylinder, air cooled Diesel engine. The results show that the performance factors for various blends were found to be near to diesel, emission features were improved and combustion characteristics were found to be comparable with diesel. The brake thermal efficiency of the blends establishes 9.2% lower than that of diesel at 75% load. Brake specific fuel consumption increases for blends at part load and remains same at full load. The CO, HC, and smoke emissions were reduced by 75, 64-78, and 33-66%, respectively, compared to diesel at 75% load. Nitric oxides were increased. Jatropha biodiesel-wood turpentine blends offered comparable performance and combustion features, reduced emissions and it is capable of replacing standard diesel in compression ignition engines

Association of ADH1C and ALDH2 genes with alcohol dependence in south Indian Tamilian population: A case control approach

Objectives: Alcohol dependence (AD) poses a serious medical problem and significant public health issue contributing to morbidity and mortality throughout the world. The aim of the study was to establish the allele and genotype frequencies and to test the association of rs698 (ADH1C) and rs671(ALDH2) with the risk of alcohol dependence in south Indian Tamilian population. Methodology: A total of 150 alcohol dependent cases aged between 18- and 65-years fulfilling DSM-V criteria were recruited from the de-addiction centre. Blood donors (n=150) who had a history of alcohol intake with AUDIT score of less than eight were selected for the control group. The alleles were genotyped using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays by quantitative PCR. Association with alcohol dependence was evaluated with various genetic models using the Chi-square test. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the effect of covariates. Results: The observed genotype frequency distributions of rs698 and rs671 were in agreement with Hardy Weinberg equilibrium (p>0.05).The dominant and allelic genetic model of ALDH2, rs671 between cases and controls showed a statistically significant association of the genetic variant with AD.&nbsp

Idiopathic gingival fibromatosis associated with progressive hearing loss: A nonfamilial variant of Jones syndrome

Gingival fibromatosis is characterized by gingival tissue overgrowth of a firm and fibrotic nature. The growth is slow and progressive and is drug-induced, idiopathic, or hereditary in etiology. It occurs isolated or frequently as a component of various syndromes. Our patient presented with the complaint of gingival enlargement associated with progressive deafness, characteristic of Jones syndrome. This case report is important and unique since it is the first known one to have a Jones syndrome-like presentation without a family history. A male patient aged 14 years reported with the chief complaint of swelling of gums and progressive hearing loss in both ears for the past one year. There was no family history or history of drug intake. Enlargement was generalized, fibrotic and bulbous, involving the free and attached gingiva, extending up to the middle 1/3 rd of the crown. Investigations such as pure tone audiogram, impedance audiometry, and Tone decay test concluded that there was severe right and moderate left sensorineural hearing loss. The case was diagnosed to be idiopathic, generalized gingival fibromatosis with progressive hearing loss. The gingival overgrowth was managed by gingivectomy and periodic review. The patient was advised to use high occlusion computer generated hearing aids for his deafness as it was not treatable by medicines or surgery. This unique case report once again emphasizes the heterogeneity of gingival fibromatosis, which can present in an atypical manner