Design de fiabilidade bidimensional do software de múltiplos lançamentos tendo em conta o fator de redução de falhas na depuração imperfeita

Introduction: The present research was conducted at the University of Delhi, India in 2017. Methods: We develop a software reliability growth model to assess the reliability of software products released in multiple versions under limited availability of resources and time. The Fault Reduction Factor (frf) is considered to be constant in imperfect debugging environments while the rate of fault removal is given by Delayed S-Shaped model. Results: The proposed model has been validated on a real life four-release dataset by carrying out goodness of fit analysis. Laplace trend analysis was also conducted to judge the trend exhibited by data with respect to change in the system’s reliability. Conclusions: A number of comparison criteria have been calculated to evaluate the performance of the proposed model relative to only time-based multi-release Software Reliability Growth Model (srgm). Originality: In general, the number of faults removed is not the same as the number of failures experienced in given time intervals, so the inclusion of frf in the model makes it better and more realistic. A paradigm shift has been observed in software development from single release to multi release platform. Limitations: The proposed model can be used by software developers to take decisions regarding the release time for different versions, by either minimizing the development cost or maximizing the reliability and determining the warranty policies.Introducción: la presente investigación se realizó en la Universidad de Delhi, India en 2017. Métodos: desarrollamos un modelo de crecimiento de confiabilidad de software para evaluar la confiabilidad de los productos de software lanzados en múltiples versiones bajo disponibilidad limitada de recursos y tiempo. El factor de reducción de fallas (frf) se considera una constante en entornos de depuración imperfecta, mientras que la tasa de eliminación de fallas está dada por el modelo de forma retardada en S. Resultados: se valida el modelo propuesto en un conjunto de datos de cuatro lanzamientos de la vida real mediante un análisis de bondad de ajuste. También se aplicó el análisis de tendencia de Laplace para juzgar la tendencia que presentan los datos con respecto al cambio en la confiabilidad del sistema. Conclusiones: se calculó una serie de criterios de comparación para evaluar el rendimiento del modelo propuesto en relación con el modelo de crecimiento de confiabilidad del software (srgm) de múltiples lanzamientos basado únicamente en el tiempo. Originalidad: en general, el número de fallas eliminadas no es el mismo que el número de fallas experimentadas en intervalos de tiempo determinados, por lo que la inclusión de frf en el modelo lo mejora y lo hace más realista. Se ha observado un cambio de paradigma en el desarrollo de software, que pasa de un lanzamiento único a una plataforma múltiples lanzamientos. Limitaciones: los desarrolladores de software pueden emplear el modelo propuesto para tomar decisiones con respecto al tiempo de lanzar diferentes versiones, ya sea minimizando el costo de desarrollo o maximizando la confiabilidad y determinando las políticas de la garantía.Introdução: esta pesquisa foi realizada na Universidade de Deli, na Índia, em 2017. Métodos: desenvolvemos um modelo de crescimento de confiabilidade de software para avaliar a confiabilidade dos produtos de software lançados em múltiplas versões sob disponibilidade limitada de recursos e tempo. O fator de redução de falhas (frf) é considerado uma constante em contextos de depuração imperfeita, enquanto a taxa de eliminação de falhas é dada pelo modelo de forma retardada em S.Resultados: o modelo proposto é avaliado em um conjunto de dados de quatro lançamentos da vida real mediante uma análise de bondade de ajuste. Também foi utilizada a análise de tendência de Laplace para avaliar a tendência apresentada pelos dados com respeito à mudança na confiabilidade do sistema.Conclusões: uma série de critérios de comparação foi calculada para avaliar o rendimento do modelo proposto em relação com o modelo de crescimento de confiabilidade do software (srgm) de múltiplos lançamentos baseado unicamente no tempo.Originalidade: em geral, o número de falhas eliminadas não é o mesmo que o número de falhas existentes em intervalos de tempo determinados, sendo assim, a inclusão do frf no modelo o torna melhor e mais realista. Foi observada uma mudança de paradigma no desenvolvimento de software, que passa de um lançamento único a uma plataforma de múltiplos lançamentos.Limitações: o modelo proposto pode ser utilizado pelos desenvolvedores de software para tomar decisões com respeito ao tempo de lançar diferentes versões, seja para minimizar o custo de desenvolvimento ou maximizar a confiabilidade e determinar as políticas de garantia

Single layer versus double layer closure of enteric perforation- a comparative study

Background: Small intestine perforation and gastrointestinal haemorrhage are the most common and dreadful complications of enteric fever. There are different operative procedures available for enteric perforation repair. In the present study attempts should be made to find out which operative procedure (either single layer or double layer closure) should be planned in enteric perforation by comparing these, in terms of morbidity, mortality and cost effectiveness.Methods: This study was carried out on 50 patients of either sex. They were divided in two groups Group- A     (conventional double layer repair in 25 patients) and Group- B (single layer interrupted sutures in 25 patients). After analysing the result of this study, it can be concluded that single layer repair for enteric perforation can be constructed in less time and with less complication rate compared with the conventional two layer repair technique, it also recovers the patient early and causing earlier bowel activity than two layer repair.Results: 50 patients were studied in the present study and results were in favour of single layer group as time taken for perforation repair and overall surgical time was less in this group. Moreover, single layer repair also helps early bowel activity and early recovery to the patient than double layer technique.Conclusions: Double layer closure of enteric perforation offers no definitive advantage over single layer repair in terms of faecal fistula formation, operative time, returns of bowel movements and other complications like wound abscess formation, wound dehiscence, respiratory complications etc. Less operative time and other factors in favour of single layer repair makes it the choice of procedure for most of the surgeons

A cross-sectional study to evaluate the effect of subjective sleep quality on autonomic functions in different age groups of adults

Background: Poor sleep quality adversely affects the person’s homeostasis via combination of impairments to multiple physiological-mechanisms. Autonomic functions are important for different aspects of health and disease. Objective of study was to analyze the impact of subjective sleep quality on autonomic functions in different age groups of adults.Methods: A total of 375 apparently healthy adults from community were randomly selected for this cross-sectional observational study. They were divided into three groups based on the age distributions: Group 1: 18-30 years (n = 146); Group 2: 31-45 years (n = 112); and Group 3: 46-60 years (n = 117). Following assessments were done in all the participants in three groups: Anthropometric measurements, Pittsburgh Sleep-quality Index (PSQI), Electrocardiography (ECG), Autonomic functions based on frequency domain heart rate variability (HRV).  Two-way analysis of variance followed by post hoc analysis was done for intergroup comparisons of all assessment characteristics. Spearman’s correlation was done to find the correlation coefficients between PSQI scoring and all other parameters mentioned above.Results: BMI, GPSQIS, SSQS, SDS and SMS were observed more in group2 and 3 as compared to group1, whereas SD and SE were more in group1 as compared to group 2 and 3. HF, Total Power and RR were more in group 1 as compared to group 3, whereas VLF and HR were less in group 1 as compared to group 3. LF/HF ratio and HR were more in group 3 as compared to group 2, whereas HF was more in group 2 as compared to group 3. There was statistically significant negative correlation between GPSQI and Total power, SMS and HF, SIT and HF, SD and LF/HF ratio, whereas statistically significant positive correlation between SMS and LF, SMS and LF/HF ratio, SIT and LF, SIT and LF/HF ratio, SD and total power as well as SE and total power.Conclusions: Ageing in adults affects the sleep-quality, reduces the sleep duration and decreases the sleep efficiency; these contribute to autonomic dysfunction as increased sympathetic activity and decreased parasympathetic activity in older adults as compared to younger adults

Comparative evaluation of antibacterial effect of nanoparticles and lasers against Endodontic Microbiota : an in vitro study

Present study was conducted with the aim of evaluating antimicrobial efficacy of silver (AgNP) and gold nanoparticles (AuNP) with and without Nd: YAG laser (L) irradiation against experimentally inoculated Enterococcus faecalis in infected human root dentin. 120 extracted single rooted human teeth were prepared and inoculated with E. faecalis for 24 hrs. The teeth were then randomly divided into 4 experimental group: AgNPs group: irrigation for 3minutes with 50 ?l of 100 ppm, the AuNPs group: irrigation with 50 ?l of 100 ppm, the AgNPs & Nd: YAG lasers group: irrigation with 50 ?l of 100 ppm + irradiation with 1.5W laser for 60 seconds, the AuNPs & Nd: YAG lasers group: irrigation with 50 ?l of 100 ppm + irradiation with 1.5W laser for 60 seconds. One control group consisting of 2% CHX irrigation for 3 minutes was also there (n = 20). The specimens were collected from the canal before and after irrigation, and colony forming units were observed. Significant difference was found among all the groups in comparison to the control group (p<0.05). The greatest reduction in CFU?s was observed with combination of AgNPs & Nd: YAG lasers group. AgNPs in combination with Nd: YAG laser irradiation has the potential to be used as root canal disinfectant

Context and dynamics of male-to-male sexual behavior of truckers in India: Findings from a multi-site qualitative research study

It is well established that truckers (drivers and helpers) have higher rates of nonmarital sex than any other occupational group. Because of this multipartner sexual activity, truckers form a key group for HIV/STI prevention efforts. Thus far, HIV/STI prevention interventions for truckers have been geared to providing risk-reduction information and services within a heterosexual context. Recent evidence suggests that a large number of truckers engage in male-to-male (MSM) sexual activity that has serious implications for HIV/STI transmission. Therefore, information on the nature and extent of MSM activity among these populations is urgently needed for the design and implementation of comprehensive prevention programs. The Transport Corporation of India Foundation (TCIF) is implementing Project Kavach to reduce HIV/STI vulnerability in 1.5 million truckers and their partners. To design appropriate HIV/STI preventive strategies, TCIF requested that the Population Council undertake an exploratory study to fill in the gaps in the existing knowledge about the sexual behavior of truckers. As noted in this brief, this project’s main intervention is the provision of syndromic treatment for STIs and behavioral- change communication messages through Khushi Clinics at selected halt points

Context and dynamics of same-sex behavior among long-distance truckers in India: Findings from qualitative research

It is well established that truckers (drivers and helpers) have higher rates of nonmarital sex than any other occupational group. Because of this multipartner sexual activity, truckers form a key group of prevention efforts for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Thus far, HIV/STI prevention interventions for truckers have been geared to providing risk-reduction information and services within a heterosexual context. Recent evidence suggests that a significant number of truckers engage in male-to-male (MSM) sexual activity that has implications for HIV/STI transmission. Therefore, information on the nature and extent of MSM activity among these populations is urgently needed for the design and implementation of comprehensive prevention programs. The Transport Corporation of India Foundation (TCIF) is implementing Project Kavach to reduce HIV/STI vulnerability among 1.5 million truckers and their partners. TCIF collaborated with the Population Council to undertake an exploratory study to understand the dynamics of same sexual behavior among truckers. As stated in this report, evidence from this research will guide TCIF in designing appropriate program strategy and activities to provide comprehensive HIV/STI prevention services to their key population of truckers

Minerals and chelated-based manganese fertilization influences the productivity, uptake, and mobilization of manganese in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in sandy loam soils

Manganese (Mn) is an essential micronutrient in plants, and it is necessary for hydrolysis in photosystem II, chlorophyll biosynthesis, and also chloroplast breakdown. Limited Mn availability in light soil resulted in interveinal chlorosis, poor root development, and the development of fewer tillers, particularly staple cereals including wheat, while foliar Mn fertilizers were found efficient in improving crop yield as well as Mn use efficiency. In the above context, a study was conducted in consecutive two wheat growing seasons for screening of the most effective and economical Mn treatment for improving the yield and Mn uptake in wheat and to compare the relative effectiveness of MnCO3 against the recommended dose of MnSO4 for wheat. To fulfill the aims of the study, three manganese products, namely, 1) manganese carbonate MnCO3 (26% Mn w/w and 3.3% N w/w), 2) 0.5% MnSO4·H2O (30.5% Mn), and 3) Mn-EDTA solution (12% Mn), were used as experimental treatments. Treatments and their combinations were as follows: two levels of MnCO3 (26% Mn) @ 750 and 1,250 ml ha−1 were applied at the two stages (i.e., 25–30 and 35–40 days after sowing) of wheat, and three sprays each of 0.5% MnSO4 (30.5% Mn) and Mn-EDTA (12% Mn) solution were applied in other plots. The 2-year study showed that Mn application significantly increased the plant height, productive tillers plant−1, and 1,000 grain weight irrespective of fertilizer source. The results of MnSO4 for grain yield wheat as well as uptake of Mn were statistically at par with both levels (750 and 1,250 ml ha−1) of MnCO3 with two sprays at two stages of wheat. However, the application of Mn in the form of 0.5% MnSO4·H2O (30.5% Mn) was found more economical than MnCO3, while the mobilization efficiency index (1.56) was found maximum when Mn was applied in MnCO3 with two sprays (750 and 1,250 ml ha−1) in the two stages of wheat. Thus, the present study revealed that MnCO3 can be used as an alternative to MnSO4 to enhance the yield and Mn uptake of wheat

Prevalence, Distribution and Functional Significance of the −237C to T Polymorphism in the IL-12Rβ2 Promoter in Indian Tuberculosis Patients

Cytokine/cytokine receptor gene polymorphisms related to structure/expression could impact immune response. Hence, the −237 polymorphic site in the 5′ promoter region of the IL-12Rβ2 (SNP ID: rs11810249) gene associated with the AP-4 transcription motif GAGCTG, was examined. Amplicons encompassing the polymorphism were generated from 46 pulmonary tuberculosis patients, 35 family contacts and 28 miscellaneous volunteers and sequenced. The C allele predominated among patients, (93.4%, 43/46), and in all volunteers and contacts screened, but the T allele was exclusively limited to patients, (6.5%, 3/46). The functional impact of this polymorphism on transcriptional activity was assessed by Luciferase-reporter and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA). Luciferase-reporter assays showed a significant reduction in transcriptional efficiency with T compared to C allele. The reduction in transcriptional efficiency with the T allele construct (pGIL-12Rb2-T), in U-87MG, THP-1 and Jurkat cell lines, were 53, 37.6, and 49.8% respectively, compared to the C allele construct (pGIL-12Rb2-C). Similarly, densitometric analysis of the EMSA assay showed reduced binding of the AP-4 transcription factor, to T compared to the C nucleotide probe. Reduced mRNA expression in all patients (3/3) harboring the T allele was seen, whereas individuals with the C allele exhibited high mRNA expression (17/25; 68%, p = 0.05). These observations were in agreement with the in vitro assessment of the promoter activity by Luciferase-reporter and EMSA assays. The reduced expression of IL-12Rβ2 transcripts in 8 patients despite having the C allele was attributed to the predominant over expression of the suppressors (IL-4 and GATA-3) and reduced expression of enhancers (IFN-α) of IL-12Rβ2 transcripts. The 17 high IL-12Rβ2 mRNA expressers had significantly elevated IFN-α mRNA levels compared to low expressers and volunteers. Notwithstanding the presence of high levels of IL-12Rβ2 mRNA in these patients elevated IFN-α expression could modulate their immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of COVID-19: The PAN-COVID study

Objective To assess perinatal outcomes for pregnancies affected by suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods Prospective, web-based registry. Pregnant women were invited to participate if they had suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between 1st January 2020 and 31st March 2021 to assess the impact of infection on maternal and perinatal outcomes including miscarriage, stillbirth, fetal growth restriction, pre-term birth and transmission to the infant. Results Between April 2020 and March 2021, the study recruited 8239 participants who had suspected or confirmed SARs-CoV-2 infection episodes in pregnancy between January 2020 and March 2021. Maternal death affected 14/8197 (0.2%) participants, 176/8187 (2.2%) of participants required ventilatory support. Pre-eclampsia affected 389/8189 (4.8%) participants, eclampsia was reported in 40/ 8024 (0.5%) of all participants. Stillbirth affected 35/8187 (0.4 %) participants. In participants delivering within 2 weeks of delivery 21/2686 (0.8 %) were affected by stillbirth compared with 8/4596 (0.2 %) delivering ≥ 2 weeks after infection (95 % CI 0.3–1.0). SGA affected 744/7696 (9.3 %) of livebirths, FGR affected 360/8175 (4.4 %) of all pregnancies. Pre-term birth occurred in 922/8066 (11.5%), the majority of these were indicated pre-term births, 220/7987 (2.8%) participants experienced spontaneous pre-term births. Early neonatal deaths affected 11/8050 livebirths. Of all neonates, 80/7993 (1.0%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Conclusions Infection was associated with indicated pre-term birth, most commonly for fetal compromise. The overall proportions of women affected by SGA and FGR were not higher than expected, however there was the proportion affected by stillbirth in participants delivering within 2 weeks of infection was significantly higher than those delivering ≥ 2 weeks after infection. We suggest that clinicians’ threshold for delivery should be low if there are concerns with fetal movements or fetal heart rate monitoring in the time around infection