Demonstrating scale-up of a novel water treatment process using super-bridging agents

Fiber-based materials have emerged as a promising option to increase the efficiency of water treatment plants while reducing their environmental impacts, notably by reducing the use of unsustainable chemicals and the size of the settling tank. Cellulose fiber-based super-bridging agents are sustainable, reusable, and versatile materials that considerably improve floc separation in conventional settling tanks or via alternative screening separation methods. In this study, the effectiveness of fiber-based materials for wastewater treatment was evaluated at lab-scale (0.25 L) and at pilot-scale (20 L) for two separation methods, namely settling and screening. For the fiber-based method, the performance of floc separation during settling was slightly affected by an 80x upscaling factor. A small decrease in turbidity removal from 93 and 86 % was observed for the jar and pilot tests, respectively. By contrast, the turbidity removal of the conventional treatment, i.e., no fibers with a settling separation, was largely affected by the upscaling with turbidity removals of 84 and 49 % for jar and pilot tests, respectively. Therefore, results are suggesting that fiber-based super-bridging agents could be implemented in full-scale water treatment plants. Moreover, the tested fibers increase the robustness of treatment by providing better floc removal than conventional treatment under several challenging conditions such as low settling time and screening with coarse screen mesh size. Furthermore, at both lab-scale and pilot-scale, the use of fiber-based materials reduced the demand for coagulant and flocculant, potentially lowering the operational costs of water treatment plants and reducing the accumulation of metal-based coagulants and synthetic polymers in sludge. Acute toxicity tests using the model organism Daphnia magna show that the cellulose fibers introduce insignificant toxicity at the optimized fiber concentration. Although dedicated mechanistic studies are required at various scales to understand in detail the influence of fibers on water treatment (coagulation/flocculation time, floc formation, floc size distribution velocity gradient, etc.), the efficacy and scalability of the fiber-based approach, along with its minimal environmental impact, position it as a viable and sustainable option for existing and future wastewater treatment plants.

POS0445 DISSECTING THE ROLE OF PLATELET FUNCTION IN INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS

Background

Inflammatory autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) show an increase in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and are commonly associated with an increase in platelet counts. Thus, platelets fill a central role in the tenet: Inflammation begets coagulation, and coagulation begets inflammation. We have previously reported that induction of arthritis by the Streptococcal cell wall component peptidoglycan-polysaccharide (PGPS) results in increased platelet numbers, aggregation, activation, and increased expression of P-selectin (CD62-P) and of the costimulatory molecule CD40. These platelets are also more sensitive to stimuli such as ADP and thrombin, which induce dense granule release of serotonin and aggregation. We have also described increased P-selectin expression limited to the joints in mice with acute arthritis. Platelets, generally considered elements of the hemostatic system, are underappreciated for their pro-inflammatory potential.

Objectives

To further understand the role of platelets in inflammatory arthritis, and distinguish their biochemical and adhesive features we set out to characterize the impact of modulating platelet activity in acute and chronic rodent models of arthritis.

Methods

Chronic inflammatory arthritis was induced in Lewis rats by a single i.p. injection of PGPS which results in an early phase non-T cell dependent arthritis, and a chronic T cell dependent phase after day 10. An acute inflammatory arthritis was induced in Balb/c mice by the same method. Joint scoring and volume measurement were carried out daily to determine an arthritis severity score.

The role of platelets on PGPS arthritis was assessed using a) depletion of platelets using periodic intraperitoneal (IP) anti-platelet antibody, b) blockade of the integrin GPIIb/IIIa with the monoclonal antibody (mAb) abciximab to inhibit activation and aggregation via vWF and fibrinogen. In the acute murine arthritis c) P-selectin deficient mice were assessed for severity of arthritis, and d) wild-type mice were pre-treated with a single IP injection of anti-CD41 (GPIIb) antibody.

Results

Depletion of platelets in rats during the PGPS treatment resulted in amelioration of both the early and chronic phases of disease. We previously demonstrated that TNF is elevated in this model following PGPS injection, so for comparison animals were treated with infliximab, a monoclonal antibody to TNF, with equivalent suppression of both acute and chronic phases of disease. Abciximab, targeting the dual function adhesion and signaling molecule GPIIb/IIIa, did not decrease arthritis, and in fact increased the severity of the chronic phase of arthritis. In the acute murine model, despite the previously described expression of CD62-P in joints and on platelets, the CD62-P knockout mice had no significant difference in arthritis severity. Conversely treatment of wild-type mice with the anti-CD41 to block GPIIb resulted in suppression of the arthritis.

Conclusion

Platelet depletion had a dramatic impact on both acute and chronic phases of inflammatory arthritis, which is not unexpected given that platelets carry an array of pro-inflammatory and procoagulant mediators including IL-1, chemokines, vWF, and fibrinogen, as well as an array of adhesion molecules for binding to endothelium, leukocytes, and to other platelets.

The increase in chronic arthritis severity despite inhibiting platelet aggregation by blockade of GPIIb/IIIa was unexpected, but may have been due to increased platelet-endothelial binding or platelet-leukocyte aggregation thus exacerbating the chronic T cell phase. Lack of CD62-P appeared to have no influence on acute phase arthritis development. Interestingly anti-CD41, which blocks one part of the GPIIb/IIIa integrin, was effective at ameliorating arthritis in the murine model.

Platelets play an often underappreciated role in inflammatory processes, but understanding the mechanisms will require further dissection of the complex nature of these cellular elements which have dual inflammatory and hemostatic roles.

Disclosure of Interests

Don Kimpel Speakers bureau: GSK, Consultant of: Aurinia, Krishna Kannan: None declared.

Occurrence, distribution and dynamics of perchlorate in soil, water, fertilizers, vegetables and fruits and associated human exposure in Chile

Perchlorate (ClO₄^-) has been identified as a persistent environmental contaminant of concern. Perchlorate exposure is a potential health concern because it interferes with hormone production by thyroid gland. Food (fruits and vegetables) and drinking water are an important source of human exposure to perchlorate. However, little is known about the occurrence of perchlorate in Chile. The purpose of this study was to determine the occurrence of perchlorate in 145 samples (soil, drinking water, surface water, groundwater, fertilizers, fruits and vegetables) collected across Chile and estimate associated exposure to consumers. Our results show that perchlorate was detected in soil (median: 22.2 ng g^-1), drinking water (median: 3.0 ng mL^-1), fruits (median: 0.91 ng g^-1 fresh weight [FW]), lettuce (median: 5.0 ng g^-1 FW) and chard (median: 4.15 ng g^-1 FW). Interestingly, perchlorate concentrations detected in drinking water from three regions (Serena, Copiapo and Illapel) exceeded the USEPA interim drinking water health advisory level of 15 ng mL^-1. Median concentrations of perchlorate in non-nitrogenous fertilizers (3.1 mg kg^-1) were higher than those in nitrogenous fertilizers (1.3 mg kg^-1). Estimated daily intake (EDI) of perchlorate via drinking water was lower than the USEPA's reference dose (7000 ng kg^-1 bw day^-1). The EDI of perchlorate via vegetables (chard and lettuce) produced in northern Chile was three times higher than those produced in other regions. The results of this study provide information about perchlorate sources in Chile, which will be helpful in modifying current regulations.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on a developing STEMI care system from a low-middle income country- a prospective observational study

Background

COVID-19 pandemic has produced a great impact in the STEMI (ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction) care systems across the world. Patient hesitancy to seek medical attention for suspected STEMI, necessity of the health care systems to prioritize COVID-19 care, safety concerns of health care workers etc., have brought in unprecedented times for both patients and health care workers. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the establishment of a STEMI care system is less known

Purpose

To identify the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on a developing public STEMI care system in a low-middle income country in Asia, with reference to the type of reperfusion offered and outcome.

Methods

Data on number of STEMI admissions, type of reperfusion therapy and outcome are being collected from 12 teaching hospitals as a part of a developing public regional STEMI care system based on a hub and spoke model in a low middle-income country from August 2018. These 12 “thrombolysis only” hospitals were being upgraded as “primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) capable hub hospitals” in 2019. Though the hassles of COVID-19 pandemic affected this process significantly, daily data collection in our STEMI care system continued. The maximal COVID impacted period in 2020 was identified from the online database (1) as from April to December 2020. The number, type of reperfusion and outcome of the STEMI patients treated during this period were compared to the same data collected during April-December 2019.

Results

A total of 13,137 STEMI patients were treated in our system during the two time periods “April to December 2019” and “April to December 2020”. There was a 13.3% drop in the number of STEMI treated in 2020, compared to the number treated in 2019 (6101 vs 8925; P<0.001). This drop was in proportion to the number of new cases of COVID-19 reported in our state (Fig. 1a)

We also noted a significant drop in the rate of PPCI and Pharmaco-invasive therapy (PIT) offered for STEMI in 2020 compared to 2019 in the same period (PPCI: 0.13% vs 5.9%-P<0.001 and PIT 0.64% vs 11%- P<0.001). This decrease in PPCI and PIT for STEMI also corresponded to the increase in number of new cases of COVID-19 reported (Fig. 1b). More patients received thrombolytic therapy for STEMI in 2020 compared to 2019 (73.6 vs 61.2% P<0.001). There was no change in the mortality of STEMI during this period. (Fig. 2)

Conclusion

We found a significant drop in number of patients seeking medical care for STEMI during COVID-19 pandemic. There was significant drop in the rate of PPCI and PIT offered in our STEMI care system. Thrombolytic therapy remained the predominant mode of reperfusion as before, but with a significant increased rate of thrombolysis. There was no change in mortality rate in STEMI patients. Thrombolytic therapy is an acceptable mode of reperfusion, when the balance of a STEMI care system is disturbed by extraneous influences like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Tamil Nadu Innovation Initiative- Department of Planning and development, Govt of Tamil NaduNational Health Mission, Government of India

Knowledge of Cervical Cancer Screening among Women in Rural Areas

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the most preventable and successfully treatable form of cancer, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively. Cancers diagnosed in late stages can also be controlled with appropriate treatment and palliative care. Screening is therefore an important tool in detecting cancer. The objective of this research is to find about the depth of knowledge about cervical cancer among rural women. This is a cross – sectional study done in rural areas of Pondicherry (Koodapakkam and Katterikuppam) (around 10 Km). Our subjects were patients and attenders attending the PHC OPD in between January and March 2021. Women attending OPDs of PHC in and around Koodapakkam and Katterikuppam who are > 15 years of age were the study sample excluding pregnant women, lactating women, mentally ill women and post hysterectomy patients with sample size of 300 using a questionnaire. Our study Signifies that among 277 Hindu women, 68.59% were aware of Cervical cancer screening. Among 12 Muslims 75% were aware of Cervical cancer screening. Among 11 women following Christianity 63.63% were aware of cervical cancer screening. This proves that there is no significant association between religion and awareness. (p=0.43) In our study, among 67 illiterates, 64.17% were aware of Cervical cancer screening. Among 81 women with primary school education ,65.43 % were aware of Cervical cancer screening. Among 57 women who went to high school 77.19% were aware of Cervical cancer screening. Among 38 women with higher secondary education, 68.42% were aware of Cervical cancer screening. among 49 graduates, 71.42% were aware of Cervical cancer screening. Among 8 post graduates 37.5% were not aware of Cervical cancer screening. There is association between education and awareness. (p=0.001). Totally, among 208 women under 45 years of age, 73.07% were aware of Cervical cancer screening and among 92 women more than 45 years of age 58.69% were aware of Cervical cancer screening. There is significant association between age and awareness (p=0.005).

Awareness of Mosquito Bite and Preventive Methods Adopted against their Bites

Mosquitoes are the utmost common disease vectors worldwide. Newly in India mosquito borne diseases have revealed as a big threat to public health specially disease like Dengue, Malaria and Chikungunya. Puducherry is said to be endemic zone for malarial spreading and other such kinds of diseases. Anopheles, Aedes and Culex are commonly seen in Puducherry. Therefore, considerable effects are taken to create the awareness against such kinds of insect- borne particularly, on mosquito bites made together for local citizens. The present study aimed to spread such kind of awareness and related practices on disposing mosquitoes’ supporting places, their eggs for maximum prevention in Puducherry rural areas. A pilot study was conducted among the small group of people and based on it, the study questioner was prepared. The objective of the survey was to study the awareness, attributes and practices about mosquito borne diseases in urban areas and it explore various myths about mosquito borne diseases.

Association of blood heavy metal levels with osteocalcin abnormality and incidence of osteoporosis in Saudi subjects

Serum toxic metals have been implicated in development of many diseases. This study investigated the association between blood levels of lead and cadmium with abnormal bone mineral density (BMD) and incidence of osteoporosis. Sixty Saudi male adults age matching were assigned into two groups: A healthy control group (n = 30) and osteoporosis patients diagnosed according to T-score (n = 30). Serum calcium, vitamin D, osteocalcin, lead, cadmium were measured. Osteoporotic group showed a highly significant elevation of blood lead and cadmium levels compared to the control group (p <0.001). BMD was negatively correlated with serum osteocalcin level compared with control. There was a significant negative correlation between the cadmium and lead levels (r=-0.465 and p-value = 0.01) and calcium (p < 0.004). Our findings suggested that high cadmium and lead were negative correlated to BMD and increased the risk factor for osteoporosis.

Factors Influencing the Consumption of Fast Food among Young Adults

Background: The habit of consuming the fast- foods and packed foods are increased among the people in developing countries. Besides, several studies showed that the fast- food eating brings higher risks for developing the physiological imbalances such as obesity, over – weight even in younger generation. The fast foods ensure for important features such as easy availability, tastes good, convenient, and has friendly- packing than the traditional food items. Due to such kind of life style modifications, the ratio of fast – food habitats in younger and adolescents are highly increasing in compare to the older and middle aged people. The increase is inevitable in different age groups in recent years. These food habit modifications make a turn in traditional systems and attract the great attention against the public health concern. Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the factors that influence the fast-food consumption in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out to examine the preference, prevalence and pattern of fast food consumption among the young adults. Results and Discussion: The study showed that many of the students unavoidably skipping the morning foods due to study pressure, morning – hurry and they had them at late- morning hours from the fast- foods outlets such as canteens or other hotels. Though, 90.7% of the students know the importance and negative consequences of break- fast skipping that are related to consumption of excessive fast- food habits, they have been severely addicted with the fast- foods. Conclusion: As a conclusion, the present study showed the importance of initiating the specific health programs, dietary guidelines and effective awareness for addressing the unhealthy issues related with the fast- food consumption among the student community.

Anticorrosion Behavior of ZnO Nanoparticles Coated on Mild Steel in NaCl Solution

This work focuses on the environment protected, ecological procedure by the combination of ZnO nanoparticles utilizing the extraction of Ocimum sanctum. The prepared nanoparticles are examined by different methods like Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX). A systematic study has been made on the result of ZnO nano-coating for the corrosion behavior of mild steel. The ZnO nanoparticles of average diameter in the range 18-22 nm were coated on mild steel in nickel bath solution. The anticorrosion properties on the coated mild steel was carefully tested in 3.5% NaCl solution by performing potentio-dynamic polarization measurement and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Surface morphology of the coated mild steel immersed in corrosive solution was judged by using SEM with EDAX. The ZnO nano coating has shown a perfect protection against corrosion and the shielding capability is in the range between 86-95%. The incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles has upgraded the process of mild steel in all corrosion media are subjected to investigation.

Delayed conception in women with low-urinary iodine concentrations: a population-based prospective cohort study

STUDY QUESTION

Is iodine deficiency associated with decreased fecundability?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Moderate to severe iodine deficiency is associated with a 46% decrease in fecundability.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Iodine deficiency is common in women of childbearing age but its effect on fecundability has not been investigated.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

The LIFE Study, a population-based prospective cohort study, enrolled 501 women who had discontinued contraception within 2 months to become pregnant between 2005 and 2009.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Women reported on risk factors for infertility by interview then kept daily journals of relevant information. Women used fertility monitors to time intercourse relative to ovulation then used home digital pregnancy tests to identify pregnancies on the day of expected menstruation. Urine samples for iodine analysis were collected on enrollment.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Samples were in the deficiency range in 44.3% of participants. The group whose iodine-creatinine ratios were below 50 μg/g (moderate to severe deficiency) had a 46% reduction in fecundity (P = 0.028) compared with the group whose iodine-creatinine ratios were in the adequate range: adjusted fecundability odds ratio of becoming pregnant per cycle, 0.54 (95% confidence interval 0.31-0.94).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Iodine concentrations vary within individuals over time, so the data must be interpreted by group as we have done; residual confounding is possible.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Significant delays in becoming pregnant occur at iodine concentrations that are common in women in the USA and parts of Europe. Replicating these findings will be important to determine whether improving iodine status could be beneficial in improving fecundability.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This study was funded by the Intramural Research Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, USA. Contracts N01-HD-3-3355; N01-HD-3-3356; N01-HD-3-3358 and HHSN275201100001l/HHSN27500007. None of the authors has any conflict of interest to declare.

Bis-anthracene derived bis-pyridine: selective fluorescence sensing of Al3+ ions

A novel bis-anthracene molecule linked to bis-pyridine by xylylene dibromide (APC) was synthesized as a potent sensor for the detection of Al³⁺ ions.

Investigation of biodegradation potentials of high density polyethylene degrading marine bacteria isolated from the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, India

Plastics constitute an important part of our life for many decades. All the wastes produced from human activities finally enters into the aquatic ecosystem. Microbial degradation of plastic is a promising eco-friendly strategy which represents a great opportunity to manage waste plastic materials with minimum adverse impacts. In this present study, totally 248 bacterial isolates were isolated from the plastic waste dumped sites in the coastal region districts of Tamil Nadu, India and screened for HDPE degradation. Based on the results obtained from the weight loss, viability and FT-IR, 10 bacterial isolates were considered to be potent HDPE degraders. The identification of efficient HDPE degrading isolates confirms that most of the bacterial isolates belong to the genus Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. The present study suggests that the isolated efficient bacterial strains can be used as cost-effective, eco-friendly and safe approach for the elimination of plastic wastes from the environment.

Long-term outcome of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: Impact of biosimilar rituximab and radiation

INTRODUCTION

Rituximab (R)-CHOP improves survival over CHOP in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The availability of biosimilar rituximab in India has increased access of this drug. We report on the impact of treatment on outcomes with special emphasis on the impact of biosimilar rituximab and radiation.

METHODS

Outcomes of adults (age 15-60 years) treated with CHOP+/- Rituximab radiation were analyzed retrospectively to look at baseline features, treatment, and event-free and overall survival (EFS and OS).

RESULTS

In the period 2000-2013, 444 patients (median age 47 years: 15-60; males: 288 [65%]; Stage III/IV: 224 [50%]; age-adjusted international prognostic index [aaIPI] Score 2 or 3 in 50%) received either CHOP (n = 325 [73%]) or RCHOP (n = 119 [27%]) therapy. Biosimilar rituximab and the original were used in 95 (80%) and 24 (20%) patients, respectively. Radiation was given in 134 (30%) patients (Stages I and II, 100/220 [45%] and Stages III and IV, 34/224 [15%]). After a median follow-up of 46 (0.2-126) months, the 5-year EFS and OS were 59% and 68%, respectively. The factors predicting inferior EFS and OS were age> 40 years, performance status 2-4, Stage III/IV, hemoglobin <12 g/dL, the aaIPI Score 2 or 3, and nonuse of rituximab and radiation. Radiation used in early stage disease benefitted all subgroups regardless of bulky disease, use of rituximab, or the number of cycles of chemotherapy. Addition of rituximab improved survival across all categories of aaIPI.

CONCLUSION

Availability of biosimilar rituximab has increased access and survival of patients with DLBCL in India. Radiotherapy improved outcomes in early stages.

A damage initiation criterion for a class of viscoelastic solids

We extend the methodology introduced for the initiation of damage within the context of a class of elastic solids to a class of viscoelastic solids (Alagappan et al. 2016 Proc. R. Soc. Lond. A: Math. Phys. Eng. Sci. 472 , 20160231. ( doi:10.1098/rspa.2016.0231 )). In a departure from studies on damage that consider the body to be homogeneous, with initiation of damage being decided by parameters that are based on a quantity such as the strain, that requires information concerning a special reference configuration, or the use of ad hoc parameters that have no physically meaningful origins, in this study we use a physically relevant parameter that is completely determined in the current deformed state of the body to predict the initiation of damage. Damage is initiated due to the inhomogeneity of the body wherein certain regions in the body are unable to withstand the stresses, strains, etc. The specific inhomogeneity that is considered is the variation of the density in the body. We consider damage within the context of the deformation of two representative viscoelastic solids, a generalization of a model proposed by Gent (1996 Rubber Chemistry and Technology 69 , 59–61. ( doi:10.5254/1.3538357 )) for polymeric solids and a generalization of the Kelvin–Voigt model. We find that the criterion leads to results that are in keeping with the experiments of Gent & Lindley (1959 Proc. R. Soc. Lond. A: Math. Phys. Eng. Sci. 249 , 195–205. ( doi:10.1098/rspa.1959.0016 )).

Facile One-Pot Synthesis of Flower Like Cobalt Oxide Nanostructures on Nickel Plate and Its Supercapacitance Properties

A flower like cobalt oxide nanostructured thin film (Co2O3) on Nickel (Ni) plate as have been successfully developed via alcoholic Seed Layer assisted chemical bath Deposition (SLD) process. Through the controlled alkaline electrolytes, the flower and paddles like Co2O3 nanoarchitectures were formed. The prepared thin film was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM and EDX), Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), Raman spectroscopy techniques. Electron micrograph reveals the flower and paddles like nanostructured Co2O3 thin film deposited on Ni plates. The electrochemical characteristics were investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), charge-discharge and AC impedance spectroscopy in different aqueous electrolytes such as NaOH, KOH, and LiOH. The maximum specific capacitance of 856 Fg-1 was attained with 2 M KOH electrolyte with 2 mVs-1 of the Co2O3 thin film coated Ni plate at 80 °C using SLD method. The capacitance values obtained with various electrolytes are in the order of KOH > NaOH > LiOH. The results indicate that the present method is economical and the material is ecofriendly with enhanced capacitance property.

A Novel Hypergraph-Based Genetic Algorithm (HGGA) Built on Unimodular and Anti-homomorphism Properties for DNA Sequencing by Hybridization

The sequencing by hybridization (SBH) of determining the order in which nucleotides should occur on a DNA string is still under discussion for enhancements on computational intelligence although the next generation of DNA sequencing has come into existence. In the last decade, many works related to graph theory-based DNA sequencing have been carried out in the literature. This paper proposes a method for SBH by integrating hypergraph with genetic algorithm (HGGA) for designing a novel analytic technique to obtain DNA sequence from its spectrum. The paper represents elements of the spectrum and its relation as hypergraph and applies the unimodular property to ensure the compatibility of relations between l-mers. The hypergraph representation and unimodular property are bound with the genetic algorithm that has been customized with a novel selection and crossover operator reducing the computational complexity with accelerated convergence. Subsequently, upon determining the primary strand, an anti-homomorphism is invoked to find the reverse complement of the sequence. The proposed algorithm is implemented in the GenBank BioServer datasets, and the results are found to prove the efficiency of the algorithm. The HGGA is a non-classical algorithm with significant advantages and computationally attractive complexity reductions ranging to [Formula: see text] with improved accuracy that makes it prominent for applications other than DNA sequencing like image processing, task scheduling and big data processing.

Rough Set-hypergraph-based Feature Selection Approach for Intrusion Detection Systems

Immense growth in network-based services had resulted in the upsurge of internet users, security threats and cyber-attacks. Intrusion detection systems (IDSs) have become an essential component of any network architecture, in order to secure an IT infrastructure from the malicious activities of the intruders. An efficient IDS should be able to detect, identify and track the malicious attempts made by the intruders. With many IDSs available in the literature, the most common challenge due to voluminous network traffic patterns is the curse of dimensionality. This scenario emphasizes the importance of feature selection algorithm, which can identify the relevant features and ignore the rest without any information loss. In this paper, a novel rough set κ-Helly property technique (RSKHT) feature selection algorithm had been proposed to identify the key features for network IDSs. Experiments carried using benchmark KDD cup 1999 dataset were found to be promising, when compared with the existing feature selection algorithms with respect to reduct size, classifier’s performance and time complexity. RSKHT was found to be computationally attractive and flexible for massive datasets.

On a possible methodology for identifying the initiation of damage of a class of polymeric materials

In this paper, we provide a possible methodology for identifying the initiation of damage in a class of polymeric solids. Unlike most approaches to damage that introduce a damage parameter, which might be a scalar, vector or tensor, that depends on the stress or strain (that requires knowledge of an appropriate reference configuration in which the body was stress free and/or without any strain), we exploit knowledge of the fact that damage is invariably a consequence of the inhomogeneity of the body that makes the body locally ‘weak’ and the fact that the material properties of a body invariably depend on the density, among other variables that can be defined in the current configuration, of the body. This allows us to use density, for a class of polymeric materials, as a means to identify incipient damage in the body. The calculations that are carried out for the biaxial stretch of an inhomogeneous multi-network polymeric solid bears out the appropriateness of the thesis that the density of the body can be used to forecast the occurrence of damage, with the predictions of the theory agreeing well with experimental results. The study also suggests a meaningful damage criterion for the class of bodies being considered.