Applications of quantum inspired computational intelligence: a survey

This paper makes an exhaustive survey of various applications of Quantum inspired computational intelligence (QCI) techniques proposed till date. Definition, categorization and motivation for QCI techniques are stated clearly. Major Drawbacks and challenges are discussed. The significance of this work is that it presents an overview on applications of QCI in solving various problems in engineering, which will be very much useful for researchers on Quantum computing in exploring this upcoming and young discipline.     

On exact computational analysis of distributions of numbers in systems for M/G/1/N + 1 and GI/M/1/N + 1 queues using roots

In this paper, we obtain the distribution of number in system and other measures of efficiency for the M/G/1/N + 1 queuing system in terms of the roots of the associated characteristic equation (CE). Results for the GI/M/1/N + 1 queuing system have also been obtained from those of M/G/1/N + 1. Numerical results in the form of tables and graphs have been presented for a variety of service-(interarrival-) time distributions, e.g. Erlang (E_k), generalized Erlang (GE_k) and hyperexponential (HE_k).     

Design of frequency response masking FIR filter in the Canonic Signed Digit space using modified Artificial Bee Colony algorithm

Frequency response masking (FRM) technique along with the Canonic Signed Digit (CSD) representation is a good alternative for the design of a computationally efficient, sharp transition width, high speed finite impulse response (FIR) filter. This paper proposes two novel approaches for the joint optimization of an FRM FIR digital filter in the CSD space. The first approach uses the recently emerged Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm and the second approach uses the Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm. In this paper, both the algorithms are modified in such a way that, they are suitable for the solution of the optimization problem posed, in which the search space consists of integers and the objective function is nonlinear. The optimization variables are encoded such that they permit the reduction in computational cost. The salient feature of the above approaches is the reduced computational complexity while obtaining good performance. Simulation results show that the ABC based design technique performs better than that using DE, which in turn outperforms the one using integer coded genetic algorithm (GA). The proposed optimization approaches can be extended to the solution of integer programming problems in other engineering disciplines also.     

Development and in vitro evaluation of alginate gel-encapsulated, chitosan-coated ceramic nanocores for oral delivery of enzyme

The successful administration of protein and peptide drugs by oral route maintaining their active conformation remains a key challenge in the field of pharmaceutical technology. In the present study, we propose the use of a nanosize ceramic core-based system for effective oral delivery of acid-labile model enzyme, serratiopeptidase (STP). Ceramic core was prepared by colloidal precipitation and sonication of disodium hydrogen phosphate solution and calcium chloride solution at room temperature. The core was coated with chitosan under constant stirring and Fourier-Transform Infra Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed phosphoric groups of calcium phosphate linked with ammonium groups of chitosan in the nanoparticles; then the enzyme was adsorbed over the preformed nanocore. Protein-loaded nanocore was further encapsulated into alginate gel for enzyme protection. Prepared system was characterized for size, shape, loading efficiency, and in vitro release profile (pH 1.2 and pH 7.4). The effect of processing variables on the size of the core was evaluated to form small, uniform, and discrete nanocores. Stability and integrity of enzyme during processing steps was assessed by in vitro proteolytic activity. The prepared system was examined to be spherical in shape with diameter 925 ± 6.81 nm using TEM. The in vitro release data followed the Higuchi model, showing a low amount (26% ± 2.4%) of diffusion-controlled drug release (R² = 0.9429) in acidic buffer up to a period of 2 to 6 hours, signifying the integrity of alginate gel in acid. In the alkaline medium sustained and nearly complete first order release of protein was observed up to a 6 hours. It is inferred that the protein-loaded ceramic core acts as a reservoir of the adsorbed enzyme and alginate gel provides protection to STP for controlled release in intestinal pH when compared to the enzyme solution.     

A Meta-Heuristic Based Approach with Modified Mutation Operation For Heterogeneous Networks

Wireless Personal Communications - The peculiar factor of coverage called target coverage in an energy-constrained wireless sensor network is a fierce challenge nowadays. Genetic algorithm-based...     

Community structure of planktons and macrozoobenthos,with special reference to pollution in the River Khan (India)

This paper presents an assessment of water quality of the River Khan, which passes through Indore and is subjected to sewage and industrial pollution. The analysis of various pollution parameters showed an increase when the sewage and industrial channels joined the river. Changes in the biotic communities, such as phytoplankton, zooplankton and macrozoobenthos, have been explained numerically with the help of a diversity index and showed a decrease in diversity values with an increase in pollution, along with a correlation with physico‐chemical aspects. Genera tolerant to various degree of pollution has also been identified. The extend of pollution by certain heavy metals such as Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, Cd and Hg has also been studied.     

A Realtime and Continuous Assessment of Cortisol in ISF Using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

This study describes the functioning of a novel sensor to measure cortisol concentration in the interstitial fluid (ISF) of a human subject. ISF is extracted by means of vacuum pressure from micropores created on the stratum corneum layer of the skin. The pores are produced by focusing a near infrared laser on a layer of black dye material attached to the skin. The pores are viable for approximately three days after skin poration. Cortisol measurements are based on electrochemical impedance (EIS) technique. Gold microelectrode arrays functionalized with Dithiobis (succinimidyl propionate) self-assembled monolayer (SAM) have been used to fabricate an ultrasensitive, disposable, electrochemical cortisol immunosensor. The biosensor was successfully used for in-vitro measurement of cortisol in ISF. Tests in a laboratory setup show that the sensor exhibits a linear response to cortisol concentrations in the range 1 pm to 100 nM. A small pilot clinical study showed that in-vitro immunosensor readings, when compared with commercial evaluation using enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) method, correlated well with cortisol levels in saliva and ISF. Further, circadian rhythm could be established between the subject's ISF and the saliva samples collected over 24 hours time-period. Cortisol levels in ISF were found reliably higher than in saliva. This Research establishes the feasibility of using impedance based biosensor architecture for a disposable, wearable cortisol detector. The projected commercial in-vivo real-time cortisol sensor device, besides being minimally invasive, will allow continuous ISF harvesting and cortisol monitoring over 24 hours even when the subject is asleep. Forthcoming, this sensor could be interfaced to a wireless health monitoring system that could transfer sensor data over existing wide-area networks such as the internet and a cellular phone network to enable real-time remote monitoring of subjects.     

Synthesis and evaluation of a hydrogel that binds glucose and releases ciprofloxacin

This study reports the formation of a hydrogel generated by polymerizing aminophenyl boronic acid in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The gel formed as a result of complexation between the –OH groups of PVA, and boronic acid moieties were stable and exhibited high degree of swelling proportional to the concentration of glucose. Extended swelling was attributed to the strong affinity of the gel to glucose and to the subsequent breaking of the bond formed between PVA and boronic acid groups. Interestingly, the gel was found to bind a high amount of glucose. We evaluated the hydrogel in terms of its ability to bind glucose and to release ciprofloxacin. Retention of antibacterial efficacy of the released drug was also demonstrated. Features such as swelling, drug release, and glucose binding reflect the possibility of tuning a new dressing for wounds particularly in diabetic patients.     

Functionalization and characterization of ZnS quantum dots using biocompatible l-cysteine

In this work, the functionalization of ZnS quantum dots using the thiol group of l-cysteine for different concentrations has been reported. Chemical precipitation method was used for the synthesis of nascent as well as l-cysteine functionalized ZnS quantum dots for optimized values of pH and molar concentrations of the precursors. Morphological studies were done by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and TEM. Optical measurements were done by UV–visible, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and energy resolved photoluminescence studies. Particle size was calculated by using Brus equation. Appreciable changes in morphological and optical properties of ZnS quantum dots were observed in few cases. XRD results shows that, the primary crystallite size decreases with increasing the capping concentration, however, the crystal structure remain same for all the used concentrations of l-cysteine. UV–visible analysis shows that band gap and particle size is also tunable with l-cysteine capping. FTIR studies confirmed l-cysteine capping on the surface of quantum dots. As l-cysteine is non toxic and stable compound, the surface modification of ZnS quantum dots with l-cysteine not only prevents the aggregation of quantum dots but also make them available for the interaction with the target materials and make them suitable for specific biomedical applications.