Multi-objective and multi constrained task scheduling framework for computational grids.

Grid computing emerged as a powerful computing domain for running large-scale parallel applications. Scheduling computationally intensive parallel applications such as scientific, commercial etc., computational grids is a NP-complete problem. Many researchers have proposed several task scheduling algorithms on grids based on formulating and solving it as an optimization problem with different objective functions such as makespan, cost, energy etc. Further to address the requirements/demands/needs of the users (lesser cost, lower latency etc.) and grid service providers (high utilization and high profitability), a task scheduler needs to be designed based on solving a multi-objective optimization problem due to several trade-offs among the objective functions. In this direction, we propose an efficient multi-objective task scheduling framework to schedule computationally intensive tasks on heterogeneous grid networks. This framework minimizes turnaround time, communication, and execution costs while maximizing grid utilization. We evaluated the performance of our proposed algorithm through experiments conducted on standard, random, and scientific task graphs using the GridSim simulator.

Thermal properties of PMMA/montmorillonite clay nanocomposites.

Polymer/Clay offer tremendous improvement in wide range of physical and engineering properties for polymers with low filler loading. In nanotechnology polymer/clay nanocomposites use smectitetype clays that have layered structures. In this work, Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was synthesized by free radical addition polymerization in the presence of high power ultrasound. The Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-Montmorillonite (MMT) clay nanocomposites were synthesized by two different techniques viz., ultrasonic mixing and magnetic stirring. An analysis of the XRD data confirms that the composites are in the nanometer scale. The FTIR spectra show that there is strong interaction between the clay and the polymer that enhances the thermal stability. The thermal stability of the experimental nanocomposite prepared by the two processes is compared. Further analysis of XRD data shows that intercalation as well as exfoliation has taken place in both the types of nanocomposites preparation. An analysis of the TG, DTG curves reveal that the thermal stability is found to increase by nearly 30% for ultrasonic mixing than that of magnetic stirring.

Eye in multi drug therapy.

Eyes of 237 multibacillary leprosy patients on Multi Drug Therapy were studied for a minimum period of 2 years and maximum period of 4 years. Ocular status remained unaltered in 75%, improved in 16% and there was worsening in 9% during the study period. The changes in those worsened were of microscopic nature and seen mostly among those with long duration of disease and among reactors.

Acute renal failure following rifampicin.

3 cases of renal toxicity to Rifampicin are reported. All cases recovered following therapy, two required haemodialysis. It is important that cases on Rifampicin be monitored for renal toxicity and appropriate measures taken in time to prevent a fatal outcome, if detected.

Borderline reactions treated with clofazimine and corticosteroids.

Thirtyfour cases of Borderline Reaction were treated with Clofazimine and corticosteroids. The clinical findings including sensory and motor assessments and skin smears were made before treatment and again when the reaction subsided, subject to a minimum period of one year. These findings are analysed and discussed.