A generalized direct search acceptable-point technique for use with descent-type multivariate algorithms

Many non-linear programming algorithms employ a univariate subprocedure to determine the step length at each multivariate iteration. In recent years much work has been directed toward the development of algorithms which will exhibit favorable convergence properties on well-behaved functions without requiring that the univariate algorithm perform a sequence of one-dimensional minimizations.In this paper a direct search method (the golden section search) is modified to search for acceptable rather than minimizing step lengths and then used as the univariate subprocedure for a generalized conjugate gradient algorithm. The resulting multivariate minimization method is tested on standard unconstrained test functions and a constrained industrial problem. The new method is found to be relatively insensitive to tuning parameters (insofar as success or failure is concerned).A comparison of the golden section acceptable-point search (GSAP) with other popular acceptable-point methods indicates that GSAP is a superior strategy for use with the conjugate directions-type algorithms and is also suitable for use with the quasi-Newton methods. The comparison are based on equivalent function evaluations required to minimize multivariate test functions.     

Impact of Covishield Vaccination in Terms of SARS CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibody Expression

The vaccination efficacy can indirectly be assessed through the quantification of neutralizing antibodies. Very few data are available on Covishield efficacy in terms of neutralizing antibody expression upon vaccination. This study is focused on profiling of neutralizing antibody expression during and after the Covishield two shot vaccination and observing COVID-19 infection in vaccinated participants during the period. SARS CoV-2 neutralizing antibody concentrations in samples were estimated using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay kit for Lifotronics eCL8000. The sampling had been done sequentially at 45th, 85th day after 1st dose and 15th day after 2nd dose Covishield vaccination. Parallelly, in order to confirm the total SARS CoV-2 IgG response in COVID-19 infection, measured the IgG using SARS CoV-2 IgG lateral flow immunoassay test kit. The subjects previously infected with COVID-19 before 1st dose vaccination demonstrated high neutralizing antibody (> 10AU/ml). In COVID-19 uninfected subjects, there was a sudden incline in neutralizing antibody after the 2nd dose. Infection with SARS CoV-2 between 1st and 2nd dose of Covishield vaccination implicate that the level of neutralizing antibody in serum after 1st dose was not adequate to combat the virus and prevent infection. We observed COVID-19 infection in participants even after 2nd dose of vaccination. Interestingly, there was no protection against SARS CoV-2 even with a high neutralizing antibody expression of 188.5 AU/mL after the 2nd dose. Findings of Covishield efficacy in different cohort samples before and after 2 doses of Covishield vaccination provide impetus for improvement or development of next generation vaccines.