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The estimate of the remaining time of an ongoing wave of epidemic spreading is a critical issue. Due to the variations of a wide range of parameters in an epidemic, for simple models such as Susceptible-Infected-Removed (SIR) model, it is difficult to estimate such a time scale. On the other hand, multidimensional data with a large set attributes are precisely what one can use in statistical learning algorithms to make predictions. Here we show, how the predictability of the SIR model changes with various parameters using a supervised learning algorithm. We then estimate the condition in which the model gives the least error in predicting the duration of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in different states in India. Finally, we use the SIR model with the above mentioned optimal conditions to generate a training data set and use it in the supervised learning algorithm to estimate the end-time of the ongoing second wave of the pandemic in different states in India., (© Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science 2021.)

Background: Idiopathic generalized epilepsy is defined as seizures with a possible hereditary predisposition without an underlying cause or structural pathology. Assessment of executive dysfunction in idiopathic generalized epilepsies based on standard Indian battery is not available in the literature. Aims and Objectives: To assess specific executive functions affected in patients with idiopathic epilepsy and their association with various variables. Materials and Methods: Type of observational cross-sectional study, where clinical profile of all idiopathic epilepsy patients attending the neurology OPD was studied and their executive higher mental functions were assessed using the NIMHANS battery. Results: A total of 75 idiopathic generalized epilepsy patients were included in the study. Executive functions that were commonly found abnormal in our study were word fluency ( P ≤ .001), category fluency ( P < .001), verbal n-back ( P < .001), Tower of London ( p < 0.01), and Stroop test ( P < 0.01). Executive functions showed a significant correlation with age at symptom onset, duration of epilepsy, and in those with uncontrolled seizures. Conclusion: Patients of idiopathic generalized epilepsy according to the present study were found to have significant executive dysfunction in multiple domains. This necessitates the screening for executive dysfunctions, which if detected should prompt the clinician to initiate cognitive retraining., Competing Interests: The authors declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: The authors certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest (such as honoraria; educational grants; participation in speakers’ bureaus; membership, employment, consultancies, stock ownership, or other equity interest; and expert testimony or patent-licensing arrangements), or non-financial interest (such as personal or professional relationships, affiliations, knowledge or beliefs) in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript., (© 2021 Indian Academy of Neurosciences (IAN).)