Comparison of neurofuzzy logic and decision trees in discovering knowledge from experimental data of an immediate release tablet formulation.
Understanding of the cause-effect relationships between formulation ingredients, process conditions and product properties is essential for developing a quality product. However, the formulation knowledge is often hidden in experimental data and not easily interpretable. This study compares neurofuzzy logic and decision tree approaches in discovering hidden knowledge from an immediate release tablet formulation database relating formulation ingredients (silica aerogel, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose and sodium carboxymethylcellulose) and process variables (dwell time and compression force) to tablet properties (tensile strength, disintegration time, friability, capping and drug dissolution at various time intervals). Both approaches successfully generated useful knowledge in the form of either "if then" rules or decision trees. Although different strategies are employed by the two approaches in generating rules/trees, similar knowledge was discovered in most cases. However, as decision trees are not able to deal with continuous dependent variables, data discretisation procedures are generally required.
Shao
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Q
Institute of Pharmaceutical Innovation, University of Bradford, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD7 1DP, UK. q.shao@bradford.ac.uk
Rowe
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RC
York
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D002266:Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium / Q000737:chemistry; D002482:Cellulose / Q000737:chemistry; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D003663:Decision Trees; D004339:Drug Compounding; D005079:Excipients / Q000737:chemistry*; D017143:Fuzzy Logic; D008956:Models, Chemical; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000737:chemistry*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D058428:Silica Gel; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000737:chemistry; D012995:Solubility; D013229:Stearic Acids / Q000737:chemistry; D013607:Tablets; D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical / Q000379:methods*; D013718:Tensile Strength; D013997:Time Factors
D005079:Excipients; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D013229:Stearic Acids; D013607:Tablets; C031183:stearic acid; D058428:Silica Gel; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D002482:Cellulose; D002266:Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; C109691:microcrystalline cellulose