Patents and Mobile Devices in India: An Empirical Survey

Though India has the second-largest wireless subscriber base in the world, with more than 150 domestic mobile device vendors, it has, until recently, remained relatively unaffected by the global smartphone wars. Over the past few years, however, a growing number of patent enforcement actions have been brought by multinational firms against domestic Indian producers. These actions, which have largely resulted in judgments favoring foreign patent holders, have given rise to a variety of proposals for addressing this situation. In order to assess the potential impact of patents on the mobile device market in India, and to assist policy makers in formulating and implementing regulations affecting this market, we have conducted the first comprehensive academic study of the patent landscape of the mobile device sector in India. The results of this study illuminate a number of important features of the Indian mobile device market, including the overwhelming prevalence of foreign patent holders, the rate at which foreign and domestic firms are obtaining patents, and how these patent holdings are likely to shape industrial dynamics in the Indian market for mobile devices, as well as the availability of low-cost mobile devices that can significantly enhance public health, agriculture, safety, and economic development throughout India

Analysis of the Relationship between Frugal Innovation and Sustainable Development

The relation between Frugal Innovation and Sustainability is a widely discussed topic in current academic literature. To assess the correlation between these two concepts, a sample of the most frequently mentioned Frugal Innovations was selected. The criteria to evaluate the sustainability potential for each of these cases was built upon the UN Sustainable Development Goals, a global reference indicator. Frugal Innovations among the banking, transport, energy, ICT, water, appliances and healthcare sectors were evaluated. The results suggested a positive contribution and impact of Frugal Innovations towards economic, social and environmental development

Assessment of the Viability of Microwell Plates as Sample Holders for Analytical Excitation-Emission Spectroscopy of Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons in 75% Ethanol

Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the environment are a significant concern as many compounds in this class are potential carcinogens. PAHs resulting from petroleum spills can contaminate natural waters and the products obtain from them (fish and fish products in particular). Previous studies by Pena, et. al. on ethanolic extracts of organs from menhaden captured in the vicinity of the Deepwater Horizon (Macondo oil well) spill have shown that fluorescence excitation spectroscopy is a useful technique for detecting the presence of PAH metabolites and fluorescent vitamins. The study has also concluded that previous methods for analyzing PAHs using fluorescence spectroscopy used less than desirable fluorescence wavelengths. Continuous biomonitoring of this spill is essential. Due to the high volume of samples needed to assess accurate biomonitored data, a new technique using microwell sample holders was developed (purchased through Horiba Scientific). In order to address optimal fluorescence wavelength monitoring, the study used EEMS (excitation emission spectroscopy) as a tool for accurate and reliable data of all PAHs determined. Currently, there is no evidence in the literature that high quality fluorescence spectral measurements (e.g. EEMS) have been attempted in microwells. Several concerns arise in these measurements. First, fluorescence measurements are normally made on samples in 1 cm quartz or fused silica cuvettes. Two optical configurations, right angle and front face, are used. Front face detection (small angle detection) is normally used for highly absorbing, scattering or turbid samples. Microwells present an optically similar arrangement to front face detection. Second, the quantum yields for fluorescence (photons emitted/photons absorbed) vary strongly among the PAHs of interest. Comparison of standard fluorescence cuvettes to the Horiba MicroMax microwell Plate reader was conducted using twelve PAHs or their metabolites

Assessment of the Viability of Microwell Plates as Sample Holders for Analytical Excitation-Emission Spectroscopy of Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons in 75% Ethanol

Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the environment are a significant concern as many compounds in this class are potential carcinogens. PAHs resulting from petroleum spills can contaminate natural waters and the products obtain from them (fish and fish products in particular). Previous studies by Pena, et. al. on ethanolic extracts of organs from menhaden captured in the vicinity of the Deepwater Horizon (Macondo oil well) spill have shown that fluorescence excitation spectroscopy is a useful technique for detecting the presence of PAH metabolites and fluorescent vitamins. The study has also concluded that previous methods for analyzing PAHs using fluorescence spectroscopy used less than desirable fluorescence wavelengths. Continuous biomonitoring of this spill is essential. Due to the high volume of samples needed to assess accurate biomonitored data, a new technique using microwell sample holders was developed (purchased through Horiba Scientific). In order to address optimal fluorescence wavelength monitoring, the study used EEMS (excitation emission spectroscopy) as a tool for accurate and reliable data of all PAHs determined. Currently, there is no evidence in the literature that high quality fluorescence spectral measurements (e.g. EEMS) have been attempted in microwells. Several concerns arise in these measurements. First, fluorescence measurements are normally made on samples in 1 cm quartz or fused silica cuvettes. Two optical configurations, right angle and front face, are used. Front face detection (small angle detection) is normally used for highly absorbing, scattering or turbid samples. Microwells present an optically similar arrangement to front face detection. Second, the quantum yields for fluorescence (photons emitted/photons absorbed) vary strongly among the PAHs of interest. Comparison of standard fluorescence cuvettes to the Horiba MicroMax microwell Plate reader was conducted using twelve PAHs or their metabolites

Robocart: System Design for the First Generation Autonomous Golf Cart

Inspired by ongoing research and continuous developments in autonomous vehicles, the Robocart MQP focuses on the system development for a first-generation autonomous golf cart vehicle and wireless system server. By creating the foundation for a modular and interdisciplinary system, visualization software and mechanisms can be intuitively integrated. The end result of this project is a better understanding of the efficiency of each subsystems against the real-time challenges required for an autonomous, wireless, and vision-based system. In conclusion of this project, recommendations in mechanical, electrical, and algorithm development were formed to promote further research and enhance rider usability

Stimulation of Na⁺/H⁺ Exchanger Isoform 1 Promotes Microglial Migration

Regulation of microglial migration is not well understood. In this study, we proposed that Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 (NHE-1) is important in microglial migration. NHE-1 protein was co-localized with cytoskeletal protein ezrin in lamellipodia of microglia and maintained its more alkaline intracellular pH (pHi). Chemoattractant bradykinin (BK) stimulated microglial migration by increasing lamellipodial area and protrusion rate, but reducing lamellipodial persistence time. Interestingly, blocking NHE-1 activity with its potent inhibitor HOE 642 not only acidified microglia, abolished the BK-triggered dynamic changes of lamellipodia, but also reduced microglial motility and microchemotaxis in response to BK. In addition, NHE-1 activation resulted in intracellular Na+ loading as well as intracellular Ca2+ elevation mediated by stimulating reverse mode operation of Na+/Ca2+ exchange (NCXrev). Taken together, our study shows that NHE-1 protein is abundantly expressed in microglial lamellipodia and maintains alkaline pHi in response to BK stimulation. In addition, NHE-1 and NCXrev play a concerted role in BK-induced microglial migration via Na+ and Ca2+ signaling. © 2013 Shi et al

Crystal structures of the human Dysferlin inner DysF domain

Background: Mutations in dysferlin, the first protein linked with the cell membrane repair mechanism, causes a group of muscular dystrophies called dysferlinopathies. Dysferlin is a type two-anchored membrane protein, with a single C terminal trans-membrane helix, and most of the protein lying in cytoplasm. Dysferlin contains several C2 domains and two DysF domains which are nested one inside the other. Many pathogenic point mutations fall in the DysF domain region. Results: We describe the crystal structure of the human dysferlin inner DysF domain with a resolution of 1.9 Angstroms. Most of the pathogenic mutations are part of aromatic/arginine stacks that hold the domain in a folded conformation. The high resolution of the structure show that these interactions are a mixture of parallel ring/guanadinium stacking, perpendicular H bond stacking and aliphatic chain packing. Conclusions: The high resolution structure of the Dysferlin DysF domain gives a template on which to interpret in detail the pathogenic mutations that lead to disease