Stability and Equilibrium Analysis of Laneless Traffic with Local Control Laws

In this paper, a new model for traffic on roads with multiple lanes is developed, where the vehicles do not adhere to a lane discipline. Assuming identical vehicles, the dynamics is split along two independent directions: the Y-axis representing the direction of motion and the X-axis representing the lateral or the direction perpendicular to the direction of motion. Different influence graphs are used to model the interaction between the vehicles in these two directions. The instantaneous accelerations of each car, in both X and Y directions, are functions of the measurements from the neighbouring cars according to these influence graphs. The stability and equilibrium spacings of the car formation is analyzed for usual traffic situations such as steady flow, obstacles, lane changing and rogue drivers arbitrarily changing positions inside the formation. Conditions are derived under which the formation maintains stability and the desired intercar spacing for each of these traffic events. Simulations for some of these scenarios are included.Comment: 8 page

Hardness Phenomenon in Beach Pea (Lethyrus Maritimus L.)

Beach pea is mostly grown on seashores and it contains higher amount of protein than other legumes. However, the pea has several undesirable attributes, such as long cooking time and hard to germinate (imbibitions) that limited its use as food. The present investigation aimed to study the physico-chemical properties, cooking characteristics and hull crude fibre structure of beach pea as compare to other similar legumes. Standard methods of processing pulses were used for present study. Beach pea seeds contained very low grain weight, density, hydration capacity, hydration index, swelling capacity and swelling index than the green pea and field pea. Beach pea had higher amount of crude protein, ash, crude fibre and polyphenols, but lower in starch content than the green pea and field pea. Without any treatment to beach pea seeds the water uptake capacity was very low. Mechanical treatment to beach pea seeds increasedthe water uptake percentage. The recovery of hull was 3 to 6 times higher in beach pea than that of green pea and field pea. The crude protein content in beach pea hull was 2-5% higher than others. The beach pea hull, dhal and whole seeds were good source of macro- and micro- minerals than that of the other two peas. The electron microscopic structure of beach pea hull crude fibre showed a very close and compact structure than green pea and field pea hull crude fibre structure. Lowering the hardness of beach pea seeds with mechanical or chemical treatments will give more scope for their utilization in the human nutrition

Nutritional and Roti Quality of Sorghum Genotypes

Sorghum grains are mostly used for the roti preparation. The M 35-1 (Maldhandi) a sorghum cultivar is known for its good quality of roti due to having pearly white grain color, its flour having higher water holding capacity, and good organoleptic taste. However, this cultivar is low yielder. To evolve sorghum high yielding genotype coupled with this good roti qualities, systematic breeding program was planned and executed to overcome this problem. Twenty local land races, 92 genotypes, and seven improved cultivars of sorghum along with check M 35-1 were studied for various nutritional quality parameters, with special reference to the roti quality. Considering nutritional quality and organoleptic evaluation parameters studied for roti quality, the local land races viz., RSLG 428-1, RSLG 1238, RSLG 1275 and the genotypes viz., RSV 290, RSV 292, RSV 858, RSV 859, RSV 861, RSV 868, RSV 894, RSV 985, RSV 992, RSV 995, RSV 999 were found to be promising for protein, sugar, water absorption, and soluble protein content. Therefore, they can be used for further improvement in nutritional quality through breeding program. Among the improved cultivars, Phule Vasudha (RSV 423), CSV 22, and Phule Chitra (SPV 1546) werefound to be most promising for roti quality. The maximum score for overall acceptability was found for Phule Vasudha followed by Phule Anuradha (RSV 458), Phule Yeshoda (RSLG 262), and Phule Maulee (CSV 216)

Processing of Sorghum From Different Varieties and Hybrids for Semolina and Their Products

The present study was undertaken with the objective to standardise procedures for preparation of semolina (rava) from sorghum, to identify the best genotype for preparation of semolina and to study the nutritional quality parameters of semolina. For processing of sorghum, ten varieties and five hybrids were used for preparation of semolina and their products. A process has been standardized for semolina preparation using ultra grinding mill from sorghum grain. The semolina yield ranged from 46.51% to 54.29%. Hybrid CSH-15R gave the highest yield of semolina (54.29%). Starch content in semolina ranged from 59.93% to 66.43%. The new genotypes Phule Vasudha, Phule Yashoda and M 35-1 showed higher levels of starch content as compared to the other genotypes. The Phule Vasudha and Selection-3 showed higher levels of total soluble sugars in grains, as well as in semolina than the other genotypes. Phule Maulee gave higher level of crude fibre content (3.12%). The amino acid profile of sorghum grain and semolina showed very minor differences in the content due to the processing of sorghum grains into various products like semolina. The new genotypes of rabi sorghum showed comparable results for the mineral with that of hybrids. The organoleptic properties of the sweet (shira), upama and idali prepared from semolina were judged on the basis of colour, texture and appearance, flavour, taste and overall acceptability of the products using semi-trained judges and 1 to 9 hedonic scales. All products prepared from semolina were like very much and gave highest rating of more than 8 hedonic scales. While considering the yield of semolina from sorghum grains as well as their nutritional composition and organoleptic properties of the niche products (shira, upama, idali) prepared from them, the varieties Phule Vasudha and Phule Yashoda were the best one as compared to the other varieties and hybrids and overall varieties were better than the hybrids

Indicators for the Data Usage Index (DUI): an incentive for publishing primary biodiversity data through global information infrastructure

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>A professional recognition mechanism is required to encourage expedited publishing of an adequate volume of 'fit-for-use' biodiversity data. As a component of such a recognition mechanism, we propose the development of the Data Usage Index (DUI) to demonstrate to data publishers that their efforts of creating biodiversity datasets have impact by being accessed and used by a wide spectrum of user communities.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>We propose and give examples of a range of 14 absolute and normalized biodiversity dataset usage indicators for the development of a DUI based on search events and dataset download instances. The DUI is proposed to include relative as well as species profile weighted comparative indicators.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We believe that in addition to the recognition to the data publisher and all players involved in the data life cycle, a DUI will also provide much needed yet novel insight into how users use primary biodiversity data. A DUI consisting of a range of usage indicators obtained from the GBIF network and other relevant access points is within reach. The usage of biodiversity datasets leads to the development of a family of indicators in line with well known citation-based measurements of recognition.</p

TCV divertor upgrade for alternative magnetic configurations

The Swiss Plasma Center (SPC) is planning a divertor upgrade for the TCV tokamak. The upgrade aims at extending the research of conventional and alternative divertor configurations to operational scenarios and divertor regimes of greater relevance for a fusion reactor. The main elements of the upgrade are the installation of an in-vessel structure to form a divertor chamber of variable closure and enhanced diagnostic capabilities, an increase of the pumping capability of the divertor chamber and the addition of new divertor poloidal field coils. The project follows a staged approach and is carried out in parallel with an upgrade of the TCV heating system. First calculations using the EMC3-Eirene code indicate that realistic baffles together with the planned heating upgrade will allow for a significantly higher compression of neutral particles in the divertor, which is a prerequisite to test the power dissipation potential of various divertor configurations

Identification of a brainstem locus that inhibits tumor necrosis factor

In the brain, compact clusters of neuron cell bodies, termed nuclei, are essential for maintaining parameters of host physiology within a narrow range optimal for health. Neurons residing in the brainstem dorsal motor nucleus (DMN) project in the vagus nerve to communicate with the lungs, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and other organs. Vagus nerve-mediated reflexes also control immune system responses to infection and injury by inhibiting the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and other cytokines in the spleen, although the function of DMN neurons in regulating TNF release is not known. Here, optogenetics and functional mapping reveal cholinergic neurons in the DMN, which project to the celiacsuperior mesenteric ganglia, significantly increase splenic nerve activity and inhibit TNF production. Efferent vagus nerve fibers terminating in the celiac-superior mesenteric ganglia form varicose-like structures surrounding individual nerve cell bodies innervating the spleen. Selective optogenetic activation of DMN cholinergic neurons or electrical activation of the cervical vagus nerve evokes action potentials in the splenic nerve. Pharmacological blockade and surgical transection of the vagus nerve inhibit vagus nerve-evoked splenic nerve responses. These results indicate that cholinergic neurons residing in the brainstem DMN control TNF production, revealing a role for brainstem coordination of immunity

United Kingdom Diabetic Retinopathy Electronic Medical Record (UK DR EMR) Users Group: report 4, real-world data on the impact of deprivation on the presentation of diabetic eye disease at hospital services.

AIM: To assess the impact of deprivation on diabetic retinopathy presentation and related treatment interventions, as observed within the UK hospital eye service. METHODS: This is a multicentre, national diabetic retinopathy database study with anonymised data extraction across 22 centres from an electronic medical record system. The following were the inclusion criteria: all patients with diabetes and a recorded, structured diabetic retinopathy grade. The minimum data set included, for baseline, age and Index of Multiple Deprivation, based on residential postcode; and for all time points, visual acuity, ETDRS grading of retinopathy and maculopathy, and interventions (laser, intravitreal therapies and surgery). The main  outcome measures were (1) visual acuity and binocular visual state, and (2) presence of sight-threatening complications and need for early treatment. RESULTS: 79 775 patients met the inclusion criteria. Deprivation was associated with later presentation in patients with diabetic eye disease: the OR of being sight-impaired at entry into the hospital eye service (defined as 6/18 to better than 3/60 in the better seeing eye) was 1.29 (95% CI 1.20 to 1.39) for the most deprived decile vs 0.77 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.86) for the least deprived decile; the OR for being severely sight-impaired (3/60 or worse in the better seeing eye) was 1.17 (95% CI 0.90 to 1.55) for the most deprived decile vs 0.88 (95% CI 0.61 to 1.27) for the least deprived decile (reference=fifth decile in all cases). There is also variation in sight-threatening complications at presentation and treatment undertaken: the least deprived deciles had lower chance of having a tractional retinal detachment (OR=0.48 and 0.58 for deciles 9 and 10, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.90 and 0.29 to 1.09, respectively); in terms of accessing treatment, the rate of having a vitrectomy was lowest in the most deprived cohort (OR=0.34, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.58). CONCLUSIONS: This large real-world study suggests that first presentation at a hospital eye clinic with visual loss or sight-threatening diabetic eye disease is associated with deprivation. These initial hospital visits represent the first opportunities to receive treatment and to formally engage with support services. Such patients are more likely to be sight-impaired or severely sight-impaired at presentation, and may need additional resources to engage with the hospital eye services over complex treatment schedules

Collaborating around digital tabletops: children’s physical strategies from the UK, India and Finland

We present a study of children collaborating around interactive tabletops in three different countries: the United Kingdom, India and Finland. Our data highlights the key distinctive physical strategies used by children when performing collaborative tasks during this study. Children in the UK tend to prefer static positioning with minimal physical contact and simultaneous object movement. Children in India employed dynamic positioning with frequent physical contact and simultaneous object movement. Children in Finland used a mixture of dynamic and static positioning with minimal physical contact and object movement. Our findings indicate the importance of understanding collaboration strategies and behaviours when designing and deploying interactive tabletops in heterogeneous educational environments. We conclude with a discussion on how designers of tabletops for schools can provide opportunities for children in different countries to define and shape their own collaboration strategies for small group learning that take into account their different classroom practices

Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 and -9 in Human Placenta during Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery and Caesarean Sectioning in Preterm Pregnancy

Preterm birth is a major public health problem in terms of loss of life, long-term and short term disabilities worldwide. The process of parturition (both term and preterm) involves intensive remodelling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the placenta and fetal membranes by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Our previous studies show reduced docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in women delivering preterm. Further omega 3 fatty acids are reported to regulate MMP levels. This study was undertaken to examine the placental levels of MMPs and their association with placental DHA levels in women delivering preterm. The levels of MMP-1 and MMP-9 in 74 women delivering preterm (52 by spontaneous vaginal delivery and 22 by caesarean sectioning) and 75 women delivering at term (59 by spontaneous vaginal delivery and 16 by caesarean sectioning) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and their association with placental DHA was studied. Placental MMP-1 levels were higher (p<0.05) in women delivering preterm (both by spontaneous vaginal delivery and caesarean sectioning) as compared to those delivering at term. In contrast, placental MMP-9 levels in preterm pregnancies was higher (p<0.05) in women with spontaneous vaginal delivery while lower (p<0.05) in women delivering by caesarean sectioning. Low placental DHA was associated with higher placental MMP-9 levels. Our study suggests a differential effect of mode of delivery on the levels of MMPs from placenta. Further this study suggests a negative association of DHA and the levels of MMP-9 in human placenta although the mechanisms need further study