Performance Evaluation of Hybrid Precoder Design for Multi-User Massive MIMO Systems with Low-Resolution ADCs/DACs

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis and design of a hybrid precoding system tailored for mmWave multi-user massive MIMO systems in both downlink and uplink scenarios. The proposed system employs a two-stage precoding approach, incorporating UQ and NUQ techniques, along with low-resolution DACs in downlink and ADCs in uplink to address hardware limitations. The system considers Zero Forcing and Minimum Mean Square Error algorithms as digital precoding methods for the uplink scenario, while exploring the impact of different DAC resolutions on system performance. Extensive simulations reveal that the proposed system surpasses conventional analog beamforming methods, particularly in multi-user scenarios involving inter-user interference. In downlink, the system demonstrates a trade-off between SE and EE, achieving higher Energy Efficiency with NUQ. In uplink, NUQ and UQ converters exhibit similar performance trends regardless of the chosen combiner algorithm. The proposed system attains enhanced Spectral and Energy Efficiency while maintaining reduced complexity and overhead. The study significantly contributes to the advancement of efficient and effective mmWave multi-user massive MIMO systems by providing a thorough analysis of various quantization schemes and precoding techniques. The findings of this research are expected to aid in the optimization of 5G and beyond technologies, particularly in high-density deployment scenarios

Characterization of Post-Rainy Season Grown Indigenous and Exotic Germplasm Lines of Sorghum for Morphological and Yield Traits

Sorghum is a major staple crop and vital for the marginal farmers in Asian and African countries. Landraces or germplasm lines adapted to biotic and abiotic stresses are the prime source of adaptive traits in the crop breeding programs. In order to assess the genetic variability, 141 exotic germplasm lines and 36 popular varieties were evaluated for eight agro-morphological traits. Wide range of values were observed for grain yield (6.6–124.4 g/plant), seed index (1.5–7.1 g/100 seeds), panicle length (8–44 cm) and panicle width (7.25 cm). High genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation was observed for grain yield per plant. The values of broad sense heritability in the sorghum core population ranged from 0.75 to 0.99. Seed weight, days to flowering, panicle width and leaf area were significantly correlated with grain yield (P ≤ 0.01). Seed weight was positively correlated with panicle width (correlation coefficient 0.31), while negatively correlated with panicle length (correlation coefficient −0.15). Cluster analysis resolved all the genotypes into four major clusters. Among germplasm lines, TSG-313 had high seed weight of 7.05 g/100 seeds, while TSG-325 had highest grain yield of 124.4 g/plant as against control variety. Germplasm lines with high heritability scores would help us to utilise them in recombination breeding

Influence of Pongamia, Mahua and Neem cakes on finger millet productivity and soil fertility

A field experiment conducted at Bio-fuel park, Agricultural Research Station, Madenur, Hassan in Kharif season of 2009 to asses the performance of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) under different organic manure treatment consisting of four treatments viz., recommended FYM and NPK through inorganic fertilizers as control, Pongamia, Mahua and Neem cake with 5 replications laid in randomized complete block design. The results revealed that application of recommended FYM along with neem cake equivalent to 100% recommended N performedbetter in respect of finger millet productivity and maintenance of soil fertility followed by recommended FYM with 100% NPK through fertilizers. Nutrient supplementation with different oilcakes proved superior in respect of soil sustainability

Assessment of the scale, coverage and outcomes of the Avahan HIV prevention program for female sex workers in Tamil Nadu, India: is there evidence of an effect?

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Avahan, the India AIDS Initiative, a large-scale HIV prevention program, using peer-mediated approaches and STI services, was implemented for high-risk groups for HIV in six states in India. This paper describes the assessment of the program among female sex workers (FSWs) in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>An analytical framework based on the Avahan impact evaluation design was used. Routine program monitoring data, two rounds of cross-sectional biological and behavioural surveys among FSWs in 2006 (Round 1) and 2009 (Round 2) and quality assessments of clinical services for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were used to assess trends in coverage, condom use and prevalence of STIs, HIV and their association with program exposure. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine trends in intermediate outcomes and their associations with intervention exposure.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The Avahan program in Tamil Nadu was scaled up and achieved monthly reported coverage of 79% within four years of implementation. The cross-sectional survey data showed an increasing proportion of FSWs being reached by Avahan, 54% in Round 1 and 86% in Round 2 [AOR=4.7;p=0.001]. Quality assessments of STI clinical services showed consistent improvement in quality scores (3.0 in 2005 to 4.5 in 2008). Condom distribution by the program rose to cover all estimated commercial sex acts. Reported consistent condom use increased between Round 1 and Round 2 with occasional (72% to 93%; AOR=5.5; p=0.001) and regular clients (68% to 89%; AOR=4.3; p=0.001) while reactive syphilis serology declined significantly (9.7% to 2.2% AOR=0.2; p=0.001). HIV prevalence remained stable at 6.1% between rounds. There was a strong association between Avahan exposure and consistent condom use with commercial clients; however no association was seen with declines in STIs.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The Avahan program in Tamil Nadu achieved high coverage of FSWs, resulting in outcomes of improved condom use, declining syphilis and stabilizing HIV prevalence. These expected outcomes following the program logic model and declining HIV prevalence among general population groups suggest potential impact of high risk group interventions on HIV epidemic in Tamil Nadu.</p

Assessment of Economic Impacts of MGNREGA in Selected Two Villages of Karnataka State using Social Accounting Matrix (SAM),Socioeconomics Discussion Paper Series Number 26

Public investment on rural infrastructure development, as done under employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), besides providing income, employment and livelihood security to rural labor force, is expected to have positive impacts on other sectors of the rural economy as well. This includes benefit to both farm and non-farm of the rural economy. Therefore, using framework of local economy wide modeling, particularly Social Accounting Matrix (SAM), we have analyzed direct and total economy wide impact of MGNREGA in two different dryland villages of Karnataka state of India: One village is in Tumkur district (Belladamadugu village) in Southern region and the other in Bijapur district (Markabinahalli village) in Northern region of Karnataka. SAM analysis was carried out collecting both primary as well as secondary data for the agricultural year 2012-13 (From 1st June 2012 to 31st May 2013). Purposive sampling was done for collection of data from the households. Following ICRISAT VDSA Study criteria, farm households were classified into five strata namely, landless households, and marginal, small, medium and large land holding households; and farming sector data were collected from the stratified random sampling of these households. In additions, data was collected from different economic agents including shops (Agricultural input shop, canteen, Provision store) and service providers (tailor, barber, drivers, labourers and so on) regarding details of employment provided, receipts and expenditure. Then, we have constructed SAM of 82X82 sizes for the analysis. Multiplier effect of MNGREGS on the whole village economy of Markabinahalli and BM villages was 1.9 and 1.45, respectively. This suggests for a very weak multiplier impact of the MGNREGA interventions. Likewise, we have also estimated income, output and employment multiplier of the MGNREGA interventions in each of the village. On the whole, the direct and total impact of MGNREGS on village economy was weak due to several factors, among them the important factors were the high level of leakage of MGNREGA expenditure on several materials and machines use that were brought from outside of the village economy. At the end, this study also suggests policy measures for enhancing multiplier impact of the MGNREGS program interventions in the local economy

Particle initialization effects on Lyman-α forest statistics in cosmological SPH simulations

Confronting measurements of the Lyman-α forest with cosmological hydrodynamical simulations has produced stringent constraints on models of particle dark matter and the thermal and ionization state of the intergalactic medium. We investigate the robustness of such models of the Lyman-α forest, focussing on the effect of particle initial conditions on the Lyman-α forest statistics in cosmological SPH simulations. We study multiple particle initialization algorithms in simulations that are designed to be identical in other respects. In agreement with the literature, we find that the correct linear theory evolution is obtained when a glass-like configuration is used for initial unperturbed gas particle positions alongside a regular grid configuration for dark matter particles and the use of non-identical initial density perturbations for gas and dark matter. However, we report that this introduces a large scale-dependent distortion in the one-dimensional Lyman-α transmission power spectrum at small scales (k > 0.05 s/km). The effect is close to 50 % at k ∼ 0.1 s/km, and persists at higher resolution. This can severely bias inferences in parameters such as the dark matter particle mass. By considering multiple initial conditions codes and their variations, we also study the impact of a variety of other assumptions and algorithmic choices, such as adaptive softening, background radiation density, particle staggering, and perturbation theory accuracy, on the matter power spectrum, the Lyman-α flux power spectrum, and the Lyman-α flux PDF. This work reveals possible pathways towards more accurate theoretical models of the Lyman-α forest to match the quality of upcoming measurements

Monitoring the spread of water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes): challenges and future developments

Water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes, also referred to as Eicchornia crassipes) is one of the most invasive weed species in the world, causing significant adverse economic and ecological impacts, particularly in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Large scale real-time monitoring of areas of chronic infestation is critical to formulate effective control strategies for this fast spreading weed species. Assessment of revenue generation potential of the harvested water hyacinth biomass also requires enhanced understanding to estimate the biomass yield potential for a given water body. Modern remote sensing technologies can greatly enhance our capacity to understand, monitor and estimate water hyacinth infestation within inland as well as coastal freshwater bodies. Readily available satellite imagery with high spectral, temporal and spatial resolution, along with conventional and modern machine learning techniques for automated image analysis, can enable discrimination of water hyacinth infestation from other floating or submerged vegetation. Remote sensing can potentially be complemented with an array of other technology-based methods, including aerial surveys, ground-level sensors, and citizen science, to provide comprehensive, timely and accurate monitoring. This review discusses the latest developments in the use of remote sensing and other technologies to monitor water hyacinth infestation, and proposes a novel, multi-modal approach that combines the strengths of the different methods

Detecting Water Hyacinth Infestation in Kuttanad, India, Using Dual-Pol Sentinel-1 SAR Imagery

Water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes, also known as Eichhornia crassipes) is a highly invasive aquatic macrophyte species, indigenous to Amazonia, Brazil and tropical South America. It was introduced to India in 1896 and has now become an environmental and social challenge throughout the country in community ponds, freshwater lakes, irrigation channels, rivers and most other surface waterbodies. Considering its large speed of propagation on the water surface under conducive conditions and the adverse impact the infesting weed has, constant monitoring is needed to aid civic bodies, governments and policy makers involved in remedial measures. The synoptic coverage provided by satellite imaging and other remote sensing practices make it convenient to find a solution using this type of data. While there is an established background for the practice of remote sensing in the detection of aquatic plants, the use of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) has yet to be fully exploited in the detection of water hyacinth. This research focusses on detecting water hyacinth within Vembanad Lake, Kuttanad, India. Here, results show that the monitoring of water hyacinth has proven to be possible using Sentinel-1 SAR data. A quantitative analysis of detection performance is presented using traditional and state-of-the-art change detectors. Analysis of these more powerful detectors showed true positive detection ratings of ~95% with 0.1% false alarm, showing significantly greater positive detection ratings when compared to the more traditional detectors. We are therefore confident that water hyacinth can be monitored using SAR data provided the extent of the infestation is significantly larger than the resolution cell (bigger than a quarter of a hectare)

Global, regional, and national burden of chronic kidney disease, 1990–2017 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017

Background Health system planning requires careful assessment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) epidemiology, but data for morbidity and mortality of this disease are scarce or non-existent in many countries. We estimated the global, regional, and national burden of CKD, as well as the burden of cardiovascular disease and gout attributable to impaired kidney function, for the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2017. We use the term CKD to refer to the morbidity and mortality that can be directly attributed to all stages of CKD, and we use the term impaired kidney function to refer to the additional risk of CKD from cardiovascular disease and gout. Methods The main data sources we used were published literature, vital registration systems, end-stage kidney disease registries, and household surveys. Estimates of CKD burden were produced using a Cause of Death Ensemble model and a Bayesian meta-regression analytical tool, and included incidence, prevalence, years lived with disability, mortality, years of life lost, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs). A comparative risk assessment approach was used to estimate the proportion of cardiovascular diseases and gout burden attributable to impaired kidney function. Findings Globally, in 2017, 1·2 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 1·2 to 1·3) people died from CKD. The global all-age mortality rate from CKD increased 41·5% (95% UI 35·2 to 46·5) between 1990 and 2017, although there was no significant change in the age-standardised mortality rate (2·8%, −1·5 to 6·3). In 2017, 697·5 million (95% UI 649·2 to 752·0) cases of all-stage CKD were recorded, for a global prevalence of 9·1% (8·5 to 9·8). The global all-age prevalence of CKD increased 29·3% (95% UI 26·4 to 32·6) since 1990, whereas the age-standardised prevalence remained stable (1·2%, −1·1 to 3·5). CKD resulted in 35·8 million (95% UI 33·7 to 38·0) DALYs in 2017, with diabetic nephropathy accounting for almost a third of DALYs. Most of the burden of CKD was concentrated in the three lowest quintiles of Socio-demographic Index (SDI). In several regions, particularly Oceania, sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America, the burden of CKD was much higher than expected for the level of development, whereas the disease burden in western, eastern, and central sub-Saharan Africa, east Asia, south Asia, central and eastern Europe, Australasia, and western Europe was lower than expected. 1·4 million (95% UI 1·2 to 1·6) cardiovascular disease-related deaths and 25·3 million (22·2 to 28·9) cardiovascular disease DALYs were attributable to impaired kidney function. Interpretation Kidney disease has a major effect on global health, both as a direct cause of global morbidity and mortality and as an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. CKD is largely preventable and treatable and deserves greater attention in global health policy decision making, particularly in locations with low and middle SDI