Development of Composite Pedestrian Level of Service Model in Urban Milieu at Midblock Sections

The pedestrian mode is gaining recognition as a basic building block in urban system design. Increasing attention is being given to developing vehicle-free zones to reduce urban pollution and return the inner city to its former role as a place for personal interaction. Attempts are being made to improve the walking experience, to make it more safe, convenient, and attractive especially in urban milieu to promote sustainable development. To provide the best pedestrian environment, it is necessary to understand pedestrian level of service. Conventional techniques of LOS determination consider the basic mobility characteristics of the pedestrian. The objective of this study is to develop a more accurate method of estimating level of service of pedestrians by developing composite indicators that integrate both qualitative and quantitative factors affecting both pedestrian and roadway conditions in the pedestrian movement. The relative importance of these multifaceted factors is assessed using Saaty scale and an Analytic Hierarchy Process is applied to determine the level of service. Field investigations include road network characterization and inventory studies, vehicular / pedestrian traffic characterization studies, pedestrian opinion surveys, expert opinion surveys. The approach has been applied to a major arterial road in Hyderabad city, Telangana, India in Mehdipatnam zone where pedestrian interactions are relatively high due to the commercial activity along the corridors. The stretches considered in the study exhibited Level of service "B" and "C" which implied necessary improvements to promote a good level of service

KO systems based on Human needs Approach - to bring Harmony between homogeneity and heterogeneity of future information environment

Latest developments in the field of telecommunications combined with the Internet and the World Wide Web, have enabled us to transmit huge volumes of data, in wide range of forms and formats in an information environment which cuts across the geographic as well as political boundaries of the world. According to a study done by IDC, worldwide proliferation of PCs and smart phones, increased internet access and the boost in capturing data from machines such as surveillance cameras or smart meters has contributed to the exponential growth of digital data. By 2020, IDC projects that the digital universe will reach 40 ZB. However, currently majority of this data is untagged and unstructured (EMC Press release Dec 11, 2012). As of today only 3 percent of this potentially useful data is tagged, and even less is analyzed. Effective and Efficient KO tools play a major role in realizing the full potential of Big Data

An Analysis of the Traumatic Anxieties of the Protagonists in the Select Novels of Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison received the Pulitzer Prize for her books Beloved (1987) and The Bluest Eye (1993). Human existence includes the experience of psychological distress. Both books are heartbreaking in their examinations of the suffering black people experienced during slavery when whites treated them as property and compared them to animals. In this work, Morrison examined how psychological damage brought on by tragedy may lead to isolation and social immobility. Her writing mostly focuses on the experiences of women victims of sexual and racial persecution. Beloved by Toni Morrison shows many aspects of trauma, such as disintegration, continuity between the past and the present, and restoration. Individuals, families, and even communities may all show signs of trauma. Morrison’s account contains other painful elements, but the overpowering intensity of these occurrences is the most prominent. This dissertation delves into the struggles, fears, and mental pain the black characters in Toni Morrison’s works face

Design of Enhanced MPPT Techniques for Solar and Wind Energy Conversion Systems in a Microgrid

DC Microgrid is one feasible and effective solution to integrate renewable energy sources as well as to supply electricity. This paper proposes the enhanced Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) techniques for wind and solar energy systems in a microgrid. In this paper, the PV system power generation is enhanced by introducing a two-model MPPT technique that combines incremental conductance and constant voltage MPPT algorithms. Also, for the Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS) with pitch angle controlling technique, an Optimal Power Control MPPT technique is added. The Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation technique is introduced on grid side converter to improve the supply to the grid. The performance of proposed system is analyzed and the efficiency obtained with these methods is enhanced as compared with the MPPT methods that work independently. Keywords: PV system, WECS, two-model MPPT, Optimal Power Control, SVPWM technique

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: Predictors of Recovery

Introduction: Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare, but poorly understood disease process with significant clinical implications in pregnant women during and after delivery. Improvement in left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) varies widely and few studies exist that define predictors of improvement in LV function in this sub population. The use of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) has also not been clearly understood in this population. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at 2 academic centers between January 1st 1999 and December 31st 2010. Clinical and demographic variables and delivery records of patients with a discharge or outpatient diagnosis of PPCM (ICD9 -674.5) were reviewed. Patients were followed over time until December 31st 2012 to assess improvement in LV function. Results: The total sample comprised 100 patients of whom 55% were African Americans, 39% were Caucasians and 6% were Hispanic with mean age of 30±6 years. The mean time to diagnosis after delivery was 1.1±4 weeks. Mean EF at diagnosis was 28±9%. Forty two percent of patients showed some improvement in LVEF over a mean duration of 33±21 months. Postpartum diagnosis (HR 3, p=0.01) and Caucasian/Hispanic race (HR 2.2, p=0.01) were predictors of LVEF improvement. Only 7 of the 58 patients (12%) who did not improve their EF, had ICD implanted. There were 11 deaths with a trend towards higher mortality in those that did not display improved LV function (15% vs. 5%, p=0.1). Conclusions: More than one-third of the women with PPCM improve LV function with delayed recovery noted in the majority of these women. Caucasians and those diagnosed postpartum seem to be most likely to recover. ICDs were underutilized for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death in this population

The fundamental teachings of the early Upanisads

The purpose of this thesis is to present the most important teachings of the old Upanisads on topics which were formulated in them in clear conceptual language for the first time in the history of Indian thought. The introduction provides a picture of the historical and literary framework in which the Upanisadic texts are set out and gives a survey of the semi-mythical thinkers who were involved in formulating the Upanisadic ideas. These are presented in the thesis in four chapters. Chapter One traces the emergence of the doctrine of brahman as the essence underlying the universe and the doctrine of atman as the inmost self of man. In the course of the development of these two doctrines it was realised that brahman and atman are, in fact, one. The direct experience of their oneness in man's own heart represents liberating knowledge and secures final salvation for him. Chapter Two describes, the development of the teaching on transmigration, through successive lives, of the unliberated individual and examines the ethical implications of the law of karma which governs those lives. The liberation (moksa) from the necessity to transmigrate through the intuitive knowledge of brahman/ātman is the topic of Chapter Three and the final chapter attempts to outline the initial formulations of the practical path leading to the liberating knowledge in the Upanisads before it was turned into a systematic yoga method in subsequent teachings of the Buddha and Pataňjali

Successful Treatment of a Neonate with Idiopathic Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension with Inhaled Nitric Oxide via Nasal Cannula without Mechanical Ventilation.

We report a case study of a term neonate presenting with oxygen desaturation without respiratory distress or acidosis, despite receiving 100% oxygen through a nasal cannula. Echocardiogram showed evidence of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). She was successfully treated with inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) via nasal cannula without requiring mechanical ventilation. In a term neonate with idiopathic PPHN with adequate respiratory drive without any parenchymal lung disease, noninvasive methods of iNO delivery may treat the condition without the complications associated with mechanical ventilation

SIGNIFICANCE OF AFGHANISTAN IN INDIA’S FOREIGN POLICY

Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study is to understand the importance of Afghanistan in India’s foreign policy. Being situated in the proximity of Pakistan and Central Asian countries, Afghanistan holds a strategic significance in India’s neighbourhood foreign policy. Since the earlier period of time, the geographic location has made Afghanistan involved in any development occurred in Central Asia and South Asia. Methodology: The study is interdisciplinary in nature. It is based on a comparative analysis of research methodology, comparing traditional and current relations between the nations. The study is empirical since it tries to explain the historical-cultural linkages of India and Afghanistan. The study also tries to investigate the obstacles furthering India’s relations with Afghanistan and beyond. The study involves both descriptive and qualitative analysis. The study is based on both primary and secondary sources. While books, articles and newspaper reports are secondary sources in the study, primary sources comprised of government sources like an annual report, other relevant reports of the Ministry of External Affairs, etc. Main Findings: India’s policy towards Afghanistan is the embodiment of the soft power approach with a long term goal. Energy security and regional security connected with internal security are the topmost priorities of New Delhi factoring the significance of Afghanistan in India’s neighbourhood foreign policy. Applications of this study: This study can be useful for understanding International relations covering areas of India-Afghanistan relations, the significance of Afghanistan in India’s foreign policy connecting with Central Asia and Iran. Novelty/Originality of this study: India’s strategic consideration factoring Afghanistan to connect Central Asia and Iran for energy security, regional and internal security.&nbsp