Automating FEA programming

In this paper we briefly describe a combined symbolic and numeric approach for solving mathematical models on parallel computers. An experimental software system, PIER, is being developed in Common Lisp to synthesize computationally intensive and domain formulation dependent phases of finite element analysis (FEA) solution methods. Quantities for domain formulation like shape functions, element stiffness matrices, etc., are automatically derived using symbolic mathematical computations. The problem specific information and derived formulae are then used to generate (parallel) numerical code for FEA solution steps. A constructive approach to specify a numerical program design is taken. The code generator compiles application oriented input specifications into (parallel) FORTRAN77 routines with the help of built-in knowledge of the particular problem, numerical solution methods and the target computer

Mortality due to ectopic pregnancy revealed by police surgeon

A pregnancy is said to be ectopic when implantation of fertilized ovum occurs other than uterine cavity. The incidence of ectopic pregnancy is increasing globally over time and carries significant maternal mortality due to the risk of rupture of ectopic pregnancy. Ruptured ectopic pregnancy is a life threatening surgical emergency. Usually, any abnormality in tubal morphology or function may lead to tubal ectopic pregnancy. Also an altered hormonal ratio (i.e. estrogen/progesterone) may affect tubal motility and cause ectopic pregnancy. To make diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy merely on the basis of symptoms is difficult and challenging task for clinician due to its non-specific clinical manifestations and such cases can be present with normal intrauterine pregnancy. Authors report a case of ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy which remained undiagnosed clinically because clinician refer the patient to higher center for ultrasonography to confirm or rule out the ectopic pregnancy as there was non-availability of bed side ultrasonography machines in rural health care centers in developing countries like our country. but patient died in ambulance before reaching to higher center. The autopsy revealed 1.5-liter fluid and clotted blood in the peritoneal cavity. The right fallopian tube was bulged along with a tear evident on the anterior and superior aspect. Complete dissection revealed a gestational sac of diameter 7.5 cm containing a foetus and placenta. All other organs were pale and normal. The uterine cavity was found empty. The cause of death was attributed to ruptured ectopic pregnancy. This case emphasizes the fact that “health for all” and importance of the availability of various radiological investigations including ultrasonography, prompt diagnosis, laparoscopic management are the minimal demand of rural health care centers which play a major role in saving of life. Furthermore, this report envisions benefitting clinicians and autopsy surgeons facing similar cases in their practice. Finally, this case is another addition in maternal mortality data

Effect of Jitter on the Settling Time of Mesochronous Clock Retiming Circuits

It is well known that timing jitter can degrade the bit error rate (BER) of receivers that recover the clock from input data. However, timing jitter can also result in an indefinite increase in the settling time of clock recovery circuits, particularly in low swing mesochronous systems. Mesochronous clock retiming circuits are required in repeaterless low swing on-chip interconnects. We first discuss how timing jitter can result in a large increase in the settling time of the clock recovery circuit. Next, the circuit is modelled as a Markov chain with absorbing states. The mean time to absorption of the Markov chain, which represents the mean settling time of the circuit, is determined. The model is validated through behavioural simulations of the circuit, the results of which match well with the model predictions. We consider circuits with (i) data dependent jitter, (ii) random jitter, and (iii) combination of both of them. We show that a mismatch between the strengths of up and down corrections of the retiming can reduce the settling time. In particular, a 10% mismatch can reduce the mean settling time by up to 40%. We leverage this fact toward improving the settling time performance, and propose useful techniques based on biased training sequences and mismatched charge pumps. We also present a coarse+fine clock retiming circuit, which can operate in coarse first mode, to reduce the settling time substantially. These fast settling retiming circuits are verified with circuit simulations.Comment: 23 pages, 40 figure

Practices of face mask use and associated factors during COVID-19 pandemic among school-going children in Shimla city

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the practices of face mask use and associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic among school-going children in Shimla city.Methods: An observational study was performed in October 2021 to November 2021, with 703 students chosen using a simple random sampling procedure in Shimla city. Data was collected based on observation and analyzed using Epi info version 7. To predict the relationship between the student mask-wearing compliance and its associated factors, a univariate analysis was done.Results: A total of 703 students, 41.8% (n=294) were males while 58.2% (n=409) were females, 40.5% (n=285) 15 years of age. 97.2% (n=683) were Hindu and 72% (n=506) were studying in Government schools. All of the observed (100%) were wearing masks. 76.2% (n=536) students were using cloth mask, 12.1% (n=85) N95 masks while 11.7% (n=82) surgical masks. 81.8% (n=575) covered their mouth, as well as nose, 3.7% (n=26), had masks below the chin, 2.6% (n=18) had only their mouth covered while 11.9% (n=84) had partially covered their nose. Cloth mask was considerably more used by girls besides that there was no significant difference in the type of face mask according to age, standard of class, father’s occupation and type of school. The face mask was significantly more appropriately used by the students <15 years old and studied in junior classes, there was no significant difference in mask-wearing habits according to gender, father’s occupation and type of school.Conclusions: Every student was wearing a mask, and most had good face coverage. School authorities should plan and implement IEC activities, about, types of face masks and their proper usage