Distributed self-(star) minimum connected sensor cover algorithms

Wireless ad-hoc sensor networks are composed of a large number of tiny sensors with embedded microprocessors, that have very limited resources and yet must coordinate amongst themselves to form a connected network. Every sensor has a certain sensing radius, Rs, within which it is capable of covering a particular region by detecting or gathering certain data. Every sensor also has a communication radius, R c, within which it is capable of sending or receiving data; Given a query over a sensor network, the minimum connected sensor cover problem is to select a minimum, or nearly minimum, set of sensors, called a minimum connected sensor cover, such that the selected sensors cover the query region, and form a connected network amongst themselves. In this thesis, we use present three fully distributed, strictly localized, scalable, self-* solutions to the minimum connected sensor cover problem

An Investigation of Modeing Behaviors in Function Structure Modeling With Respect to Chaining Methods

The systematic engineering design process equips designers with tools and methods necessary to understand and solve a given design problem. Function decomposition is one such tool that allows designers to decompose the given problem into sub-problems which may be easier to address. Research on Function modeling, specifically Function Structure models, has focused on improving model construction techniques and using the Function Structure models to support concept generation. Additionally, Function Structure models have also been traditionally used as individual design tools; however, most other conceptual design tools are used in a collaborative setting (e.g. gallery sketching, method 3-6-5, etc.). This research investigates the use of Function Structure models as a collaborative tool by using seed models constructed using three different chaining methods (forward chaining, backward chaining, and nucleation) identified in a pilot protocol study. These seed models were intended to represent a partially completed model created by one designer, which was then delivered to the next designer for completion. A designer study and a protocol study were conducted to identify differences between the final Function Structure models generated using different seed models, based on the percent increase in the number of functions and flows, change in model complexity, and a rubric based evaluation of the model. Results show that using a nucleation seed model yield a higher increase in function and flows, as well as a larger change in model complexity. Analysis of the rubric based model evaluation shows that the presence of the seed model improves the evaluation scores, however, the type of chaining method used does not impact the final score. These results suggest that teaching of Function Structure models should include explicit identification of the different chaining methods, and recommends nucleation as the chaining method of choice. Moreover, future research areas are identified with respect to further comparison of chaining methods, as well as investigation of behavioral patterns in the modeling activity

Role of School Libraries in sharpening 21st century skills of students

Students as the human capital need to be empowered for the socio- economic development of our country. The pace with which the world is moving accelerates the need for a proactive outlay to evolve a strong, energetic and buoyant kind of learners who can meet the challenges in life and work. The skills required for the future workforce are totally different from what our students are acquiring now. Libraries, as an integral part of our educational system, can contribute much towards skill development, especially in schools. School libraries are centres where students can develop their skills through self- paced learning with the help of reference, research and intellectual recreation. Apart from developing reading and information skills, school libraries can impart training e- learning skills, digital literacy, technology skills and professional skills to work in library. Leadership and social skills of students also can be honed in libraries

Review of Hridroga W.S.R. to the Ischemic Heart Disease

Hridroga (Heart disease) is very common in present scenario due to the sedentary life style and increase psychosocial stress. The major causative factors for heart problems are cigarette smoking, tobacco chewing, alcohol consumption, junk foods and obesity. According to WHO Ischemic heart disease or Coronary artery disease is the major causes of mortality. Therefore, it is needed to explore knowledge on heart disease time to time. The main purpose of this article is to promote the awareness about the heart disease, so prevalence of such problem can be reduced by avoiding risk factors. Keywords: Hridroga, Hritshool, Heart disease, Ayurveda, IHD (Ischemic Heart Diseases)

Spontaneous Lung Herniation Leading to Extensive Subcutaneous Emphysema, Pneumothorax, Pneumomediastinum, and Pneumopericardium.

Spontaneous lung herniation is a rare phenomenon in which the lung parenchyma along with the pleural membranes protrudes outside their usual boundaries and can lead to a wide variety of complications. We are reporting a case of a middle-aged male who presented with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation with severe bouts of cough. Initial computed tomography (CT) chest was unrevealing, but two days later, he developed spontaneous lung herniation, which was initially managed conservatively, but later it progressed to pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, with striking CT scan images showing extensive subcutaneous emphysema. Blowhole incisions were done on the anterior chest wall which led to ultimate recovery

FORMULATION OPTIMIZATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF GANCICLOVIR LOADED DRY CHITOSAN NANOPARTICLES

ABSTRACTObjective: The objective of this work was to formulate, optimize, and characterize ganciclovir (GCV) loaded dry chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs).Methods: The GCV loaded CSNPs was prepared by ionic gelation method. Box–Behnken design was employed to optimize the influence of independentprocess and formulation variables like drug to polymer ratio, concentration of sodium tripolyphosphate, and stirring time (min) on the dependentvariables such as particle size (PS) and drug encapsulation efficiency (% EE). The optimum conditions were determined by regression analysis of theoutput data.Results: The independent variables had interactive effects and they affected both the responses. The optimum formulation had PS within the range of100-120 nm and % EE between 85% and 86%. The prepared GCV loaded CSNPs were dried by fluidized bed drying method. Fourier transform infraredspectra showed there was no physicochemical interaction between GCV and CS. Powder X-ray diffraction study showed less intense crystalline peaksindicated that GCV may exist in the formulation as amorphous nanodispersion or molecular dispersion form. Differential scanning calorimetry studywas performed which indicated that the drug was molecularly dispersed inside the matrix of CS. Higuchi model was the best to fit the in vitro releasedata for the GCV loaded CSNPs.Conclusion: From the results, it can be concluded that the GCV loaded dry CSNPs were formulated, optimized, and characterized using desiredpharmacotechnical properties.Keywords: Chitosan nanoparticles, Box–Behnken design, Sodium tripolyphosphate, Ionic gelation

Characteristics of Fatal Cases of Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) from September 2009 to January 2010 in Saurashtra Region, India

Background: India reported first case of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in May, 2009 and Saurashtra region in August, 2009. We describe the characteristics of fatal cases of 2009 influenza A (H1N1) infection reported in Saurashtra region. Methods: From September, 2009 to January, 2010, we observed 71 fatal cases that were infected with 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus and admitted in different hospitals in Rajkot city. Real-time reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR) testing was used to confirm infection; the clinico-epidemiological features were observed and documented. Results: Median age of the deceased (71) was 29 years, and 57.7% were females. Median time observed was 5 days from onset of illness to diagnosis of influenza A (H1N1), and 57.7% were referred from general practitioner (OR=0.42, CI=0.24-0.74). Median hospital stay reported was 3 days. All admitted patients received oseltamivir, but only 16.9% received it within 2 days of onset of illness. The most common symptoms were cough (97.2%), fever (93%), sore throat and shortness of breath. Co-morbid conditions were present in almost half of the patients who ultimately died, the most common of which was pregnancy (OR=0.15, CI=0.04-0.52). Radiological pneumonia was reported in 98% patients. Conclusion: Residing in urban area, delayed referral from general practitioner, presence of co-existing condition, especially pregnancy was responsible for mortality among influenza A (H1N1) infected positive

FORMULATION DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF TEMOZOLOMIDE LOADED HYDROGENATED SOYA PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE LIPOSOMES FOR THE TREATMENT OF BRAIN CANCER

Objective: The objective of this study was to encapsulate temozolomide (TMZ) in the liposomal formulation for the treatment of glioblastoma. TMZis one of the most effective substances in vitro against cells derived from glioblastoma. However, it may not have a significant effect in vivo due topoor penetration in brain which may be attributed to the blood-brain-barrier. The main objective of this investigation is to develop a liposomal drugdelivery system which could improve the brain targeting, and solve the treatment-related problems.Methods: In this study, TMZ loaded liposomes were prepared by ethanol injection method. The characterization of formulated liposomes was carriedout by vesicle size, entrapment efficiency, surface morphology, and in vitro drug release study. The prepared liposomes were also evaluated for celluptake and cell cytotoxicity studies.Results: Particle size and entrapment efficiency were found to be 105.7±3.9 nm and 78.25±0.98%, respectively. 75% of the entrapped drug wasreleased in 24 hrs from the selected liposomal formulation. Cell uptake study reveals that hydrogenated soya phosphatidylcholine (HSPC) loaded TMZliposomes interact with the glioblastoma cells and kill the cancer cells effectively. Cytotoxicity assay confirms that drug loaded HSPC liposomes aremore efficient with respect to killing of glioblastoma cells as compared to plain drug.Conclusion: These results suggest that the TMZ loaded HSPC liposome may serve as a proficient targeted drug delivery system for the effectivemanagement of glioblastoma.Keywords: Temozolomide, Liposomes, Hydrogenated soya phosphatidylcholine, Cholesterol, Glioblastoma

A Common Random Fixed Point Theorem for Rational Inequality in Hilbert Space

The object of this paper is to obtain a common random fixed point theorem for four continuous random operators defined on a non empty closed subset of a separable Hilbert space for rational inequality. Keywords: Separable Hilbert space, random operators, common random fixed point,  rational inequalit