Lagrangian based A* algorithm for automated reasoning

In this paper, a modification of A* algorithm is considered for the shortest path problem. A weightage is introduced in the heuristic part of the A* algorithm to improve its efficiency. An application of the algorithm is considered for UAV path planning wherein velocity is taken as the weigtage to the heuristic. At the outset, calculus of variations based Lagrange's equation was used to identify velocity as the decisive factor for the dynamical system. This approach would be useful for other problems as well to improve the efficiency of algorithms in those areas.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figure

The Dawn of Photonic Crystals: An Avenue for Optical Computing

In this chapter, a new paradigm is developed for optical computation using photonic crystals. As photonic crystals are the most sophisticated optical materials to date, information processing using this structure is one of the most sought-after technologies in photonics. While the semiconductor industry is striving hard to increase the microprocessors’ processing power, it is certain that the trend would not last forever as against Moore’s prediction. At this juncture, photonics technologies have to compete with the upcoming quantum computing technology to emerge as a promising successor for semiconductor microprocessors. This chapter is devoted to the introduction of photonic crystals as the workhorse for an all-optical computational system with a myriad of logic gates, memory units, and networks which can be constructed using these structures

A RANDOMIZED CASE–CONTROL PILOT STUDY ON THE NEUROCHEMICAL BASIS OF PAIN MODULATION IN PATIENTS WITH MIGRAINE, WHO PRACTICED INTEGRATED AMRITA MEDITATION TECHNIQUE

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the changes in duration and intensity of headache and associated changes in the plasma levels of neurochemicals, serotonin, glutamate, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and nitric oxide (NO) in patients with migraine after 6 months of regular practice of integrated Amrita meditation (IAM). Methods: Sixteen patients aged 18–50 with migraine were randomly assigned to 2 groups, one with standard medical care and IAM, and the other only standard medical care. Data were collected before IAM, after 3 and 6 months of IAM practice Results: After 6 months, a significant decrease in the duration of headache from 2.4±0.54 to 1.4±0.54 (p=0.034) hours and intensity of pain from 3.6±0.54 to 2.6±0.89, (p=0.035) was seen in patients who practiced IAM. Plasma levels of serotonin within the IAM group increased (47.29±26.85 to 53.85±29.73ng/ml), where as there was decrease in glutamate (38.47±8.2 to 29.68±12.57μg/ml), VIP (28.01±13.64 to 22.23±7.79pg/ml) and NO levels (642.26±167.42 to 423.18±97.96μmol/L). A correlating trend was seen in comparison with control group after 6 months showing a statistically significant difference in plasma Serotonin (p value 0.007) and NO (p value-0.023) levels. Discussion: The results of our study have been discussed with other migraine and meditation-related studies. Conclusion: Regular practice of IAM reduces the intensity and duration of headache in migraine patients and is associated with alterations in the neurotransmitter levels