Reaction-diffusion patterns in smart sensor networks

technical reportWe introduced the use of Turing?s reaction-diffusion pattern formation to support high-level tasks in smart sensor networks (S-Nets). This has led us to explore various biologically motivated mechanisms. In this paper we address some issues that arise in trying to get reliable, efficient patterns in irregular grids with error in inter-node distances

Where are you in the journey and how do you take the next leap? transforming your state or district’s public school system

As a country we have made significant positive strides in access and enrollment, and in providing basic facilities in schools. The next big challenge in primary schooling is the quality of education. As these quotes also suggest, this challenge is now widely acknowledged. Assessments by independent entities, parent migration to private schools especially in urban areas, active debate generated by non-profits and strong push from funders, have all emphasized the tremendous magnitude of the quality gap and helped create awareness. Over the last few years, a large number of initiatives – led by governments, non-profits and for-profits – have been launched and driven around the country, to improve quality of education. While these are great starting points, in many situations, they have been insufficient for two key reasons

Characterization of deposits formed on diesel injectors in field test and from thermal oxidative degradation of n-hexadecane in a laboratory reactor

Solid deposits from commercially available high-pressure diesel injectors (HPDI) were analyzed to study the solid deposition from diesel fuel during engine operation. The structural and chemical properties of injector deposits were compared to those formed from the thermal oxidative stressing of a diesel fuel range model compound, n-hexadecane at 160°C and 450 psi for 2.5 h in a flow reactor. Both deposits consist of polyaromatic compounds (PAH) with oxygen moieties. The similarities in structure and composition of the injector deposits and n-hexadecane deposits suggest that laboratory experiments can simulate thermal oxidative degradation of diesel in commercial injectors. The formation of PAH from n-hexadecane showed that aromatization of straight chain alkanes and polycondensation of aromatic rings was possible at temperatures as low as 160°C in the presence of oxygen. A mechanism for an oxygen-assisted aromatization of cylcoalkanes is proposed

Role of matrix metalloproteinases in multi-system inflammatory syndrome and acute COVID-19 in children

INTRODUCTION: Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a serious inflammatory sequela of SARS-CoV2 infection. The pathogenesis of MIS-C is vague and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may have an important role. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are known drivers of lung pathology in many diseases. METHODS: To elucidate the role of MMPs in pathogenesis of pediatric COVID-19, we examined their plasma levels in MIS-C and acute COVID-19 children and compared them to convalescent COVID-19 and children with other common tropical diseases (with overlapping clinical manifestations). RESULTS: Children with MIS-C had elevated levels of MMPs (P < 0.005 statistically significant) in comparison to acute COVID-19, other tropical diseases (Dengue fever, typhoid fever, and scrub typhus fever) and convalescent COVID-19 children. PCA and ROC analysis (sensitivity 84–100% and specificity 80–100%) showed that MMP-8, 12, 13 could help distinguish MIS-C from acute COVID-19 and other tropical diseases with high sensitivity and specificity. Among MIS-C children, elevated levels of MMPs were seen in children requiring intensive care unit admission as compared to children not needing intensive care. Similar findings were noted when children with severe/moderate COVID-19 were compared to children with mild COVID-19. Finally, MMP levels exhibited significant correlation with laboratory parameters, including lymphocyte counts, CRP, D-dimer, Ferritin and Sodium levels. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that MMPs play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of MIS-C and COVID-19 in children and may help distinguish MIS-C from other conditions with overlapping clinical presentation

Hansen's disease: An unusual presentation

Hansen's disease can present with varied and subtle symptoms which can be missed. A middle-aged gentleman presented with swelling of face and hands. Detailed examination and investigations confirmed borderline tuberculoid leprosy with lepra reaction. A high index of suspicion with vigilance can help to make an early diagnosis in this potentially treatable condition

Reaction-Diffusion Patterns in Smart Sensor Networks

this paper we address some issues that arise in trying to get reliable, efficient patterns in irregular grids with error in inter-node distance