Particle Filter based Massive MIMO Channel Estimation

Massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication systems have drawn significant interest recently in next-generation wireless communications. The use of a large number of antennas in massive MIMO makes the estimation of channel state information very challenging. Accurate channel state information is essential in capitalizing the advantages of the massive MIMO technology. This paper proposes the application of the Ensemble Square Root Filter (EnSRF) and a variant of EnSRF, namely a Particle wise Update version of the Ensemble Square Root Filter (PUEnSRF) to estimate the time-selective frequency-flat fading channel coefficients in the massive MIMO scenario. Simulation results clearly indicate the remarkably superior accuracy and filter convergence of PUEnSRF estimates as compared to the conventional particle filters

Clusia rosea (Gal Goraka), an Alien Invasive Species Used as Fuelwood for Tea Drying in the Maskeliya Region, Sri Lanka

Fuelwood is the major source of energy for tea drying in Sri Lanka. High moisture content and presence of latex in the wood are the two main problems in using Cluisia as a fuelwood in tea drying. This study was carried out at Moussakellie tea factory and Hapugastenne estate in Maskeliya to evaluate Clusia rosea as a fuelwood species in tea drying. Two fuelwood combinations were evaluated by estimating Specific Fuelwood Consumption (SFC). Moisture content of Clusia wood were measured in relation to stem girth and methods of processing. Wood production of Clusia coppice managed under a six year rotation was measured. The study clearly shows that Clusia rosea is a suitable fuelwood species for tea drying. Clusia showed a higher energy value as inclusion of it in the fuelwood mixtures caused a significant reduction in the Specific Fuelwood Consumption (SFC). Clusia wood can be mixed up to 50% with wild wood for tea drying without causing deposition of latex on heat tubes by maintaining flue gas temperature above 1000C. Results of the study also showed that splitting and peeling are effective methods in removing moisture from Clusia wood. The study also identified the relationship between moisture content and moisture loss with stem girth. The biomass production of Clusia is found to be comparable with common fuelwood species used in tea drying. The study also revealed some characteristics of Clusia that contributes to its invasive behavior

The September 2004 stench off the southern Malabar coast - A consequence of holococcolithophore bloom

During the third week of September 2004, particularly on 16th and 17th, an unusual and strong stench was reported from the coast at Kollam and Vizhinjam in Kerala (India). Local dailies reported that over 200 children, mostly below 15 years, complained of nausea, chest pain and short periods of breathlessness because of the stench. Many were hospitalized, but were discharged within a couple of hours. A press report stated that the stench was due to dead fish scattered on the beaches and in the water. The report linked the fish death to oxygen depletion and choking of fish gills. Both were reported to be possibly due to proliferation and eventual putrefaction of a fish-toxic alga Cochlodinium polykreikoides. Information was put up on the web that the bloom was caused by Karenia brevis, a toxic dinoflagellate. It was reported that the stench could be felt up to 5 km inland from the coast. On 20 September 2004, the Government of Kerala requested the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa to determine the cause of the phenomenon. In response, a team from NIO collected near-shore samples of water on 23 and 26 September off Vizhinjam, Shanghumugham and Kollam. During 3-7 October 2004, RV Sagar Sukti, a coastal research vessel of NIO, was used to collect samples in the waters offshore of Vizhinjam, Veli, Kollam in the depth zones of 20-50 m. The water samples collected on 23 and 26 September from the near-shore spots were analysed for various chemical (dissolved oxygen, hydrogen sulphide, nutrients, and salinity) and biological (microbiological, phytoplankton counting and identification) variables. Data from sea-level records at Cochin Port were also examined to learn about the possible evolution of physical conditions before and after the episode described above. In this preliminary report inferences based on analysis of the data is presented

A comparative study of American ginseng (spp. Panax quinquefolius) and Donepezil on working memory in rats using scopolamine induced disruption of memory

Background: Treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) includes acetylcholinesterase inhibitors like Donepezil. American ginseng has been postulated to enhance learning and memory owing to its antiapoptotic activity as well as inhibition of formation of β amyloid plaque. Scarce data is available on effect of combination of these two drugs. Hence, we have conducted this study to evaluate the same. Aim and objectives of the study were to evaluate the role of American ginseng on working memory in rats and to compare the effect of American ginseng with Donepezil on working memory in rats.Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats of either sex, weighing 150-200g were used and obtained from animal house of Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune. To study the effects of the drugs on working memory in rats, they were trained for conditioned avoidance response (CAR) using Cook's pole climbing apparatus. The method of Fellow and Cook was used.Results: In the group C (i.e. the control group), 50% of rats showed the retention of CAR. In the group S (i.e. only scopolamine group), only 20% of rats showed the retention of CAR. In the group S+AG (i.e. scopolamine and American ginseng), 60% of rats showed the retention of CAR. In the group S+ D (i.e. scopolamine and Donepezil) 70% of rats showed retention of CAR. In the group S+D+AG (i.e. the combination group of scopolamine, Donepezil and American ginseng), 80% of rats showed the retention of CAR.Conclusions: From this study we can conclude that American ginseng and Donepezil have comparable effects in retention of working memory. The combination of American ginseng and Donepezil can have additive effect on the retention of working memory

Multifactorial Aspects Influencing Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (Nafld)

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing public health concern, with a prevalence of up to 25% worldwide. While once considered a benign condition, NAFLD is now recognized as a major cause of chronic liver disease, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is multifactorial and involves a complex interplay between genetic, environmental, and metabolic factors. In this review, we provide an overview of the multifactorial aspects of NAFLD, including genetic predisposition, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, gut microbiota, dietary factors, and physical inactivity. We also discuss the role of inflammation, oxidative stress, and hepatic steatosis in the progression of NAFLD to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Finally, we review the current and emerging therapies for NAFLD and NASH, including lifestyle modifications, pharmacological interventions, and surgical approaches. The multifactorial nature of NAFLD requires a comprehensive approach to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, with a focus on addressing the underlying metabolic and environmental factors that contribute to its development and progression

Unwrapping the Cosmetic Package: A Discriminant Analysis Approach

Packaging which is often called as the ‘silent salesman’ is an important component of marketing. Today the importance of packaging has risen to such an extent that product packaging is rightly called as the fifth ‘P’ of marketing mix. Cosmetics are products which are utilized by a large number of people. The present study examines the discriminating power of five selected cosmetics packaging variables namely ‘picture’, ‘colour’, ‘size’, ‘shape’ and ‘material’ amidst those who purchased cosmetics based on these packaging variables and for those who purchased cosmetics not based on these packaging variables. Discriminant analysis showed that only two variables namely ‘Colour’ (.706) and ‘Shape’ (– .527) were good predictors. Variables ‘Picture’, ‘size’ and ‘material’ were considered as poor predictors as far as the student communities were considered. The cross validated classification showed that out of the 240 samples drawn, 91.8% of the cases were correctly classified. &nbsp

Targeting self-renewal pathways in cancer stem cells:Clinical implications for cancer therapy

Extensive cancer research in the past few decades has identified the existence of a rare subpopulation of stem cells in the grove of cancer cells. These cells are known as the cancer stem cells marked by the presence of surface biomarkers, multi-drug resistance pumps and deregulated self-renewal pathways (SRPs). They have a crucial role in provoking cancer cells leading to tumorigenesis and its progressive metastasis. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are much alike to normal stem cells in their self-renewal mechanisms. However, deregulations in the SRPs are seen in CSCs, making them resistant to conventional chemotherapeutic agents resulting in the tumor recurrence. Current treatment strategies in cancer fail to detect and differentiate the CSCs from their non-tumorigenic progenies owing to absence of specific biomarkers. Now, it has become imperative to understand complex functional biology of CSCs, especially the signaling pathways to design improved treatment strategies to target them. It is hopeful that the SRPs in CSCs offer a promising target to alter their survival strategies and impede their tumorigenic potential. However, there are many perils associated with the direct targeting method by conventional therapeutic agents such as off targets, poor bioavailability and poor cellular distribution. Recent evidences have shown an increased use of small molecule antagonists directly to target these SRPs may lead to severe side-effects. An alternative to solve these issues could be an appropriate nanoformulation. Nanoformulations of these molecules could provide an added advantage for the selective targeting of the pathways especially Hedgehog, Wnt, Notch and B-cell-specific moloney murine leukemia virus integration site 1 in the CSCs while sparing the normal stem cells. Hence, to achieve this goal a complete understanding of the molecular pathways corroborate with the use of holistic nanosystem (nanomaterial inhibition molecule) could possibly be an encouraging direction for future cancer therapy

Detection of preimaginal forms of dengue vectors from environmental samples in Jaffna city, northern Sri Lanka: an eDNA-based approach

Vector surveillance is crucial for implementation of appropriate vector control strategies to reduce the transmission of vector-borne diseases such as dengue, a major public health concern in Sri Lanka. Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus are the primary and secondary vectors of dengue virus, respectively. Dengue is endemic in the Jaffna District and the presence of dengue vectors from many water bodies, including brackish water habitats, is reported. The use of environmental DNA (eDNA) has emerged as a novel tool to detect and identify vector species present in any aquatic environment. This study, used environmental DNA to determine the presence of major dengue vectors in different aquatic habitats in the Municipal limits of the Jaffna District. Potential pre-imaginal developmental sites of dengue vectors were identified in randomly selected 10 blocks consisting of at least 40 houses within the study location. One hundred and twenty water samples without any visible preimaginal forms were collected from these sites to extract eDNA. PCR assays were performed using species-specific primers designed for Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. The presence of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus was identified in 12 (10.0%) and 30 samples (25.0%), respectively. The presence of both species was detected in nine samples (7.5%). The salinity of the water from which Aedes DNA was detected ranged from 0–7 gL-1. The results revealed that eDNA is an indirect but valid surveillance tool for monitoring preimaginal developmental forms of mosquitos in the aquatic environment

Prospects of breeding biofortified pearl millet with high grain iron and zinc content

Development of crop cultivars with elevated levels of micronutrients is being increasingly recognized as one of the approaches to provide sustainable solutions to various health problems associated with micronutrient malnutrition, especially in developing countries. To assess the prospects of this approach in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), a diverse range of genetic materials, consisting of 40 hybrid parents, 30 each of population progenies and improved populations, and 20 germplasm accessions, was analysed for grain iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) content, deficiencies of which adversely affect human health. Based on the mean performance in two seasons at ICRISAT, Patancheru, India, large variability among the entries was found, both for Fe (30.1-75.7 mg/kg on dry weight basis) and Zn (24.5-64.8 mg/kg). The highest levels of grain Fe and Zn were observed in well-adapted commercial varieties and their progenies, and in the parental lines of hybrids, which were either entirely based on iniari germplasm, or had large components of it in their parentage. There were indications of large within-population genetic variability for both Fe and Zn. The correlation between Fe and Zn content was positive and highly significant (r=0.84; P<0.01). These results indicate that there are good prospects of simultaneous selection for both micronutrients, and that selection within populations, especially those with the predominantly iniari germplasm, is likely to provide good opportunities for developing pearl millet varieties and hybrid parents with significantly improved grain Fe and Zn content in pearl millet

A rapid screening method for grain iron content in Pearl Millet

Enhancing grain iron (Fe) content is one of the effective ways of increasing the Fe intake and reducing the incidence of Fe-deficiency anaemia (Welch and Graham 2002). Large genetic variability for grain Fe content has been reported in many crops (Graham et al. 1999). Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.] is a major source of dietary energy for millions of people living in the arid and semi-arid tropical regions of Africa and Asia. It has on an average 50 mg kg-1 of grain Fe, which is more than wheat, rice and maize. Studies with limited germplasm have shown large genetic variability for this trait, indicating good opportunities to select and/or breed millet genotypes with still higher grain Fe (Jambunathan and Subramanian 1988; Abdalla et al. 1998). The bottleneck in this process is the high cost of Fe estimation. At present Fe estimation is done with digests using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (ICP), which require relatively expensive instruments and are time-consuming. These chemical analyses would be prohibitively costly for evaluating a large number of progenies during the course of a breeding program. A procedure based on Perls’ Prussian blue stain was proposed for rapid screening of grain Fe content in rice (Prom-u-thai et al. 2003; Krishnan et al. 2003) which involves scoring color intensity in the embryo of cut and treated seeds (with 2% Prussian blue) through a stereomicroscope. The objective of this research was to simplify the method and assess its effectiveness in screening for grain Fe content in pearl millet