Modeling and Verification of Agent based Adaptive Traffic Signal using Symbolic Model Verifier

This paper addresses the issue of modeling and verification of a Multi Agent System (MAS) scenario. We have considered an agent based adaptive traffic signal system. The system monitors the smooth flow of traffic at intersection of two road segment. After describing how the adaptive traffic signal system can efficiently be used and showing its advantages over traffic signals with predetermined periods, we have shown how we can transform this scenario into Finite State Machine (FSM). Once the system is transformed into a FSM, we have verified the specifications specified in Computational Tree Logic(CTL) using NuSMV as a model checking tool. Simulation results obtained from NuSMV showed us whether the system satisfied the specifications or not. It has also showed us the state where the system specification does not hold. Using which we traced back our system to find the source, leading to the specification violation. Finally, we again verified the modified system with NuSMV for its specifications.Comment: 13 pages, 6 figures, Submitted to International Journal of Computer Application (IJCA

Monitoring of electromagnetic field exposure in an international context

Objectives: Electromagnetic field exposure to general people is a public health concern and a topic of debate globally. Electromagnetic field is non-ionizing part of electromagnetic spectrum that can further be divided into extremely low frequency (0- 10 MHz) EMF and radiofrequency (10-300 MHz) EMF based on frequency and corresponding wavelength. Both of these components are of a topic of public debate and a subject of on-going research. The most common sources of extremely low frequency fields are alternating current carried in wiring, household appliances, power lines, electrical wiring, and electrical equipment. Some common sources of radiofrequency fields are mobile phone handsets and mobile phone base stations. Hence the main goals of this thesis were to propose a validated 3D computer model for extremely low frequency magnetic field exposure assessment from overhead powerlines and to develop a novel method of assessing radiofrequency field exposure in different microenvironments. More specifically, this thesis was planned with four different objectives as below: To systematically review the radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure situation in the European countries based on peer-reviewed articles on spot measurements, personal measurement with trained researchers, and personal measurement with volunteers studies. To test the suitability of microenvironmental measurement surveys with portable exposimeters for monitoring of radiofrequency electromagnetic field levels in various everyday microenvironments in Switzerland. To apply already tested radiofrequency electromagnetic field monitoring protocol to monitor radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure from Switzerland to international microenvironments of Ethiopia, Nepal, South Africa, Australia and the United States of America To validate a 3D computer model, developed for the calculation of the absolute value of magnetic flux density from an overhead power line, with a 6 measurement campaign conducted every two months for a year time. Methods: For the systematic review for radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure in European countries, we systematically searched the ISI Web of Science for relevant literature published between 1st January, 2000 and 30th April, 2015 that assessed RF-EMF exposure levels by any of the methods; spot measurements, personal measurement with trained researchers and personal measurement with volunteers. For the non-ionizing radiation monitoring in Switzerland, we used ExpoM-RF device mounted on a backpack to assess radiofrequency electromagnetic field by walking through 51 different outdoor microenvironments from 20 different municipalities in Switzerland. Measurements were conducted between 25th March and 11th July 2014. The non-ionizing radiation monitoring in international microenvironments used the tested protocol from non-ionizing radiation monitoring in Switzerland. The measurements in international microenvironments were taken using two different kinds of portable RF meter called “ExpoM-RF” and “EME Spy 201”. The measurements were conducted either by walking (Switzerland and Nepal) or driving a car with ExpoM-RF device mounted on its roof (Ethiopia, South Africa, Australia, and the United States of America) or mixed walking and driving (Ethiopia, South Africa, Australia). We selected 15 different microenvironments from Switzerland, 18 microenvironments from Ethiopia, 12 microenvironments from Nepal, and 17 microenvironments from South Africa, 24 microenvironments from Australia and 8 microenvironments from the United States of America. Each of the selected microenvironments was measure twice: between 10 March and 14 April 2017. For the powerline validation study, six measurements were taken every two month between January 2015 and December 2015 from two different locations on two different power lines in order to describe variation of extremely low frequency magnetic field exposure by different seasons of the year. The measurements were taken from the selected power lines for at least 48 hours from each line on each measurement day. The measurements were taken using EMDEX II, temperature logger, and ESTEC device. Results: The systematic review yielded twenty one published studies that met our eligibility criteria of which 10 were spot measurements studies, 5 were personal measurement studies with trained researchers (microenvironmental), 5 were personal measurement studies with volunteers and 1 was a mixed methods study combining data collected by volunteers and trained researchers. The mean total RF-EMF exposure for spot measurements in European “Homes” and “Outdoor” microenvironments was 0.29 V/m and 0.54 V/m respectively. Among all European microenvironments in “Transportation”, the highest mean total RF-EMF 1.96 V/m was found in trains of Belgium during 2007 where more than 95% of exposure was contributed by uplink. The non-ionizing radiation monitoring in Switzerland found mean RF-EMF exposure of 0.53 V/m in industrial zones, 0.47 V/m in city centers, 0.32 V/m in central residential areas, 0.25 V/m non-central residential areas, 0.23 V/m in rural centers and rural residential areas, 0.69 V/m in trams, 0.46 V/m in trains and 0.39 V/m in buses. Temporal correlation between first and second measurement of each path was high: 0.83 for total RF-EMF, 0.83 for all five mobile phone downlink bands combined, 0.54 for all five uplink bands combined and 0.79 for broadcasting. The non-ionizing radiation monitoring internationally found mean RF-EMF exposure in all 5 countries varied between 0.94 V/m and 0.05 V/m. Mean total RF-EMF exposure was highest in Australia (0.94 V/m city centers) and lowest in South Africa (0.36 V/m in rural centers and rural residential areas). For outdoor areas major exposure contribution was from mobile phone base station. The mobile phone base stations contributed more than 65% in all measured microenvironments across the 5 countries. The two components of the powerline validation study: feasibility study by a computer model and its validation by field measurement of extremely low frequency magnetic field found the estimated precision of the results to be of the order of 10 % to 25 %, and this large degree precision may be due to errors in the coordinates and heights. The both components of the study helped in identifying the input data necessary for large-scale modeling of magnetic fields from high-voltage power lines and how long-term temporal averages of the field can be computed. Conclusion: The systematic review of radiofrequency electromagnetic field concluded that typical radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure levels are substantially below regulatory limits. The non-ionizing radiation monitoring in Switzerland demonstrated that microenvironmental surveys using a portable device yields highly repeatable measurements, which allows monitoring time trends of RF-EMF exposure over an extended time period of several years and to compare exposure levels between different types of microenvironments. The non-ionizing radiation monitoring in international microenvironments further support the results from pilot study in Switzerland. The powerline validation study concluded the model agrees well with the measurement values, with average offsets in the range of a few percent. We also found that the precision of the results corresponds to the precision estimated during the pilot study

Bulk Utilization of Red Mud in Geopolymer Based Products

Red Mud is the solid residue generated from Alumina refinery during the process of bauxite ore processing through Bayer’s process. Typical generation of red mud is 1.5 tons of red mud per ton of alumina produced. The disposal and storage of red mud has been a concern for the alumina industry since its inception, more than a hundred years ago. With the increase in alumina production, the magnitude of the problem is getting multiplied. Its alkaline nature (Na2O ~ 3-7%) and fine size make red mud unsuitable for many applications; a limited utilization is reported in cement industries as one of the raw mix components for cement. The present work deals with the utilization of red mud in geopolymer based paving blocks. Alumina, silica and alkali are the essential items required for geopolymer preparation. Having all these in red mud, the current study attempted to use the same in geopolymer based products. The focus has been on bulk utilization of red mud; target strength of 20 MPa after 28 days of curing (M20 grade) has been the goal as this strength is sufficient for many applications. The study focused on optimizing the red mud content, alkali concentration, fly ash content, etc. The samples are tested for its compressive strength and leachability. The study reveals that significant amount of red mud incorporation is possible with products conforming to USEPA 1311 norms

A PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON AXILLARY CONTRACTURE FOLLOWING BURNS AT PATNA MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL, BIHAR, INDIA.

Background and Aim:  Post-burn contracture (PBC) of the axilla, stemming from burn injuries affecting the armpit region, poses a significant challenge in terms of both function and aesthetics. This study delves into the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and management strategies for this debilitating condition, aiming to comprehensively address the challenges faced by patients and healthcare professionals.  Methodology:  A prospective study was conducted at the Department of Plastic Surgery at Patna Medical College and Hospital in Patna, Bihar, India involving 40 patients experiencing PBC of the axilla. Inclusion criteria comprised patients who expressed a willingness to undergo surgical management, while exclusion criteria ruled out individuals with axillary contractures occurring within 12 months of their burns.   Results:  The study cohort, ranging from 8 to 47 years, revealed a predominance of flame burns (65%), with the right axilla being more commonly affected (45%). Clinical manifestations included a restricted range of motion and deformities, emphasizing the multifaceted impact of contractures. Surgical interventions varied, with 50% undergoing contracture release and split-thickness skin grafting. The preoperative range of shoulder abduction varied between 30° and 100°, with an average of 96°.  Conclusion:  Reconstructive surgery faces an intricate challenge when dealing with PBC of the axilla, requiring tailored approaches for each case. As research progresses, individualized patient care and targeted preventive measures will play pivotal roles in enhancing outcomes and mitigating the impact of this debilitating condition arising from burn injuries.  Recommendation:  To properly treat axillary burn contracture, multicenter studies should be carried out for improved generalizability; sample sizes should be increased for increased statistical power; prospective data collection should be used to reduce recall bias; and long-term follow-ups should be carried out to thoroughly evaluate the sustainability and possible complications of surgical interventions

Split hand/split-foot malformations: a report of four cases in a family with variable presentations

Split hand/split-foot malformation is a congenital anomaly with failure of development of the central digital rays of hand or foot to a variable extent. It is characterized by hypoplasia/aplasia of the phalanges, toes, metacarpals and metatarsals. The presentation may be an isolated anomaly or may be associated with syndrome and thus have variable pattern of inheritance. We report a family of 10 members; four of which are affected with autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. We discuss here the clinical presentation, genetic inheritance, prenatal diagnosis and treatment for the malformation

Attitude about mental illness of health care providers and community leaders in rural Haryana, North India

Background: Attitude about mental illness determines health seeking of the people. Success of National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) is dependent on attitude about mental illness of various stakeholders in the programme. Material & Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was carried out in Ballabgarh block of Faridabad district in Haryana. We aimed to study attitude about mental illness of various stakeholders of health care providers (HCP), community leaders in rural area of Haryana, north India. Study area consisting of five Primary Health Centers (PHCs) serving 2,12,000 rural population. All HCP working at PHCs, Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) and community leaders in study area were approached for participation. Hindi version of Opinion about Mental illness Scale for Chinese Community (OMICC) was used to study attitude. Results: In total, 467 participants were participated in the study. Of which, HCP, ASHAs and community leaders were 81 (17.4%), 145 (31.0%) and 241 (51.6%) respectively. Community members reported socially restrictive, pessimistic and stereotyping attitude towards mentally ill person. ASHA and HCP reported stereotyping attitude about person with mental illness. None of the stakeholders reported stigmatizing attitude. Conclusion: Training programme focusing on spectrum of mental illness for HCP and ASHA working in rural area under NMHP programme is needed. Awareness generation of community leaders about bio-medical concept of mental illness is cornerstone of NMHP success in India

A Rapid and Inexpensive Bioassay to Evaluate the Decontamination of Organophosphates

An inexpensive and rapid bioassay using adult red flour beetles was developed for use in assessing the decontamination of environments containing organophosphates and related chemicals. A decontamination protocol was developed which demonstrated that 2 to 3 applications of 5% bleach solution were required to obtain nearly complete decontamination of malathion. The bioassay was also used to screen common household cleaners as potential decontaminating agents, but only 5% bleach was effective at improving survival of insects on steel plates treated with 25% malathion. A toxic degradation product (malaoxon) was detected using gas chromatography/ mass spectrophotometry; this toxin affected the decontamination efficacy and resulted in continued toxicity to the beetles until subsequent decontaminations. The bioassay provides evidence to support the use of red flour beetles as a sensitive, less expensive method for determining safety levels of environments contaminated with malathion and other toxins, and may have application in the study of chemical warfare agents

Case report of multiple hepatic microabscesses in a term neonate

Neonatal liver abscess is a rare entity, which usually occurs in preterm infants with sepsis and certain risk factors like umbilical vein catheterization. Neonatal hepatic abscess has a non-specific clinical presentation, and a high index of suspicion for this condition is warranted in case of unresolving sepsis especially in the presence of risk factors. Ultrasonography of abdomen is an important investigation in a febrile neonate with sepsis. Here, we report a case of hepatic microabscesses in a term neonate without any significant risk factors. We want to report this case because of its rare occurrence particularly in a term neonate without significant risk factors. This case also emphasizes the utility of abdominal ultrasonography in a febrile neonate with unresolving sepsis