Constraining parameters of white-dwarf binaries using gravitational-wave and electromagnetic observations

The space-based gravitational wave (GW) detector, \emph{evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna} (eLISA) is expected to observe millions of compact Galactic binaries that populate our Milky Way. GW measurements obtained from the eLISA detector are in many cases complimentary to possible electro-magnetic (EM) data. In our previous papers, we have shown that the EM data can significantly enhance our knowledge of the astrophysically relevant GW parameters of the Galactic binaries, such as the amplitude and inclination. This is possible due to the presence of some strong correlations between GW parameters that are measurable by both EM and GW observations, for example the inclination and sky position. In this paper, we quantify the constraints in the physical parameters of the white-dwarf binaries, i.e. the individual masses, chirp mass and the distance to the source that can be obtained by combining the full set of EM measurements such as the inclination, radial velocities, distances and/or individual masses with the GW measurements. We find the following $2-\sigma$ fractional uncertainties in the parameters of interest. The EM observations of distance constrains the the chirp mass to $\sim 15-25$, whereas EM data of a single-lined spectroscopic binary constrains the secondary mass and the distance with factors of 2 to $\sim 40$. The single-line spectroscopic data complemented with distance constrains the secondary mass to $\sim 25-30$. Finally EM data on double-lined spectroscopic binary constrains the distance to $\sim 30$. All of these constraints depend on the inclination and the signal strength of the binary systems. We also find that the EM information on distance and/or the radial velocity are the most useful in improving the estimate of the secondary mass,inclination and/or distance.Comment: 12 pages, 15 figures, accepted for publication by Ap

Measuring tides and binary parameters from gravitational wave data and eclipsing timings of detached white dwarf binaries

The discovery of the most compact detached white dwarf (WD) binary SDSS J065133.33+284423.3 has been discussed in terms of probing the tidal effects in white dwarfs. This system is also a verification source for the space-based gravitational wave (GW) detector, evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA) which will observe short-period compact Galactic binaries with $P_{orb}\lesssim 5$ hrs. We address the prospects of doing tidal studies using eLISA binaries by showing the fractional uncertainties in the orbital decay rate and the rate of that decay, $\dot{f}, \ddot{f}$ expected from both the GW and EM data for some of the high-$f$ binaries. We find that $\dot{f}$ and $\ddot{f}$ can be measured using GW data only for the most massive WD binaries observed at high-frequencies. Form timing the eclipses for $\sim 10$ years, we find that $\dot{f}$ can be known to $\sim 0.1$ for J0651. We find that from GW data alone, measuring the effects of tides in binaries is (almost) impossible. We also investigate the improvement in the knowledge of the binary parameters by combining GW amplitude and inclination with EM data with and without $\dot{f}$. In our previous work we found that EM data on distance constrained 2-$\sigma$ uncertainty in chirp mass to $15-25$ whereas adding $\dot{f}$ reduces it to $0.11$. EM data on $\dot{f}$ also constrains 2-$\sigma$ uncertainty in distance to $35$. EM data on primary mass constrains the secondary mass $m_2$ to factors of 2 to $\sim40$ whereas adding $\dot{f}$ reduces this to $25$. And finally using single-line spectroscopic constrains 2-$\sigma$ uncertainties in both the $m_2, d$ to factors of 2 to $\sim 40$. Adding EM data on $\dot{f}$ reduces these 2-$\sigma$ uncertainties to $\leq 25$ and $6$ respectively. Thus we find that EM measurements of $\dot{f}$ and radial velocity will be valuable in constraining binary parameters.Comment: 10 pages, 3 figures, Accepted for publication in Ap

Challenges When Using Scrum in Globally Distributed Teams

The interest of companies towards using agile approaches in GSD projects is growing at a rapid pace. On that note, it is extremely vital to consider the challenging factors involved in agile practices such as scrum in GSD projects. However, the remarkable and effective attempts towards precisely identify, synthesize and report the literature on agile practices for GSD projects have always been inadequate (Hossain, AliBabar & Young Paik, 2009). With the purpose of encouraging research committee to explore and analyze the projects that implements scrum process in globally distributed environment, the thesis paper places great emphasis on challenges involved with the implementation of agile methodologies with scrum framework in Global Software Development. In order to thoroughly understand these challenges, the thesis paper also addresses the core characteristics of a scrum team, benefits of scrum framework and the nature of Global Software Development projects. Moreover, through the qualitative data collection approach the mythology section of this thesis will in designing the further sections of this thesis. In accordance with the selected data collection approach, the result section focuses on the communication challenges as well as gathers the bunch of information through the interviews of two professionals working in the scrum projects with GSD settings. Going forward, the discussion section talks about the lessons learned and solutions to alleviate the challenges associated with distributed scrum projects

Masquerade detection using Singular Value Decomposition

Information systems and networks are highly susceptible to attacks in the form of intrusions. One such attack is by the masqueraders who impersonate legitimate users. Masqueraders can be detected in anomaly based intrusion detection by identifying the abnormalities in user behavior. This user behavior is logged in log files of different types. In our research we use the score based technique of Singular Value Decomposition to address the problem of masquerade detection on a unix based system. We have data collected in the form of sequential unix commands ran by 50 users. SVD is a linear algebraic technique, which has been previously used for applications like facial recognition. We present experimental results and we analyze the effectiveness and efficiency of this SVD-based masquerade detection

COLISTIN-CARBAPENEM COMBINATION THERAPY AGAINST CARBAPENEM RESISTANT GRAM NEGATIVE BACILLI INFECTIONS: CLINICAL AND AN IN VITRO SYNERGY STUDY

Objective: Combination therapy is recommended for carbapenem resistant Gram negative bacilli (CR GNB) infections. However, limited data exists on the clinical effectiveness of antibiotic combinations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of colistin-carbapenem combination against CR GNB infection in a clinical study and an in vitro synergy study using Etest. Methods: A study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital to evaluate the clinical outcome of patients with CR GNB infections who were treated with colistin-carbapenemcombination between January to April, 2013. It was comprised of 33 patients with CR GNB infection. Detection of in vitro synergy was performed by Etest for colistin-meropenem combination on five isolates. These isolates were also screened for the resistant genes blaOXA-23, blaVIMand blaNDM using single target PCR. Results: 33 CR GNB included Acinetobacterspp. (19), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (7) and Enterobacteriaceae spp. (7). Overall clinical success of 60.6% was observed in patients receiving colistin-carbapenem combination therapy. In respiratory infection, the clinical success rate was only 25%, whereas in soft tissue infection it was 57.1%. In bloodstream infection 100%  clinical success was observed. All five isolates screened using PCR was carrying bla NDM gene, whereas isolate of Acinetobacter baumannii also carried blaOXA-23 and blaVIM gene. Indifferent interactions were observed between colistin and meropenem against all five isolates. Conclusion: We observed low clinical success rate for colistin-carbapenem combination therapy, probably due to indifferent interactions between colistin and meropenem against NDM producing strain. In addition, probable pharmacokinetic concern of colistin may have a role to play

Spectacle Compliance in Slum Population of Mumbai: Pilot

Background Mumbai Eye Care campaign was a mega refractive error project implemented for the slum population of Mumbai from 2009-15. The project was supported by Standard Chartered Bank’s CSR activity Seeing is Believing through Sightsavers. The project design and service delivery was implemented by Lotus College of Optometry. During the first 3 years of the project, spectacles were distributed free of cost to adults by only collecting case paper charge of Rs.10/-/ Hence a questionnaire based study was conducted to assess the spectacle compliance among this population. Methodology Spectacle Compliance questionnaire was designed, validated by Optometry faculty and the same was administered by an Optometry intern. The spectacle compliance and reasons for non compliance was analysed for 200 respondents. Results: Spectacle compliance was found to be 73.48%. Conclusion: Spectacle compliance was found to be high in this study and was single vision near spectacle design showed better compliance

MODBUS Protocol for Reading Parameter of AC Drive

This research paper is aimed for reading the parameters of AC Drive by using MODBUS Protocol. This communication protocol is used for Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and this PLC is handling by controller. Hence in this we have checked and observed the parameters of AC Drive by PIC controller with Docklight Software. Here, Docklight software works exactly as AC Drive to read parameters by MODBUS Protocol. MODBUS module is a TTL to RS485 converter Module

CHARACTERIZATION OF CARBAPENEM RESISTANT ACINETOBACTER BAUMANNII ISOLATED IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL: EPIDEMIOLOGY AND TREATMENT OUTCOME

Objective: Carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CR-Ab) has emerged as a major nosocomial pathogen, but optimal treatment regimens are unknown. Our objectives were to determine the epidemiology and outcome of CR-Ab infections at a tertiary care hospital.Methods: CR-Ab isolates were collected from January to April 2013. MICs were determined and isolates were subjected to screening for carbapenemase production by Modified Hodge test (MHT), metallo-β-lactamase (MBLs) by EDTA disk synergy test and AmpC β-lactamase by AmpC disk test. 15 isolates were subjected to PCR for detection of resistant genes, blaOXA-23, blaVIM and blaNDM. Treatment outcomes of infections were evaluated.Results: 51 CR-Ab isolates from tracheal aspirate (21), blood (15); tissue/wound/drainage (13) and urine samples (2) were collected. Colistin appeared to be the most effective agent with 98% in vitro activity. MHT showed 98% positivity, MBLs production was detected in 94.1% isolates and 64.7% were positive for AmpC β-lactamase production. All 15 isolates carried blaOXA-23 and blaVIM, of these 3 also carried blaNDM gene. Colistin containing combinations were more commonly used (68.3%). Colistin-noncarbapenem combination showed improved clinical response compared to colistin-carbapenem combination against Acinetobacter isolates carrying blaOXA-23 and blaVIM.Conclusion: A stringent infection control practice along with antimicrobial stewardship is needed to prevent emergence of Acinetobacter carrying multiple carbapenemase genes along with blaNDM. Various colistin combinations are preferentially used to treat CR-Ab infections. Identification of antimicrobial combinations with proven in vitro activity that encompass local susceptibility patterns as well as molecular mechanisms of resistance is needed to provide better outcome.Keywords: Acinetobacter baumannii, Carbapenem resistance, Carbapenemases, Colistin combination, metallo-β-lactamase, NDMÂ

Colistin the last resort drug in 21st century antibiotics to combat Multidrug resistance superbugs

Polymyxin' E' (Colistin) is considered the last resort therapy against Multidrug resistance (MDR) bacteria, mainly Klebsiella peumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Escherichia coli and play a critical role in causing life-threatening infection, and their prevalence is increasing as a big concern globally. Apart from immunological adaptation, chromosomal mutations and plasmid-mediated genes are mostly associated with this resistance at the molecular level. Therefore, the current review extensively focused on Colistin as a drug in 21st-century antibiotics, the activities spectrum with diverse resistance mechanisms of bacteria against Colistin, and emerging approaches of Colistin from discovery to tackling MDR. In the study, we got to know about the challenges and new developments with old weapons like phage therapy as well as new approaches like Phage display and drug repurposing, in addition to the chromosomal and plasmid-mediated genes that play a role in antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The present study would provide insight into the prognostic aspect of combating MDR

Reorienting Nurturing Care for Early Childhood Development during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Kenya: A Review

In Kenya, millions of children have limited access to nurturing care. With the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it is anticipated that vulnerable children will bear the biggest brunt of the direct and indirect impacts of the pandemic. This review aimed to deepen understanding of the effects of COVID-19 on nurturing care from conception to four years of age, a period where the care of children is often delivered through caregivers or other informal platforms. The review has drawn upon the empirical evidence from previous pandemics and epidemics, and anecdotal and emerging evidence from the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Multifactorial impacts fall into five key domains: direct health; health and nutrition systems; economic protection; social and child protection; and child development and early learning. The review proposes program and policy strategies to guide the reorientation of nurturing care, prevent the detrimental effects associated with deteriorating nurturing care environments, and support the optimal development of the youngest and most vulnerable children. These include the provision of cash transfers and essential supplies for vulnerable households and strengthening of community-based platforms for nurturing care. Further research on COVID-19 and the ability of children’s ecology to provide nurturing care is needed, as is further testing of new ideas