Four wave mixing nonlinearity effect in wavelength division multiplexing radio over fiber system

The integration of wireless and optical networks is a potential solution for the increasing capacity and mobility as well as decreasing costs in the access networks. Optical networks are fast, robust and error free, however, there are nonlinearity obstacles preventing them from being perfect media. The performance of wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) in radio over fiber (RoF) systems is found to be strongly influenced by nonlinearity characteristics in side the fiber. The effect of four wave mixing (FWM) as one of the influential factors in the WDM for RoF has been studied here using Optisystem and Matlab. From the results obtained, it is found that the FWM effects have become significant at high optical power levels and have become even more significant when the capacity of the optical transmission line is increased, which has been done by either increasing the channel bit rate, and decreasing the channel spacing, or by the combination of both process. It is found that when the channel spacing is 0.1 nm, 0.2 nm and 0.5 nm the FWM power is respectively, becomes about -59 dBm, -61 dBm and -79 dBm. This result confirms that the fiber nonlinearities play decisive role in the WDM for RoF system. The simulation results obtained here are in reasonable agreement as compared with other numerical simulation results obtained, elsewhere, using different simulation tools

Islamic Finance at a crossroads: the dominance of the asset-based sukuk

In mimicking conventional finance, Islamic finance is focusing on the legalistic forms and ignoring the substance of Islamic law. Long-term growth of the industry will depend on the dominance of substance over the form. KEY POINTS * The principles of Islamic law governing financial transactions can bring about stability in the financial system. * However, by replicating conventional financial products and focusing on the legalistic forms only, the practice of the Islamic financial industry is diluting the principles of Islamic law. * In the sukuk market, the overwhelming majority of sukuk are asset-based with the primacy of form over substance. * Moving to a more substance-based Islamic finance is needed to reduce the reputation risk and integrity of the industry

Surface and Sub-Surface Analyses for Bridge Inspection

The development of bridge inspection solutions has been discussed in the recent past. In this dissertation, significant development and improvement on the state-of-the-art in the field of bridge inspection using multiple sensors (e.g. ground penetrating radar (GPR) and visual sensor) has been proposed. In the first part of this research (discussed in chapter 3), the focus is towards developing effective and novel methods for rebar detection and localization for sub-surface bridge inspection of steel rebars. The data has been collected using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) sensor on real bridge decks. In this regard, a number of different approaches have been successively developed that continue to improve the state-of-the-art in this particular research area. The second part (discussed in chapter 4) of this research deals with the development of an automated system for steel bridge defect detection system using a Multi-Directional Bicycle Robot. The training data has been acquired from actual bridges in Vietnam and validation is performed on data collected using Bicycle Robot from actual bridge located in Highway-80, Lovelock, Nevada, USA. A number of different proposed methods have been discussed in chapter 4. The final chapter of the dissertation will conclude the findings from the different parts and discuss ways of improving on the existing works in the near future

Significance Test in Meta-Analysis Approach

Meta-analysis, a statistical procedure that integrates the results of several independent studies, plays a central role in statistical research, and a very  important  task  in research  problems and statistical significance tests . This paper  discusses these principles, along with the practical steps in performing meta-analysis.it describes the issue  of     meta-analysis, explains what     meta-analysis is, how it is done and how it can be interpreted. Some related problems such as statistical significance, effect size and  power analysis are described. Examples of implementation on theoretical data would be carried .Results , conclusions, recommendations on the use of     meta-analysis would be summarized

A comprehensive literature classification of simulation optimisation methods

Simulation Optimization (SO) provides a structured approach to the system design and configuration when analytical expressions for input/output relationships are unavailable. Several excellent surveys have been written on this topic. Each survey concentrates on only few classification criteria. This paper presents a literature survey with all classification criteria on techniques for SO according to the problem of characteristics such as shape of the response surface (global as compared to local optimization), objective functions (single or multiple objectives) and parameter spaces (discrete or continuous parameters). The survey focuses specifically on the SO problem that involves single per-formance measureSimulation Optimization, classification methods, literature survey

The Popular Consciousness of International Law in South Asia

This essay critically examines the intersection of international law and popular consciousness within South Asia, arguing that the prevailing Eurocentric structure of international law has failed to adequately address the diverse needs and aspirations of marginalized nations in the region. Through an analysis of historical perspectives and contemporary issues, it highlights the imperialistic tendencies inherent in international legal frameworks, perpetuating Eurocentric interpretations and hindering the recognition of cultural and intellectual diversity. Drawing from discussions held at an All-Indian seminar in 1967 and subsequent developments, the essay questions the compatibility of international law with the social, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds of South Asian countries, critiquing the imposition of Western values as universal standards in areas such as human rights, development discourse, and territorial boundaries. It examines how international economic institutions have exploited the rule of law to further their interests in South Asian countries, exacerbating economic disparities and social unrest. Furthermore, it delves into the historical construction of territorial boundaries in the region, revealing how colonial legacies continue to influence nationalist narratives and border disputes. Through an analysis of cinematic representations, it elucidates how popular consciousness perpetuates notions of otherness and nationalism, entrenching divisions within the region. Advocating for a decolonized framework of international law that recognizes regional particularities and cultural diversity, the essay calls for a reevaluation of Western-centric paradigms and a commitment to inclusive approaches to legal pluralism. Emphasizing the continuous nature of decolonization, it underscores the importance of challenging dominant ideologies within the international legal system to foster equitable and just global governance

Recommendations to strengthen the role of lady health workers in the national program for family planning and primary health care in Pakistan: the health workers perspective

Background: This study was planned to assess the strengths and weakness of the National Program for Family Planning and Primary from the Lady Health Workers (LHIW) perspective. We conducted this study in order to develop recommendations for strengthening LHWs\u27 role in Primary Health Care (PHC) in Pakistan in consultation with the health workers.Methods: A qualitative study, based on key informant interviews, was carried out in Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 20 workers were interviewed. Analysis was carried out by grouping similar responses in a matrix and then analysis with reference to context.Results: Motivations for joining program included financial benefits, convenient timings and an opportunity to serve humanity. Training was deemed satisfactory but clinical training was resented because of doctors\u27 attitudes. Further training needs identified included basic information about common ailments, reproductive issues and basic clinical skills. Major strengths of the program mentioned included provision of services at grass root level, reinforcement of health messages and the community acceptability of workers. Weaknesses mentioned included the contractual nature of job, low salaries, irregularity of payment, no career development and poor logistical support.CONCLUSION: Giving LHWs permanent government employee status and a raise in salary may strengthen the workers functions. Eligible LHWs should be given incentives (skills, career development, financial). The community must be educated about assigned role and responsibilities of LHWs and patient referral system by the LHW needs to be strengthened. The valuable role of LHWs in PHC in Pakistan must be acknowledged and further improvements pursued

Molecular epidemiology of Hepatitis C virus genotypes in Khyber Pakhtoonkhaw of Pakistan

Six major Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes and hundreds of subtypes have been identified globally. All these genotypes are generally studied for epidemiology, their vaccine development and clinical management. This article comments the frequency distribution of various HCV genotypes circulate in different areas/districts of Khyber Pakhtoonkhaw Province of Pakistan. Sum of 415 HCV RNA PCR positive sera samples were tested by a molecular genotyping assay. Data analysis revealed that out of these 415 HCV RNA positive patients 243 were males and 172 were females. Distribution breakup of the patients was 135, 58, 51, 51, 36, 32, 6, 7and 9 patients come from the districts of Abbottabad, Mardan, Pehawar, Swat, Haripure, Swabi and Dera Ismail Khan, respectively. Out of the tested samples, genotype specific PCR fragments were observed in 299 (74.82%) patient serum samples. The distribution of genotypes of the typeable samples was as fallows: 3 patients (0.72%) each were infected with genotype 1a and genotype 1b; 240 patients (80.26%) of genotype 3a; 25 patients (6.00%) genotype 3b; and 28 patients (6.73%) were observed as with mixed genotypic infection. Sums of 116 serum samples (27.88%) were still found untypeable by the used molecular genotyping system

Evaluation of \u27CKD-EPI Pakistan\u27 equation for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): a comparison of eGFR prediction equations in Pakistani population

Objective: To evaluate the results of 24-hour urinary creatinine clearance (CrCl) with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI), CKD-EPI Pakistan (CKD-EPI Pak), Cockcroft Gault (CG) and 4-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equations.Study Design: Descriptive, cross-sectional study.Place and Duration of Study: Section of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, from June to October 2013. Methodology: Laboratory data of subjects ≥18 years ordering 24-hour urinary CrCl from June to October 2013 was retrieved. Statistical comparison of eGFR using CKD-EPI, CKD-EPI Pak, CG and MDRD with the timed urine collection CrCl was done using regression analysis. Result: The mean age of the group (n=670) was 51.3 ±15.4 years with a median of 53 (IQR:22.3) years, 55.7% being males. Median BMI of males and females was 26.98 kg/m2(IQR: 7.09) and 26.16 kg/m2(IQR: 6.97), respectively. Mean GFR using 24-hour creatinine clearance was 57.1 ±35.9 ml/min/1.73m2 with a median of 51 ml/min/1.73m2. Urinary creatinine clearance showed strong correlation with CG, MDRD, CKD-EPI and CKD-EPI Pak, showing r=0.78, r=0.79, r=0.82, and r=0.82, respectively. Sensitivity was highest for the CKD-EPI Pakistan (84.7%). Similarly, CKD-EPI Pakistan equation showed the highest agreement (88.7%) with CrCl compared to the other formulae. Conclusion: The CKD-EPI Pak equation is more accurate and precise than the CG, CKD-EPI and MDRD in estimating GFR in Pakistani population