Finite Blocklength Rates over a Fading Channel with CSIT and CSIR

In this work, we obtain lower and upper bounds on the maximal transmission rate at a given codeword length $n$, average probability of error $\epsilon$ and power constraint $\bar{P}$, over a finite valued, block fading additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel with channel state information (CSI) at the transmitter and the receiver. These bounds characterize deviation of the finite blocklength coding rates from the channel capacity which is in turn achieved by the water filling power allocation across time. The bounds obtained also characterize the rate enhancement possible due to the CSI at the transmitter in the finite blocklength regime. The results are further elucidated via numerical examples.Comment: 10 pages, 2 figures, results for finite valued fading states, typos corrected, proofs elaborated, lower bound under short term power constraint improve

Hidden burden of malaria in Indian women

Malaria is endemic in India with an estimated 70-100 million cases each year (1.6-1.8 million reported by NVBDCP); of this 50-55% are Plasmodium vivax and 45-50% Plasmodium falciparum. A recent study on malaria in pregnancy reported from undivided Madhya Pradesh state (includes Chhattisgarh state), that an estimated over 220,000 pregnant women contract malaria infection each year. Malaria in pregnancy caused- abortions 34.5%; stillbirths 9%; and maternal deaths 0.45%. Bulk of this tragic outcome can be averted by following the Roll Back Malaria/WHO recommendations of the use of malaria prevention i.e. indoor residual spraying (IRS)/insecticide-treated bed nets (ITN) preferably long-lasting treated bed nets (LLIN); intermittent preventive therapy (IPT); early diagnosis, prompt and complete treatment using microscopic/malaria rapid diagnostics test (RDT) and case management. High incidence in pregnancy has arisen because of malaria surveillance lacking coverage, lack of age and sex wise data, staff shortages, and intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) applicable in high transmission states/pockets is not included in the national drug policy- an essential component of fighting malaria in pregnancy in African settings. Inadequate surveillance and gross under-reporting has been highlighted time and again for over three decades. As a result the huge problem of malaria in pregnancy reported occasionally by researchers has remained hidden. Malaria in pregnancy may quicken severity in patients with drug resistant parasites, anaemia, endemic poverty, and malnutrition. There is, therefore, urgent need to streamline malaria control strategies to make a difference in tackling this grim scenario in human health

Battling the malaria iceberg with chloroquine in India

The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) of the Ministry of Health, Government of India is reporting about 2 million parasite positive cases each year, although case incidence is 30-fold or more under-estimated. Forty five to fifty percent of Plasmodium infections are caused by Plasmodium falciparum, the killer parasite. Anti-malaria drug policy (2007) of the NVBDC recommends chloroquine (CQ) as the first line of drug for the treatment of all malarias. In a Primary Health Centre (PHC) reporting 10% or more cases of CQ resistance in P. falciparum, ACT blister pack is recommended and, so far, the policy has been adopted in 261 PHCs of 71 districts. The NVBDCP still depends on CQ to combat malaria and, as a result, P. falciparum has taken deep roots in malaria-endemic regions, causing unacceptable levels of morbidity and mortality. This policy was a subject of criticism in recent Nature and Lancet articles questioning the World Bank's decision to supply CQ to the NVBDCP. Continuation of an outdated drug in the treatment of P. falciparum is counterproductive in fighting drug resistant malaria and in the containment of P. falciparum. Switchover to Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) in the treatment of all P. falciparum cases, ban on artemisinin monotherapy and effective vector control (treated nets/efficient insecticide spraying) would be a rational approach to malaria control in India

Polymers and Microplastics: Implications on Our Environment and Sustainability

Polymeric are molecular structures that are built up primarily with multiple units of monomers, which may be natural or synthetic in nature. Amidst latest challenges with increased environmental awareness and pollution levels, there is increasing trend toward the production of plastics due to their extensive applications ranging from packaging to biomedical products. Plastics are versatile, indispensable, and cost-effective, require less energy to produce than alternative materials like metal or glass, and may be produced with different properties. They can be molded into different shapes, color, and functionality to serve the customers’ expectations at affordable costs. Additives such as plasticizers, stabilizers, and colorants are added to monomers for specific properties as per requirement of manufacturing needs or guidelines. Although generally inert in nature, they may also pose health risks due to migration of few chemicals of environmental or health concerns in concentrations above than the permissible limits. Microplastics are now a great concern to environment and biodiversity. The extensive indiscriminate overuse of plastics, lack of adequate waste management practices, and casual community behavior toward their proper disposal pose a significant threat to the environment. Efforts are being taken globally for minimization of adverse implications, and concerted search are in progress for environment-friendly bio-based products with sustainability approaches

Organic matrix based slow release fertilizer enhances plant growth, nitrate assimilation and seed yield of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Author Details

Abstract Field experiments were conducted to study the effect of organic matrix based slow release fertilizers (SRFs) on plant growth, nitrate assimilation and seed yield of Brassica juncea L. cv. pusa bold. The agro-waste materials like cow dung, clay soil, neem leaves and rice bran were mixed together in 2:2:1:1 ratio and used as organic matrix for the immobilization of chemical fertilizer nutrients with commercial grade saresh (Acacia gum, 15% solution) as binder. Different fertilizer treatments were organic matrix based slow release fertilizers, SRF-I (542.0 kg ha ). Organic matrix based SRF-II released ammonium up to 50-d in wet soil under laboratory conditions which showed maximum retention of the nutrients. A very significant increase in plant growth, nitrate assimilation and seed yield was recorded in organic matrix based SRF-II applied plants. The maximum percent increase in biomass production was observed with organic matrix based SRF-II (increase of 65.8% in root fresh weight, 38.0% in root dry weight, 45.9% in leaf fresh weight plant -1 and 27.5 % in leaf dry weight plant -1 in 60-d old plants). It also increased the acquisition and assimilation of nitrate from the plant's rhizosphere which was evident by 45.6% increase in nitrate, 27.5% in nitrite and 11.7% in nitrate reductase activity (NRA) in leaves of 45-d old plants over control. The organic matrix based SRF-II significantly increased the seed yield by 28% in Indian mustard. Cost analysis revealed that this formulation is cost effective as it is based on agro waste materials

Synthesis of Mn0.2Zn0.8Fe2O4 particles by high energy ball milling and their applications

Ultra fine Mn0.2Zn0.8Fe2O4 magnetic particles are developed by high energy ball milling technique and investigated for physical properties. The crystalline phase, crystallite size, surface morphology, metal oxide bonding and porosity of these magnetic particles are analyzed. The porosity increases on increasing the grinding period due to decrease in the particle size and crystallinity reduces. The IR spectra measured in the range of 4000-400 cm-1 exhibit symmetric stretching mode of (FeO4) and (ZnO4) tetrahedral at 669.7 cm-1 and 545.6 cm-1. The lattice strain induced by ball milling process has been determined. The porosity plays an important role in chemisorption and physisorption of species on the sites of the particles. This property of these particles has been exploited for the applications of humidity sensor