Discharge Curve Backoff Sleep Protocol for Energy Efficient Coverage in Wireless Sensor Networks

AbstractIn energy constrained wireless sensor networks, maximizing network coverage lifetime while ensuring optimized coverage is important. The challenge is to determine an appropriate duty cycle for the nodes while maintaining sufficient count of active nodes for optimal network coverage. Most of the existing work, for coverage optimization based on duty cycle, does not consider the residual energy of the active nodes. This can result in suboptimal wake-up of sleeping nodes. RBSP considers the residual energy but ignores the active nodes’ battery discharge rate. In this paper, we propose DCBSP (Discharge Curve Backoff Sleep Protocol), which considers the battery discharge curve of the active nodes to determine the duty cycle of the inactive nodes. Thus in DCBSP, inactive nodes wake-up close to death of the active nodes which leads to lesser energy consumption and increased network lifetime. NS-2 simulations show the energy consumption of DCBSP is lesser than that of PEAS by 39% and lesser by 25% and 15% as compared to RBSP and PECAS respectively. Further, the coverage ratio of DCBSP is higher than PEAS by 32% and higher by 17% and 6% as compared to RBSP, PECAS respectively. Hence, DCBSP is effective in ensuring higher coverage while extending the network lifetime

INCLUSION OF HUMAN CAPITAL IN THE CALCULATION OF WACC

Economic Value Added (EVA) is very weak in the Indian business organization. The acceptance level is very low rather popularity of its theoretical aspects. The researcher has found that there is a gap in the study of acceptance level of human capital relations to contemporary financial analysis EVA in the Indian context. The study has attempted to focus on the performance of the organization through human capital which contributes as well enhance Economic Value Addition of the organization. EVA is a financial performance metric that measures value based on adjusted accounting data to assess financial performance and help a company grow. (Stewart, p.3; Makelainen and Rozticki, 1998, p.7) Economic Value Added measures the profitability of a company after taking into account the cost of all capital including equity. It is the post-tax return on capital employed (adjusted for the tax shield on debt) minus the cost of capital employed.The dichotomy in accounting between human and non-human capital is fundamental. The latter is recognized as an asset and is therefore recorded in the books and reported in the financial statements, whereas the former is ignored by accountants. The definition of wealth as a source of income inevitably leads to the recognition of human capital as one of the several forms of wealth such as money, securities and financial capital. The study found that it is very difficult to measure human capital in Indian organization due to different HR practices in different organization depending upon the size and nature of the business.It is difficult to calculate the cost of capital including human capital, so the organizations face limitation to keep the record in measuring human capital and return on human capital in value-added financial statement (EVA) in quantitative terms. Although the organizations in European countries, USA and China have quantified the Return on Investment (ROI) through human capital and thereby found out the true economic profit of the organizations assumed as performance measurement and reflects in value –added financial statements; Economic Value Addition.However, in Indian context, there are organizations that have used Lev and Schwartz model to validate human capital. But, majority of manufacturing and service industries have not yet perceived that the assessment of economic value addition is possible through measurement of human capital.After an exhaustive literature survey, the paper will discuss the intertwined concepts of EVA and human capital. The paper first has explored the definitions of human capital cited by different researchers and also has attempted to find out the impact of EVA of the organization after incorporating cost of human capital in the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC)

Impact of Human Capital Incorporation on Economic Value Added of Large Scale Organizations: A Conceptual Managerial Decision Making Approach

In today’s turbulent times, Corporate have realized the importance of human capital in the corporate world. But there was no such method suggested to show human capital in the framework of conventional accounting. After an exhaustive literature survey, the paper has focused on financial approach towards human capital management and has developed a conceptual managerial decision making model of Economic Value Added (EVA) with incorporation of human capital in the calculation of Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) which will help the organizations in the long run to know the real value of EVA which has become the real indicator for the increase or decrease in shareholders fund. The appropriate value of EVA differs from organizations to organizations depending upon different HR practices, size, and nature and planned outcomes of the business. The paper first has explored the concept of EVA and Human Capital Management and economic definitions cited in Google website and has attempted in citing human capital definition which has been derived from the conclusion of the study. The paper has also attempted in framing a calculation methodology (Dash. Sujata. P (2013), “Inclusion of human capital in the calculation of WACC”, European Scientific Journal, Vol.9, No.28, pp. 405-421) to find out the true economic profit that is the EVA of any organizations in Indian context irrespective of manufacturing and service sector industries which gives an insight about the appropriate value which directly reflects the true wealth of the shareholders after incorporating human capital in the calculation of WACC. Any organizations can utilize the calculation methodology and can thereby enhance the performance of their organization using EVA because EVA is a financial performance metric that measures value based on adjusted accounting data to access financial performance and help a company grow. (Stewart, p.3, Makelainen & Rozticki, 1998, p.7). EVA measures the profitability of a company after taking into account the cost of all capital including equity. It is the post -tax return on capital employed (adjusted for the tax shield on debt) minus the cost of capital employed.   The paper finally describes the conceptual managerial decision making model of EVA with inclusion of human capital and tested the role of human capital management in economic value addition of large scale organizations empirically. Keywords: Human Capital, Human Capital Management, Economic Value Added, Weighted Average Cost of Capital

ADAPTIVE BLIND NOISE SUPPRESSION

Volume 1 Issue 6 (August 2013

Analysis of surgical fixation of displaced proximal humerus fractures using PHILOS plate

Background: The treatment of displaced proximal humeral injuries still throws challenges in identifying variables to prognosticate the outcome and optimizing a good clinical result. This study attempts to analyze the functional outcome of surgery of such fractures with proximal humeral interlocking system (PHILOS) plate and evaluate variables which help in predicting the prognosis.Methods: This is a retrospective and prospective study of 30 patients with displaced proximal humerus fractures - 2 part, 3 part, 4 part and fracture dislocations according to Neer classification, surgically treated using PHILOS plate during 2011 and 2014. Evaluation of patients was done on follow-up by an independent observer for union by radiographs and functional assessment by Constant-Murley score and DASH (disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand) score.Results: The mean age of the patients was 40.4 years (range 18-65). 83.3% of the patients were male. The mean follow-up was 18.9 months (4-36 months). The mean Constant-Murley score and the DASH score were 76 and 16 respectively at the last follow-up. Our analysis showed that the patient’s age, delay in surgery, and Neer’s classification influenced the prognosis of the fracture. Medial metaphyseal extension in the fracture or an intact medial neck showed a better outcome. Complications were seen in 5 patients. Avascular necrosis was seen in 3 patients.Conclusions: Osteosynthesis of displaced proximal humeral fractures with PHILOS plate provides a good outcome, with low complication rate. Patient’s age and the type of fracture based on Neer’s classification prognosticate the outcome.

Potential for domestic thermal storage to absorb excess renewable energy in a low carbon future

Transition to low carbon electricity generation is key to meet the global emission targets. This requires a drastic shift from the current energy mix dominated by coal and gas to renewables especially wind and solar. Due to the intermittent nature of renewable generation, the probability of generation-demand mismatch is high. This mandates the need for storage of the excess generation in order to prevent curtailment. Utilisation of domestic hot water tanks to absorb this excess provides us with an economical option at a nominal incremental cost. This paper develops a method to quantify the capacity of hot water tanks required and the potential savings in a low carbon future. The results are explained with the UK as a case study. The results indicate that between one and ten Terra Watt hours of curtailment can be expected in the UK in the year 2040. Eighty percent of this energy can be captured if one-fifth of all houses in the UK are equipped with smart hot water tanks

Effect of tylophora asthmatica on hepatotoxicity induced by antitubercular drugs in albino rats

Background: The burden of metabolism and exposure to dangerous chemicals make liver vulnerable to variety of disorders like acute or chronic inflammation, toxin/ drug related hepatitis or cirrhosis. Tuberculosis is a common problem in India and worldwide. Drug induced liver injury (DILI) is a problem of increasing significance, but has been a long standing concern in treatment of tuberculous (TB) infection. Several studies have revealed that, tylophora asthmatica (Burnf.) Merill. (Family: asclepidaceae) commonly known as antmul possess hepatoprotective property. There is less scientific work regarding the effect of Tylophora asthmatica on hepatotoxicity induced by antitubercular drugs, hence the present study was carried out with the aim of evaluating the effect of tylophora asthmatica on antitubercular drug induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats.Methods: Total 24 Albino rats weighing about 150-200 grams were divided in four groups, 6 animals in each group. In the study, antitubercular drugs: INH (50 mg/kg) and rifampicin (50 mg/kg), test drug: aqueous extract of tylophora asthmatica doses (200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg) were used. Drugs were given by oral route for 14 days. Biochemical tests for Sr. ALT, AST, bilirubin (total and direct) and histopathological examination of liver was done.Results: Tylophora asthmatica treated group had no significant rise in values of Sr.ALT, AST, bilirubin (total and direct) and also there were no significant histopathological changes in this group, indicating hepatoprotective effect of tylophora asthmatica.Conclusions: It was concluded that tylophora asthmatica has hepatoprotective activity in antitubercular drug induced hepatotoxicity

Design, Formulation and evaluation of sustained release tablet of divelproex sodium

In the present work, formulation and evaluation of Sustained tablet of Divalproex sodium was carried out. In the project, different formulations of sustained release layer have been prepared. From above formulations best formulation of each sustained release was selected according to the dissolution profile. Divalproex sodium is soluble in 0.1 N NaOH, phosphate buffer pH 6.8, chloroform, methanol, ethanol (95%), and sparingly soluble in water. The absorbance maximum of the Divalproex sodium was found to be at 210 nm when scanned in between 200-400 nm using methanol as well as phosphate buffer pH 6.8 solutions. All the characteristic peaks of Divalproex sodium were present in the spectrum of drug and excipient mixture, indicating compatibility between drug and excipients. In the present work SR tablets of Divalproex sodium were prepared by wet granulation method, using polymer like HPMC K4M for sustained release. Best formulations of was selected for  Divalproex sodium were subjected to hardness, weight variation, friability, drug content uniformity, in vitro drug release and drug polymer interaction. Keywords: Divalproex sodium, Sustained Release, HPMC and Epilepsy

A Review on Formulation and Evaluation of Sustained Release Tablet of Devilproex Sodium

An appropriately designed drug delivery system can be a major step towards solving these two problems. This technique for the drug   administration is termed as ‘sustained release’ or ‘controlled release.  Drugs  with  dosage  not  exceeding  125mg  –  325mg  are  more  suited  as  extended  release  products in order to limit the size of the delivery system.   In  the  case  of  soluble  matrix  the  matrix  swells  or  dissolves.  These matrices then undergo surface erosion with little or no bulk erosion. Divalproex sodium dissociates to the valproate ion in the gastrointestinal tract. The mechanisms by which valproate exerts its therapeutic effects have not been established. One of its most important characteristics is the high gelation velocity and viscosity, which has a significant effect on the release kinetics of the incorporated drug. It was proven that HPMC at high concentration promoted the drug release approaching to a zero-order release kinetic because of its gelation properties Keywords: HPMC, Divalproex sodium, sustained release and zero-order release kineti