Applying SDN to Mobile Networks: A New Perspective for 6G Architecture

The upcoming Sixth Generation (6G) mobile communications system envisions supporting a variety of use cases with differing characteristics, e.g., very low to extremely high data rates, diverse latency needs, ultra massive connectivity, sustainable communications, ultra-wide coverage etc. To accommodate these diverse use cases, the 6G system architecture needs to be scalable, modular, and flexible; both in its user plane and the control plane. In this paper, we identify some limitations of the existing Fifth Generation System (5GS) architecture, especially that of its control plane. Further, we propose a novel architecture for the 6G System (6GS) employing Software Defined Networking (SDN) technology to address these limitations of the control plane. The control plane in existing 5GS supports two different categories of functionalities handling end user signalling (e.g., user registration, authentication) and control of user plane functions. We propose to move the end-user signalling functionality out of the mobile network control plane and treat it as user service, i.e., as payload or data. This proposal results in an evolved service-driven architecture for mobile networks bringing increased simplicity, modularity, scalability, flexibility and security to its control plane. The proposed architecture can also support service specific signalling support, if needed, making it better suited for diverse 6GS use cases. To demonstrate the advantages of the proposed architecture, we also compare its performance with the 5GS using a process algebra-based simulation tool.Comment: 11 page

A Flexible Architecture for Broadcast Broadband Convergence in Beyond 5G

There has been an exponential increase in the usage of multimedia services in mobile networks in recent years. To address this accelerating data demand, mobile networks are experiencing a subtle transformation in their architecture. One of the changes in this direction is the support of Multicast/Broadcast Service (MBS) in the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Fifth Generation (5G) network. The MBS has been introduced to enhance resource utilization and user experience in 3GPP 5G networks. However, there are certain limitations in the 3GPP 5G MBS architecture, such as the selection of the delivery method (unicast or broadcast) by the core network (may result in sub-optimal radio resource utilization) and no provision for converging non-3GPP broadcast technologies (like digital terrestrial television) with cellular (3GPP 5G) broadband. In this context, we propose a new architecture for broadcast broadband convergence in mobile networks. A novelty of the architecture is that it treats signalling exchange with User Equipment (UE) as data (service) which results in improved scalability of mobile networks. The proposed architecture can also be extended for the convergence of cellular broadband and non-3GPP broadcast networks with ease. The architecture supports enhanced flexibility in choosing a delivery method (3GPP 5G unicast, 3GPP 5G broadcast, or non-3GPP broadcast) for user data. We evaluate the performance of the proposed architecture using process algebra-based simulations, demonstrating a significant reduction in the number of signalling messages exchanged between the UE and the network for MBS session establishment as compared to the 3GPP 5G network.Comment: 6 pages, conference pape

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) genetic resources for climate change intervention and its future breeding

Linseed or flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), a multiple purpose crop valued for its seed oil, fibre, probiotic and nutraceutical properties, is adapted to different environments and agro-ecologies. Modern breeding techniques using only limited number of selected varieties have resulted in a loss of specific alleles and thus, reduction in total genetic diversity relevant to climate-smart agriculture. However, well-curated collections of landraces, wild linseed accessions and other Linum species exist in the gene banks and are important sources of new alleles. This review is primarily focused on the studies of genetic diversity of linseed species and evaluation related to tolerance to abiotic and biotic stress factors that could be useful for improving linseed through future promising breeding programs in addition to briefly discussing different morphotypes and nutraceutical importance. Wide diversity in linseed germplasm indicates a considerable potential for improving this crop for both agronomic and quality traits required for developing climate-resilience tailored to specific environments. Recent release of the flax genome sequence coupled with wide range of genomic and analytical tools in public domain has furthered understanding of molecular mechanisms for detailed study of the genes underlying flax adaptation to stress and diversity in commercially important accessions. Important climate related traits and their constituent genes are presented and key developments for the future highlighted emphasizing the urgent need to increase the use of genetically diverse germplasm to meet the emerging challenges in agricultural production and to conserve valuable genetic resources for the future

Heterosis in Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

The present investigation was conducted to determine heterosis in 6 lines and 4 tester crosses of bitter gourd, where the six lines used were MC-84 (L1), S-17 (L2), JMC-21 (L3), NDBT-15(L4), VRBT-94 (L5) and Gy-1 (L6) and the four testers were VRBT-6-9 (T1), JMC-22 (T2), VRBT-89 (T3) and MC-56 (T4). Most of the crosses failed to manifest significant heterosis for many of the horticultural traits but traits, like vine length and fruit length showed positive significant heterosis, while, days to first appearance of female flower manifested negative significant heterosis in several crosses. Two crosses, namely, MC-84 x VRBT-6-9 and MC-84 x JMC-22 were identified to have potential in terms of yield, whereas two more crosses viz., S-17 x VRBT-6-9 and S-17 x JMC-22 were found superior in terms of powdery mildew resistance

Depression: An Epidemic in Sikkim

INTRODUCTION: Depression is a common medical problem which is affecting people of all ages, genders, different socioeconomic groups, and religions in India and all over the world. If left untreated, it can lead to suicidal tendency followed by death. The second leading cause of death today among children and adolescents is suicide and youth suicide has become a significant public health problem. Various kinds of behavioral pattern of the people such as ideation, attempt to suicide can lead to death. So it can be considered as an intricate and multifactorial phenomenon. Along with many of the known risk factors like psychiatric disorders, instability, and drug abuse, depression is the one of the serious mental illnesses which is commonly associated with the suicidal tendency.AIM: To assess the level of prevalence of depression and associated symptoms, this cross-sectional study was done in Sikkim among 982 individuals.MATERIALS AND METHOD: The questionnaire based study consisted of 421 (42.88%) males and 561 (57.12%) females.RESULTS: A statistically significant(p =0.001) relation was found between depressive disorder among males and unemployment. However, Depression among females was attributed to marriage-related problems and affairs.CONCLUSION: There is an urgent need to develop health education packages to avert this public health problem

Effect of Procainization of Ventromedial Nucleus of Hypothalamus on the Feeding Behavior of Rats

Bilateral lesions in the Ventromedial nucleus of hypothalamus (VMH) cause hyperphagia and a preference for high lipid, high carbohydrate diet. Reversible lesion by procaine microinfusion produces a decrease in serum glucose and immunoreactive insulin levels. In the present study the effect of procaine microinfusion on feeding behavior and taste preference was observed. 5 h and 24 h food intake, water intake and weekly body weight of the rats was measured. Three bottle preference test was used to study the diet preferences. The 24 h food intake was found to be significantly more on 1st, 2nd and 3rd day (41 ± 6.03, 38.83 ± 6.17 and 33.66 ± 5.88 g/day, respectively) of procaine injection. There was also a significant increase in food intake at 0.25 h (4.166 ± 2.04 g) and 1 h (5 ± 0 g) as compared to saline group (0 ± 0 g at 0.25 h and 0.83 ± 2.04 g at 1 h). Post procaine water intake and body weight for seven days was not statistically significantly when compared to pre-lesion values. In the three bottles preference test, after procaine microinfusion there was a significantly increased preference for 20% sucrose and 0.15% saccharin than quinine and citric acid. The results suggest that bilateral procainization of VMH produces a transient increase in food intake and enhance preference for sweet tasting substances

Censorious appraisal of Malahara Kalpana

The name “Malahara'' is derived from the Unani system of medicine, where similar formulations are termed as “Malham”. In Ayurveda it comes under “Lepa Kalpana'' and has been in existence since the time of Charaka Samhita. However, the term “Malahara'' was first observed in Yogaratnakara and subsequently seen in Bharat Bhaisajya Ratnakara, Rasatarangini and Rasatantrasara & Sidhaprayoga Sangraha in sequential order. Malahara Kalpana is a very useful and potent pharmaceutical preparation for external use, and it can be compared with ointments, creams and pastes in modern pharmaceuticals. These formulations are predominantly used in conditions like Vrana (wounds) and Kushtha (skin diseases). Here the active medicaments are mixed with fatty bases, which in addition to facilitating absorption into skin, enhancing shelf life and bringing convenience of use, also add their own properties to the formulation. Not only the ingredients but even the method of preparation used in various Malahara Kalpanas, has been meticulously designed and varies based on the ingredients and the indication of the formulations. Although in Ayurvedic texts we find a detailed description about its different kinds of formulation, there is limited knowledge available about Malahara Kalpana. This article is an attempt to bring about clarity on the subject through review of various Malahara Kalpana given in different texts

Genetic Variability in Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

The variance analysis for 17 plant characters showed significant differences. Maximum vine length was recorded in IC-85635A. Significantly higher number of primary branches per vine and internodal length were observed in IC-85639. Maximum number of nodes was observed in JMC-4. Significantly minimum number of days for first appearance of male flower and maximum fruit length, fruit width, yield per vine, yield per plot, yield/ha were recorded in MC-84. Highest number of fruits per vine was recorded in GY-I and minimum powdery mildew infestation was observed in JMC-22

Optimization of sowing dates in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) to combat yield losses caused by high temperature at reproductive stage

A field experiment was undertaken during the Rabi seasons of 2019-20 and 2021-22 at organic farm of Amity Institute of Organic Agriculture, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India, for the optimization of the sowing time period to reduce the effect of heat stress on Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) for increasing productivity. 32 Indian mustard germplasms were sown at three different time periods viz., the last week of September, the last fortnight of October, and the second week of November. Our results revealed that the mustard crop showed a substantial increase in yield supporting characters such as the number of siliqua and seeds per siliqua when sown at last week of September as compared to the second week of October, whereas the late sown crop resulted in less yield due to the heat stress faced by crop during the anthesis stage as compared to early and optimum sowing. The mean seed yield per plant showed a positive correlation with mean test weight. We established the positive effect of early sowing over optimal and late sowing in Indian mustard; further, we found a few mustard accessions were able to resist different climatic conditions. The mustard germplasm accessions IC296688, IC296703, IC296732, IC305130, IC401575, IC426385, and IC589669 were high yielding among all the accessions and can be considered as heat stress tolerant