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Buildings account for nearly 40% of the world's energy consumption. Renewable energy sources can help decarbonization by facilitating the achievement of Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB). NZEB can be achieved by efficient coordination of the grid-connected load in the building tuned to a consumer's energy demand, usage pattern, and available energy sources. An effective NZEB system calls for an energy-efficient management technique. This paper proposes a novel mathematical strategy for electrical energy management in a residential building. The suggested method establishes a Net Zero Energy (NZE) in a residential building with maximum electrical energy comfort and minimum drain on electrical energy. We validate the concept using a Multi-Objective Differential Evolution optimization methodology using a consumer-controlled approach to obtain Pareto points to guarantee optimal solutions in an NZEB. The proposed scheme delineates the net cumulative electrical energy cost savings of the consumer, ensuring minimum electrical energy discomfort, and minimization of carbon footprints in an NZE Photovoltaic-Grid tied residential building. We highlight the socioeconomic benefits of adopting the methodology in identifying the true potential of NZEBs in meeting global challenges. This research provides insights to the engineers and policy makers to increase consumer participation in the energy performance in an NZEB.

It is commonly accepted in the economic literature that institutions influence economic development. But can we detect the effect of quality of institutions on the performance of specific economic sectors in the regions of a country? There is a significant gap in knowledge and evidence of this in the literature. Since the 1990s, India has adopted a set of reform steps to improve the efficiency of its electricity sector. However, there remain significant performance differences among the regulated network utilities. We apply a stochastic frontier analysis to examine the performance of electricity distribution utilities in 24 Indian states. Our estimated heteroscedastic cost frontier model allows us to identify determinants of performance related to state-level institutional and economic factors. The findings confirm that economic development and institutional quality positively affect the performance of electricity distribution utilities. Additionally, we simulate the potential cost savings from institutional enhancements. The results support the need to strengthen the institutions, for example, through reform and bolstering of independent regulatory agencies.

In recent times, improvement in building designs has been on a steady upward trend, precipitated by large greenhouse gas emissions of energy draining outmoded construction materials. Global energy crisis exacerbated by climate change has motivated the design and construction of energy-efficient Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB). This paper proposes an energy management strategy for grid-connected Net Zero Energy Buildings that help to achieve a net zero balance of energy in Electrical Grid Photovoltaic-connected NZEB homes. The significance of NZEB was evaluated by providing insights into cost-savings for the consumer’s net energy consumption and reduced carbon footprint. The proffered energy management strategy uses a single-objective Differential Evolution (DE) optimization algorithm that prunes the demand for electrical energy through an efficacious appliance scheduling routine. A novel mathematical energy index is introduced that enables consumers to monitor the net energy imported from the electrical grid and maintain a zero energy index. The proposed net zero energy concept is validated using DE and Genetic Algorithm (GA)-based optimization techniques.

Introduction: Fistula in ano is a common anorectal disorder requiring surgical intervention. It is associated with high recurrence rate and post-operative complications. In this study we have analysed and compare results of a newer technique for low anal fistula SLOFT with conventional Fistulectomy. Aims and Objective: To compare Submucosal Ligation of Fistula Tract (SLOFT) with conventional fistulectomy in patients of low anal fistula by analysing various intra-operative factors and post-operative outcome. Materials and Methods: An interventional study carried out at Santosh Medical College and Hospitals, Ghaziabad from January 2017 to October 2018. This study included 60 Patients of low anal fistula which were divided into two groups of 30 patients each. Group I was offered Conventional Fistulectomy & Group II underwent SLOFT. Result and Observations: Fistula in ano is commonly seen in middle aged males. There is no significant difference in duration of surgery between SLOFT and Fistulectomy. However post-operative complications, pain (measured by VAS scoring system), wound healing and early return to work was significantly better in patients who underwent SLOFT. Conclusion: SLOFT has significant advantage over convention fistulectomy in terms of post-operative pain, wound healing, early return to work and cosmetic outcome. Keywords: Fistula in ano, Low anal fistula, SLOFT (Submucosal ligation of fistula tract), LIFT (Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract), Fistulectomy.

Introduction: Acute abdomen is a very common problem in emergency department. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to find out the clinical and epidemiology profile of acute abdominal pain among patients attending emergency department of Santosh Medical College Ghaziabad. Materials and Methods: A tertiary care hospital based, cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2018- April 2019 2018, among patients presenting with acute abdominal pain to Santosh Medical College Ghaziabad, India. Data was entered on a standard data collection sheet after obtaining a written informed consent. Results: Out of 1200 patients admitted via the Emergency Department at the Hospital, 200 (16.6%) were admitted with atraumatic acute abdominal pain. Out of 200, 120(60%) were due to Surgical causes and 80 due to non-surgical causes. Most consistent symptom and sign were pain abdomen and abdominal tenderness respectively. Acute cholecystitis was the most common etiology of acute abdominal pain (35.8% cases), followed by, Renal Stones (30.5%), Acute Appendicitis (17.5%) and Intestinal Obstruction (16.67%) respectively. Conclusion: About 16.60% of all emergency admissions were due to acute abdominal pain and about 60.0% of all atraumatic acute abdominal pain was due to surgical cause. Acute cholecystitis was the most common cause of surgical abdominal pain. Keywords: Acute abdominal pain (AAP), Right hypochondrium (RHC), Epigastrium, Hypochondrium.

Introduction: Effectiveness of tamsulosin in distal urolithiasis, which provide drastically comfort to the patient, considering stone expulsion, renal colic, expulsion time and costs. Aim: To evaluate efficacy of tamsulosin in the expulsion of distal ureteral stones and to determine expulsion rate and time. Materials and Methods: An interventional study was conducted in the department of surgery, Santosh Medical College and Hospital, Ghaziabad. 100 patients were included in study from 15–45 years of age and both sexes having a single unilateral stone of 2–8 mm size. Patients having multiple or bilateral stones, renal insufficiency, UTI, urinary retention, malignancy, history of previous surgery, hypersensitivity, taking calcium-antagonist or corticosteroid, renal abnormalities, were excluded from the study. Results: The results showed an important role of tamsulosin for conservative expulsion of distal ureteric stones up to 8mm. There was no statistical significant difference in age and calculus size in the 61 males and 39 females. Ureteric calculi were more common on left side (56 patients) than right side (44 patients). Symptoms included flank pain in 100% of patients, dysuria in 17, vomiting in 10, haematuria in 6 patients. The diagnosis was confirmed by USG-KUB, X-Ray KUB or both. IVP helped in 1 case. 82% expulsion rate with tamsulosin, mostly within 1 week and with 1 mean colic episode was observed, better for smaller and left sided stones. Conclusion: Medical expulsive therapy with tamsulosin should be considered between conservative and surgical management. Keywords: Ureteric colic, Lower end ureter, Alpha 1 a-d receptors, Tamsulosin.

Introduction: Cardiac tumors constitute only 0.2% of all tumors. Primary cardiac tumors are extremely rare with an incidence of 0.0017 to 0.19. Cardiac myxomas are the most common benign neoplasm of the heart. The prevalence is rare and incidence is 0.001% to 0.03%. Objective: To review our experiences with this rare entity and highlight the various aspects of myxoma presentation, histopathology and diagnosis in Western Maharastrian Population. Methodology: A total of 18 cases were accrued from the histopathology files of MH Cardiothoracic centre from 2009-2019 and studied. Results: A total 18 cases were included in the analysis. Mean age was 45 years, with equal male to female ratio (50%). Patients ranged from 01 months to 84 years old. Echocardiography was the diagnostic technique employed. The tumor was demonstrated by angiocardiography prior to surgery. Hemodynamically, left atrial myxomas revealed moderately severe pulmonary hypertension and right atrial myxomas, with right atrial hypertension. There were 12 myxomas in the left atrium, 3 in the right atrium, 1 in left ventricle, 1 in the Aortic valve and one case of papillary fibroelastoma in left atrium was reported. Eighteen patients underwent open-heart operation with removal of the myxoma. The size of myxoma varied from friable centimetric fragments to globular mass measuring 8.5cm in greatest dimension. The mean dimension of myxoma measured on echocardiography was 3.69 cm. 77.7% percent had left sided and 16.6% had right sided myxoma. Conclusion: Our results showed that the prevalence of cardiac myxoma in Western Maharashtra is comparable with national and global estimates however the female to male ratio was same, no gender predominance was noted. The mean age of presentation was 45 years, slightly lower than global pattern. Mean greatest dimension was 3.69cm. Prevalence of right atrial myxoma was slightly higher in our sample compare to other national and international published literature.

Haemorrhoid is a common anorectal disorder which usually requires surgical intervention. Conventional haemorrhoidectomy had been practiced for long time but in 1993 Longo introduced a newer minimally invasive procedure for haemorrhoids. In this study we have compared the post-operative results of MIPH with conventional open haemorrhoidectomy. To analyze and compare various Pre and post-operative factors such as duration of surgery, post-operative pain and analgesia, duration of hospital stay, post- operative complications, recurrence and early return to work in the patients suffering from Grade III and IV Haemorrhoids undergoing Open Miligan-Morgan’s haemorrhoidectomy and Minimal Invasive Procedure for Haemorrhoids(MIPH). In this prospective study a total of sixty patients underwent surgery for grade III and IV haemorrhoids at Santosh Medical College and Hospital, Ghaziabad from April 2017 to October 2018. Thirty patients in group A underwent Milligan Morgan technique of open haemorrhoidectomy and thirty patients in group Bunderwent Longo’s technique of MIPH (Minimal Invasive Procedure for Haemorrhoids). The average duration of surgery was significantly less in MIPH group as compared to open haemorrhoidectomy group. Only 6.6% of MIPH developed early post-operative complications whereas atleast 25% of open haemorrhoidectomy developed early complications such as pain, bleeding per rectum and wound infection. Early return to work was significantly better in MIPH group. MIPH is safe with a low recurrence rate and complications. It is a nobel technique and has emerged as an alternative to open haemorrhoidectomy. Only limitation is the cost of the MIPH stapler device. Keywords: Haemorrhoids; MIPH, Open Haemorrhoidectomy; Stapled Haemorrhoidopexy.

Background: Patients presenting for kidney transplant (KTx) evaluation are subject to high rates of mortality and cardiovascular (CV) events pre- and post-KTx. CV and mortality risk assessment is needed. Methods: We evaluated cardiac troponin T (cTnT) as a predictor of CV events and mortality in a racially diverse cohort with significant CV disease burden presenting for KTx evaluation. Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was also assessed in predicting these outcomes. The population consisted of 561 patients presenting for KTx evaluation from 2011 to 2013 at Mayo Clinic, Arizona. A cutoff value for cTnT and RVSP that was most associated with CV events or mortality was derived. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to assess cTnT, RVSP, traditional, and other risk factors for the outcomes of interest. Results: Mean age was 53.5 ± 13.7 years and the median follow-up after KTx evaluation was 48.0 months. The cohort was 70.6% (n = 392) White, 11.4% (n = 63) Black, 8.5% (n = 47) Native American, and 3.1% (n = 17) Asian. Preexisting CV disease at the time of evaluation was prevalent in 24.4% (n = 137) of patients. During follow-up, 66.3% (n = 372) received a KTx and 21.9% (n = 123) had a composite event (16.8% death, 6.6 % CV events). It was found that 70.7% (n = 87) of events occurred in patients who were not transplanted; 53.5% (n = 300) had an elevated cTnT (≥0.01 ng/mL, median 0.02 ng/mL) and 84.1% (n = 344) of patients with RVSP data had an elevated RVSP (>25 mm Hg). Time to event analysis identified a cTnT ≥0.036 ng/mL and RVSP ≥31 mm Hg to be best predictive of CV events and mortality. Smoking, CV disease, hypoalbuminemia, RVSP, and cTnT independently predicted CV events and mortality. Conclusion: Elevated cTnT and RVSP were independently predictive of CV events and mortality in the cohort. Clinicians should consider the value of RVSP and cTnT as markers of CV risk in KTx evaluation.

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissues occupying a large proportion of hospital beds. This study was conducted for analysis of patients with cellulitis according to their demographics and clinical presentation and to examine their comorbidities, complications, and its management. This observational cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Surgery at Santosh Medical College and Hospitals involving a total of 60 cases having cellulitis and other soft tissue infections of lower limb. Analysis of their demographic profile, management, and complications was done. Cellulitis is seen commonly in males, 46 (76.6%). The mean age of patients affected by cellulitis in the study was 36.4 ± 1.23 years. The most common site affected is leg involving more people in field jobs. The most common risk factor was trauma in 46.6%, and other factors were diabetes mellitus and smoking, while abscess formation was the most common complication observed in 36.6% of cases. A total of 56.6% cases were managed conservatively, while 43.3% cases required surgical intervention. Mean hospital stay in this study was 5.02 ± 0.23 days. It was concluded that cellulitis is subcutaneous, spreading bacterial infection is more common in males, and its incidence is highest in working age group population. Lower limb is commonly involved. Trauma, smoking, and diabetes are significant risk factors for development of cellulitis. Abscess is the most common complication. About 50% patients with cellulitis can be managed conservatively and the rest require surgical intervention.

Leukariosis is an incidental MRI finding which appears as white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) or diffuse white matter changes and is related to small vessel disease. Patients having severe WM disease are more susceptible to intraoperative hypoperfusion, metabolic disturbance, microemboli, any medication effect, and postoperative hemodynamic perturbations. The effect of anaesthesia in patients with leukoariosis is not commonly known and there is paucity of reported literature.

The level of penetration for Distributed Generation (DG) in Distribution network (DN) is on the verge. Therefore, the impact assessment of voltage stability studies has become a vital task. In order to optimally place DGs, Optimization techniques are used. This study introduces an approach to optimally place and size DG in order to maintain voltage levels and minimize line losses. A Voltage stability index (VSI) is introduced, as voltage magnitude is an inadequate indicator to analyze voltage stability. Optimal place and size for different types of DGs is obtained in the proposed work by applying Particle swarm optimization (PSO). Feasibility of this work is tested and implemented on IEEE 33 and 69 bus Radial Distribution system (RDS).

Widespread adoption of electric vehicles would bring a paradigm shift in the way distribution infrastructure is planned and electricity markets operate. Electric vehicle adoption could help in meeting the worldwide targets for greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the health benefits for the public would be immense as the source of emissions would be far away from the massively populated areas. For electricity markets, electric vehicles can serve as a distributed plug in facility of energy storage at low cost requiring minimal capital investment from grid utilities. However, widespread electric vehicle adoption faces a number of hurdles such as limited range in comparison to Internal combustion engines, but from the grid perspective, it faces issues such as limitations of available charging infrastructure to charge large number of electric vehicles and longer charging time currently as compared to refueling fuel driven vehicles. This chapter explores such issues and their remedies in the current literature.

Electric vehicles are rapidly emerging as perfect substitute for the internal combustion engine vehicles so as to decrease the high dependency of transportation sector on natural resources like oil and gas. BEVs & PHEVs could provide an optimal solution for preventing environmental degradation, decreased emission rates and reduced driving costs. The increasing trend of electric vehicle adoption is satisfied with new techno-economical advancements in development of electric vehicle power drive, battery and charger technologies. With increasing trends of smart grid scenario, EVs could work to balance the power grid parameters with introduction of Vehicle-to-Grid technology which also facilitates grid integration of renewable energy sources. This study provides a review of three major EV research areas- EV charging topologies, various impacts of EVs and smart grid operation with Vehicle-to-Grid(V2G) technique. This study also focuses on the current issues, challenges faced in large scale deployment of EVs and the future direction of research in this field.

Understanding the voltage instability phenomenon and its effects in detail facilitates the research community to develop methodologies that can detect instability in a timely manner. Traditionally voltage instability in the system is identified through P-V and Q-V curves that are plotted using repetitive runs of load flow programs. It is observed that voltage stability is affected by the load dynamics, voltage control devices like OLTC, and hitting of over excitation limiters of the synchronous generators. In the following sections of this chapter, the concept of voltage instability with P-V and Q-V curves, load restoration mechanism with on load tap changer (OLTC), and with different types of loads are briefly presented.

The electricity distribution industry in the developing world is dominated by public sector utilities. These utilities are technically and economically inefficient and face large financial losses that prevent further development of the networks. The reforms are introduced to unbundle the vertically integrated utilities and introduce private investment and management, but these efforts often fail due to poorly designed market and incentive models. Focusing on the electricity distribution in developing countries, we propose a business model based on organizing the utilities into distinct activities and businesses. In many developing countries political economy and weak investment conditions do not favour full privatization of utilities. However, in some activities ‘competition for the market’ and ‘management contracts’ can provide a partial role for the private actors. The model is based on the concepts of enterprise innovation, emphasizing external collaboration and partnerships and can be operationalized via specialization, where some specific tasks are outsourced. The proposed model can also be applied to developed countries as the energy sectors of both developing and developed countries are undergoing transformation due to new technologies such as communications, distributed generation (DGs), and active demand response.

Accurate quantitative analysis of image data requires that we distinguish between fluorescence intensity (true signal) and the noise inherent to its measurements to the extent possible. We image multilamellar membrane tubes and beads that grow from defects in the fluid lamellar phase of the lipid 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine dissolved in water and water-glycerol mixtures by using fluorescence confocal polarizing microscope. We quantify image noise and determine the noise statistics. Understanding the nature of image noise also helps in optimizing image processing to detect sub-optical features, which would otherwise remain hidden. We use an image-processing technique “optimum smoothening” to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of features of interest without smearing their structural details. A high SNR renders desired positional accuracy with which it is possible to resolve features of interest with width below optical resolution. Using optimum smoothening, the smallest and the largest core diameter detected is of width \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$88 \pm 23$$\end{document}88±23 and \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$6860 \pm 50$$\end{document}6860±50 nm, respectively, discussed in this paper. The image-processing and analysis techniques and the noise modeling discussed in this paper can be used for detailed morphological analysis of features down to sub-optical length scales that are obtained by any kind of fluorescence intensity imaging in the raster mode. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00249-017-1273-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Under government ownership, the electricity distribution sector in India is facing a huge financial crisis. The distribution franchisee model has been introduced in urban areas as a means of enabling private sector participation without abandoning government ownership. A critical analysis of this DF model suggests some avenues for future modifications.

This paper aims to propose a framework for accessing relative efficiencies of utilities in power sector dealing in rural distribution in India. Despite of numerous initiatives taken to achieve 100% rural electrification by government of India (GoI), 17% rural households remain unelectrified because distribution companies (DISCOMs) perform sub-optimally. Suggesting non-parametric approach of performance evaluation as a remedy to this shortcoming, the current study engages Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) technique to perform productivity analysis on 27 DISCOMs. The results showed separate benchmarks for different utilities, as their respective efficiency scores were indicated ranging from 0 to 1, 1 being most efficient. The paper discusses policy recommendations in context with results and their inferences.

It is high time to control and prevent power theft by manipulating the meter reading and tampering of the meter. It is possible to deal power theft by developing Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and smart grids. For most of the distribution companies, utility smart meters’ data is serving as wealthy source of information beyond billing. There are numerous methods for detection of meter inconsistencies and dishonest behavior like meter tampering based on past data. This paper proposes a “Rule Based” electricity theft detection methodology based on the detection of abnormal readings of phase voltages, currents and power factor communicated by smart energy meters to the central server of the utility in constant time interval of fifteen minute. Individual customer theft detection rate of 94.8% is achieved with 10% False Positive Rate, which is low. The proposed method is tested on real time data collected from smart meters installed in Raipur city of Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board India.

In this research paper, an innovative solution by proposing a novel mechanism for implementation of regulatory approach—based new deviation settlement scheme for frequency control is suggested. Power systems of many developing countries have to face sustained generation deficiency, large frequency fluctuations and are susceptible to even small disturbance. Operating such a system is a difficult task and innovative solutions are needed to solve this situation. To overcome this situation, India has adopted commercial mechanism known as Availability-based Tariff (ABT), which has a component linked with frequency. A commercial mechanism is a paradigm shift in the operational strategies from the conventional frequency control to new deviation control. This proposed scheme satisfies Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) criteria and inclusive future norms. The MATLAB used to enable to analyze proposed rules and the strength of the approach, is to segregate the conventional Automatic Generation Control (AGC) with new UI-based AGC. The enhancement of AGC algorithms is to meet increased demand by efficient implementation of algorithm for generators rescheduling, as per new CERC norms.

En la vértebra atlas, los puentes posteriores, los puentes laterales y los túneles postero-laterales son las protrusiones óseas que pueden causar presión externa en la arteria vertebral cuando pasa del foramen transverso de la vértebra cervical al foramen magnum del cráneo. Ejemplares que muestran dichas protrusiones fueron clasificadas según tengan puentes del atlas completos o incompletos que pueden predisponer a la insuficiencia vertebrobasilar y al síndrome cervicogénico especialmente durante los movimientos de cuello. El objetivo del estudio es saber la incidencia, ontogenia y filogenia de los puentes del atlas junto con las implicaciones clínicas. Este canal de la arteria vertebral del atlas y la morfología de los puentes fueron estudiados en un total de 60 (120 lados) vértebras atlas humanas completas y secas obtenidas de la colección de esqueletos del Departamento de Anatomía del Government Medical College de Amritsar en Punjab. La incidencia de la impresión de la arteria vertebral (44), la impresión profunda de la arteria vertebral (42) era 71,66%, el puente parcial fue 13,33% y el puente lateral parcial fue 3,33% en el lado derecho y 5% en lado izquierdo. También se observaron doce anillos completos y un túnel 1.66% postero-lateral. La ocurrencia de estos puentes óseos abrazando la arteria vertebral es de suma importancia clínica, pueden causar efecto de comprensión en la arteria vertebral durante la rotación extrema de la cabeza y movimientos de cuello manifestándose en mareos, desmayos, diplopía temporal, vértigo y desórdenes neurológicos. El conocimiento de esta variación es importante para médicos, otorrinolaringólogos, neurólogos y ortopedistas que en la práctica diaria están en contacto con estas enfermedades de la columna vertebral y sus consecuencias. In atlas vertebrae, the posterior bridges, lateral bridges and postero-lateral tunnels are the bony outgrowths which may cause external pressure on the vertebral artery when it passes from foramen transversarium of the cervical vertebra to foramen magnum of the skull. Specimens exhibiting such outgrowths were classified as having incomplete or complete atlas bridges that may predispose to vertebro-basilar insufficiency and cervicogenic syndrome especially in neck movements. The objective of the study is to know the incidence, ontogeny and phylogeny of atlas bridges along with its clinical implications. The groove of the vertebral artery of the atlas and the morphology of the bridges were studied in a total of 60 (120 sides) complete and dry human atlas vertebrae obtained from the skeletal collection of Department of Anatomy,GovernmentMedicalCollege,Amritsar,Punjab. The incidence of impression of vertebral artery (44), deep impression of vertebral artery (42) was 71.66%, Partial ponticuli were 13.33% and Partial lateral ponticuli were 3.33% on right side and 5% on left side. Twelve complete rings and one 1.66% postero-latetal tunnel was also observed. Occurrence of these bony bridges embracing the vertebral artery is of great clinical importance, may cause compression effect on the vertebral artery during extreme rotation of head and neck movements presenting with dizziness, fainting, transient diplopia, vertigo and neurological disturbances. The knowledge of this variation is important for physicians, otolaryngologists, neurologists and orthopaedicians who in every day practice are in contact with the diseases of spine and their consequences.

Combining straightforward molecular imprinting with orthogonal click chemistry and accessible fluorescent dyes, a modular approach has been developed to assemble turn-on optical sensors based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer in molecularly imprinted nanoparticles.

Full duplex (FD) cognitive radio (CR) is one of the key enabling technologies for future wireless communication systems. Improvement in the spectrum efficiency, as promised by the CR technology can be further extended to FD-CR networks (FDCRNs) by performing a highly efficient and methodical spectrum sensing. In this paper, energy detection based effective spectrum sensing in FDCRNs considering residual SI under small scale Rayleigh slow fading scenario asserting a more realistic scenario for various wireless applications is proposed. First, Neyman Pearson (NP) based energy detection of the primary user (PU) signal considering residual SI is performed and closed form analytical expressions of performance metrics (detection probability (P d ), and false alarm probability (P fa )) are obtained as well. Further, the detection performance using NP approach is compared to the maximum likelihood (ML) based energy detection technique performed under the same aforementioned scenario. The performance evaluation through simulations shows that, the NP based energy detection technique outperforms the ML based spectrum sensing technique and also the simulated results obtained using NP approach are found in good agreement with the analytical results assuring that the analysis is carried out with more realistic assumptions.

Benchmarking in recent years has become an important tool to set performance benchmarks for production entities thus comparing measures of actual performance against a reference performance. It identifies the key potential areas where a particular production entity is not performing well and suggests future directions for further detailed analysis to identify the underlying contribution causes or mitigating factors to improve performance of production entity. Many researchers had previously used benchmarking studies to assess how well the production entities are doing. This paper compares various benchmarking methodologies employed for productivity and efficiency measurement in electricity distribution utilities.

AIMS: The knowledge of normal and variant anatomy of subclavian artery in terms of its origin, dimensions, course and relations is mandatory in various diagnostic, interventional and surgical procedures. This study was conducted to aware the surgeon for possible variations in this region and their clinical significance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 60 subclavian arteries belonging to 30 cadavers were dissected. Various parameters were studied regarding subclavian artery. Site and mode of origin , level of origin, diameter at its origin and termination, length of subclavian arteries, maximum distance coursed by artery above clavicle and its relations. RESULTS: In one specimen, anomalous origin of right subclavian artery was encountered. High arched subclavian were noted in another specimen with deviated course and arching close to pleural apex. Level of origin on left side was constant while right side showed variability. Mean values of morphological measurements were calculated. Relation with vagus and phrenic nerves were found to be normal. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of variant anatomy of subclavian artery must be kept in mind while performing surgeries on head and neck and upper thorax. Less critical knowledge of anatomy of the subclavian artery would lead to troublesome complications. INTRODUCTION: In anatomy, normality embraces a range of morphologies. It includes those that are most common and others called "variations" which are less frequent but not considered abnormal. These variations ranging from subtle to remarkable affect every part of the human body. They may have important influences on predisposition to illness, symptomatology, clinical examination, investigation and patient management including operative surgery. Recognition of variations enables clinicians to distinguish features which merit further investigations or treatment from those which do not1. Subclavian artery is the major artery supplying upper limb, thorax, head and neck and brain. Origin of subclavian artery is different on right and left sides. On right side it arises from brachiocephalic trunk behind the right sternoclavicular joint and on left side from aortic arch in superior mediastinum and passes into root of neck. In the root of neck each artery arches across the dome of pleura behind the scalenus anterior muscle which divides it into three parts viz. first, second and third part2, 3, 4. The extent to which the artery rises above the clavicle varies from 1.2 to 2.5 cm2. Variations in origin, course and relations of subclavian arteries are not infrequent and many of these have been furnished earlier in literature. Right subclavian artery may arise above or below sternoclavicular level; it may be a separate branch coming directly as the first or last branch of the aortic arch. When first, it is in the position of the brachiocephalic trunk and when last it arises from arch's left end, ascending obliquely to the right behind the trachea, oesophagus and right common carotid to the first rib. Left subclavian is occasionally combined at its origin with left common carotid 4 . Daseler and Anson came across a bilateral malposition of subclavian artery both situated anterior instead of posterior to scalenus anterior muscle 5 .

Background and aims: The abdominal aorta usually terminates at the level of L4 vertebral body into common iliac arteries. With the present day advancements in vascular surgery and neurological surgeries involving approach to lumbar vertebral bodies, we need to know any variations from this normal course. So, the present study aimed at knowing the anatomical variations in the termination of abdominal aorta and in common iliac arteries which might prove to be of some help in some of such surgeries. Material and methods: The study was conducted on 35 adult (29 males and 6 females) embalmed cadavers obtained from anatomy departments of Govt. Medical college, Amritsar and Gian Sagar Medical college, Ramnagar, Punjab. The abdominal cavity was opened, peritoneum stripped off from aorta at its bifurcation, variations in its termination, common iliac arteries and their branches were carefully observed and recorded. Results: In 54.29% cases the level of aortic bifurcation was found opposite 4th Lumbar vertebra, in the rest it was variable between L3 and L5 vertebra. Conclusions: These variations may lead to some trouble during vertebral surgeries, making it essential to investigate and locate the exact position of great vessels before the commencement of surgery.

The share of agriculture in total electricity consumption was 23% in 2011, while revenues from agriculture were only 7% of the total. This needs urgent attention. One way is to do the segregation of agricultural load. This paper attempts to formulate a loss minimization scheme that will be applicable to a segregated non-agricultural feeder and can be served as a collateral program. In the above paper method has been proposed based on conservation voltage reduction (CVR) along with optimal capacitor placement (OCP). To encourage the states to align towards Forum of Regulator road map, a cost-benefit analysis has been performed ensuring a huge financial gain by the utilities within a planning period of 10 years. The method is suggested for rural intensive Indian states.

Objective: With the advancement of new technologies, traffic data can be collected for the development of existing and new infrastructure. In this study, traffic data has been collected using traffic counter-cum-classifier. Method: The automatic data collection system based on pressure sensor has been studied. The instrument collects the data by sensing the hits made by the tyres of the moving vehicles. The paper discusses about the hardware and software set up of the instrument. Findings: The instrument is able to collect and analyze the macroscopic as well as microscopic characteristics of traffic. It senses the hits produced on the Pneumatic Tube by the running vehicles and data is recorded. This recorded data is then converted into the useful information by the software and according to the calibration of the software. The data can be collected and stored on a number of sites and analyzed by the software. Instrument is able to provide the various results related to characteristics of the traffic like total vehicle counts, classification, 85% speed, peak hour, time headway etc. The reports related to analysis of data can be generated in the form of graphs and pie chart etc. Improvements: Further field testing of the instrument in Indian condition can be done and accuracy of the instrument can be compared with manual methods and other automatic methods.

Indian distribution sector is constantly facing energy crises. With the increasing dependency on electrical and electronics appliances the demand of power is rapidly increasing. Extensive work is going on to increase the generation capacity by encouraging renewable energy integration for generation diversification, energy conservation and regulations, development of open access energy markets etc. but simultaneously it is also important to optimally use the existing generation capacity. Electricity theft and meter tampering is one of the most important causes of increasing gap in demand and supply and poor financial condition of distribution sector in the country. Unaccounted energy due to theft is a barrier in the growth of Indian economy. With the advancements in metering technologies different new ideas of illegal electricity theft are also being introduced by consumers. This scenario is very challenging for the profitable operation of distribution sector and putting them in loss. In this paper we have discussed meter tampering and theft issues and their drawbacks. Smart meter can work as the best solution to control theft events due of its features of remote data communication and connect /disconnect ability.

This paper demonstrates the performance of the Reactive Power Loss Based Voltage Instability Detection Index (QLVIDI), previously introduced in [1], under various testing conditions applied to the New England 39 bus test system using time-based simulations in the Power System Analysis Toolbox (PSAT) in MATLAB. The proposed scheme calculates an instantaneous time series of reactive power losses taking into account the direction of active power flow in every node in the system by considering the reactive power limits of the generators. This time series data is then used to evaluate a cumulative reactive power loss and the degree of deviation from the base case loss for developing QLVIDI. The effectiveness of the proposed index in early detection of imminent voltage collapse scenarios has been tested in various cases and also compared with already existing Improved voltage instability monitoring index(IVIMI).

A broadside coupled ultra-wide-band (UWB) filter of acute size having a single narrow stopband is conferred. The filter presented involves two microstrip rings on one side which are coupled to coplanar waveguide (CPW) on the alternate side of the same substrate by means of broadside coupling. By adjusting the parameters, the presented UWB bandpass filter (BPF) can obtain a single narrow stop band at the anticipated frequency to discard the existing undesired WLAN radio signals. The simulated result shows its appropriateness for UWB applications. Furthermore, the filter presented has profound insertion loss underneath 2 dB, a smooth group delay within the passband, an outspread upper stop band that stretches up to 16 GHz and rejection level out of band is below −10 dB. The filter displays sound UWB passband operations, which satisfy the needs of UWB systems.

Growing energy demands have increased the pressure on electricity infrastructure. The demand fluctuations oscillating between excessive peaks and valleys cause stress on generators. The generators tend to operate either to produce excessive power to meet seasonal peak power demand or below base limit to make its operation below sustainable. Further the power generators also suffer from large power and voltage swing, thus in order to have sustainable techno-economical feasible generation, transmission and distribution, the network is required to flatten the demand. This can be achieved by using Advanced Metering Infrastructure based Demand Side Management Scheme to be implemented at users end. It will also contribute the shifting of load during peak load, smoothing out the load curve and utilization of renewable energy source as well. The paper highlights, a systematic approach towards developing AMI based DSM model for peak load management, consequently the reduction of energy consumption, and its impact on load curve. The proposed scheme will also help to reduce AT&C losses, excessive loading on transformer and feeders. It mitigates the impact of supply-demand gap, ensures reliability and enhanced power quality of electricity supply.

Power distribution network of the developing nation like India is facing continuous financial crises due to lack of revenue generations. Inspite of many programmes launched by central and state governments to improve efficiency of distribution sector the progress is not upto the mark. Power theft through Energy Meter tampering and manipulation with the meter reading is one of the major causes of revenue losses. Replacement of old Electromechnical meters by Electronic energy meters with anti-tamper features has helped utilities to find out the meter tampering attempts but still there is a long way to go as people are finding new ways to tamper meters. The paper discusses common methods of meter tampering in Indian gray market and features of smart meters useful for minimizing electricity theft.

The world wide effort for developing more efficient and economic viable operating scenario in distribution system has led to the development of the concept of demand side management. Conservation voltage reduction (CVR) is a very promising technique for this purpose. Together with the optimal capacitor placement (OCP), it can lead to a significant demand reduction at different load buses. In this paper, an optimal method for demand side management and loss reduction in a radial distribution network has been proposed. Demand side management is based on the regulation of the power consumption by different voltage regulated loads by regulating the supply voltage. IEEE 33 bus test system has been used to verify the proposed method by the use of ETAP. Simulation results prove that the proposed method ensures huge load reduction at consumer end, reduction in distribution losses, and a significant release in system capacity, Beside this the proposed technique also addresses voltage stability, improves power factor and extends appliances life. An economic analysis shows a huge financial gain by a utility adopting the proposed method.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to benchmark the Indian mobile telecommunication service providers for relative efficiencies. In this paper, a method for benchmarking performance of mobile telecom utilities based on data envelopment analysis (DEA) is presented. The paper discusses some concepts between quality performance and benchmarking and the results include performance efficiency and sensitivity‐based classification of utilities. Also, peer‐to‐peer comparison of inefficient with efficient utilities is provided. Based on these results, inefficient utilities can develop strategic plans to improve performance.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use DEA to measure comparative efficiencies of mobile telecom companies and two different DEA models, CCR and BCC, were applied to evaluate the relative efficiency of mobile telecom operators in India. Sensitivity‐based classification of utilities is carried out by removing one or more inputs or outputs from the base model to construct a new DEA model. Comparisons of DEA efficiencies from the base model with the structurally perturbed models show the impact on efficiency. Data include annual and quarterly reports showing various quality parameters.FindingsDEA is used to derive the benchmarks based on the comparison of the 126 utilities which include public sector undertaking (PSU) operators (MTNL and BSNL) and private operators of the Indian mobile telecommunication sector. The result includes performance efficiency and peer‐to‐peer comparison of inefficient utilities with efficient utilities. Based on these results, inefficient utilities can develop strategic plans to improve their performance. Sensitivity analysis, based on removal of one or more variables from the base model to determine changes in DEA efficiencies is done for selecting the strength of parameters of utilities for performance improvement.Practical implicationsBenchmarking of service utilities in the telecom sector is virtually non‐existent at the national level in India. This research identifies the different variables and then a model is prepared for benchmarking of the service providers in India. Based on the efficiency analysis, benchmarks can be set, and utility efficiency scores can be obtained based on the set benchmarks. These scores can help develop a strategic plan for mitigating the factors that contribute to the system inefficiencies.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the few published studies that benchmark the performance of mobile telecom services in India. This research promises to be amongst the first of the works carried out taking specific parameters of mobile telecom utilities of India.

Slums represent a tense moment in the urban fabric of Delhi. At the most fundamental level their position in the city is determined by their illegal occupation of state land; owing to this peculiar predicament, their entries into mainstream, legitimate network are limited, if not completely restricted, and they operate within an extensive network of informal economy and practices. In this article, drawing on ethnographic research conducted in a prominent slum-settlement in Delhi, India's capital city, I argue that a narrative of immorality has been systemically and systematically constructed to consider the position of slums and slum-dwellers in the city, such that their claims to (and rights in) the city are negotiated within an ‘informal-illegal-immoral’ matrix. I explore these negotiations through the politics of sound and more specifically the identification of sounds of and from certain spaces as 'noisy'. In this article I situate these negotiations in relation to what is termed as a sensorial re-tur...

The aim of this study is to develop an economical suture board for practising suturing skills and techniques. Suture boards were made by using local electric boards, small leather patch, four suction buttons, six screws and a hook. These suture boards are multipurpose boards which are economical and available all the time in department for practicing. This board can also be placed in endotrainer for laparoscopic suturing skills. This economical suture board is cheap, easily available and helps in practicing various suturing and knot tying techniques.

A traditional Type 3 Basmati rice cultivar grown in India is tall and lodges even under low nitrogen fertilizer dose. In addition to lodging, it is highly susceptible to several diseases and pests including bacterial blight (BB). BB resistance genes (Xa21 and xa13) and a semidwarfing gene (sd-1) were pyramided in Type 3 Basmati from a rice cultivar PR106-P2 using marker-assisted selection (MAS). Foreground selection for BB resistance genes, Xa21 and xa13 and reduced plant height gene, sd-1 was carried on the basis of linked molecular markers pTA248, RG136 and ‘h’, respectively. The BC2F3 progenies with both the BB resistance genes were highly resistant with lower lesion length than either of the genes individually. Background profiling of the selected 16 BC2F3 progenies was done using 95 anchored SSR and 12 ISSR markers. Among the selected 16 BC2F3 progenies, 38-5-2 and 38-5-36 closely clustered along with the recipient parent Type 3 Basmati showing above 85% genetic similarity with the same. Further selection was continued till F5 generation for higher recovery for Type 3 Basmati characteristics. The desirable alleles of intermediate amylose content (wx) and aroma (fgr) loci of Type 3 Basmati were also tracked using the linked SSR markers. The BC2F5 pyramid lines T3-4, T3-5, T3-6 and T3-7 homozygous for the three target genes Xa21, xa13 and sd-1 from the donor parent with wx and fgr alleles of Type 3 Basmati had excellent cooking quality and strong aroma.

Despite India’s enormous technological potential, indigenous medicinal knowledge and various initiatives by the government and industry at translational cycle, the country carries a global disease burden of 21%, majorly contributed by dual disease burden. Public health faces the major anomalies of 3A (accessibility, affordability, availability) of the healthcare sector, possibly due to restrictive coordination among stakeholders, transiting disease profile, undeveloped delivery system and regulatory mechanisms. This article emphasizes the significance of integrative approach of using our research and development strength and establishing a strong intellectual property system for conducive healthcare environment, accentuating the significance of 3P (public–private partnership) in addressing the major anomalies of 3A.

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has become the gold standard treatment for gallstone disease. Though mostly safe occasionally it can be difficult due to various problems faced during surgical procedure. Anticipation of likely difficulty can help in avoiding complications.Methods: With the aim of identifying various predictors of difficulty and their correlation with likely difficulty this prospective study on 50 adults undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis was undertaken. Various clinical, radiological and biochemical predictors and frequency and type of intraoperative difficulty was recorded.Results: In present study adverse clinical factors only showed significant predictive value (p value - 0.005). Adverse radiological predictors although showing trend towards, did not achieve statistical significance (p value 0.065). In clinical predictors duration of symptoms >1yr, History of acute cholecystitis and BMI >30 showed statistically significant association. Age >50yrs, Male gender, radiological predictors (Thickened gall bladder wall, small contracted gall bladder, Single large impacted stone) and deranged LFT did not show significant predictive value.Conclusions: Clinical predictors are most reliable factors. Use of good clinical judgement regarding possibility of and likely difficulty along with understanding of available resources is important in making decision in each case.

Technical efficiency of electric utility is the critical element for its competitiveness in the electricity market and very relevant in the Indian electricity sector presently. This paper is aimed to measure the efficiencies of 30 state owned electric generation utilities/companies for the year 2007-08 by applying DEA models with single input and two outputs. The input used is total cost and outputs are units of energy generated and total energy sold or consumed. Cost benchmarking has been carried out so that cost controls can be implemented. In addition, the target evaluation for input cost has also been done. The result of this model shows that GENCOs are generally inefficient in cost frontier and there is an urgent need for intro inspection. This will help for GENCOs. The result shows that the total average of overall, technical and scale efficiencies are 46%, 75.1% and 60% respectively. This efficiency measurement assists the utilities by identifying their shortcomings, setting targets and trying to reach the set targets.

The concept of probiotics now has been around for more than a century, with its consumption increasing exponentially; owing to exciting scientific and clinical findings, limiting side effects of existing pharmaceutical agents and increased consumer demand for natural products. But, the evidence for their safety and efficacy has largely been anecdotal, lacking an integrated scientific basis. Clinical studies conducted with probiotics were of inadequate design and resulted in unreliable data. That is the reason why despite having innumerable potential therapeutic uses probiotics are not being universally accepted. The purpose of present article is to amalgamate various branches of research which would help in development of "better", "commercial" and "pharmaceutical" probiotic products with defined strength, mechanism of action and indication. Probiotics have been classified into oral and vaginal in accordance to their route of administration, describing the health benefits. The article summarizes the research on significance of strain selection, interactions with co-administered agents and appropriate clinical studies uncovering the safety issues. There is a special emphasis on pharmaceutical issues including probiotic delivery systems, technological challenges during formulation, regulatory concerns, quality control and market potential. Developments in the techniques for in vitro evaluation have also been discussed.