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A generic architecture for implementing a QR array processor in silicon is presented. This improves on previous research by considerably simplifying the derivation of timing schedules for a QR system implemented as a folded linear array, where account has to be taken of processor cell latency and timing at the detailed circuit level. The architecture and scheduling derived have been used to create a generator for the rapid design of System-on-a-Chip (SoC) cores for QR decomposition. This is demonstrated through the design of a single-chip architecture for implementing an adaptive beamformer for radar applications. Index Terms--Adaptive beamforming, QR array processor, semiconductor IP, system-on-chip.

Abstract: Geological CO2 storage will be designed to prevent any CO2 leakage. However, as recognized by the European Commission's (EC) CO2 Storage Directive, a capability is needed to assess leakage impacts, even though leaks are unlikely. The RISCS project, which is funded by the EC and industry, is developing approaches to assess possible CO2 leakage impacts on near surface ecosystems. During the project the impacts of CO2 on terrestrial ecosystems were investigated using field experiments and systems models. A comparison between results from the experiments and models builds confidence that the main CO2 impacts on these systems can be adequately modelled. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The roll-out of the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS) is in fact driving this type of transition towards a time where environmental friendly practices are no longer be an optional business practice, but rather a competitive necessity for survival. In the process of evaluating the environmental consideration, companies need to shift its paradigm from the conventional departmental time-static worldview to a more holistic perspective which can effectively enable the observers to envision the interconnection between economic growth, environmental and social responsibility. Such efforts will eventually result in cleaner, safer operations, reduced usage and acceptable substitutions for hazardous substances, increased product recyclability and recovery, and improved transparency of information available to all stakeholders. The primary objectives of this research paper is to explore the antecedence outcome effects of (i) Sustainable Development in creating the Green Value Chain; and (ii) Green Value Chain in creating the Sustainable Competitive Advantage, for the manufacturing companies in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a generic architecture for implementing a QR array processor in silicon. Simplification of the derivation of timing schedules for a QR system implemented as a folded linear array; Consideration of processor cell latency and timing at the detailed circuit level; Use of the derived architecture and scheduling to create a generator for the rapid design of system-on-a-chip cores for QR decomposition.

Background and Aims: This study aimed to assess the current status of India's COVID-19 research from the top 100 most cited papers, using bibliometrics methods and indicators and suggest strengths and weaknesses., Methodology: Publications on COVID-19 research from India between December 2019 and 22 August 2023 were retrieved from the Scopus database. From 37101 studies retrieved, the first top 100 Highly Cited Papers (HCPs) having received 270 to 2931 citations, were identified., Results: The top 100 most cited Indian papers were published from 2020 to 2023, with the majority (75) in the year 2021, followed by 24 in 2022. They were cited a total of 56661 times (average - 566.61 times). The 242 authors of these HCPs were from 159 Indian organizations, and the articles were published in 60 journals. 29 % and 59 % of these HCPs received external funding support and were involved in international collaborations, respectively. There was poor collaboration among Indian research institutions and a dearth of funding from India. None of the Indian HCPs figured in the global 100 HCPs., Conclusions: Although citations of research papers published from India increased during COVID-19, limited collaboration, inadequate funding, and subpar publications hindered Indian scientists. To enhance India's research landscape, we propose dismantling barriers, nurturing collaboration, and encouraging knowledge exchange among domestic institutions., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest All the authors hereby declare that there is conflict of interest regarding this manuscript & no funding was received from any source. We declare that this manuscript has been solely submitted to this journal and is not under consideration by any other journal. All the research presented in this paper is original., (Copyright © 2023 Research Trust of DiabetesIndia (DiabetesIndia) and National Diabetes Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation (N-DOC). Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: A major cause of economic losses in the medical implant sector has been bacterial biofilms due to their ability to persist on various surfaces and their tolerance against endogenous defences, antibiotics, or other anti-microbial agents. The quest for potential sources causing inhibition or disruption of bacterial biofilms has been taken up to alleviate the loss. Plantderived extracts such as essential oils, bioactive compounds and other solvent extracts are regularly being used instead of antibiotics and other synthetic compounds as they are safer, economical, and in many instances, have an elaborate history of traditional medicinal usage., Objectives: As a plant that has been traditionally used over the centuries, the Moringa oleifera Lam., or more commonly the drumstick tree, is being tapped for myriad pharmaceutical applications. The protein-rich leaf of this tree has not only proved to be of great nutritional value but also divulged numerous potential therapeutic applications., Methods: While reports of proteinaceous components are rare, here we report the efficacy of the aqueous extract of the leaf of M. oleifera and a 62 kDa protein component in the disruption of staphylococcal biofilms, which are largely implicated in nosocomial infections., Results: The application of the M. oleifera leaf extract protein had a marked effect on the biofilm growth or formation by Staphylococcus aureus., Conclusion: While the crude extract itself showed considerable disruption of biofilm formation, the application of the purified protein obtained after a two-step process led to a significant increase in the anti-biofilm activity., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

A methodology for addressing the biosphere in safety assessments for solid radioactive waste disposal was developed through theme 1 of the IAEA coordinated research project on BIOsphere Modelling and ASSessment (BIOMASS) that ran from 1996 to 2001. This methodology provided guidance on how the biosphere can be addressed in safety assessments for disposal of solid radioactive waste. Since the methodology was developed, it has proven useful and has been widely referenced in assessments in a diversity of contexts encompassing both near-surface and deep geological disposal of solid radioactive waste. The principles that could be adopted for defining potentially exposed groups (PEGs) were an important aspect in the original BIOMASS methodology as the endpoint of an assessment usually includes the evaluation of individual dose or risk to human health. Identification of PEGs and definition of their characteristics are usually made to be consistent with the biosphere system description being developed, acknowledging that due to inherent uncertainties in projecting future human behaviour, the biosphere models adopted for assessing safety of a disposal system can only be illustrative. Since the publication of the original BIOMASS methodology, consideration has been extended to include potentially exposed populations of biota (PEPs), in the context of dose assessment and protection of the environment. Considering the need for the development of transfer pathways from a source term to an end point (for either PEGs or PEPs), the exposure modes that may occur and those to be assessed quantitatively should be identified. Within an expert working group (WG6) of the second phase of the IAEA coordinated project Modelling and Data for Radiological Impact Assessments (MODARIA II), the experience of participating organisations has been collected on topics associated with the definition of PEGs and PEPs using a questionnaire. The objective of the questionnaire was to review the current status and on-going discussions on the handling of issues related to definitions of PEGs and PEPs as an input to the development of biosphere models for assessing radiological impacts on human health and the environment. The answers received to the questionnaire provided a clear overview of the progress that has been made since the original BIOMASS methodology was published, together with the lessons learned from the application of that methodology in the development of safety cases. This paper summarises the questionnaire responses in five subject areas: (1) environment of the PEGs and its evolution; (2) linking the choice of PEGs to these environments; (3) food habits and consumption rates; (4) populations of non-human biota (PEPs) and (5) national and international regulations and guidance. We illustrate how the results of the questionnaire have been used to enhance the original BIOMASS methodology (IAEA Enhanced BIOMASS Methodology Report in press)., (© 2022 Society for Radiological Protection. Published on behalf of SRP by IOP Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.)

The International Atomic Energy Agency has coordinated an international project addressing enhancements of methods for modelling the biosphere in post-closure safety assessments of solid radioactive waste disposal. This has resulted in the enhanced BIOMASS methodology that is described elsewhere in this special issue. To a large degree, the enhancements to the BIOMASS methodology arose from experience gained in applying the original methodology, both in the context of other international projects and in assessments of existing or proposed disposal facilities for solid radioactive wastes. Here, this experience is used, together with information on the status of solid radioactive waste disposal programmes worldwide, to identify opportunities for applying the enhanced methodology and for learning from those applications. This provides a basis for identifying research and development to support application of the enhanced methodology in a variety of environmental settings. These research and development requirements include aspects related to climate change under a variety of forcing scenarios, landform development in climatic regimes ranging from cold, polar to arid, tropical, modelling of groundwater flow and contaminant transport in surface-water catchments where both fractured rock and porous sediments are present, and studies of the transport of key radioisotopes of elements central to major biogeochemical cycles, such as those of carbon, chlorine, sulphur and iodine. In addition, some remarks are made on aspects of the application of the enhanced methodology that could imply review and updating of regulations and regulatory guidance, e.g. in relation to the definition of representative persons or groups to be considered in assessments and in respect of approaches to the assessment of radiological impacts on non-human biota. Furthermore, consideration is given as to how the scientific and technical experience that has been gained and methods that have been developed in the context of solid radioactive disposal facilities could support management of contaminated sites and legacy facilities that are likely to require long-term management and stewardship., (© 2022 Society for Radiological Protection. Published on behalf of SRP by IOP Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.)