New results on disturbance zeros of invertible linear multivariable systems

A new results concerning the definitions of disturbance zeros via the concept of minimal order system inverses is presented in this paper. These definitions are then used to develop a new computation algorithm for locating the positions of the ‘disturbance blocking zeros’ in linear multivariable systems. Assignment of disturbance blocking zeros at desired locations in the complex plane plays an important role in rejection of all measurable or un-measurable disturbances, which may affect at the outputs in steady state. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the main results of this paper.     

Iron store and free radicals in thalassemia

Hyper-ferrous state is the result of multiple transfusions, whereby the iron excess in such conditions may be toxic to the organism. Patients suffering from thalassemia receive multiple transfusions. In the eastern part of India, both β⁰-thalassemia and heterozygous Eβ-thalassemia occur. This paper expresses the hyper-ferrous state, leading to iron overload in these two conditions and also reports the increased generation of free radicals, consequent to the iron overload.     

Evaluation of antioxidant properties of berries

The present paper focuses on assessing the levels of various enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in selected berries of Indian sub-continent viz., gooseberry, grapes, orange and tomato. This study has revealed that orange, tomato and grapes possess predominant quantities of enzymatic antioxidants namely SOD, catalase and glutathione peroxidase respectively. The levels of antioxidants analyzed namely reduced glutathione, vitamin C and vitamin A were maximal in grapes, orange and tomato respectively. All the extracts of berries included in the present study inhibited iron inducedin vitro lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes, the extend of inhibition being highest for gooseberry and orange compared to tomato and grapes which could be attributed to their in-built antioxidant system.     

Lotka's law and institutional productivity

The present study aims at determining the applicability of Lotka's law, negative binomial distribution and lognormal distribution for institutional productivity, in the same way as it is to authors and their productivity in the field of engineering sciences and the patents filed by industrial firms in laser S&T. The study indicates that non of the three distributions are applicable for institutional productivity in engineering sciences. However, Lotka's law holds good for full as well as truncated set of data for the patents filed by industrial firms.     

Behavior of Infants with Iron-Deficiency Anemia

This study tested the hypothesis that infants with iron-deficiency anemia show behaviors, such as increased proximity to caregivers, increased wariness or hesitance, and decreased activity, that could contribute to “functional isolation.” The behavior of 52 Costa Rican 12- to 23-month-old infants with iron-deficiency anemia was contrasted with that of 139 comparison group infants with better iron status during free play and mental and motor testing and in the home. Infants with iron-deficiency anemia maintained closer contact with caregivers; showed less pleasure and delight; were more wary, hesitant, and easily tired; made fewer attempts at test items; were less attentive to instructions and demonstrations; and were less playful. Adult behavior also differed. The results indicate that iron-deficiency anemia in infancy is associated with alterations in affect and activity, suggesting that functional isolation is a useful framework for understanding poorer developmental outcome in iron-deficiency anemia, the world's most common single nutrient deficiency.