The Ooty Wide Field Array

We describe here an ongoing upgrade to the legacy Ooty Radio Telescope (ORT).The ORT is a cylindrical parabolic cylinder 530mx30m in size operating at a frequency of 326.5 (or z ~ 3.35 for the HI 21cm line). The telescope has been constructed on a north-south hill slope whose gradient is equal to the latitude of the hill, making it effectively equitorially mounted. The feed consists of an array of 1056 dipoles. The key feature of this upgrade is the digitisation and cross-correlation of the signals of every set of 4-dipoles. This converts the ORT into a 264 element interferometer with a field of view of 2 degrees x 27cos(delta) degrees . This upgraded instrument is called the Ooty Wide Field Array (OWFA). This paper briefly describes the salient features of the upgrade, as well as its main science drivers. There are three main science drivers viz. (1) Observations of the large scale distribution of HI in the post-reionisation era (2) studies of the propagation of plasma irregularities through the inner heliosphere and (3) blind surveys for transient sources. More details on the upgrade, as well as on the expected science uses can be found in other papers in this special issue.Comment: To appear in the special section of the JAA on the Ooty Wide Field Arra

Throughput Optimization in High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA)

In this paper, we investigate throughput optimization in High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA). Specifically, we propose offline and online algorithms for adjusting the Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) used by the network to schedule data transmission. In the offline algorithm, a given target BLER is achieved by adjusting CQI based on ACK/NAK history. By sweeping through different target BLERs, we can find the throughput optimal BLER offline. This algorithm could be used not only to optimize throughput but also to enable fair resource allocation among mobile users in HSDPA. In the online algorithm, the CQI offset is adapted using an estimated short term throughput gradient without specifying a target BLER. An adaptive stepsize mechanism is proposed to track temporal variation of the environment. We investigate convergence behavior of both algorithms. Simulation results show that the proposed offline algorithm can achieve the given target BLER with good accuracy. Both algorithms yield up to 30% HSDPA throughput improvement over that with 10% target BLER

Space Weather and Solar Wind Studies with OWFA

In this paper, we review the results of interplanetary scintillation (IPS) observations made with the legacy system of the Ooty Radio Telescope (ORT) and compare them with the possibilities opened by the upgraded ORT, the Ooty Wide Field Array (OWFA). The stability and the sensitivity of the legacy system of ORT allowed the regular monitoring of IPS on a grid of large number of radio sources and the results of these studies have been useful to understand the physical processes in the heliosphere and space weather events, such as coronal mass ejections, interaction regions and their propagation effects. In the case of OWFA, its wide bandwidth of 38 MHz, the large field of view of $\sim$27$^\circ$ and increased sensitivity provide a unique capability for the heliospheric science at 326.5 MHz. IPS observations with the OWFA would allow one to monitor more than 5000 sources per day. This, in turn, will lead to much improved studies of space weather events and solar wind plasma, overcoming the limitations faced with the legacy system. We also highlight some of the specific aspects of the OWFA, potentially relevant for the studies of coronal plasma and its turbulence characteristics.Comment: 15 pages, 2 figures (Accepted for Publication J. Astrophysics and Astronomy

The Receiver System for the Ooty Wide Field Array

The legacy Ooty Radio Telescope (ORT) is being reconfigured as a 264-element synthesis telescope, called the Ooty Wide Field Array (OWFA). Its antenna elements are the contiguous 1.92 m sections of the parabolic cylinder. It will operate in a 38-MHz frequency band centred at 326.5 MHz and will be equipped with a digital receiver including a 264-element spectral correlator with a spectral resolution of 48 kHz. OWFA is designed to retain the benefits of equatorial mount, continuous 9-hour tracking ability and large collecting area of the legacy telescope and use modern digital techniques to enhance the instantaneous field of view by more than an order of magnitude. OWFA has unique advantages for contemporary investigations related to large scale structure, transient events and space weather watch. In this paper, we describe the RF subsystems, digitizers and fibre optic communication of OWFA and highlight some specific aspects of the system relevant for the observations planned during the initial operation.Comment: 10 pages, 5 figures, 1 table, (Accepted for publication in J. Astrophysics and Astronomy

Composition of Kanakasava and its medicinal properties

Kanakasava is an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation which comes under Sandhana Kalpana. It is explained in the context of Hikkaswasa Rogadhikara in Bhaishajya Ratnavali. Datura (Datura metel Linn.), Vasa (Justicia adhathoda L.), Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.), Pippali (Piper longum L.), Kantakari (Solanum virginianum L.), Nagakesara (Mesua ferrea L.), Shunti (Zingiber officinalis Rosc.), Bharangi (Rotheca serrata L.), and Talisapatra (Abies spectabilis D.don) are the ingredients of Kanakasava. Dhataki Pushpa (Woodfordia fruiticosa Kurz) is used as the Sandhana Dravya and Draksha as Kwatha Dravya. This formulation is mainly indicated in Kasa, Swasa, Rajayakshma, Kshataksheena, Jirna Jwara, Raktapitta and Urakshata. The present review highlights on the method of preparation, Properties of each ingredient in the preparation and its mode of action

Implementation of Environment-Friendly Strategies for Energy Conservation and Mitigation of Climate Change – A Holistic Approach in Mangalagangotri Campus

The harnessing of renewable energies and mitigation of climate change are like two faces of a coin. Decentralized implementation and individual-level practices of eco-friendly strategies contribute a lot on a global scale. In this context, Mangalore University on its headquarters Mangalagangotri campus, adopted and implemented many eco-friendly activities, technologies, and policies for sustainable development. Installation of solar power panels for electricity generation, of the current estimated value of 23,13,311 kWh/month; replacement of incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs with an energy saving of around 62% and procurement of most energy-efficient electronic & electrical appliances (47%) are some of the technologies that have been implemented for energy conservation. Implementation of e-Governance and e-Office program of Govt of Karnataka, and campus management system, social media, and email-based official communications have significantly reduced the usage of papers (>70% ); a complete ban on single-use plastics; recycling of organic wastes through vermicomposting, pot-composting, biogas production; encouraging electric vehicles are some of the adopted strategies. Altogether these strategies have significantly reduced the release of greenhouse gases in and around the campus in our efforts to join with global efforts to drop carbon footprint below 2 tons by 2050. The rainwater harvesting through the rooftop catchments and check-dams contributed to ≈ 50% water conservation. The campus comprises 32.4% of its total area with natural vegetation (463192 m2) and currently with 30.8% planted vegetation (439670 m2) of the total area (1428540 m2). The campus biodiversity was further enriched by periodical tree plantation drives with special reference to the planting of fruit-yielding saplings. As an Institutional Social Responsibility (ISR), the university has been making efforts to disseminate the knowledge of eco-friendly practices, by conducting public awareness programs and publishing popular articles in regional language. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and government-imposed lockdown to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, the University has continued eco-friendly activities and setting up of infrastructures, by strictly following safety guidelines. Overall, our continued holistic approaches of various eco-friendly strategies, in terms of the utility of advanced technologies, eGovernance, solar energy, and rainwater harvesting, organic wastes management, recycling of solid wastes, and many others, have been implemented since its inception have significantly helped in saving energy and reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases.Keyword: Climate change; Eco-friendly strategies; Carbon footprint; Greenhouse gase

A geometry problem from the Putnam 2019 competition

In this articel we study a geometry problem adapted from the Putnam exam of 2019. (The William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition or the ‘Putnam this article, we study a geometry problem adapted Competition’ is an annual mathematics competition for undergraduate college students enrolled at institutions of higher learning in the United States and Canada.

Coleus monostachyus (P. Beauv.) A. J. Paton (Lamiaceae): A new addition to the flora of India

Coleus monostachyus (P. Beauv.) A. J. Paton is reported here as a new addition to the flora of India. It seems the seeds of this plant might have come along with the timbers imported from the SE Asian countries. A detailed morphological description based on the Indian plants and photographs are provided to facilitate easy and correct identification