Agent-based engineering drawing analysis

technical reportInterpretation of paper drawings has received a good deal of attention over the last decade. Related areas such as direct interpretation of human drawings (HCI), search and indexing of graphics databases, and knowledge representation in the domain of graphics and drawing understanding have also seen advances.. One of the most interesting applications in this domain is the analysis of semantics in engineering drawings. Although several sophisticated automatic systems have been developed, for example, the CELESSTIN system in France, there are still significant problems in their application: (1) they are linear and do not allow backtracking solutions, (2) they are typically flat rulebased systems with many rules, and (3) the knowledge models are embedded directly in the rules and are unavailable in a higher-level form. We still need a more automatic, selfcontained, less complex and robust system involving minimal human intervention. The use of autonomous agents in the field of image analysis is just starting. Our thesis is that a set of nondeterministic agents provides the necessary methodology to address the shortcomings of previous systems. We explore the organization, communication and high-level knowledge representation of a set of agents designed to perform engineering drawing analysis. This permits the exploration of interesting parts of the search space, especially when combined with good pruning and focus mechanisms

A Survey on Classification of Routing Protocols in Wireless Sensor Networks

Late progressions in remote innovation has prompted gigantic development in organization of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). WSNs are involved sensors and actuators hubs, thickly conveyed over some geographic area to detect, gather, handle and send information remotely to focal information authority. The correspondence among various remote sensor hubs is controlled by directing conventions; consequently the execution of WSN exceedingly relies on upon embraced steering strategy. Numerous such vitality proficient and quality steering conventions have been outlined throughout the years so as to build the execution of correspondence in WSNs. In this paper, a comprehensive survey and scientific classification of steering conventions is talked about on the premise of system structures and information transmission procedures. This review will help WSN framework fashioners to choose fitting directing convention for specific application

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF GLIPIZIDE MICROEMULSION

Objective: The aim of the present study was to formulate a microemulsion for the oral delivery of Glipizide.Methods: Microemulsion systems composed of oleic acid, isopropyl myristate as oils; tween 80, span 20 and cremophor EL as surfactants; propylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol as cosurfactants were investigated as potential drug delivery vehicle for delivery for glipizide. Pseudo-ternary phase diagram of the investigated system at constant surfactant concentration and varying oil/water or oil/cosurfactant ratios was constructed at room temperature by titration method. This allowed studying structural inversion from oil-in-water to water-in–oil microemulsion. Furthermore, electrical conductivity, in vitro dissolution studies, pH, centrifugation, % transmittance, viscosity, particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, DSC and accelerated stability studies were conducted.Results: The results of electrical conductivity clearly indicated the structural inversion. Based on these values oil/water microemulsions were selected. The plain drug has shown only 40% of dissolution, while the drug from all the o/w microemulsions has shown>90% dissolution. Based on in vitro release studies f3, f12, f22 formulations were chosen. Particle size values of f3, f12, f22 formulations are 202.4 nm, 83.3 nm, 315.3 nm respectively. Viscosity results showed that the formulations follow the Newtonian flow.Conclusion: The 3 formulations f3, f12 and f22 were successful in increasing the dissolution of glipizide in GIT and capable of sustaining the release of the drug for 8 h. From the viscosity, particle size, polydispersity index values, f12 was considered as the optimized formulation. Further, centrifugation, zeta potential and accelerated stability studies also indicated that the formulations were stable. DSC studies revealed no drug-excipient interaction in the optimized formulation. Owing to the above results microemulsion can be thus considered as a suitable oral delivery system for glipizide.Â

Screening for pod shattering in mutant population of mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek)

Mungbean, (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) occupies a unique position in Indian agriculture and has been grown under various agro-ecological conditions. It is cultivated in 1.61mha with production of 3.38MT and productivi-ty of 474kg/ha in India. Mungbean pods are thin and brittle when dry, so shattering is a major problem. The loss of seeds by pod dehiscence is one of the major reasons for low yield in mungbean; thus, reducing the frequency of pod dehiscence is an important objective in mungbean breeding. Induced mutations, have offered a single and short alternative to conventional breeding including isolation, screening, selection and testing generation after generation. In this study, variability was induced by gamma rays and Ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) in two greengram geno-types viz., CO (Gg) 7 and NM 65. Screening for pod shattering was carried out in M2 and M3 populations of green-gram. The scoring for shattering was recorded at physiological maturity of the pod. The shattering percentage ranged from 14.56 (400 Gy) to 93.45 per cent (20 mM). A total of 100 shattering tolerant mutants were selected from field based on visual observation. These mutants were again scored under laboratory condition as per IITA method. A total of 12 mutants of CO (Gg) 7 and 10 mutants of NM 65 which were tolerant to pod shattering were identified in M2 generation and forwarded to M3 generation. These mutants were scored for pod shattering under laboratory con-dition and nine mutants viz., M26, M44, M46, M58, M70, M71, M84, M92 and M98 were found to be tolerant in M3 generation. This study on identification and screening of the mutants tolerant to pod shattering with high yielding potential will help to increase the production of the pods to a greater extent

An interesting case of Phocomelia

Authors present a very rare case of tetra-phocomelia evaluated by antenatal ultrasonography. It is a condition seen in 0.62 per 100,000 live births. This is a congenital chromosomal abnormality involving the musculoskeletal system. Primi gravida with spontaneous conception after a long period of infertility underwent early anomaly scan. Patient was not aware of the last menstrual period hence; NT scan was missed. Routine early anomaly scan done between 16-18 weeks of pregnancy diagnosed a fetus with Tetra-Phocomelia. Due to the lack of associated symptoms or significant history, our case did not fit into any specific syndrome and appears to be the result of a sporadic, non-hereditary limb deficiency involving all four limb buds.  Second opinion obtained from a fetal medicine consultant who confirmed the diagnosis. Hence, decided for mid trimester termination and fetus was expelled after 8 hours. Fetus was not sent for pathological analysis. Tetra-phocomelia is a rare congenital anomaly and it may be associated with other deformity also. 1st case of phocomelia was described after the intake of thalidomide. In this condition hands and feet are seen as small flippers of a seal. The differential diagnosis includes sporadic phocomelia, Holt-Oram syndrome, thrombocytopenia-absent radius syndrome (TAR syndrome), Robert’s syndrome, and thalidomide-induced phocomelia. Here authors are presenting a rare case of Phocomelia where there is no history of drug intake or family history. This has to differentiate from thrombocytopenia-absent radius syndrome (TAR syndrome), sporadic phocomelia, Holt-Oram syndrome, Robert’s syndrome, and thalidomide-induced phocomelia

Immunohistochemical Expression of Nuclear Factor – Kappa B in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Oral Submucous Fibrosis and Normal Mucosa

INTRODUCTION: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic progressive, scarring, high risk precancerous condition of the oral mucosa seen primarily on the Indian sub continent and in South east Asia1. The disease was first reported in 1952 by Schwartz and in 1953, Joshi redesignated the condition as Oral Submucous Fibrosis, implying predominantly its histological nature. The condition is characterized by mucosal rigidity of varying intensity due to fibroelastic changes in juxta epithelial layer, reduction in vasculature and epithelial atrophy resulting in a progressive inability to open the mouth. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To evaluate the expression of NF - κB in formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues of oral squamous cell carcinoma by immunohistochemistry. 2. To evaluate the expression of NF- κB in formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue of OSF by immunohistochemistry. 3. To evaluate the expression of NF- κB in formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue of normal buccal mucosa by immunohistochemistry. 4. To compare the expression of NF- κB in oral squamous cell carcinoma, oral submucous fibrosis and normal buccal mucosa. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Study setting: The study was conducted in Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Ragas Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, using paraffin embedded tissues. A cross-sectional study was done to evaluate the expression of NF-κB in oral squamous cell carcinoma, oral submucous fibrosis and normal buccal mucosa using immunohistochemistry in formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tissue specimens. Study sample size: The study material comprised of 40 formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded tissue specimens (archival blocks). 1. 20 histopathologically confirmed oral submucous fibrosis tissue specimens. 2. 10 histopathologically confirmed oral squamous cell carcinoma tissue specimens. 3. 10 normal buccal mucosa tissues specimens. Study subject: The study comprised of 3 groups: Group I – (CASES) : 10 patients of oral squamous cell carcinoma, diagnosed clinically and confirmed histopathologically, were selected. Inclusion Criteria: Clinical: • A non-healing ulcerated lesion with indurated base or exophytic, fungating or papillary growth was considered as OSCC. Histopathological: • Characterized by invasive islands and cords of malignant squamous epithelial cells in the connective tissue. Group II- (CASES) : 20 patients of OSF, diagnosed clinically and confirmed histopathologically, were selected. Inclusion Criteria: Clinical: 1. Habit of chewing areca nut in some form. 2. The presence of fibrous bands in the labial and/ or buccal mucosa. 3. Loss of elasticity of the buccal/ labial mucosa. 4. Restriction of mouth opening. Histopathological: 1. Juxtaepithelial hyalinization. 2. Submucosal dense and vascular collagenous connective tissue. 3. Epithelial atrophy. 4. Variable number of chronic inflammatory cells. Group III- (CONTROLS) : 10 patients who had clinically normal buccal mucosa, reporting to the outpatient department of oral and maxillofacial surgery for removal of impacted third molar constituted the control group. Inclusion Criteria 1. They had no habit of smoking, alcohol consumption or chewing areca nut. 2. They were apparently healthy with no systemic disorders. 3. They were not on any medications for systemic diseases like hypertension, diabetes. Methodology 1. A detailed case history including age, sex, and occupation, past medical & dental history, history of habits, drugs and trauma were recorded. 2. General examination and intra oral examination was done. 3. Biopsy was done in both cases and controls. 4. The tissue taken was immediately transferred to 10 % buffered formalin. 5. After adequate fixation, tissues were embedded in paraffin. 6. From the paraffin embedded blocks 4 micron thick, sections were cut and used for routine hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) staining and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. 7. This project was approved by Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Ragas Dental College and Hospital, Chennai and patient consent was taken. SUMMARY: 1. A total of 40 patients were included in the study, comprising of 10 cases of OSCC (group I), 20 cases of OSF (group II) and 10 patients with normal oral mucosa (group III). 2. In OSCC, there was 100% positivity of NF – κB staining; with 70% of cytoplasmic expression and 30% of nuclear expression. Moderate to intense cytoplasmic expression was seen in suprabasal layer. 3. In OSF; there was 85% positivity of NF – κB expression; with 55% of cytoplasmic expression and 30% of nuclear staining. 4. Comparison of intensity of staining between the basal and suprabasal layer within the epithelium in OSF was statistically significant. 5. In normal mucosa, there was 60% of positivity of NF – κB expression within 50% of cytoplasmic expression and 10% of nuclear expression. Comparison of intensity of staining between basal and suprabasal layer within epithelium of normal mucosa was statistically significant 6. There was no statistically significant difference in the epithelial staining intensity between OSF & OSCC, OSF and normal, and also between OSCC and normal. 7. Nuclear expression of NF – κB when compared between the groups was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: In conclusion our result showed that there is increased expression of NF – κB in OSCC and OSF when compared to normal. Although staining intensity and mean labeling index did not show any significant difference between OSCC and OSF, further studies on a larger sample will help in ascertaining the significance of NF – κB expression in OSF samples

PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS, ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI MICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF WHITE & PINK PSIDIUM GUAJAVA LINNAEUS

Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate phytochemicals, antioxidant and anti microbial activity of white and pink (Guava) Psidium guajava Linnaeus. Methods: Healthy and disease free fresh leaves and fruits of white and pink Psidium guajava Linnaeus were collected and extracted using ethanol and aqueous solvents and their contents were analysed for biological efficacy. Results: The phytochemical analysis of extracts revealed the presence of phenols, glycosides, flavonoids and steroids. The leaf extracts of P. guajava determined by FRP (Ferric reducing power assay) method showed potent antioxidant activity. The antibacterial activity was analysed against five clinically significant organisms by disc diffusion method and leaf extracts of P. guajava Linn, showed maximum zone of inhibition against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The most resistant bacteria were found to be Escherchia coli against P. guajava fruit extract that showed no activity. Conclusion: This study reveals that guava leaf extracts exhibits better phytochemical, antioxidant and antibacterial activity than fruit extracts

Generation of High Voltage DC using Diodes & Capacitors in Ladder Network

The project is designed& constructed to develop a high voltage DC of around 2KV from a input AC supply source of 230V using the capacitors and diodes that are constructed in the form of ladder network based on voltage multiplier concept. Generally transformers are used for stepping up of voltage in which the output of the secondary of the step up transformer increases the voltage and decreases the current. The other method for stepping up the voltage without the use of transformers is by using voltage multiplier circuit which converts AC to DC. These Voltage multipliers are primarily used to develop high voltages where low current is required. The concept of developing high voltage DC from single Phase AC is described in this project which can be enhanced up to 10KV. For safety purpose this project is restricted with a multiplication factor of 8 so that the output would be within 2KV.This concept of generation of high voltage using multiplier circuit is used in Electronic appliances such as CRT?s, oscilloscopes and in industrial applications. The principle of voltage multiplier circuit is that the voltage keeps on doubling at each stage. Thus, the output of an 8 stage voltage multiplier circuit is 2KV DC which cannot be measured by using a standard multimeter. Hence a potential divider of 10:1 is used at the output such that 200V reading means 2KV

Insects as a Source of Phenolic Compounds and Potential Health Benefits

The use of insects in traditional medicine and unveiling the chemical structure of the bright pigments in butterfly wings led to the discovery of bioactive phenolic compounds in the insect bodies. These metabolites have been found not only due to the insect absorption and metabolisation of the plant-derived phenolic present in their diet, but also from the ability of insects to synthesise phenolic compounds de novo through the sclerotisation process. Plant phenolics are secondary metabolites involved in the protection of tissues against UV radiation, herbivores, and pathogens, as well as pigmentation of fruits and flowers. These bioactive compounds exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities, demonstrated through in vitro and in vivo studies. This bioactive potential is thought to occur due to their chemical characteristics that allow them to stabilise reactive oxygen species (ROS), chelate prooxidant metal ions, interact with key enzymes and signal cascades involved in biological pathways. Bioactivity of plant phenolics and both in vitro, in vivo studies, suggest that the dietary compounds absorbed by the insect maintain their chemical and bioactive properties. Further characterisation of the phenolic composition in edible insects and evaluation of their bioactive capacity as well as their bioavailability, could result in discovering additional health benefits of entomophagy apart from macro-nutritional (e.g. protein) content

Management of lateral end clavicle fractures-using lateral clavicle locking plate: a prospective study

Background: Lateral end clavicle fractures are one of the common upper limb fractures. They constitute 21–28% of all clavicle fractures. Of these 10–52% is displaced fractures. The management of fractures of lateral end clavicle remains debated and challenging. The objectivbe of this study is to evaluate the functional outcome following surgical treatment of unstable/displaced (Neer type II lateral clavicle fractures, and acromio-clavicular joint dislocations Rockwood grade III to V) lateral end clavicle fractures using lateral clavicle locking plate.Methods: It is a prospective study conducted in the orthopaedics department of GSL Medical College and General Hospital for a period of 3 years (April 2016 to March 2019) among a total of 60 patients.Results: About 23 (38.3%) belonged to 41–50 years age group, followed by 16 (26.7%) to 31–40 years age group and 13 (21.7%) to >51 years age group and 8 (13.3%) to 18–30 years age group. The time from trauma to surgery ranged from 0-15 days with a mean of 5 days and the mean operating time was 41 minutes ranging between 23-70 minutes. Mean duration to union was 13.33±2.126 weeks and the mean Constant Murley score was 88.56. Functional outcome at 6 months follow up was excellent in 8 (13.3%), good in 37 (61.7%), fair in 13 (21.7%) and poor in 2 (3.3%) patients.Conclusions: Although there is no consensus as to a “gold standard” fixation method for unstable distal clavicle fractures, satisfactory outcomes could be obtained using the lateral clavicle locking plate resulting in sufficient stabilization and good functional outcome