Detection of marine aerosols with IRS P4-ocean colour monitor

The atmospheric correction bands 7 and 8 (765nm and 865nm respectively) of the Indian Remote Sensing Satellite IRS P4-0CM (Ocean Colour Monitor) can be used for deriving aerosol optical depth (AOD) over the oceans. A retrieval algorithm has been developed which computes the AOD using band 7 data by treating the ocean surface as a dark background after removing the Rayleigh path radiance in the sensor-detected radiances. This algorithm has been used to detect marine aerosol distributions at different coastal and offshore locations around India. A comparison between OCM derived AOD and the NOAA operational AOD shows a correlation ~0.92 while that between OCM derived AOD and the ground-based sun photometer measurements near the coast of Trivandrum shows a correlation of ~0.90

Defining Traffic States using Spatio-temporal Traffic Graphs

Intersections are one of the main sources of congestion and hence, it is important to understand traffic behavior at intersections. Particularly, in developing countries with high vehicle density, mixed traffic type, and lane-less driving behavior, it is difficult to distinguish between congested and normal traffic behavior. In this work, we propose a way to understand the traffic state of smaller spatial regions at intersections using traffic graphs. The way these traffic graphs evolve over time reveals different traffic states - a) a congestion is forming (clumping), the congestion is dispersing (unclumping), or c) the traffic is flowing normally (neutral). We train a spatio-temporal deep network to identify these changes. Also, we introduce a large dataset called EyeonTraffic (EoT) containing 3 hours of aerial videos collected at 3 busy intersections in Ahmedabad, India. Our experiments on the EoT dataset show that the traffic graphs can help in correctly identifying congestion-prone behavior in different spatial regions of an intersection.Comment: Accepted in 23rd IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Transportation Systems September 20 to 23, 2020. 6 pages, 6 figure

Precision Guided Approach to Mitigate Data Poisoning Attacks in Federated Learning

Federated Learning (FL) is a collaborative learning paradigm enabling participants to collectively train a shared machine learning model while preserving the privacy of their sensitive data. Nevertheless, the inherent decentralized and data-opaque characteristics of FL render its susceptibility to data poisoning attacks. These attacks introduce malformed or malicious inputs during local model training, subsequently influencing the global model and resulting in erroneous predictions. Current FL defense strategies against data poisoning attacks either involve a trade-off between accuracy and robustness or necessitate the presence of a uniformly distributed root dataset at the server. To overcome these limitations, we present FedZZ, which harnesses a zone-based deviating update (ZBDU) mechanism to effectively counter data poisoning attacks in FL. Further, we introduce a precision-guided methodology that actively characterizes these client clusters (zones), which in turn aids in recognizing and discarding malicious updates at the server. Our evaluation of FedZZ across two widely recognized datasets: CIFAR10 and EMNIST, demonstrate its efficacy in mitigating data poisoning attacks, surpassing the performance of prevailing state-of-the-art methodologies in both single and multi-client attack scenarios and varying attack volumes. Notably, FedZZ also functions as a robust client selection strategy, even in highly non-IID and attack-free scenarios. Moreover, in the face of escalating poisoning rates, the model accuracy attained by FedZZ displays superior resilience compared to existing techniques. For instance, when confronted with a 50% presence of malicious clients, FedZZ sustains an accuracy of 67.43%, while the accuracy of the second-best solution, FL-Defender, diminishes to 43.36%.Comment: 14 pages, 11 figures, 5 tables, Accepted in ACM CODASPY 202

SIMULTANEOUS DETERMINATION OF METFORMIN, LINAGLIPTIN IN JENTADUETO AND METFORMIN, SAXAGLIPTIN IN KOMBIGLYZE BY LC-MS METHOD

Objective: The objective of the present investigation was to develop a novel, simple and economic method for the determination of metformin (MET), linagliptin (LIN) and saxagliptin (SAX) in jentadueto and kombiglyze sample by employing the liquid chromatography and mass spectrometric method for estimation in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage form in presence of degradation products.Methods: The chromatographic separation was achieved by using the mobile phase composition of methanol and ammonium acetate buffer pH 4.5 (85:15 % v/v) on the Hypurity advance C-18 column at a flow rate of 0.5 ml/min. Ion signals m/z 130.10/70.10, 473.10/420.40 and 316.30/180.20†for metformin, linagliptin and saxagliptin respectively measured in positive ion mode. The detailed validation of the method was performed as per ICH guidelines.Results: The results of all validation parameters found within acceptance limits. The linearity of the drugs was found to be in the concentration range of 50–5000 ng/ml for all the drugs. Accuracy of the drugs was found to be from 94-102% and precision was found 4.67% RSD for all three drugs. The validated method was employed for the determination of drugs in the formulation and also determined the drugs in the presence of degradation products under stress conditions.Conclusion: The method was developed and validated as per guidelines. Hence, this method can be used for the simultaneous determination of metformin, linagliptin and metformin, saxagliptin in bulk and combined dosage forms

Does Nepal’s Climate Change Adaptation Policy and Practices Address Poor and Vulnerable Communities?

Climate change (CC) impact, adaptation practices and policies are an emerging area of research and development in Nepal. Many households were deeply affected by, climatic variability and natural disasters coupled with a decade-long conflict, leaving them with few options to cope with CC in Nepal. The study was done through reviewed CC related policies and programs initiated at the national to local level.  Additionally, study was conducted to analyze different CC adaptation programs and practices in different eco-region from Himalaya to Inner Terai region of center and western Nepal through shared learning dialogue, field observation, key informant interview, regional and district level consultative workshop and focus group discussion. To address the issues of CC, different government and nongovernment institutions have initiated its adaptation programs in Nepal. NAPA and LAPA- Nepal highlighted the adaptation practices and adaptation framework from national to local level. These national programs initiatives have been endorsed by the GoN (Government of Nepal) through the promulgation of CC Policy Nepal 2011.  The policy has focused on interdisciplinary approach with 80% funds allocated at the local level particularly for poor and vulnerable groups. Some district level offices have initiated CC adaptation activities such as construction of water harvesting pond for irrigation, water source protection, agroforestry practices and training on CC adaptation and mitigation. Similarly, in some project supported districts, community level and VDC level five year local adaptation plans have been prepared. However, it is observed that there is a big gap in institutional arrangement, capacity to implement and mechanisms for adaptation programs at local level and poor communities. It was also observed that different GOs programs and NGOs were involved to improve the livelihood of the poor and vulnerable communities through pro-poor programs at local level which resulted improve CC adaptation capacity. It is suggested that CC policy in Nepal be formulated with holistic approach, institutionalized implementing mechanism and focus on livelihood improvement of the poor and vulnerable communities that have joint environmental, social or economic benefits. Keywords:  Community, Institutions, NAPA, no-regret approach, LAPA, Livelihood, Vulnerabilit

Isolation, characterization and mapping of temperature-sensitive mutants of mycobacteriophage I3

Eighteen temperature-sensitive mutants of mycobacteriophage I3 have been isolated and partially characterized. All the mutants were defective in vegetative replication. Based on temperature shift experiments with the temperature sensitive mutants, the thermosensitive phase of the phage development period has been characterized for each mutant. The genes have been mapped by recombination analysis. The early, continuous and middle genes seem to cluster on the genetic ma

ENERGETIC WATER QUALITY ANALYSIS AUDITING SCHEME WITH IOT ENVIRONMENT

In nowadays worldwide, Internet of Things (IoT) and also Remote Sensing (RS) techniques are being utilized in unique locations of research study for tracking, accumulating and also examining data from far-off locations. Consuming alcohol water is an entirely useful asset for all human beings as alcohol consumption water energies encounter lots of brand-new requiring scenarios in real-time procedure. These irritating scenarios come from because of constricted water sources, expanding populace, aging facilities and also lots of others. As a result, there is a requirement for greater techniques to expose the water premium. In order to ensure the secure supply of consuming water the fantastic requirements to be checked in real-time. In this paper, we plan to offer the style as well as renovation of a low-fee tool for real monitoring of water superb in IoT environments. The specifications in addition to temperature level, PH, turbidity, float sensing unit of the water might be determined. The determined worth from the sensing units can be refined through the centre controller. The ARM 7 variation might be utilized as a centre controller. Ultimately, the sensing unit truths might be shown up on the web using WI-FI device

Local people\u27s perception on Climate Change, its impact and adaptation practices in Himalaya to Terai regions of Nepal

The study showed that average temperature has increased from 0.6 to 0.980 C over the last 30 years and precipitation is characterized by large inter-annual variability with substantial decrease in amount over the last five years. The annual temperature increasing trend followed 0.055\u3e0.0455\u3e0.035\u3e0.02 0C yr-1 from Middle Mountain, Siwlik, Himalayan and Teari regions respectively. More than 80 percent HHs responded that they have perceived increased temperature and expressed low amount snowfall in High mountain and rainfall in Mid mountain and Terai region over the last five years. Low amount of snow fall in the Himalayan region affected to the Nomad groups due low grass available to feed their livestock. Furthermore, local collector reported that there was lower availability of the medicinal plant such as Nirmasi and Jimbu due to low precipitation in the High mountain region. Similarly, more than 75 % respondent explored that monsoon has started one or two weeks later and increased the more number of drought days in the Mid-mountain and Terai. Study found that there was also decreased in water sources, ground water, and increased siltation and sedimentation in the downstream Terai region. Furthermore, change in flowering and fruiting time in some species, increased invade species like Agerative spp, Lantana camera in the farm land as well as forest land. Adaptation measures such as use of water source, community forest management, planting trees and grasses in the farm land, crop diversification were practiced by local people in their farm land as well as communal land. Natural resource degradation, poverty are already severe problems in this region, and there will be more severe problems in future if present scenario continues, particularly because small farmers do not have adequate resources to adopt to cope with CC impact. Study showed that Mid-mountain region is less vulnerable through climate change than other regions. Furthermore, no any policies and programs have been formulated for adaptation strateragy in this region. It is suggested that policy and program should formulate holistic approach and develop low cost technology for adaption to CC impact and improve livelihood of the local communities