3D Face Recognition using Significant Point based SULD Descriptor

In this work, we present a new 3D face recognition method based on Speeded-Up Local Descriptor (SULD) of significant points extracted from the range images of faces. The proposed model consists of a method for extracting distinctive invariant features from range images of faces that can be used to perform reliable matching between different poses of range images of faces. For a given 3D face scan, range images are computed and the potential interest points are identified by searching at all scales. Based on the stability of the interest point, significant points are extracted. For each significant point we compute the SULD descriptor which consists of vector made of values from the convolved Haar wavelet responses located on concentric circles centred on the significant point, and where the amount of Gaussian smoothing is proportional to the radii of the circles. Experimental results show that the newly proposed method provides higher recognition rate compared to other existing contemporary models developed for 3D face recognition

A STUDY ON INSTRUCTIONAL SUPERVISION BY PRINCIPALS IN TYPE 1C AND TYPE 2 SCHOOLS IN SRI LANKA

The main purpose of this study was to examine how principals’ engage in instructional supervision in Type 1C and Type 2 school in Sri Lanka. Three research questions were used to guide the study to a rational conclusion. Mixed Method was adopted in the study in order to triangulate data. Both questionnaire and semi structured interview schedules  were used to obtain relevant data from 150 teachers, 10 principals and 10 sectional heads in 10 selected Type 1C and Type 2  schools using the simple random sampling techniques. Tables, percentages and graphs were used to analyze quantitative data and the qualitative data was analyzed by using thematic analysis and answer the research questions. The findings revealed that all the principals in the type 1C and Type 2 schools have positive perception about the role of instructional supervision and have formed an instructional supervisory team including the principal. However, the study revealed that the majority of principals in the type 1C and Type 2 schools do not engage in role of instructional supervision due to the major challenge of having engage in general administration roles than the instructional roles. The study further revealed that the existing internal supervisory team engage in instructional supervision role rarely and do not conduct post observational discussions which facilitate teachers to identify their strength and the areas that need further improvement. It is, therefore, recommended that, the principals need to carry out an adequate instructional supervision of teachers so as to improve their teaching skills and professional development. &nbsp

The Role of School Principal as Instructional Leader: The Case of Type 2 and Type 3 Schools in Sri Lanka

The school leader has a greater responsibility to students, teachers, parents as well as school community. Instructional leadership is a model of school leadership in which a principal works together with teachers to provide support and guidance in establishing best practices in teaching. The purpose of this study was to examine the practices of school principal’s role as instructional leader:The case of Type 2 and Type 3 School. The objevtives of the study were to find out what are the practices of principal’s role as instructional leader at Type 2 and Type 3 School? How does principal fulfill his/her instructional leadership role? And which activities do principals as instructional leaders engage in promoting the education of students and upgrading the pedagogy of teachers in Type 2 and Type 3 schools. The study was guided by qualitative multiple case study in order to examine the issue. Accordingly, Semi-structured interview, focus group discussion, observation and document analyses were used as data collecting tools. As the study sample four principals, two sectional heads and four teachers were selected using purposive sampling for interviews and group discussion. The finding of the study revealed that the general administrative roles took much of principals’ time and attention rather than instructional leadership roles. Also the study found that irrespective of school type principals pay much attention on provision of instructional materials and incentives for teaching and learning, protection of instructional and maintaining high visibility. However, it was further revealed that principals pay less attention on instructional supervision and evaluation, teacher training and professional development, monitoring studnets progess and coordinating curriculum. The study further revealed that the opportunities available for principals to acquire leadership training at an appropriate stage in their career are limited. For school to be successful, the principals need to balance both administrative roles and instructional leadership roles. Therefore it is recommended that the principals need to be trained in school management and leadership in order to be competent as instructional leaders in different categories of schools

Effect of cold stress on boro rice seedlings

Cold stress at seedling stage is a major constraint in boro rice production. Nine boro rice lines were crossed in diallel fashion excluding reciprocals to obtain 36 crosses. All the 36 crosses along with parents were grown in nursery in three seasons (boro-2014, kharif-2015 and boro-2015). Performance of seedlings for survival per cent, chlorophyll content, relative water content, membrane stability index was recorded just before transplanting in all the three seasons. Scoring for cold tolerance was done in both boro seasons. Gautam showed highest survival rate over three seasons. Among crosses, IR 64 x Krishna Hamsa showed highest survival (84%) in boro-2014, MTU 1010 x Jaya (86.33%) in boro-2015 and MTU 1010 x Krishna Hamsa (95.67%) in kharif-2015. Jaya x Krishna Hamsa was most cold tolerant cross over both boro seasons. Significant positive correlation was observed among survival per cent, chlorophyll content, relative water content and membrane stability index over seasons

Algebraic methods in difference sets and bent functions

We provide some applications of a polynomial criterion for difference sets. These include counting the difference sets with specified parameters in terms of Hilbert functions, in particular a count of bent functions. We also consider the question about the bentness of certain Boolean functions introduced by Carlet when the $\mathcal{C}$-condition introduced by him doesn't hold

Cytomorphological studies in some members of tribe Paniceae (Poaceae) from district Kangra of Himachal Pradesh (Western Himalayas)

The present paper deals with cytological studies on the population basis of 21 species belonging to 9 genera of tribe Paniceae of family Poaceae from cytologically unexplored area of Western Himalayas i.e. district Kangra of Himachal Pradesh for the assessment of genetic diversity of grass flora. On world­wide basis, the chromosome counts have been made for the first time for three species such as Brachiaria remota (n = 16), Digitaria granularis (n = 36) and Isachne albens (n = = 5). Similarly, on India basis, altogether new records are made for two species such as Echinochloa crus­pavonis (n = 27) and Paspalum distichum (2n = 50). A comparison of the different euploid cytotypes studied at present for Digitaria adscendens, D. setigera and Oplismenus compositus revealed significant variations in their morphology, depicting increase in some of the characters of polyploid cytotypes. The course of meiosis has been observed to be normal in all the studied populations with high pollen fertility except for two species such as Paspalum dilatatum and P. distichum marked with abnormal meiosis and reduced pollen fertility.Проведено цитологическое исследование популяции из 21 вида, принадлежащих к 9 родам трибы Paniceae семейства Poaceae из цитологически не изученных областей Западных Гималаев (район Kangra штата Himachal Pradesh) для определения генетического разнообразия злаков. В мировом масштабе впервые осуществлены подсчеты хромосом для трех видов – Brachiaria remota (n = 16), Digitaria granularis (n = 36) и Isachne albens (n = 5). Аналогично, в масштабе Индии новые данные получены для двух видов – Echinochloa crus-pavonis (n = 27) и Paspalum distichum (2n = 50). Сравнение различных эуплоидных цитотипов Digitaria adscendens, D. setigera и Oplismenus compositus показало значительную изменчивость их морфологии, отражающую увеличение некоторых признаков полиплоидных цитотипов. Изучение хода мейоза позволило установить, что он происходил нормально во всех популяциях с высокой фертильностью пыльцы, кроме Paspalum dilatatum и P. distichum, которые отличались аномальными мейозами и сниженной фертильностью пыльцы.Проведено цитологічне дослідження популяції з 21 виду, що належать до 9 родів триби Paniceae сімейства Poaceae з цитологічно не вивчених областей Західних Гімалаїв (район Kangra штату Himachal Pradesh) для визначення генетичної різноманітності злаків. У світовому масштабі вперше здійснено підрахунки хромосом для видів – Brachiaria remota (n = 16), Digitaria granularis (n = 36) і Isachne albens (n = 5). Аналогічно, в масштабі Індії нові дані отримані для двох видів – Echinochloa crus-pavonis (n = 27) і Paspalum distichum (2n = 50). Порівняння різних еуплоїдних цитотипів Digitaria adscendens, D. setigera і Oplismenus compositus показало значну мінливість їхньої морфології, що відображає збільшення деяких ознак поліплоїдних цитотипів. Вивчення ходу мейозу дозволило встановити, що він відбувався нормально в усіх популяціях з високою фертильністю пилку , крім Paspalum dilatatum і P. distichum, які відзначались аномальними мейозами та зниженою фертильністю пилку

Investigation of potential rhizospheric isolate for cypermethrin degradation

Rhizoremediation is the use of plant–microbe interaction for the enhanced degradation of contaminants. Rhizosphere bioremediation of pyrethroid pesticides will offer an attractive and potentially inexpensive approach for remediation of contaminated soil. The present study was done with the aim of establishment of highly effective remediation method using plant with degradative rhizosphere and isolation of naturally occurring rhizosphere associated potential degrader providing the possibility of both environmental and insitu detoxification of cypermethrin contamination. The remediation efficacy of Pennisetum pedicellatum was investigated using green house pot culture experiments in cypermethrin amended potting soil mix (10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg) for periodic evaluation of changes in concentration. Total proportion of cypermethrin degraders was found to be higher in rhizosphere soil compared to bulk soil. The cypermethrin degrading strain associated with rhizosphere capable of surviving at higher concentrations of cypermethrin was designated as potential degrader. On the basis of morphological characteristics, biochemical tests and 16S rDNA analysis, isolate was identified as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia MHF ENV 22. Bioremediation data of cypermethrin by strain MHF ENV22 examined by HPLC and mass spectroscopy, indicated 100, 50 and 58 % degradation within the time period of 72, 24 and 192 h at concentrations 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively. This is the first report of effective degradation of cypermethrin by Stenotrophomonas spp. isolated from rhizosphere of Pennisetum pedicellatum. Rhizoremediation strategy will be of immense importance in remediation of cypermethrin residues to a level permissible for technogenic and natural environment