Design of an optimal multi-layer neural network for eigenfaces based face recognition

Face recognition is one of the most popular problems in the field of image analysis. In this paper, we discuss the design of an optimal multi-layer neural network for the task of face recognition. There are many issues while designing the neural network like number of nodes in input layer, output layer and hidden layer(s), setting the values of learning rate and momentum, updating of weights. Lastly, the criteria for evaluating the performance of the neural network and stopping the learning are to be decided. We discuss all these design issues in the light of the eigenfaces based face recognition. We report the effects of variations of these parameters on number of training cycles required to get optimal results. We also list the optimized values for these parameters. In our experiments, we use two face databases namely ORL and UMIST. These databases are used to construct the eigenfaces. The original faces are reconstructed using the top eigenfaces. The factors used in the reconstruction of the faces are used as the inputs to the neural network

Lossless gray image compression using logic minimization

A novel approach for the lossless compression of gray images is presented. A prediction process is performed followed by the mapping of prediction residuals. The prediction residuals are then split into bit–planes. Two-dimensional (2D) differencing operation is applied to bit-planes prior to segmentation and classification. Performing an Exclusive-OR logic operation between neighboring pixels in the bit planes creates the difference image. The difference image can be coded more efficiently than the original image whenever the average run length of black pixels in the original image is greater than two. The 2d difference bit-plane is divided in to windows or block of size 16*16 pixels. The segmented 2d difference image is partitioned in to non-overlapping rectangular regions of all white and mixed 16*16 blocks. Each partitioned block is transformed in to Boolean switching function in cubical form, treating the pixel values as a output of the function. Minimizing these switching functions using Quine- McCluskey minimization algorithm performs compression

Drug repositioning: current scenario and future prospective for rewriting saga of drug development

Drug development is a process that demands huge investment of resources and time with only 1 drug candidate successful in reaching market among 10,000 screened taking time duration of 10-15 years and millions of dollars. This high attrition rates discourage investors and researchers. The pharmaceutical industry is shifting its attention away from de novo drug research and towards discovering novel targets and indications for already-approved drugs. In order to accelerate the drug development process with reduced risk of failure and relatively lower costs, pharmaceutical companies have adopted drug repositioning as an alternative. Therefore, a good strategy for drug development would be drug repositioning or drug repurposing, which is to identify, investigate, and exploit new therapeutic uses of already-available, on-market drugs, as well as those that have been withdrawn due to toxicities or that remain on shelves in various stages of development. The outbreak of SARS-COV-19 shows that humanity is constantly vulnerable to epidemics and new microbial attacks and that there is no time to create disease-specific therapies. Consequently, it would seem advantageous to use what is already accessible. Novel therapeutic indications that have previously been approved by the market can reduce investment costs significantly in terms of money, resources, and most importantly, time, as long as they meet PKPD and toxicity standards. Sponsors and pharmaceutical corporations get enthusiastic about additional investments and initiatives related to drug development as a consequence. The upcoming therapeutic revolution, especially with the aid of artificial intelligence, is indicated by the successful applications of several already-available drugs against COVID-19 and the various phases of repurposed drugs against TB, colorectal cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, cervical cancer, and Parkinsonism

Evaluation and Quantification of Anionic Surfactant in the Gomti River at Lucknow City, India

In this paper, an attempt has been made to check the level of surfactants particularly in drinking water, which can lead to toxicity in human body system. In this study, a total of 10 locations were selected to enumerate the concentration of surfactants and other physicochemical parameters with metals in the flowing water of river during pre-monsoon 2019. Analyzed result showed that the concentration of surfactants was significantly high and other parameters were also high. It was also found that river at the vicinity of town areas or midstream in the Lucknow city contained high amount of an anionic surfactants due to the nonpoint sources generated by human activities, low concentration was found in upstream, and average concentration was found in downstream, showing natural degradation of surfactants. The values of other parameters were higher than the prescribed limit, which is the serious problem for human being

Massive retroperitoneal tubercular abscess mimicking a leaking abdominal aortic aneurysm: a case report

In spite of being a common diagnosis in the patients of Asian origin, atypical presentations of tuberculosis may pose diagnostic challenges. We report a huge prevertebral abscess in a 30-year-old female, mimicking a leaking aortic aneurysm. The patient was managed successfully by emergency decompression and stabilization. The issues related to poor patient compliance to chemotherapy and management of atypical presentations of spinal tuberculosis are discussed here

Buckwheat: Potential Stress-Tolerant Crop for Mid-Hills of Eastern Himalaya under Changing Climate

Under changing climate, identification and diversification of cropping systems having higher stress resilience and adaptability for fragile mountain ecosystems of Eastern Himalayan Region (EHR) are paramount. Lesser known and underutilized crop like buckwheat (BW) with year-round cultivation potential and having higher stress tolerance to prevailing stresses (low pH, low moisture) could be a crop of choice for abating malnutrition among hill inhabitants. Proper time of sowing of the crop is between mid-September and mid-December seemingly essential for better grain yield to the tune of 15.0–18.0 q ha−1, and the crop is found suitable to be grown all through the year for higher green biomass (12.6–38.4 q ha−1). Enhanced exudation of low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOA) like oxalic acid by buckwheat increased the solubilization of fixed forms of free phosphorus (P) to the extent of 35.0 to 50.0 micro gram per plant in ideal acid soil of the region (P) in acid soil. In addition, relatively increased resilience to moisture stress with improved stress physiological attributes adds more potentiality for enhancing cropping intensity of hill slopes of EHR. Few genotypes namely IC377275 (18.97q ha−1), IC26591 (17.1 qt ha−1), IC14890 (16.32q ha−1), and Himapriya (15.27q ha−1) are emerging as high-yielding types for productive cultivation in acid soils. Studies on the combined effects of acid soil and moisture stress would aid in novel crop improvement of buckwheat in EHR

Year-round growth potential and moisture stress tolerance of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum L.) under fragile hill ecosystems of the Eastern Himalayas (India)

IntroductionUnder a changing climate, the fragile ecosystems of the Eastern Himalayas (EH) are persistently challenged by prolonged dry spells and erratic rainfall. Identification of suitable high-yielding crops with higher moisture stress tolerance and adaptability is paramount for the region. Although the region received a good amount of rainfall in the rainy season, the winter months, viz., November to March, rarely received any rain. Even within the rainy season, there are several intermittent drought spells that hinder crop productivity.MethodsThe present study has used field and microcosm experiments to assess the year-round cultivation potential and extent of moisture stress tolerance in the lesser-known buckwheat crop of the region.Results and discussionSowing of buckwheat from mid-September to mid-December produced better grain yield, the highest being when sowing in October (9.83 q ha−1) and the crop was found suitable to grow all through the year for higher green biomass (12.6–38.4 q ha−1). The moisture stress tolerance of buckwheat was significantly enhanced by increased total root length and root surface area by 12.4 and 34.7%, respectively. Increased photo-protective carotenoids, chlorophyll b, and favorable stomatal attributes with substantial epicuticular wax have significantly improved the moisture stress tolerance of Buckwheat. In addition, leaf proline was found 25.4% higher and total soluble protein, reducing sugar, and cell membrane stability were found 29.2, 38.1, and 36.5% lower compared to the control, respectively. A significantly lower rate of water loss (25.6%) with its stomatal and non-stomatal adaptations and versatile pollen structural traits under moisture stress over control, make the buckwheat crop potentially more stress tolerant and economical crop for EH of India

An integrated organic farming system: innovations for farm diversification, sustainability, and livelihood improvement of hill farmers

IntroductionOrganic farming is a promising solution for mitigating environmental burdens related to input-intensive agricultural practices. The major challenge in organic agriculture is the non-availability of large quantities of organic inputs required for crop nutrition and sustaining soil health, which can be resolved by efficient recycling of the available on- and off-farm resources and the integration of the components as per the specific locations.MethodsAn integrated organic farming system (IOFS) model comprising agricultural and horticultural crops, rainwater harvesting units, livestock components, and provisions for nutrient recycling was developed and disseminated in the adopted organic villages Mynsain, Pynthor, and Umden Umbathiang in the Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya, India, to improve the income and livelihood of farmers. Harvested rainwater in farm ponds and Jalkunds was used for live-saving irrigation in the winter months and diversified homestead farming activities, such as growing high-value crops and rearing cattle, pigs, and poultry.ResultsMaize, french bean, potato, ginger, tomato, carrot, and chili yields in the IOFS model increased by 20%−30%, 40%−45%, 25%−30%, 33%−40%, 45%−50%, 37%−50%, and 27%−30%, respectively, compared with traditional practices. Some farmers produced vermicompost in vermibeds (made of high-density polyethylene) and cement brick chambers, generating 0.4−1.25 tons per annum. Two individual farmers, Mr. Jrill Makroh and Mrs. Skola Kurbah obtained net returns (without premium price) of Rs. 46,695 ± 418 and Rs. 31,102 ± 501 from their respective 0.27- and 0.21-ha IOFS models, which is equivalent to Rs. 172,944 ± 1,548/ha/year and Rs. 148,105 ± 2,385/ha/year, respectively. The net returns obtained from the IOFS models were significantly higher than those obtained from the farmers' practice of maize-fallow or cultivation of maize followed by vegetable (~30% of the areas). It is expected that, with the certification of organic products, the income and livelihood of the farmers will improve further over the years. While Mr. Jrill Makroh's model supplied 95.1%, 82.0%, and 96.0% of the total N, P2O5, and K2O, respectively, needed by the system, Mrs. Skola Kurbah's model supplied 76.0%, 68.6%, and 85.5% of the total N, P2O5, and K2O, respectively.DiscussionThus, IOFS models should be promoted among hill farmers so that they can efficiently recycle farm resources and increase their productivity, net returns, and livelihood while reducing their dependence on external farm inputs