An Automated Algorithm for Approximation of Temporal Video Data Using Linear B'EZIER Fitting

This paper presents an efficient method for approximation of temporal video data using linear Bezier fitting. For a given sequence of frames, the proposed method estimates the intensity variations of each pixel in temporal dimension using linear Bezier fitting in Euclidean space. Fitting of each segment ensures upper bound of specified mean squared error. Break and fit criteria is employed to minimize the number of segments required to fit the data. The proposed method is well suitable for lossy compression of temporal video data and automates the fitting process of each pixel. Experimental results show that the proposed method yields good results both in terms of objective and subjective quality measurement parameters without causing any blocking artifacts.Comment: 14 Pages, IJMA 201

Robust Techniques for the Optimal Operation of Photovoltaic Systems

Photovoltaic (PV) energy has witnessed tremendous growth in the recent past to meet the growing energy demands. PV system exhibits the (current-voltage) I-V curve, which varies non-linearly according to immediate weather conditions. Considering the high initial capital cost of PV system and its low conversion efficiency, it is imperative to operate the PV array under optimal condition on consistent basis. For this purpose, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique plays a pivotal role in the PV system. The main role of the MPPT is to track the unique maximum power point (MPP) on the I-V curve, when PV array is under uniform condition. On the other hand, during partial shading, the matter is further complicated as the I-V curve of PV array is transformed in to the shape containing multiple local maxima, one of them is global maximum. In that scenario, a specialized MPPT is required to search the global maximum. The main aim of this thesis is to design the robust MPPT techniques for PV systems in order to harvest the maximum energy from PV plants. In this work, two novel techniques are designed: one is specialized for uniform conditions and other one for non-uniform conditions, i.e. partial shading. The design procedures, working principles and formulations of the MPPTs are discussed in detail with the help of various simulation models, figures, graphs and tables etc. Numerous simulation studies and experimental tests have been conducted to confirm the efficient operation of proposed MPPTs. Also, based on these tests, comparative analysis has been carried out, which reveals that the proposed MPPTs exhibit superior performance compared to past-proposed MPPTs. In addition, a new modulation control scheme to vary duty cycle of the DC-DC converter is presented, which will assist the MPPTs in their operations. A load criteria for resistive and battery loads is also defined for the stable operation of PV systems

Analyzing The Contribution of Western Acculturation to The Socio-Economic Disenfranchisement of Pakistani Expatriates in the United Arab Emirates

The impact of acculturation on the West has primarily been explored through the favorable and adverse effects of immigration. However, the conversation surrounding the impact of western acculturation on the rest of the world is relatively undeveloped. Here, on the basis that acculturation is the adoption of cultural practices and can exist without the physical presence of a dominant culture, the impact of western acculturation will be associated with the socioeconomic disenfranchisement of an overseas population: Pakistani expatriates in the United Arab Emirates. More specifically, free education and western media are identified as mechanisms of western acculturation. Both media induced and free education induced acculturation constitute a level of agreeability that acclimates workers to the social structure of the capitalistic business model employed in the UAE. Media induced acculturation directly predisposes Pakistani expatriates in the UAE to the socioeconomic disenfranchisement that accompanies the power dynamic in the social structure of the capitalistic business model. Education models in the UAE institutionalize western acculturation, possibly leading to socioeconomic disenfranchisement and deep-rooted cultural change. Deep-rooted cultural change becomes imperative when considering the promotion of globalization in that although globalization may provide a broader cultural perspective, it can also eliminate cultures via acculturation-induced cultural dominance

Combatting Misinformation During the COVID-19 Pandemic Via Social Media

Misinformation or "fake news" has existed in society for quite a while, with healthcare related misinformation being especially problematic, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the false news circulating on the social media, many misconceptions exist about the disease and the pandemic, leading to people reacting in extreme and unrecommended ways that cause more harm than benefit. In order to combat this, the CMH Arts and Design Society took an initiative and formed a facebook page named "Pakistan Corona Virus Research Outlook" that aimed to present well researched facts regarding COVID-19 in the form of video or poster presentations, so that they could be understood easily by the general public. We also drafted an online handbook that addressed the basic concerns regarding the signs and symptoms of the disease, and the basic principles of management, so as to equip the people without medical knowledge with sufficient information for them to be able to manage mild symptoms themselves, without burdening the healthcare system. We also formed a facebook group by the name "Corona Virus (COVID-19) Free Counselling" that aimed to provide a platform to the public to ask their queries regarding COVID-19 which were then addressed by medical professionals. A post-COVID syndrome series was also initiated on these platforms that addressed the post-COVID symptoms individually and provided a follow up plan for each, based on expert guidelines

Wheat growth and phytoavailability of copper and zinc as affected by soil texture in saline-sodic conditions

Nutrient disorders in saline-sodic soils can adversely affect crop growth. In order to evaluate the growth response of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to Cu and Zn and the phytoavailability of these essential elements, a pot experiment was conducted in three different textured saline-sodic soils [sandy loam (SL), sandy clay loam (SCL) and clay (C)] having an ECe 8.63, 8.80, 8.98 dS m–1 and SAR 21.66, 23.48, 24.84 (mmol L–1)1/2 respectively. Seven treatments including levels of Cu (4, 6 and 8 mg kg–1) and levels of Zn (4, 6 and 8 mg kg–1) were separately applied together with a single control treatment. Dry matter yield (straw + grain) of wheat increased up to 35.2% with Cu and up to 31.2 % with Zn application relative to the control. As soil clay content increased, dry matter yield decreased up to 39.2% in SCL and up to 62.7% in C soil when compared to SL soil. Application of Cu increased the concentration in both wheat straw and grains up to 2.46 and 2.20 mg kg–1 DW respectively relative to the control. Zinc concentration in wheat straw and grains was also increased up to 29.97 and 29.40 mg kg–1 DW respectively relative to the controls. Copper application significantly increased Zn concentrations in wheat plants