An Efficient Codebook Initialization Approach for LBG Algorithm

In VQ based image compression technique has three major steps namely (i) Codebook Design, (ii) VQ Encoding Process and (iii) VQ Decoding Process. The performance of VQ based image compression technique depends upon the constructed codebook. A widely used technique for VQ codebook design is the Linde-Buzo-Gray (LBG) algorithm. However the performance of the standard LBG algorithm is highly dependent on the choice of the initial codebook. In this paper, we have proposed a simple and very effective approach for codebook initialization for LBG algorithm. The simulation results show that the proposed scheme is computationally efficient and gives expected performance as compared to the standard LBG algorithm

Hybrid head cap for mouse brain studies

Abstract. In this thesis, I present a hybrid head cap in combination with non-invasive multi-channel Electroencephalogram (EEG) and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) to measure brainwaves on mice’s scalps. Laboratory animal research provides insights into multiple potential applications involving humans and other animals. An experimental framework that targets laboratory animals can lead to useful transnational research if it strongly reflects the actual application environment. The non-invasive head cap with three electrodes for EEG and two optodes for NIRS is suggested to measure brainwaves throughout the laboratory mice’s entire brain region without surgical procedures. The suggested hybrid head cap aims to ensure stability in vivo monitoring for mouse brain in a non-invasive way, similarly as the monitoring is performed for the human brain. The experimental part of the work to study the quality of the gathered EEG and fNIRS signals, and usability validation of the head cap, however, was not completed in the planned time frame of the thesis work

Internet Services for Exploring Social Science Resources

Internet has wrought dramatic changes in the generation, communication and dissemination of social science information. Internet is also a self-publishing media and not a library of evaluated publications. Hence everything must be analyzed for its appropriateness for use. Increasing use of the Internet for communication and phenomenal increase of Internet resources stimulates different types of services. These services differ in potentialities to meet users needs in communicating, accessing, and disseminating data, information and other resources including computer files. Addresses of selective sites provide glimpses of current Indian activities in social sciences on the Internet.The ‘Internet’ is a communication channel consists of large number of interconnected computers. Each computer with individual IP addresses can exchange digitized information with any or all connected computer. Advantages of the Internet are its speed, timeliness, and ability to communicate instantaneously and availability of free information and freeware/shareware. It reduces barriers to publishing, facilitates quick revision of documents, and makes information easily available universally. “Moving wall” principle affects long-term availability of resources. Increasing use of the Internet for communication and phenomenal increase of Internet resources stimulate different types of services like E-mail, Mailing Lists, Usenet, WWW, Telnet and FTP. Examines potentialities of these services to meet users needs in accessing, communicating and disseminating data, information and other resources including computer files. Addresses of selective sites provide glimpses of current Indian activities in social sciences on the Internet

A study on the effect of habitual consumption of Madhuca longifolia drinks on the prevalence of diabetes and dyslipidemia among santhal tribals

Background: Madhuca longifolia (mahua) is a tropically growing tree found in various parts of India mostly on plain lands. The tree is considered a boon by the tribals who are forest dwellers because of its manifold medicinal properties. Studies show that in animals, alcoholic extracts of this tree produce beneficial effects on diabetic and lipid profile. It is the purpose of this study to know whether these beneficial effects are observed in Santhals many of whom are regular consumers of Madhuca longifolia drinks.Methods: Diabetic and lipid profile of blood along with standard anthropometric parameters were measured in a population of Santhal tribe (only males were chosen) many of whom, but not all, are regular consumers of mahua drinks. These findings were statistically analysed and compared using student’s t-test and inference drawn.Results: Results show that anthropometric parameters do not differ much, but FBS. HbA1c, cholesterol and LDL these parameters are lower in mahua consumers compared to those in non-consumers. HDL is raised in mahua consumers compared to the other group. No significant effect was observed in case of VLDL and triglycerides.Conclusions: Study shows that regular mahua drinks among Santhal tribe do improve diabetic and lipid profile, except triglycerides and VLDL. Further and more elaborate studies are needed to have proper insight and practical gains in this regard

Rate enhancement of gated drift-diffusion process by optimal resetting

`Gating' is a widely observed phenomenon in biochemistry that describes the transition between the activated (or open) and deactivated (or closed) states of an ion-channel, which makes transport through that channel highly selective. In general, gating is a mechanism that imposes an additional restriction on a transport, as the process ends only when the `gate' is open and continues otherwise. When diffusion occurs in presence of a constant bias to a {\it gated} target, i.e., to a target that switches between an open and a closed state, the dynamics essentially slows down compared to {\it ungated} drift-diffusion, resulting in an increase in the mean completion time. In this work, we utilize stochastic resetting as an external protocol to counterbalance the delay due to gating. We consider a particle that undergoes drift-diffusion in the presence of a stochastically gated target and is moreover subjected to a rate-limiting resetting dynamics. Calculating the minimal mean completion time rendered by an optimal resetting for this exactly-solvable system, we construct a phase diagram that owns three distinct phases: (i) where resetting can make gated drift-diffusion faster even compared to the original ungated process, (ii) where resetting still expedites gated drift-diffusion, but not beyond the original ungated process, and (iii) where resetting fails to expedite gated drift-diffusion. Gated drift-diffusion aptly models various stochastic processes such as chemical reactions that exclusively take place for certain activated state of the reactants. Our work predicts the conditions where stochastic resetting can act as a useful strategy to enhance the rate of such processes without compromising on their selectivity.Comment: 12 Pages, 8 Figure

Pregnancy outcome in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: an observational case control study

Background: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (IHCP) is the most common cholestatic liver disease, which may impact the foeto-maternal health. The present study is conducted to determine various factors including maternal and neonatal outcome in IHCP comparing with the controls.Methods: In this prospective case control study, pregnancy with IHCP is compared with asymptomatic non-IHCP controls. Classical pruritus, icterus, elevated liver enzymes were considered in diagnostic criteria of IHCP. Dermatological lesion, acute or chronic liver disease, and other causes of pruritus were excluded from study.Results: Out of 100 patients, 50 cases and 50 controls were included in this study. Incidence of IHCP was seen 3.914% of which 66% were primi presented maximum at 31-33 weeks. 86% of IHCP responded to medication. Mean value of ALT, AST and ALP was found significantly raised (p value-<0.001) in IHCP patients. 66% in IHCP and 64% in non-IHCP group had normal delivery and remaining 34% and 36 % had caesarean delivery respectively. There was no significant increase in foetal distress or low Apgar (<7 at 5 min) at birth or adverse neonatal or maternal outcome in IHCP group. However, there was a statistically high meconium stained liquor (MSL), neonatal jaundice, IUGR and NICU admission were noted in the IHCP group in comparison to non-IHCP group.Conclusions: There is a significant incidence of IHCP in the obstetrical population. The biochemical changes, meconium stained liquor, neonatal jaundice, IUGR and NICU admission were significantly high in IHCP in pregnancy