Image Segmentation and Classification for Medical Image Processing

Segmentation and labeling remains the weakest step in many medical vision applications. This paper illustrates an approach based on watershed transform which are designed to solve typical problems encountered in various applications, and which are controllable through adaptation of their parameters. Two of these modules are presented: the lung cancer detection, a method for the segmentation of cancer regions from CT images, a watershed algorithm for image segmentation and brain tumor detection from MRI images. Various GLCM features along with some statistical features are used for classification using Neural network and Support Vector Machine (SVM). We describe the principles of the algorithms and illustrate their generic properties by discussing the results of both applications in 2D MRI images of Brain tumor and CT images of lung cancer

Image Processing for Medical Image Analysis: A Review

Image processing techniques are used widely in medical areas for improving the image in earlier detection and treatment stages, it is very important to discover the abnormality issues in given images, specially in various cancer, tumours such as lung cancer, breast cancer, etc. Image quality and accuracy is the main factors of this work, image quality improvement and assessment are depending on the enhancement stage where pre-processing techniques is used. The principal objectives of this course are to provide basic introduction and techniques for medical image processing and to promote for further study and research in medical image processing

Effect of Sertraline on biomarker alterations in patients of multidrug resistant tuberculosis with depression: a prospective clinical trial

Background: Lipid profile parameters may be used as biomarker for depression. Sertraline belongs to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the most commonly used group to treat the depression in multidrug resistant tuberculosis patients.Methods: A prospective clinical trial was carried out in department of Psychiatry and department of Tuberculosis and Respiratory disease G.S.V.M. Medical College, Kanpur. Diagnosed MDR TB patients were screened for depression applying Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and these patients were referred to Psychiatrist for diagnosis of depression. Total 25 diagnosed patients of MDR TB with mild to moderate depression were selected. HDRS Score and morning blood sample of 5ml were collected to analyze biomarker for depression before intervention. Same test was repeated in 18 patients who completed the study at day 30 and 120 after administering Sertraline (50mg). Data were compiled and analyzed using SPSS 20.0 and paired t - test.Results: The mean decrease in HDRS score from base line at day 30 and 120 of administering Sertraline were 6.22 (±1.26) and 2.72 (±0.67) which were significant (p˂0.001). The mean increase in serum cholesterol at day 30 was 153.94 (±19.31) and at day 120 was 157.83 (±19.36) which were significant (p˂0.001). Rest of Tg, HDLc, LDLc and VLDL cholesterole levels were not increased significantly.Conclusions: As the depression symptoms improved by sertraline. The biomarkers of depression were also increased (within the normal range) from baseline but significant increase was observed in serum cholesterol only

Correlation between Vascularity and Advancing Histological Grades of Oral Submucous Fibrosis with a Plausible Role in Malignisation: Systematic review of a persisting matter of conflict

Objectives: Recent studies showed that as the stage advances there is no significant change in the vascularity as opposed to the conventional concept, thus, the present was designed to quantify the vascularity in histological grades of OSMF and to assess if there is any connection between vasculogenesis and malignisation. Methods: A comprehensive database search was done for published articles on vascularity in oral submucous fibrosis following PRISMA guidelines without date constrains; the search was done till December 2022. The review was registered in Prospero. After screening 607 articles, a total of 13 studies were finally included for systematic evaluation. Results: A total of 607 cases were included, with a definite predilection for the male gender. 11/13 studies evaluated mean vascular density; in more than half, the vascularity decreased as the stage advanced. Similar results were obtained for endothelial cells /square μm, mean vascular area percentage & mean vascular area. Conclusion: The present review supports the prevailing concept that vascularity decreases with advancement of the stage of OSMF, denying systemic absorption of carcinogens into the circulation with resultant longer exposure of compromised epithelium and malignisation. Keywords: Malignisation; Mean Vascular Density; Oral Submucous Fibrosis; OSMF; Vascularity

Modeling hepatobiliary development using human induced pluripotent stem cells

Due to the limitations of research using human embryos and the lack of a biological model of human liver development, the liver developmental stages, the underlying molecular mediators governing them and roles of various markers associated with these stages in humans are largely speculative, and based on studies utilizing animal models and certain patient tissues. Human pluripotent stem cell-based in vitro directed and multistage hepatic differentiation systems may thus serve as good surrogate models for mimicking normal human liver development, pathogenesis and injury/regeneration studies, and is now been increasingly utilized as in vitro models of human liver development and diseases. In my thesis here, I describe the implications of various liver stem/progenitor cell markers and their bipotency (i.e. hepatocytic- and biliary- epithelial cell differentiation), based on the pluripotent stem cell derived model of human liver development which includes distinct endoderm, hepatic progenitor (HP) and mature hepatocyte (MH) differentiation stages. To elucidate the underlying key molecular mediators regulating multiple stages of human liver development, I utilized various inhibitors targeting specific tyrosine kinases during directed hepatic differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Among the 80 inhibitors tested in each of the stages during endoderm, early and late hepatic differentiation of human iPSCs, only Src inhibitors significantly suppressed the formation of endoderm cells. In contrast, Src inhibition during HP commitment of endodermal cells results in a transient increase in expression of HP markers, which of further maturation gives rise to hepatocytes with compromised functionality, while inhibition of Src Kinase activity during hepatocyte commitment of HP cells or in MH cells showed no significant cell fate changes. Transient inhibition of c-Src, a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, during endodermal induction of human iPSCs clearly reduced endodermal commitment and inhibited expression of endodermal markers including SOX17 and FOXA2 in a dose dependent manner. Surprisingly, the treated cells gradually became profibrogenic cholangiocyte-like cells by expressing both cholangiocyte markers such as CK7 and fibrosis markers such as Collagen1 and SMA during prolonged culture in normal hepatic differentiation condition. Interestingly, collagen expression in the abnormal profibrogenic cholangiocytes was highly co-localized with expression of YAP (a marker of biliary proliferation and fibrosis), and inflammatory markers IL-6 and TNF-alpha also increased in these cells. A YAP inhibitor, verteporfin significantly reduced expression of collagen and other fibrosis markers in these cells. Collectively, these results suggest that c-Src has critical roles in cell fate determination during endodermal commitment of human pluripotent stem cells, and its alteration in early liver development in human may lead to increased production of YAP expressing profibrogenic proinflammatory cholangiocytes, similar to those seen in livers of patients with biliary fibrosis including biliary atresia (BA). Co-expression of YAP1 and COL1 in BA patient biliary remnant tissue samples was increased significantly, compared to the expression seen in normal liver tissue. Additionally, co-expression of COL1 and CK7 also increased significantly in BA patient biliary remnant tissue samples was increased significantly, compared to the expression seen in normal liver tissue. Using multistage hepatic differentiation culture of human iPSCs, I discovered that a protein kinase c-Src is important for endoderm formation and that a transient alteration of its activity in the early stage of liver development results in abnormal fibrotic-biliary cells resembling those previously observed in patients with biliary fibrosis. Since it is not feasible to study early endoderm formation in human fetus, this study provides new insights on endoderm development in human and a basis for establishing human-specific experimental systems for modeling abnormal liver development which may potentially associated with hepatobiliary cirrhosis

Performance-based transit-oriented developments : a case of Austin, Texas

Transit-oriented development is a planning instrument where land use and developments are driven by the presence of transit around them. This planning tool is particularly crucial in urban cities facing rapid growth, where local and regional governments encourage sustainable developments via land use planning, zoning laws, and changes to building codes, among other things (Transit-Oriented Development, 2015). Many metropolitan cities may have Council-adopted districts to promote transit-oriented developments with an aim to balance density, mix use, affordability, sustainability, alternate modes of transportation, using land use policies and public transit investments. The objectives of any given city for their transit-oriented developments will be unique, subject to context and priorities. Currently, the City of Austin regulates and promotes such developments for three transit-oriented developments and two special regulating districts. It is important to evaluate the performance of Austin’s transit-oriented development districts against the city’s larger strategic goals. The City of Austin adopts many strategic plans with different scopes; some are city-wide, while some as program-based or area-specific. These comply with each other in order to address various city priorities. A crucial component of Austin’s strategic planning process is performance management. While there are many ways to approach performance evaluation in planning, currently there is no globally accepted gold standard for assessing transit-oriented developments. The City also revises and updates these plans/ ordinances when required, to reflect the current conditions and challenges. Large public investments, capital improvements and partnerships are driven by these strategic plans. Hence it becomes important to evaluate the results of implementation. By identifying and informing the gaps and opportunities from periodic performance evaluation, the city stands to optimize the benefits of transit-oriented developments. This report identifies ideal metrics for TODs in Austin, derived from the city’s strategic planning goals and evaluates these metrics using empirical data. This progress report will focus on a quantitative approach and serve as an important tool for making informed revisions in policy and providing transparency and accountability in decision-making. This assessment has potential importance to the city’s officials to keep track of progress, or lack thereof, of their implemented policies. Such studies also help for future relevant planning decisions.Architectur

Enhancing Financial Literacy in NRI millennial and Gen Z to make informed financial decisions

Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) require a deeper level of financial knowledge due to their unique circumstances. They navigate complex taxation systems in both their home country and country of residence, manage multiple currencies and foreign exchange considerations, diversify investments across international markets, handle property ownership with varying laws, access specialized banking services, and stay compliant with diverse legal and regulatory requirements. NRIs also plan for retirement across borders, manage unique financial risks, support families in different countries, and engage in estate planning that spans international authorities. NRIs' financial situations are inherently intricate, demanding a heightened level of financial literacy to effectively manage their diverse financial portfolios and make informed decisions. The highly preferred investment avenues among the NRIs are capital market, government securities and real estate. The important influences on these financial decisions are through financial experts and auditors. The predecessors for financial wellness among the respondents are financial behaviour and financial attitude. (Dr.V.RAMANUJAM*, 2020). With the growing millennial and Gen-Z population in the US it is crucial to straighten out the financial attitude and behaviour. A study conducted by the George Washington University School of Business and the TIAA Institute revealed that when it comes to financial literacy, Gen Z lags older generations. The research found that only 43% of Gen Z respondents answered many financial-related questions correctly, whereas the average across all age groups was 55%. The survey, which involved 3,035 participants, highlights that many fintech companies are actively promoting savings among Gen Z. They do this by initially focusing on short-term lifestyle objectives, such as saving for vacations. Subsequently, they leverage AI and personalized recommendations to assist this demographic in identifying suitable tools and services to achieve their financial goals. However, there is a knowledge gap to leverage most of the goals and the user group lacks the depth of understanding to improve their goals. Pocket Fin aims to be a user-friendly, one-stop solution to simplify NRI personal finance. It provides essential financial literacy content in easy-to-digest formats like podcasts, audiobook summaries, and news briefs that users can learn from in just minutes. Pocket Fin also allows users to get guidance from finance coach bots and align finances with personalized goals like retirement or buying property in India. The platform recognizes the busy lifestyles of working professionals and students, offering knowledge and tools accessible anytime, anywhere via web and mobile. While optimized for NRIs, PocketFin can benefit anyone seeking to take control of their money with simplicity, affordability, and unbiased guidance. Though the long-term vision is to be a comprehensive wealth management ecosystem, the project scope for now is on key parameters like education, goal planning, and the basics of investing in India from USA. This foundational knowledge can empower sound financial decisions and sustained growth. By making personal finance approachable, PocketFin aims to bring financial security and confidence within anyone's reach, not just the wealthy. Through research, there was more clarity on how the United States offer various financial literacy tools and resources to educate different age groups, including websites like MyMoney.gov and CashCourse, which provide customisable curriculums; Khan Academy's free online courses on financial concepts; simulation games like Financial Football and Banzai that engage students; digital learning platforms like EverFi Financial Literacy; and nonprofit advocacy groups like Jump$tart Coalition that promote financial education. Local libraries also often offer in-person workshops and seminars. The most comprehensive tools provide tailored educational materials appropriate for diverse settings and age groups, with games and interactive activities also effectively engaging students in building smart financial habits. These systems are specific to user base only in the USA and lack inclusivity. The current fragmented point solutions can be pictured as multiple places like social media platforms - YouTube, google search and Instagram occasionally, along with reading paperback books when the users have time. These factors poorly address their needs and hence, demands a system in place that can cater to knowledge at their own pace and way. This would help them to change their financial behaviour and attitudes towards wealth

SUSTAINABLE BRANDS – INITIATIVES FOR AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY

In recent times, society is preoccupied by the sustainability issues. Sustainability is mainly defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. The concept of sustainability is composed of three pillars: economic, environmental, and social. We are going to discuss how the sustainable brands help in the sustainable life of people. Basically, the sustainable brands are the brands that contribute to sustainable development by delivering simultaneously economic, social and environmental benefits. Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. There 17 goals of sustainable development. They are: No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Clean Water and Sanitation, Affordable and Clean Energy, Decent Work and Economic Growth, 'Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure’, Reducing Inequality, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, Life Below Water, Life On Land, ‘Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions'.Here in this research paper we are going to focus on the "Affordable and Clean Energy" goal of Sustainable development and how the various companies’ i.e. sustainable brands try to innovate eco-friendly solutions and reduce the sustainability issues