Classification of Objects and Background Using Parallel Genetic Algorithm Based Clustering

In this paper, two novel strategies have been proposed to obtain segmentation of an object and background in a given scene. The first one, known as Featureless(FL) approach, deals with the histogram of the original image where Parallel Genetic Algorithm (PGA) based clustering notion is used to determine the optimal threshold from the discrete nature of the histogram distribution. In this regard, we have proposed a new interconnection model for PGA. The second scheme, the Featured Based(FB) approach, is based on the proposed featured histogram distribution. A feature from the given image is extracted and the histogram corresponding to the derived feature pixels is used to determine the optimal threshold for the original image. The proposed PGA based clustering is used to determine the optimal threshold. The performance of both the schemes is compared with that of Otsu's and Kwon's method and FB method is found to be the best among the three techniques

Political determinants of municipal capacity: a study of urban reforms in Ahmedabad and Kanpur, India

This thesis asks why major urban reforms in India between 2005 and 2015 were more successfully implemented in some cities than in others. It undertakes a study of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), launched in 2005 by the Indian government, which aimed to implement governance reforms and urban infrastructure renewal across 65 Indian cities, but finished with only modest success. The implementation outcome of the mission also varied across cities. This thesis focuses on the differential implementation outcomes of the reforms in two Indian cities, Ahmedabad and Kanpur, and identifies historically constituted political capacity - located in municipal organization at the city level - as the key determinant of divergent trajectories in the JNNURM implementation. The study adapts John Kingdon‟s framework of „policy windows‟ to explore the formation of municipal capacities and municipal organisations in the two cities. The research identifies two historical „windows‟ that were crucial in the shaping of municipal organizations in Ahmedabad and Kanpur: the first episode was the colonial formation of municipal organisations; the second episode was the period of neoliberalisation. Following Kingdon, in each window, the problem, the policy and the politics have been identified and spelled out. The process of “coupling” between the problem and the policy has then been analysed by looking at the nature of politics and the principal political actors. The analysis demonstrates that while in Ahmedabad, the coupling was achieved during the two historical episodes, the problem and the policy remained unattached in the case of Kanpur. This variation led to two different architectures of municipal organisations in the two cities, resulting in different levels of municipal capacities at the time of the inauguration of the JNNURM. The thesis concludes that the specific histories of urban governance systems matter, and a policy insensitive to this, is likely to fail

Algorithms for generating multi-stage molding plans for articulated assemblies

Plastic products such as toys with articulated arms, legs, and heads are traditionally produced by first molding individual components separately, and then assembling them together. A recent alternative, referred to as in-mold assembly process, performs molding and assembly steps concurrently inside the mold itself. The most common technique of performing in-mold assembly is through multi-stage molding, in which the various components of an assembly are injected in a sequence of molding stages to produce the final assembly. Multi-stage molding produces better-quality articulated products at a lower cost. It however, gives rise to new mold design challenges that are absent from traditional molding. We need to develop a molding plan that determines the mold design parameters and sequence of molding stages. There are currently no software tools available to generate molding plans. It is difficult to perform the planning manually because it involves evaluating large number of combinations and solving complex geometric reasoning problems. This dissertation investigates the problem of generating multi-stage molding plans for articulated assemblies. The multi-stage molding process is studied and the underlying governing principles and constraints are identified. A hybrid planning framework that combines elements from generative and variant techniques is developed. A molding plan representation is developed to build a library of feasible molding plans for basic joints. These molding plans for individual joints are reused to generate plans for new assemblies. As part of this overall planning framework, we need to solve the following geometric subproblems -- finding assembly configuration that is both feasible and optimal, finding mold-piece regions, and constructing an optimal shutoff surface. Algorithms to solve these subproblems are developed and characterized. This dissertation makes the following contributions. The representation for molding plans provides a common platform for sharing feasible and efficient molding plans for joints. It investigates the multi-stage mold design problem from the planning perspective. The new hybrid planning framework and geometric reasoning algorithms will increase the level of automation and reduce chances of design mistakes. This will in turn reduce the cost and lead-time associated with the deployment of multi-stage molding process

Dry eye syndrome in patients of diabetes with and without diabetic retinopathy

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) can lead to Diabetic retinopathy. Dry Eye Syndrome is commonly seen in diabetic patients. The purpose of this study was assessment of dry eye in patients with and without diabetic retinopathy.Methods: The study was conducted in the department of Ophthalmology and Rural and Urban centres of Community Medicine, Narayan Medical College and Hospital, Sasaram, Bihar. All cases of Type 2 diabetes mellitus over six months period were considered for the study. The diabetic patients were divided into two groups, one with diabetic retinopathy and others without diabetic retinopathy. All patients were subjected to McMonnie’s questionnaire and clinical evaluation including tear film studies like Schirmer’s test and Tear Film Break Up Time (TBUT).Results: 60 diabetic patients were enrolled for the study, 30 had evidence of diabetic retinopathy while 30 had no evidence. The most common dry eye symptom reported was foreign body sensation (96.7%). All Signs of dry eye disorder were found more commonly in patients with diabetic retinopathy as compared to those without diabetic retinopathy. Mcmonnie’s scores correlates well with both Schirmer’s basic secretion test (BST) and TBUT.Conclusions: Dry eye syndrome must be diagnosed in diabetic patients. Periodic screening of diabetic patients should be carried out to evaluate diabetic retinopathy and its complications.

iTimer - Count On Your Time

In current lifestyle people tend to waste a lot of time in doing unnecessary activities like watching movies, playing video games, window shopping, etc. Many a times they are not aware of the cumulative time they spend wastefully. They can use their time constructively if they were informed about it through a mobile app. In our project we aim to develop an app which helps in monitoring the amount of time spent in such activities at various locations and inform the user about the same through visual display on Google maps. This app displays the summary of the locations visited during the day along with timestamps for better analyzing of data

Influence of Magnetic Structure Size on Solar Irradiance Variations

This thesis examines the interrelationship of the size of the magnetic structures on the Sun, particularly faculae, and the solar irradiance variations which are of significance for the understanding of the solar dynamics and the climate of the Earth. Using the high-resolution data coming from the Sunrise I Balloon-Borne Solar Observatory and the broader observations of the Precision Solar Photometric Telescope (PSPT), this study investigates the magnetic activity of the Sun and its nature, the implications, and the physics behind it. Through an analysis encompassing observational data and sophisticated MURaM simulations, the research delineates the nuanced interplay between magnetic field strength, structure size, and solar irradiance. Key findings highlight a significant correlation between the size of solar magnetic structures and their magnetic potency, offering new insights into the complex mechanisms driving solar luminosity variations. The study also deals with the methodological difficulties in comparing high-resolution observations with synthetic spectra and stresses the need to replicate the instrumental and atmospheric effects in simulations. The combination of observational and simulated data not only deepens our knowledge of solar magnetic fields but also highlights the possible effects of solar irradiance fluctuations on space weather and terrestrial climate systems. This thesis makes a considerable contribution to the field of solar physics by providing a holistic study of solar magnetic structures which in turn helps us to understand the Sun&rsquo;s role in the solar-terrestrial environment and the prospects for future research on solar dynamics and climate impact.</p