Redundant Wavelet Watermarking using Spread Spectrum Modulation

Spread Spectrum modulation has become a preferred paradigm in many watermarking applications. This paper analyzes the performance of such a blind watermarking scheme under discrete wavelet frame rather than a traditional orthonormal wavelet expansion. The over complete representation offered by the redundant frame facilitates the identification of significant image features via a simple correlation operation across scales. The performance and resiliency of the proposed technique are analyzed against several volumetric distortion sources. The experimental results of this oblivious algorithm illustrate better visual and statistical imperceptibility and robustness compared to the usually critically sampled discrete wavelet transform. This algorithmic architecture utilizes the existing allocated bandwidth in the data transmission channel in a more efficient manner

Bioefficacy of plant extracts on stem rot, Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid and Bihar hairy caterpillar, Spilosoma obliqua Walker in jute crop

In vitro study was conducted to test mycellial growth inhibition effect of plant extracts on Macrophomina phaseolina causing stem rot of jute as well as for feeding inhibition and mortality on 3rd instar larvae of Bihar hairy caterpillar, Spilosoma obliqua Walker. The result revealed, at 2000 ppm, acetone extracts of sunnhemp and Azeratum conyzoides exhibited maximum of 34.44% and 41.85% mycellial growth inhibition respectively. Whereas, 83.32% and 66.67% spore germination inhibition of the fungus was observed respectively. At 5000 ppm, methanolic extracts of Crotolaria quinquefolia, garlic, curry leaf and turmeric oil recorded 35.55%, 44.44%, 50.00% and 70.00% mycellial growth inhibition of the fungus. Methanolic extracts of C. juncea, C. quinquefolia, curry leaf and garlic recorded above 80.00% feeding inhibition on S. obliqua and larval mortality of 20.00%-44.44%. It is clear that neem, sunnhemp, garlic and turmeric extract possess antifungal, insecticidal, antifeedant properties and may be integrated for management of stem rot as well as S. obliqua in jute crop

Half-lives and pre-supernova weak interaction rates for nuclei away from the stability line

A detailed model for the calculation of beta decay rates of the $fp$ shell nuclei for situations prevailing in pre-supernova and collapse phases of evolution of the core of massive stars leading to supernova explosion has been extended for electron-capture rates. It can also be used to determine the half-lives of neutron-rich nuclei in the $fp/fpg$ shell. The model uses an averaged Gamow-Teller (GT) strength function. But it can also use the experimental log ft values and GT strength function from $(n,p)$ reaction studies wherever available. The calculated rate includes contributions from each of the low-lying excited states of the mother including some specific resonant states ("back resonance") having large GT matrix elements.Comment: 11 pages; Latex; no figs; version to appear in J. Phys.

Identification of the slow E3 transition 136mCs -> 136Cs with conversion electrons

We performed at ISOLDE the spectroscopy of the decay of the 8- isomer in 136Cs by and conversion-electron detection. For the first time the excitation energy of the isomer and the multipolarity of its decay have been measured. The half-life of the isomeric state was remeasured to T1/2 = 17.5(2) s. This isomer decays via a very slow 518 keV E3 transition to the ground state. In addition to this, a much weaker decay branch via a 413 keV M4 and a subsequent 105 keV E2 transition has been found. Thus we have found a new level at 105 keV with spin 4+ between the isomeric and the ground state. The results are discussed in comparison to shell model calculations.Comment: Phys. Rev. C accepted for publicatio