Towards Non-Parametric Models for Confidence Aware Image Prediction from Low Data using Gaussian Processes

The ability to envision future states is crucial to informed decision making while interacting with dynamic environments. With cameras providing a prevalent and information rich sensing modality, the problem of predicting future states from image sequences has garnered a lot of attention. Current state of the art methods typically train large parametric models for their predictions. Though often able to predict with accuracy, these models rely on the availability of large training datasets to converge to useful solutions. In this paper we focus on the problem of predicting future images of an image sequence from very little training data. To approach this problem, we use non-parametric models to take a probabilistic approach to image prediction. We generate probability distributions over sequentially predicted images and propagate uncertainty through time to generate a confidence metric for our predictions. Gaussian Processes are used for their data efficiency and ability to readily incorporate new training data online. We showcase our method by successfully predicting future frames of a smooth fluid simulation environment

Nutritional and Roti Quality of Sorghum Genotypes

Sorghum grains are mostly used for the roti preparation. The M 35-1 (Maldhandi) a sorghum cultivar is known for its good quality of roti due to having pearly white grain color, its flour having higher water holding capacity, and good organoleptic taste. However, this cultivar is low yielder. To evolve sorghum high yielding genotype coupled with this good roti qualities, systematic breeding program was planned and executed to overcome this problem. Twenty local land races, 92 genotypes, and seven improved cultivars of sorghum along with check M 35-1 were studied for various nutritional quality parameters, with special reference to the roti quality. Considering nutritional quality and organoleptic evaluation parameters studied for roti quality, the local land races viz., RSLG 428-1, RSLG 1238, RSLG 1275 and the genotypes viz., RSV 290, RSV 292, RSV 858, RSV 859, RSV 861, RSV 868, RSV 894, RSV 985, RSV 992, RSV 995, RSV 999 were found to be promising for protein, sugar, water absorption, and soluble protein content. Therefore, they can be used for further improvement in nutritional quality through breeding program. Among the improved cultivars, Phule Vasudha (RSV 423), CSV 22, and Phule Chitra (SPV 1546) werefound to be most promising for roti quality. The maximum score for overall acceptability was found for Phule Vasudha followed by Phule Anuradha (RSV 458), Phule Yeshoda (RSLG 262), and Phule Maulee (CSV 216)

A study of maternal and fetal outcome in meconium-stained amniotic fluid-a prospective hospital-based study

Background: Meconium is a collection of secretions and desquamated cells from the digestive tract, and waste products from ingested amniotic fluid. It is a viscous, dark-green substance composed of intestinal epithelial cells, lanugo, mucus, and intestinal secretions. Intra uterine passage of meconium occurs in case of fetal distress; Important causes of in utero passage of meconium are oligohydramnios, placental insufficiency, preeclampsia.Methods: The present prospective observational study is conducted at department of obstetrics and gynecology of tertiary care centre, Lokmanya Tilak municipal medical college and hospital, Mumbai. All antenatal women attending hospital in active phase of labour who fulfilled the inclusion criteria of single term pregnancy in cephalic presentation were included. A predesigned pretested interview schedule questionnaire was prepared in accordance with study objectives and was conducted in the language which they best understood. Permission was obtained from the institutional ethics committee. Maternal outcome: Increased incidence of cesarean and instrumental deliveries, wound infection, post-partum hemorrhage. Perinatal outcome: Birth asphyxia, meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), respiratory distress syndrome (RSD), septicemia.Results: Maximum women 71% were having gestational age of 37-40 weeks. most common maternal high-risk factors were post-dated pregnancy (29%) followed by oligohydramnios (19%). Deliveries by caesarean section were more (71.4%), most common indication being fetal distress (44.7%). Perinatal complications were birth asphyxia, MAS, RDS, low Apgar score.Conclusions: Early identification of meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) in labouring women during intra-partum monitoring and availability of operation theatre for immediate intervention is required to reduce the perinatal morbidity and mortality

Export of proteins across membranes: the helix reversion hypothesis

A model is presented which explains the biological role of the leader peptide in protein export. Along the lines of this model, the conformational changes of a protein with environment serves as a general mechanism for translocation. The leader peptide in the cytoplasm takes a hairpin like conformation which reverts to an extended helix upon integration into the membrane. The essential features of this model are in accord with recent results of protein export

Epidemiological Determinants of Depression among the Geriatric Population Residing in a Slum of Urban India: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Worldwide interest in geriatric depression has increased but studies to assess the depression among the elderly population in urban slums has hardly been done. So this study would shed light on the risk factors of depression among geriatrics in urban slums. Aim & Objective: To study the epidemiological determinants such as age, marital status, education, financial dependency, economic status and chronic illness in relation to of depression among the geriatric population (60–80 years). Settings and Design: Community-based, cross-sectional study for 24 months with a samplesize of 209. Methods & Material: Urban slum area represented by one health post was selectedas the study area which caters to around 96,630 slum residents. Pre-tested semi-structuredinterviews were conducted after selecting households by systematic random sampling. Statistical analysis: Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. A chi-square test was applied. Result: The present study shows overall prevalence of depression among the elderly above 60 years of age to be 48.6%. Depression is found to been significantly associated with an increase in age, living alone (72.7%), lower class economic status (100%), financial dependency (54%), history of chronic family illness (54.7%) and with no formal education (62.1%) among elderly dwelling in slums. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of depression in the community and hence, a need to sensitize Primary level Health Care Services to institute screening tests considering the association of these determinants with depression and link them to specialized services for further management

Performance of Guinea Grass Varieties in North Konkan Zone of Maharashtra

Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) is native to Africa but this grass was introduced to almost all tropical countries as a source of animal forage. It grows well on a wide variety of well drained soils of good fertility and it is suitable to stop soil erosion. It can survive quick moving fires which does not harm the underground roots and drought because of the deep, dense and fibrous root system. Guinea grass is a colonizer of disturbed sites, including roadsides, and particularly untended areas. This robust grass forms clumps and may foster soil erosion in invaded areas. Guinea grass is a perennial crop and may form quite large clumps. Commonly found at around 1.5 m tall, some individuals have recorded at 3 m tall. The leaf blades are long, narrow and finely tipped. They have a prominent mid-rib and are approximately 1 cm wide. Seed heads are large (up to 40 cm long) and are well-spread, with a large number of fine branches. Seeds are oblong in shape and are often purple in colour. Keeping the above context in view, the present investigation was carried out for studying the performance of Guinea grass varieties in north konkan zone of Maharashtra

Performance of Bajra Napier Hybrid Varieties in North Konkan Zone of Maharashtra

Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) commonly referred to as elephant grass, is popular fodder crop for small scale dairy farmers in the high and medium potential dairy production areas of north konkan zone of Maharashtra under the cut & carry system of production. It is a fast growing, deeply rooted, perennial grass growing up to 4 m tall that can spread by underground stems to form thick ground cover. Napier is easy to establish and persistent, drought tolerant, suitable for cutting and very good for silage making. It is also used as a soil stabilizer in soil conservation methods and can be intercropped with various forage legumes. It is vulnerable to disease and pest attacks. It can be grown at an altitude of 2000 m above mean sea level. When grown at altitudes above 2000 m, growth and regeneration after cutting is slow and it may die due to frost. It does best in high rainfall areas, over 1500 mm per year. Napier grass can grow in almost any soils; but does best in deep, fertile, well drained soils. Keeping the above things in view, the present investigation was carried out to find out the suitable Bajra Napier Hybrid varieties for north konkan zone of Maharashtra