Techniques of deep learning and image processing in plant leaf disease detection: a review

Computer vision techniques are an emerging trend today. Digital image processing is gaining popularity because of the significant upsurge in the usage of digital images over the internet. Digital image processing is a practice that can help in designing sophisticated high-end machines, which can hold the ophthalmic functionality of the human eye. In agriculture, leaf examination is important for disease identification and fair warning for any deficiency within the plant. Many prominent plant species are facing extinction because of a lack of knowledge. A proper realization of computer vision techniques aid in extracting a significant amount of information from leaf image. This necessitates the requirement of an automatic leaf disease detection method to diagnose disease occurrences and severity, for timely crop management, by spraying pesticides. This study focuses on techniques of digital image processing and machine learning rendered in plant leaf disease detection, which has great potential in precision agriculture. To support this study, techniques exercised by various researchers in recent years are tabulated

Localization in disordered superconducting wires with broken spin-rotation symmetry

Localization and delocalization of non-interacting quasiparticle states in a superconducting wire are reconsidered, for the cases in which spin-rotation symmetry is absent, and time-reversal symmetry is either broken or unbroken; these are referred to as symmetry classes BD and DIII, respectively. We show that, if a continuum limit is taken to obtain a Fokker-Planck (FP) equation for the transfer matrix, as in some previous work, then when there are more than two scattering channels, all terms that break a certain symmetry are lost. It was already known that the resulting FP equation exhibits critical behavior. The additional symmetry is not required by the definition of the symmetry classes; terms that break it arise from non-Gaussian probability distributions, and may be kept in a generalized FP equation. We show that they lead to localization in a long wire. When the wire has more than two scattering channels, these terms are irrelevant at the short distance (diffusive or ballistic) fixed point, but as they are relevant at the long-distance critical fixed point, they are termed dangerously irrelevant. We confirm the results in a supersymmetry approach for class BD, where the additional terms correspond to jumps between the two components of the sigma model target space. We consider the effect of random $\pi$ fluxes, which prevent the system localizing. We show that in one dimension the transitions in these two symmetry classes, and also those in the three chiral symmetry classes, all lie in the same universality class

Susceptibility baselines for the invasive mealybugs Phenacoccus manihoti and Paracoccus marginatus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in cassava ecosystem against selected neonicotinoid insecticides

In recent years, an invasive cassava mealybug Phenacoccus manihoti has been threatening cassava cultivation alongside another invasive papaya mealybug Paracoccus marginatus which invaded the country more than a decade ago. In order to evaluate their responses against the commonly used neonicotinoid insecticides: thiamethoxam 25 WG and imidacloprid 17.8 SL,  acute toxicity experiments to determine the susceptibility baselines in populations of two invasive mealybugs in the cassava agro-ecosystem, namely, cassava mealybug P. manihoti and papaya mealybug P. marginatus were performed upto 15 generations. A systemic uptake method was used for the bioassay. The LC50 values of thiamethoxam for F1 generation were 3.298 ppm whereas it was 1.066 ppm for F15 in cassava mealybug. The LC50 values of F1 generation were 2.014 ppm and that of F15 generation was 1.384 ppm when tested with imidacloprid. In the case of papaya mealybug, the LC50 values ranged from 6.138 ppm (F1) to 2.503 ppm (F15) for thiamethoxam and 7.457 ppm (F1) to 3.231 ppm (F15) for imidacloprid. All the susceptibility indices calculated were less than threefold. The rate of resistance development was negative in all cases showing that none of the tested populations harboured any resistance without insecticidal selection pressure. Tentative discriminating doses were fixed for both chemicals with the help of LC95 values obtained from the bioassay experiments, namely five ppm for both thiamethoxam and imidacloprid in the case of cassava mealybug and 10 ppm and 15 ppm, respectively, for thiamethoxam and imidacloprid in the case of papaya mealybug.          

Comparative study of Pap smear abnormalities in HIV infected and HIV non-infected women

Background: HIV positive women are more likely than HIV negative women to have cervical dysplasia. Incidence of HPV-related dysplasia increases as immune function declines. To analyse the prevalence of cervical dysplasia on papsmear among women affected with HIV and to compare with that of HIV negative women.Methods: The study period was of 6 months duration from December 2010 to May 2011. Cervical cytology specimen from HIV positive and HIV negative women who attended the OPD of Institute of Maternal and Child Health, Government Medical College, Kozhikode. Were collected after excluding known case of carcinoma cervix, post hysterectomy patients, patients with bleeding per vagina and also those with active genital tract infections.Results: A prospective study of 200 females (100 HIV positive and 100 HIV negative) was done in our hospital. Age range was between 36 and 50 years. PAP smear abnormality was obtained in 35% of the study group. Out of which 21% was seen in HIV positive patients and 14% in HIV negative patients. Prevalence of LSIL (low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion) was significantly higher among HIV positive patients. Abnormality was not associated with CD4 count, HIV status of husband or addictions of husband, not associated with number of partners of husband both in HIV positive and negative patients.Conclusions: PAP smear abnormality (overall), prevalence of LSIL was significantly higher among HIV positive patients. It was not associated with SES, age of first intercourse, number of partners of wife and other immunosuppressive status

Intoduction of palak (Spinacia oleracea L.) in Ernakulam district of Kerala through front line demonstration and on farm testing

On Farm Testing (OFT) of palak were conducted in Ernakulam Krishi Vigyan Kendra during 2012-13. Highest green leaf vegetable yield (18.00.q/ha) was recorded in variety Harit Shobha and All Green in first year with farmers practice. Programme was continued in 2nd year under Front Line Demonstration (FLD). It was observed that Harit Shobha cultivar gave 20.0 q/ha-1 green leaf yields which was higher over All Green and farmers practice. An average yield of two cultivar Harit Shobha and All green was 15.5 q/ ha-1 and 17.7 q ha-1 in OFT and FLD, respectively. The average technology gap, extension gap and technology index of 2.9 q ha-1, 9.5 q ha-1 and 38 per cent and 1.8q ha-1, 7.5qha-1 and 30 per cent during first and second year, respectively. Technology index reduced from 38 to 30 per cent during the study period means technology was accepted by the farmers. As a result, 500 farmers initiated the small scale farming of palak in the district with the technical guidance provided from KVK

Solitary Bone Plasmacytoma of the maxilla- A rare case report

Abstract:Aims and Objectives: Plasmacytoma is a discrete, uni-focal, monoclonal neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells. It can be either solitary or multiple and skeletal or extraskeletal. Solitary bone plasmacytoma accounts for 3% of all plasma cell neoplasms with 50% of cases transforming into multiple myeloma. Since plasmacytoma is a rare lesion in the oral cavity, this case presentation is an attempt to focus on the clinical, histopathological aspects of this lesion and the spectrum of plasma cell neoplasms.Case description: We report a case of solitary bone plasmacytoma in a young patient, presenting as a painless ulcero-proliferative growth in the maxillary region. OPG showed radiolucency with respect to non-healing extracted tooth socket (16) with slight bony erosion. Microscopy revealed mature and immature plasma cells with eccentrically placed nucleus, suggestive of solitary plasmacytoma.Conclusion: The purpose of this article is to report a rare case of solitary bone plasmacytoma with emphasis on diagnostic workup.&nbsp

Impulse effect of demonetisation on the fishing operations, trade and fish consumption in Ernakulam, Kerala

A rapid survey was conducted during 24-26 November 2016 in order to assess the effect of demonetisation of the ` 1000 and ` 500 currency bills on the marine fishing operations, trade and fish consumption in Ernakulam district, Kerala across different landing centres and markets. A structured schedule eliciting information on the details related to the total number of fishing operations, crew size, landings, price realised, etc. was used (Annexure 1). The traders (exporters, wholesalers and retailers) were queried on the changes in the quantum of transaction and prices (paid and demonstration realised) during the pre and past periods. The study analysed the extent of different fishing operations by mechanised, motorised and non-mechanised sector in the landing centres / harbours of Munambam, Chellanam, Fort Cochin, Cochin Fisheries harbour and Kalamukku during the pre-demonetised (prior to 8th November) and post demonetised (9-23 November 2016) period covering a fortnight The fishing operations include the number of trips, days of fishing, depth of fishing, crew size, crew share, operating cost etc. The traders from the Broadway, Thevara, Thoppumpady, Chambakkara and Kaloor fish markets were interviewed for assessing the status of the business during these days. In addition, consumers were interviewed on their pattern of fish consumption during the period

Evaluation of premetastatic changes in lymph nodes(pN0) of oral tongue tumour: A prospective observational Study [version 1; peer review: 2 approved]

Background: Tongue tumors show intra and inter-tumoral heterogenicity with high incidence, relapse and mortality rates necessitating further research.  Recurrence/metastasis that occurs  after surgical resection of primary cancer is often the reason for poor survival in these patients.  Lymph nodes are the most common site of metastasis in tongue tumors. Therefore, premetastatic molecular changes can be best evaluated in lymph nodes which may epitomize the earliest events in the metastasis cascades. The presence of circulating tumor cells(CTCs) in the absence of nodal disease (N0) may represent tumor aggressiveness, suggesting an immune escape which may have high metastatic potential. This trial  was developed  to investigate the earliest pre-metastatic changes which may regulate tumor dormancy and predict metastasis. A better understanding of organotropism or pre-metastatic changes can help in theragnostic, thereby  preventing the outbreak of overt metastasis.  Methods: A single-institutional prospective observational cohort study. This trial will be conducted at a tertiary care Centre (Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences Kochi).  Eligible patients will be enrolled after obtaining informed consent. The dissected lymph nodes will  be subjected to histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses for premetastatic niche (PMN) formation. In addition, circulating tumor cells will be evaluated before treatment and 6 months after treatment. The patients will be followed  up for a period of two years to correlate the findings with the recurrence-free survival. Expected results:  The pre-metastatic changes, if detected will  be  a predictive biomarker. It may help to define future drug targets for metastasis chemoprevention   . CTCs may  define the tumor aggressiveness ,there by  prognostication  and helps in better disease management. Ethics and dissemination: The study has received the following approval: Ethics Committee of Amrita School of Medicine (ECASM-AIMS-2022-048).Trial Registered Prospectively( CTRI/2022/03/041256 ) on 22/03/2022 under Clinical Trial Registry of Indi

Evaluation of Front Line Demonstration of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) in Ernakulam District of Kerala, India

To popularize Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz.) among the farmers of Ernakulum district of Kerala, a front line demonstration organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, ICAR- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute on 10 selected farmer‟s field during 2010-11. For this purpose, two cultivars of Cassava i.e. “Sree vijay” and “local variety” were used and the demonstration was conducted during the kharif season of (May to September). The results of demonstration revealed that Sree vijay and local variety produced 250 and 150 q/ha, respectively. The average income of Sree vijay was 1.66% higher compare to local cultivar. Net return and Cost benefit ratio of Sree vijay and local cultivar were Rs. 175000 and 1.42 and 90000 and 1.66, respectively. Overall, the results of our study suggests that front line demonstration (FLDS) on farmer‟s field has the potential for in knowledge of the farmer as well as showed high level at satisfaction about technolog

Extraction and characterization of essential oil of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) fruit pericarp and utilization as a surface coating material to improve the shelf life of paneer

Paneer is a traditional dairy product of India and is similar to unripened soft cheese. It is used as a raw material for the preparation of a variety of culinary dishes and snacks. Paneer is marble white in appearance, with a firm, cohesive and spongy body and a sweetish-acidic-nutty flavor. But it is highly perishable with a limited shelf- life like other indigenous dairy products. Its shelf life was reported to be only six days under refrigeration, though its freshness is lost within three days. The spoilage of paneer occurs mainly due to the growth of microorganisms, which bring about various physico-chemical changes. In the present study, attempts were made to increase the shelf-life of paneer at refrigerated storage by the application ofnutmeg pericarp essential oil surface coating. The essential oil was prepared from fresh nutmeg fruit flesh by steam distillation method. The physico-chemical and bio functional properties of essential oil were determined. The specific gravity and refractive index of the essential oil were found to be 0.903 and 1.477 respectively. The acid value and total polyphenolic value of essential oil were 3.36 and 4.04 mg GAE/g respectively. The essential oil was also found to have good antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. The shelf life of samples coated with essential oil packaged in LDPE pouches had more shelf life than the control paneer, as the coated paneer kept well for 9 days while the control paneer spoiled after the 6th day of refrigerated storage. The paneer with essential oil coating obtained satisfactory sensory score