Human Head Counting and Detection using Convnets

Now days, Detection of human head play an very important role in pedestrian counting. Machine learning is one platform, where human being can train a machine to act without being explicitly programmed and gives more accurate result, even when there is no enough data. Convolution neural network is one which works well for multimedia communication such as Text, Audio and Video. In this paper convnets play an important role in human head detection. In this paper it’s going to explain the less number of layers with more accuracy in the results with less time consuming

Effect of NaCl Salinity on Growth and Mineral Composition of Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Willd.

Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Willd. is a fruit tree species growing wild in arid and semi-arid areas of Asia and Africa where rural populations intensively use its fruits, leaves, bark and wood. However, little is known about the effects of salinity, a widespread problem in these regions, on early growth and mineral composition of this species. This study was conducted under controlled conditions to contribute to filling this gap. Six weeks old seedlings of Z. spina-christi germinated in a full strength Hoagland solution were subjected to 0, 40, 80 and 160 mM NaCl. Compared to the unstressed control salinity levels of 80 and 160 mM reduced plant height, leaf number, leaf chlorophyll, total leaf area and dry matter by 50%. Salinity levels of 40, 80 and 160 mM enhanced leaf water contents by 14, 16 and 17%, respectively and 160 mM NaCl raised the concentration of Na and Cl ions in leaf tissues 81- and 21-fold. The K/Na ratio, in contrast, was hardly affected by increasing salinity indicating adaptation or tolerance of Z. spina-christi to low or moderate NaCl salinity. These results suggest that Z. spina-christi could be an interesting species for re-vegetation of moderately degraded saline lands

Socially sensitive regulation for water services

The provision of essential services such as water and sanitation may be considered a first step towards social inclusion. The overall sustainability of water and sanitation services also depends on social considerations. This paper explores the relationship between the regulator and the utility in the context of service provision for low-income users. It presents a general background to regulation in the water sector, along with some of the challenges faced by governments and regulators when implementing private sector involvement. Drawing upon the authors’ experience of water services management including regulation and private sector participation (PSP) in the water sector, the paper is based on a review of the literature, discussion with relevant professionals and an examination of a number of projects. The authors detail the role of the regulator and identify recurring themes relating to regulation and the poor. The shortcomings of specific projects are highlighted not as criticisms, but in the interest of sharing of knowledge and improving services to the poor in the long run. The paper includes suggestions on how regulation of water services could be undertaken in a low-income environment. The authors conclude that if water utilities are to perform in a socially sensitive manner, appropriate regulatory regimes are necessary

PCR and microarray analysis of AmpC and ESBLs producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from intensive care units

Detection of AmpC and ESBL producing P. aeruginosa by phenotypic methods is challenging, especially in low-income countries such as Pakistan. Therefore, a molecular method was developed for rapid detection of these resistance markers. A total of 303 clinical samples were collected from intensive care units (ICUs) of the Jinnah postgraduate medical centre (JPMC) Karachi, Pakistan. The isolates were identified by traditional and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Isolates were phenotypically analyzed for AmpCs and ESBL by D-test and by double disc synergy, respectively. The Check MDR CT103 XL and PCR techniques were used for the detection AmpCs and ESBLs. Out of 303 isolates, 148 (48.8%) were P. aeruginosa. The resistance pattern of P. aeruginosa against piperacillin, cefatizidime and cefepime was 59.4%, 64.8% and 59.4% respectively. More than 60% isolates were resistant to aminoglycosides and ciprofloxacin. All (148) strains were found sensitive to colistin. Phenotypic ESBL prevalence was 8.8% whereas genotypic resistance was 29.1%. bla was the most prevalent ESBL. Although 25.67% of P. aeruginosa isolates were positive phenotypically for AmpC, microarray (Check-MDR) analysis did not detect chromosomally located AmpC in any of the isolates. VE

Engineering design for dwellings and small housing in seismically active regions of Pakistan : towards a more holistic approach

This paper is an outcome of a 3 year research link programme. Over a period of time several people have contributed towards the development of the ideas. It is difficult to acknowledge all. For the production of this paper Dr Lee Bosher, Dr M.Sohail, Professor Lodi and Professor Rafeeqi have contributed. “Earthquakes don’t kill people: buildings do”1. The earthquake in October 2005 in Kashmir and northern parts of Pakistan once again highlighted the unresolved issue of poor design and quality of buildings, especially non-engineered buildings and infrastructure2. This paper introduces the ‘Holistic Engineering Design’ (HED) project that aims to ensure that best practice in the design and construction of resilient informal (non-engineered) buildings in seismically active areas can be more widely achieved. In doing so, the proposed project will address key questions about the technical, financial and social feasibility of current practice and possible seismic hazard engineering measures; including the potential to learn lessons from traditional construction techniques and ‘professional wisdom’; this is what the authors have referred to as a ‘holistic approach’ to engineering design. This paper highlights the main issues globally regarding the engineering design of dwellings and small housing in seismic zones before defining and considering the case for a more holistic approach in Pakistan

MONITORING VEGETATION DENSITY USING SPECTRAL VEGETATION INDICES: A CASE STUDY OF MALAM JABBA REGION, DISTRICT SWAT, PAKISTAN

The limited forest resources with a higher deforestation rate per annum, Pakistan ranks the second highest in Asia. FAO reported that the annual forest cover change rate during 1990–2000 was −1.8% and increased to −2.2 % between 2000–2010. Most of Pakistan's total forest resources, dominantly natural forest, are situated in the Northern regions. Stepping into the corridor of the 21st century, the Spatio-temporal analysis has been evolved using Satellite Remote Sensing data aided with Geographic Information System) GIS) platforms. The study is carried out over the mountainous vegetation land of Malam Jabba, district Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Due to varying topography and the region being part of the agro-forestry zone, drastic changes were observed in vegetation and built-up areas. The vegetation cover has been identified and classified based on elevation throughout the area. This study has provided essential insights into vegetation cover change over a period of four decades. Vegetation cover is classified into high to very high, medium, and low to very low. The Landsat and the SRTM DEM satellite imageries were exported to the ERDAS software for pre-and post-processing, and for further analysis ArcGIS 10.5 was used, where the vegetation density change for each period was computed from the pixels by using vegetation indices like VCI, NDVI, and SAVI. The results show a significant decline from 1980 to 2010 in vegetation density in the Northwestern direction; however, an increasing trend can be seen in 2020 due to awareness and the Government’s Billion Tree Tsunami initiative. Such studies can significantly benefit researchers and decision-makers interested in satellite remote sensing for forest and other vegetation cover monitoring and management at a regional scale