Detecting Anomalies in Controller Area Network for Automobiles

Availability of interfaces such as WI-FI, Bluetooth and Cellular networks, software components to control a vehicle’s functionality, and lack of security mechanisms in the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus protocol make vehicles vulnerable to attacks. In the recent past, researchers used internal and external attacks on automobiles to demonstrate that it is feasible to compromise the vehicle through the transmission of malicious messages on the vehicle’s CAN bus. To defend against such attacks, we propose three detection techniques. First, cross correlating and validating sensor values across multiple sensors can improve the data integrity of CAN bus messages. Second, the order of the messages from a single Electronic Control Unit (ECU) can be used to detect anomalies. CAN messages from the ECU should always be seen in a specific order as they are transmitted one after the other based on the priorities of messages. Fabrication and suspension attacks can be detected using such schemes. Third, a timing based detector is proposed to observe and detect changes in the timing behavior through deterministic and statistical techniques. An anomaly detection is possible after one malicious message if the CAN bus utilization is less than 50% or after at most three malicious messages if the CAN bus utilization is greater than 50% using a deterministic detection technique. The detection of an attack is possible with good accuracy and low false positive rates using a statistical detection technique but at the cost of longer detection latency

Probable fluoxetine-induced hepatomegaly: a case report

Depressive disorder is a common behavioural, psychiatric disorder. Among various antidepressants selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are preferred drugs for the treatment of depression. When second-generation antidepressants SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are used to treat depression, 0.5–1% of patients develop mildly altered liver function without any symptoms. Various degrees of organ dysfunction are linked with drug-induced liver injury, which is unpredictable and might result from exposure to a drug. We reported suspected fluoxetine-induced hepatomegaly secondary to nine weeks of treatment with an SSRI fluoxetine. Upon cessation of the agent, the patient recovered symptomatically. The evidence is vital that the hepatomegaly in this patient was caused by fluoxetine

Estimation of Effect of Emissivity on Target Detection through Thermal Imaging Systems

The effects of target emissivity on apparent thermal contrast as well as on detection range capabilities of thermal imagers in long wave infrared and middle wave infrared bands were evaluated. The apparent thermal contrast (to be seen by the thermal imager at standoff distance), considering only the emission from target and background, was first computed in both the IR bands in terms of target emissivity and secondly the apparent thermal contrast, considering the background radiation reflected off the target, was also computed. A graphical user interface simulation in MATLAB was prepared for the estimation of total apparent thermal contrast taking into account both the emission and reflection. This total apparent thermal contrast was finally used in night vision thermal and image processing model for predicting the detection range performance of thermal imagers. Results of the analysis show that the effect of target emissivity on thermal contrast estimates is more pronounced in LWIR. The lower thermodynamic temperature difference between target and background at lower values of target emissivity leads to negative thermal contrast which in-turn leads to higher detection ranges

Effect of Ambient Temperature on Calibration of Cooled Thermal Camera

Thermal cameras may be used under ambient conditions that differ significantly from the calibration conditions. The effect of ambient temperature on temperature measurement error is examined for MWIR and LWIR cooled thermal cameras. The facilities used include an environmental chamber and an extended area blackbody with temperature controller. Significant differences were observed in the temperatures measured by the cameras placed in different ambient temperatures, with reference to the set blackbody temperatures. Re-calibration was done to account for variations in ambient temperature from 5 ºC to on the outputs of the cameras. It was found that after such recalibration, the measurement error was within acceptable accuracy of ±1 °C

Current advances in microalgae harvesting and lipid extraction processes for improved biodiesel production: A review

Microalgae have been considered as a potential feedstock for biodiesel production, since its cultivation uses less land than other traditional oil crops and has a higher growth rate. A great challenge is a choice of an effective approach for microalgae biomass recovery and lipid extraction, since the scheduling of these practices are critical and require an economical and environment friendly route. Flocculation has evolved as an efficient and economic approach for harvesting microalgae biomass. This review discussed the recent progress of chemical flocculants including organic and inorganic, bio-flocculants and nanomaterials-based processes for biomass recovery. In addition, the present review describes modifications made in conventional methods for lipid extraction. Several pre-treatment methods such as mechanical, chemical integrated with various solvents and nanoparticles are vastly investigated for lipid extraction. Use of green solvents namely, ionic liquids, supercritical fluids and switchable solvents are also reviewed, with the focus on cleaner biofuel synthesis. Furthermore, the article discusses policies implemented for the advancement in biofuel production, major challenges and considers future directions in microalgae harvesting and lipid recovery processes. This is the first study that extensively compares the recent approaches for biomass and lipid recovery. The present work intended to serve a long-term adaptation of the innovative techniques for copious economic benefit. Thus, this review emphasizes on advanced techniques that influence the microalgae biomass separation and cellular disruption for proficient lipid removal from microalgae, which deliberates towards the development of sustainable microalgae biofuel and heighten the bio-economy strategy

Vegetation Characterization and Litter Production on the Rehabilitated Mined Area of Mussoorie Hills, India

The floristic diversity of four different age series in rehabilitated mined area which represents the degraded ecosystem was examined. Phytosociological analysis revealed that the highest number of plant species (38 nos.) including tree, shrubs, herbs and grasses were found in eight years old (Site II) rehabilitated site followed by eleven years old (Site I )and six years old (Site 3) (33 nos.) and least was in four years old Site IV (29 nos.). Maximum total basal area was represented by site I followed by site II, site III and site IV. With reference to annual litter production it was highest in Site I (5286 Kg/ha) followed by Site III (1193.2 Kg/ha), Site II (804.0 kg/ha) and least in Site IV (262.0 Kg/ha)

Sacred forest of Kunjapuri Siddhapeeth, Uttarakhand, India

Abstract: Sacred forests are a new frontier for interdisciplinary research and are relevant for biodiversity conservation. However, several sacred forests are experiencing failure of legal protection in guaranteeing their integrity and conservation. To bridge the gap between the needs of local people and to safeguard the health of these sacred places, immediate steps are called for. The present study was conducted in Kunjapuri Siddhapeeth, which is one of the 52 Siddhapeeths of India. A total of 239 plant species belonging to 78 families and 207 genera were collected from the study area. Out of these, nine species are considered threatened and three species vulnerable. Presently, the health of this sacred forest is deteriorating under constant anthropogenic pressures. These disturbances are also a threat for various rare, vulnerable and threatened plants. These forests are maintained and managed by the forest department and the locals are not co-operating. Therefore, the government should either promote community-based conservation of biodiversity in these forests or their administration should be handed over to temple authorities. Resumen: Los bosques sagrados representan una nueva frontera para la investigación interdisciplinaria y son relevantes para la conservación de la biodiversidad. No obstante, varios bosques sagrados carecen de una protección legal que garantice su integridad y conservación. Es necesario realizar acciones inmediatas para conciliar las necesidades de los pobladores locales y salvaguardar la salud de estos espacios sagrados. El presente estudio se llevó a cabo en Kunjapuri Siddhapeeth, que es uno de los 52 Siddhapeeths de la India. En el área de estudio se recolectó un total de 239 especies de plantas pertenecientes a 78 familias y 207 géneros. Entre éstas, se considera que nueve especies están amenazadas y tres son vulnerables. En la actualidad, la salud de este bosque sagrado se está deteriorando bajos las presiones antropogénicas constantes. Estos disturbios también constituyen una amenaza para varias plantas raras, vulnerables y amenazadas. Estos bosques son mantenidos y manejados por el departamento forestal y los pobladores locales no están cooperando. Por lo tanto, o el gobierno debería promover que la conservación de la biodiversidad en estos bosques tenga una base en la comunidad, o su administración debería pasar a manos de las autoridades del templo. Resumo: As florestas sagradas são a nova fronteira para a investigação interdisciplinar e é relevante para a conservação da biodiversidade. Contudo, várias florestas sagradas vêm enfrentando uma lacuna legal que não lhes garante a sua integridade e conservação. Para estabelecer a ligação entre as necessidades da população local e a salvaguarda da saúde deste lugares sagrados, é necessário assumir medidas imediatas. O presente estudo foi conduzido em Kunjapuri Siddhapeeth, que é um dos 52 Siddhapeeths da Índia. Um total de 239 espécies de plantas, pertencendo a 78 famílias e 207 géneros, foram colhidos na área de estudo. Destas, nove espécies são consideradas ameaçadas e três são vulneráveis. Presentemente, o estado desta floresta sagrada está a deteriorar-se sob a constante pressão antropogénica. Estes perturbações