Adaptive Edge-guided Block-matching and 3D filtering (BM3D) Image Denoising Algorithm

Image denoising is a well studied field, yet reducing noise from images is still a valid challenge. Recently proposed Block-matching and 3D filtering (BM3D) is the current state of the art algorithm for denoising images corrupted by Additive White Gaussian noise (AWGN). Though BM3D outperforms all existing methods for AWGN denoising, still its performance decreases as the noise level increases in images, since it is harder to find proper match for reference blocks in the presence of highly corrupted pixel values. It also blurs sharp edges and textures. To overcome these problems we proposed an edge guided BM3D with selective pixel restoration. For higher noise levels it is possible to detect noisy pixels form its neighborhoods gray level statistics. We exploited this property to reduce noise as much as possible by applying a pre-filter. We also introduced an edge guided pixel restoration process in the hard-thresholding step of BM3D to restore the sharpness of edges and textures. Experimental results confirm that our proposed method is competitive and outperforms the state of the art BM3D in all considered subjective and objective quality measurements, particularly in preserving edges, textures and image contrast

Distinctive Phonetic Features (DPFs)-based isolated word recognition using Multilayer neural networks

This paper describes an isolated word recognition method based on distinctive phonetic features (DPFs). The method comprises two multilayer neural networks (MLNs). The first MLN, MLNLF-DPF, maps local features (LFs) of an input speech signal into discrete DPFs and the second MLN, MLNDyn, restricts dynamics of outputted DPFs by the MLNLF-DPF. In the experiments on To hokudai Isolated Spoken-Word Database in clean acoustic environment, the proposed recognizer was found to provide a higher word correct rate (WCR) as well as word accuracy (WA) with fewer mixture components in hidden Markov models (HMMs) in comparison with the method proposed by T. Fukuda, et al. [6]

Exploring the Antecedents of Supply Chain Viability in a Pandemic Context: An Empirical Study on the Commercial Flower Supply Chain of an Emerging Economy

The global supply chain (SC) has faced unprecedented disruptions fueled by the COVID-19 virus. While scholarly research has explored various dimensions to counter the epidemic and bolster the SC, the literature is still dispersed and fragmented in managing the SC toward sustainable operational performance. We strengthened the notion of the SC by extending it toward the SC viability (SCV) approach. The objective of the study is to determine the factors to propose a model for sustainable SC viability in a pandemic context. We built our theoretical model based on the viable supply chain (VSC) theory. The study assessed the hypotheses using partial least square-based structural equation modelling with data from 428 flower-producing cum trading enterprises. The research found that supply chain integration and supply risk control positively influence ensuring SCV. Besides, supply chain resilience mediates the effect of SC integration and risk control on SCV. By exploring the role of SC integration, SC resilience, and SC risk control, the study contributes to SC viability theory. Our research fills the gap in the domain of SC viability dimension. From our study, the academicians and firms can get fresh antecedents of SC viability as an emerging sustainable SC management approach

Clinically proven natural products, vitamins and mineral in boosting up immunity: A comprehensive review

Background: and Purposes: The terminology “immune boost-up” was the talk of the topic in this Covid-19 pandemic. A significant number of the people took initiative to increase the body's defense capacity through boosting up immunity worldwide. Considering this, the study was designed to explain the natural products, vitamins and mineral that were proved by clinical trail as immunity enhancer. Methods: Information was retrieved from SciVerse Scopus ® (Elsevier Properties S. A, USA), Web of Science® (Thomson Reuters, USA), and PubMed based on immunity, nutrients, natural products in boosting up immunity, minerals and vitamins in boosting up immunity, and immune booster agents. Result: A well-defined immune cells response provide a-well functioning defense system for the human physiological system. Cells of the immune system must require adequate stimulation so that these cells can prepare themselves competent enough to fight against any unintended onslaught. Several pharmacologically active medicinal plants and plants derived probiotics or micronutrients have played a pivotal role in enhancing the immune boost-up process. Their role has been well established from the previous study. Immune stimulating cells, especially cells of acquired immunity are closely associated with the immune-boosting up process because all the immunological reactions and mechanisms are mediated through these cells. Conclusion: This article highlighted the mechanism of action of different natural products, vitamins and mineral in boosting up the immunity of the human body and strengthening the body's defense system. Therefore, it is recommended that until the specific immune-boosting drugs are available in pharma markets, anyone can consider the mentioned products as dietary supplements to boost up the immunity

Elevated serum malondialdehyde (MDA), insulin, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and reduced antioxidant vitamins in polycystic ovarian syndrome patients

Elevated oxidative stress and hormonal imbalance have been suggested associate with polycystic ovarian syndromes (PCOS), a causal factor for unsuccessful pregnancy outcomes and other associated complications in women. The aim of this study was to compare the oxidative stress markers and different relevant hormone between pregnant women with and without PCOS. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), insulin, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), vitamin A and vitamin C were measured in 80 pregnant women with PCOS and 80 healthy pregnancies. The mean MDA and insulin levels were significantly elevated in pregnant with PCOS compared to healthy controls (1.98±0.07 vs. 1.06±0.02 nmol/mL and 11.15±0.25 vs. 6.67±0.25 mIU/L, respectively with p<0.001 for both). Compared to healthy controls, the mean concentrations of FSH (3.65±0.16 vs. 1.75±0.10 IU/L) and LH (15.67±0.63 vs. 3.65±0.16 IU/L) were significantly higher in pregnant women with PCOS, p<0.001 for both comparisons. Similarly, the concentration of serum TSH was also higher in PCOS cases compared to controls (2.79±0.22 vs.2.34±0.06, p=0.048). In contrast, the levels of vitamin A and C were lower in PCOS cases compared to healthy pregnancy group, 0.45±0.01 vs. 1.05±0.01 and 0.26±0.01 vs. 0.53±0.02, respectively with p-values <0.001 for both comparations. In conclusion, in PCOS, serum MDA, insulin, FSH, LH and TSH levels elevated while the level of antioxidant vitamins lower compared to healthy pregnant women. Unusual hormonal imbalance and increase of oxidative stress markers during the pregnancy might important to establish the PCOS diagnosis