Detection and Identification of Camouflaged Targets using Hyperspectral and LiDAR data

Camouflaging is the process of merging the target with the background with the aim to reduce/delay its detection. It can be done using different materials/methods such as camouflaging nets, paints. Defence applications often require quick detection of camouflaged targets in a dynamic battlefield scenario. Though HSI data may facilitate detection of camouflaged targets but detection gets complicated due to issues (spectral variability, dimensionality). This paper presents a framework for detection of camouflaged target that allows military analysts to coordinate and utilise the expert knowledge for resolving camouflaged targets using remotely sensed data. Desired camouflaged target (set of three chairs as a target under a camouflaging net) has been resolved in three steps: First, hyperspectral data processing helps to detect the locations of potential camouflaged targets. It narrows down the location of the potential camouflaged targets by detecting camouflaging net using Independent component analysis and spectral matching algorithms. Second, detection and identification have been performed using LiDAR point cloud classification and morphological analysis. HSI processing helps to discard the redundant majority of LiDAR point clouds and support detailed analysis of only the minute portion of the point cloud data the system deems relevant. This facilitates extraction of salient features of the potential camouflaged target. Lastly, the decisions obtained have been fused to infer the identity of the desired targets. The experimental results indicate that the proposed approach may be used to successfully resolve camouflaged target assuming some a priori knowledge about the morphology of targets likely to be present.

A rare case of acute osteomyelitis in a 13-year-old with physeal involvement

Osteomyelitis of epiphyses in adolescents is a rare finding. We evaluate one such case in which high degree of clinical suspicion and prompt surgical intervention yielded good functional results. This is a case report of 13-year-old girl diagnosed with osteomyelitis of right knee. MRI is suggestive of physeal involvement. Physeal involvement makes the management very challenging. Surgical intervention was planned to reduce bacterial load and minimize possibility of damage to knee joint (articular cartilage and joint capsule). Lateral and posterior compartment of leg was decompressed, fibular osteotomy done, drilling in tibial epiphyseal and metaphyseal region of tibia done avoiding any injury to growth plate. Pus for culture and sensitivity and specific antibiotics started with monitoring of blood parameters for infection like ESR, CRP, TLC. Patient taken up for second debridement after one week of index surgery. After 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotic patient discharged in afebrile state with reduced values of blood parameters and acceptable range of knee movement. Lower extremity functional scoring (LEFS) of 45/80 i. e., 56.83 % at the end of 4 months. Good functional outcome at the end of 1 year. Early clinical suspicion with prompt investigation, surgical and medical management gives promising result

Arsenic in Surface Waters: A Report from River Ganga and its Tributary Jamania at Bhagalpur, Bihar, India

An investigation has been carried out to examine the arsenic pollution status of River Ganga & its tributary Jamania during pre-monsoon period of  2017 at Bhagalpur, Bihar (India). Altogether 17 water samples from different sampling sites along with their geo co-ordinates have been investigated for the value of arsenic using FTK test as well as spectrophotometer method. Throughout the study, arsenic value ranged from 10.69 ppb to 55.92 ppb. Out of the 17 water samples, the values of arsenic in 13 samples were from 20ppb to 54.1ppb. The concentration levels of arsenic in all the 17 river water samples and 2 public water supply samples (source: river water) in the present study were found above from the permissible limit of WHO (2008) and BIS (2004-2005) standards for drinking which is 10 ppb (part per billion)

A comparative study of fatty acids profile of two Indian major carps (Gibelion catla, Hamilton, 1822 and Cirrhinus mrigala, Hamilton, 1822) using value added fish feed

Freshwater fishes are not only a major source of protein but they also possess nutritionally valuable lipids in the form of Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which play a crucial role in the normal growth, disease prevention, development, cardiovascular health and reproduction of human. The present study was performed to determine the incorporation rate of fatty acids profile and their composition in two common freshwater carps as Gibelion catla and Cirrhinus mrigala (in situ trial and experimental) in the different experimental time period (0 days, i.e. initial, 90 days and 180 days) by using of value added feed like flaxseed (?-linolenic acids, 51.26% – 54.94%) and soybean oil (?-linolenic acids, 7.95%-9.01%) as omega-3 supplements. To determine the specific growth pattern Length-Weight Relationships (LWRs) are analyzed where it showed positive allometric growth (b=3.20 in 90 days, b=3.11 in 180 days for Catla and b=3.18 in 90 days, b=3.1 in 180 days for Mrigala fish). The Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) method also confirmed that the percentages of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) increased significantly (P< 0.05) in experimental (0.096a±0.41, initial; 5.16a±0.27, 90 days; 6.21b±0.36, 180 days Catla fish species and 0.019a±0.96 initial; 3.74b±0.37, 90 days; 3.50a±0.46 180 days for Mrigal fish species) fishes rather than controls (4.28a±0.27, 90 days; 4.36b±0.36, 180 days for Catla species and 2.24b±0.31 90 days; 2.50a±0.11 180 days for Mrigal species). Therefore, it was clearly indicated that formulated diet performed significantly to maintain the positive allometric growth as well as successive enrichment of PUFAs in experimental specimens, which is beneficial for human health as high source of protein and PUFAs as well

Seasonal variation of soil enzymes in areas of fluoride stress in Birbhum District, West Bengal, India

AbstractSoil enzyme activities provide a unique biochemical means for assessing soil function as an indicator of soil fertility, which can be altered by a profusion of fluoride in the soil and seasonal changes. Seven sites were chosen in the fluoride-affected area of Nasipur, Birbhum District, West Bengal, India, to compare seasonal changes in enzymes (urease, amylase, cellulase and invertase), fluoride content, physicochemical characteristics and the availability of microbes in the soil with a control. The activity of all the enzymes varied with season. Urease had greater activity in the summer, followed by winter; it showed marginal differences from the control area during the winter (p<0.002) and summer (p<0.110) but a significant (p<0.000) difference during the rainy season. Soil pH had a negative impact on urease activity during both winter and summer. Cellulase activity was accelerated by the organic matter and organic carbon content of the soil. Fluoride therefore had the greatest activity against urease activity during the rainy, summer and winter seasons. The microbial population of the soil also showed a negative impact of fluoride, which may in turn affect the soil enzymes and characteristics

Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activity of some nickel, cadmium and mercury complexes of 5-methyl-3yl-N-(2′-methylthiophenyl)-methyleneimine, (MPzOATA) ligand

S.M. is thankful to the U.G.C., Govt. of India for providing financial support in the form of fellowship (videUGC Award No.: File No. 17-81/2008 (SA-I) dated: 04.1.2011). The financial support received from the University of Kalyani in the form of Personal Research Grant is thankfully acknowledged.Abstract Herein, we report the syntheses and structures of Ni(II) complexes, [Ni(MPzOATA)2] (Cl) (PF6) ( I ), [Ni(MPzOATA)2](ClO4)2.CH3CN (II) & [Ni(MPzOATA)2](BF4)2.H2O ( III ); Cd(II) complex, [Cd(MPzOATA)Cl2]2 ( IV ) and a Hg(II) complex, [Hg(MPzOATA)Cl2] ( V ), of a pyrazole based ‘NNS’ donor ligand, 5-methylpyrazole-3yl-N-(2′-methylthiophenyl)methyleneimine, (MPzOATA). The complexes are characterized byelemental analyses,electronic, IR, 1H NMR (only for IV & V ) spectral parameters, conductivity and fluorescence measurements. X-ray crystallographic data of the complexes reveal that the Ni(II) complexes have NiN4S2 octahedral coordination, one of them is a mixed-anion complex having Cl− and PF6− as counter anions; the Cd(II) complex is a chloro bridged binuclear complex with octahedral coordinationenvironment aroundeach metal centre, while the Hg(II) complex is a square pyramidal one. Among the reported complex species, the Ni(II) complexes are non-fluorescent, while the Cd(II) and Hg(II) complexes can be used as potential photoactive materials as indicated from their characteristicemission properties. The reported complexes are screened for their antimicrobial activities against some Gram positive and Gram negative microbial strains, and they are found to be potential antimicrobial agents in broad spectrum against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria.PostprintPeer reviewe

Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activities of Co(III) and Ni(II) complexes with 5-methyl-3-formylpyrazole-N(4)-dihexylthiosemicarbazone (HMPzNHex2) : X-ray crystallography and DFT calculations of [Co(MPzNHex2)2]ClO4·1.5H2O (I) and [Ni(HMPzNHex2)2]Cl2·2H2O (II)

Manan Saha is thankful to the U.G.C., Govt. of India for providing financial support in the form of Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (Number and date of award letter: F1-17.1/2013-14/RGNF-2013-14-SC-WES- 51398/(SA-III/Website); 06/02/2014). N.C. Saha is thankful to the University of Kalyani for financial assistance received in the form of Personal Research Grant.A new pyrazole containing ligand, 5-methyl-3-formylpyrazole-N(4)-dihexylthiosemicarbazone (HMPzNHex2), and a host of its cobalt(III) and nickel(II) complexes, [Co(MPzNHex2)2]X·mH2O and [Ni(HMPzNHex2)2]X2·nH2O (X= Cl, Br, ClO4, BF4 and NO3; m = 0 for Cl, Br, BF4 & NO3 and 1.5 for ClO4; n = 0 for Br, ClO4, BF4 & NO3 and 2 for Cl), respectively, have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, magnetic measurements (polycrystalline state), 1H NMR (for the ligand and its Co(III) complexes), electronic and IR spectral parameters. All the reported Co(III) and Ni(II) complexes are cationic in nature and behaving as 1:1 and 1:2 electrolytes, respectively, in MeOH. Electronic spectral data of the complexes categorize them as havingdistorted octahedral coordination geometry. IR spectral features (4000-/450 cm-1) specify a monodeprotonated / neutral tridentate (NNS) function of the ligand, HMPzNHex2 coordinating to the Co(III) / Ni(II) via the pyrazolyl (tertiary) ring nitrogen, azomethine nitrogen and thiolato / thioketo sulfur atom. 1H NMR spectral data (in CDCl3 at 400 MHz) for the primary ligand and those of its Co(III) complexes are in agreement with the proposition of bonding sites evidenced from IR data. The single crystal x-ray data of I (C2/c (#15); monoclinic) and II (P-1 (#2); triclinic) have confirmed a CoN4S2 and a NiN4S2 octahedral coordination, respectively. The pair of monoprotic / neutral coordinating ligands is more or less orthogonal to each other in the complex species. The data obtained from DFT calculations are reasonably in agreement with the UV-Vis spectral assignment and the structures of the complex species. Although the ligand and the tested metal ion complexes are capable of inhibiting microbial growth, the cobalt complexes can be promoted as better antimicrobial agents.PostprintPeer reviewe

Unraveling Prostaglandin and NLRP3 Inflammasomemediated Pathways of Primary Dysmenorrhea and the Role of Mefenamic Acid and Its Combinations

Painful menstrual cramps during or around the time of the monthly cycle are known as dysmenorrhea. The estimated global prevalence in women of reproductive age ranges from 45% to 95%. It has a significant negative impact on regular activities and productivity at work. However, despite the severe consequences on quality of life, primary dysmenorrhea&nbsp;(PD) is underdiagnosed. Dysmenorrhea has complex pathogenesis. It involves the release of prostaglandins and activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and also includes the involvement of other mediators such as bradykinin, histamine and acetylcholine. Even though nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) remain the most common type of pain medication, the question of which one should be the most preferred is still open to debate. The current review examines the existing evidence for the pathogenesis of PD and makes evidence based and clinical experience based recommendations for the use of mefenamic acid and its combination in the treatment of dysmenorrhea. Mefenamic acid alleviates PD by inhibiting endometrial prostaglandin formation, restoring normal uterine activity, and reducing the inflammatory response by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome and reducing the release of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β. It is also known to have bradykinin antagonist activity. Dicyclomine has a dual action of blocking the muscarinic action of acetylcholine in postganglionic parasympathetic effect or regions and acting directly on uterine smooth muscle by blocking bradykinin and histamine receptors to relieve spasms. According to the experts, mefenamic acid and dicyclomine act synergistically by acting on the different pathways of dysmenorrhea by blocking multifactorial agents attributed to the cause of dysmenorrhea. Hence, the combination of mefenamic acid and dicyclomine should be the preferred treatment option for dysmenorrhea

Dynamics of Hot QCD Matter -- Current Status and Developments

The discovery and characterization of hot and dense QCD matter, known as Quark Gluon Plasma (QGP), remains the most international collaborative effort and synergy between theorists and experimentalists in modern nuclear physics to date. The experimentalists around the world not only collect an unprecedented amount of data in heavy-ion collisions, at Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC), at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) in New York, USA, and the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland but also analyze these data to unravel the mystery of this new phase of matter that filled a few microseconds old universe, just after the Big Bang. In the meantime, advancements in theoretical works and computing capability extend our wisdom about the hot-dense QCD matter and its dynamics through mathematical equations. The exchange of ideas between experimentalists and theoreticians is crucial for the progress of our knowledge. The motivation of this first conference named "HOT QCD Matter 2022" is to bring the community together to have a discourse on this topic. In this article, there are 36 sections discussing various topics in the field of relativistic heavy-ion collisions and related phenomena that cover a snapshot of the current experimental observations and theoretical progress. This article begins with the theoretical overview of relativistic spin-hydrodynamics in the presence of the external magnetic field, followed by the Lattice QCD results on heavy quarks in QGP, and finally, it ends with an overview of experiment results.Comment: Compilation of the contributions (148 pages) as presented in the `Hot QCD Matter 2022 conference', held from May 12 to 14, 2022, jointly organized by IIT Goa & Goa University, Goa, Indi