Peduncle inheritance behavior in Antheraea mylitta. D. - An interesting observation

In eco-racial hybridization of Antheraea mylitta D.( Raily X Daba ) the occurrence of long peduncle with two and more rings were found to be an interesting observation against Daba cultivar. Preliminary studies indicate to incorporate the peduncle structure in breeding programs apart from investigating its impact on physiological behavior of the insect

Development and Integration of Geometric and Optimization Algorithms for Packing and Layout Design

The research work presented in this dissertation focuses on the development and application of optimization and geometric algorithms to packing and layout optimization problems. As part of this research work, a compact packing algorithm, a physically-based shape morphing algorithm, and a general purpose constrained multi-objective optimization algorithm are proposed. The compact packing algorithm is designed to pack three-dimensional free-form objects with full rotational freedom inside an arbitrary enclosure such that the packing efficiency is maximized. The proposed compact packing algorithm can handle objects with holes or cavities and its performance does not degrade significantly with the increase in the complexity of the enclosure or the objects. It outputs the location and orientation of all the objects, the packing sequence, and the packed configuration at the end of the packing operation. An improved layout algorithm that works with arbitrary enclosure geometry is also proposed. Different layout algorithms for the SAE and ISO luggage are proposed that exploit the unique characteristics of the problem under consideration. Several heuristics to improve the performance of the packing algorithm are also proposed. The proposed compact packing algorithm is benchmarked on a wide variety of synthetic and hypothetical problems and is shown to outperform other similar approaches. The physically-based shape morphing algorithm proposed in this dissertation is specifically designed for packing and layout applications, and thus it augments the compact packing algorithm. The proposed shape morphing algorithm is based on a modified mass-spring system which is used to model the morphable object. The shape morphing algorithm mimics a quasi-physical process similar to the inflation/deflation of a balloon filled with air. The morphing algorithm starts with an initial manifold geometry and morphs it to obtain a desired volume such that the obtained geometry does not interfere with the objects surrounding it. Several modifications to the original mass-spring system and to the underlying physics that governs it are proposed to significantly speed-up the shape morphing process. Since the geometry of a morphable object continuously changes during the morphing process, most collision detection algorithms that assume the colliding objects to be rigid cannot be used efficiently. And therefore, a general-purpose surface collision detection algorithm is also proposed that works with deformable objects and does not require any preprocessing. Many industrial design problems such as packing and layout optimization are computationally expensive, and a faster optimization algorithm can reduce the number of iterations (function evaluations) required to find the satisfycing solutions. A new multi-objective optimization algorithm namely Archive-based Micro Genetic Algorithm (AMGA2) is presented in this dissertation. Improved formulation for various operators used by the AMGA2 such as diversity preservation techniques, genetic variation operators, and the selection mechanism are also proposed. The AMGA2 also borrows several concepts from mathematical sciences to improve its performance and benefits from the existing literature in evolutionary optimization. A comprehensive benchmarking and comparison of AMGA2 with other state-of-the-art optimization algorithms on a wide variety of mathematical problems gleaned from literature demonstrates the superior performance of AMGA2. Thus, the research work presented in this dissertation makes contributions to the development and application of optimization and geometric algorithms

AMGA: an archive-based micro genetic algorithm for multi-objective optimization

In this paper, we propose a new evolutionary algorithm for multi-objective optimization. The proposed algorithm benefits from the existing literature and borrows several concepts from existing multi-objective optimization algorithms. The proposed algorithm employs a new kind of selection procedure which benefits from the search history of the algorithm and attempts to minimize the number of function evaluations required to achieve the desired convergence. The proposed algorithm works with a very small population size and maintains an archive of best and diverse solutions obtained so as to report a large number of non-dominated solutions at the end of the simulation. Improved formulation for some of the existing diversity preservation techniques is also proposed. Certain implementation aspects that facilitate better performance of the algorithm are discussed. Comprehensive benchmarking and comparison of the proposed algorithm with some of the state-of-the-art multi-objective evolutionary algorithms demonstrate the improved search capability of the proposed algorithm

Role of Ultrasound Scan in Non-Traumatic Acute Abdomen Presenting in Surgery Department of a Tertiary Care Center

Introduction: An acute abdomen is defined as a clinical condition characterized by severe abdominal pain developing suddenly over several hours or less. Ultrasonography (USG) helps the managing surgeons arrive at early diagnosis and rule out alternative diseases, thus reducing negative laparotomy rate. This study analyzed the diagnostic yield of USG in patients with non-traumatic acute abdomen presenting to Surgery department via Emergency department/outpatient department of a tertiary hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 110 patients with non-traumatic acute abdominal pain who were sent for USG examination. The percentage concordance of USG diagnosis with the final diagnosis at discharge was determined in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for acute abdomen. Results: Of 110 patients, correct clinical diagnosis was made in 83 patients (75%) while USG made a correct diagnosis in 101 patients (91%). Hence, with the help of USG, accuracy of diagnosing cause of acute abdomen increased by 16 %. The sensitivity and specificity of USG in diagnosis of acute appendicitis were 87.7% and 98.3% respectively. Conclusion: USG is easily available and non-invasive modality without radiation exposure and requiring minimal patient preparation. USG should, therefore, be an important routine diagnostic investigation in patients presenting with acute abdomen

An Analysis upon Organization of Some Nuclear Mappings and Quasi-Nuclear Mappings

In this paper we sum up the notable outcome which says that the arrangement of semi nuclear maps is nuclear. All the more accurately, we characterize what we call a 2-quasi?-nuclear guide between normed spaces and we say that the organization of a 2-semi ?-nuclear guide with a semi ?-nuclear guide is a pseudo-?-nuclear guide. Additionally, we say that a semi ?-nuclear guide is a 2-semi ?-nuclear guide. For a nuclear G?-space, we say that a straight guide T between normed spaces is 2-semi ?-nuclear if and only if it is semi ?-nuclear. We present new kind of maps between normed spaces to be specific, p-quasi?-nuclear guide. We say that the piece of a q-semi ?-nuclear guide (0 < q ? 1) with a p-semi ?-nuclear guide (0 < p ? 1) is a pseudo-?-nuclear guide. Additionally we say that for a nuclear G?-space a direct guide T between normed spaces isp-semi ?-nuclear iff it is q-semi ?-nuclear

Does Nepal’s Climate Change Adaptation Policy and Practices Address Poor and Vulnerable Communities?

Climate change (CC) impact, adaptation practices and policies are an emerging area of research and development in Nepal. Many households were deeply affected by, climatic variability and natural disasters coupled with a decade-long conflict, leaving them with few options to cope with CC in Nepal. The study was done through reviewed CC related policies and programs initiated at the national to local level.  Additionally, study was conducted to analyze different CC adaptation programs and practices in different eco-region from Himalaya to Inner Terai region of center and western Nepal through shared learning dialogue, field observation, key informant interview, regional and district level consultative workshop and focus group discussion. To address the issues of CC, different government and nongovernment institutions have initiated its adaptation programs in Nepal. NAPA and LAPA- Nepal highlighted the adaptation practices and adaptation framework from national to local level. These national programs initiatives have been endorsed by the GoN (Government of Nepal) through the promulgation of CC Policy Nepal 2011.  The policy has focused on interdisciplinary approach with 80% funds allocated at the local level particularly for poor and vulnerable groups. Some district level offices have initiated CC adaptation activities such as construction of water harvesting pond for irrigation, water source protection, agroforestry practices and training on CC adaptation and mitigation. Similarly, in some project supported districts, community level and VDC level five year local adaptation plans have been prepared. However, it is observed that there is a big gap in institutional arrangement, capacity to implement and mechanisms for adaptation programs at local level and poor communities. It was also observed that different GOs programs and NGOs were involved to improve the livelihood of the poor and vulnerable communities through pro-poor programs at local level which resulted improve CC adaptation capacity. It is suggested that CC policy in Nepal be formulated with holistic approach, institutionalized implementing mechanism and focus on livelihood improvement of the poor and vulnerable communities that have joint environmental, social or economic benefits. Keywords:  Community, Institutions, NAPA, no-regret approach, LAPA, Livelihood, Vulnerabilit