First adaptation of quinoa in the Bhutanese mountain agriculture systems

Bhutan represents typical mountain agriculture farming systems with unique challenges. The agriculture production systems under environmental constraints are typical of small-scale agricultural subsistence systems related to family farming in the Himalayan Mountains with very low level of mechanization, numerous abiotic stresses influenced by climate and other socio-economic constraints. Quinoa was first introduced in 2015 through FAO's support to Bhutan as a new crop to enhance the food and nutritional security of the Bhutanese people. The main objective was to adapt this versatile crop to the local mountain agriculture conditions as a climate resilient crop for diversifying the farmer's traditional potato and maize based cropping systems. Ten quinoa varieties were evaluated at two different sites representing contrasted mountain agroecologies in Bhutan and were tested during the two agricultural campaigns 2016 and 2017. Yusipang (2600 masl) represents the cool temperate agroecological zone, and Lingmethang (640 masl) the dry subtropical agroecological zone. The sowing time differed depending on the growing season and elevation of the sites. Results indicate that quinoa can be successfully grown in Bhutan for the two different agroecological zones. The grain yields varied from 0.61 to 2.68 t.ha-1 in the high altitude areas where quinoa was seeded in spring and harvested in autumn season. The grain yield in the lower elevation ranged from 1.59 to 2.98 t.ha-1 where the crop was sown in autumn and harvested in winter season. Depending on genotypes' characteristics and agroecological zones, crop maturity significantly varied from 92 to 197 days with all genotypes maturing much earlier in the lower elevations where mean minimum and maximum temperatures during the growing season were higher. Quinoa is rapidly promoted across different agroecological contexts in the country as a new climate resilient and nutrient dense pseudo cereal to diversify the traditional existing cropping system with some necessary adjustments in sowing time, suitable varieties and crop management practices. To fast track the rapid promotion of this new crop in Bhutan, four varieties have been released in 2018. In just over three years, the cultivation of quinoa as a new cereal has been demonstrated and partially adapted to the maize and potato based traditional cropping systems under the Himalayan mountain agriculture. Quinoa is also being adapted to the rice based cropping system and rapidly promoted as an alternative food security crop in the current 12th Five Year national development plan of Bhutan. To rapidly promote quinoa cultivation, the Royal Government of Bhutan is supporting the supply of free quinoa seeds, cultivation technologies and milling machines to the rural communities. To promote the consumption and utilization of quinoa at national level, consumer awareness are created by preparing and serving local Bhutanese dishes from quinoa during local food fairs and farmer's field days. In addition, the Royal Government of Bhutan has included quinoa in the school feeding programme recognizing the high nutrient value of the crop for enhancing and securing the nutritional needs of the young children

Liveness Detection for 3D Face Mask Attacks.

The serviceable and convenient nature of the Face Recognition System (FRS) makes it a preferred way for access control and authentication for a wide range of application areas, from biometric passport, surveillance system, health care, law enforcement, banking services to user verification in the smartphone. Most of the current day FRS have a number of open challenges such as weaker liveness detection, makeup attacks, morphing attacks and privacy issues. As the FRS do not actively query for the liveness of the subject and verify if the person is alive. Taking the advantage of the vulnerabilities in current day FRS, intruders can fool the FRS using the Presentation Attacks (PA) (a.k.a spoofing attacks). An attacker can mimic being an authentic user by presenting a spoof biometric data (e.g., printed photo, face videos, 3D face mask). Such an attack can be addressed by adding a layer of security to the Face Recognition System to detect them and these approaches are generally called Presentation Attack Detection. In this work, we propose Remote photoplethysmography based Presentation Attack Detection to distinguish presentation attacks (spoofing attempts) between the real face and 3D mask face videos. Remote photoplethysmography has been used to determine the liveness of a subject in PAD by biological signals such as pulse from the face videos. In this thesis, we propose a set of complementary features for making the PAD better against 3D face masks. We evaluate the performance of the proposed approach on two publicly available 3D mask datasets - 3DMAD and HKBVMarsV1+ using the standard protocols. The proposed approach outperforms the performance under similar protocols as against the state-of-the-art. Further, the thesis also investigates the use of proposed approach for cross dataset evaluation by training on one kind of 3D face masks and test on unseen data 3D mask types in an effort towards generalization

Advanced analysis of steel-concrete composite frames

Modern specifications such as AS4100 and AISC360-10 permit the design of steel frames by advanced analysis (second order nonlinear inelastic analysis). But the research on advanced analysis for steel-concrete composite frames with concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns, composite beams, and composite connections is still in its infancy despite widespread application of such frames in modern construction. To conduct advanced analysis of composite frames, the best option is to adopt simplified numerical models because of the computational efficiency. However, it is very challenging to accurately capture the effects of composite action between different components of a composite frame using simplified models. This task initially requires the proper understanding of the fundamental behaviour of each component of composite frames. Therefore, 3D FE modelling was utilised to investigate the fundamental behaviour particularly for the CFST columns and composite beams with headed shear studs welded through profiled steel sheeting. Finally, a simplified tool to design composite frames by advanced analysis was developed. For CFST columns, simplified numerical models were developed using fibre beam element (FBE) models. The main challenging part of FBE modelling is to define accurate material properties because the FBE modelling cannot account for the interaction between the steel tube and concrete, which have significant effects on prediction accuracy. Therefore, the material models themselves should account for the interaction. Although a few material models for either steel or concrete are available in the literature for FBE modelling, such models cannot be used especially when considering the rapid development and application of high strength materials and/or thin-walled steel tubes. Therefore, versatile yet simple steel and concrete material models were developed in this study based on extensive regression analysis of data generated from 3D FE modelling. The FBE modelling results of circular CFST columns indicate that the proposed material models can be utilised for sufficiently wide practical ranges of such columns (concrete strength: 20 to 200 MPa, steel yield strength: 185-960 MPa, diameter to thickness ratio: 10-220). The full-scale experiments of composite beams are very expensive. Thus, FE modelling can be a viable alternative to investigate the fundamental behaviour of composite beams. But the FE models developed earlier have adopted various assumptions to simplify the modelling of some complex interactions such as the interaction between the shear studs and concrete. Accordingly, those FE models have limitations to capture certain types of failure modes. To address the above issues, a FE model for composite beams with profiled steel sheeting was developed. The realistic interaction between different components, including fracture of shear studs and profiled steel sheeting, along with concrete damage, has been considered in the FE modelling. The developed FE model successfully captured different types of failure modes of composite beams, such as shear failure of the studs, concrete crushing failure, steel beam failure and rib shear failure. Furthermore, the method to determine shear force (s) −slip (s) behaviour of shear studs in composite beams was introduced. Meanwhile, the contribution from profiled steel sheeting in carrying axial loads in composite beams can be quantified. The simplified numerical modelling for composite beams was developed utilising shell, beam, and connector elements representing the composite slab, steel beam, and shear studs, respectively. Similarly, the simplified models for composite beam-to-CFST column connections (blind-bolted flush and extended as well as through-plate connections) were developed where the connection behaviour was defined in terms of moment-rotation curves using connector elements. The simulation took just a few minutes for both composite beams and connections and the predictions are in well agreement with the test data. Finally, the proposed simplified numerical models of CFST columns, composite beams and composite connections were assembled together to conduct advanced analysis of steel-concrete composite frames. In particular, the proposed models were verified for composite frames with joints, such as welded external diaphragms and bolted endplate connections. The predictions obtained from simplified models of composite frames show very good correlation with test results and are computationally very efficient. Therefore, the proposed model can be efficiently used to conduct advanced analysis of composite frames. Then, a comparative study was conducted to investigate the differences between the traditional member-based design and design by advanced analysis of composite frames. The results indicated that the design based on advanced analysis was economical compared to traditional design method

Gjenoppbygging av leveforhold etter en katastrofe: Et studie av gjordskjelvet i Nepal 2015

Almost after a year when last major earthquake occurred in April 24, 2015 in Nepal, the survivors who had lost their houses were facing major difficulties in getting back to normal livelihood in Ramechhap district of Nepal. This study showed the contrasting differences in livelihood recovery of people living in municipality and VDC within a district. Many of the households, service centres, health posts, schools were destroyed ending the normal livelihood of people in various parts of already poor and rural Ramechhap district. Post disaster livelihood recovery phase in Ramechhap seems to be going in slow pace even after a year with multiple projects implemented from various governmental and non-governmental organizations. Government body seemed to be slow in addressing the needs of the people and delivering the service to the affected people as compared to non-governmental bodies working in Ramechhap. However neither of the authorities have initiated permanent livelihood rehabilitation process in Ramechhap, organizations still seem to be revolving around humanitarian assistance even after the year of major disaster. In spite of series of difficulties and challenges ahead in recovering livelihood of the affected population, togetherness of community and unity to overcome crisis situation showed the resilient nature in group of people living in Ramechhap which might be the biggest asset in post-disaster livelihood recovery- not only in Ramechhap, but whole Nepal.M-D

Role of Host Restriction Factors on Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) Replication

In this study, the role of IFITM3 on PRRSV replication was studied in vitro by expressing exogenous IFITM3 in MARC-145 cells. An average of 31% reduction in PRRSV N protein expression and an average of 5.4 fold decrease in virus titer in the supernatant were observed in IFITM3 overexpressing cells as compared to vector control cells at 24 hours post infection (hpi). Moreover, there was a positive correlation between interferon- induced IFITM3 up-regulation and reduced PRRSV replication. To determine the role of endogenous IFITM3 in PRRSV replication, siRNA induced knockdown of IFITM3 was employed. RT-PCR validated the successful silencing of IFITM3 in MARC- 145 cells, with an average knockdown of 50%. PRRSV RNA copies were 1.28-fold higher in IFITM3 silenced cells as compared to control silencing, suggesting that knockdown of endogenous IFITM3 only slightly enhanced PRRSV replication. Taken together, these results suggest antiviral role of IFITM3 against PRRSV in vitro. In this study, we tested if the antifungal drug Amphotericin B restores PRRSV replication in IFITM3 overexpressing MARC-145 cells. Amphotericin B only partially restored PRRSV replication as confirmed by flow cytometry. Interestingly, more colocalization of PRRSV with early endosome marker was observed at 3 hpi (37.9%) than at 1 hpi (23.8%) and 6 hpi (31.8%). To further investigate the stage of PRRSV infection restricted by IFITM3 over-expression, colocalization study was performed at 3 and 24 hpi. Our results showed that IFITM3 expressing cells were positive for PRRSV at both 3 and 24 hpi. The percentage of IFITM3 positive cells with positive PRRSV staining was significantly higher at 3 hpi as compared to 24 hpi. Collectively, our data suggest that IFITM3 may restrict PRRSV via multiple post-entry mechanisms. The role of restriction factor, ZMPSTE24, on PRRSV replication was also studied. The ZMPSTE24 exerted antiviral effect against PRRSV as confirmed by both ZMPSTE24 overexpression and silencing experiments. A reduced expression of PRRSV N protein by approximately 3% and a 146-fold decrease in virus titer in the supernatant in the ZMPSTE24 overexpressing cells compared to vector control were observed. To further determine the role of endogenous ZMPSTE24 in PRRSV replication, we performed siRNA induced silencing of ZMPSTE24 in MARC-145 cells. RT-PCR validated highly successful silencing of ZMPSTE24, with an average knockdown of 74%. Knockdown of endogenous ZMPSTE24 slightly affected PRRSV replication, as only 1.2 fold increase in PRRSV RNA copies was observed. To study the stage of PRRSV infection impeded by ZMPSTE24, colocalization study was performed at 3 and 24 hpi. There were no significant differences in the number of PRRSV positive cells or total viral RNA copies between the vector control and ZMPSTE24 over-expressing cells at 3 hpi. The colocalization of PRRSV with ZMPSTE24 was significantly higher at 3 hpi as compared to 24 hpi, suggesting that ZMPSTE24 does not affect PRRSV entry into endosomes and restriction occurs after 3 hpi. Taken together, our results suggest that IFITM3 and ZMPSTE24 likely restrict PRRSV at multiple post-entry steps

Development/Test Environment for CoolStateLA Enterprise Systems

In a complex software development process, there is always a need for welldefined development environment. Developers will require an environment containing tools that manage all the development processes. Automating some of the processes help reduce the development time as well as eliminate human errors.Various software and tools are installed and configured on the server to support the development processes. Subversion is used to control the source code versioning. Web Interface tool is installed on the server to upload/download the system documentation. Bug report software is also installed and configured for the project. To manage MYSQL database on the server, PHPMY ADMIN is installed. Moreover, this paper describes easy steps to setup the local PC for the development, to check-in/out the source code from the subversion. Also, this paper describes how the automatic build, deployment, and data backup mechanism are perfonned

Optimized BER for channel equalizer using cuckoo search and neural network

The digital data transfer faces issues regarding Inter-Symbol Interference (ISI); therefore, the error rate becomes dependent upon channel estimation and its equalization. This paper focuses on the development of a method for optimizing the channel data to improve ISI by utilizing a swarm intelligence series algorithm termed as Cuckoo Search (CS). The adjusted data through CS is cross-validated using Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The data acceptance rate is considered with 0-10% marginal error which varies in the given range with different bit streams. The performance evaluation of the proposed algorithm using the Average Bit Error Rate (A-BER) and Logarithmic Bit Error Rate (L-BER) had shown an overall improvement of 30-50% when compared with the Kalman filter based algorithm

ATTRIBUTION OF AYURVEDIC HERBS IN MADHUMEHA

Now a days people are facing life style disorders and stressful mental conditions due to the hectic and busy schedule. Madhumeha is one among them. It is the single most metabolic disease affecting the organ/system in the body. It is a burning problem in today’s scenario. It has been grouped under 20 Prameha described by our ancient Acharayas. This disease does not originate suddenly. Its pathophysiology takes long term. Any of Prameha neglected ends up in Madhumeha. It cannot be completely cured but can be prevented by food, medicines, life style etc. Administration of Ayurvedic herbs can play a very beneficial role in preventing this disease as well as its complication because they are oriented towards preventive and treatment approach. Various drugs of herbal origin as well as mineral origin is being mentioned in Ayurvedic texts Herbal medications shows anti diabetic effects and bring varying effects on the blood sugar level with minimal side effects. Role of herbs such as Ashwagandha, Haridra, Daruharidra, Aamlaki etc. in Pre diabetic, Diabetic and its complications along with effects of such herbs in experimental studies will be explored in present paper

PREVENTION OF MADHUMEH AND ITS COMPLICATIONS THROUGH AYURVEDA

Faulty dietary habits, sedentary life style and stressful conditions may lead to various metabolic disorders and diabetes is one of them. In Ayurveda, Madhumeh one of the types of Vataj prameh is compared to diabetes mellitus because of having similarities of diseases in respect to Etiopathogenesis, clinical features and prognosis. Prevalence of diabetes is increasing day by day throughout the world where India leads the highest numbers. Diabetes is the fourth leading cause of global death by disease. Type-2 DM is    responsible for approximately 90% of cases. The main causes of Madhumeha are lack of exercise, improper food habits, excessive intake of food having Snigdha and Guru guna and food which causes vitiation of Kapha dosha are the primal causes of disease Microvascular complications of diabetes like retinopathy and nephropathy are comparatively lower in Indians. The prevalence of premature coronary artery disease is much higher in Indians compared to other ethnic groups. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of vision loss in adults of working age (20-65yrs) in industrialized countries..Modern therapeutics has many limitations but Ayurvedic principles of management can help the patient to control blood glucose level and have better routine life. Ayurveda plays an important role in prevention of Type-2 DM. Up to 80% of type 2 diabetes is preventable by adopting a healthy diet and increasing physical activity. To prevent this disease and its complications it is necessary to follow principles of Ayurveda i.e. Nidanaparivarjan, Ashtahar Vidhivisheshayatan, Dincharya, Rutucharya, Sadavritta and practicing particular Asana and Yoga postures

A CRITICAL REVIEW ON CONCEPT OF AGNI IN AYURVEDA AND ITS CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Health is the state of mentally and physically well being. According to Ayurveda, when Dosha, Dhatu and Mala are in Sama awastha and Indriya, Aatma, Mann all are working properly then the person is considered as Swastha. For Dosha, Dhatu and Mala to be in the state of proportionality Agni should be normal (Samagni). Agni consist digestive (Pak) and different kinds of hormones, enzyme and co enzymes activities etc. which participate in digestive & metabolic functions. It is believed to be the agency for various types of metabolic transformations. During each and every second various procedure of transformations take place inside the human body. Enumeration of Agni varies in various classical Ayurvedic texts. According to various functions and site of action, Agni has been divided into 13 types, i.e. one Jatharagni, five Bhutagni and seven Dhatvagni. Jatharagni is the most important one, which digests four types of food and transforms it into Rasa and Mala. Ayurveda consider that no disease ever be develop without the derangement of Agni. Therefore in the management of each and every disease, Agni gets primary focus. Though in Ayurvedic literature, a detailed explanation of Agni is available but there is lack of its practical utility. So, this paper is a sincere effort to elaborate the practical utility of Agni