Robust pose invariant face recognition using coupled latent space discriminant analysis

We propose a novel pose-invariant face recognition approach which we call Discriminant Multiple Coupled Latent Subspace framework. It finds the sets of projection directions for different poses such that the projected images of the same subject in different poses are maximally correlated in the latent space. Discriminant analysis with artificially simulated pose errors in the latent space makes it robust to small pose errors caused due to a subject’s incorrect pose estimation. We do a comparative analysis of three popular latent space learning approaches: Partial Least Squares (PLSs), Bilinear Model (BLM) and Canonical Correlational Analysis (CCA) in the proposed coupled latent subspace framework. We experimentally demonstrate that using more than two poses simultaneously with CCA results in better performance. We report state-of-the-art results for pose-invariant face recognition on CMU PIE and FERET and comparable results on MultiPIE when using only four fiducial points for alignment and intensity features.     

Radiation-induced modification of polyurethane with hydroxyethyl methacrylate: blood compatibility

An attempt is made to develop the hydrophilic grafting of polyether urethane urea with hydroxyethyl methacrylate (hema) using⁶⁰Coγ-irradiation for achieving optimum hydrophilic/hydrophobic property needed towards blood compatibility. Contact angle method and platelet adhesion from calf’s blood are used to determine the suitability of these modified surfaces.     

Densities and excess molar volumes of mixtures containing diesel,biodiesel and alkanols at temperatures from 288.15 to 313.15 K

The present work is focusing on the synthesization and physico-chemical properties of Jatropha curcas biodiesel with diesel and alcohols.The densities of binary diesel (2)+1-alkanols (C_3 or C_4)(3) and ternary Jatropha curcas biodiesel (1)+diesel (2)+1-alkanols (C_3or C_4)(3) blends have been reported over full range of composition at temperatures within range 288.15 to 313.15 K.Also densities of Jatropha curcas biodiesel (1)+diesel or 1-alkanols (C_3 or C_4)(2) blends have been measured at 313.15 K.Excess molar volumes,V~E,V~E_(123)of binary and ternary blends were calculated from the measured data and the derived properties were correlated to composition using Redlich–Kister equation.A reasonable agreement was found between the measured and estimated values.Further,densities and excess molar volumes data were reasoned to discuss molecular interactions taking into consideration effect of composition and temperature.     

Thermally stimulated discharge currents in poly(vinyl alcohol) thermoelectrets

The depolarization currents in poly(vinyl alcohol) thermoelectrets have been measured by thermally stimulated discharge (t.s.d.) current techniques. The polarization is found to be uniform. The activation energy and the relaxation time have been calculated under different polarizing conditions. The formation of heterocharge is explained by dipole alignment and migration of charge over microscopic distances with trapping.     

Electrochemical properties of carbon-coated CaWO4 versus Li

Carbon-coated CaWO₄ nano-crystalline phases have been synthesized by ambient temperature solution precipitation method, characterized by X-ray diffraction, SEM and thermogravimetry and their electrochemical properties were studied versus Li metal. Galvanostatic cycling at a current of 60 mA/g in the voltage range 0.005-3.0 V on the 5 wt.% C-coated CaWO₄ gave a reversible capacity of 230 ± 5 mAh/g corresponding to 2.5 mol of Li, which is almost stable from 20 to 50 cycles. Under the same conditions, the 10 wt.% C-coated CaWO₄ showed a capacity of 355 ± 5 mAh/g (3.8 mol of Li) during the initial cycles, but the capacity degraded at a rate of 1.6 mAh/g per cycle in the range 5-100 cycles. A good operating voltage range was found to be 0.005-3.0 V with average discharge and charge potentials being 0.6 and 1.3 V, respectively. Coulombic efficiency in all cases was 96-98%. Cyclic voltammograms compliment the galvanostatic results. Impedance spectral data on the 10 wt.% C-coated CaWO₄ at different voltages during the first and 20th discharge-charge cycle have been interpreted in terms of the variations in the bulk and charge-transfer resistances of the composite electrode. A reaction mechanism involving the formation/decomposition of the oxide bronze, ‘Li_xWO_y’ has been proposed to explain the electrochemical cycling.     

A Scenario Based Impact Assessment of Trace Metals on Ecosystem of River Ganges Using Multivariate Analysis Coupled with Fuzzy Decision-Making Approach

The growing consciousness about the health risks associated with environmental pollutants has brought a major shift in global concern towards prevention of hazardous/trace metals discharge in water bodies. Majority of these trace metals gets accumulated in the body of aquatic lives, which are considered as potential indicators of hazardous content. This results in an ecological imbalance in the form of poisoning, diseases and even death of fish and other aquatic lives, and ultimately affect humans through food chain. Trace metals such as Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn originated from various industrial operations containing metallic solutions and agricultural practices, have been contributing significantly to cause aquatic pollution. The present study develops a novel approach of expressing sustainability of river’s ecosystem based on health of the fish by coupling fuzzy sensitivity analysis into multivariate analysis. A systematic methodology has been developed by generating monoplot, two dimensional biplot and rotated component matrix (using ‘Analyze it’ and ‘SPSS’ software), which can simultaneously identify critical trace metals and their industrial sources, critical sampling stations, and adversely affected fish species along with their interrelationships. A case study of assessing the impact of trace metals on the aquatic life of river Ganges, India has also been presented to demonstrate effectiveness of the model. The clusters pertaining to various water quality parameters have been identified using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to determine actual sources of pollutants and their impact on aquatic life. The fuzzy sensitivity analysis reveals the cause-effect relationship of these critical parameters. The study suggests pollution control agencies to enforce appropriate regulations on the wastewater dischargers responsible for polluting river streams with a particular kind of trace metal(s).