PRATIT: a CNN-based emotion recognition system using histogram equalization and data augmentation

Multimedia Tools and Applications - Emotions are spontaneous feelings that are accompanied by fluctuations in facial muscles, which leads to facial expressions. Categorization of these facial...     

Robust network monitoring in the presence of non-cooperative traffic queries

We present the design of a predictive load shedding scheme for a network monitoring platform that supports multiple and competing traffic queries. The proposed scheme can anticipate overload situations and minimize their impact on the accuracy of the traffic queries. The main novelty of our approach is that it considers queries as black boxes, with arbitrary (and highly variable) input traffic and processing cost. Our system only requires a high-level specification of the accuracy requirements of each query to guide the load shedding procedure and assures a fair allocation of computing resources to queries in a non-cooperative environment. We present an implementation of our load shedding scheme in an existing network monitoring system and evaluate it with a diverse set of traffic queries. Our results show that, with the load shedding mechanism in place, the monitoring system can preserve the accuracy of the queries within predefined error bounds even during extreme overload conditions.     

Antioxidant effect of turmeric powder,nitrite and ascorbic acid on stored chicken mince

This investigation was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant effect of turmeric (turmeric 1000 ppm, turmeric 5000 ppm), nitrite (nitrite 200 ppm) and ascorbic acid (ascorbic acid 500 ppm) on raw minced chicken stored at 4 ± 1 °C. Physicochemical properties [pH, water activity, cooking loss, thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value, peroxide value (PV), free fatty acid (FFA)] were evaluated on 0, 2, 4 and 6th day of storage. Highly significant differences (P < 0.01) in pH, TBA value, PV and FFA value were noticed between treatments and between storage periods. TBA values were observed to be lowest for nitrite 200 ppm and then turmeric 5000 ppm, and there was no significant difference between nitrite 200 ppm and turmeric 5000 ppm, and both were superior to ascorbic acid 500 ppm and turmeric 1000 ppm. Among different treatments, PV was found to be lowest in turmeric 5000 ppm and highest in nitrite 200 ppm. FFA value was found to be lowest in turmeric 5000 ppm and highest in ascorbic acid 500 ppm among all treated samples. It can be concluded that turmeric has potential to replace synthetic antioxidants presently used in meat processing with many added advantages.     

Hearing in premature infants. Evoked-cochlear microphones

This report summarizes our experience in obtaining microphonic potentials in human beings. Special studies were made to obtain microphonic potentials in premature newborns.     

Overview on electrochemical parameters to assess the corrosion state of steel reinforcement in CAC mortar and concrete

Calcium Aluminate Cement (CAC) can be used successfully in mortars and concretes for special applications such as refractory and sulphate-resistant materials. However, some failures have been reported when used in reinforced concretes exposed to wet environments in presence of chloride ions. Chloroaluminates formation in either reinforced CAC mortar or concrete could be a way to reduce chloride ions in the pore solution of this material, thereby, decreasing the risk of corrosion. This paper presents the characteristic values of corrosion rate, corrosion potential and resistivity and the relationship between them. Assuming a significant corrosion state at corrosion rate values over 0.1 A/cm², we can establish a threshold level for corrosion initiation in reinforced mortar or concrete of –250 mV and 10⁴ ·cm. Therefore, lesser values constitue important corrosion rates.     

Diagnosis of transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease by polymerase chain reaction in fludarabine-treated B-chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (TA-GVHD), has rarely been reported associated with B-chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL). We report a patient diagnosed with B-CLL, previously treated with fludarabine, who developed TA-GVHD after being transfused during surgery for splenectomy. Diagnosis was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of donor DNA in the patient, by amplification of Y-chromosome sequence and analysis of minisatellite polymorphisms. B-CLL patients treated with fludarabine appear to be at risk for TA-GVHD and should be regarded as candidates for transfusions with irradiated blood products. This case illustrates that PCR is a rapid technique for the early diagnosis of TA-GVHD.     

Effect of polypropylene fibre reinforced mortars on steel reinforcement corrosion induced by carbonation

Low amounts of polypropylene fibres are added to concrete as a secondary reinforcement to control cracking. Whether this addition might improve the corrosion resistance of the concrete reinforcement by increasing the resistance to carbonation, via reducing penetrating paths, is the subject addressed in the present paper. Crack control by the fibres in plastic state mortars and crack evolution with time have been studied. Furthermore, the influence of crack width on the steel bar corrosion induced by carbonation has also been monitored. Circular specimens made of mortar have been employed in the experimental phase of the study, using a water/cement ratio of 0.50 and cement/sand ratio of 2/1. The polypropylene fibre content was 0% and 0.5% by volume. Low modulus polypropylene fibres may control the crack width in specimens subjected to inadequate curing conditions. No relationship between crack width and time for corrosion initiation has been observed. However, a beneficial effect of fibre addition on the corrosion rate was found.     

Alumina Supported Co–K–Mo Based Catalytic Material for Diesel Soot Oxidation

Alumina supported Co–K–Mo based mixed metal oxide type catalytic materials have been prepared by co-impregnation. These catalysts show excellent activity for carbon as well as diesel soot oxidation, which could be due to the redox properties of Mo and Co as well as to a synergistic effect of molybdenum, cobalt, and K contents. The catalyst containing 5 wt% molybdenum shows a lowering of carbon oxidation by about 190 °C under loose contact conditions as compared to the non-catalyzed reaction, as well as to bare alumina. Characterization studies suggest a composite nature of these materials, while thermal stability investigations confirm the stable nature. The selected catalyst has been studied by XPS, however, it is difficult to conclude which are the important factors contributing to the catalytic activity. It appears to be a synergistic effect of Co, K, and Mo components as these catalysts show much improved activity as compared to the individual components in supported and unsupported forms.