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Non-contact warming of blood and intravenous (IV) fluids with temperature drop compensation is an unmet clinical need till now, for management of hypothermia in patients with urgent requirement of blood. Currently available technologies provide wet warming or dry warming with direct contact using hot water or with a hot plate, respectively. These conventional technologies need disposable cartridges to be used in conjunction with the warmer. The warmed fluids lose their temperature when passing through long IV lines and fails in its purpose at low flow rates. In this paper, a distributed non-contact warming method is introduced using infra-red radiations. The method incorporates a bag warming unit and an inline cartridge unit. Bag warming unit provides uniform distribution of infra-red thermal energy liberated from low cost infra-red light emitting diodes (IR LEDs) in horizontal and vertical planes of the fluid carrying bag. An inline cartridge, through which the IV line passes, reduces the drop in temperature just before the transfusion site using a cluster of IR LEDs. As per the In Vitro tests are carried out in to establish the safety and efficacy, the bag warming unit steadily rises the temperature to attain the cut off value with a temperature rise coefficient of 0.7 °C/min and the inline cartridge warms the fluid within 10 min at a thermal transfer rate of more than 1.5 °C/min. The fluid temperature is uniformly distributed within a narrow range of 36-38 °C. When the inline warmer is powered on, the drop-in temperature is reduced to zero for flow up to 5 ml/min. For flow rates more than 8 ml/min, the temperature drop is reduced more than half. For massive transfusion range, the temperature of the fluid remains within 38.5 ± 1.2 °C for flow rates in the range of 100-1500 ml/min.

Visual question answering (VQA), visual dialogs, visual chat bot are multi-discipline exploration problems, which is a blend of Natural Language Processing (NLP), Image feature extraction and Knowledge Reasoning (KR). Rather than captioning, which is naive approach of computer vision, VQA problems enhances the perspective by providing interactivity to ask domain specific as well as open ended questions to images and give us the insights based on image features or characteristics. Our research is the evaluate the performance of VQA on counting problems. Given an image, VQA model is expected to answer "how many" question type. We have used few pre-trained models for VQA and visual dialog and tabulated the findings of accuracy of predicted answer with the pre-defined ground truth.

The aim of this paper is to understand the extent to which the start-up motives can influence social-ecological resilience in community-based entrepreneurship setting. The case study approach was used to study five coastal communities in northwestern Sri Lanka. Shrimp farmers’ start-up motives include both the desire to capitalize on opportunities to utilize their resources and skills (opportunity-driven) and the need to establish satisfactory sources of income (necessity-driven). They have come up with diverse entrepreneurial responses to face various stressors and shocks by using their existing capital types and their willingness for collaboration. Farmers’ coping capacity is demonstrated through their individual responses whereas adaptive and transformative capacities are demonstrated mostly through their community cooperative work. Findings also reveal that the start-up motives of small-scale shrimp farmers are less influential on their social-ecological resilience in the community setting. Instead, the key to social-ecological resilience lies with the understanding of the nature of stressors and their commitment for collective action.

Knowledge of material properties, microstructure, underlying material composition and manufacturing process parameters that the material has undergone is of significant interest to materials scientists and engineers. A large amount of information of this nature is present in the form of unstructured sources. To access the right information for a given problem at hand, various domain specific search systems have been developed. Domain terminologies, when available, can significantly improve the quality of such systems. In this paper, we propose a novel similarity driven learning approach for automatic terminology extraction for materials science domain. It first uses various intra-domain and inter-domain unsupervised corpus level features to score and rank candidate terminologies. For inter-domain features, we use British National Corpus (BNC) as the general purpose corpus. The ranked candidate terms are then used to generate training data for learning a similarity based scoring function. The parameters of this scoring function are learnt using a Siamese neural network which uses word embeddings learnt from both the domain as well as the general purpose corpora to leverage contrasting term features. The proposed similarity based learning approach consistently outperforms other reported classification approaches on the materials dataset.

This paper examines the effects of information sharing via community cooperatives on supply chain management (SCM) in community-based shrimp aquaculture in northwestern Sri Lanka. Further, it identifies how environment management integrates into SCM. The paper examined shrimp aquaculture operations in northwestern Sri Lanka using the case study approach. Main actors of the shrimp aquaculture supply chain (SC) are: brood-stock suppliers; hatcheries; farmers; collectors; and processing companies. Information shared is: post-larvae prices; feed brands; harvest prices; production quotas; disease spread; farming techniques; and management practices. This paper explores the existing information sharing network. Its findings reveal that community cooperatives play crucial roles within this network while functioning under a mixed governance regime (private; communal; government). Membership gives farmers a mechanism for networking and accessing information. This article discusses how such information can act as commons. An efficient network of information sharing is vital for the community's socio-economic wellbeing, as well as social-ecological sustainability. Sri Lankan shrimp aquaculture exemplifies SCM that integrates environment and commons management.

Introduction: The anatomy of the chest wall is curved which makes it quite complicated to plan radiation therapy for breast cancer. There are different techniques for delivering external beam radiation therapy. Therefore, it is essential to know the technique by which we can render a better treatment. Aim: To compare and analyse three different planning techniques namely Three Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3DCRT), two field Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and multiple field IMRT using dosimetric parameters. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective dosimetric study, we evaluated 10 breast cancer patients. For each patient, three plans namely 3DCRT, two field IMRT and multiple field IMRT (7 beams) were generated on the computed tomographic images using Oncentra Treatment Planning system. A dose of 50Gy in 25 fractions was prescribed to the Planning Target Volume (PTV). The plans were compared with each other on volume coverage (conformity and homogeneity) and organ-at-risk sparing. Paired t-test was used for identifying statistical differences between the plans. A significance level, p=5% or 0.05 was chosen. Results: The dose conformity was best by multiple field IMRT (p=0.0001). Both two field IMRT and multiple field IMRT provided more homogenous dose distribution with homogeneity index of 1.09±0.01 and 1.08±0.01 respectively when compared to 1.11±0.01 by 3DCRT (p=0.001 and 0.0001, respectively). D2 (dose received by 2% of the tumour volume), a measure of maximum dose was greater in 3DCRT. While dose to the critical organs was considerably less in both two field IMRT and 3DCRT than in multiple field IMRT, two field IMRT achieved lowest doses. Moreover, there was a substantial increase in the Monitor Units (MUs) for multiple field IMRT when compared with the other two techniques. Conclusion: Two field IMRT have the features intermediate of 3DCRT and multiple field IMRT. The two field IMRT is on the beneficial side with homogenous dose distribution in the target and less dose to the critical organs.

An improved design for electromagnetic probe for blood flow measurement is presented. The probe produces a magnetic field in the column of blood to induce a voltage as per Faraday's laws. The mechanical and electromagnetic structures are designed to reduce the effect of base line drift and signal variations with time which are very common in electromagnetic flow measurement systems. A signal with very less noise and drift is induced with a sensitivity of more than 80 mV/lpm. The signal has a linear variation with flow rates and need no frequent calibration. Signal variations with time are negligible and had less power signal interferences and noisy spikes.

Objectives: To document the dose received by brachial plexus (BP) in patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and report the incidence of brachial plexopathy. Methods: Newly diagnosed patients of HNSCC treated with radical or adjuvant IMRT were included in this retrospective study. No dosimetric constraints were applied for BP maximum dose equivalent dose (EQD2 α/β = 3). Patients with minimum 6‑month follow‑up were included and patients with suspicion of plexopathy were evaluated further. Results: Sixty‑seven patients were eligible and 127 BP were analyzed. The mean BP maximum dose (BPmax) was 62.4 Gy (+6.9), while mean BP volume was 28.1 cc (+4.1). Proportion of patients receiving BPmax >66 and >70 Gy were 34.7% and 14.2%. The mean BPmax for T4 tumors was significantly higher than T1 tumors (65 vs. 57.5 Gy, P = 0.005) but when adjusted for N‑category, T‑category was not independently significant in accounting for BPmax >66 or >70 Gy. Mean BPmax for N0 versus N2+ was 59.8 versus 65.6 Gy (P = 0.0001) and N1 versus N2+ was 61.6 versus 65.6 Gy (P = 0.018). After adjusting for T‑category, patients with N2+ had a mean 4.2 Gy higher BPmax than N0‑N1 (P = 0.0001). Stage III–IV patients had a mean six Gy higher BPmax doses than Stage I–II disease (P = 0.0001). With a median follow‑up of 28 months (interquartile range 16–42), no patient had brachial plexopathy. Conclusion: Clinically significant plexopathy was not seen in spite of majority having over 2‑years follow‑up and a third of patients having dose above the recommended tolerance. Only nodal category independently influenced dose to the brachial plexii.

Aim: The aim of this study is to find out the difference in setup errors when registering cone beam conventional tomography on couch with planning CT simulator images with 2 different registration method in ca breast patient treating with 3DCRT technique Objective: following study is to compare the patient setup uncertainties using two different registration method, one with standard clip box registration method and other with mask registration method. Methodology: Ten patient with ca breast are taken for the study. All patients are undergone standard 3dcrt planning and pushed to xvi for further analysis. CBCT scans were taken and two types of registration were done each under by mask based and clip box based method. Shifts on all 3 axes such x, y, z is noted with rotational shift. Comparison were done on systematic error (Σ), random error (σ), mean), random error (σ), mean), mean displacement vector (R), mean setup error (M). Result: Out of all this registration method mask based grey registration (T+R) shows some superior quality for soft tissue verification. But again One can use any of the registration methods for patient setup verification depending on their institution protocol and site to be treated.

The purpose of the present study is to assess the export potential of food and agricultural items from South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. We investigated the pattern of trade between the two regions using trade indices and trade data for HS 1–24 categories and also estimated a gravity equation to determine the factors affecting bilateral trade. We extracted UN ComTrade data on exports from the Trademap and the WITS database was used to retrieve data in trade intensities. The results of the descriptive analysis show that India has an advantageous position to achieve more gains from increasing GCC-SAARC food and agricultural trade. The results of the estimation of the gravity equation indicate that the conventional trade cost variables have significant effects on total and food and agricultural trade and India have the highest potential for increasing food and agricultural exports to GCC countries. Further economic cooperation between the GCC and India in the form of a regional integration scheme would enhance trade and food security in the region.

A compact, portable and improved blood flow measurement system for an extracorporeal circuit having a rotating permanent magnetic excitation scheme is described in this paper. The system consists of a set of permanent magnets rotating near blood or any conductive fluid to create high-intensity alternating magnetic field in it and inducing a sinusoidal varying voltage across the column of fluid. The induced voltage signal is acquired, conditioned and processed to determine its flow rate. Performance analysis shows that a sensitivity of more than 250 mV/lpm can be obtained, which is more than five times higher than conventional flow measurement systems. Choice of rotating permanent magnet instead of an electromagnetic core generates alternate magnetic field of smooth sinusoidal nature which in turn reduces switching and interference noises. These results in reduction in complex electronic circuitry required for processing the signal to a great extent and enable the flow measuring device to be much less costlier, portable and light weight. The signal remains steady even with changes in environmental conditions and has an accuracy of greater than 95 %. This paper also describes the construction details of the prototype, the factors affecting sensitivity and detailed performance analysis at various operating conditions.

Book synopsis: The agriculture sector around the world has experienced profound changes in recent years. This unique and path-breaking Handbook draws together the best current research in the area of entrepreneurship in agriculture, food production and rural development. Agriculture policy reforms have impacted farm incomes, while demand side changes have required the development of sophisticated market driven strategies. Farmers have demonstrated uneven abilities to adapt and adjust to these ongoing changes. The ability and propensity of farmers to engage in entrepreneurial behaviors is a key explanation of the different patterns of responses within the sector. This book examines these issues through three main themes. The first theme focuses on the firm and the individual entrepreneurs, exploring entrepreneurship within the farm sector. The second takes a sector and industry perspective, exploring new developments in food production and distribution systems. The third theme explores the inter-relationship between agricultural entrepreneurship and its spatial context. Contributions are drawn from international research settings (Scandinavia, Europe, Asia, North America, Australasia) and offer an interdisciplinary approach to the subject. This astute Handbook, which will challenge and enrich the current literature, will appeal to academics in entrepreneurship, small business studies, agriculture, rural studies, rural sociology and agricultural economics, as well as food industry economists, policymakers and all those interested in supporting agricultural and rural businesses.

It could be argued that commercially oriented famers pay more attention on reaping short term commercial benefits from their home-gardens and hence would not focus on longer term benefits that could be derived through enhanced biodiversity. Although empirical studies have been conducted to measure trade-offs between commercial orientation and plant diversity, hardly any research has carried out with the focus on homegardens in Sri Lanka. The main objective of this study is to explore the trade-offs between commercial orientation of farmers and plant diversity in home gardens in three districts in Sri Lanka, viz, Batticaloa Kandy and Kurunegala. The specific objectives are to (i) measure the degree of plant diversity in home gardens, (ii) measure the degree of commercial orientation of farmers, and (iii) to econometrically estimate the relationship between plant diversity and commercial orientation of farmers. Data for this study were collected through a survey carried out in the three districts in 2009. Plant diversity was measured using three indices, namely Richness index, Shannon index and Simpson index and the degree of commercial orientation of farmers was measured using a number of proxies to capture the extent of market transactions and perceptions among farmers towards the purpose of farming. A set of multiple regression models were specified treating the level of commercialization, land size, employment status, education, household income and the geographical region as independent variables and plant diversity as the dependent variable. The results of the calculated indices revealed that homegardens in Kandy and Kurunegala districts are quite diverse in plants and it is not that diverse in Batticaloa district. Approximately one half of the famers in Kandy and Kurunegala districts and four fifth of the farmers in Batticaloa are commercially oriented. The regression results showed that the farmers with commercial orientation tend to maintain home gardens with relatively higher plant diversity in Kandy district. However, commercial oriented farmers in Kurunegala district tend tomaintain homegardens with less plant diversity compare to that of noncommercial oriented. The results also revealed that the plant diversity increases with the increase in land extent and 0.42 ha and 0.53 ha was estimated to be the land area which brings about the maximum plant richness in homegardens in Kandy and Kurunegala districts respectively. Sri Lankan Journal of Agricultural Economics Vol.(14-15)No. 1 (2012-2013) pp. 17-42

A major problem today for car owners is that they are in constant fear of having their vehicles stolen from a common parking lot or from outside their home. Image processing based real time vehicle theft detection and prevention system provide an ultimate solution for this problem. The system described in this paper automatically take photos of driver and compares his or her face with database to check whether he is an authenticated driver or not. He can have access to the vehicle only if he is an authenticated driver. If he is not an authenticated driver an alarm rings and electrical connections are not activated. The technology used here is face recognition and face detection in real time. As the photos are taken in real time, several problems like unequal illumination and changes in the background may affect the system. To overcome this problem DCT normalization and background cancellation algorithms are incorporated along with basic face detection and face recognition algorithm. In this paper software and hardware details of the system are discussed. Technologically system is simple, accurate and maintainable.

Being an inherently unstable system, active magnetic bearing, with its envisaged widespread applications, is a potential research area in today's scenario. So far many controllers including the H- Infinity controller has been developed but a generalized design is lacking. In this paper a generalized design of H- infinity controllers for Magnetic bearings is proposed along with a novel automatic weight selection algorithm for any specification and dimension of active magnetic bearings. The design procedure is validated by designing stable H infinity controllers for different AMB specifications. A detailed disturbance analysis and hence the efficacy of H infinity controller for disturbance rejection in AMB systems is investigated.

In today's digital age, e-commerce is emerging as an alternative and inexpensive solution to traditional selling of products through shops. Sale of electronic data such as software, audio/video data, books etc. poses a problem as digital data can be easily replicated, modified and distributed. Watermarks were introduced as a means to establish ownership of digital data and check unauthorized reuse and/or violation of copyrighted material. A good e-distribution system should be able to protect rights of both buyer and seller; ensure secure and confidential transactions; determine correct source of unauthorized copies. In this paper, we propose a framework for e-distribution of digital rights. This system is based on a trusted third party CA (Certification Authority) and uses PKI (public key infrastructure). Proposed system address problems of customer's check, copy detection, customers right,unbinding, non-repudiation and man in the middle attack.

Commercialization of agricultural sector through diversification into high value agriculture has been identified as a viable strategy for up-scaling the socio-economic status of poor rural farmers, the success of which is largely dependant upon their degree of market orientation. This study attempted to investigate business orientation of poor farmers in terms of the extent to which they are market as opposed to production oriented, which was also dependant upon their degree of commercial orientation. The study was conducted among 897 poor dry zone farmers. The study first investigated into the commercial versus subsistence orientation of the farmers. The routine decision criteria adopted by farmers that were devoid of market considerations were considered as production orientated whereas the corresponding decisions that deviated from routine production orientation towards greater integration of market considerations were considered as market orientated. A score were assigned from a scale varying from 1 to 6 for both orientations representing the number of production/marketing criteria considered by each farmer in production related decision making. Findings revealed that the overall business orientation of the farmers culminated in production orientation with a little deviation towards market orientation in the case of Other Field Crops (OFCs), which was mainly grown for commercial purposes as opposed to paddy and vegetables that were mainly grown for fulfilling subsistence requirements. This brings about the need for placing a greater emphasis on inculcating market oriented mind sets among farmers for making rural socio-economic development a reality. DOI: 10.4038/sjae.v8i0.1828 Sri Lankan Journal of Agricultural Economics , Vol. 8, 2006 pp.31-49

The Other Export Crops sector of Sri Lanka has been growing over the past few years. The objective of this study was to identify and analyze the interfaces of the supply chain of services provided to the other export crop industry in order to find out the effects of service quality on farmer productivity. The study was conducted in the Ukuwela Agrarian Service Division. Service quality was measured based on the Serve-qual model. Data was collected through both primary and secondary sources. Primary data was collected through in-depth interviews, structured questionnaires and stakeholder analysis of both service providers and recipients. Interfaces of the supply chain were defined based on the gap between the actual and anticipated service quality levels and experienced service quality level. Nine interfaces were defined. As far as the overall service quality is concerned, five interfaces were moderately satisfactory, two were average and another two problematic. None of the interfaces were highly satisfactory. However a positive relationship was not found between the service quality gap and the farmer productivity, whereas experienced level of service was positively related with farmer productivity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sjae.v4i0.3489 SJAE 2002; 4(1): 151-166

The amounts of chlorine released from two low-rank coals on immersion in aqueous ammonia solution have been measured, using various particle sizes, ammonia concentrations and contact times. Application of equations used in studying ion-exchange kinetics indicates rate-determining steps that are consistent with the general pattern of the results.