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Object detection and classification in autonomous vehicles are crucial for ensuring safe and efficient navigation through complex environments. This paper addresses the need for robust detection and classification algorithms tailored specifically for Indian roads, which present unique challenges such as diverse traffic patterns, erratic driving behaviors, and varied weather conditions. Despite significant progress in object detection and classification for autonomous vehicles, existing methods often struggle to generalize effectively to the conditions encountered on Indian roads. This paper proposes a novel approach utilizing the YOLOv8 deep learning model, designed to be lightweight, scalable, and efficient for real-time implementation using onboard cameras. Experimental evaluations were conducted using real-life scenarios encompassing diverse weather and traffic conditions. Videos captured in various environments were utilized to assess the model’s performance, with particular emphasis on its accuracy and precision across 35 distinct object classes. The experiments demonstrate a precision of 0.65 for the detection of multiple classes, indicating the model’s efficacy in handling a wide range of objects. Moreover, real-time testing revealed an average accuracy exceeding 70% across all scenarios, with a peak accuracy of 95% achieved in optimal conditions. The parameters considered in the evaluation process encompassed not only traditional metrics but also factors pertinent to Indian road conditions, such as low lighting, occlusions, and unpredictable traffic patterns. The proposed method exhibits superiority over existing approaches by offering a balanced trade-off between model complexity and performance. By leveraging the YOLOv8 architecture, this solution achieved high accuracy while minimizing computational resources, making it well suited for deployment in autonomous vehicles operating on Indian roads.

Abstract Background Traditionally, the pulmonary valve annulus (PVA) z-score is used to predict the requirement of transannular patch enlargement (TAPE) of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and main pulmonary artery (MPA) in repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). PVA z-score is highly variable and many other parameters are being reported to be accurate in predicting need of TAPE. In this study, we analyze the role of great artery annulus ratio (pulmonary valve annulus to aortic valve annulus ratio, PVA/AVA) to be used as a predictor for TAPE. Methods We analyzed 90 patients of TOF retrospectively who underwent repair between January 2021 and December 2021. The patients were divided as TAPE group who required TAPE of RVOT and MPA and non-TAPE group who did not have TAPE. Their baseline parameters, PVA Z-score, and cut-off great artery annulus ratio were compared. Results Total 44 (48.9%) patients had transannular patch (TAPE) repair and 46 (51.1%) patients had non-transannular patch repair. The great artery annulus ratio and PVA z-score was lower in case of TAPE group with statistical significance. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed great artery annulus ratio as more accurate predictor of TAPE. Conclusion Great artery annulus ratio can be used as a simple and accurate predictor for transannular patch enlargement along with PVA z-score during repair of TOF.

AbstractSimplistic linear methods for predicting crop yield leave out important factors like climate, rainfall, soil, irrigation, and land characteristics. Recent literature points to use of individual Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) models for better prediction of crop yield. However, such methods have not been used in the Indian context. Moreover, given the diversity of land, climate, soil and irrigation facilities in the country, it is necessary to develop an ensemble approach incorporating a significant number of ML algorithms to have a better prediction of crop yield across geographies of the country. The purpose of this paper is to: (a) develop scenario-specific algorithms for ML models and identify the best fit model for yield prediction and (b) develop an ensemble approach synthesizing the ML models for better overall prediction of crop yield in India.

Context: Male infertility is a medical problem, attributed to 50% of infertility. Seminal plasma can be an anticipating factor as it comprises secretions of accessory sex gland, thus offering novel and precise ways to understand potential roles of these biochemical markers in male infertility. Aim: The objective of this study was to assess the correlation between biochemical markers and sperm parameters in envisaging male infertility. Subjects and Design: We enlisted 105 men with fertility issue as patients and 25 fertile men as controls to evaluate the sperm parameters and biochemical markers, namely fructose and citric acid in ascertaining male infertility. Materials and Methods: The semen samples from patients were collected properly and analyzed according to the World Health Organization-2010 manual. Later samples were centrifuged, seminal plasma was collected, and biochemical markers assessment was carried out by standard protocols. Statistics: Descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation were used for statistical analysis of different variables using SPSS 20.0. The mean sperm count and motility by all infertile conditions displayed a significant difference when compared with the controls (P < 0.05). Results: The mean fructose levels of oligozoospermia showed a nonsignificance difference when compared with controls (P < 0.05). Asthenozoospermia, asthenoteratozoospermia, and azoospermia had a significance difference (P < 0.05) for citric acid levels. Pearson correlation coefficient showed significant negative correlation of sperm count (r = −0.564) and sperm motility (r = −0.574) with fructose levels. Whereas seminal citric acid concentration had a positive correlation with sperm count (r = 0.458) and sperm motility (r = 0.446). Conclusion: Therefore, evaluation of certain biochemical markers of seminal fluid may benefit in understanding the functionality of accessory glands which subsidizes significantly to the seminal volume.

Xanthogranulomatous cystitis (XC) is a rare benign disease of unknown etiology. A 39-year-old female presented with 2 month history of urgency, dysuria, lower abdominal mass. On physical examination a hard hypogastric mass was present fixed to the rectus muscle. Computerized tomography (CT) abdomen showed heterogeneous enhancing mass arising from the anterior bladder wall with infiltration of the overlying parietal wall. Cystoscopy revealed extensive growth involving the entire wall of the bladder. A biopsy showed cystitis with focal areas suggestive of urothelial neoplasia of unknown malignant potential. Suspecting bladder cancer, we proceeded with radical cystectomy with ileal conduit. Histopathology revealed cystitis cystica with XC of the entire bladder. This is, to our knowledge, the first time that a case has been found to be so extensive with infiltration of the parietal wall and second time that radical cystectomy has been performed for XC.

Objectives : The objective of this study was measurement of urine flow parameters by a non invasive urodynamic test. Variation of flow rates based on voided volume, age, and gender are described. Different nomograms are available for different populations and racial differences of urethral physiology are described. Currently, there has been no study from the Indian population on uroflow parameters. So the purpose of this study was to establish normal reference ranges of maximum and average flow rates, to see the influence of age, gender, and voided volume on flow rates, and to chart these values in the form of a nomogram. Methods : We evaluated 1,011 uroflowmetry tests in different age groups in a healthy population (healthy relatives of our patients) 16-50 year old males,> 50 year old males, 5-15 year old children, and> 15 year pre-menopausal and post-menopausal females. The uroflowmetry was done using the gravitimetric method. Flow chart parameters were analyzed and statistical calculations were used for drawing uroflow nomograms. Results : Qmax values in adult males were significantly higher than in the elderly and Qmax values in young females were significantly higher than in young males. Qmax values in males increased with age until 15 years old; followed by a slow decline until reaching 50 years old followed by a rapid decline after 50 years old even after correcting voided volume. Qmax values in females increased with age until they reached age 15 followed by decline in flow rate until a pre-menopausal age followed by no significant decline in post-menopausal females. Qmax values increased with voided volume until 700 cc followed by a plateau and decline. Conclusions : Qmax values more significantly correlated with age and voided volume than Qavg. Nomograms were drawn in centile form to provide normal reference ranges. Qmax values in our population were lower than described in literature. Patients with voided volume up to 50 ml could be evaluated with a nomogram.

Robotic surgery is one of the most significant advances in urology in recent years. It promises to make urological surgeries safer with far superior results as compared to laparoscopic or open surgeries. It holds great promise for the surgeons and patients alike. However like any other technological advance, it too comes with a heavy price tag. Aggressive marketing by the manufacturers and urologists may lead to unethical practices. This article analyses the applicability of robotics to urology and India in particular taking into consideration the financial aspects involved. At present, the scope for robotics in India is limited because of cost considerations. The future of robotic surgery in India also will depend on the same factor.

Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for ischemic heart disease (IHD). Patients with diabetes and IHD experience worse clinical outcomes, suggesting that the diabetic heart may be more susceptible to ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). In contrast, the animal data suggests that the diabetic heart may be either more, equally, or even less susceptible to IRI. The conflicting animal data may be due to the choice of diabetic and/or IRI animal model. Ischemic conditioning, a phenomenon in which the heart is protected against IRI by one or more brief nonlethal periods of ischemia and reperfusion, may provide a novel cardioprotective strategy for the diabetic heart. Whether the diabetic heart is amenable to ischemic conditioning remains to be determined using relevant animal models of IRI and/or diabetes. In this paper, we review the limitations of the current experimental models used to investigate IRI and cardioprotection in the diabetic heart.

Post visual internal urethrotomy (VIU) bleeding is usually treated successfully with local compression. Angioembolization for post VIU bleeding has not been previously reported to the best of our knowledge. This is a case report of a 55-year-old man who was referred with persistent per urethral bleeding around a Foley catheter, three days following VIU. When standard methods of treatment were unsuccessful, the bleeding was controlled by embolizing the bulbourethral artery with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles.

Malakoplakia of the ureter is a rare pathological entity. We discuss a 15-year-old girl with malakoplakia of the ureter. She presented with obstructive uropathy associated with left flank pain. Radiological investigations showed left lower ureteric stricture without bladder or kidney involvement. She was treated by excision of terminal ureter and ureteroneocystostomy. Histopathologic examination of the excised specimen showed malakoplakia. Postoperative course was uneventful and on follow-up, she has normal serum creatinine and no recurrence of the disease.

Chyluria is a common disorder in the tropics. In our country it is most commonly managed by instillation of silver nitrate. We report a patient who developed severe perinephric hematoma due to pseudoaneurysm of renal artery following silver nitrate instillation. He was managed by angioembolisation followed by drainage of infected perinephric hematoma. We discuss various modalities of treatment of chyluria including complications of silver nitrate therapy.

Multiple pass intermittent friction stir processing was conducted on the surface of an aerospace grade AA7075 alloy using pentagonal and hexagonal profiled pins and its microstructural evolution and mechanical properties were investigated. Results showed a defect-free cross-section with better material mixing for the specimens processed using pentagonal pin. Application of 6 intermittent friction stir processing passes reduced average grain size to 2.32 μm as a result of dynamic recrystallization. Texture index improved after 6 intermittent friction stir processing passes with a higher volume of deformation textures. Microhardness and tensile strength of the alloy increased to 125.5 HV, and 476 ± 10 MPa after 6 intermittent friction stir processing passes due to precipitation strengthening, grain refinement, and dislocation density. Fracture surface investigation revealed an intergranular mode of failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]