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3D Face Reconstruction with Feature Enhancement using Bi-FPN for Forensic Analysis
The representation of facial features in three-dimensional space plays a pivotal role in various applications such as facial recognition, virtual reality, and digital entertainment. However, achieving high-fidelity reconstructions from two-dimensional facial images remains a challenging task, particularly in preserving fine texture details. This research addresses this problem by proposing a novel approach that leverages a combination of advanced techniques, including Resnet, Flame model, Bi-FPN, and a differential render architecture. The primary objective of this study is to enhance texture details in reconstructed 3D facial images. The integration of Bi-FPN (Bi-directional Feature Pyramid Network) enhances feature extraction and fusion across multiple scales, facilitating the preservation of texture details across different regions of the face. The objective is to accurately represent facial features from 2D images in three-dimensional space. By combining these methods, the proposed framework achieves significant improvements in preserving fine texture details and overall facial structure. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach, suggesting its potential for various applications such as virtual try-on and facial animation. 2024 The Authors. -
Lightweight Model for Occlusion Removal from Face Images
In the realm of deep learning, the prevalence of models with large number of parameters poses a significant challenge for low computation device. Critical influence of model size, primarily governed by weight parameters in shaping the computational demands of the occlusion removal process. Recognizing the computational burdens associated with existing occlusion removal algorithms, characterized by their propensity for substantial computational resources and large model sizes, we advocate for a paradigm shift towards solutions conducive to low-computation environments. Existing occlusion riddance techniques typically demand substantial computational resources and storage capacity. To support real-time applications, it's imperative to deploy trained models on resource-constrained devices like handheld devices and internet of things (IoT) devices possess limited memory and computational capabilities. There arises a critical need to compress and accelerate these models for deployment on resource-constrained devices, without compromising significantly on model accuracy. Our study introduces a significant contribution in the form of a compressed model designed specifically for addressing occlusion in face images for low computation devices. We perform dynamic quantization technique by reducing the weights of the Pix2pix generator model. The trained model is then compressed, which significantly reduces its size and execution time. The proposed model, is lightweight, due to storage space requirement reduced drastically with significant improvement in the execution time. The performance of the proposed method has been compared with other state of the art methods in terms of PSNR and SSIM. Hence the proposed lightweight model is more suitable for the real time applications with less computational cost. 2024 by the author(s). -
A HYBRID APPROACH FOR LANDMARK DETECTION OF 3D FACES FOR FORENSIC INVESTIGATION
Facial landmark detection is a key technology in many forensic applications, such as facial identification and facial reconstruction. However, the accuracy of facial landmark detection is often limited in 3D face images due to the challenges of occlusion, illumination, and pose variations. This paper proposes a hybrid approach for landmark detection of 3D faces for forensic investigation. A hybrid method of edge contour detection and Harris corner detection is proposed for feature extraction in face images for forensic investigation. Edge contour detection is used to detect the boundaries of the face, while Harris corner detection is used to detect the corners. The advantage of using a hybrid method of edge contour detection and Harris corner detection for feature extraction in face images is that it can capture both global and local features of the face. Edge contour detection can capture global features, such as the overall shape and outline of the face, while Harris corner detection can capture local features, such as the corners of the mouth, nose and eyes which are vital for facial reconstruction. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms existing landmark detection algorithms in terms of time complexity and minimum loss. 2023 Little Lion Scientific. -
An Objective Evaluation of Harris Corner and FAST Feature Extraction Techniques for 3D Reconstruction of Face in Forensic Investigation
3d reconstructed face images are the volumetric data from two dimensions, it can provide geometric information, which is very helpful for different application like facial recognition, forensic analysis, animation. Reconstructed face images can provide better visualization, than a two dimensional image can provide. For a proper 3d reconstruction one of primary step is feature extraction. The objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of two prominent traditional feature extraction techniques, namely Harris Corner and FAST (Features from Accelerated Segment Test), for the purpose of 3D reconstruction of face images in forensic analysis. In this research paper feature extraction was carried out using the Harris corner detection and FAST Feature technique. 3D reconstruction is completed using the retrieved features. In this study a comparative analysis was conducted assessing the aspect ratio, depth resolution. The results of the assessment provide valuable insights into the strengths and limitations of both techniques, aiding researchers and practitioners in selecting the most suitable method for 3D face image reconstruction applications. 2023, Ismail Saritas. All rights reserved. -
3D face reconstruction techniques: Passive methods
In the recent literature, 3D face reconstruction received wide interest and has become one of the significant areas of research. 3D face reconstruction provides in depth details on geometrics, texture and color of the face, which are utilized in different applications. It supports a multitude of applications, ranging from face recognition and surveillance to medical imaging, gaming, animation, and virtual reality. This paper attempts to consolidate the research works that have happened in the history of 3D face reconstruction. Also, we try to classify the existing methods based on the input for the process. The databases used in the recent works are discussed and the performance evaluation of methods on different databases is analyzed. The challenges addressed in recent studies are mainly focused on the faster reconstruction of 3D Images, improved accuracy of reconstructed images, human pose identification, image reproduction with higher resolution. Researchers have also tried to address occlusion related problems. Passive methods, used by different researchers are analyzed and their effects on different parameters are discussed in this work. Finally, possible future areas for improvement in terms of reconstructions are presented for the benefit of researchers. BEIESP. -
Young adults socialization in housing and real estate purchase decisions in India
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to understand the influence of young adults socialization and product involvement on family housing and real estate purchase decision-making process. While previous studies have used these constructs in the fast-moving commercial goods category, this paper is considering the real estate family purchase decision as the core point of research and analysis. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected from 429 young working adults across various sectors in India. The proposed conceptual framework is tested using structural equation modeling. Findings: The findings suggest that the teenagers with high social life have a better say in the decision-making process. It was also found that the young adults product involvement (measured in terms of gratification and symbol) construct shows how involved they are with the final decision-making in a family. The results suggested that the more young adult socializes, the more voice he has in the family housing and real estate decision-making process. Originality/value: This paper is the first to analyze the role of teenage socialization and product involvement on family housing and real estate purchase decision-making process. This paper will be practicable to all the stakeholders of the housing industry as a whole. 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
Visitor Satisfaction of Muziris Heritage Site in Kerala
Global Interdisciplinary Business-Economics Advancement Conference, pp. 883-888. ISSN-2333-4207 -
An Analysis on the Reasons for Students Opting Tourism as a Course with Reference to Bangalore
Contemporary Research in India, Vol-3 (3), pp. 133-142. ISSN-2231-2137 -
Development and Psychometric Validation of Teachers Receptivity to Change Scale
In this article, we report the development and psychometric validation of the Teachers Receptivity to Change Scale (TRCS). The sample included secondary school teachers of Kerala, India. In India, the teachers receptivity to change becomes important in the context of the newly drafted National Education Policy, (2020) which places teachers at the center of the reforms. The present study proceeded through five phases namely item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, validation of the scale, and testretest reliability. The development of the tool started with the generation of a pool of items followed by item analysis. The exploratory factor analysis extracted four factors and the confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the four-factors namely individual, organizational, educational, and bridging factors. The structural equation modelling established the four-correlated factor construct of teachers receptivity to change and an additive model indexing teachers receptivity to change as the sum of the four factors. Both the model fit indices indicated an excellent fit. The validity of the TRCS established by correlating the teachers receptivity to change and its factors with multidimensional work motivation scale and engaged teachers scale indicated a moderate correlation. The final 28 item TRCS showed adequate internal consistency (Cronbachs alpha = 0.897) and discriminant validity. The test re-test reliability analysis (Cronbachs alpha = 0.884) confirmed the temporal stability of the scale. The findings recommend a psychometric reliable and valid scale for assessing teachers receptivity to change with implications for teachers, researchers, and policy makers. De La Salle University 2023. -
Mulberry Leaves (Morus Rubra)-Derived Blue-Emissive Carbon Dots Fed to Silkworms to Produce Augmented Silk Applicable for the Ratiometric Detection of Dopamine
Silk fibers (SF) reeled from silkworms are constituted by natural proteins, and their characteristic structural features render them applicable as materials for textiles and packaging. Modification of SF with functional materials can facilitate their applications in additional areas. In this work, the preparation of functional SF embedded with carbon dots (CD) is reported through the direct feeding of a CD-modified diet to silkworms. Fluorescent and mechanically robust SFare obtained from silkworms (Bombyx mori) that are fed on CDs synthesized from the Morus rubra variant of mulberry leaves (MB-CDs). MB-CDs are introduced to silkworms from the third instar by spraying them on the silkworm feed, the mulberry leaves. MB-CDs are synthesized hydrothermally without adding surface passivating agents and are observed to have a quantum yield of 22%. With sizes of ?4nm, MB-CDs exhibited blue fluorescence, and they can be used as efficient fluorophores to detect Dopamine (DA) up to the limit of 4.39nM. The nanostructures and physical characteristics of SF weren't altered when the SF are infused with MB-CDs. Also, a novel DA sensing application based on fluorescence with the MB-CD incorporated SF is demonstrated. 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
What is beautiful is good: An evalutation of effectiveness of attractiveness in celebrity endorsements
The studies in the field of marketing have shown that characteristics of the source will influence persuasiveness of an advertisement. Attractiveness is one such celebrity characteristic that is widely studied by researchers in the field of marketing. However, still, literature failed to explain how attractiveness of celebrity endorsers influenced purchase intentions. This study tried to fill this gap by modelling the influence of celebrity attractiveness on purchase intention. It also evaluated the effect of respondents' gender on the model. The data collection for the study were carried out during March - June 2017. The study found that the effect of celebrity attractiveness on purchase intention was mediated by celebrity brand fit, attitude towards the advertisement, and attitude towards the brand. The study also evaluated the moderating effect of respondents' gender using chi- square analysis, which found no significant model difference among male and female respondents. These findings indicated that celebrity attractiveness created purchase intention in a mediated manner among the respondents, irrespective of their gender. 2018, Associated Management Consultants Private Limited. -
Effect of nickel uptake on selected growth parameters of Amaranthus viridis L. /
Journal of Applied And Natural Science, Vol.10, Issue 3, pp.1011-1017, ISSN No: 0974-9411. -
Classification and correlational analysis on lower spine parameters using data mining techniques
The application of data mining in the field of medical science is slowly gaining popularity. This is due to the fact that enormous statistical inferences from data related to the human body and medicine was a possible with high accuracy rates which was a tedious task in the past. This had led to discoveries and breakthroughs which has saved thousands of lives. Lower back pain is one of the most common issues faced by majority of the population throughout the world. The early detection and treatment of LBP can avoid life threatening issues in the body. Objective: This study aims to create a classification model which can be used to detect an unhealthy spine using the lumbar and sacral parameters. Correlational analysis was performed between different attributes to find distinguishing factors between healthy and unhealthy spine. Method: Classification methods were used such as decision tree and SVM. Correlational analysis was performed using pearson method between each attribute. Results: After creating the model using the different classification methods it was found that Ctree produced the highest accuracy with 92.80% on average. It was also found that there were 6 attribute pairs that had high correlation coefficient to distinguish unhealthy and healthy spine observations. BEIESP. -
Platinum decorated polythiophene modified stainless steel for electrocatalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol
Abstract: Platinum nanoparticles were electrochemically deposited on conducting polymer polythiophene (PTh)-coated stainless steel (SS) substrate. A thin layer of PTh on the steel substrate facilitates uniform deposition of Pt nanoparticles on the substrate, thereby improving the surface area to a great extent. The electrochemical properties of the modified electrodes were analyzed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The physicochemical properties of the modified electrodes were investigated by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The proposed method has been applied for the electrocatalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol in the presence of a mediator, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl (TEMPO). Cyclic voltammetric studies reveal that the electrocatalytic activity of PtPTh/SS electrode is higher than that of PTh/SS electrode toward the conversion of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde. Graphic abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. 2019, Springer Nature B.V. -
Poly(aniline) decorated with nanocactus platinum on carbon fiber paper and its electrocatalytic behavior toward toluene oxidation
Electrochemically deposited polymeric film of polyaniline (PANI) is used as a substrate for electrochemical deposition of platinum by using cyclic voltammetry. The electrochemical properties of multi-layered films were analyzed by cyclic voltammetry and AC impedance spectroscopy. The structural properties of multi-layered polymer films were analyzed by SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, Raman and FTIR. The modified electrode showed strong electrocatalytic activity toward oxidation of toluene in presence of NaNO 2 /H 2 SO 4 in actetonitrile medium. Toluene gave a sensitive anodic peak at 1.318 V (vs. SCE). Cyclic voltammetry studies suggest that the electrochemical activity of Pt-PANI/CFP electrode is higher than that of Pt/CFP electrode toward toluene oxidation. 2018 The Electrochemical Society. -
Knowledge of sexual abuse and resistance ability among children with intellectual disability
Background: Sexual abuse is a global concern among children with intellectual disabilities. Sexual abuse is frequent and long-lasting when the victim is a child with an intellectual disability. Moreover, the rate of sexual abuse is two to eight times the rate in the general population. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge of sexual abuse and resistance ability among children with intellectual disabilities. Participants and setting: The study was conducted among 120 children with mild or moderate intellectual disabilities attending twelve schools for specific purposes. Methods: We adopted a cross-sectional design to assess knowledge and resistance ability. Personal Safety Questionnaire and Modified What If Situation Test were administered verbally during individual interviews. Institutional Ethics Committee approved our study. Results: Current study suggests that children with intellectual disabilities have average knowledge (M = 6.6, SD = 1.6) regarding sexual abuse. More than 90 % of children demonstrated poor reporting skills. Although children exhibited good knowledge in differentiating appropriate from inappropriate touch requests, most children reported they would not disclose this incident to anyone. Conclusions: This study strongly suggests the need for a structured training program for children with intellectual disabilities to prevent sexual abuse. 2022 Elsevier Ltd -
Posttraumatic relationship experiences in women in South India
Marriage is a socially binding intimate relationship between two individuals which is expected to be stable and enduring. In many cases, there can be severe difficulties questioning the quality of ones married life such as IPV or other kinds of abuse or exploitation which could lead to a divorce. Although divorce legally dissolves the relationship, studies suggest that the stress caused by a traumatic relationship may not end after terminating the relationship. The resemblance of these symptoms to PTSD led to the proposed diagnosis of PTRS. In this study, seven participants who have been divorced due to domestic violence for at least a year were identified and interviewed regarding their past and present life situations. The emergent themes in the data pointed to several factors that may influence ones married life, the decision of divorce and current life situations which can affect the amount of stress an individual might face concerning their past traumatic relationship. The factors influencing stress experienced during a traumatic marriage included involvement and support from ones family and in-laws, nature, and cause of abuse, stress-related to children, social support and the very decision to get a divorce. The process of overcoming fear, mistrust, and grief, social and family support, child custody, and related legal processes were factors that affected stress related to the process of divorce. The grief related to child custody, ability to rationalize the decision, career, remarriage and childrens future were some factors that influenced the stress these individuals experienced currently in their life. 2019, 2019 The Author(s). This open access article is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 license. -
Authentic Pride versus Hubristic Pride: Mediating Role of FoMO-directed Consumer Conformity Consumption Behaviour in Young Adults
Purpose-Sustainability is a word that has carried fame and prominence in the global conversation for the pro-environmental movement to protect the environment. Even making sustainable buying choices has been associated with individuals sense of identity in the socio-cultural sphere, especially when brands worldwide strongly promote them. This cross-sectional study aims to inquire if sustainability consciousness could impact consumers pride and, if yes, can fear of missing out (FoMO)-directed conformity consumption mediate the relationship between them or not. Method-Three standardised scales: the Sustainability Consciousness Questionnaire, 14-item Hubristic and Authentic Pride Scale and Consumer Consumption-FoMO Questionnaire, were administered to 18 to 35-year-old Indian young adults (N=204) recruited online to identify their levels of sustainability consciousness, hubristic and authentic pride and FoMO-directed consumer conformity consumption behaviour. Thus, convenient sampling was employed to collect the data for the study. The analysis involved Pearsons product-moment correlation followed by regression using SPSS software. Further, Sobels tests were conducted to verify the mediating roles of FoMO-directed consumer conformity consumption behaviour in relationships across sustainability consciousness and pride. Results Statistical analyses revealed that sustainable behaviours positively related to authentic pride with no mediating effects by FoMO-directed consumption behaviour. Similarly, sustainability attitudes are inversely associated with hubristic pride, but no mediating effects results were significant. On the other hand, sustainability knowingness was negatively related to hubristic pride, and the relationship was mediated significantly by certain but not all dimensions of FoMO. Conclusion-The study instilled empirical evidence for adaptive and maladaptive types of pride derived from sustainable orientation and the significant role of FoMO in strengthening hubristic pride. 2024 RJ4All. -
Na+ doped CuO: A new paradigm electrode material for high performance supercapacitors
This study investigates the influence of sodium doping on the properties of cupric oxide (CuO) thin films synthesized via spray pyrolysis. Comprehensive characterization was conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Raman spectroscopy, Hall effect measurements, and electrochemical studies. All films exhibited p-type conductivity, with an optical band gap variation from 1.53 to 1.73 eV. XRD analysis confirmed the dominance of monoclinic CuO, with minor phases of Cu2O and Cu4O3. EDAX and XPS verified the incorporation of Cu, O, and Na elements. FESEM revealed a densely packed morphology with uniform particle distribution and rough surfaces in the electrically optimized film. The Raman spectra of doped samples showed increased intensity and sharpness, attributed to Na + ion-induced polarizability enhancement. Hall effect measurements indicated a tenfold decrease in carrier concentration and a more than tenfold increase in mobility upon sodium doping. Films doped with 4 at.% sodium exhibited the lowest resistivity. Additionally, Na doping enhanced the electrochemical performance of CuO. These findings demonstrate that sodium doping significantly enhances the electrical, optical and electrochemical properties of CuO thin films, making them suitable for applications in optoelectronic devices and supercapacitors. 2024 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. -
Study of the structural, optical, electrical and electrochemical properties of copper oxide thin films synthesized by spray pyrolysis
In our present study we focus on characterizing copper oxide (CuO) thin films synthesized at various substrate temperatures and to assess the electrochemical performance of the optimized sample. The spray pyrolysis method was used to fabricate CuO thin film samples, with the substrate temperatures ranging from 250 to 400C. The coatings underwent characterization through different analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and Hall effect measurements. All the thin film samples were confirmed to have a monoclinic phase. The presence of Cu=O was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. All the samples exhibited P type conductivity except the one synthesized at 400C. Galvanostatic chargedischarge studies revealed a pseudocapacitive nature for the optimized sample synthesized at 350C. The symmetrical charging and discharging curves imply excellent material reversibility, indicating long-term cyclic stability. The Nyquist plot exhibited a semicircle at high frequencies, representing the materials intrinsic resistance and a linear behavior at low frequencies, depicting the ion transfer resistance. The electrode demonstrated favorable electrochemical properties and potential use of the material in supercapacitor applications. 2024, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.