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The combined concept of image processing [9] and neural network [3] [4] can be used in many applications like security system, medical imaging system, forensic identification system, biometric identification system and human computer interaction system (HCI) etc. Face recognition [4] [6] [7] [8] is a common approach used in security system, forensic identification system and biometric identification system. In this paper we will show how the concept of face recognition can be used to recognize the facial expression of a person. Here we use some image processing techniques like 2D-DCT [2] to compress the digital images and some preprocessing techniques to enhance the performance and then we use the concept of neural network like SOM (Self Organizing Map)[3]-[8] to recognize the facial expression efficiently. Here we use an image database consisting a number of faces of each expression to make a face space. For example, we use 10 sets of smiley faces (same person or different persons) to make a smiley face space. Now if a given image has to be recognized, the SOM will detect in which class it belongs to. The accuracy of our approach is depends on the number of epochs used in the SOM and the number of training face images.

Biochemical and molecular characterization of five Trigonella accessions were carried out based on seed storage protein electrophoresis and RAPD marker. The electrophoretic pattern of proteins produced 3 monomorphic bands and 23 polymorphic bands and 7 species specific bands. RAPD results revealed high level of polymorphism among the studied genotypes. The primer OPP-02 produced reproducible polymorphic bands. A total of 19 amplified bands were generated across the studied accessions. 16 bands out of total number were polymorphic and 7 were unique. UPGMA dendrogram based Jacquard’s similarity matrix grouped all the accessions into two clusters. Based upon similarity matrix accessions A4 and A2 were close. On the other hand UPGMA dendrogram generated on the basis of jaccard’s similarity matrix revealed that accessions A1 and A2 Were very close to each other. No significant correlation was observed among the two marker systems utilized. It is concluded that Seed protein profiles could be useful, but RAPD profiles are reliable tools in the genetic diversity studies and genotype classification which can be used to improve the efficiency of Trigonella breeding programme.

Dengue (dengue hemorrhagic fever) has emerged as an epidemic in Pakistan, since 1994. The recent dengue outbreak in year-2011 has drawn serious attention, which has affected over 16,000 people, out of which 306 are reported to have died. By analyzing the available scientific research, this paper reviews the consequences, which have resulted in increased activity of vector, i.e. ‘Aedes aegypti’ during year-2011. The paper establishes a link of the 2011 dengue outbreak with hydro-meteorological events, which have occurred over the year- 2011, which are attributed to climate change. The paper concludes that suitable climatic conditions prevailed during the year, which promoted the the insect’s survival time and habitat but also its replication and maturation, leading to un-president epidemic outbreak of dengue. The paper also proposes appropriate policy planning and institutional, technical, operational/administrative and social and recommendations to manage and control any future dengue outbreaks in Pakistan.

This article was an attempt to analyze Hafez Poetry and its translated version regarding some aspects which may have gone unnoticed and may still be subject to much misinterpretation. Each couplet is full of terms which are of many probable references according to scholars.

The study was carried out on 55 subjects made up of 27 apparently healthy individuals and 28 subjects who had liver disease. Their lipid and lipoprotein profiles were estimated using standard methods. The result showed that total cholesterol was significantly reduced from 4.71+1.44mmol/l in control to 3.37+1.46 in hepatic disease (P<0.05). Also HDL and LDL cholesterol were significantly reduced (P<0.05) from 0.89+0.37mmol/l and 3.25+1.54mmol/l respectively to 0.31+0.11mmol/l and 2.00+1.30mmol/l while triglycerides significantly increased (P<0.05) from 1.29+0.80mmol/l in control to 2.50+0.89mmol/l in hepatic disease. The result of the study showed that liver diseases can cause lipid dysfunction.

Table of contents for the month of June 2013

Table of contents for the month of November 2011

Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) / Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) nanotube composite blend was fabricated using melt blending technique in a twin extruder. The blend composition was optimized at PBT-PET weight ratio of 80-20. The effect of incorporation of MWCNT on the mechanical, electrical, thermal and morphological properties of the nanotube composites blend has been investigated. Mechanical properties show marginal improvement in impact strength, but considerable improvement in tensile strength and flexural strength. Changes in electrical properties observed. Increase in crystallisation temperature noted from DSC thermograms. DMA add the evidence for DSC and mechanical results. PBT - PET blend with CNT exhibited featureless XRD indicative of exfoliated structure. TEM micrographs also confirmed the same that the CNT has exfoliated into individual tubes.

South Africa (SA) has the most developed and largest economy in Africa. Being one of the members of BRICS our country is recognized as a key developing market. The factors that support this are its well-structured legal, financial transport and communication regions. SA is regarded as the best facilitator in trade logistics and has an excellent transport infrastructure. However, there are a few factors that have caused stagnation such as labor policies, unemployment, poverty and inequality. A recent article stipulated that rail was 75% cheaper on average than using road transport (Signs of new era for SA rail, 2015). If SA seeks to keep ahead of its African and Asian rivals and achieve global industrial competitiveness, its transport sector needs to sharpen up its act. The total road network in SA is approximately 747 000 km and is the longest in Africa which caters for approx. 321 056 registered trucks. The building together with maintenance of 16 200km of provincial roads are carried out by South African National Roads Agency (Sanral), with the Department of Transport being overall responsible. Despite the road sector delivering freight playing a major part in our economy due to its flexibility, adaptability and speed as compared to rail, the impact on the roads due to heavy freight moving vehicles has caused the maintenance and upgrades cost to escalate whilst our traffic demands are increasing. The operators in the industry of road freight face many challenges such as increases in tariff, permits and license fees. Further the e-tolls are weakening the profit margins. Labour negotiations and industry strikes have hit the sector hard, causing many businesses to undergo major restructuring and retrenchments. During 2013 the road freight industry shrunk by 4000 vehicles, resulting in the loss of 9315 jobs in the sector (Investment still needed in transport infrastructure, 2014).

We are very happy to announce that from 30th March 2013, Mr.P.M.Balasubramaniam has joined the team of Elixir Editorial Advisory Board. He will carry a special responsibility for dealing with manuscripts based on Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Mr.P.M.Balasubramaniam is currently working as Research Scholar, Anna University of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India. The appointment of Mr.P.M.Balasubramaniam as member Editorial Advisory Board strengthens the links and will make it easier for prospective authors to establish contact with the journal. Please send any expressions of interest to elixirpublishers@gmail.com. Sincerely Editor-in-Chief