“Research is seeing what everybody else has seen and thinking what nobody else has thought.”
– Albert Szent-Györgyi

“Fully Automated Quality Control of Rigid and Affine Registrations of T1w and T2w MRI in Big Data using Machine Learning” is the latest research paper published by Dr Sudhakar Tummala, Assistant Professor, Electronics and Communication Engineering, SRM University-AP in ‘Computers in Biology and Medicine Journal’ having an Impact Factor of 4.6.

Abstract of the paper:
Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based morphometry and relaxometry are proven methods for the structural assessment of the human brain in several neurological disorders. These procedures are generally based on T1-weighted (T1w) and/or T2-weighted (T2w) MRI scans, and rigid and affine registrations to a standard template(s) are essential steps in such studies. Therefore, a fully automatic quality control (QC) of these registrations is necessary for big data scenarios to ensure that they are suitable for subsequent processing.
Method: A supervised machine learning (ML) framework is proposed by computing similarity metrics such as normalized cross-correlation, normalized mutual information, and correlation ratio locally. We have used these as candidate features for cross-validation and testing of different ML classifiers. For 5-fold repeated stratified grid search cross-validation, 400 correctly aligned, 2000 randomly generated misaligned images were used from the human connectome project young adult (HCP-YA) dataset. To test the cross-validated models, the datasets from autism brain imaging data exchange (ABIDE I) and information eXtraction from images (IXI) were used.
Results: The ensemble classifiers, random forest, and AdaBoost yielded the best performance with F1 scores, balanced accuracies, and Matthews correlation coefficients in the range of 0.95-1.00 during cross-validation. The predictive accuracies reached 0.99 on Test set #1 (ABIDE I), 0.99 without and 0.96 with noise on Test set #2 (IXI, stratified w.r.t scanner vendor and field strength).
Conclusions: The cross-validated and tested ML models could be used for QC of both T1w and T2w rigid and affine registrations in large-scale MRI studies.

Medical imaging is basically a method to see inside the body non-invasively. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the medical imaging modalities to see inside the body. MRI works on the principles of nuclear magnetic resonance. T1-weighted (T1w) and T2-weighted (T2w) MRI can enable us to see the brain without opening the skull and to monitor brain structural changes that occur in several medical and neurological conditions. It is important to monitor these structural changes over time to understand the disease progression. For example, in Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to monitor the hippocampus (memory storage centre) Recently, due to the advances in computational power such as high-performance GPUs and the availability of publicly accessible big data MRI, scientists around the world now conducting big data research studies. In group-based big data studies, for fair comparison of the brain between healthy and diseased individuals, it is necessary that the brain MRI images are registered to a common coordinate system. Therefore, quality control (QC) of these registrations is necessary to ensure that they are suitable for further processing. Further, in big data studies that involve several thousands of images, manual QC is not feasible and hence there is a need for a fully automated QC mechanism at the pre-processing stage. Checking the quality of rigid and affine registrations is one such task.
The research group implemented a fully automated QC mechanism based on computing several quality metrics local to the image and trained several machine learning classifiers based on these locally computed quality measures. The trained classifiers include linear discriminant analysis, support vector machine, Gaussian naïve Bayes, random forest and adaptive boosting. The developed ML models generalize well to detect misaligned registrations across different MRI scanner vendors and field strengths and even under noisy image situations. Therefore, the classifiers could be employed in big data studies for fully automated QC of registrations, especially T1w and T2w MRI.
Big data MRI studies are generally conducted using a large number of subjects. The conclusions drawn based on big data analysis are more reliable and help to understand the disease mechanics better. The developed method can help to reduce the manual labour for various QC mechanisms required during the pre-processing stage.

This work is done in collaboration with
a. Prof Erik B Dam, Machine Learning Group, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
b. Prof Niels K Focke, Clinic for neurology, University Medical Centre, Göttingen, Germany.

In future, the idea is to implement the QC framework using sparse autoencoders in an unsupervised manner and also using Siamese neural networks via deep representation learning.

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The placement legacy of the CR&CS Department at SRM University-AP continues with more and more students from the Class of 2022 getting placed at their dream companies. Take heed to our students from Computer Science Engineering and, Electronics and Communications Engineering as they passionately talk about the support they have received from the Placement cell and faculty members in securing their Super Dream job offer at Optum UnitedHealth Group. Students explain the methods of preparing for the recruitment drive, role of curriculum and faculty of SRM AP in knowledge creation, approachability of CR&CS team during placement season, and their hopes and aspirations for the future.

Godavarthi Chandra Keerthi

It is a dream come true and I am looking forward to working in the company. With constant support and training from our placement department, I could prepare for the company-specific tests and regular practice from various sources helped me a lot. Coding skills were incorporated into our curriculum throughout the early years of our engineering programme, which aided us in laying a solid foundation. Our instructors mentored us regularly, which helped us recognise where we were lacking. We were exposed to many activities like workshops, hackathons, etc. Our doubts were clarified within no time and we could move forward with the next steps. I would advise my juniors to understand their strengths and limitations and focus on improving them. And I believe that consistent practice is the key to achieving whatever one desires. I aspire to see myself in a respectable position in future.

Harshini Thotakura

I am selected for Optum UHG, one of my dream companies to work in. The day I got the result mail, I and my parents were beyond happy. My placement preparation started in my 2nd year only. Competitive programming has already been included in the curriculum since then. Two months before the placement season, student-specific training and boot camps are organized by the CR&CS where I started developing in-depth knowledge in all the domains. Strategic advice and techniques by the CCC team helped me stay prepared for every round in the company process. Almost 100 companies lined up and the placement department never failed to help me in all possible ways they can. I suggest juniors simply follow the guidance of faculty members, develop interesting projects, attend workshops that will help in the future placement drives as companies mainly focus on practical knowledge. Learn from the rejections and believe in hard work. Finally, confidence matters more.

Kurapati Nikitha Chowdary

I am satisfied and feeling blissful for starting my career in a reputed company. I sincerely thank my university for showing me the path and guiding me to shape my career. Researching about Optum on online platforms like Glassdoor, LinkedIn and based on the company website reviews and requirements I prepared myself for the whole process. The opportunities provided by the Placement Department like the training classes, interactive sessions and mock interviews helped me to gain confidence and overcome the fear of facing the interview panel. Our instructors mentored us regularly, which helped us recognize where we were lacking. My suggestion to juniors is since we are all under the umbrella of SRM University-AP, we don’t have to search or worry about the opportunities. So the only thing is to start preparing early and constant practice will help them to achieve their dream. Always keep updating resume as per industry standards and company specifications.

Kothuru Sai Sandeepa

Choosing SRM-AP was one of my best choices ever. Everyone would have a dream to get placed in good company and prove themselves. To achieve that one needs the right platform. I never thought that a college would work at this best level to make students achieve what they wish for. I am very happy on receiving the offer from a good company like I always dreamt of. I am very happy and proud to say that SRM University-AP has made this happen. The faculty and the training given by them helped me to achieve this. I especially thank the CR&CS department for the guidance they gave. They are very approachable and are available at all times. I suggest my juniors and others make use of the resources provided by the University and make the best out of it. The faculty and the curriculum which the University gave us is the best and helped me to choose the right path. The University has also taught me to design my career. I am very thankful for all the support given by my college to help me achieve this success of getting placed at Optum, UnitedHealth Group.

Lakshmi Vallala

As I receive my offer from Optum, I must take the opportunity to thank SRMAP for supporting me secure a job during these times of crisis. I spent time coding and upskilling every day as a part of my preparation. The curriculum of SRMAP focuses on preparing an individual with domain knowledge. It also exposes us to an early coding culture. The Placement Department of SRMAP has been very prompt to discuss any requests from students. We were given orientation about all companies so that we could clarify doubts and attend company-specific training. We had numerous companies scheduled to visit us daily. These options helped me understand the role I fit in and the skills I needed to focus on. CCC training played a fundamental role in enhancing the quality of our skills. Mock interviews and group discussions helped us understand the process better and learn where we stood. To all the juniors and others looking to go down this path, remain high-spirited, confident and attend to your schedule till you achieve what suits you. My plans for the future include building my technical expertise in my domain and moving ahead with more responsibilities in life.

Navya Sri Mididodla

Getting placed in Optum UHG is like a dream which has come true for me. SRM AP is a great place for us to develop ourselves both personally and professionally. The intensive placement training we received from the CR&CS department helped us to sharpen our technical skills such as coding skills, OS, DSA, Networks. They have also provided us with the aptitude and interpersonal skills training which helped us to tackle the HR interview round. The faculty members and mentors are always ready to clear our doubts and continuously help us to improve our performance by conducting mock interviews by industry experts, group discussion sessions, etc… They encouraged us when we are in low spirits. SRM AP has done a great job in bringing many reputed companies such as Amazon, Paypal, Barclays, etc… for placement drive. All along the way my family and faculty have supported me in this stressful yet fruitful journey of placement drive. I would like to take this chance to thank SRM AP Management, the CR&CS department, Faculty and mentors for giving me the chance to fulfil my dream.

Nanduri Geeta Kiranmai

When I came to know that I received an offer in Optum UHG as a software engineer, it was like my dream come true moment. I am very happy that I got an opportunity to enter into a well-established company at the beginning of my professional career. I used to do a lot of coding on data structures and algorithms from my second year itself. The sessions taught by CCC and their regular practice links as Homeworks brushed up my fundamental concepts in programming. I used to maintain handwritten notes on all the core subjects in my bachelors, which helped me to revise the concepts a day before the interview. I was able to mention all the projects that I have mentioned in my resume.
One of the most important aspects of being an SRMite is a high standard curriculum which helped me in acquiring knowledge in all kinds of domains related to CSE. The curriculum made me establish a strong foundation that is required for industries at present.
The efforts of the Placements Department is not only appreciated by me but also by my family for their dedicated work towards all the students who enrolled in placement. Superset portal made the process of the recruitment drive simple and easy, the Opportunities provided by the Placements Department are so great that all the students get placed in dream jobs! The placement team came up with their online sessions for clearing the doubts of the students regarding the placements weekly which helped us a lot in this pandemic even though we didn’t have offline classes the process of placements went on smoothly.
I suggest to my juniors to get prepared with projects from the beginning itself so get ready for the placement by the starting of the fourth year with a good resume. I advise the students to pick a coding platform of their choice and do regular practice on it so that they develop logical and problem-solving skills

Sadhvika Nalluri

I am really happy about the offer at Optum because it was my first interview and I got placed right at that. I could perform well for theoretical questions in programming languages in which I am good in and also the coding part. I brushed through the concepts of OOPS, C, C++, DBMS and my academic projects. Most of the questions they asked in the interview were already in the curriculum and our faculty rally helped us a lot while studying and also clarified our doubts. The academic projects we have done were so much useful in the interview.
The CR&CS department gave us special classes to go through the concepts of major subjects that are required to crack the job. They also provided special classes in association with training institutes on communication skills and interview skills. They will respond to us immediately if there is an issue either in the interview or while writing the exam.
My message to juniors is that before I got this offer, I was rejected by so many companies without even qualifying prelims. There were some days when I got an invitation for the interview but could not attend as there was no invite link in the email. But I did not lose hope. So have patience and wait for your chance.

Sourish Mukherjee

This job offer from Optum is a dream come true for me. I can’t be happier since this is everything I expected from my first job. As soon as saw the job offer on our portal, I started to prepare for my logic and technical assessment. The coursework provided by CDC was very helpful and the domain training lessons provided by the college helped me do well in the assessments. After I received a call for the technical interview, I immediately started focusing on my projects and started brushing up on my technical knowledge based on my resume. The guidance of the esteemed faculty of SRM University-AP is a vital reason for my success. I thank them for building my resume and for all the knowledge they imparted to us, despite remotely working due to the pandemic. I consulted with my teammates and friends as well and as a result of all this and determination, I have been able to crack the final HR interview.
The mock interviews conducted by the CR&CS department helped me refine my answers and my personality as a suitable candidate. My father also helped me immensely to prepare for my interviews. I thank the CR&CS department for choosing reputed companies and giving me a chance to apply for this job opening and for ensuring the process is as smooth as possible. I would like to share a few words for my juniors and peers. Everyone will get a chance to prove themselves and reach their goal. Never lose hope and keep striving for your goals. Don’t feel sad if you get rejected. I was rejected by almost 30 companies but what I learnt in the process was to treat it as another stepping stone, an experience and an opportunity to get better and grab better opportunities that will come my way. I would like to wish the very best for all my peers and juniors, success in their professional and educational endeavours.

Tirumani Someswari Sai Rushitha

I’m very happy and excited as I could secure the super dream offer and I’m looking forward to proving my skills as a contributing member of the Organization. During the recruitment drives the guidance by the placement department was indeed helpful like the domain, technical training, and also the company-specific exams which assisted me to prepare accordingly. The curriculum of SRM AP is designed with the purpose that apart from the academics one can also enhance our communication and behavioural skills which are fairly important to crack the offer. The opportunities planned by the Placement department were numerous while we had plenty of mock interviews and also the sessions from industry experts so that we can brush up on our standards in shaping our career. The placement team has been undoubtedly approachable to resolve our queries and acquire feedback from students to improve the training and make it more effective. One thing I would like to share with my juniors and others is that we need to believe in ourselves, be confident, and go along with the training offered by the placement team consistently and we can obtain the offers as numerous companies line up during placements season.

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Bandi Veda Sahithi from the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, and Sreeja Y from the Department of Computer Science Engineering have been placed at ZS Associates with an exciting CTC of 14.35 LPA.

Students started their preparation two months prior to the month of placements (approximately April-May and placements started in July). Following a disciplined timetable, and the CCC training given by the university, students have achieved their dream job offers! As Sreeja Y is a Computer Science Engineering Student, she mainly focused on DSA, DBMS, OOPs, OS and Aptitude (sources she used to prepare are Geekofgeeks, YouTube, Hackerrank, Leetcode for coding, W3schools).

The Curriculum for placement provides intensive training for 1 and a half month where the students receive CCC training, Domain training (TIME), and Aptitude training. The CCC Classes helped students understand DSA concepts and apply those concepts in coding. In the Domain training students were taught DSA, CN, OOPs, OS and it helped them further in SQL, DBMS concepts.

Sreeja expresses her gratitude for the guidance, training and sources of knowledge she received from SRM University-AP. “Approximately 75 companies lined up for recruitment in a month. Placement Cell really gives us great and wide opportunities to achieve our goals.” “The placement cell is a wonderful interactive platform that connects various companies with the university, providing abundant opportunities”, added Veda Sahithi.

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Bitragunta Vivek Vardhan, a final year student from the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, has filed a design copyright for developing a “UV Ray Wooden Sanitizer Disinfection Box”. This is a safe chemical-free product designed to disinfect the surfaces of items. In this period of the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been difficult to sanitize mobile phones, tabs, laptops, car/bike keys, wallets, currency/coins, credit/debit cards, newspapers, pens, goggles, spectacles, accessories, milk packets, bakery items, water-absorbing products, delivery packages, toys, clothes etc with liquid sanitisers or else with water.

Researchers say that the coronavirus stays on surfaces of plastic (3-7 days), stainless steel (3-7 days), copper (up to 4 hours), paper (up to 4 days), glass (4 days), cardboard (24 hours), and wood (up to 2 days). UVC has a wavelength of 10 nm to 400 nm and is used for the disinfection method that has short-wavelength light to kill or inactivate microorganisms by destroying nucleic acids and disrupting their DNA, leaving them unable to perform vital cellular functions. The UVC light used in the product will not penetrate into solid surfaces and it is safe to use on touchscreen mobiles, laptops, tabs, etc. It is also proven that the disinfection box can destroy the bacteria and viruses on the surface of food items without causing any harm to the edibility.

“In future, I have plans to take this project to the next level by designing large dimensions of the box and making it work automatically with remote control through our mobile phone. I am extremely happy about filing the copyright and I express my heartfelt gratitude to Prof Siva Sankar Sir and Pro VC Prof D Narayana Rao Sir for giving me the opportunity and supporting me to expand my idea up to the level of implementation. And I thank Prof Vinod Kumar Sir for taking care of the filing process. Finally, I thank SRM University-AP for encouraging and nurturing young talents in all ways possible, “ Vivek stated.

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Yoganand B, Parshal Chitrakar, Agniswar Paul, Abirami Ravishankar are four brilliant students from the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering at SRM University-AP who have successfully completed an international internship with EION Wireless Inc, Canada. The students worked as engineering interns with this reputed wireless solutions firm in Canada for five and a half months (Jan 15- June 30) obtaining an internship salary of 500 CAD per student every month. Through this opportunity, the students could build a system that is able to send data to long distances.

Selection Process:
a. Internal selection: Based on the CV and projects undertaken, the ECE Faculty conducted interviews and shortlisted the students.
b. Personal Interview: The shortlisted students attended the interview with the company in which, the company scrutinised their project, skills, and whether they were relevant to the company’s requirements.
c. Techincal Interview: This round focused on analysing technical skills. A technical problem statement was given to members and was asked to come up with a solution in 10 minutes.
d. Coding test: In this round, coding questions were distributed and students had to submit documents of output and on how the code was processed.

For engineering graduates, technical skills and hands-on experience with industry is inevitable. SRM University-AP ensures that every student grabs opportunities to excel in their respective disciplines.

Student Testimonial- Parshal Chitrakar:

I would like to thank the faculty of the ECE Department at SRM AP for this great opportunity. Being a part of this internship programme by EION wireless has been one of my first and best experiences in the industry. Being a fresher, this opportunity gave me a chance to apply my knowledge and skills in developing real-time applications. This five and a half months internship taught me different ways to look at things, work with people from diverse backgrounds, and helped me develop my technical as well as soft skills. Before this, I was focused only on personal achievements, but when we work for a company it has to be focused on the public demand and common good. I think this is the main difference between academia and industry. There is no such difference between academic-based projects and industry-based projects; it is just how we think, showcase our abilities and how our work reaches the target stakeholders.

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