One of the most promising techniques used in various sciences is deep neural networks (DNNs). A special type of DNN called a convolutional neural network (CNN) consists of several convolutional layers, each preceded by an activation function and a pooling layer. The feature map of the previous layer is sampled by the pooling layer (that seems to be an important layer) to create a new feature map with condensed resolution. This layer significantly reduces the spatial dimension of the input. It always accomplished two main goals. As a first step, it reduces the number of parameters or weights to minimize computational costs. The second step is to prevent the overfitting of the network. In addition, pooling techniques can significantly reduce model training time and computational costs. This paper provides a critical understanding of traditional and modern pooling techniques and highlights the strengths and weaknesses for readers. Moreover, the performance of pooling techniques on different datasets is qualitatively evaluated and reviewed. This study is expected to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the importance of CNNs and pooling techniques in computer vision challenges.

Convolutiona neural network (CNN) is one of the best neural networks for classification, segmentation, natural language processing (NLP), and video processing. The CNN consists of multiple layers or structural parameters. The architecture of CNN can be divided into three sections: convolution layers, pooling layers, and fully connected layers. The application of CNN became most demanding due to its ability to learn features from images automatically, involving massive amount of training data and high computational resources like GPUs. Due to the availability of the above-stated resources, multiple CNN architectures have been reported. This study focuses on the working of convolution, pooling, and the fully connected layers of CNN architecture, origin of architectures, limitation, benefits of reported architectures, and comparative analysis of contemporary architecture concerning the number of parameters, architectural depth, and significant contribution.

This research work proposed a hybrid model to maximize energy consumption and maximize user comfort in residential buildings. The proposed model consists of two widely used optimization algorithms named the firefly algorithm (FA) and genetic algorithm (GA). The hybridization of two optimization approaches results in a better optimization process, leading to better performance of the process in terms of minimum power consumption and maximum occupant’s comfort. The inputs of the optimization model are illumination, temperature, and air quality from the user, in addition with the external environment. The outputs of the proposed model are the optimized values of illumination, temperature, and air quality, which are, in turn, used in computing the values of user comfort. After the computation of the comfort index, these values enter the fuzzy controllers, which are used to adjust the cooling/heating system, illumination system, and ventilation system according to the occupant’s requirement. A user-friendly environment for power consumption minimization and user comfort maximization using data from different sensors, user, processes, power control systems, and various actuators is proposed in this work. The results obtained from the hybrid model have been compared with many state-of-the-art optimization algorithms. The final results revealed that the proposed approach performed better as compared to the standard optimization techniques.

Plant disease classification based on digital pictures is challenging. Machine learning approaches and plant image categorization technologies such as deep learning have been utilized to recognize, identify, and diagnose plant diseases in the previous decade. Increasing the yield quantity and quality of rice forming is an important cause for the paddy production countries. However, some diseases that are blocking the improvement in paddy production are considered as an ominous threat. Convolution Neural Network (CNN) has shown a remarkable performance in solving the early detection of paddy leaf diseases based on its images in the fast-growing era of science and technology. Nevertheless, the significant CNN architectures construction is dependent on expertise in a neural network and domain knowledge. This approach is time-consuming, and high computational resources are mandatory. In this research, we propose a novel method based on Mutant Particle swarm optimization (MUT-PSO) Algorithms to search for an optimum CNN architecture for Paddy leaf disease classification. Experimentation results show that Mutant Particle swarm optimization Convolution Neural Network (MUTPSO-CNN) can find optimum CNN architecture that offers better performance than existing hand-crafted CNN architectures in terms of accuracy, precision/recall, and execution time.