Adaptive Equalization Technique Research Articles

Signal processing for enhancing railway communication by integrating deep learning and adaptive equalization techniques.

With the increasing amount of data in railway communication system, the conventional wireless high-frequency communication technology cannot meet the requirements of modern communication and needs to be improved. In order to meet the requirements of high-speed signal processing, a high-speed communication signal processing method based on visible light is developed and studied. This method combines the adaptive equalization algorithm with deep learning and is applied to railway communication signal processing. In this research, the wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) techniques are used, and fuzzy C equalization algorithm is used to softly divide the received signals, reduce signal distortion and interference suppression. The experimental results showed that increasing the step size could reduce the equalization effect, while increasing the modulation parameter will increase the bit error rate. Through deep learning to achieve channel equalization, visible light communication could effectively mitigate multi-path transmission and reflection interference, thereby reducing the bit error rate to the level of 0.0001. Under various signal-to-noise ratios, the system using the channel compensation method achieved the lowest bit error rate. This outcome was achieved by implementing hybrid modulation scheme, including Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and direct current-biased optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DCO-OFDM) techniques. It has been proved that this method can effectively reduce the channel distortion when the receiver is moving. This study develops a dependable communication system, which enhances signal recovery, reduces interference, and improves the quality and transmission efficiency of railway communication. The system has practical application value in the field of railway communication signal processing.

An improved semi-supervised segmentation of the retinal vasculature using curvelet-based contrast adjustment and generalized linear model

Diagnosis of most ophthalmic conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, generally relies on an effective analysis of retinal blood vessels. Techniques that depend solely on the visual observation of clinicians can be tedious and prone to numerous errors. In this article, we propose a semi-supervised automated approach for segmenting blood vessels in retinal color images. Our method effectively combines some classical filters with a Generalized Linear Model (GLM). We first apply the Curvelet Transform along with the Contrast-Limited Histogram Adaptive Equalization (CLAHE) technique to significantly enhance the contrast of vessels in the retinal image during the preprocessing phase. We then use Gabor transform to extract features from the enhanced image. For retinal vasculature identification, we use a GLM learning model with a simple link identity function. Binarization is then performed using an automatic optimal threshold based on the maximum Youden index. A morphological cleaning operation is applied to remove isolated or unwanted segments from the final segmented image. The proposed model is evaluated using statistical parameters on images from three publicly available databases. We achieve average accuracies of 0.9593, 0.9553 and 0.9643, with Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis yielding Area Under Curve (AUC) values of 0.9722, 0.9682 and 0.9767 for the CHASE_DB1, STARE and DRIVE databases, respectively. Compared to some of the best results from similar approaches published recently, our results exceed their performance on several datasets.

Deep Feature Extraction with SVM Classifier for Brain Tumor Classification

Recently, methods for classifying brain tumors have used Deep Learning (DL), in particular, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), to obtain promising results. Unlike conventional Machine Learning (ML) algorithms, CNNs can automatically extract features from images; they do not, however, need the extraction regarding hand-crafted features. Many obstacles reduce the accuracy of brain tumor classification systems; to address such obstacles, we propose a DL-based feature extraction method for brain tumor classification. A total of two pretrained CNNs, VggNet-16 and ResNet-18, are applied as deep feature extractors in the scheme to accomplish deep feature extraction. Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) technique has been first used for enhancing the images. Second, each separately pretrained CNN, VggNet-16 and ResNet-18, is used for extracting the deep features from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Lastly, a Multiclass Support Vector Machines (Multiclass -SVM) classifier is used to complete a classification task. Tests conducted on the aforementioned datasets: the effectiveness of the suggested approach is demonstrated by the CE-MRI Figshare, the REMBRANDT, and the Brain Tumor Classification, where the pre-trained CNN models and SVM classifier enhance performance. Specifically, the pretrained CNN with SVM approach produces accuracy ranging from 95.28% to 98.62% across all data-sets.

Detection of Road Risk Sources Based on Multi-Scale Lightweight Networks.

Timely discovery and disposal of road risk sources constitute the cornerstone of road operation safety. Presently, the detection of road risk sources frequently relies on manual inspections via inspection vehicles, a process that is both inefficient and time-consuming. To tackle this challenge, this paper introduces a novel automated approach for detecting road risk sources, termed the multi-scale lightweight network (MSLN). This method primarily focuses on identifying road surfaces, potholes, and scattered objects. To mitigate the influence of real-world factors such as noise and uneven brightness on test results, pavement images were carefully collected. Initially, the collected images underwent grayscale processing. Subsequently, the median filtering algorithm was employed to filter out noise interference. Furthermore, adaptive histogram equalization techniques were utilized to enhance the visibility of cracks and the road background. Following these preprocessing steps, the MSLN model was deployed for the detection of road risk sources. Addressing the challenges associated with two-stage network models, such as prolonged training and testing times, as well as deployment difficulties, this study adopted the lightweight feature extraction network MobileNetV2. Additionally, transfer learning was incorporated to elevate the model's training efficiency. Moreover, this paper established a mapping relationship model that transitions from the world coordinate system to the pixel coordinate system. This model enables the calculation of risk source dimensions based on detection outcomes. Experimental results reveal that the MSLN model exhibits a notably faster convergence rate. This enhanced convergence not only boosts training speed but also elevates the precision of risk source detection. Furthermore, the proposed mapping relationship coordinate transformation model proves highly effective in determining the scale of risk sources.

Brain Tumor Prediction and Segmentation with Morphological Region-based Active Contour Model and Refinement using Boltzmann Monte Carlo Method in MRI Images

Objectives: The primary goal of the research work is to accurately detect the precise location of the brain tumor in the radiological Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) images of human brain using segmentation method. Methods: In this research work, we introduce mainly the Morphological Region-based Active Contour model and Boltzmann Monte Carlo method (MACB model), involving a comprehensive three-step methodology for the segmentation of the brain, MRI images in order to detect brain tumor. The initial step involves pre-processing which includes Gaussian filtering for noise reduction and Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) technique to enhance image features. In the second step, we identify tumor-related clusters using morphological operations and delineate the tumor regions using Active Contour (Snake) model to get a segmented image. In the final step, the Boltzmann Monte Carlo method is used to refine the edges of the segmented image. To evaluate the effectiveness of this approach, the 2D brain tumor datasets, available in the public domain, are used. The first dataset is taken from Kaggle website and has 3064 MRI human brain images and its respective ground truth images which is used for segmentation. The second dataset is used for visualization of segmented tumor, available in the same Kaggle website. Findings: The Performance metrics for finding similarity between the segmented images generated using the proposed MACB model and the ground truth images, available in the first dataset, exhibit higher values. That is, the proposed method has achieved higher values of Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC): 93.26%, Jaccard Co-efficient: 86.44%, Sensitivity: 97.27%, Specificity: 99.43% and Pixel accuracy: 98.95%. Novelty: In this research work, MACB model is proposed for the detection, segmentation, and refinement process of brain tumor by incorporating Boltzmann Monte Carlo method with Morphological Region-Based Active Contour model. This novel approach has resulted in enhanced precision and efficiency in the brain tumor segmentation process. Keywords: Brain Tumor Segmentation, Morphological Operation, Active Contour, Boltzmann Monte Carlo Method, Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Diabetic retinopathy prediction based on vision transformer and modified capsule network

Diabetic retinopathy is considered one of the most common diseases that can lead to blindness in the working age, and the chance of developing it increases as long as a person suffers from diabetes. Protecting the sight of the patient or decelerating the evolution of this disease depends on its early detection as well as identifying the exact levels of this pathology, which is done manually by ophthalmologists. This manual process is very consuming in terms of the time and experience of an expert ophthalmologist, which makes developing an automated method to aid in the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy an essential and urgent need. In this paper, we aim to propose a new hybrid deep learning method based on a fine-tuning vision transformer and a modified capsule network for automatic diabetic retinopathy severity level prediction. The proposed approach consists of a new range of computer vision operations, including the power law transformation technique and the contrast-limiting adaptive histogram equalization technique in the preprocessing step. While the classification step builds up on a fine-tuning vision transformer, a modified capsule network, and a classification model combined with a classification model, The effectiveness of our approach was evaluated using four datasets, including the APTOS, Messidor-2, DDR, and EyePACS datasets, for the task of severity levels of diabetic retinopathy. We have attained excellent test accuracy scores on the four datasets, respectively: 88.18%, 87.78%, 80.36%, and 78.64%. Comparing our results with the state-of-the-art, we reached a better performance.

Analysis of Pneumonia on Chest X-Ray Images Using Convolutional Neural Network Model iResNet-RS

Pneumonia, a prevalent inflammatory condition affecting lung tissue, poses a significant health threat across all age groups and remains a leading cause of infectious mortality among children worldwide. Early diagnosis is critical in preventing severe complications and potential fatality. Chest X-rays are a valuable diagnostic tool for pneumonia; however, their interpretation can be challenging due to unclear images, overlapping diagnoses, and various abnormalities. Consequently, expedient, and accurate analysis of medical images using computer-aided methods has become crucial. This research proposes a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model, specifically the ResNet-RS Model, to automate pneumonia identification. The Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) technique enhances image contrast and highlights abnormalities in pneumonia images. Additionally, data augmentation techniques are applied to expand the image dataset while preserving the intrinsic characteristics of the original images. The proposed methodology is evaluated through three testing scenarios, employing chest X-ray images and pneumonia dataset. The third testing scenario, which incorporates the ResNet-RS model, CLAHE preprocessing, and data augmentation, achieves superior performance among these scenarios. The results show an accuracy of 92% and a training loss of 0.0526. Moreover, this approach effectively mitigates overfitting, a common challenge in deep learning models. By leveraging the power of the ResNet-RS model, along with CLAHE preprocessing and data augmentation techniques, this research demonstrates a promising methodology for accurately detecting pneumonia in chest X-ray images. Such advancements contribute to the early diagnosis and timely treatment of pneumonia, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality rates.

A proposed CLCOA Technique Based on CLAHE using Cat Optimized Algorithm for Plants Images Enhancement

Image Enhancement is one of the mainly significant with complex techniques in image study. The purpose of image enhancement is to advance the optical presence of an image, or to support a “improved convert representation for future mechanized image processing. Various images similar medical images, satellite images, natural with even real life photographs which have a lowly contrast and noise. This study presents a new enhancement technique based on standard contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) technique for image enhancement which its name CLCOA. The suggested technique depends on augmentation of swarm intelligence via using Cat Swarm Optimization algorithm (CSO). The swarm intelligence is used to obtain the optimal structure of CLAHE technique. Tomato plant images have used and applied as dataset because of its important and influence in our life. For fair analysis of two techniques, Absolute Mean Brightness Error (AMBE), peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), entropy and Contrast Gain of fundus images are analyzed by using MATLAB. The results show that performance of the proposed technique reveals the efficiently and robustness when compared results of standard technique.

Breast Cancer Diagnosis Using YOLO-Based Multiscale Parallel CNN and Flattened Threshold Swish

In the field of biomedical imaging, the use of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) has achieved impressive success. Additionally, the detection and pathological classification of breast masses creates significant challenges. Traditional mammogram screening, conducted by healthcare professionals, is often exhausting, costly, and prone to errors. To address these issues, this research proposes an end-to-end Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD) system utilizing the ‘You Only Look Once’ (YOLO) architecture. The proposed framework begins by enhancing digital mammograms using the Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) technique. Then, features are extracted using the proposed CNN, leveraging multiscale parallel feature extraction capabilities while incorporating DenseNet and InceptionNet architectures. To combat the ‘dead neuron’ problem, the CNN architecture utilizes the ‘Flatten Threshold Swish’ (FTS) activation function. Additionally, the YOLO loss function has been enhanced to effectively handle lesion scale variation in mammograms. The proposed framework was thoroughly tested on two publicly available benchmarks: INbreast and CBIS-DDSM. It achieved an accuracy of 98.72% for breast cancer classification on the INbreast dataset and a mean Average Precision (mAP) of 91.15% for breast cancer detection on the CBIS-DDSM. The proposed CNN architecture utilized only 11.33 million parameters for training. These results highlight the proposed framework’s ability to revolutionize vision-based breast cancer diagnosis.

Breast cancer diagnosis model using stacked autoencoder with particle swarm optimization

Breast cancer (BrC) stands as the most prevalent cancer affecting women globally, comprising 24.5% of all female cancer diagnoses and contributing to 15.0% of total cancer-related fatalities. The timely detection and precise categorization of breast cancer play pivotal roles in enhancing patient prognosis and treatment outcomes. The main goal is to enhance the precision of classifying mammogram images, thus offering vital support to radiology experts in diagnosing BrCs. The proposed model encompasses several pivotal stages, including pre-processing, feature extraction, segmentation, and classification. To assess the model's efficacy, we employed the INBreast dataset. During pre-processing, mammogram images were enhanced through a customized contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalization (mCLAHE) technique coupled with data augmentation. Segmentation was executed utilizing the Res-SegNet model, and feature extraction employing the VGG-19 model. The classification was conducted via a stacked autoencoder (SAE) with particle swarm optimization (PSO). Our proposed model exhibited notably high performance compared to alternative models such as CNN, Yolo-v4, and Inception-v3. The results unveiled an accuracy of 98.33%, precision of 99.39%, recall of 98.78%, specificity of 93.75%, an F1-score of 99.08%, and an MCC score of 90.04%.

A User-friendly Approach for the Diagnosis of Diabetic Retinopathy Using ChatGPT and Automated Machine Learning

To assess the capabilities of Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) and Vertex AI in executing code-free preprocessing, training machine learning (ML) models, and analyzing the data. Evaluation of diagnostic test or technology. ChatGPT and Vetrex AI as publicly available large language model and ML platform, respectively. ChatGPT was employed to improve the resolution of fundus photography images from the Methods to Evaluate Segmentation and Indexing Techniques in the field of Retinal Ophthalmology (Messidor-2) open-source dataset using the Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) technique by Fiji software. Subsequently, Vertex AI, an automated ML (AutoML) platform, was utilized to develop 2 classification models. The first model served as a binary classifier for detecting the presence of diabetic retinopathy (DR), while the second determined its severity. Finally, ChatGPT was used to provide scripts for R and Python programming languages for data analysis and was also directly employed in analyzing the data in a code-free method. Evaluating the utility of ChatGPT in generating scripts for preprocessing images using Fiji and analyzing data across Python and R and assessing its potential in analyzing data through a code-free method. Investigating the capabilities of Vertex AI to train image classification models for detection of DR and its severity. Two ML models were trained using 1740 images from the Messidor-2 database. The first model, designed to detect the severity of DR, achieved an area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC) of 0.81, with a precision rate of 81.81% and recall of 72.83%. The second model, tailored for the detection of the presence of DR, recorded a precision and recall of 84.48% with an AUPRC of 0.90. ChatGPT and Vertex AI have the potential to enable physicians without coding expertise to preprocess images, analyze data, and train ML models. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

An introduction to double stain normalization technique for brain tumour histopathological images

Stain normalization is an image pre-processing method extensively used to standardize multiple variances of staining intensity in histopathology image analysis. Staining variations may occur for several reasons, such as unstandardized protocols while preparing the specimens, using dyes from different manufacturers, and varying parameters set while capturing the digital images. In this study, a double stain normalization technique based on immunohistochemical staining is developed to improve the performance of the conventional Reinhard’s algorithm. The proposed approach began with preparing a target image by applying the contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) technique to the targeted cells. Later, the colour distribution of the input image will be matched to the colour distribution of the target image through the linear transformation process. In this study, the power-law transformation was applied to address the over-enhancement and contrast degradation issues in the conventional method. Five quality metrics comprised of entropy, tenengrad criterion (TEN), mean square error (MSE), structural similarity index (SSIM) and correlation coefficient were used to measure the performance of the proposed system. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperformed all conventional techniques. The proposed method achieved the highest average values of 5.59, 3854.11 and 94.65 for entropy, TEN, and MSE analyses.

A deep convolutional neural network architecture for breast mass classification using mammogram images

<p>Breast cancer is one of the second most common cancer occurring worldwide. Early identification of the disease is a major interest that promises to propose several diagnostic procedures to prevent further surgical interventions. This research paper aims to develop a breast mass classifier system using deep learning to differentiate breast mass images from normal mammographic images. The benchmark mammographic datasets CBIS-DDSM, INbreast, and mini-MIAS are used for constructing the proposed model DELU-BM-CNN. The region of interest is identified by applying image processing techniques (median filter, binarization and dilation) and the images are enhanced and sharpened using adaptive histogram equalization and unsharp masking techniques. The pre-processed images are trained with a minimum of five deep convolutional layers activated by an Exponential Linear Unit (ELU) which is developed from scratch for feature learning and classifying the given whole mammographic images. Dropout, Data normalization, and Global average pooling are some of the regularization techniques adopted to prevent the model from over-fitting. The proposed models are able to classify CBIS-DDSM images with an accuracy of 96.60%, INbreast images with 96.20% and MIAS images with 97.40%. The experimental results are also compared with conventional Rectified Linear Unit (ReLU) and Leaky ReLU activation function that promises the proposed model as a good prognosticator than the state-of-art models for cancer diagnosis using mammogram images as input.</p>

Method for maize plants counting and crop evaluation based on multispectral images analysis

The processing of multispectral images acquired with embedded cameras in unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) has brought new opportunities for precision agriculture. In this study a method for evaluating the number of corn plants (Zea mays L) in a crop area is presented. Plant density is one of the most important yield factors, yet its precise measurement after the emergence of plants is impractical in large and medium-scale production, since significant amount of labor is required. For validation, a dataset of spectral images was gathered from flights over an agricultural area, and digital image processing techniques were applied, taking into account the concept of intelligent processing. Therefore, pattern recognition and models to aid decision-making through machine learning were also used. After image acquisition, the processing of orthomosaics in the spectral channels, i.e., red (R), green (G), and blue (B), was performed, making it possible to register and organize all the images. Likewise, techniques for geometric transformation, brightness, and contrast adjustments were evaluated globally, whereas local adjustments were evaluated based on the use of adaptive equalization techniques, which were explored based in the choice of the HSV color space. For the post-processing step, segmentation based on the best observed color threshold technique, in conjunction with Gaussian filtering and morphological operations, were considered. To enable pattern recognition, techniques that use distance maps were evaluated, considering the use of Euclidean distance. Thus, the locations of canopy patterns in maize plants were studied using a template matching algorithm and Chamfer pattern mask. For feature extraction, chain code and circular pattern map techniques were considered. The analyses made it possible to establish vectors of features based on patterns related to the number of maize plants occurrences. Finally, three calibration steps were considered, one related to the plant height versus the canopy opening radius, other related to the number of maize plants for each position in the crop area versus the radii identified by the developed model, and the third related to the cross-correlation between the plant counting by human vision and the new method. In addition, the classification step was established using a set of classifiers based on support vector machine (SVM). Results have shown an accurate and timely counting methodology for maize plants, which can guide cultivation to ensure high yield. The results showed that as a new method it can effectively count the number of maize plants with an average accuracy rate equal to 88.47%. Besides, both selected SVM classifiers have presented accuracy higher than 84% and precision higher than 83%. Furthermore, the cross-correlation between the plant counting by human vision and the new method has presented a linear correlation coefficient equal to 0.98. Thus, the developed method proved to be adequate for counting the maize plants in the post-emergence stage.

Human skin type classification using image processing and deep learning approaches

Cosmetics consumers need to be aware of their skin type before purchasing products. Identifying skin types can be challenging, especially when they vary from oily to dry in different areas, with skin specialist providing more accurate results. In recent years, artificial intelligence and machine learning have been utilized across various fields, including medicine, to assist in identifying and predicting situations. This study developed a skin type classification model using a Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) deep learning algorithms. The dataset consisted of normal, oily, and dry skin images, with 112 images for normal skin, 120 images for oily skin, and 97 images for dry skin. Image quality was enhanced using the Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) technique, with data augmentation by rotation applied to increase dataset variety, resulting in a total of 1,316 images. CNN architectures including MobileNet-V2, EfficientNet-V2, InceptionV2, and ResNet-V1 were optimized and evaluated. Findings showed that the EfficientNet-V2 architecture performed the best, achieving an accuracy of 91.55% with average loss of 22.74%. To further improve the model, hyperparameter tuning was conducted, resulting in an accuracy of 94.57% and a loss of 13.77%. The Model performance was validated using 10-fold cross-validation and tested on unseen data, achieving an accuracy of 89.70% with a loss of 21.68%.

Development of Trio Optimal Feature Extraction Model for Attention-Based Adaptive Weighted RNN-Based Lung and Colon Cancer Detection Framework Using Histopathological Images

Due to the combination of genetic diseases as well as a variety of biomedical abnormalities, the fatal disease named cancer is caused. Colon and lung cancer are regarded as the two leading diseases for disability and death. The most significant component for demonstrating the best course of action is the histopathological identification of such malignancies. So, in order to minimize the mortality rate caused by cancer, there is a need for early detection of the aliment on both fronts accordingly. In this case, both the deep and machine learning techniques have been utilized to speed up the detection process of cancer which may also help the researchers to study a huge amount of patients over a short period and less loss. Hence, it is highly essential to design a new lung and colon detection model based on deep learning approaches. Initially, a different set of histopathological images is collected from benchmark resources to perform effective analysis. Then, to attain the first set of features, the collected image is offered to the dilated net for attaining deep image features with the help of the Visual Geometry Group (VGG16) and Residual Neural Network (ResNet). Further, the second set of features is attained by the below process. Here, the collected image is given to pre-processing phase and the image is pre–pre-processed with the help of Contrast-limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) and filter technique. Then, the pre-processed image is offered to the segmentation phase with the help of adaptive binary thresholding and offered to a dilated network that holds VGG16 and ResNet and attained the second set of features. The parameters of adaptive binary thresholding are tuned with the help of a developed hybrid approach called Sand Cat swarm JAya Optimization (SC-JAO) via Sand Cat swarm Optimization (SCO) and JAYA (SC-JAO). Finally, the third set of features is attained by offering the image to pre-processing phase. Then, the pre-processed image is offered to the segmentation phase and the image is a segmented phase and features are tuned by developed SC-JAO. Further, the segmented features are offered to attain the textural features like Gray-Level Co-Occurrence Matrix (GLCM) and Local Weber Pattern (LWP) and attained the third set of features. Then, the attained three different sets of features are given to the optimal weighted feature phase, where the parameters are optimized by the SC-JAO algorithm and then given to the disease prediction phase. Here, disease prediction is made with the help of Attention-based Adaptive Weighted Recurrent Neural Networks (AAW-RNN), and their parameters are tuned by developed SC-JAO. Thus, the developed model achieved an effective lung and colon detection rate over conventional approaches over multiple experimental analyses.

Sex estimation from Thai hand radiographs using convolutional neural networks

Manual analysis of hand radiographs for sex estimation is prone to biases and errors. This study addresses the need for automated methods by exploring the potential of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to accurately identify individual sex from Thai hand radiographs, overcoming limitations in data availability and variable quality. To improve dataset quality, we applied contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) and Gaussian blur filter techniques to Thai hand radiographs from 385 male and 788 female individuals. We split these images into training, validation, and test sets. We also applied image augmentation techniques to increase the number of radiographs in the training dataset. Seven CNN models were trained, validated, and evaluated on 100 unseen male and female radiographs each. Among these models, the InceptionResNetV2 architecture demonstrated superior performance, achieving an accuracy of 87.50 % and an F1-Score of 86.91 %. Notably, this model utilized information from the 2nd to the 5th metacarpal bone and proximal phalanges in males, and from the 2nd metacarpal bone in females. Our findings provide a solid foundation for sex estimation from Thai hand radiographs, highlighting the power of CNNs in mitigating challenges associated with data quantity and quality. By automating the sex estimation process using CNNs, forensic analysis can benefit from enhanced accuracy and objectivity, enabling faster and more reliable sex assessment. We envisage that future research will build upon these findings to further improve the performance of sex estimation, contributing to advancements in forensic analysis and facilitating more effective utilization of Thai hand radiographs for sex estimation.

A Novel L-CLAHE-Based Intensification Filter for Enhancement of Underwater Images and Pipeline Tracking

The high contrast degraded underwater images often demand extensive pre-processing to attain reliable information for object detection and pipeline tracking. The prototype system developed employs CLAHE, a variant of adaptive histogram equalization, with an adaptive clip limit based on entropy. To yield an enhanced image, CLAHE is applied to the L* channel alone, resulting in improved L- CLAHE and better results. Validation of the improved L-CLAHE method is carried out using real-life underwater images captured using DTG2 Pro ROV from Kochi backwaters based on PSNR, SSIM, EPI, and PFOM quality measures and outperforms the conventional histogram equalization and adaptive histogram equalization techniques. These images are subjected to intensification and filtering for further enhancement as well as object detection and pipeline tracking applications. The proposed algorithm is compared with CLAHE, MSRCR, and L-CIF methods. The improved L-CIF algorithm has a high entropy value compared to the existing algorithms while the EME metric has been evaluated close to unity indicating the improved performance of the fast-guided filter. The method developed also helps in improving the average pixel intensity of the input images.

An intelligent flower classification framework: optimal hybrid flower pattern extractor with adaptive dynamic ensemble transfer learning-based convolutional neural network

ABSTRACT The rapid development in computer technology plays an essential role in the research works for performing fast and accurate identification of flower species through the processing of flower images with the support of mobile devices that seeks more attention in the research areas. It is highly significant for maintaining the sensitivity of ecological balance, and therefore, the image-processing approaches have provided improved outcomes in recent days. To rectify these existing problems and improve the accuracy attains the flower classification, the CNN variants of ensemble techniques can be used for the dynamic ensemble selection of the CNN networks. This paper develops an enhanced ensemble deep learning-based flower classification model to get efficient classification results with optimal models. The pre-processing is done through the Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) and filtering techniques. The pre-processed images are considered for the optimal pattern extraction phase, where optimal hybrid patterns are extracted from the Local Binary Pattern (LBP) and Local Vector Pattern (LVP). Here, the optimal hybrid pattern extraction phase contains the optimization in it using the enhanced heuristic algorithm named Improved Rat Swarm Optimizer (IRSO). The flower classification is performed with an Adaptive Dynamic Ensemble Transfer learning-based Convolutional Neural Network (ADET-CNN). Here, the optimal models are selected with the support of the same RSO algorithm. The experimental results show a better efficacy of the developed flower classification framework.

Modified capsule network for diabetic retinopathy detection and classification using fundus images

Diabetic retinopathy becomes an increasingly popular cause of vision loss in diabetic patients. Deep learning has recently received attention as one of the most popular methods for boosting performance in a range of sectors, including medical image analysis and classification. The proposed system comprises three steps; they are image preprocessing, image segmentation, and classification. In preprocessing, the image will be resized, denoising the image and enhancing the contrast of the image which is used for further processing. The lesion region of diabetic retinopathy fundus image is segmented by using Feature Fusion-based U-Net architecture. A blood vessel of a retinal image is extracted by using the spatial fuzzy c means clustering (SFCM) algorithm. Finally, the diabetic retinopathy images are classified using a modified capsule network. The convolution and primary capsule layers collect features from fundus images, while the class capsule and softmax layers decide whether the image belongs to a certain class. Using the Messidor dataset, the proposed system’s network efficiency is evaluated in terms of four performance indicators. The modified contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization technique enhanced the Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR), mean square error, and Structural Similarity Index Measure (SSIM) have average values of 36.18, 6.15, and 0.95, respectively. After enhancing the image, segmentation is performed to segment the vessel and lesion region. The segmentation accuracy is measured for the proposed segmentation algorithm by using two metrics namely intersection over union (IoU) and Dice similarity coefficient. Then modified capsule network is constructed for classifying the stages of diabetic retinopathy. The experimental result shows that the proposed modified capsule network got 98.57% of classification accuracy.