Texture Analysis Research Articles

Uncovering the Diagnostic Power of Radiomic Feature Significance in Automated Lung Cancer Detection: An Integrative Analysis of Texture, Shape, and Intensity Contributions

Background: Lung cancer still maintains the leading position among causes of death in the world; the process of early detection surely contributes to changes in the survival of patients. Standard diagnostic methods are grossly insensitive, especially in the early stages. In this paper, radiomic features are discussed that can assure improved diagnostic accuracy through automated lung cancer detection by considering the important feature categories, such as texture, shape, and intensity, originating from the CT DICOM images. Methods: We developed and compared the performance of two machine learning models—DenseNet-201 CNN and XGBoost—trained on radiomic features with the ability to identify malignant tumors from benign ones. Feature importance was analyzed using SHAP and techniques of permutation importance that enhance both the global and case-specific interpretability of the models. Results: A few features that reflect tumor heterogeneity and morphology include GLCM Entropy, shape compactness, and surface-area-to-volume ratio. These performed excellently in diagnosis, with DenseNet-201 producing an accuracy of 92.4% and XGBoost at 89.7%. The analysis of feature interpretability ascertains its potential in early detection and boosting diagnostic confidence. Conclusions: The current work identifies the most important radiomic features and quantifies their diagnostic significance through a properly conducted feature selection process reflecting stability analysis. This provides the blueprint for feature-driven model interpretability in clinical applications. Radiomics features have great value in the automated diagnosis of lung cancer, especially when combined with machine learning models. This might improve early detection and open personalized diagnostic strategies for precision oncology.

Added Value of Biological Effective Dose in Dosiomics-Based Modelling of Late Rectal Bleeding in Prostate Cancer

Background/Objectives: Extracting spatial features (texture analysis) from dose distributions (dosiomics) for outcome prediction is a rapidly evolving field in radiotherapy. To account for fraction size differences, the biological effective dose (BED) is often calculated. We evaluated the impact and added value of the BED in the dosiomics prediction modelling of grade ≥ 2 late rectal bleeding (LRB) probability within 5 years after treatment in three parts. Methods: For N = 656 prostate cancer patients previously treated in a randomized trial with conventional (CF) or hypofractionated (HF) radiotherapy, 42 dosiomic features were extracted from the dose distributions of the delineated rectum in physical doses and from dose distributions converted to the BED. Part 1: To assess whether an HF BED dosiomics model is generalizable to CF and vice versa, multivariate logistic regression BED models were constructed for HF and CF separately and tested on the other fractionation scheme. Part 2: The BED models were fitted to combined HF and CF data together to test whether this resulted in better models. Part 3: Separate physical HF and CF models were constructed and compared to the BED models. Results: Part 1: Dosiomics related to large-zone and long-run high-dose levels were predictive for both HF and CF. Deviation from the mean gray level was only predictive for HF. The BED HF model calibrations with CF data and vice versa were generally poor. AUCs ranged from 0.55 to 0.65. Part 2: Compared to the separate models, the models fitted to the combined HF and CF data showed better discriminative ability in CF but not in HF. Part 3: The apparent performances of models for the BED and physical dose were similar. Conclusions: Using the BED in the predictive dosiomic modelling of late rectal bleeding after prostate cancer radiotherapy to account for differences in fraction doses was of limited value.

Evolution of Precipitates and Microhardness of L-PBF Inconel 625 Through Relevant Thermal Treatment

Laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) is a metal additive manufacturing (AM) technique that produces a unique microstructure significantly different from wrought microstructure. Inconel 625 (IN625) is an alloy widely used to manufacture complex parts, but it comes with its own unique challenges. The alloy is prone to precipitation under elevated temperatures, which makes designing suitable heat treatment to tailor the desired microstructure and mechanical properties critical. Traditional heat treatment for wrought IN625 cannot be applied to L-PBF IN625; therefore, it is vital to understand the evolution of precipitates on the way to complete recrystallization. This study focuses on these precipitates in IN625 produced by the L-PBF technique. Heat treatments at 700 °C, 900 °C, and 1050 °C were performed separately to encourage the precipitation of strengthening γ″, the detrimental δ phase, and the dissolution of precipitates, respectively. γ″ precipitates were found in the as-printed condition and at 700 °C. δ precipitates were detected at 700 and 900 °C. Carbides and Al-rich oxides were observed in all conditions of L-PBF IN625. Texture analysis showed grain growth along the build direction with strong (100) texture at temperatures up to 900 °C. Weak and random texture with equiaxed grains was observed at 1050 °C, which is similar to wrought IN625.

Formulation, Development, and Characterization of AMB-Based Subcutaneous Implants using PCL and PLGA via Hot-Melt Extrusion

The hot-melt extrusion process is currently considered a prominent manufacturing technique in the pharmaceutical industry. The present study is intended to develop amlodipine besylate (AMB)-loaded subcutaneous implants to reduce the frequency of administration, thus improving patient compliance during hypertension management. AMB subcutaneous implants were prepared using continuous hot-melt extrusion technology using poly(caprolactone) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) with dimensions of 3.70 cm (length) by 2.00 mm (diameter). The implants were characterized for thermal characteristics, drug-excipient incompatibilities, surface morphology, fracturability, in vitro drug release, and stability studies. Differential scanning calorimetry study confirmed the drug's crystalline state within the fabricated implants, while textural analysis demonstrated good fracturability in the lead formulation. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the smooth surface morphology of the lead subcutaneous implant. The lead formulation showed an extended drug release profile over 30 days (~ 2.25 mg per day) and followed zero-order release kinetics (R2 value to 0.9999) with a mean dissolution time of 14.96 days. The lead formulation remained stable for 30 days at accelerated stability conditions of 40°C and 75% relative humidity. In conclusion, developing hot-melt extruded implants could be an alternative to the conventional amlodipine besylate (AMB) formulation.Graphical

Exploring the Role of Fractal Geometry in Engineering Image Processing Based on Similarity and Symmetry: A Review

Fractal geometry theory has been widely used in engineering image processing. In this work, the basic principles and features of fractal geometry are first introduced and its importance in image processing is explained. The features of the symmetry and asymmetry of images are represented in fractal geometry and symmetry scaling is utilized to deal with image processing problems in engineering applications. Subsequently, specific applications of fractal geometry in engineering image processing are discussed in detail in terms of image compression, edge detection, texture analysis, and image reconstruction and restoration. The exploration of these applications reveals the advantages and usefulness of fractal geometry theory in image processing, and it is found that the image has certain symmetry and self-similarity, which is conducive to the establishment of mathematical models for the statistics of graphic contours and shapes. Finally, the unique value of fractal geometry in engineering image processing is further emphasized by comparing the innovations of fractal geometry with traditional image processing methods, which prompts the in-depth consideration of its potential value in this field. This paper provides new insights and directions for the research of engineering image processing, which is of positive significance for future research.

Investigation of Temperature-Step Aging of Beef Sirloin on Techno-Functional and Microbiological Attributes

In today’s increasingly demanding market, there is a growing need for high-quality beef products that offer exceptional sensory attributes and provide a premium gastronomic experience. The aim of this research was to develop a beef aging technology that is food-safe (validated by microbiological measurement), produces meat with a desirable color and texture as well as techno-functional properties (drip loss, pH), and also minimizes aging time. The experiments included a temperature-stepped, anaerobic process carried out in vacuum packaging. According to the temperature steps, SAMPLE GROUP I remained at 5 °C throughout the four-week aging period. SAMPLE GROUP II transitioned to a 1 °C environment after the first week, while SAMPLE GROUP III moved from a 5 °C to a 1 °C environment after the second week, and SAMPLE GROUP IV moved after the third week. Instrumentally measured parameters, such as the drip loss, pH, color, texture, and microbiological characteristics of the fresh meat, and at each week of aging for each group, were examined and evaluated by ANOVA or MANOVA. The study found that the drip loss decreased during the first week of aging, then increased, with no strong correlation to temperature. The pH increased in the first week, then decreased, which is linked to microbiological processes, though the changes were not statistically significant. Anaerobic microbial counts rose across all groups but remained within safe limits. Texture analysis showed that meat tenderness peaked after the first week due to proteolytic activity, with Fmax showing significant group differences. Using the technology presented in this paper, optimal aging was achieved after one week, but trend-like results suggested further changes and furthering the aging process will develop a harder texture.

Impact of Storage on In Vitro Permeation and Mucoadhesion Setup Experiments Using Swine Nasal Mucosa.

Intranasal topical administration offers a promising route for local and systemic drug delivery, with in vitro permeation and mucoadhesion studies often using porcine models. However, the impact of storage on mucosal integrity after the procedure remains unaddressed. This study aimed to standardize the preparation process and evaluated whether storage of porcine nasal mucosa impairs its integrity and permeability for experimental comparisons. Additionally, an optimized in vitro mucoadhesion experiment using texture analyzer equipment was investigated. Porcine nasal mucosa was subjected to different storage conditions ("fresh"; refrigerated at 4°C for 24h and 48h, and frozen at -20°C for two or three weeks) and assessed using optical and transmission electron microscopy. In vitro permeation assays were performed in a Franz-type vertical diffusion system with lidocaine hydrochloride (LDC). In vitro mucoadhesion assays were conducted using fresh nasal mucosa and a commercial nasal topical formulation using TA.XT. Plus texture analyzer. The variables involved (probe speed, contact time, and application force) in assessing mucoadhesive capacity (maximum mucoadhesive force Fmax and work of mucoadhesion Wmuc) were optimized using a Central Composite Design. Fresh tissues showed no alterations in histological arrangement or in the ultrastructure of adherence junctions. Stored tissues exhibited histological disorganization, reduced thickness, and loss of epithelial integrity. LDC permeability increased in storage tissues (p < 0.05). Contact force had a positive effect on Fmax and Wmuc (p < 0.0001), with a minimum required value of 0.48 N. Variations in contact time and probe speed did not affect the responses (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the preparation technique was adequate to maintain mucosa integrity for permeability studies. However, storing the mucosa at 4 or -20°C overestimated LDC permeation, which could mislead critical data for formulation development. Therefore, the use of fresh mucosa is recommended to ensure more reliable results. For in vitro mucoadhesion assays, a minimum contact force of 0.48N is required for optimal responses.

Experimental investigation of the influence of surface topographic parameters on fluid leakage through static metallic seals

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to monitor leakage in the static sealing interface, using three-dimensional and two-dimensional surface topography parameters as indicators. Design/methodology/approach This study involved developing a test rig for examining fluid leakage in metallic seals. Leakage of water through the interface of the metallic valve and valve seats was measured. The analysis focused on the combined effect of roughness, waviness and form error of metallic seal surfaces on leakage, with a detailed emphasis on the significance of form errors through harmonic analysis. Findings The findings suggest that three-dimensional or areal surface texture parameters have more predictive control over leakage compared to two-dimensional or profile parameters, as they provide information about micro-leak channels in all directions. Moreover, it was observed that average amplitude parameters of surface topography, particularly the form error of metallic valves, are strongly correlated with leakage values compared with the roughness and waviness of the contact surface. In addition, the leakage in metallic seals is profoundly influenced by lower-order harmonics, with a corresponding increase as the average undulation number of the flatness profile rises. Originality/value This research contributes to the understanding of the relationship between surface topography and sealing performance, particularly in metallic seals. By emphasizing the importance of form errors and using advanced surface texture analysis techniques, the study offers insights that can aid in optimizing the design and performance of static seals in industrial applications. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-05-2024-0186/

Prediction of the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in patients with rectal cancer based on a texture analysis of T2-weighted magnetic resonance tumor image obtained at primary staging

BACKGROUND: Recently, significant efforts have been undertaken to find potential noninvasive biomarkers for predicting the response of locally advanced rectal cancer to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. AIM: To assess the texture characteristics of locally advanced rectal cancer in primary T2-weighted imaging (T2-WI) as a potential predictor for the efficacy of standard neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and develop a prediction system for the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy based on them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective study enrolled 82 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who received combination treatment with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Patient data were divided into the training (n=58) and control (n=24) sets. For texture analysis, primary high-resolution T2-WI at the level of the tumor center, oriented perpendicular to the intestinal wall, was used. The texture analysis was performed by second-order statistics based on the gray-level co-occurrence matrices using MAZDA ver. 4.6 featuring the calculation of 11 texture parameters. In the training set, based on the morphological assessment of surgical specimens, significantly different texture analysis parameters were found for two groups of patients: neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy responders (good prognosis group) and nonresponders (poor prognosis group). Accordingly, a scoring system was created for assessing the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The system was tested on the control set, and diagnostic efficacy parameters were determined. RESULTS: In the training set, the good and poor prognosis groups differed significantly in five texture parameters: AngScMom (p=0.021), SumofSqs (p=0.003), SumEntrp (p=0.003), Entropy (p=0.038), and SumVarnc (p=0.015), for which the cutoff points were found. These parameters were applied to create the scoring system (excluding the Entropy parameter, which had a strong direct correlation with SumEntrp and the lowest area under the curve, and SumofSqs, which had low reproducibility). The diagnostic efficiency of the scoring system for predicting the response had sensitivity, specificity, positive-predictive value, and negative- predictive value of 72%, 69%, 70%, and 71% for the training set and 80%, 64%, 62%, and 82% for the control set, respectively. The areas under the ROC curve were 0.77 and 0.72 for the training and control sets, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Texture analysis of the primary T2-WI of tumors in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer allows for predicting the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with moderate diagnostic efficiency. The results suggest good prospects for further research in this area.

An In vitro Caco2‐Based Model for Measuring Intestinal Bioadhesion Comparable to Ex vivo Models

This study presents an in vitro model using Caco‐2 cells that can mimic the bioadhesion properties of the human intestinal epithelium, aiming to reduce the use of animal tissues, in line with the 3Rs principle—replacement, reduction, and refinement. Specifically, a texture analyzer was used to assess the bioadhesive strength of hydrogels (i.e., alginate (Alg), chitosan (Chit), and gelatin (Gel)) under various applied forces (20–200 mN) and contact times (120–420 s). The results demonstrate that the in vitro model effectively predicts the bioadhesive strength of the tested hydrogels to ex vivo tissues (i.e., from mice, sheep, and pigs), including the effects of applied force and contact time. Also provided is an analysis of the effect of microvilli morphology on bioadhesion where an inverse relationship was observed between microvilli linear density and bioadhesion strength, explaining the variability in results across animal models. This Caco‐2‐based model offers a practical, accessible, and cost‐effective alternative to current ex vivo methods used for measuring bioadhesion fracture strength. It can be integrated into standardized testing protocols, providing a more ethical and scientifically robust approach to advancing bioadhesive drug delivery system research.

Identification of Multiple Thermal Events in High‐Grade Metacarbonate Rocks Using Carbon Isotope Thermometry: An Example From the Sør Rondane Mountains, East Antarctica

ABSTRACTNine metacarbonate layers from the regionally metamorphosed terrane of the Sør Rondane Mountains in the Eastern Dronning Maud Land in East Antarctica were examined in detail for constraining the thermal events using carbon isotope exchange between dolomite/calcite and graphite. Equilibrium carbon isotope fractionation between dolomite and graphite suggested peak metamorphic temperature conditions reaching up to 802°C ± 29°C were estimated at the Balchenfjella locality, where multiple samples from six thick layers of metacarbonate rocks were examined. However, some of the samples exhibit lower carbon isotope fractionation reflecting the possibility of ultrahigh‐temperature metamorphic conditions, which is consistent with recent reports. Furthermore, several metacarbonate rock samples display large variations in δ13CVPDB values for graphite grains, despite dolomite and calcite showing homogeneous carbon and oxygen isotopic composition indicating signatures of retrograde metamorphism and fluid infiltration events. Detailed textural observation suggested alteration of δ13CVPDB values of graphite during retrograde metamorphism might have resulted due to the overgrowth of graphite crystals by the infiltration of low δ13CVPDB‐bearing fluids, the extent of alteration being a direct function of the fluid–rock ratio. Field evidence indicates the presence of carbonate veins cutting across the metacarbonate rocks suggesting that carbon isotope thermometry can also be utilised to understand the effect of external fluid infiltration. At Perlebandet locality the metamorphic temperature conditions were estimated to be around 915°C, whereas those from Tanngarden and Menipa gave lower temperature estimates. Detailed textural analysis of graphite in combination with isotopic composition provided clear evidence for retrograde events. Thus, our results provide tight constraints of peak and post‐peak metamorphic temperature conditions and a regional thermal structure for the Sør Rondane Mountains and further testify the usefulness of carbon isotope thermometry in polymetamorphic terrains.

Study of offset factor and depths of dimple on the performance of two-lobe journal-bearings

This study investigates the combined effect of offset factor and depths of a dimple on the performance parameters of hydrodynamic two-lobe journal-bearings. The finite element method (FEM) technique is employed to solve the governing Reynolds equation, facilitating the computation of oil-film pressure within the bearing. Three distinct texture configurations on the bearing surface are analyzed. The performance parameters of textured bearing configurations are calculated by varying the offset factor and depths of a dimple. The results indicate that the performance enhancement ratio of textured-II configuration of two-lobe journal-bearing is higher than that of other bearings. Furthermore, textured-II configuration shows the better performance in terms of static, dynamic and stability parameters. This superior performance is observed with an increase in the offset factor up to 0.5. Moreover, a comparative analysis of spherical and kite-shaped textures reveals that spherical textures generally outperform kite-shaped textures in terms of critical mass and threshold speed, while kite-shaped textures exhibit better damping characteristics.

System sensory analysis of yogurt based on texture analyzer.

System sensory analysis of yogurt plays a crucial role in the research and development of new yogurt products. This study developed a sensory evaluation system for yogurt, encompassing hardness, ductility, viscosity, cohesiveness, silkiness, and stickiness. The system simulates human sensory evaluation based on the measurement principles of a texture analyzer, offering an intuitive, user-friendly, and data-efficient method. This provides a practical and systematic approach for the diverse development of the yogurt industry. In addition, using yogurt fortified with yam polysaccharide (YP) and auricularia auricula polysaccharide (AAP), which have nutritional and medicinal value, the study found that adding AAP alone improved the texture by reducing the hardness, ductivity, and cohesiveness while increasing the viscosity, silkiness, and stickiness compared with YP. Furthermore, the increased cohesiveness in yogurt at a WGS:AAP:YP ratio of 1:2:2 was linked to higher AAP content, while the reduced hardness and ductility at a ratio of 2:2:1 were associated with lower YP content. After 28 d of low-temperature storage, the decreased hardness, ductility, and cohesiveness, along with the increased viscosity, silkiness, stickiness in yogurt, were closely tied to the reduced YP content. This study enhances the convenience and safety of assessing sensory quality changes in yogurt due to added nutritional components during the development of new yogurt products.

Emulsion gels with chia flour enhance quality of plant-based meat analogs by reducing fat and improving texture

Vegetable or coconut oils may negatively impact the texture and lipid profile of plant-based meat analogs. This study aimed to develop emulsion gels (EGs) using olive oil, combined with oat bran, chia flour, and soy protein isolate, to enhance the texture, lipid profile, and overall quality of plant-based patties (PPs). Six EGs were formulated with 40% olive oil and 15 or 20% chia flour, oat bran, or soy protein isolate: chia flour EG (CEG15 and CEG20), oat bran EG (OEG15 and OEG20), and soy protein isolate EG (SEG15 and SEG20). The physicochemical properties of EGs and the physicochemical and sensory properties of the EG-supplemented PPs were examined. The oil-binding capacity was higher in CEG15 and CEG20 followed by SEG15 and SEG20. The overall viscosity was higher in CEG20 and SEG20. All EG-supplemented PP groups showed significantly lower cooking loss, lipid oxidation, and increased water-holding capacity. Particularly, the PP-CEG15 and PP-CEG20 groups exhibited lower exudation rates and higher hardness in the texture analysis than the other groups. Additionally, the PP-CEG groups had desirable sensory scores compared to the other groups. In conclusion, incorporating EGs with different plant-based ingredients, especially chia flour, can enhance the lipid profile and overall quality of PPs.

Investigating the effect of combined radiofrequency cold plasma (RF-CP) treatment on techno-functional attributes of Cashewnut

In the realm of food safety, dried foods often find themselves on the favourable side of the risk spectrum, enjoying the reputation of being relatively safer. However, dried food products are reportedly contaminated by microorganism beyond permissible limits, thus, depleting their quality, shelf-life, etc. and pose a threat to the consumers. This study aims to explore the effect of radiofrequency low-pressure cold plasma (RF-CP) processing on cashew nuts, using four gas combinations: Nitrogen (N2), Argon (Ar), N2+O2, and Ar+O2. Dried cashew nut kernels underwent RF-CP treatment at six different power options (60, 90, 120, 150, 180, and 210 W), at four distinct time (5, 10, 15, and 20 min). Following the treatment, the samples underwent proximate analysis, microbial load reduction, sensory analysis, peroxide value, and texture analysis. The findings exhibited a direct relationship between plasma power and treatment duration, indicating that an escalation in both parameters induced proportional enhancement in the reduction rate of microbes, with a maximum reduction of over 99% in total plate count, yeast and mould count at 120 W for 20 min and 150 W for 15 min for N2+O2 and Ar+O2 gas combinations, respectively. No statistically significant difference was observed in the sensory, nutritional, and peroxide value between the treated and untreated samples (p > 0.05). However, the moisture content of treated sample decreased, and firmness increased with an increase of power and RF-CP exposure time. This research demonstrates the feasibility of using RF-CP to decontaminate cashews by inactivating microbes, extending shelf life, and altering surface properties, which may enhance texture and appearance. However, it may also induce oxidative changes in lipids and proteins, potentially affecting flavor, nutritional quality, and allergenicity. It is an emerging and alternative to high-temperature processing for disinfecting products like nuts, spices, aromatic plants, and other delicate and luxurious foods.

Transfer of Salmonella enterica and Enterococcus faecium from food-contact surfaces to stone fruits

Contaminated food-contact surfaces are a potential route for spreading microorganisms to stone fruit during postharvest handling. The objective of this study was to investigate the factors that affect the transfer of bacteria from food contact surfaces to stone fruits. Coupons (1 × 1 cm) of polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were inoculated with rifampin-resistant variants of Salmonella (five-strain cocktail) or Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354 at ~5 or ~ 7 log CFU/cm2. Inoculated coupons (n = 8–11) were attached to a texture analyzer, and uniform contact conditions (5 N, 5 s) were used to explore the impact of bacterial species, inoculation level, donor surface, the presence of dried peach juice or wax, recipient produce commodity, and the dryness of inoculum. Whole fruits were transferred to 20 mL of 0.1 % peptone, rubbed for 2 min, and then the diluent was plated onto trypticase soy agar supplemented with rifampin at 50 μg/mL. Whole fruits were enriched when populations were anticipated to fall below the limit of detection (1.6 log CFU/fruit). At an inoculum of ~5 log CFU/coupon, Salmonella and E. faecium were recovered from the fruit by enrichment but not by plating. At ~7 log CFU/coupon, transfer rates, i.e., ratio of populations on recipient fruit to donor surface, were not significantly (P ≥ 0.05) influenced by either bacterial species (Salmonella [0.26 % ± 0.77 %] versus E. faecium [0.068 % ± 0.071 %]) or donor surface (PU [0.085 % ± 0.098 %] versus PVC [0.16 % ± 0.16 %]). The rates of transfer of E. faecium from contaminated PU to peaches (0.050 % ± 0.031 %), nectarines (0.066 % ± 0.076 %), and onion skins (0.048 % ± 0.059 %) were not significantly different. The mean transfer rates of E. faecium increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the presence of dried wax (18 % ± 16 %) or peach juice (1.3 % ± 2.6 %) on the PU surface compared with the control (0.080 % ± 0.086 %). The transfer rates of E. faecium from contaminated surfaces were also significantly influenced by the drying time post-inoculation; the drier the inoculum, the lower the transfer rates. The presence of residues or moisture on food contact surfaces facilitated the transfer of microorganisms during dry handling of fresh stone fruits. The results underscore the importance of implementing adequate cleaning, sanitation and, where appropriate, drying of equipment surfaces to effectively remove organic residues and mitigate the risks of cross-contamination.

Development of Novel Women's Friendly Antifungal Microemulsion Loaded Gel for Vulvovaginal Infections

Aim: The research was carried out to develop the microemulsion-loaded gel of curcu-min, alkylpolyglucoside, and tea tree oil to treat vulvovaginal candidiasis infection. Methods: Screening of oils, surfactants, and co-surfactants was done based on solubility studies and the construction of pseudo-ternary phase diagrams with curcumin. The microemulsion was characterized for globule size, zeta potential, viscosity, and thermodynamic stability. Ex-vivo studies were carried out using Franz diffusion cells. The antifungal activity of microemulsion-loaded hydrogel was evaluated using the cup plate method using Candida albicans ATCC 10231 in glucose yeast agar medium. Results: The selected micro-emulsion consisted of curcumin 35μg/mL, IPM+TTO (1:1) 0.1 mL, Milcoside 100 + Acconon MC 8-2 EP NF 0.6-0.3 mL, phosphate buffer pH 4 160 mL showed maximum thermodynamic stability and exhibited lowest particle size and highest intensity. The viscosity of microemulsion-loaded gel was 11.2 pa.s. The surface tension of the microemulsion was measured by tensiometer and was found to be 26.07 mN/m. Antimicrobial susceptibility test-ing assay was done according to NCCLs assay protocol, and the EC50 value of our formulation was found to be 0.4465 μg/mL. In-vitro drug release and ex-vivo permeation studies showed 67.9% release in 420 minutes and 83.02% release in 360 minutes, respectively. An in-vitro irrita-tion study concluded that there was no redness or irritation on goat mucosa. Conclusion: The texture analysis test showed adhesiveness at -172.46 g s at - 4.60 adhesive force, and the peak load was 13.40 g. The microemulsion-loaded gel formulation can be a promis-ing alternative to the marketed formulations available for vaginal yeast infections.

Lactobacillus fermented chickpeas: Improving dough process quality and biscuit nutritional value

This study aimed to examine the impact of lactobacillus fermented chickpeas (LFC) on dough quality and assess their application potential in biscuits. The results of rheological properties showed that LFC significantly increased the storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G'') of the dough, with a greater increase in G'. The textural analysis showed that the LFC significantly increased the hardness of the dough before and after fermentation. In the low-field NMR analysis, LFC enhanced the bound water content of the dough and reduced the mobility of the water molecules. Furthermore, the network structure of gluten proteins was weakened by LFC, resulting in more exposed starch. In vitro protein digestibility increased by 28.01% at the gastric end and 11.76% at the intestinal end of LFC-biscuits as compared to chickpea biscuits. It was associated with lactobacilli fermentation reducing phytic acid and trypsin inhibitor activity in chickpeas. Moreover, the protein content of the biscuits has been increased (33.26%) and their free amino acid composition has been optimized. The hardness, brittleness, and specific volume of biscuits were significantly enhanced by LFC, with well sensory acceptance. These findings will enrich the theory of lactobacilli fermentation of legumes and inspire its application in baked foods.

Noise robust classification of carbide tool wear in machining mild steel using texture extraction based transfer learning approach for predictive maintenance

Acoustics based smart condition monitoring is a viable alternative to mechanical vibrations or image-capture based predictive maintenance methods. In this study, a texture analysis based transfer learning methodology was applied to classify tool wear based on the noise generated during mild steel machining. The machining acoustics were converted to spectrogram images and transfer learning was applied for their classification into high/medium/low tool wear using four pre-trained deep learning models (SqueezeNet, ResNet50, InceptionV3, GoogLeNet). Moreover, three optimizers (RMSPROP, ADAM, SGDM) were applied to each of the deep learning models to enhance classification accuracies. Primary results indicate that the InceptionV3-RMSPROP obtained the highest testing accuracy of 87.50%, followed by the SqueezeNet-RMSPROP and ResNet50-SGDM at 75.00% and 62.50% respectively. However, SqueezeNet-RMSPROP was determined to be more desirable from a practical machining quality and safety perspective, owing to its greater recall value for the highest tool wear class. The proposed acoustics-texture extraction-transfer learning approach is especially suitable for cost effective tool wear condition monitoring involving limited datasets.

Synthesis and functional properties of reduced graphene oxide/bismuth-doped gadolinium ferrite composites

An upsurge in water pollution with developing age leads scientists to exploit new materials and technologies for water purification. Herein, we used a co-precipitation approach to prepare rGO/BixGd1-xFeO3 composites to tackle waste organic dyes in fresh water reservoirs. Bismuth at different concentrations is used to tailor the functionality of gadolinium ferrites deposited on reduced graphene oxide. X-ray diffraction pattern describes the unit cell structure of the composite to be distorted orthorhombic with crystallite sizes in the range of 20-15 nm which are confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Band gaps are calculated by Tauc plots and are in the range 2.62-2.38 eV and 0.9945-0.2873 eV for direct and indirect calculations making these composites suitable photocatalysts. Textural analysis of the samples is carried by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface measurements and the surface area is found to be in the range 62.1 to 29.9 m2g−1. Dielectric studies prove that rGO/Bi0.05Gd0.95FeO3, with the highest dielectric constant and capacitance, is better semiconductor among all six synthesized composites. This result is further supported by impedance analysis. In the presence of ultraviolet-visible light, rGO/Bi0.05Gd0.95FeO3 shows 97.2% degradation of methylene blue dye, a common industrial pollutant, with rate constant 0.006 min−1 while rGO/GdFeO3 only degraded 72.6% of MB. The enhanced photocatalytic ability of rGO/Bi0.05Gd0.95FeO3 is evident through low band gap, small crystallite size, less electron-hole recombination in photoluminescence, large surface area and linear I-V response.