Camera Software Research Articles

Features of the anatomy of the inferior pyramidal space tendon in the fetal and newborn heart: a pilot study

Background. Anatomy of the inferior pyramidal space tendon (Todaro tendon, TT) in fetal and newborns’ hearts is of a great importance for perinatal cardiac surgery, but it has not been studied. Aim. To evaluate the possibility of dissection and studying TT mesoscopically, and to obtain preliminary data on the presence, shape, size, branching and local topography of TT in fetal and newborn hearts. Methods. The study is pilot, observational, cross-sectional, sampling, masked. We studied 15 normal human hearts of 16–40 gestational weeks. In 10 hearts, we dissected TT with Olympus SZX2-ZB10 microscope (Japan) at magnification from 6.3 to 30x, and measured the length and width of the TT using a Levenhuk M1000 camera (10 MP) and Levenhuk lite software. We calculated mean, standard deviation, median, extreme values, coefficient of variation, and Spearman correlation coefficient (Rs). In 5 hearts, histological slices were made and stained with Masson trichrome. Results. TT was dissected in all 10 hearts. Along entire length, the TT ran intramyocardially and/or through the loose connective tissue. In all cases, the TT arose from the right fibrous triangle anterosuperiorly to the atrioventricular bundle and node. Posteriorly, the TT followed between the lower edge of the foramen ovale and the coronary sinus orifice and entered the valve of the inferior vena cava. In 6/10, the TT was monolithic, in 4/10 it embraced the ostium of the coronary sinus by two branches. One specimen showed fibers reached the right coronary artery. The median width of the TT at the inferior vena cava (0.35 mm) correlated with TT length (4.63 mm; Rs=0.821; p=0.023) and with its width at the origin (0.24 mm; Rs=0.929; p =0.0003). Conclusion. The tendon of the inferior pyramidal space of the heart (Todaro tendon) in the human late antenatal and perinatal periods showed common topography and structural variability. The variability included branching differences, a wide range of the lengths and widths. The common topography consisted in the invariability of the beginning, running and insertion of the tendon. Methodically, TT can be clarified by mesoscopic dissection.

“Shock kidney-like Appearance”: Objective evaluation of renal color changes in hemorrhagic shock deaths

Severe bleeding due to various traumatic injuries can cause hemorrhagic shock, which is difficult to diagnose using forensic medicine. Therefore, we defined the difference in color between the renal cortex and medulla observed in hemorrhagic shock deaths as “shock kidney-like appearance (SKLA)” and digitally analyzed the color difference with a digital camera and color analysis software. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a method for objectively determining SKLA and improve the accuracy of forensic diagnosis. We examined the kidneys of 122 cases (83 males and 39 females; average age, 64.8 years) autopsied at our facility. Using Image J, we analyzed the color of the cortex and medulla from photographs of bisected kidneys. We defined the color difference between the cortex and medulla in the L*a*b* color space as cortical-medullary color difference and performed a comparative analysis between the hemorrhage and control groups. Significant differences were observed in ΔL* and Δa* values between the two groups (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). Analysis of Δa* values showed that the cortex was less reddish than the medulla in the hemorrhage group. The cutoff value for determining SKLA was set at Δa* = −1.33 (sensitivity, 0.79; specificity, 0.81; AUC, 0.859). Traditional evaluations of color rely on subjective assessments, which raise issues of reliability and reproducibility. This study successfully overcame the limitations of subjective evaluation by objectively assessing cortical-medullary color difference in the kidneys. Our results represent an important step towards improving the objectivity of color evaluations.

Dynamic visualization study of in situ cleaning of polystyrene microparticles off silicon wafer surface

With the improvement of chip performance, the requirements for cleaning the surface of silicon wafers are becoming higher. However, due to equipment and technology, it is difficult to observe the complex motion processes of particles at the microscopic scale. In this paper, an in situ dynamic visualization experiment on the cleaning of Polystyrene Latex (PSL) on the surface of silicon wafers is carried out by using a high-speed camera and image processing software. The mechanical behavior of PSL particles in fluid was investigated on a microscopic scale, and the trajectory and force of the polystyrene particles on the surface of the wafers were visualized, which provided a new perspective for understanding the complex cleaning process. Theoretical models were developed to explain the motion characteristics of the particles by calculating parameters such as van der Waals force, surface tension, and trailing force, and these models provide a theoretical basis for optimizing the cleaning process. There are four particle motion modes in the fluid: (1) interface capture, where the particles on the surface of silicon wafer are trapped by gas–liquid interface under surface tension; (2) particle collision, where the particles captured by the water film collide with the particles on the wafer surface to make the latter leave the silicon wafer; (3) jump attachment, where the particles jump and attach to the surface of the particle group under the action of lift; and (4) wall surface movement, where the particles start up under the action of water flow and then leave the silicon wafer quickly.

Evaluation of Direct Sunlight Availability Using a 360° Camera

One important aspect to consider when buying a house or apartment is adequate solar exposure. The same applies to the evaluation of the shadowing effects of existing buildings on prospective construction sites and vice versa. In different climates and seasons, it is not always easy to assess if there will be an excess or lack of sunlight, and both can lead to discomfort and excessive energy consumption. The aim of our project is to design a method to quantify the availability of direct sunlight to answer these questions. We developed a tool in Octave to calculate representative parameters, such as sunlight hours per day over a year and the times of day for which sunlight is present, considering the surrounding objects. The apparent sun position over time is obtained from an existing algorithm and the surrounding objects are surveyed using a picture taken with a 360° camera from a window or other sunlight entry area. The sky regions in the picture are detected and all other regions correspond to obstructions to direct sunlight. The sky detection is not fully automatic, but the sky swap tool in the camera software could be adapted by the manufacturer for this purpose. We present the results for six representative test cases.

Microplastics in the Soils of the Thala Hills, East Antarctica

For the first time, on an example of the Vecherny Oasis, Thala Hills, Enderby Land, data on the content of microplastic particles (less than 5 mm) in the soils of East Antarctica were obtained. Seven samples taken from a depth of 0–15 cm were analyzed. Two soil fractions (less than 1 mm and 1–5 mm) were studied in 3 replicates (42 individual samples). The technique for isolating microplastic particles included soil sieving, density separation in zinc chloride solution, centrifugation, vacuum filtration, and microscopic analysis. For filtration, glass fiber filters with a pore diameter of 1.6 μm were used. Quantification of microplastic particles was carried out using a microscope, digital camera and advisory software. It was found that microplastic particles present in all analyzed samples. Their number varies from 66 to 1933 units/kg of dry soil. In most cases, particles less than 1 mm predominate, accounting from 70 to 100%. In 70% of cases, fibers dominate, in 30% – fragments of irregularly shaped plastics; films occur singly. There is no clearly defined confinement of increased amount of microplastic particles to infrastructure facilities; this may be a consequence of the influence of other factors, including local and long-range transport.

Low-cost two-dimensional digital image correlation system

A low-cost digital image correlation (DIC) system for measuring two-dimensional displacement fields is described. Using an off-the-shelf camera, lens, and open-source DIC analysis software, displacement fields in aluminum and steel dog-bone tensile specimens were measured. Correction for out-of-plane motion is used to obtain strains from the displacement fields. Proposed DIC strain measurement system is validated using conventional thin-film strain gauges for strains below 1%. Average strain measurements from the DIC system were found to be within 1% of the measurement obtained using strain gauges. For strains between 1% and 10%, strain histories from the DIC systems displayed excellent correlation with strain measurements obtained using an extensometer.

Ant-observer: A new approach for automatic acquisition and autonomous analyses of individual species abundance and interactions

Traditional methods, such as direct observations or manually photographing bait stations, are limited in both data collection efficiency and accuracy. Consequently, they fail to capture the dynamic changes and complex relationships between ant species. We developed a novel system as a potential solution that combines processed consumer-grade camera equipment and software that acquires data needed for in situ experiments. This software features a user-friendly graphics user interface (GUI) for data collection and post-hoc analysis from videos captured by the camera equipment. Researchers can use this system to (1) count species abundance per frame; (2) calculate species speed; (3) detect ant interactions; and (4) count the abundance of different subcastes within species on baits. To demonstrate the complete workflow, we applied this system on ant videos collected in Hong Kong. Practical guides (supplement materials) detailing suggestions for camera equipment and software operations in both field and laboratory studies are provided. We present the results of ten in situ experiments of ants (each lasting 1–1.5 h) conducted in Hong Kong though processed consumer-grade camera equipment, with videos analyzed using the newly developed software. The analysis captured a range of variables related to ant foraging behavior, including resource discovery time, nestmate recruitment rate, and interspecific interactions. Our results confirm that the developed software provides an integrated and efficient approach for data collection, extraction, and analysis in in situ experiments, enhancing the capabilities of insect ecology research.

Design and characterization of a low-cost particle image velocimetry system

Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) is considered the gold standard technique for flow visualization. However, its cost (at least tens of thousands of dollars) can prove inhibitive in its standard form. This article presents an alternative design, leveraging off-the-shelf and open-source options for each key component involved: camera, laser module, optical components, tracer particles, and analysis software. Flow visualization is a crucial technique to connect theory to practice in teaching and researching fluid mechanics. Despite the ubiquity of this field within engineering curricula, many undergraduate institutions globally forego utilizing such equipment, given the barriers to setting it up. The availability of this low-cost alternative (∼$500) that can be built in-house offers a path forward. Characterization was done by visualizing the rotational flow generated by a magnetic stirrer in a cylindrical beaker. The velocity magnitude around the stirrer bar measured by the low-cost PIV system was compared to expected values calculated analytically. The percent difference was between 1–2% when the flow stayed two-dimensional but increased as the flow began developing into more of a 3-D flow. Repeatability varied no more than 6% between experiments. This platform holds the potential for reliable replication across institutions broadly.

The Experimental-Numerical Study of Aviation Autocannon Mechanisms

The objective of this research was to investigate the displacement, velocity, and acceleration of selected components and mechanisms of the GSh-23 aviation autocannon (specifically, the bolt and the connecting lever of the feeding mechanism). During the research implementation, measurements of linear and angular displacements of the chosen mechanisms of the GSh-23 aviation autocannon were carried out on a purpose-built research platform. This platform enables the movement of the weapon mechanisms without the use of ammunition, utilising compressed air instead. Parts and mechanisms were carefully selected for the study, allowing their motion to be recorded by a high-speed camera without the need for disassembling crucial weapon components. The results of measuring kinematic quantities using the high-speed camera and TEMA software were employed to validate a numerical model of the weapon mechanisms in MSC ADAMS software. The displacement and velocity characteristics obtained from the simulation were reasonably consistent with the experimentally obtained characteristics.

A Forest Fire Smoke Monitoring System Based on a Lightweight Neural Network for Edge Devices

Forest resources are one of the indispensable resources of the earth, which are the basis for the survival and development of human society. With the swift advancements in computer vision and artificial intelligence technology, the utilization of deep learning for smoke detection has achieved remarkable results. However, the existing deep learning models have poor performance in forest scenes and are difficult to deploy because of numerous parameters. Hence, we introduce an optimized forest fire smoke monitoring system for embedded edge devices based on a lightweight deep learning model. The model makes full use of the multi-scale variable attention mechanism of Transformer architecture to strengthen the ability of image feature extraction. Considering the needs of application scenarios, we propose an improved lightweight network model LCNet for feature extraction, which can reduce the parameters and enhance detecting ability. In order to improve running speed, a simple semi-supervised label knowledge distillation scheme is used to enhance the overall detection capability. Finally, we design and implement a forest fire smoke detection system on an embedded device, including the Jetson NX hardware platform, high-definition camera, and detection software system. The lightweight model is transplanted to the embedded edge device to achieve rapid forest fire smoke detection. Also, an asynchronous processing framework is designed to make the system highly available and robust. The improved model reduces three-fourths of the parameters and increases speed by 3.4 times with similar accuracy to the original model. This demonstrates that our system meets the precision demand and detects smoke in time.

Kinematic characteristics analysis of highly difficult movements "324C+1D" of the first level Wushu athletes

Background "324C+1D” movements are key techniques and winning factors in Wushu competitions. It is necessary for scientific training to analyze the kinematic characteristics of “324C+1D” by using the method of sports biomechanics. Methods In this study, 3D high-speed camera and 3D motion analysis software were used to study “324C+1D” completed by three Chinese wushu first-level athletes, and the kinematic characteristics of this movement were obtained. Results The run-up speed of completing the “324C+1D” is not high; The lift Angle of the center of gravity is close to 90°. The vertical height of the center of gravity is significantly higher than the vertical height of the center of gravity when landing, and the vertical moving distance of the center of gravity in the lifting stage is significantly less than the vertical moving distance of the center of gravity in the descending stage. The vertical height of the center of gravity at departure is significantly higher than that at landing. Conclusions In the take-off stage, increase the twisting Angle of shoulders and hips, speed up the swing arm speed and squat speed of the center of gravity in the vertical direction, and shorten the take-off time. Increase the vertical speed of the center of gravity before the patting foot and the vertical moving distance between the center of gravity lifting stage and the descending stage, extend the air time, accelerate the swing speed of the right leg, move the foot patting time forward to the rapid rising stage of the center of gravity lifting, accelerate the rotational angular speed of the shoulder shaft in the air stage and improve the strength of the leg, which is conducive to the athletes to complete the movement.

Aided assembly technology of satellite honeycomb sandwich panel insert based on virtual and real fusion

Abstract Aiming at the problems of frequent low-level quality and difficulty in improving assembly efficiency in the assembly process of satellite honeycomb sandwich panel insert, the 3D model of the honeycomb sandwich panel is formed into high-definition model projection image by feature processing and extraction for 3D process information, and the virtual-real fusion insert aided assembly system is constructed, which is composed of core components such as camera, high-definition projector, and measurement software. Through structured light projection technology and projection algorithm based on landmark point transformation, the projection image can be accurately matched with the contour and hole position of the physical, structural panel, which can effectively assist the assembly process of the insert and reduce the low-level quality problems such as wrong use of parts and reverse polarity assembly. Compared with the traditional manual assembly method, the efficiency is improved by more than 200%, and the error rate is reduced by more than 300%.

Corneal Backscatter, Pachymetric Indices, and Ectasia Indices for the Assessment of Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy.

To determine whether corneal backscatter, pachymetric indices, and ectasia indices derived from Scheimpflug tomography can identify Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) corneas with abnormal tomography, the relationships between these parameters and tomographic edema in FECD, and if these parameters help predict improvement in central corneal thickness (CCT) after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). Tomography maps of 132 eyes of 80 subjects with FECD were analyzed to determine how backscatter, pachymetric, and ectasia parameters compared with the instrument's normative database and if any predicted tomographic edema. Tomography maps from a separate group undergoing DMEK were split into derivation (48 eyes of 39 subjects) and validation (45 eyes of 41 subjects) subgroups to derive a predictive model of improvement in CCT after DMEK. Backscatter, pachymetric, and ectasia parameters were incorporated to determine if the model could be enhanced. Among all ectasia, pachymetric, and backscatter parameters, at best only 65% of FECD corneas with definite tomographic edema could be identified based on the instrument's normative database. Among all parameters individually, the highest sensitivity for detecting tomographic edema was 77%. Anterior and mid-corneal backscatter featured in a model predicting improvement in CCT after DMEK with high performance in derivation (R2 = 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.65-0.87) and validation (R2 = 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.52-0.83) subgroups. The Scheimpflug camera software program could not reliably detect abnormal tomography in FECD from corneal backscatter, pachymetric indices, or ectasia indices. Corneal backscatter contributes to, but does not enhance, a predictive model of improvement in CCT after DMEK.

Smart Textile Impact Sensor for e-Helmet to Measure Head Injury.

Concussions, a prevalent public health concern in the United States, often result from mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI), notably in sports such as American football. There is limited exploration of smart-textile-based sensors for measuring the head impacts associated with concussions in sports and recreational activities. In this paper, we describe the development and construction of a smart textile impact sensor (STIS) and validate STIS functionality under high magnitude impacts. This STIS can be inserted into helmet cushioning to determine head impact force. The designed 2 × 2 STIS matrix is composed of a number of material layered structures, with a sensing surface made of semiconducting polymer composite (SPC). The SPC dimension was modified in the design iteration to increase sensor range, responsiveness, and linearity. This was to be applicable in high impact situations. A microcontroller board with a biasing circuit was used to interface the STIS and read the sensor's response. A pendulum test setup was constructed to evaluate various STISs with impact forces. A camera and Tracker software were used to monitor the pendulum swing. The impact forces were calculated by measuring the pendulum bob's velocity and acceleration. The performance of the various STISs was measured in terms of voltage due to impact force, with forces varying from 180 to 722 N. Through data analysis, the threshold impact forces in the linear range were determined. Through an analysis of linear regression, the sensors' sensitivity was assessed. Also, a simplified model was developed to measure the force distribution in the 2 × 2 STIS areas from the measured voltages. The results showed that improving the SPC thickness could obtain improved sensor behavior. However, for impacts that exceeded the threshold, the suggested sensor did not respond by reflecting the actual impact forces, but it gave helpful information about the impact distribution on the sensor regardless of the accurate expected linear response. Results showed that the proposed STIS performs satisfactorily within a range and has the potential to be used in the development of an e-helmet with a large STIS matrix that could cover the whole head within the e-helmet. This work also encourages future research, especially on the structure of the sensor that could withstand impacts which in turn could improve the overall range and performance and would accurately measure the impact in concussion-causing impact ranges.

Collagen Organization of Mouse Tendons and Mechanotransduction Gene Expression of Mouse Tendon Fibroblasts are Dependent on HIF1-alpha and Oxygen tension

Tendons are essential for transmitting skeletal muscle loads to bone yet tendons are unable to regenerate following load-induced injury.1–3 A major challenge in regenerating tendons lies in their low cell number, poor vascularization, and extracellular matrix (ECM) dense environment. The primary cells in tendons are fibroblasts (TFs) which form and organize the nascent collagen-rich ECM necessary for mechanical function and mechanotransduction. Eventually, TFs become embedded in this dense ECM with limited access to nutrients, where these cells also experience low levels of turnover. Development and elongation of tendon depends on the transcription factor, Scleraxis (Scx), which regulates the proliferation and differentiation of TF progenitors under mechanical loading while also promoting collagen deposition and organization.4-9 Collagen deposition is also controlled by hypoxia inducible factor-1a ( Hif1a), and we have recently shown that mouse Achilles tendons are under hypoxic stress during embryonic development, and the maturation of tendon enthesis relies on expression of Hif1a10,11. Hif1a regulates expression of Sox9 and genes associated with ECM deposition, such as Col1a1 and Col1a2.12 Yet, if and how hypoxia and Hif1a influences tendon organization and mechanotransductive gene expression remains unknown. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that both hypoxia and loss of Hif1a contribute to ECM organization in vivo and mechanotransductive gene expression in vitro. Hif1afl/wt wildtype (WT) and Hif1afl/fl; ScxCre+ ( Hif1acKO) mice were generated to study tendon ECM organization of developing (Postnatal day 14, P14) and mature (P56) Achilles tendons. Mouse hindlimbs were fixed, decalcified, paraffn sectioned, and stained with Picrosirius red to visualize collagen organization (n=3/genotype at both P14 and P56). Midsubstance Achilles tendons were imaged using brightfield and circular polarized light microscopy on an epifluorescent microscope (Leica). Images were acquired using a polarization camera and ThorCam software (ThorLabs Inc.) for quantitative polarized light microscopy (qPLI). Gene expression related to ECM ( Col1a1, Col1a2), progenitor markers ( Scx, Sox9), hypoxia ( Hif1a, Hif2a, Hilpda, Plin2), and mechanotransduction (Igfbp2, Igfbp3, and Igfbp9) was assessed using isolated and cultured mouse tail TFs from adult Hif1acKO and WT mice (n=3-4/group, age 4-6 months of age). Cells were cultured in normoxic (20% O2) or hypoxic (1% O2) conditions (for 1-wk) or were treated with a HIF stabilizer Roxadustat (FG-4592) to induce ‘pseudo-hypoxia’ or treated with a vehicle (DMSO) for 16h. RNA was isolated after 16h or 1-wk in culture and cDNA was used in SYBR-based quantitative PCR (qPCR). Data were normalized to 20% O2 conditions for fold change comparisons (2−ΔΔCq; Actb and Polr2a reference genes). Hif1acKO Achilles tendons had poor ECM organization compared to WT tendons at both ages. TFs from Hif1acKO mice had lower Hif1a expression compared to WT cells in both 20% and 1% O2. For WT TFs, Scx and Igfbp9 were downregulated in hypoxia compared to 20% O2 conditions, and the effect of hypoxia on Hif1acKO cells further downregulated Igfbp9 compared to 20% O2. Loss of Hif1a reduced Hilpda expression compared to WT TFs in hypoxia. FG treatment also resulted in increased Hilpda expression compared to hypoxia. Our findings support our hypothesis that Hif1a and hypoxia are regulators of ECM organization and mechanotransduction in mouse tendons. Identifying regulators of tendon ECM deposition and organization will inform therapeutic strategies for guided regeneration. REFERENCES: 1Fu C, et al. J Orthop Res. 2021.2Leong NL, et al. J Orthop Res. 2020. 3Shah SA, et al. J Orthop Res. 2017. 4Murchison ND, et al. Development. 2007. 5Killian ML, et al. FASEB j. 2016. 6Ideo K, et al. PLoS ONE. 2020.7Blitz E, et al. Development. 2013. 8Huang AH, et al. Development. 2019. 9Schweitzer R, et al. Development. 2001. 10Tata Z, et al. 2022, Proceedings of the ORS Annual Meeting. 11Phillips, et al. 2023, Proceedings of the ORS Annual Meeting.12Amarilio R, et al. Development. 2007. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: NIH NIAMS (R01AR079367, MLK; P30AR069620), NSF (CAREER 1944448, MLK). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Head to head comparison of diagnostic performance of three non-mydriatic cameras for diabetic retinopathy screening with artificial intelligence

BackgroundDiabetic Retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, affecting people with diabetes. The timely diagnosis and treatment of DR are essential in preventing vision loss. Non-mydriatic fundus cameras and artificial intelligence (AI) software have been shown to improve DR screening efficiency. However, few studies have compared the diagnostic performance of different non-mydriatic cameras and AI software.MethodsThis clinical study was conducted at the endocrinology clinic of Akdeniz University with 900 volunteer patients that were previously diagnosed with diabetes but not with diabetic retinopathy. Fundus images of each patient were taken using three non-mydriatic fundus cameras and EyeCheckup AI software was used to diagnose more than mild diabetic retinopathy, vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy, and clinically significant diabetic macular oedema using images from all three cameras. Then patients underwent dilation and 4 wide-field fundus photography. Three retina specialists graded the 4 wide-field fundus images according to the diabetic retinopathy treatment preferred practice patterns of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The study was pre-registered on clinicaltrials.gov with the ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04805541.ResultsThe Canon CR2 AF AF camera had a sensitivity and specificity of 95.65% / 95.92% for diagnosing more than mild DR, the Topcon TRC-NW400 had 95.19% / 96.46%, and the Optomed Aurora had 90.48% / 97.21%. For vision threatening diabetic retinopathy, the Canon CR2 AF had a sensitivity and specificity of 96.00% / 96.34%, the Topcon TRC-NW400 had 98.52% / 95.93%, and the Optomed Aurora had 95.12% / 98.82%. For clinically significant diabetic macular oedema, the Canon CR2 AF had a sensitivity and specificity of 95.83% / 96.83%, the Topcon TRC-NW400 had 98.50% / 96.52%, and the Optomed Aurora had 94.93% / 98.95%.ConclusionThe study demonstrates the potential of using non-mydriatic fundus cameras combined with artificial intelligence software in detecting diabetic retinopathy. Several cameras were tested and, notably, each camera exhibited varying but adequate levels of sensitivity and specificity. The Canon CR2 AF emerged with the highest accuracy in identifying both more than mild diabetic retinopathy and vision-threatening cases, while the Topcon TRC-NW400 excelled in detecting clinically significant diabetic macular oedema. The findings from this study emphasize the importance of considering a non mydriatic camera and artificial intelligence software for diabetic retinopathy screening. However, further research is imperative to explore additional factors influencing the efficiency of diabetic retinopathy screening using AI and non mydriatic cameras such as costs involved and effects of screening using and on an ethnically diverse population.

Non-Destructive Quality Estimation Using a Machine Learning-Based Spectroscopic Approach in Kiwifruits

The current study investigates the use of a non-destructive hyperspectral imaging approach for the evaluation of kiwifruit cv. “Hayward” internal quality, focusing on physiological traits such as soluble solid concentration (SSC), dry matter (DM), firmness, and tannins, widely used as quality attributes. Regression models, including partial least squares regression (PLSR), bagged trees (BTs), and three-layered neural network (TLNN), were employed for the estimation of the above-mentioned quality attributes. Experimental procedures involving the Specim IQ hyperspectral camera utilization and software were followed for data acquisition and analysis. The effectiveness of PLSR, bagged trees, and TLNN in predicting the firmness, SSC, DM, and tannins of kiwifruit was assessed via statistical metrics, including R squared (R²) values and the root mean square error (RMSE). The obtained results indicate varying degrees of efficiency for each model in predicting kiwifruit quality parameters. The study concludes that machine learning algorithms, especially neural networks, offer substantial accuracy, surpassing traditional methods for evaluating kiwifruit quality traits. Overall, the current study highlights the potential of such non-destructive techniques in revolutionizing quality assessment during postharvest by yielding rapid and reliable predictions regarding the critical quality attributes of fruits.

Recording animal-view videos of the natural world using a novel camera system and software package.

Plants, animals, and fungi display a rich tapestry of colors. Animals, in particular, use colors in dynamic displays performed in spatially complex environments. Although current approaches for studying colors are objective and repeatable, they miss the temporal variation of color signals entirely. Here, we introduce hardware and software that provide ecologists and filmmakers the ability to accurately record animal-perceived colors in motion. Specifically, our Python codes transform photos or videos into perceivable units (quantum catches) for animals of known photoreceptor sensitivity. The plans and codes necessary for end-users to capture animal-view videos are all open source and publicly available to encourage continual community development. The camera system and the associated software package will allow ecologists to investigate how animals use colors in dynamic behavioral displays, the ways natural illumination alters perceived colors, and other questions that remained unaddressed until now due to a lack of suitable tools. Finally, it provides scientists and filmmakers with a new, empirically grounded approach for depicting the perceptual worlds of nonhuman animals.

Full Stokes polarimetry based on the polarization-holographic diffraction element of an optimal configuration

The new polarization-holographic element of an optimal configuration is developed for the real-time complete analysis of the polarization state of light (for determining all Stokes parameters). The simultaneous measurement of the intensities in all points of images in diffracted orders using CCD camera and appropriate software allows to determine the spatial distribution of a polarization state in the images of objects, and also the dispersion of this distribution.

Cosmetic Breast Augmentation with Autologous Ex Vivo-Expanded Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell (Stemform®)-Enriched Fat Grafts: A Study of the First Twenty-Two Real-World Patients

BackgroundFat grafting is commonly utilized in breast surgery, and since it was first described, clinicians and researchers have stridden towards improvement of graft retention. Current advancements include adding adipose-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC(AT)s), which have demonstrated promise for improved graft retention.ObjectivesThis study reports outcomes for the first twenty-two patients undergoing breast augmentation (Stemform BA) or artificial implant replacement (Stemform AIR) with MSC(AT)-enriched fat in a real-world setting.MethodsAutologous MSC(AT)s were isolated and expanded ex vivo, then mixed with lipoaspirate and injected as enriched fat for Stemform BA and AIR. The breast volume was measured preoperatively and at 3 and 12 months postoperative using a 3D Infinity Dual-Lens Camera and LifeVizApp software. Additionally, independent plastic surgeons evaluated clinical images, and patient satisfaction was obtained at equal time points.ResultsTwenty-two patients were included. All completed 3 and 12 months clinical follow-up and 3 months volume measurements. Nineteen patients completed 12 months volume measurements. The median fat graft retention at 12 months was 95.7% (IQR = 82.44–103.12%) for Stemform BA patients and 113.0% (IQR = 94.8–131.2%) for Stemform AIR patients. The Stemform BA patients had a median breast enlargement of 172.0% (IQR = 156.7–241.0%). The implant replacement volume of Stemform AIR patients was 102% (IQR = 85.1–130.3%). The patient reported 92.8% and 100% would elect to repeat treatment if they had the opportunity for Stemform BA and Stemform AIR, respectively.ConclusionBreast augmentation and breast implant replacement patients receiving ex vivo-expanded MSC(AT)-enriched fat grafts had high graft retention and patient satisfaction scores. The paper confirms the clinical efficacy of using ex vivo-expanded MSC(AT)s.Level of Evidence V This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.