Color Coding Research Articles

Method of treatment and visualization of brain tumor according to MRI data

A computational technique is proposed in which 2D segmentation is carried out using MRI data to prepare the formation of a 3D model of a brain tumor. The proposed technique is based on: pre-processing of MRI images to reduce noise; increasing brightness and contrast; formation of contours of objects of interest and visualization of the studied areas. The core computational element of the contouring and color coding technique is the Shearlet transform for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images.

Health and safety of health workers in the Suame Municipality of Ghana - Lessons learnt from the COVID-19 outbreak in infection prevention and control for future pandemics.

Effective adherence to infection prevention and control practices is needed to reduce the rate of healthcare-acquired infections among healthcare workers. Policies to control healthcare-acquired infections among healthcare workers can be designed and implemented using information on adherence to infection prevention and control practices adherence and its determinants. This study, therefore, sought to assess the adherence to infection prevention and control practices among healthcare workers during the 2019 Coronavirus disease pandemic. A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted among 323 randomly selected healthcare workers in four health facilities in the Suame Municipality, Ghana. Data on participants' socio-demographics, knowledge of infection prevention and control practices and adherence to infection prevention and control practices were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine the effect of demographic characteristics and knowledge of infection prevention and control on adherence to infection prevention and control practices among study participants. Over three-quarters (75.9%) of the study participants had adequate knowledge of infection prevention and control practices with a significant knowledge gap in the colour coding of bin liners for waste segregation (35.6%). The proportion of study participants who reported good adherence to infection prevention and control practices was 86.7%. Healthcare workers who were 33 years and above (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.27; 95% Confidence interval (CI): 0.08-0.92) and absence of an infection prevention and control committee at the facility AOR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.08-0.73) had reduced odds of good adherence to infection prevention and control practices. Nursing staff (AOR: 9.49, 95% CI: 2.51-35.87) and having adequate knowledge of infection prevention and control practices (AOR: 2.66; 95% CI: 1.19-5.97) were associated with increased odds of good adherence to infection prevention and control practices. Adherence to infection prevention and control practices was high among this sample of Ghanaian healthcare workers. Interventions and strategies to improve adherence should include the setting up of infection prevention and control committees, education and strict observance of colour coding of bin liners for waste segregation and intensification of training of healthcare workers in infection prevention and control practices.

Opto-combinatorial indexing enables high-content transcriptomics by linking cell images and transcriptomes.

We introduce a simple integrated analysis method that links cellular phenotypic behaviour with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) by utilizing a combination of optical indices from cells and hydrogel beads. With our method, the combinations, referred to as joint colour codes, enable the link via matching the optical combinations measured by conventional epi-fluorescence microscopy with the concatenated DNA molecular barcodes created by cell-hydrogel bead pairs and sequenced by next-generation sequencing. We validated our approach by demonstrating an accurate link between the cell image and scRNA-seq with mixed species experiments, longitudinal cell tagging by electroporation and lipofection, and gene expression analysis. Furthermore, we extended our approach to multiplexed chemical transcriptomics, which enabled us to identify distinct phenotypic behaviours in HeLa cells treated with various concentrations of paclitaxel, and determine the corresponding gene regulation associated with the formation of a multipolar spindle.

Development of Rating System of Existing Railway Steel Bridges

Abstract: Railway bridges are designed to be serviceable for a long time. However, the structural conditions of railway bridges change over time due to environmental effects, fatigue and structurally unplanned modifications etc. which affect health of the structure significantly. Hence inspection and condition assessment of structure is required for their uninterrupted operation. Condition assessment is also required for maintenance and repairs of existing structures so as to avoid any mishaps and save valuable human life. Dealing with thousands of bridges and several factors that cause deterioration, makes the rating process extremely complicated. It is therefore necessary to develop a practical and accurate system, which will be capable of rating a network of railway bridges. Several bridge inspectionstandards and condition assessment practices have been developed around the globe. Some practices employ four linguistic expressions to rate bridge elements while other practices use five or six, or adopt numerical ratings such as 1 to 9. This research article introduces six colour codes in the proposed rating system for a network of railway bridges based on their current structural condition by means of visual inspection and different non-destructive evaluation techniques. The proposed rating system could provide bridge stakeholders with a rational appraising tool for condition assessment of railway bridges, allowing better allocation of budget and more precise maintenance decisions.

SMART TEXTILE pH SENSOR BASED ON CURCUMIN MICROCAPSULES

In this study, pH-sensitive textile systems are developed for use in detecting alkaline media variations. The product is designed based on the surface functionalization of cotton fabric by semi-porous microcapsules containing curcumin. The capsules synthesized by interfacial polymerization from MDI and xylitol serve as micro-reactors where a modification of the chemical form of curcumin takes place, allowing observation of a change of color. This change of color is linked to the acidity constant of this molecule. The objective is also to correlate the visual observation to an evaluation of the color code via image capture by a smartphone of the textile structure and simplified processing of the image color. The analyses have shown that the product obtained is well-sensitive to pH variations and easy to use.

A step towards sustainability in current dental practice: a cross sectional study

Background: Preservation of planet should be of utmost importance. All practicing dentists collectively produce an amount of waste which can turn out to be extremely harmful to the environment. Biomedical waste management and eco-friendly approach in dental practice should be leveraged for a better future. Aim was to assess the changing trends regarding biomedical waste management and eco-friendly approach in regular practice among dentists of Ahmedabad. Methods: A questionnaire-based study consisting of 17 questions was conducted among practicing dentists of Ahmedabad city. A total of 301 dentists voluntarily participated in the study. Results: Most of the practicing dentists (98.7%) were aware about the biomedical waste management categories and 90.4% were known to the colour coding system used for waste segregation and disposal. A standard method of mercury waste management and sharps disposal was practiced by 53.7% and 88.4% of total participants respectively. Most of the participants were using disposable suction tips (91.6%) and disposable syringes (98.9%). However, 71.6% and 28.4% participants were using autoclavable patient drape, head cap and mask. Conclusions: Comparison based on experience revealed that dentists with lesser experience are more prone to having eco-friendly choices. Comparison based on qualification revealed that paediatric dentists were having the least eco-friendly approach in regular practice compared to other groups. Concept of eco-friendly dentistry was familiar to majority of the dentists but, use of various eco-friendly alternatives were not preferred equally by all dentists.

COLOUR AS A METACOGNITION ENHANCING STRATEGY IN SCIENTIFIC TRANSLATORS’ EDUCATION

Colour is one of the codes that has proved successful in helping students retrieve knowledge, become aware of their strengths and weaknesses and provide them with an opportunity to improve their knowledge, skills and confidence effectively. Using descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing, this paper presents a comparative analysis of the performance of an experimental group of students who received colour-coded feedback and a control group of students who received non-coded feedback. The analysis is aimed at determining the contribution of colour-coded feedback to successful error identification and correction and the development of metacognitive activity. The results of this study point to more successful error correction in self-revisions and improved performance in translation, revision and reflection tasks among the students who received colour-coded feedback. This project is suggestive of enhanced metacognition, particularly for the specificities of scientific and technical translation. Keywords: colour coding, metacognitive bundling, constructive feedback, scientific translation, translator education

The development of an integrated BIM-based visual demolition waste management planning system for sustainability-oriented decision-making

In light of the suboptimal resource efficiency persisting in current demolition waste management (DWM) practices caused by inattentive and profit-driven decision-making due to the lack of tailored stringent legislation, monetary incentives, and benchmarking frameworks, this study aims to facilitate sustainability-oriented decision-making at the demolition planning stage. A practical Building Information Modelling (BIM)-based visual DWM planning system is designed, wherein the system seamlessly accommodates inventory analysis and Multi-Criteria Decision-Aiding (MCDA) algorithms into various interconnected modules. Moreover, this research proposes bespoke algorithms and colour coding schemes to quantify and visualise the recycling value of building components for augmenting the visual guidance of sustainable building design and selective demolition planning.Furthermore, a pilot case study demonstrates the system's applicability in a real-world demolition project. The findings unveil that improving the recycling rate substantially offsets carbon emissions and demolition waste disposal expenditures. The increment in beneficial impacts outweighs the additional energy consumption and costs for implementing sustainable DWM strategies based on the predefined geographical settings. This BIM-based system reforms the conventional demolition planning and DWM decision-making workflow by tackling technical barriers concerning data richness, interoperability, and result interpretation. It equips the users with intuitive visual design guidance and parallel scenario analysis when crafting sustainability-oriented DWM schemes. In summary, this research contributes to familiarising industry practitioners with sustainable DWM schematic design and circular economy principles. Moreover, it prompts the development of customised BIM libraries as repositories for updating and capitalising on DWM-related information that can be adapted to different regional contexts.

Implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices in Milk Processing Companies in Nairobi County and Microbial Contamination of Milk and Milk Products

Good manufacturing practice involves a series of measures to be adopted by the food industries in order to guarantee the safety and conformity of food products to specific regulations. Even though good manufacturing practices are vital systems in food safety and is associated with minimum sanitary and processing requirements for the food industry, only a few studies have reported GMP implementation by small milk processing companies. Therefore, the present study was undertaken in milk processing firms to evaluate the implementation of good manufacturing practices for control of microbial contamination in milk and milk products. Purposive, random and stratified sampling techniques was used to identify milk processing companies. Ten processing facilities were purposively sampled for the study. The representatives were interviewed, using a pretested questionnaire and data was collected and analyzed. All the processors had qualified personnel handling milk and milk products with a daily processing capacity of 20000-30000 litres. It was observed that the processors complied with all regulatory and licensing requirements and had in place critical process controls with majority indicating pasteurization at temperatures ranging from 80-90oC as the most common method. The processors had several food safety management systems such as ISO 22000, GMPs, and HACCP which were handled by trained and competent staff. It was observed that all the processors tested for total viable counts (TVC), and E. coli while only 50% and 33.3% of the processors tested for S. aureus and L. monocytogenes respectively. Furthermore, the processors (33.3%) reported E. coli as the main contaminant while L. monocytogenes were not detected. A majority (83.3%) had well-documented cleaning programs and had a system of controlling cross contamination which was enforced through different colour codes (66.7%), memos and notices (16.7%) and through colour coding of processing equipment (16.7%). In conclusion, the present study discovered that milk processors had implemented good manufacturing practices (GMP) and conformed to good processing practices.

Stereographic Projection of Theoretical Orientation Relationships Between Crystals of Any Types in Phase Transformation and Precipitation

AbstractStereographic projection is a classic technology to represent the angular relationships of lattice planes and directions. In some cases, it is necessary to project arbitrary lattice planes or directions of a crystal onto an arbitrary lattice plane of another crystal, e.g., when representing orientation relationships (ORs) in phase transformation or precipitation. Commercial EBSD (electron backscatter diffraction) software cannot illustrate theoretical orientation relationships based purely on the parallelism conditions. This work presents a generalized and unified formulation for stereographic projection of any lattice planes or directions onto any lattice planes of any crystals in the 32 point groups, which is utilized to represent the theoretical orientation relationships between any crystal types. Examples are given to illustrate the correlations of common orientation relationships in both cubic and hexagonal crystals. A procedure is also established to color code and simultaneously project all low‐index Miller/Bravais planes or directions of a crystal onto an arbitrary lattice plane of the same crystal, which can be utilized to visualize the crystal symmetry and determine the standard stereographic triangle (SST). All these illustrations are realized in a computer program written in C++ using the OpenGL graphic libraries.

(Invited) Small Molecule Inhibitor-Based Approaches for Area-Selective Deposition from First Principles

Atomic layer deposition tackles ever new research questions. Area-selective deposition is one of these recent challenges. Several approaches have been developed to achieve selectivity. One of the most promising is using comparatively small molecules to block the non-growth surface while leaving the growth surface uncovered for the ALD process.This approach requires in-depth knowledge of the surface chemistry of both surfaces involved. In addition, the decomposition pathways of SMI-covered surfaces need to be uncovered to enable stable ALD growth over a maximum number of cycles.These questions are very challenging for lab-based investigations. We present recent progress in the ab initio description of key questions regarding SMI-based ALD processes. At the example of silanol-based SMIs, surface chemistry for Al2O3 growth on Cu while blocking SiO2 will be discussed and compared to experimental findings.[1] Furthermore, the importance of choosing the appropriate surface model will be highlighted. Especially for the challenging question of SMI-layer decomposition.[1 J. Yarbrough, F. Pieck, D. Grigjanis, I.-K. Oh, P. Maue, R. Tonner-Zech, S. F. Bent, "Tuning Molecular Inhibitors and Aluminum Precursors for the Area-Selective Atomic Layer Deposition of Al2O3", Chem. Mater. 2022, 34, 4646-4659.We gratefully acknowledge funding from a Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany 350th Anniversary Research Award. Computations were performed on the CSC Frankfurt, HLR Stuttgart, ZIH Dresden and HPC Regensburg.Figure 1 General structure (a) of the studied SMIs with different reactive and blocking groups (b). Schematic structures of the calculated condensation reactions of the SMIs with OH groups of the SiO2 surface (c). Color code: Si (blue), O (red), and H (white). Figure 1

Research on a Non-Intrusive Load Recognition Algorithm Based on High-Frequency Signal Decomposition with Improved VI Trajectory and Background Color Coding

Against the backdrop of the current Chinese national carbon peak and carbon neutrality policies, higher requirements have been put forward for the construction and upgrading of smart grids. Non-intrusive Load Monitoring (NILM) technology is a key technology for advanced measurement systems at the end of the power grid. This technology obtains detailed power information about the load without the need for traditional hardware deployment. The key step to solve this problem is load decomposition and identification. This study first utilized the Long Short-Term Memory Denoising Autoencoder (LSTM-DAE) to decompose the mixed current signal of a household busbar and obtain the current signals of the multiple independent loads that constituted the mixed current. Then, the obtained independent current signals were combined with the voltage signals to generate multicycle colored Voltage–Current (VI) trajectories, which were color-coded according to the background. These color-coded VI trajectories formed a feature library. When the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) was used for load recognition, in light of the influence of the hyperparameters on the recognition results, the Bayesian Optimization Algorithm (BOA) was used for optimization, and the optimized CNN network was employed for VI trajectory recognition. Finally, the proposed method was validated using the PLAID dataset. The experimental results show that the proposed method exhibited better performance in load decomposition and identification than current methods.

AGING WELL: OLDER ADULTS AND DATA MAPPING

Abstract This presentation will feature how the National Council on Aging (NCOA) has advanced a program of work on data mapping and visualization. It will explain how this work is part of NCOA’s mission to improve the lives of millions of older adults, especially those who are struggling. Guided by the idea that how we age should not be determined by gender, color, sexuality, income, or zip code, the mapping tools display area-level data to highlight different aspects of the lives of low-income older adults. This presentation will describe two of NCOA’s mapping tools and how they can influence policy and advocacy efforts toward aging equity at the local, regional, state, and national levels. The first tool, released in 2021, displays, in part, area-level access to smartphones and high-speed internet among low-income older adults. This map makes visible the invisible by demonstrating low rates of access even in geo-spatial areas with overall high levels of connectivity. The second tool, to be released in the third quarter of 2023, presents sub-state level data to identify gaps between area-level eligibility for each of three essential benefit programs [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)], Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Medicare Savings Program (MSP)] and area-level enrollment rates. This map demonstrates how socio-spatial positions influence access to these national benefits, and how maps can be used to identify regions and communities to prioritize as part of strategic efforts to improve benefit access and promote aging equity.

Prototype of a device adaptable to walk-sticks with a system to communicate the visible spectrum to blind people.

This project aims to design and build a device adaptable to canes for blind people that allows them to know the color of everyday objects through a tactile response. The prototype of the device identifies the colors by means of the TCS3200 color sensor that, when detecting the light reflected by the objects, converts it into an electrical signal to later process it with the Arduino Nano microcontroller and thus generate a tactile response using a servomotor. For this purpose, mechanical and electronic designs of the color recognition and representation systems using the Feelipa color code were developed, and a functional prototype of the adaptive device that identifies primary colors was developed. Algorithms for the classification of secondary colors from their RGB values continue to be developed, and the mechanical designs are being improved to take into account aesthetic and ergonomic aspects that facilitate their use

Logical quantum processor based on reconfigurable atom arrays

Suppressing errors is the central challenge for useful quantum computing1, requiring quantum error correction (QEC)2–6 for large-scale processing. However, the overhead in the realization of error-corrected ‘logical’ qubits, in which information is encoded across many physical qubits for redundancy2–4, poses substantial challenges to large-scale logical quantum computing. Here we report the realization of a programmable quantum processor based on encoded logical qubits operating with up to 280 physical qubits. Using logical-level control and a zoned architecture in reconfigurable neutral-atom arrays7, our system combines high two-qubit gate fidelities8, arbitrary connectivity7,9, as well as fully programmable single-qubit rotations and mid-circuit readout10–15. Operating this logical processor with various types of encoding, we demonstrate improvement of a two-qubit logic gate by scaling surface-code6 distance from d = 3 to d = 7, preparation of colour-code qubits with break-even fidelities5, fault-tolerant creation of logical Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger (GHZ) states and feedforward entanglement teleportation, as well as operation of 40 colour-code qubits. Finally, using 3D [[8,3,2]] code blocks16,17, we realize computationally complex sampling circuits18 with up to 48 logical qubits entangled with hypercube connectivity19 with 228 logical two-qubit gates and 48 logical CCZ gates20. We find that this logical encoding substantially improves algorithmic performance with error detection, outperforming physical-qubit fidelities at both cross-entropy benchmarking and quantum simulations of fast scrambling21,22. These results herald the advent of early error-corrected quantum computation and chart a path towards large-scale logical processors.

Management of Malabar Red Snapper, Lutjanus malabaricus (Bloch and Schneider, 1801): Based on the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) in Rembang Regency

Malabar Red Snapper, Lutjanus malabaricus (Bloch and Schneider, 1801), is one of the leading commodities in the Indonesian Fisheries Management Area (WPPNRI 712). According to central statistics agency (2018), the trend for Malabar red snapper production has continuously increased over the last 5 years (2016-2020). The trend of red snapper production is inversely proportional to the state of the demersal fish resource potential in WPP 712, which is fully exploited (Rizal et al., 2023). Open-access fish resources must always be monitored and regulated for their utilization. An effective fisheries management model, namely the Ecosystem Approach To Fisheries Management (EAFM), was used. Research on red snapper fisheries management with EAFM provides an opportunity to address key challenges in fisheries management within Indonesia. A significant advantage of EAFM is its comprehensive scope, encompassing the entire fish resources and the important role of institutions in their management. The aim of this study is to analyze the current status regarding the management of the Red Snapper fishery for the development of a strategic plan. The data collection from each EAFM indicator was conducted using the Multi-stage proportional sampling technique. Data analysis used the multi-criteria analysis (MCA) approach. The assessment of red snapper resource management in Rembang Regency, based on the analysis of all ecosystem domains, obtained a score of 49.8. This score showed that the current status of red snapper resource management is in line with the implementation of EAFM, so that yellow flag color code is required.

Nephrological Complications in Hemoglobinopathies: SITE Good Practice

Background. Hemoglobinopathies, among which thalassemic syndromes (transfusion-dependent and non-transfusion dependent thalassemias) and sickle cell disease (SCD), are the most widespread monogenic diseases worldwide. Hemoglobinopathies are endemic and spread-out all-over Italy, as result of internal and external migration flows. Nowadays, the increase therapeutic options associated to the general aging of patients with hemoglobinopathies related to the improvement in clinical management, contribute to the abnormalities in kidney function going from blood and urine test alterations to chronic kidney disease and end stage renal disease. Methods. Here, we carried out a revision of the literature as panel of recognized experts in hemoglobinopathies with the consultancy and the revision of two nephrologists on kidney alteration and kidney disease in patients with TDT, NTDT and SCD. This is part of the action of the Italian society for the study of thalassemia and hemoglobinopties (SITE). The purpose of this “good practice (GP)” is to provide recommendations for follow-up and therapy for the management of kidney alterations in patients with TDT, NTDT and SCD. The literature review covers the period 1.1.2016 to 31.12.2022. In consideration of the rarity of these diseases, the analysis was extended from 5 to 7 years. Moreover, in the absence of relevant scientific papers in the identified time frame, we referred to pivotal or population studies, when available. Finally, in the absence of evidence-based data from prospective and randomized trials, the authors had to refer to expert opinion (expert consensus) for many topics. Results. We generated question and answer boxes to offer a friendly consultation, using color code strategy and focused answers. Conclusions. The present GP will help in improving the clinical management, and the quality of care of patients with hemoglobinopathies.

Hoyer: ‚Many clinics withdraw voluntarily‘

‚The concentration of care on hospitals with high case numbers is good news for the chances of survival of very small premature babies. This is because scientific studies clearly show that with a higher number of cases, the complication rates and mortality risk of the children treated are lower,‘ emphasises Jens Martin Hoyer, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the AOK-Bundesverband. ‚The decision of the Federal Joint Committee to increase the minimum volumes is now having an effect - and that makes absolute sense in terms of patient safety.‘ However, it is possible that individual maternity wards may still be authorised to provide care by the responsible state authority despite falling below the minimum quantity. ‚These locations are then added to the AOK map, but with a special colour coding and with details of the last case numbers achieved,‘ says Hoyer.

The first dark sky map of Chiang Rai : three decades of change affecting Astro-tourism

We present the first Chiang Rai dark sky map, measurements of the calibrated zenith artificial night sky brightness at sea level, which covers data since 1992–2021. The Data were collected from two US satellites including the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program with the Operational Line Scan System (DMSP-OLS) and the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership with the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (NPP-VIIRS). Images containing ratios of artificial light to natural light were originally excluded from sunlight, solar glare, moon light, lunar illuminance, lightning features from the aurora, clouds, fires and background noise. Based on the correlation between data from the overlapped year 2013, the result showed the great matching relationship between DMSP-OLS and NPP-VIIRS data (R2 = 0.92) which revealed the mathematical model was feasible and reliable. The number of dark sky areas over Chiang Rai in the past 3 decades was classified in 8 classes based on the sky brightness in Bortle scale colour code and in magnitude : 1. Excellent dark sky sites (>21.9 mag, black), 2. Dark sky (21.9-21.5 mag, grey), 3. Rural sky (21.5-21.3 mag, blue), 4. Suburban/Rural transition sky (21.3-20.1 mag, green), 5. Suburban sky (20.1-19.1 mag, yellow), 6. Bright suburban sky (19.1-19.5 mag, orange), 7. City/suburban transition sky (19.5-18.0 mag, red)and 8. City sky (<18.0 mag, white). It was found that 14% of area in Chiang Rai are covering by the bright sky with Bortle class 7 and 8. Within this only 14% of area dwell more than 33% of population that have now already lost naked eye visibility of the Milky Way. In addition, a risk assessment model for dark sky conservation revealed that dark sky area are dramatically becoming extinction. It was suggested that Chiang Rai will not have an area suitable for stargazing by 2040 if there is no designated area for conservation. Our map could ultimately encourage land owners of such dark sky sites to register their properties in the IAU dark sky reserve database to elevate Astro-tourism in Chiang Rai.

Effectiveness of CO-OP group intervention for children with developmental coordination disorder: single-case experimental design study protocol

IntroductionWith the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) approach, children with developmental coordination disorder learn to use a problem-solving strategy to deal with their motor difficulties and perform daily...