Different Stages Of Development Research Articles

Vegetation indices monitoring by using copernicus data in the old-growth forests of the Republic of Srpska/Bosnia and Herzegovina

IntroductionOld-growth forests (OGFs) are vital for global biodiversity, acting as irreplaceable carbon sinks, fostering ecosystem stability, and preserving unique ecological and cultural heritage. There are three old-growth forests in the Republic of Srpska/Bosnia and Herzegovina (Lom, Janj, and Perućica). They are dominated by mixed forests of beech, fir, and spruce (Piceo-Abieti-Fagetim illyricum). The satellite imagery results confirm that the vegetational indices are crucial for monitoring old-growth forests. Vegetation indices provide significant information for monitoring forest ecosystems. Based on Copernicus Sentinel-2 images, remote sensing is enabled, providing data in various spatial and spectral resolutions. The analysis of images related to old-growth forests allows for monitoring the spatial dynamics of changes in vitality and the health status of forests. This research aims to characterize old-growth forests from space through vegetation indices to obtain a more in-depth analysis of the ecological condition of these forests.MethodsThe research methodology includes the application of Sentinel 2A satellite imagery, which is taken from the European Space Agency (ESA) database. The Sentinel 2 mission consists of two identical satellites (Sentinel 2A and Sentinel 2B) that have multispectral sensors with 13 spectral channels (bands) at spatial resolutions of 10, 20, and 60 m. The analysis included the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), enhanced vegetation index (EVI), soil-adjusted vegetation index (SAVI), and visible atmospheric resistance index (VARI). For determining the significance of differences in vegetation index magnitudes between old-growth forests, a one-way analysis of variance with equal repetitions was employed.Results and discussionThe parts of old-growth forests are located in different stages of development, and the trees in them are characterized by different degrees of vitality and have different values of vegetation indices. It is assumed that parts of old-growth forests in the terminal phase of development with a large number of diseased and rotting trees have the smallest sizes of vegetation indices. This research aims to characterize old-growth forests from space through vegetation indices to obtain a more in-depth analysis of the ecological condition of these forests. Using satellite imagery and their analysis of the obtained sizes of vegetation indices, it is observed that there is a significant difference in their sizes between old-growth forests. The Janj old-growth forest stands out as the area with the highest NDVI values, followed by the Lom old-growth forest, while the Perućica old-growth forest has the lowest NDVI values. However, the Perućica old-growth forest has significantly higher values of EVI and SAVI vegetation indices, while the other two old-growth forests have approximately similar values. The VARI index values are highest in the Lom old-growth forest, slightly lower in the Perućica old-growth forest, and lowest in the Janj old-growth forest. The results of these studies indicate statistically significant differences in vegetation index magnitudes between old-growth forests. The application of Copernicus satellite data enables the monitoring of changes in vegetation index values, which is of great assistance in spatially defining the developmental stages in old-growth forests (OGFs). Considering the relatively small number of sample areas covered by these studies, similar research needs to be conducted on a larger number of sample areas (replications), especially during the vegetation period.

Expression of auxin transporter genes in flax (Linum usitatissimum) fibers during gravity response.

Gravitropism is an adaptive reaction of plants associated with the ability of various plant organs to be located and to grow in a certain direction relative to the gravity vector, while usually the asymmetric distribution of the phytohormone auxin is a necessary condition for the gravitropical bending of plant organs. Earlier, we described significant morphological changes in phloem fibers with a thickened cell wall located on different sides of the stem in the area of the gravitropic curvature. The present study is the first work devoted to the identification of genes encoding auxin transporters in cells at different stages of development and during gravity response. In this study, the flax genes encoding the AUX1/LAX, PIN-FORMED, PIN-LIKES, and ABCB auxin transporters were identified. A comparative analysis of the expression of these genes in flax phloem fibers at different stages of development revealed increased expression of some of these genes at the stage of intrusive growth (LusLAX2 (A, B), LuxPIN1-D, LusPILS7 (C, D)), at the early stage of tertiary cell wall formation (LusAUX1 (A, D), LusABCB1 (A, B), LusABCB15-A, LusPIN1 (A, B), LusPIN4-A, and LusPIN5-A), and at the late stage of tertiary cell wall development (LusLAX3 (A, B)). It was shown that in the course of gravitropism, the expression of many genes, including those responsible for the influx of auxin in cells (LusAUX1-D), in the studied families increased. Differential expression of auxin transporter genes was revealed during gravity response in fibers located on different sides of the stem (upper (PUL) and lower (OPP)). The difference was observed due to the expression of genes, the products of which are responsible for auxin intracellular transport (LusPILS3, LusPILS7-A) and its efflux (LusABCB15-B, LusABCB19-B). It was noted that the increased expression of PIN genes and ABCB genes was more typical of fibers on the opposite side. The results obtained allow us to make an assumption about the presence of differential auxin content in the fibers of different sides of gravistimulated flax plants, which may be determined by an uneven outflow of auxin. This study gives an idea of auxin carriers in flax and lays the foundation for further studies of their functions in the development of phloem fiber and in gravity response.

Advances in Zika virus vaccines and therapeutics: A systematic review

Zika virus (ZIKV) is the causative agent of a viral infection that causes neurological complications in newborns and adults worldwide. Its wide transmission route and alarming spread rates are of great concern to the scientific community. Numerous trials have been conducted to develop treatment options for ZIKV infection. This review highlights the latest developments in the fields of vaccinology and pharmaceuticals developments for ZIKV infection. A systematic and comprehensive approach was used to gather relevant and up-to-date data so that inferences could be made about the gaps in therapeutic development. The results indicate that several therapeutic interventions are being tested against ZIKV infection, such as DNA vaccines, subunit vaccines, live-attenuated vaccines, virus-vector-based vaccines, inactivated vaccines, virus-like particles, and mRNA-based vaccines. In addition, approved anti-ZIKV drugs that can reduce the global burden are discussed. Although many vaccine candidates for ZIKV are at different stages of development, none of them have received Food and Drug Authority approval for use up to now. The issue of side effects associated with these drugs in vulnerable newborns and pregnant women is a major obstacle in the therapeutic pathway.

EXPLORING FINANCING PREFERENCES AMONG INNOVATIVE ENTREPRENEURS: A STUDY ON SELECTED BUSINESS FUTURISTS

Entrepreneurial financing decisions are much of the focussed area of research by many researchers in the field of finance, where the emphasis will be mainly on various sources of finance available, but at the same time understanding the purpose of the financial requirement is a major concern, because when the decision has to be made concerning the preference on the capital structure by an entrepreneur it depends on their personal preferences in terms of risk and returns. This research delves into the critical understanding of different source of finance required in different stages of development,employing a qualitative research approach, the study engaged with 9 entrepreneurs from varised age brackets, genders and sectors within Bengaluru, India.The participants attended the interview through telephonic and video conferencing to throw light on the entrepreneur’s preferences for various sources of finance. By examining the preferred financing methods of these entrepreneurs, the study seeks to uncover patterns, challenges, and opportunities unique to their ventures. The findings aim to inform both academic discussions and practical applications in the realm of entrepreneurial finance, offering valuable implications for policymakers, investors, and aspiring entrepreneursalike.

The interaction between heterochrony and mechanical forces as main driver of floral evolution.

Heterochrony acts as a fundamental process affecting the early development of organisms in creating a subtle shift in the timing of initiation or the duration of a developmental process. In flowers this process is linked with mechanical forces that cause changes in the interaction of neighbouring floral organs by altering the timing and rate of initiation of organs. Heterochrony leads to a delay or acceleration of the development of neighbouring primordia, inducing a change in the morphospace of the flowers. As changes in the timing of development may affect organs differently at different stages of development, these shifts eventually lead to major morphological changes such as altered organ positions, fusions, or organ reductions with profound consequences for floral evolution and the diversification of flowers. By concentrating on early developmental stages in flowers it is possible to understand how heterochrony is responsible for shifts in organ position and the establishment of a novel floral Bauplan. However, it remains difficult to separate heterochrony as a process from pattern, as both are intimately linked. Therefore it is essential to connect different patterns in flowers through the process of developmental change.Examples illustrating the importance of heterochronic shifts affecting different organs of the flower are presented and discussed. These cover the transition from inflorescence to flower through the interaction of bracts and bracteoles, the pressure exercised by the perianth on the androecium and gynoecium, the inversed influence of stamens on petals, and the centrifugal influence of carpels on the androecium. Different processes are explored, including the occurrence of obdiplostemony, the onset of common primordia, variable carpel positions, and organ reduction and loss.

The Handicap of New Technologies: Nobody Wants to Be the First for Commercial Application

This work highlights the frustration that a researcher may face when trying to convince people in industries to use a new technology that has been developed in a small-scale laboratory. A moderate-reaction-severity process for hydrotreating of heavy crude oil (HIDRO-IMP technology) in fixed-bed reactors is used as an example. Although the development of such a technology has been scaled-up from bench and pilot-plant scales to a semi-commercial level with positive technical and economical results, the people in petroleum refinery who make decisions on the suitability of technologies for commercial implementation always ask for previous applications of the process developed. The different stages of development of the HIDRO-IMP technology are commented on, and some results that corroborate its feasibility for commercial application are discussed.

Epigenetic modulation of cytokine expression in gastric cancer: influence on angiogenesis, metastasis and chemoresistance.

Cytokines are proteins that act in the immune response and inflammation and have been associated with the development of some types of cancer, such as gastric cancer (GC). GC is a malignant neoplasm that ranks fifth in incidence and third in cancer-related mortality worldwide, making it a major public health issue. Recent studies have focused on the role these cytokines may play in GC associated with angiogenesis, metastasis, and chemoresistance, which are key factors that can affect carcinogenesis and tumor progression, quality, and patient survival. These inflammatory mediators can be regulated by epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, histone protein modification, and non-coding RNA, which results in the silencing or overexpression of key genes in GC, presenting different targets of action, either direct or mediated by modifications in key genes of cytokine-related signaling pathways. This review seeks insight into the relationship between cytokine-associated epigenetic regulation and its potential effects on the different stages of development and chemoresistance in GC.

Nonlinear and Synergistic Effects of Built Environment Indicators on Street Vitality: A Case Study of Humid and Hot Urban Cities

Street vitality has become an important indicator for evaluating the attractiveness and potential for the sustainable development of urban neighborhoods. However, research on this topic may overestimate or underestimate the effects of different influencing factors, as most studies overlook the prevalent nonlinear and synergistic effects. This study takes the central urban districts of humid–hot cities in developing countries as an example, utilizing readily available big data sources such as Baidu Heat Map data, Baidu Map data, Baidu Building data, urban road network data, and Amap’s Point of Interest (POI) data to construct a Gradient-Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT) model. This model reveals the nonlinear and synergistic effects of different built environment factors on street vitality. The study finds that (1) construction intensity plays a crucial role in the early stages of urban street development (with a contribution value of 0.71), and as the city matures, the role of diversity gradually becomes apparent (with the contribution value increasing from 0.03 to 0.08); (2) the built environment factors have nonlinear impacts on street vitality; for example, POI density has different thresholds in the three cities (300, 200, and 500); (3) there are significant synergistic effects between different dimensions and indicators of the built environment, such as when the POI density is high and integration exceeds 1.5, a positive synergistic effect is notable, whereas a negative synergistic effect occurs when POI is low. This article further discusses the practical implications of the research findings, providing nuanced and targeted policy suggestions for humid–hot cities at different stages of development.

Fuzzy analytical hierarchy process based environmental, social and governance risks assessment for the future phosphorite mining in Estonia

Although Estonia has significant phosphate rock reserves within the EU, their extraction and processing in Estonia has been a sensitive issue in the past. The current study focuses on identifying and understanding the most critical Environmental Social Governance (ESG) risks for any potential phosphorite mining and processing by compiling and analysing the opinions of Estonian mining experts and identifying similarities and differences between the perceptions of mining experts and wider society groups. The results indicate that governance risks are more critical and social ones are less significant, leaving environmental risks in the middle. A comparison with other stakeholders’ opinions from the earlier studies reveals that governance risks are most important for mining experts, while environmental risks are more critical for other stakeholders.A deeper insight also shows that mining experts do not consider the risk of negative impacts on the living environment of the local community and that their engagement is not particularly important for the company`s activities. However, other stakeholders have valued it the most. Mining experts have considered profitability as the most critical risk, while this is less the case for other stakeholders. As a result, the findings of the ESG risk analysis conducted can be outlined as follows: the importance of risks is multi-layered and differs among stakeholders; if phosphorite is planned to be extracted in Estonia, significant ESG risks need to be mitigated for different stakeholders at different stages of development; a framework should be developed for policymakers to use for sustainable phosphorite extraction.

Allostatic Load in Childhood, Adolescence, and Young Adulthood: Are Assumptions of Measurement Invariance Warranted?

Allostatic load represents the cumulative toll of chronic mobilization of the body's stress response systems, as indexed by biomarkers. Higher levels of stress and disadvantage predict higher levels of allostatic load, which, in turn, predict poorer physical and mental health outcomes. To maximize the efficacy of prevention efforts, screening for stress- and disadvantage-associated health conditions must occur before middle age-that is, during childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. However, this requires that models of allostatic load display properties of measurement invariance across age groups. Because most research on allostatic load has featured older adults, it is unclear if these requirements can be met. To address this question, we fit a series of exploratory and confirmatory analytic models to data on eight biomarkers using a nationally representative sample of N = 4260 children, adolescents, and young adults drawn from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey dataset. Exploratory and confirmatory models indicated that, consistent with allostatic load theory, a unidimensional model was a good fit to the data. However, this model did not display properties of measurement invariance; post-hoc analyses suggested that the biomarkers included in the final confirmatory model were most strongly intercorrelated among young adults and most weakly intercorrelated among adolescents. These results underscore the importance of testing assumptions about measurement invariance in allostatic load before drawing substantive conclusions about stress, disadvantage, and health by directly comparing levels of allostatic load across different stages of development, while underscoring the need to expand investigations of measurement invariance to samples of longitudinal data.

A plant-ant interaction in the Brazilian Savanna: The interesting case of Alibertia edulis (Rich.) A.Rich (Rubiaceae) and Camponotus rufipes Fabr. (Formicinae)

Plant-ant interaction in savanna ecosystems is an iconic example of species mutualism. In Cerrado, Brazilian savanna, it is common to find this type of interaction mediated by the offer of extrafloral rewards. This study described a new plant-ant interaction for the tree Alibertia edulis (Rubiaceae) and the ant species Camponotus rufipes and elucidated the main structure involved in the interaction. To do so, (i) we monitored the phenology of A. edulis, (ii) recorded the ant species visitation, and, (iii) collected fruits in different stages of development to perform anatomical and histochemical trials to characterize the structures and chemical components related to the secreted substances - which could be responsible for attracting the ants. Ants’ visitation starts at the beginning of fruit development and stops when they are completely ripe. An extrafloral nectary – pericarpical nectary - on the top of the fruits was identified and described for the first time in the Alibertia edulis, derived from the flower structure, which remains to exude (sugar components) during the fruit development. Based on these results, C. rufipes, known for being an aggressive ant, may play a role in protecting fruits against predation until they are completely ripe and the seeds are ready to be dispersed. During seed dispersal, the fruits reduce the production of nectar, signaling the end of the partnership with the ants until the next reproductive season. Here, we shed light and bring new insights into a new plant-ant interaction for a widely spread tree and ant species.

THE COST OF TRADE DISRUPTIONS AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT

AbstractWe study trade disruptions at different stages of development in a two‐country, three‐sector model of Spain and United Kingdom from 1850 to 2000. The impact of trade disruptions depends on trade openness and the productivity gap between countries. A trade collapse today (more openness, less gap) comparable to the Inter‐War Trade Collapse (IWTC) decreases the capital stock threefold (12% instead of 4%) and lifetime consumption fourfold (1.58% instead of 0.37%). Capital accumulation amplifies the cost of trade disruptions. The IWTC promoted Spanish industrialization, while the opposite would be true today.

Analysis of Regional Social–Economic Spatial Pattern and Evolution along the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal

With the proposal of the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal Cultural Belt, the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal has become an indispensable component of China’s economic development pattern. Despite relatively high regional-economic-development levels along the canal, there still exists a common imbalance in regional development which will hinder the high-quality collaborative development of the region, highlighting the importance of measuring this disparity. This study adopts the district and county as spatial scales and selects five dimensions: economic growth, livelihood benefits, green ecology, innovation drive, and food guarantee in order to construct a comprehensive socio-economic index. Entropy weight method, Moran index, and Theil index analyses are used to examine the recent ten-year evolution laws in regional socio-economic spatial patterns along the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal. Results indicate that socio-economic indicators designed for each dimension effectively measure both individual districts’ and counties’ economic situations as well as those of entire regions. In 2021, limited significance was observed regarding the level of regional economic agglomeration along the Grand Canal region, suggesting a tendency towards fragmented development rather than forming a well-coordinated model. Over the decade from 2011 to 2021, there was an increase in social and economic agglomeration. From a city unit perspective, developmental disparities among districts and counties within cities follow three distinct patterns. Cities at different stages of development can learn from each other’s models to enhance integration cooperation and collectively promote high-quality economic advancements in the Grand Canal region.

An Unusual Case Report of Unicystic Ameloblastoma of the Mandible

ABSTRACT There are plenty of benign lesions that can result in swelling of the mandible, and these can be classified as odontogenic and non-odontogenic lesions. Among the categories of odontogenic lesion, ameloblastoma is the most occurring lesion that takes origin from the epithelial cellular elements and dental tissues in their different stages of development. Ameloblastoma is the most serious odontogenic neoplasm due to its prevalence and clinical characteristics. Ameloblastoma is a broad class which encompasses 80% of solid multicystic type of ameloblastoma with unicystic ameloblastoma (UA) variant included as vital clinicopathological form claiming the rest 20% along with peripheral ameloblastoma variant. UA refers to cystic lesions that seem like jaw cysts clinically, radiographically, or grossly but are lined by typical ameloblastomatous epithelium, with or without luminal and/or mural tumor development, on histologic investigation. Around 5–15% of all ameloblastic lesions do not have a propensity to metastasis, and this is UA. Unicystic mural form, although slow growing overall, is very invasive locally and has a high recurrence rate. As UA tumors show very close features with dentigerous cyst, a very sharp differential diagnosis protocol need to be executed to exclude the other unicystic odontogenic lesions considering the clinical, radiological, and biological characteristics along with proper follow-up and seeing any recurrence of the lesion taking place. Here, we report the case of a twenty-one year male patient with UA of the mandible and review of the literature.

Essential oils from three Cupressaceae species as stored wheat protectants: will they kill different developmental stages of nine noxious arthropods?

Several plant species belonging to the Cupressaceae family are used in the industry for the production of various pharmaceuticals, food additives, and paint materials. Various essential oils (EOs) derived from these species have been examined for their insecticidal and acaricidal actions. In this study, we examined the efficacy of Hesperocyparis arizonica, × Hesperotropsis leylandii, and Juniperus × pfitzeriana EOs as wheat protectants to control different stages of development of nine stored-product pest species (1 dermestid, 1 curculionid, 1 bostrychid, 1 silvanid, 1 mite, and 4 tenebrionids). The EOs of the above plants were characterized by high percentages of monoterpenoids among which α-pinene (16.7–41.0%), sabinene (5.4–10.4%), δ-3-carene (20.5%), limonene (6.9–15.4%), bornyl acetate (36.3%), and trans-sabinyl acetate (18.2%) were the most representative ones depending on the species. Mortality caused by the three EOs at 1000 ppm to Trogoderma granarium adults ranged between 88.9 and 100.0%, after 7 days (d). The EO of H. arizonica, at the highest concentration (1000 ppm), killed 94.4% of exposed Oryzaephilus surinamensis adults, after one week. Complete mortality (100%) of Alphitobius diaperinus larvae occurred after exposure for 5 d to × H. leylandii EO at 1000 ppm. High mortality rates were also reported for Tribolium castaneum (93.3%) and Tribolium confusum (91.1%) larvae, and Tenebrio molitor adults (87.9%) at 1000 ppm of × H. leylandii EO, 7 d after exposure. This investigation shows that × H. leylandii EO provided elevated mortality levels to the majority of the tested pests exhibiting high potential to be considered as an effective grain protectant.

Aspectos quirúrgicos de un condrosarcoma en la cavidad nasal de un perro – Reporte de caso

Chondrosarcomas (CSA) are mesenchymal tumors characterized by the proliferation of cells and interstitial tissue, morphologically presenting cartilaginous features at different stages of development. Chondrosarcomas can be primary, originating from a previously normal bone, or secondary to a preexisting chondroma. They generally exhibit slow growth, low metastatic index, and are well-differentiated. Classified into two subtypes: myxoid (more frequent) and mesenchymal. In dogs, CSA accounts for approximately 10% of bone tumors. This report aims to describe a case of surgical treatment via rhinotomy in a dog with CSA in the nasal cavity, leading to a period of survival and quality of life for the patient. This case is reported based on the medical record data of a patient, treated in February of 2023 at a veterinary hospital in Juiz de Fora - MG. The canine patient, a female with no defined breed (NDB), 7 years and 2 months old, weighing 15.3 kg, presented dyspnea for a period of 1 year, as reported by the owner. Forty-five days before the medical appointment, intermittent right unilateral epistaxis began. The patient had previously received treatment for the same complaint, for which tranexamic acid and prednisolone were prescribed, resulting in temporary improvement. She was then referred for a computed tomography scan, which revealed a neoformation in the right nasal sinus. On March 2, 2023, the animal was admitted for surgical intervention, where the tumor mass was excised. After removing the content, the bed was washed with physiological saline at room temperature. For closure of the created cavity, a Waltex® polypropylene mesh was used, fixed at its edges to the musculature. The material collected from the right nasal cavity was sent for histopathological examination, which indicated that the neoformation was a Chondrosarcoma, with myxoid stroma and foci of mature chondroid differentiation. The surgical intervention proved to be effective and satisfactory, allowing the resection of the neoformation, later classified as chondrosarcoma, providing quality of life to the patient after the surgical procedure.

Evaluation of the efficacy of X-ray irradiation on male testes of Mediterranean fruit fly using light and transmission electron microscopy

ABSTRACT The present study evaluated the efficacy of X-ray irradiation for the sterilization of Ceratitis capitata. Pupae were exposed to doses of 0 (control), 60.7, 137, 156.9, 237.7, 300.59 and 344.46 Gy to determine which dose would not affect viability of irradiated fruit flies but would result in their sterilization. Doses of 60.7 and 137 Gy were suitable as males emerging from irradiated 7-day-old pupae were 100% sterile but were otherwise viable. Light and transmission electron microscopy were used to examine the structure of normal and treated male C. capitata testes. The testes of males originating from non-irradiated pupae of C. capitata consist of a single long follicle that looks like a sac and is full of germ cells at different stages of development. In testes of males originating from irradiated pupae, the presence of lysosomes, many vacuoles, and irregular distribution of spermatogonia and spermatocytes, led to an overall slowed rate of spermatogenesis. Apparent degeneration and abnormalities of the sperms resulted in the production of non-functional sperm or to a reduction in sperm production. This study concluded that X-ray is an alternative irradiation method for the sterile insect technique used to control Mediterranean fruit fly populations.

Estimation of Geotechnical Parameters for Coal Exploration from Quasi-3D Electrical Resistivity Measurements

Geotechnical parameters are crucial for mine planning and operation at different stages of development. However, estimating these parameters requires a large number of boreholes and subsequent detailed analysis of the samples, making it a cumbersome exercise. Moreover, even after conducting these studies, it is not possible to cover the entire operational area. To address this issue, this study presents an indirect method of estimating geotechnical parameters through mathematical relations using resistivity data. The present study incorporated 2D and 3D subsurface imaging techniques for exploring coal reserves and analyzing geotechnical parameters that define subsurface soil properties. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) was utilized for data acquisition, employing a Dipole–dipole array with a multielectrode ABEM Terrameter LS instrument. Six parallel profiles were conducted, each 400 m in length, with an inter-electrode spacing of 10 m and a spacing of 50 m between profiles. These profiles were combined into a 3D dataset referred to as quasi-3D ERT. The inversion process for both 2D and 3D data was performed using the Res2dinv and Res3dinv programs, respectively. This study overcame the challenges of 2D resistivity sections by evaluating horizontal depth slices in the x-z plane from layers 1 to 10, reaching a depth of 81.2 m. The geotechnical parameters, including cohesion, friction angle, moisture content, and plastic index, were derived from the resistivity data. The ERT method proved to be cost-effective and efficient in determining soil properties over a large area compared with traditional laboratory analysis of borehole samples. Additionally, the variation of geotechnical parameters with resistivity values exhibited unique characteristics. The results from both the 2D and quasi-3D ERT were well correlated with the borehole data. Such studies are valuable for resource exploration and mine planning purposes.

LeTra: a leaf tracking workflow based on convolutional neural networks and intersection over union

BackgroundThe study of plant photosynthesis is essential for productivity and yield. Thanks to the development of high-throughput phenotyping (HTP) facilities, based on chlorophyll fluorescence imaging, photosynthetic traits can be measured in a reliable, reproducible and efficient manner. In most state-of-the-art HTP platforms, these traits are automatedly analyzed at individual plant level, but information at leaf level is often restricted by the use of manual annotation. Automated leaf tracking over time is therefore highly desired. Methods for tracking individual leaves are still uncommon, convoluted, or require large datasets. Hence, applications and libraries with different techniques are required. New phenotyping platforms are initiated now more frequently than ever; however, the application of advanced computer vision techniques, such as convolutional neural networks, is still growing at a slow pace. Here, we provide a method for leaf segmentation and tracking through the fine-tuning of Mask R-CNN and intersection over union as a solution for leaf tracking on top-down images of plants. We also provide datasets and code for training and testing on both detection and tracking of individual leaves, aiming to stimulate the community to expand the current methodologies on this topic.ResultsWe tested the results for detection and segmentation on 523 Arabidopsis thaliana leaves at three different stages of development from which we obtained a mean F-score of 0.956 on detection and 0.844 on segmentation overlap through the intersection over union (IoU). On the tracking side, we tested nine different plants with 191 leaves. A total of 161 leaves were tracked without issues, accounting to a total of 84.29% correct tracking, and a Higher Order Tracking Accuracy (HOTA) of 0.846. In our case study, leaf age and leaf order influenced photosynthetic capacity and photosynthetic response to light treatments. Leaf-dependent photosynthesis varies according to the genetic background.ConclusionThe method provided is robust for leaf tracking on top-down images. Although one of the strong components of the method is the low requirement in training data to achieve a good base result (based on fine-tuning), most of the tracking issues found could be solved by expanding the training dataset for the Mask R-CNN model.

The Healthy and Diseased Retina Seen through Neuron-Glia Interactions.

The retina is the sensory tissue responsible for the first stages of visual processing, with a conserved anatomy and functional architecture among vertebrates. To date, retinal eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, and others, affect nearly 170 million people worldwide, resulting in vision loss and blindness. To tackle retinal disorders, the developing retina has been explored as a versatile model to study intercellular signaling, as it presents a broad neurochemical repertoire that has been approached in the last decades in terms of signaling and diseases. Retina, dissociated and arranged as typical cultures, as mixed or neuron- and glia-enriched, and/or organized as neurospheres and/or as organoids, are valuable to understand both neuronal and glial compartments, which have contributed to revealing roles and mechanisms between transmitter systems as well as antioxidants, trophic factors, and extracellular matrix proteins. Overall, contributions in understanding neurogenesis, tissue development, differentiation, connectivity, plasticity, and cell death are widely described. A complete access to the genome of several vertebrates, as well as the recent transcriptome at the single cell level at different stages of development, also anticipates future advances in providing cues to target blinding diseases or retinal dysfunctions.