Foreign Object Research Articles

RailSegVITNet: A lightweight VIT-based real-time track surface segmentation network for improving railroad safety

To address the challenge of precise foreign object detection on railway tracks, this study proposes RailSegVITNet, an efficient deep learning-based model that aims to accurately locate tracks and provide necessary information. RailSegVITNet integrates lightweight bottleneck blocks, separable self-attention, and feature aggregation to balance real-time performance and accuracy. It follows an encoder–decoder framework, with bottleneck blocks used for feature extraction and separable self-attention integrated at different stages to enhance feature extraction capability. The decoder utilizes feature aggregation to effectively merge multi-resolution features and improve segmentation performance. On the proposed Railway-seg dataset, the RailSegVITNet demonstrates competitive performance, achieving an MIoU (Mean Intersection over Union ) of 91.43% while utilizing only 2.01 G FLOPs (Floating Point Operations) and 1.4 M parameters. Furthermore, compared to popular models such as Topformer, Segformer, Segmenter, and Deeplab on the publicly available Railsem19 dataset, RailSegVITNet maintains its lightweight architecture while achieving comparable or higher segmentation performance. This showcases its potential practical value for efficient identification of foreign object intrusion.

Analysis of Human Leukocyte Antigen Frequency among Renal Transplant Recipients and Donors in Nepal

ABSTRACT Background and Objectives: Kidney transplants are effective for advanced renal failure, but graft rejection can occur when the recipient’s immune system misidentifies the kidney as a foreign object. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA), a component of the host’s immunological defense system, acts as a barrier to graft rejection. Selecting potential kidney recipients and donors for transplantation requires careful consideration of histocompatibility for the HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-DRB1 antigens. Mismatches between donors and recipients prolong transplant therapy, leading to lower graft survival and higher mortality. The objective of the study was to analyze HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-DRB1 antigens frequency in live-related renal transplant recipients and donors visiting the Department of Histocompatibility and Immunopathology at the National Public Health Laboratory, Teku, Kathmandu, Nepal. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted by using data from 104 renal transplant recipients and donors whose samples had previously been collected, processed, and analyzed to identify the Class I loci (HLA-A and HLA-B) and Class II loci (DRB1) between November 2021 and February 2024. Results: The study found that the majority of donors were female, and the majority of recipients were male. In this study, 10, 17, and 12 different HLA-A, B, and DRB1 alleles were found in recipients and donors. Alleles found more frequently are A*11 (25.00%), A*24 (23.08%), sB*15 (22.60%), B*35 (12.98%), DRB1*15 (22.60%), and DRB1*12 (21.63%). Conclusions: The study suggests that both donors and recipients of renal transplants in Nepal have a diverse HLA antigen distribution, which could aid in selecting a genetically closer group as potential matched donors for transplant recipients.

A Dense Attention Railway Foreign Object Detection Algorithm Based on Mask R-CNN

A Dense Attention Railway Foreign Object Detection Algorithm Based on Mask R-CNN

Low-power Portable System for Power Grid Foreign object detection based on the lightweight model of improved YOLOv7

Low-power Portable System for Power Grid Foreign object detection based on the lightweight model of improved YOLOv7

Matrix Persymmetry Analysis for Misalignment and Foreign Object Detection in Resonant Capacitive Power Transfer

Matrix Persymmetry Analysis for Misalignment and Foreign Object Detection in Resonant Capacitive Power Transfer

A hybrid of iterative Gauss–Newton and one-dimensional convolutional neural network for high-resolution electrical impedance tomography

We developed a processing method using benefits of both iterative Gauss–Newton (IGN) and a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) for high-resolution electrical impedance tomography. The proposed method logically combines conductivity images reconstructed by different methods. The accuracies of the mathematical IGN method, 1D-CNN method, and the proposed method were compared. Utilizing the ideal potential data obtained through simulations, along with the experimental potential data derived from cement samples, we reconstruct the conductivity distribution. When utilizing the simulation data, the IGN method produces larger errors in the reconstructed images as the size of the foreign object decreases. The proposed method reconstructs the position and size more accurately than the IGN and 1D-CNN methods. When utilizing the experimental data, 1D-CNN and proposed methods were more accurate in terms of the position and size than the IGN method.

Repeated foreign body ingestion as a dynamic game: A case report

In this case report, we correct the analysis of mitigating intentional foreign body ingestion offered by Sarah J. Diamond and Amnon Sonnenberg. Patients who notoriously swallow foreign objects generate significant economic costs to hospitals. In previous publications, it has been argued that hospitals might reduce the need for endoscopy by offering such patients a paid position to discourage foreign body ingestions. However, the game-theoretical analysis offered in the literature was based on a static game which did not justify the relevant equilibrium. To obtain the actual goal of keeping the patient away from foreign body ingestion, we consider a repeated game with an infinite horizon. We show that there exists a combination of strategies applied by the hospital and the patient that leads to a steady state in which the patient will be discouraged from foreign body ingestion.

A Novel Foreign Object Detection Method in Transmission Lines Based on Improved YOLOv8n

A Novel Foreign Object Detection Method in Transmission Lines Based on Improved YOLOv8n

Stomach Foreign Body: A Retrospective Study with a Review

Foreign bodies in the stomach may be accidental or voluntary swallowing. Most foreign bodies are due to unintentional ingestion except in insane people or drug peddlers who may be voluntary. Most of the time, coins are accidentally ingested by children. A rare phenomenon is accidental ingestion of a size 16 to 20 cm in length (toothbrush) foreign body in a sane person. Oesophageal foreign bodies are not as risky as airway foreign bodies. These foreign bodies can obstruct and are located at the oesophagus cricopharynx constriction, the crossover of the aortic arch at the mid-oesophagus, and the lower end. After reaching the stomach, most ingested foreign bodies less than 6 cm will pass uneventfully through the gastrointestinal tract, as in 10 patients who consumed one/two rupee coins. Nevertheless, long and rigid foreign bodies like toothbrushes can result in gastrointestinal impaction, perforation and bleeding. Moreover, there have been a few case reports of spontaneous passage of a toothbrush, and promptly removing such ingested foreign objects is recommended before complications develop. Treatment option remains controversial considering the waiting policy or intervention, either endoscopic or surgical. This study describes 11 patients, 10 cases of coin ingestion and one case of the swallowed toothbrush. Ten cases of coin ingestion were managed conservatively. Upper midline laparotomy was done to remove the toothbrush as removal via flexible endoscopy failed. A swallowed toothbrush is a special clinical challenge. Early retrieval of the toothbrush is critical for reducing morbidity.

Dual imaging technique for a real-time inspection system of foreign object detection in fresh-cut vegetables

Fresh-cut vegetables are a food product susceptible to contamination by foreign materials (FMs). To detect a range of potential FMs in fresh-cut vegetables, a dual imaging technique (fluorescence and color imaging) with a simple and effective image processing algorithm in a user-friendly software interface was developed for a real-time inspection system. The inspection system consisted of feeding and sensing units, including two cameras positioned in parallel, illuminations (white LED and UV light), and a conveyor unit. A camera equipped with a long-pass filter was used to collect fluorescence images. Another camera collected color images of fresh-cut vegetables and FMs. The feeding unit fed FMs mixed with fresh-cut vegetables onto a conveyor belt. Two cameras synchronized programmatically in the software interface simultaneously collected fluorescence and color image samples based on the region of interest as they moved through the conveyor belt. Using simple image processing algorithms, FMs could be detected and depicted in two different image windows. The results demonstrated that the dual imaging technique can effectively detect potential FMs in two types of fresh-cut vegetables (cabbage and green onion), as indicated by the combined fluorescence and color imaging accuracy. The test results showed that the real-time inspection system could detect FMs measuring 0.5 mm in fresh-cut vegetables. The results showed that the combined detection accuracy of FMs in the cabbage (95.77%) sample was superior to that of green onion samples (87.89%). Therefore, the inspection system was more effective at detecting FMs in cabbage samples than in green onion samples.

FusionNet: Detection of Foreign Objects in Transmission Lines During Inclement Weather

FusionNet: Detection of Foreign Objects in Transmission Lines During Inclement Weather

A Novel Strategy of Two-Stage Cascaded CNN and Overhaul Knowledge Distillation for Fast Railway Foreign Objects Intrusion Detection

A Novel Strategy of Two-Stage Cascaded CNN and Overhaul Knowledge Distillation for Fast Railway Foreign Objects Intrusion Detection

Automatic Detection and Predictive Geolocation of Foreign Object Debris on Airport Runway

Automatic Detection and Predictive Geolocation of Foreign Object Debris on Airport Runway

Depraved appetite in dromedary camels: Clinical, ultrasonographic, and postmortem findings.

Camels are subjected to a wide variety of nutritional deficiencies as they are largely dependent upon grazing desert plants. As a consequence, the syndrome of pica or depraved appetite is occasionally seen in dromedary camels. The condition is manifested as chewing or eating abnormal things such as wood, dirt, bones, stones, clothes, plastics, mud, sand, or other inanimate objects. This study was designed to investigate the clinical, ultrasonographic, and postmortem findings in dromedary camels with pica or depraved appetite. Twenty-five camels of 5 days to 15 years were examined. Owner complaints included depraved appetite, loss of body condition, regurgitation of stomach content, and partial or complete absence of feces. Symptoms described were present for a period varying between 3 days, up to 12 months. The stomach compartments and small and large intestines were scanned using ultrasonography from the right and left sides of the abdomen. Necropsy was carried out on six female and three male camels where the thoracic and abdominal organs were examined with special attention to the digestive system. The affected animals had a history of gradual loss of body conditions, eating foreign objects, decreased or total absence of feces, and regurgitation of stomach content. Using ultrasound, the foreign body was imaged occluding completely or partially the intestines. Foreign bodies within the rumen could not be visualized with ultrasound. In cases where the rumen is impacted by sand, small pin-points revealing acoustic enhancement were imaged. Foreign bodies were removed from the rumen at exploratory rumenotomy (n = 11), laparotomy (n = 3), or at necropsy (n = 8) in the form of plastics, cloths, sand, mud, wool balls, robes, glasses, or even metallic objects which may be blunt or sharp. Sixteen (64%) of the camels were recovered while the remaining 9 (36%) did not survive. The syndrome of pica or depraved appetite is an important condition in dromedary resulting in the ingestion of objects other than normal feed. Substantial economic losses are expected as a result of this syndrome. Ultrasonography of the digestive system may help the clinician in some cases to localize of occluding foreign bodies in the intestines, while in the transabdominal scanning of the stomach is valuable only in cases of sand impaction.

Improving the spatial resolution of electrical impedance tomography using logical operation as post-processing

Abstract Electrical impedance tomography is a nondestructive tomographic technique used to estimate the internal structures of objects. Obtaining a tomograph image is synonymous with solving an inverse problem. Since the inverse problem is ill-posed, the obtained solution contains errors, resulting in degradation of the spatial resolution. This paper proposes a post-processing method to improve the spatial resolution. In the post-process, two tomograph images obtained using different solving parameters were logically combined. By combining tomograph images obtained with different hyperparameters and current injection patterns, the spatial resolutions regarding the position and size of foreign objects were improved.

Novel Sensorless Metal Foreign Object Detection Technique for Wireless Power Transfer Systems Based on Efficiency Analysis

Novel Sensorless Metal Foreign Object Detection Technique for Wireless Power Transfer Systems Based on Efficiency Analysis

Deep Learning-Based Railway Foreign Object Intrusion Intelligent Perception Using Attention-Aggregated Semantic Segmentation

Deep Learning-Based Railway Foreign Object Intrusion Intelligent Perception Using Attention-Aggregated Semantic Segmentation

Rail-PillarNet: A 3D Detection Network for Railway Foreign Object Based on LiDAR

Rail-PillarNet: A 3D Detection Network for Railway Foreign Object Based on LiDAR

Synthetic Aperture Radar Aboard an Unmanned Aerial System for Detecting Foreign Object Debris on Airport Runways

Synthetic Aperture Radar Aboard an Unmanned Aerial System for Detecting Foreign Object Debris on Airport Runways

Knowledge and misconceptions of choking and first-aid procedures among Syrian adults: A cross-sectional study.

Choking is a critical emergency that occurs when foreign objects obstruct the airways. It commonly affects young children, older people, individuals with developmental disabilities, those with acquired or lifelong disability, and those with mental health conditions. Symptoms can vary, ranging from coughing to cyanosis. Our study aims to evaluate Syrian adults' knowledge of choking and their understanding of first-aid procedures. Specifically, we will assess the prevalence of misconceptions in order to train community members and increase their level of knowledge about first aid for choking. Ultimately, our goal is to reduce deaths resulting from this critical condition. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the knowledge and attitudes regarding choking among adults in Syria. The targeted population consists of Syrians aged between 18 and 45 years who reside in Syria. Data were collected through an online survey, disseminated via social media platforms from March to July 2022. Scores were computed to quantify levels of knowledge, with participants achieving a score of 16 or higher classified as having a high level of knowledge. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and chi-square tests. A total of 406 responded to the survey, with 246 (60.6%) scoring less than 16 points, indicating a low level of knowledge. Gender and place of residency were not correlated with knowledge level p = 0.249, p = 0.913, respectively). Participants employed in the medical field, those who had received training in first aid, and individuals with higher levels of education exhibited higher levels of knowledge. However, the level of knowledge was below expectations for these groups. There should be an increase in the availability of first-aid courses to the public and improvements in hands-on training for physicians and medical trainees.