Marking Technique Research Articles

Using citizen science in the photo-identification of adult individuals of an amphibian based on two facial skin features.

Among amphibians, adults have traditionally been identified in capture-mark-recapture studies using invasive marking techniques with associated ethical, cost and logistical considerations. However, species in this group may be strong candidates for photo-identification based on natural skin features that removes many of these concerns, with this technique opening up opportunities for citizen scientists to be involved in animal monitoring programs. We investigated the feasibility of using citizen science to distinguish between individuals of an Australian anuran (the sandpaper frog, Lechriodus fletcheri) based on a visual analysis of their natural skin features. We collected photographs of marked individuals in the field over three breeding seasons using a smartphone device. This photo-database was used to create an online survey to determine how easily members of the general public could photo-match individuals by a comparison of two facial skin features; black banding that runs horizontally above the tympanum and a background array of tubercles present in this region. Survey participants were provided with 30 closed, multiple choice questions in which they were asked to match separate images of a query frog from small image pools of potential candidate matches. Participants were consistently able to match individuals with a low matching error rate (mean ± SD of 26 ± 5) despite the relatively low quality of photographs taken from a smartphone device in the field, with most query frogs being matched by a majority of participants (mean ± SD of 86.02 ± 9.52%). These features were found to be unique and stable among adult males and females. Thus, photo-identification is likely to be a valid, non-invasive method for capture-mark-recapture for L. fletcheri, and likely many anurans that display similar facial skin features. This may become an important alternative to artificial marking techniques, with the challenges of manual photo-matching reduced by spreading workloads among members of the public that can be recruited online.

Perioperative identifications of non-palpable pulmonary nodules: a narrative review.

Early detection of lung cancer is the key to improving treatment and prognosis of this disease, and the advent of advances in computed tomography (CT) imaging and national screening programs have improved the detection rate of very small pulmonary lesions. As such, the management of this sub-centimetric and often sub-solid lesions has become quite challenging for clinicians, especially for choosing the most suitable diagnostic method. In clinical practice, to fulfill this diagnostic yield, transthoracic needle biopsy (TTNB) is often the first choice especially for peripheral nodules. For lesions for which TTNB could present technical difficulties or failed, other diagnostic strategies are needed. In this case, video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is the gold standard to reach the diagnosis of lung nodules suspect of being malignant. Nonetheless it’s often not easy the identification of such lesions during VATS because of their little dimensions, non-firm consistency, deep localization. In literature various marking techniques have been described, in order to improve intraoperative nodules detection and to reduce conversion rate to thoracotomy: CT-guided hookwire positioning, methylene blue staining, intra-operative ultrasound and electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy are the most used. The scientific evidence on this matter is weak because there are no randomized clinical trials but only case series on single techniques with no comparison on efficacy, so there are no guidelines to refer. From this standing, in this article we conducted a narrative review of the existing literature on the subject, with the aim of outlining a framework as complete as possible. We analyzed strengths and weaknesses of the main techniques reported, so as to allow the clinician to orient himself with greater ease.

WITHDRAWN: A semi automated assessment and marking approach of decision tree diagram

In the present scenario every educational institution having large number of students and it has improved the need for automated testing program tools. With such many of students in need of teaching and assessment, there is a need for teachers to consider assessment models with new technologies, in addition to those, the method of accepting the assessment is another factor. Currently, computer-assisted test programs are widely used to mark multiple choice questions. Abort from MCQs, sine there is a need to create tools that can be tested student’s knowledge in a general way such as testing the drawing solutions for the assessments. The primary objective of this study is to investigate a new experimental approach that provides the use of computers system to support the proposed method of tree construction method. In this way, research seeks to reduce the burden of marking on drawings related assessments and improve the quality of feedback provided to students on their answers. A case study was conducted to identify the needs of a new automated testing tool on drawing related assessments. Research is being done to investigate and show that it is possible to mark a tree drawing using new techniques. In addition, the process of the new method is developed based on the outcome of the case study. The proposed method of automated automation was based on a new marking method, which was tested by marking a few student responses to tree drawings and then analyzing using mathematical numerical tests. Assessment evaluation process included the use of Likert questionnaires, yielding positive results, with most participants conducting research to make the new process and preferring the use of a new method over the traditional marking technique.

Surgical Management of the Axilla in Clinically Node-Positive Breast Cancer Patients Converting to Clinical Node Negativity through Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Current Status, Knowledge Gaps, and Rationale for the EUBREAST-03 AXSANA Study.

Simple SummaryCurrently, it is unclear which kind of axillary staging surgery breast cancer patients with lymph node metastasis should receive after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. For decades, these patients have been treated with a full axillary lymph node dissection, even if they converted to clinical node negativity. However, the removal of a large number of lymph nodes during the procedure can increase arm morbidity and impact quality of life. Therefore, several studies investigated less radical surgical strategies in this setting, such as sentinel lymph node biopsy or targeted axillary dissection, i.e., removal of a previously marked node combined with sentinel node removal. In this review, we summarize current evidence on the different surgical techniques and compare national and international recommendations. We show that many questions regarding oncological safety of different surgery types and the optimal marking technique remain unanswered and present the multinational prospective cohort study AXSANA that will address these open issues.In the last two decades, surgical methods for axillary staging in breast cancer patients have become less extensive, and full axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is confined to selected patients. In initially node-positive patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy, however, the optimal management remains unclear. Current guidelines vary widely, endorsing different strategies. We performed a literature review on axillary staging strategies and their place in international recommendations. This overview defines knowledge gaps associated with specific procedures, summarizes currently ongoing clinical trials that address these unsolved issues, and provides the rationale for further research. While some guidelines have already implemented surgical de-escalation, replacing ALND with, e.g., sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) or targeted axillary dissection (TAD) in cN+ patients converting to clinical node negativity, others recommend ALND. Numerous techniques are in use for tagging lymph node metastasis, but many questions regarding the marking technique, i.e., the optimal time for marker placement and the number of marked nodes, remain unanswered. The optimal number of SLNs to be excised also remains a matter of debate. Data on oncological safety and quality of life following different staging procedures are lacking. These results provide the rationale for the multinational prospective cohort study AXSANA initiated by EUBREAST, which started enrollment in June 2020 and aims at recruiting 3000 patients in 20 countries (NCT04373655; Funded by AGO-B, Claudia von Schilling Foundation for Breast Cancer Research, AWOgyn, EndoMag, Mammotome, and MeritMedical).

Different strategies in marking axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant medical treatment: a systematic review.

Marking of cytology-proven metastatic axillary lymph node in breast cancer patients before neoadjuvant treatment and its subsequent surgical retrieval have been shown to reduce the false-negative rate of sentinel lymph node biopsy. A systematic review was performed to evaluate different strategies in nodal marking and localization. PubMed, Embase, EBSCOhost, and the Cochrane library literature databases were searched systematically to address the identification rate and retrieval rate of marked axillary lymph nodes. Studies were eligible if they performed nodal marking before neoadjuvant treatment, followed by selective extirpation of these marked axillary lymph nodes in definitive surgery RESULTS: Fifteen studies with a total of 703 patients were included. Index axillary lymph nodes were marked by clips or tattooed prior to the commencement of neoadjuvant treatment. In our pooled analysis, eighty-eight percent of the clipped nodes and ninety-seven percent of the tattooed nodes were successfully retrieved. Among these patients, seventy-seven percent of these marked axillary lymph nodes were also sentinel lymph nodes. Marking and selectively removing cytology-proven metastatic axillary lymph nodes after neoadjuvant treatment is feasible. An acceptably high nodal retrieval rate could be achieved using various methods of nodal marking and localization techniques.

Step-clipping method can improve the detectability of the target lesion in colonic diverticular bleeding.

Background and study aims Despite the information regarding extravasation from contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT), the detectability of the target diverticulum by colonoscopy remains unsatisfactory in colonic diverticular bleeding (CDB). The lack of common signs recognizable on CT and endoscopic images makes it difficult to set a region of interest; however, this can be overcome with the “step-clipping” method, a strategic marking technique for revealing the target. We aimed to investigate the clinical performance of the step-clipping method in patients with CDB. Patients and methods Eighty-seven patients diagnosed with CDB with extravasation using CECT who underwent colonoscopy between August 2007 and February 2020 were included. Patients were divided into two categories: the traditional group (those who underwent colonoscopy from August 2007 to May 2017, n = 54) and the step-clipping group (those who underwent colonoscopy from June 2017 to February 2020, n = 33). Results The detection rate for the responsible diverticulum was significantly higher in the step-clipping group than in the traditional group (94 % vs 63 %; P = .0013). The step-clipping group had a shorter average search time during colonoscopy (9.6 vs 40.5 minutes; P < .0001) and lower re-bleeding rate after the initial colonoscopy (6 % vs 26 %; P = .02) than the traditional group, which facilitated earlier hospital discharge (5.4 vs 6.8 days; P = .027). Conclusions Colonoscopy using the step-clipping method can improve the detectability of the target lesion within a shorter time, thus leading to lower re-bleeding rates and earlier hospital discharge.

The accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography and augmented fluoroscopy-guided bronchoscopic marking of multiple small-sized pulmonary nodules in a hybrid operating room: a retrospective cohort study.

For the minimally invasive excision of small-sized pulmonary nodules, bronchoscopic markings are increasingly being performed owing to advancements in video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Hybrid operating room equipment is utilized for bronchoscopic VATS markings. We aimed to compare the marking accuracy between bronchoscopic VATS and other marking techniques such as computed tomography-guided percutaneous marking and conventional X-ray fluoroscopy-guided bronchoscopic marking. Patients with small-sized pulmonary nodules scheduled to undergo VATS were enrolled in the study. A mixture of 50 to 100 µL of diluted indocyanine green and iopamidol was injected adjacent to the pulmonary nodules as a VATS marker. Patients receiving each of the three image-guided techniques were categorized into group A (computed tomography-guided percutaneous injection), group B (X-ray fluoroscopy-guided virtual bronchoscopy-assisted bronchoscope injection), and group C (cone-beam computed tomography and augmented fluoroscopy-guided virtual bronchoscope-assisted bronchoscopic injection in the hybrid operating room). VATS marking accuracy and procedural complications were compared among the three groups. In total, 61 patients with 73 pulmonary nodules were eligible for analysis. VATS marking was successful for 15/16 nodules in group A, 28/30 nodules in group B, and 25/27 nodules in group C. Marking accuracy was 5.75±4.59, 15.00±14.02, and 6.05±6.11 (mm), respectively. Multiple markings were successful in 0/1 (0%), 5/6 (83.3%), and 5/5 (100.0%) nodules in groups A, B, and C, respectively. A small pneumothorax occurred in 3/15 (20.0%) patients in group A. The cone-beam computed tomography and augmented fluoroscopy-guided bronchoscopic approach performed in a hybrid operating room is accurate and equivalent to the computed tomography-guided percutaneous approach, and it enables the VATS marking of multiple pulmonary nodules without causing a secondary pneumothorax.

Initial experience of virtual-assisted lung mapping utilizing both indocyanine green and indigo carmine

Virtual-assisted lung mapping is a bronchoscopic multiple dye marking technique that facilitates sublobar lung resections for unidentifiable pulmonary tumors. Marking failure reportedly occurs in 10% of cases. To overcome this limitation, we developed indocyanine green virtual-assisted lung mapping that uses indocyanine green in addition to indigo carmine. Here, we report our initial experience of indocyanine green virtual-assisted lung mapping.

An Experimental Study on Machining of AISI H - 13 Steel Using Dimple-Textured and Non-Textured Tungsten Carbide Cutting Tools

Fabrication of micro-dimples at the rack surface closer to the cutting region of the tungsten carbide tool will induce the tribological modifications at the tribo-contact surfaces. The motive of this work is to find the influence of micro-dimples fabricated on the cutting tools during turning operations. Linear arrays of dimple-textures with various geometrical aspects (dimple diameter and depth) and area density ratio were prepared using laser marking technique. The influence of surface-texture pattern is experimentally analysed through dry machining of AISI H – 13 steel using a dimple-textured tungsten carbide cutting tool. The responses of cutting temperature and cutting force generated during the turning operation were analysed. It shows improvement in machinability in terms of wear rate reduction in dimple-textured tools. Optimizing the dimension of micro-dimples (diameter of 90µm, depth of 60µm) results in a 10% reduction in tool wear rate.

Visual secret sharing

Multiple secret sharing (SS) scheme is a cryptosystem which encrypts a secret into multiple shares so that any qualified combination of shares can reconstruct the secret, while any forbidden combination of shares reveals no information about the secret In the existing process, the system has more complex stages by introducing two stages for making secure VSS. The first stage is message based privacy. The Secret Share content was Reversed and content is encrypted with the help of triple DES algorithm. The second stage is image based privacy. The image based privacy is applied by embedding encrypted message and user key into multi-media object(image) using LSB based water marking Techniques and then the image is encrypted using AES algorithm. The encrypted image is segmented into shares by file merge and split algorithm. The user key and shares are sent to receiver through mail. The valid receiver can be able to reconstruct the shares into image. By using the user key encrypted message will be obtained. Then the message will be decrypted and reversed to get the secret message. Through this approach the new system improve our privacy and protection of secret sharing.

Preparation of laser markable polyamide compounds

Laser marking technique has been increasingly used in electrical and electronic industry in the recent decades for scanning and control purpose. Laser marking is superior to the traditional labelling techniques in terms of speed, flexibility and duration. The mechanism of laser marking is either blackening by carbonization or brightening by microbubbles, upon the effect of laser on the base. Normally laser marking additives were introduced in order to achieve the controllable marking effect. In this paper, a light-on-dark laser markable polyamide compound was studied with the leveraged properties of mechanical, physical and laser marking effect.

GROWTH, BIOMASS AND PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOUND OF SEAGRASS (CASE STUDY: MALANG REGENCY COASTAL)

Seagrass known as Lamun in Bahasa is one of the species that are can live in submerged marine habitats. Seagrasses have an important role in the ecosystems, including as primary producers, living habitats of benthic organisms, stabilize bed sediments and carbon storage in shallow-water coastal. Monospecies community of seagrass was found in Malang, however, only limited number studies of seagrass have been done in the area. This study aimed to determine the growth rate and biomass of the seagrass, as well as the phytochemical compounds. Experiments were conducted during August-November in 2014 and 2015. Measurement of in situ growth and biomass leaf were made using marking techniques in one week also the data of leaf seagrass collected were using a random sampling method. Extracted materials were tested by methanol to get the phytochemical compound. Data were analyzed at the Fisheries and Marine Exploration Laboratory, FPIK-UB. The results of the present study showed that two species of seagrass, Syringodium isoetifolium at Kondang Merak and Thalassia hemprichii at Bale Kambang. The growth rate of the seagrass leaves of the former species had positive values with 0.45±0.19 cm/day, hile the later species had 0.25±0.14 cm/day. Furthermore, the biomass value of the two types seagrass obtained that in the below-ground was higher than the above-ground. Phytochemical tests showed that both of type seagrass contained bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and saponins.

A Novel Marking Technique for Descemet Membrane Endothelial Graft Using an Ophthalmic Viscoelastic Device.

To describe the viscoelastic marking technique, a novel marking technique of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) grafts that enables usage of a single donor cornea for 2 surgeries-one that uses Descemet membrane and endothelium (DMEK) and the other using the stroma and Bowman layer. A retrospective case analysis was performed on 26 eyes of 26 consecutive patients who underwent DMEK using the "viscoelastic marking technique." In this novel technique, an ophthalmic viscoelastic device (Healon 5) is placed over the endothelial side. Descemet membrane is then folded in half over the ophthalmic viscoelastic device with the stromal side up, and the F mark is drawn on the stromal side of the folded Descemet membrane. Primary outcome was best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, and secondary outcomes included graft detachment and rebubble rate, graft failure, and endothelial cell density. Mean best spectacle-corrected visual acuity improved significantly from 1.0 ± 0.7 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR) before the surgery to 0.9 ± 0.7 LogMAR, 0.5 ± 0.6 LogMAR, 0.4 ± 0.2 LogMAR, and 0.4 ± 0.4 LogMAR at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, respectively. Seven eyes (27%) had partial graft detachment that required air injection. Primary failure occurred in 3 eyes (11%). There were no free-floating donors or recognized inverted donors. The endothelial cell density loss at 12 months after surgery was a cell-loss rate of 38.3%. The viscoelastic marking technique is a simple, approachable, and safe technique for marking DMEK grafts while preserving the anterior cornea for additional surgery.

Can post-capture photographic identification as a wildlife marking technique be undermined by observer error? A case study using King Cobras in northeast Thailand.

Identifying individuals with natural markings is increasing in popularity to non-invasively support population studies. However, applying natural variation among individuals requires careful evaluation among target species, snakes for example have little validation of such methods. Here we introduce a mark-free identification method for King Cobras (Ophiophagus hannah) from the Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve, in northeast Thailand using both subcaudal scale pholidosis (scale arrangement and number) and unique ventral body markings to distinguish individuals. This project aims to evaluate the impact of observer error on individual identification. Observers of varying expertise, will distinguish between King Cobra individuals using identifying photographs from a previous study. We will ask randomly assigned observers to distinguish individuals via: 1) subcaudal pholidosis, 2) ventral body markings, and 3) combination of both measures. Using Bayesian logistic regression, we will assess the probability observers correctly distinguish individuals. Based on exploratory observations, we hypothesise that there will be a high probability of correct identifications using subcaudal pholidosis and ventral body markings. We aim to stimulate other studies implementing identification techniques for scrutinous assessment of such methods, in order to avoid subsequent errors during long-term population studies.

Preliminary evaluation of biomechanical modeling of lung deflation during minimally invasive surgery using pneumothorax computed tomography scans

During minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for lung tumor resection, the localization of tumors or nodules relies on visual inspection of the deflated lung on intra-procedural video. For patients with tumors or nodules located deeper in the lung, this localization is not possible without prior invasive marking techniques. In efforts to avoid the increase of complication rates associated with these invasive techniques, this study investigates the use of biomechanical modeling of the lung deflation to predict the tumor localization during MIS, solely based on a pre-operative computed tomography (CT) scan. The feasibility of the proposed approach is evaluated using preliminary data from six patients who presented with pneumothorax after lung biopsy and underwent chest tube insertion. For each patient, a hyperelastic finite-element model of the lung was created from the CT scan showing the re-inflated lung. Boundary conditions were applied on the lung surface to simulate the gravity and insufflation of carbon dioxide in the chest. The impact of adding rigid constraints around the main airway was also evaluated. To evaluate the accuracy of the model in predicting lung tissues or potential tumor displacement, at least five corresponding landmarks were identified for each patient in the CT scans of their deflated and re-inflated lungs. Using these landmarks, target localization errors (TLE) were measured for different sets of pressure applied to lung surface and shear modulus. For five patients, the minimum achieved mean TLE was inferior to 9 mm using patient-specific parameters and inferior to 10 mm using the same parameterization. The predicted and ground truth deflated lung surfaces presented visually a relatively good agreement. The proposed approach thus appears as a promising tool for integration in future lung surgery image-guidance systems.

The Influence of Marking Methods on Mobility, Survivorship, and Field Recovery of Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Adults and Nymphs.

Halyomorpha halys (Stål), the brown marmorated stink bug, is an invasive and highly polyphagous insect that has caused serious economic injury to specialty and row crops in the United States and Europe. Here, we evaluated the effects of marking adult and nymphal H. halys with four different colors of fluorescent powder (Blaze Orange, Corona Pink, Horizon Blue, and Signal Green) on mobility and survivorship in laboratory bioassays. Adults and nymphs were marked using liquified fluorescent powder solutions and allowed to dry prior to bioassay. The presence of the marking solution had no significant effects on adult or nymphal mobility, adult survivorship, nymphal development, or adult flight capacity. We also evaluated the persistence of neon marker applied to the pronotum of H. halys adults and found this technique remained detectable for 2 wk under field conditions. Although both marking techniques are inexpensive, persist for ≥1 wk, and do not affect mortality, the neon marker method is more time-consuming, taking ~12 times longer to mark 50 adult H. halys compared with the liquified fluorescent powders. Thus, we would recommend using fluorescent powders for large-scale mark-release-recapture studies.

Important the marking of dental prosthesis in the recognition of people: description of two techniques

The recognition of people who lose their lives in natural disasters or accidents are complicated when the victims are total edentulous, therefore, the need to look for new forms of identification that are reliable and easy to be implemented. Taking into account this premise, a search of the information in the literature was carried out in order to demonstrate that the marking of dental prostheses is important in the recognition of people and that they can be implemented by the government of Peru. For which three marking techniques were chosen: QR code, Digital cards and Incorporation of metal band. A rigorous selection procedure of the information was carried out in the databases, Pubmed, Scielo and VHL (Virtual Health Library), with articles published between 2012-2019, in Spanish and English. 105 articles were found of which only 18 of them were chosen, which met the inclusion criteria. It is concluded that this technique is important in the identification of people, and it is suggested to consider its implementation in our country. At the end, two prosthesis marking techniques are presented on models taken from a simulator.

Validation of Acrylic Paint as a Marking Technique for Examining Mating Success of the Black Soldier Fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae).

The black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), is mass produced worldwide for use in waste management and the production of an alternative protein for use as feed. However, few publications have explored its adult behavior, particularly mating, as a means to optimize egg production in colony. In addition, there is limited knowledge of appropriate marking techniques to explore the mating behavior of this insect. The goal of this study was to validate water-based acrylic paint pens as a possible marking tool for behavioral studies with adult black soldier flies. Adult black soldier flies (<24-h old) were marked with green, gold, red, or white acrylic paint. Adult longevity, as well as the number of matings (mating success) were recorded for each treatment. Regardless of marking, 1) adult females lived ~7 d, whereas males lived 9 d, 2) mating frequency peaked 2 d after initiation of the experiment, 3) approximately 30% of adults across treatments were recorded mating, and 4) egg production and hatch rate were not affected. This marking technique did not affect the parameters measured, suggesting that it is suitable for experiments requiring a reliable marking technique.

Presurgical Ultrasound Marking of a Nonpalpable Abdominal Wall Endometriotic Nodule

Abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE) nodules are treated by complete surgical resection with recurrence rates between 4.3% and 9.1% [1–3]. Some of them are nonpalpable because of their size or a patient's high body mass index; therefore, presurgical marking technique is important [4,5].

Comparison of the Success Rate of Two Different Marking Techniques (F-Mark and Asymmetric Triangular Mark) to Orient the Donor Graft During Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty.

We evaluated the effects of various graft-marking techniques on surgical results in patients undergoing Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty. In this single-center retrospective study, 65 eyes from 55 patients that had received various types of marking or no marking and that had been used for Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty endothelial graft preparation were included. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the marking technique used: group I (F-marked graft; 17 eyes), group II (asymmetric triangle-marked graft; 12 eyes), and group III (unmarked graft; 36 eyes). The main outcome measurements were best-corrected visual acuity, endothelial cell density, central corneal thickness, postoperative complications, rebubbling, and secondary keratoplasty rates. In groups I, II, and III, rates of patients with 6-month best-corrected visual acuity ≥ 20/32 were 35.7%, 77.8%, and 71.9%, respectively (P = .04). The mean 6-month endothelial cell density decrease for each group was 43.3%, 48.8%, and 46.4%, respectively (P = .589), whereas the mean 6-month central corneal thickness decrease for each group was 7.7%, 15.8%, and 34.0%, respectively (P = .001). Rates of primary graft failure for groups I, II, and III were 35.3%, 8.3%, and 13.9%, respectively. Rebubbling was performed in 21.5% of eyes, and secondary keratoplasty was required in 29.2% of eyes. Although graft-marking techniques for Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty greatly facilitate graft positioning during surgery, both the potential toxic effects of alcohol on the endothelium when marking with gentian violet dye and the risk of graft detachment with asymmetric marking must be considered.