Minor Diameter Research Articles

Assessment of right ventricular functions in acromegaly: comparison of active disease with remission.

Aim Cardiac involvement in acromegaly is defined as acromegalic cardiomyopathy, an insidious and chronic disease. Previous research on acromegalic cardiomyopathy was largely focused on morphological and functional assessment of the left heart. Since the literature data regarding right heart function in acromegalic patients are limited, we aimed to evaluate the structure and function of the right heart in such patients.Material and Methods We included 43 adult participants as the acromegaly group and 42 individuals as the control group. All patients underwent echocardiographic evaluation. The results were compared between acromegaly and control groups and between active and controlled acromegaly groups.Results The acromegaly group had increased interventricular septum thickness, right ventricular (RV) free wall thickness, right atrium (RA) minor diameter, RV basal and longitudinal diameters, RV end-diastolic and end-systolic areas, E / E' ratio, isovolumetric relaxation time, and RV ejection time. The E / A ratio and E' velocity were reduced. GH and IGF-1 were positively correlated with RV longitudinal diameter, indexed RA minor-axis dimension, and indexed RV end-diastolic area. Patients with active acromegaly had increased RV index of myocardial performance (RVIMP) and isovolumetric contraction time and shortened RV ejection time compared to patients in remission. A RVIMP value of 0.435 predicted active acromegaly with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.83 and 0.64, respectively (p=0.002).Conclusions Increases in the size and diameters of the right heart chambers along with RV free wall thickness may be attributed to acromegalic cardiomyopathy. RVIMP, isovolumetric contraction time, and ejection time are parameters that can be used in the evaluation of active acromegaly disease.

전기자동차 스플라인 품질과 축 불균형에 의한 충격성 소음 개선에 대한 연구

Impact noise generated in electric vehicles in the 200 Hz ~ 500 Hz is perceived as rumble noise of an internal combustion engine. It is one of the biggest noise problems during electric vehicle development. This noise is caused by a shock phenomenon generated in each revolution due to interference between the minor diameter of the motor shaft spline and the reducer input shaft spline due to misalignment. Through spline measurement comparisons and spline LDP analysis results, the minor diameter of the motor shaft and its misalignment have proved to be important factors. To eliminate spline impact noise and maintain the spline

Shaping outcome of ProTaper NEXT for root canal preparation in mandibular incisors: a micro-CT study

BackgroundRelatively high incidence of single canals with oval or round shape were observed in human mandibular incisors. In order to investigate the influence of the root canal morphology on root canal preparation, the shaping outcome of ProTaper NEXT in oval and round canals of mandibular incisors were evaluated by using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analysis.MethodsThis experiment was approved by the School Medical Ethics Committee. The sample size calculation was conducted using G*Power software. Intact mandibular incisors with a single canal were selected. Oval canals (2 < aspect ratio (AR) ≤ 4) and round canals (AR ≤ 2) were pair-matched according to canal length, and assigned to two experimental groups (13 per group). ProTaper NEXT was used for root canal preparation for both groups. Untouched canal wall (UCW), root canal morphological parameters and three-dimensional (3D) dentin thickness were evaluated in the entire root canal and each canal third after micro-CT scanning. Statistical analysis: Data were collected and analyzed with Mann–Whitney test and Friedman test using SPSS statistics software 25 (P < 0.05). Additionally, correlations of UCW area with canal morphological parameters were also investigated.ResultsAfter root canal preparation, no significant difference was observed in all analyzed parameters in the apical third between oval and round canal groups (P > 0.05). In the coronal two thirds of the canal, the post-operative structure model index (SMI), form factor and roundness were significantly increased, while the AR was significantly decreased in both groups (P < 0.05). In addition, in the coronal two thirds, significantly more UCW and higher UCWΔ% was observed in oval canal group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, UCW correlated very strongly to canal major diameter (0.924) and initial volume (0.938), and strongly to canal form factor (− 0.724), minor diameter (0.799) and canal area (0.882). Proximal dentin wall was associated with significantly thinner pre-operative dentin thickness and higher amount of dentin removal after root canal preparation in both oval and round canal groups.Conclusions(1) Both types of canals were more conical after root canal preparation, but oval root canals tend to leave more UCW area than round canals in the coronal two thirds of mandibular incisors, which contributes to the challenge for endodontic infection control. (2) Root canal preparation usually results in excessive dentin removal in the proximal dentin wall comparing with buccal and lingual walls in both types of canals of mandibular incisors.

Study of cross-sectional morphology of root canals in Tibetan mandibular incisors by micro-computed tomography

Objective: To study the cross-sectional morphology of root canal system of Tibetan mandibular incisors by micro-CT. Methods: From October 2019 to October 2020, one hundred and thirty-six mandibular incisors were collected from Tibetan patients [(51.9±16.4) years old, range from 25 to 80 years] who underwent teeth extraction due to severe periodontitis at the Department of Stomatology, Tibetan Hospital of Traditional Tibetan Medicine, including 84 mandibular central incisors and 52 mandibular lateral incisors. These teeth were scanned at 23 μm voxel size resolution. Root lengths from cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) to apex of mandibular incisors were measured. According to the length, the root was divided as cervical 1/3, middle 1/3 and apical 1/3, and the numbers of root canals were recorded simultaneously. The major diameter, minor diameter, and dimension were measured per millimeter in cross section for mandibular incisor with single root canal, and the ratio of major diameter to minor diameter (Dmax/Dmin) as well as roundness were calculated for morphological analysis. The diversions and conversions from CEJ to apex in cross section were recorded for mandibular incisor with multiple root canals. Results: For mandibular central incisors with single root canal, the Dmax/Dmin was highest in middle 1/3 of the root [1.99 (1.31, 2.79)], which was significantly higher than cervical 1/3 and apical 1/3 (P=0.010, P=0.003). The roundness was least in middle 1/3 [0.47 (0.31, 0.66)], which was significantly lower than cervical 1/3 and apical 1/3 (P=0.010, P=0.001). For mandibular central incisor with multiple root canals, the highest incidence of multiple root canals was 40.5% (34/84), and mainly detected in middle 1/3 of the root [32.1% (27/84)]. For mandibular lateral incisor with single root canal, the roundness was greatest in apical 1/3 of the root [0.61 (0.49, 0.71)], which was significantly higher than cervical 1/3 (P=0.001) and middle 1/3 (P=0.001). The highest incidence of multiple root canals was 34.6% (18/52), all of which were detected in apical 1/3. Conclusions: In Tibetan mandibular central incisors, the cross-sectional morphology of root canals was long and narrow in middle 1/3, and multiple root canals were more likely to be found here. In Tibetan mandibular lateral incisors, the cross-sectional anatomy of root canal was relatively close to circle in apical 1/3, but the shape was still so irregular that one root canal may divide into two here.

Evaluation of the band-shaped isthmuses in the mesiobuccal root canal system using micro-computed tomography.

This micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) study analyzed band-shaped isthmuses having their floor at the apical third of the mesiobuccal roots of maxillary molars in terms of 2D and 3D morphological parameters. A total of 199 maxillary first molars were scanned with micro-CT. Twenty-seven specimens, confirmed to have a band-shaped isthmus, were further examined in terms of the isthmus length, volume, structure model index (SMI), and surface area. The distance of apical foramina of mesial canals from the isthmus floor and major-minor diameters, roundness, perimeter, and area of the isthmus roof and floor were compared. Statistical analyses were performed with descriptive statistics and t-test with a 5% significance threshold. The band-shaped isthmus frequency was 13.5% and its length reached up to 5.5mm. The distances of the apical foramina of mesiobuccal canals (MB1 and MB2) from the isthmus floor were similar (p > .05). Isthmus roof and floor showed significant differences in terms of their major diameter and area (p < .05), whereas their minor diameter, roundness, and perimeter values were similar (p > .05). The band-shaped isthmuses are not rare and can reach through the half of the root length with oval cross-sections in the floor and roof anatomy. The distance between the isthmus floor and apical foramina did not differ between MB1 and MB2. The band-shaped isthmus morphology contributes to the complexity of the apical anatomy of maxillary first molar teeth with various lengths and diameters.

A parameterised model of maize stem cross-sectional morphology

Stalk lodging, or failure of the stalk structure, is a serious problem in the production of maize (corn). Addressing this problem requires an understanding of the parameters that influence lodging resistance. Computational modelling is a powerful tool for this purpose, but current modelling methods have limited throughput and do not provide the ability to modify individual geometric features. A parameterised model of the maize stalk has the potential to overcome these limitations. The purposes of this study were to (a) develop a parameterised model of the maize stalk cross-section that could accurately simulate the physical response of multiple loading cases, and (b) use this model to rigorously investigate the relationships between cross-sectional morphology and predictive model accuracy. Principal component analysis was utilised to reveal underlying geometric patterns which were used as parameters in a cross-sectional model. A series of approximated cross-sections was created that represented various levels of geometric fidelity. The true and approximated cross-sections were modelled in axial tension/compression, bending, transverse compression, and torsion. For each loading case, the predictive accuracy of each approximated model was calculated. A sensitivity study was also performed to quantify the influence of individual parameters. The simplest model, an elliptical cross-section consisting of just three parameters: major diameter, minor diameter, and rind thickness, accurately predicted the structural stiffness of all four loading cases. The modelling approach used in this study model can be used to parameterise the maize cross-section to any desired level of geometric fidelity, and could be applied to other plant species. • The maize stalk geometry was decomposed to create a parameterised model. • The parameterised model allows control over geometric shape and fidelity. • The maize stalk was shown to be well-approximated by an ellipse. • This method can be used to control the shape of the maize stalk in future models.

Bony nasolacrimal duct size and outcomes of nasolacrimal silicone intubation for incomplete primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

PurposeTo investigate the association between the bony nasolacrimal duct (NLD) size and outcomes of nasolacrimal silicone intubation for incomplete primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO).MethodsPatients who underwent silicone intubation for incomplete PANDO and had undergone facial computed tomography (CT) were included. Surgical success was judged by both epiphora improvement and normalized tear meniscus height (TMH; < 300 μm) on anterior segment optical coherence tomography at 3 months after tube removal. The area, major axis diameter, and minor axis diameter of the elliptic bony NLD sections were measured in 1.0 mm-thick axial CT images. These bony NLD sizes were analyzed for associations with surgical success and TMH normalization.ResultsEighty-one eyes of 48 patients were investigated. The smallest area and the smallest minor axis diameter were significantly larger in the success group (49 eyes), compared with those in the failure group (median smallest minor axis diameter: 4.7 mm vs. 3.8 mm, P = 0.008, Mann–Whitney U test). There was also a tendency for the TMH normalization rate to significantly increase as the smallest area and the smallest minor axis diameter increased (P = 0.028 and 0.037, respectively, Fisher’s 2 × 4 tests). Under multivariable logistic regression analysis using generalized estimating equation, a larger smallest minor axis diameter was associated with success of the nasolacrimal silicone intubation (odds ratio: 2.481, 95% confidence interval: 1.143–5.384).ConclusionSurgical success of the nasolacrimal silicone intubation in incomplete PANDO is associated with a larger smallest minor axis diameter of the bony NLD. This finding will help understand the pathophysiology of surgical failure after nasolacrimal silicone intubation.

Detection of left ventricular dysfunction on axial non-contrast chest CT

PurposeTo evaluate the performance of axial non-contrast CT images in detecting systolic and diastolic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. MethodThis single-center retrospective study assessed 178 participants who underwent transthoracic ultrasonography and had non-contrast chest CT data within three months of ultrasonography. The patients were divided into LV systolic dysfunction (<52% ejection fraction in men and <54% in women), LV diastolic dysfunction (at least three of the following four criteria were met: average E/e' ratio >14; septal e' <7 cm/s or lateral e' <10 cm/s; peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity >2.8 m/s; or left atrial maximum volume index >34 ml/m2), and normal LV function groups. CT parameters were evaluated as predictive factors for LV dysfunction. These parameters were: I, maximum minor axis diameter of the LV lumen; II, I plus myocardial wall thickness; III, maximum left atrium anteroposterior diameter; IV, maximum transverse cardiac diameter; V, myocardial wall thickness; I-IV divided by maximum medial thoracic diameter; and I-IV divided by anteroposterior thoracic diameter. All parameters were measured on axial images: diameters were maximized. ResultsLV systolic dysfunction was indicated when parameter IV exceeded 131.2 mm with sensitivity and specificity of 71.8% and 77.0%, respectively. Moreover, LV diastolic dysfunction was indicated when parameter III divided by anteroposterior thoracic diameter exceeded 0.165 with sensitivity and specificity of 77.8% and 83.0%, respectively. ConclusionsAxial non-contrast chest CT is useful for detecting LV dysfunction. Even CT scans for other purposes provide LV function information that may lead to appropriate examination.

Reliability Analysis of Critical Systems in A Fuel Booster Pump Using Advanced Simulation Techniques.

The fuel booster pump is one of the most vulnerable physical assets in an operating engine due to the harsh environmental and operational conditions. However, because of its high structural complexity and extreme operational conditions, the reliability design of the fuel booster pump becomes especially difficult, particularly by means of experiments. Thus, to overcome such a problem, advanced simulation techniques have become adequate solutions for the reliability assessment and analysis of a fuel booster pump at the design stage. In this paper, by considering the effects of the uncertainties of multiple design parameters, fatigue life distributions of the four key components (which are the sealing bolt, spline shaft, graphite ring, and inducer, respectively) in a fuel booster pump were first predicted by PoF-based reliability simulations. Then, through further sensitivity analysis on each key component, the design parameters most sensitive to the component mean fatigue life were detected from a total of 25 candidate parameters. These parameters include the “nominal diameter” and “preload” for the sealing bolt, “major and minor diameters of the small spline” for the spline shaft, “inside diameter” for the graphite ring, and “fuel pressure on the blade front surface” for the inducer, respectively. These sensitivity results were found to be in good agreement with the results from the qualitative cause analysis on each key component.

Influence of the Number of Pecking Motions at Working Length on the Shaping Ability of Single-file Systems in Long Oval-shaped Curved Canals

IntroductionThe present study compared the effect of the number of pecking motions at the working length (WL) on the shaping ability of single-file systems in long oval-shaped curved root canals. MethodsSingle-rooted mandibular premolars with long oval-shaped curved canals (25°–35°) were prescanned using micro–computed tomographic imaging, anatomically paired, and randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 15): XP-endo Shaper (XPS; FKG Dentaire, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland), Reciproc Blue (RB; VDW, Munich, Germany), and WaveOne Gold (WOG; Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland). After preparation to the WL, each specimen underwent 1, 2, 4, 10, or 20 pecking motions to the WL and was rescanned. Morphologic parameters were measured and analyzed using a 2-factor repeated measures analysis of variance and the Scheirer-Ray-Hare test. ResultsThe minor apical diameter and percentage increase in canal volume increased with the number of pecking motions, whereas the percentage of unprepared canal surface area decreased (P < .05). The mean minor diameters (in mm) at D0 varied between 0.29 and 0.35 after 4 pecking motions with the RB and WOG systems and between 0.35 and 0.36 after 10 pecking motions with the XPS system. No significant differences in canal transportation or centering ratio were observed among the groups at the levels of canal curvature and canal thirds (P > .05). ConclusionsIncreasing the number of pecking motions improves the cutting efficacy of single-file systems without adversely altering the anatomic characteristics of oval-shaped curved canals. No more than 4 pecking motions for the RB and WOG systems and 10 pecking motions for the XPS system appear to be acceptable for the shaping of these difficult to clean root canals.

High throughput phenotyping of cross-sectional morphology to assess stalk lodging resistance

BackgroundStalk lodging (mechanical failure of plant stems during windstorms) leads to global yield losses in cereal crops estimated to range from 5% to 25% annually. The cross-sectional morphology of plant stalks is a key determinant of stalk lodging resistance. However, previously developed techniques for quantifying cross-sectional morphology of plant stalks are relatively low-throughput, expensive and often require specialized equipment and expertise. There is need for a simple and cost-effective technique to quantify plant traits related to stalk lodging resistance in a high-throughput manner.ResultsA new phenotyping methodology was developed and applied to a range of plant samples including, maize (Zea mays), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), wheat (Triticum aestivum), poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), and Arabidopsis (Arabis thaliana). The major diameter, minor diameter, rind thickness and number of vascular bundles were quantified for each of these plant types. Linear correlation analyses demonstrated strong agreement between the newly developed method and more time-consuming manual techniques (R2 > 0.9). In addition, the new method was used to generate several specimen-specific finite element models of plant stalks. All the models compiled without issue and were successfully imported into finite element software for analysis. All the models demonstrated reasonable and stable solutions when subjected to realistic applied loads.ConclusionsA rapid, low-cost, and user-friendly phenotyping methodology was developed to quantify two-dimensional plant cross-sections. The methodology offers reduced sample preparation time and cost as compared to previously developed techniques. The new methodology employs a stereoscope and a semi-automated image processing algorithm. The algorithm can be used to produce specimen-specific, dimensionally accurate computational models (including finite element models) of plant stalks.

CBCT-based assessment of root canal treatment using micro-CT reference images.

PurposeThis study compared the root canal anatomy between cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) images before and after biomechanical preparation and root canal filling.Materials and MethodsIsthmus-containing mesial roots of mandibular molars (n=14) were scanned by micro-CT and 3 CBCT devices: 3D Accuitomo 170 (ACC), NewTom 5G (N5G) and NewTom VGi evo (NEVO). Two calibrated observers evaluated the images for 2-dimensional quantitative parameters, the presence of debris or root perforation, and filling quality in the root canal and isthmus. The kappa coefficient, analysis of variance, and the Tukey test were used for statistical analyses (α=5%).ResultsSubstantial intra-observer agreement (κ=0.63) was found between micro-CT and ACC, N5G, and NEVO. Debris detection was difficult using ACC (42.9%), N5G (40.0%), and NEVO (40%), with no agreement between micro-CT and ACC, N5G, and NEVO (0.05<κ<0.12). After biomechanical preparation, 2.4%-4.8% of CBCT images showed root perforation that was absent on micro-CT. The 2D parameters showed satisfactory reproducibility between micro-CT and ACC, N5G, and NEVO (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.60-0.73). Partially filled isthmuses were observed in 2.9% of the ACC images, 8.8% of the N5G and NEVO images, and 26.5% of the micro-CT images, with no agreement between micro-CT and ACC, and poor agreement between micro-CT and N5G and NEVO. Excellent agreement was found for area, perimeter, and the major and minor diameters, while the roundness measures were satisfactory.ConclusionCBCT images aided in isthmus detection and classification, but did not allow their classification after biomechanical preparation and root canal filling.

Some Physical Properties of Aflatoxin-Inoculated Cottonseed

HighlightsThe combination of seed dimensions, moisture content, and color were used to indicate microbial spoilage.Increased water availability in cottonseed stored over time resulted in higher aflatoxin concentrations.Cottonseed with high microbial levels and aflatoxin could be sorted and removed by size and true density.Higher aflatoxin levels were correlated to lower true density.Abstract. Aspergillus flavus is a common field and stored grain fungus that infects cottonseed and other protein-rich grains and oilseeds. This fungus produces aflatoxin, a toxic and carcinogenic mycotoxin, which is initially found in the field and then proliferates during storage as A. flavus metabolizes. When consumed, cottonseed contaminated with aflatoxin has an associated health risk for dairy and beef cattle and poses a cancer threat to humans. There is a need to separate and clean batches of cottonseed before processing. The objective of this study was to determine the key physical properties of contaminated and non-contaminated (healthy) cottonseed. Healthy fuzzy cottonseed (350 g) and cottonseed contaminated with 150 ppb of aflatoxin (350 g), with an initial moisture content of 8.3% dry basis, were stored at 25°C and 85% relative humidity for 21 days. The properties of the healthy and contaminated fuzzy cottonseed after the 21-day storage period that were characterized included sphericity, surface area, individual seed mass, projected area, color, and volume. The presence of aflatoxin and fungus showed significant effects on the density (&amp;gt;1.3 g cm-3), dimensions (&amp;gt;9.8, 5.6, and 4.9 mm for major, intermediate, and minor diameters, respectively), surface area (&amp;gt;368.4 mm2), projected area (&amp;gt;56.7 mm2), and volume (&amp;gt;0.08 cm3) of fuzzy cottonseed. The results of this study provide measurements of physical properties that relate to separating cottonseed contaminated with aflatoxin and fungus during storage and before processing. Keywords: Aflatoxin, Aspergillus flavus, Fuzzy cottonseed, Physical properties, Storage, Surface area, True density.

COMPARISON OF BIOSPHYSICAL PERFORMANCE OF CUCUMBER CROP UNDER DRIP AND SURFACE IRRIGATION IN HUMID CLIMATE

In Nigeria, most farmers depend on rain fed crops while most of the vegetable crops that are needed all year round are raised through irrigation systems. Such crops as onions, pepper, carrots, cabbage, etc are said to be suitably raised by irrigation only in northern part of Nigeria having semi humid climate, hence don’t perform well in the middle belt region with humid climates like Nasarawa state. An irrigational experiment was carried out to compare the biosphysical performance of a vegetable crop (cucumber-cucumissativas) using surface and drip irrigation, under Nasarawa South humid climate. Cucumber was planted in a rain fed plot and studied during raining season which served as control. Agronomic parametres of leaves (major and minor diameters), height and fruits produced were recorded and compared with the results from surface and drip irrigated plot during dry season. The drip irrigated crops produced 217 leaves followed by rain fed plot with 210 leaves and surface irrigated with 182 leaves. Rain fed plot had a mean height of 81cm followed by drip irrigated with 67.4cm and surfaced irrigated with 54.89cm. Fruit yield was highest in rain fed plot with 240 fruits at end of harvest, followed by drip irrigated plot with 192 fruits and surfaced irrigated plot with 144 fruits. From these results, it is recommended that some vegetable crops can perform and produce better through irrigation farming under humid climates of Nasarawa state

Uticaj sadržaja vlage na fizičko-mehanička svojstva sorti indijskog oraha koji je relevantan za njihovu preradu

The physioco-mechanical properties of Red and Yellow apple cashew nuts which are essential for the design and fabrications of its processing and storage facilities were studied. The major, minor and intermediate diameter of the cashew nut varied from 21.81-30.43mm, 14.01-17.18mm, 4.72-10.55mm and 19.83-27.13mm, 16.09-20.27mm, 6.38-13.97mm for Red and Yellow apple respectively. The average values of bulk weight, surface area and volume of the samples were 20.58189.5g, 826.07-342.33g, 137.67-57.05 (mm3) and 229.8-211.8g, 699.97-305.40mm2, 173.13-70.63mm3. The average values of sphericity, porosity and aspect ratio of the samples were 56.23-50.47%, 73.39-28.83%, 56.19 - 64.05% and 70.08-62.09%, 66.82-24.71%,74.60-81.00%. It was observed that all the physical properties studied increased with an increase in moisture apart from bulk density and aspect ratio that decreased across the moisture content. The mechanical properties of Red and Yellow apple cashew nut were found to be moisture content and loading positions dependent. The relationship that existed between moisture content and the mechanical properties was statically significant at (p&lt; 0.05) level. It is also economical to load both Red and Yellow apple cashew nut at major axis loading position at 4.26% (wb) moisture content to reduce energy demand required to crack or compress the samples.

Colour discernment of tomatoes using machine vision system with OpenCV Python and Raspberry Pi

Colour is the first quality attribute of food that consumers examine and it is an important component of food quality that influences market acceptance. Classification of fruits by visual inspection is an arduous, time-consuming process and prone to human error. The machine vision system is a distributed control system that integrates several machine vision modules with a control module and a user interface unit. This research proposes a method for recognising and sorting tomato fruits into a preferred location continuously. Before designing colour sorter the physical properties of fruits were studied. The major and minor diameter of the tomatoes ranges from 45-60mm and 35-50mm, respectively. The mean geometric diameter, sphericity and surface area were 48.64mm,0.94 and 6477.14mm2 respectively. The average length, width, thickness, bulk density and true density were 54.63mm, 48.44mm, 51.42mm, 0.6874g/cm3 , 0.9852g/cm3 , respectively. The colour sorter was researched, designed and created with Raspberry Pi, USB camera, servo motor and different digital as well as mechanical components. The model used for Raspberry Pi is Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, USB camera with a video resolution of 640 x 480, 4.2-6V servo motor. Image evaluation is completed on each captured picture and Raspberry Pi will do the selection of which fruit can be sorted. Specific programming code in Python is written for this system. The developed colour sorter captures images and diverts fruits into the respective channel at the rate of 1800 fruits/h (i.e.one fruit per 2 seconds).

Melanocytes as the source of the increased melanisation in pigmented epithelial tumours: a holistic approach.

We aimed to elucidate the causes of the increased melanisation in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and seborrheic keratosis (SK), and the role of melanocytes in this process. This study was a retrospective-cohort study conducted in the pathology department of a university hospital between January 2019 and October 2020. Forty-nine SK and 30 pigmented BCC were included in our study. SRY-box transcription factor 10 (SOX10), CD68, and Masson-Fontana staining was used for analysis in all samples. A representative section of each specimen was photographed under ×400 magnification to facilitate the assessments of the morphology of the melanocytes and their following morphometric parameters: density, nuclear diameter, and distribution. The density of pigmented keratinocytes in the lesional epidermis was scored. The nuclear diameters of melanocytes located in the nonlesional epidermis, the density of the melanophages, and the presence or absence of ulceration and solar elastosis were also recorded. The morphometric findings confirmed a statistically significant increase in melanocyte density in the BCC group compared with that in the SK group (p < 0.001). Moreover, the nuclear minor diameters in the melanocytes of the BCC sections were significantly higher than those in the SK specimens (p < 0.001). The epidermal melanocytes were distributed diffusely in almost all BCC specimens (96.7%), whereas they were mainly limited to the basal layer in the majority of the SK sections (59.2%). The number of epidermal melanised keratinocytes with a score of 3 was significantly higher in the SK group (n = 31; 63.2%) than in the BCC group (n = 6; 20%) (p = 0.001), and they were the main cells representing the pigmented appearance of the tumours. No significant difference was found between both tumour groups in terms of their melanophage density scores (p = 0.206). This study is the first step towards an objective quantification of the melanocytes in pigmented epithelial tumours and may provide a morphological background for future studies on these skin lesions.

Dust Properties of Two New Cavity Structures Nearby Asymptotic Giant Branch Stars: The IRAS Survey

We studied the dust properties of two cavity structures (namely FIC21+54 and FIC16-56) nearby Asymptotic Giant Branch stars using Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) maps. Dust color temperature, Planck function, dust mass, and visual extinction with their distribution within the region of interest were examined. The temperature of dust was found to lie in the range of 22.24 ± 0.81 K to 23.27 ± 0.21 K, and 25.12 ± 0.43 K to 26.17 ± 0.62 K, and the mass of dust was obtained within the range of 4.21 × 1026 kg to 3.6 × 1027 kg, and 2.1 × 1027 kg to 3.31 × 1028 kg, for FIC21+54 and FIC16-56, respectively. Some unusual behaviors on the distribution of dust temperature indicated the effect of nearby sources within the studied structures. Moreover, we observed the trend of dust particles along the major and minor diameters, and plots represented that the particles were oscillating with a sinusoidal pattern in both cavities. The negative slope between 25 µm and 60 µm in far-infrared spectral distribution was encountered for both structures, which portrayed less number density of particles in 60 µm band; interaction between AGB wind and the ambient interstellar medium could be the possible reason behind this. These findings support the prior results for two new cavity structures nearby AGB stars within the galactic plane -10° &lt; b &lt; +10°.

Physicochemical Characterization of Selected Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Cultivars

The physical and chemical characteristics of five pomegranate cultivars (Mridula, Ganesh, White muscut, G-137 and Jalor seedless) were examined in the present investigation. Physical properties of different cultivars were determined such as major diameter (85.05 to 91.62 mm), intermediate diameter (76.85 to 87.83 mm), minor diameter (79.86 to 90.01 mm), sphericity (0.903 to 0.937), fruit weight (294.4 to 404.14 g), fruit volume (289 to 387 mL), number of arils per fruit, weight of 100 arils were evaluated and analysed for the varietal difference. In addition, properties such as peel moisture content (68.72 to 74.15% w.b.), aril moisture content (78.25 to 81.82% w.b.), peel ash content (0.81 to 1.51%), aril ash content (0.29 to 0.53%), juice pH (3.47 to 3.96), total soluble solids (11.60 to 13.00 °Brix), titratable acidity (0.42 to 0.58%), total phenolic content, juice yield per fruit (104 to 186 mL) juice turbidity (142.20 to 364.50 NTU) and textural properties, like fruit compressive strength/firmness of arils (23.09 to 34.54 N), cutting strength of peel (84.33 to 111.35 N) and aril skin puncture force (0.28 to 0.38 N) were also investigated. Overall results suggested that the measured physico-chemical properties were quite different by the cultivar differences.

Reliability of a New Semi-automatic Image Analysis Method for Evaluating the Doppler Signal and Intratendinous Vascular Resistance in Patellar Tendinopathy.

The aim of this study was to determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of a new semi-automatic image analysis method for quantification of the shape of the Doppler signal and the intratendinous vascular resistance in patellar tendinopathy. Thirty athletes (27.4 y, standard deviation=8.57 y) with patellar intratendinous vascularity were included in a cross-sectional study (42 tendons analyzed). The intratendinous blood flow was assessed with power Doppler and ImageJ (Version 1.50b, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA) quantification software over a manually selected region of interest. Two blinded observers performed the analysis of the Doppler signal (vascular resistance) and shape descriptors (number of signals, pixel intensity, area, perimeter, major diameter, minor diameter, circularity and solidity). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated, and the Bland-Altman mean of differences (MoD) and 95% limits of agreement (LoA) were determined. Also, small real differences (SRDs) and the standard error of measurement (SEM) were calculated. Intra-rater reliability was at a maximum for area (ICC=0.999, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.998-0.999) and at a minimum for solidity (ICC=0.782, 95% CI: 0.682-0.853). The MoD and 95% LoA were very low, and the relative SRD and SEM were below 5.3% and 2%, respectively. The inter-rater reliability was the maximum for area (ICC=0.993, 95% CI=0.989-0.996) and the minimum for circularity (ICC=0.73; 95% CI=0.611-0.817). The MoD and 95% LoA were low, with the SRD and SEM below 6% and 2.2%. The proposed quantitative method for studying the intratendinous Doppler signal in the patellar tendon is reliable and reproducible.