Time-lapse Photography Research Articles

The Effect of Feed Frequency on Growth, Survival and Behaviour of Juvenile Spiny Lobster (Panulirus ornatus).

Simple SummarySensory stimuli including olfactory, visual, acoustic and tactile input, are important aspects of feed exposure and optimisation of feeding schedules. These aspects were investigated in our study, with a focus on the effect of feed frequency (one, two, four, eight, sixteen and thirty-two feed supplies per day) on survival, growth and behaviour of juvenile P. ornatus. Increasing daily feed frequency from one to sixteen improved feed intake and growth. Spiny lobsters have a range of complex chemical communication pathways that contribute to feeding behaviour. Feed intake is modulated by feed availability and feed characteristics, such as attractiveness and palatability, with behavioural factors, such as social competition and circadian rhythm, providing an extra layer of complexity. In this study, we investigated the effect of feed frequency on survival and growth of early-stage (instar 2–6) juvenile Palunirus ornatus. In addition, we investigated the interactive effect of feed frequency and circadian rhythm on lobster feed response. Lobsters were fed a set ration at a frequency of either one, two, four, eight, sixteen or thirty-two times per day over 49 days. The effect of feed frequency on growth and survival was determined. Circadian feeding activity under these feeding treatments was assessed by time-lapse photography. Increased feed frequency from one to sixteen feeds daily improved growth by increasing apparent feed intake (AFI) and feed attraction, as confirmed by the increased presence of lobsters in the feeding area. The rapid leaching of feed attractant, particularly free amino acid, suggests a beneficial effect of multiple feeding frequencies on feed intake and growth. However, more than sixteen feeds per day resulted in decreased feed intake and a subsequent reduction in growth. The decrease in feed intake is thought to be associated with saturation of the culture environment with attractants, resulting in a reduced behavioural response to feed supplies. This may indicate the need for depletion of attractants to retrigger a feeding response. As lobsters were grown communally, faster growth at sixteen rations per day was also coupled with increased cannibalism, likely driven by increased vulnerability with the occurrence of more frequent ecdysis events. Whereas circadian rhythm indicated more activity at night, an interaction between daytime activity and feed frequency was not observed.

Best practices to account for capture probability and viewable area in camera‐based abundance estimation

AbstractA suite of recently developed statistical methods to estimate the abundance and density of unmarked animals from camera traps require accurate estimates of the area sampled by each camera. Although viewshed area is fundamental to achieving accurate abundance estimates, there are no established guidelines for collecting this information in the field. Furthermore, while the complexities of the detection process from motion sensor photography are generally acknowledged, viewable area (the common factor between motion sensor and time lapse photography) on its own has been underemphasized. We establish a common set of terminology to identify the component parts of viewshed area, contrast the photographic capture process and area measurements for time lapse and motion sensor photography, and review methods for estimating viewable area in the field. We use a case study to demonstrate the importance of accurate estimates of viewable area on abundance estimates. Time lapse photography combined with accurate measurements of viewable area allow researchers to assume that capture probability equals 1. Motion sensor photography requires measuring distances to each animal and fitting a distance sampling curve to account for capture probability of <1.

Effect of bromelain on mast cell numbers and degranulation in diabetic rat wound healing

Many studies have revealed the prominent roles of mast cells in wound healing, including inflammatory reactions, angiogenesis and extracellular matrix reabsorption. In the present study, we aimed to assess the probable therapeutic features of bromelain on wound contraction and mast cell degranulation in wound healing in experimental diabetic animals. Male rats were grouped as control, vehicle and experiment. Skin wounds were generated in all groups. Treatments were applied with distilled water and with bromelain (BR) intraperitoneally in the vehicle and experimental groups, respectively. Following skin wound generation, animals were euthanised on days 3, 5, 7 and 15. We gathered 16,800 microscopic images to count the mast cells and degranulation level (Image J software). The wound contraction index was assessed both microscopically (Image J software) and macroscopically (time-lapse photography). The meshwork evaluation method was used to assess wound healing. Time-lapse photography revealed that the BR significantly (p<0.05) accelerated wound contraction and healing. BR significantly (p<0.05) increased the total number of mast cells in all experimental groups on days 5 and 7. The count of grade III (degranulated) mast cells was reduced significantly (p<0.05) on days 5 and 7 in experimental groups compared to control and vehicle groups. In this study, the rate of wound healing was accelerated considerably following BR administration. In addition, this agent decreased the count of degranulated mast cells, leading to wound contraction and healing.

Effect of sample thickness on the self-sealing and hydration cracking of compacted bentonite

In the hydration process of compacted Gaomiaozi (GMZ) bentonite with technological voids, the cracking phenomenon happens simultaneously with self-sealing. In order to investigate the effect of sample thickness, a series of hydration tests were carried out in this paper and the evolutionary process of bentonite was visualized using a custom-designed device. Corresponding digital images were acquired by time-lapse photography and analyzed by image processing techniques. Experimental results showed that the sample thickness exerted an apparent effect on both the self-sealing and the hydration cracking of compacted bentonite. Increasing thickness slowed down the self-sealing process and thus prolonged the time needed to seal the technological voids. Moreover, it was found that thickening the sample inhibited the development of hydration cracks and simplified the crack network notably, indicated by a decreasing trend of crack amount, length and area. In addition, the fractal dimension, characterizing the complexity degree of crack network, decreased with the increase of thickness. By fitting and predicting, a critical value was obtained that if the sample thickness exceeded it, no hydration cracks could be observed on the surface and no penetrating cracks could be formed in the sample. These conclusions are of great importance in the design of bentonite barriers by reducing the incidence of hydration cracks.

The kinetics and mechanism of filiform corrosion affecting organic coated Mg alloy surfaces

The filiform corrosion (FFC) of organic coated magnesium alloys is investigated using in-situ scanning Kelvin probe and time-lapse photography. FFC is initiated by injecting MgCl2, HCl and FeCl2 into a coating defect and ensuing FFC propagation rates are shown to increase as a logarithmic function of the chloride ion concentration and are strongly dependent on relative humidity. Post-corrosion surface analysis shows chloride abundance near the filament leading edge and evidence of sequestration within corroded regions behind. The FFC mechanism is consistent with chloride-induced anodic dissolution at the front coupling with water reduction on a cathodically-activated corroded surface behind.

Estimation of the Leaf Area Index, Leaf Fresh Weight, and Leaf Length of Chinese Chive (Allium tuberosum) Using Nadir-looking Photography in Combination with Allometric Relationships

In horticultural leafy vegetable production, continuously monitoring crop size indicators such as the leaf area index (LAI), leaf fresh weight (LFW), and leaf length (LL) is of practical value because these indicators are related to crop yields and harvest timing. The aim of this study was to develop a method that enables the continuous, automatic estimation of the LAI, LFW, and LL of a Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum) canopy by combining timelapse photography with allometric equations. LAI was estimated based on the gap fractions of nadir photographs (i.e., the fractions of nonleaf area), which were retrieved using the deep learning framework DeepLabv3+ with satisfactory accuracy (mean intersection over union, 0.71). This photographically estimated LAI (LAIphoto) corresponded well with the destructively measured LAI (LAIdest) (LAIphoto = 0.96LAIdest, R2 = 0.87). LAIphoto was then used as the input of allometric regression equations relating LAIphoto with LFW and LL. A power function (y = axb) fit the observed LAIphoto–LFW and LAIphoto–LL relationships well (R2 = 0.89 and 0.74, respectively). By combining nadir timelapse photography with the allometric equations, changes in the LFW and LL of a Chinese chive canopy were estimated successfully for a 9-month cultivation period. Our approach can replace time-consuming, labor-intensive manual measurements of these crop size indicators for Chinese chive and may be applicable to other crops with different parameter sets.

Quantifying yeast colony morphologies with feature engineering from time-lapse photography

Baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is a model organism for studying the morphology that emerges at the scale of multi-cell colonies. To look at how morphology develops, we collect a dataset of time-lapse photographs of the growth of different strains of S. cerevisiae. We discuss the general statistical challenges that arise when using time-lapse photographs to extract time-dependent features. In particular, we show how texture-based feature engineering and representative clustering can be successfully applied to categorize the development of yeast colony morphology using our dataset. The Local binary pattern (LBP) from image processing is used to score the surface texture of colonies. This texture score develops along a smooth trajectory during growth. The path taken depends on how the morphology emerges. A hierarchical clustering of the colonies is performed according to their texture development trajectories. The clustering method is designed for practical interpretability; it obtains the best representative colony image for any hierarchical cluster.

Wet streaks in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica: Implications for Recurring Slope Lineae on Mars

Recurring Slope Lineae (RSL) are dark streaks that seasonally propagate and fade on Martian slopes. The morphology and dynamics of RSL suggest that they might be brine flows; however, more recent hypotheses propose that they are dry, granular flows. To determine if RSL are consistent with brine flows, we investigated Mars analog wet streaks in Wright Valley Antarctica using new chemical analyses of soils and waters, time-lapse photography, and satellite images. Results show that the source of water to wet streaks is primarily local snowmelt, which seasonally percolates downslope. Meltwater leaches hygroscopic CaCl2-rich salts from soils and underlying Ferrar dolerite bedrock. These salts accumulate at soil surfaces via evapoconcentration and deliquesce/effloresce in response to daily relative humidity changes, causing the surface brightness to fluctuate. Over several years, the active CaCl2 salt component leaches back into the subsurface and the streaks dry, leaving a residue of less hygroscopic salts at the surface. Applied to Mars, wet streaks are inconsistent with the surface expression and dynamics of RSL. Wet streaks propagate and fade over multiple years, drain onto low angled slopes, and have a characteristic pattern of dark downhill and lateral edges. In contrast, RSL are seasonal features, terminate on angle-of-repose slopes, and typically appear monochromatic. These inconsistencies provide evidence against brine flow hypotheses of RSL formation.

Peritoneal natural killer cell chemotaxis is decreased in women with pelvic endometriosis.

NK cell and macrophage function are decreased in endometriosis, and the disease may involve reduced immune surveillance in the peritoneal cavity. NK cell cytotoxicity and migration ability (chemotaxis) are considered important; the former has been investigated, but the latter has not. We compared chemotaxis of immunocompetent cells (NK cells, macrophages, T cells) in peritoneal fluid obtained during laparoscopy in 27 women with and 13 without endometriosis. Peripheral blood NK cells were also obtained by the peripheral blood antibody beads method. Micro-cultured cells were examined by time-lapse photography, and the mean migration speed per cell was calculated as the chemotaxis. We investigated the relationship between chemotaxis and endometriosis. NK cell chemotaxis was significantly lower in the endometriosis group. Macrophages and lymphocytes were not significantly different between the groups. During menstruation, NK cell chemotaxis decreased in both groups. Postmenstrual chemotaxis was increased significantly in women without endometriosis but remained low in women with endometriosis. The Revised-American Society for Reproductive Medicine score was not correlated with chemotaxis; in women with endometriosis, chemotaxis was decreased even at early stages. Peripheral blood NK cells showed no significant differences. In women with endometriosis, not only cytotoxicity but also chemotaxis by NK cells in peritoneal cavity is significantly decreased, and particularly chemotaxis is decreased throughout the menstrual cycle. Therefore, antigens in retrograde menstrual blood that enters the peritoneal cavity might be left unprocessed. Repetition of this immune process in the peritoneal cavity may lead to the onset and subsequent progression of endometriosis.

Analysis of the factors influencing the immersion experience of video art expression in slow-paced food short videos for audiences in Chinese first-tier cities

With the rapid development of society, slow-paced food videos are becoming more and more popular among people living in fast-paced first-tier cities. They are taking the time to watch this kind of video to immerse themselves in it for solace. For video creators, How to immerse the audience in the video is the fundamental problem they have been studying. This study is based on the questionnaire method and the regression analysis. The critical contribution of this work is the verification of the form of visual presentation, which creators frequently use in slow-paced food videos. The factors affecting the audience's immersion experience in low-paced food short videos are sorted into three types: time-lapse photography multi-angle camera editing and slow editing. All three are prominent and easy to capture in images, which generate emotional feelings for the audience. In addition, the current user needs are mainly curiosity and mental comfort. Besides, sensory immersion is the main way to immerse.

Leaf area index estimation of a row-planted eggplant canopy using wide-angle time-lapse photography divided according to view-zenith-angle contours

In year-round horticultural fruit production, the leaf area index (LAI; L) is a useful indicator for proper crop management. In this study, wide-angle time-lapse digital cameras were applied to estimate the L of a row-planted eggplant canopy throughout an entire growth period. Six wide-angle time-lapse cameras were placed above the canopy; three cameras pointed to the nadir, and the other three pointed at 57.5°-tilted angles from the nadir with different azimuthal orientations (i.e., along the row, at a 40° angle from the row, and perpendicular to the row). L was estimated based on the gap-fraction theory using three methods: (1) the crop method, in which only a part of each photograph was used to calculate L, (2) the whole-image method, in which the entirety of each photograph was used to calculate L, and (3) the contour method, in which each photograph was divided into zones according to the view-zenith-angle contours and L was estimated through weighted averaging of the zonal Ls. The L values estimated using the crop method were heavily biased depending on the camera position and orientation, whereas the values obtained with the other two methods were less affected by the camera position and orientation, indicating the advantage of a wide viewing angle. Compared to the whole-image method, the contour method improved the L estimation accuracy. Under the assumption of a spherical leaf-angle distribution, nadir-looking photography tended to overestimate L, whereas 57.5°-angled photography was more consistent with the allometrically obtained reference L value. The accuracy of the L estimations obtained using nadir-looking photography was improved considerably by applying the beta leaf-angle distribution function with optimized parameters. This study highlights the (1) applicability of wide-angle photography for estimating the L of a row-crop canopy, (2) advantage of the contour method, and (3) importance of using a proper leaf-angle distribution.

Integration of robotic total station and digital image correlation to assess the three-dimensional surface kinematics of a landslide

In the field of landslide monitoring, the assessment of the spatially-distributed three-dimensional surface displacement is crucial to understand the underlying mechanisms. Nevertheless, available technologies and techniques that provide such a datum are few and often suffer spatio-temporal resolution, logistic and/or financial limitations. In this framework, we developed a methodology that merges the three-dimensional measurements at specific points, acquired by a robotic total station (RTS), and the spatially-distributed data obtained with digital image correlation (DIC) of time-lapse camera photographs, to achieve the spatially-distributed three-dimensional surface displacement. The integration method follows this procedure: i) the DIC results are orthorectified on an existing digital elevation model; ii) the RTS data are rototranslated into the camera coordinate system; iii) the ratio α between displacement vertical component and module measured by the RTS is calculated and interpolated across the region of interest; iv) the orthorectified DIC results are rescaled according to α, obtaining the three surface displacement components; v) the displacement vector is rototranslated into the geographical coordinate system. The sensitivity analysis respect to α revealed that the integration method can be successfully applied even with a limited number of RTS measurement points. The developed methodology has been applied to the Mont de La Saxe rockslide case study, during a phase of strong acceleration. In this period, the displacement magnitudes varied between 0.1 m and 10 m, thus providing a stress-test input for methodology development and validation. The results have been compared with independent ground-based interferometric radar measurements, obtaining 0.99 linear correlation coefficient and median absolute deviation of 0.086 m, which is comparable with the DIC measurement uncertainty. The proposed method is based on the use of low-cost portable and commonly used field equipment, thus it can be easily implemented in existing monitoring networks without additional financial costs.

Mapping snow cover in forests using optical remote sensing, machine learning and time-lapse photography

The accurate spatial information of snow cover is useful for understanding the impact of global warming, and it is of high significance for hydrological disaster prediction, water resources management, and climate change research. The Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI) based approach has been used extensively around the world for mapping snow, and they displayed high accuracy in open areas. However, capturing snow cover in forests remains problematic due to the obstruction effects of the forest canopy, which causes the snow cover area to be seriously underestimated. In this paper, we present a new algorithm based on machine learning (ML) technology to improve the accuracy of binary snow cover (BSC) mapping in forests, using the remotely sensed surface reflectance and ground truth data. A time-lapse photography network with a two-hour resolution was established in the eastern Qilian Mountains in northwestern China to obtain the ground truth data both in forests and open areas. We trained Random Forests (RF) with the 500-m Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) reflectance data from bands 1–7 to generate BSC results (RF-BSC). Then we evaluated RF-BSC and the NDSI-derived BSC maps with three different NDSI thresholds (i.e., 0.10, 0.29, and 0.40) against ground-truth data. The results indicate that the proposed algorithm has a high performance in forest BSC mapping in this area, compared to the NDSI-threshold approach. The RF-BSC can retrieve 67% of all real forest snow pixels, while the NDSI-based BSC can only detect 8–14%. We also find that the performance of the algorithm seems to be sensitive to changes in solar illumination conditions and forest coverage. This study suggests that machine learning with the fusion of optical remote sensing and ground-based observations is an effective approach for improving the accuracy of forest snow cover mapping at regional scales.

Steganography in IoT: Information Hiding with APDS-9960 Proximity and Gestures Sensor.

This article describes a steganographic system for IoT based on an APDS-9960 gesture sensor. The sensor is used in two modes: as a trigger or data input. In trigger mode, gestures control when to start and finish the embedding process; then, the data come from an external source or are pre-existing. In data input mode, the data to embed come directly from the sensor that may detect gestures or RGB color. The secrets are embedded in time-lapse photographs, which are later converted to videos. Selected hardware and steganographic methods allowed for smooth operation in the IoT environment. The system may cooperate with a digital camera and other sensors.

Short-Term Functional and Morphological Changes in the Primary Cultures of Trigeminal Ganglion Cells.

Several studies have proved that glial cells, as well as neurons, play a role in pain pathophysiology. Most of these studies have focused on the contribution of central glial cells (e.g., microglia and astrocytes) to neuropathic pain. Likewise, some works have suggested that peripheral glial cells, particularly satellite glial cells (SGCs), and the crosstalk between these cells and the sensory neurons located in the peripheral ganglia, play a role in the phenomenon that leads to pain. Nonetheless, the study of SGCs may be challenging, as the validity of studying those cells in vitro is still controversial. In this study, a research protocol was developed to examine the potential use of primary mixed neuronal–glia cell cultures obtained from the trigeminal ganglion cells (TGCs) of neonate mice (P10–P12). Primary cultures were established and analyzed at 4 h, 24 h, and 48 h. To this purpose, phase contrast microscopy, immunocytochemistry with antibodies against anti-βIII-tubulin and Sk3, scanning electron microscopy, and time-lapse photography were used. The results indicated the presence of morphological changes in the cultured SGCs obtained from the TGCs. The SGCs exhibited a close relationship with neurons. They presented a round shape in the first 4 h, and a more fusiform shape at 24 h and 48 h of culture. On the other hand, neurons changed from a round shape to a more ramified shape from 4 h to 48 h. Intriguingly, the expression of SK3, a marker of the SGCs, was high in all samples at 4 h, with some cells double-staining for SK3 and βIII-tubulin. The expression of SK3 decreased at 24 h and increased again at 48 h in vitro. These results confirm the high plasticity that the SGCs may acquire in vitro. In this scenario, the authors hypothesize that, at 4 h, a group of the analyzed cells remained undifferentiated and, therefore, were double-stained for SK3 and βIII-tubulin. After 24 h, these cells started to differentiate into SCGs, which was clearer at 48 h in the culture. Mixed neuronal–glial TGC cultures might be implemented as a platform to study the plasticity and crosstalk between primary sensory neurons and SGCs, as well as its implications in the development of chronic orofacial pain.

Photographic narratives of urban transformations

Time, space, scale and movement are essential aspects of visual data production. Significant changes in cities’ flows can transpire in just a few minutes, hours or days, span several years or even decades. A diachronic study of an urban environment could therefore concentrate on the repetitive patterns of many activities and phenomena that occur during a day or focus on transformations over much more extended periods of time. There are several photographic methods that specifically focus on documenting this specific change — it is the case of “interval photography”, “time-lapse photography” and other forms of “repeat photography”.1 All these, and others, explicitly aim at sequentially researching social change, and physical and cultural expressions as they develop, over time in a particular physical or cultural space.(...)

Morphological determination of the larval instars of Eupeodes americanus (Diptera: Syrphidae)

In North America, the potential of the American hoverfly Eupeodes americanus (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Syrphidae) as a biocontrol agent has been demonstrated, particularly against the foxglove aphid Aulacorthum solani Kaltenbach, 1843 (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Since no information is available to distinguish the larval instars of this species, the present study used the semi-continuous observation (time-lapse photography and stereo microscope) of the three larval stages to build a table of morphological traits and a dichotomic key for discriminating the larval instars by observation under stereo microscope. Discriminating traits are black hairs at first instar and fused posterior breathing tubes at third instar.

Predation of Oysters Using an Autonomic Pharynx in the Oyster Leech Cryptostylochus sp. (Polycladida: Stylochidae).

Oyster farming has been threatened by marine flatworms for over 40 years, but few studies have been done to address this issue. Here, we examine the predatory behavior of the polyclad flatworm Cryptostylochus sp. from Penghu, Taiwan. Its predation process consists of three parts: the attack, invasion, and ingestion period. During the attack period, which begins 4 or more hours before the invasion, protruding pharynges form fragments that we call "autonomic pharynges". The autonomic pharynx is translucent white, membrane-like, and variable in length. Using time-lapse photography, we show that the pharynx moves around slowly and independently for roughly 10 hours before losing mobility. The autonomic pharynx moved toward the edge of the oyster shell and increases the frequency at which the oyster or clam opens and closes compared to the control group. The passageway demonstrates negative phototactic behavior in petri dishes. Linear regression showed a positive correlation between the number of autonomic pharynges and the clam mortality rate. Histological dissections showed that clam mantle tissue is externally digested by the autonomic pharynx. The fragments of multi-branched ruffled pharynx from polyclad flatworms slowly detach and play a critical role during the period of the attack on bivalves.

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate Against Fibrotic Effects of Histamine Depletes Intracellular Glutathione to Discomfort Mitochondrial, Inducing Cell Apoptosis/ Ferroptosis of Over-Activated Lung Fibroblast

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is the common outcome of a variety of chronic lung diseases and systemic diseases, and the consequence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). There is currently a lack of effective treatments to reverse this disease or prevent its development. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of dipotassium glycyrrhizinate (DG) on lung fibroblasts and the possible mechanism of alleviating pulmonary fibrosis. Extract primary lung fibroblasts, establish cell models, and use time-lapse photography to continuously monitor the effects of dipotassium glycyrrhizinate and histamine on the morphology of lung fibroblasts. The content of glutathione in cells was detected by the fluorescence method. Cell mitochondrial membrane potential was examined, protein expressions of P53, Caspase-3, Bax and Bal-2 of lung fibroblasts were evaluated by western blot and immune cytochemistry. Our data demonstrated that dipotassium glycyrrhizinate inhibited histamine-induced cell growth/proliferation, glutathione content, mitochondrial membrane potential; also down-regulated P53 and up-regulated the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, leading to the ferritosis/apoptosis of activated lung fibroblasts, against the fibrotic effects of histamine. Present study provided a new pharmaceutics mechanism of dipotassium glycyrrhizinate for the treatment of lung fibrosis that dipotassium glycyrrhizinate against fibrotic effects of histamine depletes intracellular glutathione to discomfort mitochondrial, inducing cell apoptosis/ferroptosis of over-activated lung fibroblast.

Behavioural responses of Anodonta anatina and Unio pictorum to temperature and algal concentration

ABSTRACT Using time-lapse photography in a laboratory setting, we exposed Anodonta anatina and Unio pictorum for 4 h to algal (Chlorella vulgaris) concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 20.0 mg ash-free dry mass l−1 and to three different temperatures (11 ± 1, 15 ± 1 and 19 ± 1 °C). We analysed the proportion of mussels in locomotion, duration of locomotory activities, posterior tip movement and valve opening behaviour. The proportion of mussels in locomotion was significantly higher for A. anatina and for A. anatina was significantly lower at 11 °C. For both species, the proportion of mussels in locomotion, the duration of locomotion and movement of the posterior tip decreased with increasing algal concentration. The locomotory duration was significantly shorter in U. pictorum. In both species, valve opening peaked at intermediate algal concentrations, with the deviation from the peak being more prominent in A. anatina. Finally, we recorded a contrasting locomotory strategy for the two species (A. anatina crawled on the sediment surface, whereas U. pictorum moved through the sediment) and identified potential density dependence in behavioural adaptation.