CAPTCHA Research Articles

Spatial assessment of flood vulnerability and waterlogging extent in agricultural lands using RS-GIS and AHP technique-a case study of Patan district Gujarat, India.

Assessing and mapping flood risks are fundamental tools that significantly contribute to the enhancement of flood management strategies. Identifying areas that are susceptible to floods and devising strategies to reduce the risk of waterlogging is of utmost importance. In the present study, an integrated approach, combining advanced remote sensing technologies, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and analytic hierarchy process (AHP), was adopted in the Patan district of Gujarat, India, with a coastline spanning over 1600km, to evaluate the numerous variables that contribute to the risk of flooding and waterlogging. After evaluating the flood conditioning factors and their respective weights using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), the results were processed in GIS to accurately delineate areas that are prone to flooding. The results highlighted exceptional precision in identifying vulnerable areas, allowing for a thorough evaluation of the impact severity. The integrated approach yields valuable insights for multi-criteria assessments. The findings indicate that a significant portion of the district's land, precisely 8.94%, was susceptible to very high- risk of flooding, while 27.76% were classified as high-risk areas. Notably, 35.17% of the region was identified as having a moderate level of risk. Additionally, 20.96% and 7.15% were categorized as low-risk and very low-risk areas, respectively. Overall, the study highlights the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of floods on vulnerable communities. The research findings were verified by conducting ground truth and visual assessments using microwave satellite imagery (Sentinel-1). The aim of this validation was to test the accuracy of the study in identifying waterlogged agricultural areas and their extent based on AHP analysis. The ground verification and analysis of satellite images confirmed that the model accurately identified approximately 74% of the area categorized under high and very high flood vulnerability to be waterlogged and flooded. This research can provide valuable assistance to policymakers and authorities responsible for flood management by gathering necessary information about floods, including their intensity and the regions that are most susceptible to their impact. Additionally, it is crucial to implement corrective measures to improve soil drainage in vulnerable areas during heavy rainfall events. Prioritizing the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and improving land use are also crucial for environmental conservation.

Ultrasonic measurement of milk heat coagulation time (HCT)

The dairy industry relies on heat coagulation tests (HCTs) to determine high-quality milk heat stability for typical thermal processes. For the HCT, an oil bath heats 1–2 ml of milk to 140 °C. The test lasts 20–30 min and finishes with visual confirmation of milk coagulation. This time for coagulation is recorded as the HCT time. While standard in the industry, this test is time-consuming and prone to operator-dependent bias. Thus, an automated alternative for measuring HCT time is desirable. This work proposed the use of ultrasonic monitoring and employed 10 MHz contact and immersion ultrasonic transducers in combination with conventional pH and rheological sensors. Room-temperature skim milk was coagulated in standard containers with a Glucono-Delta-Lactone acid concentration of 3% while simultaneously being monitored by the ultrasound, rheological, and pH sensors, at testing rates of 1 s, ca. 6 s, and 2 min, respectively. The resulting ultrasonic wave speed measurements revealed an increasing trend throughout the coagulation process. Additionally, an inflection point within the increasing wave speed corresponded to rheological and pH parameters indicating coagulation. This work demonstrates the potential for ultrasonics to be used as sensors for coagulation within the dairy industry.

Audio-Visual Kinship Verification: A New Dataset and a Unified Adaptive Adversarial Multimodal Learning Approach.

Facial kinship verification refers to automatically determining whether two people have a kin relation from their faces. It has become a popular research topic due to potential practical applications. Over the past decade, many efforts have been devoted to improving the verification performance from human faces only while lacking other biometric information, for example, speaking voice. In this article, to interpret and benefit from multiple modalities, we propose for the first time to combine human faces and voices to verify kinship, which we refer it as the audio-visual kinship verification study. We first establish a comprehensive audio-visual kinship dataset that consists of familial talking facial videos under various scenarios, called TALKIN-Family. Based on the dataset, we present the extensive evaluation of kinship verification from faces and voices. In particular, we propose a deep-learning-based fusion method, called unified adaptive adversarial multimodal learning (UAAML). It consists of the adversarial network and the attention module on the basis of unified multimodal features. Experiments show that audio (voice) information is complementary to facial features and useful for the kinship verification problem. Furthermore, the proposed fusion method outperforms baseline methods. In addition, we also evaluate the human verification ability on a subset of TALKIN-Family. It indicates that humans have higher accuracy when they have access to both faces and voices. The machine-learning methods could effectively and efficiently outperform the human ability. Finally, we include the future work and research opportunities with the TALKIN-Family dataset.

Evaluation of species-specific polyclonal antibodies to detect and differentiate between Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii.

Neosporosis and toxoplasmosis are major causes of abortion in livestock worldwide, leading to substantial economic losses. Detection tools are fundamental to the diagnosis and management of those diseases. Current immunohistochemistry (IHC) tests, using sera raised against whole parasite lysates, have not been able to distinguish between Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. We used T. gondii and N. caninum recombinant proteins, expressed in Escherichia coli and purified using insoluble conditions, to produce specific polyclonal rabbit antisera. We aimed to develop species-specific sera that could be used in IHC on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sections to improve the diagnosis of ruminant abortions caused by protozoa. Two polyclonal rabbit sera, raised against recombinant proteins, anti-Neospora-rNcSRS2 and anti-Toxoplasma-rTgSRS2, had specificity for the parasite they were raised against. We tested the specificity for each polyclonal serum using FFPE tissue sections known to be infected with T. gondii and N. caninum. The anti-Neospora-rNcSRS2 serum labeled specifically only N. caninum-infected tissue blocks, and the anti-Toxoplasma-rTgSRS2 serum was specific to only T. gondii-infected tissues. Moreover, tissues from 52 cattle and 19 sheep previously diagnosed by lesion profiles were tested using IHC with our polyclonal sera and PCR. The overall agreement between IHC and PCR was 90.1% for both polyclonal anti-rNcSRS2 and anti-rTgSRS2 sera. The polyclonal antisera were specific and allowed visual confirmation of protozoan parasites by IHC, but they were not as sensitive as PCR testing.

The effects of ultrasonic processing on the antioxidant activity of Geotrichum candidum LG-8 and its cell wall extracts.

Extraction techniques that influence cell wall polysaccharides (EPS) is crucial for maximizing their bioactivity. This study evaluates ultrasound technology for extracting antioxidant polysaccharides from Geotrichum candidum LG-8, assessing its impacton antioxidant activity. Ultrasound extraction of EPS from G. candidum LG-8 was optimized (18 min, pH 7.0, 40 W/cm2, 0.75 M NaCl). ABTS scavenging efficiency and monosaccharide composition of LG-EPS1 and LG-EPS3 were analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The Results showed that ultrasonic treatment markedly increased the ABTS radical scavenging efficiency of LG-8 cells by 47%. At a concentration of 1 mg/mL, the ultrasonically extracted LG-EPS1 and LG-EPS3 polysaccharides exhibited significant ABTS radical scavenging efficiencies of 26% and 51%, respectively. Monosaccharide composition analysis identified mannose and glucose in LG-EPS1, while LG-EPS3 was primarily composed of mannose. FTIR spectra verified the polysaccharides' presence, and SEM provided visual confirmation of the nanoparticle structures characteristic of LG-EPS1 and LG-EPS3. This research not only underscores the technological merits of ultrasound in polysaccharide extraction but also highlights the potential of G. candidum LG-8 derived polysaccharides as valuable bioactive compounds for antioxidant utilization.

On Conformable Fractional Milne-Type Inequalities

Building upon previous research in conformable fractional calculus, this study introduces a novel identity. Using this identity as a foundation, we derive a set of conformable fractional Milne-type inequalities specifically designed for differentiable convex functions. The obtained results recover some existing inequalities in the literature by fixing some parameters. These novel contributions aim to enrich the analytical tools available for studying convex functions within the realm of conformable fractional calculus. The derived inequalities reflect an inherent symmetry characteristic of the Milne formula, further illustrating the balanced and harmonious mathematical structure within these frameworks. We provide a thorough example with graphical representations to support our findings, offering both numerical insights and visual confirmation of the established inequalities.

Machine learning-driven hyperspectral imaging for non-destructive origin verification of green coffee beans across continents, countries, and regions

Machine learning-driven hyperspectral imaging for non-destructive origin verification of green coffee beans across continents, countries, and regions

The discovery and naming of Trojan asteroids

German astronomer Max Wolf (1863–1932) pioneered photographic observation of asteroids and is credited as the discoverer of Trojan asteroids in 1906. His partnership with the Austro-Hungarian Empire astronomer Johann Palisa for visual confirmation led to the suggestion to call these bodies, with apparently common properties, “Trojans.” Wolf’s systematic approach led the Heidelberg-Königstuhl Observatory to be a world power in asteroid discovery around the turn of the twentieth century and led to the recognition of a new orbital class. E. E. Barnard had made an isolated observation of a Trojan in 1904, but the credit for Trojan discovery nevertheless rests with Wolf and Palisa, who immediately identified the unusual motion of 588 Achilles. Despite Wolf’s extensive education in orbital mechanics, the association of Trojan asteroids with the elegant three-body solution of Lagrange seemed unknown to him. It was quickly pointed out by his Swedish colleague C. V. L. Charlier, who had just completed a textbook on celestial mechanics.

Citrus sinensis Seed-Mediated Gold Nanoparticles for Combating Diabetes and Bacterial Infections: A Promising Multifunctional Nano Formulation

This investigation explores the successful synthesis and comprehensive characterization of Citrus sinensis seed-mediated gold nanoparticles designated as C-AuNPs. Visual confirmation of synthesis was achieved through a distinct ruby red color change in the reaction mixture, followed by UV-Visible spectroscopy, which revealed a characteristic peak absorbance at 522 nm due to the Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) phenomenon associated with gold nanoparticles. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis demonstrated uniform, spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 19 nm, ideal for biomedical applications. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) revealed a hydrodynamic size of 55 nm in the hydrated state, while a negative zeta potential of −17 mV indicated colloidal stability. C-AuNPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains, surpassing the performance of levofloxacin. Lower Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values against bacterial strains further supported their enhanced efficacy, potentially due to interactions with bacterial cell membranes. Furthermore, C-AuNPs demonstrated potent inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes involved in glucose metabolism, with IC50 values comparable to the anti-diabetic drug acarbose. This suggests their potential as anti-diabetic agents, with the ability to regulate blood sugar levels. C-AuNPs exhibit unique optical, structural, and electrostatic properties, making them promising candidates for diverse biomedical applications. Their small size, stability, antibacterial efficacy, and anti-diabetic properties position C-AuNPs as valuable assets in the realm of nanomedicine and therapeutics, warranting further exploration and development.

Hypofractionated Radiotherapy in Gynecologic Malignancies-A Peek into the Upcoming Evidence.

Radiotherapy (RT) has a fundamental role in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies, including cervical and uterine cancers. Hypofractionated RT has gained popularity in many cancer sites, boosted by technological advances in treatment delivery and image verification. Hypofractionated RT uptake was intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic and has the potential to improve universal access to radiotherapy worldwide, especially in low-resource settings. This review summarizes the rationale, the current challenges and investigation efforts, together with the recent developments associated with hypofractionated RT in gynecologic malignancies. A comprehensive search was undertaken using multiple databases and ongoing trial registries. In the definitive radiotherapy setting for cervical cancers, there are several ongoing clinical trials from Canada, Mexico, Iran, the Philippines and Thailand investigating the role of a moderate hypofractionated external beam RT regimen in the low-risk locally advanced population. Likewise, there are ongoing ultra and moderate hypofractionated RT trials in the uterine cancer setting. One Canadian prospective trial of stereotactic hypofractionated adjuvant RT for uterine cancer patients suggested a good tolerance to this treatment strategy in the acute setting, with a follow-up trial currently randomizing patients between conventional fractionation and the hypofractionated dose regimen delivered in the former trial. Although not yet ready for prime-time use, hypofractionated RT could be a potential solution to several challenges that limit access to and the utilization of radiotherapy for gynecologic cancer patients worldwide.

COverlap: a Fiji toolset for the 3D co-localization of two fluorescent nuclear markers in confocal images

With the increasing complexity and throughput of microscopy experiments, it has become essential for biologists to navigate computational means of analysis to produce automated and reproducible workflows. Bioimage analysis workflows being largely underreported in method sections of articles, it is however quite difficult to find practical examples of documented scripts to support beginner programmers in biology. Here, we introduce COverlap, a Fiji toolset composed of four macros, for the 3D segmentation and co-localization of fluorescent nuclear markers in confocal images. The toolset accepts batches of multichannel z-stack images, segments objects in two channels of interest, and outputs object counts and labels, as well as co-localization results based on the physical overlap of objects. The first macro is a preparatory step that produces maximum intensity projections of images for visualization purposes. The second macro assists users in selecting batch-suitable segmentation parameters by testing them on small portions of the images. The third macro performs automated segmentation and co-localization analysis, and saves the parameters used, the results table, the 3D regions of interest (ROIs) of co-localizing objects, and two types of verification images with segmentation and co-localization masks for each image of the batch. The fourth macro allows users to review the verification images displaying segmentation masks and the location of co-localization events, and to perform corrections such as ROI adjustment, z-stack reslicing, and volume estimation correction in an automatically documented manner. To illustrate how COverlap operates, we present an experiment in which we identified rare endothelial proliferation events in adult rat brain slices on more than 350 large tiled z-stacks. We conclude by discussing the reproducibility and generalizability of the toolset, its limitations for different datasets, and its potential use as a template that is adaptable to other types of analyses.

Optical-hidden-visual-cryptography-based spoofing tracking system

A deception tracking system based on optical hidden visual code is proposed. The system uses visual cryptography to decompose the secret image into a number of realistic masked images, which can be used to conceal the secret information. One of the masked images is embedded with a fragile watermark to ensure that it is not modified. This image serves as an inspection key to verify the other images, and the inspection key is transmitted separately. The rest of the camouflaged image is hidden in the phase key using the phase recovery algorithm, which ensures good invisibility during transmission. If the pixel arrangement of the masked image is tampered with by a dishonest participant, it is called a fraudulent image. Each phase key is distributed to different participants to ensure that the corresponding deceiver can be identified when the spoofing image is traced. In the extraction process, only the diffraction transformation of the phase key is needed to obtain the mask image. During the inspection, the inspection key is incoherently superimposed with any masked image, and the appearance of the verification image indicates whether the masked image has been tampered with, thereby achieving the purpose of deception tracking. The secret image can be obtained by incoherently superimposing the masking images, provided that the number of superimposed masking images is is greater than or equal to the threshold <i>k</i>, along with the inspection key. When the inspection key is superimposed with any masked image, if there is a spoofed image, no verification image will appear, and as a result, the secret image will not be restored. If there is no spoofed image, the verification image will appear, indicating that the secret image can be restored by covering all the images. The system can be used to track internal fraudsters when actual information is transmitted through invisible visual cryptography.

AI and Automation's Role in Iberian Fact-checking Agencies

The improvement of automation and AI tools has prompted transformations in journalistic practices, including factchecking. Fact-checking a posteriori has acquired special relevance due to the increasing amount of disinformation on digital platforms and, given its breadth, automation became a need for verifiers to check content online. In this context, AI-based and automation technologies are deployed in all stages of the fact-checking process: identification, checking itself and distribution of content. Studies that map the uses of these tools in fact-checking are still incipient, a lacuna that this study aims to fulfil. This proposal investigates the use of technologies in all specialised Iberian fact-checking agencies, signatories of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN): Polígrafo, Verificat, Newtral and Maldita.es. Through semi-structured interviews with representatives of these agencies, we found that automation and AI tools are used in monitoring and filtering internet and media content; transcription of verifiable phrases; verification of images and videos; selection of content submitted by the audience. Interviewees agree that automation has become crucial for monitoring content on social networks, making fact-checkers work more effective, broader, and faster, despite some ethical concerns. Finally, we advocate that technological tools are important allies, but the human element remains the key to interpreting and deconstructing disinformation.

Clinical factors influencing patency capsule excretion and confirmation in patients with intestinal patency.

The PillCam™ patency capsule is useful in preventing capsule endoscope retention; however, visual confirmation of patency capsule excretion is challenging for many patients. We investigated the factors related to the patency capsule remaining in the colon after 33 h and the factors hindering the visual confirmation of its excretion. We retrospectively analyzed 498 patients with intestinal patency who underwent patency capsule examination. Patients were categorized into the "excretion group" and "colon group," depending on whether the capsule was excreted or remained in the colon after 33 h, respectively. Patients were further classified into self-confirmed and unself-confirmed groups within the excretion group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the factors associated with the colon and unself-confirmed groups. Overall, 49% of patients visually confirmed capsule excretion within 33 h, whereas 51% did not and required radiological examination. Among those without capsule excretion, 34% of patients had a detectable capsule in the colon, whereas 16% had no detectable capsule. In the excretion group, 75% and 25% of patients were self-confirmed and unself-confirmed, respectively. Female sex, inpatient status, constipation, and capsule in the colon during the previous examination were the independent factors associated with the colon group. Male sex and younger age were the independent factors associated with the unself-confirmed group. Our findings highlight the need for new approaches to facilitate patency capsule excretion to avoid radiation exposure, especially in females, inpatients, those with constipation, and capsule remaining in the colon on the previous examination.

Pregnancy Outcomes and Obstetrical Complications of Twin Pregnancies with Endometriosis: A Single-Center Cohort Study.

There are many studies regarding the increased relationship between pregnancy outcomes of singleton with endometriosis. However, there was limited evidence of twin pregnancies with endometriosis. This study aimed to compare the pregnancy outcomes and complications in twin pregnancies with or without endometriosis in a single institution. From January 2011 to July 2022, a retrospective analysis of twin pregnancies was conducted. The endometriosis group included patient with histological or visual confirmation before pregnancy or during cesarean section. Pregnancy outcomes and complications were compared between the two groups. Out of 1714 patients examined, 127 (7.4%) were included in the endometriosis group. Maternal body mass index (BMI) was lower in the endometriosis group (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in maternal age, mode of conception, chorionicity, and pregnancy outcomes, such as gestational age at delivery (p=0.835) and the preterm birth rate (p=0.579). The endometriosis group had a significantly higher rate of obstetrical complication: small for gestational age (SGA) <10% (p=0.029). However, after adjustment for BMI, the endometriosis group showed no statistical significance in obstetrical complications, including SGA (adjusted odds ratio, 1.568; 95% confidence interval, 0.984-2.499; p=0.059). Twin pregnancies with endometriosis were not related to adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes and obstetrical complications. To confirm these outcomes, further large prospective studies are required.

Towards an automated classification phase in the software maintenance process using decision tree.

The software maintenance process is costly, accounting for up to 70% of the total cost in the software development life cycle (SDLC). The difficulty of maintaining software increases with its size and complexity, requiring significant time and effort. One way to alleviate these costs is to automate parts of the maintenance process. This research focuses on the automation of the classification phase using decision trees (DT) to sort, rank, and accept/reject maintenance requests (MRs) for mobile applications. Our dataset consisted of 1,656 MRs. We found that DTs could automate sorting and accepting/rejecting MRs with accuracies of 71.08% and 64.15%, respectively, though ranking accuracy was lower at 50%. While DTs can reduce costs, effort, and time, human verification is still necessary.

Preliminary design of lunar high-resolution remote sensing micro-nano satellite

The development and utilization of lunar resources and the construction of lunar scientific research stations are important parts of China’s future lunar exploration plan. Aiming at the problems of China’s micro-nano satellites with low radiation resistance, lack of autonomous Earth-Moon transfer capability, and limited optical system volume and quality, a preliminary design scheme of a lunar remote sensing micro-nano satellite with autonomous Earth-Moon transfer capability is proposed. Using the analytical orbit average technology and transcription and collocation method to calculate the satellite’s Earth-Moon transfer orbit, the satellite can use the Hall thruster with large specific impulse and low thrust to realize the autonomous Earth-Moon transfer. The passive + active method is used to optimize the radiation resistance of the system, and the total radiation dose of some single machines can reach more than 25krad. A compact high-resolution multispectral camera is designed, and imaging simulation and verification are carried out. In the end, the satellite can achieve high-resolution imaging of the moon with a resolution of 0.2 m at an orbital height of 100 km to achieve the purpose of fine exploration of information such as lunar surface topography and geological structure.

Image Noise Simulation and Verification of Area Array CMOS Sensor

Image Noise Simulation and Verification of Area Array CMOS Sensor

Electrochemical and DFT insights into 2-amino-4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-7-methyl-4H-chromene-3-carbonitrile: an innovative strategy for antibacterial activity and corrosion protection of carbon steel.

This study explored the potential of a newly synthesized derivative, 2-amino-4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-7-methyl-4H-chromene-3-carbonitrile (AHMCC), as a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent and a corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel (C.STL) in 0.5 M HCl solution. AHMCC demonstrated remarkable antibacterial efficacy against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae) and Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria, as evidenced by agar plate tests and cell viability assays. In the corrosion inhibition studies, AHMCC exhibited mixed-type inhibitor behavior as revealed by potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) measurements. The inhibition efficiency increased with rising AHMCC concentration, confirmed by a significant enhancement in charge transfer resistance (R ct) observed in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis. Electrochemical frequency modulation (EFM) data with obtained CF2 and CF3 values further corroborated these findings. Langmuir isotherm modeling suggested AHMCC molecules followed a monolayer adsorption pattern on the C.STL surface. UV-visible spectroscopy indicated the formation of a protective layer through chemical interaction between AHMCC and the metal surface. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) provided visual confirmation of this protective film shielding the C.STL from the corrosive environment. Additionally, theoretical calculations supported the proposed adsorption mechanism of AHMCC molecules onto the C.STL surface.

J-PET application as a Comptoncamera for proton beam rangeverification: A preliminary study

Hybrid in-beam PET/Compton camera imaging currently shows a promising approach to use of the quasi-real-time range verification technique in proton therapy. This work aims to assess the capability of utilizing a configuration of the Jagiellonian-positron emission tomography (J-PET) scanner made of plastic scintillator strips, so as to serve as a Compton camera for proton beam range verification. This work reports the production yield results obtained from the GATE/Geant4 simulations, focusing on an energy spectrum (4.2−4.6) MeV of prompt gamma (PG) produced from a clinical proton beam impinging on a water phantom. To investigate the feasibility of J-PET as a Compton camera,a geometrical optimisation was performed. This optimisation was conducted by a point spread function (PSF) study of an isotropic 4.44 MeV gamma source. Realistic statistics of 4.44 MeV PGs obtained from the prior step were employed, simulating interactions with the detector. A sufficient number of detected photons was obtained for the source position reconstruction after performing a geometry optimisation for the proposed J-PET detector. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that more precise calculation of the total deposited energy of coincident events plays a key role in improving the image quality of source distribution determination. A reasonable spatial resolution of 6.5 mm FWHM along the actual proton beam direction was achieved for the first imaging tests. This preliminary study has shown notable potential in using the J-PET application for in-beam PET/Compton camera imaging at quasi-real-time proton range monitoring in future clinical use.