bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FPGA-Based Re-Configurable Architecture for Window-Based Image Processing
Authors: Sk Kamarujjaman , Mukherjee Manali , Maitra Mausumi
Published: January 2018

In this proposed book chapter, a simple but efficient presentation of Median Filter, Switching Median Filter, Adaptive Median Filter and Decision-Based Adaptive Filtering Method and their hardware architecture for FPGA is described for removal of up to 99% impulse noise from Digital Images. For hardware architecture, simulation is done using Xilinx ISE 14.5 software of XILINX. For implementation, these approaches utilize Genesys VIRTEX V FPGA device of XC5VLX50T device family. In this approach, we proposed an efficient design for suppression of impulse noise from digital images corrupted by up to 99% impulse noise using decision based adaptive filtering method as well as preserve the details of image. The method works in two different stages – noise detection using switching technique and finally noise suppression and restoration. Experimental results show that our method perform better in terms of PSNR below 80% noise density but above 80% noise density it is almost comparable with the latest methods.
A Hierarchical Target Recognition Method Based on Image Processing
Authors: Wu QingE , Yang Weidong
Published: January 2018

In order to provide an accurate and rapid target recognition method for some military affairs, public security, finance and other departments, this paper studies firstly a variety of fuzzy signal, analyzes the uncertainties classification and their influence, eliminates fuzziness processing, presents some methods and algorithms for fuzzy signal processing, and compares with other methods on image processing. Moreover, this paper uses the wavelet packet analysis to carry out feature extraction of target for the first time, extracts the coefficient feature and energy feature of wavelet transformation, gives the matching and recognition methods, compares with the existing target recognition methods by experiment, and presents the hierarchical recognition method. In target feature extraction process, the more detailed and rich texture feature of target can be obtained by wavelet packet to image decomposition to compare with the wavelet decomposition. In the process of matching and recognition, the hierarchical recognition method is presented to improve the recognition speed and accuracy. The wavelet packet transformation is used to carry out the image decomposition. Through experiment results, the proposed recognition method has the high precision, fast speed, and its correct recognition rate is improved by an average 6.13% than that of existing recognition methods. These researches development in this paper can provide an important theoretical reference and practical significance to improve the real-time and accuracy on fuzzy target recognition.
Audiovisual Facial Action Unit Recognition Using Feature Level Fusion
Authors: Meng Zibo , Han Shizhong , Chen Min , Tong Yan
Published: January 2018

Recognizing facial actions is challenging, especially when they are accompanied with speech. Instead of employing information solely from the visual channel, this work aims to exploit information from both visual and audio channels in recognizing speech-related facial action units (AUs). In this work, two feature-level fusion methods are proposed. The first method is based on a kind of human-crafted visual feature. The other method utilizes visual features learned by a deep convolutional neural network (CNN). For both methods, features are independently extracted from visual and audio channels and aligned to handle the difference in time scales and the time shift between the two signals. These temporally aligned features are integrated via feature-level fusion for AU recognition. Experimental results on a new audiovisual AU-coded dataset have demonstrated that both fusion methods outperform their visual counterparts in recognizing speech-related AUs. The improvement is more impressive with occlusions on the facial images, which would not affect the audio channel.
Thermal Imaging in Medical Science
Authors: Dey Nilanjan , Ashour Amira S. , Althoupety Afnan S.
Published: January 2018

Thermal imaging is a non-destructive, non-contact and rapid system. It reports temperature through measuring infrared radiation emanated by an object/ material surface. Automated thermal imaging system involves thermal camera equipped with infrared detectors, signal processing unit and image acquisition system supported by computer. It is elaborated in wide domains applications. Extensive focus is directed to the thermal imaging in the medical domain especially breast cancer detection. This chapter provided the main concept and the different applications of thermal imaging. It explores and analyses several works in the light of studding the thermograph. It is an effective screening tool for breast cancer prediction. Studies justify that thermography can be considered a complementary tool to detect breast diseases. The current chapter reviews many usages and limitations of thermography in biomedical field. Extensive recommendations for future directions are summarized to provide a structured vision of breast thermography.
A Combination of Spatial Pyramid and Inverted Index for Large-Scale Image Retrieval
Authors: Nguyen Vinh-Tiep , Ngo Thanh Duc , Tran Minh-Triet , Le Duy-Dinh , Duong Duc Anh
Published: January 2018

Large-scale image retrieval has been shown remarkable potential in real-life applications. The standard approach is based on Inverted Indexing, given images are represented using Bag-of-Words model. However, one major limitation of both Inverted Index and Bag-of-Words presentation is that they ignore spatial information of visual words in image presentation and comparison. As a result, retrieval accuracy is decreased. In this paper, the authors investigate an approach to integrate spatial information into Inverted Index to improve accuracy while maintaining short retrieval time. Experiments conducted on several benchmark datasets (Oxford Building 5K, Oxford Building 5K+100K and Paris 6K) demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed approach.
Blind Assessment of Wavelet-Compressed Images Based on Subband Statistics of Natural Scenes
Authors: Guo Yingchun , Yan Gang , Xue Cuihong , Yu Yang
Published: January 2018

This paper presents a no-reference image quality assessment metric that makes use of the wavelet subband statistics to evaluate the levels of distortions of wavelet-compressed images. The work is based on the fact that for distorted images the correlation coefficients of the adjacent scale subbands change proportionally with respect to the distortion of a compressed image. Subband similarity is used in this work to measure the correlations of the adjacent scale subbands of the same wavelet orientations. The higher the image quality is (i.e., less distortion), the greater the cosine similarity coefficient will be. Statistical analysis is applied to analyze the performance of the metric by evaluating the relationship between the human subjective assessment scores and the subband cosine similarities. Experimental results show that the proposed blind method for the quality assessment of wavelet-compressed images has sufficient prediction accuracy (high Pearson Correlation Coefficient, PCCs), sufficient prediction monotonicity (high Spearman Correlation Coefficient SCCs) and sufficient prediction consistency (low outlier ratios) and less running time. It is simple to calculate, has a clear physical meaning, and has a stable performance for the four image databases on which the method was tested.
On the Implementation of a Digital Image Watermarking Framework Using Saliency and Phase Congruency
Authors: Basu Abhishek , Talukdar Susmita
Published: January 2018

In this paper, a saliency and phase congruency based digital image watermarking scheme has been projected. The planned technique implants data at least significant bits (LSBs) by means of adaptive replacement. Here more information is embedded into less perceptive areas within the original image determined by a combination of spectral residual saliency map and phase congruency map. The position of pixels with less perceptibility denotes the most unimportant region for data hiding from the point of visibility within an image. Therefore any modification within these regions will be less perceptible to one observer. The model gives a concept of the areas which has excellent data hiding capacity within an image. Superiority of the algorithm is tested through imperceptibility, robustness, along with data hiding capacity.
Vegetation Index
Authors: Nagarajan Suresh Kumar , Sangaiah Arun Kumar
Published: January 2018

This is the survey for finding vegetation, deforestation of earth images from various related papers from different authors. This survey deals with remote sensing and normalized difference vegetation index with various techniques. We survey almost 100 theoretical and empirical contributions in the current decade related to image processing, NDVI generation by using various new techniques. We also discuss significant challenges involved in the adaptation of existing image processing techniques to generation NDVI systems that can be useful in the real world. The resolution of remote sensing images increases every day, raising the level of detail and the heterogeneity of the scenes. Most of the existing geographic information systems classification tools have used the same methods for years. With these new high resolution images, basic classification methods do not provide satisfactory results.
Unconstrained Face Recognition
Authors: Zafeiriou Stefanos , Kotsia Irene , Pantic Maja
Published: January 2018

The human face is the most well-researched object in computer vision, mainly because (1) it is a highly deformable object whose appearance changes dramatically under different poses, expressions, and, illuminations, etc., (2) the applications of face recognition are numerous and span several fields, (3) it is widely known that humans possess the ability to perform, extremely efficiently and accurately, facial analysis, especially identity recognition. Although a lot of research has been conducted in the past years, the problem of face recognition using images captured in uncontrolled environments including several illumination and/or pose variations still remains open. This is also attributed to the existence of outliers (such as partial occlusion, cosmetics, eyeglasses, etc.) or changes due to age. In this chapter, the authors provide an overview of the existing fully automatic face recognition technologies for uncontrolled scenarios. They present the existing databases and summarize the challenges that arise in such scenarios and conclude by presenting the opportunities that exist in the field.
3D Plant Modelling Using Spectral Data From Visible to Near Infrared Range
Authors: Zia Ali , Liang Jie
Published: January 2018

Plant phenomics research requires different types of sensors employed to measure the physical traits of plant surface and to estimate the biomass. Of particular interests is the hyperspectral imaging device which captures wavelength indexed band images that characterize material properties of objects under study. This chapter introduces a proof of concept research that builds 3D plant model directly from hyperspectral images captured in a controlled lab environment. The method presented in this chapter allows fine structural-spectral information of an object be captured and integrated into the 3D model, which can be used to support further research and applications. The hyperspectral imaging has shown clear advantages in segmenting plant from its background and is very promising in generating comprehensive 3D plant models.
A Fast New Rotation Insensitive WP-Based Method for Image Indexing and Retrieval
Authors: alZahir Saif
Published: January 2018

Large multimedia databases and digital image archival systems are being created in government, academia, military, hospitals, digital libraries, and businesses. Efficient methods to retrieve images from such large databases have become indispensable. In this chapter, the authors present a novel Wavelet Packet (WP)-based method for image identification and retrieval that enables the recovery of the original image from a database even if the image has been subjected to geometric transformations such as size-conserving rotation or flipping operations. The proposed method uses the correlation of wavelet packet coefficients to create an image signature. This signature is comprised of two parts. The first part is a short signature, SS, that represents the location of specific values of the WP coefficient correlations in each frequency band. The second portion is the basis signature of the image, which is a long signature, LS, of 1296 correlation points produced by summing up the correlation values along all frequency bands. Computer simulation results show that the method is extremely fast, has a perfect image retrieval rates (100%), and perfect geometric transformations recognition, if any. In addition, the simulation results show that target images are perfectly identified from an image database of 7500 image signatures within a short period of time (nearly 8 seconds on the average). This method is robust against geometric transformation and requires minimal data transfer and can be used for online image retrieval.
An Empirical Study for Human Behavior Analysis
Authors: Lu Jia , Shen Jun , Yan Wei Qi , Bačić Boris
Published: January 2018

This paper presents an empirical study for human behavior analysis based on three distinct feature extraction techniques: Histograms of Oriented Gradients (HOG), Local Binary Pattern (LBP) and Scale Invariant Local Ternary Pattern (SILTP). The utilised public videos representing spatio-temporal problem area of investigation include INRIA person detection and Weizmann pedestrian activity datasets. For INRIA dataset, both LBP and HOG were able to eliminate redundant video data and show human-intelligible feature visualisation of extracted features required for classification tasks. However, for Weizmann dataset only HOG feature extraction was found to work well with classifying five selected activities/exercises (walking, running, skipping, jumping and jacking).
Face Recognition in Adverse Conditions
Authors: De Marsico Maria , Nappi Michele
Published: January 2018

In this chapter, the authors discuss the main outcomes from both the most recent literature and the research activities summarized in this book. Of course, a complete review is not possible. It is evident that each issue related to face recognition in adverse conditions can be considered as a research topic in itself and would deserve a detailed survey of its own. However, it is interesting to provide a compass to orient one in the presently achieved results in order to identify open problems and promising research lines. In particular, the final chapter provides more detailed considerations about possible future developments.
The Relationship Between Anthropometric Variables and Features of Electromyography Signal for Human–Computer Interface
Authors: Phinyomark Angkoon , Quaine Franck , Laurillau Yann
Published: January 2018

Muscle-computer interfaces (MCIs) based on surface electromyography (EMG) pattern recognition have been developed based on two consecutive components: feature extraction and classification algorithms. Many features and classifiers are proposed and evaluated, which yield the high classification accuracy and the high number of discriminated motions under a single-session experimental condition. However, there are many limitations to use MCIs in the real-world contexts, such as the robustness over time, noise, or low-level EMG activities. Although the selection of the suitable robust features can solve such problems, EMG pattern recognition has to design and train for a particular individual user to reach high accuracy. Due to different body compositions across users, a feasibility to use anthropometric variables to calibrate EMG recognition system automatically/semi-automatically is proposed. This chapter presents the relationships between robust features extracted from actions associated with surface EMG signals and twelve related anthropometric variables. The strong and significant associations presented in this chapter could benefit a further design of the MCIs based on EMG pattern recognition.
Radial Moments for Image Retrieval
Authors: Sharma Pooja
Published: January 2018

Images have always been considered an effective medium for presenting visual data in numerous applications ranging from industry to academia. Consequently, managing and indexing of images become essential in order to retrieve relevant images effectively and efficiently. Therefore, the proposed chapter aims to elaborate one of the advanced concepts of image processing, i.e., Content Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) and image feature extraction using advanced methods known as radial moments. In this chapter, various radial moments are discussed with their properties. Besides, performance measures and various similarity measures are elaborated in depth. The performance of radial moments is evaluated through an extensive set of experiments on benchmark databases such as Kimia-99, MPEG-7, COIL-100, etc.
Identification of Contextual Relationship Among Collaboration, Cooperation, Coordination, and Innovative Green Procurement Practices
Authors: Bag Surajit
Published: January 2018

Globally, every organization is focusing on minimizing the usage of scarce resources in production. The authors have used resource dependence theory (RDT) as the theoretical lens to develop the foundation of the chapter. RDT suggests that firms within the supply chain network should coordinate and collaborate to achieve superior performance. Under RDT, the most important assumption is that firms cannot be fully independent with regards to strategically critical resources for survival. The purpose of this chapter is to explain the contextual relationships between collaboration, coordination, cooperation, and innovative green procurement practices. Here, interpretive structural modeling (ISM) technique has been used to develop the SSIM matrix with the assistance from five experts based in the South African steel and engineering sectors. The ISM model depicts the contextual interrelationships that may help supply chain managers in quality decision making. The chapter concludes with managerial implications and directions of future research.
Forecasting Demand With Support Vector Regression Technique Incorporating Feature Selection in the Presence of Calendar Effect
Authors: Sarhani Malek , El Afia Abdellatif
Published: January 2018

Reliable prediction of future demand is needed to better manage and optimize supply chains. However, a difficulty of forecasting demand arises due to the fact that heterogeneous factors may affect it. Analyzing such data by using classical time series forecasting methods will fail to capture such dependency of factors. This chapter addresses these problems by examining the use of feature selection in forecasting using support vector regression while eliminating the calendar effect using X13-ARIMA-SEATS. The approach is investigated in three different case studies.
Innovative Port Logistics Through Coupled Optimization/Simulation Approaches
Authors: Oudani Mustapha , Benghalia Abderaouf , Boukachour Jaouad , Boudebous Dalila , Alaoui Ahmed El Hilali
Published: January 2018

This chapter addresses different optimization/simulation approaches for the innovative logistics in Le Havre port in France. These approaches are applied to various decisional problems raised in the maritime terminals (MT) and in the multimodal terminal (MMT). The first problem concerns container transfer by rail between the maritime terminals and the multimodal terminal. The second aims to optimize trains/shuttles parking in the rail yard of the multimodal terminal. The third and the fourth are about rail-rail transshipment of containers. The goal is to elaborate a dashboard for decision makers to analyze and evaluate performance indicators of port logistics chain (costs, resource occupancy rate, service rate) and to test several management strategies.
An Evaluation of Lean IT Efficiency in Organization Using Fuzzy Approach
Authors: Shokouhyar Sajjad , Shobeiri Solmaz Hosein , Atabak Nasim
Published: January 2018

This article describes how nowadays due to the importance of information technology in organizations, it is necessary to examine the efficiency of IT used in the organization. Given the importance of IT in organizations, waste identification in such context and its elimination can have a significant effect on production quality optimization, service provision and IT management. Accordingly, the concept of lean IT was introduced in 2007 which mainly aims to make IT more efficient in organization as much as possible. The current study aims to examine lean IT level in organization. Therefore, first the criteria and sub-criteria of lean IT were determined by experts; after identifying their hierarchical structure, a questionnaire was given to the experts in IT department in two companies. In the next stage, another questionnaire was designed which included importance and status of criteria in the organizations from the viewpoint of the experts. Based on the obtained results, two criteria including “error prevention or hash” and “wait time/delay removal” obtained the highest priority.
Projectile Impact Testing Aluminum Corrugated Core Composite Sandwiches Using Aluminum Corrugated Projectiles: Experimental and Numerical Investigation
Authors: Odaci Kutlay , Kılıçaslan Cenk , Taşdemirci Alper , Mamalis Athanasios G. , Güden Mustafa
Published: January 2018

E-glass/polyester composite plates and 1050 H14 aluminum trapezoidal corrugated core composite sandwich plates were projectile impact tested using 1050 H14 aluminum trapezoidal fin corrugated projectiles with and without face sheets. The projectile impact tests were simulated in LS-DYNA. The MAT_162 material model parameters of the composite were determined and then optimized by the quasi-static and high strain rate tests. Non-centered projectile impact test models were validated by the experimental and numerical back face displacements of the impacted plates. Then, the centered projectile impact test models were developed and the resultant plate displacements were compared with those of the TNT mass equal Conwep simulations. The projectiles with face sheets induced similar displacement with the Conwep blast simulation, while the projectiles without face sheets underestimated the Conwep displacements, which was attributed to more uniform pressure distribution with the use of the face sheets on the test plates.
Bending Collapse Behavior of Tubular Structure under Impact
Authors: Yamashita Minoru , Kunieda Naoki , Nikawa Makoto
Published: January 2018

Three point bending test of aluminum tubular structure with hat cross-section was carried out under impact condition. The structures which were strengthened with carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic sheet attached to hat-top or hat-side were also tested. When the structure made with only aluminum was bent, one-lobe deformation mode arose in most cases, where the buckling lobe was formed at center exhibiting very low deformation resistance. This mode was found to be attributed to the low friction at central anvil by conducting the numerical simulation. The energy absorption performance was evaluated for a variety of structures. When the sheet attachment was applied for the structure with one-lobe deformation mode, the absorbed energy was improved drastically.
Metallurgical and Mechanical Properties of Wire-Mesh Reinforced Dissimilar Explosive Cladding
Authors: Saravanan Somasundaram , Raghukandan Krishnamorthy
Published: January 2018

Explosive cladding employs a controlled chemical explosive detonation to craft a metallurgical bond between similar and dissimilar metals. Aluminum 5052-copper and aluminum 5052-aluminum 1100 plates are explosively cladded with a stainless steel wire-mesh, having 900 orientation between them, at varied loading ratios (mass of explosive/mass of flyer plate). Microstructural, corrosion and mechanical properties of the clad were evaluated as per relevant standards and the results are presented. The dissimilar wire-mesh interlayered explosive clad reveal wavy topography, with the interfacial wave amplitude and wavelength proportional to loading ratio, R. The mechanical behavior of wire-mesh reinforced clad is better than weaker aluminum parent plate.
Using Underwater Shockwaves for the Development of Processing Devices for Plant Materials
Authors: Yasuda Atsushi , Higa Osamu , Kuraya Eisuke , Higa Yoshikazu , Shimojima Ken , Hokamoto Kazuyuki , Itoh Shigeru
Published: January 2018

In this study, we have established a novel pretreatment system that improves the juice extraction volume and nutritional value of plant material using underwater shockwaves. The optimum treatment conditions for plant materials were obtained by conducting batch experiments using simple-structured underwater shockwave treatment equipment. From these results, a continuous underwater shockwave processing device was designed. Moreover, we have been demonstrated the applicability and reliability of underwater shockwave pretreatment in improving the yield of functional ingredients and fruit juice from plants. The instantaneous high-pressure dynamic control using underwater shockwaves is applicable to a wide range of extraction processes such as extraction of juices or ingredients from other naturally occurring foods and medicinal plants.
Production of AlN Nanopowders by Electrical Wire Explosion in Liquid Nitrogen
Authors: Gao Xin , Chen Peng Wan , Wang Xiao Guang , Xu Chun Xiao , Song Qiu Zhi , Yin Hao
Published: January 2018

AlN nanopowders are successfully synthesized via electrical Al wire explosion in liquid nitrogen. After pickling in 15 % HCl-ethanel, the purified AlN nanopowders are characterized by various techniques. It is observed that the synthesized AlN nanoparticles are hexagonal AlN (h-AlN) exhibiting various shapes, including sphere, spheroidicity, polygon and hexagon. The results show that the charging voltage affects on the AlN content and the morphology of samples, significantly. Further more, it is observed that synthesized AlN particles in the size of 100-300 nm are coated by an amorphous layer mostly resulted from the high cooling rate in liquid nitrogen.
Blast Wave Mitigation from the Straight Tube by Using Water Part II - Numerical Simulation
Authors: Sugiyama Yuta , Homae Tomotaka , Wakabayashi Kunihiko , Matsumura Tomoharu , Nakayama Yoshio
Published: January 2018

This paper investigates explosions in a straight square tube in order to understand the mitigation effect of water on blast waves that emerge outside. Numerical simulations are used to assess the effect of water that is put inside the tube. The water reduces the peak overpressure outside, which agrees well with the experimental data. The increases in the kinetic and internal energies of the water are estimated, and the internal energy transfer at the air/water interface is shown to be an important factor in mitigating the blast wave in the present numerical method.
A Basic Study on Shock Resistant Design for Explosion Pit
Authors: Yamamoto Tatsuya , Nishi Masatoshi , Katayama Masahide , Hokamoto Kazuyuki
Published: January 2018

The mechanism of damage on the structure of an explosion pit which belongs to the Institute of Pulsed Power Science, Kumamoto University is investigated. Investigated is the mechanism of damage on the structure of an explosion pit which belongs to the Institute of Pulsed Power Science, Kumamoto University. Here, three-dimensional model with square opening (door) is used to simulate by numerical simulation. The numerical result with the actual egg-type model implies that firstly the cracks occurred at the corners of the door and grew larger. In addition, the numerically simulated results with a spherical form model are also demonstrated to study on optimizing the design of an explosion pit.
Truncation of the Murine Neonatal Fc Receptor Cytoplasmic Tail Does Not Alter IgG Metabolism or Transport In Vivo
Authors: Ma Yonghe , Ke Cuncun , Wan Zihui , Li Zili , Cheng Xueqian , Wang Xifeng , Zhao Jinshan , Ma Youji , Ren Liming , Han Haitang , Zhao Yaofeng
Published: January 2018

The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) is involved in IgG metabolism and transport in placental mammals. However, whether FcRn is responsible for IgG transfer from maternal serum to colostrum/milk is controversial. Interestingly, large domestic animals, such as cows, pigs, sheep, and horses, in which passive IgG transfer is exclusively completed via colostrum/milk, all express an FcRn α-chain that is shorter in the cytoplasmic tail (CYT) than its counterparts in humans and rodents. To address whether the length variation has any functional significance, we performed in vitro experiments using the Transwell system with the MDCK cell line stably transfected with various FcRn constructs; these clearly suggested that truncation of the CYT tail caused a polar change in IgG transfer. However, we observed no evidence supporting functional changes in IgG in vivo using mice in which the FcRn CYT was precisely truncated. These data suggest that the length variation in FcRn is not functionally associated with passive IgG transfer routes in mammals.
PRDI-BF1 and PRDI-BF1β isoform expressions correlate with disease status in multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Buda Gabriele , Guerrini Francesca , Galimberti Sara , Orciuolo Enrico , Pacini Simone , Mazzantini Elisa , Petrini Mario
Published: January 2018

Human positive regulatory domain I binding factor 1 (PRDI-BF1 or BLIMP-1) is a transcription factor that acts as a master regulator and has crucial roles in the control of differentiation and in maintaining survival of plasma cells (PC). The PRDM1 gene, which codifies for PRDI-BF1, contains an alternative promoter capable of generating a PRDI-BF1 deleted protein (called PRDI-BF1β), which lacks 101 amino acids comprising most of the regulatory domain. PRDI-BF1β has been detected in relevant quantities especially in multiple myeloma cell lines (U266 and NCI- H929). The first aim of the study was to compare, using real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the levels of PRDI-BF1 and PRDI-BF1β in myeloma patients and in normal human bone marrow. The second step was the examination of the expression of PRDI-BF1 and PRDI-BF1β isoform depending on disease status and treatment response. We demonstrate the correlation of PRDI-BF1 and the shorter PRDI-BF1β isoform protein levels with the clinical evolution and the management of myeloma patients.
Adverse effects of electroconvulsive therapy on cognitive performance
Authors: Getty Sasha S. , Faziola Lawrence R.
Published: January 2018

Not available
Cytopathological examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in diagnosis of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis
Authors: Kishore Manjari , Kaushal Manju , Deepak Desh , Kumari Manju
Published: January 2018

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare disease characterized by the deposition of extracellular lipoproteinaceous material within the air spaces. Although the diagnosis is mainly based on histopathological findings, sometimes, the diagnostic yield of transbronchial and even open lung biopsy can be unsatisfactory. The advantage with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytology is that apart from being safer for the patient, it can sample a much wider area and help in giving an early diagnosis and treatment to the patient. Herein, we present a case of PAP diagnosed on BAL fluid cytology in an elderly female.
External ophthalmomyiasis by Oestrus
ovis: A case report from Davangere
Authors: Rao Sridhar , Radhakrishnasetty Navya , Chadalavada Harithaapriyadarshini , Hiremath Chandrashekarayya
Published: January 2018

External ophthalmomyiasis is an infestation of the eye with larvae of Dermatobia hominis or Oestrus ovis (sheep bot fly). We describe a case of ophthalmomyiasis in a 38-year-old male, who presented with ocular foreign body sensation, redness, pain, and watering of the eye. The causative larvae were removed and sent to the laboratory for identification. By studying morphological features, it was identified as the first instar larvae of O. ovis. The patient was put on topical and oral antibiotics but was lost to follow-up. This is probably the first report from this part of Karnataka.
Risk factors for intestinal colonization with vancomycin resistant enterococci’ A prospective study in a level III pediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Amberpet Rajesh , Sistla Sujatha , Parija Subhash Chandra , Rameshkumar Ramachandran
Published: January 2018

PURPOSE: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) emerged as one of the major nosocomial pathogens across the globe. Gut colonization rate with VRE is higher in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) due to the higher antibiotic pressure. VRE colonization increases the risk of developing infection up to 5–10 folds. The aim of this study was to determine the rates of VRE colonization among the patients admitted to pediatric ICU (PICU) and risk factors associated with it.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rectal swabs were collected after 48 h of admission to PICU from 198 patients. The samples were inoculated onto bile esculin sodium azide agar with 6 mg/ml of vancomycin. Growth on this medium was identified by the standard biochemical test, and minimum inhibitory concentration of vancomycin and teicoplanin was detected by agar dilution method. Resistance genes for vancomycin were detected by polymerase chain reaction. Risk factors were assessed by logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS: The rates of VRE colonization in patients admitted to PICU was 18.6%. The majority of the isolates were Enterococcus faecium (75.6%) followed by Enterococcus faecalis (24.4%). One patient acquired a VRE bloodstream infection (2.6%) among colonized patients, and none of the noncolonized patients acquired the infection. Consumption of vancomycin was found to be the only risk factor significantly associated with VRE colonization.

CONCLUSION: Routine surveillance and isolation of patients found to be VRE colonized may not be possible in tertiary care hospitals; however, educating health-care workers, promoting handwashing with antiseptic soaps or solutions, and antibiotic Stewardship policy may help in the reduction of vancomycin resistance and VRE colonization.
Evaluation of renal function in subclinical hypothyroidism
Authors: Patil Vijayetha P. , Shilpasree Alagilwada S. , Patil Vidya S. , Pravinchandra Kangokar R. , Ingleshwar Deepti G. , Vani Axita C.
Published: January 2018

INTRODUCTION: Patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) have a few or no symptoms or signs of thyroid dysfunction and thus by its very nature, SCH is a laboratory diagnosis. Serum creatinine is elevated and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) values are reversibly reduced in overt hypothyroid patients. We hypothesize that SCH also may be associated with low GFR.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was (1) to know the effect of SCH on kidney function, (2) to find the correlation between the renal function parameter creatinine, estimated GFR (eGFR), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and (3) to know if creatinine values can be predicted by TSH values in SCH cases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a hospital-based cross-sectional study for 1 year. A total of 608 subjects of either sex were included in the study and were divided into 3 groups: (1) SCH, (2) overt hypothyroidism (OHT), and (3) euthyroidism (ET). TSH, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, and serum creatinine were estimated and eGFR was calculated using modification of diet in renal disease study equation and the chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration equations.

RESULTS: Serum creatinine levels were higher and eGFR was lower significantly in the subclinical hypothyroid group when compared to the control ET group (P < 0.001). The overtly hypothyroid group had significantly higher levels of serum creatinine and lower eGFR when compared to both the groups (P < 0.001). Significant correlation between TSH, creatinine, and eGFR was found in OHT group only. Linear regression analysis showed the regression in creatinine upon TSH is attributable to 44.5% among OHT group, 48.2% in SCH group.

CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the SCH group behaves biochemically similar to OHT group and changes in serum creatinine reflect tissue hypothyroidism in SCH cases.
Diagnostic utility of quantitative cytomegalovirus DNA polymerase chain reaction in intestinal biopsies from patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Paul Mousumi , Gupta Ekta , Jain Priyanka , Rastogi Archana , Bhatia Vikram
Published: January 2018

OBJECTIVES: Diagnostic utility of cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not been established. We aimed to compare diagnostic utility of qPCR for CMV in biopsy specimens with blood, serology, and histopathology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 132 patients were included (92 ulcerative colitis [UC], 9 Crohn's disease, and 31 unclassified IBD). Comparison between CMV IgM, CMV DNA qPCR in biopsy, in blood and histopathology was done. Positive result in any of the test was considered as CMV infection. Various risk factors for CMV association with IBD were analyzed.

RESULTS: Confirmed CMV infection was seen in 41 (31.1%) patients. Diagnostic sensitivity of different assays was: DNA in biopsy seen in 37 (90.2%), DNA in blood in 19 (46.3%), CMV IgM in 15 (36.5%), and histopathology in 8 (19.5%). Thirty-two UC cases were further followed up for a median time of 14.0 (R: 3–31) months. They were grouped as group I – biopsy and blood DNA both positive (14, 43.7%), Group II – biopsy positive and blood negative (17, 53.1%), and Group III – biopsy negative but blood positive (1, 3.1%). CMV DNA viral load in Group I was significantly higher (mean: 4.2 ± 1.0 log10 copies/mg) than Group II (mean: 3.2 ± 0.6 copies/mg) and Group III (viral load: 2.69 log10 copies/ml), P < 0.001. Steroid refractoriness was seen more in Group I cases (n = 9) P < 0.001. A cutoff of ≥2.5 log10 copies/mg of DNA in tissue was predictive for steroid refractoriness (AUROC = 0.84).

CONCLUSIONS: Quantitation of CMV DNA in intestinal biopsy is a useful diagnostic tool and can predict response to steroid treatment in patients with UC.
Pattern of bone marrow involvement in non Hodgkin’s lymphoma classified according to WHO classification: Report of a developing country Pakistan
Authors: Sultan Sadia , Baloch Naseer , Ahmed Zeeshan Ansar , Irfan Syed Mohammed , Parveen Saira
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND: Limited information is available from developing countries in patients of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Hence, we reviewed the demographical profile along with bone marrow infiltration pattern in patients with NHL presented at Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this descriptive study, adult patients with NHL were enrolled from January 2011 to December 2015.

RESULTS: One hundred and Eighty-four histopathologically confirmed cases of NHL were identified. There were 139 males and 45 females, with a male-to-female ratio of 3:1. The mean age was 48.5 ± 16.0 years with the median age of 50 years. B-symptoms were present in 80.4% of patients. Lymph node enlargement was present in 71.1% of the cases. One hundred and sixty-eight patients had B-cell lymphoma (91.3%) and 16 patients had T-cell lymphoma (8.6%). Overall 158 (85.8%) patients had aggressive lymphoma. The frequency of bone marrow infiltration in our NHL patients was found to be 31.5%. Pattern of infiltrate was diffuse (14.6%) predominantly followed by interstitial (6.5%) and paratrabecular (5.4%) types of infiltration. The least common was nodular infiltrate accounted in 9 (4.8%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS: B-cell lymphoma is more frequent than T-cell lymphoma. Younger age, aggressive lymphoma, and predominance of B-symptoms are more frequently seen. Diffuse bone marrow infiltration is more common in our set up probably because of a relatively late presentation in our patients.
Effects of model resolution and parameterizations on the simulations of clouds, precipitation, and their interactions with aerosols
Authors: Lee Seoung Soo , Li Zhanqing , Zhang Yuwei , Yoo Hyelim , Kim Seungbum , Kim Byung-Gon , Choi Yong-Sang , Mok Jungbin , Um Junshik , Choi Kyoung Ock , Dong Danhong
Published: January 2018

Abstract. This study investigates the roles played by model resolution and microphysics parameterizations in the well-known uncertainties or
errors in simulations of clouds, precipitation, and their interactions with aerosols by the numerical weather prediction (NWP)
models. For this investigation, we used cloud-system-resolving model (CSRM) simulations as benchmark simulations that adopt
high-resolution and full-fledged microphysical processes. These simulations were evaluated against observations, and this evaluation
demonstrated that the CSRM simulations can function as benchmark simulations. Comparisons between the CSRM simulations and the
simulations at the coarse resolutions that are generally adopted by current NWP models indicate that the use of coarse resolutions as
in the NWP models can lower not only updrafts and other cloud variables (e.g., cloud mass, condensation, deposition, and evaporation)
but also their sensitivity to increasing aerosol concentration. The parameterization of the saturation process plays an important
role in the sensitivity of cloud variables to aerosol concentrations. while the parameterization of the sedimentation process has
a substantial impact on how cloud variables are distributed vertically. The variation in cloud variables with resolution is much
greater than what happens with varying microphysics parameterizations, which suggests that the uncertainties in the NWP simulations
are associated with resolution much more than microphysics parameterizations.
Multi-model study of HTAP II on sulphur and nitrogen deposition
Authors: Tan Jiani , Fu Joshua S. , Dentener Frank , Sun Jian , Emmons Louisa , Tilmes Simone , Sudo Kengo , Flemming Johannes , Jonson Jan Eiof , Gravel Sylvie , Bian Huisheng , Henze Daven , Lund Marianne T. , Kucsera Tom , Takemura Toshihiko , Keating Terry
Published: January 2018

Abstract. This study uses multi-model ensemble results of 11 models from the 2nd phase of Task Force Hemispheric Transport of Air Pollution (HTAP II) to calculate the global sulfur (S) and nitrogen (N) deposition in 2010. Modelled wet deposition is evaluated with observation networks in North America, Europe and Asia. The modelled results agree well with observations, with 76–83 % of stations having predicted within ±50 % of observations. The results underestimate SO42−, NO3− and NH4+ wet depositions in some European and East Asian stations, but overestimate NO3− wet deposition in Eastern United States. Inter-comparison with previous projects (PhotoComp, ACCMIP and HTAP I) shows HTPA II has considerably improved the estimation of deposition at European and East Asian stations. Modelled dry deposition is generally higher than the “inferential” data calculated by observed concentration and modelled velocity in North America, but the inferential data has high uncertainty, too. The global S deposition is 84 Tg(S) in 2010, with 49 % of the deposits on continental regions and 51 % on ocean (19 % on coastal). The global N deposition consists of 59 Tg(N) oxidized nitrogen (NOy) deposition and 64 Tg(N) reduced nitrogen (NHx) deposition in 2010. 65 % of N is deposited on the continental regions and 35 % is on ocean (15 % on coastal). The estimated outflow of pollution from land to ocean is about 4 Tg(S) for S deposition and 18 Tg(N) for N deposition. Compared our results to the results in 2001 from HTAP I, we find that the global distributions of S and N depositions have changed considerably during the last 10 years. The global S deposition decreases 2 Tg(S) (3 %) from 2001 to 2010, with significant decreases in Europe (5 Tg(S) and 55 %), North America (3 Tg(S) and 29 %) and Russia (2 Tg(S) and 26 %), and increases in South Asia (2 Tg(S) and 42 %) and the Middle East (1 Tg(S) and 44% ). The global N deposition increases by 7 Tg(N) (6 %), mainly contributed by South Asia (5 Tg(N) and 39 %), East Asia (4 Tg(N) and 21 %) and Southeast Asia (2 Tg(N) and 21 %). The NHx deposition is increased with no control policy on NH3 emission in North America. On the other hand, NOy deposition starts to dominate in East Asia (especially China) due to boosted NOx emission in recent years.
EARLINET lidar quality assurance tools
Authors: Freudenthaler Volker , Linné Holger , Chaikovski Anatoli , Rabus Dieter , Groß Silke
Published: January 2018

Abstract. This paper describes the EARLINET quality assurance (QA) check-up tools for the hardware of lidars, developed in the recent years to monitor and improve the quality of the lidar systems and of their products. These check-up tools are the trigger-delay test, the Rayleigh-fit, the lidar test-pulse generator, the dark measurement, the telecover test, and the polarisation calibration.
Instantaneous variance scaling of AIRS profiles using a circular area Monte Carlo approach
Authors: Dorrestijn Jesse , Kahn Brian H. , Teixeira João , Irion Fredrick W.
Published: January 2018

Abstract. Satellite observations are used to study the variance scaling of temperature and water vapor in the atmosphere. A high resolution of 13.5 km at nadir, instead of 45 km as in previous Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) studies, enables the derivation of the variance-scaling exponents down to length scales of ~ 55 km.With the variable-size circular area Monte Carlo approach the exponents can be computed instantaneously along the track of Aqua, which gives more insight into the scaling behavior of the atmospheric variables in individual Level 2 satellite granules. Scaling exponents are shown to fluctuate heavily between β = −1 and β = −3 at the larger scales, while at the smaller scales they are often closer to β = −2, and they decrease a bit for moisture at the smallest scales that are considered. Outside the tropics, the temperature large-scale variance-scaling exponent is often close to −3 due to large temperature slopes that are present along the track of Aqua, likely as a result of geostrophic turbulence. Around the tropics, this exponent is often closer to −1, because the tropical atmosphere is dominated by smaller-scale processes such as moist convection, leading to an observable reverse scale break. In contrast, water vapor is shown to have large-scale exponents often close to −3 around the tropics, because there, large-scale water vapor slopes are common along the Aqua track. Furthermore, the scale-break length scale turns out to be highly variable and shows a large spread. The presented variance-scaling results are of importance for cloud parameterization purposes.
Application of advanced composite modified perlite for degradation of particle size and turbidity in treatment of sewage water
Authors: Taheri Fard Ali Reza
Published: January 2018

Abstract. Water treatment efficiency of several filter media such as perlite, modified (silicated) perlite, zeolite, and sand were studied on sewage water. It was shown that modified perlite removed more than 90 % of turbidity and it functioned more efficient than other materials in case of high turbidity (more than 100 NTU). Filtration through modified perlite significantly decreased the concentration of total nitrogen (from 4 to 1 mg/L), chemical oxygen demand (from 274 to 0.42 MgO/L), concentration and size of particles (from 3870 nm to 56 nm). Filtering device was created with 2 steps syphon, due to having sedimentation part in the bottom part of next part and having two times upward direction in filtration undoubtedly operates better than monolayer filter with mere perlite. The total cost of filtration unit containing whole part of filtration device and advanced composite modified perlite materials as well as evaluates reducing the cost up 12 % compared to ceramic filter.