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This article presents the results of abrasion wear resistance tests of wear-resistant steel and surfacing under laboratory conditions and natural operation. Abrasion wear resistance determined on the basis of the study by determining geometrical characteristics of the alloying additives using computer image analysis methods, as well as examining the changes occurring on the surface of the workpieces and their wear intensity. Based on the results obtained from laboratory tests, it was noted that AR steel exhibited 14 times greater wear than the padding weld. This wear is affected by alloy additives, which, for the padding weld, are chromium additives. The microstructure image shows that soil mass had a destructive effect mainly on the matrix of the material, whereas in the areas with high concentrations of chromium precipitates, this effect was significantly weaker. The operational test results showed that within the area of the tine subjected to hardfacing, the material loss was lower than that for the same area of the tine in the as-delivered state. For the hardfaced tine, a 7% loss of volume was noted in relation to the operating part before testing and following the friction process. However, for the operating part in the as-delivered state, this difference amounted to 12%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces a novel, rapid, and non-destructive method for assessing homogeneity within and between weave repeats in fabric structures, termed intra-repeat (IAR) and inter-repeat (IER) evaluation. The method focuses on structural parameters, including inter-thread pores (ITPs) and warp and weft pitches, using computer image analysis. Each parameter is assigned to a module in the repeat weave pattern, facilitating the sorting of modules in the IAR and IER fabric structure arrangement. The method was verified using artificial images and 30 real plain fabrics with varying degrees of warp grouping, employing the author's proprietary software, MagFABRIC version 2.1The general measurable coefficients of intra- and inter-homogeneity were defined and related to the airflow measurements of these fabrics. Multiple regression models of airflow revealed strong dependencies, particularly for F = 10, with the size, shape, and position of ITPs and warp and weft pitches showing significant correlation. These findings underscore the importance of the new homogeneity parameters in textile structure analysis, including both IAR and IER woven fabric structure homogeneity parameters. The research aims to model specialized fabrics (e.g., barrier, filtration, composite fabrics) to address local changes in fabric structure affecting properties such as filtration efficiency, air permeability, and mechanical properties, especially in applications like composites or medical implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common types of cancer in Poland and worldwide. Many risk factors lead to the pathogenesis of this disease, such as lifestyle choices, BMI, the medicines used in breast cancer therapy, and Lynch syndrome. EC cells show the expression of estrogen receptors (ERs) and progesterone receptors (PgR). These receptors occur in multiple isoforms and have a significant influence on the operation of cells. The loss of ER and PgR expression is associated with a poor prognosis. We assessed tissue slides that were obtained from 103 women with EC diagnoses of various grades, stages, and histological types. In this study, we used computer image analyses to increase the objectivity of the assessment. We proved that, in the tissue of patients with high-grade (G3) EC, the expression of PgR is significantly lower than that in the tissues of patients with low-grade EC. We also observed that PgR is significantly expressed in EC with a low FIGO stage and in the endometroid type of EC (which rarely becomes malignant compared to serous type). The expression of ERb1 was lower in patients with EC at the IV FIGO stage than in patients with stage III EC. These findings confirm that the loss of ER and PgR expression is connected with a poor prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the moment, there is a growing interest in composite materials with matrices based on thermoplastic polymers; these materials are superior to traditional carbon fiber plastics due to higher fracture toughness and impact strength, low smoke generation during combustion, and high thermal and chemical resistance. The deformation behavior of such composite materials due to the high plastic deformation of the matrix differs from the behavior of traditional composites, which must be considered when performing calculations. In our study, as a model object, the features of the microstructure of single carbon thread impregnated with polysulfone were studied in order to evaluate the distribution of misorientation angles of elementary fibers, the degree of their damage, the thickness of the polymer matrix interlayers between elementary fibers in threads impregnated with more viscous thermoplastic binders. Statistical analysis of a large array of micrographs was carried out using specially developed algorithms for computer processing of electron microscopic images of a composite material. Algorithms for processing arrays of images using machine vision algorithms are proposed. Based on the analysis of the data array, the distributions of carbon fibers impregnated with polysulfone were plotted over the misorientation angle of the filaments and over the interfilament distance in the longitudinal and cross sections of the fiber. Using the machine learning method, an algorithm for detecting violations of the filament structure was implemented. The data obtained can be used to refine the calculations of the strength and deformation characteristics of composite materials with thermoplastic matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study compared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between groups with high and low numbers of fine marbling particles (NFMP) in the longissimus thoracis muscle (LT) of Korean cattle to understand the molecular events associated with fine marbling particle formation. Methods The size and distribution of marbling particles in the LT were assessed with a computer image analysis method. Based on the NFMP, 10 LT samples were selected and assigned to either high- (n = 5) or low- (n = 5) NFMP groups. Using RNA sequencing, LT transcriptomic profiles were compared between the high- and low-NFMP groups. DEGs were selected at p2 and subjected to functional annotation. Results In total, 328 DEGs were identified, with 207 up-regulated and 121 down-regulated genes in the high-NFMP group. Pathway analysis of these DEGs revealed five significant (p

Copyright of Agricultural Engineering is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

P53 prognostic cut-off values differ between studies of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and its immunohistochemistry (IHC) interpretation is still based on semiquantitative estimation, which might be inaccurate. This study aimed to investigate the optimal cut-off value for p53 in predicting prognosis of patients with MCL and the possible use of computer image analysis to identify the positive rate of p53. We calculated p53 positive rate using QuPath software and compared it with the data obtained by manual counting and semiquantitative estimation. Survival curves were generated by using the Youden index and the Kaplan-Meier method. The chi-squared (χ2) test was used to compare MIPI, Ann Arbor stage, and cell morphology with p53. Spearman rank correlation test and Bland-Altman analysis were used to compare manual counting, computer image analysis and semiquantitative estimation, as well as the consistency between different observers. The optimal cut-off value of p53 for predicting prognosis was 20% in MCL patients. Patients with p53 ≥ 20% had a significantly worse overall survival (OS) than those with p53 < 20% (P < 0.0001). MCL patients with MIPI intermediate to high risk, Ann Arbor stage III-IV, and blastoid/pleomorphic variant cell morphology had more p53 ≥ 20%. There was a strong correlation between computer image analysis and manual counting of p53 from the same areas in MCL tissues (Spearman's rho = 0.966, P < 0.0001). The results of computer analysis are completely consistent between observers, and computer image analysis of Ki-67 can predict the prognosis of MCL patients. MCL patients with p53 ≥ 20% had a shorter OS and a tendency for MIPI intermediate to high risk, Ann Arbor stage III-IV, and blastoid/pleomorphic variant. Computer image analysis could determine the actual positive rate of p53 and Ki-67 and is a more attractive alternative than semiquantitative estimation in MCL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of homogeneity assessments for selected food mixes based on computer image analysis. The study was conducted on müsli and condiment mixes standardly available on the consumer market. A total of 40 different ready-for-use products were analysed. Collected samples from three package of each product were placed in a special chamber and then photographed. Photographs were then subjected to computer image analysis to acquire information on the percentage content of individual components. Homogeneity assessment was based on the contents of a selected component called tracer and the coefficient of variation (CV). Lower CV values (3.02-27.31%) and thus better homogeneity was observed for condiment mixes as compared to müsli mixes (3.57-59.15%). Fourteen of twenty condiment mixes had adequate (acceptable at CV ≤ 10%) mixing degree. For the müsli, only six of the tested mixes had appropriate homogeneity. The presented results are a preliminary to developing an image-based methodology for determining the uniformity of granular dry food mixes.

The paper describes the impact and importance of preprocessing methods of fabric image for detection of inter-thread pores (ITP), which is a new method of individual ITP identification. The aim of this experiment is to identify precisely every individual ITP of fabric structure by using optimal preprocessing algorithm for further quantitative, morphometric structural analysis of specialized fabrics (barriers, industrial filters, composites, others) in context of air permeability, flow resistance, UV radiation, viruses penetration, thermal comfort by estimation fabric porosity, especially macroporosity parameters and cover factor. The correct identification of individual ITP depends on the acquisition method and the preprocessing algorithm. It was conducted by analyzing the adaptation of digital image preprocessing methods for two structures of plain weave fabric in two magnification zooms, 1.25 and 0.8. Preprocessing operations were performed in the area of spatial operations of the image. The optimal preprocessing algorithm includes low-pass filtering, histogram equalization, nonlinear filtering, thresholding, and morphological operation. This algorithm was selected based on the factors developed by the author (ITP detection, RID factor—a difference between the real and model ITP areas) which rely on the ITP size, shape, and location. The graphic view of the ITP contour position on the fabric image is a verification element in the optimal preprocessing algorithm. The presented results of the air permeability of two different plain weave structures confirm the need to optimize the algorithm of pre-image processing methods to precisely detect each individual ITP in the fabric image.

The article presents the results of homogeneity assessments for selected food mixes based on computer image analysis. The study was conducted on müsli and condiment mixes standardly available on the consumer market. A total of 40 different ready-for-use products were analysed. Collected samples from three package of each product were placed in a special chamber and then photographed. Photographs were then subjected to computer image analysis to acquire information on the percentage content of individual components. Homogeneity assessment was based on the contents of a selected component called tracer and the coefficient of variation (CV). Lower CV values (3.02-27.31%) and thus better homogeneity was observed for condiment mixes as compared to müsli mixes (3.57-59.15%). Fourteen of twenty condiment mixes had adequate (acceptable at CV ≤ 10%) mixing degree. For the müsli, only six of the tested mixes had appropriate homogeneity. The presented results are a preliminary to developing an image-based methodology for determining the uniformity of granular dry food mixes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A smartphone image was captured under very few fixed conditions. • Seventeen image features were semiautomatically produced in less than 5 min. • High correlations existed between the lipid content (IMF) and fat fleck area. • High correlations existed between lean or fat weight and intermuscular fat area. • Accurate predictions of IMF and rib composition were obtained from image features. Marbling and rib composition are important attributes related to carcass yields and values, beef quality, consumer satisfaction and purchasing decisions. An open-access computer image analysis method based on a fresh beef rib image captured under nonstandardized and uncontrolled conditions was developed to determine the intramuscular, intermuscular and total fat content. For this purpose, cross-section images of the 5th-6th rib from 130 bovine carcasses were captured with a Galaxy S8 smartphone. The pictures were analyzed with a program developed using ImageJ open source software. The 17 processed image features that were obtained were mined relative to gold standard measures, namely, intermuscular fat, total fat and muscles dissected from a rib and weighed, and intramuscular fat content (IMF - marbling) determined by the Soxhlet method. The best predictions with the lowest prediction errors were obtained by the sparse partial least squares method for both IMF percent and rib composition and from a combination of animal and image analysis features captured from the caudal face of the 6th rib captured on a table. These predictions were more accurate than those based on animal and image analysis features captured from the caudal face of the 5th rib on hanging carcasses. The external-validated prediction precision was 90% for IMF and ranged from 71 to 86% for the total fat, intermuscular and muscle rib weight ratios. Therefore, an easy, low-cost, user-friendly and rapid method based on a smartphone picture from the 6th rib of bovine carcasses provides an accurate method for fat content determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was the examination of the morphological and compositional attributes of wear particles of tested universal tractor transmission oil (UTTO) samples by means of automatic particle counter and classifier LaserNetFinesTM-C, which is an ideal tool to establish the dynamic equilibrium concentration and hence to set the alarm limits for any type of machine. Such limits can be based on wear type and particle size ranges. The samples of two UTTO (mineral oil and biodegradable fully synthetic oil) were taken from the rear gearboxes of the wheel tractor during a long-term experiment. The measurement results showed that there was faster increase in the particle wear of mineral oil in comparison to biodegradable transmission oil. Considering the increase in the percentage of particles over 20 μm, the biodegradable oil seems to be more favourable for usage. Regardless of this, it can be concluded that the biodegradable oil is equivalent to petroleum-based oils.

The main aim of the study is to present a new innovative method designed by the author of non-destructive, accurate and morphometrical identification of fabric structural parameters, individual inter-thread pores (ITPs) in particular. The description parameters and fabric structure assessment methodology with the use of digital image analysis with author's copyrighted MagFABRIC software were created specifically for this analysis. The ITP parameters were described in three aspects: size, shape and location in the fabric structure. The study was conducted on two groups of fabrics: plain and twill weave. The need for a bimodal analysis of the fabric structure parameters was indicated, as it allowed for the structure differences identification in the test fabrics. The analysis results were compared to the air permeability test. The developed methodology is relevant to specialized fabrics (e.g. barrier fabrics, industrial filters and any other fabric where the ITP area is an important parameter). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in the biophysical traits of the pectoral muscles of chickens with deep pectoral myopathy (DPM) were analysed with selected instrumental techniques. For comparative purposes, the research used both samples of pectoralis minor muscles of 39-42-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chickens and pectoralis major muscles with DPM symptoms, as well. Computer Image Analysis (CIA) revealed that the pectoral minor muscles with DPM were characterised by smaller area of muscle fibres' cross-sectional area (CSA) than normal muscles. A longitudinal section of DPM muscles also confirmed the presence of large spaces between the bundles of muscle fibres. The results of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis showed that all the temperatures of transformations referring to minor muscles with myopathy symptoms were significantly lower than the temperatures noted in the muscles without DPM. The enthalpy values observed in both pectoral muscles with DPM were significantly lower than the values noted in healthy muscles. The water dynamics analysed by low-field NMR showed that the values of spin-lattice relaxation time T1 in p. major muscles without DPM were higher than the values in the muscles with the defect. On the other hand, an inverse dependence was observed in p. minor muscles samples. The value of the long relaxation time T22 was reduced in both muscles with pathological lesions. In conclusion, three advanced analytical tools used in this study (CIA, DSC, and LF NMR) provide new insight into the characterization of protein changes observed in the pectoral muscles of chicken broilers with DPM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to achieve extended life of asphalt pavement, one of key points is to achieve a good bonding between it’s components. This research paper presents findings on the topic of influence of polyethylene bitumen modification on the adhesion between bitumen and aggregate. A novel method of quantifying the bitumen coated area, based on computer image analysis, has been developed for this study. Two different methods of adhesion testing were employed, namely boiling water method and the rolling bottle method. Aggregates used in this study were granite and limestone. Based on 108 measurements, it was concluded that polyethylene modification has a negative impact on binder aggregate adhesion.

Textiles require finishing to improve their usability and functionality but in the first place, to reduce of pilling tendency, which affects all kinds of synthetic and natural fabrics. Several laser ablation tests have been applied to the selected fabrics with different chemical composition to reveal the impact of this process on the pilling behavior. To reflect the pilling changes, two textural descriptors have been proposed to textile images obtained with optical coherence tomography (OCT). They showed the trend to reduce values with increasing laser power applied to the tested fabrics. It has been demonstrated, that in the case of textiles based on polyester threads, laser modification of the product surface led to a significant reduction in their tendency for pilling.

Pilling is caused by friction pulling and fuzzing the fibers of a material. Pilling is normally evaluated by visually counting the pills on a flat fabric surface. Here, we propose an objective method of pilling assessment, based on the textural characteristics of the fabric shown in optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. The pilling layer is first identified above the fabric surface. The percentage of protruding fiber pixels and Haralick’s textural features are then used as pilling descriptors. Principal component analysis (PCA) is employed to select strongly correlated features and then reduce the feature space dimensionality. The first principal component is used to quantify the intensity of fabric pilling. The results of experimental studies confirm that this method can determine the intensity of pilling. Unlike traditional methods of pilling assessment, it can also detect pilling in its early stages. The approach could help to prevent overestimation of the degree of pilling, thereby avoiding unnecessary procedures, such as mechanical removal of entangled fibers. However, the research covered a narrow group of fabrics and wider conclusions about the usefulness and limitations of this method can be drawn after examining fabrics of different thickness and chemical composition of fibers.

The study describes the automatic algorithm for image analysis based on software Cellprofiler. For the main example of the principal implementation of the analysis process agar culture swabs of Staphylococcus aureus were taken. The proposed algorithms of recognition of microbial elements were verified and showed a significantly higher efficiency compared to the visual method of counting by the laboratory specialist.

Abstract—Modern ideas about the world of microorganisms have been developed mainly due to the studies at the population level. Such an approach was justified by the need to overcome the limitations in the sensitivity of the physicochemical, molecular biological, and genetic methods used. The potential differences between individual cells were therefore leveled, the properties of all cells were averaged, and the obtained data characterized the studied microbial populations as a whole. Over time, some analytical methods have been improved to such an extent that the prospect of quantitatively exploring many physicochemical and morphological properties of individual microbial cells has been opened up. This allowed taking a new approach to solving a number of problems, including the heterogeneity of microbial populations, the nature of the microorganisms unculturable in laboratory conditions and of persistent states, the development of biofilms, the interaction of microorganisms with plant and animal cells, the relationship of structure and function in metabolism, and a number of others. This review briefly describes the main methods of quantitative analysis of single bacterial and yeast cells at the cellular and subcellular levels and presents examples of their use according to the literature for the last fifteen years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the preparation of polysulfone (PSf)-polyurethane (PUR) partly degradable hollow fiber membranes is presented. The membrane forming solution was prepared by mixing two solutions: PSf in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and PUR in NMP. The PSf-PUR membranes were received by dry/wet-spinning phase-inversion technique. The membranes were hydrolyzed with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution using the flowing method. The membranes were characterized by hydraulic permeability coefficient (UFC), retention coefficients, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mass measurement before and after hydrolysis. The changes in membranes morphology and properties due to hydrolysis were studied. Hydrolysis caused the partial removal of the PUR from the membrane structure resulting in the morphology change and the permeability’s increase. The computer-aided image processing method was also used to investigate the morphology before and after the hydrolysis process. This method checked out the changes of membranes’ morphology by the dissimilarity coefficient (values ≠0). The SEM images showed differences in structure of pores before and after the hydrolysis process. The structures and morphology of the membranes after hydrolysis were more porous. The hydraulic permeability coefficients were higher after the hydrolysis process. The retention coefficients were different before and after the hydrolysis process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Technical Transactions / Czasopismo Techniczne is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Our study presents a low-cost method (no expensive hardware platforms required) of quantified biomonitoring based on computer image analysis. The negative influence of toxins on surface waters was analysed. The method was verified on widespread freshwater macrophyte Lemna minor to test populations treated with non-ionic detergents. We showed that the proposed automated bioassay has a broad applicability in assessing the negative impacts of aquatic toxicants. This approach enabled fast and precise evaluation of the morphometric parameters of the duckweed test population. We observed that growth rate of L. minor reacts to non-ionic detergents, which is reflected by the change in the surface area. The decrease in the growth of L. minor was revealed at high doses of detergents. This test proved to be highly useful, because it is well repeatable and fast in its implementation. Unlike classical bioassays, the proposed test allows the elimination of measurement errors, resulting from observers’ subjectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose/Thesis: The purpose of the article is to present two approaches to photographs representation and retrieval: the traditional one, library and metadata-based and the automatic one, known as the network approach. The discussion is focused on indicating the possibility of the mutual complementation of both approaches in order to create a new information and search/retrieval quality in multi-channeled human communication. Approach/Methods: The method of literature analysis and critical literature review was used. Results and conclusions: Today the optimum solution for the problems of photographs representation and retrieval would be a hybrid system combining descriptions created by professionals with the content generated by Internet users (tagging) and the results of computer image analysis. The description of a visual object created at different levels would reduce the risk of producing erroneous, incomprehensible and incomplete descriptions while enhancing the possibility of visual objects retrieval, with the individual needs of users taken into consideration. Originality/Value: The article discusses the issues of computer image analysis, in particular photographs analysis, and its usefulness for information and search purposes: these issues are still underrepresented in Polish book and information science literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty Angus steers were fed a diet low in β-carotene and vitamin A for 10 months. Ten steers were supplemented with vitamin A weekly, while the other ten steers did not receive any additional vitamin A. The results demonstrated that the restriction of vitamin A intake increased intramuscular fat (IMF) by 46%. This was a function of the total number of marbling flecks increasing by 22% and the average marbling fleck size increasing by 14%. Vitamin A restriction resulted in marbling flecks that were less branched (22%) and slightly more round (4%) with an increased minor axis length (7%). However, restricting vitamin A did not affect the size of the intramuscular or subcutaneous adipocyte cells or the subcutaneous fat depth. The results suggest that vitamin A affects the amount of marbling and other attributes of the marbling flecks due to hyperplasia rather than hypertrophy. This may explain why vitamin A restriction specifically affects IMF rather than subcutaneous fat deposition. • Limiting vitamin A in the diet of cattle increases the amount of marbling fat by hyperplasia rather than hypertrophy. • Vitamin A specifically affects intramuscular fat rather than subcutaneous fat deposition. • Less vitamin A in the diet increases the number and size of the marbling flecks. • Less vitamin A in the diet also alters the shape of the marbling flecks, such that they are more round and less branched. • Vitamin A does not alter the location of the marbling flecks within the steak though. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The TSE Roadmap published in 2005 (DG for Health and Consumer Protection, 2005) suggests that short and medium term (2005-2009) amendments to control BSE policy should include “a relaxation of certain measures of the current total feed ban when certain conditions are met”. The same document noted “the starting point when revising the current feed ban provisions should be risk-based but at the same time taking into account the control tools in place to evaluate and ensure the proper implementation of this feed ban”. The clear implication is that adequate analytical methods to detect constituents of animal origin in feedstuffs are required. The official analytical method for the detection of constituents of animal origin in feedstuffs is the microscopic examination technique as described in Commission Directive 2003/126/EC of 23 December 2003 [OJ L 339, 24.12.2003, 78]. Although the microscopic method is usually able to distinguish fish from land animal material, it is often unable to distinguish between different terrestrial animals. Fulfillments of the requirements of Regulation 1774/2002/EC laying down health rules concerning animal by-products not intended for human consumption, clearly implies that it must be possible to identify the origin animal materials, at higher taxonomic levels than in the past. Thus improvements in all methods of detecting constituents of animal origin are required, including the microscopic method. This article will examine the problem of meat and bone meal in animal feeds, and the use of microscopic methods in association with computer image analysis to identify the source species of these feedstuff contaminants. Image processing, integrated with morphometric measurements can provide accurate and reliable results and can be a very useful aid to the analyst in the characterization, analysis and control of feedstuffs.

This paper presents the existing standard methods of measurement and determination of the proportion of glued wood failure surface, disadvantages of their use and comparison of standard methods with the new one. The new test method for the determination of the proportion of failure surface eliminates the flaws of standard methods and decreases the subjective effects of the examiner, and at the same time increases the precision of measurement. The method is based on images made with digital camera, which are then processed and analysed by computer. The results show that this method is more objective and more accurate than standard methods.

The aims of the paper were to construct models for the estimation of carcass quality by means of computer image analysis and to verify computer photometry as an in vivo method of carcass quality prediction. Results of photometric measurements and carcass quality of 118 Slovak Pied bulls slaughtered at the age of 15 to 18 months were analysed. Nine length dimensions and four area dimensions were measured on the images of the top, left and rear view of each animal. Hot carcass weight (HCW), weight of meat in carcass (WMC) and weight of meat in valuable cuts (WMVC) were obtained after slaughter treatment and carcass dissection. HCW, WMC and WMVC revealed a maximum correlation with the top-view body area (r = 0.54-0.60) and thurl width (r = 0.58-0.60). Stepwise regression was applied to construct linear regression equations for HCW, WMC and WMVC in two alternatives using photometrical dimensions with and without weight before slaughter (WBS). R2 in an alternative without WBS were lower (R2 = 0.47-0.55); however R2 in an alternative with weight before slaughter were higher and highly significant (R2 = 0.83-0.92). In both alternatives, the equation for HCW had the highest R2 and the equation for WMVC had the lowest R2. Equations using photometric dimensions and WBS are suitable to estimate HCW, WMC and WMVC without detailed dissection.

Grain morphometry in cereals is an important step in selecting new high-yielding plants. Manual assessment of parameters such as the number of grains per ear and grain size is laborious. One solution to this problem is image-based analysis that can be performed using a desktop PC. Furthermore, the effectiveness of analysis performed in the field can be improved through the use of mobile devices. In this paper, we propose a method for the automated evaluation of phenotypic parameters of grains using mobile devices running the Android operational system. The experimental results show that this approach is efficient and sufficiently accurate for the large-scale analysis of phenotypic characteristics in wheat grains. Evaluation of our application under six different lighting conditions and three mobile devices demonstrated that the lighting of the paper has significant influence on the accuracy of our method, unlike the smartphone type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Special conditions of applying curtain fabrics, i.e. vertical hanging and lightening with transmitted light, require a different approach to designing. It was found that weaving patterns can significantly affect the continuity of the structure, particularly in the pattern area. In such cases, the effect of patterning may be disturbed by the light transmitted through uncontrolled clearances of a fabric. The study identifies the need to modify the structure, based on basic knowledge of the geometry of a fabric’s structure. A repair system aided by an original computer program was developed on such a basis. The method was validated for structures with a stratified system of thread that were produced with a Picanol rapier loom. For the purposes of results presentation, ImageJ software for computer image analysis was used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs) produced by algae can be applied in numerous branches of industry, depending on their origin and properties. In this work, the EPS produced with green microalgae Dictyosphaerium chlorelloides was studied by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), which enabled the characterization of its nanostructure. It was observed that the nanostructure of this exopolysaccharide selfassembly depends on its concentration. At a concentration of 1 mg/mL the EPS formed a regular and porous matrix on mica, where fibers were cumulated in bundles of 50-70nm wide. In a more diluted concentration of 10μg/mL single molecules created a regular network with numerous branches. An average height of molecules was in the range of 400-800pm with occasional local increase of the skeleton height which can be a result of an interconnection of the fibers. Analysis of the FT-IR spectrum showed that the EPS has a structure of a-glucan with the dominance of the galactose and rhamnose residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A multitude of topical wound treatments are used today. Although it is well established that the micro-environment of healing wounds can be altered to improve healing, it is difficult to measure the subtle differences in outcome where therapies are compared.Method: We compared wound healing properties between four different topical agents in surgically incised wounds in a pig model. The four topical agents, 5% Povidone-Iodine cream, 1% Silver-Sulphadiazine, 2% Mupirocin, and 1% Silver-Sulphadiazine plus 1mg/100g recombinant-human epithelial growth factor (EGF) were randomly assigned to four test animals each. Test agents were compared to each other and to untreated controls. We investigated existing and new methodologies of measurement of wound healing: clinical and histological visual scoring systems, immuno-histochemistry, and computerized image analysis of the wounds on days 3, 7, and 28.Results: All agents were found to have improved healing rates with better cellular architecture. Healing was faster, histological appearance resembled normal architecture sooner, clinical appearance improved, mitotic activity was stimulated and more collagen was deposited in comparison to the wounds with no agents. EGF-treated wounds showed an increased rate of epithelisation, but the rate of healing did not correlate well with evaluation of cosmetic outcome.Conclusion: Topical agents improve all aspects of wound healing. The addition of a human recombinant EGF to Silver-Sulphadiazine increases epithelial growth and amounts of collagen in the regenerating wounds at day 7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses the use of computer image analysis in determining adhesion properties of materials, including the work of adhesion and surface free energy components. Also, it discusses methods and operators for edge detection employed in the determining of geometrical parameters which are then used as the basis for calculations. In addition, the paper presents an example of expanding the scope of investigations through the application of new IT solutions.