Soil pollution is a key component of the land degradation process, but little is known about the impact of soil pollution on human health in the urban environment. The heavy metals Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd ...and Ni were analyzed by acid digestion (method EPA 3050B) and a total of 15 dust samples were collected from streets of three sectors of the city with different land uses; commercial, residential and a highway. The purpose was to measure the concentrations of heavy metals in road sediment samples taken from urban sites under different land uses, and to assess pollution through pollution indices, namely the ecological risk index and geoaccumulation index. Heavy metals concentrations (mg/kg) followed the following sequences for each sector: commercial sector Pb (1289.4)>Cu (490.2)>Zn (387.6)>Cr (60.2)>Ni (54.3); highway Zn (133.3)>Cu (126.3)>Pb (87.5)>Cr (9.4)>Ni (5.3); residential sector Zn (108.3)>Pb (26.0)>Cu (23.7)>Cr (7.3)>Ni (7.2). The geoaccumulation index indicated that the commercial sector was moderately to strongly polluted while the other sectors fell into the unpolluted category. Similarly, using the ecological risk index the commercial sector fell into the considerable category while the other sectors classified as low risk. Road dust increased along with city growth and its dynamics, additionally, road dust might cause a number of negative environmental impacts, therefore the monitoring this dust is crucial.
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•Road dust increased along with city growth and its dynamics.•The commercial sector showed the highest concentrations of heavy metals.•The presence of Zn, Pb and Cu in the three sectors is noteworthy.•Road dust might cause a number of negative environmental impacts.
Agriculture has always been an important economic and social sector for humans. Fruit production is especially essential, with a great demand from all households. Therefore, the use of innovative ...technologies is of vital importance for the agri-food sector. Currently artificial intelligence is one very important technological tool widely used in modern society. Particularly, Deep Learning (DL) has several applications due to its ability to learn robust representations from images. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) is the main DL architecture for image classification. Based on the great attention that CNNs have had in the last years, we present a review of the use of CNN applied to different automatic processing tasks of fruit images: classification, quality control, and detection. We observe that in the last two years (2019–2020), the use of CNN for fruit recognition has greatly increased obtaining excellent results, either by using new models or with pre-trained networks for transfer learning. It is worth noting that different types of images are used in datasets according to the task performed. Besides, this article presents the fundamentals, tools, and two examples of the use of CNNs for fruit sorting and quality control.
Abstract Randomization-based neural networks have gained wide acceptance in the scientific community owing to the simplicity of their algorithm and generalization capabilities. Random vector ...functional link (RVFL) networks and their variants are a class of randomization-based neural networks. RVFL networks have shown promising results in classification, regression, and clustering problems. For real-world applications, learning algorithms that can train with new samples over previous results are necessary because of to the constant generation of problems related to large-scale datasets. Various online sequential algorithms, commonly involving an initial learning phase followed by a sequential learning phase, have been proposed to address this issue. This paper presents a training algorithm based on multiple online sequential random vector functional link (OS-RVFL) networks for large-scale databases using a shared memory architecture. The training dataset is distributed among p OS-RVFL networks, which are trained in parallel using p threads. Subsequently, the test dataset samples are classified using each trained OS-RVFL network. Finally, a frequency criterion is applied to the results obtained from each OS-RVFL network to determine the final classification. Additionally, an equation was derived to reasonably predict the total training time of the proposed algorithm based on the learning time in the initial phase and the time scaling factor compared to the sequential learning phase. The results demonstrate a drastic reduction in training time because of data distribution and an improvement in accuracy because of the adoption of the frequency criterion.
Marine stratocumulus clouds often become decoupled from the vertical layer immediately above the ocean surface. This study contrasts cloud chemical composition between coupled and decoupled marine ...stratocumulus clouds for dissolved nonwater substances. Cloud water and droplet residual particle composition were measured in clouds off the California coast during three airborne experiments in July–August of separate years (Eastern Pacific Emitted Aerosol Cloud Experiment 2011, Nucleation in California Experiment 2013, and Biological and Oceanic Atmospheric Study 2015). Decoupled clouds exhibited significantly lower air‐equivalent mass concentrations in both cloud water and droplet residual particles, consistent with reduced cloud droplet number concentration and subcloud aerosol (Dp > 100 nm) number concentration, owing to detachment from surface sources. Nonrefractory submicrometer aerosol measurements show that coupled clouds exhibit higher sulfate mass fractions in droplet residual particles, owing to more abundant precursor emissions from the ocean and ships. Consequently, decoupled clouds exhibited higher mass fractions of organics, nitrate, and ammonium in droplet residual particles, owing to effects of long‐range transport from more distant sources. Sodium and chloride dominated in terms of air‐equivalent concentration in cloud water for coupled clouds, and their mass fractions and concentrations exceeded those in decoupled clouds. Conversely, with the exception of sea‐salt constituents (e.g., Cl, Na, Mg, and K), cloud water mass fractions of all species examined were higher in decoupled clouds relative to coupled clouds. Satellite and Navy Aerosol Analysis and Prediction System‐based reanalysis data are compared with each other, and the airborne data to conclude that limitations in resolving boundary layer processes in a global model prevent it from accurately quantifying observed differences between coupled and decoupled cloud composition.
Key Points
Decoupled clouds exhibit lower subcloud aerosol and cloud drop concentrations and more impacted by land sources
Coupled clouds have higher total air‐equivalent levels of dissolved nonwater species, with sea salt being dominant
Nonwater species mass fractions vary significantly between coupled and decoupled clouds in cloud water and droplet residual particles
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive human cancer and miRNAs can play a key role for this disease. In order to broaden the knowledge in this field, the miRNA expression was ...investigated in a large series of MPM to discover new pathways helpful in diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. We employed nanoString nCounter system for miRNA profiling on 105 MPM samples and 10 healthy pleura. The analysis was followed by the validation of the most significantly deregulated miRNAs by RT-qPCR in an independent sample set. We identified 63 miRNAs deregulated in a statistically significant way. MiR-185, miR-197, and miR-299 were confirmed differentially expressed, after validation study. In addition, the results of the microarray analysis corroborated previous findings concerning miR-15b-5p, miR-126-3p, and miR-145-5p. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to explore the association between miRNA expression and overall survival (OS) and identified a 2-miRNA prognostic signature (Let-7c-5p and miR-151a-5p) related to hypoxia and energy metabolism respectively. In silico analyses with DIANA-microT-CDS highlighted 5 putative targets in common between two miRNAs. With the present work we showed that the pattern of miRNAs expression is highly deregulated in MPM and that a 2-miRNA signature can be a new useful tool for prognosis in MPM.
The management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has become increasingly complex due to the evolution of personalized medicine approaches. Such approaches are characterized by the necessity of ...adequate tumor samples; hence, improved biopsy techniques are needed. Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy is a novel endoscopic procedure designed to collect peripheral pulmonary tissue, and it is currently employed in interstitial lung diseases. The use of this technique in oncology might result in improved mediastinum staging and molecular characterizations; however, available data involving the use of a cryoprobe on mediastinal lymph nodes are still limited.
Here we present a series of five consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic assessment of mediastinal lymph nodes for oncologic reasons. All patients were subjected both to endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS TBNA) and cryobiopsy of mediastinal lymph nodes during the same procedure, and no complications were observed. In three of the reported cases, both cryobiopsy and cell block from EBUS TBNA were positive, while in one case cryobiopsy was not diagnostic and EBUS TBNA was negative; moreover, one case showed discordance between the procedures, as cryobiopsy was negative and cell block obtained from multiple stations was diagnostic for small cell lung cancer. In one case involving a patient treated for lymphoma, cryobiopsy provided more complete histologic characterization, and in another case involving a patient affected by NSCLC cryobiopsy provided more material for molecular analyses.
This case presentation series suggests that cryobiopsy, which has been generally used on peripheral lung lesions so far, is a feasible and safe approach for diagnosis and staging of mediastinal lymph nodal involvement, especially when station 7 is involved. Compared to EBUS TBNA, cryobiopsy might provide more adequate histological samples, with a possible impact on molecular characterizations and, therefore, therapeutic decisions. However, the learning curve of the procedure has not to be understated and optimal protocols for implementing this technique are needed. In our opinion, further studies designed to integrate the routine use of cryobiopsy in current practice for solid and eventually hematologic tumors with mediastinal lymph node involvement are warranted.
Urbanization-induced land-use changes cause several environmental problems, especially in developing countries due to a lack of sufficient urban planning. This study was performed in a medium-size ...city of Villavicencio, Colombia. Copper, lead, nickel, zinc, chromium, manganese, and cadmium in road-deposited sediment (RDS) from different land uses were determined. Multiple geo- and statistical approaches of geographic information system mapping, Pearson correlation, Kruskal–Wallis H, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and principal component analyze (PCA) were employed to assess the influence of land use on the metals’ spatial distribution. The enrichment of given metals in RDS was evaluated by geo-accumulation (
I
geo
) and pollution load (PLI) indexes. The exposure human health risk was assessed by hazard index (HI). Results show that the average contents of the given metals decreased in the order of commercial > residential > highway > government institutions and public parks areas. Commercial areas thereafter always have the highest metals enrichment (
I
geo
) and pollution level (PLI).
HI
assessment indicates that child has a higher health risk than adult due to the exposure to metals in RDS. HCA analysis reveals that surface roughness had a more direct influence than land-use type on metals’ distribution. Kruskal–Wallis H test further suggests land-use type had a significant influence on certain metals’ spatial variation. Two potential (group) sources of geochemical and vehicular sources, along with leaded petrol and paintings, were inferred to be the main contributors to metals in RDS by PCA analysis.
The baseline values for metal(loid)s in soils are known as a tool for the evaluation, prevention, and monitoring of the environmental quality of the soil. The main aim is to propose baseline values ...for metal(loid)s through the analysis of the concentrations in soils within natural areas; additionally, this study attempts to assess the environmental quality of soils in agricultural areas. The study was developed in the Piedemonte Llanero from Colombia a region with more than 5000 mm year
−1
of pluviometry. A total of 90 soil samples were collected in agricultural and natural areas. Chemical analysis was conducted by acid digestion following the method EPA 3050B and determined the metal(loid)s (Al, As, Fe, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) through ICP-OES. This is the first time that baseline values are proposed for a region in Colombia. The values proposed (expressed in mg kg
−1
) are Cd (0.3), As (2.8), Cu (9.9), Ni (10.2), Pb (11.3), Cr (21.1), Zn (28.2), Mn (83.8), Mg (348), Fe (22,775), and Al (28,975). These values are comparatively lower than those reported for other regions in Latin America and the rest of the world. Also, agricultural soils are not contaminated. The possible explanation is as a consequence of the intense washing caused by the intense rainfall of the place. The results also demonstrated that the soils in this region are not contaminated. Finally, these advances will allow public and private organizations to establish criteria for the environmental and sustainable management of soils, especially on agricultural activities.
The midday stem water potential (Ψs) and stomatal conductance (gs) have been traditionally used to monitor the water status of cherry trees (Prunus avium L.). Due to the complexity of direct ...measurement, the use of infrared thermography has been proposed as an alternative. This study compares Ψs and gs against crop water stress indexes (CWSI) calculated from thermal infrared (TIR) data from high-resolution (HR) and low-resolution (LR) cameras for two cherry tree cultivars: ‘Regina’ and ‘Sweetheart’. For this purpose, a water stress–recovery cycle experiment was carried out at the post-harvest period in a commercial drip-irrigated cherry tree orchard under three irrigation treatments based on Ψs levels. The water status of trees was measured weekly using Ψs, gs, and compared to CWSIs, computed from both thermal cameras. Results showed that the accuracy in the estimation of CWSIs was not statistically significant when comparing both cameras for the representation of Ψs and gs in both cultivars. The performance of all evaluated physiological indicators presented similar trends for both cultivars, and the averaged differences between CWSI’s from both cameras were 11 ± 0.27%. However, these CWSI’s were not able to detect differences among irrigation treatments as compared to Ψs and gs.
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