Reduced-reference image quality assessment (RR-IQA) provides a practical solution for automatic image quality evaluations in various applications where only partial information about the original ...reference image is accessible. In this paper, we propose an RR-IQA method by estimating the structural similarity index (SSIM), which is a widely used full-reference (FR) image quality measure shown to be a good indicator of perceptual image quality. Specifically, we extract statistical features from a multiscale multiorientation divisive normalization transform and develop a distortion measure by following the philosophy in the construction of SSIM. We find an interesting linear relationship between the FR SSIM measure and our RR estimate when the image distortion type is fixed. A regression-by-discretization method is then applied to normalize our measure across image distortion types. We use six publicly available subject-rated databases to test the proposed RR-SSIM method, which shows strong correlations with both SSIM and subjective quality evaluations. Finally, we introduce the novel idea of partially repairing an image using RR features and use deblurring as an example to demonstrate its application.
The continuously growing energy demands and the fast depleting fossil fuels reserves has led the research towards seeking alternative fuels and combustion concepts to combat the challenges. Biodiesel ...is one of the potential alternative fuels due to its being renewable in nature. Use of biodiesel in CI engines is generally found to reduce emissions of hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matters (PM); but to increase emission of oxides of nitrogen (NOX) as compared to conventional diesel fuel. Homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion, an advanced combustion concept for internal combustion (IC) engines, is believed to be a promising one due to its high efficiency and lower NOX and PM emissions. However, some issues such as difficulty in combustion phasing control, high levels of UHC and CO emissions, limited range of operation, cold starting problem, difficulty in homogeneous mixture preparation, abnormal pressure rise with noise, lacking in prompt response during cycle transient, engine control strategies and systems, cylinder to cylinder variation and the lack of accurate chemical mechanism and precise combustion model need to be resolved for successful operation of HCCI engine. The characteristic feature of HCCI combustion is the requirement of preparing a homogenous mixture before the start of combustion. In HCCI combustion, the entire combustion process lacks a direct method for the control of ignition timing and combustion rate, which are rather controlled primarily by chemical kinetics, and to a lesser degree, by turbulence and mixing. Biodiesel and its blends with diesel, if coupled properly with HCCI combustion concept, has the potential to reduce the exhaust emissions substantially, while maintaining the performance standards close to the conventional compression ignition (CI) engines. This paper reviews the concepts and methods of HCCI combustion and provides an overview of use of biodiesel in conventional compression ignition direct injection (CIDI) and HCCI engine.
ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of reporting of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare against Consolidated Standards of ...Reporting Trials—AI (CONSORT-AI) guidelines.DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesWe searched PubMed and EMBASE databases for studies reported from January 2015 to December 2021.Eligibility criteriaWe included RCTs reported in English that used AI as the intervention. Protocols, conference abstracts, studies on robotics and studies related to medical education were excluded.Data extractionThe included studies were graded using the CONSORT-AI checklist, comprising 43 items, by two independent graders. The results were tabulated and descriptive statistics were reported.ResultsWe screened 1501 potential abstracts, of which 112 full-text articles were reviewed for eligibility. A total of 42 studies were included. The number of participants ranged from 22 to 2352. Only two items of the CONSORT-AI items were fully reported in all studies. Five items were not applicable in more than 85% of the studies. Nineteen per cent (8/42) of the studies did not report more than 50% (21/43) of the CONSORT-AI checklist items.ConclusionsThe quality of reporting of RCTs in AI is suboptimal. As reporting is variable in existing RCTs, caution should be exercised in interpreting the findings of some studies.
Exosomes, secreted microvesicles transporting microRNAs (miRNAs), mRNAs, and proteins through bodily fluids, facilitate intercellular communication and elicit immune responses. Exosomal contents ...vary, depending on the source and the physiological conditions of cells, and can provide insights into how cells and systems cope with physiological perturbations. Previous analysis of circulating miRNAs in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a debilitating chronic pain disorder, revealed a subset of miRNAs in whole blood that are altered in the disease. To determine functional consequences of alterations in exosomal biomolecules in inflammation and pain, we investigated exosome-mediated information transfer in vitro, in a rodent model of inflammatory pain, and in exosomes from patients with CRPS. Mouse macrophage cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharides secrete exosomes containing elevated levels of cytokines and miRNAs that mediate inflammation. Transcriptome sequencing of exosomal RNA revealed global alterations in both innate and adaptive immune pathways. Exosomes from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cells were sufficient to cause nuclear factor-κB activation in naive cells, indicating functionality in recipient cells. A single injection of exosomes attenuated thermal hyperalgesia in a murine model of inflammatory pain, suggesting an immunoprotective role for macrophage-derived exosomes. Macrophage-derived exosomes carry a protective signature that is altered when secreting cells are exposed to an inflammatory stimulus. We also show that circulating miRNAs altered in patients with complex regional pain syndrome are trafficked by exosomes. With their systemic signaling capabilities, exosomes can induce pleiotropic effects potentially mediating the multifactorial pathology underlying chronic pain, and should be explored for their therapeutic utility.
This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of dietary addition of probiotics (Protexin) and prebiotics (active MOS, mannan oligosaccharides) on growth performance, carcasses, and ...antibody titer in broilers. A total number of 360-day-old Ross broiler chicks were randomly divided into 9 groups in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement. Nine broiler starter (0–21 d) and finisher (21–35 d) diets were formulated by using 3 levels of probiotics (0, 1, and 2 g/kg of feed) and 3 levels of MOS (0, 1, and 1.5 g/kg of feed) and were randomly allotted to 9 groups. Feed intake was not affected by interaction of treatments during all phases (P > 0.05). Feed intake was improved due to the main effect of probiotic (P = 0.0001) or MOS (P = 0.005). No interaction (P > 0.05) was observed for weight gain in the starter, finisher, and overall phases. While, during the starter and finisher phases, weight gain was increased by probiotics (P = 0.028 or 0.04, respectively). Dietary supplementation of MOS improved weight gain (P = 0.01) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P = 0.03) during the overall period, but during starter and finisher periods, weight gain and FCR were not affected by prebiotics. Apart from dressing percentage, no interaction or individual effect of probiotics and prebiotics was observed for carcass, breast, thigh, heart, liver, and gizzard weight. Antibody titer for infectious bursal disease (IBD) was improved (P = 0.026) by the interaction effect between probiotics and prebiotics, when compared with the control group. Antibody titer against Newcastle disease (ND) was not affected by probiotics or prebiotics or their interactions (P > 0.05). It could be concluded that supplementation of prebiotics or probiotics can improve the growth performance of broilers. It may also be helpful in improving the antibody titer against IBD in broilers fed antibiotic-free diets.
Extrusion-based 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) is rapidly gaining popularity in the construction industry. Trial projects are now being realized at an increasing rate around the world to test the ...viability of the technology against real-world requirements. This step, from the ‘simple’ deposition of filaments of self-stable concrete to its application in buildings and structures, with all associated requirements and interfaces, comes with challenges. These range from matching the design intent to the manufacturing capabilities (through structural analysis and approval, and reinforcement) to quality consistency (robustness) on large scale, and compatibility with other materials. In many of these areas, much simply remains unknown due to a lack of experimental data or information from projects where 3DCP has been applied. This paper aims at reducing this knowledge gap by presenting a systematic discussion, based on the analyses of eight realized 3DCP projects from around the world. It was found that the structural application of printed concrete is limited, due to a lack of regulatory framework for expedient approval, as well as limited reinforcement options which require to resort to unreinforced masonry analogies. The application of the technology features a host of practical issues that relate to the print process, material, site conditions, building integration and design – or to the 3DCP technology in general. Although some potential risks, such as shrinkage cracking and quality consistency are generally recognized, the measures taken to mitigate them vary considerably, and are largely based on individual expertise. The actual effectiveness is generally unknown. Finally, it was observed that, while the printing itself is fast, the preparation time is generally considerable. This is partially due to a lack of knowledge amongst professionals. In the practical production of a 3DCP project, three expertise areas are crucial: one for the digital part, one for the machine side, and one for the material side. Thus there is a strong need for educational institutions to develop dedicated training courses and incorporate relevant topics into their curricula.
In order to verify and solve the problem of NOx and PM emissions, it is necessary to directly observe the internal combustion chamber of a diesel engine. Many studies have been performed in recent ...years to verify the macroscopic and microscopic behavior of the injected fuel spray because observing it is not easy due to the difficulties of the experiment. Researchers have investigated the spray characteristics for various diesel injector nozzles over a wide range of temperatures and pressure, but there is lack of evaluation for the spray characteristics for biodiesel. At a time when rapid rise of fuel prices and depleting hydrocarbon resources of the world have forced us to look for alternative fuels biodiesel produced by transesterification of non-edible vegetable oils is promising to be an important additive/substitute to petro diesel. Biodiesel being an oxygenated and sulfur-free fuel leads to more complete combustion and lower emissions. But, the energy content or net calorific value of biodiesel is less than that of diesel fuel; also it has higher viscosity and density, than diesel fuel. A considerable improvement in these properties can be obtained by mixing diesel and biodiesel and then using the blends. Biodiesel and biodiesel/petro diesel blends, with their higher lubricity levels, are increasingly being utilized as an alternative. Present paper analyzed the correlation of injection parameters that will affect the spray characteristics of biodiesel. Observations for analyzing the effect of injection parameters on spray cone angle, break up length and fuel penetration were made. Finally the performance and emissions tests were studied. Atomization and vaporization of fuel are greatly influenced by viscosity and density of fuel and these properties are temperature dependent. Thus fuel inlet temperature plays a very important role in fuel atomization process. At higher temperature viscosity of fuel decreases which enhances the atomization of biofuels.
In this paper, complexity factor is used with generalized polytropic equation of state to develop two consistent systems of three differential equations and a general frame work is established for ...modify form of Lane-Emden equations. For this purpose anisotropic fluid distribution is considered in cylindrical static symmetry with two cases of generalized polytropic equation of state (
i
) mass density
μ
o
and (
ii
) energy density
μ
. A graphical analysis will be carried out for the numerical solution of these systems of three differential equations.
For the first time, the present review critically evaluates biodegradable polymer matrix composites containing graphene-related materials (GRMs) for antibacterial applications while discussing their ...development, processing routes, mechanical properties, and antibacterial activity. Due to its suitable biological properties and processability, chitosan has been the most widely used biodegradable polymer for the fabrication of GRM-containing composites with antibacterial properties. The majority of biodegradable polymers (including cellulose-, gelatine-, PVA-, PCL-, and PHA-based polymers) exhibit little to no antibacterial effect alone; however, they show significant antibacterial activity (>70%) when combined with GRMs. In vitro and in vivo studies indicate that GRMs functionalization with biodegradable polymers also reduces potential GRM cytotoxicity. Overall, GRMs in biodegradable polymer matrices provide attractive antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria (>30 different bacteria) along with improved mechanical properties over pristine polymers, where the type and the degree of improvement provided by GRMs depend on the specific matrix. For example, the addition of GRMs into chitosan, PVA, and PCL matrices increases their tensile strength by 80%, 180%, and 40%, respectively. Challenges remain in understanding the effects of processing routes and post-processing methods on the antibacterial activity and biocompatibility of biodegradable polymer/GRM composites. Given their promising properties and functionality, research on these composites is expected to further increase along with the implementation of new composite systems. These would include a wide range of applications, e.g., wound dressings, tissue engineering, drug delivery, biosensing, and photo-thermal therapy, as well as non-medical use, e.g., antibacterial food packaging, water treatment, and antibacterial fabrics.
Graphene-related materials (GRMs) in polymer matrices can provide excellent antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria together with improved mechanical properties (e.g., tensile strength and elastic modulus) over pristine polymers; thus, research efforts and applications of biodegradable polymer matrix composites containing GRMs have increased notably in the last ten years. For the first time, the present review critically evaluates biodegradable polymer matrix composites containing GRMs for antibacterial applications while discussing their development, processing routes, mechanical properties, and antibacterial activity. Future research directions for each composite system are proposed to shed light on overcoming the existing challenges in composite performance (e.g., mechanical properties, toxicity) reported in the literature.
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