AbstractIn forensic intelligence-gathering, footprints have been shown to be valued evidence found at crime scenes. Forensic podiatrists and footprint examiners use a variety of techniques for ...measuring footprints for comparison of the crime scene evidence with the exemplar footprints. This study examines three different techniques of obtaining two-dimensional linear measurement data of dynamic bare footprints. Dynamic bare footprints were gathered from 50 students from a podiatric medical school using the Identicator® Inkless Shoe Print Model LE 25P system. After obtaining 100 bilateral footprints from the participants, the quantitative measurement data were collected by using three different measurement techniques: (i) a manual technique using a ruler (direct technique); (ii) an Adobe® Photoshop® technique; and (iii) a GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) technique. The seven Reel linear measurement methodology was used for producing measurements using these three techniques. This study showed that all the mean bare footprint measurements on the right and left feet obtained using the direct technique were larger than those obtained using GIMP and Adobe® Photoshop® images. Differences were also observed in measurements produced using GIMP software and Photoshop images. However, the differences observed in the three techniques used for bare footprint measurements were not found to be statistically significant. The study concludes that there are no significant differences between the three measurement techniques when applied to two-dimensional bare footprints using the Reel method. It further concluded that any of these measurement techniques can be used when employing the Reel methodology for footprint analysis without significant difference.
Key message
A fully automated algorithm allowed knot detection and positioning on computed tomography (CT) images of Douglas-fir logs. The detection of knot diameter and status could benefit from ...further improvements, i.e., testing other configurations and implementing texture measures. Manual measurement on CT images allows for tridimensional assessment and greater attainable sampling, while manual measurement on discs provides additional color and texture information.
Context
Computed tomography (CT) is a very successful tool to non-destructively acquire the internal knot structure of a log. To enable large-scale applications, an algorithm that automatically detects knots is required. The accuracy of such algorithms depends heavily on the species and image resolution.
Aim
This study validates a knot detection algorithm (Johansson et al. in Comput Electron Agric 96:238–45,
2013
) on fresh Douglas-fir (
Pseudotsuga menziesii
(Mirb.) Franco) logs.
Methods
In this study, 282 knots were sampled from 15 logs, selected from six 78-year-old trees in southwest Germany. The validation of the algorithm’s knot detection was performed via comparison against two manual methods: on physical samples and on CT images.
Results
The saturated sapwood negatively influences the overall knot detection, which causes underestimation of knot diameter in this area or incomplete detection. The algorithm tended to overestimate knot diameter, longitudinal position, and knot length.
Conclusion
The algorithm provides the knot position with satisfactory accuracy. Other settings on contrast and considered volume around a knot can be tested within the algorithm, as well as new development and implementation of texture measures in the image analysis to improve the accuracy results for Douglas-fir in future investigations.
This article reports the results of a field investigation aimed at comparing and verifying the agreement between two methods measuring rill morphological characteristics at the Masse experimental ...area. At first, the data obtained both with a manual method (profilometer) and with a Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS) were compared. The comparison showed that the manual measurements underestimate the width at the top of the cross sections and the length of the rill segments. Calibration curves were derived for these characteristics and were used to correct the manual data. The comparison between the corrected total length and volume and between the morphological characteristics of the measured rills at Masse showed that the power relationships available in the literature are valid also for the silty-clay soil in Masse.
•Morphological characteristics of rill surveyed by TLS and by manual were compared.•Manual measures underestimate the width at the top of the cross sections.•Manual measures underestimate the length of the rill segments.•Calibration curves were derived and used to correct manual measurements.
Sagittal vertebral inclination (SVI) was systematically evaluated in computed tomography (CT) images by three observers using six manuals and two computerized measurements.
To analyze and compare ...manual and computerized measurements of SVI in CT images.
A number of methods were proposed to measure SVI in lateral radiographic projections in the form of spinal curvature or segmental angulation. A systematic analysis of the manual and computerized measurements in sagittal CT cross-sections has not been performed yet.
SVI was measured in CT images for 28 vertebrae independently by three observers. Manual measurements were obtained in sagittal cross-sections by manually identifying the vertebral body corners, which defined the lines of SVI (superior and inferior tangents, anterior and posterior tangents, mid-endplate and mid-wall lines) against reference horizontal or vertical lines. Computerized measurements were obtained by manually identifying the vertebral centroids, which initialized the automated method that evaluated SVI by searching for the planes of maximal symmetry of vertebral bodies in two dimensions and in three dimensions.
The midwall lines proved to be the most reproducible and reliable manual measurements (1.0° and 1.4° standard deviations SD). The computerized measurements in three dimensions were more reproducible and reliable (0.9° and 1.3° SD) and also most consistent with the midwall lines (2.1° SD and 1.7° mean absolute difference).
The manual measurements based on mid-wall lines and the computerized measurements in three dimensions yielded the lowest intraobserver and interobserver variability of SVI. However, in terms of speed and operator friendliness, the computerized measurements may represent an adequate alternative to manual measurements.
Abstract In this study, sagittal vertebral inclination (SVI) was systematically evaluated for 28 vertebrae (segments between T4 and L5) in magnetic resonance (MR) images of one normal and one ...scoliotic subject to compare the performance of manual and computerized measurements, and identify the most reproducible and reliable measurements. Manual measurements were performed by three observers, who identified on two occasions the distinctive anatomical landmarks required to evaluate SVI by six measurement methods, i.e. the superior tangents, inferior tangents, anterior tangents, posterior tangents, mid-endplate lines and mid-wall lines. Computerized measurements were performed by automatically evaluating SVI from the symmetry of vertebral anatomical structures in two-dimensional (2D) sagittal cross-sections and in three-dimensional (3D) volumetric images. The mid-wall lines and posterior tangents proved to be the manual measurements with the lowest intra-observer (standard deviation, SD, of 1.4° and 1.7°, respectively) and inter-observer variability (SD of 1.9° and 2.4°, respectively). The strongest inter-method agreement was found between the mid-wall lines and posterior tangents (SD of 2.0°). Computerized measurements in 2D and in 3D resulted in intra-observer (SD of 2.8° and 3.1°, respectively) and inter-observer variability (SD of 3.8° and 5.2°, respectively) that were comparable to those of the superior tangents (SD of 2.6° and 3.7°) and inferior tangents (SD of 3.2° and 4.5°), which represent standard Cobb angle measurements. It can be concluded that computerized measurements of SVI should be based on the inclination of vertebral body walls.
Objective measurement of coronal vertebral inclination (CVI) is of significant importance for evaluating spinal deformities in the coronal plane. The purpose of this study is to systematically ...analyze and compare manual and computerized measurements of CVI in cross-sectional and volumetric computed tomography (CT) images. Three observers independently measured CVI in 14 CT images of normal and 14 CT images of scoliotic vertebrae by using six manual and two computerized measurements. Manual measurements were obtained in coronal cross-sections by manually identifying the vertebral body corners, which served to measure CVI according to the superior and inferior tangents, left and right tangents, and mid-endplate and mid-wall lines. Computerized measurements were obtained in two dimensions (2D) and in three dimensions (3D) by manually initializing an automated method in vertebral centroids and then searching for the planes of maximal symmetry of vertebral anatomical structures. The mid-endplate lines were the most reproducible and reliable manual measurements (intra- and inter-observer variability of 0.7° and 1.2° standard deviation, SD, respectively). The computerized measurements in 3D were more reproducible and reliable (intra- and inter-observer variability of 0.5° and 0.7° SD, respectively), but were most consistent with the mid-wall lines (2.0° SD and 1.4° mean absolute difference). The manual CVI measurements based on mid-endplate lines and the computerized CVI measurements in 3D resulted in the lowest intra-observer and inter-observer variability, however, computerized CVI measurements reduce observer interaction.
Despite the growing interest in many fields, spatio-temporal (ST) interpolation remains challenging. Given ST nonstationary data distributed sparsely and irregularly over space, our objective is to ...obtain an equidistant representation of the region of interest (ROI). For this reason, an equidistant grid is defined within the ROI, where the available time series data are arranged, and the time series of the unobserved points are interpolated. Aiming to maintain the interpretability of the whole process while offering flexibility and fast execution, this work presents a ST interpolation frame-work which combines a statistical technique with deep learning. Our framework is generic and not confined to a specific application, which also provides the prediction confidence. To evaluate its validity, this framework is applied to ultrasound nondestructive testing (UT) data as an example. After the training with synthetic UT data sets, our framework is shown to yield accurate predictions when applied to measured UT data.
This paper explores the comparison of two methods for assessing the hull shape of a 5-meter L5
sailboat. The classic way of obtaining the hull shape, involving manual measurements and traditional
...tools, is compared to the photogrammetry method, which relies on high-resolution photographs and
software algorithms for analysis. Various aspects, including accuracy, speed, and practicality of both
approaches, are analyzed in the study.
The results suggest that the photogrammetry method has significant advantages in terms of accuracy
and speed of shape assessment compared to the classic method. Photogrammetry enables more
precise and faster measurement of various sailplane shape parameters, reducing the need for manual
interventions and human subjective assessments. Additionally, the photogrammetry method provides
high-quality visual data that can be used for further analysis and simulations.
This paper suggests that the application of photogrammetry can enhance the process of obtaining
the hull shape of 5-meter L5 sailboats, thereby increasing precision and efficiency in the field of
engineering and design.
Background: Hallux valgus (HV) is one of the most common forefoot deformities, and its prevalence increases with age. HV has been associated with poor foot function, difficulty in fitting footwear ...and poor health-related quality of life. The aims of this study were to design and develop an easy-to-use measurement device for measuring hallux valgus angle (HVA) in patients with HV and to assess the measurement reliability of the newly designed measurement device. Methods: A manual measurement device for measuring HVA was designed and developed to test on patients with HV. Two measuring methods, i.e., test–retest and intra-observer measurements, were used to evaluate the repeatability and reliability of the newly designed measurement device. In the test–retest measurements, a total of 42 feet from 26 patients with HV were repeatedly measured by the same researcher using the manual measurement device every 3 weeks over a period of 12 months. The measurement reliability of the newly designed measurement device was analysed based on the collected HVA data. In the intra-observer measurements, a total of 22 feet from the same group of HV patients were measured by the same researcher using the manual measurement device and by a consultant using X-ray measurement for comparison. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to determine the correlation of measurements between the manual measurement device and X-ray measurement. Results: The mean of the difference between the two repeat measurements of HVA using the newly designed manual device was 0.62°, and the average of ICC was 0.995, which indicates excellent reliability. The ICC between X-ray and the average of twice-repeated manual measurements was 0.868, with 95% CI (0.649, 0.947) (p = 0.000). When the relationship in HVA between X-ray measurement and manual measurement using the new device was regressed as a linear relationship, the regression equation was y = 1.13x − 4.76 (R2 = 0.70). Conclusions: The newly designed measurement device is easy to use, with low-cost and excellent reliability for HVA measurement, with the potential for use in clinical practice.
The objective of this study was to compare the differences between the measurements performed manually to those obtained using a digital model scanner of patients with orthodontic treatment.A ...cross-sectional study was performed in a sample of 30 study models from patients with permanent dentition who attended a university clinic between January 2010 and December 2015. For the digital measurement, a Maestro 3D Ortho Studio scanner (Italy) was used and Mitutoyo electronic Vernier calipers (Kawasaki, Japan) were used for manual measurement. The outcome variables were the measurements for maxillary intercanine width, mandibular intercanine width, maxillary intermolar width, mandibular intermolar width, overjet, overbite, maxillary arch perimeter, mandibular arch perimeter, and palate height. The independent variables, besides age and sex, were a series of arc characteristics. The Student t test, paired Student t test, and Pearson correlation in SPSS version 19 were used for the analysis.Of the models, 60% were from women. Two of nine measurements for pre-treatment and 6 of 9 measurements for post-treatment showed a difference. The variables that were different between the manual and digital measurements in the pre-treatment were maxillary intermolar width and palate height (P < .05). Post-treatment, differences were found in mandibular intercanine width, palate height, overjet, overbite, and maxillary and mandibular arch perimeter (P < .05).The models measured manually and digitally showed certain similarities for both vertical and transverse measurements. There are many advantages offered to the orthodontist, such as easy storage; savings in time and space; facilitating the reproducibility of information; and conferring the security of not deteriorating over time. Its main disadvantage is the cost.
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