Search Results (144)

This paper presents the interesting results of applying compression ratio (CR) in the prediction of the boundary between visually lossless and visually lossy compression, which is of particular importance in perceptual image compression. The prediction is carried out through the objective quality (peak signal-to-noise ratio, PSNR) and image representation in bits per pixel (bpp). In this analysis, the results of subjective tests from four publicly available databases are used as ground truth for comparison with the results obtained using the compression ratio as a predictor. Through a wide analysis of color and grayscale infrared JPEG and Better Portable Graphics (BPG) compressed images, the values of parameters that control these two types of compression and for which CR is calculated are proposed. It is shown that PSNR and bpp predictions can be significantly improved by using CR calculated using these proposed values, regardless of the type of compression and whether color or infrared images are used. In this paper, CR is used for the first time in predicting the boundary between visually lossless and visually lossy compression for images from the infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum, as well as in the prediction of BPG compressed content. This paper indicates the great potential of CR so that in future research, it can be used in joint prediction based on several features or through the CR curve obtained for different values of the parameters controlling the compression. Full article

In order to solve the problem of imaging quality of industrial cameras for low-light and large dynamic scenes in many fields, such as smart city and target recognition, this study focuses on overcoming two core challenges: first, the loss of image details due to the significant difference in light distribution in complex scenes, and second, the coexistence of dark and light areas under the constraints of the limited dynamic range of a camera. To this end, we propose a low-light high-dynamic-range image enhancement method based on dynamic weights and pyramid fusion. In order to verify the effectiveness of the method, experimental data covering full-time scenes are acquired based on an image acquisition platform built in the laboratory, and a comprehensive evaluation system combining subjective visual assessment and objective indicators is constructed. The experimental results show that, in a multi-temporal fusion task, this study’s method performs well in multiple key indicators such as information entropy (EN), average gradient (AG), edge intensity (EI), and spatial frequency (SF), making it especially suitable for imaging in low-light and high-dynamic-range environments. Specifically in localized low-light high-dynamic-range regions, compared with the best-performing comparison method, the information entropy indexes of this study’s method are improved by 4.88% and 6.09%, which fully verifies its advantages in detail restoration. The research results provide a technical solution with all-day adaptive capability for low-cost and lightweight surveillance equipment, such as intelligent transportation systems and remote sensing security systems, which has broad application prospects. Full article

Excessively pursuing the comfort of the indoor environment in buildings may increase the energy consumption of operating equipment. A non-cooperative game strategy to solve the above-mentioned problem is proposed in this paper, in which multi-comfort and economic objectives are treated as equal virtual gamers. Firstly, several kinds of electrical equipment in buildings are modeled. Secondly, a visual comfort index is established by measuring the approach, followed by the construction of multi-dimensional comfort expression, including thermal, water, and air quality in indoor environments. Then, based on game theory, the non-cooperative game model of a single entity is built by using economic and multi-comfort objectives as virtual players to avoid subjectivity in multi-objective optimization. To ensure the existence of a Nash equilibrium, the Nikaido–Isoda function is employed to reformulate the payoff function, with strategy spaces allocated based on power differences. Finally, the optimization strategy is solved by using a particle swarm optimization algorithm. The simulation results show that the proposed solution increased comfort by 31.45% and reduced economic costs by 3.89% in comparison to the multi-objective optimization algorithm. Full article

Forest canopy image is a necessary technical means to obtain canopy parameters, whereas image segmentation is an essential factor that affects the accurate extraction of canopy parameters. To address the limitations of forest canopy image mis-segmentation due to its complex structure, this study proposes a forest canopy image segmentation method based on the parameter evolutionary barnacle optimization algorithm (PEBMO). The PEBMO algorithm utilizes an extensive range of nonlinear incremental penis coefficients better to balance the exploration and exploitation process of the algorithm, dynamically decreasing reproduction coefficients instead of the Hardy-Weinberg law coefficients to improve the exploitation ability; the parent generation of barnacle particles ($pl$ = 0.5) is subjected to the Chebyshev chaotic perturbation to avoid the algorithm from falling into premature maturity. Four types of canopy images were used as segmentation objects. Kapur entropy is the fitness function, and the PEBMO algorithm selects the optimal value threshold. The segmentation performance of each algorithm is comprehensively evaluated by the fitness value, standard deviation, structural similarity index value, peak signal-to-noise ratio value, and feature similarity index value. The PEBMO algorithm outperforms the comparison algorithm by $91.67\%,55.56\%,62.5\%,69.44\%$, and $63.89\%$ for each evaluation metric, respectively. The experimental results show that the PEBMO algorithm can effectively improve the segmentation accuracy and quality of forest canopy images. Full article

Background: The objective of this systematic review was to summarize the findings of texture analyses of musculoskeletal ultrasound images and synthesize the information to facilitate the use of texture analysis on assessing skeletal muscle quality in various pathophysiological conditions. Methods: Medline, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched from their inception until January 2025 using the PRISMA Diagnostic Test Accuracy and was registered at PROSPERO CRD42025636613. Information related to patients, interventions, ultrasound settings, texture analyses, muscles, and findings were extracted. The quality of evidence was evaluated using QUADAS-2. Results: A total of 38 studies using second-order and higher-order texture analysis met the criteria. The results indicated that no studies used an established reference standard (histopathology) to evaluate the accuracy of ultrasound texture analysis in diagnosing muscle quality. Alternative reference standards were compared, including various physiological, pathological, and pre–post intervention comparisons using over 200+ texture features of various muscles on diverse pathophysiological conditions. Conclusions: The findings of these included studies demonstrating that ultrasound texture analysis was able to discriminate changes in muscle quality using texture analysis between patients with pathological conditions and healthy conditions, including popular gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM)-based contrast, correlation, energy, entropy, and homogeneity. Studies also demonstrated that texture analysis can discriminate muscle quality in various muscles under pathophysiological conditions although evidence is low because of bias in subject recruitment and lack of comparison with the established reference standard. This is the first systematic review of the use of texture analysis of musculoskeletal ultrasonography in assessing muscle quality in various muscles under diverse pathophysiological conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, motivations, and expectations of community members regarding antimicrobial use is essential for effective stewardship interventions. This scoping review aimed to identify key themes relating to the critical areas regarding antimicrobial use among community members in primary healthcare (PHC), with a particular focus on LMICs. Methods: OVID Medline, PubMed, and CINAHL databases were searched using Boolean operators and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms relevant to antimicrobial use and community behaviors. The Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Study Design (PICOS) framework guided study selection, which focused on community members seeking care in PHC in LMICs. Data management and extraction were facilitated using the Covidence platform, with the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) qualitative checklist applied for qualitative studies. A narrative synthesis identified and grouped key themes and sub-themes. Results: The search identified 497 sources, of which 59 met the inclusion criteria, with 75% of the studies conducted in outpatient primary care settings. Four key themes were identified: (1) the ’patient’ theme, highlighting beliefs, knowledge, and expectations, which was the most prominent (40.5%); (2) the ’provider’ theme, emphasizing challenges related to clinical decision-making, knowledge gaps, and adherence to guidelines; (3) the ’healthcare systems’ theme, highlighting resource limitations, lack of infrastructure, and policy constraints; and (4) the ‘intervention/uptake’ theme, emphasizing strategies to improve future antibiotic use and enhance access to and quality of healthcare. Conclusions: Stewardship programs in PHC settings in LMICs should be designed to be context-specific, community-engaged, and accessible to individuals with varying levels of understanding, involving the use of information and health literacy to effectively reduce AMR. Full article

The objective of this experiment is to investigate the effects of SAP or SAO as ω-3 PUFA raw materials on production performance, egg quality, serum immunity, serum lipids, and fatty acid deposition patterns in the eggs of laying quails. Chinese yellow-feathered quails served as the experimental subjects. A single-factor design was employed to randomly assign 1288 quails into four treatment groups, with seven replicates per treatment and 46 birds in each replicate. The groups included a control group (basal diet with no SAP), 1.6% SAP, 3.2% SAP, and 0.8% SAP + 0.3% SAO. The results indicate that: (1) Compared to the control group, the 0.8% SAP + 0.3% SAO group exhibited a reduction in daily egg-laying rate and egg mass, alongside an increased FCR; (2) the 3.2% SAP group enhanced egg yolk color, while the 1.6% SAP group reduced eggshell thickness, and the 0.8% SAP + 0.3% SAO group increased eggshell thickness; (3) compared to the control group, the 3.2% SAP group decreased total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in serum; the addition of either the 3.2% SAP or the 0.8% SAP + 0.3% SAO group significantly elevated quail serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels (p < 0.05); (4) in comparison to the control group, the addition of SAP or with SAP increased the contents of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and ω-3 PUFA in 56-day-old egg yolks while reducing the ω-6/ω-3 ratio (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that SAP as a source of ω-3 PUFA raw materials could improve quail health by improving lipid metabolism and immunity. 3.2% SAP was recommended as the optimal level to produce the enriched ω-3 PUFA quail eggs with the ω-3 PUFA ≥ 300 mg/100 g. Full article

Objective: In suspected acute ischemic stroke, it is now reasonable to expand the conventional “stroke protocol” (non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT), arterial CT angiography (CTA), and optionally CT perfusion (CTP)) to early and late venous head scans yielding a multiphase CTA (MP-CTA) to increase diagnostic confidence. Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) have been defined for neither MP-CTA nor CTP. We therefore present dosimetry data, while also considering image quality, for a large, unselected patient cohort. Methods: A retrospective single-center study of 1790 patients undergoing the extended stroke protocol with three scanners (2× dual-source, DSCT; 1× single-source, SSCT) between 07/21 and 12/23 was conducted. For each sequence, we analyzed the radiation dose (volumetric CT dose index (CTDIvol); dose length product; effective dose); objective image quality using manually placed regions of interest (contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR)); and subjective image quality (4-point scale: 1 = non-diagnostic, 4 = excellent). The DRL was defined as the 75% percentile of the CTDIvol distribution. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used initially to test for overall equality of median values in each data group. Single post-test comparisons were performed with Dunn’s test, with an overall statistical significance level of 0.05. Results: Dosimetry values were significantly higher for SSCT (p < 0.001, each). Local DRLs ranged between 37.3 and 49.1 mGy for NCCT, 3.6–5.5 mGy for arterial CTA, 1.2–2.5 mGy each for early/late venous CTA, and 141.1–220.5 mGy for CTP. Protocol adjustment (DSCT-1: CTP) yielded a 28.2% dose reduction. The highest/lowest CNRs (arterial/early venous CTA, respectively) were recorded for SSCT/DSCT-2 (p < 0.001). Subjective image quality was rated excellent except for slightly increased MP-CTA noise at DSCT-2 (median = 3). Conclusions: Our data imply that additive MP-CTA scans only yield a minor increase in radiation exposure, particularly when using DSCT. CTP should be limited to selected patients. Full article

Background/Objectives: Eccentric bruxism is a complex parafunctional activity that involves grinding of teeth and occurs more frequently during sleep. This study aimed to assess differences in condylar parameters (sagittal condylar inclination -SCI and Bennett angle -BA) and mandibular and condylar kinematics during functional and parafunctional movements in bruxers and non-bruxers and to assess a digital method for quantifying eccentric bruxism using an optical jaw tracking system (Modjaw^®). Methods: The study group included subjects diagnosed with eccentric bruxism according to validated clinical diagnostic criteria. A control group of non-bruxer subjects with demographic characteristics similar to the study group was considered. Each participant underwent Modjaw^® examination twice to assess the recordings’ repeatability. The anterior guidance, mastication, and simulated eccentric bruxism were recorded. The SCI and BA were computed. The trajectories of interincisal inferior point (IIP), left condyle (LC), and right condyle (RC) in the frontal (F), sagittal (S), and horizontal (H) planes were outlined in rectangles to calculate areas of mastication and areas of eccentric bruxism (mm²). Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess the recordings’ repeatability. Comparisons between groups were performed using Student’s t- and Mann–Whitney tests. The receiver–operator characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the diagnostic quality of the digital method. Results: Twenty bruxers (10 F and 10 M) and 20 non-bruxers (10 F and 10 M) were included. The ICC had values higher than 0.85. SCI, BA, and area of mastication for IIP, LC, and RC were similar between the groups (p > 0.05). The area of eccentric bruxism was significantly wider in the bruxers (p < 0.001). According to the ROC curve, the following cut-off areas (mm²) for eccentric bruxism were found in F, S, and H planes: IIP (18.05, 13.43, 16.28); LC (3.74, 10.83, 3.35); and RC (4.21, 10.63, 2.9), corresponding to sensitivity > 0.8, specificity > 0.75 and area under the curve (AUC) > 0.85. Conclusions: Mandibular and condylar kinematics during functional movements were similar in bruxers and non-bruxers. A novel digital method for quantifying eccentric bruxism was found using Modjaw^®, which could serve as a tool for early detection of eccentric bruxism before the onset of clinical consequences. Full article

Image enhancement is an important step in image processing to improve contrast and information quality. Intelligent enhancement algorithms are gaining popularity due to the limitations of traditional methods. This paper utilizes a transformation function to enhance the global and local information of grayscale images, but the parameters of this function can produce significant changes in the processed images. To address this, the whale optimization algorithm (WOA) is employed for parameter optimization. New equations are incorporated into WOA to improve its global optimization capability, and exemplars and advanced spiral updates improve the convergence of the algorithm. Its performance is validated on four different types of images. The algorithm not only outperforms comparison algorithms in the objective function but also excels in other image enhancement metrics, including peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), feature similarity index (FSIM), structural similarity index (SSIM), and patch-based contrast quality index (PCQI). It is superior to the comparison algorithms in 11, 6, 11, 13, and 7 images in these metrics, respectively. The results demonstrate that the algorithm is suitable for image enhancement both subjectively and statistically. Full article

Enhancing the acoustical quality in learning environments is necessary, especially for hearing aid (HA) users. When in-field evaluations cannot be performed, virtual reality (VR) can be adopted for acoustical quality assessments of existing and new buildings, contributing to the acquisition of subjective impressions in lab settings. To ensure an accurate spatial reproduction of the sound field in VR for HA users, multi-speaker-based systems can be employed to auralize a given environment. However, most systems require a lot of effort due to cost, size, and construction. This work deals with the validation of a VR-system based on a 16-speaker-array synced with a VR headset, arranged to be easily replicated in small non-anechoic spaces and suitable for HA users. Both objective and subjective validations are performed against a real university lecture room of 800 m³ and with 2.3 s of reverberation time at mid-frequencies. Comparisons of binaural and monoaural room acoustic parameters are performed between measurements in the real lecture room and its lab reproduction. To validate the audiovisual experience, 32 normal-hearing subjects were administered the Igroup Presence Questionnaire (IPQ) on the overall sense of perceived presence. The outcomes confirm that the system is a promising and feasible tool to predict the perceived acoustical quality of a room. Full article

Studies on the phenotypic traits and their associations in Chinese cabbage lack precise and objective digital evaluation metrics. Traditional assessment methods often rely on subjective evaluations and experience, compromising accuracy and reliability. This study develops an innovative, comprehensive trait evaluation method based on 3D point cloud technology, with the aim of enhancing the precision, reliability, and standardization of the comprehensive phenotypic traits of Chinese cabbage. By using multi-view image sequences and structure-from-motion algorithms, 3D point clouds of 50 plants from each of the 17 Chinese cabbage varieties were reconstructed. Color-based region growing and 3D convex hull techniques were employed to measure 30 agronomic traits. Comparisons between 3D point cloud-based measurements of the plant spread, plant height, leaf area, and leaf ball volume and traditional methods yielded R² values greater than 0.97, with root mean square errors of 1.27 cm, 1.16 cm, 839.77 cm³, and 59.15 cm², respectively. Based on the plant spread and plant height, a linear regression prediction of Chinese cabbage weights was conducted, yielding an R² value of 0.76. Integrated optimization algorithms were used to test the parameters, reducing the measurement time from 55 min when using traditional methods to 3.2 min. Furthermore, in-depth analyses including variation, correlation, principal component analysis, and clustering analyses were conducted. Variation analysis revealed significant trait variability, with correlation analysis indicating 21 pairs of traits with highly significant positive correlations and 2 pairs with highly significant negative correlations. The top six principal components accounted for 90% of the total variance. Using the elbow method, k-means clustering determined that the optimal number of clusters was four, thus classifying the 17 cabbage varieties into four distinct groups. This study provides new theoretical and methodological insights for exploring phenotypic trait associations in Chinese cabbage and facilitates the breeding and identification of high-quality varieties. Compared with traditional methods, this system provides significant advantages in terms of accuracy, speed, and comprehensiveness, with its low cost and ease of use making it an ideal replacement for manual methods, being particularly suited for large-scale monitoring and high-throughput phenotyping. Full article

Background/Objectives: Huntington’s disease (HD) is a fully penetrant neurodegenerative disease with a profound effect on quality of life. In recent years, there has been rapid growth in the description of its pathogenesis and diagnosis. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) measurements can aid in the discrimination between premanifest Huntington’s disease (Pre-HD) and healthy control (HC) subjects to establish early supportive and symptomatic management. Our objective was to evaluate metabolic changes using MRS to shed light on its potential as a biomarker through a systematic review. Methods: We followed the PRISMA guidelines, extracting articles from PubMed, Scopus, and the Virtual Health Library. We included patients with pre-HD, HD, and HC subjected to MRS, reporting the concentration of metabolites in at least one brain region. Results: In the putamen, N-acetyl Aspartate (NAA) was significantly decreased in 77.9% and total NAA (tNAA) was decreased in 72.4% of cases; no significant difference was found in 27.5% (n = 19) of cases. Furthermore, when looking into HD vs. pre-HD in the putamen, tNAA and NAA were decreased in 100% of participants. In the caudate nucleus, NAA and creatine were significantly decreased in 100% of HD in comparison to pre-HD participants, whereas tNAA showed a significant decrease in only 50%. Conclusions: MRS can be a relevant tool for the early diagnosis of HD; potential objective biomarkers related to its onset and pathogenesis exist and show differences between controls, pre-HD and HD patients. However, an effort should be made to standardize MRS methodology and reporting in subsequent studies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by various clinical presentations and manifestations that include biopsychosocial impediments. This study has three interrelated goals relevant to biopsychosocial functioning: (i) compare reasoning ability, neuropsychological functioning, affective range, and quality of life (QoL) between people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and healthy controls; (ii) explore gender differences in reasoning ability and neuropsychological functioning, affective symptoms, and QoL among PwMS; and (iii) examine the relationship between QoL and cognitive performance in PwMS, focusing on those with inadequate vs. adequate QoL. Methods: This multicenter study was carried out among clinically stable PwMS (no relapse in the last two months) at follow-up in two tertiary care units in urban Oman. Healthy controls, matched for age and sex, were also recruited as a comparison group. Data were collected using cognitive batteries sensitive to current reasoning ability and conventional neuropsychological batteries designed to measure verbal learning, visual-spatial ability, and processing speed. The affective range (anxiety and depressive symptoms) and quality of life (QoL) were also evaluated. Results: The PwMS group scored lower on current reasoning ability, verbal learning, visual-spatial ability, and processing speed compared to the control group. The incidence of anxiety was higher in the PwMS group, but there were no statistically significant differences in depressive symptoms. No significant differences were found in cognitive variables between the two sexes, except in visual-spatial ability, where women outperformed men. PwMS with low QoL scored lower on attention and concentration indices than those with adequate QoL. According to QoL, no significant differences were observed in reasoning, verbal learning, or visual-spatial ability. Conclusions: The present sentinel study suggests that the Omani cohort with MS tends to have lower indices of current reasoning ability, visual and spatial memory, and cognitive speed compared to control subjects. Gender differences are minimal, except for visual-spatial abilities, where women outperform men. Quality of life significantly affects cognitive functioning. In general, the biopsychosocial impediment appears to be significant, indicating the need for comprehensive evaluation and care in the management of MS. Full article

Objectives: To evaluate the value of virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) from photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) for discriminability of severe lung injury and atelectasis in polytraumatized patients. Materials & Methods: Contrast-enhanced PCD-CT examinations of 20 polytraumatized patients with severe thoracic trauma were included in this retrospective study. Spectral PCD-CT data were reconstructed using a noise-optimized virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) algorithm with calculated VMIs ranging from 40 to 120 keV at 10 keV increments. Injury-to-atelectasis contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was calculated and compared at each energy level based on CT number measurements in severely injured as well as atelectatic lung areas. Three radiologists assessed subjective discriminability, noise perception, and overall image quality. Results: CT values for atelectasis decreased as photon energy increased from 40 keV to 120 keV (mean Hounsfield units (HU): 69 at 40 keV; 342 at 120 keV), whereas CT values for severe lung injury remained near-constant from 40 keV to 120 keV (mean HU: 42 at 40 keV; 44 at 120 keV) with significant differences at each keV level (p < 0.001). The optimal injury-to-atelectasis CNR was observed at 40 keV in comparison with the remaining energy levels (p < 0.001) except for 50 keV (p > 0.05). In line with this, VMIs at 40 keV were rated best regarding subjective discriminability. VMIs at 60–70 keV, however, provided the highest subjective observer parameters regarding subjective image noise as well as image quality. Conclusions: Discriminability between severely injured and atelectatic lung areas after thoracic trauma can be substantially improved by virtual monoenergetic imaging from PCD-CT with superior contrast and visual discriminability at 40–50 keV. Full article