Advanced Neighborhood Operation Based Image Zooming In

Perhaps the most interesting feature of digitally encoded image data is that the image can be analytically manipulated. An entire field of computer graphics, named image processing, has emerged as a result of this capability. Once the data is numerically represented and stored in a manner that corresponds to the image itself, the information can be manipulated by a computer in order to compress the image, correct defects, enhance its qualities, geometrically transform it, perform measurements, detect patterns and objects, and manipulate it in many other forms. This paper provides an overview of the types of image processing operations and introduces an advanced algorithm to enlarge an image to get a closer look. This algorithm changes the magnification of the image and displays the new view in a new figure. It determines the pixel's 3-by-3 neighborhood at the output image, distributes the value of the center pixel in the input matrix to the entire pixel's neighborhood corresponding to it, and filtering the enlarged image by median. This proposed algorithm is tested with many image classes and the results show its very good ability to perform the image zooming in. Some preprocessing and post processing is done automatically which improve this algorithm and give its advantages over the traditional zooming operations. The programming language MATLAB is used to realize the proposed algorith

Eye insight

Dissertação para Obtenção do grau de Mestrado em Arte e Ciência do VidroThe purpose of this research is to gain more understanding of the scientific language. Black symbols and representations of the natural world are used to communicate complex thoughts in various dimensions. Through the process of purification I communicated with confusion and the privilege of being ignorant became my inspiration. My new self is like the alchemists; investigating in new dimensions where symbols and imagery exist to comprehend the always-surrounding unknown. With soda-lime and flat glass I created solid glass symbols. Through the microscope I looked at organic specimens and self-made glass samples and recorded what I saw. Every detail is an indispensable part of an important whole and perceiving is the key to entering new universes. My encounter with science has given me the tools to develop a greater awareness to investigate why and how I am making art. I am convinced that artists and scientists are similar in seeing the universe in unique and specific ways. It is only the representations of those visions that are phrased in different languages

Control óptico de la expresión génica en sistemas biológicos mediante nanopartículas de oro: Expresión génica fototérmica en Escherichia coli y silenciamiento génico en Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Las nanopartículas de oro pueden ser encontrados de diferentes formas, tamaños y que determinan sus características químicas y físicas. Las propiedades físicas y químicas de las nanopartículas metálicas pueden ser moduladas al cambiar su forma, tamaño y la química de su superficie. Por lo tanto, esto ha permitido su uso en una gran variedad de aplicaciones en los sectores industriales y académicos. Una de las características de las nanopartículas metálicas es su habilidad para actuar como convertidos de energía optotérmicos. Esta característica ha sido utilizada en muchas aplicaciones donde las nanopartículas son acopladas con sistemas de respuesta térmica para generar una respuesta óptica. En este estudio, nosotros sintetizamos nanopartículas metálicas que son mayormente esféricas en su forma con un promedio de diámetro de 20.07 nm. En este estudio, nosotrosutilizamos dos fuentes de luz: LED y láser. Diferentes enfoques estadísticos fueron utilizados para medir la potencia y capacidad funcional de la luz láser y LED así como identificar a la variable más necesaria para incrementar la temperatura en una solución de nanopartículas de oro. En este trabajo se realizaron simultáneamente técnicas teóricas y experimentales para evaluar los diferentes factores que afectan la generación de calor en la superficie de nanopartículas cuando son expuestas a una longitud de onda específica por la luz láser y LED. Respecto al láser, los resultados mostraron que los factores que más contribuyeron al cambio de temperatura exhibido en la solución de nanopartículas resultaron ser el poder del láser, la concentración de las nanopartículas de oro, la interacción tiempo × láser y el tiempo de iluminación. Nosotros reportamos un modelo de regresión que permite predecir la generación de calor y cambios de temperatura con errores estándares residuales en menos de 4%. Los resultados son altamente relevantes para diseños futuros y en el desarrollo de aplicaciones donde las aplicaciones de nanopartículas sean incorporadas en los sistemas para inducir un cambio en la temperatura a partir de la exposición de con luz. Respecto al LED, nosotros analizamos estadísticamente la temperatura producida en la superficie de las nanopartículas de oro cuando utilizando LED como fuente de luz. Los resultados mostrados que los efectores principales y las interacciones de todos los factores fueron significativos. Finalmente, basados en el modelo de regresión presentado, los coeficientes de regresión y los resultados de ANOVA nos permiten presentan un poderoso modelo de regresión que muestra las relaciones entre la temperatura de cambio y sus variables. Nosotros simulamos el cambio de generación de nuestras nanopartículas de oro cuando la solución con nanopartículas de oro era iluminada con una fuente de luz LED. Nosotros demostramos que el máximo incremento de temperatura en la solución de nanopartículas (resultados de simulación) cotejaron excelentemente con nuestras observaciones (resultados prácticos). Para evaluar nuestra aplicación fototérmica obtenida a partir de nanopartículas de oro en un sistema biológico en células, evaluamos su factibilidad en la producción de proteína con enfoque fototérmico por primera vez. Para lograr este objetivo, utilizamos luz LED en vez de un dispositivo láser al considerarse como un método nuevo, barato, inofensivo y conmutable para sistemas biológicos vivos. Después de sintetizar las nanopartículas de oro y obtener su perfil de temperatura, nosotros diseñamos un gen sintético, donde el sitio de unión a ribosoma pudiera ser activo y trabajar eficientemente a 37°C. Basado en el modelo de regresión lineal y en análisis de respuesta de superficie de curva, nosotros encontramos el cómo proveer la temperatura necesaria. De esta manera, nosotros mostramos el uso de nanopartículas metálicas y LED como fuente de luz pueden trabajar eficientemente en una estructura tipo stem – loop que contiene un sitio a unión a ribosoma y consecuentemente una alta producción de mCherry es logrado. Además, para mostrar su factibilidad en la desbridamiento de dsDNA unido a nanopartículas metálicas a partir de LED como fuente de luz, nosotros elaboramos conmutadores (nanopartículas de oro acoplados con dsDNA) y finalmente fueron caracterizados. Entonces, nosotros mostramos la factibilidad del desbridamiento del dsDNA unido a nanopartículas de oro (prueba in vitro) utilizando LED como fuente de luz bajo diferentes longitudes de onda. La prueba demostró ser exitosa y se mostró la probabilidad de que el calor generado fototérmica pueda ser utilizado para el silenciamiento de genes por antisentido en células de microalgas vivas

Characterisation of PhdB, a pleckstrin homology domain containing protein in Dictyostelium discoideum

Proteins with pleckstrin homology (PH) domains have been shown to be mostly involved in cytoskeletal signalling. We have identified a new protein in Dictyostelium discoideum, whose primary structure analysis reveals the presence of two PH domains along with additional functional domains like CH, RhoGEF and ArfGAP domains. Henceforth the protein is referred to as PhdB (Pleckstrin homology domain containing protein B). Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies generated against PhdB recognise a 175 kDa protein throughout the developmental differentiation programme of D. discoideum. A GFP fusion protein containing the C-terminal PH domain of PhdB colocalises with F-actin at the pseudopods and is associated with the Triton X-100 insoluble F-actin cytoskeleton. The recombinant C-terminal domain of PhdB also binds to phosphoinositides and actin in vitro. To define the function of the protein we generated null cells lacking the PhdB protein by homologous recombination. The phenotype of the null cells reveals that the protein is necessary for normal cell aggregation during development as PhdB- cells showed a developmental delay and failed to form streams unlike wild type cells during chemotaxis upon a challenge with an external source of cAMP. During further analysis of the developmental defect we observed that the expression of the cell-cell adhesion molecule contact site A (csA) occurred independent of the formation of cell-cell contacts in PhdB- cells. The csA protein is a cAMP induced glycoprotein mediating EDTA-stable contacts. Furthermore, its expresion followed a time course similar to the one observed in wild type and normal levels of csA were reached. However, the presence of the csA did not allow the formation of strong aggregates by PhdB- cells. It therefore appears that the normal expression of csA which we observed during aggregation in PhdB- cells is independent of cell-cell adhesion. Taken together, the abnormal aggregation and the defect in streaming of PhdB- cells indicate that the protein is a component of cell-cell signalling during Dictyostelium aggregation

Cartilage Tissue Engineering For Rhinoplasty

Nasal surgery (rhinoplasty) has evolved considerably since its origins in Egypt around 1600BCE, yet modern reconstruction still relies on grafts harvested from autologous rib cartilage. Rib cartilage is an excellent graft material, but chest donor site morbidity can be a significant problem. The aim of this thesis was to create a patient specific cartilage surgical product using autologous stem cells that would provide surgeons with an effective alternative to rib cartilage. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and cartilage-derived stem/precursor cells (CSPCs) were used in this thesis as they can be harvested through minimally invasive procedures and their chondrogenic potential already widely established. Using a novel tissue clearing protocol for whole mount imaging, primary experiments confirmed the ability of both cell types to self-organize and generate cartilage-like extracellular matrix (ECM) in 3D spheroids. Three different methods of engineering cartilage in 3D were investigated. Firstly, a clinically approved collagen matrix was used as a scaffold and seeded with cells. Immunocytochemistry and histological staining demonstrated cartilage like ECM on the scaffold surface in preference to deeper regions. The collagen matrix proved too be tight and constrictive on cell expansion. Secondly, a 3D bioprinter was used to print cells mixed with cellulose/alginate “bioink” hydrogels. This bioink failed to demonstrate cartilage like ECM in static culture and in a chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. Lastly, a cell laden fibrin hydrogel was “sandwiched” between 2 layers of polycaprolactone (PCL) sheets to provide mechanical support and grafted onto CAM. Histological analysis of cell laden fibrin confirmed regions of chondrogenesis by positive staining of collagen and glycosaminoglycans. In conclusion, the results provide further understanding of how these cells respond to different 3D environments and the effect on chondrogenesis. Combining 3D bioprinting with a sandwich design may be an effective future approach to product development

Application of image analysis in microecophysiology research : methodology development.

Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1998.Rehabilitation of landfill sites is important for successful land utilization. Revegetation is one key element of the process since it can overcome aesthetic problems. The inimical challenges of landfill leachate and gas are largely responsible for the difficulties associated with the revegetation of completed sites. Many components of landfill leachate can be catabolized by microbial associations thereby reducing their impacts on the environment. The importance of research on interactions between pollutants, microorganisms and soil is its applicability in environmental risk assessment and impact studies of organic pollutants which enter the soil either accidentally or intentionally. The application of image analysis with microscopy techniques to landfill soil-pollution interactions provides a means to study surface microbiology directly and to investigate microbial cells under highly controlled conditions. This research focused on the development of a method to study the real time processes of attachment, establishment, growth and division of microbial cells/associations in site covering soils. Image analysis provides a powerful tool for differential quantification of microbial number, identification of morphotypes and their respective responses to microenvironment changes. This minimal disturbance technique of examining visually complex images utilizes the spatial distributions and metabolic sensitivities of microbial species. It was, therefore, used to examine hexanoic acid catabolizing species, both free-living and in a biofilm, with respect to obviating the threat of hexanoic acid to reclamation strategies. The three sources of inoculum (soil cover, soil from the landfill base liner and municipal refuse) were compared for their ability to provide associations which catabolized the substrate rapidly. During the enrichment programme the inocula were challenged with different concentrations of hexanoic acid, a common landfill intermediate. From the rates at which the substrate was catabolized conclusions were drawn on which concentration of hexanoate facilitated the fastest enrichment. The results of initial batch culture enrichments confirmed that the soil used contained microbial associations capable of catabolizing hexanoic acid at concentrations < 50mM, a key leachate component. Exposing the landfill top soil microorganisms to a progressive increase in hexanoic acid concentration ensured that catabolic populations developed which, in situ, should reduce the phytotoxic threat to plants subsequently grown on the landfill cover. The analysis of surface colonization was simplified by examining the initial growth on newly-exposed surfaces. The microbial associations generated complex images which were visually difficult to quantify. Nevertheless, the dimensional and morphological exclusions which were incorporated in the image analysis software permitted the quantification of selected components of the associations although morphology alone was inadequate to confirm identification. The effects of increasing the dilution rate and substrate concentration on the growth of surface-attached associations in Continuous Culture Microscopy Units (CCMUs) were examined. Of the five dilution rates examined the most extensive biofilm development (9.88 jum2) during the selected time period (72h) resulted at a dilution rate of 0.5h' (at 10mM hexanoic acid). The highest growth (608 microorganisms.field"1) was recorded in the presence of 50mM hexanoic acid (D = 0.5h"1). To ensure that the different morphotypes of the associations were able to multiply under the defined conditions a detailed investigation of the component morphotypes was made. Numerically, after 60h of open culture cultivation in the presence of 50mM hexanoic acid, rods were the predominant bacterial morphotypes (43.74 field'1) in the biofilms. Both rods and cocci were distributed throughout the CCMUs whereas the less numerous fungal hyphae (0.25 field'1) were concentrated near the effluent port. The specific growth rates of the surface-attached associations and the component morphotypes were determined by area (//m2) colonized and number of microorganisms.field"' and compared to aerobic planktonic landfill associations. From area determinations ( > 0.16 h'1) and the number of microorganisms.field"1 10mM hexanoic acid was found to support the highest specific growth rate ( > 0.05 h"1) of the surfaceattached association isolated from municipal refuse. With optical density determinations, the highest specific growth rate (0.01 h'1) was recorded with 25mM hexanoic acid. The surface-attached microbial associations component species determinations by area and number showed that the hyphae had the highest specific growth rate ( > 0.11 h"1). The surface-attached microbial association specific growth rate determinations from the discriminated phase (0.023 h'1), area colonized (0.023 h"1) and number of microorganisms (0.027 h"1) calculated from the results of the component species rather than the association should give more accurate results. The specific growth rate obtained differed depending on the method of determination. Any one of these may be the "correct" answer under the cultivation conditions. Depending on the state (thickness) of the association (free-living, monolayer or thick biofilm) the different monitoring methods may be employed to determine the growth. As a consequence of the results of this study, the kinetics of microbial colonization of surfaces in situ may be subjected to the same degree of mathematical analysis as the kinetics of homogeneous cultures. This type of analysis is needed if quantitative studies of microbial growth are to be extended to surfaces in various natural and artificial environments

Creation and evaluation of AnswersIn, a novel computer based teaching framework in gastroenterology

Background: There is currently little evidence of a theoretical base for the development and delivery of multimedia teaching in medicine. In this thesis I have; (1) reviewed the principles of adult learning and Instructional Design (ID) (2) proposed an evidence based model for a novel multimedia learning framework (3) developed the model (4) delivered the program to medical students who evaluated its functionality and content and (5) identified learning points for future investigators. Method: Interview style scripts were authored, recorded and integrated to produce “AnswersIn Gastroenterology”. A focus group based pilot study tested the robustness of the program and need for modification. Following a survey of medical student access to multimedia computers, AnswersIn was made available on the university server. The technical challenges of web-delivery were documented and the program made available to four consecutive student groups during their gastroenterology blocks. At the end of each block, students formatively evaluated the resource via a questionnaire. Additionally, the variety of data available using a web-tracker was examined as well as the effect upon usage of a series of advertising emails. Results: 8.5 hours of content were developed. The focus group recommended modifications which were implemented. The survey demonstrated that medical students have high levels of access to multimedia computers. Despite problems encountered during the implementation phase, a total of 178 students had access over four blocks. 21 percent considered AnswersIn as an alternative to lectures and 33 percent indicated that they would use AnswersIn as their main learning resource. Students gave reasons why they continued to favour traditional teaching methods but almost all stated that they would like to see AnswersIn extended to other subjects. Web tracking demonstrated that advertising increased usage. Conclusion: AnswersIn is a novel framework formulated using principles of adult learning and Instructional Design. Formative assessments indicate that students respond favourably to its introduction and its usage can be influenced by advertising

Understanding Quantum Technologies 2022

Understanding Quantum Technologies 2022 is a creative-commons ebook that provides a unique 360 degrees overview of quantum technologies from science and technology to geopolitical and societal issues. It covers quantum physics history, quantum physics 101, gate-based quantum computing, quantum computing engineering (including quantum error corrections and quantum computing energetics), quantum computing hardware (all qubit types, including quantum annealing and quantum simulation paradigms, history, science, research, implementation and vendors), quantum enabling technologies (cryogenics, control electronics, photonics, components fabs, raw materials), quantum computing algorithms, software development tools and use cases, unconventional computing (potential alternatives to quantum and classical computing), quantum telecommunications and cryptography, quantum sensing, quantum technologies around the world, quantum technologies societal impact and even quantum fake sciences. The main audience are computer science engineers, developers and IT specialists as well as quantum scientists and students who want to acquire a global view of how quantum technologies work, and particularly quantum computing. This version is an extensive update to the 2021 edition published in October 2021.Comment: 1132 pages, 920 figures, Letter forma