An Efficient MLP-based Point-guided Segmentation Network for Ore Images with Ambiguous Boundary

The precise segmentation of ore images is critical to the successful execution of the beneficiation process. Due to the homogeneous appearance of the ores, which leads to low contrast and unclear boundaries, accurate segmentation becomes challenging, and recognition becomes problematic. This paper proposes a lightweight framework based on Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), which focuses on solving the problem of edge burring. Specifically, we introduce a lightweight backbone better suited for efficiently extracting low-level features. Besides, we design a feature pyramid network consisting of two MLP structures that balance local and global information thus enhancing detection accuracy. Furthermore, we propose a novel loss function that guides the prediction points to match the instance edge points to achieve clear object boundaries. We have conducted extensive experiments to validate the efficacy of our proposed method. Our approach achieves a remarkable processing speed of over 27 frames per second (FPS) with a model size of only 73 MB. Moreover, our method delivers a consistently high level of accuracy, with impressive performance scores of 60.4 and 48.9 in~$AP_{50}^{box}$ and~$AP_{50}^{mask}$ respectively, as compared to the currently available state-of-the-art techniques, when tested on the ore image dataset. The source code will be released at \url{https://github.com/MVME-HBUT/ORENEXT}.Comment: 10 pages, 8 figure

Evaluation of geo-hazard risks in the pearl river delta based on geographic information system and weighted informativeness approach

The implementation of the provincial geo-hazard risk survey in China holds significant guiding importance in assessing disaster risks on a large scale and across different regions. Taking the Pearl River Delta (PRD) in Guangdong Province as a case study, characterized by a highly developed economy and dense population yet facing challenges from geo-hazard, this study utilizes the risk assessment system for geo-hazard along with a substantial dataset on hidden dangers. The hazardousness levels, vulnerability, and overall risk are evaluated by applying the risk matrix method, Weighted Informativeness method, and grey correlation analysis method. The results indicate that: (1) The level of hazardousness posed by geo-hazards in the PRD is typically more pronounced in the central and eastern areas, while it is lower in the western regions. The severity of geo-hazards is primarily influenced by rainfall factors, while there is no direct correlation between slope factors and the occurrence of geo-hazards. The relationship between altitude and the likelihood of geo-hazards typically indicates that higher altitudes pose a greater risk. However, this pattern does not hold for the PRD; (2) The susceptibility to geo-hazard in the PRD is intricately linked to the level of regional economic advancement, with areas of medium to high vulnerability predominantly clustered around Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Dongguan; (3) The likelihood of geo-hazard in the PRD, with a higher risk observed in the central part and lower risk in the surrounding areas, displaying a radial distribution pattern. Rainfall patterns and the level of economic development in the region significantly influence the assessment of geo-hazard risks in the PRD

Involvement of Heme Oxygenase-1 Induction in the Cytoprotective and Immunomodulatory Activities of Viola patrinii in Murine Hippocampal and Microglia Cells

A number of diseases that lead to injury of the central nervous system are caused by oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. In this study, NNMBS275, consisting of the ethanol extract of Viola patrinii, showed potent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activity in murine hippocampal HT22 cells and BV2 microglia. NNMBS275 increased cellular resistance to oxidative injury caused by glutamate-induced neurotoxicity and reactive oxygen species generation in HT22 cells. In addition, the anti-inflammatory effects of NNMBS275 were demonstrated by the suppression of proinflammatory mediators, including proinflammatory enzymes (inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2) and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β). Furthermore, we found that the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of NNMBS275 were linked to the upregulation of nuclear transcription factor-E2-related factor 2-dependent expression of heme oxygenase-1 in HT22 and BV2 cells. These results suggest that NNMBS275 possesses therapeutic potential against neurodegenerative diseases that are induced by oxidative stress and neuroinflammation