Going for 2D or 3D? : investigating various machine learning approaches for peach variety identification

Machine learning-based pattern recognition methods are about to revolution-ize the farming sector. For breeding and cultivation purposes, the identifica-tion of plant varieties is a particularly important problem that involves spe-cific challenges for the different crop species. In this contribution, we con-sider the problem of peach variety identification for which alternatives to DNA-based analysis are being sought. While a traditional procedure would suggest using manually designed shape descriptors as the basis for classifica-tion, the technical developments of the last decade have opened up possibili-ties for fully automated approaches, either based on 3D scanning technology or by employing deep learning methods for 2D image classification. In our feasibility study, we investigate the potential of various machine learning ap-proaches with a focus on the comparison of methods based on 2D images and 3D scans. We provide and discuss first results, paving the way for future use of the methods in the field

In vitro evaluation of traditionally used Surinamese medicinal plants for their potential anti-leishmanial efficacy

Plant-based preparations are extensively used in Surinamese folk medicine for treating leishmaniasis, but often without a scientific rationale. To evaluate 25 Surinamese medicinal plants for their potential efficacy against leishmaniasis. Concentrated plant extracts were evaluated for their effect on the viability of L. (V.) guyanensis AMC, L. (L.) major NADIM5, and L. (L.) donovani GEDII promastigotes, as well as intracellular amastigotes of L. (L.) donovani BHU814 in infected THP-1 cells. Selectivity was assessed by cytotoxicity against THP-1 cells. The only plant extract that showed potentially meaningful anti-leishmanial activity was that from Solanum lycocarpum that displayed mean IC50 values of about 51, 61, and <16µg/mL against L. (V) guyanensis, L. (L) major, and L. (L) donovani promastigotes, respectively; about 374µg/mL against L. (L) donovani amastigotes; and >500µg/mL against THP-1 cells. The Bryophyllum pinnatum, Inga alba, and Quassia amara extracts displayed moderate to high IC50 values against promastigotes (about 51 to >500µg/mL) and/or amastigotes (about 224 to >500µg/mL) but were relatively toxic to THP-1 cells (IC50 values <16 to about 42µg/mL). The remaining plant extracts exhibited in many cases IC50 values close to, around, or above 500µg/mL against promastigotes, amastigotes, and THP-1 cells. The S. lycocarpum preparation may be useful against leishmaniasis and may have a good safety index, warranting further investigations into its active constituents and mechanism(s) of actio