On the benchmarking of ResNet forgery image model using different datasets

This paper presents the benchmarking and improve- ment of the ResNet image forgery model using three different datasets (CASIA, Columbia, and LSBU). The model is based on classification, where forgery images have been edited using cut-paste modification technique.The images are categorized to check if the algorithm can successfully identify the difference between the original and the forgery image. All images have been pre-processed with Gray-Edge detectors to obtain get better classification results. Experimental results have shown that the Gray-edge technique has improved the accuracy across all image datasets

Cellular tracking in time-lapse phase contrast images

The quantitative analysis of live cells is a key issue in evaluating biological processes. The current clinical practice involves the application of a tedious and time consuming manual tracking procedure on large amount of data. As a result, automatic tracking systems are currently developed and evaluated. However, problems caused by cellular division, agglomeration, Brownian motion and topology changes are difficult issues that have to be accommodated by automatic tracking techniques. In this paper, we detail the development of a fully automated multi-target tracking system that is able to deal with Brownian motion and cellular division. During the tracking process our approach includes the neighbourhood relationship and motion history to enforce the cellular tracking continuity in the spatial and temporal domain. The experimental results reported in this paper indicate that our method is able to accurately track cellular structures in time-lapse data

World pineapple production: an overview

This review paper discusses the origin, production, cultivation practices, storage, transportation and uses of pineapple. The economic importance of pineapple is easily justified by its unique characteristics as a fruit, which ensured its rapid diffusion and adoption, in the tropics and subtropics. Pineapple is a perennial monocotyledonous plant with a terminal multiple fruit. This perishable fruit is usually stored only for 4-5 days after harvesting in normal conditions. Generally, ripened pineapple fruit is consumed fresh or as pineapple juice. Thailand, Philippines, Mexico, Costa Rica, Chile, Brazil, China, Indonesia, Hawaii, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Dominican Republic and South Africa are the leading pineapple producing countries. Among the countries Philippines, Thailand, Costa Rica, Indonesia, Chile, Ivory Coast and South Africa are the major exporters of pineapple in the world market. Quality of pineapple varies due to cultivation technique, growing environment and variety. Good quality pineapple grows well in acidic loams, sandy loams and clay loams soils under warm and humid climate with sunny days and cool nights. Pineapples need a neutral to mildly acidic soil ranging pH from 4.5 to 6.5. Pineapple reproduction is through vegetative propagation using suckers and crowns. Fertilizer requirement increases sharply after planting and peak at two to four months before floral initiation. Earthing up operation gives better anchorage to the plants. Mulch promotes rooting by concentrating moisture, increasing soil temperature in the root zone and controlling weeds. Irregular flowering behavior of pineapples also affects its commercial yield adversely. A variety of chemicals are available to achieve uniformity and control flowering. Storage and transportation facilities are the important factors for local and international marketing. Harvested fruits are packed in the crates and transported in refrigerated containers for quality assurance. The prospect of pineapple is bright due to increasing trend of total consumption and export potential.Key words: Pineapple, Origin, Distribution, Climate, Propagation, Intercultural operations, Post-harvest operations, Use

Evolution of microgrids with converter-interfaced generations: Challenges and opportunities

© 2019 Elsevier Ltd Although microgrids facilitate the increased penetration of distributed generations (DGs) and improve the security of power supplies, they have some issues that need to be better understood and addressed before realising the full potential of microgrids. This paper presents a comprehensive list of challenges and opportunities supported by a literature review on the evolution of converter-based microgrids. The discussion in this paper presented with a view to establishing microgrids as distinct from the existing distribution systems. This is accomplished by, firstly, describing the challenges and benefits of using DG units in a distribution network and then those of microgrid ones. Also, the definitions, classifications and characteristics of microgrids are summarised to provide a sound basis for novice researchers to undertake ongoing research on microgrids

Crystal Symmetry Breaking in Few-Quintuple Bismuth Telluride Films: Applications in Nanometrology of Topological Insulators

We report results of micro-Raman spectroscopy investigation of the "graphene-like" mechanically exfoliated single-crystal bismuth telluride films with the thickness ranging from a few-nm-range to bulk limit. It is found that the optical phonon mode A1u, which is not-Raman active in bulk bismuth telluride crystals, appears in the atomically-thin films due to crystal-symmetry breaking. The intensity ratios of the out-of-plane A1u and A1g modes to the in-plane Eg mode grow with decreasing film thickness. The evolution of Raman signatures with the film thickness can be used for identification of bismuth telluride crystals with the thickness of few-quintuple layers, which are important for topological insulator and thermoelectric applications.Comment: 13 pages, 2 tables, 3 figures; to be presented at MRS Spring Meeting, 201

Achieving hip fracture surgery within 36 hours: an investigation of risk factors to surgical delay and recommendations for practice

BACKGROUND: The UK hip fracture best practice tariff (BPT) aims to deliver hip fracture surgery within 36 h of admission. Ensuring that delays are reserved for conditions which compromise survival, but are responsive to medical optimisation, would help to achieve this target. We aimed to identify medical risk factors of surgical delay, and assess their impact on mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospectively collected patient data was obtained from the National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD). Medical determinants of surgical delay were identified and analysed using a multivariate regression analysis. The mortality risk associated with each factor contributing to surgical delay was then calculated. RESULTS: A total 1361 patients underwent hip fracture surgery, of which 537 patients (39.5 %) received surgery within 36 h of admission. Following multivariate analyses, only hyponatraemia was deduced to be a significant risk factor for delay RR = 1.24 (95 % CI 1.06-1.44). However, following a validated propensity score matching process, a Pearson chi-square test failed to demonstrate a statistical difference in mortality incidence between the hypo- and normonatraemic patients [χ (2) (1, N = 512) = 0.10, p = 0.757]. CONCLUSIONS: Hip fracture surgery should not be delayed in the presence of non-severe and isolated hyponatraemia. Instead, surgical delay may only be warranted in the presence of medical conditions which contribute to mortality and are optimisable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III

A New Forgery Image Dataset and its Subjective Evaluation

The aim of this research paper is to present a new forgery image dataset with a thorough subjective evaluation in detecting manipulated images, considering various parameters. The original images were obtained from public sources, and meaningful forgeries were produced using an image editing plat- form with three techniques: cut-paste, copy-move, and erase-fill. Both pre-processing and post-processing methods were used to generate fake images. The subjective evaluation revealed that the accuracy of manipulated image detection was affected by various factors, such as user type, image quantity, tampering method, and image resolution, which were analyzed using quantitative data