Assessment of Cloud Cover in Sentinel-2 Data Using Random Forest Classifier

In this paper, a novel cloud coverage assessment method for the Sentinel-2 data is presented. The method is based on the Random Forest classifier and the target values used in the training process are obtained by comparing the NDVI indexes calculated from the satellite and the UAV data. The developed method is shown to outperform the Sentinel Cloud Probability Mask (CLDPRB) and Scene Classification (SCL) data layers in detecting cloudy areas.acceptedVersionPeer reviewe

Conceptual design of an autonomous rover with ground penetrating radar : Application in characterizing soils using deep learning

In the pursuit to make agricultural production efficient, the earliest farmers used data in the form of notes of observations. In the current age of data,it has become easier to collect data over a wide spectrum of parameters. There are numerous sensing technologies for measuring processes and parameters over the field surface, typically mounted on satellites, aerial (drone), ground vehicle and static platforms. In the latest understanding, soil is gaining increasing attention and recognition for its significance in not only increasing productivity but also stabilizing the environment. However, characterizing soil in a field is not trivial, especially when required toaccess the deeper layers and quantifying the essential contents –water, nutrients and organic matter. This paper presents a short review of applications of ground penetrating radars (GPR) in measuring soil content and structure. The focusis ondeeplearning constructs that have been used for interpreting and establishing correlations. The review serves to inform design considerations for a planned autonomous rover that will be used for surveying field soils in the Satakunta region of FinlandacceptedVersionPeer reviewe

Functional Outcome of Human Adipose Stem Cell Injections in Rat Anal Sphincter Acute Injury Model

Anal incontinence is a devastating condition that significantly reduces the quality of life. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of human adipose stem cell (hASC) injections in a rat model for anal sphincter injury, which is the main cause of anal incontinence in humans. Furthermore, we tested if the efficacy of hASCs could be improved by combining them with polyacrylamide hydrogel carrier, Bulkamid. Human ASCs derived from a female donor were culture expanded in DMEM/F12 supplemented with human platelet lysate. Female virgin Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four groups (n = 14–15/group): hASCs in saline or Bulkamid (3 × 105/60 μl) and saline or Bulkamid without cells. Anorectal manometry (ARM) was performed before anal sphincter injury, at two (n = 58) and at four weeks after (n = 33). Additionally, the anal sphincter tissue was examined by micro-computed tomography (μCT) and the histological parameters were compared between the groups. The median resting and peak pressure during spontaneous contraction measured by ARM were significantly higher in hASC treatment groups compared with the control groups without hASCs. There was no statistical difference in functional results between the hASC-carrier groups (saline vs. Bulkamid). No difference was detected in the sphincter muscle continuation between the groups in the histology and μCT analysis. More inflammation was discovered in the group receiving saline with hASC. The hASC injection therapy with both saline and Bulkamid is a promising nonsurgical treatment for acute anal sphincter injury. Traditional histology combined with the 3D μCT image data lends greater confidence in assessing muscle healing and continuity. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2018:7:295–304.publishedVersionPeer reviewe

Modeling and Experimental Characterization of Pressure Drop in Gravity-Driven Microfluidic Systems

Passive pumping using gravity-driven flow is a fascinating approach for microfluidic systems. When designing a passive pumping system, generated flow rates should be known precisely. While reported models used to estimate the flow rates do not usually consider capillary forces, this paper shows that their exclusion is unrealistic in typical gravitydriven systems. Therefore, we propose a new analytical model to estimate the generated flow rates. An extensive set of measurements is used to verify that the proposed model provides a remarkably more precise approximation of the real flow rates compared to the previous models. It is suggested that the developed model should be used when designing a gravity-driven pumping system