Texture classification of fabric defects using machine learning

In this paper, a novel algorithm for automatic fabric defect classification was proposed, based on the combination of a texture analysis method and a support vector machine SVM. Three texture methods were used and compared, GLCM, LBP, and LPQ. They were combined with SVM’s classifier. The system has been tested using TILDA database. A comparative study of the performance and the running time of the three methods was carried out. The obtained results are interesting and show that LBP is the best method for recognition and classification and it proves that the SVM is a suitable classifier for such problems. We demonstrate that some defects are easier to classify than others

New foreground markers for Drosophila cell segmentation using marker-controlled watershed

Image segmentation consists of partitioning the image into different objects of interest. For a biological image, the segmentation step is important to understand the biological process. However, it is a challenging task due to the presence of different dimensions for cells, intensity inhomogeneity, and clustered cells. The marker-controlled watershed (MCW) is proposed for segmentation, outperforming the classical watershed. Besides, the choice of markers for this algorithm is important and impacts the results. For this work, two foreground markers are proposed: kernels, constructed with the software Fiji and Obj.MPP markers, constructed with the framework Obj.MPP. The new proposed algorithms are compared to the basic MCW. Furthermore, we prove that Obj.MPP markers are better than kernels. Indeed, the Obj.MPP framework takes into account cell properties such as shape, radiometry, and local contrast. Segmentation results, using new markers and illustrated on real Drosophila dataset, confirm the good performance quality in terms of quantitative and qualitative evaluation

Potential of Rhizobia in Improving Nitrogen Fixation and Yields of Legumes

Strong demand for food requires specific efforts by researchers involved in the agricultural sector to develop means for sufficient production. While, agriculture today faces challenges such as soil fertility loss, climate change and increased attacks of pathogens and pests. The production of sufficient quantities in a sustainable and healthy farming system is based on environmentally friendly approaches such as the use of biofertilizers, biopesticides and the return of crop residues. The multiplicity of beneficial effects of soil microorganisms, particularly plant growth promotion (PGP), highlights the need to further strengthen the research and its use in modern agriculture. Rhizobia are considered as PGP comes in symbiosis with legumes taking advantage of nutrients from plant root exudates. When interacting with legumes, rhizobia help in increased plant growth through enriching nutrients by nitrogen fixation, solubilizing phosphates and producing phytohormones, and rhizobia can increase plants’ protection by influencing the production of metabolites, improve plant defense by triggering systemic resistance induced against pests and pathogens. In addition, rhizobia contain useful variations to tolerate abiotic stresses such as extreme temperatures, pH, salinity and drought. The search for rhizobium tolerant strains is expected to improve plant growth and yield, even under a combination of constraints. This chapter summarizes the use of rhizobia in agriculture and its benefits

Additive Manufacturing of a Bistable Mechanism Using Fused Deposition Modeling: Experimental and Theoretical Characterization

International audienceBistable mechanisms can be used for performing specific functions such as locking or negative stiffness generation. These compliant structures are then of interest at different scales, with different corresponding manufacturing technologies. One of them is additive manufacturing, which is interesting for the integration of such structures. Although this technology has undergone a revolution with the development of high-accuracy machines, the manufacturing of small-sized compliant structures is still quite a challenge especially for bistable mechanisms, which was not yet finely characterized. This is the focus of this paper, with presentation of an experimental and analytical confrontation in the case of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

Microbiota Sampling Capsule: Design, Prototyping and Assessment of a Sealing Solution Based on a Bistable Mechanism

International audienceThe objective of the present work is to allow noninvasive sampling of microbiota, until now, surgery is still needed to collect intestinal liquid samples. Given the recent developments of endoscopic capsules and their added value for the diagnosis and the treatment of gastrointestinal pathologies, the paper is focused on the design of a microbiota sampling capsule. The device has to offer an efficient collection of intestinal liquid and at the same time to protect it from any contamination as the device navigates out of the human body. To ensure this and safety at the same time, a passive capsule is developed based on a bistable mechanical structure actuated by an expanding foam that itself collects the intestinal fluid. The device is developed using additive manufacturing. It is shown that the process is compatible with the production of the complete capsule with biocompatible material, while ensuring the presence of bistability for capsule closing. In-vitro trials validate the operating mode of the capsule. This work represents a significant step toward the creation of simple and yet efficient tools to better understand microbiota impact and future pathology detection

Bioactive compounds from Hypericum humifusum and Hypericum perfoliatum: inhibition potential of polyphenols with acetylcholinesterase and key enzymes linked to type-2 diabetes

Context: Natural products are reported to have a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cholinesterase. The genus Hypericum (Hypericaceae) is a source of a variety of molecules with different biological activities, notably hypericin and various phenolics. Objectives: The goals of the present work were the determination of total phenolic and flavonoid content, hypericin and hyperforin concentration as well as the evaluation of biological of Hypericum humifusum L. (Hhu) and Hypericum perfoliatum L. (Hper). Materials and methods: The various extracts of aerial parts were powdered, and then extracted with methanol. Antibacterial activity was performed according to minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal (MBC) methods against four Gram-positive bacteria, four Gram-negative bacteria and yeast. Results: The results revealed that H. humifusum, bear the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content (48–113 mg GAE/g and 8–41 mg RE/g, respectively) as well as hypericin (60–90 mg/g) and hyperforin (8–30 mg/g) concentration. Both species showed significant antioxidant activity as revealed by DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, and metal chelating assays. H. humifusum exhibited a strong acetylcholinesterase (3.86–4.57 mg GALAEs/g), α-glucosidase (0.73–2.55 mmol ACEs/g) and α-amylase (3–8 mmol ACEs/g) inhibitory activity. The extract of H. humifusum exhibited strong antibacterial activity mainly against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococus aureus, and Enterococcus faecium (MIC values ranging from 200 to 250 μg/mL). The highest antifungal activity was showed for H. perfoliatum extract (MIC value = 250 μg/mL). Conclusion: The data suggest that H. humifusum could be used as valuable new natural agents with functional properties for pharmacology industries

Characterization of bistable mechanisms for microrobotics and mesorobotics: Comparison between microfabrication and additive manufacturing

International audienceThe use of mechanical bistable structures in the design of microrobots and mesorobots has many advantages especially for flexible robotic structures. However , depending on the used fabrication technology, the adequacy of theoretical and experimental mechanical behaviors can vary widely. In this paper, we present the manufacturing results of bistable structures made with two extensively used contemporary technologies: MEMS and FDM additive manufacturing. Key issues of these fabrication technologies are discussed in the context of microrobotics and mesorobotics applications

Mechanical Bistable Structures for Microrobotics and Mesorobotics from Microfabrication to Additive Manufacturing

International audienceThe use of mechanical bistable structures in the design of microrobots and mesorobots has many advantages especially for flexible robotic structures. However, depending on the fabrication technology used, the adequacy of theoretical and experimental mechanical behaviors can vary widely. In this paper, we present the manufacturing results of bistable structures made with two extensively used contemporary technologies: MEMS and FDM additive manufacturing. Key issues of these fabrication technologies are discussed in the context of microrobotics and mesorobotics applications