Search Results (15)

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is increasingly being recognized for the production of functional food ingredients and nutraceutical products with broad applications in human nutrition. Its nutrient-rich seeds are of particular interest for their nutritional profile. Moreover, its inflorescences and trichomes provide sources of nutrient-rich proteins, bioactive compounds, and functional substances for food formulations. Agronomic practices, environmental factors, and genotype considerably influence the hemp nutritional profile; thus, continued interdisciplinary research is needed to standardize quality across supply chains. X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) combined with 3D image analysis is an emerging non-destructive technique in high-resolution plant phenotyping. The aim of this work was to show the contribution of X-ray micro-CT to the quantitative characterization of the internal hemp seed structure and of the trichomes. The 3D image analysis approach used allowed us to determine many morphometric traits of the different seed parts and of the trichomes. Among them, volume ratios of the different seed parts and the density and morphological characteristics of the trichomes of two cultivars were accurately quantified. Overall, this work showed the contribution of X-ray micro-CT in 3D morphometric characterization of the hemp achene structure and trichomes. The obtained seed morphometric traits could be correlated in future applications with nutritional and/or physiological properties of different hemp varieties in order to support different aspects of the whole hemp supply chain such as the dehulling process, oil and protein recovery, seed quality evaluation, and genotype screening, to which trichome characterization could also contribute. Full article

Accurate characterization of closely related Ilex taxa is essential for the conservation, documentation, and utilization of plant genetic resources. In this study, five Ilex taxa from eastern China (Ilex rotunda Thunb., Ilex chinensis, Ilex cornuta Lindl. & Paxt., Ilex cornuta ‘Fortunei’, and Ilex latifolia Thunb.) were evaluated using an integrated framework combining fruit morphometric traits, CIELAB color parameters, and electronic-nose (E-nose) volatile fingerprints. Fruit transverse diameter, longitudinal diameter, single-fruit weight, fruit shape index, and peel color traits (L*, a*, b*, and chroma, C*) differed significantly among taxa (one-way ANOVA, all p < 0.001). I. cornuta produced the largest and heaviest fruits, I. chinensis showed the most elongated fruit shape, and I. rotunda exhibited the highest redness and chroma values. Chemometric analyses of E-nose responses further improved taxon discrimination and revealed clear divergence in volatile-response patterns. Trait-space relationships were broadly consistent with the preset phylogenetic framework, with I. rotunda showing the greatest divergence and I. cornuta and I. cornuta ‘Fortunei’ showing the closest similarity. These findings indicate that integrated fruit phenotyping and rapid volatile profiling provide a practical approach for Ilex germplasm identification, comparative evaluation, and resource documentation, with potential value for conservation planning and horticultural utilization. Full article

Introduction: It is accepted that nano- and micro-plastic (NMP) pollutants threaten ecosystems and human health by their bioaccumulation but, interestingly, their toxicity is shape-dependent. However, a clear definition of irregular NMPs, as the dominant shape in environmental and biological samples, is currently lacking when compared to spherical and fibrous NMPs. Objectives: This study quantifies morphometric descriptors in order to develop a standardized definition for irregular NMPs. Methods: Hyperspectral images of 34 spherical, 50 fibrous, and 45 irregular NMPs were collected from the literature. All shape-related features reported previously were analyzed using a machine learning model. Using five-fold cross-validation, a decision tree-based ensemble classifier with fixed parameters and Gini coefficient was established to screen key morphometric descriptors and their optimal interval ranges. The model was independently validated, enabling the accurate distinction of irregular NMPs from spherical and fibrous NMPs. Results: Three morphometric descriptors, including circularity, roundness, and perimeter-to-area ratio, were identified using five-fold cross-validation as optimal indicators for NMP shape classification. Optimal interval ranges for irregular NMPs were as follows: circularity (0.388 ± 0.004–0.768 ± 0.004), roundness (0.248 ± 0.01–0.752 ± 0.06) and perimeter-to-area ratio (>11.608 ± 1.39). This approach generated a 96.0% macro-averaged accuracy across these NMPs, with 100% precision and 89.0% recall. Conclusions: Irregular NMPs may be characterized using three morphometric descriptors, such as circularity, roundness, and perimeter-to-area ratio. The three-descriptor combination has highly accurate discrimination from spherical and fibrous NMPs. Full article

Creole pigs (Sus scrofa domestica), descendants of Iberian breeds, possess significant genetic and cultural importance but are under-researched and at risk due to the dominance of improved breeds for commercial production. The aim of this study was to identify the most representative body morphometric measurements for the differentiation of two Creole pig breeds, using statistical and machine learning methods. A sample of “Casco de Mula” (n = 54) and San Pedreño (n = 30) Creole pigs, aged between 2 and 6 months, belonging to seven traditional farms located in the department of Meta (Colombia), was studied. A total of 14 morphometric variables were recorded, as well as the animal’s sex. Four algorithms—linear discriminant analysis, quadratic discriminant analysis, logistic regression, and classification trees—were used to classify the breeds. The results indicated that head width, height at the withers, and right ear length measurements could be used to differentiate the “Casco de Mula” and San Pedreño Creole pigs. The decision tree was the most accurate algorithm (accuracy = 92%, sensitivity = 96%, specificity = 83%, and Matthews correlation coefficient = 0.82), and its performance can be improved by increasing the number of animals. Non-parametric supervised learning methods like decision trees can be used to morphometrically differentiate Creole pigs raised in the same or different environments in order to characterize animal genetic resources. Full article

Megakaryocytes (MKs) are rare, large, polyploid bone marrow (BM) cells responsible for the production of platelets. The identification and characterization of MKs is widely recognized as challenging. Manual microscopy is especially difficult due to the rarity and complex morphology of MKs, while flow cytometry faces additional challenges from MKs’ large size, fragility, and platelet adhesion, causing false positives. We present a novel approach to accurately enrich MKs from human BM aspirates with a specific focus on the detection and quantification of microMKs. By integrating CD41⁺ cell enrichment, immunophenotyping, and morphometric analysis, we identified cells of the megakaryocytic lineage. To increase accuracy, a convolutional neural network was trained to identify CD41⁻ cells falsely displaying an MK-like immunophenotype due to adhesive CD41⁺ platelets. This allowed for exclusion of 94.9% of false positive events, considerably enhancing specificity. CD41 positive enrichment prior to imaging flow cytometry acquisition increased the MK frequency nearly 200-fold, yielding a population of both mature and immature MKs, thus supporting analysis of MK progenitors. Overall, this advanced approach enables enrichment of MKs from human BM, considerably increasing the accuracy and statistical power of the MK analysis. This may provide an important addition in the context of MK-related diagnostics and research. Full article

Background/Objectives: Detailed morphometric analysis of an aneurysm and the related vascular bifurcation are critical factors when determining rupture risk and planning treatment for unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). The standard visualization of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and its 3D reconstruction on a 2D monitor provide precise measurements but are subject to variability based on the rater. Visualization using virtual (VR) and augmented reality platforms can overcome those limitations. It is, however, unclear whether accurate measurements of the aneurysm and adjacent arterial branches can be obtained on VR models. This study aimed to assess interrater reliability and compare measurements between 3D VR, standard 2D DSA, and 3D DSA reconstructions, evaluating the reliability and accuracy of 3D VR as a measurement tool. Methods: A pool of five neurosurgeons performed three individual analyses on each of the ten UIA cases, measuring them in completely immersed 3D VR and the standard on-screen format (2D DSA and 3D reconstruction). This resulted in three independent measurements per modality for each case. Interrater reliability of measurements and morphology characterization, comparative differences, measurement duration, and VR user experience were assessed. Results: Interrater reliability for 3D VR measurements was significantly higher than for 3D DSA measurements (3D VR mean intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]: 0.69 ± 0.22 vs. 3D DSA mean ICC: 0.36 ± 0.37, p = 0.042). No significant difference was observed between 3D VR and 2D DSA (3D VR mean ICC: 0.69 ± 0.22 vs. 2D DSA mean ICC: 0.43 ± 0.31, p = 0.12). A linear mixed-effects model showed no effect of 3D VR and 3D DSA (95% CI = −0.26–0.28, p = 0.96) or 3D VR and 2D DSA (95% CI = −0.02–0.53, p = 0.066) on absolute measurements of the aneurysm in the anteroposterior, mediolateral, and craniocaudal dimensions. Conclusions: 3D VR technology allows for reproducible, accurate, and reliable measurements comparable to measurements performed on a 2D screen. It may also potentially improve precision for measurements of non-planar aneurysm dimensions. Full article

An investigation into tectonics and erosion reveals that they play an important role in causing uplifting, valley incision, and soil erosion. The analysis of drainage basins at different scales is irreplaceable in the development of sustainable plans, particularly in arid regions. Morphotectonics and morphometric characterization analyses are very effective methods for defining the evolution of different landforms, current-day tectonic activity, and hydrological and morphological signatures of basins under investigation. The reorganization of critical drainage basins and sub-basin risk priority ranking are essential for effective and accurate sustainable plans for drainage basin management and water resources. In this study, the coupling of geospatial techniques and statistical strategies was used to examine the tectonic activity and priorities in terms of soil erosion for 15 sub-basins of Wadi Al-Lith along the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. Two effective models, namely, the relative tectonic activity model and the weighted sum analysis model, were applied for examining each geomorphological and hydrological characteristic based on an analysis of the morphotectonics and morphometric parameters. Regarding the relative tectonic activity model, the 15 sub-basins were classified into three classes of tectonic activity: low, moderate, and high. Sub-basins 5, 6, 13, and 15 were considered to be in class 1 (high relative tectonic activity). On the other hand, the weighted sum analysis model assigned the sub-basins into three different ranks: low-, moderate-, and high-soil-erosion priorities. The current study’s results suggest that sub-basins 5, 6, 10, 13, and 15 were recorded within the high-soil-erosion zone and highly relative tectonic activity, covering approximately 53.52% of the total sub-basin areas. The relative tectonic activity and weighted sum analysis models proved their validity in the risk studies, which will be very useful for decision makers in various fields, including natural resources and agriculture. Full article

Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu is a species originating from China that, during the 20th century, has spread rapidly throughout many countries, affecting mainly different species of the genus Castanea spp. In fact, it is considered to be the most important pest of chestnut trees (Castanea sativa Miller), causing significant production losses. The adoption of complementary measures to chemical and biological controls would contribute to the control of the pest. In this sense, the use of textile physical barriers could prevent the rapid spread of this species among the production centers. Therefore, the objective of this study is to define the characteristics of a textile that protects young plants that have been produced in nurseries. For this purpose, some commercial textiles have been selected based on the morphometric characterization of the species and these textiles have been accurately measured in order to compare their dimensions with those of the insects. Finally, tests have been carried out in order to measure the efficacy of the textiles under laboratory conditions, controlling the air velocity and the temperature. The results reveal that, in general, theoretical efficacy may not be a good predictor of practical results. A fully effective screen has been found against this species and its design characteristics can be used as a starting point for new, more optimized designs. Full article

Infertility is one of the most important health concerns worldwide. It is characterized by not being successful of pregnancy after some periods of periodic unprotected sexual intercourse. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproduction technique that efficiently addresses infertility. IVF replaces the actual mode of reproduction through a manual procedure wherein embryos are cultivated in a controlled laboratory environment until they reach the blastocyst stage. The standard IVF procedure includes the transfer of one or two blastocysts from several blastocysts that are grown in a controlled environment. The morphometric properties of blastocysts with their compartments such as trophectoderm (TE), zona pellucida (ZP), inner cell mass (ICM), and blastocoel (BL), are analyzed through manual microscopic analysis to predict viability. Deep learning has been extensively used for medical diagnosis and analysis and can be a powerful tool to automate the morphological analysis of human blastocysts. However, the existing approaches are inaccurate and require extensive preprocessing and expensive architectures. Thus, to cope with the automatic detection of blastocyst components, this study proposed a novel multiscale aggregation semantic segmentation network (MASS-Net) that combined four different scales via depth-wise concatenation. The extensive use of depthwise separable convolutions resulted in a decrease in the number of trainable parameters. Further, the innovative multiscale design provided rich spatial information of different resolutions, thereby achieving good segmentation performance without a very deep architecture. MASS-Net utilized 2.06 million trainable parameters and accurately detects TE, ZP, ICM, and BL without using preprocessing stages. Moreover, it can provide a separate binary mask for each blastocyst component simultaneously, and these masks provide the structure of each component for embryonic analysis. Further, the proposed MASS-Net was evaluated using publicly available human blastocyst (microscopic) imaging data. The experimental results revealed that it can effectively detect TE, ZP, ICM, and BL with mean Jaccard indices of 79.08, 84.69, 85.88%, and 89.28%, respectively, for embryological analysis, which was higher than those of the state-of-the-art methods. Full article

Gray bulb rot of tulips and bulbous iris is caused by the soil-borne fungal pathogen, Rhizoctonia tuliparum (Rtul). Sclerotia present in infected bulbs, as well as overwintering sclerotia in soil and field debris, are the primary sources of infection. A method for accurate and sensitive detection of Rtul from soil and infected bulbs, and estimation of inoculum threshold levels, is needed for the management of disease caused by this pathogen. We designed a unique set of primers targeting the ITS2 region of the Rtul genome and developed a highly sensitive quantitative PCR (qPCR)-based method for Rtul identification using these primers, where the threshold of detection was approximately 1 fg Rtul DNA. The assay was more sensitive with sclerotia collected from the field (natural) than with those grown in the lab, and more sensitive with natural-light than natural-dark sclerotia. Also, the detection method was more sensitive when sclerotia were extracted from soil than from bulb tissue. The qPCR method was highly specific, as no PCR amplification was detected when genomic DNA from 62 non-Rtul Rhizoctonia isolates from a wide range of anastomosis groups were tested. To understand the evolutionary relationships and genomic diversity of Rtul, we performed phylogenetics of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region and ITS2-molecular morphometric characterization (MMC) of Rtul isolates. The three Rtul isolates whose ITS sequences were available in GenBank formed a distinct phylogenetic clade with Ceratobasidium anceps as the nearest relative. Furthermore, MMC analysis revealed genetic divergence among these three Rtul isolates. Full article

The ever-growing field of materials with applications in the biomedical field holds great promise regarding the design and fabrication of devices with specific characteristics, especially scaffolds with personalized geometry and architecture. The continuous technological development pushes the limits of innovation in obtaining adequate scaffolds and establishing their characteristics and performance. To this end, computed tomography (CT) proved to be a reliable, nondestructive, high-performance machine, enabling visualization and structure analysis at submicronic resolutions. CT allows both qualitative and quantitative data of the 3D model, offering an overall image of its specific architectural features and reliable numerical data for rigorous analyses. The precise engineering of scaffolds consists in the fabrication of objects with well-defined morphometric parameters (e.g., shape, porosity, wall thickness) and in their performance validation through thorough control over their behavior (in situ visualization, degradation, new tissue formation, wear, etc.). This review is focused on the use of CT in biomaterial science with the aim of qualitatively and quantitatively assessing the scaffolds’ features and monitoring their behavior following in vivo or in vitro experiments. Furthermore, the paper presents the benefits and limitations regarding the employment of this technique when engineering materials with applications in the biomedical field. Full article

This work compares the applicability of several free-surface evaporation and runoff equations in simulating water level variations of small Mediterranean wetlands. The Amarga and Jarales wetland are two pilot sites with an evaporite-karst genesis located in southern Spain. The water level was continuously recorded in both wetlands, and exhaustive weather monitoring was performed. The combined datasets have permitted quantification of the surficial elements of their water budget (precipitation, runoff, and evaporation). Several campaigns of groundwater level measurements were also done to characterize the direction of groundwater flows. The morphometrical analysis of the Jarales wetland was accurately performed based on a LiDAR dataset. A total of 225 limnimetric simulations of the Jarales (90) and Amarga (135) wetlands were performed, combining different evaporation and runoff equations. During the study period, the curve number method, coupled with the Penman equation, reached the Jarales wetland’s best calibrations. The Vardavas–Fountoulakis modification of the Penman model fit better with the Amarga wetland record. The obtained results permit specification of the water budget of both wetlands during several years and confirm that the groundwater–surface water relationship affects the wetland hydric dynamic to different degrees. Nonetheless, the limnimetric models were calibrated for a short period, including dry years, making it necessary to extend the control period longer and validate the models under different hydroclimatic conditions. Finally, the differences between wetland functioning are explained in a conceptual hydrological model that can be useful for wetland conservation and management of related aquatic ecosystems. The understanding of the origin and fate of water in wetlands permits assessment of how future scenarios would affect hydric functioning and suggests adequate conservation measurements. Full article

The results presented in this study are the first such extensive characterization of the sperm morphometry of the blue fox (Alopex lagopus) and silver fox (Vulpes vulpes), as representatives of the family Canidae. Canine spermatozoa, especially the sperm of farmed foxes, are not often described in studies on reproduction. The aim of the study was a detailed comparison of the morphometric dimensions and shape of the sperm of two fox species: silver fox and blue fox. Semen collected from 10 silver foxes and 10 blue foxes was used for the study. The specimens were stained with silver nitrate. Measurements were performed of the length, width, perimeter, and area of the head; the area of the acrosome and its coverage; the length of the midpiece and its coverage; the length of the tail; and the length of the end piece of the tail. In addition, four head shape indices were calculated: ellipticity, elongation, roughness and regularity. The following values for the morphometric parameters and shape indices were obtained for blue fox and silver fox, respectively: head length—6.72 µm and 6.33 µm; head width—4.54.µm and 4.21 µm; head perimeter—18.11 µm and 17.37 µm; head area—21.94 µm² and 21.11 µm²; acrosome area—11.50 µm² and 10.92 µm²; midpiece length—12.85 µm and 12.79 µm; tail end piece length—3.44 µm and 3.28 µm; tail length—65.23 µm and 65.09 µm; acrosome coverage—52.43% and 52.83%; midpiece coverage—19.71% and 19.65%; sperm length—71.95 µm and 71.42 µm; ellipticity—1.49 and 1.52; elongation—0.19 and 0.20; roughness—0.84 and 1.88; regularity—1.09 and 0.99. The significance of differences between species was verified by Tukey’s test at p ≤ 0.05. Statistically significant differences between species were found for the following parameters: head length, width, perimeter and area; acrosome area; tail, end piece, and total sperm length; roughness and regularity. The differences in the size and shape of sperm can be used to establish reference patterns for fox sperm enabling more accurate species identification. Full article

Terrain slope and drainage networks are useful components to the basins morphometric characterization as well as to hydrologic modelling. One way to obtain the slope, drainage networks, and basins delineation is by their extraction from Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and, therefore, their accuracy depends on the accuracy of the used DEM. Regional DEMs with high detail and accuracy are produced in many countries by National Mapping Agencies (NMA). However, the use of these products usually has associated costs. An alternative to those DEMs are the Global Digital Elevation Models (GDEMs) that can be accessed freely and cover almost the entire surface of the world. However, they are not as accurate as the regional DEMs obtained with other techniques. This study intends to assess if generating new, modified DEMs using altimetric data from the original GDEMs and the watercourses available for download in the collaborative project OpenStreetMap (OSM) improves the accuracy of the rebuilt DEMs, the slope derived from them, as well as the delineation of basins and the horizontal and vertical accuracy of the extracted drainage networks. The methodology is presented and applied to a study area located in the United Kingdom. The GDEMs used are of 30 m spatial resolution from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM 30). The accuracy of the original data and the data obtained with the proposed methodology is compared with a reference DEM, with a spatial resolution of 50 m, and the rivers network available at the Ordnance Survey website. The results mainly show an improvement of the horizontal accuracy of the drainage networks, but also a decrease of the systematic errors of the new DEMs, the derived slope, and the vertical position of the drainage networks, as well as the basin’s identification for a set of pour points. Full article

A northern ocean of Mars is still debated and, if it existed, it may have accompanied valley networks and/or outflow channels, which may have led to the emplacement of a large amount of water to the northern lowlands during the Noachian and/or Hesperian times. However, it is unclear how and under what conditions (submarine or subaerial) geologic features such as mounds and giant polygons formed in the northern lowlands. The densely-distributed mounds in Chryse and Acidalia Planitia, >1000 km-wide basins of the northern plains, were suggested to be ancient mud volcanoes formed in an aqueous setting, which is controversial (i.e., mud vs. igneous and submarine vs. subaerial). However, these mounds have not been quantitatively well characterized, particularly with respect to their detailed topography. Here we generated forty digital elevation models (DEMs) with resolution of up to 1 m/pixel from High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) stereo image pairs, and we accurately measured the morphometric parameters of ~1300 mounds within the southern part of the Acidalia basin. Their heights and diameters resulted in good accordance with those of mud and igneous volcanoes in submarine/subaerial settings on Earth. Maximum depths of their source reservoirs vary from ~30 to ~450 m for a subaqueous setting and from ~110 to ~860 m for a subaerial setting, both of which are consistent with fluid expulsion from the ~100–4500 m-thick flood deposits (Vastitas Borealis Formation, VBF). On the basis of the morphometric values, we estimated rheological properties of materials forming the mounds and found them consistent with a mud flow origin, which does not rule out an igneous origin. The conditions of possible submarine mud or igneous volcanoes may have harbored less hazardous environments for past life on Mars than those on an ocean-free surface. Full article