Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from March, 2025

Identifying Plastics in Food Packaging Waste.

  1. Introduction The growing demand for sustainable recycling solutions has led to significant advancements in plastic waste identification technologies. Accurate classification of post-consumer plastics, particularly from food containers and packaging, is essential for improving recycling efficiency and reducing environmental pollution. However, conventional methods face challenges due to the diversity in plastic types, additives, and physical characteristics. In this study, we explore the integration of near-infrared (NIR) and terahertz (THz) spectroscopies with machine learning (ML) to enhance plastic waste identification. 2. Spectroscopic Techniques for Plastic Identification NIR and THz spectroscopies offer complementary advantages in distinguishing between plastic materials. NIR spectroscopy is widely used due to its effectiveness in detecting chemical compositions and polymer structures. However, it faces limitations when dealing with black or highly pigmented plastics. ...

Quantitative Intra-arterial Fluorescence Angiography for Direct Monitoring of Peripheral Revascularization Effects

1. Introduction Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) is a severe form of peripheral artery disease that leads to reduced blood flow and high risks of limb loss. Accurate intraoperative assessment of tissue perfusion is crucial for optimizing revascularization outcomes. Quantitative fluorescence angiography with intra-arterial dye injection (Q-iaFA) is emerging as a promising technique for real-time evaluation of perfusion changes. This study investigates the feasibility of Q-iaFA in guiding revascularization and its potential to improve intraoperative decision-making in CLTI patients. 2. Quantitative Fluorescence Angiography (Q-iaFA) as a Perfusion Assessment Tool Q-iaFA employs intra-arterial dye injection to generate intensity-time curves that provide critical insights into blood flow dynamics. Parameters such as time to peak (TTP) and normalized peak slope (PSnorm) help assess tissue perfusion changes before and after revascularization. This technique offers a real-time, quantit...

Detection of bissap calyces and bissap juices adulteration with sorghum leaves using NIR spectroscopy and VIS/NIR spectroscopy

  1. Introduction Adulteration of food and beverages is a growing concern, as it can lead to reduced nutritional benefits and potential health risks for consumers. In this study, the adulteration of bissap calyces and juices (‘sobolo’) with sorghum leaves was investigated using near-infrared (NIR) and ultraviolet-visible (VIS/NIR) spectroscopy. These analytical techniques, combined with chemometric methods, offer a rapid and reliable approach for detecting adulteration in food products. This research aims to assess the effectiveness of these spectroscopic techniques in identifying adulterants and quantifying their presence, ensuring better quality control and consumer safety. 2. Physicochemical Impact of Adulteration on Bissap Calyces and Juices The presence of sorghum leaves in bissap calyces and juices significantly alters their physicochemical properties. Unadulterated samples exhibited lower pH levels and higher brix, titratable acidity, and total phenolic content. The inten...

Diagnosis of leaf chlorophyll content based on close-range multispectral fluorescence image correction

  1. Introduction Multispectral fluorescence imaging has emerged as a valuable tool for studying plant stress responses and diagnosing nutrient deficiencies, particularly in agricultural research. Chlorophyll content is a key indicator of plant health, and its accurate assessment can enhance precision farming and crop management strategies. However, fluorescence shadow errors caused by leaf structure and excitation light variation pose challenges to accurate diagnosis. This study explores the BLF-CLAHE (Butterworth Low Filter Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization) method to correct fluorescence shadow effects and optimize chlorophyll content diagnostics in maize leaves. By integrating deep learning models for enhanced feature extraction, this research provides an advanced approach for improving plant fluorescence analysis and chlorophyll content assessment. 2. Impact of Maize Leaf Structure on Fluorescence Imaging Leaf structure plays a critical role in influencing fl...

New insights into corrosion initiation and propagation in a hot-dip Al-Zn-Mg-Si alloy coating via multiscale analytical microscopy.

1. Introduction Corrosion of coated steel in coastal environments is a significant challenge in materials engineering, affecting structural integrity and longevity. Pre-painted hot-dip Zn-55Al-2Mg-1.5Si coated steel has been widely used due to its superior corrosion resistance; however, the underlying mechanisms governing its degradation remain inadequately understood. This study utilizes multiscale analytical microscopy to provide novel mechanistic insights into the corrosion initiation and propagation processes in this alloy system. By integrating electrochemical analysis with microstructural observations, this research elucidates how both chemical composition and phase morphology influence corrosion behavior. 2. The Role of Phase Morphology in Corrosion Initiation Traditional corrosion studies primarily focus on the electrochemical properties of alloy phases, but this research highlights the critical role of phase morphology in corrosion initiation. Sub-micron Zn particles embedded ...

Machine learning-driven Raman spectroscopy: A novel approach to lipid profiling in diabetic kidney disease

  1. Introduction Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that continues to impact a growing number of individuals worldwide. Poor management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) can lead to severe metabolic disturbances, often resulting in organ dysfunction, particularly affecting the kidneys. The early detection and monitoring of diabetic nephropathy are crucial for effective intervention and disease management. This study explores the combined use of Raman spectroscopy, biochemical lipid profiling, and machine learning (ML) techniques to detect and analyze kidney alterations associated with T2DM, providing a novel approach to diagnosing diabetes-related kidney damage. 2. Raman Spectroscopy for Molecular Analysis in Diabetic Nephropathy Raman spectroscopy is a powerful analytical tool for detecting molecular changes at the biochemical level. In the context of diabetic nephropathy, this technique has identified significant differences in lipid content and molecular vibr...

Clinical validation of RNA sequencing for Mendelian disorder diagnostics:

                                 1. Introduction Despite significant progress in clinical sequencing, a considerable proportion of diagnostic cases remain unresolved due to the limitations of DNA-based testing alone. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) has emerged as a promising tool to enhance genetic diagnostics by providing crucial functional insights into gene expression and splicing. While RNA-seq has been widely used in research, its clinical implementation remains a challenge. This study focuses on the development and validation of a clinical diagnostic RNA-seq test aimed at improving diagnostic outcomes for individuals with suspected genetic disorders, particularly in cases where comprehensive DNA testing has failed to provide conclusive results. 2. The Role of RNA Sequencing in Clinical Diagnostics RNA sequencing offers a complementary approach to DNA-based testing by analyzing gene expression and alte...

Biophotonics and nanorobotics for biomedical imaging, biosensing, drug delivery, and therapy.

  1. Introduction Biophotonics-based nanorobotics is a groundbreaking advancement in biomedical engineering that integrates light-based technologies with nanorobotic systems to enhance disease diagnosis and treatment. These nanoscale robots can navigate biological environments, enabling targeted drug delivery, improved imaging, and precise therapeutic interventions. This field is rapidly evolving, with innovations that leverage synthetic intelligence, novel nanomaterials, and bioluminescence-assisted mechanisms. As biophotonic nanorobotics continue to advance, they promise to revolutionize modern medicine by offering minimally invasive, highly accurate, and real-time solutions for complex medical conditions. 2. Biophotonics and Nanorobotics: Fundamental Concepts and Biomedical Applications Biophotonics refers to the study and application of light interactions with biological tissues, while nanorobotics involves the design of nanoscale robotic systems for medical use. The fusion ...