An Overview: Image Segmentation Techniques for Geometry and Color Detection in Augmented Reality Environments

This work is an accumulative study on some techniques which could help to extract the geometry and color of an image in the real-time environment. Image segmentation is a hot-zone in Computer Vision approach, however, works still on to produce accurate segmentation results for images. In corporation with other surveys which compares multiple techniques, this paper takes the advantage of choosing the most appropriate technique(s) to be adopted for Augmented Reality environment.Interested reader will obtain knowledge on various categories and types of research challenges in the image-based segmentation within the scope of AR environments

Comparative study different erosion models in an Eulerian-Lagrangian frame using Open Source software

Erosion induced by particles striking on a surface is very common in many industrial processes and Computational Fluid Dynamics is one of the most widely used tools for erosion prediction. In this work the most commonly used erosion models are implemented and their review is carried out in OpenFOAM®, an open source CFD package. A comparison of the results yielded evident disparities in the location of the maximum erosion. Once an appropriate test rig is designed and the experimental work carried out, a more detailed assessment of the erosion models will be possible together with a study of the development of erosion with the deformation of the surface, relationship that none of the existing models accounts for

Progress in fluidized bed assisted abrasive jet machining (FB-AJM): Internal polishing of aluminium tubes

This paper deals with the internal finishing of tubular components made from a high strength aluminium alloy (AA 6082 T6) using a fluidized bed assisted abrasive jet machining (FB-AJM) system. Firstly, a Taguchi's experimental plan was used to investigate the influence of abrasive jet speed, machining cycle, and abrasive mesh size on surface roughness and material removal trends. Secondly, the leading finishing mechanisms were studied using combined 3d profilometer-SEM analysis to monitor the evolution of the surface morphology of machined workpieces. Finally, the circumferential uniformity and precision machining of the inner surface of workpieces were tested by evaluating the values of the more significant roughness parameters in different circumferential locations. Consistent trends of surface roughness vs. operational parameters were measured, and significant material removal was found to affect the workpieces during machining. As a result, FB-AJM was found to preferentially machine the asperities and irregularities of the surface, thereby altering the overall surface morphology producing more regular and smoother finishing. Moreover, the good circumferential uniformity and machining accuracy FB-AJM guarantees even on ductile aluminium alloy workpieces ensure that this technology can be applied to a diverse set of industrial components. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Evaluation of plasma neurotransmitters in children living with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

This study aimed to ascertain the underlying neuro-biochemical imbalances that exist in children with ADHD by assessing the plasma levels of dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, γ aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate. Moreover, it investigated the potential effects of PUFA and vitamins supplementation as an alternative therapy to modulate the levels of these neurotransmitters and the overall clinical status of ADHD patients. The study included 40 ADHD patients, aged 4-6 years. The diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5) test has been employed to diagnose patients with ADHD and the severity of symptoms was assessed using the Arabic version of Conners' Parent Rating Scale. Additionally, patients were assessed using the Arabic versions of Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children (M.I.N.I. Kid) and Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, 5th Edition (SB5). Recruited patient received nutritional supplement of semi-solid diet containing 1000 mg PUFA with selected vitamins once daily for six months. The evaluation of ADHD symptoms and levels of neurotransmitters has been carried out at pre-/post-intervention stage. Post-nutrition intervention assessment, there was a significant increase in dopamine, norepinephrine, GABA levels (p-value < 0.0001) with significant decrease in glutamate level (p-value < 0.0001) when compared to their correspondent pre-intervention levels. Symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity were significantly improved after 6 months nutrition intervention program (p-value<0.001). Therefore, supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins could be considered more extensively in therapy of ADHD patients particularly those who are less than 6 years old

Development of a Subunit Vaccine Against Bovine Diarrhea Caused by K99 Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus

Bovine diarrhea is economically one of the most important problems in cattle industry. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), particularly strains expressing K99 (F5) fimbriae and heat-stable type I (STa) enterotoxin is the predominant bacterial cause of diarrhea in calves; whereas bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) causes diarrhea and other illness to cattle at all ages. A vaccine that prevents against both K99 fimbrial ETEC and BVDV could benefit greatly to cattle producers worldwide. We hypothesized that a novel multivalent vaccine composed of K99, STa and BVDV E2 antigens could induce immunity for broad protection against bovine diarrhea. In this study we applied FanC, the major fimbrial subunit of K99, as a backbone to have a STa toxoid and the most immunogenic E2 epitopes embedded to construct ‘FanC-STa-E2’ fusion antigen, and examined this ‘FanC-STa-E2’ fusion antigen for immunity against ETEC and BVDV in a murine model for vaccine potential assessment. Adult female BALB/C mouse intraperitoneal (i.p.) immunized with 200 μg purified antigen with equal volume of adjuvant. Developed systemic and mucosal immune responses to K99, STa, and BVDV E2. Moreover, those antibodies showed abilities to block the E. coli K99 bacterial adhesion by K99-receptor positive INT-407 and IPEC-J1 cells, neutralized the STa enterotoxin, and also neutralized the BVDV infection. This suggests that this fusion antigen has the potential to be developed as a broadly protective vaccine against bovine diarrhea

Posterior sagittal rectopexy in the treatment of recurrent rectal prolapse in children Amel Abd

Background/purpose Several surgical techniques have been described to treat recurrent rectal prolapse in children after failure of initial surgical treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of posterior sagittal rectopexy (PSR) in children with recurrent rectal prolapse.Patients and methods Twenty-two patients aged between 1 and 7 years presented with recurrent rectal prolapse after failure of initial surgical treatment. Conservative management was successful in four cases. Eighteen were treated with PSR. The procedure included plication of the dilated rectum and fixation of the rectum to the sacrum. The follow-up ranged between 4 and 18 months.Results Superficial wound infection occurred in two cases, and both healed without any further consequences. Constipation improved in seven out of 12 patients, who had history of constipation before surgery. Partial mucosal prolapse recurrence occurred in three patients. Two improved conservatively after 5 months and 7 months, respectively, and one required mucosal trimming. Normal anorectal continence was noted in all patients older than 3 years at follow-up.Conclusion PSR is a good option in cases of recurrent rectal prolapse in children. The technique is both safe and effective. It is associated with satisfactory functional results.Keywords: children, complications, posterior sagittal rectopexy, rectal prolapse, recurren

Minimally invasive surgery for ovarian cysts in children: transumbilical versus laparoscopic approach

Background/purpose A transumbilical approach was recently reported for management of several surgical procedures in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a minimally invasive transumbilical approach against the laparoscopic approach in the management of ovarian cysts in children.Patients and methods This prospective study was conducted at Tanta University Hospital and at affiliated hospitals from April 2005 to May 2011. A total of 21 patients aged between 2 days and 8 years with ovarian cysts were included. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: group 1 (n= 11) underwent the transumbilical approach, whereas group 2 (n= 10) were treated by laparoscopy. Patients were evaluated with respect to operative time, need to convert to open surgery or to increase umbilical incision, any intraoperative and/or postoperative complication, total hospital stay, and final cosmetic outcome.Results The ovarian cysts were simple, not complicated, and larger than 5cm in 12 patients. Mixed cystic and solid parts were present in three patients. In another six patients, the cysts were complicated by torsion (n=4) or by hemorrhage inside the cysts (n= 2). The mean size of the ovarian cysts was not statistically significant in either group (8.2 cm in group 1 vs. 7.8cm in group 2). The mean operative time was shorter in group 1 compared with that in group 2 (45 ±12 vs. 55 ±10 min). Extension of umbilical incision was needed in one patient in group 1 and in another two patients in group 2 (site of the umbilical port) for the extraction of ovarian cysts containing a solid tumor inside. Duration of hospital stay was comparable in both groups (1–2 days in both groups). No significant intraoperative or postoperative complications were recorded in both groups. Likewise, the cosmetic outcome was excellent in both groups.Conclusion Both the transumbilical and laparoscopicapproaches are feasible and safe for treatment of ovarian cysts in children. The results of both approaches are comparable. The transumbilical approach seems to be an attractive alternative for managing ovarian cysts in children in the absence of appropriate settings for laparoscopy.Keywords: children, laparoscopy, neonates, ovarian cyst, torsion, transumbilical approac

Human Gut Microbiota and Parkinson\u27s Disease in an Egyptian Population

Multiple lines of evidence suggest the role of the gut microbiome in the predisposition and progression of Parkinson’s disease. This present cross-sectional study was performed to compare the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiota in patients with Parkinson\u27s disease to their counterparts. Stringent inclusion criteria were followed to reliably identify our target population. Parkinson’s patients (n = 40) along with reference subjects (n = 39) were recruited from November 2021 to August 2022. Detailed demographic and clinical data were obtained at baseline using a set of questionnaires and clinical assessment tools. Fecal specimens were collected from all participants, and gut commensals were characterized using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The endpoint was to discern the disparities in the gut microbiota structure. Our results demonstrate no significant difference at the taxonomic level between Parkinson\u27s patients and the reference group. However, marginally significant species associated with intestinal inflammation, gut permeability, and mitochondrial dysfunction were reported. These recent findings create an opportunity for further studies comprising a bigger sample size and using higher resolution sequencing techniques in aims to better understand whether and to what extent gut microbiota alterations play a role in the disease pathogenesis

Perineal trauma in children: a standardized management approach

Background/purpose The management of perineal trauma in children is very challenging in the absence of a well-defined institutional management protocol. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the result of implementing a standardized therapeutic approach to perineal trauma in children in our institution.Patients and methods This is a prospective study on the management of perineal trauma in children, according to a predefined protocol. Thirty-four patients with perineal trauma were treated at the Tanta University Hospital and affiliated hospitals during the period May 2003–July 2010. Two patients died of associated head trauma and other concomitant injuries. After initial assessment, resuscitation, and treatment of any existing life threatening condition, the patients were treated either by primary repair of all perineal soft tissue injuries without colostomy (group 1, n=16), primary perineal repair with covering colostomy (group 2, n=11), or fecal diversion and wound drainage with delayed sphincter repair if needed (group 3, n=5). Each patient was assigned to a particular management depending on the presence or absence of full-thickness anorectal injuries, anorectal lacerations, degree of wound contamination, and/or significant skin loss. All patients were evaluated with regard to the type of trauma, physical findings, management, postoperative wound infection or disruption, postoperative functional outcome, and cosmetic results.Results The ages ranged from 2 to 14 years. Significant wound infection occurred in three patients (one in each group), moderate-to-mild wound infection occurred in another four patients, partial wound disruption occurred in two patients in group 1. Urethral stricture occurred in two patients, who were treated by repeated dilatation. Vaginal stenosis developed in one patient. Anorectal continence was noted in 25 (80.6%) of 31 patients who were older than 3 years during the last follow-up visit.Conclusion (i) The proposed simple algorithm for the management of perineal trauma in children has facilitated decision making in the emergency room. (ii) Primary repair of the anorectal sphincter and other injured soft tissue with or without covering colostomy is recommended. (iii) Fecal diversion without sphincter repair should be reserved to cases with significant anorectal lacerations associated with gross contamination.Keywords: children, colostomy, perineal trauma, primary repai