Pub Date : 2024-09-25DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2024.102980
Poonam Ray, Divya Chandran
Pea (Pisum sativum) is an important agricultural legume crop, but powdery mildew disease caused by the biotrophic fungus Erysiphe pisi regularly limits its annual yield. Assays to evaluate the efficacy of potential antifungal compounds or resistance genes for disease control require a simple fungal inoculation method that provides control over the initial inoculum concentration and enables uniform inoculum distribution within a leaf and across replicates as well as a method for the quantitative assessment of disease severity. Here, we present an easy spray inoculation method for the uniform distribution of a defined concentration of E. pisi conidia on the leaves of pea plants and a semi-automated image analysis-based quantification of disease symptoms. The uniformity in conidial distribution was validated using a novel grading system termed the uniformity index. In addition, RT-qPCR was used to validate the reproducibility of the spray inoculation method and image analysis-based disease quantification. These procedures permit the accurate quantification of powdery mildew disease severity at macroscopic and molecular levels.
•
Uniform and reproducible inoculum distribution on leaves using a simple and inexpensive spray device
•
Rapid and reproducible quantification of powdery mildew disease symptoms using open-source software without the requirement of computational expertise
豌豆(Pisum sativum)是一种重要的农用豆科作物,但由生物营养真菌 Erysiphe pisi 引起的白粉病经常限制其年产量。要评估潜在的抗真菌化合物或抗性基因对病害控制的效果,需要一种简单的真菌接种方法,这种方法能控制初始接种体浓度,使接种体在叶片内和各重复中分布均匀,还需要一种定量评估病害严重程度的方法。在此,我们介绍了一种简便的喷雾接种方法,可在豌豆植株叶片上均匀分布一定浓度的 E. pisi 分生孢子,并可通过半自动图像分析对病害症状进行量化。分生孢子分布的均匀性是通过一种称为均匀性指数的新型分级系统验证的。此外,还利用 RT-qPCR 验证了喷雾接种方法和基于图像分析的病害定量的可重复性。这些程序允许在宏观和分子水平上对白粉病的严重程度进行精确定量。
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Biliverdin is a secondary metabolite of heme catabolism. It is formed by the reaction catalyzed by heme oxygenase, which converts the heme group contained in proteins such as hemoglobin, myoglobin, cytochromes, and catalase into biliverdin, iron (II) and CO in equimolar amounts, consuming NADPH. Biliverdin is then reduced to bilirubin by biliverdin reductase. Biliverdin and bilirubin form a redox couple and are important for the redox homeostasis of cells. Heme oxygenase-1 is an inducible enzyme that is induced by hypoxic conditions, increased availability of heme or proinflammatory mechanisms such as LPS, UV radiation, etc. In addition, both heme oxygenase-1 and biliverdin reductase play roles other than catalysis by modulating specific metabolic pathways at the transcriptional level. There is a need for affordable assays to analyze these bile pigments in biological and clinical samples. Here we present a method for the combined determination of biliverdin and bilirubin that utilizes the specific binding of bilirubin to the fluorescent recombinant fusion protein HUG and the enzymatic conversion of biliverdin to bilirubin.
•
This method enables the combined measurement of bilirubin and biliverdin in the nM range.
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The method does not require solvent extraction or protein precipitation of the samples.
{"title":"Combined fluorometric analysis of biliverdin and bilirubin by the recombinant protein HUG","authors":"Federica Tramer , Paola Sist , Rocio Cardenas-Perez , Ranieri Urbani , Giulia Bortolussi , Sabina Passamonti","doi":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.102979","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.102979","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biliverdin is a secondary metabolite of heme catabolism. It is formed by the reaction catalyzed by heme oxygenase, which converts the heme group contained in proteins such as hemoglobin, myoglobin, cytochromes, and catalase into biliverdin, iron (II) and CO in equimolar amounts, consuming NADPH. Biliverdin is then reduced to bilirubin by biliverdin reductase. Biliverdin and bilirubin form a redox couple and are important for the redox homeostasis of cells. Heme oxygenase-1 is an inducible enzyme that is induced by hypoxic conditions, increased availability of heme or proinflammatory mechanisms such as LPS, UV radiation, etc. In addition, both heme oxygenase-1 and biliverdin reductase play roles other than catalysis by modulating specific metabolic pathways at the transcriptional level. There is a need for affordable assays to analyze these bile pigments in biological and clinical samples. Here we present a method for the combined determination of biliverdin and bilirubin that utilizes the specific binding of bilirubin to the fluorescent recombinant fusion protein HUG and the enzymatic conversion of biliverdin to bilirubin.<ul><li><span>•</span><span><div>This method enables the combined measurement of bilirubin and biliverdin in the nM range.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>The method does not require solvent extraction or protein precipitation of the samples.</div></span></li></ul></div></div>","PeriodicalId":18446,"journal":{"name":"MethodsX","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 102979"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142419744","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Detecting psychological disorders, particularly depression, is a complex and critical task within the realm of mental health assessment. This research explores a novel approach to improve the identification of psychological distresses, such as depression, by addressing the subjectivity, complexity, and biasness inherent in traditional diagnostic techniques. Using multimodal data, such as voice characteristics and linguistic content from participant interviews, we developed a Transformer-Based Hybrid Model that combines advanced natural language processing and deep learning approaches. This model provides a complete assessment of an individual's psychological well-being by merging aural cues and textual data. This study investigates the theoretical underpinnings, technical complexities, and practical applications of this model in the context of psychological disorder detection. Additionally, the model's design and implementation details are thoroughly documented to ensure replicability by other researchers.
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A unique way of strengthening emotional ailments (focusing on depression).
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Transformer-Based Hybrid Model is proposed using multimodal data from interviews of participants.
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The model integrates voice characteristics (aural cues) and linguistic content (textual data).
•
Comparative analysis of this research with existing approaches.
{"title":"Psychological disorder detection: A multimodal approach using a transformer-based hybrid model","authors":"Debadrita Ghosh , Hema Karande , Shilpa Gite , Biswajeet Pradhan","doi":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.102976","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.102976","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Detecting psychological disorders, particularly depression, is a complex and critical task within the realm of mental health assessment. This research explores a novel approach to improve the identification of psychological distresses, such as depression, by addressing the subjectivity, complexity, and biasness inherent in traditional diagnostic techniques. Using multimodal data, such as voice characteristics and linguistic content from participant interviews, we developed a Transformer-Based Hybrid Model that combines advanced natural language processing and deep learning approaches. This model provides a complete assessment of an individual's psychological well-being by merging aural cues and textual data. This study investigates the theoretical underpinnings, technical complexities, and practical applications of this model in the context of psychological disorder detection. Additionally, the model's design and implementation details are thoroughly documented to ensure replicability by other researchers.<ul><li><span>•</span><span><div>A unique way of strengthening emotional ailments (focusing on depression).</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>Transformer-Based Hybrid Model is proposed using multimodal data from interviews of participants.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>The model integrates voice characteristics (aural cues) and linguistic content (textual data).</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>Comparative analysis of this research with existing approaches.</div></span></li></ul></div></div>","PeriodicalId":18446,"journal":{"name":"MethodsX","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 102976"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142419746","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-23DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2024.102971
Caio F. Zani , Arlete S. Barneze , Gerlinde B. De Deyn , J. Frans Bakker , Kevin Stott , David A.C. Manning
Enhanced rock weathering (ERW) has attracted considerable attention as a carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategy. However, a reliable method for accurately measuring, monitoring, and verifying carbon dioxide (CO2) removal, particularly under field conditions, remains elusive. Here we describe a method for installing soil monoliths in an in situ buried apparatus that allows collection of water draining through a soil, undisturbed by external environmental factors that may affect similar apparatus located above ground. The method provides a robust, cost-effective means of collecting, developing, and establishing soil monoliths, allowing through drainage soil water sample collection and analysis, and so facilitating estimation of ERW CO2 removal. A 200 mm diameter polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe is inserted into the soil to extract intact monoliths from a site of interest, withdrawn and then fitted with a basal double socket coupling and end cap for leachate collection. It is buried to reproduce soil environmental conditions, and water is collected via a sampling tube to surface. Validity was confirmed through an experimental trial with 36 monoliths over 6 months. This method enables accurate chemical analysis of solute draining through the soil monolith, which can be used to validate models of ERW efficacy.
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PVC pipes are inserted into the target soil and subsequently extracted to retrieve intact soil monoliths
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PVC sockets, equipped with a mesh and a geotextile membrane in the middle to retain the collected intact soil monolith and prevent soil particle transport, are then attached to the PVC pipe
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PVC caps, featuring a small drainage tube attached to its outer side, are used to collect the leachate at the bottom part of the system.
{"title":"A method to evaluate enhanced rock weathering using intact soil monoliths under field conditions","authors":"Caio F. Zani , Arlete S. Barneze , Gerlinde B. De Deyn , J. Frans Bakker , Kevin Stott , David A.C. Manning","doi":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.102971","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.102971","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Enhanced rock weathering (ERW) has attracted considerable attention as a carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategy. However, a reliable method for accurately measuring, monitoring, and verifying carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) removal, particularly under field conditions, remains elusive. Here we describe a method for installing soil monoliths in an in situ buried apparatus that allows collection of water draining through a soil, undisturbed by external environmental factors that may affect similar apparatus located above ground. The method provides a robust, cost-effective means of collecting, developing, and establishing soil monoliths, allowing through drainage soil water sample collection and analysis, and so facilitating estimation of ERW CO<sub>2</sub> removal. A 200 mm diameter polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe is inserted into the soil to extract intact monoliths from a site of interest, withdrawn and then fitted with a basal double socket coupling and end cap for leachate collection. It is buried to reproduce soil environmental conditions, and water is collected via a sampling tube to surface. Validity was confirmed through an experimental trial with 36 monoliths over 6 months. This method enables accurate chemical analysis of solute draining through the soil monolith, which can be used to validate models of ERW efficacy.<ul><li><span>•</span><span><div>PVC pipes are inserted into the target soil and subsequently extracted to retrieve intact soil monoliths</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>PVC sockets, equipped with a mesh and a geotextile membrane in the middle to retain the collected intact soil monolith and prevent soil particle transport, are then attached to the PVC pipe</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>PVC caps, featuring a small drainage tube attached to its outer side, are used to collect the leachate at the bottom part of the system.</div></span></li></ul></div></div>","PeriodicalId":18446,"journal":{"name":"MethodsX","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 102971"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142326821","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-21DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2024.102932
C. Smyth, M. Fellows, S. Morken, M. Magnan
In light of the recent unprecedented wildfires in Canada and the potential for increasing burned areas in the future, there is a need to explore post-fire salvage harvest and restoration and the implications for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Salvage logging and replanting initiatives offer a potential solution by regrowing forests more quickly while meeting societal demands for wood and bioenergy.
This study presents a comprehensive modeling framework to estimate post-fire salvage biomass and net GHG emissions relative to a ‘do-nothing’ baseline for all of Canada's harvest-eligible forests. Forest ecosystem carbon emissions and removals were modeled at 1-ha spatial resolution for Canadian forests using the Generic Carbon Budget Model (GCBM) from 1990 to 2070 using several forest inventory data sources with future harvest and wildfires.
Building upon previous research, our work integrated the Canadian Forest Fire Danger Rating System fire intensity to estimate fire severity of future wildfires. For 2024 to 2070, we assessed the changes in ecosystem carbon, emissions from harvested wood products, and substitution benefits from avoided emissions-intensive materials, relative to a forward-looking baseline. Our prototype system provides a comprehensive framework, configuration files, links to datasets to quantify the net GHG of post-fire restoration, and sample results for validation.
•
Developed spatially explicit forest carbon modeling system for all of Canada's forests.
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Assessed the net GHG reduction from post-fire restoration.
•
Used system approach to consider forests, wood products and substitution benefits.
{"title":"Development of national post-fire restoration system to assess net GHG impacts and salvage biomass availability","authors":"C. Smyth, M. Fellows, S. Morken, M. Magnan","doi":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.102932","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.102932","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In light of the recent unprecedented wildfires in Canada and the potential for increasing burned areas in the future, there is a need to explore post-fire salvage harvest and restoration and the implications for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Salvage logging and replanting initiatives offer a potential solution by regrowing forests more quickly while meeting societal demands for wood and bioenergy.</div><div>This study presents a comprehensive modeling framework to estimate post-fire salvage biomass and net GHG emissions relative to a ‘do-nothing’ baseline for all of Canada's harvest-eligible forests. Forest ecosystem carbon emissions and removals were modeled at 1-ha spatial resolution for Canadian forests using the Generic Carbon Budget Model (GCBM) from 1990 to 2070 using several forest inventory data sources with future harvest and wildfires.</div><div>Building upon previous research, our work integrated the Canadian Forest Fire Danger Rating System fire intensity to estimate fire severity of future wildfires. For 2024 to 2070, we assessed the changes in ecosystem carbon, emissions from harvested wood products, and substitution benefits from avoided emissions-intensive materials, relative to a forward-looking baseline. Our prototype system provides a comprehensive framework, configuration files, links to datasets to quantify the net GHG of post-fire restoration, and sample results for validation<em>.</em><ul><li><span>•</span><span><div><em>Developed spatially explicit forest carbon modeling system for all of Canada's forests.</em></div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div><em>Assessed the net GHG reduction from post-fire restoration.</em></div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div><em>Used system approach to consider forests, wood products and substitution benefits.</em></div></span></li></ul></div></div>","PeriodicalId":18446,"journal":{"name":"MethodsX","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 102932"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142318757","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-21DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2024.102960
Cristiana S.A. Bento, Hermínio C. de Sousa, Mara E.M. Braga
A crucial and time-consuming stage in aerogel production is the solvent exchange process for alcogel formation. This process involves multiple steps, exposing the hydrogel to ethanol solutions with increasing concentration until the equilibrium in each step. Currently, the determination of contact time between phases (hydrogel and liquid solution) is either arbitrary or based on prior studies. However, considering the unique physicochemical characteristics of each system, as well as the solid-liquid interactions and the liquid diffusion within the matrix, the required time may vary. Monitoring this step can lead to a reduction in the time needed for alcogel production and the optimization of the entire process. The refractive index serves as a tool to assess ethanol concentration in the liquid solution over time, providing immediate information about the status of the solvent exchange. Alongside, differential scanning calorimetry can be employed to evaluate ethanol content in the alcogel (solid phase), confirming the attainment of equilibrium between phases.
•
This research introduces a technique for monitoring solvent exchange.
•
Refractive index measurement of the liquid solvent offers immediate concentration information into the status of the solvent exchange.
•
Differential scanning calorimetry is applicable for measuring the ethanol content within the alcogel and validating refractive index findings.
{"title":"Measurement of ethanol concentration for monitoring the solvent exchange during the alcogel preparation","authors":"Cristiana S.A. Bento, Hermínio C. de Sousa, Mara E.M. Braga","doi":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.102960","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.102960","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A crucial and time-consuming stage in aerogel production is the solvent exchange process for alcogel formation. This process involves multiple steps, exposing the hydrogel to ethanol solutions with increasing concentration until the equilibrium in each step. Currently, the determination of contact time between phases (hydrogel and liquid solution) is either arbitrary or based on prior studies. However, considering the unique physicochemical characteristics of each system, as well as the solid-liquid interactions and the liquid diffusion within the matrix, the required time may vary. Monitoring this step can lead to a reduction in the time needed for alcogel production and the optimization of the entire process. The refractive index serves as a tool to assess ethanol concentration in the liquid solution over time, providing immediate information about the status of the solvent exchange. Alongside, differential scanning calorimetry can be employed to evaluate ethanol content in the alcogel (solid phase), confirming the attainment of equilibrium between phases.</div><div><ul><li><span>•</span><span><div>This research introduces a technique for monitoring solvent exchange.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>Refractive index measurement of the liquid solvent offers immediate concentration information into the status of the solvent exchange.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>Differential scanning calorimetry is applicable for measuring the ethanol content within the alcogel and validating refractive index findings.</div></span></li></ul></div></div>","PeriodicalId":18446,"journal":{"name":"MethodsX","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 102960"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142318886","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-20DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2024.102973
Albert Menéndez-Pedriza , Marta Gual , Lidia Molina-Millán , Ron M.A. Heeren , Carlos Barata , Laia Navarro-Martín
Microplastic pollution poses a significant environmental threat due to its persistence, widespread distribution, and inherent toxic potential. Despite the increasing number of publications in this field, a standardized protocol for the laboratory intake of microplastics by Daphnia magna has yet to be established. In this study, we introduce a verified protocol designed to facilitate the ingestion of microplastic particles (MPs) by D. magna, ranging in size from 5–55 µm. This protocol can be further applied to evaluate the toxicity of MPs on D. magna, a crucial organism model in ecotoxicology. Furthermore, this protocol can be used to assess toxicity of MPs in other aquatic species, such as fish, by using daphnids as a vehicle for ensuring the ingestion of these particles. Consequently, this protocol can be applied to study also one of the most pressing concerns regarding exposure to MPs, the transfer of MPs through different trophic levels, which has a great potential for ecotoxicological studies.
•
The influence of MPs concentration, duration and exposure dynamics and D. magna age/size in MPs intake were tested.
•
We have determined the optimal conditions for promoting microplastic ingestion by D. magna.
{"title":"Facilitating microplastic ingestion in aquatic models: A verified protocol for daphnia magna as a trojan horse vector","authors":"Albert Menéndez-Pedriza , Marta Gual , Lidia Molina-Millán , Ron M.A. Heeren , Carlos Barata , Laia Navarro-Martín","doi":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.102973","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.102973","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Microplastic pollution poses a significant environmental threat due to its persistence, widespread distribution, and inherent toxic potential. Despite the increasing number of publications in this field, a standardized protocol for the laboratory intake of microplastics by <em>Daphnia magna</em> has yet to be established. In this study, we introduce a verified protocol designed to facilitate the ingestion of microplastic particles (MPs) by <em>D. magna</em>, ranging in size from 5–55 µm. This protocol can be further applied to evaluate the toxicity of MPs on <em>D. magna</em>, a crucial organism model in ecotoxicology. Furthermore, this protocol can be used to assess toxicity of MPs in other aquatic species, such as fish, by using daphnids as a vehicle for ensuring the ingestion of these particles. Consequently, this protocol can be applied to study also one of the most pressing concerns regarding exposure to MPs, the transfer of MPs through different trophic levels, which has a great potential for ecotoxicological studies.<ul><li><span>•</span><span><div>The influence of MPs concentration, duration and exposure dynamics and <em>D. magna</em> age/size in MPs intake were tested.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>We have determined the optimal conditions for promoting microplastic ingestion by <em>D. magna</em>.</div></span></li></ul></div></div>","PeriodicalId":18446,"journal":{"name":"MethodsX","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 102973"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142326447","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-19DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2024.102964
Yasser M. Ayid , Mohammad Zakaraia , Mohamed Meselhy Eltoukhy
This paper presents a methodological approach to solving the fuzzy capacitated logistic distribution center problem, with a focus on the optimal selection of distribution centers to meet the demands of multiple plants. The distribution centers are characterized by fixed costs and capacities, while plant demands are modeled using fuzzy triangular membership functions. The problem is mathematically formulated by converting fuzzy demands into crisp values, providing a structured framework for addressing uncertainty in logistic planning. To support future research and facilitate comparative analysis, 20 benchmark problems were generated, filling a gap in the existing literature. Three distinct artificial bee colony algorithm variants were hybridized with a heuristic: one using the best solution per iteration, another incorporating chaotic mapping and adaptive procedures, and the third employing convergence and diversity archives. An experimental design based on Taguchi's orthogonal arrays was employed for optimizing the algorithm parameters, ensuring systematic exploration of the solution space. The developed methods offer a comprehensive toolkit for addressing complex, uncertain demands in logistic distribution, with code provided for reproducibility.
Key contributions include:
•
Development of a fuzzy model for the selection of distribution centers with fixed costs and capacities under uncertain plant demands.
•
Generation of 20 benchmark problems to advance research in the fuzzy capacitated logistic distribution center problem domain.
•
Integration of a heuristic approach with three distinct ABC algorithm variants, each contributing unique methodological insights.
{"title":"An artificial bee colony optimization algorithms for solving fuzzy capacitated logistic distribution center problem","authors":"Yasser M. Ayid , Mohammad Zakaraia , Mohamed Meselhy Eltoukhy","doi":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.102964","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.102964","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper presents a methodological approach to solving the fuzzy capacitated logistic distribution center problem, with a focus on the optimal selection of distribution centers to meet the demands of multiple plants. The distribution centers are characterized by fixed costs and capacities, while plant demands are modeled using fuzzy triangular membership functions. The problem is mathematically formulated by converting fuzzy demands into crisp values, providing a structured framework for addressing uncertainty in logistic planning. To support future research and facilitate comparative analysis, 20 benchmark problems were generated, filling a gap in the existing literature. Three distinct artificial bee colony algorithm variants were hybridized with a heuristic: one using the best solution per iteration, another incorporating chaotic mapping and adaptive procedures, and the third employing convergence and diversity archives. An experimental design based on Taguchi's orthogonal arrays was employed for optimizing the algorithm parameters, ensuring systematic exploration of the solution space. The developed methods offer a comprehensive toolkit for addressing complex, uncertain demands in logistic distribution, with code provided for reproducibility.</div><div>Key contributions include:<ul><li><span>•</span><span><div>Development of a fuzzy model for the selection of distribution centers with fixed costs and capacities under uncertain plant demands.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>Generation of 20 benchmark problems to advance research in the fuzzy capacitated logistic distribution center problem domain.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>Integration of a heuristic approach with three distinct ABC algorithm variants, each contributing unique methodological insights.</div></span></li></ul></div></div>","PeriodicalId":18446,"journal":{"name":"MethodsX","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 102964"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142318887","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-19DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2024.102969
Ashby Lavelle Sachs , Montse Maso-Aguado , Albert Bach , Nerkez Opacin , Nicholas Hill , Lucie Cattaneo , Laura Coll-Planas , Katherine Johnson , Laura Hidalgo , Carolyn Daher , Jill Litt , Sarah Bekessy
Recognition of the health benefits of nature contact has increased. Simultaneously, growing numbers of people worldwide experience loneliness. There is a movement towards prescribing nature-based activities to improve/promote social connections, health, and quality of life. Yet, what constitutes a therapeutic nature dose is not well understood, due in part, to the lack of instruments that capture the characteristics of nature-based activities and measure ‘nature dose.’ We created a nature dose measurement tool to fill this gap by capturing various aspects of contact with nature and perceptions regarding park access, quality, naturalness, psychological distance to nature, and biodiversity. This tool will facilitate greater understanding of how natural areas, nature-based activities, and nature exposure reduce loneliness and promote health-related quality of life. Measuring nature dose with standardized tools and documenting benefits will generate
the evidence base needed to design, implement and evaluate nature-based social interventions for improving health and quality of life.
•
This tool captures the nature dose to reduce loneliness and promote quality of life.
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Constructs range from park quality and access, to mood, to biodiversity perceptions.
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The standardized nature dose tool will help design nature-based social interventions.
{"title":"Developing a new tool to capture the nature dose to reduce loneliness and improve quality of life","authors":"Ashby Lavelle Sachs , Montse Maso-Aguado , Albert Bach , Nerkez Opacin , Nicholas Hill , Lucie Cattaneo , Laura Coll-Planas , Katherine Johnson , Laura Hidalgo , Carolyn Daher , Jill Litt , Sarah Bekessy","doi":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.102969","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.102969","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Recognition of the health benefits of nature contact has increased. Simultaneously, growing numbers of people worldwide experience loneliness. There is a movement towards prescribing nature-based activities to improve/promote social connections, health, and quality of life. Yet, what constitutes a therapeutic nature dose is not well understood, due in part, to the lack of instruments that capture the characteristics of nature-based activities and measure ‘nature dose.’ We created a nature dose measurement tool to fill this gap by capturing various aspects of contact with nature and perceptions regarding park access, quality, naturalness, psychological distance to nature, and biodiversity. This tool will facilitate greater understanding of how natural areas, nature-based activities, and nature exposure reduce loneliness and promote health-related quality of life. Measuring nature dose with standardized tools and documenting benefits will generate</div><div>the evidence base needed to design, implement and evaluate nature-based social interventions for improving health and quality of life.<ul><li><span>•</span><span><div>This tool captures the nature dose to reduce loneliness and promote quality of life.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>Constructs range from park quality and access, to mood, to biodiversity perceptions.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>The standardized nature dose tool will help design nature-based social interventions.</div></span></li></ul></div></div>","PeriodicalId":18446,"journal":{"name":"MethodsX","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 102969"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2215016124004205/pdfft?md5=aea2a32aba116c5d19435dc3ef5793bb&pid=1-s2.0-S2215016124004205-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142314780","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This paper describes a method that can perform robust detection and classification in out-of-distribution rotated images in the medical domain. In real-world medical imaging tools, noise due to the rotation of the body part is frequently observed. This noise reduces the accuracy of AI-based classification and prediction models. Hence, it is important to develop models which are rotation invariant. To that end, the proposed method - RISC (rotation invariant self-supervised vision framework) addresses this issue of rotational corruption. We present state-of-the-art rotation-invariant classification results and provide explainability for the performance in the domain. The evaluation of the proposed method is carried out on real-world adversarial examples in Medical Imagery-OrganAMNIST, RetinaMNIST and PneumoniaMNIST. It is observed that RISC outperforms the rotation-affected benchmark methods by obtaining 22%, 17% and 2% accuracy boost on OrganAMNIST, PneumoniaMNIST and RetinaMNIST rotated baselines respectively. Further, explainability results are demonstrated.
This methods paper describes:
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a representation learning approach that can perform robust detection and classification in out-of-distribution rotated images in the medical domain.
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It presents a method that incorporates self-supervised rotation invariance for correcting rotational corruptions.
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GradCAM-based explainability for the rotational SSL pretext task and the downstream classification outcomes for the three benchmark datasets are presented
{"title":"Explainable rotation-invariant self-supervised representation learning","authors":"Devansh Singh , Aboli Marathe , Sidharth Roy , Rahee Walambe , Ketan Kotecha","doi":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.102959","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mex.2024.102959","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This paper describes a method that can perform robust detection and classification in out-of-distribution rotated images in the medical domain. In real-world medical imaging tools, noise due to the rotation of the body part is frequently observed. This noise reduces the accuracy of AI-based classification and prediction models. Hence, it is important to develop models which are rotation invariant. To that end, the proposed method - RISC (rotation invariant self-supervised vision framework) addresses this issue of rotational corruption. We present state-of-the-art rotation-invariant classification results and provide explainability for the performance in the domain. The evaluation of the proposed method is carried out on real-world adversarial examples in Medical Imagery-OrganAMNIST, RetinaMNIST and PneumoniaMNIST. It is observed that RISC outperforms the rotation-affected benchmark methods by obtaining 22%, 17% and 2% accuracy boost on OrganAMNIST, PneumoniaMNIST and RetinaMNIST rotated baselines respectively. Further, explainability results are demonstrated.</p><p>This methods paper describes:</p><ul><li><span>•</span><span><p>a representation learning approach that can perform robust detection and classification in out-of-distribution rotated images in the medical domain.</p></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><p>It presents a method that incorporates self-supervised rotation invariance for correcting rotational corruptions.</p></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><p>GradCAM-based explainability for the rotational SSL pretext task and the downstream classification outcomes for the three benchmark datasets are presented</p></span></li></ul></div>","PeriodicalId":18446,"journal":{"name":"MethodsX","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 102959"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2215016124004102/pdfft?md5=960ede7733b4b76435ee298fd9a1d9b1&pid=1-s2.0-S2215016124004102-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142242325","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}