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This study explores pollution detection and classification in the Shatt al-Arab River using advanced image processing techniques. Our proposed system integrates Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) algorithms. The Shatt al-Arab River in Basra, Iraq, faces increasing pollution from human activities, including oil spills, debris, and wastewater. We conducted extensive surveys of the river and its tributaries using a DJI Mavic drone, amassing over 1000 images to train machine learning models. The results indicate that RF excels with 94% accuracy for oil spills, 92% for wastewater, and 95% for debris. SVM also performs well, achieving 92%, 88%, and 94% accuracy for the respective pollutants. KNN, though insightful, lags with 85%, 89%, and 86% accuracy. Trained on this novel image dataset, these models show promising accuracy in detecting various pollution types from drone footage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gallbladder carcinoma represents the most aggressive biliary tract cancer and the sixth most common gastrointestinal malignancy. The diagnosis is a challenging clinical task due to its clinical presentation, which is often non-specific, mimicking a heterogeneous group of diseases, as well as benign processes such as complicated cholecystitis, xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis, adenomyomatosis, porcelain gallbladder or metastasis to the gallbladder (most frequently derived from melanoma, renal cell carcinoma). Risk factors include gallstones, carcinogen exposure, porcelain gallbladder, typhoid carrier state, gallbladder polyps and abnormal pancreaticobiliary ductal junction. Typical imaging features on CT or MRI reveal three major patterns: asymmetric focal or diffuse wall-thickening of the gallbladder, a solid mass that replaces the gallbladder and invades the adjacent organs or as an intraluminal enhancement mass arising predominantly from the gallbladder fundus. The tumor can spread to the liver, the adjacent internal organs and lymph nodes. Depending on the disease stage, surgical resection is the curative treatment option in early stages and adjuvant combination chemotherapy at advanced stages. The purpose of this scientific paper is to fully illustrate and evaluate, through multimodality imaging findings (CT and MRI), different presentations and imaging scenarios of gallbladder cancer in six patients and thoroughly analyze the risk factors, patterns of spread and differential diagnosis regarding each particular case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic agriculture, as a holistic system, aims to maximize the productivity of agricultural sector by integrating tradition, innovation and science, helping to improve the quality of agrifood products reaching the market. One of the most rapidly evolving sectors in the EU is the organic manufacturing industry. Due to the increased interest of consumers it has had a significant increase in the last decade. This paper offers a detailed perspective on organic agriculture in Romania in the context of current European development. We present essential information about the organic sector, current legislation and market data, at national and European level. Official data show that organic agriculture has registered an increase in plant and animal production in recent years in Romania. Although it represents a small part of the cultivated area and total production, organic agriculture is attracting attention due to the principles of sustainable development and the associated economic opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BCI is a rapidly growing field within biomedical engineering as it enables a direct connection between the central nervous system and an external device. BCI detects brain signals using biosensors (electrodes) installed on the head's scalp or implanted inside the brain. EEG is a non-invasive method for detecting and monitoring the brain's activity. Using EEG-based BCI in the medical field can significantly help disabled people to perform daily activities. In this context, it is very important to support and enable paralysed people to interact with multimedia devices like televisions by developing suitable solutions. This paper proposes an EEG mind-controlled TV remote control system prototype. The proposed prototype uses affordable hardware components to perform its task. A quantitative questionnaire has been conducted to identify the system's functional and non-functional requirements. The system can send four different signals to power on/off, change the channel, raise and reduce the volume of the TV. The system has been tested by 20 subjects. The testing results show that the accuracy of the system is 74.9%. Despite the system being able to control only four TV functions, the system is scalable, and more commands can be added in the future. Also, using Raspberry Pi in the system gives a great possibility to eliminate the computer and to use Raspberry Pi directly with the headset. This paper demonstrates the approach's feasibility and opens the route for enhancing the system and using EEG-based BCI with more and different devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronary-artery-to-pulmonary-artery fistulae represent rare vascular anomalies defined as abnormal communications between the coronary arteries and the pulmonary arterial system. Takotsubo Syndrome represents a stress-induced cardiomyopathy defined by transient regional systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle, with minimal elevation of cardiac biomarkers, without angiographic evidence of obstructive coronary artery disease. We hereby richly illustrate an unusual and rare case of a female patient with Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy and left-anterior-descending-coronary-artery-to-pulmonary-trunk fistula through multi-modality imaging evaluations, obtaining a detailed anatomical representation of the coronary arteries and the fistulous connection, which further guided the optimal treatment strategy. The patient was treated conservatively. The main teaching points of this case are the following: (1) The coronary fistula may represent just an incidental finding in a Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy clinical scenario. (2) The particularly rare association between left-anterior-descending-coronary-artery-to-pulmonary-trunk fistula and Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy presentation is mainly due to the stress-induced overstimulation of myocardial beta-1 receptors, accentuating the coronary steal phenomenon in the setting of the coronary fistula, manifesting as anginal pain, and also the stress-induced adrenergic drive causing the Takotsubo-like presentation with apical ballooning of the left ventricle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through his poetry, Codruț Gabriel CANTEA (first year cadet, CBRN Defense at the "Nicolae Bțlcescu" Land Forces Academy of Sibiu) checks the pulse of today's world and being. His verses denote the understanding of the world as a living organism, not just in its anatomy, but also in its physiology. The poetic deliveries in homeopathic doses are intended for the soul and mental genome and are related to his readers. Because he knows that one writes and reads in order to preserve the human essence. Creator of lyrical universe, with the poetic grace conceived in blood, he concentrates, in internal combustions, as well as in initiatory, catalytic utterances - experiences, views and existential guidance. And he traces poetic interior and exterior territories in which he settles (and settles his readers as well) empathetically and comprehensively with regard to the course of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the paper is a better organization of mechanical work in agriculture, taking into account the following aspects: selection and using the methods and the optimal work procedures which ensures obtaining the production quantities with minimal expenses. The second aspect, is the assembly of all works and operations within the cycle of agricultural production in such succession and correlation to be able to ensure optimization of the production processes. Due to the appearance of agricultural machines with superior technology the possibility of increasing agricultural production was created and reducing its cost. A primary objective of modern agriculture is the intensive development of agricultural production, as an essential condition for obtaining the highest possible productions per surface unit and with the lowest possible expenses per product unit. Experimental studies on grain harvesting combines were carried out under working conditions, during wheat harvesting, on a number of 3 self-propelled combines, from a harvested formation on the territory of Moșnița. The three types of combines harvester for which measurements and determinations were made, was: 1. CLAAS-98SL MAXI combine: engine-160 CP/2100 rot/min, working width 5 meters; 2. MDW-525 STS combine: engine-268 CP/2170 rot/min, working width 7 meters; 3. John Deere-Hydro 4-1174 S combine : engine150 CP/2100 rot/min, working width  7 meters. The three combines harvested in the same formation under identical working conditions, having identical technological settings. The mechanism operation of the connecting rod-crank type sieves gives them a plane-parallel motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to set up a successful rapeseed culture, farmers should take into account, since the preparation of the germination bed, some essential technological elements that make the difference most often between a successful culture and one that has not survived. Of these specific elements, we need to mention crop rotation, land preparation, sowing, fertilising, and rolling. The study was carried out at the farm “I.I. Marincu Răzvan” on an area of 100 ha in the village of Icloda, commune of Sacoșu Turcesc, Timiș County, Romania. In 2021-2022, four cultures were set up: rapeseed, wheat, sunflower, and maize. Rapeseed was cultivated on an area of 17 ha using as working technology ploughing, discing, drilling, and sowing. The purpose was to obtain a good plant emergence and a good harvest. In order to obtain a good production, the seed used to set up rapeseed cultures should be certified, with a physical purity of at least 98% and a germination of more than 85%. All the seed used for this purpose should be treated with both fungicides and insecticides. It is necessary to take into account the deviations that appear in some years compared to the multiannual mean both in terms of temperature and rainfall, but especially compared to their distribution during vegetation periods. These deviations can be corrected by appropriate cultivation technology measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single coronary artery anomaly represents a particularly rare entity, which may present with variable clinical scenarios, but in most cases remains asymptomatic. It is considered to be one of the pathological states to cause sudden death, especially in young adults [1]. We hereby report a rare case of a R-III type of single coronary artery as classified by Lipton et al., which is only about 15% of all the cases of coronary anomalies. Coronary CT angiography as well as invasive coronarography provide accurate details regarding the origin, course and termination of coronary anomalies, as well as evaluation of associated coronary lesions, further guiding the optimal treatment strategy in each case. Teaching Point: The main teaching point of this case report is to clearly underline the importance of coronary CT angiography in obtaining a comprehensive evaluation of coronary artery anatomy and associated coronary lesions, representing important aspects, which further guide accurate treatment and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy was applied for the evaluation of specific patterns for six different essential oils obtained from aromatic plants (thyme, oregano, tea tree) or common spices (clove, cinnamon, juniper). The spectral fingerprints were recorded using a Shimadzu IR Prestige-21 spectrometer in the middle infrared region (3500-650 cm-1) before and after thermal oxidation in hot air. In parallel, the peroxide index, cis-trans isomerization and lipoperoxidation were evaluated to determine their oxidative stability. Each oil showed specific FTIR spectra, especially in the fingerprint region (1650-650 cm-1), in good agreement with our previous GC-MS analysis of the same samples. The spectral patterns in this region were also correlated with their oxidative stability, chemically determined. The spectral data were processed by multivariate analysis (Metaboanalyst 5.0 software) and the discriminatory analysis helped to identify each oil pattern. This study combined the capability of ATR-FTIR-MIR spectroscopy to realize a pattern recognition of essential oils as a rapid and non-destructive method, as well the oxidative modifications, easier than chemical routine tests. This study contributes to the control of quality, authenticity, and safety of essential oils and can be extended to other extracts, used as additives or ingredients in food or cosmetic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The additive manufacturing known also as "3D printing" or "rapid prototyping" is a present manufacturing method (compared to classic manufacturing methods) where layers of material are deposited at a time (successively) until a finished product is obtained. Depending on the phenomenon, material (in solid, liquid or powder state) used by the 3D printing equipment, a solid part, can be achieved using processes as: binder jetting, extrusion, material jetting, direct energy, vat photo-polymerization and powder bed fusion. In the present paper, we have summarized some knowledge regarding the 3D printing technologies, fused deposition modeling (FDM) prototyping method, and different types of test regarding PLA material properties (tensile test, flexural test). The FDM technology has registered benefits as cost, product quality, functionality and manufacturing time, continuously optimized and adopted by more and more companies, research institutes and consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we describe an actuator-based EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) virtual assistant system that can be used for the treatment of participants with traumatic memories. EMDR is a psychological therapy designed to treat emotional distress caused by a traumatic event from the past, most frequently in post-traumatic stress disorder treatment. We implemented a system based on video, tactile, and audio actuators which includes an artificial intelligence chatbot, making the system capable of acting autonomously. We tested the system on a sample of 31 participants. Our results showed the efficiency of the EMDR virtual assistant system in reducing anxiety, distress, and negative cognitions and emotions associated with the traumatic memory. There are no such systems reported in the existing literature. Through the present research, we fill this gap by describing a system that can be used by patients with traumatic memories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy on the middle infrared region (ATR-FTIR-MIR) proved to be a convenient and reliable technique to evaluate foods' quality and authenticity. Plants' essential oils are bioactive mixtures used as such or in different oily or microencapsulated formulations, beneficial to human health. Six essential oils (thyme, oregano, juniperus, tea tree, clove, and cinnamon) were introduced in three oily formulations (Biomicin, Biomicin Forte, and Biomicin urinary) and these formulations were microencapsulated on fructose and maltodextrin matrices. To study their stability, the microencapsulated powders were kept under light irradiation for 14 days at 25 °C or introduced in biopolymer capsules. All variants were analysed by ATR-FTIR-MIR, recording wavenumbers and peak intensities (3600–650 cm−1). The data were processed by Unscrambler and Metaboanalyst software, with specific algorithms (PCA, PLSDA, heatmaps, and random forest analysis). The results demonstrated that ATR-FTIR-MIR can be successfully applied for fingerprinting and finding essential oil biomarkers as well as to recognize this pattern in final microencapsulated food supplements. This study offers an improved ATR-FTIR-MIR procedure coupled with an adequate chemometric analysis and accurate data interpretation, to be applied for the evaluation of authenticity, quality, traceability, and stability during storage of essential oils incorporated in different matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is essential to combine current state-of-the-art technologies such as additive manufacturing with current ecological needs. Due to the increasing demand for non-toxic biodegradable materials and products, human society has been searching for new materials. Consequently, it is compulsory to identify the qualities of these materials and their behavior when subjected to various external factors, to find their optimal solutions for application in various fields. This paper refers to the biodegradable Polylactic acid (PLA)-based filament (commercially known as Extrudr BDP (Biodegradable Plastic) Flax) compared with the biodegradable composite material PLA-lignin filament whose constituent's trade name is Arboblend V2 Nature as a lignin base material and reinforcement with Extrudr BDP Pearl, a PLA based polymer, 3D printed by Fused Deposition Modeling technology. Certain mechanical properties (tensile strength, bending strength and DMA—Dynamic Mechanical Analysis) were also determined. The tribology behavior (friction coefficient and wear), the structure and the chemical composition of the biodegradable materials were investigated by SEM—Scanning Electron Microscopy, EDX—Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis, XRD—X-Ray Diffraction Analysis, FTIR—Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer and TGA—Thermogravimetric Analysis. The paper also refers to the influence of technological parameters on the 3D printed filaments made of Extrudr BDP Flax and the optimization those of technological parameters. The thermal behavior during the heating of the sample was analyzed by Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). As a result of the carried-out research, we intend to recommend these biodegradable materials as possible substituents for plastics in as many fields of activity as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aneurysmal dilatations can affect any aortic segment and represent the result of various causes, atherosclerotic disease being the most common and frequently involved. We hereby illustrate a case of a patient with thoracic aortic aneurysm rupture due to extensive atherosclerotic disease, with multiple complex penetrating ulcerated atherosclerotic plaques located in the descending aorta. CT angiography evaluation included a comprehensive description of imaging features and extent of the thoracic aortic aneurysm, the presence of thrombus, relationship to adjacent structures and branches, associated complications. Teaching Point: Thoracic aortic aneurysm rupture due to extensive atherosclerotic disease with multiple penetrating ulcers., (Copyright: © 2024 The Author(s).)