Simulation of chromatic and achromatic assessments for camouflage textiles and combat background

Chromatic and achromatic (AC) assessments of camouflage textiles have been critical to the defense researchers for concealment, detection, recognition, and identification (CDRI) of target signature against multidimensional combat background (CB). AC assessment and camouflage measurement techniques are simulated and experimented for assessment of camouflage textiles against CB. This model has been demonstrated for color measurement spectrophotometer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), digital imaging, hyperspectral imaging, and image processing software (ImageJ) for the advancement and establishment of AC camouflage textiles assessment. The chromatic variations of 48 artificial target objects (TOBs) have been synthesized by image processing; the technique can be implemented for defense CB-CDRI assessment. Microstructural variation versus optical signal of woodland, desertland and stoneland CB materials have been elucidated by SEM magnification. The achromatic variation of CB materials have been demonstrated for the replacement of optical signal against modern remote sensing device to the imaging sensor. Color difference (Δ E), microstructural variations, pixel variations to imaging signal and standard deviation of CB materials have been represented for remote sensing surveillance of defense applications against TOB-CB-CDRI. Technical simulation of color, texture, gloss, and pixel intensity has been derived for AC-CDRI assessment of camouflage textiles in TOBs-CB environment.

SMARTPHONE-BASED ANALYSIS OF CLOTH MASKS PORES SIZE

Until now, the world is still facing the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. This virus can be transmitted from human to human through droplets, so more vigilance is needed to avoid contracting this virus. One of the steps to minimize the spread of Covid-19 is to wear a face mask. In practice, most people prefer to use cloth masks than disposable medical masks because they are cheap and reusable. Cloth pore size influences the filtering ability of the cloth masks. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the efficiencies of the cloth masks. In this study, we developed a method for measuring the pores of a cloth mask using a smartphone. In this study, we developed a method for measuring the pores of a cloth mask using a smartphone. We used the camera zoom application on a smartphone and analyzed the image using image processing software, ImageJ. We appliedHuang's algorithm to adjust the image binarization threshold then calculated the Feret diameter as the pore size of the mask. According to the analysis, the pore size ranged from 0.133 to 0.232 mm, and the efficiency ranged from 77.4 to 82.6%.

Evaluation of a Paper-Based Checklist versus an Electronic Handover Tool Based on the Situation Background Assessment Recommendation (SBAR) Concept in Patients after Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease

(1) Background: we compare a new SBAR based electronic handover tool versus a paper-based checklist for handover in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). (2) Methods: this is a randomized, observational study of 40 electronic vs. 40 paper checklist handovers after pediatric cardiac surgery, with a 48 items checklist for comparison of reporting frequencies and notification of disturbances and noise. PICU staff satisfaction was evaluated by a 12-item questionnaire. (3) Results: in 14 out of 40 cases, there were problems with data processing (incomplete or no data processing). Some item groups (e.g., hemodynamics) were consistently reported at higher frequencies than other groups. Items not specifically asked for did not get reported. Some items, automatically processed in the SBAR handover page, did not get reported. Many handovers suffered a noisy and distracting atmosphere. There was no difference in staff satisfaction between the two handover approaches. Nurses were highly unsatisfied with the general approach by which the handover was performed. (4) Conclusions: human error appears to be a main factor for unreliable data processing. Software is still too complicated, and multitasking is a stressful and error prone event. Handover is a complex task with many factors required for a successful completion.

“Virtual stent” – clinical evaluation and user experience of on-the-fly stent simulation in treatment of cerebral aneurysms

Background Predicting final stent position can be challenging when treating cerebral aneurysms. Third-Party software proved helpful in selecting proper stents in treatment planning. Recent angiographic systems provide basic stent simulation capabilities integrated in the post-processing software to simulate stent position. Goal of this analysis was to evaluate the simulation process and correlation with definite stent position. Materials and Methods Thirty-three datasets with fusiform (n = 10) and saccular (n = 23) aneurysms, treated with stent or flow-diverter, were processed. A “virtual stent” of the same (nominal) size was simulated and its position was compared to the treatment result. Simulated length was rated in five grades (too short, shorter, equal, longer, too long), with regard to side-branches, anchoring zone etc. Simulation quality (centerline recognition/adherence to vessel margins) was rated in three grades (no, minor or major corrections required). Results Simulation was successful in 32/33 cases (97%), with one abortive attempt (3%). In 27/33 simulations (82%), there was no need for centerline refinement. Minor corrections were necessary in four and major corrections in two cases. Simulated nominal length was rated “equal” in 14/33 (42%) cases and “shorter” or “longer” – but within acceptable range – in each 9/33 (27%) cases. Conclusion Basic stent simulation tools available with genuine angiographic workplace software can provide good simulation capabilities without need for third-party equipment. They can facilitate treatment planning and help to avoid shortage of devices. Yet, lack of calculation of foreshortening in large vessel diameters leaves the user to rely on their experience to account for device-specific properties.

Colorimetric Immunological Paper-based Assay for Exosome Detection

This paper reports the development of colorimetric immunological paper-based assay for exosome detection. The paper-based device was fabricated with lamination technique for easy handling and create hydrophilic/hydrophobic region for analytical paper-based devices. Exosome-specific antibody was coated onto the paper-based devices as a biosensing platform to detect exosome sample from the cell culture media. This assay employed a colorimetric reaction which is followed by reaction between horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and 3,3’,5,5’-tetramethylbenzidine substrate (TMB). The colorimetric readout was qualitatively evaluated by naked eyes and was quantitatively assessed by image processing software. The result indicated that this assay faces many challenges. First, the exosome concentration may be inadequate to reach detectable range. Second, high background signal due to non-specific binding on the platform results in lack of sensitivity for exosome detection. Therefore, modification on the paper should promote protein binding for specific target and prevent non-specific binding to reduce the high background signal.