Identification of Geographical Origin of Chinese Chestnuts Using Hyperspectral Imaging with 1D-CNN Algorithm

The adulteration in Chinese chestnuts affects the quality, taste, and brand value. The objective of this study was to explore the feasibility of the hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technique to determine the geographical origin of Chinese chestnuts. An HSI system in spectral range of 400–1000 nm was applied to identify a total of 417 Chinese chestnuts from three different geographical origins. Principal component analysis (PCA) was preliminarily used to investigate the differences of average spectra of the samples from different geographical origins. A deep-learning-based model (1D-CNN, one-dimensional convolutional neural network) was developed first, and then the model based on full spectra and optimal wavelengths were established for various machine learning methods, including partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and particle swarm optimization-support vector machine (PSO-SVM). The optimal results based on full spectra for 1D-CNN, PLS-DA, and PSO-SVM models were 97.12%, 97.12%, and 95.68%, respectively. Competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) and a successive projections algorithm (SPA) were individually utilized for wavelengths selection, and the results of simplified models generally improved. The contrasting results demonstrated that the prediction accuracies of SPA-PLS-DA and 1D-CNN both reached 97.12%, but 1D-CNN presented a higher Kappa coefficient value than SPA-PLS-DA. Meanwhile, the sensitivities and specificities of SPA-PLS-DA and 1D-CNN models were both above 90% for the samples from each geographical origin. These results indicated that both SPA-PLS-DA and 1D-CNN models combined with HSI have great potential for the geographical origin identification of Chinese chestnuts.

Multivariate classification techniques and mass spectrometry as a tool in the screening of patients with fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a rheumatological disorder that causes chronic pain and other symptomatic conditions such as depression and anxiety. Despite its relevance, the disease still presents a complex diagnosis where the doctor needs to have a correct clinical interpretation of the symptoms. In this context, it is valid to study tools that assist in the screening of this disease, using chemical work techniques such as mass spectroscopy. In this study, an analytical method is proposed to detect individuals with fibromyalgia (n = 20, 10 control samples and 10 samples with fibromyalgia) from blood plasma samples analyzed by mass spectrometry with paper spray ionization and subsequent multivariate classification of the spectral data (unsupervised and supervised), in addition to the treatment of selected variables with possible associations with metabolomics. Exploratory analysis with principal component analysis (PCA) and supervised analysis with successive projections algorithm with linear discriminant analysis (SPA-LDA) showed satisfactory results with 100% accuracy for sample prediction in both groups. This demonstrates that this combination of techniques can be used as a simple, reliable and fast tool in the development of clinical diagnosis of Fibromyalgia.

Leaf area index estimation model for UAV image hyperspectral data based on wavelength variable selection and machine learning methods

Background To accurately estimate winter wheat leaf area index (LAI) using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) hyperspectral imagery is crucial for crop growth monitoring, fertilization management, and development of precision agriculture. Methods The UAV hyperspectral imaging data, Analytical Spectral Devices (ASD) data, and LAI were simultaneously obtained at main growth stages (jointing stage, booting stage, and filling stage) of various winter wheat varieties under various nitrogen fertilizer treatments. The characteristic bands related to LAI were extracted from UAV hyperspectral data with different algorithms including first derivative (FD), successive projections algorithm (SPA), competitive adaptive reweighed sampling (CARS), and competitive adaptive reweighed sampling combined with successive projections algorithm (CARS_SPA). Furthermore, three modeling machine learning methods including partial least squares regression (PLSR), support vector machine regression (SVR), and extreme gradient boosting (Xgboost) were used to build LAI estimation models. Results The results show that the correlation coefficient between UAV and ASD hyperspectral data is greater than 0.99, indicating the UAV data can be used for estimation of wheat growth information. The LAI bands selected by using different algorithms were slightly different among the 15 models built in this study. The Xgboost model using nine consecutive characteristic bands selected by CARS_SPA algorithm as input was proved to have the best performance. This model yielded identical results of coefficient of determination (0.89) for both calibration set and validation set, indicating a high accuracy of this model. Conclusions The Xgboost modeling method in combine with CARS_SPA algorithm can reduce input variables and improve the efficiency of model operation. The results provide reference and technical support for nondestructive and rapid estimation of winter wheat LAI by using UAV.

Variables Selection in the Ultraviolet, Visible and Near Infrared Range for Calibration of a Mixture of Vegetable Oils by Absorbance Spectra

The aim of the work was a multivariate calibration of the concentration of unrefined sunflower oil, considered as adulteration, in a mixture with flaxseed oil. The relevance of the study is due to the need to develop a simple and effective method for detecting the falsification of flaxseed oil which is superior in the content of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids to olive oil. A few works only are devoted to identifying adulteration of flaxseed oil, unlike olive oil.Multivariate calibration carried out using a model based on the principal component analysis, cluster analysis and projection to latent structures of absorbance spectra in UV, visible and near IR ranges. Calibration uses three methods for spectral variables selection: the successive projections algorithm, the method of searching combination moving window, and method for ranking variables by correlation coefficient.The application of the successive projections algorithm, ranking variables by correlation coefficient and searching combination moving window makes it possible to reduce the value of the root mean square error of prediction from 0.63 % for wideband projection to latent structures to 0.46 %, 0.50 %, and 0.03 %, respectively.The developed method of multivariate calibration by projection to latent structures of absorbance spectra in UV, visible and near IR ranges using the spectral variables selection by searching combination moving window is a simple and effective method of detecting adulteration of flaxseed oil.

ATR-FTIR spectroscopy for virus identification: A powerful alternative

In pandemic times, like the one we are witnessing for COVID-19, the discussion about new efficient and rapid techniques for diagnosis of diseases is more evident. In this mini-review, we present to the virological scientific community the potential of attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy as a diagnosis technique. Herein, we explain the operation of this technique, as well as its advantages over standard methods. In addition, we also present the multivariate analysis tools that can be used to extract useful information from the data towards classification purposes. Tools such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Successive Projections Algorithm (SPA), Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Linear and Quadratic Discriminant Analysis (LDA and QDA) are covered, including examples of published studies. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy are emphasized, as well as future prospects in this field of study that is only growing. One of the main aims of this paper is to encourage the scientific community to explore the potential of this spectroscopic tool to detect changes in biological samples such as those caused by the presence of viruses.

Leaf Area Index Estimation Model for UAV Image Hyperspectral Data Based on Wavelength Variable Selection and Machine Learning Methods

Background In order to accurately estimate leaf area index (LAI) of winter wheat by using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) hyperspectral imagery.Methods The UAV hyperspectral imaging data, alternating slice-wise diagonalization (ASD) spectral data, and LAI were simultaneously obtained at main growth stages (jointing stage, booting stage, and filling stage) of various winter wheat varieties under various nitrogen fertilizer treatments.The characteristic bands related to LAI were extracted from UAV hyperspectral data with different algorithms including first derivative (FD), successive projections algorithm (SPA), competitive adaptive reweighed sampling (CARS), and competitive adaptive reweighed sampling combined with successive projections algorithm (CARS_SPA). Furthermore, three modeling machine learning methods including partial least squares regression (PLSR), support vector machine regression (SVR), and extreme gradient boosting (Xgboost) were used to build LAI estimation models.Results Our results show that the correlation coefficient between UAV and ASD hyperspectral data is greater than 0.99, indicating the UAV data can be used for estimation of wheat growth information.The LAI bands selected by using different algorithms were slightly different among the 15 models built in this study. The Xgboost model using nine consecutive characteristic bands selected by CARS_SPA algorithm as input was proved to have the best performance. This model yielded identical results of coefficient of determination (0.89) for both calibration set and validation set, indicating a high accuracy of this model.Conclusions The Xgboost modeling method in combine with CARS_SPA algorithm can reduce input variables and improve the efficiency of model operation. Our results provide reference and technical support for nondestructive and rapid estimation of winter wheat LAI by using UAV.

Determination of the viability of retinispora (Hinoki cypress) seeds using shortwave infrared hyperspectral imaging spectroscopy

The combination of hyperspectral imaging with multivariate data analysis methods has recently been applied to develop a nondestructive technique, required to determine the seed viability of artificially aged vegetable and cereal seeds. In this study, the potential of shortwave infrared hyperspectral imaging to determine the viability of naturally aged seeds was investigated and thereafter a model for online seed sorting system was developed. The hyperspectral images of 400 Hinoki cypress tree seeds were acquired, and germination tests were conducted for viability confirmation, which indicated 31.5% of the viable seeds. Partial least square discriminant analysis models with 179 variables in the wavelength region of 1000–1800 nm were developed with a maximum model accuracy of 98.4% and 93.8% in both the calibration and validation sets, respectively. The partial least square discriminant analysis beta coefficient revealed the key wavelengths to differentiate viable from nonviable seeds, determined based on the differences in the chemical compositions of the seeds, including their lipid and fatty acid contents, which may control the germination ability of the seeds. The most effective wavelengths were selected using two model-based variable selection methods (i.e., the variable importance of projection (15 variables) and the successive projections algorithm (8 variables)) to develop the model. The successive projections algorithm wavelength selection method was considered to develop a viability model, and its application to the raw data resulted in a prediction accuracy of 94.7% in the calibration set and 92.2% in the validation set. These results demonstrate the potential of shortwave infrared hyperspectral imaging spectroscopy as a powerful nondestructive method to determine the viability of Hinoki cypress seeds. This method could be applied to develop an online seed sorting system for seed companies and nurseries.

Phase-Only Antenna Array Reconfigurability with Gaussian-Shaped Nulls for 5G Applications

This paper presents a fast iterative method for the synthesis of linear and planar antenna arrays of arbitrary geometry that provides pattern reconfigurability for 5G applications. The method enables to generate wide null regions shaped according to a Gaussian distribution, which complies with recent measurements on millimeter-wave (mmWave) angular dispersion. A phase-only control approach is adopted by moving from the pattern provided by a uniformly excited array and iteratively modifying the sole phases of the excitations. This allows the simplification of the array feeding network, hence reducing the cost of realization of 5G base stations and mobile terminals. The proposed algorithm, which is based on the method of successive projections, relies on closed-form expressions for both the projectors and the null positions, thus allowing a fast computation of the excitation phases at each iteration. The effectiveness of the proposed solution is checked through numerical examples compliant with 5G mmWave scenarios and involving linear and concentric ring arrays.