An online automatic sorting system for defective Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma Rubra using deep learning / 中草药·英文版

OBJECTIVE@#To establish a deep-learning architecture based on faster region-based convolutional neural networks (Faster R-CNN) algorithm for detection and sorting of red ginseng (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma Rubra) with internal defects automatically on an online X-ray machine vision system.@*METHODS@#A Faster R-CNN based classifier was trained with around 20 000 samples with mean average precision value (mAP) of 0.95. A traditional image processing method based on feedforward neural network (FNN) obtained a bad performance with the accuracy, recall and specificity of 69.0%, 68.0%, and 70.0%, respectively. Therefore, the Faster R-CNN model was saved to evaluate the model performance on the defective red ginseng online sorting system.@*RESULTS@#An independent set of 2 000 red ginsengs were used to validate the performance of the Faster R-CNN based online sorting system in three parallel tests, achieving accuracy of 95.8%, 95.2% and 96.2%, respectively.@*CONCLUSION@#The overall results indicated that the proposed Faster R-CNN based classification model has great potential for non-destructive detection of red ginseng with internal defects.

A study on the rapidly non-destructive detection method of Huoxiang Zhengqi oral liquid using near infrared spectroscopy / 药学学报

Based on near infrared spectroscopy and high performance liquid chromatography, this paper established the regression relationship between near infrared spectroscopy and index component content of Huoxiang Zhengqi oral liquid, so as to realize the rapid detection of index component content based on near infrared spectroscopy. Magnolol, honokiol and hesperidin were used as the quality indexes of Huoxiang Zhengqi oral liquid. After using the first derivative and normalization pretreatment method, characteristic variables were screened by CARS, and the correction model was finally established by partial least-squares regression (PLSR) method. The method accuracy was evaluated with the external validation, and the prediction results were tested for significance. The results indicated that when the near infrared spectrum was scanned through the bottle, the model's correlation coefficients of prediction (Rp) were higher than 0.99, the root mean square errors of the prediction models (RMSEP) were all less than 0.008 4, and the relative standard errors of prediction set (RSEP) were all less than 2.83%. There was no significant difference in the predicted results between these two kinds of model. The models established in the non-destructive way have good performance and high prediction accuracy. The rapid and nondestructive way has application value in the quality control of Huoxiang Zhengqi oral liquid.

An allometric model to estimate total leaf area of banana plants of the cultivar Vitória (AAAB) / Um modelo alométrico para estimativa da área foliar total de bananeiras da cultivar Vitória (AAAB)

The plants physiological processes such as transpiration and photosynthetic efficiency are directly related to leaf area, which is difficult to quantify in a nondestructive manner. To generate a model to estimate the total leaf area of plants of banana cv. Vitória, simple and multiple linear regressions utilizing the length and width of the third leaf, the product of length and width of the third leaf, and the total number of leaves of 'Vitória' plants, were tested. The data to develop the model were obtained from 'Vitória' banana plants from different edafoclimatic conditions and management. The best performance of the model was obtained using stepwise multiple regression with r2=0.93 and r2= 0.94. Validation of the model resulted in an r2 of 0.74.

Processos fisiológicos das plantas como transpiração e eficiência fotossintética estão diretamente relacionados à área foliar, a qual é difícil quantificar de forma não destrutiva. Para gerar um modelo para estimar a área foliar total de plantas da cv. Vitória, foram testadas regressões lineares simples e múltiplas utilizando comprimento e largura da terceira folha, o produto comprimento e largura da terceira folha e número total de folhas. Os dados para desenvolver o modelo foram obtidos de cultivos com diferentes condições edafoclimáticas e de manejo. O melhor modelo foi obtido por meio de regressão múltipla stepwise com r2 = 0,93 e r2 = 0,94. A validação do modelo resultou em r2 de 0,74.

Contribución a la restauración y el mantenimiento de obras de importancia histórica, cultural y social de la ciudad de La Habana / Contribution to the restoration and maintenance of works of historical, cultural and social importance of the city of Havana

RESUMEN Entre las aplicaciones de la Ciencia e Ingeniería de Materiales que realiza el Centro de Aplicaciones Tecnológicas y Desarrollo Nuclear CEADEN está el apoyo mediante varias técnicas físicas a la restauración y el mantenimiento de estructuras y objetos de la ciudad de La Habana que poseen interés histórico, cultural y social . En el presente trabajo es abordado el campo de la Defectoscopía, en lo cual los Ensayos no destructivos aplicados tributaron a la restauración del patrimonio cultural, a la mejora de instalaciones deportivas de la capital y, en mayor medida, a la seguridad de instalaciones de interés social como son los parques de diversión. En ese sentido se presentan la inspección de estructuras en el marco de la restauración de la Sala Cabildo del Museo de la Ciudad de La Habana en el Palacio de los Capitanes Generales en La Habana Vieja; el diagnóstico de uniones soldadas durante la restauración de la iluminación y la instalación de la pantalla gigante del Estadio Latinoamericano del Cerro y la Inspección realizada sistemáticamente en mantenimiento a elementos críticos de equipos de los parques de diversión.

ABSTRACT Among the applications of Materials Science and Engineering carried out by the Center for Technological Applications and Nuclear Development (CEADEN) / Centro de Aplicaciones Tecnológicas y Desarrollo Nuclear CEADEN is the use of various physical techniques to support the restoration and maintenance of buildings and other work objects of historical, cultural and social interest in Havana city. The field of Defectoscopy is addressed in this paper, where the applied Nondestructive testings also contributed to restore the cultural heritage, to upgrade the structural conditions at an important sport facility in Havana, and in a greater extent, to the safety of facilities of social significance, such as amusement parks. In this regard, three examples are presented: the inspection of structures during the restoration of the City Hall in the Museum of the Havana City at the Palace of Captains General; the welded joints testing during the restoration of the lighting system and the installation of the digital screen at the Latin American Stadium in Cerro municipality; and finally, the inspection systematically performed at maintenance works to critical elements and related devices at amusement parks.

Estimation of leaf area of Erythroxylum citrifolium from linear leaf dimensions / Estimativa da área foliar de Erythroxylum citrifolium a partir de dimensões lineares da folha

Erythroxylum citrifolium is a neotropical plant species recorded in all regions of Brazil. Determining leaf area is of fundamental importance to studies related to plant propagation and growth. The objective was to obtain an equation to estimate the leaf area of E. citrifolium from linear dimensions of the leaf blade (length and width). A total of 200 leaf blades were collected in Parque Estadual Mata do Pau-Ferro in the municipality of Areia, state of Paraíba, Northeast Brazil. The models evaluated were: linear, linear without intercept, quadratic, cubic, power and exponential. The best model was determined by the criteria of: high coefficient of determination (R²), low root mean square error (RMSE), low Akaike information criterion (AIC), high Willmott concordance index (d) and a BIAS index close to zero. All of the models constructed satisfactorily estimated the leaf area of E. citrifolium, with coefficients of determination above 0.9050, but the power model using the product between length and width (L*W) y = 0.5966 * LW1.0181 was the best, with the highest values of R² and d, low values of RMSE and AIC, and a BIAS index closest to zero.

Erythroxylum citrifolium é uma espécie de planta neotropical com registros em todas as regiões do Brasil. A determinação da área foliar é de fundamental importância em estudos relacionados a propagação e crescimento vegetal. O objetivo foi obter uma equação que permita estimar a área foliar de E. citrifolium a partir de dimensões lineares do limbo foliar (comprimento e largura). Foram coletados 200 limbos foliares no Parque Estadual Mata do Pau-Ferro, Areia, Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil. Os modelos empregados foram: linear, linear sem intercepto, quadrático, cúbico, potencial e exponencial. Os critérios utilizados para escolher o melhor modelo, teve como base o maior coeficiente de determinação (R²), menor raiz do quadrado médio do erro (RMSE), menor critério de informação de Akaike (AIC), maior índice de concordância de Willmott (d) e índice BIAS mais próximo de zero. Todos os modelos construídos podem estimar satisfatoriamente a área foliar de E. citrifolium, com coeficientes determinação acima de 0,9050, porém o modelo potencial utilizando o produto entre comprimento e largura (L*W) y = 0,5966 * LW1,0181 é o mais indicado, com os maiores valores de R² e d, menores valores de RMSE e AIC, e índice BIAS mais próximo de zero.

Removal of entrapped rings from swollen fingers by a nondestructive technique

Background: Ring entrapment is uncommon in our environment. It is necessary to remove entrapped rings and the removal techniques could be either destructive or non-destructive. The aim of this study is to present a non-destructive method of entrapped ring removal.Methods:   A prospective study of patients who presented to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt between 1st October 2007 and 30th September 2018, with entrapped finger ring(s). The authors developed a non-destructive technique of entrapped ring removal utilizing 1.5-2.5 mm electric cables. The cables are passed under the ring and looped over it. The surgeon and his first assistant applies traction towards the distal aspect of the finger through the cables while moving the cables from side to side around the finger, with the second assistant maintaining a counter-traction.  Data obtained was analyzed using IBM’s Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.Results:  During the period, there were 25 patients who had entrapped ring(s) in their fingers. Mean age was 22.92±9.33 years. There were 10 males and 15 females. Mean duration of ring entrapment was 5.72±4.57 days. Mean duration of ring removal was 63.6±46.58 seconds. Abrasion was the most common complication following initial removal attempts as well as this technique. The entrapped rings were all successfully removed.Conclusion: The electric cable technique is a simple, inexpensive and readily available method of entrapped ring removal.

Leaf area estimation for Psychotria carthagenensis and Psychotria hoffmannseggiana as a function of linear leaf dimensions

Determining leaf area is important for studies involving plant growth and development. The aim of the present study was to obtain models for estimating leaf area of Psychotria carthagenensis and Psychotria hoffmannseggiana using linear measurements of leaf blades (length and width). Two hundred leaf blades of each species were collected in Parque Estadual Mata do Pau-Ferro in the municipality of Areia, Paraíba, Northeast Brazil. The equations evaluated for producing potential models included the following: linear, quadratic, potential and exponential. The criteria used to determine the best model(s) were as follows: high coefficient of determination (R²), low root-mean-square error (RMSE), low Akaike information criterion (AIC), high Willmott concordance index (d) and a BIAS ratio close to zero. All evaluated models satisfactorily estimated leaf area for the two species, but the equation ŷ = 0.6373 * LW0.9804 was the most appropriate for P. carthagenensis, while ŷ = 0.6235 * LW0.9712 was the most appropriate for P. hoffmannseggiana.

Leaf area estimation of squash 'Brasileirinha' by leaf dimensions / Estimação da área foliar de abobrinha 'Brasileirinha' por dimensões foliares

ABSTRACT: The objectives of this work were estimate the leaf area of squash 'Brasileirinha' by linear dimensions of the leaves and check models available in the literature. An experiment was conducted in the 2015/16 sowing season. Were collected 500 leaves and in each one, were measured the length (L), width (W) and length×width product (LW) and determined the real leaf area (LA). Then, 400 leaves were separated to generate models of the leaf area (LA) as a function of linear dimension (L, W or LW) of squash. The remaining 100 leaves were used for the validation of models. A second experiment was conducted in the 2016/17 sowing season. Were collected 250 leaves, used only for the validation of the models of the first experiment. There is collinearity between L and W and, therefore, models using the LW product are not recommended. The model LA=0.5482W2 + 0.0680W (R²=0.9867) is adequate for leaf area estimation of squash 'Brasileirinha'.

RESUMO: Os objetivos deste trabalho foram estimar a área foliar de abobrinha 'Brasileirinha' por dimensões lineares das folhas e testar modelos disponíveis na literatura. Foi conduzido um experimento na safra 2015/16 sendo coletas 500 folhas. Em cada folha foram mensurados comprimento (L), largura (W), calculado produto comprimento×largura (LW) e determinada a área foliar real (LA). Depois, 400 folhas foram separadas para a geração de modelos da área foliar real (LA) em função da dimensão linear (L, W ou LW) de abobrinha. As demais 100 folhas foram utilizadas na validação dos modelos. Um segundo experimento foi conduzido na safra 2016/17, no qual foram coletadas 250 folhas utilizadas na validação dos modelos gerados no primeiro experimento. Existe colinearidade entre L e W e, por isso, os modelos que utilizam o produto LW não são recomendados. O modelo LA=0,5482W2+0,0680W (R²=0,9867) é adequado para a estimação de área foliar de abobrinha 'Brasileirinha'.

Nondestructive Analysis of Litchi Fruit Quality Using FT-NIR Spectroscopy

A non-destructive optical method based on near-infrared spectroscopy has been used for the evaluation of litchi fruit quality. Diffuse reflectance measurements (12500–3600 cm-1), physical, and biochemical measurements were performed individually on 100 litchi fruits of cv.Shahi cultivar harvested at different ripening stages. Relationships between spectral wavelengths and quality attributes were evaluated by application of chemometric techniques based on partial least squares (PLS) regression. The fruit set was divided into two groups: 60 fruits for calibration and 39 for validation. Good prediction performance was obtained for pH, soluble solids, and titratable acidity with correlation coefficients of 0.96, 0.91 and 0.94 respectively and root mean square errors of prediction of 0.009, 0.291ºBrix and 0.011% malic acid respectively. For the other quality traits such as vitamin C and color the prediction models were not satisfactorily accurate due to the higherror of calibration and prediction.

Acute radiation syndrome in a non-destructive testing worker: a case report

BACKGROUND: In Korea, there were repeated radiation exposure accidents among non-destructive testing workers. Most of the cases involved local injury, such as radiation burns or hematopoietic cancer. Herein, we report a case of acute radiation syndrome caused by short periods of high exposure to ionizing radiation. CASE PRESENTATION: In January 2017, Korea Information System on Occupational Exposure (KISOE) found that a 31-year-old man who had worked in a non-destructive testing company had been overexposed to radiation. The patient complained of symptoms of anorexia, general weakness, prostration, and mild dizziness for several days. He was anemic. The venous injection areas had bruises and bleeding tendency. Blood and bone marrow testing showed pancytopenia and the patient was diagnosed with acute radiation syndrome (white blood cells: 1400/cubic mm, hemoglobin: 7.1 g/dL, platelets: 14000/cubic mm). He was immediately prohibited from working and blood transfusion was commenced. The patient’s radiation exposure dose was over 1.4 Gy (95% confidence limits: 1.1–1.6) in lymphocyte depletion kinetics. It was revealed that the patient had been performing non-destructive tests without radiation shielding when working in high places of the large pipe surface. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure prevention is clearly possible in radiation-exposed workers. Strict legal amendments to safety procedures are essential to prevent repeated radiation exposure accidents.

Progress of Raman spectroscopy in cancer diagnosis of human organization / 实用肿瘤学杂志

Cancer is one of the causes of higher human mortality,despite the continuous improvement of medical technology, Raman spectroscopy is a non-destructive testing which has unique advantages over the detection speed and high sensitivity,moreover it is expected to become a new model of early diagnosis of clinical cancer.This paper reviews the recent progress of domestic and for-eign scholars using Raman spectroscopy to study human cancerous tissue,including gastric cancer,oral squamous cell carcinoma,cer-vical cancer,nasopharyngeal carcinoma,breast cancer and colorectal cancer.

Leaf area estimation from linear measurements in different ages of Crotalaria juncea plants

ABSTRACT The goal of this study was to estimate the leaf area of Crotalaria juncea according to the linear dimensions of leaves from different ages. Two experiments were conducted with C. juncea cultivar IAC-KR1, in the 2014/2015 sowing seasons. At 59, 82, 102, 129 days after sowing (DAS) of the first and 61, 80, 92, 104 DAS of the second experiment, 500 leaves were collected, totaling 4,000 leaves. In each leaf, the linear dimensions were measured (length, width, length/width ratio and length × width product) and the specific leaf area was determined through Digimizer and Sigma Scan Pro software, after scanning images. Then, 3,200 leaves were randomly separated to generate mathematical models of leaf area (Y) in function of linear dimension (x), and 800 leaves for the models validation. In C. juncea, the leaf areas determined by Digimizer and Sigma Scan Pro software are identical. The estimation models of leaf area as a function of length × width product showed superior adjustments to those obtained based on the evaluation of only one linear dimension. The linear model Ŷ=0.7390x (R2=0.9849) of the real leaf area (Y) as a function of length × width product (x) is adequate to estimate the C. juncea leaf area.

Methods for estimating the volume of the tympanic bulla in the big hairy armadillo Chaetophractus villosus (Mammalia, Xenarthra, Dasypodidae) / Métodos para la estimación del volumen de bula timpánica en el quirquincho grande Chaetophractus villosus (Mammalia, Xenarthra, Dasypodidae)

Two methods of measurement of bullar dimensions (callipers and scaling from digital images) and subsequent application of four volume formulae (rectangular prism, cylinder, ellipse and elliptical cone) were tested to find the most appropriate non-destructive method for estimating the bullar volume in Chaetophractus villosus. Material for the study consisted in clean adult skull (n=22). Real volume was obtained from latex casts of the tympanic bulla. Each estimation was corrected by a factor based on the differences between the estimated and the real volumes. Highest accuracy (5-7 % of underestimation) and precision (coefficient of variation: 13.27 %) were obtained from callipers and application of rectangular prism, cylinder and ellipse formulae. The corresponding correction factors were 0.31, 0.39 and 0.58, respectively.

Se evaluaron dos métodos para la obtención de medidas de la bula (calibre y escalado a partir de imágenes digitales), con posterior aplicación de cuatro fórmulas de volumen (prisma rectangular, cilindro, elipse y cono elíptico), a fin de hallar el método no destructivo más adecuado para el cálculo de volumen de bula en Chaetophractus villosus. El material de estudio consistió en cráneos limpios de individuos adultos (n=22). El volumen real fue obtenido a partir de moldes de látex de la bula timpánica. Cada estimación fue corregida mediante un factor basado en las diferencias entre los volúmenes reales y estimados. La mayor precisión (coeficiente de variación: 13,27 %) y exactitud (subestimaciones del 5-7 %) fueron obtenidas a partir de mediciones con calibre y aplicación de fórmulas de prisma rectangular, cilindro y elipse (factores de corrección: 0,31, 0,39 y 0,58, respectivamente).

Advancement of aptamer-based detection for circulating tumor cells / 中国肿瘤临床

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cancer cells shed from tumor into blood circulation. These cells are valuable in micrometa-static detection, disease assessment, and therapy and prognosis prediction of tumors. However, the clinical application of CTCs pro-gresses slowly due to its rarity in the blood and difficulty for detection. Given the development of biological techniques, scholars have developed several new methods for enrichment and detection of CTCs. Aptamer-based method shows a good prospect in CTC applica-tion. In this method, CTCs can be rapidly and efficiently captured, nondestructively released, and qualitatively and quantitatively ana-lyzed. This method can also be used to detect single and sub-groups of CTCs.

A case of azoospermia in a non-destructive testing worker exposed to radiation

BACKGROUND: Interest in radiation-related health problems has been growing with the increase in the number of workers in radiation-related jobs. Although an occupational level of radiation exposure would not likely cause azoospermia, several studies have reported the relation between radiation exposure and azoospermia after accidental or therapeutic radiation exposure. We describe a case of azoospermia in a non-destructive testing (NDT) worker exposed to radiation and discuss the problems of the related monitoring system. CASE PRESENTATION: A 39-year-old man who was childless after 8 years of marriage was diagnosed with azoospermia through medical evaluations, including testicular biopsy. He did not have any abnormal findings on biochemical evaluations, other risk factors, or evidence of congenital azoospermia. He had been working in an NDT facility from 2005 to 2013, attaching and arranging gamma-ray films on the structures and inner spaces of ships. The patient's thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) badge recorded an exposure level of 0.01781 Gy for 80 months, whereas results of his florescence in situ hybridization (FISH) translocation assay showed an exposure level of up to 1.926 Gy of cumulative radiation, which was sufficient to cause azoospermia. Thus, we concluded that his azoospermia was caused by occupational radiation exposure. CONCLUSION: The difference between the exposure dose records measured through TLD badge and the actual exposure dose implies that the monitor used by the NDT worker did not work properly, and such a difference could threaten the health and safety of workers. Thus, to protect the safety and health of NDT workers, education of workers and strengthening of law enforcement are required to ensure that regulations are strictly followed, and if necessary, random sampling of NDT workers using a cytogenetic dosimeter, such as FISH, should be considered.

Application of impedance spectroscopy for the characterization of hams during post-salting / Aplicación de la espectroscopia de impedancia para la caracterización de jamones durante el post-salado

Background: The smart control for food and feed technologies consist in the development of new methods that facilitate the control of productive processes guaranteeing the quality and safety of agrofood products. The importance given to this research line is a clear indicator of the interest of all of the agents implicated in promoting the introduction of innovative technologies. The goal is to implement new, fast, economical, analytical techniques, which constitute a real alternative to traditional control procedures. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of an electronic sensor based on the impedance spectroscopy technique for the characterization of hams during the post-salting step (8, 10, 12 and 14 weeks). Materials and methods: 60 hams from three different categories (fat, semi-fat and lean), were tray salted under the conditions of a company (xNaCl = 0.11 g/g dry matter). For each time, samples were first evaluated with the electronic method (non-destructive analysis) and then analytical determinations of: mass variation, moisture content, fat content, salt content and water activity were performed on each ham in different zones. The electric data were evaluated using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and regression with Partial Least Squares (PLS) through the analytical data. Results: The PCA analysis discriminated between the different evaluated zones. At eighth week 79.06% of the variance was explained and at tenth week, the 82.53%. No relation was observed for the different ham categories. The correlation between the impedance signal and the analytical determinations showed the best cross validation coefficient (R2CV) values for moisture content (0.75) and water activity (0.73). Conclusions: The impedance spectroscopy technique generated different signals between the zones of analysis during the first two post-salting times, eight and ten weeks, in which physicochemical differences were also observed as a consequence of the variation in the salt concentration between zones.

Antecedentes: El control inteligente de los alimentos y las tecnologías alimentarias, consiste en el desarrollo de nuevos métodos que facilitan el control de los procesos productivos y garantizan la calidad y seguridad de los productos agroalimentarios. La relevancia concedida a esta línea de investigación es un claro indicador del interés de todos los agentes implicados en impulsar la introducción de tecnologías innovadoras. La meta es implementar nuevas técnicas analíticas rápidas y económicas, que constituyan una alternativa real a los procedimientos tradicionales de control. Objetivo: Evaluar el uso de un sensor electrónico basado en la técnica de la espectroscopia de impedancia para la caracterización de jamones durante el post-salado (8, 10, 12 y 14 semanas). Materiales y métodos: 60 jamones de tres categorías diferentes (grasa, semigrasa y magra) fueron salados en bandeja bajo las condiciones de una empresa (xNaCl = 0.11 g/g base seca). A cada tiempo establecido, las muestras seleccionadas se evaluaron utilizando el método electrónico (análisis no destructivo) y se realizaron determinaciones analíticas de: variación de masa, contenido de humedad, contenido de grasa, contenido de sal y actividad de agua, en diferentes zonas de la muestra. La información electrónica se analizó mediante análisis de componentes principales (PCA) y correlaciones (PLS) entre la señal de impedancia y las determinaciones analíticas. Resultados: El análisis de PCA discriminó entre las diferentes zonas de análisis evaluadas. A la octava semana se explicó un 79.06% de la varianza de las muestras y a la décima, un 82.53%. No hubo relación entre las diferentes categorías de jamones. La correlación estadística de la señal de impedancia con las determinaciones analíticas mostró los mejores valores de coeficiente de validación cruzada (R2CV) para el contenido de humedad (0.75) y la actividad de agua (0.73). Conclusiones: La técnica de espectroscopia de impedancia generó señales diferentes entre las zonas de análisis durante los dos primeros tiempos de post-salado, ocho y diez semanas, en los que también se observaron diferencias fisicoquímicas como consecuencia de la variación en la concentración salina entre zonas.

Non-destructive models to estimate leaf area on bell pepper crop / Modelos não-destrutivos para estimar a área foliar na cultura do pimentão

ABSTRACT: The leaf area determination are extremely important in agronomic and physiological studies, as they provide valuable information in vegetable metabolism, methods used for this purpose should be accurate. This study aimed to develop polynomial models to estimate leaf area (LA). The methods used were leaf discs and ImageJ(r) software, with measures of length (L), width (W), and relationship between length times width (LW) in leaves of the bell pepper crop in two field trials with two hybrids: Arcade and Impacto, as well as, the correlation of values found when using the two methods. Through a random sampling, 560 leaves from each hybrid were selected, at different stages of crop growth. Regression analysis of LA versus measures L, W and LW were performed by linear and quadratic models. The variable that best estimated LA was the relationship between LW with linear model (r2=0.98). Measurements of length and width of leaves presented adjustment to quadratic model r2=0.93 and r2=0.91, respectively. The integrator model for all samples and both hybrids was: LA=0.57×LW. The destructive method of leaf discs showed high correlation (r2=0.99) with the non-destructive method of ImageJ(r) software.

RESUMO: A determinação da área foliar é importante, em estudos agronômicos e fisiológicos, para a obtenção de informações sobre o metabolismo vegetal e as técnicas utilizadas devem ser simples. O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver modelos polinomiais para estimar a área foliar (AF). Foram utilizados os métodos de discos foliares e software ImageJ, com as medidas do comprimento (C) e da largura (L), e a relação entre o comprimento vezes a largura (CL) em folhas da cultura do pimentão, em dois ensaios com dois híbridos, Arcade e Impacto, e correlacionar os valores encontrados pelos dois métodos. Através de amostragem aleatória simples, foram selecionadas 560 folhas de cada híbrido, em diferentes estágios de crescimento da cultura. A análise de regressão da área foliar versus as medidas de C, L e CL foi realizada por modelos lineares e quadráticos. A variável que melhor estimou a AF foi a relação entre o CL, pelo modelo linear com r2=0,98. As medidas do comprimento e da largura das folhas apresentou ajustamento do modelo quadrática de r2=0,93 e r2=0,91, respectivamente. O modelo integrador de todas as amostras, para ambos os híbridos, foi: AF=0,57×CL. O método destrutivo por discos mostrou alta correlação (r2=0,99) com o método não destrutivo pelo ImageJ.

Bioimpedance as a tool for evaluating the body composition of suruvi (Steindachneridion scriptum)

Abstract Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is regarded as an important tool for evaluating the body composition of different animals in a rapid, non-destructive, and low-cost manner. A South American fish species, Steindachneridion scriptum, known as suruvi, was selected for study in this investigation. A protocol to produce fish with different body composition was used to allow BIA to adequately predict the body composition of suruvi. The fish were fed twice each day with two different diets; a low lipid diet (8.90%), and a high lipid diet (18.68%). These dietary differences allowed suruvi specimens with different body compositions to be produced. The BIA readings were determined using a Quantum X Bioelectrical Body Composition Analyzer. Two readings (dorsal and ventral) were obtained for each fish. After BIA readings were obtained, the proximate composition of the fish bodies for each individual was determined. All of the study data were used to establish correlation equations between proximate analyses and BIA values. Strong correlations were found for S. scriptum. The highest correlations were obtained for the following pairs of quantities, using BIA data from dorsal readings: moisture and resistance in series (R2 = 0.87); protein and resistance in series (R2 = 0.87); and ash and reactance in parallel (R2 = 0.82). We conclude that BIA is an effective method in determining the body composition of S. scriptum without sacrificing the fish. However, to expand the use of this new technology it is important to define strict BIA protocols to guarantee accurate estimates.

Resumo A análise da impedância bioelétrica (BIA) é considerada uma importante ferramenta para avaliar a composição corporal de diferentes animais de uma maneira rápida, não-destrutiva e de baixo custo. A espécie Sul-americana Steindachneridion scriptum, popularmente conhecida como suruvi, foi selecionada para este estudo. Foi utilizado um protocolo para produzir peixes com distintas composições corporais, permitindo a validação da BIA para análise adequada da composição corporal do suruvi. Os peixes foram alimentados duas vezes ao dia com duas dietas diferentes: uma de baixo teor lipídico (8,90%) e outra de alto teor lipídico (18,68%). Essa diferença nas dietas possibilitou a produção de indivíduos com diferentes composições corporais. As leituras da BIA foram determinadas utilizando-se o equipamento Quantum X Bioelectrical Body Composition Analyzer. Duas leituras (dorsal e ventral) foram obtidas para cada peixe. Após as leituras, para cada peixe individualmente, a composição proximal dos peixes foi determinada. Todos os dados obtidos foram utilizados para estabelecer as equações de correlação entre as análises proximais e os valores da BIA. Fortes correlações foram encontradas para S. scriptum. As maiores correlações foram obtidas para as análises dorsais a seguir: umidade e resistência em série (R2 = 0,87); proteína e resistência em série (R2 = 0,87); cinzas e reactância em paralelo (R2 = 0,82). Pode-se concluir que o método BIA é eficiente em determinar a composição corporal do suruvi S. scriptum sem sacrificar o animal. No entanto, para expandir o uso desta nova tecnologia é necessário definir protocolos rigorosos para garantir estimativas precisas.

Bioimpedance as a tool for evaluating the body composition of suruvi (Steindachneridion scriptum) / Bioimpedância como ferramenta de análise da composição corporal do suruvi (Steindachneridion scriptum)

Abstract Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is regarded as an important tool for evaluating the body composition of different animals in a rapid, non-destructive, and low-cost manner. A South American fish species, Steindachneridion scriptum, known as suruvi, was selected for study in this investigation. A protocol to produce fish with different body composition was used to allow BIA to adequately predict the body composition of suruvi. The fish were fed twice each day with two different diets; a low lipid diet (8.90%), and a high lipid diet (18.68%). These dietary differences allowed suruvi specimens with different body compositions to be produced. The BIA readings were determined using a Quantum X Bioelectrical Body Composition Analyzer. Two readings (dorsal and ventral) were obtained for each fish. After BIA readings were obtained, the proximate composition of the fish bodies for each individual was determined. All of the study data were used to establish correlation equations between proximate analyses and BIA values. Strong correlations were found for S. scriptum. The highest correlations were obtained for the following pairs of quantities, using BIA data from dorsal readings: moisture and resistance in series (R2 = 0.87); protein and resistance in series (R2 = 0.87); and ash and reactance in parallel (R2 = 0.82). We conclude that BIA is an effective method in determining the body composition of S. scriptum without sacrificing the fish. However, to expand the use of this new technology it is important to define strict BIA protocols to guarantee accurate estimates.

Resumo A análise da impedância bioelétrica (BIA) é considerada uma importante ferramenta para avaliar a composição corporal de diferentes animais de uma maneira rápida, não-destrutiva e de baixo custo. A espécie Sul-americana Steindachneridion scriptum, popularmente conhecida como suruvi, foi selecionada para este estudo. Foi utilizado um protocolo para produzir peixes com distintas composições corporais, permitindo a validação da BIA para análise adequada da composição corporal do suruvi. Os peixes foram alimentados duas vezes ao dia com duas dietas diferentes: uma de baixo teor lipídico (8,90%) e outra de alto teor lipídico (18,68%). Essa diferença nas dietas possibilitou a produção de indivíduos com diferentes composições corporais. As leituras da BIA foram determinadas utilizando-se o equipamento Quantum X Bioelectrical Body Composition Analyzer. Duas leituras (dorsal e ventral) foram obtidas para cada peixe. Após as leituras, para cada peixe individualmente, a composição proximal dos peixes foi determinada. Todos os dados obtidos foram utilizados para estabelecer as equações de correlação entre as análises proximais e os valores da BIA. Fortes correlações foram encontradas para S. scriptum. As maiores correlações foram obtidas para as análises dorsais a seguir: umidade e resistência em série (R2 = 0,87); proteína e resistência em série (R2 = 0,87); cinzas e reactância em paralelo (R2 = 0,82). Pode-se concluir que o método BIA é eficiente em determinar a composição corporal do suruvi S. scriptum sem sacrificar o animal. No entanto, para expandir o uso desta nova tecnologia é necessário definir protocolos rigorosos para garantir estimativas precisas.

Propriedades mecânicas da madeira resinada de Pinus elliottii / Mechanical properties of Pinus elliottii tapped wood

As propriedades mecânicas por flexão estática da madeira resinada de Pinus elliottii foram avaliadas por meio de testes destrutivos e não destrutivos. Para tanto, foram confeccionados corpos de prova de 10x10x200mm3 (radial, tangencial e longitudinal), levando em consideração dois fatores: lenho (juvenil, próximo à medula e adulto, próximo à casca) e resina, isto é, corpos de prova oriundos de toras com e sem estrias de resinagem. Para a avaliação não destrutiva, utilizou-se um aparelho de ultrassom com transdutores do tipo ponto seco, em que se pode calcular a velocidade da onda ultrassônica e consequentemente o módulo de elasticidade dinâmico (ED). Para obtenção do módulo de elasticidade (MOE) e do módulo de ruptura (MOR), realizou-se o ensaio destrutivo de flexão estática de três pontos. De posse das curvas de força x deformação, calculou-se a fragilidade do material. Os resultados confirmaram que o fator lenho foi significativo para as propriedades analisadas e o fator resina, em especial, para aumento do MOR e da massa específica. A fragilidade aumentou quando analisada a madeira juvenil e o fator resina quando incluso tendeu a aumentar a fragilidade no lenho adulto. O modelo de regressão múltiplo com variáveis Dummies, proposto para estimar o MOE pelo ED, foi significativo em 1% de probabilidade de erro (r2=0,75). Os resultados apresentados no presente trabalho mostraram que os fatores lenho e resina não afetaram negativamente as propriedades mecânicas da madeira de Pinus elliottii, em que, para o segundo fator, conclui-se, de maneira geral, que a madeira serrada oriunda de toras resinadas pode não representar danos significativos quando em serviço estrutural.

The mechanical properties for static bending of Pinus elliottii tapped wood were evaluated by nondestructive and destructive tests. To achieve this, samples measuring 10x10x200mm3 (thickness, width and length) were prepared considering two factors: wood (juvenile, near to pith and mature, near to bark) and rosin, i.e., samples from logs with and without tapping grooves. The nondestructive evaluation were performed using an ultrasound equipment with dry-point transducers in order to measure the ultrasonic velocity and, consequently, the dynamic modulus of elasticity (ED). The modulus of elasticity (MOE) and the modulus of rupture (MOR) were measured through static bending tests. The wood brittleness were determined through the analysis of force x deformation plots. The results confirmed the significance of wood factor for the properties analyzed and the factor rosin, especially for MOR and density. The brittleness increased for the juvenile wood and, when included the factor rosin, this property tends to increase for the mature wood. The multiple regression model with Dummies variables proposed to estimate MOE as a function of ED was significant at 1% of probability of error (r2=0.75). Moreover, the results showed that factor wood and factor rosin did not negatively affect the mechanical properties of Pinus elliotti wood. In general, the timber from tapped logs could not represent significant damages when in structural service.