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Objective: Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) is a dental surgical procedure that uses barrier membranes to prevent soft tissue invasion and conduct new bone growth. This study aimed to define a Prognosis Recovery score (PR score) to objectively classify post-surgery responders from non-responder patients who underwent GBR using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Methods: This prospective-observational-longitudinal-cohort study recruited 250 individuals who were assigned to: Conventional-Apical-Surgery (CAS, n = 39), Apical-Surgery using human fascia lata Membrane placement (ASM, n = 42), and Apical-Surgery using human fascia lata Membrane placement and lyophilized allograft Bone powder (ASMB, n = 39); and Apical-Surgery using collagen membrane Porcine origin and Bovine Bone-matrix (ASPBB, n = 130), an independent external validation cohort. Surgery was performed, and evolution was monitored by CBCTs at 0, 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24 months post-surgery. Results: Normalized lesion volumes were calculated, and non-linear time evolution morphology curves were characterized. The three-time evolution bone growth patterns were: a linear tendency (PR0), "S'' shaped log-logistic (PR1), and "C" cellular growth (PR2). The treatment success rates were PR2-46 %, PR2-88 %, and PR2-95 %/PR1-5% for CAS, ASM, and ASMB groups. The xenograft ASPBB counterpart achieved PR2-92 % and PR1-8%. The score PR had a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 100 %. Conclusions: Patients' treatment success can be quantitatively, objectively, and precisely predicted with the Prognosis Recovery score (using only two CBCTs), according to their biological response to allograft or xenograft materials (time-evolution bone growth curves), reducing cost and radiation exposure. Clinical significance: Through digital imaging and bioinformatic analysis of bone regeneration observed in CBCTs, we defined a Prognosis Recovery (PR) score using only two CBCT volume assessments (0 and 6 months). The PR score allowed us to define three time-evolution curves depending on the biomaterials used and to classify patients in a quantitative, objective, and accurate way.

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This work proposes the synthesis of a new polymer with imprinted ions (IIP) for the pre-concentration of uranium in natural waters using digital imaging as a detection technique. The polymer was synthesized using 2-(5-bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-diethylaminophenol (Br-PADAP) for complex formation, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a crosslinking reagent, methacrylic acid (AMA) as functional monomer, and 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile as a radical initiator. The IIP was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (FTIR). Uranium determination was performed using digital imaging (ID), and some experimental conditions (sample pH, eluent concentration, and sampling flow rate) were optimized using a two-level full factorial design and Doelhert response surface methodology. Thus, using the optimized conditions, the system allowed the determination of uranium with detection and quantification limits of 2.55 and 8.51 µg L-1, respectively, and a pre-concentration factor of 8.2. All parameters were determined using a 25 mL sample volume. The precision expressed as relative deviation (RSD%) was 3.5% for a solution with a concentration of 50 µg L-1. Given this, the proposed method was used for the determination of uranium in four samples of natural waters collected in the city of Caetité, Bahia, Brazil. The concentrations obtained ranged from 35 to 75.4 µg L-1. The accuracy was evaluated by the addition/recovery test, and the values found ranged between 91 and 109%.

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INTRODUCTION: The use of thermography in the medical field has been experiencing a renaissance due to advances in the infrared thermographic imaging technology, which improves thermographic equipment and promises cost saving and increased safety. Dermatology is one of the most promising fields of application among the medical areas with potential for the use of thermography. OBJECTIVE: To review the findings on this subject and to describe the use of such technique for dermatology and aesthetic applications. METHODS: A bibliographic survey was carried out, selecting relevant publications and guidelines, focused on monitoring medical diagnostic applications and benefits of thermography for dermatology, inflammatory skin diseases, and aesthetic applications. RESULTS: Inflammatory skin diseases lead to changes of the IRT image. A quantification of treatment effects and monitoring changes on skin can be possible by repeated measurements over time. CONCLUSION: Infrared imaging is a noninvasive, powerful tool in the diagnosis and clinical management of skin conditions and monitoring of aesthetic procedures.

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A new method to determine the total titratable acidity of orange, lemon and passion fruit, based on a spot test obtained from digital images and using anthocyanins as the biodegradable indicator, is presented for the first time. The colorimetric reactions were carried out by acid-base titration on a microscale, employing anthocyanin with a microplate for spot test purposes, with detection by digital imaging. To obtain highly precise data, a chamber based on a diffuser was developed to control the illumination supplied by the light emitting diodes, and coupled to a smartphone to acquire adequate digital images. High precision was obtained with a relative standard deviation of 0.758% for n = 95. The RGB values were extracted from the digital images and used as analytical signals, the values being correlated with the micro-volume of the titrant and used to construct the titration curves and obtain the first and second derivatives, respectively. For comparative purposes, the official AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) and MAPA (Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply of Brazil) methods were used and the results compared by applying the paired t-test at the 95% confidence level (n = 3). No difference was found between the values and the relative errors were less than 2.8%. The micro-titrimetric method was fast, uses anthocyanins as the natural indicator, is practical, and permits a reduction of 922 times or 99.9% of the volume required in a conventional titration. It is therefore ideal for routine analyses leading to a reduction in the waste generated, according to the principles of green chemistry.

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Information infrastructures involve the notion of a shared, open infrastructure, constituting a space where people, organizations, and technical components associate to develop an activity. The current infrastructure for medical image sharing, based on PACS/DICOM technologies, does not constitute an information infrastructure since it is limited in its ability to share in a scalable, comprehensive, and secure manner. This paper proposes the DICOMFlow, a decentralized, distributed infrastructure model that aims to foment the formation of an information infrastructure in order to share medical images and teleradiology. As an installed base, it uses the PACS/DICOM infrastructure of radiology departments and the internet e-mail infrastructure. Experiments performed in real and simulated environments have indicated the feasibility of the proposed infrastructure to foment the formation of an information infrastructure for medical image sharing and teleradiology.

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Phenomic characterization through digital imaging (DI) can capture the three dimensional variation in wheat grain size and shape using different image orientations. Digital imaging may help identifying genomic regions controlling grain morphology using association mapping with simple sequence repeats (SSRs) markers. Accordingly, seed shape phenotypic data of a core collection of 55 wheat genotypes, previously characterized for osmotic and drought tolerance, were produced using computer based Smart grain software. Measured dimensions included seed volume, area, perimeters, length, width, length to width ratio, circularity, horizontal deviation from ellipse (HDEV), vertical deviation from ellipse (VDEV), factor form density (FFD) etc. The thousand grain weight (TGW) was positively correlated with grain size direct measurements; however, VDEV, FFD and other derived grain attributes showed no or negative correlation with TGW. Digital imaging divided the genotypes correctly into well-defined clusters. The wheat genotypes studied were further grouped into two sub-clusters by the Bayesian structure analysis using unlinked SSR markers. A number of loci over various chromosomal regions were found associated to grain morphology by the genome wide analysis using mixed linear model (MLM) approach. A considerable number of marker-trait associations (MTAs) on chromosomes 1D and 2D may carry new alleles with potential to enhance grain weight due to the use of untapped wild accessions of Aegilops tauschii. Conclusively, we demonstrated the application of multiple approaches including high throughput phenotyping using DI complemented with genome wide association studies to identify candidate genomic regions underlying these traits, which allows a better understanding on molecular genetics of wheat grain weight.

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Phenomic characterization through digital imaging (DI) can capture the three dimensional variation in wheat grain size and shape using different image orientations. Digital imaging may help identifying genomic regions controlling grain morphology using association mapping with simple sequence repeats (SSRs) markers. Accordingly, seed shape phenotypic data of a core collection of 55 wheat genotypes, previously characterized for osmotic and drought tolerance, were produced using computer based Smart grain software. Measured dimensions included seed volume, area, perimeters, length, width, length to width ratio, circularity, horizontal deviation from ellipse (HDEV), vertical deviation from ellipse (VDEV), factor form density (FFD) etc. The thousand grain weight (TGW) was positively correlated with grain size direct measurements; however, VDEV, FFD and other derived grain attributes showed no or negative correlation with TGW. Digital imaging divided the genotypes correctly into well-defined clusters. The wheat genotypes studied were further grouped into two sub-clusters by the Bayesian structure analysis using unlinked SSR markers. A number of loci over various chromosomal regions were found associated to grain morphology by the genome wide analysis using mixed linear model (MLM) approach. A considerable number of marker-trait associations (MTAs) on chromosomes 1D and 2D may carry new alleles with potential to enhance grain weight due to the use of untapped wild accessions of Aegilops tauschii. Conclusively, we demonstrated the application of multiple approaches including high throughput phenotyping using DI complemented with genome wide association studies to identify candidate genomic regions underlying these traits, which allows a better understanding on molecular genetics of wheat grain weight.(AU)

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OBJECTIVES: : The aim of this study was to assess, using the CDR Wireless®, the effect of different exposure times on caries detection and pixel intensity values. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty teeth were x-rayed using a Schick CDR Wireless sensor at eight different exposure times - 0.06, 0.10, 0.13, 0.16, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, and 0.32 s. Four observers evaluated the images for presence of carious lesions scoring proximal surfaces of each tooth on a 5-point scale. Scores were compared to histological sections of the teeth. Accuracy was evaluated by means of ROC curve analysis. Radiographs of an aluminum step wedge were obtained using the same eight exposure times. Pixel intensity measurements were obtained, and mean pixel values were statistically analyzed using linear regression. RESULTS: The Az for each exposure time varied from 0.53 to 0.62. Two-way analysis of variance and Tukey test demonstrated that the exposure time of 0.25 s presented the best result and was significantly higher than 0.30 s and 0.35 s. In regard to mean pixel values, two different behaviors were observed, and the exposure time of 0.20 s presented mean pixel values in both phases. CONCLUSION: The performance of the exposure times from 0.06 s to 0.25 s was satisfactory for proximal caries detection, and 0.25 s is the best as indicated for this finality. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Considering that a reduction of exposure time represents a reduction of patient exposure dose, and this reduction cannot neglect image quality, the behavior of any digital system must be carefully evaluated.

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RESUMEN Para determinar la frecuencia y el grado de severidad de retinopatía diabética (RD) en pacientes con diabetes mellitus (DM) tipo 2 se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en 3239 pacientes del Instituto Regional de Oftalmología de la ciudad de Trujillo, región La Libertad, Perú. Previa dilatación pupilar, personal entrenado tomó dos fotografías de cada ojo, centrado en mácula y nervio óptico. La frecuencia de RD fue de 25,9 % con mayor proporción en varones con RD (28,2%) y en aquellos con más de 10 años de enfermedad por DM (49,0%). La mayoría de pacientes tuvieron retinopatía diabética no proliferativa (RDNP) leve a moderada (79,3%), el 10,1% tuvo RDNP severa y el 10,6 % RD proliferativa. Concluimos que la RD se presenta en uno de cada cuatro pacientes y alrededor del 20% en grados avanzados. Es preciso ampliar la cobertura de tamizaje desde el momento del diagnóstico de DM e implementar medidas preventivas como el control metabólico y el examen periódico del fondo de ojo.

ABSTRACT In order to determine the frequency and severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (MD), a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 3,239 patients of the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology in the city of Trujillo, La Libertad region, Peru. After pupil dilation, trained personnel took two photographs of each eye, centered on macula and optic nerve. The frequency of DR was 25.9%, with a higher proportion in men with DR (28.2%) and in those with more than 10 years of MD disease (49.0%). Most patients had mild to moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) (79.3%); 10.1% had severe NPDR, and 9.7% had proliferative DR. We conclude that DR occurs in one in four patients and about 20% in advanced degrees. There is a need to expand screening coverage from the time of diagnosis of DM and to implement preventive measures such as metabolic control and periodic ocular fundus exam.

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OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of various cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) devices in assessing the buccal bone in anterior teeth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A skull encased in tissue equivalent material was imaged with six CBCT devices: 3D Accuitomo 170 (J. Morita, Japan), CS 9000 3D (Carestream Dental, France), CS 9300 (Carestream Dental, France), Eagle 3D (Dabi Atlante, Brazil), i-CAT Classic (Imaging Sciences International, USA) and Orthophos XG 3D (Sirona Dental System, USA). The exposure and acquisition protocols were determined using the manufacturer's guidelines, the voxel size adjusted as close as possible to 0.2 mm. Cross-sectional images were evaluated randomly, and the buccal bone was assessed. RESULTS: The statistics were calculated based on a logistic regression model with the significance level set at 5%. All CBCT devices showed high accuracy; however, observers noted that the accuracy and sensitivity of CS 9300 device were slightly superior. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic performance of all CBCT devices was high for the evaluation of buccal bone in anterior teeth. When the clinical usefulness of an imaging modality is equivalent, the choice of appropriate imaging should be directed towards the modality that delivers the least radiation dose to the patient for a specific diagnostic task.

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Introducción: La rápida evolución de la tecnología provoca la rápida obsolescencia de los equipos, esto constituye una desventaja dados los equipos tradicionales con que contamos en nuestro laboratorio. Técnicas como el procesamiento digital de imágenes han ampliado su propósito hacia el mejoramiento de las imágenes adquiridas y la búsqueda de información en ellas. Objetivo: Evaluar un soporte facilitador para la toma de imágenes microscópicas con dispositivos móviles digitales. Métodos: Se desarrolló una investigación de innovación tecnológica realizada en el período octubre-diciembre del 2017, en los laboratorios de Ciencias Básicas Biomédicas de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Santiago de Cuba. Resultados: Se propone la generación de una herramienta o soporte que admita el acople de un dispositivo digital para la toma de imágenes, que permita el procesamiento, almacenamiento y análisis de imágenes microscópicas, para la creación de una base de datos digitales para uso académico por parte del personal del área de ciencias básicas biomédicas y como un medio que facilite el estudio de tejidos a los estudiantes de medicina. Desde el punto de vista económico, la integración de imágenes en los sistemas de información supondría una reducción significativa de costos. Conclusiones: Se aprovechan las ventajas de los dispositivos móviles para la digitalización de imágenes. Estos dispositivos pueden adaptarse a los microscopios y generar productos que permitan el fácil proceso de visualización y almacenamiento, siendo accesibles y de fácil uso. Facilitará el desarrollo de investigaciones en el campo de la histología(AU)

Introduction: The rapid evolution of technology causes rapid obsolescence of equipment, which is a disadvantage given the traditional equipment that we have in our laboratory. Techniques such as digital image processing have expanded their purpose towards the improvement of acquired images and the search for information in them. Objective: To evaluate a facilitating support for the taking of microscopic images with digital mobile devices. Methods: A technological innovation research conducted in the period October-December 2017, in the laboratories of Basic Biomedical Sciences at the University of Medical Sciences of Santiago de Cuba was developed. Results: We propose the generation of a tool that supports the coupling of a digital device for taking images. The tool allows the processing, storage and analysis of microscopic images, for the creation of a digital database for academic use by the personnel of the area of biomedical basic sciences, which will also serve as a means to facilitate the study of tissues to the Medicine students. From the economic point of view, the integration of images in the information systems would imply a significant reduction of costs. Conclusions: The advantages of mobile devices for the digitalization of images are exploited. These devices can be adapted to microscopes and generate products that allow easy viewing and storage process, being accessible and easy to use. It will facilitate the development of investigations in the field of histology(AU)

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Introducción: La rápida evolución de la tecnología provoca la rápida obsolescencia de los equipos, esto constituye una desventaja dados los equipos tradicionales con que contamos en nuestro laboratorio. Técnicas como el procesamiento digital de imágenes han ampliado su propósito hacia el mejoramiento de las imágenes adquiridas y la búsqueda de información en ellas. Objetivo: Evaluar un soporte facilitador para la toma de imágenes microscópicas con dispositivos móviles digitales. Métodos: Se desarrolló una investigación de innovación tecnológica realizada en el período octubre-diciembre del 2017, en los laboratorios de Ciencias Básicas Biomédicas de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Santiago de Cuba. Resultados: Se propone la generación de una herramienta o soporte que admita el acople de un dispositivo digital para la toma de imágenes, que permita el procesamiento, almacenamiento y análisis de imágenes microscópicas, para la creación de una base de datos digitales para uso académico por parte del personal del área de ciencias básicas biomédicas y como un medio que facilite el estudio de tejidos a los estudiantes de medicina. Desde el punto de vista económico, la integración de imágenes en los sistemas de información supondría una reducción significativa de costos. Conclusiones: Se aprovechan las ventajas de los dispositivos móviles para la digitalización de imágenes. Estos dispositivos pueden adaptarse a los microscopios y generar productos que permitan el fácil proceso de visualización y almacenamiento, siendo accesibles y de fácil uso. Facilitará el desarrollo de investigaciones en el campo de la histología(AU)

Introduction: The rapid evolution of technology causes rapid obsolescence of equipment, which is a disadvantage given the traditional equipment that we have in our laboratory. Techniques such as digital image processing have expanded their purpose towards the improvement of acquired images and the search for information in them. Objective: To evaluate a facilitating support for the taking of microscopic images with digital mobile devices. Methods: A technological innovation research conducted in the period October-December 2017, in the laboratories of Basic Biomedical Sciences at the University of Medical Sciences of Santiago de Cuba was developed. Results: We propose the generation of a tool that supports the coupling of a digital device for taking images. The tool allows the processing, storage and analysis of microscopic images, for the creation of a digital database for academic use by the personnel of the area of biomedical basic sciences, which will also serve as a means to facilitate the study of tissues to the Medicine students. From the economic point of view, the integration of images in the information systems would imply a significant reduction of costs. Conclusions: The advantages of mobile devices for the digitalization of images are exploited. These devices can be adapted to microscopes and generate products that allow easy viewing and storage process, being accessible and easy to use. It will facilitate the development of investigations in the field of histology(AU)

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A simple, accurate, and low-cost analytical procedure for captopril determination through digital imaging is presented. The method relies on the spot test reaction between captopril and palladium (II) chloride, which produces a yellow and water-soluble complex with maximum absorption at 380 nm. A smartphone camera and a portable apparatus built for internal lighting control were put together to acquire digital images of reaction mixtures. Digital image processing through the RGB approach was used to establish a quantitative relationship between color intensity and captopril concentration. Under the most suitable operational and experimental conditions, an analytical curve was built monitoring the Blue channel within the concentration range of 3.12 × 10-5 to 1.21 × 10-3 mol L-1. Limits of detection and quantification were equal to 8.06 × 10-6 and 2.69 × 10-5 mol L-1, respectively. Recovery percentage in synthetic urine samples ranged from 97.1% to 102.9%. Results were compared with a reference method and no significant differences were detected at the 95% confidence level. The developed method presents budgetary and environmental advantages concerning the use of cheap and easy-handled devices and the consumption of very low volumes of reagent (800 µL per determination). It can be a useful analytical tool for laboratories with limited financial resources while abiding by green chemistry principles.

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PURPOSE: This study investigated the influence of tube phonation into water on vocal fold vibration. METHOD: Eight participants were analyzed via high-speed digital imaging while phonating into a silicon tube with the free end submerged into water. Two test sequences were studied: (1) phonation pre, during, and post tube submerged 5 cm into water; and (2) phonation into tube submerged 5 cm, 10 cm, and 18 cm into water. Several glottal area parameters were calculated using phonovibrograms. RESULTS: The results showed individual differences. However, certain trends were possible to identify based on similar results found for the majority of participants. Amplitude-to-length ratio, harmonic-to-noise ratio, and spectral flatness (derived from glottal area) decreased for all tube immersion depths, while glottal closing quotient increased for 10 cm immersion and contact quotient for 18 cm immersion. Closed quotient decreased during phonation into the tube at 5 cm depth, and jitter decreased during and after it. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that the depth of tube submersion appears to have an effect on phonation. Shallow immersion seems to promote smoother and more stable phonation, while deeper immersion may involve increased respiratory and glottal effort to compensate for the increased supraglottal resistance. This disparity, which is dependent upon the degree of flow resistance, should be considered when choosing treatment exercises for patients with various diagnoses, namely hyperfunctional or hypofunctional dysphonia.

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Nitrogen (N) is the main nutrient responsible for the green coloration of lawns but also stimulates the growth of the aerial portion of grass, thus increasing mowing expenses. Therefore, herbicides may be used as a growth regulator. The ideal herbicide will reduce lawn height without affecting esthetics. Toward this end, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the green coloration of Emerald grass ( Zoysia japonica Steud.) under the effect of different N doses or herbicides used as growth regulators. The study site consisted of randomized blocks containing 20 treatments arranged in a 5×4 factorial design with four treatment groups: four herbicides (glyphosate, imazaquin, imazethapyr, and metsulfuron-methyl, accounting for 200, 420, 80, and 140g ha-1 of the active ingredient, respectively) and the control sample (no herbicide); and three doses of N in the form of urea (5, 10, and 20g m-2), divided into five applications per year, in addition to a treatment without N. Leaf chlorophyll content (LCC) was assessed and the aerial portion of the lawn was measured with digital image analysis. Doses of N ranging from 10 to 20g m-2, divided into five applications a year, provided the lawn with intense green coloration, and the herbicides glyphosate (200g ha-1), imazaquin (420g ha-1), and imazethapyr (80g ha-1) were reported to be suitable for use as growth regulators of the study species, considering maintenance of esthetic quality (green coloration). The digital image analysis of the aerial portion provided more accurate results than use of a chlorophyll meter with regard to the recommendation of both N dose and herbicides to be used as growth regulators of Emerald grass.(AU)

Embora o nitrogênio (N) seja o principal nutriente responsável pela coloração verde dos gramados, o mesmo estimula o crescimento da parte aérea, resultando em maior dispêndio com cortes. Assim, a utilização de herbicidas como reguladores de crescimento seria alternativa, sendo ideal aquele que reduzisse a altura sem afetar a estética do gramado. Diante do exposto, objetivou-se avaliar a coloração verde da grama esmeralda ( Zoysia japonica Steud.) sob o efeito de doses de N e do uso de herbicidas como reguladores de crescimento. Utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos casualizados com 20 tratamentos dispostos num fatorial 5x4 com quatro repetições, sendo quatro herbicidas: glyphosate, imazaquin, imazethapyr e metsulfuron-methyl (200, 420, 80 e 140g ha-1 do ingrediente ativo (i.a.), respectivamente) e a testemunha (sem herbicida); e três doses de N na forma de ureia: 5, 10 e 20g m-2, parceladas em cinco aplicações ao ano, além do tratamento sem N. Avaliaram-se o índice de clorofila foliar (ICF) e a análise por imagem digital da parte aérea do gramado. Doses de 10 a 20g m-2 de N, parceladas em cinco vezes ao ano, propiciaram coloração verde intensa do gramado e os herbicidas glyphosate (200g ha-1), imazaquin (420g ha-1) e imazethapyr (80g ha-1) foram adequados para utilização como reguladores do crescimento da espécie estudada, considerando a qualidade estética (cor verde). A análise por imagem digital da parte aérea forneceu resultados mais precisos que o uso do clorofilômetro, quanto à recomendação da dose de N, bem como dos herbicidas a serem utilizados como reguladores de crescimento da grama esmeralda.(AU)

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ABSTRACT: Nitrogen (N) is the main nutrient responsible for the green coloration of lawns but also stimulates the growth of the aerial portion of grass, thus increasing mowing expenses. Therefore, herbicides may be used as a growth regulator. The ideal herbicide will reduce lawn height without affecting esthetics. Toward this end, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the green coloration of Emerald grass ( Zoysia japonica Steud.) under the effect of different N doses or herbicides used as growth regulators. The study site consisted of randomized blocks containing 20 treatments arranged in a 5×4 factorial design with four treatment groups: four herbicides (glyphosate, imazaquin, imazethapyr, and metsulfuron-methyl, accounting for 200, 420, 80, and 140g ha-1 of the active ingredient, respectively) and the control sample (no herbicide); and three doses of N in the form of urea (5, 10, and 20g m-2), divided into five applications per year, in addition to a treatment without N. Leaf chlorophyll content (LCC) was assessed and the aerial portion of the lawn was measured with digital image analysis. Doses of N ranging from 10 to 20g m-2, divided into five applications a year, provided the lawn with intense green coloration, and the herbicides glyphosate (200g ha-1), imazaquin (420g ha-1), and imazethapyr (80g ha-1) were reported to be suitable for use as growth regulators of the study species, considering maintenance of esthetic quality (green coloration). The digital image analysis of the aerial portion provided more accurate results than use of a chlorophyll meter with regard to the recommendation of both N dose and herbicides to be used as growth regulators of Emerald grass.

RESUMO: Embora o nitrogênio (N) seja o principal nutriente responsável pela coloração verde dos gramados, o mesmo estimula o crescimento da parte aérea, resultando em maior dispêndio com cortes. Assim, a utilização de herbicidas como reguladores de crescimento seria alternativa, sendo ideal aquele que reduzisse a altura sem afetar a estética do gramado. Diante do exposto, objetivou-se avaliar a coloração verde da grama esmeralda ( Zoysia japonica Steud.) sob o efeito de doses de N e do uso de herbicidas como reguladores de crescimento. Utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos casualizados com 20 tratamentos dispostos num fatorial 5x4 com quatro repetições, sendo quatro herbicidas: glyphosate, imazaquin, imazethapyr e metsulfuron-methyl (200, 420, 80 e 140g ha-1 do ingrediente ativo (i.a.), respectivamente) e a testemunha (sem herbicida); e três doses de N na forma de ureia: 5, 10 e 20g m-2, parceladas em cinco aplicações ao ano, além do tratamento sem N. Avaliaram-se o índice de clorofila foliar (ICF) e a análise por imagem digital da parte aérea do gramado. Doses de 10 a 20g m-2 de N, parceladas em cinco vezes ao ano, propiciaram coloração verde intensa do gramado e os herbicidas glyphosate (200g ha-1), imazaquin (420g ha-1) e imazethapyr (80g ha-1) foram adequados para utilização como reguladores do crescimento da espécie estudada, considerando a qualidade estética (cor verde). A análise por imagem digital da parte aérea forneceu resultados mais precisos que o uso do clorofilômetro, quanto à recomendação da dose de N, bem como dos herbicidas a serem utilizados como reguladores de crescimento da grama esmeralda.

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The administration of a DICOM network within an imaging healthcare institution requires tools that allow for monitoring of connectivity and availability for adequate uptime measurements and help guide technology management strategies. We present the implementation of an open-source widget for the Dashing framework that provides basic dashboard functionality allowing for monitoring of a DICOM network using network "ping" and DICOM "C-ECHO" operations.

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OBJECTIVE: To design, build, and evaluate a storage model able to manage heterogeneous digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) images. The model must be simple, but flexible enough to accommodate variable content without structural modifications; must be effective on answering query/retrieval operations according to the DICOM standard; and must provide performance gains on querying/retrieving content to justify its adoption by image-related projects. METHODS: The proposal adapts the original decomposed storage model, incorporating structural and organizational characteristics present in DICOM image files. Tag values are stored according to their data types/domains, in a schema built on top of a standard relational database management system (RDBMS). Evaluation includes storing heterogeneous DICOM images, querying metadata using a variable number of predicates, and retrieving full-content images for different hierarchical levels. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: When compared to a well established DICOM image archive, the proposal is 0.6-7.2 times slower in storing content; however, in querying individual tags, it is about 48.0% faster. In querying groups of tags, DICOM decomposed storage model (DCMDSM) is outperformed in scenarios with a large number of tags and low selectivity (being 66.5% slower); however, when the number of tags is balanced with better selectivity predicates, the performance gains are up to 79.1%. In executing full-content retrieval, in turn, the proposal is about 48.3% faster. CONCLUSIONS: DCMDSM is a model built for the storage of heterogeneous DICOM content, based on a straightforward database design. The results obtained through its evaluation attest its suitability as a storage layer for projects where DICOM images are stored once, and queried/retrieved whenever necessary.

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Introduction: The effects of voiced vibration technique can be assessed by laryngeal imaging. Kymographic images derived from high-speed videoendoscopy allow actual visualization of vocal folds vibration. Purpose: The aim of this study is to identify the immediate effects of the voiced vibration technique in healthy vocal folds using high-speed digital laryngeal imaging. Methods: Samples were obtained from 15 healthy subjects with no history of voice disorders (6 men and 9 women aged 21 to 43 years). High-speed videoendoscopy recordings were performed before and after the voiced vibration technique. Kymographic images were obtained using high-speed videoendoscopy. The vocal folds were examined in their open and closed positions and the characteristics of the opening and closing phases were determined. A customize computational routine was used quantify these parameters. The closing, opening, and speed quotients were also calculated. Results: In this study, women displayed statistically significant differences in opened phase (P= 0.05*), closed phase (P= 0.046*), and closing phase (P= 0.026*) phase characteristics. Men displayed the highest difference rate in opening time characteristics (P= 0.06). The closing and opening quotients for the female group showed significant differences (P= 0.029* and P= 0.049*, respectively). The speed quotient exhibited statistically significant differences in the male group (P= 0.048*). Conclusion: The kymographic images indicated that the immediate effect of the voiced vibration technique was smooth contact in healthy vocal fold vibration...

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: The effects of voiced vibration technique can be assessed by laryngeal imaging. Kymographic images derived from high-speed videoendoscopy allow actual visualization of vocal folds vibration. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to identify the immediate effects of the voiced vibration technique in healthy vocal folds using high-speed digital laryngeal imaging. METHODS: Samples were obtained from 15 healthy subjects with no history of voice disorders (6 men and 9 women aged 21 to 43 years). High-speed videoendoscopy recordings were performed before and after the voiced vibration technique. Kymographic images were obtained using high-speed videoendoscopy. The vocal folds were examined in their open and closed positions and the characteristics of the opening and closing phases were determined. A customize computational routine was used quantify these parameters. The closing, opening, and speed quotients were also calculated. RESULTS: In this study, women displayed statistically significant differences in opened phase (P = 0.05*), closed phase (P = 0.046*), and closing phase (P = 0.026*) phase characteristics. Men displayed the highest difference rate in opening time characteristics (P = 0.06). The closing and opening quotients for the female group showed significant differences (P = 0.029* and P = 0.049*, respectively). The speed quotient exhibited statistically significant differences in the male group (P = 0.048*). CONCLUSION: The kymographic images indicated that the immediate effect of the voiced vibration technique was smooth contact in healthy vocal fold vibration.