Orientador: Alexandre Xavier Falcão / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-11T18:50:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Gomes_JancarloFerreira_D.pdf: 2024129 bytes, checksum: eeb77aec9d0bc9546a0141b794a17319 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008 / Resumo: No presente trabalho, averiguamos sobre processamentos de amostra fecal, desenvolvimento e avaliação de um sistema de computador para análise de imagem parasitária. Observamos que a etapa de processamento de fezes consistiu a etapa crítica, mas, essencial para o fornecimento de estruturas parasitárias limpas, com reduzida quantidade de microimpurezas fecais, ao sistema de análise por computador. Algumas técnicas parasitológicas convencionais, utilizando ou não kits comerciais, foram estudadas, e a de TF-Test (Three Fecal Test) apresentou menor teor de microimpurezas no final de processamento fecal. Todavia, este teor de microimpurezas era ainda muito grande, sendo ainda inadequado para análise computacional. Modificações foram introduzidas à técnica de TF-Test, com coloração dos componentes do sedimento fecal, utilizando um corante desenvolvido à base de Lugol, e seguido por degradação alcalina de microimpurezas, com uma solução clarificadora, previamente padronizada. Assim, a técnica de TF-Test Modificada contribuiu para o fornecimento de parasitos com poucas microimpurezas. O desenho do protótipo do sistema computacional para a análise de imagens incorporou: a técnica de TFTest Modificada; um microscópio óptico adaptado a uma bomba sucção peristáltica para conduzir uma alíquota de suspensão fecal processada à uma lâmina ou câmara tubular, onde estruturas parasitárias ou não apareciam em imagem; uma câmera digital; um monitor de vídeo para regulagem e captura de imagens; e um computador. Um banco de imagens foi construído, após coletas de amostras fecais foram efetuadas previamente em 4 regiões diferentes (Campinas, Botucatu, Avaré e Piraju) do estado de São Paulo, onde as enteroparasitoses são prevalentes. Os procedimentos de biossegurança e controle de qualidade contribuíram para que a perda da amostra fecal fosse pequena, não ultrapassando de 8%. Foi obtido um total de 16 espécies parasitárias, constituídos de helmintos e protozoários, e estes proveram uma coleção de 1.126 imagens ao computador. Ademais, o banco de imagens foi formado por informações adquiridas de 5.626 componentes parasitários e não parasitários, assim como, de dados sobre suas características de forma, textura e cor. A análise computacional baseou-se em um sistema de pipeline de técnicas de processamento de imagens, incluindo o uso de uma técnica denominada de Image-Foresting Transform (IFT). O pipeline consistiu em técnicas de segmentação de imagens para separar estruturas parasitárias e impurezas do fundo das imagens; em técnicas de extração para codificar características da forma, da cor e da textura dos parasitos; e em técnicas de reconhecimento e delineamento de imagens, visando distinguir parasitos de microimpurezas, de acordo com suas características próprias. A técnica de análise de imagens por computador (CIA) foi avaliada em comparação com a técnica de TF-Test Modificada de microscopia óptica, demonstrando alta sensibilidade de 95,3%, especificidade de 96,4%, e eficiência de 96,2 %. O conceito de concordância observada entre as duas técnicas estudadas foi de Quase Perfeito, em virtude do índice kapa (k) ter sido elevado, de 0,88. Esta técnica demonstrou ser altamente reprodutível, quando se ensaiaram em 10 diferentes ocasiões. Os achados deste trabalho apresentam perspectivas para industrialização do protótipo aqui desenvolvido, causando impacto na área de Saúde Pública, pois, no exame de fezes para população, há uma forte demanda de um sistema de automatização para detecção de enteroparasitos / Abstract: In the present study, we investigated on fecal sample processings, development and evaluation of a computer system for parasite image analysis. We observed that the fecal processing step was critical, but, essential for providing clean parasite structures, with reduced amount of fecal microdebris, to the system of computer analysis. Several conventional parasitologic techniques, using or not commercial kit, were studied, and TF-Test (Three Fecal Test) showed lower rate of microdebris at the end of fecal processing. However, this microdebris rate was still great, being unsuitable for computer analysis. The TF-Test technique was modified by staining the fecal sediment components, with a Lugol-based stain, followed by an alkaline degradation of fecal microdebris, using a clarifyer solution. So, the modified TF-Test technique became capable to supply parasite structure with little fecal microdebris. The prototype design of the computer system for the image analysis incorporated: the modified TF-Test technique; a optical microscope coupled to a peristaltic suction pump for leading an aliquot of processed fecal suspension to the tubular slide or chamber, where the parasite structures or microdebris appeared in tridimensional images; a digital camera; a video monitor to calibrate and capture images; and a computer. An image database was formed, after collecting fecal samples from prevalent regions (Campinas, Botucatu, Avaré and Piraju) of the State of São Paulo for enteroparasitosis. The total fecal sample loss was low, being less than 8%, since biosecurity and laboratory quality control protocols were frequently checked. A total of 16 parasite species were identified, consisting of helminths and protozoans, which provided a collection of 1.126 parasite images to the computer. Moreover, the image database was formed by information acquired from 5.626 parasite and nonparasite components, in addition to data on their shape characteristics, texture and color. The computational analysis was based on a pipeline of image processing techniques, including the use of a technique known as Image-Foresting Transform (IFT). The pipeline consisted of: a technique for image segmentation, in order to separate parasites and microdebris from background image; a technique for feature extraction to encode shape, color and texture characteristics of parasites; and techniques for pattern recognition and delineation, permitting to distinguish parasites from microdebris, according to their own features. The technique of computer image analysis (CIA) was evaluated in comparison with the optical microscope technique, named modified TF-Test, demonstrating a high sensitivity of 95,3%, specificity of 96,4% and efficiency of 96.2%. The agreement between two techniques was ranked as Almost Perfect, since the kappa (k) index has been high as much as 0.88. This technique proved to be reproducible, in a study, in which the assay was repeated 10 times, in different occasions. Our findings present good perspectives for the industrial production of the here developed prototype, causing impact on the Public Health area, since, in the fecal examination of the population, there is a strong demand for an automated system of enteroparasite detections / Doutorado / Doutor em Parasitologia

Orientador: Yuzo Iano / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Elétrica e de Computação / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-25T18:30:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 AriasChipana_FredyElmer_M.pdf: 3100154 bytes, checksum: f18211712dbcff0de28b7aa8569b96bb (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014 / Resumo: A apresentação de imagens em telas de dispositivos móveis tem limitações que dependem da experiência do usuário. A adaptação de imagens é acondicionar o tamanho e à resolução para-se visualizar na tela do dispositivo. O uso de mecanismos de atenção visual permite reduzir esforços no processamento do estímulo visual do olho humano. Os modelos de atenção visual também ajudam a reduzir a complexidade computacional em aplicações de processamento de imagens. Propõe-se neste uma melhora ao um modelo de atenção visual para ser aplicado à adaptação de imagens em telas de dispositivos móveis / Abstract: The presentation of images on screens of mobile devices has limitations that depend on the user experience. The adaptation of images is pack the size and resolution to be visualized on the device screen. The use of a visual attention mechanism allows reducing efforts in processing the visual stimulus of the human eye. Models of visual attention also help to reduce the computational complexity of image processing applications. We propose an improvement to this model of visual attention to be applied to the adaptation of images on screens of mobile devices / Mestrado / Telecomunicações e Telemática / Mestre em Engenharia Elétrica

Orientador: Etienne Ghislain Samain / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Artes / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-21T11:25:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Barros_ErnaRaisaLimaRodriguesde_M.pdf: 17623615 bytes, checksum: 3fe497bb6760be522d553bdb37a2d353 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012 / Resumo: Nossa pesquisa se constitui em uma tentativa de aproximação com o universo do grafite e aborda alguns aspectos de sua linguagem enquanto prática transgressora, arte contestatória, subversiva, mas também enquanto forma de expressão e representação artística que tem a capacidade de informar, carregar idéias e também de ser apresentado como veículo de expressão lúdica e poética presente nas cidades. Propomo-nos a refletir representações e intervenções estéticas que se referem a temáticas e questionamentos singulares com os quais nos munimos para pensar o papel das imagens na contemporaneidade, e o mundo através da arte / Abstract: Our research is an attempt to approach the world of graffiti and some aspects of their language as a practice transgressive, contestatory, subversive art, but also as a form of artistic expression and representation that has the ability to inform, carrying ideas and also to be presented as a means of ludic and poetic expression present in the cities. We propose to reflect representations and aesthetic interventions that relate to issue and questions with which we equip us to think the role of images in contemporary society and the world through art / Mestrado / Multimeios / Mestre em Multimeios

Abstract. This thesis presents a software library for eye gaze tracking. The typical use case is a person watching their computer screen. All data is obtained from a single video camera and is processed in real time. The resulting software is freely available including its source code.

Abstract Increased amounts of epicuticular waxes and UV-absorbing compounds, such as flavonoids, and smaller leaf/needle surface area are plant defence mechanisms against UV-B radiation. The response of the needle epicuticular waxes of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies Karst.) seedlings to increased UV-B were investigated in short-term and long-term greenhouse experiments. In a more realistic long-term field experiment with mature Scots pines, the methanol-extractable UV-absorbing compounds were also analysed. Some significant changes were observed in the wax tube distribution (WTD, %) and the amount of waxes in Norway spruce seedlings in the short-term Belgian greenhouse experiment (UV-BBE 0, 11.3 and 22.6 kJ m-2 d-1), but no changes were detected in Scots pine seedlings. No changes in waxes were observed in the long-term Finnish greenhouse experiment (UV-BBE 0, 2.2–6.6 and 5.6–16.8 kJ m-2 d-1), where both the Norway spruce and the Scots pine seedlings seemed to respond by having smaller needle surface areas. A field experiment (UV-BBE 0.5–2.4 kJ m-2 d-1 and 0.7–5.1 kJ m-2 d-1) with mature Scots pines revealed no significant changes in WTD during the three growing seasons or the amount of waxes during the third growing season. In the long-term field experiment the amount of UV-absorbing compounds varied significantly between seasons and/or needle age classes. Elevated amounts of these compounds were already observed in the three-day-old needles and also in the oldest (c + 2) needles when the waxes were still undeveloped or already somewhateroded. No significant differences in the amount of UV-absorbing compounds were observed between the treatments during the first and second growing seasons. During the third growing season, needles of all ages contained significantly or slightly less UV-absorbing compounds in supplemental UV-B than in the ambient treatment, possibly due to cumulative effects of UV-B in already inhibited pigment synthesis. This suggests that these defence mechanisms are not efficient enough to prevent the UV-B-induced damage in the long term.

This Diploma Thesis focuses on a new alcoholic product in the Czech Republic - Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire. It examines its popularity amongst consumers, its relation to other products in the range of the brand and to the main competitors of the other brands. For better interpretation of the results there is a questionnaire research. The aim of this work is the image analysis of this product in the Czech market and to offer potential recommendations for the brand in the future which come out of the own author's analysis and the results of the research.

This thesis present research work conducted in the field of retina image analysis. More specifically, the work is directed at the application of texture analysis technique for the segmentation of common retinal landmark and for retina image classification. The main challenge in this research is in identifying the suitable texture measurement for retina images. In this research we proposed the used of texture measurement based on Binary Robust Independent Elementary Features (BRIEF). BRIEF measure texture by performing an intensity comparison in a local image patch, thus it is very fast to compute and tolerant to any monotonic increase or decrease of image intensities, which makes the descriptor invariant to illumination. The performance of BRIEF as texture measurement is first shown in an experiment involving texture classification and segmentation using common texture datasets. The result demonstrates good performance from BRIEF in this experiment. BRIEF is next used in two applications of retinal image analysis, namely optic disc segmentation and glaucoma classification. In the former, we proposed the used of pixel classification using BRIEF as textural features and circular template matching to segment the optic disc. In addition, an extension of BRIEF called Rotation Invariant BRIEF (OBRIEF) is later proposed to improve the segmentation result. For glaucoma classification, we described two approaches for glaucoma classification using BRIEF/OBRIEF features. The first is based on determination of cup to disc ratio (CDR) and the second is classification using image features i.e. BRIEF features. Overall, our preliminary results on using BRIEF as texture measurement for retinal image analysis are encouraging and demonstrate that it has the potential to be used in retina image analysis.

Over recent decades enormous quantities of image data have been acquired from planetary missions. High resolution imagery is available for many of the inner planets, gas giant systems, and some asteroids and comets. Yet, the scientific value of these images will only be fully realised if sufficient analytic power can be applied to their large scale and detailed interpretation. Unfortunately, the quantity of data has now surpassed researchers' abilities to manually analyse each image, whilst available automated approaches are limited in their scope and reliability. To mitigate against this citizen science projects are becoming increasingly common allowing large numbers of volunteers, using web-based resources, to assist in image interpretation. Yet human involvement, expert or otherwise, introduces additional problems of subjectivity and consistency. This thesis argues that what is required is an objective, quantitative, automated alternative. This thesis advocates a quantitative approach to making automated measurements from a range of surface features, including varied terrains and the counting of impact craters. Existing pattern recognition systems, and established practices, found within the imaging science and machine learning communities will be critically assessed with reference to strict quantitative criteria. This criteria is designed to accommodate the needs of scientists wishing to undertake quantitative research into the evolution of planetary surfaces, permitting measurements to be used with confidence. A new and unique method of pattern recognition, facilitating the meaningful interpretation of extracted information, will be presented. What makes the new system unique is the inclusion of a comprehensive predictive theory of measurement errors and additional safeguards to ensure the trustworthiness and integrity of results. The resulting supervised machine learning/pattern recognition system is applied to Monte-Carlo distributions, martian image data and citizen science lunar crater data. Conclusions are drawn that applying such quantitative techniques in practice is difficult, but possible, given appropriately encoded data and application specific extensions to theories and methods. It is also concluded that existing imaging science practices and methods would benefit from a change in ethos towards a quantitative agenda, and that planetary scientists wishing to use such methods will need to develop an understanding of their properties and limitations.

In the past forty years advancements in fluorescence-based methods including imaging (e.g. confocal and multi-photon) and quantitative spectroscopies (e.g. Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy) have been applied to systems ranging from solutions to in vivo models: such methods possess the ability to monitor fluorescence intensity fluctuations and offer the potential to unravel biophysical and biochemical phenomena. A major disadvantage associated with these methods is their ever-increasing cost resulting in the development of image analysis tools that offer the potential to exploit hidden information contained in confocal images.The hypothesis pertaining to this thesis is that image analysis tools developed in recent years exemplified by Raster Image Correlation Spectroscopy (RICS), Spatial Intensity Distribution Analysis (SpIDA) and Fluorescence Intensity Gaussian Mixture Model Analysis (FIGMMA) will provide a new insight into current pharmaceutical problems. The application of these methods to the quantification of protein aggregation, monomer/dimer equilibria, p-glycoprotein efflux activity and transcytosis are presented in this thesis.Protein aggregation poses a major challenge to the biotechnology industry which currently lacks analytical capabilities to profile broad particle size ranges. An in-house RICS (ManICS) software was validated against Dynamic Light Scattering and Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) to determine Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) aggregate population distributions under accelerated stability conditions. Initial stages implicated in the growth of aggregates are vital to the mechanistic assessment of protein aggregation. Hence, real-time in situ examination of monomer loss and aggregation of BSA was performed at 50 °C to enable continuous assessment with imaging and subsequent SpIDA analysis. Results obtained from this study suggested reversible fluctuation between monomers and dimers for up to four hours.To correlate membrane receptor and transporter expression with activity and enable the comparison of expression in multiple cell lines, population densities of p-glycoprotein transporters and transferrin receptors were determined using SpIDA in samples subjected to immunofluorescence labelling.The Calcein retention assay is a routine approach to determining multidrug resistance associated with p-glcoprotein efflux and the traditional plate reader approach omits microscopic aspects of p-glycoprotein Calcein-AM uptake and efflux. Confocal microscopy and data obtained from image analyses supported the subcellular and intercellular assessment of Calcein accumulation in MDR1-transfected and control cell lines as a function of time and verapamil concentration. Finally, live cell imaging of transferrin vesicular transport and Cell TraceTM Calcein red-orange AM internalisation in combination with traditional Transwell® assays were assessed to compare their transcellular transport and intracellular concentrations in multiple cell lines. Images obtained enabled visualisation of internalisation and following analysis using SpIDA, RICS and FIGMMA the number of intracellular vesicles and dynamic parameters of Cell TraceTM Calcein red-orange diffusion and intracellular concentration were determined.In conclusion, image analysis tools were applied to providing new parametric insights into a number of pharmaceutically-relevant processes and in some instances this is the first example of such studies. Despite current phenomenal advances in image acquisition capabilities, there remains a broad scope for the validation of image analysis tools and their application to a multitude of areas of interest to pharmaceutical and biomolecular research.

No description available.