Classification Accuracy Improvement for Small-Size Citrus Pests and Diseases Using Bridge Connections in Deep Neural Networks.

Due to the rich vitamin content in citrus fruit, citrus is an important crop around the world. However, the yield of these citrus crops is often reduced due to the damage of various pests and diseases. In order to mitigate these problems, several convolutional neural networks were applied to detect them. It is of note that the performance of these selected models degraded as the size of the target object in the image decreased. To adapt to scale changes, a new feature reuse method named bridge connection was developed. With the help of bridge connections, the accuracy of baseline networks was improved at little additional computation cost. The proposed BridgeNet-19 achieved the highest classification accuracy (95.47%), followed by the pre-trained VGG-19 (95.01%) and VGG-19 with bridge connections (94.73%). The use of bridge connections also strengthens the flexibility of sensors for image acquisition. It is unnecessary to pay more attention to adjusting the distance between a camera and pests and diseases.

The clinical result of arterialized venous free flaps for the treatment of soft tissue defect of the fingers.

The purpose of this study is to report the clinical results of the arterialized venous free flaps in reconstructing soft tissue defects of the finger and to extend the indications for the use of the flaps based on clinical experiences of the authors.We retrospectively reviewed the records of 35 patients who underwent an arterialized venous free flaps for a finger reconstruction, between May 2007 and August 2015. The mean size of flap was 4.8 ±â€Š1.23 × 3.1 ±â€Š0.84 cm. The donor site was the ipsilateral volar aspect of the distal forearm in all cases. There were 17 (48.6%) cases of venous skin flaps, 9 (25.7%) cases of innervated venous flaps, 7 (20%) cases of tendocu taneous flaps, and 2 (5.7%) case of innervated tendocutaneous flap. The vascularity of recipient beds was good except 8 (22.9%) cases (partial devascularity in 3, more than 50% avascularity [bone cement] in 3, and chronic infected bed in 2).Of the 35 cases, 29 (82.9%) cases (including 3 cases who had more than 50% avascularity recipient bed) showed complete survival. 3 (8.6%) cases, which had partially devascularity of distal phalanx in recipient bed, showed partial necrosis (P = .015). The mean number of included veins was 2.4 ±â€Š0.5 for a flap.A forearm arterialized venous free flap is a useful procedure for single-stage reconstructing of a soft tissue or combined defect of a finger, we consider that this technique could be applied to fingers despite an avascular or insufficient vascular recipient bed if the periphery of recipient bed vascularity was good and if the recipient beds were free from infection.

Trigger finger secondary to a neglected flexor tendon rupture.

Secondary trigger finger caused by trauma to the hand, especially associated with partial flexor tendon rupture, is not a common condition. Thus, the clinical manifestations of these patients are not well-known. The aim of this study is to present secondary trigger finger caused by a neglected partial flexor tendon rupture including discussion of the mechanism and treatment.We retrospectively reviewed the records of 6 patients with trigger finger caused by a neglected partial flexor tendon rupture who had been treated with exploration, debridement, and repairing of the ruptured tendon from August 2010 to May 2015. The average patient age was 41 years (range, 23-59). The time from injury to treatment averaged 4.7 months. The average follow-up period was 9 months (range, 4-18). Functional outcome was evaluated from a comparison between the Quick-disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score and the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, which were measured at the time of preoperation and final follow up.Four patients showed partial rupture of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon and 3 showed partial rupture of the flexor digitorun superficialis (FDS) tendon. Both the FDP and FDS tendons were partially ruptured in 2 patients, and the remaining patient had a partial rupture of the flexor pollicis longus tendon. All patients regained full range of motion, and there has been no recurrence of triggering. The average VAS score decreased from 3.6 (range, 3-5) preoperatively to 0.3 (range, 0-1) at the final follow up. The average Quick-DASH score decreased from 33.6 preoperatively to 5.3 at the final follow up.When we encounter patients with puncture or laceration wounds in flexor zone 2, even when the injury appears to be simple, partial flexor tendon laceration must be taken into consideration and early exploration is recommended.

Anomalous course and stenosing tenosynovitis of the extensor pollicis longus tendon at the radial styloid process: A case report.

RATIONALE: Anomalous course and tenosynovitis of extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon is a rare condition that presents clinical symptoms very similar to de Quervain's disease. Herein we report a case of anomalous course and tenosynovitis of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon associated with symptoms of de Quervain's disease. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 44-year-old right-handed man visited the clinic because of radial pain associated with the left wrist, which was aggravated during the previous 10 days. The patient tested positive on the Finkelstein's test and displayed a limited range of motion of the left wrist. Motion of the thumb and wrist aggravated pain. DIAGNOSES: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the left wrist suggested mild tenosynovitis at the third extensor compartment and intersection syndrome. However, clinical symptoms failed to match the MRI findings. INTERVENTIONS: A zig-zag skin incision on the radial styloid process was made. The operative findings revealed stenosing tenosynovitis with partial tearing. Retraction of the tendon extended the thumb interphalangeal joint, suggesting that the tendon was the EPL tendon rather than EPB tendon. After operation, we reviewed the MRI of the patient, which revealed that the oblique course of the EPL tendon originated from the ulnar side of the forearm to the radial styloid at the radial and proximal site of Lister's tubercle. No EPB tendon was present. OUTCOMES: At 12 months of follow-up, the patient's radial styloid process was completely asymptomatic and resumed full daily activities. LESSONS: Anomalous course of the EPL tendon is rarely reported associated with similar symptoms of de Quervain's disease. However, the knowledge and understanding of this potential anomaly in the course of EPL tendon is very important for the treatment of de Quervain's disease to decrease patient dissatisfaction after surgery.

Spontaneous rupture of flexor pollicis longus tendon by tendolipomatosis in proximal phalanx: A case report.

RATIONALE: Spontaneous flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon rupture is rarely reported. Although there are several studies investigating spontaneous FPL tendon rupture, the exact etiology of spontaneous rupture is unclear. Here, we present a case of unusual spontaneous FPL tendon rupture due to tendolipomatosis. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 64-year-old right-handed retired male teacher was referred to our clinic with an inability to flex the interphalangeal joint of his left thumb. DIAGNOSIS: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed complete FPL tendon rupture at the level of the distal one-third of the proximal phalanx. INTERVENTIONS: With the patient under general anesthesia, the FPL tendon was explored through a volar zig-zag incision. During the operation, the FPL tendon was found to be ruptured completely. Gross examination revealed a slightly yellowish denaturated tissue at the distal end of the ruptured tendon. We excised the denaturated tissue from the distal end of the ruptured tendon and sent it for histological examination. FPL tendon was repaired primarily via modified Becker method. Histopathological examination revealed normal vasculature in the tendon tissue and degenerative changes associated with lipid deposits in the tendon tissue. OUTCOMES: At 12-month follow-up, the patient was completely asymptomatic and had excellent IP joint range of motion (0° to 40°) in his left thumb. The wrist grip strength was 30 kg (28 kg in the Rt.) and the thumb pinch strength was 5.7 kg (4.7 kg in the Rt.). The Quick DASH score was 0. LESSONS: Spontaneous rupture of the FPL tendon, attributed to degenerative changes caused by tendolipomatosis, is the first report of its kind, in the authors' opinion. Hence we recommend to perform the histopathological examination of the debrided tissue from the ends of the ruptured tendon, if the physicians couldn't know the exact cause of the spontaneous intratendinous rupture of the FPL. And early diagnosis followed by debridement and primary tendon repair provides an effective outcome.

Treatment of infected Achilles tendinitis and overlying soft tissue defect using an anterolateral thigh free flap in an elderly patient: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Infected segmental loss of the Achilles tendon with overlying soft tissue and skin defect remains a more complex reconstructive challenge. Here, we present a functional reconstruction of infected Achilles tendinitis with combined soft tissue defects using a free composite anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap with vascularized fascia lata in an elderly patient. CASE PRESENTATION: A 71-year-old male patient was transferred to our department due to soft tissue defect of the left lower leg and infected Achilles tendinitis. The patient underwent incision and drainage of both lower legs with necrotizing fasciitis in another hospital 2 months ago. Physical examination revealed a 12 × 5 cm wound with exposed Achilles tendon over the posteromedial aspect of lower one-third of the leg. His wound culture grew methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). All infected necrotic Achilles tendon with proximal muscle tissue was excised. The patient underwent successful Achilles tendon reconstruction and soft tissue coverage procedure with a 14 × 7 cm ALT flap with the fascia lata. At the 12-month follow-up, the patient resumed full daily activities, was able to squat, showed a range of motion at the ankle in the 15° dorsiflexion and 45° plantar flexion, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 94. CONCLUSION: A free ALT composite flap with the vascularized fascia lata, was successfully used for the treatment of infected Achilles tendinitis with overlying soft tissue defect even in an elderly patient. Furthermore, it provided satisfactory functional and cosmetic outcomes. Hence, the use of free ALT composite flap is highly recommended in such patients.

The clinical result of arthroscopic bone grafting and percutaneous K-wires fixation for management of scaphoid nonunions.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the clinical results of patients with scaphoid nonunion treated with arthroscopic bone grafting and K (Kirschner)-wires fixation.We retrospectively reviewed the records of 27 patients with scaphoid nonunion who had been treated with arthroscopic bone grafting and K-wires fixation method from November 2008 to February 2014. The average patient age was 35 years. The time from injury to treatment averaged 45 months. The average follow-up period was 18 months. Bone union was assessed using serial plain radiographs. The functional outcome was evaluated by comparing the modified Mayo wrist score with the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, which were measured at the time of preoperation and at final follow-up.Union was achieved in 26 of the 27 nonunions (96.29%). The average radiologic union time was 10 weeks. The average VAS score decreased from 6.38 (range, 3-10) preoperatively to 1.59 (range, 0-3) at the final follow-up. The average modified Mayo wrist score improved from 60.19 preoperatively to 83.46 at the final follow-up. According to this score, there were 12 excellent, 6 good, and 9 fair results at the final follow-up.Arthroscopic bone grafting and percutaneous K-wires fixation is an effective treatment method for a scaphoid nonunion and has the advantages of allowing thorough assessment, enabling a comprehensive management approach for scaphoid nonunion in a minimally invasive manner, and this method can also be used for the scaphoid nonunion with SNAC stage I.

Use of Artificial Neural Network for the Simulation of Radon Emission Concentration of Granulated Blast Furnace Slag Mortar.

In this study, an artificial neural networks study was carried out to predict the quantity of radon of Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GBFS) cement mortar. A data set of a laboratory work, in which a total of 3 mortars were produced, was utilized in the Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) study. The mortar mixture parameters were three different GBFS ratios (0%, 20%, 40%). Measurement radon of moist cured specimens was measured at 3, 10, 30, 100, 365 days by sensing technology for continuous monitoring of indoor air quality (IAQ). ANN model is constructed, trained and tested using these data. The data used in the ANN model are arranged in a format of two input parameters that cover the cement, GBFS and age of samples and, an output parameter which is concentrations of radon emission of mortar. The results showed that ANN can be an alternative approach for the predicting the radon concentration of GBFS mortar using mortar ingredients as input parameters.

A New Cellular Architecture for Information Retrieval from Sensor Networks through Embedded Service and Security Protocols.

Substantial changes have occurred in the Information Technology (IT) sectors and with these changes, the demand for remote access to field sensor information has increased. This allows visualization, monitoring, and control through various electronic devices, such as laptops, tablets, i-Pads, PCs, and cellular phones. The smart phone is considered as a more reliable, faster and efficient device to access and monitor industrial systems and their corresponding information interfaces anywhere and anytime. This study describes the deployment of a protocol whereby industrial system information can be securely accessed by cellular phones via a Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) server. To achieve the study goals, proprietary protocol interconnectivity with non-proprietary protocols and the usage of interconnectivity services are considered in detail. They support the visualization of the SCADA system information, and the related operations through smart phones. The intelligent sensors are configured and designated to process real information via cellular phones by employing information exchange services between the proprietary protocol and non-proprietary protocols. SCADA cellular access raises the issue of security flaws. For these challenges, a cryptography-based security method is considered and deployed, and it could be considered as a part of a proprietary protocol. Subsequently, transmission flows from the smart phones through a cellular network.

A Secure, Intelligent, and Smart-Sensing Approach for Industrial System Automation and Transmission over Unsecured Wireless Networks.

In Industrial systems, Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, the pseudo-transport layer of the distributed network protocol (DNP3) performs the functions of the transport layer and network layer of the open systems interconnection (OSI) model. This study used a simulation design of water pumping system, in-which the network nodes are directly and wirelessly connected with sensors, and are monitored by the main controller, as part of the wireless SCADA system. This study also intends to focus on the security issues inherent in the pseudo-transport layer of the DNP3 protocol. During disassembly and reassembling processes, the pseudo-transport layer keeps track of the bytes sequence. However, no mechanism is available that can verify the message or maintain the integrity of the bytes in the bytes received/transmitted from/to the data link layer or in the send/respond from the main controller/sensors. To properly and sequentially keep track of the bytes, a mechanism is required that can perform verification while bytes are received/transmitted from/to the lower layer of the DNP3 protocol or the send/respond to/from field sensors. For security and byte verification purposes, a mechanism needs to be proposed for the pseudo-transport layer, by employing cryptography algorithm. A dynamic choice security buffer (SB) is designed and employed during the security development. To achieve the desired goals of the proposed study, a pseudo-transport layer stack model is designed using the DNP3 protocol open library and the security is deployed and tested, without changing the original design.

Design and Development of Layered Security: Future Enhancements and Directions in Transmission.

Today, security is a prominent issue when any type of communication is being undertaken. Like traditional networks, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems suffer from a number of vulnerabilities. Numerous end-to-end security mechanisms have been proposed for the resolution of SCADA-system security issues, but due to insecure real-time protocol use and the reliance upon open protocols during Internet-based communication, these SCADA systems can still be compromised by security challenges. This study reviews the security challenges and issues that are commonly raised during SCADA/protocol transmissions and proposes a secure distributed-network protocol version 3 (DNP3) design, and the implementation of the security solution using a cryptography mechanism. Due to the insecurities found within SCADA protocols, the new development consists of a DNP3 protocol that has been designed as a part of the SCADA system, and the cryptographically derived security is deployed within the application layer as a part of the DNP3 stack.

Arthroscopic Resection of a Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor in the Wrist: A Case Report.

The treatment for giant cell tumors of the tendon sheath is surgical therapy, but surgical recurrence rates were reported to be as high as 50% in some cases. Therefore, complete radical excision of the lesion is the treatment of choice. If the tumor originates from the joint, it is important to perform capsulotomy. Here, the authors report the first case of successful treatment of a localized intra-articular giant cell tumor in the wrist by arthroscopic resection.A 28-year-old right-handed woman visited the clinic because of left wrist ulnar-side pain, which had been aggravated during the previous 15 days. Vague ulnar-side wrist pain had begun 2 years ago. When the authors examined the patient, the wrist showed mild swelling on the volo-ulnar aspect and the distal radioulnar joint, as well as volar joint line tenderness. She showed a positive result on the ulnocarpal stress test and displayed limited range of motion. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intra-articular mass with synovitis in the ulnocarpal joint. Wrist arthroscopy was performed using standard portals under regional anesthesia. The arthroscopic findings revealed a large, well-encapsulated, yellow lobulated soft-tissue mass that was attached to the volar side of the ulnocarpal ligament and connected to the extra-articular side. The mass was completely excised piece by piece with a grasping forceps. Histopathologic examination revealed that the lesion was an intra-articular localized form of a tenosynovial giant cell tumor.At 24-month follow-up, the patient was completely asymptomatic and had full range of motion in her left wrist, and no recurrence was found in magnetic resonance imaging follow-up evaluations.The authors suggest that the arthroscopic excision of intra-articular giant cell tumors, as in this case, may be an alternative method to open excisions, with many advantages.

Flexor Tendon Entrapment at the Malunited Base Fracture of the Proximal Phalanx of the Finger in Child: A Case Report.

The proximal phalangeal base is the most commonly fractured hand bone in children. Such fractures are rarely reported as irreducible due to flexor tendon entrapment. Here, we describe a patient who sustained a malunited fracture on the right fifth finger proximal phalanx with flexor tendon entrapment after treatment with closed reduction with K-wires fixation.A 13-year-old patient came to the clinic following a bicycle accident 6 weeks ago. He presented with flexion limitation in his small finger on the right hand. During physical examination, the patient felt no pain, and the neurovascular structures were intact. However range of motion (ROM) in his small finger was not normal. Plain radiographs displayed a Salter-Harris type II fracture of the small finger proximal phalanx base and volar angulation with callus formation. During the operation, it was established that the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) around the fracture had a severe adhesion, whereas the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) was entrapped between the volarly displaced metaphyses and the epiphyses and united with the bone. We removed the volarly displaced metaphyses and freed FDP and repaired the A2 pulley. The bone was anatomically fixed with K-wires. In the treatment after the operation, on the 2nd day, the patient was permitted the DIP joint motion by wearing a dynamic splint.At the 12-months follow-up, the patient had regained full ROM with no discomfort and the proximal phalanx growth plate of the small finger closed naturally with normal alignment.When treating a proximal phalangeal base fracture in children, the possibility of flexor tendon entrapment should be considered and should be carefully dealt with in its treatment.

Small Finger Snapping due to Retinacular Ligament Injury at the Level of Proximal Interphalangeal Joint: A Case Report.

Pathological snapping secondary to posttraumatic subluxation of the extensor tendon at proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) of the finger is rare. Here, we want to describe a patient with snapping of the left small finger at PIPJ due to retinacular ligament injury. A 24-year-old man was admitted because of a 5-year history of a snapping sound in the left small finger. On examination, the radial side lateral band of the small finger was dislocated volarly at the level PIPJ with flexion of >50°, which was clearly felt over the skin. There was an obvious snapping sound at the time of dislocation. There was no specific radiographic abnormality. With the patient under regional anesthesia, exploration through a zigzag skin incision over the dorsum of the PIPJ revealed that the retinacular ligament complex was injured. We also found a partial tear in PIPJ capsule, through the incision of the injured retinacular ligament complex. We repaired the joint capsule and retinacular ligament complex with prolene 4-0. Postoperatively the small finger was immobilized in a below-elbow plaster splint with full extension of the fingers for 1 week, then dynamic splinting was advised for another 5 weeks and unrestricted full active motion was allowed at the 6th week. At the 6-month follow-up, the patient had regained full range of motion with no discomfort, and there was no sign of recurrence. We stress that when there is snapping over the dorsum of the PIPJ of the finger, the clinician should suspect rupture of the retinacular ligaments, especially in minor trauma patients. Primary repair of retinacular ligaments and dynamic splinting provided satisfactory results without recurrence in our patient.

Multipath routing in wireless sensor networks: survey and research challenges.

A wireless sensor network is a large collection of sensor nodes with limited power supply and constrained computational capability. Due to the restricted communication range and high density of sensor nodes, packet forwarding in sensor networks is usually performed through multi-hop data transmission. Therefore, routing in wireless sensor networks has been considered an important field of research over the past decade. Nowadays, multipath routing approach is widely used in wireless sensor networks to improve network performance through efficient utilization of available network resources. Accordingly, the main aim of this survey is to present the concept of the multipath routing approach and its fundamental challenges, as well as the basic motivations for utilizing this technique in wireless sensor networks. In addition, we present a comprehensive taxonomy on the existing multipath routing protocols, which are especially designed for wireless sensor networks. We highlight the primary motivation behind the development of each protocol category and explain the operation of different protocols in detail, with emphasis on their advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, this paper compares and summarizes the state-of-the-art multipath routing techniques from the network application point of view. Finally, we identify open issues for further research in the development of multipath routing protocols for wireless sensor networks.

Osteochondral autograft transplantation for osteochondritis dissecans of the scaphoid: case report.

This report presents the case of a 36-year-old man who was arthroscopically diagnosed with symptomatic osteochondritis dissecans of the scaphoid. We treated the condition using osteochondral autograft transplantation.

An evolution based biosensor receptor DNA sequence generation algorithm.

A biosensor is composed of a bioreceptor, an associated recognition molecule, and a signal transducer that can selectively detect target substances for analysis. DNA based biosensors utilize receptor molecules that allow hybridization with the target analyte. However, most DNA biosensor research uses oligonucleotides as the target analytes and does not address the potential problems of real samples. The identification of recognition molecules suitable for real target analyte samples is an important step towards further development of DNA biosensors. This study examines the characteristics of DNA used as bioreceptors and proposes a hybrid evolution-based DNA sequence generating algorithm, based on DNA computing, to identify suitable DNA bioreceptor recognition molecules for stable hybridization with real target substances. The Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) approach is applied in the proposed algorithm to evaluate the safety and fitness of the generated DNA sequences. This approach improves efficiency and stability for enhanced and variable-length DNA sequence generation and allows extension to generation of variable-length DNA sequences with diverse receptor recognition requirements.

Wireless health data exchange for home healthcare monitoring systems.

Ubiquitous home healthcare systems have been playing an increasingly significant role in the treatment and management of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, but progress has been hampered by the lack of standardization in the exchange of medical health care information. In an effort to establish standardization, this paper proposes a home healthcare monitoring system data exchange scheme between the HL7 standard and the IEEE1451 standard. IEEE1451 is a standard for special sensor networks, such as industrial control and smart homes, and defines a suite of interfaces that communicate among heterogeneous networks. HL7 is the standard for medical information exchange among medical organizations and medical personnel. While it provides a flexible data exchange in health care domains, it does not provide for data exchange with sensors. Thus, it is necessary to develop a data exchange schema to convert data between the HL7 and the IEEE1451 standard. This paper proposes a schema that can exchange data between HL7 devices and the monitoring device, and conforms to the IEEE 1451 standard. The experimental results and conclusions of this approach are presented and show the feasibility of the proposed exchange schema.

A monitoring and advisory system for diabetes patient management using a rule-based method and KNN.

Diabetes is difficult to control and it is important to manage the diabetic's blood sugar level and prevent the associated complications by appropriate diabetic treatment. This paper proposes a system that can provide appropriate management for diabetes patients, according to their blood sugar level. The system is designed to send the information about the blood sugar levels, blood pressure, food consumption, exercise, etc., of diabetes patients, and manage the treatment by recommending and monitoring food consumption, physical activity, insulin dosage, etc., so that the patient can better manage their condition. The system is based on rules and the K Nearest Neighbor (KNN) classifier algorithm, to obtain the optimum treatment recommendation. Also, a monitoring system for diabetes patients is implemented using Web Services and Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) programming.