New separation algorithm for touching grain kernels based on contour segments and ellipse fitting

A new separation algorithm based on contour segments and ellipse fitting is proposed to separate the ellipse-like touching grain kernels in digital images.The image is filtered and converted into a binary image first.Then the contour of touching grain kernels is extracted and divided into contour segments (CS) with the concave points on it.The next step is to merge the contour segments,which is the main contribution of this work.The distance measurement (DM) and deviation error measurement (DEM) are proposed to test whether the contour segments pertain to the same kernel or not.If they pass the measurement and judgment,they are merged as a new segment.Finally with these newly merged contour segments,the ellipses are fitted as the representative ellipses for touching kernels.To verify the proposed algorithm,six different kinds of Korean grains were tested.Experimental results showed that the proposed method is efficient and accurate for the separation of the touching grain kernels.

Novel computer-assisted approach to quick prediction and optimization of gradient separation for online enrichment-reversed phase liquid chromatography tandem system

An algorithm capable of predicting and optimizing the gradient separation of LC×LC system was developed in this paper.Two groups of structural analogues,five ginsenosides as well as eight bisphenols,which were difficult to discriminate in routine analysis,were used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in fast separation optimization.Average errors of retention times below 1%were found in the retention prediction for all types of gradient programs,implying that the theory could lead to high quality in prediction of the retention times under gradients elution.Meanwhile,84%of relative average deviations(RADs)between the predicted peak width and the measured ones were less than 20%.The larger deviation occurred at the time when the peak appeared while the gradient of the mobile phase changed,which led the deviations increased to 20%–42%.In all,method development and optimization for LC×LC tandem system was realized by the homemade user-friendly software.The present protocol may turn on great opportunities for the convenient method development in analysis of trace structural analogues in environmental,food and biological samples.

Spatiotemporal dynamic of environmental indices of watershed sustainability in connection with land-use change

Exploring spatial and temporal land-use changes is valuable for local governments to address issues of sustainability and planning policy where urbanization and industrialization are taking place.Besides anthropogenic effects,natural driving forces like climate change may also affect sustainability.However,such relationships have not been studied minutely.Hence,this study first investigates the land-use changes and their relationship with land surface temperature(LST)for the Shazand Watershed,Iran,in 1986,1998,2008,and 2016 coincided with supplementary industrialization stages.Furthermore,the relations among LST and other biophysical parameters,including Normalized Difference Vegetation Index(NDVI),Normalized Difference Buildup Index(NDBI),and Normalized Difference Water Index(NDWI),were analyzed,and corresponding variations were explored.The results indicated that the mean LST of the study watershed has an increasing trend from 1986 to 2008 due to land-use change and drought intensification.Later,LST decreased in 2016.Lower LST was associated with irrigation farming and orchard,and higher LST was related to sparse oak forest areas.There was also a negative correlation between LST and NDVI.As a result,it was inferred that greenery declined LST.Conversely,a positive correlation was found between LST and NDBI resulting from the built-up areas.Since LST could influence biological,physical,chemical processes,it can therefore be supported as an effective index for environmental sustainability assessment.