Recent publications
The agriculture field is the basis of a country’s change and financial system. Crops are the main source of revenue for the people. One of the farmer’s most challenging problems is choosing the right crops for their land. This critical decision has a direct impact on productivity and profit. Wrong crop selection not only reduces yields but also causes food shortages, creating more problems for farmers. The best crop depends on many parameters such as illustration humidity, N, K, P, pH, rainfall, and temperature of the soil. Getting advice from experts is not an easy task. This requires intelligent models in crop recommendations that use machine-learning models to suggest suitable crops for soil and other environmental conditions. Temperature, humidity, and pH are important data for growing crops in agriculture. In this study, we gather and preprocess relevant data. To recommend the most suitable crop, we propose a novel ensemble learning approach called RFXG based on random forest (RF) and extreme gradient boosting (XGB) to suggest the best crop out of the twenty-two major crops. To measure the capability of the proposed approach, various machine learning models are utilized including extra tree classifier, multilayer perceptron, RF, decision trees, logistic regression, and XGB classifiers. To get the best performance, optimization of hyperparameter, and K-fold cross-validation procedures are performed. Experimental outcomes show that the proposed RFXG technique achieves a recommendation accuracy is 98%. Specifically, the proposed solution provides immediate recommendations to help farmers make timely decisions.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), the significance of device diagnostics and prognostics is paramount for guaranteeing the dependable operation and upkeep of intricate systems. The capacity to precisely diagnose and preemptively predict potential failures holds the potential to considerably amplify maintenance efficiency, diminish downtime, and optimize resource allocation. The wealth of information offered by telemetry data gathered from IoT devices presents an opportunity for diagnostics and prognostics applications. However, extracting valuable insights and making well-timed decisions from this extensive data reservoir remains a formidable challenge. This study proposes a novel AI-driven framework that integrates forward chaining and backward chaining algorithms to analyze telemetry data from IoT devices. The proposed methodology utilizes rule-based inference to detect real-time anomalies and predict potential future failures, providing a dual-layered approach for diagnostics and prognostics. The results show that the diagnostics engine using forward chaining detects real-time issues like “High Temperature” and “Low Pressure,” while the prognostics engine with backward chaining predicts potential future occurrences of these issues, enabling proactive prevention measures. The experimental results demonstrate that adopting this approach could offer valuable assistance to authorities and stakeholders. Accurate early diagnosis and prediction of potential failures have the capability to greatly improve maintenance efficiency, minimize downtime, and optimize cost.
The process of image formulation uses semantic analysis to extract influential vectors from image components. The proposed approach integrates DenseNet with ResNet-50, VGG-19, and GoogLeNet using an innovative bonding process that establishes algorithmic channeling between these models. The goal targets compact efficient image feature vectors that process data in parallel regardless of input color or grayscale consistency and work across different datasets and semantic categories. Image patching techniques with corner straddling and isolated responses help detect peaks and junctions while addressing anisotropic noise through curvature-based computations and auto-correlation calculations. An integrated channeled algorithm processes the refined features by uniting local-global features with primitive-parameterized features and regioned feature vectors. Using K-nearest neighbor indexing methods analyze and retrieve images from the harmonized signature collection effectively. Extensive experimentation is performed on the state-of-the-art datasets including Caltech-101, Cifar-10, Caltech-256, Cifar-100, Corel-10000, 17-Flowers, COIL-100, FTVL Tropical Fruits, Corel-1000, and Zubud. This contribution finally endorses its standing at the peak of deep and complex image sensing analysis. A state-of-the-art deep image sensing analysis method delivers optimal channeling accuracy together with robust dataset harmonization performance.
Background/Objectives: With the increasing life expectancy and, as a result, the aging of the global population, there has been a rise in the prevalence of chronic conditions, which can significantly impact individuals’ health-related quality of life, a multidimensional concept that comprises an individual’s physical, mental, and social wellbeing. While a balanced, nutrient-dense diet, such as Mediterranean diet, is widely recognized for its role in chronic disease prevention, particularly in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers, its potential benefits extend beyond these well-known effects, showing promise in improving physical and mental wellbeing, and promoting health-related quality of life. Methods: A systematic search of the scientific literature in electronic databases (Pubmed/Medline) was performed to identify potentially eligible studies reporting on the relation between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and health-related quality of life, published up to December 2024. Results: A total of 28 studies were included in this systematic review, comprising 13 studies conducted among the general population and 15 studies involving various types of patients. Overall, most studies showed a significant association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and HRQoL, with the most significant results retrieved for physical domains of quality of life, suggesting that diet seems to play a relevant role in both the general population and people affected by chronic conditions with an inflammatory basis. Conclusions: Adherence to the Mediterranean diet provides significant benefits in preventing and managing various chronic diseases commonly associated with aging populations. Furthermore, it enhances the overall health and quality of life of aging individuals, ultimately supporting more effective and less invasive treatment approaches for chronic diseases.
Fasting–feeding timing is a crucial pattern implicated in the regulation of daily circadian rhythms. The interplay between sleep and meal timing underscores the importance of maintaining circadian alignment in order to avoid creating a metabolic environment conducive to carcinogenesis following the molecular and systemic disruption of metabolic performance and immune function. The chronicity of such a condition may support the initiation and progression of cancer through a variety of mechanisms, including increased oxidative stress, immune suppression, and the activation of proliferative signaling pathways. This review aims to summarize current evidence from human studies and provide an overview of the potential mechanisms underscoring the role of chrononutrition (including time-restricted eating) on cancer risk. Current evidence shows that the morning chronotype, suggesting an alignment between physiological circadian rhythms and eating timing, is associated with a lower risk of cancer. Also, early time-restricted eating and prolonged nighttime fasting were also associated with a lower risk of cancer. The current evidence suggests that the chronotype influences cancer risk through cell cycle regulation, the modulation of metabolic pathways and inflammation, and gut microbiota fluctuations. In conclusion, although there are no clear guidelines on this matter, emerging evidence supports the hypothesis that the role of time-related eating (i.e., time/calorie-restricted feeding and intermittent/periodic fasting) could potentially lead to a reduced risk of cancer.
Background: Nut consumption has been considered a potential protective factor against cognitive decline. The aim of this study was to test whether higher total and specific nut intake was associated with better cognitive status in a sample of older Italian adults. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis on 883 older adults (>50 y) was conducted. A 110-item food frequency questionnaire was used to collect information on the consumption of various types of nuts. The Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire was used to assess cognitive status. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between nut intake and cognitive status after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Results: The median intake of total nuts was 11.7 g/day and served as a cut-off to categorize low and high consumers (mean intake 4.3 g/day vs. 39.7 g/day, respectively). Higher total nut intake was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of impaired cognitive status among older individuals (OR = 0.35, CI 95%: 0.15, 0.84) after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Notably, this association remained significant after additional adjustment for adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern as an indicator of diet quality, (OR = 0.32, CI 95%: 0.13, 0.77). No significant associations were found between cognitive status and specific types of nuts. Conclusions: Habitual nut intake is associated with better cognitive status in older adults.
Background
Co-infection of dengue and COVID-19 has increased the health burden worldwide. We found a significant knowledge gap in epidemiology and risk factors of co-infection in Bangladesh.
Methods
This study included 2458 participants from Dhaka city from December 1, 2021, to November 30, 2023. We performed Kruskal-Walli’s test and χ2 test. Multivariable logistic regression was also performed.
Results
Co-infection of dengue and COVID-19 was found among 31% of the participants. Co-prevalence of dengue and COVID-19 was found in higher frequency in Jatrabari (14%), and Motijhil (11%). Severe (65%, p-value 0.001) and very severe (78%, p-value 0.005) symptoms were prevalent among the participants aged >50 years. Long-term illness was prevalent among the participants with co-infection (35%, 95% CI 33%- 36%) and COVID-19 (28%, 95% CI 26%- 30%). Co-infected participants had a higher frequency of heart damage (31.6%, p-value 0.005), brain fog (22%, p-value 0.03), and kidney damage (49.3%, p-value 0.001). Fever (100%) was the most prevalent symptom followed by weakness (89.6%), chills (82.4%), fatigue (81.4%), headache (80.6%), feeling thirsty (76.3%), myalgia (75%), pressure in the chest (69.1%), and shortness of breath (68.3%), respectively. Area of residence (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.96-2.49, p-value 0.01), number of family members (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.08-1.87, p-value <0.001), and population density (OR 2.43, 95% CI 2.15-3.01, p-value 0.001) were associated with higher odds of co-infection. We found that coinfected participants had a 4 times higher risk of developing severe health conditions (OR 4.22, 95% CI 4.11-4.67, p-value 0.02).
Conclusions
This is one of the early epidemiologic studies of co-infection of dengue and COVID-19 in Bangladesh.
The global economies depend heavily on commodity prices, which have an effect on businesses, investors, and consumers worldwide. It is important to be able to estimate commodity prices accurately because it facilitates risk management, distribution of resources, and intelligent decision-making. For the current status of research in this area, this study gives a systematic review of the available commodity price prediction models specifically for house prices in real estate. We determine and compare different commodity price prediction models and techniques used in academic and commercial settings. The paper is divided into three primary categories: house price prediction, stock price prediction, and natural gas price prediction. Within each category, various methodologies are utilized, including ensemble methods, neural networks, support vector machines, time series analysis, and regression analysis. This review offers a thorough analysis of both the strengths and limitations of current models, as well as the major variables affecting their performance. Additionally, potential challenges associated with models are discussed, and insights are provided for addressing different prediction issues. The review serves as an invaluable guide for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to gain deeper knowledge of the latest advancements in commodity price prediction. The findings indicate that machine learning holds significant potential for optimizing house price predictions.
This study emphasizes a multi-pronged approach to improving the energy efficiency of Multi-Effect Evaporator (MEE) in the paper industry. By incorporating traditional Energy-Saving Schemes (ESSs) and innovative renewable energy sources, the study demonstrates significant potential for reducing energy consumption and environmental impact, making it a decisive pathway for industrial sustainability. Key ESS strategies include Thermo-Vapor Compressors, Feed Preheaters, and Steam- and Feed-Split, which are employed to enhance Steam Economy (SE) to evaluate MEE efficiency. This integration results in a 67.93% enhancement in SE, reducing energy consumption significantly. Further, SE enhancement is achieved by integrating flash tanks that capture and reuse excess heat, which boosts SE by an additional 5.89%, leading to a total improvement of 73% without additional energy consumption. A significant innovation in the study is the integration of Linear Fresnel Reflectors (LFRs) based solar collectors and turbine-based wind energy sources to power the MEE and reduce reliance on conventional energy. This hybrid system decreases energy dependence by 62% for the base MEE and 34% for the hybrid MEE. The results are validated by comparing them with existing studies, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed method and offering significant energy and environment savings.
Hand-drawn mathematical geometric shapes are geometric figures, such as circles, triangles, squares, and polygons, sketched manually using pen and paper or digital tools. These shapes are fundamental in mathematics education and geometric problem-solving, serving as intuitive visual aids for understanding complex concepts and theories. Recognizing hand-drawn shapes accurately enables more efficient digitization of handwritten notes, enhances educational tools, and improves user interaction with mathematical software. This research proposes an innovative machine learning algorithm for the automatic classification of mathematical geometric shapes to identify and interpret these shapes from handwritten input, facilitating seamless integration with digital systems. We utilized a benchmark dataset of mathematical shapes based on a total of 20,000 images with eight classes circle, kite, parallelogram, square, rectangle, rhombus, trapezoid, and triangle. We introduced a novel machine-learning algorithm CnN-RFc that uses convolution neural networks (CNN) for spatial feature extraction and the random forest classifier for probabilistic feature extraction from image data. Experimental results illustrate that using the CnN-RFc method, the Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LGBM) algorithm surpasses state-of-the-art approaches with high accuracy scores of 98% for hand-drawn shape classification. Applications of the proposed mathematical geometric shape classification algorithm span various domains, including education, where it enhances interactive learning platforms and provides instant feedback to students.
A bone fracture is a medical condition characterized by a partial or complete break in the continuity of the bone. Fractures are primarily caused by injuries and accidents, affecting millions of people worldwide. The healing process for a fracture can take anywhere from one month to one year, leading to significant economic and psychological challenges for patients. The detection of bone fractures is crucial, and radiographic images are often relied on for accurate assessment. An efficient neural network method is essential for the early detection and timely treatment of fractures. In this study, we propose a novel transfer learning-based approach called MobLG-Net for feature engineering purposes. Initially, the spatial features are extracted from bone X-ray images using a transfer model, MobileNet, and then input into a tree-based light gradient boosting machine (LGBM) model for the generation of class probability features. Several machine learning (ML) techniques are applied to the subsets of newly generated transfer features to compare the results. K-nearest neighbor (KNN), LGBM, logistic regression (LR), and random forest (RF) are implemented using the novel features with optimized hyperparameters. The LGBM and LR models trained on proposed MobLG-Net (MobileNet-LGBM) based features outperformed others, achieving an accuracy of 99% in predicting bone fractures. A cross-validation mechanism is used to evaluate the performance of each model. The proposed study can improve the detection of bone fractures using X-ray images.
Maize is a staple crop worldwide, essential for food security, livestock feed, and industrial uses. Its health directly impacts agricultural productivity and economic stability. Effective detection of maize crop health is crucial for preventing disease spread and ensuring high yields. This study presents VG‐GNBNet, an innovative transfer learning model that accurately detects healthy and infected maize crops through a two‐step feature extraction process. The proposed model begins by leveraging the visual geometry group (VGG‐16) network to extract initial pixel‐based spatial features from the crop images. These features are then further refined using the Gaussian Naive Bayes (GNB) model and feature decomposition‐based matrix factorization mechanism, which generates more informative features for classification purposes. This study incorporates machine learning models to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. By comparing VG‐GNBNet's performance against these models, we validate its robustness and accuracy. Integrating deep learning and machine learning techniques allows VG‐GNBNet to capitalize on the strengths of both approaches, leading to superior performance. Extensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed VG‐GNBNet+GNB model significantly outperforms other models, achieving an impressive accuracy score of 99.85%. This high accuracy highlights the model's potential for practical application in the agricultural sector, where the precise detection of crop health is crucial for effective disease management and yield optimization.
In recent years, in response to an increased demand for renewable energy sources, there has been a rise in the rate of energy recovery from municipal solid trash. This study analyses the feasibility of employing a variety of energy recovery methods to produce clean power from municipal solid waste (MSW). The conversion of MSW into a variety of useable sources of energy, such as fuel, heat and electricity, is required for the process of energy recovery. Other strategies for the recuperation of lost energy include gasification, incineration, anaerobic digestion, and the recovery of landfill gas. This article provides a high-level assessment of the advantages and disadvantages associated with each technology that is currently being utilised in India. According to the findings of the study, recovering energy from municipal solid waste is a sustainable and cost-effective option that can fulfil the growing demand for power while simultaneously lowering emissions of greenhouse gases and the amount of rubbish that ends up in landfills.
Faced with anomalies in medical images, Deep learning is facing major challenges in detecting, diagnosing, and classifying the various pathologies that can be treated via medical imaging. The main challenges encountered are mainly due to the imbalance and variability of the data, as well as its complexity. The detection and classification of skin diseases is one such challenge that researchers are trying to overcome, as these anomalies present great variability in terms of appearance, texture, color, and localization, which sometimes makes them difficult to identify accurately and quickly, particularly by doctors, or by the various Deep Learning techniques on offer. In this study, an innovative and robust hybrid architecture is unveiled, underscoring the symbiotic potential of wavelet decomposition in conjunction with EfficientNet models. This approach integrates wavelet transformations with an EfficientNet backbone and incorporates advanced data augmentation, loss function, and optimization strategies. The model tested on the publicly accessible HAM10000 and ISIC2017 datasets has achieved an accuracy rate of 94.7%, and 92.2% respectively.
Obstacle Detection plays a vital role in improving the mobility and independence of visually impaired individuals. This study introduces a smart knee glove equipped with machine learning technologies for real-time obstacle detection and alerts. The proposed system integrates ultrasonic sensors, PIR sensors and a buzzer with data processed by an Arduino Uno microcontroller. The proposed system integrates ultrasonic sensors, PIR sensors and a buzzer, with data processed by an Arduino Uno microcontroller. Advanced machine learning techniques, including Decision Tree (DT), Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbours (KNN), Random Forest (RF) and Gaussian Naïve Bayes (GNB), are employed to improve detection accuracy. A novel Voting Classifier ensemble approach combines the strengths of these classifiers, significantly enhancing performance. Cross-fold validation ensures rigorous evaluation under diverse conditions. Experimental results demonstrates that the system achieves 98.34% detection accuracy within 4-meter range, with high precision, recall and F1 scores. These results underscore the system’s reliability and potential to provide visually impaired users with safer and more independent navigation, advancing the field of obstacle detection systems.
Background/Objectives. Traditional dietary patterns are being abandoned in Mediterranean countries, especially among younger generations. This study aimed to investigate the potential lifestyle determinants that can increase adherence to the Mediterranean diet in children and adolescents. Methods. This study is a cross-sectional analysis of data from five Mediterranean countries (Italy, Spain, Portugal, Egypt, and Lebanon) within the context of the EU-funded project DELICIOUS (UnDErstanding consumer food choices & promotion of healthy and sustainable Mediterranean Diet and LIfestyle in Children and adolescents through behavIOUral change actionS). This study comprised information on 2011 children and adolescents aged 6–17 years old collected during 2023. The main background characteristics of both children and parents, including age, sex, education, and family situation, were collected. Children’s eating (i.e., breakfast, place of eating, etc.) and lifestyle habits (i.e., physical activity level, sleep, and screen time) were also investigated. The level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed using the KIDMED index. Logistic regression analyses were performed to test for likelihood of higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Results. Major determinants of higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet were younger age, higher physical activity level, adequate sleep duration, and, among dietary habits, having breakfast and eating with family members and at school. Parents’ younger age and higher education were also determinants of higher adherence. Multivariate adjusted analyses showed that an overall healthier lifestyle and parents’ education were the factors independently associated with higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Conclusions. Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet in children and adolescents living in the Mediterranean area is part of an overall healthy lifestyle possibly depending on parents’ cultural background.
Background: The Mediterranean diet is considered a healthy dietary pattern associated with substantial health benefits. While its application at global level is rather difficult due to the intricate features eradicated into the cultural heritage of populations living in countries facing the Mediterranean basin, its preservation in such areas is considered crucial to maintain a good health status of current and future generations. Objective: To assess the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet in children and adolescents living in 5 Mediterranean countries participating in the DELICIOUS project. Methods: An online survey was conducted involving 2011 parents of children and adolescents from Spain, Italy, Lebanon, Egypt, and Portugal. The KIDMED score applied to 24-h recalls of their children's diets was used to assess the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet and cross-references with background and lifestyle variables. Results: Children and adolescents living in Lebanon and Portugal are more adherent than their counterparts in other countries. Some specific aspects related to the Mediterranean diet were rather common, such as olive oil consumption, daily fruit and vegetable intake, as well as lifestyle habits including having breakfast and limited sweets. Others, including having a second portion of fruit and vegetable, adequate consumption of fish, nuts, and cereals (for breakfast), as well as frequent consumption of fast foods underscored substantial abandonment of certain other Mediterranean diet features. Older adolescents with inadequate sleep duration, longer screen time, and low physical activity levels, as well as children of older parents with lower educational level, lower family income, and living in rural areas had significantly lower KIDMED scores. Conclusions: This study provides important information on the current status of adherence to the Mediterranean among children and adolescents in the Mediterranean region and may help setting specific targets for nutrition interventions aiming at its promotion.
Plant stress reduction research has advanced significantly with the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, such as machine learning and deep learning. This is a significant step toward sustainable agriculture. Innovative insights into the physiological responses of plants mostly crops to drought stress have been revealed through the use of complex algorithms like gradient boosting, support vector machines (SVM), recurrent neural network (RNN), and long short-term memory (LSTM), combined with a thorough examination of the TYRKC and RBR-E3 domains in stress-associated signaling proteins across a range of crop species. Modern resources were used in this study, including the UniProt protein database for crop physiochemical properties associated with specific signaling domains and the SMART database for signaling protein domains. These insights were then applied to deep learning and machine learning techniques after careful data processing. The rigorous metric evaluations and ablation analysis that typified the study’s approach highlighted the algorithms’ effectiveness and dependability in recognizing and classifying stress events. Notably, the accuracy of SVM was 82%, while gradient boosting and RNN showed 96%, and 94%, respectively and LSTM obtained an astounding 97% accuracy. The study observed these successes but also highlights the ongoing obstacles to AI adoption in agriculture, emphasizing the need for creative thinking and interdisciplinary cooperation. In addition to its scholarly value, the collected data has significant implications for improving resource efficiency, directing precision agricultural methods, and supporting global food security programs. Notably, the gradient boosting and LSTM algorithm outperformed the others with an exceptional accuracy of 96% and 97%, demonstrating their potential for accurate stress categorization. This work highlights the revolutionary potential of AI to completely disrupt the agricultural industry while simultaneously advancing our understanding of plant stress responses.
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