Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) Model for the Classification of Varieties of Date Palm Fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

The popularity and demand for high-quality date palm fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.) have been growing, and their quality largely depends on the type of handling, storage, and processing methods. The current methods of geometric evaluation and classification of date palm fruits are characterised by high labour intensity and are usually performed mechanically, which may cause additional damage and reduce the quality and value of the product. Therefore, non-contact methods are being sought based on image analysis, with digital solutions controlling the evaluation and classification processes. The main objective of this paper is to develop an automatic classification model for varieties of date palm fruits using a convolutional neural network (CNN) based on two fundamental criteria, i.e., colour difference and evaluation of geometric parameters of dates. A CNN with a fixed architecture was built, marked as DateNET, consisting of a system of five alternating Conv2D, MaxPooling2D, and Dropout classes. The validation accuracy of the model presented in this study depended on the selection of classification criteria. It was 85.24% for fruit colour-based classification and 87.62% for the geometric parameters only; however, it increased considerably to 93.41% when both the colour and geometry of dates were considered.

The Possible Mechanisms of Silver Nanoparticles against Sars-Cov 2

Purpose: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has killed a large number of people, threatening public health around the world. Many drugs and materials that have an antiviral therapeutic effect are still being tested, including silver nanoparticles. Materials and Methods: It has been proven that Synthesis of silver Nanoparticles (Ag NPs) (Ag NPs) possess strong antifungal, antibacterial, anti-angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory potential. Green synthesized of Ag NPs are a promising source of new antiviral agents considering the multiplicity of its mechanism and the multiple target areas in the virus. The Ag NPs or Ag+ ions, which are released from the Ag NPs, interact directly with some biological molecules of the viruses that contain phosphorous or sulfur, such as some proteins, Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), and Ribonucleic Acid (RNA). Results: This reaction generates Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), causing damage to the membranes in the virus. Metal nano-therapies such as Ag NPs are granted research consideration for COVID-19 treatment. Conclusion: The biocompatibility achieved through green synthesis suggests its possible use not only in these specific coronavirus conditions but also in other types of virus infections without any risk of toxicity of these molecules.