scholarly journals Improvement in systematic error in background-oriented schlieren results by using dynamic backgrounds

2021 ◽  
Vol 62 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Frieder Reichenzer ◽  
Mike Schneider ◽  
Alois Herkommer
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Error ◽  
Displacement Field ◽  
Visual Displays ◽  
Reference Images ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Experimental Image ◽  
Background Oriented Schlieren ◽  
Schlieren Images

Abstract The use of electronic visual displays for background-oriented schlieren allows for the quick change of the reference images. In this study, we show that the quality of synthetic and background-oriented schlieren images can be improved by acquiring a set of images with different reference images and generating a median displacement field from it. To explore potential benefits, we studied different background changing strategies and their effect on the quality of the evaluation of the displacement field via artificial and experimental image distortions. Graphic abstract

Economic returns of family planning and fertility decline in India, 1991–2061

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-33
Author(s):  
Srinivas Goli ◽  
K. S. James ◽  
Devender Singh ◽  
Venkatesh Srinivasan ◽  
Rakesh Mishra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Planning ◽  
Return On Investment ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Economic Returns ◽  
Reproductive Health Care ◽  
The World ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Education And Employment ◽  
Global Evidence

Abstract Investment in family planning (FP) provides returns through a lifetime. Global evidence shows that FP is the second-best buy in terms of return on investment after liberalizing trade. In this study, we estimate the cumulative benefits of FP investments for India from 1991 to 2016 and project them up to 2061 with four scenarios of fertility levels. The findings suggest that India will have greater elasticity of FP investments to lifetime economic returns compared to the world average (cost–revenue ratio of 1:120). We have taken four scenarios for the goalpost, viz., 2.1, 1.8, 1.6, and 1.4. Although different scenarios of total fertility rate (TFR) levels at the goalpost (i.e., the year 2061) offer varied lifetime returns from FP, scenario TFR < 1.8 will be counterproductive and will reduce the potential benefits. With a comprehensive approach, if the country focuses more on improving the quality of FP services and on reducing the unmet need for FP to enhance reproductive health care and expand maximum opportunities for education and employment for both women and men, it can improve its potential to reap more benefits.

scholarly journals A randomised controlled clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of bandaging compared to the JuxtaCures™ device in the management of people with venous ulceration: Feasibility study

2021 ◽  
pp. 026835552098822
Author(s):  
Philip Stather ◽  
Carroll Petty ◽  
Helen Langthorne ◽  
Emma Rayner ◽  
Jufen Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Multicentre Trial ◽  
Compression Therapy ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Venous Ulceration ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Introduction The mainstay of treatment for venous ulceration remains compression therapy. Velcro Wrap devices are being increasingly used in these patients despite limited evidence. This feasibility study aimed to compare standard bandaging to the JuxtaCures™ Velcro wrap device. Methods A single centre, unblinded RCT compared participants with venous ulceration randomised to either the JuxtaCures™ device or short stretch bandaging. Participants were followed up for 26 weeks. Results 160 participants were screened with 40 randomised. 3 participants in bandaging and 1 in JuxtaCures™ didn’t complete the study. 60% in JuxtaCures™ healed v 55% in bandaging despite larger ulcers in the JuxtaCures™ arm (9.33 cm2 v 6.97 cm2). There was no significant difference in time to healing (12.17 v 13.64 weeks). JuxtaCures™ showed improved ulcer reduction for those that didn’t heal (14.91–5.00 cm2 v 14.20–8.62 cm2; P = 0.06). JuxtaCures™ had more consistent sub-bandage pressure dropping from 39–36 mmHg versus 41–25 mmHg in bandaging between application and removal (P < 0.001). Quality of life (EQ5D) was improved in JuxtaCures at 3 months (mean difference 0.14, p = 0.04), but not at 1 and 6 months, or in disease specific quality of life. Cost was lower in JuxtaCures™ £842.47 v £1064.68. Duration of appointment was significantly shorter in JuxtaCures™ (41 minutes v 53 minutes; P = 0.003). Conclusion This study has shown the feasibility and necessity of running a multicentre trial to evaluate the use of Velcro wrap devices for venous ulceration. It highlights the potential benefits of more consistent pressure, increased self-care, and potential with regards to ulcer healing, cost, nursing resource and quality of life.

scholarly journals Quality of wood in the stands of poplar clones

2008 ◽  
Vol 54 (No. 1) ◽  
pp. 9-16
Author(s):  
R. Petráš ◽  
J. Mecko ◽  
V. Nociar
Keyword(s):  
Root Mean Square Error ◽  
Systematic Error ◽  
Mean Square Error ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Mean Square ◽  
Poplar Clones ◽  
Mean Diameter ◽  
Empirical Material ◽  
Relative Root

The results obtained in research on the quality of raw timber by means of the structure of assortments for the stands of poplar clones Robusta and I-214 are presented in the paper. Models for an estimation of the structure of basic assortments of poplar stands were constructed separately for each clone in dependence on mean diameter, quality of stems, and damage to stems in the stand. The clone Robusta has higher proportions of higher-quality assortments than the clone I-214. The accuracy of models was determined on empirical material. It was confirmed by statistical tests that the models did not have a systematic error. The relative root mean-square error for main assortments of the clone I-214 is 15–27% and Robusta 13–24%.

scholarly journals Urea-Doped Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles as Sustainable Nitrogen Nanofertilizers for Viticulture: Implications on Yield and Quality of Pinot Gris Grapevines

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1026
Author(s):  
Federica Gaiotti ◽  
Marco Lucchetta ◽  
Giacomo Rodegher ◽  
Daniel Lorenzoni ◽  
Edoardo Longo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Phosphate ◽  
Nitrogen Source ◽  
Foliar Application ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Plant Nitrogen ◽  
Yield And Quality ◽  
Berry Quality ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles

In recent years, the application of nanotechnology for the development of new “smart fertilizers” is regarded as one of the most promising solutions for boosting a more sustainable and modern grapevine cultivation. Despite showing interesting potential benefits over conventional fertilization practices, the use of nanofertilizers in viticulture is still underexplored. In this work, we investigated the effectiveness of non-toxic calcium phosphate nanoparticles (Ca3(PO4)2∙nH2O) doped with urea (U-ACP) as a nitrogen source for grapevine fertilization. Plant tests were performed for two years (2019–2020) on potted adult Pinot gris cv. vines grown under semi-controlled conditions. Four fertilization treatments were compared: N1: commercial granular fertilization (45 kg N ha−1); N2: U-ACP applied in fertigation (36 kg N ha−1); N3: foliar application of U-ACP (36 kg N ha−1); C: control, receiving no N fertilization. Plant nitrogen status (SPAD), yield parameters as well as those of berry quality were analyzed. Results here presented clearly show the capability of vine plants to recognize and use the nitrogen supplied with U-ACP nanoparticles either when applied foliarly or to the soil. Moreover, all of the quali–quantitative parameters measured in vine plants fed with nanoparticles were perfectly comparable to those of plants grown in conventional condition, despite the restrained dosage of nitrogen applied with the nanoparticles. Therefore, these results provide both clear evidence of the efficacy of U-ACP nanoparticles as a nitrogen source and the basis for the development of alternative nitrogen fertilization strategies, optimizing the dosage/benefit ratio and being particularly interesting in a context of a more sustainable and modern viticulture.

scholarly journals Performance of deep learning technology for evaluation of positioning quality in periapical radiography of the maxillary canine

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mizuho Mori ◽  
Yoshiko Ariji ◽  
Motoki Fukuda ◽  
Tomoya Kitano ◽  
Takuma Funakoshi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Learning ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
Classification Performance ◽  
Learning Systems ◽  
Learning Technology ◽  
System 2 ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
System 1 ◽  
Periapical Radiography

Abstract Objectives The aim of the present study was to create and test an automatic system for assessing the technical quality of positioning in periapical radiography of the maxillary canines using deep learning classification and segmentation techniques. Methods We created and tested two deep learning systems using 500 periapical radiographs (250 each of good- and bad-quality images). We assigned 350, 70, and 80 images as the training, validation, and test datasets, respectively. The learning model of system 1 was created with only the classification process, whereas system 2 consisted of both the segmentation and classification models. In each model, 500 epochs of training were performed using AlexNet and U-net for classification and segmentation, respectively. The segmentation results were evaluated by the intersection over union method, with values of 0.6 or more considered as success. The classification results were compared between the two systems. Results The segmentation performance of system 2 was recall, precision, and F measure of 0.937, 0.961, and 0.949, respectively. System 2 showed better classification performance values than those obtained by system 1. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values differed significantly between system 1 (0.649) and system 2 (0.927). Conclusions The deep learning systems we created appeared to have potential benefits in evaluation of the technical positioning quality of periapical radiographs through the use of segmentation and classification functions.

scholarly journals Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine for Hypertension

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Wang ◽  
Xingjiang Xiong
Keyword(s):  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Clinical Evidence ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Hypertensive Patients ◽  
Primary Endpoints ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Public Health Challenge

Hypertension is an important worldwide public -health challenge with high mortality and disability. Due to the limitations and concerns with current available hypertension treatments, many hypertensive patients, especially in Asia, have turned to Chinese medicine (CM). Although hypertension is not a CM term, physicians who practice CM in China attempt to treat the disease using CM principles. A variety of approaches for treating hypertension have been taken in CM. For seeking the best evidence of CM in making decisions for hypertensive patients, a number of clinical studies have been conducted in China, which has paved the evidence-based way. After literature searching and analyzing, it appeared that CM was effective for hypertension in clinical use, such as Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, qigong, and Tai Chi. However, due to the poor quality of primary studies, clinical evidence is still weak. The potential benefits and safety of CM for hypertension still need to be confirmed in the future with well-designed RCTs of more persuasive primary endpoints and high-quality SRs. Evidence-based Chinese medicine for hypertension still has a long way to go.

scholarly journals Simulation of the Operation of a Single Pixel Camera with Compressive Sensing in the Long-Wave Infrared

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 53-60
Author(s):  
Anna Szajewska
Keyword(s):  
Case Analysis ◽  
Calibration Method ◽  
Reconstruction Error ◽  
Infrared Observation ◽  
Long Wave ◽  
Reference Images ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Long Wave Infrared ◽  
Single Pixel

Imaging with the use of a single pixel camera and based on compressed sensing (CS) is a new and promising technology. The use of CS allows reconstruction of images in various spectrum ranges depending on the spectrum sensibility of the used detector. During the study image reconstruction was performed in the LWIR range based on a thermogram from a simulated single pixel camera. For needs of reconstruction CS was used. A case analysis showed that the CS method may be used for construction of infrared-based observation single pixel cameras. This solution may also be applied in measuring cameras. Yet the execution of a measurement of radiation temperature requires calibration of results obtained by CS reconstruction. In the study a calibration method of the infrared observation camera was proposed and studies were carried out of the impact exerted by the number of measurements made on the quality of reconstruction. Reconstructed thermograms were compared with reference images of infrared radiation. It has been ascertained that the reduction of the reconstruction error is not directly in proportion to the number of collected samples being collected. Based on a review of individual cases it has been ascertained that apart from the number of collected samples, an important factor that affects the reconstruction fidelity is the structure of the image as such. It has been proven that estimation of the error for reconstructed thermograms may not be based solely on the quantity of executed measurements.

scholarly journals Could health information systems enhance the quality of Aboriginal health promotion? A retrospective audit of Aboriginal health programs in the Northern Territory of Australia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikki Ann Percival ◽  
Priscilla Boucher ◽  
Kathleen Conte ◽  
Kate Robertson ◽  
Julie Cook
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Aboriginal Health ◽  
Health Information Systems ◽  
Online System ◽  
Retrospective Audit ◽  
Potential Benefits

Abstract Background: In Australia, health services are seeking innovative ways to utilize data stored in health information systems to report on, and improve, health care quality and health system performance for Aboriginal Australians. However, there is little research about the use of health information systems in the context of Aboriginal health promotion. In 2008, the Northern Territory’s publicly funded healthcare system introduced the Quality Improvement Program Planning System (QIPPS) as the centralized online system for recording information about health promotion programs. The purpose of this study was to explore the potential for utilizing data stored in QIPPS to report on quality of Aboriginal health promotion, using chronic disease prevention programs as exemplars. We identify the potential benefits and limitations of health information systems for enhancing Aboriginal health promotion. Methods: A retrospective audit was undertaken on a sample of health promotion projects delivered between 2013 and 2016. A validated, paper-based audit tool was used to extract information stored in the QIPPS online system and report on Aboriginal health promotion quality. Simple frequency counts were calculated for dichotomous and categorical items. Text was extracted and thematically analyzed to describe community participation processes and strategies used in Aboriginal health promotion. Results: 39 Aboriginal health promotion projects were included in the analysis. 34/39 projects recorded information pertaining to the health promotion planning phases, such as statements of project goals, ‘needs assessment’ findings, and processes for consulting Aboriginal people in the community. Evaluation findings were reported in approximately one third of projects and mostly limited to a recording of numbers of participants. For almost half of the projects analyzed, community participation strategies were not recorded. Conclusion: This is the first Australian study to shed light on the feasibility of utilizing data stored in a purposefully designed health promotion information system. Data availability and quality were limiting factors for reporting on Aboriginal health promotion quality. Based on our learnings of QIPPS, strategies to improve the quality and accuracy of data entry together with the use of quality improvement approaches are needed to reap the potential benefits of future health promotion information systems.

Futility and appropriateness: challenging words, important concepts

2018 ◽  
Vol 94 (1110) ◽  
pp. 238-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Robin Taylor ◽  
Calvin J Lightbody
Keyword(s):  
Professional Training ◽  
Moral Distress ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Medical Model ◽  
Curative Intent ◽  
High Expectations ◽  
Resource Limitations ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Perfect Storm

The provision of healthcare is being challenged by a ‘perfect storm’ of forces including an increasing population with multiple comorbidities, high expectations and resource limitations, and in the background, the pre-eminence of the ‘curative medical model’. Non-beneficial (futile) treatments are wasteful and costly. They have a negative impact on quality of life especially in the last year of life. Among professionals, frequent encounters with futility cause moral distress and demoralisation. The factors that drive non-beneficial treatments include personal biases, patient-related pressures and institutional imperatives. Breaking loose from the perceived necessity to deliver non-beneficial treatment is a major challenge. Curative intent should give way to appropriateness such that curative and palliative interventions are valued equally. Goals of treatment should be shaped by illness trajectory, the risk of harms as well as potential benefits and patient preferences. This strategy should be reflected in professional training and the design of acute services.

METHODOLOGY FOR FORMING A DATABASE OF REFERENCE IMAGES OF BONE MARROW CELLS FOR THE AUTOMATED DIAGNOSIS OF ACUTE LEUKEMIA IN ONCOHEMATOLOGY

2021 ◽  
pp. 84-89
Author(s):  
Ольга Александровна Медведева ◽  
Святослав Николаевич Простаков ◽  
Николай Николаевич Тупицын ◽  
Александра Дмитриевна Палладина
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Acute Leukemia ◽  
Bone Marrow Cells ◽  
Digital Images ◽  
Automated Image Analysis ◽  
Medical Decision ◽  
Reference Images ◽  
Computer Microscopy ◽  
Marrow Cells

В статье представлено описание факторов, влияющих на качество формирования базы эталонных изображений клеток костного мозга для диагностики острых лейкозов с применением методов компьютерной микроскопии. Отмечена важность контроля качества подготовки препаратов и микроскопа для применения в автоматизированных системах анализа изображений. Рассмотрены особенности регистрации цифровых микроскопических изображений клеток костного мозга в системах компьютерной микроскопии. Исследовано влияние фокусировки оптической системы микроскопа и уровня освещения препарата на формирование цифровых изображений клеток костного мозга. Установлены требования к условиям регистрации цифровых изображений, используемых в автоматизированных системах микроскопического анализа препаратов костного мозга. Предложена концептуальная модель базы эталонных изображений костного мозга, являющаяся основой для разработки инструментов эффективного распознавания клеток костного мозга в системах компьютерной микроскопии. Следование указанным требованиям к регистрации изображений призвано обеспечить надлежащее качество эталонной базы, что имеет непосредственной влияние на повышение точности и достоверности медицинской диагностики с применением методов компьютерной микроскопии. Результаты работы могут быть использованы в системах поддержки принятия врачебных решений при диагностике острых лейкозов The article describes the factors affecting the quality of the formation of a database of reference images of bone marrow cells for the diagnosis of acute leukemia using computer microscopy methods. The importance of quality control of specimen and microscope preparation for use in automated image analysis systems is noted. The features of registration of digital microscopic images of bone marrow cells in computer microscopy systems are considered. The effect of focusing of the optical system of the microscope and the level of illumination of the specimen on the formation of digital images of bone marrow cells is investigated. The requirements for the conditions of registration of digital images used in automated systems of microscopic analysis of bone marrow preparations have been established. A conceptual model of the base of reference images of bone marrow is proposed. It is the basis for the development of tools for effective recognition of bone marrow cells in computer microscopy systems. Following the specified requirements for image registration is designed to ensure the proper quality of the reference base of images, which has a direct impact on improving the accuracy and reliability of medical diagnostics using computer microscopy. The results of the work can be used in medical decision support systems for the diagnosis of acute leukemia

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