Explanatory Power for Medical Expert Systems: Studies in the Representation of Causal Relationships for Clinical Consultations

1982 ◽  
Vol 21 (03) ◽  
pp. 127-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. W. Wallis ◽  
E. H. Shortliffe

This paper reports on experiments designed to identify and implement mechanisms for enhancing the explanation capabilities of reasoning programs for medical consultation. The goals of an explanation system are discussed, as is the additional knowledge needed to meet these goals in a medical domain. We have focussed on the generation of explanations that are appropriate for different types of system users. This task requires a knowledge of what is complex and what is important; it is further strengthened by a classification of the associations or causal mechanisms inherent in the inference rules. A causal representation can also be used to aid in refining a comprehensive knowledge base so that the reasoning and explanations are more adequate. We describe a prototype system which reasons from causal inference rules and generates explanations that are appropriate for the user.

Author(s):  
Hoang Phuong Nguyen ◽  

In this study, we present an approach to include the importance of symptoms for the diagnosis of syndromes with integrated eastern and western medicine. We also focus on knowledge representation and inference engine of our proposed system using the importance of symptoms. The innovative point of this study is combining the degree of diagnosis of syndrome of Eastern medicine with that of disease of Western medicine when both medicines are associated to a common “disease” name to obtain more accurate diagnosis. Moreover, the importance of symptoms in the inference rules in medical expert systems still has an important role in the diagnosis of syndromes. Based on this approach, the system can adapt more with real clinical practice of integrated eastern and western medicine diagnosis. Finally, examples are provided to demonstrate the advantage of this approach.


Author(s):  
Jacob S. Hanker ◽  
Dale N. Holdren ◽  
Kenneth L. Cohen ◽  
Beverly L. Giammara

Keratitis and conjunctivitis (infections of the cornea or conjunctiva) are ocular infections caused by various bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites; bacteria, however, are usually prominent. Systemic conditions such as alcoholism, diabetes, debilitating disease, AIDS and immunosuppressive therapy can lead to increased susceptibility but trauma and contact lens use are very important factors. Gram-negative bacteria are most frequently cultured in these situations and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is most usually isolated from culture-positive ulcers of patients using contact lenses. Smears for staining can be obtained with a special swab or spatula and Gram staining frequently guides choice of a therapeutic rinse prior to the report of the culture results upon which specific antibiotic therapy is based. In some cases staining of the direct smear may be diagnostic in situations where the culture will not grow. In these cases different types of stains occasionally assist in guiding therapy.


Electronics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 495
Author(s):  
Imayanmosha Wahlang ◽  
Arnab Kumar Maji ◽  
Goutam Saha ◽  
Prasun Chakrabarti ◽  
Michal Jasinski ◽  
...  

This article experiments with deep learning methodologies in echocardiogram (echo), a promising and vigorously researched technique in the preponderance field. This paper involves two different kinds of classification in the echo. Firstly, classification into normal (absence of abnormalities) or abnormal (presence of abnormalities) has been done, using 2D echo images, 3D Doppler images, and videographic images. Secondly, based on different types of regurgitation, namely, Mitral Regurgitation (MR), Aortic Regurgitation (AR), Tricuspid Regurgitation (TR), and a combination of the three types of regurgitation are classified using videographic echo images. Two deep-learning methodologies are used for these purposes, a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) based methodology (Long Short Term Memory (LSTM)) and an Autoencoder based methodology (Variational AutoEncoder (VAE)). The use of videographic images distinguished this work from the existing work using SVM (Support Vector Machine) and also application of deep-learning methodologies is the first of many in this particular field. It was found that deep-learning methodologies perform better than SVM methodology in normal or abnormal classification. Overall, VAE performs better in 2D and 3D Doppler images (static images) while LSTM performs better in the case of videographic images.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhongwen Li ◽  
Jiewei Jiang ◽  
Kuan Chen ◽  
Qianqian Chen ◽  
Qinxiang Zheng ◽  
...  

AbstractKeratitis is the main cause of corneal blindness worldwide. Most vision loss caused by keratitis can be avoidable via early detection and treatment. The diagnosis of keratitis often requires skilled ophthalmologists. However, the world is short of ophthalmologists, especially in resource-limited settings, making the early diagnosis of keratitis challenging. Here, we develop a deep learning system for the automated classification of keratitis, other cornea abnormalities, and normal cornea based on 6,567 slit-lamp images. Our system exhibits remarkable performance in cornea images captured by the different types of digital slit lamp cameras and a smartphone with the super macro mode (all AUCs>0.96). The comparable sensitivity and specificity in keratitis detection are observed between the system and experienced cornea specialists. Our system has the potential to be applied to both digital slit lamp cameras and smartphones to promote the early diagnosis and treatment of keratitis, preventing the corneal blindness caused by keratitis.


Author(s):  
R. PANCHAL ◽  
B. VERMA

Early detection of breast abnormalities remains the primary prevention against breast cancer despite the advances in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Presence of mass in breast tissues is highly indicative of breast cancer. The research work presented in this paper investigates the significance of different types of features using proposed neural network based classification technique to classify mass type of breast abnormalities in digital mammograms into malignant and benign. 14 gray level based features, four BI-RADS features, patient age feature and subtlety value feature have been explored using the proposed research methodology to attain maximum classification on test dataset. The proposed research technique attained a 91% testing classification rate with a 100% training classification rate on digital mammograms taken from the DDSM benchmark database.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Yizhe Wang ◽  
Cunqian Feng ◽  
Yongshun Zhang ◽  
Sisan He

Precession is a common micromotion form of space targets, introducing additional micro-Doppler (m-D) modulation into the radar echo. Effective classification of space targets is of great significance for further micromotion parameter extraction and identification. Feature extraction is a key step during the classification process, largely influencing the final classification performance. This paper presents two methods for classifying different types of space precession targets from the HRRPs. We first establish the precession model of space targets and analyze the scattering characteristics and then compute electromagnetic data of the cone target, cone-cylinder target, and cone-cylinder-flare target. Experimental results demonstrate that the support vector machine (SVM) using histograms of oriented gradient (HOG) features achieves a good result, whereas the deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) obtains a higher classification accuracy. DCNN combines the feature extractor and the classifier itself to automatically mine the high-level signatures of HRRPs through a training process. Besides, the efficiency of the two classification processes are compared using the same dataset.


Author(s):  
Dominika Kováříková ◽  
Michal Škrabal ◽  
Václav Cvrček ◽  
Lucie Lukešová ◽  
Jiří Milička

Abstract When compiling a list of headwords, every lexicographer comes across words with an unattested representative dictionary form in the data. This study focuses on how to distinguish between the cases when this form is missing due to a lack of data and when there are some systemic or linguistic reasons. We have formulated lexicographic recommendations for different types of such ‘lacunas’ based on our research carried out on Czech written corpora. As a prerequisite, we calculated a frequency threshold to find words that should have the representative form attested in the data. Based on a manual analysis of 2,700 nouns, adjectives and verbs that do not, we drew up a classification of lacunas. The reasons for a missing dictionary form are often associated with limited collocability and non-preference for the representative grammatical category. Findings on unattested word forms also have significant implications for language potentiality.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Volna ◽  
Martin Kotyrba ◽  
Hashim Habiballa

The paper deals with ECG prediction based on neural networks classification of different types of time courses of ECG signals. The main objective is to recognise normal cycles and arrhythmias and perform further diagnosis. We proposed two detection systems that have been created with usage of neural networks. The experimental part makes it possible to load ECG signals, preprocess them, and classify them into given classes. Outputs from the classifiers carry a predictive character. All experimental results from both of the proposed classifiers are mutually compared in the conclusion. We also experimented with the new method of time series transparent prediction based on fuzzy transform with linguistic IF-THEN rules. Preliminary results show interesting results based on the unique capability of this approach bringing natural language interpretation of particular prediction, that is, the properties of time series.


2012 ◽  
Vol 117 (4) ◽  
pp. 645-653 ◽  
Author(s):  
Song-tao Qi ◽  
Yi Liu ◽  
Jun Pan ◽  
Silky Chotai ◽  
Lu-xiong Fang

Object The completeness of meningioma resection depends on the resection of dura mater invaded by the tumor. The pathological changes of the dura around the tumor can be interpreted by evaluating the dural tail sign (DTS) on MRI studies. The goal of this study was to clarify the pathological characteristics of the DTSs, propose a classification based on the histopathological and radiological correlation, and identify the invasive range of tumor cells in different types of DTS. Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed 179 patients with convexity meningiomas who underwent Simpson Grade I resection. All patients underwent an enhanced MRI examination preoperatively. The convexity meningiomas were dichotomized into various subtypes in accordance with the 2007 WHO classification of tumors of the CNS, and the DTS was identified based on the Goldsher criteria. The range of resection of the involved dura was 3 cm from the base of the tumor, which corresponded with the length of DTS on MRI studies. Histopathological examination of dura at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 cm from the base of the tumor was conducted, and the findings were correlated with the preoperative MRI appearance of the DTS. Results A total of 154 (86%) of 179 convexity meningiomas were classified into WHO Grade I subtype, including transitional (44 [28.6%] of 154), meningothelial (36 [23.4%] of 154), fibrous (23 [14.9%] of 154), psammomatous (22 [14.3%] of 154), secretory (10 [6.5%] of 154), and angiomatous (19 [12.3%] of 154). The other 25 (14%) were non–Grade I (WHO) tumors, including atypical (12 [48%] of 25), anaplastic (5 [20%] of 25), and papillary (8 [32%] of 25). The DTS was classified into 5 types: smooth (16 [8.9%] of 179), nodular (36 [20.1%] of 179), mixed (57 [31.8%] of 179), symmetrical multipolar (15 [8.4%] of 179), and asymmetrical multipolar (55 [30.7%] of 179). There was a significant difference in distribution of DTS type between Grade I and non–Grade I tumors (p = 0.004), whereas the difference was not significant among Grade I tumors (0.841) or among non–Grade I tumors (p = 0.818). All smooth-type DTSs were encountered in Grade I tumors, and the mixed DTS (52 [33.8%] of 154) was the most common type in these tumors. Nodular-type DTS was more commonly seen in non–Grade I tumors (12 [48%] of 25). Tumor invasion was found in 88.3% (158 of 179) of convexity meningiomas, of which the range of invasion in 82.3% (130 of 158) was within 2 cm and that in 94.9% (150 of 158) was within 2.5 cm. The incidence of invasion and the range invaded by tumor cells varied in different types of DTS, and differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusions Nodular-type DTS on MRI studies might be associated with non–Grade I tumors. The range of dural resection for convexity meningiomas should be 2.5 cm from the tumor base, and if this extent of resection is not feasible, the type of DTS should be considered. However, for skull base meningiomas, in which mostly Simpson Grade II resection is achieved, the use of this classification should be further validated. The classification of DTS enables the surgeon to predict preoperatively and then to achieve the optimal range of dural resection that might significantly reduce the recurrence rate of meningiomas.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Tianhong Dai ◽  
Shijie Cong ◽  
Jianping Huang ◽  
Yanwen Zhang ◽  
Xinwang Huang ◽  
...  

In agricultural production, weed removal is an important part of crop cultivation, but inevitably, other plants compete with crops for nutrients. Only by identifying and removing weeds can the quality of the harvest be guaranteed. Therefore, the distinction between weeds and crops is particularly important. Recently, deep learning technology has also been applied to the field of botany, and achieved good results. Convolutional neural networks are widely used in deep learning because of their excellent classification effects. The purpose of this article is to find a new method of plant seedling classification. This method includes two stages: image segmentation and image classification. The first stage is to use the improved U-Net to segment the dataset, and the second stage is to use six classification networks to classify the seedlings of the segmented dataset. The dataset used for the experiment contained 12 different types of plants, namely, 3 crops and 9 weeds. The model was evaluated by the multi-class statistical analysis of accuracy, recall, precision, and F1-score. The results show that the two-stage classification method combining the improved U-Net segmentation network and the classification network was more conducive to the classification of plant seedlings, and the classification accuracy reaches 97.7%.


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