scholarly journals CZT Detectors-Based SPECT Imaging: How Detector and Collimator Arrangement Can Determine the Overall Performance of the Tomograph

Electronics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (18) ◽  
pp. 2230
Author(s):  
Maria Filomena Santarelli ◽  
Anna Mori ◽  
Michelangelo Bertasi ◽  
Vincenzo Positano ◽  
Alessia Gimelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Purpose ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Cardiac Spect ◽  
Clinical Images ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Custom Made ◽  
Two Systems ◽  
Organ Specific ◽  
Noise Ratio ◽  
Main Components

A technical comparison is described between two SPECT systems, one dedicated to cardiovascular studies and one general-purpose, to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of their use in an organ-specific clinical setting. The comparison was made between a dedicated cardiac SPECT (Alcyone, Discovery NM 530c, GE Healthcare) scanner and a general-purpose one (Discovery NM/CT 670 CZT, GE Healthcare). The two scanners differ in terms of hardware, mainly in the arrangement of the detectors and collimators, which are the main components of SPECT. A standard NEMA phantom was used to characterize the energy resolution, spatial resolution, and sensitivity for the two systems. Then, using a custom-made cardiac phantom, more specific indices were computed to evaluate the quality of cardiac images, such as signal-to-background noise ratio (SBNR), tissue-background contrast-to-noise ratio (TBCNR), and uniformity. Finally, the same indices were computed for clinical images acquired with the two systems from 11 subjects. Alcyone showed superior performance for dedicated cardiac imaging; however, its excellent qualities are aimed only at the study of the heart and only at patients with a low body-mass index, unlike Discovery NM/CT 670 CZT, which can be used for every anatomic district area and for every type of patient.

scholarly journals A Comparison of Local Path Planning Techniques of Autonomous Surface Vehicles for Monitoring Applications: The Ypacarai Lake Case-study

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 1488
Author(s):  
Federico Peralta ◽  
Mario Arzamendia ◽  
Derlis Gregor ◽  
Daniel G. Reina ◽  
Sergio Toral
Keyword(s):  
Path Planning ◽  
Random Trees ◽  
Fast Marching Method ◽  
Fast Marching ◽  
Planning Techniques ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Autonomous Surface Vehicle ◽  
Local Path Planning ◽  
Custom Made ◽  
Local Path

Local path planning is important in the development of autonomous vehicles since it allows a vehicle to adapt their movements to dynamic environments, for instance, when obstacles are detected. This work presents an evaluation of the performance of different local path planning techniques for an Autonomous Surface Vehicle, using a custom-made simulator based on the open-source Robotarium framework. The conducted simulations allow to verify, compare and visualize the solutions of the different techniques. The selected techniques for evaluation include A*, Potential Fields (PF), Rapidly-Exploring Random Trees* (RRT*) and variations of the Fast Marching Method (FMM), along with a proposed new method called Updating the Fast Marching Square method (uFMS). The evaluation proposed in this work includes ways to summarize time and safety measures for local path planning techniques. The results in a Lake environment present the advantages and disadvantages of using each technique. The proposed uFMS and A* have been shown to achieve interesting performance in terms of processing time, distance travelled and security levels. Furthermore, the proposed uFMS algorithm is capable of generating smoother routes.

scholarly journals A novel causality-centrality-based method for the analysis of the impacts of air pollutants on PM2.5 concentrations in China

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bocheng Wang
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollutants ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Causal Direction ◽  
Northern Cities ◽  
Main Components ◽  
Surrounding Areas ◽  
Centrality Analysis

AbstractIn this paper, we analyzed the spatial and temporal causality and graph-based centrality relationship between air pollutants and PM2.5 concentrations in China from 2013 to 2017. NO2, SO2, CO and O3 were considered the main components of pollution that affected the health of people; thus, various joint regression models were built to reveal the causal direction from these individual pollutants to PM2.5 concentrations. In this causal centrality analysis, Beijing was the most important area in the Jing-Jin-Ji region because of its developed economy and large population. Pollutants in Beijing and peripheral cities were studied. The results showed that NO2 pollutants play a vital role in the PM2.5 concentrations in Beijing and its surrounding areas. An obvious causality direction and betweenness centrality were observed in the northern cities compared with others, demonstrating the fact that the more developed cities were most seriously polluted. Superior performance with causal centrality characteristics in the recognition of PM2.5 concentrations has been achieved.

Epileptic Seizure Prediction Using Deep Transformer Model

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhijeet Bhattacharya ◽  
Tanmay Baweja ◽  
S. P. K. Karri
Keyword(s):  
Signal Processing ◽  
Deep Learning ◽  
False Positive Rate ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Seizure Prediction ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Positive Rate ◽  
Benchmark Datasets ◽  
Automated Screening ◽  
Transformer Model

The electroencephalogram (EEG) is the most promising and efficient technique to study epilepsy and record all the electrical activity going in our brain. Automated screening of epilepsy through data-driven algorithms reduces the manual workload of doctors to diagnose epilepsy. New algorithms are biased either towards signal processing or deep learning, which holds subjective advantages and disadvantages. The proposed pipeline is an end-to-end automated seizure prediction framework with a Fourier transform feature extraction and deep learning-based transformer model, a blend of signal processing and deep learning — this imbibes the potential features to automatically identify the attentive regions in EEG signals for effective screening. The proposed pipeline has demonstrated superior performance on the benchmark dataset with average sensitivity and false-positive rate per hour (FPR/h) as 98.46%, 94.83% and 0.12439, 0, respectively. The proposed work shows great results on the benchmark datasets and a big potential for clinics as a support system with medical experts monitoring the patients.

scholarly journals An Approach to the Construction of a Network Processing Unit

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-62
Author(s):  
Stanislav O. Bezzubtsev ◽  
Vyacheslav V. Vasin ◽  
Dmitry Yu. Volkanov ◽  
Shynar R. Zhailauova ◽  
Vladislav A. Miroshnik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Simulation Model ◽  
General Purpose ◽  
Network Processor ◽  
Processing Unit ◽  
Use Case ◽  
General Purpose Processor ◽  
Software Products ◽  
Processor Architectures ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Processor Unit

The paper proposes the architecture and basic requirements for a network processor for OpenFlow switches of software-defined networks. An analysis of the architectures of well-known network processors is presented − NP-5 from EZchip (now Mellanox) and Tofino from Barefoot Networks. The advantages and disadvantages of two different versions of network processor architectures are considered: pipeline-based architecture, the stages of which are represented by a set of general-purpose processor cores, and pipeline-based architecture whose stages correspond to cores specialized for specific packet processing operations. Based on a dedicated set of the most common use case scenarios, a new architecture of the network processor unit (NPU) with functionally specialized pipeline stages was proposed. The article presents a description of the simulation model of the NPU of the proposed architecture. The simulation model of the network processor is implemented in C ++ languages using SystemC, the open-source C++ library. For the functional testing of the obtained NPU model, the described use case scenarios were implemented in C. In order to evaluate the performance of the proposed NPU architecture a set of software products developed by KM211 company and the KMX32 family of microcontrollers were used. Evaluation of NPU performance was made on the basis of a simulation model. Estimates of the processing time of one packet and the average throughput of the NPU model for each scenario are obtained.

scholarly journals THE MAIN VECTORS OF ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENT IN A DIGITAL ECONOMY

2021 ◽  
pp. 140-151
Author(s):  
Petro Putsenteilo ◽  
Andrii Dovbush
Keyword(s):  
Information Technologies ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
General Purpose ◽  
Digital Economy ◽  
Inventory Systems ◽  
Accounting System ◽  
Dialectical Approach ◽  
General Purpose Technologies ◽  
Block Chain ◽  
Main Components

Purpose. The aim of the article is the analysis of scientific approaches to the interpretation of the peculiarities of the development of digital technologies of modern accounting in the digital economy. Methodology of research. The study was conducted using a dialectical approach to the study of the current state of the digital economy. In the course of the research general and special methods were used, in particular: the analytical method was used in the review of normative sources; the method of classification made it possible to differentiate the main components of the digital economy and accounting, and the method of description ‒ to give them a detailed description; monographic method is used in the study of literature sources on digital economics and accounting, system and analytical ‒ in the processing of information. Findings. It is determined that the digital economy is a communication environment of economic activity on the Internet, the result of transformational effects of new general-purpose technologies in the field of information and communication. It is substantiated that significant technological and informatization shifts, as well as growth of potential of digital economic information space stimulate modernization of accounting science, promote development of methodology and organization of accounting process, actualize the problem of positioning of accounting activity. The basic principles of functioning of the digital accounting platform are revealed, which allow to create the newest electronic systems with a significant number of users. Originality. It has been established that the block-chain is a promising accounting technology that eliminates traditional methods of accounting, documentation, processing, registration, inventory systems, while allowing companies to register both parties to the transaction in a joint book in real time, rather than keeping agreed records of financial transactions separately, private database. Practical value. The obtained results of the study will help increase the efficiency of the formation and development of accounting in a digital economy and will be the basis for further research in this area. Key words: digital economy, information technologies, accounting, digital accounting, block-chain, digital platform, digital technologies.

scholarly journals Effects of yellow natural dyes on handmade Daqian paper

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanbing Luo ◽  
Xiujuan Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Tensile Strength ◽  
Decomposition Temperature ◽  
Traditional Medicines ◽  
Conservation Treatment ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Folding Endurance ◽  
Main Components ◽  
Property Changes ◽  
Religious Reasons ◽  
Physical And Chemical

AbstractNatural yellow plant dyes and traditional medicines were used widely on historical papers in ancient China for religious reasons and conservation considerations. This study aims to evaluate some traditional yellow botanical sources of dyes that contain different chemical colorant compositions in order to understand their effects on the properties of traditional handmade paper. The physical and chemical changes in paper specimens treated with plant dyes were studied by examining properties such as the color, pH, thermogravimetric (TG) characteristics, tensile strength, folding endurance and microstructure by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that different colorants had different toning effects and that the main components, including carboxyl and ketone groups, could affect the paper stability at high temperatures. The results also revealed that the mechanical properties of paper specimens were improved after treatment with plant dyes. The significant improvements in the tensile strength and folding endurance and the slightly higher decomposition temperature of Amur cork tree-dyed paper could be ascribed to the strong interaction between the colorants’ main components and the fibers. The scientific evaluation of the property changes is therefore valuable information for weighing the advantages and disadvantages of the various yellow toning materials for paper conservation treatment.

scholarly journals Methods of teaching school informatics in English based on blended learning technology

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 3376-3386
Author(s):  
Maira Bedebayeva ◽  
Roza Kadirbayeva ◽  
Laura Suleimenova ◽  
 Gulzhan O Zhetpisbayeva ◽  
Gulira Nurmukhanbetova
Keyword(s):  
Blended Learning ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Teachers ◽  
General Purpose ◽  
Learning Technology ◽  
Learning Method ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Technological Tools

Blended cooperative learning applications, which offer education with the opportunities offered by information technologies, have the potential to increase the interaction between learners and support learners to learn information more permanently and to develop positive attitudes towards the lesson. Along with the developing technology, technological tools have been included in education. The effect of the blended learning method, which is a technological innovation, is very important in language teaching. The aim of this study; To determine the opinions of English teachers about blended teaching. Within the scope of this general purpose, the positive aspects and negative aspects of the technological tools, the advantages and disadvantages of the blended learning methods, the effect of this method on the students are determined by the English teachers working in the secondary school. A qualitative research method was used to reach the results of this research. The opinions of 15 English teachers who use the blended learning method and technological tools in their classes were taken. In the selection of the sample, the teachers' use of technology was taken as a basis. The opinions of 15 English teachers who used technological equipment in their classes and participated in the research voluntarily were consulted. The findings were thematised and explained with the content analysis method. It has been concluded that the teachers participating in the research have positive contributions to the learning of technological tools. It is among the results of the study that blended learning has important advantages such as providing instant feedback and continuous feedback to students, taking into account individual differences, increasing the interaction and communication outside the classroom, and increasing the interest in the lesson. Keywords: English, language, blended learning, technology, educational environment, information technology

Robotic grasping with obstacle avoidance using octrees

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 7-12
Author(s):  
Rud V.V. ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Control Systems ◽  
Current Problem ◽  
Robot Manipulator ◽  
General Purpose ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Specific Position ◽  
Recognition Of Objects ◽  
Manipulator Control ◽  
A Current

This paper considers the problems of the integration of independent manipulator control systems. Areas of control of the manipulator are: recognition of objects and obstacles, identification of objects to be grasped, determination of reliable positions by the grasping device, planning of movement of the manipulator to certain positions with avoidance of obstacles, and recognition of slipping or determination of reliable grasping. This issue is a current problem primarily in industry, general-purpose robots, and experimental robots. This paper considers current publications that address these issues. Existing algorithms and approaches have been found in the management of both parts of the robot manipulator and solutions that combine several areas, or the integration of several existing approaches. There is a brief review of current literature and publications on the above algorithms and approaches. The advantages and disadvantages of the considered methods and approaches are determined. There are solutions that cover either some areas or only one of them, which does not meet the requirements of the problem. Using existing approaches, integration points of existing implementations are identified to get the best results. In the process, a system was developed that analyzes the environment, finds obstacles, objects for interaction, poses for grasping, plans the movement of the manipulator to a specific position, and ensures reliable grasping of the object. The next step was to test the system, test the performance, and adjust the parameters for the best results. The resulting system was developed by the research team of RT-Lions, Technik University, Reutlingen. The hardware research robot includes an Intel Realsense camera, a Sawyer Arm manipulator from Rethink Robotics, and an internally grabbing device.

A Relational Based-View of Intellectual Capital in High-Tech Firms

2010 ◽  
pp. 179-191
Author(s):  
G. Martín De Castro ◽  
P. López Sáez ◽  
J.E. Navas López ◽  
M. Delgado-Verde
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Strategic Alliances ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Knowledge Stocks ◽  
Sustained Competitive Advantage ◽  
Strategic Resources ◽  
High Technology Firms ◽  
Range Theory ◽  
Main Components

The Resource-Based View (RBV) has tried to test the role of strategic resources on sustained competitive advantage and superior performance. Although this theory has found several flaws in order to reach its objective effectively (Priem & Butler, 2001), recent proposals have suggested that these problems can be overcome (Peteraf & Barney, 2003). This solution requires paying a greater attention to the analysis of knowledge stocks, developing a mid-range theory: the Intellectual Capital-Based View (Reed, Lubatkin & Srinivasan, 2006). This mid-range and pracmatic theory allows the hypotheses development and empirical testing in a more effective way that the RBV. There is a certain degree of general agreement about the presence of human capital and organizational capital as the main components of intellectual capital, as well as about the fact that the configuration of knowledge stocks will vary from one industry and firm to another one. Taking these assumptions as a starting point, this paper explores the configuration of intellectual capital that can be empirically found on a sample of high-technology firms. Our findings highlight the importance of relational capital, which must be divided into business and alliance capital, so the strategic alliances play a relevance role in the type of firms that have been included in our research.

scholarly journals Bracing in clubfoot: do we know enough?

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 258-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Alves
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Ponseti Method ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Achilles Tenotomy ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Serial Casting ◽  
Custom Made ◽  
The Individual

Purpose The Ponseti method is widely used in clubfoot treatment. Long-term follow-up shows high patient satisfaction and excellent functional outcomes. Clubfoot tendency to relapse is a problem yet to solve. Given the importance of bracing in relapse prevention, we ought to discuss current knowledge and controversies about bracing. Methods We describe types of braces used, with its advantages and disadvantages, suggesting bracing schedules and duration. We identify bracing problems and pinpoint strategies to promote adherence to bracing. Results When treating a clubfoot by the Ponseti method, the corrected foot should be held in an abducted and dorsiflexed position, in a foot abduction brace (FAB), with two shoes connected by a bar. The brace is applied after the clubfoot has been completely corrected by manipulation, serial casting and possibly Achilles tenotomy. Bracing is recommended until four to five years of age and needs to be fitted to the individual patient, based on age, associated relapse rate and timing when correction was finished. Parental non-adherence to FAB use can affect 34% to 61% of children and results in five- to 17-fold higher odds of relapse. In patients who have recurrent adherence problems, a unilateral lower leg custom-made orthosis can be considered as a salvage option. Healthcare providers must communicate with patients regarding brace wearing, set proper expectations and ensure accurate use. Conclusion Bracing is essential for preventing clubfoot relapse. Daily duration and length of bracing required to prevent recurrence is still unknown. Prospective randomized clinical trials may bring important data that will influence clinicians’ and families’ choices regarding bracing. Level of Evidence V

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document