Algorithmic Method for the Design of Sequential Circuits with the Use of Logic Elements

This article presents issues related to the design of sequential control systems. The algorithmic design method of sequential control systems is discussed, which allows the design of a diagram of any sequential system. The algorithmic method uses the description in the form of a connection formula. The connection formula defines the order of actuations of driver elements, in this case actuators. The algorithmic method is used, among others, for systems with actuators cooperating with distributors controlled electrically on both sides. The process of creating a system graph has been characterized. The operation of the system has been shown graphically. On the basis of the created graph describing the functions of signal processing, a method for rapid programming of sequential electro-pneumatic systems with the use of logic elements has been provided. A separate dedicated timing unit has been used to perform memory functions. Its operation is based on successive states, in such a way that the next state deletes the previous one. Graph-based systems have been validated through simulation using Festo’s FluidSim computer-aided design software.

Investigation of the Mathematical and Software Implementation of Triangulation Mesh Generation Algorithms in Relation to the Creation of a Slicer Program

The article discusses an algorithmic method for increasing the strength characteristics of products produced by additive manufacturing technologies through thickening the internal grid structure of filling the model when transferring to the control code during the operation of the slicer program. It shows the internal filling using the Voronoi grid and the "Exhaustion Algorithm" for the implementation of the internal filling of the threedimensional model in the process of the slicer program.

Minimal One-Third Incision and Four-Step (MOTIF) Excision Method for Lipoma

Excision is the gold standard for lipomas. Patients desire minimal scars, but minimal incisions can increase complications and produce hypertrophic scars. We propose an algorithmic method named the minimal one-third incision and four-step extraction method (MOTIF) for lipoma excision. This retrospective study analyzed lipomas surgically excised using the MOTIF method at our institution between January 2016 and December 2018. A total of 112 lipomas were included. The complication rates and Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) for three different size groups (<3 cm, 3 ~ 6 cm, >6 cm) were compared. Complete excision of all palpable lipomas was achieved with this approach. There were two seromas, two hematomas, and one postoperative nerve injury. There was no difference in complication rates and VSS between the three size groups. The MOTIF method is a cost-effective, reliable, and cosmetically pleasing method that can be applied to all lipomas regardless of size and location.

Identifying Myocardial Infarction Using Hierarchical Template Matching–Based Myocardial Strain: Algorithm Development and Usability Study

Background Myocardial infarction (MI; location and extent of infarction) can be determined by late enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, which requires the injection of a potentially harmful gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA). Alternatively, emerging research in the area of myocardial strain has shown potential to identify MI using strain values. Objective This study aims to identify the location of MI by developing an applied algorithmic method of circumferential strain (CS) values, which are derived through a novel hierarchical template matching (HTM) method. Methods HTM-based CS H-spread from end-diastole to end-systole was used to develop an applied method. Grid-tagging magnetic resonance imaging was used to calculate strain values in the left ventricular (LV) myocardium, followed by the 16-segment American Heart Association model. The data set was used with k-fold cross-validation to estimate the percentage reduction of H-spread among infarcted and noninfarcted LV segments. A total of 43 participants (38 MI and 5 healthy) who underwent CMR imaging were retrospectively selected. Infarcted segments detected by using this method were validated by comparison with late enhancement CMR, and the diagnostic performance of the applied algorithmic method was evaluated with a receiver operating characteristic curve test. Results The H-spread of the CS was reduced in infarcted segments compared with noninfarcted segments of the LV. The reductions were 30% in basal segments, 30% in midventricular segments, and 20% in apical LV segments. The diagnostic accuracy of detection, using the reported method, was represented by area under the curve values, which were 0.85, 0.82, and 0.87 for basal, midventricular, and apical slices, respectively, demonstrating good agreement with the late-gadolinium enhancement–based detections. Conclusions The proposed applied algorithmic method has the potential to accurately identify the location of infarcted LV segments without the administration of late-gadolinium enhancement. Such an approach adds the potential to safely identify MI, potentially reduce patient scanning time, and extend the utility of CMR in patients who are contraindicated for the use of GBCA.