High-Performance Image Acquisition and Processing for Stereoscopic Diagnostic Systems with the Application of Graphical Processing Units

In recent years, cinematography and other digital content creators have been eagerly turning to Three-Dimensional (3D) imaging technology. The creators of movies, games, and augmented reality applications are aware of this technology’s advantages, possibilities, and new means of expression. The development of electronic and IT technologies enables the achievement of a better and better quality of the recorded 3D image and many possibilities for its correction and modification in post-production. However, preparing a correct 3D image that does not cause perception problems for the viewer is still a complex and demanding task. Therefore, planning and then ensuring the correct parameters and quality of the recorded 3D video is essential. Despite better post-production techniques, fixing errors in a captured image can be difficult, time consuming, and sometimes impossible. The detection of errors typical for stereo vision related to the depth of the image (e.g., depth budget violation, stereoscopic window violation) during the recording allows for their correction already on the film set, e.g., by different scene layouts and/or different camera configurations. The paper presents a prototype of an independent, non-invasive diagnostic system that supports the film crew in the process of calibrating stereoscopic cameras, as well as analysing the 3D depth while working on a film set. The system acquires full HD video streams from professional cameras using Serial Digital Interface (SDI), synchronises them, and estimates and analyses the disparity map. Objective depth analysis using computer tools while recording scenes allows stereographers to immediately spot errors in the 3D image, primarily related to the violation of the viewing comfort zone. The paper also describes an efficient method of analysing a 3D video using Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). The main steps of the proposed solution are uncalibrated rectification and disparity map estimation. The algorithms selected and implemented for the needs of this system do not require knowledge of intrinsic and extrinsic camera parameters. Thus, they can be used in non-cooperative environments, such as a film set, where the camera configuration often changes. Both of them are implemented with the use of a GPU to improve the data processing efficiency. The paper presents the evaluation results of the algorithms’ accuracy, as well as the comparison of the performance of two implementations—with and without the GPU acceleration. The application of the described GPU-based method makes the system efficient and easy to use. The system can process a video stream with full HD resolution at a speed of several frames per second.

Assessment of Deep Convolutional Neural Network Models for Species Identification of Forensically-Important Fly Maggots Based on Images of Posterior Spiracles

Forensic entomology is the branch of forensic science that is related to using arthropod specimens found in legal issues. Fly maggots are one of crucial pieces of evidence that can be used for estimating post-mortem intervals worldwide. However, the species-level identification of fly maggots is difficult, time consuming, and requires specialized taxonomic training. In this work, a novel method for the identification of different forensically-important fly species is proposed using convolutional neural networks (CNNs). The data used for the experiment were obtained from a digital camera connected to a compound microscope. We compared the performance of four widely used models that vary in complexity of architecture to evaluate tradeoffs in accuracy and speed for species classification including ResNet-101, Densenet161, Vgg19_bn, and AlexNet. In the validation step, all of the studied models provided 100% accuracy for identifying maggots of 4 species including Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Chrysomya (Achoetandrus) rufifacies (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Lucilia cuprina (Diptera: Calliphoridae), and Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) based on images of posterior spiracles. However, AlexNet showed the fastest speed to process the identification model and presented a good balance between performance and speed. Therefore, the AlexNet model was selected for the testing step. The results of the confusion matrix of AlexNet showed that misclassification was found between C. megacephala and C. (Achoetandrus) rufifacies as well as between C. megacephala and L. cuprina. No misclassification was found for M. domestica. In addition, we created a web-application platform called thefly.ai to help users identify species of fly maggots in their own images using our classification model. The results from this study can be applied to identify further species by using other types of images. This model can also be used in the development of identification features in mobile applications. This study is a crucial step for integrating information from biology and AI-technology to develop a novel platform for use in forensic investigation.

The Role of Spiritual Communication and Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 is undoubtedly among the main crises encountered by the healthcare system within the last century. Many people were in need and in search for any kind of support possible. In this period, spirituality had a critical role in keeping people optimistic about the future and to give them help overtaking this period. The church has shown a great involvement and had a great contribution in keeping an optimistic communication with the people who needed more than ever the presence of the spirituality and religion in their lives. Thus, the spiritual care and communication in this difficult time were a big help received by the people in order to overcome the pandemic and to be back to their normal and positive lives. The church had to face an unprecedented experience and had to adapt quickly in order to maintain its vital presence near the people in need.

Innovative IOT Covid-19 Monitoring System to Ameliorate Medical Professionals

Special quarantine centers setup to handle COVID-19 patients have experienced an overflow of patients as cases of the infectious disease keep on rising. Doctors assigned to these quarantine centers have had a difficult time keeping track of the health conditions of the patients in quarantine. The doctors assigned to such setups have an increased risk of infection due to their interactions with the patients. In order to enable the health workers to efficiently monitor the quarantined patients and reduction of in-service infections, this study proposes to design an innovative IOT based using IOT Gecko platform health monitoring system able to remotely monitor the health of the patients and send automated reports to doctors’ over a set internet connection. The proposed system will be equipped with heartbeat sensor, temperature sensor and BP Sensor to keep track of respective health conditions of the patients. If successfully designed and implemented, the systems will be enable doctors to remotely monitor patient’s heartbeat, temperature and blood pressure reducing the risks of infection and increasing the number of patients a single doctor can monitor at a time.

Yakut Choral Society: Problems of revival in modern social-cultural conditions

В данной статье рассматривается история развития хорового исполнительства в Якутии, становление Якутского хорового общества – республиканского отделения Всероссийского хорового общества (ВХО, обосновывается актуальность этого значимого для Якутии явления музыкальной культуры. Очерчены основные вехи в развитии данного общества. Автор статьи представляет изучаемый объект как значимое явление в культурной жизни республики, прослеживая его развитие на протяжении более полувека, начиная с 1958 г. Благодаря деятельности Якутского отделения Всероссийского хорового общества хоровым движением было охвачено практически всё население Якутии. Благодаря сотрудничеству с якутскими композиторами, хоровая музыка стала популярной на уровне трудовых коллективов республики тех лет. Показана роль руководителей регионального отделения разного периода времени – Г.Ф. Таныгина, Ф.А. Баишевой, Л.Е. Архиповой и др. Смена политического строя в стране не лучшим образом отразилась на развитии хорового дела в стране и в республике, в частности, Всероссийское хоровое общество и его региональные отделения перестали существовать, несмотря на его реорганизацию в 1987 г. в Музыкальное общество. В статье впервые описано время, начиная с 2013 г., когда происходило восстановление Якутского отделения Всероссийского хорового общества. Необходимость его возрождения стала очевидной в виду возросшего спроса на организацию хорового дела как массового явления культуры якутского общества. В статье представлены важнейшие мероприятия, проведенные Якутским отделением ВХО, охарактеризованы крупные достижения за последние годы, проанализированы основные проблемы, стоящие перед организацией в переходный восстановительный период, а именно – улучшение финансирования, подготовка кадров. The article is devoted to the study of choral performance in Yakutia, the formation of the Yakut Choral Society, the regional branch of the All-Russian Choral Society. The relevance of this significant for Yakutia phenomenon of musical culture is substantiated. The main milestones in the development of the society are outlined. The author of the article presents the object under study as a significant phenomenon in the cultural life of the republic for more than half a century, starting in 1958. Thanks to the activities of the Yakut branch of the All-Russian Higher Education, the choral movement covered almost the entire population of Yakutia. Thanks to cooperation with Yakut composers, choral music became popular even among teams of co-workers. The role of the leaders of the regional branch – G.F. Tanygin, F.A. Baisheva, L.E. Arkhipova, and others – is shown. The changes in the political system in the country had a detrimental effect on the development of choral art in the country and in the republic, in particular. The RCS and its regional branches ceased to exist despite the attempts to reorganize it in 1987 into the Musical Society. For the first time, the article shows the difficult time when the restoration of the RCS in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) took place, starting in 2013. The need for revival became obvious in view of the increased demand for the organization of choral work as a mass phenomenon of the culture of society. The most important events carried out by the Yakutsk branch of the RCS are presented and the major achievements in recent years are characterized. At the same time, the main problems facing the organization in the transitional recovery period are analyzed: improving funding and training.

What Really Matters: The Effect of Covid-19 on the Factors of Life Satisfaction

This article investigates the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the structure of factors of life satisfaction in the city of Usti nad Labem, Czech Republic. The dataset is based on a questionnaire survey conducted in Usti nad Labem, Czech Republic. Subsequent data analysis is conducted using ordinal logistic regression models. The results show that the emergence of the pandemic had a significant impact on life satisfaction factors. Firstly, the importance of family came to the fore: being in a relationship or being married proved to be a significant factor of life satisfaction during the pandemic but not before the pandemic. Secondly, a negative association between drinking alcohol and life satisfaction emerged during the pandemic. Alcohol probably started to be the tool for stress relief. Thirdly, sport became a significant positive factor of women’s life satisfaction. Sport most likely became an effective way of keeping oneself in balance. Results indicate that during a difficult time period there are different ways of how to deal with it. In this way doing sports and drinking alcohol seem to be substitute activities.

The impact of climate change on South Africa

Climate change has quickly become one of the greatest challenges impacting regions all over the world. Despite it being a global challenge, developing countries have had a much more difficult time combating these effects (South Africa’s 2nd Annual Climate Change Report, 2017). This is largely due to the population density, lack of funds and necessary resources in most developing countries. This article will explore climate change and the impact of this phenomenon on the country of South Africa.

Online Medical Teaching in China During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Tools, Modalities, and Challenges

Background: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has tested the ability of universities to provide a high-quality, safe educational experience for students due to campuses shutting down. As a result, online learning could shift from a traditional classroom teaching mode and make education accessible to students. Previous studies have used individual online teaching cases to exploit a variety of online learning tools to ensure the continuation of medical education during this difficult time in China. However, for the first time, we have conducted a systematic review of local online teaching approaches, existing challenges, and potential solutions.Purpose: We present the issues and experience of conducting online medical teaching practices in China with the aim of communicating them to our peers in other countries or regions when examining the transition to e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.Methods: We searched the keywords below from public databases and reviewed relevant publications reporting on medical online teaching in China during the COVID-19 pandemic to analyze and summarize the online tools, modalities, and challenges.Results: We listed common online teaching tools and described a variety of online teaching modalities, as well as possible challenges. We also discussed potential solutions for those challenges, as well as the impact of the transition to online teaching on traditional education.Conclusion: By investigating local online medical teaching in China, we present useful tools and modalities that have been successfully exploited in education during the difficult time of COVID-19, although some challenges remain. The exploration of the transition to online teaching or learning will likely continue to have a profound impact on traditional classroom teaching.

Diagnozowanie logopedyczne uczniów w czasie pandemiiDiagnozowanie logopedyczne uczniów w czasie pandemii

Speech plays an extremely important role in interpersonal communication. Often times, speech does not develop according to the norm. The time of the pandemic is a very difficult time for specialists. Not an easy moment for a quick, reliable diagnosis. The article clarifies the issues of diagnosis and speech therapy. It talks about a reliable diagnosis, which is determined by many factors, opinions, and specialist research. The article focuses on specific conceptual terminology in the field of speech therapy diagnostics. It allows for the emergence of a consistent diagnostic procedure. He brings us closer to the difficult time of therapeutic work during remote learning. It shows us the difficult access to medical specialists such as a neurologist, ENT specialist, phoniatrist and others. Speech therapy care is designed to preventive and diagnostic measures. The work of a speech therapist is taking preventive measures to prevent speech defects and disorders. Supporting preventive activities, including in the field of teachers. Speech therapist Conducts screening tests to determine the speech of students. Organizing speech therapy assistance. These are activities in the field of living word culture. First of all, it shows us how many students use speech therapy in educational institutions. The aim of this article is to show the difficult work of a speech therapist in times of a pandemic. With what obstacles on the way to beautiful Polish pronunciation a modern specialist. Under what conditions do therapists work, wanting to further fulfill themselves as therapists who want to help.

Core Effective and Relative Permeability Measurements for Conventional and Unconventional Reservoirs by Saturation Monitoring in High Frequency 3d Gradient NMR

A big challenge in tight conventional and unconventional rock systems is the lack of representative reservoir deliverability models for movement of water, oil and gas through micro-pore and nano-pore networks. Relative permeability is a key input in modelling these rocks; but due to limitations in core analysis techniques, permeability has become a knob or tuning parameter in reservoir simulation. Current relative permeability measurements on conventional core samples rely on density contrast between oil/water or gas/water on CT (Computed Tomography) scans and recording of effluent volumes to determine relative fluid saturations during the core flooding process. However, tight rocks are characterized by low porosities (< 10 %) and ultra-low permeabilities (< 1 micro-Darcy), that make effective and relative permeability measurements very difficult, time-consuming, and prone to high errors associated with low pore volumes and flow rates. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) measurements have been used extensively in the industry to measure fluid porosities, pore size characterization, wettability evaluation, etc. Core NMR scans can provide accurate quantification of pore fluids (oil, gas, water) even in very small quantities, using T2, T1T2 and D-T2 activation sequences. We have developed a novel process to perform experiments that measure effective and relative permeability values on both conventional and tight reservoirs at reservoir conditions while accurately monitoring fluid saturations and fluid fronts in a 12 MHz 3D gradient NMR spectrometer. The experimental process starts by acquiring Micro-CT scans of the cylindrical rock plugs to screen the samples for artifacts or microcracks that may affect permeability measurements. Once the samples are chosen, NMR T2 and T1T2 scans are performed to establish residual fluid saturations in the as-received state. If a liquid effective permeability test is required, the samples are then saturated with the given liquid through a combination of humidification, vacuum-assisted spontaneous imbibition, and saturation under pressure and temperature. After saturation, NMR scans are obtained to verify the volumes of the liquids and determine if the samples have achieved complete saturation. The sample is then loaded into a special core-flooding vessel that is invisible to the NMR spectrometer to minimize interference with the NMR signals from the fluids in the sample. The sample is brought up to reservoir stress and temperature, and the main flowing fluid is injected from one side of the sample while controlling the pressures on the other side of the sample with a back pressure regulator. The saturation front of the injected fluid is continuously monitored using 2D and 3D gradient NMR scans and the volumes of different fluids in the sample are measured using NMR T2 and T1T2 scans. The use of a 12 MHz NMR spectrometer provides very high SNR (signal-to-noise ratio); and clear distinction of water and hydrocarbon signals in the core plug during the entire process. The scanning times are also reduced by orders of magnitude, thereby allowing for more scans to properly capture the saturation front and changes in saturation. Simultaneously, the fluid flowrates and pressures are recorded in order to compute permeability values. The setup is rated to 10,000 psi confining pressures, 9000 psi of pore pressure and a working temperature of up to 100 C. Flowrates as low as 0.00001 cc/min can be recorded. These tests have been done with brine, dead and live crudes, and hydrocarbon gases. The measured relative permeability values have been used successfully in both simulation and production modelling studies in various reservoirs worldwide.