Cutting tool tracking and recognition based on infrared and visual imaging systems using principal component analysis (PCA) and discrete wavelet transform (DWT) combined with neural networks

The implementation of computerised condition monitoring systems for the detection cutting tools’ correct installation and fault diagnosis is of a high importance in modern manufacturing industries. The primary function of a condition monitoring system is to check the existence of the tool before starting any machining process and ensure its health during operation. The aim of this study is to assess the detection of the existence of the tool in the spindle and its health (i.e. normal or broken) using infrared and vision systems as a non-contact methodology. The application of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) combined with neural networks are investigated using both types of data in order to establish an effective and reliable novel software program for tool tracking and health recognition. Infrared and visual cameras are used to locate and track the cutting tool during the machining process using a suitable analysis and image processing algorithms. The capabilities of PCA and Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) combined with neural networks are investigated in recognising the tool’s condition by comparing the characteristics of the tool to those of known conditions in the training set. The experimental results have shown high performance when using the infrared data in comparison to visual images for the selected image and signal processing algorithms

Coding variants in RPL3L and MYZAP increase risk of atrial fibrillation

Source at https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-018-0068-9. Most sequence variants identified hitherto in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of atrial fibrillation are common, non-coding variants associated with risk through unknown mechanisms. We performed a meta-analysis of GWAS of atrial fibrillation among 29,502 cases and 767,760 controls from Iceland and the UK Biobank with follow-up in samples from Norway and the US, focusing on low-frequency coding and splice variants aiming to identify causal genes. We observe associations with one missense (OR = 1.20) and one splice-donor variant (OR = 1.50) in RPL3L, the first ribosomal gene implicated in atrial fibrillation to our knowledge. Analysis of 167 RNA samples from the right atrium reveals that the splice-donor variant in RPL3L results in exon skipping. We also observe an association with a missense variant in MYZAP (OR = 1.38), encoding a component of the intercalated discs of cardiomyocytes. Both discoveries emphasize the close relationship between the mechanical and electrical function of the heart

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among Turkish, Moroccan, Indian and sub-Sahara African populations in Europe and their countries of origin: an overview

Public Health and primary carePrevention and community carePrevention, Population and Disease management (PrePoD

Integration among databases and data sets to support productive nanotechnology: Challenges and recommendations

Many groups within the broad field of nanoinformatics are already developing data repositories and analytical tools driven by their individual organizational goals. Integrating these data resources across disciplines and with non-nanotechnology resources can support multiple objectives by enabling the reuse of the same information. Integration can also serve as the impetus for novel scientific discoveries by providing the framework to support deeper data analyses. This article discusses current data integration practices in nanoinformatics and in comparable mature fields, and nanotechnology-specific challenges impacting data integration. Based on results from a nanoinformatics-community-wide survey, recommendations for achieving integration of existing operational nanotechnology resources are presented. Nanotechnology-specific data integration challenges, if effectively resolved, can foster the application and validation of nanotechnology within and across disciplines. This paper is one of a series of articles by the Nanomaterial Data Curation Initiative that address data issues such as data curation workflows, data completeness and quality, curator responsibilities, and metadata

The fungi responsible for dermatomycoses in Adana, Turkey [Grzybyodpowiedzialne za grzybice skóry w Adani w Turcji]

Background: Superficial mycoses are defined as the development of fungal growth on epithelial tissues such as human hair, skin or nails, without noticeable invasion of living tissues and without apparently provoking an immune response by the host. The causative agents of superficial mycoses are classified as dermatophytes, yeasts and some non-dermatophytic moulds. The isolation of aetiological agents of superficial mycoses would not only provide tho most efficient treatments but would also help to improve epidemiological, ethiological studies and prevent the diseases. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the causative agents in patients with dermatomycoses in Adana, Turkey. Material and methods: In this study, superficial mycotic infections were investigated in 182 clinically suspected cases. The specimens of skin and nail scrapings were collected into paper packs, after cleaning the lesion with 70% alcohol. Mycological examination was carried out by direct examination cultural procedures. The clinical samples were treated with 15% potassium hydroxide to determine fungal elements. The samples were heated for a short time to increase the likelihood of observing the causative fungus. All of the samples were cultured on agar slants of Sabouraud glucose agar, potato dextrose agar and Mycobiotic agar. Cultures were incubated at 26°C for four weeks and growing colonies were recognized with appropriate technics. Results: Superficial mycoses were found in a total of 59 (32.4%) patients; 42 (71.2%) dermatophytosis 17 (28.8%) candidosis. Tinea pedis was the most common type of dermatophytoses onychomycoses was the most common type of candidosis. And also Trichophyton rubrum was the frequent causative agent followed by T. mentagrophytes. Conclusion: In conclusion, the results of this study emphasizes that the causative agent of dermatomycoses should be diagnosed at a species level for the choice of suitable treatment and for efficient control of the infections

Views on Montessori approach by teachers serving at schools applying the Montessori approach [Montessori yaklaşımını uygulayan okullarda çalışan öğretmenlerin Montessori yaklaşımına ilişkin görüşleri]

Problem Statement: Further studies on Montessori teachers are required on the grounds that the Montessori approach, which, having been applied throughout the world, holds an important place in the alternative education field. Yet it is novel for Turkey, and there are only a limited number of studies on Montessori teachers in Turkey. Purpose of Study: The aim was to investigate views on the Montessori approach by the teachers who serve at the schools applying the Montessori approach. Methods: Research data was collected by the basic qualitative research, one of the qualitative research methods. Descriptive analysis method was used in analysis of the qualitative data. Nine teachers serving at three different schools in Ankara province applying Montessori approach were interviewed. Findings and Results: Eight main themes were determined upon data analysis; namely, education on Montessori approach, basic qualities required for teachers applying Montessori approach, adequacy of education on Montessori approach, in-service training on the challenges experienced by Montessori teachers, plans of teachers for self-development, following existing studies in Turkey on Montessori approach, views on studies on Montessori approach, and views on the criticisms towards Montessori approach. Conclusions and Recommendations: All teachers confirmed that they internalized the approach upon training in line with Montessori philosophy. They emphasized that they received training covering all the educational fields, yet the implementation dimension was inadequate due to training without the involvement of children. Furthermore, they suggested that all the schools in Turkey were opened by commercial motives, and as such these schools failed to comply with the standards of the institutions providing education on the basis of Montessori approach. They asserted that all criticisms towards Montessori approach would be proved to be groundless upon implementation of the approach. It was seen that experienced supervisors, in-service training, and scientific studies on Montessori approach were required. © 2016, Ani Publishing. All rights reserved

Protective Effect of Intravesical Platelet-Rich Plasma on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Hemorrhagic Cystitis

Purpose: Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is the most common urotoxic side effect of cyclophosphamide (CYP). Platelet rich plasma (PRP) plays an important role in wound healing and inflammatory responses. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of intravesical PRP at treatment of interstitial cystitis (IC). Material-Methods: Female rats (n=24) were used. IC was induced by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (CYP). Rats were randomly allocated to one of four groups (n = 6 per group): a control group; a sham group with saline (75 mg/kg; i.p.) instead of CYP on day 1; a IC group, which was injected with CYP (150 mg/kg; i.p.) on day 1; and, a intravesical PRP‑treated group which was injected with CYP (150 mg/kg; i.p.) on day 1. On day 2, the rats in each group were sacrificed under anesthesia. Results: Histological evaluation showed that bladder inflammation in CYP‑treated rats was not suppressed by PRP. CYP administration induced severe IC with marked edema, hemorrhage and inflammation in CYP and CYP+PRP groups, but PRP was not found to be effective to decrease these effects. Conclusion: The application of PRP could not reverse the histopathological changes in rats that had interstitial cystitis due to the cyclophosphamide injection