Accurate and Efficient Filtering using Anisotropic Filter Decomposition

Efficient filtering remains an important challenge in computer graphics, particularly when filters are spatially-varying, have large extent, and/or exhibit complex anisotropic profiles. We present an efficient filtering approach for these difficult cases based on anisotropic filter decomposition (IFD). By decomposing complex filters into linear combinations of simpler, displaced isotropic kernels, and precomputing a compact prefiltered dataset, we are able to interactively apply any number of---potentially transformed---filters to a signal. Our performance scales linearly with the size of the decomposition, not the size nor the dimensionality of the filter, and our prefiltered data requires reasonnable storage, comparing favorably to the state-of-the-art. We apply IFD to interesting problems in image processing and realistic rendering.Les opérations de filtrage en synthèse/analyse d'images sont coûteuses à effectuer lorsque les filtres varient spatialement, sont très étendus et/ou très anisotropes. Nous présentons dans ce cas précis une méthode pour rendre le filtrage efficace, basée sur une décomposition du filtre en une combinaison linéaire de filtres isotropes, en translation. Le coût de notre méthode est linéaire par rapport au nombre de filtres utilisés dans la décomposition, et ne dépend pas de la taille des données filtrées. Nous en présentons différentes applications, en analyses d'images et en rendu

Wave Propagation in Viscoelastic Dielectric Elastomer Media

Dielectric elastomers (DEs) are capable of producing large deformation under electric stimuli, which makes them desirable materials for a variety of applications including biomimetics, dynamics, robotics, energy harvesting, and waveguide devices. In general, DEs possess intrinsic hyperelasticity and viscosity. Such material properties may significantly affect the dynamic performance of DE-based devices. The delicate interplay among electromechanical coupling, large deformation, material viscosity and dynamics makes modeling of the performance of DE-based devices more challenging. Therefore, in order to provide guidelines for the optimal design of DE waveguide devices, it is essential to develop appropriate and reliable models, and efficient numerical methods to examine their performance first. In this thesis, by integrating the state-of-art finite-deformation viscoelasticity theory into the framework of small-amplitude wave propagation superposed on a finitely deformed medium, the Rayleigh-Lamb wave propagation in a viscoelastic DE medium is investigated. Simulation results have demonstrated the effects of material viscosity, status of relaxation, external electric load, and mechanical pre-stretch on the dispersion behavior of the wave. For both pure elastic and viscoelastic DE media, waves with certain frequencies could be filtered by actively tuning electric loads. Moreover, some interesting findings conclude that the material viscoelasticity may cause some significant changes in the wave dispersion behavior. Therefore, incorporating the material viscosity in modeling DE waveguide is expected to provide more accurate prediction on their performance. This thesis will help to better understand the fundamentals of wave propagation in DE media and trigger more innovative and optimal design for DE waveguide applications

Effect of different conditioning methods on the surface roughness of dental amalgam: SEM analysis

The purpose of this study was incorporation of SEM micrographs for evaluating the effect of different mechanical and chemical treatments on surface roughness of dental amalgam. Amalgam was condensed in 18 plastic molds and the following modification methods were accomplished on samples surface: 1) Chemical solutions (5 groups) on fresh amalgam 2) Chemical solutions (5 groups) on aged amalgam 3) Sandblast on aged amalgam 4) Sandblast on fresh amalgam (2 groups) before & after primary setting. 5) Use of diamond bur (0.10 coarse) on aged amalgam. 6) Acid etch (37% phosphoric acid) on fresh amalgam. 7) Metal etch on fresh amalgam. 8) Varnish solvent in amalgam capsule, trituration &condensation (fresh). 9) Standard sample without any treatment. All groups were analyzed by SEM (×l00, ×500 magnifications were used for roughness quantification and chemical analysis respectively). The numbers of surface peaks were counted in 5 area of each micrograph and consequently the data were assessed by K-S & student T- tests. All groups have statistically significant difference with control except three ones (incorporation of phosphoric acid, EDTA+NH3, and NaOH+I2 on fresh amalgam). Sandblast, diamond bur & metal etch reduced surface roughness and use of chemical solutions showed different reactions

Effect of different conditioning methods on the surface roughness of dental amalgam: SEM analysis

The purpose of this study was incorporation of SEM micrographs for evaluating the effect of different mechanical and chemical treatments on surface roughness of dental amalgam. Amalgam was condensed in 18 plastic molds and the following modification methods were accomplished on samples surface: 1) Chemical solutions (5 groups) on fresh amalgam 2) Chemical solutions (5 groups) on aged amalgam 3) Sandblast on aged amalgam 4) Sandblast on fresh amalgam (2 groups) before & after primary setting. 5) Use of diamond bur (0.10 coarse) on aged amalgam. 6) Acid etch (37% phosphoric acid) on fresh amalgam. 7) Metal etch on fresh amalgam. 8) Varnish solvent in amalgam capsule, trituration &condensation (fresh). 9) Standard sample without any treatment. All groups were analyzed by SEM (×l00, ×500 magnifications were used for roughness quantification and chemical analysis respectively). The numbers of surface peaks were counted in 5 area of each micrograph and consequently the data were assessed by K-S & student T- tests. All groups have statistically significant difference with control except three ones (incorporation of phosphoric acid, EDTA+NH3, and NaOH+I2 on fresh amalgam). Sandblast, diamond bur & metal etch reduced surface roughness and use of chemical solutions showed different reactions

Employing Interface Compensators to Enhance the Power Quality In Hybrid AC/DC Microgrids

After the introduction of distributed generators, regarding the challenges these networks face, employing AC/DC Hybrid microgrids would be an undeniable issue due to its many advantages and it will certainly find a significant position. Thus, discussing the power quality in this type of microgrids and clean power for feeding the load via this microgrid is a drastic challenge. This paper proposing a hybrid microgrid with 2 interface converters, one placed in series and the other placed in parallel, tries to accomplish these control objectives in an AC microgrid in order to improve power quality: input sine current with Cosϕ=1 and output sine voltage with normal value when source voltage is abnormal and non-sinusoidal, besides, non-linear loads’ presence. Simulation results verify the favorable performance of converters and effective functionality of control systems

Evaluation of the effect of Kandovan propolis against Streptococcus Mutans

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In recent years, propolis has been introduced as one the most efficient agents against cariogenic bacteria. However, due to the lack of data on the propolis collected from Kandovan (Easthern Azarbaijan, Iran), this study was designed to investigate the effect of this type of propolis on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). METHODS: In this experimental study, the ethanolic extraction of propolis (EEP) was prepared with different concentrations (1%, 3%, 5%, and 10%) while the distilled water was incorporated as control. The antibacterial efficacy was tested via two standard methods including the agar disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests. Finally, the resulting data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni post-hoc tests ( = 0.05). RESULTS: The obtained MIC was 2.5 mg/ml. However, in disk diffusion test, the 1% and 3% EEP solutions did not exhibit any zone of inhibition, however the 5% EEP showed very strong antibacterial effect (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The EEP extracted from Kandovan had significant antibacterial effect against S. mutans when prepared in 5% concentration. Therefore, this type of propolis could be considered as one of the most efficient propolis against S. mutans. KEYWORDS: Propolis; Streptococcus Mutans; Antibacteria

Trend in global burden attributable to low bone mineral density in different WHO regions: 2000 and beyond, results from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2019

Background: We aimed to document the current state of exposure to low bone mineral density (BMD) and trends in attributable burdens between 2000 and 2019 globally and in different World Health Organization (WHO) regions using the Glob al Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2019. Methods: We reviewed the sex-region-specific summary exposure value (SEV) of low BMD and the all-ages numbers and age-standardized rates of disabili ty-adjusted life years (DALYs), years lived with disability (YLDs), years of life lost (YLLs), and deaths attributed to low BMD. We compared different WHO regions (Africa, the Easte rn Mediterranean Region, Europe, Region of the Americas, Southeast Asia, and Wes tern Pacific), age categories, and sexes according to the estimates of the GBD 2019 report. Results: The global age-standardized SEV of low BMD is estimated to be 2 0.7% in women and 11.3% in men in 2019. Among the WHO regions, Africa had the highest age-standardized SEV of low BMD in women (28.8% (95% uncertainty in terval 22.0–36.3)) and men (16.8% (11.5–23.8)). The lowest SEV was observed in Europe in both women (14.7% (9.9–21.0)) and men (8.0% (4.3–13.4)). An improving trend in th e global rate of DALY, death, and YLL was observed during 2000–2019 (−5.7%, −4.7%, and −11.9% change, respectively); however, the absolute numbers increased with the highest increase observed in global YLD (70.9%) and death numbers (67.6%). South east Asia Region had the highest age-standardized rates of DALY (303.4 (249.2–357.2) ), death (10.6 (8.5–12.3)), YLD (133.5 (96.9–177.3)), and YLL (170.0 (139–197.7)). Conclusions: Overall, the highest-burden attributed to low BMD was observed in the Southeast Asia Region. Knowledge of the SEV of low BMD and the attributed burden can increase the awareness of healthcare decision-makers to adopt appropriate strategies for early screening, and also strategies to prevent falls and fragility fractures and their consequent morbidity and mortality

A family presenting with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B: A case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Multiple endocrine neoplasia 2B, a rare autosomal dominant syndrome, is characterized by early onset of medullary thyroid carcinoma, pheochromocytoma, marfanoid habitus and mucosal neuromas of the tongue, lips, inner cheeks and inner eyelids. Gangliomatosis of the gastrointestinal tract and its complications may also occur in patients with this disease.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We present the case of a 16-year-old Persian man diagnosed as having a non-invasive form of multiple endocrine neoplasia 2B (medullary thyroid cancer, mucosal neuroma of the tongue, lips and inner eyelids). Our patient, who had a positive family history of medullary thyroid cancer, was of normal height with no signs of marfanoid habitus.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Ophthalmological and oral manifestations of multiple endocrine neoplasia 2B, as in the case of our patient, are rare presentations of the disease; unfortunately in the case of our patient his condition had not been noted and acted upon until he presented to our department. The diagnosis in our patient's case was made only after his mother presented with the same condition. As a result, we emphasize that physicians should pay more attention to the oral and ocular signs of multiple endocrine neoplasia 2B in order to diagnose this fatal syndrome at an earlier phase.</p

Potential risk factors for diabetic neuropathy: a case control study

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus type II afflicts at least 2 million people in Iran. Neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes and lowers the patient's quality of life. Since neuropathy often leads to ulceration and amputation, we have tried to elucidate the factors that can affect its progression. METHODS: In this case-control study, 110 diabetic patients were selected from the Shariati Hospital diabetes clinic. Michigan Neuropathic Diabetic Scoring (MNDS) was used to differentiate cases from controls. The diagnosis of neuropathy was confirmed by nerve conduction studies (nerve conduction velocity and electromyography). The multiple factors compared between the two groups included consumption of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), blood pressure, serum lipid level, sex, smoking, method of diabetes control and its quality. RESULTS: Statistically significant relationships were found between neuropathy and age, gender, quality of diabetes control and duration of disease (P values in the order: 0.04, 0.04, < 0.001 and 0.005). No correlation was found with any atherosclerosis risk factor (high BP, hyperlipidemia, cigarette smoking). CONCLUSION: In this study, hyperglycemia was the only modifiable risk factor for diabetic neuropathy. Glycemic control reduces the incidence of neuropathy, slows its progression and improves the diabetic patient's quality of life. More attention must be paid to elderly male diabetic patients with poor diabetes control with regard to regular foot examinations and more practical education