Computer-Assisted Classification Patterns in Autoimmune Diagnostics: The AIDA Project

Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are significant biomarkers in the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases in humans, done by mean of Indirect ImmunoFluorescence (IIF)method, and performed by analyzing patterns and fluorescence intensity. This paper introduces the AIDA Project (autoimmunity: diagnosis assisted by computer) developed in the framework of an Italy-Tunisia cross-border cooperation and its preliminary results. A database of interpreted IIF images is being collected through the exchange of images and double reporting and a Gold Standard database, containing around 1000 double reported images, has been settled. The Gold Standard database is used for optimization of aCAD(Computer AidedDetection) solution and for the assessment of its added value, in order to be applied along with an Immunologist as a second Reader in detection of autoantibodies. This CAD system is able to identify on IIF images the fluorescence intensity and the fluorescence pattern. Preliminary results show that CAD, used as second Reader, appeared to perform better than Junior Immunologists and hence may significantly improve their efficacy; compared with two Junior Immunologists, the CAD system showed higher Intensity Accuracy (85,5% versus 66,0% and 66,0%), higher Patterns Accuracy (79,3% versus 48,0% and 66,2%), and higher Mean Class Accuracy (79,4% versus 56,7% and 64.2%)

Preliminary results of the project A.I.D.A. (Auto Immunity: Diagnosis Assisted by computer)

In this paper, are presented the preliminary results of the A.I.D.A. (Auto Immunity: Diagnosis Assisted by computer) project which is developed in the frame of the cross-border cooperation Italy-Tunisia. According to the main objectives of this project, a database of interpreted Indirect ImmunoFluorescence (IIF) images on HEp 2 cells is being collected thanks to the contribution of Italian and Tunisian experts involved in routine diagnosis of autoimmune diseases. Through exchanging images and double reporting; a Gold Standard database, containing around 1000 double reported IIF images with different patterns including negative tests, has been settled. This Gold Standard database has been used for optimization of a computing solution (CADComputer Aided Detection) and for assessment of its added value in order to be used along with an immunologist as a second reader in detection of auto antibodies for autoimmune disease diagnosis. From the preliminary results obtained, the CAD appeared more powerful than junior immunologists used as second readers and may significantly improve their efficacy

Nurses' perceptions of aids and obstacles to the provision of optimal end of life care in ICU

Contains fulltext : 172380.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access

Uso de agregado leve de EVA em contrapiso argamassado para isolamento ao ruído de impacto em edificações residenciais

O copolímero etileno acetato de vinila (EVA) é largamente utilizado na indústria calçadista. Entretanto, a geração de resíduos no processo de fabricação é bastante significativa. Com a implementação da norma de desempenho, NBR 15575, os projetos de construções habitacionais devem atender aos níveis de desempenho exigidos. Dentre os requisitos prescritos pela norma está a isolação ao ruído de impacto entre pisos, a qual pode ser otimizada com a utilização de materiais de baixa massa específica. Nesse contexto, este artigo visa desenvolver uma argamassa leve, a partir da incorporação de EVA proveniente da indústria calçadista, a ser utilizada como contrapiso para isolamento acústico. Para tanto, fez-se um estudo por meio de ensaios de resistência à compressão e à tração, bem como nível de pressão sonora de impacto padronizado ponderado, realizado em câmara normatizada. Foram desenvolvidos cinco traços, com proporções de 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% e 100% de substituição da agregado miúdo por EVA, além do contrapiso convencional. Foram moldadas placas de 1 m² de contrapiso leve, e uma amostra representativa do tamanho da laje com 16 m2, as quais diferiram em 2 dB para o isolamento acústico. O traço com melhor desempenho proporcionou uma redução de 9 dB em relação ao contrapiso convencional, mostrando ser eficaz para utilização como isolante acústico