Statistical Image Analysis for Image Evolution

This thesis is focused on using genetic programming to evolve images based on lightweight features extracted from a given target image. The main motivation of this thesis is research by Lombardi et al. in which an image retrieval system is developed based on lightweight statistical features of images for comparing and classifying them in painting style categories; primarily based on color matching. In this thesis, automatic fitness scoring of variations of up to 17 lightweight image features using many-objective fitness evaluation was used to evolve textures. Evolved results were shown to have similar color characteristics to target images. Although a human survey was conducted to confirm those results, it was inconclusive

Decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory

The aim of this study is introducing a technique to illuminate composite issue, aspects or system factors, the complicated problems need to be structured with graphical illustration and analyzed casual interdependence and influences throughout the organization. Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) methodology is proposed to for researching and solving complex and intertwined problem groups because of its capability in verifying interdependence between variables and try to improve them by offering a specific chart to reflect interrelationships between variables. In this technique experts plays complementary and approval role in all steps and sections. , key factors will be clarified by using the direct-influenced matrix and then it specifies priorities of each factor. The end product of the DEMATEL process is a visual demonstration-the Impact-Relations Map (IRM)-by which respondents organize their own actions in the world. First In this study, DEMATEL methodology in explained and then kind of different problems which can be solved by DEMATEL, will discussed and finally the method of DEMATEL is detailed completely

The Effects of Mental Image of Brands on Consumers’ Reluctance for Purchase in Gray Markets: A Case Study in Mobile Market In Hamadan Province

Gray markets are the markets that have products with real brand names which can be only identified and defined through selling them in unauthorized channels. Gray markets imply distributing branded products by unauthorized individuals. In other words, gray markets are the markets in which entering the products to the market by the manufacturer is not planned. In this research, the hypothesis has been come up with studying the effects of mental image of brands on consumers’ reluctance to buy in gray markets of Mobile market in Hamadan Province using triangular mental image of brands of Yu et al (2000) and Nurjaya et al (2007) in which the mental image of brands variable is divided in to three factors, brand associations, brand differentiation and brand loyalty.  This research was done by using descriptive survey method in the statistical population of the study (including all mobile consumers in Hamadan province). The most important tools for collecting data was a questionnaire prepared and designed by using questionnaires in books, articles and websites and its reliability was equal to the 0.912 unit. The results showed that all the hypotheses were accepted. The analysis and comparison of the results of hypotheses test and the model of mental image brand indicated the main hypothesis brand image variable has a direct impact of 0.760 on consumers’ reluctance to buy in mobiles gray markets. And also, brand associations with a number equals to 0.710 unit has the most impact among the three factors of mental image of the brand on the consumer reluctance to buy in gray markets

Dielectric monitoring of mammalian cells in a bioreactor

Dielectric spectroscopy is an analytical technology with the potential to revolutionize the control of biopharmaceutical manufacturing. The frequency-dependent profile of ionic polarization of cells in response to an alternating electromagnetic field changes with respect to cell type, metabolism and media conductivity. The method has been adopted to measure the growth of cells through in situ capacitance measurements at a single frequency. However the power of such measurements can be enhanced through the use of a dielectrophoretic flow cytometer (DEP) that can measure the changing trajectory of single cells passing through a microbore tube subjected to an electromagnetic field controlled by a bank of electrodes. We have used this principle to analyze cells in a bioprocess to identify changing sub-populations of cells during apoptosis. This has led to the early detection of changes that lead to the eventual loss of productivity and viability. The presentation will include comparative data from five alternative measurements of cell growth and viability. Each method provides a different profile which can be used to decipher changes in viability and metabolism of the cells during the production process. The value of these methods will be discussed in relation to the production of monoclonal antibodies from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The data shows that dielectric cell monitoring provides unique information that can be related to more conventional methods of biochemical monitoring by fluorescent agents. At the on-set of apoptosis of cells in a bioreactor sub-populations were identified with characteristic dielectric properties that were quantified by a force index based upon their behavior in the electromagnetic field. The sub-populations were comparable to those of cells in early, mid and late apoptosis as identified by fluorescence staining. DEP offers a means of identifying cell characteristics without the use of markers and identifies loss of cell viability well before dye exclusion methods based upon membrane damage

Low-Dose Fentanyl, Propofol, Midazolam, Ketamine and Lidocaine Combination vs. Regular Dose Propofol and Fentanyl Combination for Deep Sedation Induction; a Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: Need for procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) is felt in emergency department (ED) more and more each day. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of low-dose fentanyl, propofol, midazolam, ketamine and lidocaine combination with regular dose of propofol and fentanyl combination for induction of deep sedation.Methods: In this single-blind clinical trial, candidate patients for sedation and analgesia aged more than 15 and less than 60 years old, with pain score ≥6 were allocated to one of the groups using block randomization and were compared regarding onset of action, recovery time, and probable side effects.Results: 125 patients with the mean age of 37.8 ± 14.3 years were randomly allocated to each group. 100% of the patients in group 1 (5 drugs) and 56.5% of the patients in group 2 (2 drugs) were deeply sedated in the 3rd minute after injection. The 2 groups were significantly different regarding onset of action (p = 0.440), recovery time (p = 0.018), and treatment failure (p < 0.001).Conclusion: Low-dose fentanyl, propofol, midazolam, ketamine and lidocaine combination was more successful in induction of deep sedation compared to regular dose of propofol and fentanyl combination. Recovery time was a little longer in this group and both groups were similar regarding drug side effects and effect on vital signs

Treacher Collins Syndrome; Anesthetic considerations and Molecular Findings

Treacher Collins Syndrome (TCS) is a rare disease with mandibulofacial dysostosis. The deformities accompanied by this syndrome could cause especial challenges for anesthesiologist. On the other hand Treacher protein is well recognized in the pathogenesis of this syndrome. In this report we want to present a successful management of a patient with Treacher Collins syndrome and also describe new advances in the molecular aspect of this disease

Health risk assessment of heavy metal intake due to fish consumption in the Sistan region, Iran

The heavy metal (Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni) content of a fish species consumed by the Sistan population and its associated health risk factors were investigated. The mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Cr were slightly higher than the standard levels. The Ni content of fish was below the maximum guideline proposed by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). The average estimated weekly intake was significantly below the provisional tolerable intake based on the FAO and WHO standards for all studied metals. The target hazard quotients (THQ) of all metals were below 1, showing an absence of health hazard for the population of Sistan. The combined target hazard quotient for the considered metals was 26.94 × 10â��3. The cancer risk factor for Pb (1.57 × 10â��7) was below the acceptable lifetime carcinogenic risk (10â��5). The results of this study reveal an almost safe level of Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni contents in the fish consumed by the Sistan population

Supplemental Oxygen therapy and Non-Invasive Ventilation in Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19)

The world has experienced a pandemic due to novel Severe Acute Respiratory Disease Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV2) since December 2019. The clinical spectrum of the disease known as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is so much wide, starting from an asymptomatic state to paucisymptomatic clinical presentation, pneumonia, respiratory failure to even death. Supplemental oxygen therapy is essential in managing COVID-19. Also, there is sparse evidence regarding use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in pandemics like SARS-CoV-2. This study reviews the currently available methods for respiratory support in COVID-19 with a discussion about using these modalieties in the COVID-19 pandemic

Investigating air quality status and air pollutant trends over the Metropolitan Area of Tehran, Iran over the past decade between 2005 and 2014

Studies on the trend of air pollution in Tehran, Iran, as one of the most polluted metropolis in the world are scant, and today Tehran is known for its high levels of air pollutants. In this study, the trend of air pollution concentration was evaluated over the past 10 years (2004-2015). The data were collected from 22 stations of the Air Quality Control Company. Daily concentrations of CO, NO2, SO2, O3, PM10 were analyzed using SPSS 16 based on the statistical method, repeated measures, and intra-group test to determine the pattern of each pollutant changes. As a result of the 22 air pollution monitoring stations, NO2 and SO2 concentrations have been increasing over the period of 10 years. The highest anomaly is related to SO2. The CO concentrations represent a descending pattern over the period, although there was a slight increase in 2013 and 2014. The O3 concentrations declined in the following years. The average concentration of PM10 has been rising during the period. Also we evaluated changes of each pollutant in different months and calculated the number of clean, healthy, unhealthy days for sensitive, unhealthy, very unhealthy, and dangerous groups. The study findings illustrated the necessity for larger investment in air pollution abatement. Overall, trends have been progressed to worsening, the number of healthy days has been declined and the number of unhealthy days has been increased in recent years