Real-time moving object segmentation in H.264 compressed domain based on approximate reasoning

AbstractThis paper presents a real-time segmentation algorithm to obtain moving objects from the H.264 compressed domain. The proposed segmentation works with very little information and is based on two features of the H.264 compressed video: motion vectors associated to the macroblocks and decision modes. The algorithm uses fuzzy logic and allows to describe position, velocity and size of the detected regions in a comprehensive way, so the proposed approach works with low level information but manages highly comprehensive linguistic concepts. The performance of the algorithm is improved using dynamic design of fuzzy sets that avoids merge and split problems. Experimental results for several traffic scenes demonstrate the real-time performance and the encouraging results in diverse situations

Use of an experimental model to evaluate infection resistance of meshes in abdominal wall surgery

Background: Staphylococcal species are the most common organisms causing prosthetic mesh infections, however, infections due to rapidly growing mycobacteria are increasing. This study evaluates the resistance of biomaterial for abdominal wall prostheses against the development of postoperative infection in a rat model. Material and methods: In 75 rats, we intramuscularly implanted three different types of prostheses: (1) low-density polypropylene monofilament mesh (PMM), (2) high-density PMM, and (3) a composite prosthesis composed of low-density PMM and a nonporous hydrophilic film. Meshes were inoculated with a suspension containing 108 colony-forming units of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Mycobacterium fortuitum, or Mycobacterium abscessus before wound closure. Animals were sacrificed on the eighth day postoperatively for clinical evaluation, and the implants were removed for bacteriologic analyses. Results: Prostheses infected with S aureus showed a higher bacterial viability, worse integration, and clinical outcome compared with infection by other bacteria. Composite prostheses showed a higher number of viable colonies of both M fortuitum and Staphylococcus spp., with poorer integration in host tissue. However, when the composite prosthesis was infected with M abscessus, a lower number of viable bacteria were isolated and a better integration was observed compared with infection by other bacteria. Conclusions: Considering M abscessus, a smaller collagen-free contact surface shows better resistance to infection, however, depending on the type of bacteria, prostheses with a large surface, and covered with collagen shows reduced resistance to infection, worse integration, and worse clinical outcome. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Peer reviewe

XMM-Newton Finds That SAX J1750.8-2900 May Harbor the Hottest, Most Luminous Known Neutron Star

We have performed the first sensitive X-ray observation of the low-mass X-ray binary SAX J1750.8-2900 in quiescence with XMM-Newton. The spectrum was fit to both a classical black body model, and a non-magnetized, pure hydrogen neutron star atmosphere model. A power law component was added to these models, but we found that it was not required by the fits. The distance to SAX J1750.8-2900 is known to be D = 6.79 kpc from a previous analysis of photospheric radius expansion bursts. This distance implies a bolometric luminosity (as given by the NS atmosphere model) of (1.05 +/- 0.12) x 10^34 (D/6.79 kpc)^2 erg s^-1, which is the highest known luminosity for a NS LMXB in quiescence. One simple explanation for this surprising result could be that the crust and core of the NS were not in thermal equilibrium during the observation. We argue that this was likely not the case, and that the core temperature of the NS in SAX J1750.8-2900 is unusually high

Potential of the three-Terminal heterojunction bipolar transistor solar cell for space applications

Multi-Terminal multi-junction solar cells (MJSC) offer higher efficiency potential than series connected (two-Terminal) ones. In addition, for terrestrial applications, the efficiency of multi-Terminal solar cells is less sensitive to solar spectral variations than the two-Terminal series-connected one. In space, generally, cells are always illuminated with AM0 spectrum and no impact is expected from spectral variations. Still, in space, the multi-Terminal approach offers some advantages in comparison with the series-connected architecture approach derived from a higher end of life (EOL) efficiency. In this work we review the potential of multi-Terminal solar cells for achieving extended EOL efficiencies with emphasis in the potential of the three-Terminal heterojunction bipolar transistor solar cell, a novel multi-Terminal MJSC architecture with a simplified structure not requiring, for example, tunnel junctions

Insights on the climatic evolution at the pre-Jaramillo to Jaramillo transition in Europe using mineralogical analysis of the Quibas palaeontological site (Early Pleistocene, southern Iberian Peninsula)

© The Authors, 2023. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (for details please see http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, copy, adaptation, distribution, and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source. This document is the Published version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in Spanish Journal of Palaeontology. To access the final edited and published work see https://doi.org/10.7203/sjp.27562The palaeontological site of Quibas is a karst outcrop with an age between 1.1 and 0.9 Ma (late Early Pleistocene). It represents the unique continuous sequence of terrestrial vertebrates of pre-Jaramillo to Jaramillo age in Europe. It is formed by two main structures: Quibas-Sima (divided into units QS-1 to QS-7) and Quibas-Cueva (QC-1– QC-6). In this work, we analyse the mineralogical composition of the sediments that form the stratigraphic units of Quibas-Sima using X-ray diffraction analysis, electrical conductivity, ion chromatography and optical emission spectrometry, to evaluate climatic trends in the sequence. Preliminary results indicate that there is an increase in the proportions of carbonates, gypsum and halite from QS-2 towards QS-4 and QS-5 (1.07–0.99 Ma), suggesting a progressive decrease in precipitation in south-eastern Iberian Peninsula a million years ago. Our data are consistent with the onset of a glacial phase, which is supported by the progressive disappearance of taxa related to forests and water bodies in Quibas-Sima, such as the flying squirrel Hylopetes sp. and the semiaquatic shrew Neomys sp., in favour of the appearance of taxa linked to open areas such as the Montpellier snake (Malpolon monspessulanus) and the snub-nosed viper (Vipera latastei). El yacimiento paleontológico de Quibas es un afloramiento kárstico con una edad comprendida entre 1,1 y 0,9 Ma (Pleistoceno Inferior tardío). Representa la única secuencia continua de vertebrados terrestres de edad pre-Jaramillo a Jaramillo de Europa. Está formado por dos estructuras principales: Quibas-Sima (dividida en las unidades QS-1 a QS-7) y Quibas-Cueva (QC-1 a QC-6). En este trabajo se estudia la composición mineralógica de los sedimentos que conforman las unidades estratigráficas de QuibasSima, a través e análisis de difracción de rayos X, conductividad eléctrica, cromatografía iónica y espectrometría de emisión óptica por plasma de argón, con el objetivo de evaluar tendencias paleoclimáticas en la secuencia. Los resultados preliminares indican que hay un aumento en las proporciones de carbonatos, yesos y halita desde QS-2 hacia QS-4 y QS-5 (1,07–0,99 Ma), lo que sugiere una progresiva disminución de las precipitaciones en el sureste peninsular hace un millón de años. Los datos son consistentes con el inicio de una fase glaciar, lo cual viene apoyado por la desaparición progresiva en Quibas-Sima de taxones afines a bosques y cursos de agua estables como la ardilla voladora Hylopetes sp. y el musgaño Neomys sp., en favor de la aparición de taxones ligados a espacios abiertos como la culebra bastarda (Malpolon monspessulanus) y la víbora hocicuda (Vipera latastei)

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Abstract:  DM type 2 is a noncommunicable disease of considerable relevance worldwide. It is feasible to control its long term effects with medication and a healthy lifestyle. A key factor in the prevention of complications is treatment adherence. Although it is known to be multifactorial, its relation with the patient’s level of knowledge about their disease has been proposed.   The objective of this study is to determine treatment adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes who attend Hospital Cordoba within the context of the ProCorDia program, and its relationship with their knowledge of the disease. In addition, we intend to analyze this data aking into account demographic variables. A retrospective, observational, transversal study was carried out. It took place in the Service of Diabetes of Hospital Cordoba, in september 2019. In a convenience sample of 106 patients, over 18 years old, demographic data was obtained and validated tools were applied to evaluate treatment adherence (adherent / non-adherent; Morisky-Green Test) and disease knowledge (knower/ non-knower; Batalla Test). The statistical analysis was made with the Chi-square test.  The age range was 29 - 76, with an average age standing at 56. 64% resulted as “non-adherent”. 30% was “non-knower”. No significant association was found between treatment adherence and disease knowledge. No significant association was evidenced between disease knowledge and educational attainment. No gender differences were perceived. Treatment adherence tends to be associated with age range (p=0,0594), with lower adherence in the group of 29-45 years old. Treatment adherence and disease knowledge are not associated in patients with diabetes. Patients in this study showed low rates of adherence even though they knew about their disease, which is relevant because it was made in the third level of attention care, within a monitoring program (ProCorDia). New studies are required to develop effective strategies of intervention. Resumen:  La diabetes tipo 2 es una enfermedad crónica no transmisible de gran relevancia a nivel mundial. Sus efectos a largo plazo son factibles de ser controlados mediante medicación y un hábito de vida saludable. La adherencia al tratamiento es un factor clave en la prevención de sus complicaciones. Si bien es un proceso multifactorial, se ha propuesto su relación con el nivel de conocimiento del paciente sobre su enfermedad.   El objetivo de este trabajo es conocer la adherencia al tratamiento en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 que asisten al Hospital Córdoba en contexto del programa ProCorDia y su relación con el nivel de conocimiento sobre la enfermedad. Adicionalmente, analizarlos en función de variables demográficas. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, observacional, de corte transversal, realizado en el Servicio de Diabetes del Hospital Córdoba, durante el mes de septiembre de 2019. En una muestra por conveniencia de 106 pacientes, mayores de 18 años, se recabaron datos demográficos y se aplicaron herramientas validadas para evaluar la adherencia al tratamiento (adherente/no adherente; Test de Morisky-Green) y el conocimiento de la enfermedad (conocedor/no conocedor; Test de Batalla). Para el análisis estadístico se realizaron pruebas Chi-cuadrado. El rango etario fue entre 29 y 76 años, con una media de edad de 56 años. El 64% resultó “no adherente” al tratamiento. El 30% fue “no conocedor” sobre su enfermedad. No se encontró asociación significativa entre ambas variables. Tampoco se evidenció asociación entre el grado de conocimiento y el nivel educativo de los encuestados. No se percibieron diferencias en cuanto al sexo. La adherencia al tratamiento tiende a asociarse con el grupo etario (p=0,0594), con adherencia menor en el grupo de 29 a 45 años. No se asocia significativamente la adherencia al tratamiento y el nivel de conocimiento sobre la enfermedad en pacientes con diabetes. Los pacientes encuestados mostraron bajos niveles de adherencia a pesar de conocer sobre su enfermedad, hecho relevante por tratarse de un hospital del tercer nivel de atención, dentro de un programa de seguimiento (ProCorDia). Son necesarios nuevos estudios para guiar estrategias de intervención eficaces.

Short- and Long-Term Prognosis of Patients With Takotsubo Syndrome Based on Different Triggers: Importance of the Physical Nature

Background Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute reversible heart condition initially believed to represent a benign pathology attributable to its self-limiting clinical course; however, little is known about its prognosis based on different triggers. This study compared short- and long-term outcomes between TTS based on different triggers, focusing on various physical triggering events. Methods and Results We analyzed patients with a definitive TTS diagnosis recruited for the Spanish National Registry on TTS (RETAKO [Registry on Takotsubo Syndrome]). Short- and long-term outcomes were compared between different groups according to triggering factors. A total of 939 patients were included. An emotional trigger was detected in 340 patients (36.2%), a physical trigger in 293 patients (31.2%), and none could be identified in 306 patients (32.6%). The main physical triggers observed were infections (30.7%), followed by surgical procedures (22.5%), physical activities (18.4%), episodes of severe hypoxia (18.4%), and neurological events (9.9%). TTS triggered by physical factors showed higher mortality in the short and long term, and within this group, patients whose physical trigger was hypoxia were those who had a worse prognosis, in addition to being triggered by physical factors, including age >70 years, diabetes mellitus, left ventricular eyection fraction <30% and shock on admission, and increased long-term mortality risk. Conclusions TTS triggered by physical factors could present a worse prognosis in terms of mortality. Under the TTS label, there could be as yet undiscovered very different clinical profiles, whose differentiation could lead to individual better management, and therefore the perception of TTS as having a benign prognosis should be generally ruled out

Metalogenia del depósito de manganeso Santa Rosa, Baja California Sur, México

The Santa Rosa Mn-Ba deposit is located southwest of the town of San Nicolás and south of the Concepción Peninsula in Baja California Sur (Mexico). It consists of a manganese oxide vein-breccia striking NNW with a subvertical dip to the ENE that is exposed discontinuously over 500 m. The deposit is hosted in conglomerates that belong to the Los Volcanes member of the Pliocene age San Nicolas Formation. The mineralization is characterized mainly by banded and brecciated structures with manganese oxides (romanèchite and pyrolusite), along with barite, opal, quartz, calcite, magnetite-maghemite and minor goethite. The ore contains between 23.6 and 50.0 wt. % MnO, 13.3 and 32.4 wt. % SiO2, and 9.9 and 13.7 wt. % BaO. In addition, the ores are significantly enriched in Sr, Sb, As, Cu and Zn. The NASC normalized REE profles show a pronounced negative Eu anomaly and a more moderate negative Ce anomaly. The Fe/Mn and the Co/Zn ratios range between 0.01 and 0.16, and 0.17 and 0.34, respectively. Microthermometry suggests two fluid inclusion populations: one with an average Th of 136.5°C and estimated salinity of 4.2 wt. % equivalent NaCl, and the other with an average Th of 136°C and estimated salinity of 11.4 wt. % equivalent NaCl. The mineralogical and geochemical composition, together with the ore formation conditions and the geotectonic setting, suggest a genetic relation between the Santa Rosa deposit and the modern coastal hydrothermal systems of the Concepción Bay

A Phase I/II Clinical Trial to evaluate the efficacy of baricitinib to prevent respiratory insufficiency progression in onco-hematological patients affected with COVID19: a structured summary of a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Objectives: Baricitinib is supposed to have a double effect on SARS-CoV2 infection. Firstly, it reduces the inflammatory response through the inhibition of the Januse-Kinase signalling transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway. Moreover, it reduces the receptor mediated viral endocytosis by AP2-associated protein kinase 1 (AAK1) inhibition. We propose the use of baricinitib to prevent the progression of the respiratory insufficiency in SARS-CoV2 pneumonia in onco-haematological patients. In this phase Ib/II study, the primary objective in the safety cohort is to describe the incidence of severe adverse events associated with baricitinib administration. The primary objective of the randomized phase (baricitinib cohort versus standard of care cohort) is to evaluate the number of patients who did not require mechanical oxygen support since start of therapy until day +14 or discharge (whichever it comes first). The secondary objectives of the study (only randomized phase of the study) are represented by the comparison between the two arms of the study in terms of mortality and toxicity at day+30. Moreover, a description of the immunological related changes between the two arms of the study will be reported. Trial design: The trial is a phase I/II study with a safety run-in cohort (phase 1) followed by an open label phase II randomized controlled trial with an experimental arm compared to a standard of care arm