Short-segment heart sound classification using an ensemble of deep convolutional neural networks

This paper proposes a framework based on deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for automatic heart sound classification using short-segments of individual heart beats. We design a 1D-CNN that directly learns features from raw heart-sound signals, and a 2D-CNN that takes inputs of two- dimensional time-frequency feature maps based on Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCC). We further develop a time-frequency CNN ensemble (TF-ECNN) combining the 1D-CNN and 2D-CNN based on score-level fusion of the class probabilities. On the large PhysioNet CinC challenge 2016 database, the proposed CNN models outperformed traditional classifiers based on support vector machine and hidden Markov models with various hand-crafted time- and frequency-domain features. Best classification scores with 89.22% accuracy and 89.94% sensitivity were achieved by the ECNN, and 91.55% specificity and 88.82% modified accuracy by the 2D-CNN alone on the test set.Comment: 8 pages, 1 figure, conferenc

Correlation of Cervical Vertebral Maturation and Tooth Mineralization of Mandibular Second Molar

OBJECTIVES To determine the correlation between skeletal maturity and mandibular second molar calcification. METHODOLOGY A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Saidu College of Dentistry from 15th January to 30th October 2022. One hundred participants of Pakistani descent, aged 8-16 years (both genders), with ANB greater than 50 and presence of all permanent teeth excluding 3rd  molars, were included. Medically compromised, syndromic patients, those who had undergone previous orthodontic treatment, and cases with extracted permanent teeth were excluded. Skeletal maturity was determined by analyzing the cervical vertebrae maturation index (CVMI) on lateral cephalogram according to Baccetti et al. and mandibular second molar calcification according to the Demijian Index from panoramic radiographs. The Spearman correlation test was run for correlation assessment.RESULTSThe mean age was 11.81±1.62 years. There were 49 (49%) males and 51 (51%) females. A perfect correlation (100%) was found between CVM stage I and dental stage C. The concordance between CVM stage II and dental stage D was found in 21 (91.30%). The correlation between tooth mineralization and CVM stages was very high and statistically significant (r=0.97, p<0.001). Similarly, the correlation between CVM and chronological age was also high and statistically significant (r=0.8, p<0.001). The correlation was also significantly increased in males and females (r=0.97, p<0.001). CONCLUSION The tooth mineralization stages of the mandibular second molar can be used to assess growth as an alternative to cervical maturation staging

CMOS Digitally Programmable Inductance

A CMOS digitally programmable active lossless inductor realization is proposed. The proposed inductor is based on current and voltage followers and uses R-2R ladder to provide digital tuning of the inductance value. The followers support the use of the simulated inductor for applications in few MHz range. Whereas the use of R-2R provide an additional advantage of realizing high inductance value suitable for very low frequency applications. The proposed inductor is used in synthesizing cascadable biquadratic filters. Simulation results are presented

Impact of Network Channel on Organizational Performance through Radio Frequency Identification; Mediating role of Competition

Distribution concept was the origin of marketing. Every organization has realized that they can enhance their performance through strengthen their network channels and through the adaptation of new, Radio-frequency identification (RFID), technology. In this study, the relationship between network channel and organizational performance has been established. RFID technology is focused to strengthen network channel to gain competitive advantage, which will result to enhance organizational performance. The nature of this study is correlation based on deductive approach and quantitative nature through survey method based on the adoptive questionnaire. The population of this study is retail industry in China. The sample size is 100 with random sampling technique is used. The results from this study show that network channel affect organizational performance while the competition plays the mediating effect and radio-frequency identification technology play the moderated effect on the relationship between network channel and organizational performance. This study will improve organizational performance in retail industry and will reduce the cost of network channel, which will result to increase organizational performance

Estimation of Laffer Curve: Evidence from Pakistan

Laffer curve is a tradeoff between tax cuts and tax revenues. The sketch of Laffer curve was drawn by Arther Laffer at a dinner with his friends on his napkin that reduction in taxes will increase tax revenues. Lafer curve explained that lower tax rate could encourage an additional output and it would increase income, which builds bigger tax base in an economy. In this research we have estimated the Laffer curve on the basis of Taxes on goods and services for Pakistan economy for the period of 1990 to 2016. Time series data have been collected from the world economic data base. Results explained that all the variables are significant and signs of coefficients are in accordance with the theory. Results confirm that Laffer curve is alive in Pakistan economy but its existence is in the prohibited area of Laffer curve. It is suggested that plans of taxation should be modified in such a way that maximum number of people could bring under the tax brackets. The taxation structure of the economy should ensure to lower the indirect taxes, encourage the progressive taxes and elasticity of taxation should be increased. The pattern of taxation should be encouraged after introducing some sort of incentives such as relief in the income tax and higher bank deposit rates should be realize

Impact of Network Channel on Organizational Performance through Radio Frequency Identification; Mediating role of Competition

Distribution concept was the origin of marketing. Every organization has realized that they can enhance their performance through strengthen their network channels and through the adaptation of new, Radio-frequency identification (RFID), technology. In this study, the relationship between network channel and organizational performance has been established. RFID technology is focused to strengthen network channel to gain competitive advantage, which will result to enhance organizational performance. The nature of this study is correlation based on deductive approach and quantitative nature through survey method based on the adoptive questionnaire. The population of this study is retail industry in China. The sample size is 100 with random sampling technique is used. The results from this study show that network channel affect organizational performance while the competition plays the mediating effect and radio-frequency identification technology play the moderated effect on the relationship between network channel and organizational performance. This study will improve organizational performance in retail industry and will reduce the cost of network channel, which will result to increase organizational performance

Memory and cognitive flexibility in physical therapy students of Karachi

Memory allows us to remember the skills that we have learnt and retrieve valuable information stored in the brain. Physical therapy is a multidimensional profession which demands efficient cognitive flexibility and decision-making skills with an excellent memory to help the therapist to multi-task