Improved Breath Phase and Continuous Adventitious Sound Detection in Lung and Tracheal Sound Using Mixed Set Training and Domain Adaptation

Previously, we established a lung sound database, HF_Lung_V2 and proposed convolutional bidirectional gated recurrent unit (CNN-BiGRU) models with adequate ability for inhalation, exhalation, continuous adventitious sound (CAS), and discontinuous adventitious sound detection in the lung sound. In this study, we proceeded to build a tracheal sound database, HF_Tracheal_V1, containing 11107 of 15-second tracheal sound recordings, 23087 inhalation labels, 16728 exhalation labels, and 6874 CAS labels. The tracheal sound in HF_Tracheal_V1 and the lung sound in HF_Lung_V2 were either combined or used alone to train the CNN-BiGRU models for respective lung and tracheal sound analysis. Different training strategies were investigated and compared: (1) using full training (training from scratch) to train the lung sound models using lung sound alone and train the tracheal sound models using tracheal sound alone, (2) using a mixed set that contains both the lung and tracheal sound to train the models, and (3) using domain adaptation that finetuned the pre-trained lung sound models with the tracheal sound data and vice versa. Results showed that the models trained only by lung sound performed poorly in the tracheal sound analysis and vice versa. However, the mixed set training and domain adaptation can improve the performance of exhalation and CAS detection in the lung sound, and inhalation, exhalation, and CAS detection in the tracheal sound compared to positive controls (lung models trained only by lung sound and vice versa). Especially, a model derived from the mixed set training prevails in the situation of killing two birds with one stone.Comment: To be submitted, 31 pages, 6 figures, 5 table

Benchmarking of eight recurrent neural network variants for breath phase and adventitious sound detection on a self-developed open-access lung sound database-HF_Lung_V1

A reliable, remote, and continuous real-time respiratory sound monitor with automated respiratory sound analysis ability is urgently required in many clinical scenarios-such as in monitoring disease progression of coronavirus disease 2019-to replace conventional auscultation with a handheld stethoscope. However, a robust computerized respiratory sound analysis algorithm has not yet been validated in practical applications. In this study, we developed a lung sound database (HF_Lung_V1) comprising 9,765 audio files of lung sounds (duration of 15 s each), 34,095 inhalation labels, 18,349 exhalation labels, 13,883 continuous adventitious sound (CAS) labels (comprising 8,457 wheeze labels, 686 stridor labels, and 4,740 rhonchi labels), and 15,606 discontinuous adventitious sound labels (all crackles). We conducted benchmark tests for long short-term memory (LSTM), gated recurrent unit (GRU), bidirectional LSTM (BiLSTM), bidirectional GRU (BiGRU), convolutional neural network (CNN)-LSTM, CNN-GRU, CNN-BiLSTM, and CNN-BiGRU models for breath phase detection and adventitious sound detection. We also conducted a performance comparison between the LSTM-based and GRU-based models, between unidirectional and bidirectional models, and between models with and without a CNN. The results revealed that these models exhibited adequate performance in lung sound analysis. The GRU-based models outperformed, in terms of F1 scores and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves, the LSTM-based models in most of the defined tasks. Furthermore, all bidirectional models outperformed their unidirectional counterparts. Finally, the addition of a CNN improved the accuracy of lung sound analysis, especially in the CAS detection tasks.Comment: 48 pages, 8 figures. To be submitte

Users' Purchase Intention on Online Music Streaming Platforms - A Case Study of KKBOX and Spotify

網路的普及、MP3檔案與行動裝置的出現，改變大眾的音樂聆聽習慣。實體唱片銷售每況愈下，衝擊全球唱片音樂市場，卻也促使全球音樂市場的轉型。數位音樂、串流音樂平台相繼出現。以台灣為例，從創立最早、規模最大的KKBOX發展至今，已有19家數位音樂業者提供服務，逐漸取代實體銷售，成為音樂市場主流。 本研究藉以台灣最具代表性的串流音樂平台KKBOX與第一家進入台灣數位音樂市場並為當前全球最大的國際廠牌Spotify為例，分析使用者對於兩平台的感受與評價。首先，以文獻回顧探究兩平台之發展歷程與服務提供及差異；再透過問卷方式探討使用者對兩產品之知覺品質、知覺價值與購買意願的關係。統計研究結果發現，在「知覺品質」、「知覺價值」與「購買意願」的關係上，Spotify都是優於KKBOX。尤以「知覺價值」更是影響使用者選擇使用與購買串流音樂平台的重要因素。 然而，KKBOX因其長久的在地化與多角化經營以及本土唱片業者的支持，使其在華語音樂的數量上與在台影響力仍有絕對優勢。因此在國外廠牌相繼來台的情況下，本土數位音樂業者除了持續增強平台的服務提供與操作介面上的改善外，建議能固守自我優勢，並可結合如廣播電台等音樂產業面向，開創華語數位音樂市場的獨特性與龍頭地位。The popularity of internet and the emergence of MP3 and mobile devices change the people’s habit of listening to music. The declining of physical record sales these years makes an impact on global music industries. However,these technical changes also make the transformation of global music industries. In Taiwan,there are 19 digital music companies providing the online streaming music sevices now. Not only replace the music industries’main revenue of physical record sales,but also become mainstream in the market. This research selected KKBOX the first and typical online streaming platform in Taiwan,and Spotify that is the first international online streaming brand in Taiwan and is known for the world’s highest market share as case studies to analyse the users’experiences and evaluations for these two platforms. First,comprehending the developments,services and differences between these two platforms based on literature review. Then, through the questionnaires, this study explores the users’ relationship to the platforms among perceived quality,perceived value and purchase intention. And the results suggested that Spotify is superior to KKBOX among perceived quality,perceived value and purchase intention to users. In particular, perceived value is the most important factor to affect the users using and buying online streaming platform. Despite this,KKBOX still has strong advantages on its influence and large numbers of Mandopop in Taiwan because of its localization, diversification and local record industries’ support. In the case of foreign brands successively entering, local digital music industries should enhance its service providing and improve user interface. In addition, they should maintain their Mandopop advantages and combine with different music industries like radio station to creat the unique and the leadership position in Mandopop industy

Preparation of polyethersulfone/montmorillonite membranes for gas transport

本研究利用相轉移法製備PES/蒙脫土(montmorillonite, MMT) 複合薄膜，第一部份使用摻混方法製備出PES/MMT複合薄膜，第二部分利用熱處理方法製備出T(PES/MMT) 複合薄膜，第三部分則使用改質的有機蒙脫土(O-MMT)製備PES/OMMT複合薄膜，第四部份則利用磺化PES(SPES)製備出SPES/OMMT複合薄膜。本研究並分析複合薄膜的相關性質：先測量其膜厚接近60 um/disc及膜重接近20 mg/disc證明增加蒙脫土沒有變化，進而量測離子交換容量、水含量可分析本研究所製備薄膜之親疏水性，再利用拉力測試儀觀察增加蒙脫土其拉力變化。此外，本研究亦利用寬角度X光繞射分析儀(WXRD)判斷蒙脫土於薄膜內其層間距的變化。另以掃描穿透式電子顯微鏡(FE-SEM)觀察薄膜截面的特徵型態。 在應用部分，本研究使用PES/MMT、T(PES/MMT)、PES/OMMT和SPES/MMT等四種複合薄膜進行CO2及CH4之氣體滲透程序。於氣體分離係數發現CO2/CH4大部分數值在0.4-1之間，由此判斷氣體滲透行為為Knudsen和Poiseuille。 但理論上蒙脫土添加越多導致的自由空隙越多，使得Poiseuill行為明顯，若Poiseuille明顯則導致氣體滲透跟二端壓力和呈線性成長。不過實際上趨勢卻不是如此。可能是有部分數據有問題，這些數據該重新去測試，找出實際趨勢。PES/montmorillonite (MMT) composite membranes were successfully prepared by via phase inversion method in this study. The first approach (simple mixing) was to mix commercial PES polymer with Na+-MMT clays in solvent for membrane preparation. The second approach (thermal treatment) was to prepare the T(PES/Na+-MMT) composite membrane. The third approach (modification particles) was to prepare the PES/O-MMT composite membrane. The forth approach (Sulfonation of polyethersulfone) was to prepare the SPES/ Na+-MMT composite membrane. Membrane properties were characterized. The thickness and weight value were very close that about 60 um and 20 mg/disc at different feed MMT wt%. By measuring the cation-exchange capacity and water content that hydrophilicity of composite membranes was analyzed. Their composite membranes are tensile strength as MMT increased by tensile machine. Moreover, the X-ray diffractograms exhibited the change of interlayer spacing of MMT clays in the composite membrane. Membrane morphology was detected by scanning electron microscope. In their applicabilities, CH4 and CO2 permeability performance of there PES/MMT, T(PES/MMT), PES/OMMT and SPES/MMT composite membranes were investigated. In the gas separation factor value range was 0.4-1 that result may be explained Knudsen flow and Poiseuille flow. In the theory, when they added particles that significantly enhance poiseuille diffusion that depended linearly on the mean pressure, then gas permeability depended linearly on the mean pressure. In fact that tend did not conform to theory. The problem may be some data error, so we may be retest some data.Contents 摘要 ………...……………………………………………………………I Abstract ……..………………………………………………………….. III Content ……..…………………………………………………………… V List of Table …………………………………………………...………..VII List of figures ………………………………………………………….VIII Chapter 1 Introduction …………………………………………………....1 Chapter 2 Experimental …………………………..………………………5 2.1. Materials ……………………………………………………..……5 2.2. Sulfonation of polyethersulfone …………………………………..5 2.3. Membrane preparation …………………………………………….6 2.4. Membrane characterization ………………………………………..7 2.4.1. Membrane thickness ………………………………………….7 2.4.2. Mechanical properties measurements ………………………...7 2.4.3. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WXRD) ……………………...8 2.4.4. Field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) ……8 2.4.5. Water content …………………………………………………8 2.4.6. Cation-exchange capacity (CEC) ………………………….…9 2.5. Gas permeation measurements ……………………………..……..9 Chapter 3 Results and discussion ………………………………..……. 16 3.1. Characterization of PES/MMT composite membranes…………...16 3.1.1. Membrane thickness and weight ……………………………..16 3.1.2. Mechanical properties result …………………………………16 3.1.3. WXRD results ……………………………………………….17 3.1.4. SEM results ………………………………………………….18 3.1.5. Water content results ………………………………………...18 3.1.6. CEC results ………………………………………………… 19 3.2. Gas separations and permeability results …………………………20 Chapter 4 Conclusion …………………………………………………….22 References………………………………………………………………...23 List of Table Table 1 Properties of PES/MMT composite membranes ……..…… 31 List of Figures Fig. 1. Chemical structure of MMT clays …....………..…..……....... 32 Fig. 2. Permeation cell …………………………………………..….. 33 Fig. 3. Schema of permeation apparatus ………..……………...…… 34 Fig. 4. Effect of MMT and OMMT content on membrane thickness and weight of MMT/PES composite membranes………………..... 35 Fig. 5. WXRD patterns for PES/MMT and PES/TMMT in different feed MMT wt%..........................................................................36 Fig. 6. WXRD patterns for SPES/MMT and PES/OMMT in different feed MMT and OMMT wt%................................................... 37 Fig. 7. SEM cross-section photographs for PES/MMT and T (PES / MMT) in different feed Na+-MMT ratio…………...………...38 Fig. 8. SEM cross-section photographs for PES/OMMT and SPES / MMT in different feed MMT ratio………………………… 39 Fig. 9. Effect of MMT and OMMT content on water content of MMT/PES composite membranes……...……………………40 Fig. 10. Effect of MMT and OMMT content on tensile strength of MMT/ PES composite membranes……….……….…………41 Fig. 11. Log Gas permeability for PES/MMT composite membranes ..42 Fig. 12. Gas permeability for PES/MMT composite membranes……..43 Fig. 13. Log Gas permeability for PES/OMMT composite membranes …………………………………………………………….. .44 Fig. 14. Gas permeability for PES/OMMT composite membranes…45 Fig. 15. Log Gas permeability for SPES/MMT composite membranes ………………………………………………………………46 Fig. 16. Gas permeability for SPES/MMT composite membranes…47 Fig. 17. Gas separation for MMT and OMMT composite membranes ………………………………………………………………4

Diagnostic accuracy of the CAM-ICU and ICDSC in detecting intensive care unit delirium: A bivariate meta-analysis

Background Delirium is a critical and highly prevalent problem among critically ill patients. The Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) and the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC) are the most recommended assessment tools for detecting intensive care unit (ICU) delirium. Objectives To synthesize the current evidence and compared the diagnostic accuracy of the two tools in the detection of delirium in adults in ICUs. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data source A comprehensive search of the following electronic databases was performed using PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses A&I. The date range searched was from database inception to April 26, 2019. Review methods Two researchers independently identified articles, systematically abstracted data and evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of the CAM-ICU or the ICDSC against standard references. Bivariate diagnostic statistical analysis with a random-effects model was performed to summarize the pooled sensitivity and specificity of the two tools. Results In total, 29 CAM-ICU and 12 ICDSC studies were identified. The pooled sensitivity was 0.84 and 0.83 and pooled specificity was 0.95 and 0.87 for the CAM-ICU and the ICDSC, respectively. The CAM-ICU had higher summary specificity than the ICDSC did (p = 0.04). The percentage of hypoactive delirium, ICU type, use of mechanical ventilation, number of participants, and female percentage moderated the accuracy of the tools. Most of the domains of patient selection, index test, reference standards, and flow and timing were rated as having a low or unclear risk of bias. Conclusions Although both the CAM-ICU and the ICDSC are accurate assessment tools for screening delirium in critically ill patients, the CAM-ICU is superior in ruling out patients without ICU delirium and detecting delirium in patients in the medical ICU and those receiving mechanical ventilation. Further investigations are warranted to validate our findings

Gas sensing properties of indium–gallium–zinc–oxide gas sensors in different light intensity

We have successfully observed the change in indium–gallium–zinc–oxide (IGZO) gas sensor sensitivity by controlling the light emitting diode (LED) power under the same gas concentrations. The light intensity dependence of sensor properties is discussed. Different LED intensities obviously affected the gas sensor sensitivity, which decays with increasing LED intensity. High LED intensity decreases not only gas sensor sensitivity but also the response time (T90), response time constant (τres) and the absorption rate per second. Low intensity irradiated to sensor causes high sensitivity, but it needs larger response time. Similar results were also observed in other kinds of materials such as TiO2. According to the results, the sensing properties of gas sensors can be modulated by controlling the light intensity

Effects of sling exercises on pain, function, and corticomuscular functional connectivity in individuals with chronic low back pain- preliminary study.

BackgroundIndividuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP) exhibit altered brain function and trunk muscle activation.AimThis study examined the effects of sling exercises on pain, function, and corticomuscular coherence (CMC) in healthy adults and individuals with CLBP.MethodsEight individuals with CLBP and 15 healthy adults received sling exercise training for 6 weeks. Before and after training, participants performed two motor tasks: rapid arm lifts and repeated trunk flexion-extension tasks, and electromyography of the trunk muscles and electroencephalography of the sensorimotor cortex were recorded. Chi-squared test and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for between group comparison, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used for pre- and post-training comparison. Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficient (Rs) was used to identify for the relationship between motor performance and Corticomuscular coherence.ResultsSling exercises significantly improved pain (median from 3 to 1, p = .01) and Oswestry Disability Index scores (median from 2.5 to 2, p = .03) in the CLBP group. During rapid arm lifts, individuals with CLBP showed lower beta CMC of the transverse abdominis and internal oblique (Tra/IO) (0.8 vs. 0.49, p = .01) and lumbar erector spinae (0.70 vs. 0.38, p = .04) than the control group at baseline. During trunk flexion-extension, the CLBP group showed higher gamma CMC of the left Tra/IO than the control group at baseline (0.28 vs. 0.16 , p = .001). After training, all CMC became statistically non-significant between groups. The training induced improvement in anticipatory activation of the Tra/IO was positively correlated with the beta CMC (rs = 0.7851, p = .02).ConclusionA 6-week sling exercises diminished pain and disability in patients with CLBP and improved the anticipatory activation and CMC in some trunk muscles. These improvements were associated with training induced changes in corticomuscular connectivity in individuals with CLBP