Design of FIR digital filters with prescribed flatness and peak error constraints using second-order cone programming

This paper studies the design of digital finite impulse response (FIR) filters with prescribed flatness and peak design error constraints using second-order cone programming (SOCP). SOCP is a powerful convex optimization method, where linear and convex quadratic inequality constraints can readily be incorporated. It is utilized in this study for the optimal minimax and least squares design of linear-phase and low-delay (LD) FIR filters with prescribed magnitude flatness and peak design error. The proposed approach offers more flexibility than traditional maximally-flat approach for the tradeoff between the approximation error and the degree of design freedom. Using these results, new LD specialized filters such as digital differentiators, Hilbert Transformers, Mth band filters and variable digital filters with prescribed magnitude flatness constraints can also be derived. © 2005 IEEE.published_or_final_versio

Optical studies of ZnS:Mn films grown by pulsed laser deposition

Author name used in this publication: C. L. MakAuthor name used in this publication: K. H. Wong2002-2003 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journalVersion of RecordPublishe

On the minimax design of passband linear-phase variable digital filters using semidefinite programming

Variable digital filters (VDFs) are useful to the implementation of digital receivers because its frequency characteristics such as fractional delays and cutoff frequencies can be varied online. In this letter, it is shown that the optimal minimax design of VDFs with passband linear-phase can be formulated and solved as a semi-definite programming (SDP) problem, which is a powerful convex optimization method. In addition, other objective functions, such as least squares, and linear and convex quadratic inequality constraints can readily be incorporated. Design examples using a variable fractional delay (VFD) and a variable cutoff frequency (VCF) FIR filters are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. © 2004 IEEE.published_or_final_versio

Exploring Libraries’ Efforts in Inclusion and Outreach Activities Using Social Media

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A study of the effectiveness of telepsychiatry-based culturally sensitive collaborative treatment of depressed Chinese Americans

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Chinese American patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) tend to underutilize mental health services and are more likely to seek help in primary care settings than from mental health specialists. Our team has reported that Culturally Sensitive Collaborative Treatment (CSCT) is effective in improving recognition and treatment engagement of depressed Chinese Americans in primary care. The current study builds on this prior research by incorporating telemedicine technology into the CSCT model.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>We propose a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of a telepsychiatry-based culturally sensitive collaborative treatment (T-CSCT) intervention targeted toward Chinese Americans. Patients meeting the study's eligibility criteria will receive either treatment as usual or the intervention under investigation. The six-month intervention involves: 1) an initial psychiatric interview using a culturally sensitive protocol via videoconference; 2) eight scheduled phone visits with a care manager assigned to the patient, who will monitor the patient's progress, as well as medication side effects and dosage if applicable; and 3) collaboration between the patient's PCP, psychiatrist, and care manager. Outcome measures include depressive symptom severity as well as patient and PCP satisfaction with the telepsychiatry-based care management service.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>The study investigates the T-CSCT model, which we believe will increase the feasibility and practicality of the CSCT model by adopting telemedicine technology. We anticipate that this model will expand access to culturally competent psychiatrists fluent in patients' native languages to improve treatment of depressed minority patients in primary care settings.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p><a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00854542">NCT00854542</a></p

A profile of the online dissemination of national influenza surveillance data

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Influenza surveillance systems provide important and timely information to health service providers on trends in the circulation of influenza virus and other upper respiratory tract infections. Online dissemination of surveillance data is useful for risk communication to health care professionals, the media and the general public. We reviewed national influenza surveillance websites from around the world to describe the main features of surveillance data dissemination.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We searched for national influenza surveillance websites for every country and reviewed the resulting sites where available during the period from November 2008 through February 2009. Literature about influenza surveillance was searched at MEDLINE for relevant hyperlinks to related websites. Non-English websites were translated into English using human translators or Google language tools.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 70 national influenza surveillance websites were identified. The percentage of developing countries with surveillance websites was lower than that of developed countries (22% versus 57% respectively). Most of the websites (74%) were in English or provided an English version. The most common surveillance methods included influenza-like illness consultation rates in primary care settings (89%) and laboratory surveillance (44%). Most websites (70%) provided data within a static report format and 66% of the websites provided data with at least weekly resolution.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Appropriate dissemination of surveillance data is important to maximize the utility of collected data. There may be room for improvement in the style and content of the dissemination of influenza data to health care professionals and the general public.</p

The psychophysiological effects of Tai-chi and exercise in residential Schizophrenic patients: a 3-arm randomized controlled trial

Background Patients with schizophrenia are characterized by high prevalence rates and chronicity that often leads to long-term institutionalization. Under the traditional medical model, treatment usually emphasizes the management of psychotic symptoms through medication, even though anti-psychotic drugs are associated with severe side effects, which can diminish patients’ physical and psychological well-being. Tai-chi, a mind-body exercise rooted in Eastern health philosophy, emphasizes the motor coordination and relaxation. With these potential benefits, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) is planned to investigate the effects of Tai-chi intervention on the cognitive and motor deficits characteristic of patients with schizophrenia. Methods/design A 3-arm RCT with waitlist control design will be used in this study. One hundred and fifty three participants will be randomized into (i) Tai-chi, (ii) exercise or (iii) waitlist control groups. Participants in both the Tai-chi and exercise groups will receive 12-weeks of specific intervention, in addition to the standard medication and care received by the waitlist control group. The exercise group will serve as a comparison, to delineate any unique benefits of Tai-chi that are independent of moderate aerobic exercise. All three groups will undergo three assessment phases: (i) at baseline, (ii) at 12 weeks (post-intervention), and (iii) at 24 weeks (maintenance). All participants will be assessed in terms of symptom management, motor coordination, memory, daily living function, and stress levels based on self-perceived responses and a physiological marker. Discussion Based on a promising pilot study conducted prior to this RCT, subjects in the Tai-chi intervention group are expected to be protected against deterioration of motor coordination and interpersonal functioning. They are also expected to have better symptoms management and lower stress level than the other treatment groups.published_or_final_versio

Zika Virus Infection in Dexamethasone-immunosuppressed Mice Demonstrating Disseminated Infection with Multi-organ Involvement Including Orchitis Effectively Treated by Recombinant Type I Interferons

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Static stretching of the hamstring muscle for injury prevention in football codes: a systematic review

Purpose: Hamstring injuries are common among football players. There is still disagreement regarding prevention. The aim of this review is to determine whether static stretching reduces hamstring injuries in football codes. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted on the online databases PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane, Web of Science, Bisp and Clinical Trial register. Study results were presented descriptively and the quality of the studies assessed were based on Cochrane’s ‘risk of bias’ tool. Results: The review identified 35 studies, including four analysis studies. These studies show deficiencies in the quality of study designs. Conclusion: The study protocols are varied in terms of the length of intervention and follow-up. No RCT studies are available, however, RCT studies should be conducted in the near future