Towards automation of forensic facial reconstruction

Forensic facial reconstruction is a blend of art and science thus computerizing the process leads to numerous solutions. However, complete automation remains a challenge. This research concentrates on automating the first phase of forensic facial reconstruction which is automatic landmark detection by model fitting and extraction of feature points. Detection of landmarks is a challenging task since the skull orientation in a 3D scanned data cloud is generally arbitrary and unknown. To address the issue, well defined skull and mandible models with known geometric structure, features and orientation are (1) aligned and (2) fit to the scanned data. After model fitting is complete, landmarks can be extracted, within reasonable tolerance, from the dataset. Several methods exist for automatic registration (alignment); however, most suffer ambiguity or require interaction to manage symmetric 3D objects. A new alternative 3D model to data registration technique is introduced which works successfully for both symmetric and non-symmetric objects. It takes advantage of the fact that the model and data have similar shape and known geometric features. Therefore, a similar canonical frame of reference can be developed for both model and data. Once the canonical frame of reference is defined, the model can be easily aligned to data by a euclidian transformation of its coordinate system. Once aligned, the model is scaled and deformed globally to accommodate the overall size the object and bring the model in closer proximity to the data. Lastly, the model is deformed locally to better fit the scanned data. With fitting completed, landmark locations on the model can be utilized to isolate and select corresponding landmarks in the dataset. The registration, fitting and landmark detection techniques were applied to a set of six mandible and three skull body 3D scanned datasets. Results indicate the canonical axes formulation is a good candidate for automatic registration of complex 3D objects. The alternate approach posed for deformation and surface fitting of datasets also shows promise for landmark detection when using well constructed NURBS models. Recommendations are provided for addressing the algorithms limitations and to improve its overall performance

Postpartum atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome: a rare case report

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is characterized by triad of microangiopathic hemolytic anaemia, Thrombocytopenia and Acute renal failure. Genetically predisposed women develop HUS and may be triggered by pregnancy. The diagnosis is challenging due to overlapping clinical features of other diseases in pregnancy. The long-term prognosis is guarded. We are presenting a case of a young primigravida who underwent emergency lower (uterine) segment caesarean section (LSCS). She developed progressive anaemia, thrombocytopenia and renal failure postoperatively. Aggressive management with plasmapheresis, blood transfusions and hemodialysis saved her life. She is currently in remission

A phenomenological qualitative study investigating the social and ecological determinants that influence military childhood overweight and obesity behaviors

This phenomenological qualitative study investigated the social and ecological determinants that influence military child overweight and obesity behaviors. The study identified and examined where the greatest influences lie in to proactively target those behaviors with health prevention strategies within military communities where services can make positive change. The study examined the behavior influences - interpersonal, intrapersonal, institution, community, and policy - using the social-ecological model to analyze leverage points for health promotion strategies. Qualitative data was obtained from 1 hour interviews with 10 civilian spouses of active duty Army soldiers who have 18 school-age children, 6-17 years of age. The achieved goals were to (a) identify the social-ecological behavioral determinants that impact negative obesity habits in the military child, (b) examine the ecological exposures to understand their influence on military child obesity, and (c) analyze the significance of ecological influences associated with obesity among military children. Results revealed that the most significant determinant of military child overweight and obesity found was the military permanent change of station resulting in decreased healthy eating and physical fitness activities and increased sedentary behaviors during the 6-9 month pcs cycle. Another finding contradicted earlier studies citing deployments lasting longer than six months have a negative impact on physical fitness and emotional health of the military child. In this study the military child exhibited little to no negative and, in some cases, positive influence on military child overweight and obesity during deployments regardless of duration. Keywords: overweight, obesity, military, youth, social-ecological, behavioral determinant

DISTRIBUTED GENERATION IMPACT ON DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS: A REVIEW

The concept of traditional distribution networks with unidirectional power flow is weakening due to large penetration of Distributed Generation (DG). The penetration of DG may impact the operation of a distribution network in both beneficial and detrimental ways. Some of the positive impacts of DG are voltage support, power loss reduction, support of ancillary services and improved reliability, whereas negative ones include protection coordination, dynamic stability and islanding. Therefore, proper planning methods that evaluate the composite impacts, i.e. technical, economical and environmental impacts of DG integration to existing distribution networks are very much essential. This paper presents a critical review of various impacts of DG on power distribution system. For ease of reference and to facilitate better understanding this literature is categorized and discussed under five major headings

UK survey of occupational therapist’s and physiotherapist’s experiences and attitudes towards hip replacement precautions and equipment

Background: Total hip replacement (THR) is one of the most common orthopaedic procedures in the United Kingdom (UK). Historically, people following THR have been provided with hip precautions and equipment such as: raised toilet seats and furniture rises, in order to reduce the risks of dislocation post-operation. The purpose of this study was to determine current practices in the provision of these interventions in the UK for people following primary THR. Methods: A 27-question, self-administered online survey was developed and distributed to UK physiotherapists and occupational therapists involved in the management of people following primary THR (target respondents). The survey included questions regarding the current practices in the provision of equipment and hip precautions for THR patients, and physiotherapist’s and occupational therapist’s attitudes towards these practices. The survey was disseminated through print and web-based/social media channels. Results: 170 health professionals (87 physiotherapists and 83 occupational therapists), responded to the survey. Commonly prescribed equipment in respondent’s health trusts were raised toilet seats (95%), toilet frames and rails (88%), furniture raises (79%), helping hands/grabbers (77%), perching stools (75%) and long-handled shoe horns (75%). Hip precautions were routinely prescribed by 97% of respondents. Hip precautions were most frequently taught in a pre-operative group (52% of respondents). Similarly equipment was most frequently provided pre-operatively (61% respondents), and most commonly by occupational therapists (74% respondents). There was variability in the advice provided on the duration of hip precautions and equipment from up to six weeks post-operatively to life-time usage. Conclusions: Current practice on hip precautions and provision of equipment is not full representative of clinician’s perceptions of best care after THR. Future research is warranted to determine whether and to whom hip precautions and equipment should be prescribed post-THR as opposed to the current ‘blanket’ provision of equipment and movement restriction provided in UK practice

Temporal Effects of Cyclic Stretching on Distribution and Gene Expression of Integrin and Cytoskeleton by Ligament Fibroblasts In Vitro

Cyclic stretching is pivotal to maintenance of the ligaments. However, it is still not clear when ligament fibroblasts switch on expression of genes related to the mechanotransduction pathway in response to cyclic stretching. This in vitro study investigated, using ligament fibroblasts, the time-dependent changes in distribution and gene expression of β1 integrin, the cytoskeleton, and collagens after the application of 6% cyclic stretching at a frequency of 0.1 Hz for 3 hr on silicon membranes. We carried out confocal laser scanning microscopy to demonstrate changes in distribution of these components as well as quantitative real-time RT-PCR to quantify levels of these gene expression both during application of cyclic stretching and at 0, 2, 6, 12, and 18 hr after the termination of stretching. Control (unstretched) cells were used at each time point. Within 1 hr of the application of stretching, the fibroblasts and their actin stress fibers became aligned in a direction perpendicular to the major axis of stretch, whereas control (unstretched) cells were randomly distributed. In response to cyclic stretching, upregulation of actin at the mRNA level was first observed within 1 hr after the onset of stretching, while upregulation of β1 integrin and type I and type III collagens was observed between 2 and 12 hr after the termination of stretching. These results indicate that the fibroblasts quickly modify their morphology in response to cyclic stretching, and subsequently they upregulate the expression of genes related to the mechanotransduction pathway mainly during the resting period after the termination of stretching

Cardiac Myxoma, a Rare But Most Common Encountered Cardiac Tumor: A Single Center Experience

Introduction: Cardiac myxoma is a benign and rare tumor, which can present with a grim phenomenon if the presentation is late or the diagnosis and surgery are delayed. The purpose of this study was to share our institutional experience of cardiac myxoma. Material and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate patients undergoing procedures at a single tertiary care centre for the treatment of cardiac myxoma during January, 2007 to December, 2017. Preoperative diagnosis was made by assessing clinical presentation and doing echocardiography. Complete tumor excision was performed, and all the patients were followed up for recurrence and complications. Results: A total of 45 cases of cardiac myxoma (13 males and 32 females) with the mean age of 37.5 years old (ranged between 16 and 60 years old) were operated over the period of 10 years. Cardiac myxoma constituted about 0.69% of all cardiac cases operated at our institute. Out of all the subjects, 41, 3, and 1 cases had left atrial, right atrial, and right ventricular involvements, respectively. Additionally, 43 patients (95%) survived the surgery, one recurrence was observed during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Cardiac myxoma is the most common cardiac tumor account for very small percentage of patients with heart disease. Early clinical suspicion and the use of imaging modalities are key to early diagnosis of this condition. Although these tumors have a risk for severe cardiac and systemic symptoms, referral to experienced centers for prompt surgical resection under cardiopulmonary bypass provides excellent early and long-term results

Revealing the Unknown: Real-Time Recognition of Galápagos Snake Species Using Deep Learning

Real-time identification of wildlife is an upcoming and promising tool for the preservation of wildlife. In this research project, we aimed to use object detection and image classification for the racer snakes of the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. The final target of this project was to build an artificial intelligence (AI) platform, in terms of a web or mobile application, which would serve as a real-time decision making and supporting mechanism for the visitors and park rangers of the Galápagos Islands, to correctly identify a snake species from the user’s uploaded image. Using the deep learning and machine learning algorithms and libraries, we modified and successfully implemented four region-based convolutional neural network (R-CNN) architectures (models for image classification): Inception V2, ResNet, MobileNet, and VGG16. Inception V2, ResNet and VGG16 reached an overall accuracy of 75%This article belongs to the Section Wildlif

Revealing the Unknown: Real-Time Recognition of Galápagos Snake Species Using Deep Learning

Real-time identification of wildlife is an upcoming and promising tool for the preservation of wildlife. In this research project, we aimed to use object detection and image classification for the racer snakes of the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. The final target of this project was to build an artificial intelligence (AI) platform, in terms of a web or mobile application, which would serve as a real-time decision making and supporting mechanism for the visitors and park rangers of the Galápagos Islands, to correctly identify a snake species from the user’s uploaded image. Using the deep learning and machine learning algorithms and libraries, we modified and successfully implemented four region-based convolutional neural network (R-CNN) architectures (models for image classification): Inception V2, ResNet, MobileNet, and VGG16. Inception V2, ResNet and VGG16 reached an overall accuracy of 75%This article belongs to the Section Wildlif

G × E interactions in QTL introgression lines of Spanish-type groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Multi-environment testing at five locations for rust and late leaf spot (LLS) resistance with 41 introgressed lines (ILs) bred using marker-assisted backcross breeding in the genetic background Spanish- type groundnut varieties identified significant genotype, and genotype 9 environment interactions (GEI) for LLS disease resistance and yield parameters. Significant GEI effects suggest the need to identify location specific breeding lines to achieve gains in pod yield and LLS resistance. The observed variable LLS disease reaction among the ILs in part suggests influence of background genotype on the level of resistance. A breeding scheme with early generation selection using molecular markers followed by phenotyping for LLS, and multi-location testing of fixed breeding lines was optimized to enhance selection intensity and accuracy in groundnut breeding. The ILs, ICGVs 14431, 14436 and 14438 with pooled LLS score at 90 DAS of 3.5–3.7 were superior to respective recurrent parent for pod yield, with early maturing similar to recurrent parents. The pod yield advantage in ILs is attributed by more number of pods, besides resistance to LLS that contributes to better filling