Successive Concave Sparsity Approximation for Compressed Sensing

In this paper, based on a successively accuracy-increasing approximation of the $\ell_0$ norm, we propose a new algorithm for recovery of sparse vectors from underdetermined measurements. The approximations are realized with a certain class of concave functions that aggressively induce sparsity and their closeness to the $\ell_0$ norm can be controlled. We prove that the series of the approximations asymptotically coincides with the $\ell_1$ and $\ell_0$ norms when the approximation accuracy changes from the worst fitting to the best fitting. When measurements are noise-free, an optimization scheme is proposed which leads to a number of weighted $\ell_1$ minimization programs, whereas, in the presence of noise, we propose two iterative thresholding methods that are computationally appealing. A convergence guarantee for the iterative thresholding method is provided, and, for a particular function in the class of the approximating functions, we derive the closed-form thresholding operator. We further present some theoretical analyses via the restricted isometry, null space, and spherical section properties. Our extensive numerical simulations indicate that the proposed algorithm closely follows the performance of the oracle estimator for a range of sparsity levels wider than those of the state-of-the-art algorithms.Comment: Submitted to IEEE Trans. on Signal Processin

The Effect of Homogenization Pressure and Stages on the Amounts of Lactic and Acetic Acids of Probiotic Yoghurt

Nowadays the use of probiotic products especially yogurt, due to having wonderful and health properties, has become popular in the world. In this study, the effect of homogenization pressure (100, 150 and 200 bars) and stage (single and two) on the amount of lactic and acetic acids was investigated. Yoghurts were manufactured from low-fat milk treated using high pressure homogenization at 100,150 and 200 bar and at 60°C. The amount of lactic and acetic acids was determined after the days 1, 7, 14 and 21 of storage at 4ºC. The experiments were set up using a completely randomized design. With the increase of pressure and stage of homogenization, the amount of both acids was increased (p<0.01). The greatest amount of lactic and acetic acids during the storage period was observed in the sample homogenized at a pressure of 200 bars and two stages

Intrinsic Competencies: A Leverage Tool for The Performance of Learning Organization (Case Study: Wasit University)

Learning organization performance is based on the sharing of experience and knowledge. The methods and adaptability of learners demonstrate its competitive advantage. However, in a fluctuating context marked by successive crises (economic, health), relying on intrinsic competencies is a crucial advantage for learning companies. This study investigated the influence of intrinsic competencies with three dimensions on the performance of the learning organization. This quantitative study used the questionnaire as a quantifiable tool to obtain data. A pre-test and face validation ensured the questionnaire’s validity. The analytical method is used in this study. Path analysis and SEM were applied in this study to test hypotheses. The influence of intrinsic competencies dimensions (Organizational Resources, Human Resources Strategies, Employees Capabilities) on the performance of learning organizations is the most prominent conclusion. The learning organization should adopt a learning and teaching culture where people collaborate and think together to constantly improves to enhance their performance

High serum osteopontin levels are associated with prevalent fractures and worse lipid profile in post-menopausal women with type 2 diabetes

Purpose: Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) have increased fracture risk. Osteopontin (OPN) is a protein involved in bone remodeling and inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of OPN with fracture prevalence and with metabolic parameters in post-menopausal women with T2DM. Methods: Sixty-four post-menopausal women with T2DM (age 67.0 ± 7.8 years, diabetes duration 8.9 ± 6.7 years), enrolled in a previous study, were followed up (3.6 ± 0.9 years). Previous fragility fractures were recorded. The FRAX score (without BMD) was calculated and biochemical parameters (plasma glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile and renal function) were assessed. Serum 25OH-vitamin D, calcium, PTH and OPN were evaluated at baseline. The association between OPN and fracture prevalence at baseline was evaluated by a logistic model. Results: OPN levels were higher in patients with previous fractures (n.25) than in patients without previous fractures at baseline (n.39) (p = 0.006). The odds of having fractures at baseline increased by 6.7 (1.9–31.4, 95% CI, p = 0.007) for each increase of 1 ng/ml in OPN levels, after adjustment for vitamin D and HbA1c levels. Fracture incidence was 4.7%. Higher OPN associated with a decrease in HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.048), after adjustment for age, basal HDL-cholesterol, basal and follow-up HbA1c and follow-up duration. 25OH-vitamin D associated with an increase in FRAX-estimated probability of hip fracture at follow-up (p = 0.029), after adjustment for age, 25OH-vitamin D and time. Conclusions: In post-menopausal women with T2DM, OPN might be a useful marker of fracture and worse lipid profile

The Craig Interpolation Property in First-order G\"odel Logic

In this article, a model-theoretic approach is proposed to prove that the first-order G\"odel logic, $\mathbf{G}$, as well as its extension $\mathbf{G}^\Delta$ associated with first-order relational languages enjoy the Craig interpolation property. These results partially provide an affirmative answer to a question posed in [Aguilera, Baaz, 2017, Ten problems in G\"odel logic]

Implantable Fluid Delivery System

An implantable system for delivering fluids , such as drugs , to one or more anatomical structures in a patient \u27 s ( i . e . , human or animal ) body . A number of medical conditions require continual and / or periodic administration of fluids ( e . g . , drugs ) to target regions ( e . g . , anatomic organs ) of the body . Accessibility to those target regions might be limited technically for ex . and not limited to : frequent endoscopic , radiologically guided or surgical approaches . The system delivers the fluid needed in a continual or intermittent fashion to the target region . It controls the amount of fluid delivered to the target region and measures the intended physiologic effect of the fluid delivered

Development of a Portable Device for Thermoelectrical Power Measurement—Application to the Inspection of Duplex Stainless Steel Components

Some cast components of the primary loop of French Pressurized Water Reactors are made of cast duplex stainless steels. The mechanical characteristics of these components, working in the temperature range from 285°C to 325°C, may be altered by thermal aging : the hardness of the materials increases whereas its toughness decreases with aging time and temperature. The metallurgical explanation of this phenomena is the unmixing of the ferritic Fe-Cr-Ni solid solution by spinodal decomposition and the precipitation of intermetallic G-phase particles rich in nickel and silicium [1]

Tumor type M2-pyruvate-kinase levels in pleural fluid versus plasma in cancer patients: a further tool to define the need for invasive procedures

Pleural effusion is a common diagnostic problem and a challenge to the thoracic surgeon. The analysis of serum and body fluids for tumor markers is an established diagnostic procedure. Among various markers, tumors are linked to the overexpression of a glycolytic isoenzyme, M2-pyruvate-kinase (M2-PK). This preliminary study evaluated this enzyme as a tumor marker to differentiate malignant from benign pleural effusion