Lip Reading with Hahn Convolutional Neural Networks moments

International audienceLipreading or Visual speech recognition is the process of decoding speech from speakers mouth movements. It is used for people with hearing impairment , to understand patients attained with laryngeal cancer, people with vocal cord paralysis and in noisy environment. In this paper we aim to develop a visual-only speech recognition system based only on video. Our main targeted application is in the medical field for the assistance to la-ryngectomized persons. To that end, we propose Hahn Convolutional Neu-ral Network (HCNN), a novel architecture based on Hahn moments as first layer in the Convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture. We show that HCNN helps in reducing the dimensionality of video images, in gaining training time. HCNN model is trained to classify letters, digits or words given as video images. We evaluated the proposed method on three datasets, AVLetters, OuluVS2 and BBC LRW, and we show that it achieves significant results in comparison with other works in the literature

A study of (time)1/4 rehydroxylation kinetics in fired kaolinite

Accurate prediction of long-term moisture expansion in fired clay ceramics requires finding a relationship between the reactivity of a ceramic material with moisture and time. Recently a (time)1/4 law has been proposed which provides a precise relationship between moisture expansion and mass gain in fired clay ceramics and time. However, mass gain studies rather than expansive strain studies provide a more accurate and fundamental measure of the reactivity of fired clay ceramics with moisture. The possibility of using the (time)1/4 law to describe rate of mass gain and consequently to predict moisture expansion in fired clay ceramics with time requires study of the effect of chemical composition and firing temperature on the linear dependence of mass gain on (time)1/4. Pure kaolinite as well as kaolinite mixed with controlled additions of alkali and alkaline-earth metals were employed in this study. These materials were fired at temperatures between 800°C and 1200°C. Mass gain due to the chemical combination of the fired materials with moisture was measured using a recording microbalance under tightly controlled environmental conditions of temperature and relative humidity. The mass gain results show that the (time)1/4 law can be used to obtain an accurate linear relationship between long-term mass gain and time at almost all firing temperatures and at all different compositions. The presence of alkali metals was found to strongly affect the chemical combination of fired clay ceramics with moisture and hence affect the rate of mass gain. On the other hand, alkaline earth metals were found to produce similar reaction kinetics to kaolinite alone. BET surface area and X-ray diffraction results confirm that there is a correlation between the reactivity with moisture and both the specific surface area and crystallinity of fired clay ceramics.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceMinistry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, EgyptGBUnited Kingdo

Hydrogeological characterization of the Complex Terminal aquifer using geoelectrical investigation in the arid environment of Chetma-Biskra (South-East of Algeria)

As a transition hydrogeological area, Biskra (Algeria) holds large groundwater resources in deeply buried aquifers such as the Complex Terminal. Due to a growing demand of drinking water supply and irrigation combined to low recharge, this arid region is facing an acute shortage of water and hence, the need for groundwater investigation. We used an integrated approach including geophysical investigation correlated to the geological and hydrogeological context in the Chetma area. The results highlight a deep structural form with significant hydrogeological features. In fact, two resistant limestone anticlines called Droh corresponding to a piezometric dome and a syncline filled with conductive deposit materials were identified. The Maastrichtian formation, consisting of fractured limestone, about 200 to 350 m thick, together with Lower Eocene marl limestone and limestone form a complex aquifer. At more than 400 m depth, boreholes capturing Maastrichtian limestone offer a high yield ranging from 25 to 90 L/s. Moreover, groundwater yield provides an average of 40 L/s at 300 m of depth. In contrast, synform geometries with high clay and marl content offer a weak groundwater yield. We confirmed the occurence of fractured aquifers which could constitute potentially groundwater production zones. This study provides new insights to enhance groundwater pumping for domestic and irrigation purposes for 2030

MicroRNA-208a: a Good Diagnostic Marker and a Predictor of no-Reflow in STEMI Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneuos Coronary Intervention

MicroRNA-208a is a cardiac specific oligo-nucleotide. We aimed at investigating the ability of microRNA-208a to diagnose myocardial infarction and predict the outcome of primary percutaneuos coronary angiography (PCI). Patients (n = 75) presented by chest pain were recruited into two groups. Group 1 (n = 40) had ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and underwent primary PCI: 21 patients had sufficient reperfusion and 19 had no-reflow. Group 2 (n = 35) had negative cardiac troponins (cTns). Plasma microRNA-208a expression was assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and patients were followed for occurrence of in-hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE). MicroRNA-208a could diagnose of MI (AUC of 0.926). After primary PCI, it was superior to cTnT in prediction of no-reflow (AUC difference of 0.231, P = 0.0233) and MACE (AUC difference of 0.367, P = 0.0053). Accordingly, circulating levels of miR-208a can be used as a diagnostic marker of MI and a predictor of no-reflow and in-hospital MACE

A distributed architecture of parallel buck-boost converters and cascaded control of DC microgrids-real time implementation

To enhance the stability and reliability of the system, the converters’ parallel operation can be cascaded to address the constraints posed by the substantial integration of renewable resources. Buck-boost DC-DC converters are often controlled via a cascaded control approach to allow parallel operation. The converter’s output current and its voltage will be controlled by nested loop control. This study proposes adaptive droop control parameters that are updated and verified online using the principal current sharing loops to minimize the fluctuation in load current sharing. When the converters in the microgrid are paralleled, load sharing will be accomplished using the droop control approach in addition to nested proportional-integral-based voltage and current control loops. To restore the correct voltage across the DC microgrid, an outer addition voltage secondary loop will be used, rectifying any voltage disparities caused by the droop management strategy. Several common load resistances and input voltage variations are used to test the suggested method. Using a linearized model, this work assesses the stability and performance of the proposed method. It then confirms the findings with an adequate model created in MATLAB/SIMULINK, Real-Time Simulation Fundamentals, and hardware-based experiments

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Depression, anxiety, and stress related to online distance learning (ODL) does not influence academic performance : findings from an online survey among undergraduates in Malaysia

While there has been widespread reporting of a negative impact on students' mental health and academic performance because of ineffective online learning systems during COVID, Malaysian data remained scarce. In this online survey, the correlation between online distance learning (ODL), mental health status and academic performance of Malaysian undergraduates during COVID-19 pandemic were examined. Academic performance was measured using self-reported questionnaires in which respondents were also asked to state their cumulative grade points average (CGPA). Reduction in CGPA was considered as a decline in academic performance. Data on ODL readiness and satisfaction as well as mental health status were obtained. Among 256 respondents of this study with mean age (SD) 22.10 (1.05), a total of 27.3% reported to have decline in CGPA during Covid-19 pandemic. Female undergraduates were more likely to perform better as more had maintained or improved their academic performance. Self-directed learning, learning control, learning motivation, and satisfactionwere significantly associated with academic performance (p<0.05) but not computer-internet self-efficacy and online communication self-efficacy. There were also significant negative correlations between ODL and Mental Health Status. However, mental health status does not appear to be significantly associated with decline in academic performance. Our study findings suggest that ODL preference and satisfaction have an impact on the academic performance. While, mental health status related to ODL was not associated with academic performance. Students getting used to the shift into remote learning over time may explain why mental health status had no effect on their academic performance. Future studies should focus on the know how to deliver effective ODL techniques to improve undergraduates’ satisfaction with the hope to further improve their academic performance

Association of respiratory symptoms and lung function with occupation in the multinational Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has been associated with exposures in the workplace. We aimed to assess the association of respiratory symptoms and lung function with occupation in the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease study. Methods We analysed cross-sectional data from 28 823 adults (≥40 years) in 34 countries. We considered 11 occupations and grouped them by likelihood of exposure to organic dusts, inorganic dusts and fumes. The association of chronic cough, chronic phlegm, wheeze, dyspnoea, forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/FVC with occupation was assessed, per study site, using multivariable regression. These estimates were then meta-analysed. Sensitivity analyses explored differences between sexes and gross national income. Results Overall, working in settings with potentially high exposure to dusts or fumes was associated with respiratory symptoms but not lung function differences. The most common occupation was farming. Compared to people not working in any of the 11 considered occupations, those who were farmers for ≥20 years were more likely to have chronic cough (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.19–1.94), wheeze (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.16–1.63) and dyspnoea (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.53–2.20), but not lower FVC (β=0.02 L, 95% CI −0.02–0.06 L) or lower FEV1/FVC (β=0.04%, 95% CI −0.49–0.58%). Some findings differed by sex and gross national income. Conclusion At a population level, the occupational exposures considered in this study do not appear to be major determinants of differences in lung function, although they are associated with more respiratory symptoms. Because not all work settings were included in this study, respiratory surveillance should still be encouraged among high-risk dusty and fume job workers, especially in low- and middle-income countries.publishedVersio

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Prevalence of chronic cough, its risk factors and population attributable risk in the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study: a multinational cross-sectional study

© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Background: Chronic cough is a common respiratory symptom with an impact on daily activities and quality of life. Global prevalence data are scarce and derive mainly from European and Asian countries and studies with outcomes other than chronic cough. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of chronic cough across a large number of study sites as well as to identify its main risk factors using a standardised protocol and definition. Methods: We analysed cross-sectional data from 33,983 adults (≥40 years), recruited between Jan 2, 2003 and Dec 26, 2016, in 41 sites (34 countries) from the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study. We estimated the prevalence of chronic cough for each site accounting for sampling design. To identify risk factors, we conducted multivariable logistic regression analysis within each site and then pooled estimates using random-effects meta-analysis. We also calculated the population attributable risk (PAR) associated with each of the identifed risk factors. Findings: The prevalence of chronic cough varied from 3% in India (rural Pune) to 24% in the United States of America (Lexington,KY). Chronic cough was more common among females, both current and passive smokers, those working in a dusty job, those with a history of tuberculosis, those who were obese, those with a low level of education and those with hypertension or airflow limitation. The most influential risk factors were current smoking and working in a dusty job. Interpretation: Our findings suggested that the prevalence of chronic cough varies widely across sites in different world regions. Cigarette smoking and exposure to dust in the workplace are its major risk factors.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio