3-D Object Recognition by the ART-EMAP Evidence Accumulation Network

ART-EMAP synthesizes adaptive resonance theory (AHT) and spatial and temporal evidence integration for dynamic predictive mapping (EMAP). The network extends the capabilities of fuzzy ARTMAP in four incremental stages. Stage I introduces distributed pattern representation at a view category field. Stage 2 adds a decision criterion to the mapping between view and object categories, delaying identification of ambiguous objects when faced with a low confidence prediction. Stage 3 augments the system with a field where evidence accumulates in medium-term memory (MTM). Stage 4 adds an unsupervised learning process to fine-tune performance after the limited initial period of supervised network training. Simulations of the four ART-EMAP stages demonstrate performance on a difficult 3-D object recognition problem.Advanced Research Projects Agency (ONR N00014-92-J-4015); National Science Foundation (IRI-90-00530); Office of Naval Research (N00014-91-J-1309); Air Force Office of Scientific Research (90-0083

ART-EMAP: A Neural Network Architecture for Learning and Prediction by Evidence Accumulation

This paper introduces ART-EMAP, a neural architecture that uses spatial and temporal evidence accumulation to extend the capabilities of fuzzy ARTMAP. ART-EMAP combines supervised and unsupervised learning and a medium-term memory process to accomplish stable pattern category recognition in a noisy input environment. The ART-EMAP system features (i) distributed pattern registration at a view category field; (ii) a decision criterion for mapping between view and object categories which can delay categorization of ambiguous objects and trigger an evidence accumulation process when faced with a low confidence prediction; (iii) a process that accumulates evidence at a medium-term memory (MTM) field; and (iv) an unsupervised learning algorithm to fine-tune performance after a limited initial period of supervised network training. ART-EMAP dynamics are illustrated with a benchmark simulation example. Applications include 3-D object recognition from a series of ambiguous 2-D views.British Petroleum (89-A-1204); Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (AFOSR-90-0083, ONR-N00014-92-J-4015); National Science Foundation (IRI-90-00530); Office of Naval Research (N00014-91-J-4100); Air Force Office of Scientific Research (90-0083

ART-EMAP: A Neural Network Architecture for Object Recognition by Evidence Accumulation

A new neural network architecture is introduced for the recognition of pattern classes after supervised and unsupervised learning. Applications include spatio-temporal image understanding and prediction and 3-D object recognition from a series of ambiguous 2-D views. The architecture, called ART-EMAP, achieves a synthesis of adaptive resonance theory (ART) and spatial and temporal evidence integration for dynamic predictive mapping (EMAP). ART-EMAP extends the capabilities of fuzzy ARTMAP in four incremental stages. Stage 1 introduces distributed pattern representation at a view category field. Stage 2 adds a decision criterion to the mapping between view and object categories, delaying identification of ambiguous objects when faced with a low confidence prediction. Stage 3 augments the system with a field where evidence accumulates in medium-term memory (MTM). Stage 4 adds an unsupervised learning process to fine-tune performance after the limited initial period of supervised network training. Each ART-EMAP stage is illustrated with a benchmark simulation example, using both noisy and noise-free data. A concluding set of simulations demonstrate ART-EMAP performance on a difficult 3-D object recognition problem.Advanced Research Projects Agency (ONR N00014-92-J-4015); National Science Foundation (IRI-90-00530); Office of Naval Research (N00014-91-J-4100); Air Force Office of Scientific Research (90-0083

The effect of an evidence based bowel protocol on time taken to return to normal bowel function in post operative total hip and total knee replacement patients

Total hip and knee replacement operations are one of the most commonly performed orthopaedic procedures in Australia. It is estimated however that up to 65% of patients will experience some degree of opioid-related bowel dysfunction in the post operative period. Often considered a mild and selflimiting problem, constipation can lead to significant morbidity and occasional mortality. Several clinical incidents and a lack of robust evidence to guide bowel management in this cohort was the impetus for this study. This cluster randomised study sought to evaluate the Murdoch Bowel Protocol©, a simple nursing intervention based on the administration of polyethylene glycol (Movicol®) titrated to Bristol Stool Chart type. The Neuman Systems Model was the theoretical framework used to guide this study. The hypothesis was that patients who undergo a knee or hip replacement and receive the study bowel protocol will experience a statistically significant reduction in time taken to return to normal bowel function compared with patients who receive standard bowel management. Three hundred and thirty one patients were recruited across seven hospitals in two Australian states over a 13 month period. Five hospitals were randomised as controls, two hospitals as interventions. Data was collected from all patients at three intervals: pre-admission, during admission and post discharge. Control participants (n = 171) received post operative bowel management as per that hospital or doctors usual regime whilst intervention participants (n = 160) received post operative bowel management as per the Murdoch Bowel Protocol©. Inferential statistics confirmed several highly statistically significant results as well as clinically significant outcomes. Patients treated with the Murdoch Bowel Protocol© returned to normal bowel function more quickly than those xi treated with ad hoc post operative bowel regimes (p = 0.000). In addition intervention patients were more than seven times more likely than controls to return to normal bowel function by day five post operatively (p = 0.000). Age, gender and length of pre-operative fasting were not found to influence this result. Type of anaesthetic was significant with patients who received combined regional and general anaesthesia returning to normal bowel function around two days less than those who received a general anaesthetic ( p = 0.014). Type of operation was also significant with total knee replacement patients taking on average one extra day to return to normal bowel function (p = 0.027). Use of the generalised linear mixed model confirmed no cluster effect. These results confirm and support the study hypothesis. These results support practice changes not only for hip and knee replacement patients but for other patient groups who experience opioid induced bowel dysfunction. Further research will determine whether the protocol is as efficacious in these patient groups

Standing wave microscopy of red blood cell membrane morphology with high temporal resolution

Widefield fluorescence microscopy is an integral tool for life science imaging though the achievable resolutions are limited by the diffraction nature of light. One technique to increase the axial resolution is known as standing wave microscopy [1]. The standing wave can be generated by placing a mirror at the specimen plane which causes interference between the incoming and reflected excitation illumination. The axial resolution is reduced to λ/4n as only fluorophores which are in the location of the full width at the half maximum of the antinodes are excited [2] resulting in periodic bands of fluorescence

Sprouty1 and Sprouty2 gene function in mouse lung development

Almost ten years after the political closing of the neoliberal cycle that framed educational reforms in Latin America in the 90s, this paper assesses their success in three countries – Argentina, Brazil and Chile. The analysis is supported by the theoretical framework developed by Martin Carnoy in his text ‘Are educational reforms working in Latin America? New perspectives’ (2002) and spin-off texts, as an alternative model to classical analysis of educational reforms and quality assurance of its various educational systems. As regards methodology, several indicators, weighted by Carnoy for consideration of success of Latin American reforms, will be used to analyze educational systems of Argentina, Brazil and Chile: (a) expansion of system access, (b) performance of the most disadvantaged intake and (c) improvement of factors associated to educational achievement. Data focus, mainly, on secondary school education since it is at this stage that the greatest difficulty is encountered. Primary education coverage is practically universal and diminishes rapidly when secondary education is considered.  In its analysis, this study compares not only the impact of reforms within and across the countries mentioned above but also on Carnoy’s proposal for analysis and traditional models of reform assessment (basically, through the study of changes in effectiveness –learning results- and internal efficiency of systems – repeat students and drop-outs). Finally, this paper raises questions about the true capacity for improvement that reform processes have had for the population of those countries –specially for Argentina- not just in educational terms but also with respect to its democratization and, considering the Conference theme: decrease in vulnerability, injustice and inequity.A casi diez años del cierre político del ciclo neoliberal que enmarcó las reformas educativas en América Latina de los años ’90, este trabajo evalúa su éxito en tres países latinoamericanos –Argentina, Brasil y Chile-. El análisis se apoya en el planteo teórico-conceptual desarrollado por Martin Carnoy en su texto “¿Están funcionando las reformas educativas en Latinoamérica? Nuevas perspectivas” y en otros derivados de aquél, como modelo alternativo a los análisis clásicos de las reformas educativas y de evaluación la calidad de sus sistemas educativos. Metodológicamente, se utilizarán diversos indicadores, ponderados por Carnoy para la consideración del éxito de las reformas latinoamericanas: (a) la expansión del acceso al sistema, (b) el desempeño de los sectores más desfavorecidos y (c) el mejoramiento de factores asociados a logros educativos. Los datos se centran, principalmente, en el nivel de educación secundaria, el nivel en donde se presenta la mayor dificultad. La cobertura del nivel primario es prácticamente total y disminuye, rápidamente, cuando se considera el nivel medio. Analíticamente, el estudio compara el impacto de las reformas en los países mencionados, y entre la propuesta de análisis de Carnoy y los modelos tradicionales de evaluación de reformas. Finalmente, interroga acerca de la verdadera capacidad de mejoramiento que los procesos de reforma han tenido para la población de esos países -especialmente para Argentina- no sólo en términos educativos sino también respecto de su democratización y, en función de la temática de la Conferencia: la disminución de la vulnerabilidad, injusticia e inequidad social.Há quase 10 anos do fechamento político do ciclo neoliberal, que teve como marco as reformas educacionais dos anos 90. Este trabalho avalia seu êxito em três países latino americanos - Argentina, Brasil e Chile. Esta análise se fundamenta no plano teórico conceitual desenvolvido por Martin Carnoy em seu texto: "Estão Funcionando as reformas educacionais na América Latina? Novas Perspectivas", e outros derivados que, como modelo alternativo para uma análise clássica das reformas educacionais e avaliação da qualidade do Sistema Educacional.Metodologiamente, se utilizaram diversos indicadores, poderados por Carnoy para a consideração do êxito das reformas latino americanas: (a) A expansão do acesso ao Sistema, (b) O desempenho dos setores mais desfavorecidos e (c) O melhoramento de fatores associados a realizações educacionais. Os dados se concentram, principalmente, no nível da educação secundária, o nível onde se apresenta a maior dificuldade. A Cobertura do nível primário é praticamente total e reduz, rapidamente, quando se considera o nível médio. Analiticamente, o estudo compara o impacto das reformas nos países mencionados, entre a proposta de análise de Carnoy e dos modelos tradicionais de avaliação das reformas. Finalmente, questiona acerca da verdadeira capacidade de melhorias que os processos da reforma tiveram para a população destes países, especialmente para Argentina, não só em termos educacionais como também a respeito de sua democratização, e em função da temática da conferência: A redução da vulnerabilidade, injustiça e desigualdade social

Standardisation of systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) prescription forms: A pre–post audit evaluation

Introduction Clinical practice guidelines based on best available evidence and national safety and quality standards promote high quality and safe care. Aim To review and standardise systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) forms in a 20-chair cancer centre to reflect Australian and international clinical practice guidelines. Method A pre–post audit design based on Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) guidelines for the safe prescribing, dispensing and administration of systemic cancer therapy underpinned the project. The pre-audit (47 forms) provided a benchmark for SACT form improvements: 177 new forms were then developed over 18 months and implemented. Results Pre-audit: 9/19 criteria were \u3e70% compliant with best practice guidelines. Post-SACT implementation audit: 15/19 criteria were \u3e70% compliant. The recent 2018 audit: improvements shown in 18/19 criteria. Conclusion This nurse-led multidisciplinary initiative effectively standardised SACT charts with best practice guidelines, potentially reducing serious medication errors and facilitating a high standard of multidisciplinary patient care

Developing a Research Agenda for Nursing and Midwifery: A Modified Delphi Study

Aim: We sought to ascertain the nursing and midwifery research priorities at a large private tertiary hospital in Australia. Design: A modified Delphi technique with two rounds of questionnaires. Methods: The first round survey was distributed to 448 nurses and midwives with a 19.2% (n = 86) response rate. Due to a low response rate in some specialties, the second round of the Delphi was only sent to nurses in the Learning and Organisational Development speciality who were asked to rank 10 identified topics specific to Learning and Organisational Development using a five point Likert-type scale. Results: Two hundred and fifty seven topics were identified in Round One and were condensed to 181 topics. Each topic was assigned to one of four categories: clinical audit; existing evidence base; research; or other topics which fell beyond the bounds of nursing or midwifery research. Twenty three research topics were identified with priorities focusing on learning and development and workforce issues. Conclusion: Priorities were congruent with the organisation\u27s strategic workforce focus. Topics identified in this study will ensure that the nursing and midwifery research conducted at the study setting is relevant and reflects priorities as determined by clinical nurses and midwives