Effect of Super Resolution on High Dimensional Features for Unsupervised Face Recognition in the Wild

Majority of the face recognition algorithms use query faces captured from uncontrolled, in the wild, environment. Often caused by the cameras limited capabilities, it is common for these captured facial images to be blurred or low resolution. Super resolution algorithms are therefore crucial in improving the resolution of such images especially when the image size is small requiring enlargement. This paper aims to demonstrate the effect of one of the state-of-the-art algorithms in the field of image super resolution. To demonstrate the functionality of the algorithm, various before and after 3D face alignment cases are provided using the images from the Labeled Faces in the Wild (lfw). Resulting images are subject to testing on a closed set face recognition protocol using unsupervised algorithms with high dimension extracted features. The inclusion of super resolution algorithm resulted in significant improved recognition rate over recently reported results obtained from unsupervised algorithms

EVALUATION OF A CUMULATIVE EXIT-FROM-DEGREE OBJECTIVE STRUCTURED CLINICAL EXAMINATION (OSCE) IN A GULF CONTEXT

This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the 2nd iteration of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) for graduating pharmacy students in Qatar. A secondary objective of this study was to identify quality improvement opportunities for design, implementation, and evaluation of the OSCE. The psychometric analyses occurred as follows: Cut score determination using borderline regression method; predictive validity using regression and correlation of select course grades and assessments with OSCE scores, concurrent validity using correlation between other cumulative assessments and OSCE scores, risk of bias using correlation between assessors’ analytical and global scoring, content validity using student-feedback forms, and interrater reliability using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs), and internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha. Pearson and Spearman correlation statistics were conducted at α level < 0.05. A series of two focus groups and subsequent qualitative content analysis were conducted with key stakeholders to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges regarding OSCE implementation. Total cut score for the exam was 55.3%. Overall pass rate was 79.2%. OSCE scores correlated moderate-strongly with course grades of Professional Skills and Integrated Case-based Learning, and formative OSCE assessments. Course grades for medicinal chemistry were not correlated with OSCE scores. OSCE scores were moderately predicted by Professional skills course grades (52.3%) and its formative OSCE assessment (61.2%). Average correlation between analytical and global grades for all assessors was 0.52. A total of 90% of the stations were deemed to reflect practice, according to student perceptions. The average intraclass correlation coefficient for analytical checklists scores, global scores, and total scores were 0.88 (0.71 – 0.95), 0.61 (0.19 – 0.82), and 0.75 (0.45 – 0.88) respectively. Cronbach’s alpha of students’ performance in global scores across stations was 0.87, and 0.93 in terms of total scores. Focus groups confirmed content validity as a weakness yet spoke to training and assessment techniques as both strengths and areas for improvement. In sum, the 2nd iteration of a cumulative OSCE for graduating pharmacy students in Qatar was deemed valid and reliable, however refinements can be implemented in future iterations to further improve the exam as a high stakes assessment

Microcontroller Implementation of Fuzzy Guidance

In the last few years microcontrollers found a big place in industrial applications. It had been used in many applications such as washing machines, textile machines and many other fields. Microchip PIC microcontrollers are one of the most used types of microcontroller. In this paper we consider a method which can be used to implement a fuzzy control system and the description of this implementation technique. The proposed method will be applied to implement the fuzzy guidance systems on a microchip PIC16F877A microcontroller system

Nature-inspired Algorithms as a Part of the Biomimetic Architecture: A Brief Discussion

Biomimetic architecture is mainly derived from biological phenomena. It is a significant method to solve architectural design and engineering problems. Biomimicry aims to mimic biological concepts and behaviors and apply them in buildings. Biomimetic architecture methods are presently classified into three levels: the organism level, the organism behavior, and the ecosystem level. This paper contributes to conceptualizing a novel approach that leverages the capabilities of biomimetic architecture. The proposed architectural method is composed of two main modules: direct and indirect mimication. This novel method is elaborated through the thematic analysis method by a brief discussion. This research's main finding is the novel biomimetic architecture method

The Aspects of Fouling on the Performance of Diesel Exhaust Gas Recirculation Coolers

A study was conducted to develop a standardized method to evaluate and compare the performance of various EGR cooler designs on a common fouling test. Several leading competitive EGR coolers were tested for fouling performance utilizing a common test method and from the results of the investigation the best design was recommended for optimal fouling resistance. The Ford research group at the Powertrain Engineering Research and Development Centre selected the competitive cooler designs for the investigation based on similar cost and compactness. The evaluation of the EGR coolers was based on the performance measures of heat exchangers such as effectiveness and pressure drop. Additional analysis was also required in order to normalize the performance measures to develop trends of fouling. Heat exchanger effectiveness was normalized with respect to heat transfer surface area using the definition of fouling factor where as the pressure drop data was non-dimensionalized with the friction factor. The aspects of coolant flow configuration, fin density, and particulate filtration were also investigated under standardized experiments and general conclusions were formed from the results. More importantly, the studies provided insight on some of the critical factors which contribute to cooler fouling and EGR cooler degradation. Further research studies can be designed to help better understand these critical factors of concern and the design of EGR coolers can be optimized

Super Resolution and 3D Alignment Effects on Unsupervised Face Recognition in the Wild

Majority of face recognition algorithms use query faces captured from uncontrolled, in the wild, environment. It is common for these captured facial images to be blurred or low resolution. Super resolution algorithms are therefore crucial in improving the resolution of such images especially when the image size is small requiring enlargement. This paper aims to demonstrate the effect of one of the state-of-the-art algorithms in the field of image super resolution. To demonstrate the functionality of the algorithm, various before and after 3D face alignment cases are provided using the images from the Labeled Faces in the Wild (lfw). Resulting images are subjected for testing on a closed set face recognition protocol using unsupervised algorithms with high dimension extracted features

COVID-19 related complete blood count changes among asymptomatic pregnant women

Objective: To evaluate complete blood count (CBC) changes that suggest coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) among asymptomatic pregnant women attending routine antenatal care Methods: A cross-sectional study included 187 healthy pregnant women who were attending the antenatal care clinic of a tertiary University hospital between March and June 2020. After a thorough history and examinations, a venous blood sample was taken from each participant for complete and differential blood counts. Those who showed CBC findings suggestive of COVID-19 were further scheduled for a nasopharyngeal swab for detection of SARS-CoV-2 specific antigens through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: We found 5.3% (n=10) of the study population showed CBC changes that are suggestive of COVID-19. When they were scheduled for nasopharyngeal swab for a PCR confirmatory test, 30% (n=3) of them were PCR positive (which represented 1.6% of the entire study population). The most frequently encountered COVID-19-suggestive change in peripheral blood leukocyte differential counts was leucopenia (100%), followed by decreased eosinophil count (50%), then neutropenia and lymphocytopenia (30%). Conclusions: Certain differential leucocyte count changes (leucopenia, neutropenia, lymphocytopenia and decreased eosinophil count) among asymptomatic pregnant women might be related to COVID-19 infection and may indicate a need for further testing

Neural Models for 3D Face Generation and Recognition

This work introduces a new technique for 3D point clouds generation using a neural modeling system to handle the differences caused by heterogeneous depth cameras, and to generate a new face canonical compact representation. The proposed system reduces the stored 3D dataset size, and if required, provides an accurate dataset regeneration. Furthermore, the system generates neural models for all gallery point clouds and stores these models to represent the faces in the recognition or verification processes. For the probe cloud to be verified, a new model is generated specifically for that particular cloud and is matched against prestored gallery model presentations to identify the query cloud. This work also introduces the utilization of Siamese deep neural network in 3D face verification using generated model representations as raw data for the deep network, and shows that the accuracy of the trained network is comparable to all published results on Bosphorus dataset

Heme Oxygenase Isoform 1 Regresses Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy Through Regressing Sodium Proton Exchanger Isoform 1 Activity

Background: Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is a worldwide problem and an independent risk factor that predisposes the heart to failure. Enhanced activity or expression of the sodium proton exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1) has been implicated in conditions of cardiac hypertrophy. Induction of cGMP has previously been demonstrated to reduce NHE1 activity and expression, which could be through the expression of heme oxygenase isoform 1 (HO-1), a stress-induced enzyme that shows cardioprotective properties. In our study, we aimed to investigate the role of inducing HO-1 in a cardiac hypertrophy model that expresses active NHE1 to determine whether HO-1 could protect against NHE1 induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Methods: H9c2 cardiomyocytes were infected with the active form of the NHE1 adenovirus in the presence and absence of protoporphyrin (CoPP). Which was used to induce HO-1. Protein and mRNA expression of HO-1 were invested in H9c2 cardiomyocytes in the presence and absence of the expression of the active form of the NHE1 adenovirus. The effects of HO-1 induction on NHE1 protein expression and cardiomyocyte hypertrophic markers were measured respectively by western blotting and analyzing the cell surface area of H9c2. Results: Our results showed a significant decrease in HO-1 mRNA expression in cardiomyocytes expressing active NHE1 (74.84 ± 9.19 % vs. 100 % normal NHE1 expression, p<0.05). However, we did not see any changes in NHE1 protein expression following HO-1 induction. A trend towards decrease in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was observed in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts infected with the active form of NHE1 following stimulation with HO-1 (NHE1, 154.93 ± 14.87 % vs. NHE1 + CoPP, 109 ± 16.44 %). Conclusion: In our model, HO-1 maybe a useful means to reduce NHE1 induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, although the mechanism by which it does that requires further investigation.qscienc