Feature extraction for classification from images: a look at the retina.

A method is proposed for the representation of localised features using disjoint sub-images taken from several datasets of retinal images for use within an incremental learning system. A tile-based localised adaptive threshold selection method was taken for vessel segmentation based on separate colour components. Arteriole-venous differentiation was done using the composite of these components and high quality fundal images. Vessel segmentation performance was evaluated on the DRIVE and STARE datasets achieving average specificity of 0.9379 and sensitivity of 0.5924

Museum pieces? The role and value of national museum libraries in the digital age

This thesis examines how national museum libraries are planning to respond over the next decade to the strategic challenges and opportunities they are facing as a result of socio-technological changes that are occurring during the digital age. The study adopts a pragmatic philosophical approach and uses an explanatory sequential mixed-methods research design. The research consists of a two round Delphi survey, which was distributed to two hundred national museum libraries across forty countries, and seven case studies, which were undertaken across five countries. The case studies are comprised of semi-structured interviews with library managers and users, and document analysis of library strategies and policies. The results are presented as thematic conclusions and possible future scenarios. The research shows that many library managers have a clearly defined sense of their libraries' roles, values, and future strategic priorities. However, there is a lack of consensus concerning strategic positioning, with some seeking to augment internal museum support and others aiming to increase public engagement. Collection development is set to remain predominantly print focused, with acquisition of electronic resources likely to develop gradually. This position contrasts with libraries in other sectors, notably academic libraries, where the print to digital change process is typically occurring more rapidly. Similarly, utilisation of digital technologies that support service provision and content delivery will take place in a highly selective and planned manner. Most library users have a positive outlook about their national museum libraries. They particularly value the specialist nature of the collections, the subject knowledge of library staff, and opportunities for scholarly collaboration. However, there are concerns about collection discoverability and library communication. The research findings point towards three possible future scenarios for national museum libraries - internally focused consolidation, externally focused commercialisation, and mixed economy contradistinction. Each offers plausible options for strategic planning over the next decade

Does Fast-Track Extubation in Congenital Heart Defect Surgery Lead to Improved Patient Outcomes? A quality improvement project

Background: Congenital heart surgery for the pediatric patient has evolved tremendously in the last several decades. The development of new surgical techniques for repair and palliation has revolutionized the long-term outcomes in this patient population. Anesthetic management of the patient undergoing congenital defect surgery has followed similar trends in transforming and improving the patient\u27s perioperative experience. Fast track extubation is practiced in pediatric centers worldwide and has become a vital component in optimizing perioperative management. Aims: This systematic review aims to determine if fast-track extubation compared to standard extubation will improve patient outcomes such as reduced hospital and intensive care unit length of stay, rate of reintubation, and mortality. Methodology: A total of six studies were assessed and included in the systematic review. Fast track extubation (in the operating room or less than six hours after surgery) was associated with reduced ICU and hospital length of stays. There was no difference in the rate of reintubation and mortality in those pediatric patients who were extubated early. With this information, a pre-test, educational module, and post-test were created for anesthesia providers to evaluate both baseline knowledge and knowledge growth Results: The statistical analysis between the pre-test and post-test showed an increase in provider knowledge. There was also an increase in the providers\u27 likelihood to use or recommend fast track extubation techniques. Conclusion: Fast track extubation appears to be safe and has demonstratable improvements in patient perioperative outcomes. There remains a need for homogeneous, large multicenter randomized control trials to determine a causal effect and demonstrate the potentially significant benefits of fast-track extubation

The Ethics of Internet Research

Abstract Research conducted on the internet is a cost effective form of recruitment, data collection, and analysis. Researchers can access individuals worldwide for studies in remote areas where there is a lack of or inability to conduct research. With this opportunity come ethical concerns such as determining a safe environment to take a survey, research in a virtual environment, data security, confidentiality, and performing secondary analysis on archived support group information. Researchers should be aware of laws regarding minors and respect the core ethical principles of beneficence, respect for persons and justice. Institutional Review Boards at institutions conducting this type of research need specific guidelines for researchers to follow in order to maintain the integrity of research. It is important for future nurse researchers to incorporate new therapeutic models and specific steps to protect the public when participating in internet research

Comets, historical records and vedic literature

A verse in book I of Rigveda mentions a cosmic tree with rope-like aerial roots held up in the sky. Such an imagery might have ensued from the appearance of a comet having `tree stem' like tail, with branched out portions resembling aerial roots. Interestingly enough, a comet referred to as `heavenly tree' was seen in 162 BC, as reported by old Chinese records. Because of weak surface gravity, cometary appendages may possibly assume strange shapes depending on factors like rotation, structure and composition of the comet as well as solar wind pattern. Varahamihira and Ballala Sena listed several comets having strange forms as reported originally by ancient seers such as Parashara, Vriddha Garga, Narada and Garga. Mahabharata speaks of a mortal king Nahusha who ruled the heavens when Indra, king of gods, went into hiding. Nahusha became luminous and egoistic after absorbing radiance from gods and seers. When he kicked Agastya (southern star Canopus), the latter cursed him to become a serpent and fall from the sky. We posit arguments to surmise that this Mahabharata lore is a mythical recounting of a cometary event wherein a comet crossed Ursa Major, moved southwards with an elongated tail in the direction of Canopus and eventually went out of sight. In order to check whether such a conjecture is feasible, a preliminary list of comets (that could have or did come close to Canopus) drawn from various historical records is presented and discussed.Comment: This work was presented in the International Conference on Oriental Astronomy held at IISER, Pune (India) during November, 201