A fuzzy logic-based video subtitle and caption coloring system

An approach has been proposed for automatic adaptive subtitle coloring using fuzzy logic-based algorithm. This system changes the color of the video subtitle/caption to "pleasant" color according to color harmony and the visual perception of the image background colors. In the fuzzy analyzer unit, using RGB histograms of background image, the R, G, and B values for the color of the subtitle/caption are computed using fixed fuzzy IF-THEN rules fully driven from the color harmony theories to satisfy complementary color and subtitle-background color harmony conditions. A real-time hardware structure has been proposed for implementation of the front-end processing unit as well as the fuzzy analyzer unit

Measuring learning gain during a one-day introductory bronchoscopy course

Background: Rigorous assessment of medical knowledge and technical skill inspires learning, reinforces confidence, and reassures the public. Identifying curricular effectiveness using objective measures of learning is therefore crucial for competency-oriented program development in a learner-centric educational environment. The aim of this study was to determine whether various measures of learning, including class-average normalized gain, can be used to assess the effectiveness of a one-day introductory bronchoscopy course curriculum. Methods: We conducted a quasi-experimental one-group pre-test/post-test study at the University of California, Irvine. The group comprised 24 first-year pulmonary and critical care trainees from eight training institutions in southern California. Class-average normalized gain, single-student normalized gain, absolute gain, and relative gain were used as objective measures of cognitive knowledge and bronchoscopy technical skill learning. A class-average normalized gain of 30% was used to determine curricular effectiveness. Perceived educational value using Likert-scale surveys and post-course questionnaires was determined during and 3 months after course participation. Results: Mean test scores of cognitive knowledge improved significantly from 48 to 66% (p = 0.043). Absolute gain for the class was 18%, relative gain was 37%, class average normalized gain ≤g≤ was 34%, and the average of the single-student normalized gains g(ave) was 29%. Mean test scores of technical skill improved significantly from 43 to 77% (p = 0.017). Absolute gain was 34%, relative gain was 78%, class average normalized gain ≤g≤ was 60%, and the average of the single-student normalized gains g(ave) was 59%. Statistically significant improvements in absolute gain were noted in all five elements of technical skill (p < 0.05). Likert-scale surveys, questionnaires, and surveys demonstrated strong perceived educational value. Conclusion: The effectiveness of a one-day introductory bronchoscopy curriculum was demonstrated using a pre-test/post-test model with calculation of normalized gain and related metrics. © 2010 The Author(s)

Optimal DG Placement in Distribution Networks Using Intelligent Systems

ABSTRACT Distributed Generation (DG) unlike centralized electrical generation aims to generate electrical energy on small scale as near as possible to the load centers, interchanging electric power with the network. Moreover, DGs influence distribution system parameters such as reliability, loss reduction and efficiency while they are highly dependent on their situation in the distribution network. This paper focuses on optimal placement and estimation of DG capacity for installation and takes more number of significant parameters into account compare to the previous studies which consider just a few parameters for their optimization algorithms. Using a proposed optimal Genetic Algorithm, a destination function that includes the cost parameters (such as loss reduction, fuel price, etc.) has been optimized. This method is also capable of changing the weights of each cost parameter in the destination function of the Genetic Algorithm and the matrix of coefficients in the DIGSILENT environment. It has been applied and simulated on a sample IEEE 13-bus network. The obtained results show that any change in the weight of each parameter in the destination function of the Genetic Algorithm and in the matrix of coefficients leads to a meaningful change in the location and capacity of the prospective DG in the distribution network

Distinction of non-specific low back pain patients with proprioceptive disorders from healthy individuals by linear discriminant analysis

The central nervous system (CNS) dynamically employs a sophisticated weighting strategy of sensory input, including vision, vestibular and proprioception signals, towards attaining optimal postural control during different conditions. Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) patients frequently demonstrate postural control deficiencies which are generally attributed to challenges in proprioceptive reweighting, where they often rely on an ankle strategy regardless of postural conditions. Such impairment could lead to potential loss of balance, increased risk of falling, and Low back pain recurrence. In this study, linear and non-linear indicators were extracted from center-of-pressure (COP) and trunk sagittal angle data based on 4 conditions of vibration positioning (vibration on the back, ankle, none or both), 2 surface conditions (foam or rigid), and 2 different groups (healthy and non-specific low back pain patients). Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was performed on linear and non-linear indicators to identify the best sensory condition towards accurate distinction of non-specific low back pain patients from healthy controls. Two indicators: Phase Plane Portrait ML and Entropy ML with foam surface condition and both ankle and back vibration on, were able to completely differentiate the non-specific low back pain groups. The proposed methodology can help clinicians quantitatively assess the sensory status of non-specific low back pain patients at the initial phase of diagnosis and throughout treatment. Although the results demonstrated the potential effectiveness of our approach in Low back pain patient distinction, a larger and more diverse population is required for comprehensive validation

Multiethnic Genome-Wide Association Study of Diabetic Retinopathy Using Liability Threshold Modeling of Duration of Diabetes and Glycemic Control

Correction: Volume69, Issue6 Page1306-1306 DOI10.2337/db20-er06a Published JUN 2020To identify genetic variants associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR), we performed a large multiethnic genome-wide association study. Discovery included eight European cohorts (n = 3,246) and seven African American cohorts (n = 2,611). We meta-analyzed across cohorts using inverse-variance weighting, with and without liability threshold modeling of glycemic control and duration of diabetes. Variants with a P valuePeer reviewe

The Study of the Effect of Diversification Strategy, Cost Leader- ship Strategies and Product Differentiation on Business Unit Value

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the effect of diversification strategy, cost leadership strategies and product differentiation on business unit value that the statistical sample is consisted of 104 companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange during the years 2010-2014 that have been selected using systematic elimination method that totally were 520 years-firm. This study in terms of the objective is practical. In terms of type of research design because of relying on historical data, is postevent and its inference method is inductive and in correlation type. This study includes six main hypotheses. In this study to assess the hypotheses, the linear regression has been used. To analyze the data and test hypotheses, EVIEWS software is used. According to the regression results, the company's cost leadership strategy has a significant and positive effect on company's value as well as attractiveness of the industry has an impact on the effectiveness intensity of the company's cost leadership strategy, and the company's diversification strategy also has an impact on the company's values and the results suggest the ineffectiveness of diversification strategy and product differentiation strategy on the company's value and also ineffectiveness of attractiveness of the industry on the effectiveness intensity of product differentiation strategy on the company's value

The Effect of Dynamic Assessment on Iranian EFL Learners’ Reading Comprehension

Dynamic Assessment (DA), is grounded in Vygotsky's idea on Sociocultural Theory (SCT) of mind, his concept of Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) and its related metaphor; scaffolding. This study examined the effects of dynamic assessment on improving reading comprehension of Iranian intermediate students who were learning English as a foreign language. The participants, a group of Iranian male intermediate EFL learners ranging in age from 17 to 20, were randomly assigned to two groups of 14. In this study, the experimental and control groups’ performances on pre-tests and post-tests were compared through paired-samples and independent-samples t-tests. The treatment period lasted for 2 months (16 sessions). The results showed that the experimental group, which was instructed through DA, outperformed the control group which was instructed in a non-dynamic way.

The Effect of Dynamic Assessment on Iranian EFL Learners’ Reading Comprehension

Dynamic Assessment (DA), is grounded in Vygotsky's idea on Sociocultural Theory (SCT) of mind, his concept of Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) and its related metaphor; scaffolding. This study examined the effects of dynamic assessment on improving reading comprehension of Iranian intermediate students who were learning English as a foreign language. The participants, a group of Iranian male intermediate EFL learners ranging in age from 17 to 20, were randomly assigned to two groups of 14. In this study, the experimental and control groups’ performances on pre-tests and post-tests were compared through paired-samples and independent-samples t-tests. The treatment period lasted for 2 months (16 sessions). The results showed that the experimental group, which was instructed through DA, outperformed the control group which was instructed in a non-dynamic way.