GPU accelerated real-time multi-functional spectral-domain optical coherence tomography system at 1300 nm.

We present a GPU accelerated multi-functional spectral domain optical coherence tomography system at 1300 nm. The system is capable of real-time processing and display of every intensity image, comprised of 512 pixels by 2048 A-lines acquired at 20 frames per second. The update rate for all four images with size of 512 pixels by 2048 A-lines simultaneously (intensity, phase retardation, flow and en face view) is approximately 10 frames per second. Additionally, we report for the first time the characterization of phase retardation and diattenuation by a sample comprised of a stacked set of polarizing film and wave plate. The calculated optic axis orientation, phase retardation and diattenuation match well with expected values. The speed of each facet of the multi-functional OCT CPU-GPU hybrid acquisition system, intensity, phase retardation, and flow, were separately demonstrated by imaging a horseshoe crab lateral compound eye, a non-uniformly heated chicken muscle, and a microfluidic device. A mouse brain with thin skull preparation was imaged in vivo and demonstrated the capability of the system for live multi-functional OCT visualization

Writing a Case Report: A Work of Art

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Designing an Adaptive Web Navigation Interface for Users with Variable Pointing Performance

Many online services and products require users to point and interact with user interface elements. For individuals who experience variable pointing ability due to physical impairments, environmental issues or age, using an input device (e.g., a computer mouse) to select elements on a website can be difficult. Adaptive user interfaces dynamically change their functionality in response to user behavior. They can support individuals with variable pointing abilities by 1) adapting dynamically to make element selection easier when a user is experiencing pointing difficulties, and 2) informing users about these pointing errors. While adaptive interfaces are increasingly prevalent on the Web, little is known about the preferences and expectations of users with variable pointing abilities and how to design systems that dynamically support them given these preferences. We conducted an investigation with 27 individuals who intermittently experience pointing problems to inform the design of an adaptive interface for web navigation. We used a functional high-fidelity prototype as a probe to gather information about user preferences and expectations. Our participants expected the system to recognize and integrate their preferences for how pointing tasks were carried out, preferred to receive information about system functionality and wanted to be in control of the interaction. We used findings from the study to inform the design of an adaptive Web navigation interface, PINATA that tracks user pointing performance over time and provides dynamic notifications and assistance tailored to their specifications. Our work contributes to a better understanding of users' preferences and expectations of the design of an adaptive pointing system

Estimador de canal basado en sensado compresivo y LDPC para OFDM usando SDR

Este trabajo propone la aplicación de un estimador de canal basado en sensado compresivo (CS, del inglés Compressive Sensing) sobre un sistema que usa multiplexación por división de frecuencias ortogonales (OFDM, del inglés Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) usando dispositivos de radio definido por software (SDR, del inglés Software Defined Radio). La aplicación de la teoría de CS se da a través del uso de algoritmos de reconstrucción dispersa como Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (OMP) y Compressive Sampling Matching Pursuit (CoSaMP) con el fin de aprovechar la naturaleza dispersa de las subportadoras piloto usadas en OFDM optimizando el ancho de banda del sistema. Además, para mejorar el rendimiento de estos algoritmos, se utiliza el concepto de la matriz de comprobación de paridad dispersa que se implementa en el despliegue de códigos de comprobación de paridad de baja densidad (LDPC, del inglés Low Density Parity Check) para obtener una matriz de sensado que mejore la propiedad de restricción isométrica (RIP, del inglés Isometric Restriction Property) perteneciente al paradigma de CS. El documento muestra el modelo implementado en los equipos SDR analizando la tasa de error de bit y la cantidad de símbolos piloto usados.//This work proposes the application of a channel estimator based on Compressive Sensing (CS) over a system that uses Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) using Software Defined Radio (SDR) devices. The application of the CS theory is given through the use of sparse reconstruction algorithms such as Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (OMP) and Compressive Sampling Matching Pursuit (CoSaMP) in order to take advantage of the sparse nature of the pilot subcarriers used in OFDM, optimizing the bandwidth of system. In addition, to improve the performance of these algorithms, the sparse parity checking matrix concept is used, which is implemented in the deployment of low density parity check codes (LDPC) to obtain a sensing matrix that improves the isometric restriction property (RIP) belonging to the CS paradigm. The document shows the model implemented in the SDR equipment and analyze the bit error rate and the number of pilot symbols used

Development of an Automated Management System for the Traceability of Spraying in Fruit Orchads

A system for managing and monitoring agricultural labors at farm level was developed and tested in an agrochemical application. The system is constituted by an electronics box mounted on the tractor and software that acquire and analyze data from the application task. The electronics box consists of a microcontroller, a GPS, sensors, a keyboard, a SD memory reader and a LCD screen. This device is able to store in a SD’s memory the data of the position and the instantaneous speed of the tractor, the applied dose, the speed and absolute wind direction, the temperature and relative humidity in-situ. In addition it can generate alert of unfavorable climatic conditions for the agro-chemical applications. The interface to the user is software that allows generating a job order identifying the operator name, the tractor, the spraying equipment, the pesticide, the dose and the sector of application. In addition it allows analyzing the output data in graphical form, generating maps of speed, applied volume and dose. The map of the route is also drawing up on Google-Earth for a better spatial visualization. All the tasks carried out are stored in a data base administered by this software. With this tool it is possible to verify if the norms that establish environmental conditions apt for the application of pesticide are fulfilled, besides checking the variability of the dose and jumps of rows, along with reports with indices of performance of the operator. The system has been tested in two important vineyards of Chile with promissory results

Herpetofauna of the Bilsa Biological Station, province of Esmeraldas, Ecuador

The Bilsa Biological Station is located on the Mache-Chindul mountains and protects some of the last rainforest remnants in the province of Esmeraldas, northwestern Ecuador. Since 2004, we have been inventorying the amphibians and reptiles of Bilsa. We found 109 species of herpetofauna (37 amphibians and 72 reptiles), representing 8 % and 18 % of the known species from Ecuador, respectively. We report distribution extensions for Sachatamia albomaculata, Hyalinobatrachium valerioi, Pristimantis muricatus, and P. rosadoi, and report the presence of several putatively undescribed species. We propose the Mache–Chindul mountains as a Key Biodiversity Area within the West Ecuadorian Endemic Area

Diseño de modelos de regresión armónica para el análisis de las señales eléctricas registradas mediante pruebas de electrofisiología ocular

La electrofisiología ocular se encarga de dar diagnóstico clínico a pacientes mediante señales recogidas de la retina, el córtex cerebral y los múlculos oculares. Se presenta en este trabajo un análisis de señales PERG (electroretinograma en patrón), obtenidas de pacientes del Instituto de Oftalmobiología Aplicada de la Universidad de Valladolid. Este análisis preliminar se lleva a cabo mediante la metodología FMM (Frequency Modulated Möbius), un modelo para señales oscilatorias aplicado con éxito en otras señales fisiológicas. Además se propone en este trabajo una extensión del modelo para errores no independientes y una propuesta para el análisis de señales incompletas.Departamento de Estadística e Investigación OperativaMáster en Matemática

Modelo para el análisis automático de latidos cardíacos. Implementación del algoritmo de estimación en aplicación de Shiny

La interpretación de los electrocardiogramas (ECG) juega un papel muy importante de cara a la identificación de enfermedades o trastornos cardiovasculares. Un análisis automático correcto es de gran ayuda en el diagnóstico y prevención de estas enfermedades. El modelo Frequency Modulated Möbius (FMM), desarrollado recientemente por el grupo de investigación de Inferencia con Restricciones de la Universidad de Valladolid, es adecuado para el análisis de señales oscilatorias, entre las que se encuentra el ECG. En este trabajo se describe este modelo y la extensión desarrollada específicamente para el análisis de las señales ECG. El objetivo principal del trabajo es la implementación de una aplicación en R Shiny que permite a un usuario general la estimación del modelo. Además, la aplicación proporciona dos marcadores nuevos, diseñados también por el grupo de investigación, que son las bases de reglas de diagnótico para la detección de bloqueos de rama cardíacos.The interpretation of electrocardiograms (ECG) plays a very important role in identifying cardiovascular diseases or disorders. A correct automatic analysis is very useful in the diagnosis and prevention of these diseases. The Frequency Modulated Möbius model (FMM), recently developed by the Inferencia con Restricciones research group at the University of Valladolid, is suitable for the analysis of oscillatory signals, including the ECG. This work describes this model and the extension developed specifically for the ECG signals analysis. The main goal of this work is the implementation of an application in R Shiny that allows a general user to estimate the model. In addition, the application provides two new markers, also designed by the research group, that define the diagnostic rules for the detection of cardiac bundle branch blocks.Grado en Estadístic