Energy Based Split Vector Quantizer Employing Signal Representation in Multiple Transform Domains.

This invention relates to representation of one and multidimensional signal vectors in nonorgothonal domains and design of Vector Quantizers that can be chosen among these representations. There is presented a Vector Quantization technique in multiple nonorthogonal domains for both waveform and model based signal characterization. An iterative codebook accuracy enhancement algorithm, applicable to both waveform and model based Vector Quantization in multiple nonorthogonal domains, which yields further improvement in signal coding performance, is disclosed. Further, Vector Quantization in in nonorthogonal domains is applied to speech and exhibits clear performance improvements of reconstruction quality for the same bit rate compared to existing single domain Vector Quantization techniques. The technique disclosed herein can be easily extended to several other one and multidimensional signal classes

Understanding stress management intervention success: A case study-based analysis of what works and why

This thesis investigates the process behind stress management interventions (SMIs). This includes the design, implementation and evaluation of interventions (both formative and summative), along with exploring the roles of involved stakeholders. Although there exists a plethora of studies around work-related stress across several disciplines, they are predominantly focused on the effects of stress on individuals, organisations and society, highlighting the various costs which are associated with it. However, studies on SMIs are less common, particularly ones with detailed accounts of the SMI process. As a result, this hinders our understanding of which SMIs work for whom in what context (Biron, 2012), making it difficult for forthcoming studies to benefit from the results. A multiple case study research, of a higher education institute (Russell University) and an Arm’s Length (ALMO) housing association (Bravo City Homes), was conducted to address what the literature has neglected. Specifically, it examined the various steps of the SMI process, highlighting the key roles of the involved stakeholders, while contrasting the effects that context had across two different sectors. This was done through forty semi-structured interviews with relevant stakeholders from both organisations to gain retrospective insight into the SMI processes, understand their role and what they perceived it to be, and to evaluate what helped and hindered the success of SMIs. It was found that giving each step of the research process sufficient attention from each of the relevant stakeholders was key. The lack of communication around who the relevant stakeholders were significantly hindered the interventions. Managers, in particular, were found to be crucial to SMI success by supporting the interventions and enhancing communication. Other stakeholders whose roles were found to be vital were Human Resources and trade unions, which have also been neglected in the literature

Adaptive Methods Employing Optimal Convergence Factors For Processing Complex Signals and Systems

Complex adaptive methods for complex information processing employ optimal individual convergence factors for real and imaginary components of the weight vector. For wireless receivers operating on QPSK, a Complex IA-ICA performs better than existing Complex Fast-ICA methods in terms of accuracy and convergence speed, can process such complex signals in time-varying channels, and employs time-varying and time-invariant convergence factors, independent for the real and imaginary components of the system parameters, and provide individual or group system parameter adjustments. Such systems employ the within complex adaptive ICA with individual element adaptation (Complex IA-ICA). In adaptive beamforming, system identification and other adaptive systems based on the Least Squares method, complex least mean squares methods, with optimally and automatically derived convergence factors, are employed and which perform much better in terms of convergence speed and accuracy, when compared to the traditional Complex LMS and Block Complex LMS methods

AWG Having Arbitrary Factor Interpolator and Fixed Frequency DAC Sampling Clock

An AWG includes a waveform memory providing a digital waveform signal at a sample rate and an arbitrary factor interpolator (AFI) coupled to receive the digital waveform signal or a processed digital waveform signal. A complex mixer for carrier modulation is coupled to the AFI which outputs a complex band pass signal. A DAC is coupled to an ouput of the complex mixer for receiving the complex band pass signal to provide an analog output signal. A fixed frequency sample clock clocks the DAC to provide a fixed DAC sample rate. The DAC provides a data clock signal to a sample request controller that generates a sample request signal that is coupled to the waveform memory for requesting the digital waveform signal form the waveform memory. The interpolated digital signal is sampled at the fixed DAC sample rate independent of the sample rate of digital waveform signal

Ophthalmic medicolegal cases in Upper Egypt

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Purpose</p> <p>To describe the pattern of ophthalmic medicolegal cases with emphasis on cases of assault, and to acquaint ophthalmologists with rules pertaining to expert testimony and medical reports.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A retrospective study was carried out to review files of 247 medicolegal cases from Upper Egypt seen by the senior author in 8 years. These were classified categorically and were analyzed from various characteristics and aspects. The scheme for examination of subjects and for formulating the medicolegal report is described.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The different categories were assault in 224 cases (90.5%), military recruitment evasion in 8 cases (3.25%), occupational disability claims in 8 cases (3.25%) and medical malpractice in 7 cases (3%). Thirty two cases (13%) presented with alleged functional visual loss, of them 25 cases (10%) were malingering. Traumatic lens subluxation or dislocation was seen in 37 (13.5%) cases and phthisis and atrophia bulbi was the presenting sign in 55 (22.3%) cases. Twenty percent of assault cases were females. There were no differences in incidence between the provinces in Upper Egypt. Assault tools inflicted injuries are described, as well as the outcome of these cases. Claims against military recruits could not be substantiated. Occupational claims for damages were false. Alleged medical negligence cases were rejected based on accepted standards of care and not on unexpected complications.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Medical reports have to be structured, detailed, accurate and unbiased. Data in this work are useful for statistical and planning purposes in the medicolegal domain.</p

Emergency Response Virtual Environment for Safe Schools

An intelligent emergency response virtual environment (ERVE) that provides emergency first responders, response planners, and managers with situational awareness as well as training and support for safe schools is presented. ERVE incorporates an intelligent agent facility for guiding and assisting the user in the context of the emergency response operations. Response information folders capture key information about the school. The system enables interactive 3D visualization of schools and academic campuses, including the terrain and the buildings' exteriors and interiors in an easy to use Web..based interface. ERVE incorporates live camera and sensors feeds and can be integrated with other simulations such as chemical plume simulation. The system is integrated with a Geographical Information System (GIS) to enable situational awareness of emergency events and assessment of their effect on schools in a geographic area. ERVE can also be integrated with emergency text messaging notification systems. Using ERVE, it is now possible to address safe schools' emergency management needs with a scaleable, seamlessly integrated and fully interactive intelligent and visually compelling solution

Causal Impact of the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program on Hospital Readmissions and Mortality

Estimating causal effects of the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP), part of the Affordable Care Act, has been very controversial. Associational studies have demonstrated decreases in hospital readmissions, consistent with the intent of the program, although analyses with different data sources and methods have differed in estimating effects on patient mortality. To address these issues, we define the estimands of interest in the context of potential outcomes, we formalize a Bayesian structural time-series model for causal inference, and discuss the necessary assumptions for estimation of effects using observed data. The method is used to estimate the effect of the passage of HRRP on both the 30-day readmissions and 30-day mortality. We show that for acute myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure, HRRP caused reduction in readmissions while it had no statistically significant effect on mortality. However, for pneumonia, HRRP had no statistically significant effect on readmissions but caused an increase in mortality.Comment: 10 pages, 1 figure, 2 table