Vein biometric recognition on a smartphone

Topic: Intelligent Biometric Systems for Secure Societies.Human recognition on smartphone devices for unlocking, online payment, and bank account verification is one of the significant uses of biometrics. The exponential development and integration of this technology have been established since the introduction in 2013 of the fingerprint mounted sensor in the Apple iPhone 5s by Apple Inc.© (Motorola© Atrix was previously launched in 2011). Nowadays, in the commercial world, the main biometric variants integrated into mobile devices are fingerprint, facial, iris, and voice. In 2019, LG© Electronics announced the first mobile exhibiting vascular biometric recognition, integrated using the palm vein modality: LG© G8 ThinQ (hand ID). In this work, in an attempt to become the become the first research-embedded approach to smartphone vein identification, a novel wrist vascular biometric recognition is designed, implemented, and tested on the Xiaomi© Pocophone F1 and the Xiaomi© Mi 8 devices. The near-infrared camera mounted for facial recognition on these devices accounts for the hardware employed. Two software algorithms, TGS-CVBR® and PIS-CVBR®, are designed and applied to a database generation and the identification task, respectively. The database, named UC3M-Contactless Version 2 (UC3M-CV2), consists of 2400 contactless infrared images from both wrists of 50 different subjects (25 females and 25 males, 100 individual wrists in total), collected in two separate sessions with different environmental light environmental light conditions. The vein biometric recognition, using PIS-CVBR®, is based on the SIFT®, SURF®, and ORB algorithms. The results, discussed according to the ISO/IEC 19795-1:2019 standard, are promising and pave the way for contactless real-time-processing wrist recognition on smartphone devices

Deep Learning for Vein Biometric Recognition on a Smartphone

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has pointed out, even more, the important need for hygiene contactless biometric recognition systems. Vein-based devices are great non-contact options although they have not been entirely well-integrated in daily life. In this work, in an attempt to contribute to the research and development of these devices, a contactless wrist vein recognition system with a real-life application is revealed. A Transfer Learning (TL) method, based on different Deep Convolutional Neural Networks architectures, for Vascular Biometric Recognition (VBR), has been designed and tested, for the first time in a research approach, on a smartphone. TL is a Deep Learning (DL) technique that could be divided into networks as feature extractor, i.e., using a pre-trained (different large-scale dataset) Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to obtain unique features that then, are classified with a traditional Machine Learning algorithm, and fine-tuning, i.e., training a CNN that has been initialized with weights of a pre-trained (different large-scale dataset) CNN. In this study, a feature extractor base method has been employed. Several architecture networks have been tested on different wrist vein datasets: UC3M-CV1, UC3M-CV2, and PUT. The DL model has been integrated on the Xiaomi© Pocophone F1 and the Xiaomi© Mi 8 smartphones obtaining high biometric performance, up to 98% of accuracy and less than 0.4% of EER with a 50–50% train-test on UC3M-CV2, and fast identification/verification time, less than 300 milliseconds. The results infer, high DL performance and integration reachable in VBR without direct user-device contact, for real-life applications nowadays

Etnografías del deporte y actividades físicas

In this monograph we find different studies that apply the ethnographic method to research that has to do with physical activity and sports. The issue is made up of two articles from the special section, six research articles and a book review on sports ethnography. It should be noted that the research articles produce an in-depth dialogue between studies carried out on both sides of the Atlantic: cities located in the Spanish and Mexican states. On the other hand, from a gender perspective we detected the total absence of women in the special issue, which should prompt us to seriously reflect on the factors that are influencing the low female participation in sports ethnographic research.En este monográfico encontramos distintos estudios que aplican el método etnográfico a investigaciones que tienen que ver con la actividad física y deportiva. El número está compuesto por dos artículos de la sección especial, seis artículos de investigación y una reseña de libro sobre etnografía deportiva. Cabe destacar que los artículos de investigación producen un diálogo de fondo entre estudios realizados a ambos lados del Atlántico: ciudades situadas en el estado español y mexicano. Por otro lado, desde una perspectiva de género detectamos la ausencia total de mujeres en el número especial, lo que debería plantearnos una seria reflexión sobre cuáles son los factores que están influyendo en la poca participación femenina en investigación etnográfica deportiva

Managing daily surgery schedules in a teaching hospital: A mixed-integer optimization approach

This study examined the daily surgical scheduling problem in a teaching hospital. This problem relates to the use of multiple operating rooms and different types of surgeons in a typical surgical day with deterministic operation durations (preincision, incision, and postincision times). Teaching hospitals play a key role in the health-care system; however, existing models assume that the duration of surgery is independent of the surgeon?s skills. This problem has not been properly addressed in other studies. We analyze the case of a Spanish public hospital, in which continuous pressures and budgeting reductions entail the more efficient use of resources.Fil: Pulido, Raul. Politecnico Di Milano; Italia. Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Industriales; EspañaFil: Aguirre, Adrian Marcelo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Santa Fe. Instituto de Desarrollo Tecnológico Para la Industria Química (i); ArgentinaFil: Ortega Mier, Miguel. Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Industriales; EspañaFil: García Sanchez, Alvaro. Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Industriales; EspañaFil: Mendez, Carlos Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Santa Fe. Instituto de Desarrollo Tecnológico Para la Industria Química (i); Argentin

EXPERIMENTS AND SIMULATIONS OF MAXIMAL SCULLING PROPULSION: VORTICITY IMPULSE IN HUMAN BIOMECHANICS

The detailed study of the turbulence and the fluid flow in sport is an open and exciting field of research, in particular in swimming and aquatic sports there is a wealth of new techniques that may aid performance. In swimming, thanks to measurement techniques like Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), Particle Tracking (PT) or pattern analysis, now it is possible to measure the flow environment and not just the human movement. Numerical Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is also a useful tool. We present several techniques stressing the importance of 3D effects and the dynamics of enhanced propulsion by hands and feet while the reduction in resistance need to be considered in an integrated way. Examples of Sculling, Hand wakes, Underwater Undulatory Swimming (UUS) and Vortex Filament Analysis (VFA) are all interesting to improve swimming techniques.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Lymphocyte Profile and Immune Checkpoint Expression in Drug-Induced Liver Injury: An Immunophenotyping Study

The identification of specific HLA risk alleles in drug-induced liver injury (DILI) points toward an important role of the adaptive immune system in DILI development. In this study, we aimed to corroborate the role of an adaptive immune response in DILI through immunophenotyping of leukocyte populations and immune checkpoint expressions. Blood samples were collected from adjudicated DILI (n = 12), acute viral hepatitis (VH; n = 13), acute autoimmune hepatitis (AIH; n = 9), and acute liver injury of unknown etiology (n = 15) at day 1 (recognition), day 7, and day >30. Blood samples from patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD; n = 20) and healthy liver controls (HLCs; n = 54) were extracted at one time point. Leukocyte populations and immune checkpoint expressions were determined based on cell surface receptors, except for CTLA-4 that was determined intracellularly, using flow cytometry. At recognition, DILI demonstrated significantly higher levels of activated helper T-cell (P < 0.0001), activated cytotoxic T-cells (P = 0.0003), Th1 (P = 0.0358), intracellular CTLA-4 level in helper T-cells (P = 0.0192), and PD-L1 presenting monocytes (P = 0.0452) than HLC. These levels approached those of HLC over time. No significant differences were found between DILI and VH. However, DILI presented higher level of activated helper T-cells and CTLA-4 than NAFLD and lower PD-L1 level than AIH. Our findings suggest that an adaptive immune response is involved in DILI in which activated CD4+ and CD8+ play an important role. Increased expression of negative immune checkpoints is likely the effect of peripheral tolerance regulation.The present study has been supported by grants of Instituto de Salud Carlos III cofounded by Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional – FEDER (contract numbers: PI19/00883, PI16/01748, P18-RT-3364-2020, and PT20/000127). CIBERehd and Plataforma ISCiii Ensayos Clínicos are funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málaga/CBUA. The funding sources had no involvement in the study design; in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report, or in the decision to submit the manuscript for publication

Elaboración de informes virtuales de prácticas de Microbiología general, odontológica e industrial basados en fotografías y su integración en un banco común de imágenes de Microbiología

Este proyecto, que se platea como continuación del número 161 del curso 2016-2017, propone la creación y realización de informes de prácticas virtuales en distintas asignaturas del área de la Microbiología. Con ello, se pretende incentivar el estudio y mejorar el aprovechamiento de las prácticas realizadas por alumnos de distintos cursos, Grados y Facultades, mediante el uso de las nuevas tecnologías y metodologías más visuales. Dichas asignaturas son: • Microbiología e Inmunología, 2º curso Grado de Odontología, Facultad de Odontología. • Microbiología, 3º curso Grado en Farmacia, Facultad de Farmacia. • Microbiología Industrial y biotecnología (MIBT), 2º curso Grado en Ciencia y Tecnología de los alimentos (CYTA), Facultad de Veterinaria. Se han construido 4 espacios virtuales con plantillas de los informes de prácticas, ya que el proyecto se realizó en 4 grupos distintos. De esta forma se tendrían guías virtuales de las distintas asignaturas con la inclusión de las fotografías y su interpretación. También se comprobaría la utilidad de esta metodología según la estructura de las prácticas de las asignaturas y/o la idiosincrasia de los distintos grupos de alumnos. El otro objetivo general del proyecto es el almacenamiento y clasificación de las fotografías realizadas para ampliar el banco de fotografías de microorganismos y pruebas microbiológicas. Esto, también justifica la elección de las 3 asignaturas mencionadas. El proyecto se ha desarrollado según lo previsto y se han alcanzado de manera satisfactoria los objetivos propuestos. Además, aunque de forma desigual según las asignaturas, la realización de este proyecto ha resultado de interés para los estudiantes, repercutiendo de forma positiva en algunas calificaciones y no representando una carga de trabajo adicional excesiva. Para los profesores y otros miembros del equipo del proyecto también ha supuesto una experiencia gratificante y el material generado puede ahora tener múltiples aplicaciones docentes. Por lo tanto, está metodología se podrá seguir utilizando si los profesores así lo desean en las prácticas de las asignaturas en las que haya presentado mayor utilidad.Depto. de Microbiología y ParasitologíaFac. de FarmaciaFALSEsubmitte

Accessing and managing open medical resources in Africa over the Internet

Recent commentaries have proposed the advantages of using open exchange of data and informatics resources for improving health-related policies and patient care in Africa. Yet, in many African regions, both private medical and public health information systems are still unaffordable. Open exchange over the social Web 2.0 could encourage more altruistic support of medical initiatives. We have carried out some experiments to demonstrate the feasibility of using this approach to disseminate open data and informatics resources in Africa. After the experiments we developed the AFRICA BUILD Portal, the first Social Network for African biomedical researchers. Through the AFRICA BUILD Portal users can access in a transparent way to several resources. Currently, over 600 researchers are using distributed and open resources through this platform committed to low connections

Beneficial effect of ursodeoxycholic acid in patients with acyl-CoA oxidase 2 (ACOX2) deficiency-associated hypertransaminasemia

Background and aims: A variant (p.Arg225Trp) of peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase 2 (ACOX2), involved in bile acid (BA) side-chain shortening, has been associated with unexplained persistent hypertransaminasemia and accumulation of C27-BAs, mainly 3?,7?,12?-trihydroxy-5?-cholestanoic acid (THCA). We aimed to investigate the prevalence of ACOX2 deficiency-associated hypertransaminasemia (ADAH), its response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), elucidate its pathophysiological mechanism and identify other inborn errors that could cause this alteration. Methods and results: Among 33 patients with unexplained hypertransaminasemia from 11 hospitals and 13 of their relatives, seven individuals with abnormally high C27-BA levels (>50% of total BAs) were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The p.Arg225Trp variant was found in homozygosity (exon amplification/sequencing) in two patients and three family members. Two additional nonrelated patients were heterozygous carriers of different alleles: c.673C>T (p.Arg225Trp) and c.456_459del (p.Thr154fs). In patients with ADAH, impaired liver expression of ACOX2, but not ACOX3, was found (immunohistochemistry). Treatment with UDCA normalized aminotransferase levels. Incubation of HuH-7 hepatoma cells with THCA, which was efficiently taken up, but not through BA transporters, increased reactive oxygen species production (flow cytometry), endoplasmic reticulum stress biomarkers (GRP78, CHOP, and XBP1-S/XBP1-U ratio), and BAX? expression (reverse transcription followed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot), whereas cell viability was decreased (tetrazolium salt-based cell viability test). THCA-induced cell toxicity was higher than that of major C24-BAs and was not prevented by UDCA. Fourteen predicted ACOX2 variants were generated (site-directed mutagenesis) and expressed in HuH-7 cells. Functional tests to determine their ability to metabolize THCA identified six with the potential to cause ADAH. Conclusions: Dysfunctional ACOX2 has been found in several patients with unexplained hypertransaminasemia. This condition can be accurately identified by a noninvasive diagnostic strategy based on plasma BA profiling and ACOX2 sequencing. Moreover, UDCA treatment can efficiently attenuate liver damage in these patients.Funding information: This study was supported by the following grants: CIBERehd (EHD15PI05/2016); Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain (PI19/00819 and PI20/00189), co-funded by European Regional Development Fund/European Social Fund, “Investing in your future”; “Junta de Castilla y León” (SA074P20); Fundació Marato TV3 (201916–31); AECC Scientific Foundation (2017/2020), Spain; and “Centro Internacional sobre el Envejecimiento” (OLD-HEPAMARKER, 0348_CIE_6_E), Spain. We also acknowledge support from grants PID2019-111669RBI-100, PID2020-115055RB-I00 from Plan Nacional de I+D funded by the “Agencia Estatal de Investigación” (AEI) and the center grant P50AA011999 Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis funded by NIAAA/NIH, as well as support from AGAUR of the “Generalitat de Catalunya” SGR-2017-1112, European Cooperation in Science & Technology (COST) ACTION CA17112 Prospective European Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network. Marta Alonso-Peña was the recipient of a predoctoral fellowship from “Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte” (BOE-A-2015-9456; FPU-14/00214) and a Mobility Grant for Short Stays from “Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades” (EST17/00186). Ricardo Espinosa-Escudero is the recipient of a predoctoral fellowship from “Junta de Castilla y León” and “Fondo Social Europeo” (EDU/574/2018). The funding sources were not involved in the research design or preparation of the article