Predictability of sentences used in the assessment of speech intelligibility in dysarthria

PURPOSE: To analyze the predictability of sentences used in the protocol for the assessment of intelligibility of dysarthric speech. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 120 volunteers divided randomly into four groups of 30 individuals.Based on the list of 25 sentences from the protocol, four versions of lists were elaborated. In each version, a different target word was omitted from the sentences. Each group of participants completed a different list version by graphically filling in the blanks with the first word that came to mind, while keeping the sentences coherent. Statistical analyses were carried out to classify sentences according to their predictability, to compare predictability of the words in each sentence, and to compare the different list versions. RESULTS: Three sentences presented high predictability; seven, average predictability; and fifteen, low predictability. Differences in the predictability of target words were found in 84% of the sentences (p<;0.0054). The comparison of list versions revealed that version 1 differed from the others (p<;0.002), and was less predictable. CONCLUSION: Low predictability sentences predominated in the protocol for assessment of speech intelligibility used in this study, suggesting that these sentences can be used reliably for assessing intelligibility. Analysis of intelligibility in sentences based on target words can be used in clinical practice, especially when the predictability of the sentences is known.OBJETIVO: Analisar a preditividade das sentenças utilizadas no protocolo de avaliação da inteligibilidade da fala nas disartrias. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo transversal com 120 voluntários divididos, aleatoriamente, em quatro grupos de 30 indivíduos. A partir da lista de 25 frases do protocolo, foram elaboradas quatro versões de listas. Em cada uma delas, uma palavra-alvo diferente foi omitida das sentenças. Cada grupo de participantes completou uma versão da lista preenchendo graficamente as lacunas com a primeira palavra que lhes viesse à mente, de modo que cada sentença ficasse coerente. Foram realizadas análises estatísticas para classificar as frases quanto a sua preditividade, comparar a preditividade das palavras em cada sentença e comparar as versões da lista. RESULTADOS: Três sentenças apresentaram alta preditividade; sete, média preditividade; e 15, baixa preditividade. Foram encontradas diferenças de preditividade entre as palavras-alvo em 84% das frases (p<;0,0054). Comparando as versões da lista, constatou-se que a versão 1 diferiu das demais (p<;0,002), mostrando-se menos previsível. CONCLUSÃO: No protocolo de avaliação da inteligibilidade da fala empregado neste estudo há predomínio de sentenças de baixa preditividade, sugerindo que estas podem ser empregadas de maneira confiável na avaliação da inteligibilidade. A análise da inteligibilidade em sentenças por palavras-alvo deve ser usada clinicamente, especialmente quando se conhece a preditividade das sentenças.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Programa Multiprofissional de Atenção Hospitalar à Saúde do Adulto e do IdosoUniversidade Federal Fluminense Departamento de Formação EspecíficaUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Departamento de FonoaudiologiaUNIFESP, Programa Multiprofissional de Atenção Hospitalar à Saúde do Adulto e do IdosoUNIFESP, Depto. de FonoaudiologiaSciEL

Desarrollo e implementación de un modelo Seis Sigma para la mejora de la calidad y de la productividad en pymes industriales

[ES] El TFG pretende determinar una sistemática para la implementación del modelo Seis Sigma en pymes industriales, permitiendo orientar a éstas en: - La aplicación de metodologías de mejora global, que permitan resolver problemas, reducir defectos, eliminar procedimientos inútiles, elevar el rendimiento y satisfacer las necesidades del cliente. - El desarrollo y aplicación de herramientas y técnicas que tiendan a mejorar los procesos actuales dentro de la empresa. Se realizara una revisión de las diferentes metodologías, técnicas y herramientas, su adecuación a las pymes industriales, de la estrategia de su implementación, construyendo una guía o modelo genérico que posteriormente será validado.Bohigues Ortiz, A. (2015). Desarrollo e implementación de un modelo Seis Sigma para la mejora de la calidad y de la productividad en pymes industriales. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/56192.TFG

FREAK: Fast Retina Keypoint

A large number of vision applications rely on matching keypoints across images. The last decade featured an arms-race towards faster and more robust keypoints and association algorithms: Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT), Speed-up Robust Feature (SURF), and more recently Binary Robust Invariant Scalable Keypoints (BRISK) to name a few. These days, the deployment of vision algorithms on smart phones and embedded devices with low memory and computation complexity has even upped the ante: the goal is to make descriptors faster to compute, more compact while remaining robust to scale, rotation and noise. To best address the current requirements, we propose a novel keypoint descriptor inspired by the human visual system and more precisely the retina, coined Fast Retina Keypoint (FREAK). A cascade of binary strings is computed by efficiently comparing image intensities over a retinal sampling pattern. Our experiments show that FREAKs are in general faster to compute with lower memory load and also more robust than SIFT, SURF or BRISK. They are thus competitive alternatives to existing keypoints in particular for embedded applications

Developments in the implementation of integrated management systems

[EN] Since the emergence of standardized management systems, quality, environment, safety and health, it has experienced a continuous development of existing schemes and development of new regulations. Throughout the years, we have been looking at how companies are implementing different management systems gradually extended or tailored to their process, product and market for getting better management and underwriting policies, objectives and specific goals. This paper will give an overview of the most important management systems, seeking similarities and differences between them as well as strengths, weaknesses, and key aspects of implementation and integration.[ES] Desde la aparición los sistemas de gestión normalizados, calidad, medio ambiente, seguridad y salud, se ha vivido un continuo perfeccionamiento de los esquemas actuales así como desarrollo de normativas nuevas. A lo largo de los años hemos ido viendo como las empresas van implementando diferentes sistemas de gestión de forma paulatina, ampliados o ajustados a su proceso, producto y mercado para conseguir una mejor gestión y un aseguramiento de las políticas, objetivos y metas determinadas. En este artículo ofreceremos una visión global de los más importantes sistemas de gestión, buscando analogías y diferencias entre ellos, así como fortalezas, debilidades y aspectos claves para su implementación e integración.Gisbert Soler, V.; Bohigues Ortiz, A. (2014). Evolución en la implantación de sistemas integrados de gestión. 3C Empresa. 3(20):193-205. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/50994S19320532

A Review of Classification Problems and Algorithms in Renewable Energy Applications

Classification problems and their corresponding solving approaches constitute one of the fields of machine learning. The application of classification schemes in Renewable Energy (RE) has gained significant attention in the last few years, contributing to the deployment, management and optimization of RE systems. The main objective of this paper is to review the most important classification algorithms applied to RE problems, including both classical and novel algorithms. The paper also provides a comprehensive literature review and discussion on different classification techniques in specific RE problems, including wind speed/power prediction, fault diagnosis in RE systems, power quality disturbance classification and other applications in alternative RE systems. In this way, the paper describes classification techniques and metrics applied to RE problems, thus being useful both for researchers dealing with this kind of problem and for practitioners of the field

Total ankle replacement: Brazilian experience with the HINTEGRA prosthesis

A artrose do tornozelo vem se tornando mais comum a cada dia. A busca por soluções que preservem a função articular fez surgir uma nova geração de próteses com três componentes e maior liberdade de movimento. Neste trabalho, apresentam-se os resultados obtidos em 10 pacientes tratados com a prótese HINTEGRA (Integra, New Deal), em ação conjunta dos Grupos do Tornozelo e Pé do DOT da Unifesp-Escola Paulista de Medicina e IOT da Faculdade de Medicina da USP-Universidade de São Paulo. Os 10 pacientes (seis mulheres e quatro homens), com idade variando de 29 a 66 anos, foram submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico segundo a técnica de Hinterman entre janeiro e junho de 2005. Foram avaliados em intervalos predeterminados e os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística. A mobilidade do tornozelo apresentou melhora significante com a cirurgia realizada. Radiologicamente, não foram detectados sinais de soltura ou falhas nos componentes prostéticos de nenhum dos pacientes estudados. A taxa de complicações nessa amostra foi alta, mas equivalente às de outros autores e representa diretamente a curva de aprendizado relacionada com esse tipo de procedimento. Ao final de quatro anos, observaram-se significativa redução da dor e melhora do padrão funcional dos pacientes com os escores da AOFAS e de Hinterman, apontando para 20% de excelentes, 70% de bons e 10% de maus resultados. O tratamento da artrose do tornozelo através da artroplastia total com o modelo HINTEGRA, foi capaz de oferecer bons resultados no tempo médio de observação de quatro anos.Ankle arthritis is becoming more and more common. The search for solutions that preserve joint function has led to a new generation of prosthesis with three components and more degrees of freedom. This paper presents the results achieved in ten patients treated with the HINTEGRA Prosthesis (Integra, New Deal), a joint action of the Foot and Ankle Teams of DOT of Unifesp - Escola Paulista de Medicina and the School of Medicine of USP - Universidade de São Paulo. The ten patients (six women and four men), aged between 29 and 66 years, underwent a surgical procedure according to Hinterman's technique, from January to June 2005. They were evaluated at pre-arranged intervals, and the data were submitted to statistical analysis. The surgery led to a significant improvement in ankle mobility. Radiological studies showed no signs of loosening or failure in the prosthetic components in any of the patients studied. Although the rate of complications in our sample was high, it was equivalent to those of other authors, and directly represents the long, steep learning curve associate with this kind of procedure. At the end of four years, there was a significant reduction in the pain, and an improvement in functional pattern of the patients, with AOFAS and Hinterman scores indicating 20% excellent, 70% good, and 10% poor results. Despite the drawbacks, treatment of ankle arthritis through total arthroplasty with the HINTEGRA prosthesis proved to be capable of giving good results over an average observation period of four years