Computer-automated System Research Articles

Bleeding recognition technique in wireless capsule endoscopy images using fuzzy logic and principal component analysis

Wireless capsule endoscopy is the most innovative technology to perceive the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract in recent times. It can diagnose inner diseases like bleeding, ulcer, tumor, Crohn's disease, and polyps. in a discretion way. It creates immense pressure and onus for clinicians to perceive a huge number of image frames, which is time-consuming and makes human oversight errors. Therefore a computer-automated system has been introduced for bleeding detection. A unique fuzzy logic technique is proposed to extract the specified bleeding and non-bleeding information from the image data. A particular quadratic support vector machine (QSVM) classifier is employed to classify the obtained statistical features from the bleeding and non-bleeding images incorporating principal component analysis (PCA). After extensive experiments on clinical data, 98% sensitivity, 98.4% accuracy, 98% specificity, 93% precision, 95.4% F1-score, and 99% negative predicted value have been achieved, which outperforms some of the states of art methods in this regard. It is optimistic that the proposed methodology would significantly contribute to bleeding detection techniques and diminish the additional onus of the physicians.

Recruiting Adolescents With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis to Internet-Delivered Therapy: Internal Pilot Within a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundChronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) in adolescents is common and disabling. Teenagers in the United Kingdom are more likely to recover if they access specialist care, but most do not have access to a local specialist CFS/ME service. Delivering treatment remotely via the internet could improve access to treatment.ObjectiveThis study aims to assess (1) the feasibility of recruitment and retention into a trial of internet-delivered specialist treatment for adolescents with CFS/ME and (2) the acceptability of trial processes and 2 web-based treatments (to inform continuation to full trial).MethodsThis study is an internal pilot for the initial 12 months of a full randomized controlled trial (RCT), with integrated qualitative methods (analysis of recruitment consultations and participant and clinician interviews). Recruitment and treatment were delivered remotely from a specialist pediatric CFS/ME treatment service within a hospital in South West United Kingdom. Adolescents (aged 11-17 years) from across the United Kingdom with a diagnosis of CFS/ME and no access to local specialist treatment were referred by their general practitioner to the treatment center. Eligibility assessment and recruitment were conducted via remote methods (telephone and on the web), and participants were randomized (via a computer-automated system) to 1 of 2 web-based treatments. The trial intervention was Fatigue in Teenagers on the InterNET in the National Health Service, a web-based modular CFS/ME-specific cognitive behavioral therapy program (designed to be used by young people and their parents or caregivers) supported by individualized clinical psychologist electronic consultations (regular, scheduled therapeutic message exchanges between participants and therapist within the platform). The comparator was Skype-delivered activity management with a CFS/ME clinician (mainly a physiotherapist or occupational therapist). Both treatments were intended to last for up to 6 months. The primary outcomes were (1) the number of participants recruited (per out-of-area referrals received between November 1, 2016, to October 31, 2017) and the proportion providing 6-month outcome data (web-based self-report questionnaire assessing functioning) and (2) the qualitative outcomes indicating the acceptability of trial processes and treatments.ResultsA total of 89 out of 150 (59.3% of potentially eligible referrals) young people and their parents or caregivers were recruited, with 75 out of 89 (84.2%) providing 6-month outcome data. Overall, web-based treatment was acceptable; however, participants and clinicians described both the advantages and disadvantages of remote methods. No serious adverse events were reported.ConclusionsRecruiting young people (and their parents or caregivers) into an RCT of web-based treatment via remote methods is feasible and acceptable. Delivering specialist treatment at home via the internet is feasible and acceptable, although some families prefer to travel across the United Kingdom for face-to-face treatment.Trial RegistrationISRCTN 18020851; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN18020851International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)RR2-10.1186/s13063-018-2500-3

In Vivo Swine Measurements for a Priori Information In EIT Regularizations

In this paper, in vivo measurement of tissues in beta dispersion region (0-200 kHz) was acquired. The measurements were carried out on suine tissue and constitute data for an anatomy and physiology based priors to be used as an Electrical Impedance Tomography regularization. Plunge electrodes in four-terminal configuration and a computer-automated measurement system were used to acquire admitivity data. Measurements were taken on myocardial muscle (three different positions on epicardial surface), pectoral and intercostal muscles, adipose tissue, cartilage and lung (cranial, medial and caudal lobe tissues). The admitivity measurements were carried in such way to allow anisotropy detection, at 125 kHz. Four animals were used for this experiment. Admitivity temporal variations synchronized with perfusion and ventilation rates were observed. Increased PEEP lead to increased time averaged admitivity in lung tissues.

Reduced carotid intima–media thickness in systemic lupus erythematosus patients treated with cyclosporine A

Background Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at risk of atherosclerosis. An increased carotid intima–media thickness (IMT) is considered to be a marker of early atherosclerosis.Objective To determine influential factors for increased carotid IMT in SLE patients.Methods We evaluated the impact of conventional risk factors for atherosclerosis on carotid IMT in 427 healthy controls and of clinical factors on carotid IMT in 94 SLE patients. Carotid IMT was measured by using a newly developed computer-automated system. Unconditional logistic regression was used to assess the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI).Results Multivariate-adjusted mean carotid IMT (mm) was significantly reduced in SLE patients (0.51, 95 % CI = 0.36–0.66) compared to healthy controls (0.55, 95 % CI = 0.40–0.70) (P = 0.003). The SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) was associated with carotid IMT in a dose-dependent manner (Ptrend = 0.041). The current use of cyclosporine A (adjusted OR = 0.02, 95 % CI = 0.01–0.40, P = 0.011) and a history of steroid pulse therapy (adjusted OR = 0.01, 95 % CI = 0.01–0.25, P = 0.006) were significantly associated with a decreased risk of increased carotid IMT.Conclusions Our findings suggest that the current use of cyclosporine A can protect against increased carotid IMT, leading to a decreased risk of arteriosclerosis. Future studies with a larger sample size need to confirm that this association holds longitudinally.

Computer-Automated Tinnitus Assessment: Noise-Band Matching, Maskability, and Residual Inhibition

Psychoacoustic measures of tinnitus typically include loudness and pitch match, minimum masking level (MML), and residual inhibition (RI). We previously developed and documented a computer-automated tinnitus evaluation system (TES) capable of subject-guided loudness and pitch matching. The TES was further developed to conduct computer-aided, subject-guided testing for noise-band matching (NBM), MML, and RI. The purpose of the present study was to document the capability of the upgraded TES to obtain measures of NBM, MML, and RI, and to determine the test-retest reliability of the responses obtained. Three subject-guided, computer-automated testing protocols were developed to conduct NBM. For MML and RI testing, a 2-12 kHz band of noise was used. All testing was repeated during a second session. Subjects meeting study criteria were selected from those who had previously been tested for loudness and pitch matching in our laboratory. A total of 21 subjects completed testing, including seven females and 14 males. The upgraded TES was found to be fairly time efficient. Subjects were generally reliable, both within and between sessions, with respect to the type of stimulus they chose as the best match to their tinnitus. Matching to bandwidth was more variable between measurements, with greater consistency seen for subjects reporting tonal tinnitus or wide-band noisy tinnitus than intermediate types. Between-session repeated MMLs were within 10 dB of each other for all but three of the subjects. Subjects who experienced RI during Session 1 tended to be those who experienced it during Session 2. This study may represent the first time that NBM, MML, and RI audiometric testing results have been obtained entirely through a self-contained, computer-automated system designed specifically for use in the clinic. Future plans include refinements to achieve greater testing efficiency.

White-Coat and Masked Hypertension Are Associated With Carotid Atherosclerosis in a General Population

On the basis of combined measurements of clinic blood pressure (CBP) and home blood pressure (HBP), blood pressure status can be divided into normotension, white-coat hypertension (WCHT), masked hypertension (MHT), and sustained hypertension (SHT). Despite the clear impact of MHT and SHT on clinical and subclinical arterial disease, uncertainty about the influence of WCHT remains. The objective of this study was to investigate the associations of WCHT, MHT, and SHT with carotid atherosclerosis in a general population. This is a cross-sectional survey of 2915 community-dwelling Japanese aged ≥ 40 years. Normotension was defined as CBP<140/90 and HBP<135/85 mm Hg; WCHT, CBP ≥ 140/90 and HBP<135/85 mm Hg; MHT, CBP<140/90 and HBP ≥ 135/85 mm Hg; and SHT, CBP ≥ 140/90 and HBP ≥ 135/85 mm Hg. Mean intima-media thickness of carotid arteries was measured using a computer-automated system, and carotid stenosis was defined as diameter stenosis ≥ 30%. There were 1374 subjects (47.1%) with normotension, 200 (6.9%) with WCHT, 639 (21.9%) with MHT, and 702 (24.1%) with SHT. The geometric average of mean intima-media thickness was significantly higher among subjects with WCHT (0.73 mm), MHT (0.77 mm), and SHT (0.77 mm) than those with normotension (0.67 mm; all P<0.001 versus normotension). Compared with normotension, all types of hypertension were also associated with increased likelihood of carotid stenosis (age- and sex-adjusted odds ratio, 2.36 [95% confidence interval, 1.27-4.37] for WCHT, 1.95 [1.25-3.03] for MHT, and 3.02 [2.01-4.54] for SHT). These associations remained significant even after adjustment for other cardiovascular risk factors. WCHT, as well as MHT, and SHT were associated with carotid atherosclerosis in a general Japanese population.

Reduced carotid intima–media thickness in systemic lupus erythematosus patients treated with cyclosporine A

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at risk of atherosclerosis. An increased carotid intima–media thickness (IMT) is considered to be a marker of early atherosclerosis. To determine influential factors for increased carotid IMT in SLE patients. We evaluated the impact of conventional risk factors for atherosclerosis on carotid IMT in 427 healthy controls and of clinical factors on carotid IMT in 94 SLE patients. Carotid IMT was measured by using a newly developed computer-automated system. Unconditional logistic regression was used to assess the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI). Multivariate-adjusted mean carotid IMT (mm) was significantly reduced in SLE patients (0.51, 95 % CI = 0.36–0.66) compared to healthy controls (0.55, 95 % CI = 0.40–0.70) (P = 0.003). The SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) was associated with carotid IMT in a dose-dependent manner (P trend = 0.041). The current use of cyclosporine A (adjusted OR = 0.02, 95 % CI = 0.01–0.40, P = 0.011) and a history of steroid pulse therapy (adjusted OR = 0.01, 95 % CI = 0.01–0.25, P = 0.006) were significantly associated with a decreased risk of increased carotid IMT. Our findings suggest that the current use of cyclosporine A can protect against increased carotid IMT, leading to a decreased risk of arteriosclerosis. Future studies with a larger sample size need to confirm that this association holds longitudinally.

Automated detection of orbital debris in digital video data from a telescope

As part of a program to measure, monitor, and predict the orbital debris environment the Orbital Debris Program Office of the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) collects video data through a 3-m zenith-staring liquid mirror telescope located in New Mexico. This paper presents methods and results from a PC-based digital video processing system that automates the detection and measurement of orbital debris and meteors in these videotapes. Results using the automated system were compared to those from two trained observers in reviewing 40 h of video. These results demonstrate that the computer-automated system outperforms the combined results from two trained observers, achieving a 17 percent improvement in the detection rate of orbital debris per tape and a three-fold improvement in the detection rate of meteors.

Aggregate Imaging System for Characterizing the Shape of Fine and Coarse Aggregates

A unified computer-automated system was designed and developed for characterizing the shape of fine and coarse aggregates. The unique features of the system and the experimental design considerations are described. These considerations are related to the required image resolution, field of view, and lighting scheme. The unique features of the system include the ability to analyze fine and coarse aggregates and to quantify texture, angularity, and the three dimensions of form. The developed system is used to measure aggregate shape properties for a wide range of fine and coarse aggregates, and the results are compared with hot-mix asphalt laboratory performance. The analysis shows that the developed procedure yields detailed information on shape properties of aggregates in a short time. The measurements have very good correlation with the resistance of asphalt mixes to permanent deformation measured in the laboratory using different wheel-tracking devices.

Direct identification and typing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by PCR.

We have developed a rapid PCR assay that types strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by generating distinct DNA fingerprints directly from primary cultures. This assay allows strain identification analogous to that achieved by the standard restriction fragment length polymorphism method, and fingerprints are obtained in less than 8 h. This assay does not require subculturing, DNA purification, restriction digestion, Southern blotting, or nucleic acid hybridization. Rapid and precise identification of M. tuberculosis strains permits immediate molecular epidemiologic studies. The assay can be converted to a computer-automated system by employing fluorescently labeled PCR primers and the Perkin-Elmer DNA sequencer so that unknown-specimen fingerprints are identified by computer comparison to a database of M. tuberculosis strain fingerprints.

A program for studies of altered sleep-wake schedules and performance

Studies of the effects of variations in sleep-wake schedules on human performance tend to run for several days and involve extensive repeated testing in order to take into account time-of-day and cumulative cross-day effects (Broughton & Ogilvie, 1992; Monk, 1991; Webb, 1982). Such research typically addresses issues pertaining to sustained operations and shift work and is often more appropriately conducted in the field. The present paper describes a computer-automated system designed to administer sleep-wake schedules and performance tests, and to store results of such testing in file formats that are easy to access with commercially available statistical packages.

An automated system for use in collecting volatile chemicals released from plants

A system is described for the collection of volatiles produced by plants that minimizes stress on the plant in an environment that is free from chemical impurities. Air entering a volatile collection chamber containing a plant is purified using a nonwoven fabric media infused with charcoal. A multitasking, computer-automated system is described that can simultaneously collect volatilized chemicals from plants as well as monitor and record environmental conditions associated with those collections. Collection of up to 16 samples can be made in varying sampling order, flow rates, and user-specified time periods, without disturbing the sampling environment. During the same time period, this system is capable of simultaneously monitoring up to eight environmental parameters using any type of sensor with electrical signal outputs. A multiport base assembly was designed to fit around the base of the plant permitting air samples to be collected at the bottom of the chamber. The chamber can pass ambient light so the plant may follow its natural photocycles. The entire system can be configured for continuous laboratory duty or portable field use by utilizing components that run on DC voltages. For the purpose of testing the system's performance, we determined the periodicity of the release of volatiles from red and yellow flowering four o'clock plants,Mirabilis jalaba (Nyctaginaceae). The major chemical released from four o'clocks was identified as ocimene. The onset of release occurred between 1400 and 1600 hr and increased with time with maximum amount of ocimene released during 1800-2000 hr, followed by a decrease in emission. No ocimene was detected after 2400 hr. Determination of the amount of ocimene released per flower was calculated for the 1800- to 2000-hr time period. Based on the number of open flowers during the 1800- to 2000-hr period, yellow four o'clock's released 80.9 (±7.3 SD) ng/hr/flower, while the red flowers released 51.9 (±7.0 SD) ng/hr/flower.

Computer Automation of Conventional Triaxial Equipment

AbstractThis paper provides objective guidance on the conversion of existing manual triaxial testing equipment to computer control. An approach called adaptable automation is introduced to facilitate the conversion process. This approach consists of modifying the four basic building blocks of the triaxial system for integration into a computer-automated system and adding components needed for automation which were not part of the manual system. Recommendations are made on necessary changes to the triaxial building blocks, and examples are given from the actual conversion of a largely manual triaxial apparatus. New components required for the automated system are an analog-to-digital conversion device, digital-to-mechanical hardware, and a personal computer with test control software. Performance guidelines for selecting equipment are reviewed as are considerations when developing the software. Methods are described for evaluating the converted system's performance, and typical evaluation results are shown. The paper concludes that, while development of a prototype converted system can be costly and require considerable knowledge of system components, cost savings will be realized as additional prototype-based systems are brought online and system capabilities expanded. More importantly, the converted system allows existing customized testing procedures and hardware to remain in place.

A prospective evaluation of the immediate reproducibility of the signal-averaged ECG

The purpose of this investigation was to prospectively evaluate the immediate reproducibility of the signal-averaged electrocardiogram (SAECG). A total of 114 patients undergoing evaluation for ventricular arrhythmias were enrolled in this protocol. Two consecutive SAECG's (40 Hz bidirectional high-pass filtering with a computer-automated system) were performed 10 minutes apart. Abnormal SAECG parameters were defined as (1) vector QRS duration more than 120 msec, (2) terminal root mean square (RMS) voltage less than 20 μV, and (3) low-amplitude signal (LAS) duration more than 40 msec. An SAECG was defined as abnormal if at least one vector parameter was abnormal. There was close correlation between vector parameters during the two SAECG observations: QRS duration had the highest reproducibility ( r 2 = 0.97, p < 0.001) followed by terminal RMS voltage ( r 2 = 0.92, p < 0.001), and LAS duration ( r 2 = 0.90, p < 0.001). The mean (± SD) percentage of change between the two recordings was 2% ± 2% of the ORS duration, 13% ± 22% for terminal RMS voltage, and 7% ± 11% for LAS duration. The reproducibility of an initially normal SAECG was 92% and of an initially abnormal SAECG, 96%. Seventeen patients (15%) had a change in one of the three vector parameters between the two recordings. There were no clinically significant differences between the 17 patients in whom the SAECG was nonreproducible and the 97 patients in whom the SAECG was reproducible. However, reproducibility was significantly higher in patients with an initially normal versus an initially abnormal SAECG (92% vs 76%, p = 0.03). In conclusion, the reproducibility of an initially normal or abnormal SAECG was high. ORS duration had the highest reproducibility, but terminal RMS voltage and LAS duration showed mean percentage changes of 13% and 7%, respectively. Patients with an initially abnormal SAECG had frequent variability of one SAECG parameter. This variability should be considered when changes in the absolute values of these measurements or parameter changes are examined in natural history studies or trials examining the effects of therapeutic modalities on the SAECG.

Development of an automated human sperm quality system

A computer-automated system, including hardware and software components, is developed for objective assessment of human sperm density and other characteristics, including morphological abnormalities and motility. The hardware component essentially consists of an IBM AT, a relatively low-cost image processing board and other inexpensive commercially available instruments. On the other hand, the software component is developed through the incorporation of image analysis, pattern recognition and modelling techniques with the knowledge of human reproduction from the available literature. The whole system is expected to produce a practical and cost-effective means for the routine assessment of human semen quality.

Computerized telephone assessment of the "concrete" needs of chemotherapy outpatients: a feasibility study.

The feasibility of using a computer-automated telephone outreach system to routinely assess the needs of chemotherapy outpatients was evaluated. The automated intervention was designed as a cost-efficient strategy for assessing patients' needs on a periodic basis so that emerging needs could be identified in a timely way. Ninety-seven chemotherapy outpatients were surveyed at least once over the telephone by a computer in a high-quality, digitally stored voice asking 12 questions regarding the patients' "concrete" needs. Early results of this larger ongoing study, in which patients are scheduled to be called every 4 to 6 weeks for approximately four months, indicated that computer-automated surveys had broad-based acceptance among our outpatients and that patients were able to comply accurately with the survey's instructions. Furthermore, the speech recognition system was found to be reliable, and patients' response patterns to the automated surveys valid. Nonparticipation in this study (28.0%) was not substantially higher than in our previous research within this patient population and neither nonparticipation nor attrition appeared significantly attributable to the automation itself. This method offers the potential for cost-efficient, universal, and ongoing assessment of patient needs, facilitating timely intervention, and efficient use of professional staff.

DISCRETE FOURIER TRANSFORMS AND THEIR APPLICATION TO THE PULSE CHROMATOGRAPHY METHOD

A new method for estimating model parameters from pulse chromatography experiments was developed. Discrete and fast Fourier transforms were employed to analyze the discrete experimental data acquired with a computer-automated system. The Kubin-Kucera model was used to describe dispersion and intraparticle diffusion in a single pellet string reactor and the model parameters were obtained by solving a minimization problem in the Fourier domain. Results from effective diffusivity measurements are presented and the advantages of the new method are discussed.

Interactive Grahphic NC Part Programming at MBB

There is a broad and intensive experience with NC-systems at MBB. Several systems used nowadays are responding to the state of the art. The most important systems are described in this paper. In close connection to the NC-programming one of the first flexible manufacturing systems is operating at Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm in Augsburg - probably one of the most sophisticated in the world today. This belongs to the MBB long-range masterplan computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM). The overall goal is reduction of manufacturing costs by integration of design, production planning and control, and production operations into a single computer-automated system. As CIM has advanced it has also become increasingly evident that there must be much greater integration between the technical and the administrative areas. Future necessities and activities are also shown

A computer-based system for automated quantitation of neurologic function.

After developing, evaluating, and utilizing several generations of instrumented and coded neurologic function tests, we have designed a prototype minicomputer-based system that integrates a broad battery of tests into a clinically attractive console. The tests can be administered by a trained technician. Scoring, data analysis, storage, and retrieval are automated, providing the clinician with results expeditiously. In addition to a detailed description of the computer-automated system, we critically review corresponding alternate methods and devices developed in other laboratories. We also describe system design concepts, instrumentation techniques, test specifications, and software implementation/application features in detail.

A Computer-Automated Reactor System for Immobilized and Soluble Enzymes

ABSTRACT A versatile reactor system has been constructed for investigation of soluble and immobilized enzymes. The system has been fully automated using a laboratory minicomputer which permits not only computer-controlled experimentation but also detailed numerical and graphical examination of the data. The system requires relatively small amounts of enzyme. Typically, this has been 10 μg of enzyme for each discrete soluble experiment or 150 μg of enzyme for the construction of an immobilized bed which can be reused in many discrete experiments.