Feature Segmentation Research Articles

Development of a deep learning–based feature stream network for forecasting riverine harmful algal blooms from a network perspective

Global increases in the occurrence of harmful algal blooms (HABs) are of major concern in water quality and resource management. A predictive model capable of quantifying the spatiotemporal associations between HABs and their influencing factors is required for effective preventive management. In this study, a feature stream network (FSN) model is proposed to provide daily forecasts of cyanobacteria abundance at multiple monitoring sites simultaneously in a river network. The spatial connectivity between monitoring sites was expressed as a directed acyclic graph comprising edges and nodes representing flows and monitoring sites, respectively. Furthermore, a segment-wise node connection structure was developed to extract the latent features of a river segment comprising individual nodes and sequentially transfer them to the downstream segment(s). In addition, a feature engineering–attention hybrid mechanism was employed to address temporal mismatches among different monitoring schemes while adding explainability to the model. Consequently, the FSN showed improved predictive performance, temporal resolution, and explainability for multi-site forecasts of HAB in a single model framework. The developed model was applied to a bloom-prone middle course of the Nakdong River, South Korea. Various hydrological, environmental, and biological factors were utilized for forecasting the cyanobacteria abundance. The FSN exhibited a high degree of accuracy across the sites for the test data with a coefficient of determination in the range of 0.64–0.71 and root mean square error in the range of 2.06–2.26 cells/mL on natural log scales. Although the relative importance of input features varied across the sites, the features extracted from nearby nodes consistently exhibited high importance in forecasting the cyanobacteria abundance. These explanations indicate that the proposed model can successfully characterize the spatial hierarchy of a river network. A scenario analysis suggested that reduced total nitrogen loads in the effluents from the wastewater treatment plant and the combined operations of upstream and downstream weirs were effective in managing HABs.

AI-Guided Feature Segmentation Techniques to Model Features from Single Crystal Diamond Growth

AI-Guided Feature Segmentation Techniques to Model Features from Single Crystal Diamond Growth

Linguistic correlates of second language users’ attitudes to Arabic and Chinese varieties of English: a verbal guise study

ABSTRACT Research into language attitudes suggests that L2 users often hold negative attitudes toward their own and others’ L2 accents. However, less is known about specific features that affect these attitudes. Beinhoff’s study explored consonantal variation and its impact on perceptions of L2 speakers, but this study further examines linguistic correlates of L2 users’ attitudes toward Arabic and Chinese varieties of English. Using the verbal guise method, Arabic and Chinese male and female speakers read a paragraph in English with varying L1 influences. Each sample was rated by 30 L2 listeners on a 6-point semantic differential scale assessing status, solidarity, and dynamism. Phonological and fluency analyses of the samples revealed that non-segmental features, such as prosody, play a more significant role in eliciting positive attitudes toward these English varieties than do segmental features. These findings highlight the importance of suprasegmental aspects in shaping listener perceptions of L2 English speech.

Hierarchical-Concatenate Fusion TDNN for sound event classification.

Semantic feature combination/parsing issue is one of the key problems in sound event classification for acoustic scene analysis, environmental sound monitoring, and urban soundscape analysis. The input audio signal in the acoustic scene classification is composed of multiple acoustic events, which usually leads to low recognition rate in complex environments. To address this issue, this paper proposes the Hierarchical-Concatenate Fusion(HCF)-TDNN model by adding HCF Module to ECAPA-TDNN model for sound event classification. In the HCF module, firstly, the audio signal is converted into two-dimensional time-frequency features for segmentation. Then, the segmented features are convolved one by one for improving the small receptive field in perceiving details. Finally, after the convolution is completed, the two adjacent parts are combined before proceeding with the next convolution for enlarging the receptive field in capturing large targets. Therefore, the improved model further enhances the scalability by emphasizing channel attention and efficient propagation and aggregation of feature information. The proposed model is trained and validated on the Urbansound8K dataset. The experimental results show that the proposed model can achieve the best classification accuracy of 95.83%, which is an approximate improvement of 5% (relatively) over the ECAPA-TDNN model.

Dual-feature enhanced hybrid convolutional network for imbalanced fault diagnosis of rolling bearings

Abstract Deep learning has been extensively applied in the rolling bearing fault diagnosis domain due to its superior data analysis and feature extraction capabilities. However, in practical applications, the normal operating state occupies most of the service life of equipment, and the occurrence probability of each kind of fault is different, leading to imbalanced data that significantly degrades the performance of the neural network. In order to solve this problem, a dual-feature enhanced hybrid convolutional network (DEHCNet) is proposed. Firstly, an impulse segment enhancement module (ISEM) is constructed to enhance impulse segment features in the raw data, helping the network to learn fault features more accurately. Then, a hybrid convolutional module (HCM) is designed to fully mine discriminant fault features of minority classes from imbalanced data. In addition, a feature-enhanced combinational pooling module (FCPM) is devised to guide the network to focus more on the critical features and maximize the retention of key features in dimensionality reduction operations, thereby reducing the influence of data imbalance on the classifier. Finally, two distinct datasets are used to verify DEHCNet. Experimental results show that this network has better diagnostic accuracy and robustness under conditions of data imbalance.

Segment-Based Unsupervised Deep Learning for Human Activity Recognition using Accelerometer Data and SBOA based Channel Attention Networks

The deep learning community has increasingly focused on the critical challenges of human activity segmentation and detection based on sensors, which have numerous real-world applications. In most prior efforts, activity segmentation and recognition have been treated as separate processes, relying on pre-segmented sensor streams. This research proposes an unsupervised deep learning approach for Human Activity Recognition (HAR) that is segment-based, with an emphasis on activity continuity. The approach integrates segment-based SimCLR with Segment Feature Decorrelation (SDFD) and a new framework that leverages pairs of segment data for contrastive learning of visual representations. Furthermore, the Secretary Bird Optimization Algorithm (SBOA) and Channel Attention with Spatial Attention Network (CASANet) are utilized to enhance the performance of sensor-based human activity detection. CASANet effectively extracts key features and spatial dependencies in sensor data, while SBOA optimizes the model for greater accuracy and generalization. Evaluations on two publicly available datasets—Mhealth and PAMAP2—demonstrated an average F1 score of 98%, highlighting the approach’s efficacy in improving activity recognition performance.

Application of Artificial Intelligence Models to Predict the Onset or Recurrence of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is one of the major causes of vision impairment that affect millions of people worldwide. Early detection of nAMD is crucial because, if untreated, it can lead to blindness. Software and algorithms that utilize artificial intelligence (AI) have become valuable tools for early detection, assisting doctors in diagnosing and facilitating differential diagnosis. AI is particularly important for remote or isolated communities, as it allows patients to endure tests and receive rapid initial diagnoses without the necessity of extensive travel and long wait times for medical consultations. Similarly, AI is notable also in big hubs because cutting-edge technologies and networking help and speed processes such as detection, diagnosis, and follow-up times. The automatic detection of retinal changes might be optimized by AI, allowing one to choose the most effective treatment for nAMD. The complex retinal tissue is well-suited for scanning and easily accessible by modern AI-assisted multi-imaging techniques. AI enables us to enhance patient management by effectively evaluating extensive data, facilitating timely diagnosis and long-term prognosis. Novel applications of AI to nAMD have focused on image analysis, specifically for the automated segmentation, extraction, and quantification of imaging-based features included within optical coherence tomography (OCT) pictures. To date, we cannot state that AI could accurately forecast the therapy that would be necessary for a single patient to achieve the best visual outcome. A small number of large datasets with high-quality OCT, lack of data about alternative treatment strategies, and absence of OCT standards are the challenges for the development of AI models for nAMD.

Validation of Inter-Reader Agreement/Consistency for Quantification of Ellipsoid Zone Integrity and Sub-RPE Compartmental Features Across Retinal Diseases

Background: An unmet need exists when clinically assessing retinal and layer-based features of retinal diseases. Therefore, quantification of retinal-layer-thicknesses/fluid volumes using deep-learning-augmented platforms to reproduce human-obtained clinical measurements is needed. Methods: In this analysis, 210 spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scans (30 without pathology, 60 dry age-related macular degeneration [AMD], 60 wet AMD, and 60 diabetic macular edema [total 23,625 B-scans]) were included. A fully automated segmentation platform segmented four retinal layers for compartmental assessment (internal limiting membrane, ellipsoid zone [EZ], retinal pigment epithelium [RPE], and Bruch’s membrane). Two certified OCT readers independently completed manual segmentation and B-scan level validation of automated segmentation, with segmentation correction when needed (semi-automated). Certified reader metrics were compared to gold standard metrics using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) to assess overall agreement. Across different diseases, several metrics generated from automated segmentations approached or matched human readers performance. Results: Absolute ICCs for retinal mean thickness measurements showed excellent agreement (range 0.980–0.999) across four cohorts. EZ-RPE thickness values and sub-RPE compartment ICCs demonstrated excellent agreement (ranges of 0.953–0.987 and 0.944–0.997, respectively) for full dataset, dry-AMD, and wet-AMD cohorts. Conclusions: Analyses demonstrated high reliability and consistency of segmentation of outer retinal compartmental features using a completely human/manual approach or a semi-automated approach to segmentation. These results support the critical role that measuring features, such as photoreceptor preservation through EZ integrity, in future clinical trials may optimize clinical care.

Synergizing traditional CT imaging with radiomics: a novel model for preoperative diagnosis of gastric neuroendocrine and mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma.

To develop diagnostic models for differentiating gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma (g-NEC) and gastric mixed adeno-neuroendocrine carcinoma (g-MANEC) from gastric adenocarcinoma (g-ADC) based on traditional contrast enhanced CT imaging features and radiomics features. We retrospectively analyzed 90 g-(MA)NEC (g-MANEC and g-NEC) patients matched 1:1 by T-stage with 90 g-ADC patients. Traditional CT features were analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Tumor segmentation and radiomics features extraction were performed with Slicer and PyRadiomics. Feature selection was conducted through univariable analysis, correlation analysis, LASSO, and multivariable stepwise logistic. The combined model incorporated clinical and radiomics predictors. Diagnostic performance was assessed with ROC curves and DeLong's test. The models' diagnostic efficacy was further validated in subgroup of g-NEC vs. g-ADC and g-MANEC vs. g-ADC cases. Tumor necrosis and lymph node metastasis were independent predictors for differentiating g-(MA)NEC from g-ADC (P < 0.05). The clinical model's AUC was 0.700 (training) and 0.667(validation). Five radiomics features were retained, with the radiomics model showing AUC of 0.809 (training) and 0.802 (validation). The combined model's AUCs were 0.853 (training) and 0.812 (validation), significantly outperforming the clinical model (P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed that the combined model exhibited acceptable performance in differentiating g-NEC from g-ADC and g-MANEC from g-ADC, with AUCof0.887 and 0.823 in the training cohort and 0.852 and 0.762 in the validation cohort. A combined model based on traditional CT imaging and radiomic features provides a non-invasive and effective preoperative diagnostic method for differentiating g-(MA)NEC from g-ADC.

Spatial attention-based CSR-Unet framework for subdural and epidural hemorrhage segmentation and classification using CT images

BackgroundAutomatic diagnosis and brain hemorrhage segmentation in Computed Tomography (CT) may be helpful in assisting the neurosurgeon in developing treatment plans that improve the patient’s chances of survival. Because medical segmentation of images is important and performing operations manually is challenging, many automated algorithms have been developed for this purpose, primarily focusing on certain image modalities. Whenever a blood vessel bursts, a dangerous medical condition known as intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) occurs. For best results, quick action is required. That being said, identifying subdural (SDH) and epidural haemorrhages (EDH) is a difficult task in this field and calls for a new, more precise detection method.MethodsThis work uses a head CT scan to detect cerebral bleeding and distinguish between two types of dural hemorrhages using deep learning techniques. This paper proposes a rich segmentation approach to segment both SDH and EDH by enhancing segmentation efficiency with a better feature extraction procedure. This method incorporates Spatial attention- based CSR (convolution-SE-residual) Unet, for rich segmentation and precise feature extraction.ResultsAccording to the study’s findings, the CSR based Spatial network performs better than the other models, exhibiting impressive metrics for all assessed parameters with a mean dice coefficient of 0.970 and mean IoU of 0.718, while EDH and SDH dice scores are 0.983 and 0.969 respectively.ConclusionsThe CSR Spatial network experiment results show that it can perform well regarding dice coefficient. Furthermore, Spatial Unet based on CSR may effectively model the complicated in segmentations and rich feature extraction and improve the representation learning compared to alternative deep learning techniques, of illness and medical treatment, to enhance the meticulousness in predicting the fatality.

A novel Tree-augmented Bayesian network for predicting rock weathering degree using incomplete dataset

The precise forecasting of the weathering degree of surrounding rock holds paramount importance for the scientific design and secure execution of tunnel engineering. The apparent features of the surrounding rock serve as critical indicators for evaluating its weathering degree. This paper endeavors to quantify the rock apparent features based on an improved Computer vision model and establish a multi-source heterogeneous dataset encompassing 10 parameters, thereby facilitating data-driven predictions of the weathering degree. Specifically, the rock appearance parameters are quantified and segmented by an improved Tunnel face feature segmentation (TFFSeg) model, which is tailored to the unique characteristics of groundwater, fractures, and interlayers. Concurrently, the TFFSeg model exhibits significantly enhanced performance for these rock features compared to other widely employed Computer vision methods. Subsequently, this multi-source dataset is further enriched by incorporating rock physical and mechanical parameters as well as tunnel design parameters. Nevertheless, the issue of data incompleteness persists within this dataset. To achieve precise prediction of the weathering degree based on this incomplete dataset, a novel Tree-augmented Bayesian network (TAN-BN) is designed, which is capable of learning from incomplete datasets. The predictive outcomes demonstrate that the proposed TAN-BN surpasses other currently utilized meta models and ensemble models, such as ANN, GBRT, and Naive BN. Finally, sensitivity analysis is conducted to determine the importance rankings of the 10 parameters, offering valuable insights for on-site evaluation of the rock weathering degree at the tunnel face.

Multi-Source Fusion Enhanced Feature Segmentation in Remote Sensing Imagery

Abstract. With deepening application of deep learning technology in the field of remote sensing, several challenges persist in the segmentation of remote sensing optical images. These challenges include: (1) insufficient availability of deep learning-based remote sensing semantic segmentation datasets; (2) inadequate utilization of multi-source remote sensing data in the field of semantic segmentation; (3) limited sample size for effective model training, as well as the need to enhance both the speed and accuracy of model training. To address these challenges, this study introduces a multi-source remote sensing dataset consisting of 15000 data pairs, each comprising remote sensing multispectral data, synthetic aperture radar(SAR) images, land use and land cover(LULC) data, digital elevation model (DEM) data as well as the analysis data including Slope, Aspect, and Hillshade. Through the application of an end-to-end network based on pix2pix, effective fusion and feature enhancement of multi-source remote sensing data were achieved. The structural similarity index (SSIM), peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), and Spectral Angle Mapper(SAM) values reached 0.84, 23.14, and 0.19, respectively, representing significant improvements over the baseline Pix2pix model’s performance metrics of 0.62, 18.84, and 0.23. In downstream semantic segmentation applications, the enhanced dataset was utilized to train semantic segmentation models for remote sensing image analysis. This approach effectively improved the training speed and segmentation accuracy of the models, with the mean intersection over union (mIoU) increasing from 0.467 to 0.481 and accuracy rising from 0.734 to 0.746. Moreover, the visual representation of remote sensing image segmentation demonstrated noticeable enhancements.

Electric vehicle energy consumption prediction for unknown route types using deep neural networks by combining static and dynamic data

Accurate energy consumption prediction of electric vehicles (EVs) is crucial for drivers considering long trips. All the data should be provided beforehand to determine the energy consumption at the beginning of the trip. Although dynamic vehicle data (vehicle speed, state-of-charge, acceleration, etc.) cannot be known before the trip, factors related to the specified route (route type, elevation, average speed, weather, driving time, etc.) can be used to predict the consumed energy. These factors can be categorized as static and dynamic features, and thus, the question of how to effectively use static and dynamic data arises. This paper investigates the problem of predicting the energy consumption of an EV for a predetermined trip using a deep neural network (DNN) model that effectively uses static features along with dynamic segment features. Furthermore, we address the problem where the route types are unknown in advance. To include more information in the prediction model, we clustered the speed profiles using shape-based clustering with dynamic time warping (DTW) to predict the route type and used the cluster labels as static inputs. Real driving data collected from various drivers of a specific EV were used to train the DNN. The proposed DNN model was compared with the average energy consumption (AEC) model and five machine learning models. The results show that labels obtained from shape-based clustering improved the prediction more than feature-based cluster labels. The prediction errors were minimized with the proposed DNN model, where static features are introduced to the first and second layers twice.

Visual tracking algorithm based on template updating and dual feature enhancement

Aiming at the problem of tracking failure due to target deformation, flipping and occlusion in visual tracking, a template updating algorithm based on image structural similarity is proposed by dynamically updating the template to adapt to the changes of the target during tracking, specifically, a queue is used to save the recent N -frame tracking results, and a decision is made on whether to update the template or not based on the structural similarity score between the current tracking results and the template image, and if updated, the template is matched from the historical N -frame tracking results as the new template. If updated, the optimal target image is matched from the historical N -frame tracking results as a new template for subsequent tracking. The tracking feature enhancement module and segmentation feature enhancement module are also designed based on SiamMask network. The tracking feature enhancement module consists of non-local operations and convolutional downsampling, which is used to establish contextual correlation, enhance the target features, suppress the background interference, improve the tracking robustness, and solve the feature attenuation problem due to the occlusion of the target. The segmentation feature enhancement module introduces the convolutional block attention module and deformable convolution to improve the network's ability to capture channel and spatial features, adaptively learn the shape and contour information of the target, and enhance the network's segmentation accuracy of the tracked target. , which in turn improves the tracking accuracy. Experiments show that the proposed algorithm performs well and stably in solving the above problems, improving the expected average overlap rate by 5.2%, 5.3%, and 2.5%, and the robustness by 6%, 7.9%, and 15.6%on the VOT2016, VOT2018, and VOT2019 datasets , respectively, and achieving a real-time speed of 91 frames per second, when compared to the baseline SiamMask.

AIDM-CT: software for cone-beam X-ray tomography and deep-learning-based analysis

ABSTRACT Non-destructive testing (NDT) with high-resolution cone-beam X-ray computed tomography (XCT) plays a crucial role in revealing the 3D distribution and morphology of defects within an object. It’s necessary to generalise an intelligent and customised XCT-based NDT protocol, providing solutions for reconstruction quality improvement and complex defect quantitative analysis for users. We analysed the key techniques of XCT and developed the systematic software for data acquisition, reconstruction, intelligent super-resolution and segmentation in our advanced imaging and data mining laboratory (AIDM-CT). The experimental results demonstrated the software efficiently achieves the control of XCT scanning, artefact correction algorithms related to cone-beam geometrics, beam hardening, ring and radial artefacts, deep-learning based slice super-resolution and feature segmentation, and quantitative analysis. The software is programmed by Python language to provide the friendly multi-function graphical user interface (GUI), in which the programming of reconstruction and corrections combined with Computer Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) acceleration to guarantee the high efficiency of XCT task. Particularly, the multi-functional super resolution module (MF-GAN) is proposed to optimise the quality of CT image and the improved U-Net segmentation module (CBAM U-Net) is also developed to fulfill the high-precision quantitative non-destructive testing of homogeneous and variform microdefects in our AIDM-CT software.

A cardiac audio classification method based on image expression of multidimensional features.

Heart sound auscultation plays a crucial role in the early diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. In recent years, great achievements have been made in the automatic classification of heart sounds, but most methods are based on segmentation features and traditional classifiers and do not fully exploit existing deep networks. This paper proposes a cardiac audio classification method based on image expression of multidimensional features (CACIEMDF). First, a 102-dimensional feature vector is designed by combining the characteristics of heart sound data in the time domain, frequency domain and statistical domain. Based on the feature vector, a two-dimensional feature projection space is constructed by PCA dimensionality reduction and the convex hull algorithm, and 102 pairs of coordinate representations of the feature vector in the two-dimensional space are calculated. Each one-dimensional component of the feature vector corresponds to a pair of 2D coordinate representations. Finally, the one-dimensional feature component value and its divergence into categories are used to fill the three channels of a color image, and a Gaussian model is used to dye the image to enrich its content. The color image is sent to a deep network such as ResNet50 for classification. In this paper, three public heart sound datasets are fused, and experiments are conducted using the above methods. The results show that for the two-classification/five-classification task of heart sounds, the method in this paper can achieve a classification accuracy of 95.68%/94.53% when combined with the current deep network.

Clinical Validation of Deep Learning for Segmentation of Multiple Dental Features in Periapical Radiographs.

Periapical radiographs are routinely used in dental practice for diagnosis and treatment planning purposes. However, they often suffer from artifacts, distortions, and superimpositions, which can lead to potential misinterpretations. Thus, an automated detection system is required to overcome these challenges. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been revolutionizing various fields, including medicine and dentistry, by facilitating the development of intelligent systems that can aid in performing complex tasks such as diagnosis and treatment planning. The purpose of the present study was to verify the diagnostic performance of an AI system for the automatic detection of teeth, caries, implants, restorations, and fixed prosthesis on periapical radiographs. A dataset comprising 1000 periapical radiographs collected from 500 adult patients was analyzed by an AI system and compared with annotations provided by two oral and maxillofacial radiologists. A strong correlation (R > 0.5) was observed between AI perception and observers 1 and 2 in carious teeth (0.7-0.73), implants (0.97-0.98), restored teeth (0.85-0.89), teeth with fixed prosthesis (0.92-0.94), and missing teeth (0.82-0.85). The automatic detection by the AI system was comparable to the oral radiologists and may be useful for automatic identification in periapical radiographs.

Topological analysis of the three-dimensional radiodensity distribution of fish otoliths: Point sampling effects on dimensionality reduction

Otoliths are calcified structures found in the inner ears of teleost fish, pivotal in marine biology for studies on metabolism, age, growth, and the identification of fish stocks, potentially leading to sustainable management practices. An important feature of this structure is its density, as it corresponds to modifications in the crystalline form of calcium carbonate during the fish's lifetime, resulting in variations in its final shape. The internal and external 3D radiodensity of otoliths from different species was obtained utilizing micro-computed tomography, however, an appropriate methodology for describing and conducting comparative studies on these data appears to be absent in the current body of literature. Therefore, we study otolith density variations from 3D computed tomography images, employing the Ball Mapper technique of Topological Data Analysis. We focus on reducing the computational cost of this analysis by applying probabilistic sampling and assessing its effects on the density variations provided by the Ball Mapper graph. To determine the sample size, we used the topology to establish what we term "Topological Sample Validation", which provided the minimum resolution with the same density information as raw data. Sample representativeness was validated through non-parametric statistical tests on the density variable. Based on the network's structural characteristics, network properties allowed for evaluating similarity between graphs. Besides the small sample size, remarkable correlations were obtained between age and network variables. Additionally, the Ball Mapper technique proved effective as a preprocessing algorithm for tomographic images, enabling the segmentation of undesired features in the object of interest.

Deep-Learning-Based Disease Classification in Patients Undergoing Cine Cardiac MRI.

Automated approaches may allow for fast, reproducible clinical assessment of cardiovascular diseases from MRI. To develop an MRI-based deep learning (DL) disease classification algorithm to distinguish among normal subjects (NORM), patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and ischemic heart disease (IHD). Retrospective. A total of 1337 subjects (55% female), comprising normal subjects (N = 568), and patients with DCM (N = 151), HCM (N = 177), and IHD (N = 441). Balanced steady-state free precession cine sequence at 1.5/3.0 T. Bi-ventricular morphological and functional features and global and segmental left ventricular strain features were automatically extracted from short- and long-axis cine images. Variational autoencoder models were trained on the extracted features and compared against consensus disease label provided by two expert readers (13 and 14 years of experience). Adding unlabeled, normal data to the training was explored to increase specificity of NORM class. Tenfold cross-validation for model development; mean, standard deviation (SD) for measurements; classification metrics: area under the curve (AUC), confusion matrix, accuracy, specificity, precision, recall; 95% confidence intervals; Mann-Whitney U test for significance. AUCs of 0.952 for NORM, 0.881 for DCM, 0.908 for HCM, and 0.856 for IHD and overall accuracy of 0.778 were obtained, with specificity of 0.908 for the NORM class using both SAX and LAX features. Longitudinal strain features slightly improved classification metrics by 0.001 to 0.03 points, except for HCM-AUC. Differences in accuracy, metrics for NORM class and HCM-AUC were statistically significant. Cotraining using unlabeled data increased the specificity for the NORM class to 0.961. Cardiac function features automatically extracted from cine MRI have potential to be used for disease classification, especially for normal-abnormal classification. Feature analyses showed that strain features were important for disease labeling. Cotraining using unlabeled data may help to increase specificity for normal-abnormal classification. 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 1.

Acoustic encoding of vocally expressed confidence and doubt in Chinese bidialectics.

Language communicators use acoustic-phonetic cues to convey a variety of social information in the spoken language, and the learning of a second language affects speech production in a social setting. It remains unclear how speaking different dialects could affect the acoustic metrics underlying the intended communicative meanings. Nine Chinese Bayannur-Mandarin bidialectics produced single-digit numbers in statements of both Standard Mandarin and the Bayannur dialect with different levels of intended confidence. Fifteen listeners judged the intention presence and confidence level. Prosodically unmarked and marked stimuli exhibited significant differences in perceived intention. A higher intended level was perceived as more confident. The acoustic analysis revealed the segmental (third and fourth formants, center of gravity), suprasegmental (mean fundamental frequency, fundamental frequency range, duration), and source features (harmonic to noise ratio, cepstral peak prominence) can distinguish between confident and doubtful expressions. Most features also distinguished between dialect and Mandarin productions. Interactions on fourth formant and mean fundamental frequency suggested that speakers made greater use of acoustic parameters to encode confidence and doubt in the Bayannur dialect than in Mandarin. In machine learning experiments, the above-chance-level overall classification rates for confidence and doubt and the in-group advantage supported the dialect theory.