Diagnosis of lung nodule using Moran’s index and Geary’s coefficient in computerized tomography images

This paper analyzes the application of Moran’s index and Geary’s coefficient to the characterization of lung nodules as malignant or benign in computerized tomography images. The characterization method is based on a process that verifies which combination of measures, from the proposed measures, has been best able to discriminate between the benign and malignant nodules using stepwise discriminant analysis. Then, a linear discriminant analysis procedure was performed using the selected features to evaluate the ability of these in predicting the classification for each nodule. In order to verify this application we also describe tests that were carried out using a sample of 36 nodules: 29 benign and 7 malignant. A leave-one-out procedure was used to provide a less biased estimate of the linear discriminator’s performance. The two analyzed functions and its combinations have provided above 90% of accuracy and a value area under receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curve above 0.85, that indicates a promising potential to be used as nodules signature measures. The preliminary results of this approach are very encouraging in characterizing nodules using the two functions presented.

An efficient deconvolution algorithm for estimating oxygen consumption during muscle activities

The reconstruction of an unknown input function from noisy measurements in a biological system is an ill-posed inverse problem. Any computational algorithm for its solution must use some kind of regularization technique to neutralize the disastrous effects of amplified noise components on the computed solution. In this paper, following a hierarchical Bayesian statistical inversion approach, we seek estimates for the input function and regularization parameter (hyperparameter) that maximize the posterior probability density function. We solve the maximization problem simultaneously for all unknowns, hyperparameter included, by a suitably chosen quasi-Newton method. The optimization approach is compared to the sampling-based Bayesian approach. We demonstrate the efficiency and robustness of the deconvolution algorithm by applying it to reconstructing the time courses of mitochondrial oxygen consumption during muscle state transitions (e.g., from resting state to contraction and recovery), from the simulated noisy output of oxygen concentration dynamics on the muscle surface. The model of oxygen transport and metabolism in skeletal muscle assumes an in vitro cylindrical structure of the muscle in which the oxygen from the surrounding oxygenated solution diffuses into the muscle and is then consumed by the muscle mitochondria. The algorithm can be applied to other deconvolution problems by suitably replacing the forward model of the system.     

Tool wear monitoring using neuro-fuzzy techniques: a comparative study in a turning process

Tool wear detection is a key issue for tool condition monitoring. The maximization of useful tool life is frequently related with the optimization of machining processes. This paper presents two model-based approaches for tool wear monitoring on the basis of neuro-fuzzy techniques. The use of a neuro-fuzzy hybridization to design a tool wear monitoring system is aiming at exploiting the synergy of neural networks and fuzzy logic, by combining human reasoning with learning and connectionist structure. The turning process that is a well-known machining process is selected for this case study. A four-input (i.e., time, cutting forces, vibrations and acoustic emissions signals) single-output (tool wear rate) model is designed and implemented on the basis of three neuro-fuzzy approaches (inductive, transductive and evolving neuro-fuzzy systems). The tool wear model is then used for monitoring the turning process. The comparative study demonstrates that the transductive neuro-fuzzy model provides better error-based performance indices for detecting tool wear than the inductive neuro-fuzzy model and than the evolving neuro-fuzzy model.     

Comments on “A novel dead time compensator for stable processes with long dead times” [Journal of Process Control 22 (2012) 612–625]

This short communication analyzes the results recently presented in the paper “On a novel dead time compensator for stable processes with long dead times” published in the Journal of Process Control. In the mentioned paper it is argued that the proposed strategy, called modified Smith predictor (MSP), gives better performance than the filtered Smith predictor (FSP) dead-time compensator for stable processes with dead time. In fact MSP has the same structure as FSP and only some specific tuning rules of the filters are proposed. Therefore, in this work some aspects of the comparative analysis and tuning rules presented in the referred paper are discussed to show that MSP is a particular case of FSP and that for some particular cases its tuning rule does not allow for a good closed-loop response. Some simulation case studies are used to illustrate these aspects.     

Numerical analysis of a DAR IMPATT diode

The analysis and optimization of the n ⁺ pvnp ⁺ avalanche diode structure that includes two avalanche regions have been realized on basis of the nonlinear model and special optimization procedure. The admittance and energy characteristics of the DAR diode were analyzed in very wide frequency band from 30 up to 360 GHz. Output power level was optimized for the second frequency band near the 220 GHz.     

An efficient technique for implementing an image-compression neural algorithm on concurrent multiprocessor architectures

The paper describes a parallel implementation of a neural algorithm performing vector quantization for very low bit-rate video compression on toroidal-mesh multiprocessor systems. The neural model considered is a plastic version of the Neural Gas algorithm, whose features are suitable for implementations on toroidal mesh topologies. The architecture adopted, and the data-allocation strategy, enhance the method's scaling properties and remarkable efficiency. The parallel approach is supported by a theoretical analysis of the efficiency of the overall structure. Experimental results on a significant testbed and the fit between predicted and measured values confirm the validity of the parallel approach.     

GaiaDoc： A Tool Focused on Business Requirements for Code Documentation with a CMMI Compliant and RUP Based on Requirement Flow

Aiming to fill a gap in traditional methods of source code documentation, which focus mainly on the API （application programming interface） documentation for other programmers, this article presents a new approach for business requirements, mapping them through a set of annotations. These annotations, in turn, are interpreted by the GaiaDoc tool, which is specified in this paper and is able to generate documentation in form of use case specifications in a language and format easily understandable by the project stakeholders. Along with the GaiaDoc tool proposal, a RUP （rational unified process） based requirements flow is developed to fit with its needs and it is validated through CMMI （capability maturity model integration） requirement process areas and a case study of the proposed methodology＇s application is presented before the final considerations.     

Ozone as an Alternative for Disinfection of Explants during In Vitro Mass Plant Propagation

Ozone was used as an alternative for replacing sodium hypochlorite in the disinfection of yam nodal segments during the establishment stage for in vitro mass plant propagation. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effect of ozone on disinfection of yam nodal segments in gaseous and aqueous phase in comparison to sodium hypochlorite. The immersion of yam nodal segments in water containing dissolved ozone with an ozone concentration of 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 ppm during for 5 to 10 min gave the best results; 100% of yam nodal segments were free of microbial contamination. In terms of sprouting initiation (7.5 days), sprouting percentage (88%), and sprouts growth (4.81 cm), all were improved in comparison to the conventionally used sodium hypochlorite.