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Semantic segmentation based automatic detection system for Blepharoptosis and Blepharospasm
No full textBlepharoptosis refers to the weakening or loss of function of the levator or M\uc3\ubcller muscle that results in excessive coverage of the upper eyelid margin over the iris. Traditional methods for measuring levator muscle function include physical and chemical examinations, such as ruler measurement, repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) examination, fatigue test, closed-eye resting test, ice pack test, and sleep test. These methods are used to assess the degree of ptosis and the functional status of the levator muscle. In combination with clinical evaluation, the type of ptosis followed by various therapeutic strategies, including oral medication or surgical treatment. However, the subjective, and time-consuming manual measurements using rulers before and after surgery, exhibit questionable reliability and validity as well as low consistency. Therefore, this study proposes an automatic ptosis detection system based on semantic segmentation with improved accuracy to assist clinicians in judgment and reduce human error.
To achieve the objective, a fixed machine, with a camera and a chin rest, is used with the system. A Mask2Former semantic segmentation model is trained by deep learning using existing public eye datasets and a custom dataset. Image processing techniques are used to generate parameters, such as Margin-reflex distance 1 (MRD1), Margin-reflex distance 2 (MRD2), Palpebral fissure height (PFH), Palpebral fissure length (PFL), Ocular surface area (OSA), Levator function (LF), Eyelid crease height (ECH), Intercanthal distance (ICD), and Blepharoptosis severity. The functional status of the levator muscle is determined based on these parameters. The results of this proposal will alleviate the limitations of traditional measurements and provide a basis for the formulation of preoperative treatment strategies and postoperative evaluation of surgical outcome for eye-related surgeries.
In addition, this study extends to the evaluation of blepharospasm. By utilizing the same semantic segmentation model, the system tracks the eyeball movement within a video, enabling the detection of parameters such as blinking, maximum eyeball movement, eyeball movement speed, and synchronization of eyeball movement. This capability can be beneficial for the assessment of blepharospasm
The Relationships among Psychological Empowerment, Work Stress, Turnover Intention, and Workplace Well-Being: The Moderating Effects of Perceived Alternative Job Opportunity and External Locus of Control
No full textIn response to the shortage of labors and talents caused by the current environment, there are more and more organizations have regard reducing employee turnover rates and enhancing workplace well-being as strategic goals. Work stress is considered to be a key antecedent variable. This study hypothesized that psychological empowerment might be linked to work stress, which in turn might predict turnover intentions or lower the level of workplace well-being. Also, it could be inferred that these relationships might be differences due to the perception of alternative job opportunity, and higher or lower level of external locus of control. Through a two-stage data collection with 418 full-time employees, it was found that psychological empowerment indeed was positively related to work stress and work stress was positively correlated with turnover intention but negatively associated with workplace well-being. Additionally, work stress mediates the relationship between psychological empowerment and turnover intention, and psychological empowerment and workplace well-being. Moreover, it was revealed that perceived alternative job opportunity and external locus of control had moderating effects on the aforementioned relationships. That is, when perceiving more alternative job opportunities, the negative relationship between work stress and workplace well-being was attenuated. Employees with a higher level of external locus of control, exhibited a higher turnover intention and lower workplace well-being when experiencing strong work stress
The Impact of Hybrid Work on Employee Productivity and Employee Well-Being
No full textIn the context of hybrid work, this study investigates the relationship between employee productivity and well-being through the JD-R theory. This study examined the relationship between employee productivity and well-being through the framework of the JD-R theory. In particular, it investigated how job demands and resources in hybrid work arrangements affect employee productivity and well-being. The data was collected from 563 employees who operate in a hybrid environment via an online survey. The results of the study indicate a statistically significant correlation between work-related factors from job demands and job resources, and employee outcomes, including productivity and well-being. In addition, job demands such as an increased workload and the difficulty of transitioning to new work conditions were found to have to negatively impact employee productivity significantly. On the other hand, job resources, such as schedule flexibility, job autonomy, clear communication, and organizational support, were discovered to impact employee productivity and well-being significantly. These findings have significant implications for the JD-R theory, highlighting the need to consider job demands and resources when comprehending employee well-being and productivity. The findings also have practical implications for organizations, highlighting the significance of providing job resources to employees and reducing job demands in order to promote their well-being and productivity
Strategic Analysis of Taiwan's Low-Earth Orbit Satellite Industry: A Case Study of Company A
No full textThe rise of Low Earth Orbit satellites in recent years has fueled the booming space economy. SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, has launched thousands of satellites into Low Earth Orbit within three years. In 2015, SpaceX introduced the Starlink project, and in 2019, they built a massive Low Earth Orbit network system. By 2020, SpaceX became the world's largest commercial satellite operator. These advancements have completely transformed the vision of space development in this century and have also created a new business opportunity.
The satellite industry, which was previously controlled by government budgets, is now gradually becoming commercialized, mass-produced, and diversified. The economic benefits it generates have surpassed those of the semiconductor IC industry. The space economy has become the most promising investment industry beyond the Earth's surface, with a market opportunity exceeding $300 billion. The market competition is bound to be unprecedentedly fierce.
This study analyzes the development trends of the satellite industry, competitive advantages, and strategic development of A case company. Using A case study approach, it employs an analysis of three business models and utilizes the Diamond Model to understand the case company's international competitiveness. Additionally, through SWOT/TOWS analysis, the study identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the case company in utilizing satellites for defense purposes in the satellite industry. It considers the intersection of external and internal factors to determine the optimal business strategy. Furthermore, the study incorporates an analysis of the case company's business model to validate its relative advantages in the vast economic development of the satellite industry, particularly in the application of low Earth orbit satellites for defense and military purposes.
The study concludes that the A company's optimal strategy is to leverage its years of experience in microwave antennas and the development of ground receiving stations, along with its indigenous antenna technology for military and national defense purposes. By integrating the hardware, software, and data analysis of Low Earth Orbit satellites, the A company can assist in developing exclusive domestic Low Earth Orbit satellites. This will enhance the government's options for communication security in military defense, and in the future, the domestic Low Earth Orbit satellites can be utilized in various domestic communication security-related products. The economic benefits generated from this aspect will allow the A company to maintain a competitive advantage in the next decade
Explore the Effects of Choosing Wisely on Mental Health Care for the Elderly
No full textIntroduction: Inappropriate medication use among older patients negatively impacts medical outcomes and healthcare utilization. The American Geriatrics Society introduced the Choosing Wisely (CW) campaign in 2013 and 2014, which recommended avoiding antipsychotics as the first-line treatment for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia due to potentially adverse effects. Additionally, benzodiazepines and other sedative-hypnotic medications should be avoided as the primary treatment for insomnia, agitation, or delirium in the elderly. This raises the crucial research question of the circumstances and impact of inappropriate medication use on older patients in Taiwan.
Methods: This study utilized the International Classification of Disease, 9th and 10th Revisions, Clinical Modification to identify individuals with dementia, insomnia, agitation, and delirium. The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification (ATC) codes were employed to identify patients prescribed antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and Z-drugs. Following the CW campaign's recommendations against specific medications as first-line options for older individuals, new cases were categorized as either the case or control group based on their status as new users of particular medications. Retrospective data collected from a medical center in southern Taiwan between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2021, were analyzed using propensity score matching (PSM) and various statistical analyses, including multivariate logistic regression, negative binomial regression, and multiple linear regression models. The study received IRB approval from the Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan (KSVGH22-CT8-14).
Results: Compared to the control group with dementia, the case group exhibited significantly higher rates of outpatient visits (p<0.001) and emergency room (ER) utilization (p<0.001) but significantly lower rates of hospitalization (p<0.001) and length of stay (LOS) (p<0.001). The case group also incurred significantly higher medication expenditures (p<0.001) and total expenditures (p<0.001) while demonstrating a significantly lower probability of hospitalization (p<0.001, OR=0.420, 95% CI=0.372, 0.475), ER use (p<0.001, OR=0.513, 95% CI=0.435, 0.605), readmission within 14 days (p<0.001, OR=0.652, 95% CI=0.562, 0.755) and 30 days (p<0.01, OR=0.812, 95% CI=0.715, 0.922), and death (p<0.001, OR=0.694, 95% CI=0.642, 0.750). However, the case group exhibited a significantly higher probability of hip fracture (p<0.001, OR=2.582, 95% CI=1.551, 4.297) and stroke (p<0.001, OR=1.242, 95% CI=1.137, 1.358). When compared to the control group with insomnia, agitation, and delirium, the case group had significantly lower rates of outpatient visits (p<0.001), ER utilization (p<0.001), hospitalization (p<0.001), and LOS (p<0.001). The case group also incurred significantly higher medication expenditures (p<0.001) and total expenditures (p<0.001) while exhibiting a significantly higher probability of hospitalization (p<0.001, OR=1.700, 95% CI=1.534, 1.883) and hip fracture (p<0.001, OR=1.794, 95% CI=1.329, 2.423). However, the case group had a significantly lower probability of ER utilization (p<0.001, OR=0.770, 95% CI=0.718, 0.825), readmission within 14 days (p<0.05, OR=0.855, 95% CI=0.748, 0.976) and 30 days (p<0.01, OR=0.865, 95% CI=0.777, 0.963), and death (p<0.001, OR=0.796, 95% CI=0.743, 0.853).
Conclusion: By improving the clinical medication practices for elderly patients, the studied medical facility may observe improved care outcomes and a reduction in the burden of care. The CW campaign presents an acceptable practice guideline to enhance care and minimize risks associated with treating elderly patients, significantly improving patient safety
The Effect of Perceived stress on In-Role Job Performance and Extra-Role Job Performance: The Mediating role of Micro-Break and Moderating Role of Work Engagement.
No full textIn recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the negative effects of stress on one's life and workplace. As a result, the importance of recovery activities at work and during holidays is increasingly being appreciated. Rest and recovery activities in between work tasks are one of the most effective ways to prevent the effects of accumulated stress. However, although much research has been conducted on micro- breaks and their benefits to the individual employee, the relationship between micro- breaks and job performance has rarely been investigated. Therefore, based on previous research and theoretical foundations, this study aims to investigate the relationship between perceived stress and micro-breaks, and the effect of perceived stress on performance. It will also be analyzed whether work dedication can moderate the relationship between perceived stress and job performance. Finally, the above hypotheses are combined to investigate whether work engagement moderates the indirect effects of perceived stress, micro-breaks, and job performance.
Each participant was asked to complete a personality and demographic variable questionnaire and a daily diary questionnaire for five consecutive working days. In the end, 125 participants participated in the study and a total of 625 questionnaires were returned. According to the research findings, perceived stress has a negative relationship with both in-role job performance and extra-role performance. Additionally, work engagement moderates the relationship between perceived stress and micro-breaks, and it partially moderates the indirect negative effect of perceived stress on in-role job performance (through micro-breaks). There is also a significant negative correlation between micro-breaks and in-role job performance. Therefore, the results confirm that employees with lower work engagement have a stronger association between micro- breaks and the restoration of resources. Furthermore, further research is needed to clarify the negative impact of micro-breaks on in-role job performance. The findings of this study contribute to expanding the relevant theories and practical implications of resource management in relation to individual job performance when dealing with stress
Synthesis and Characterization Triphos Cobalt Complexes : Investigation on Their Substituent Effect and Reactivity of Hydrogenation and Dehydrogenation for Formic Acid
No full textSince the beginning of the industrial revolution, human's demand for energy has increased. In addition to causing environmental pollution, energy of depletion has also become a problem that scientists need to solve. Therefore, renewable energy has become the focus of attention, and hydrogen energy has been valuable for its zero carbon of emissions, low pollution and high energy density. However, the storage and release of hydrogen have been problems that need to be improved, so designing a suitable catalyst is an ideal goal for scientists .
In a previous study, cobalt metal hydride complexes were successfully synthesized by using the first law of transition cobalt complexes of metal and triphod ligands, and the hydride complexes were active for the hydrogenation of styrene. In this study, three ligands with substituent effects were designed, and there associated with cobalt hydrides complexes with different substituents were successfully synthesized and these complexes were reactive for the hydrogenation of styrene. The catalytic reaction of pathway was HAT (hydrogenation atom transfer). In addition, we also explored the relationship between tridentate phosphorus cobalt complexes and cobalt metal hydride complexes that performed the dehydrogenation reaction of formic acid, and their reaction were also investigated
On Body without Organs: Psychoanalysis and Schizoanalysis
No full textThis thesis is a discourse on the notion of "Body without Organs" as the core concept of Deleuze and Guattari's philosophies. It compares this notion with its related psychoanalytical concepts and theories in the history of psychoanalytical philosophy. Especially, on the debate between objectivity and subjectivity within various schools and views in psychoanalysis in Western philosophy. Hence, by the means of this discourse it claims that a unique and novel notion of subjectivity is given birth to. It also posits that the notion of "Body without organs" also produces "Schizoanalysis" that reveals the pathology and symptoms of desire in capitalistic society from a traversal process involving the plane of immanence through conceptual analysis. As argued by Deleuze and Guattari, "Schizoanalysis" will no longer be dominated by the Oedipus triadic hierarchy and the discursive level of structuralism but "a-signifying semiotics" and "multiple diagrams" of critical inheritance of psychoanalytical theories. In other words, this thesis does not limit the notion of "Body without organs" to a fixed framework of references, but attempts to present its multiple and different aspects, in the hope that it plays a role in linking the past and the future of its discourse on relevant research on their thoughts
Managerial Coaching and Employee Innovative Behavior: The Mediating Effects of Intrinsic Motivation and Relational Energy
No full textWith the increasingly competitive business environment in today's society, effective leadership is essential for a business to succeed in the business environment. Among various leadership styles, managerial coaching has been shown to exerted an influence on employee performance and behavior (Bakker & Demerouti, 2017). At the same time, the importance of innovative behavior in organizational success has been recognized, and people are more interest to know about how leadership styles, such as managerial coaching can influence employees\ue2 innovative behavior. This study is purpose to explore the relationship between managerial coaching and employees\ue2 innovative behavior, and the mediating role of intrinsic motivation and relational energy in this relationship. By the Conservation of Resources Theory (Hobfoll, 1989) and Cognitive Evaluation Theory (O'Brien & Toms, 2008), this study conducts a literature review on managerial coaching, relational energy, intrinsic motivation and innovative behavior. The study established theoretical hypotheses, research design, data collection, and data analysis to test all hypotheses. For the data collected by the questionnaire from employees in high-tech industry, traditional manufacturing industry, and financial industry of Taiwan and Hong Kong, this study uses IBM SPSS Statistics 28.0 for data analysis. The study's results prove that managerial coaching can positively affect employees' innovative behavior under the condition of intrinsic motivation mediation. Finally, not just can contributing to the literature of organizational behavior area, the conclusion, limitations and suggestions for future research directions can propose base on the findings. It also has important management implications for different organizations and managers, by clarifying the relationship between managerial coaching and employee\ue2s innovative behavior, the importance of mediating variables in the implementation of managerial coaching, as more as showing how to cultivate a culture of innovation and develop the innovative potential of employees through managerial coaching in the organization
Guided Wave Inspection of the Water Wall bend Tubing in the Boiler
No full textWith advancements in various industries, the reliance on basic sectors has grown significantly. The stable supply of electricity is vital for the functioning of these industries, leading to an increase in the number of power plants. The boiler water wall pipes in power plants play an important role in heating the liquid in the pipes and controlling the temperature in the furnace. Bend pipes, as a connecting component in the pipeline system, are particularly important for linking various pipe fittings and changing the direction of liquid transport in the pipeline. However, water wall bend pipes are exposed to high temperatures, high pressure, and contact with liquid for a long time, making them susceptible to corrosion and even cracking for various reasons, which can lead to industrial accidents.
Current inspection methods mainly use ultrasonic thickness measurement combined with visual inspection. However, this approach lacks a comprehensive understanding of the corrosion status in water wall pipes and is susceptible to the possibility of missing defects. Guided wave testing has the advantages of long-distance detection and a high coverage rate and has been applied in many practical inspections. Therefore, this work explores the feasibility of using SH-guided wave excitation for water wall bend pipe inspection. By employing partial load excitation to generate SH-guided waves, the axial scanning along the water wall bend pipe is conducted to analyze and find the most effective inspection distance.
The primary objective of this thesis is to investigate the feasibility of using SH-guided waves for inspecting water wall bend pipes. To achieve this, a system consisting of a bend connecting two straight pipe sections is established by using the finite element method software ANSYS. The guided wave is excited at one end of the straight pipe, and a wave propagation analysis is conducted for the bend pipe section. The wave propagation behavior of T(0,1) guided waves and SH-guided waves passing through bend pipes with different angles was investigated. These findings are then extrapolated to finned water wall bend pipes. Finally, the signals generated by SH-guided waves when contacting defects on water wall bend pipes were examined. The defect sensitivity and effective inspection distance were used as evaluation indicators to provide reference standards for the industry when conducting practical inspections.
Results of the study demonstrated that the inspection criterion of T(0,1) or partially loaded SH waves was excited, most of the wave energy remained at the excitation end before entering the bent pipe, and energy transmission after entering the bent pipe was an independent process. When fully loaded, the external and internal excitation were applied to the bent pipe, the energy entering the bent pipe would focus on the outer side of the pipe and finally diverge into multiple energy transmissions. When exciting the upper and lower sides of the bent pipe separately with partial loads, after the energy enters the pipe, it first converges towards the outside of the pipe, and then divides into two energy-gradually-diverging waves in the opposite direction of the excitation end. The optimal detection distance for defects on the outer side of the pipe is within 2m. The optimal detection distance for defects on the inner side of bent pipes within 60 degrees is less than 1m, while for those greater than 60 degrees, it is less than 0.75m. These findings provide a reference criterion for the industry to evaluate the defect sensitivity and effective detection distance of SH waves when inspecting bent pipes in water walls and were obtained through wave propagation analysis using ANSYS finite element method software.
The work highlights the importance of effective inspection methods for water wall bend pipes in power plants, considering their susceptibility to corrosion and cracks. The utilization of SH-guided waves in combination with partial load excitation shows promise in enhancing inspection processes. By assessing the wave propagation behavior and optimal detection distances for defects, this research provides valuable insights and reference standards for the industry. The findings serve as a foundation for improving the defect sensitivity and effectiveness of practical inspections, ultimately contributing to the safe and reliable operation of power plants