1,588 research outputs found
Wireless MIMO Systems Employing Joint Turbo-Like STBC Codes With Bit-Level Algebraically-Interleaved URSCs
No full textIn this paper, permutations constructed based on algebraic derivations which are of particular interests due to better error-rate performance as well as simpler and practical hardware implementations, have been used in designing high performance fully-systematic joint space-time turbo coding technology. This scheme enjoys the integration of twin-/triplet-antenna bit-level space-time (ST) codes with the binary turbo-like codes of unpunctured codecs. The conducted performance evaluations reveal that this scheme has superior flare performance and yields additional coding gains in waterfall region, compared with the row-column block interleaved systems
COMAP: a new computational interpretation of human movement planning level based on coordinated minimum angle jerk policies and six universal movement elements.
No full textThe purpose of this work is to develop a computational model to describe the task of sit to stand (STS). STS is an important movement skill which is frequently performed in human daily activities, but has rarely been studied from the perspective of optimization principles. In this study, we compared the recorded trajectories of STS with the trajectories generated by several conventional optimization-based models (i.e., minimum torque, minimum torque change and kinetic energy cost models) and also with the trajectories produced by a novel multi-phase cost model (MPCM). In the MPCM, we suggested that any complex task, such as STS, is decomposable into successive motion phases, so that each phase requires a distinct strategy to be performed. In this way, we proposed a multi-phase cost function to describe the STS task. The results revealed that the conventional optimization-based models failed to correctly predict the invariable features of STS, such as hip flexion and ankle dorsiflexion movements. However, the MPCM not only predicted the general features of STS with a sufficient accuracy, but also showed a potential flexibility to distinguish between the movement strategies from one subject to the other. According to the results, it seems plausible to hypothesize that the central nervous system might apply different strategies when planning different phases of a complex task. The application areas of the proposed model could be generating optimized trajectories of STS for clinical applications (such as functional electrical stimulation) or providing clinical and engineering insights to develop more efficient rehabilitation devices and protocols
Mehran contrast-induced nephropathy risk score predicts short and long-term clinical outcomes in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction
No full textMehran contrast-induced nephropathy risk score predicts short and long-term clinical outcomes in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarctio
Usefulness of Adding Pre-procedural Glycemia to the Mehran Score to Enhance Its Ability to Predict Contrast-induced Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Development and Validation of a Predictive Model
No full textThe Mehran score is the most widely accepted tool for predicting contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI), a major complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Similarly, abnormal fasting pre-procedural glycemia (FPG) represents a modifiable risk factor for CI-AKI, but it is not included in current risk models for CI-AKI prediction. We sought to analyze whether adding FPG to the Mehran score improves its ability to predict CI-AKI following PCI. We analyzed 671 consecutive patients undergoing PCI (age 69 [63,75] years, 23% females), regardless of their diabetic status, to derive a revised Mehran score obtained by including FPG in the original Mehran score (Derivation Cohort). The new risk model (GlyMehr) was externally validated in 673 consecutive patients (Validation Cohort) (age 69 [62,76] years, 21% females). In the Derivation Cohort, both FPG and the original Mehran score predicted CI-AKI (AUC 0.703 and 0.673, respectively). The GlyMehr score showed a better predictive ability when compared with the Mehran score both in the Derivation Cohort (AUC 0.749, 95%CI 0.662 to 0.836; p = 0.0016) and the Validation Cohort (AUC 0.848, 95%CI, 0.792 to 0.903; p = 0.0008). In the overall population (n = 1344), the GlyMehr score confirmed its independent and incremental predictive ability regardless of diabetic status (p ≤0.0034) or unstable/stable coronary syndromes (p ≤0.0272). In conclusion, adding FPG to the Mehran score significantly enhances our ability to predict CI-AKI. The GlyMehr score may contribute to improve the clinical management of patients undergoing PCI by identifying those at high risk of CI-AKI and potentially detecting modifiable risk factors
Pathogen simulation using soil and water tool (SWAT) model and bacteroides source tracking technique
No full textThe Upper Salem River Watershed (USRW), located in southern New Jersey, is listed as impaired for pathogens by The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) (NJDEP 2011). A 2003 Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for the watershed recommended the use of pathogen source tracking to identify pathogen sources and develop a quantitative model to simulate pathogen pollution in the watershed (NJDEP 2003). This research comprises three parts: a) Fecal coliform and E. coli simulation using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model in the USRW; this is the first study to conduct sensitivity analysis, calibration and validation of the SWAT model for two widely used pathogen indicators for multiple sampling stations in one watershed. The results of the sensitivity analysis indicate that pathogen input is the most sensitive parameter in the simulation of both indicators. Fecal coliform and E. coli simulation at five of six sampling stations generally showed good calibration and validation based on Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency values (0.04 to 0.71). b) Investigation of temperature effects on the persistence of bovine-Bacteroides; the primary goal of this part of the research was to identify the decay rate of bovine- Bacteroides in stream water at 4°C, 20°C and 30°C. The decay constant of bovine-Bacteroides was calculated between 0.01 h-1 in the mesocosm incubated at 4°C to 0.05 h-1 in the mesocosm at 30°C. Comparison of this study with other similar studies indicates that as temperature increased, a greater discrepancy in compared constant values was observed. c) Pathogen source tracking was done using a multiple linear regression analysis in the USRW. The primary goals of this research phase were to use a bovine-Bactreroides source tracking technique to investigate if bovine feces are a contributing pathogen source to the river system and to identify the spatial distribution of bovine pathogen discharge to the USRW. The results of the simulated model showed agreement with the potential bovine distribution sources (i.e., animal feeding facilities). A probability of occurrence map of bovine derived pathogens was also developed to spatially identify which sub-watersheds have greater likelihood of pathogen contributions from bovine sources.Ph. D.Includes bibliographical referencesby Mehran Niaz
Bibliometric Review of Mehran University of Engineering & Technology Research Journal: 2011-2018
No full textAim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the bibliometric indicators of articles published in Mehran University of Engineering & Technology Research Journal (MUETRJ) during the period of 2011-18.
Methodology: The data of publications published in MUETAJ was downloaded from website of e-journal and analyzed various bibliometric attributes during July 2017 to 15th January 2018. The pattern of authorship, gender-wise distribution of first author, page-length of articles and institutional affiliation of the first author of publications were calculated and analyzed. Microsoft Office Excel spreadsheet was prepared for data analysis.
Results: Total 582 articles published in 32 issues of 8 volumes during the projected period with average of 18.1% articles per issue and 72.75 articles per year. Total 1777 authors contributed with an average of 3 authors per article in MUETRJ. A gender-wise distribution showed that number of male authors were much higher (n=1551; 87.2%) as compare to females authors (n=226; 12.7%). A majority of articles were written by multi-authored (n=570; 97.3%) as opposite to single author (n=12; 2%). Most the articles (n=140; 24%) have 10 pages length followed by 8 pages length (n=136; 23.7%). It was observed that Mehran University of Engineering & Technology presented itself as major contributor with 258 articles (44.3%).
Conclusion: The participation of 96 national and international institutes related to engineering and technological sciences in publishing research papers shows their confidence in MUETRJ
Trajectory of human movement during sit to stand: a new modeling approach based on movement decomposition and multi-phase cost function.
No full textThe purpose of this work is to develop a computational model to describe the task of sit to stand (STS). STS is an important movement skill which is frequently performed in human daily activities, but has rarely been studied from the perspective of optimization principles. In this study, we compared the recorded trajectories of STS with the trajectories generated by several conventional optimization-based models (i.e., minimum torque, minimum torque change and kinetic energy cost models) and also with the trajectories produced by a novel multi-phase cost model (MPCM). In the MPCM, we suggested that any complex task, such as STS, is decomposable into successive motion phases, so that each phase requires a distinct strategy to be performed. In this way, we proposed a multi-phase cost function to describe the STS task. The results revealed that the conventional optimization-based models failed to correctly predict the invariable features of STS, such as hip flexion and ankle dorsiflexion movements. However, the MPCM not only predicted the general features of STS with a sufficient accuracy, but also showed a potential flexibility to distinguish between the movement strategies from one subject to the other. According to the results, it seems plausible to hypothesize that the central nervous system might apply different strategies when planning different phases of a complex task. The application areas of the proposed model could be generating optimized trajectories of STS for clinical applications (such as functional electrical stimulation) or providing clini
Gender-related differences after acute myocardial infarction. a major global health challenge
No full textSex-based difference in outcomes after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been an area of active investigation over the past two decades in Western countries. Preliminary studies have identified a gender bias in referral as a major explanation, but theworse prognosis ofwomen as compared with men is now thought to result also from additional factors [1], as women tend to be older, with more co-morbidities, and with a more complex vascular anatomy [2]
AMA-MOSAICI: An automatic module assigning hierarchical structure to control human motion based on movement decomposition
No full textIn this study, a hierarchical structure is proposed to model human movement control during sit-to-stand transfer. At the highest level the desired movement is planned. Then, the task to be performed is decomposed to its constitutive sub-tasks. To decompose the sit-to-stand movement, the spatial trajectory of the body center of mass is automatically approximated by partially linearized trajectories. Each linearized part defines a sub-task. At the second level, corresponding to each sub-task a module is developed that learns to control the movement during the performance of that sub-task. Since the procedure of decomposition is performed automatically, the number of modules and assessment of suitable data to train the modules are also determined automatically. This feature is one of the main differences between the proposed structure and the MOdular Selection And Identification for Control (MOSAIC) structure [M. Haruno, D.M. Wolpert, M. Kawato, MOSAIC model for sensorimotor learning and control, Neural Computation 13 (2001) 2201–2220.]. Our proposed model is in conformity with the recent physiological and neurobehavioral findings and provides a framework for examining a given movement under different conditions
Entropic force of polymers on a cone tip
No full textWe consider polymers attached to the tip of a cone, and the resulting force due to entropy loss on approaching a plate (or another cone). At separations shorter than the polymer radius of gyration Rg, the only relevant length scale is the tip-plate (or tip-tip) separation h, and the entropic force is given by F=Ak[subscript B]T/h. The universal amplitude A can be related to (geometry dependent) correlation exponents of long polymers. We compute A for phantom polymers, and for self-avoiding (including star) polymers by epsilon-expansion, as well as by numerical simulations in 3 dimensions.National Science Foundation (U.S.) (Grant DMR-08-03315)National Science Foundation (U.S.) (Grant PHY05-51164
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