scholarly journals A Novel FPGA-Based Intent Recognition System Utilizing Deep Recurrent Neural Networks

Electronics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (20) ◽  
pp. 2495
Author(s):  
Kyriaki Tsantikidou ◽  
Nikolaos Tampouratzis ◽  
Ioannis Papaefstathiou
Keyword(s):  
Neural Network ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Recurrent Neural Networks ◽  
Recognition System ◽  
Reconfigurable Hardware ◽  
High Level Synthesis ◽  
Intent Recognition ◽  
High Level ◽  
And Control

In recent years, systems that monitor and control home environments, based on non-vocal and non-manual interfaces, have been introduced to improve the quality of life of people with mobility difficulties. In this work, we present the reconfigurable implementation and optimization of such a novel system that utilizes a recurrent neural network (RNN). As demonstrated in the real-world results, FPGAs have proved to be very efficient when implementing RNNs. In particular, our reconfigurable implementation is more than 150× faster than a high-end Intel Xeon CPU executing the reference inference tasks. Moreover, the proposed system achieves more than 300× the improvements, in terms of energy efficiency, when compared with the server CPU, while, in terms of the reported achieved GFLOPS/W, it outperforms even a server-tailored GPU. An additional important contribution of the work discussed in this study is that the implementation and optimization process demonstrated can also act as a reference to anyone implementing the inference tasks of RNNs in reconfigurable hardware; this is further facilitated by the fact that our C++ code, which is tailored for a high-level-synthesis (HLS) tool, is distributed in open-source, and can easily be incorporated to existing HLS libraries.

scholarly journals THE LIFE QUALITYOF ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES: PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE SUBJECTIVE INDICATORS

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (7) ◽  
pp. 123
Author(s):  
Svetlana Khazova ◽  
Tatiana Adeeva ◽  
Inna Tikhonova ◽  
Natalya Shipova
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Life Goals ◽  
Life Study ◽  
Psychological Analysis ◽  
High Level ◽  
And Control ◽  
Difficult Situations

The article examines disabled-since-childhood adults’ quality of life. Study reveals conflict in empirical data: the respondents declare high level of one’s life quality but they do not have explicit goals in life and focus on seeking social support in difficult situations. Two groups of the respondents who differently assess their quality of life and control over their lives, have contrasting self-perception, and diverge in the existence of one’s life goals are compared.

The effect of positive thinking training on the quality of life of parents of adolescent with thalassemia

2019 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adeleh Sadeghloo ◽  
Parna Shamsaee ◽  
Elham Hesari ◽  
Golbanhar Akhondzadeh ◽  
Hamid Hojjati
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
T Test ◽  
World Health ◽  
Positive Thinking ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control ◽  
Paired T Test

Abstract Introduction Thalassemia, as the most common chronic hereditary blood disorder in humans, can impose many adverse effects on parents and their affected children. On the other hand, positive thinking is the method or the result of a positive focus on a constructive issue, so by teaching positive thinking, we can improve physical and social function, and promote emotional health and overall quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of positive thinking training on the quality of life of parents of adolescents with thalassemia. Methods This quasi-experimental study was performed on 52 parents of adolescents with thalassemia who attended Taleghani Hospital in Golestan province, Iran in 2017. Samples were randomly assigned into two groups of intervention and control. The positive thinking training (based on the theory of Martin Seligman) was carried out in the intervention group in 10 (45–60 min) sessions over a 5-week period. Data collection tools in this study were the World Health Organization (WHO) quality of life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) and a demographic information questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS-16 software using independent t-test, the paired t-test and a covariance test. Results The results of paired t-test showed a significant difference in the score of quality of life in intervention group before and after the intervention (p < 0.001). However, this test did not show any significant difference in the control group (p = 0.11). The covariance test, after removing the pre-test score, showed a significant difference between the intervention and control groups in terms of the score of quality of life, so that 13% of the changes after the intervention were due to the intervention (p = 0.009, η = 0.13). Conclusion The positive thinking training increased the quality of life of parents of adolescents with thalassemia. Therefore, using this program can be an effective way of improving the quality of life of parents. Thus, positive thinking training is suggested to be used as an effective strategy for increasing the quality of life of parents with ill children.

scholarly journals AI-based localization and classification of skin disease with erythema

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ha Min Son ◽  
Wooho Jeon ◽  
Jinhyun Kim ◽  
Chan Yeong Heo ◽  
Hye Jin Yoon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neural Network ◽  
Skin Diseases ◽  
Classification Model ◽  
Screening Tests ◽  
Sensitivity Score ◽  
Common Skin ◽  
Novel Method ◽  
Improved Performance ◽  
High Level

AbstractAlthough computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) is used to improve the quality of diagnosis in various medical fields such as mammography and colonography, it is not used in dermatology, where noninvasive screening tests are performed only with the naked eye, and avoidable inaccuracies may exist. This study shows that CAD may also be a viable option in dermatology by presenting a novel method to sequentially combine accurate segmentation and classification models. Given an image of the skin, we decompose the image to normalize and extract high-level features. Using a neural network-based segmentation model to create a segmented map of the image, we then cluster sections of abnormal skin and pass this information to a classification model. We classify each cluster into different common skin diseases using another neural network model. Our segmentation model achieves better performance compared to previous studies, and also achieves a near-perfect sensitivity score in unfavorable conditions. Our classification model is more accurate than a baseline model trained without segmentation, while also being able to classify multiple diseases within a single image. This improved performance may be sufficient to use CAD in the field of dermatology.

scholarly journals Comparing quality of life between patients undergoing trans-areola endoscopic thyroid surgery and trans-oral endoscopic thyroid surgery

BMC Surgery ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuang Shen ◽  
Xiaochi Hu ◽  
Rui Qu ◽  
Youming Guo ◽  
Libo Luo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Thyroid Surgery ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Endoscopic Thyroidectomy ◽  
Operation Time ◽  
Endoscopic Thyroid Surgery ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Areola Approach ◽  
High Level

Abstract Background Compared with conventional open surgery, endoscopic thyroidectomy via the oral vestibular approach (ETVOA) and endoscopic thyroidectomy via the areola approach (ETAA) avoided scarring of the skin, which may help patients achieve a better quality of life (QOL). However, the benefit of the QOL from this technique has not been adequately investigated, therefore this study compared the QOL outcomes between ETVOA and ETAA. Methods 131 patients were enrolled in this study. ETAA surgery and ETVOA surgery were performed in 74 patients and 57 patients, respectively. These patients were followed up at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks, and their QOL was evaluated using a thyroid surgery-specific questionnaire and a short-form health survey (SF-36). Results There were no differences in clinical characteristics such as gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and tumor size between the two groups. The volume of intraoperative blood loss, cost of hospitalization, and complications between the two procedures showed no differences. Compared with ETAA, ETVOA has a longer operation time, no drainage, and shorter hospital stay. In the QOL questionnaire, several parameters in ETVOA were better. The satisfaction scores of patients undergoing ETVOA were higher. In addition, the cosmetic satisfaction in patients who received ETOVA was significantly better than that of patients who underwent ETAA. The degree of neck movement disorder in patients with ETVOA was milder. Patients who received ETVOA had higher score on the SF-36. Conclusions The trans-oral endoscopic approach can acquire better cosmetic results and achieved high-level QOL.

scholarly journals Psychosomatic interactions in kidney transplantation: role of personality dimensions in mental health-related quality of life

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 204062232110243
Author(s):  
Federica Guerra ◽  
Jessica Ranieri ◽  
Domenico Passafiume ◽  
Diana Lupi ◽  
Daniela Maccarone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Kidney Transplantation ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Personality Dimensions ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Body Self ◽  
High Level

Background and aims: The increase in innovative and personalized medicine solutions in kidney surgery can improve patients’ chances of survival; however, during the transplantation process, patients are exposed to many psychological challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the role and impact of personality dimensions on the behaviour of waiting-list patients towards the post-surgery adaptation process. Method: The participants were 113 out-patients aged 18–70 years (mean age 54.7 years, SD ± 9.9) who had received a kidney transplant at least 3 years prior to the study. Results: The results of the study revealed that personality dimensions can predict mental health-related quality of life after kidney transplantation; in particular, the dimensions play an important role in patients’ behavioural ability to manage their quality of life both during end-stage renal disease and after kidney transplantation. Psychological distress and anxiety were associated with a low level of the conscientiousness dimension, while a high level of the openness dimension was associated with a high level of psychological distress and stress. In addition, body self-perception was associated with personality dimensions. Conclusion: Personality dimensions were found to predict behavioural reactions when emotional traits and body self-perception for each patient were combined; clinical psychologists could apply personalized intervention by modeling the treatments step by step and mitigating the negative effects of the whole kidney transplantation disease, thus helping the individual to adapt to a new life.

Tinnitus Impact: Three Different Measurement Tools

2003 ◽  
Vol 14 (04) ◽  
pp. 181-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher D. Bauch ◽  
Susan G. Lynn ◽  
Donald E. Williams ◽  
Michael W. Mellon ◽  
Amy L. Weaver
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Severity Index ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Symptom Checklist ◽  
Tinnitus Handicap Inventory ◽  
Measurement Tools ◽  
Medical Population ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact

The impact of tinnitus and overall levels of distress were measured with three assessment tools for patients with tinnitus. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) and an activities limitations questionnaire were administered to 53 audiology patients reporting tinnitus. Forty-three percent of these patients experienced either quality of life reductions associated with tinnitus, substantial perceived handicap, and/or a high level of distress. Results from the General Severity Index (GSI) of the SCL-90-R indicated that 25% of these patients displayed distress greater than that of the general medical population. The SCL-90-R can be a useful tool for audiologists working with tinnitus patients in assessing needs for referral for psychological or psychiatric counseling.

scholarly journals Qualitative research to explore the symptoms and impacts experienced by children with ulcerative colitis

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason A. Randall ◽  
Aiste Guobyte ◽  
Laure Delbecque ◽  
Louise Newton ◽  
Tara Symonds ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Ulcerative Colitis ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Gastrointestinal Disease ◽  
The United States ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
High Level

Abstract Background Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic gastrointestinal disease that often presents during one’s most productive years and is characterized by colon inflammation. Key symptoms and impacts in adults are well-known, however, experiences among pediatric populations have not been well documented. The purpose of this study was to understand the health-related quality of life and symptomatic experience of children (2–11 years) living with UC. Methods Qualitative, semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted. Children aged 5–11 years were interviewed, as well as their parents/caregivers in matched dyads. Parents/caregivers of children aged2–4 years were interviewed within a parent/caregiver-only cohort. All participants were recruited from the United States. Interviews were coded using thematic analysis. Results Key symptoms and impacts reflecting the lived experience of UC were identified following thematic analysis, generating a conceptual model. A total of 32 participants (20 parents/caregivers and 12 children) were interviewed. Results identified a substantial burden of UC in children. All children and parents/caregivers reported that they/their child experienced stomach/abdominal pain. Other symptoms discussed by over 75% were blood in stool, diarrhea/loose stools, stool urgency, incomplete evacuation, stool frequency, and feeling gassy/passing gas. The most frequently discussed impacts by over 75% of participants were on emotional and practical aspects, seriously affecting quality of life. Conclusions Qualitative analysis of the interviews identified a substantial burden of UC on children, with a profound impact on their lives. The symptomatic experience is reflective of adults and adolescents. A high level of agreement between parents/caregivers and children was demonstrated regarding the perception of the presence or absence of symptoms. Children aged 8–11 years showed higher levels of agreement with parents/caregivers than did younger children, indicating appropriateness of self-report of symptom data in the 8–11 years age group.

A randomized controlled clinical trial to evaluate safety and efficacy of a Unani formulation in the management of Kalaf (Melasma)

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ifra Abdul Qaiyyum ◽  
Mohammad Nawab ◽  
Munawwar Husain Kazmi
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Safety And Efficacy ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
End Point ◽  
Intergroup Comparison ◽  
And Control ◽  
Change In Mean

Abstract Objectives Kalaf (Melasma) is an acquired facial hypermelanism. It has direct impact on patient’s quality of life and leads to development of various personality disorders. Lack of effective treatment and recurrences have drawn the attention of researcher to find alternative treatment. This study aimed to evaluate safety and efficacy of a topical Unani formulation in the management of melasma. Methods We conducted a prospective randomized controlled clinical study on the participants diagnosed with melasma. The participants (n=72) randomized into test (n=36) and control (n=36) groups. Sixty participants (n=30 in each group) completed the duration of therapy. The participants of the test group were treated with a classical Unani formulation and control group with hydroquinone 4%. The primary end point was change in mean MASI score and secondary end point was improvement in quality of life after eight weeks of treatment. Results The Unani formulation reduced 40.5% mean MASI score (17.31 ± 9.58 to 10.28 ± 5.92) in comparison to 32% reduction in mean MASI score (20.58 ± 9.49 to 13.92 ± 7.38) in the control group after eight weeks of treatment. When comparing with baseline the difference in MASI score was found statistically significant in both groups (p<0.05). On intergroup comparison, the change in MASI score between both groups was not statistically significant (p>0.05). In addition, MQOL and DQLI also improved significantly in both groups. Conclusions This study concluded that the Unani formulation and the control drug were equally effective and safer in the management of melasma.

The Effect of Telerehabilitation on Quality of Life, Exercise Capacity, and Spirometry Indexes in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Masih Daneshvari Hospital

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Somayeh Ghadimi ◽  
Atefeh Fakharian ◽  
Mohsen Abedi ◽  
Reyhaneh Zahiri ◽  
Mahsan Norouz Afjeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Copd Patients ◽  
And Control

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) leads to limited activity and reduced quality of life. Treatment of this disease is a long-term process that requires the cooperation of patients in monitoring and treatment. Methods: In the present study which was conducted from April 2019 to March 2021 in Masih Daneshvari Hospital, Tehran, Iran, 75 patients were randomly divided into telerehabilitation and control groups. Patients in the control group received pulmonary rehabilitation including respiratory, isometric, and aerobic exercises for 8 weeks, three times per week. In the second group, patients were given a lung rehabilitation booklet and asked to repeat the exercises three times a week for four weeks according to a specific schedule. In addition, patients installed Behzee care application on the mobile phone that recorded various indicators such as heart rate, SpO2, dyspnea, fatigue, and daily activities. This application reminded the patient of the program every day and at a specific time. Finally, the patients’ conditions were compared in the two groups after 8 weeks using CAT and mMRC questionnaires and 6-Minute Walk (6MW) exercise indices as well as spirometry tests. Results: In all four indicators (6MW, CAT,  and mMRC questionnaires as well as spirometry), patients showed improvement after rehabilitation (p<0.001). This improvement was significantly higher in the telemedicine group compared to the other group (p<0.01). Conclusion: The use of telerehabilitation in COPD patients is effective in improving spirometry indices, quality of life, as well as activity and sports indices.

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