Fast Contour Matching Using Approximate Earth Mover's Distance

Weighted graph matching is a good way to align a pair of shapes represented by a set of descriptive local features; the set of correspondences produced by the minimum cost of matching features from one shape to the features of the other often reveals how similar the two shapes are. However, due to the complexity of computing the exact minimum cost matching, previous algorithms could only run efficiently when using a limited number of features per shape, and could not scale to perform retrievals from large databases. We present a contour matching algorithm that quickly computes the minimum weight matching between sets of descriptive local features using a recently introduced low-distortion embedding of the Earth Mover's Distance (EMD) into a normed space. Given a novel embedded contour, the nearest neighbors in a database of embedded contours are retrieved in sublinear time via approximate nearest neighbors search. We demonstrate our shape matching method on databases of 10,000 images of human figures and 60,000 images of handwritten digits.

Logging and Recovery in a Highly Concurrent Database

This report addresses the problem of fault tolerance to system failures for database systems that are to run on highly concurrent computers. It assumes that, in general, an application may have a wide distribution in the lifetimes of its transactions. Logging remains the method of choice for ensuring fault tolerance. Generational garbage collection techniques manage the limited disk space reserved for log information; this technique does not require periodic checkpoints and is well suited for applications with a broad range of transaction lifetimes. An arbitrarily large collection of parallel log streams provide the necessary disk bandwidth.

C4.5: um recurso para geração de árvores de decisão.

O Sistema de Indução C4.5. Requerimentos-chave para a utilização do software. Um exemplo ilustrativo. Algumas dicas de uso.

Banco de dados de equipamentos: uma proposta para gerenciar bens patrimoniais de informática nas unidades da Embrapa.

Este trabalho descreve a proposta de um banco de dados de equipamentos de informática. Ele tem como objetivo informar ao usuário onde um determinado bem se encontra na unidade, assim como o responsável pelo equipamento, o número de patrimônio e demais dados pertinentes ao bem patrimonial. Em muitas situações, faz-se necessário localizar um determinado bem patrimonial, para fins de auditoria, substituição de equipamentos, manutenção, etc. Assim, informações precisas sobre um dado equipamento são necessárias para a administração de qualquer Unidade. O banco de dados de equipamentos permite inserir, remover, alterar e consultar dados pela Internet. O agente patrimonial é quem pode inserir, alterar e remover dados. Um usuário qualquer pode apenas consultar os dados. Assim, qualquer pessoa pode ver qualquer equipamento de informática sabendo-se apenas o número do patrimônio. Espera-se que este trabalho seja útil a todos os usuários que necessitarem gerenciar bens patrimoniais, localizar um equipamento, ou saber sobre sua disponibilidade.

Instalação e Configuração do PostgreSQL no Linux via código-fonte.

Apesar de exigir maior grau de dificuldade do que a instalação via pacotes, a instalação via código-fonte oferece uma infinidade de recursos em relação à primeira, tais como: definir a estrutura de diretórios para binários, bibliotecas, módulos, manuais e demais arquivos do SGBD conforme o desejado, o que facilita a organização, localização e manutenção do PostgreSQL; ativar suporte a um determinado idioma, para tradução de mensagens; construir suporte a determinadas linguagens ou módulos; definir alguns parâmetros padrões; além de conceber maior controle e segurança nas atualizações de versões do SGBD, evitando assim, atualizações automáticas indesejáveis por meio do sistema operacional e a conseqüente perda de bases de dados; entre outros. Para este trabalho, foi utilizado o sistema operacional Ubuntu Server 8.04.1, contudo, este tutorial é totalmente aplicável e compatível a outras versões Ubuntu, bem como a outras distribuições Linux, respeitando, é claro, as particularidades de algumas distribuições, como a estrutura de diretórios destes. Quanto ao SGBD PostgreSQL, foi adotado a versão 8.3.4, lançada em Setembro/2008, contudo, este tutorial se aplica também à versões inferiores 8.x.x deste SGBD.

Desenvolvimento do banco de produtos MODIS na base estadual brasileira.

A formação do banco de imagens. Desenvolvimento de um Sistema Web para disponibilização dos dados. Considerações finais.

Gestão de recursos de informação em Agricultura de Precisão.

Diante da natureza multidisciplinar das pesquisas agrícolas, em especial as pesquisas em Agricultura de Precisão, da crescente produção de dados digitais em diferentes formatos e padrões, e da necessidade crescente de recuperação com qualidade e intercâmbio desses dados, torna-se necessário o estabelecimento de estratégias para sua gestão. Dentre essas estratégias, destaca-se a definição clara das normalizações e dos padrões de metadados a serem adotados.

Mandibular Manipulation for the Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorder

The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review to identify the randomized clinical studies that had investigated the following research question: Is the mandibular manipulation technique an effective and safe technique for the treatment of the temporomandibular joint disk displacement without reduction? the systematic search was conducted in the electronic databases: PubMed (Medical Publications), LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences), EMBASE (Excerpta Medica Database), PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database), BBO (Brazilian Library of Odontology), CENTRAL (Library Cochrane), and SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online). the abstracts of presentations in physical therapy meetings were manually selected, and the articles of the ones that meet the requirements were investigated. No language restrictions were considered. Only randomized and controlled clinical studies were included. Two studies of medium quality fulfilled all the inclusion criteria. There is no sufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of the mandibular manipulation therapy, and therefore its use remains questionable. Being minimally invasive, this therapy is attractive as an initial approach, especially considering the cost of the alternative approaches. the analysis of the results suggests that additional high-quality randomized clinical trials are necessary on the topic, and they should focus on methods for data randomization and allocation, on clearly defined outcomes, on a priori calculated sample size, and on an adequate follow-up strategy.

Orthodontic and orthopaedic treatment for anterior open bite in children

BackgroundAnterior open bite occurs when there is a lack of vertical overlap of the upper and lower incisors. the aetiology is multifactorial including: oral habits, unfavourable growth patterns, enlarged lymphatic tissue with mouth breathing. Several treatments have been proposed to correct this malocclusion, but interventions are not supported by strong scientific evidence.ObjectivesThe aim of this systematic review was to evaluate orthodontic and orthopaedic treatments to correct anterior open bite in children.Search methodsThe following databases were searched: the Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register (to 14 February 2014); the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL)(The Cochrane Library 2014, Issue 1); MEDLINE via OVID (1946 to 14 February 2014); EMBASE via OVID (1980 to 14 February 2014); LILACS via BIREME Virtual Health Library (1982 to 14 February 2014); BBO via BIREME Virtual Health Library (1980 to 14 February 2014); and SciELO (1997 to 14 February 2014). We searched for ongoing trials via ClinicalTrials.gov (to 14 February 2014). Chinese journals were handsearched and the bibliographies of papers were retrieved.Selection criteriaAll randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials of orthodontic or orthopaedic treatments or both to correct anterior open bite in children.Data collection and analysisTwo review authors independently assessed the eligibility of all reports identified.Risk ratios (RRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for dichotomous data. the continuous data were expressed as described by the author.Main resultsThree randomised controlled trials were included comparing: effects of Frankel's function regulator-4 (FR-4) with lip-seal training versus no treatment; repelling-magnet splints versus bite-blocks; and palatal crib associated with high-pull chincup versus no treatment.The study comparing repelling-magnet splints versus bite-blocks could not be analysed because the authors interrupted the treatment earlier than planned due to side effects in four of ten patients.FR-4 associated with lip-seal training (RR = 0.02 (95% CI 0.00 to 0.38)) and removable palatal crib associated with high-pull chincup (RR = 0.23 (95% CI 0.11 to 0.48)) were able to correct anterior open bite.No study described: randomisation process, sample size calculation, there was not blinding in the cephalometric analysis and the two studies evaluated two interventions at the same time. These results should be therefore viewed with caution.Authors' conclusionsThere is weak evidence that the interventions FR-4 with lip-seal training and palatal crib associated with high-pull chincup are able to correct anterior open bite. Given that the trials included have potential bias, these results must be viewed with caution. Recommendations for clinical practice cannot be made based only on the results of these trials. More randomised controlled trials are needed to elucidate the interventions for treating anterior open bite.

Pressure support versus T-tube for weaning from mechanical ventilation in adults

BackgroundMechanical ventilation is important in caring for patients with critical illness. Clinical complications, increased mortality, and high costs of health care are associated with prolonged ventilatory support or premature discontinuation of mechanical ventilation. Weaning refers to the process of gradually or abruptly withdrawing mechanical ventilation. the weaning process begins after partial or complete resolution of the underlying pathophysiology precipitating respiratory failure and ends with weaning success (successful extubation in intubated patients or permanent withdrawal of ventilatory support in tracheostomized patients).ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness and safety of two strategies, a T-tube and pressure support ventilation, for weaning adult patients with respiratory failure that required invasive mechanical ventilation for at least 24 hours, measuring weaning success and other clinically important outcomes.Search methodsWe searched the following electronic databases: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2012, Issue 6); MEDLINE (via PubMed) (1966 to June 2012); EMBASE (January 1980 to June 2012); LILACS (1986 to June 2012); CINAHL (1982 to June 2012); SciELO (from 1997 to August 2012); thesis repository of CAPES (Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior) (http://capesdw.capes.gov.br/capesdw/) (August 2012); and Current Controlled Trials (August 2012).We reran the search in December 2013. We will deal with any studies of interest when we update the review.Selection criteriaWe included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared a T-tube with pressure support (PS) for the conduct of spontaneous breathing trials and as methods of gradual weaning of adult patients with respiratory failure of various aetiologies who received invasive mechanical ventilation for at least 24 hours.Data collection and analysisTwo authors extracted data and assessed the methodological quality of the included studies. Meta-analyses using the random-effects model were conducted for nine outcomes. Relative risk (RR) and mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) were used to estimate the treatment effect, with 95% confidence intervals (CI).Main resultsWe included nine RCTs with 1208 patients; 622 patients were randomized to a PS spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) and 586 to a T-tube SBT. the studies were classified into three categories of weaning: simple, difficult, and prolonged. Four studies placed patients in two categories of weaning. Pressure support ventilation (PSV) and a T-tube were used directly as SBTs in four studies (844 patients, 69.9% of the sample). in 186 patients (15.4%) both interventions were used along with gradual weaning from mechanical ventilation; the PS was gradually decreased, twice a day, until it was minimal and periods with a T-tube were gradually increased to two and eight hours for patients with difficult and prolonged weaning. in two studies (14.7% of patients) the PS was lowered to 2 to 4 cm H2O and 3 to 5 cm H2O based on ventilatory parameters until the minimal PS levels were reached. PS was then compared to the trial with the T-tube (TT).We identified 33 different reported outcomes in the included studies; we took 14 of them into consideration and performed meta-analyses on nine. With regard to the sequence of allocation generation, allocation concealment, selective reporting and attrition bias, no study presented a high risk of bias. We found no clear evidence of a difference between PS and TT for weaning success (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.17, 9 studies, low quality of evidence), intensive care unit (ICU) mortality (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.23, 5 studies, low quality of evidence), reintubation (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.26, 7 studies, low quality evidence), ICU and long-term weaning unit (LWU) length of stay (MD -7.08 days, 95% CI -16.26 to 2.1, 2 studies, low quality of evidence) and pneumonia (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.08 to 5.85, 2 studies, low quality of evidence). PS was significantly superior to the TT for successful SBTs (RR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.17, 4 studies, moderate quality of evidence). Four studies reported on weaning duration, however we were unable to combined the study data because of differences in how the studies presented their data. One study was at high risk of other bias and four studies were at high risk for detection bias. Three studies reported that the weaning duration was shorter with PS, and in one study the duration was shorter in patients with a TT.Authors' conclusionsTo date, we have found evidence of generally low quality from studies comparing pressure support ventilation (PSV) and with a T-tube. the effects on weaning success, ICU mortality, reintubation, ICU and LWU length of stay, and pneumonia were imprecise. However, PSV was more effective than a T-tube for successful spontaneous breathing trials (SBTs) among patients with simple weaning. Based on the findings of single trials, three studies presented a shorter weaning duration in the group undergoing PS SBT, however a fourth study found a shorter weaning duration with a T-tube.

Effectiveness and safety of cryotherapy after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. A systematic review of the literature

Cryotherapy is widely used in rehabilitation; however, its effectiveness after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains uncertain. To investigate the effectiveness and safety of cryotherapy following ACL reconstruction through a systematic review, randomized and quasi-randomized clinical trials were searched in the databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL PEDro, SportDiscus, CINAHL, LILACS (June 2013). the primary outcomes measures were pain, edema and adverse events; the secondary outcomes were knee function, analgesic medication use, range of motion, blood loss, hospital stay, quality of life and patient satisfaction. the methodological quality of studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool. Ten trials (a total of 573 patients) were included. Results of meta-analysis showed that the use of cold compression devices produced a significant reduction in pain scores 48 h after surgery (p < 0.00001), compared to no cryotherapy. the risk for adverse events did not differ between patients receiving cryotherapy versus no treatment (p = 1.00). the limited evidence currently available is insufficient to draw definitive conclusions on the effectiveness of cryotherapy for other outcomes. There is a need for well designed, good quality randomized trials to answer other questions related to this intervention and increase the precision of future systematic reviews. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Health-Related Quality of Life for individuals with hepatitis C: A narrative review.

BACKGROUND The assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in hepatitis C (HCV) infected individuals continues to gain importance. However, rarely do reviews of this literature consider quantitative and qualitative accounts of HRQoL collectively, which only allows partial insight into the topic. This narrative review aims to address this gap in the literature. METHODS Literature searches were conducted using seven databases with two separate search strategies, and results assessed for eligibility using specific inclusion/exclusion criteria; a data extraction sheet was used to identify the dominant themes for each research paradigm which were then distilled to key findings to construct the narrative. RESULTS Quantitative investigation reveals a low HRQoL in individuals with HCV due to a complex multifactorial cause. During treatment for HCV, a further transient reduction is observed, followed by improvement if a sustained virological response is achieved. Qualitative data provide a recognisable voice to the everyday challenges experienced by individuals with HCV including insights into diagnosis and stigmatisation, contextualising how a reduced HRQoL is experienced day-to-day. Methodological limitations of these findings are then discussed. Much of the quantitative data has little relevance to current substance users as they are excluded from most trials, and appraisal of the qualitative literature reveals a marked difference in the lived experience of HCV infected current substance users and that of other HCV groups. CONCLUSION Concurrent analysis of quantitative and qualitative paradigms provides a deeper understanding of the true burden of HCV illness on HRQoL. Greater utilisation of qualitative research within international clinical guidelines is likely to be of benefit in identifying relevant HRQoL outcomes for substance users.

Poly-transformation

King, R. D. and Ouali, M. (2004) Poly-transformation. In proceedings of 5th International Conference on Intelligent Data Engineering and Automated Learning (IDEAL 2004). Springer LNCS 3177 p99-107

Application of Inductive Logic Programming to Structure-Based Drug Design

Enot, D. and King, R. D. (2003) Application of Inductive Logic Programming to Structure-Based Drug Design. 7th European Conference on Principles and Practice of Knowledge Discovery in Databases (PKDD '03). Springer LNAI 2838 p156-167

Evaluation of the KA24 (Knowledge Access 24) service for health and social care staff in London and the South-East of England. Part 1: Quantitative

Cumbers, B., Urquhart, C. & Durbin, J. (2006). Evaluation of the KA24 (Knowledge Access 24) service for health and social care staff in London and the South-East of England. Part 1: Quantitative. Health Information and Libraries Journal, 23(2), 133-139 Sponsorship: KA24 - NHS Trusts, London