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Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023Meter reading is an important part of intelligent inspection, and the current meter reading method based on target detection has problems of low accuracy and large...
Meter reading is an important part of intelligent inspection, and the current meter reading method based on target detection has problems of low accuracy and large error. In order to improve the accuracy of automatic meter reading, this paper proposes an automatic reading method for pointer-type meters based on the YOLOv5-Meter Reading (YOLOv5-MR) model. Firstly, in order to improve the detection performance of small targets in YOLOv5 framework, a multi-scale target detection layer is added to the YOLOv5 framework, and a set of Anchors is designed based on the lightning rod dial data set; secondly, the loss function and up-sampling method are improved to enhance the model training convergence speed and obtain the optimal up-sampling parameters; Finally, a new external circle fitting method of the dial is proposed, and the dial reading is calculated by the center angle algorithm. The experimental results on the self-built dataset show that the Mean Average Precision (mAP) of the YOLOv5-MR target detection model reaches 79%, which is 3% better than the YOLOv5 model, and outperforms other advanced pointer-type meter reading models.
PubMed: 37514937
DOI: 10.3390/s23146644 -
International Journal of Exercise... 2023The study investigated the impact of maximal aerobic speed (MAS) and maximal anaerobic sprint (MANS) on repeated sprint ability (RSA) in soccer.
UNLABELLED
The study investigated the impact of maximal aerobic speed (MAS) and maximal anaerobic sprint (MANS) on repeated sprint ability (RSA) in soccer.
METHODS
17 amateur-to semi-professional soccer players, age 19 (± 4) years, were tested for maximal oxygen consumption (VO), oxygen cost of running (C), RSA consisting of 15·20m sprint each divided by a 100 seconds dribble track, and 40-meter sprint performance. MAS was calculated as VO · C, and MANS was defined as the highest velocity in the 40-meter sprint.
RESULTS
There was a strong correlation between MAS and average 20-meter RSA velocity ( = 0.760; < 0.01), and between MAS and performance decrement ( = -0.648; < 0.01). The product of 0.5MAS + 0.5MANS exhibited the strongest correlation with RSA ( = 0.813; < 0.01).
CONCLUSION
The combination of MAS and MANS strongly predicted RSA. High-intensity aerobic interval training (HIIT) and maximal strength training (MST) are recommended to improve MAS and MANS, and could thus lead to better RSA on the soccer field.
PubMed: 37638208
DOI: No ID Found -
International Journal of Chronic... 2023Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a high incidence rate in China, but the diagnosis rate remains insufficient. This study aimed to explore and compare...
BACKGROUND
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a high incidence rate in China, but the diagnosis rate remains insufficient. This study aimed to explore and compare COPD screening tools for primary healthcare institutions in China.
PURPOSE
Exploring COPD Screening Tools and Their Combined Use for Primary Healthcare Institutions in China.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
From September 2022 to March 2023, a screening for COPD was conducted among residents aged 35 years and above in primary healthcare institutions in Beijing, China. The screening involved the use of the CAPTURE scale, COPD-SQ scale, and peak expiratory flow rate test. Any positive results from these screening tests were followed by further pulmonary function testing to confirm the diagnosis. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated for each screening tool alone and in combination.
RESULTS
A total of 986 individuals completed the screening tests. The positive rates for the CAPTURE scale, COPD-SQ scale, and peak flow meter screening were 41.78%, 29.11%, and 52.03%, respectively. Of the participants, 166 (24.09%) underwent pulmonary function tests, with an average age of 61.69±13.68 years. The peak flow meter screening showed the highest sensitivity (83.78%) when used alone, while the COPD-SQ scale exhibited the best specificity (59.69%), positive predictive value (31.58%), and negative predictive value (58.56%). Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed between any two of the three screening tools. Among the combinations, the peak flow meter screening + COPD-SQ scale showed the highest accuracy, with a Youden index of 0.277 and an AUC of 0.638.
CONCLUSION
There is variation in the accuracy of existing screening tools for COPD when used alone. For primary healthcare institutions, the optimal COPD screening tool is the combination of peak flow meter screening and the COPD-SQ questionnaire. If limited by screening equipment conditions, the COPD-SQ questionnaire can be used alone for screening.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Aged; Beijing; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; China; Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; Primary Health Care
PubMed: 37608835
DOI: 10.2147/COPD.S419550 -
Scientific Reports May 2024This study addresses the drawbacks of traditional methods used in meter coefficient analysis, which are low accuracy and long processing time. A new method based on...
This study addresses the drawbacks of traditional methods used in meter coefficient analysis, which are low accuracy and long processing time. A new method based on non-parametric analysis using the Back Propagation (BP) neural network is proposed to overcome these limitations. The study explores the classification and pattern recognition capabilities of the BP neural network by analyzing its non-parametric model and optimization methods. For model construction, the study uses the United Kingdom Domestic Appliance-Level Electricity dataset's meter readings and related data for training and testing the proposed model. The non-parametric analysis model is used for data pre-processing, feature extraction, and normalization to obtain the training and testing datasets. Experimental tests compare the proposed non-parametric analysis model based on the BP neural network with the traditional Least Squares Method (LSM). The results demonstrate that the proposed model significantly improves the accuracy indicators such as mean absolute error (MAE) and mean relative error (MRE) when compared with the LSM method. The proposed model achieves an MAE of 0.025 and an MRE of 1.32% in the testing dataset, while the LSM method has an MAE of 0.043 and an MRE of 2.56% in the same dataset. Therefore, the proposed non-parametric analysis model based on the BP neural network can achieve higher accuracy in meter coefficient analysis when compared with the traditional LSM method. This study provides a novel non-parametric analysis method with practical reference value for the electricity industry in energy metering and load forecasting.
PubMed: 38769323
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61702-2 -
European Journal of Pediatrics Jul 2024Measurement of transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) is a non-invasive, widely used technique to estimate serum bilirubin (SB). However, its reliability in multiethnic... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
Measurement of transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) is a non-invasive, widely used technique to estimate serum bilirubin (SB). However, its reliability in multiethnic populations during and after phototherapy is still controversial even in covered skin. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability of TcB in covered (cTcB) and exposed (eTcB) skin during and after phototherapy in a multiethnic population of term and preterm neonates according to Neomar's neonatal skin color scale. Prospective, observational study comparing SB and TcB. We determined SB when clinically indicated and, at the same time, measured cTcB under a photo-opaque patch and eTcB next to it with a jaundice meter (Dräger JM-105TM). All dyads TcB-SB were compared, both globally and according to skin color. We obtained data from 200 newborns (color1: 44, color2: 111, color3: 41, color4: 4) and compared 296 dyads TcB/SB. Correlation between cTcB and SB is strong during (0.74-0.83) and after (0.79-0.88) phototherapy, both globally and by color group. The SB-cTcB bias depends on gestational age during phototherapy and on skin color following phototherapy. The correlation between eTcB and SB during phototherapy is not strong (0.54), but becomes so 12 h after discontinuing phototherapy (0.78). Conclusions: Our study supports the reliability of cTcB to assess SB during and after phototherapy, with differences among skin tones after the treatment. The use of cTcB and Neomar's scale during and mainly after phototherapy may help reduce the number of blood samples required. What is Known: • Controversies exist on the reliability of jaundice meters during and after phototherapy in covered skin. Only a few studies have analyzed their accuracy in multiethnic populations, but none has used a validated neonatal skin color scale. What is New: • We verified correlation between serum and transcutaneous bilirubin in covered skin in a multiethnic population depending on skin color based on our own validated neonatal skin color scale during and after phototherapy.
Topics: Humans; Bilirubin; Infant, Newborn; Skin Pigmentation; Prospective Studies; Reproducibility of Results; Female; Phototherapy; Jaundice, Neonatal; Male; Neonatal Screening; Infant, Premature; Gestational Age
PubMed: 38581462
DOI: 10.1007/s00431-024-05516-4 -
Journal of Physical Therapy Science Dec 2023[Purpose] The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of locomotion training on physical function and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis...
[Purpose] The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of locomotion training on physical function and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and identify factors associated with its effectiveness. [Participants and Methods] Data were obtained from 103 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who underwent locomotion training for 6 months using the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index, pain visual analog scale, 10-meter walking speed, timed up-and-go test, single-leg standing time, grip strength, 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale, Short Form-8, fat-free mass index, and fat mass index. [Results] A significant improvement in the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index, pain visual analog scale score, maximum 10-meter walking speed, timed up-and-go test, single-leg standing time, grip strength, and physical component summary in Short Form-8 was observed at six months. [Conclusion] The current study demonstrated that locomotion training for 6 months improved physical function, certain aspects of quality of life, and sarcopenia in patients with RA. We believe that locomotion training should be recommended as a non-pharmacological therapeutic option for improving physical function in patients with RA.
PubMed: 38075516
DOI: 10.1589/jpts.35.810 -
PeerJ 2023Plant biomass is a commonly used metric to assess agricultural health and productivity. Removing plant material is the most accurate method to estimate plant biomass,...
REASON FOR DOING THE WORK
Plant biomass is a commonly used metric to assess agricultural health and productivity. Removing plant material is the most accurate method to estimate plant biomass, but this approach is time consuming, labor intensive, and destructive. Previous attempts to use indirect methods to estimate plant biomass have been limited in breadth and/or have added complexity in data collection and/or modeling. A cost-effective, quick, accurate, and easy to use and understand approach is desirable for use by scientists and growers.
OBJECTIVES
An indirect method for estimating plant biomass using a drop-plate meter was explored for use in broad array of crop systems.
METHODS
Drop-plate data collected by more than 20 individuals from 16 crop types on 312 farms across 15 states were used to generate models to estimate plant biomass among and within crop types.
RESULTS
A linear model using data from all crop types explained approximately 67% of the variation in plant biomass overall. This model performed differently among crop types and stand heights, which was owed to differences among sample sizes and farming between annual and perennial systems. Comparatively, the model using the combined dataset explained more variance in biomass than models generated with commodity specific data, with the exception of wheat.
CONCLUSIONS
The drop-plate approach described here was inexpensive, quick, simple, and easy to interpret, and the model generated was robust to error and accurate across multiple crop types. The methods met all expectations for a broad-use approach to estimating plant biomass and are recommended for use across all agroecosystems included in this study. While it may be useful in crops beyond those included, validation is suggested before application.
Topics: Humans; Biomass; Agriculture; Farms; Crops, Agricultural; Triticum
PubMed: 37547713
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15740 -
Pharmaceutics Aug 2023Currently, there is a considerable degree of confusion over the dosage of inhaled medications. Here, we carried out a review of all the doses used for the devices used...
BACKGROUND
Currently, there is a considerable degree of confusion over the dosage of inhaled medications. Here, we carried out a review of all the doses used for the devices used in inhalation therapy.
METHODS
We first performed a systematic search of the different inhalation devices included on the July 2023 Spanish Ministry of Health Billing List. We then consulted the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products to find the updated official label and to obtain the information on the exact composition.
RESULTS
We identified 90 unique products, of which 22 were long-acting bronchodilators (and combinations thereof) and 68 were products containing inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Overall, 10 products with bronchodilators and 40 with ICS were marketed with the metered dose, while 11 with bronchodilators and 28 with ICS were marketed with the delivered dose. In addition, in some bronchodilators, the drug was referred to as a type of salt, whereas in others the information referred to the drug itself.
CONCLUSIONS
Our data show that for each inhaled drug there may be up to four different doses and that the marketed name may refer to any of these. Clinicians must be aware of these different dosages when prescribing inhaled medications.
PubMed: 37765175
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15092206 -
Heliyon Jul 2023The objective of this research was to investigate the variation of water quality parameters at different depths of the Gilgel Gibe I reservoir in Oromia Jimma zone...
The objective of this research was to investigate the variation of water quality parameters at different depths of the Gilgel Gibe I reservoir in Oromia Jimma zone during wet seasons. Five stations within the reservoir were selected, and water quality parameters were determined at four different depths (surface, 5 m, 10 m, and 15 m). Water quality parameters were analyzed on-site using a HACH, HQ40d portable multi-meter, and turbidity was measured using Wag tech turbidity meter and in the laboratory using the standard method. Comparison of water quality parameters among depths were conducted using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's pairwise comparisons with 5% significance level. The probable contributing source of the investigated physicochemical water quality parameters at different depth was identified using Principal components analysis. The results show that depth wise except for total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), total phosphorus (TP) and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) the rest showed statistically significant difference at p < 0.05 level. Negative correlations were found between depth and dissolved oxygen (DO), water temperature, pH, nitrate (N0) and chlorophyll (Chl.a) while positive correlations were found between electrical conductivity (EC), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), turbidity and N0. The study revealed that the release of nutrients associated with increased concentration of BOD5 at the bottom depth caused low concentration of dissolved oxygen due to oxygen consumption. This was further aggravated through the decomposition of organic matter, indicating organic pollution resulting from runoff from the catchment. The presence of dense masses of blue-green algae in the pelagic zone of Gilgel Gibe I reservoir suggested the presence of ample nutrients for its blooming and significant reduction of water quality, indicating possible eutrophic conditions. Therefore, catchment management is required to protect aquatic life and the reservoir function as a whole from reservoir water quality degradation.
PubMed: 37501970
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17474 -
World Journal of Gastrointestinal... Nov 2023Isolated gallbladder injury (GI) (IGI) directly induced by abdominal trauma is rare. Symptoms, indications, and imaging examinations of IGI are frequently non-specific,...
BACKGROUND
Isolated gallbladder injury (GI) (IGI) directly induced by abdominal trauma is rare. Symptoms, indications, and imaging examinations of IGI are frequently non-specific, posing tremendous diagnostic challenges, which are simple to overlook and may have severe implications. Improving doctors' understanding of gallbladder injury (GI) facilitates early detection and decreases the likelihood of severe consequences, including death.
CASE SUMMARY
We report a case of IGI caused by blunt violence (after falling from three meters with the umbilicus as the stress point) and performed laparoscopic repair of the gallbladder rupture, which helps clinicians understand IGI and reduce the severe consequences of delayed diagnosis. Through extensive medical history and dynamic abdominal ultrasound evaluation, doctors can identify GI early and begin surgery, thereby decreasing the devastating repercussions of delayed diagnosis.
CONCLUSION
This article aims to improve clinicians' understanding of IGI and propose a method for the diagnosis and treatment of GI.
PubMed: 38111759
DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v15.i11.2639