Sound-Based Localization Using LSTM Networks for Visually Impaired Navigation

In this work, we developed a prototype that adopted sound-based systems for localization of visually impaired individuals. The system was implemented based on a wireless ultrasound network, which helped the blind and visually impaired to navigate and maneuver autonomously. Ultrasonic-based systems use high-frequency sound waves to detect obstacles in the environment and provide location information to the user. Voice recognition and long short-term memory (LSTM) techniques were used to design the algorithms. The Dijkstra algorithm was also used to determine the shortest distance between two places. Assistive hardware tools, which included an ultrasonic sensor network, a global positioning system (GPS), and a digital compass, were utilized to implement this method. For indoor evaluation, three nodes were localized on the doors of different rooms inside the house, including the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. The coordinates (interactive latitude and longitude points) of four outdoor areas (mosque, laundry, supermarket, and home) were identified and stored in a microcomputer's memory to evaluate the outdoor settings. The results showed that the root mean square error for indoor settings after 45 trials is about 0.192. In addition, the Dijkstra algorithm determined that the shortest distance between two places was within an accuracy of 97%.

Slotted Monopole Patch Antenna for Microwave-Based Head Imaging Applications

A modified monopole patch antenna for microwave-based hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke recognition is presented in this article. The designed antenna is fabricated on a cost-effective FR-4 lossy material with a 0.02 loss tangent and 4.4 dielectric constant. Its overall dimensions are 0.32 λ × 0.28 λ × 0.007 λ, where λ is the lower bandwidth 1.3 GHz frequency wavelength. An inset feeding approach is utilized to feed the antenna to reduce the input impedance (z = voltage/current). A total bandwidth (below -10 dB) of 2.4 GHz (1.3-3.7 GHz) is achieved with an effective peak gain of over 6 dBi and an efficiency of over 90%. A time-domain analysis confirms that the antenna produces minimal signal distortion. Simulated and experimental findings share a lot of similarities. Brain tissue is penetrated by the antenna to a satisfactory degree, while still exhibiting a safe specific absorption rate (SAR). The maximum SAR value measured for the head model is constrained to be equal to or below 0.1409 W/kg over the entire usable frequency band. Evaluation of theoretical and experimental evidence indicates the intended antenna is appropriate for Microwave Imaging (MWI) applications.

A varying-radius cable equation for the modelling of impulse propagation in excitable fibres

In this study, we present a varying-radius cable equation for nerve fibres taking into account the varying diameter along the neuronal segments. Finite element neuronal models utilising the classical (fixed-radius) and varying-radius cable formulations were compared using simple and realistic morphologies under intra- and extracellular electrical stimulation protocols. We found that the use of the classical cable equation to model intracellular neural electrical stimulation exhibited an error of 17% in a passive resistive cable model with abrupt change in radius from 1 to 2 μm, when compared to the known analytical solution and varying-radius cable formulation. This error was observed to increase substantially using more realistic neuron morphologies and branching structures. In the case of extracellular stimulation however, the difference between the classical and varying-radius formulations was less pronounced, but we expect this difference will increase under more complex stimulation paradigms such as high-frequency stimulation. We conclude that for computational neuroscience applications, it is essential to use the varying-radius cable equation for accurate prediction of neuronal responses under electrical stimulation.

A comparative study of mechanical behavior of ABS material based on UVC sterilization for medical usage

This study aims to examine the mechanical properties of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene specimens using ASTM 638, 695, and 790. UVC radiation was also used as a sterilizing method. The fused deposition modeling of 3D-printed polymerize with 30% filling was used to manufacture 30 specimens for tensile, compression, and bending. Half of the specimens were treated with UVC, whereas the other half were not. The chosen dosage of 13.5 J/cm2 with an exposure time of 48 min corresponds to 3650 sterilization treatments or 10 years of sterilization. The average ultimate stress in the tensile test, compression test, and bending test was 34.5 ± 7.4, 25.4 ± 0.5, and 24.5 ± 2.1 Mpa, respectively. The analysis of variance test shows that UVC radiation has a demonstrable influence on tensile specimens, with a P-value of 0.012, which is less than the significance threshold of 0.05. Thus, the null hypothesis is rejected.

Clinical characteristics and predictors of mortality among COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

The new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused more than 1.8 million deaths, with a fatality rate of 2.5% in more than 200 countries as of January 4, 2021. Analysis of COVID-19 clinical features can help predict disease severity and risk of mortality, early identification of high-risk patients, and provide knowledge to inform clinical interventions.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics and possible predictors associated with mortality in patients with COVID-19 admitted to King Fahad (KFH), Ohood, and Miqat hospitals in Madina, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study to investigate the clinical characteristic and possible predictors associated with mortality for those 119 mild, moderate, or critically ill patients confirmed by laboratory results to have COVID-19 who were admitted to three hospitals in Madina, Saudi Arabia, from March 25, 2020, to July 30, 2020. Data were collected from December 1, 2020, to December 14, 2020.

RESULTS

Of the 119 patients included in the study, the mean age was 54.2 (±15.7) years, with 78.2% survivors and 21.8% non-survivors. The demographic analysis indicated that the likelihood of mortality for patients in the older age group (i.e., ≥65 years) was five times higher than those in the younger age group (OR = 5.34, 95% CI 1.71-16.68, p = 0.004). The results also indicated those patients who admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) was approximately seven times higher odds of mortality compare with those who were not admitted (OR = 6.48, 95% CI 2.52-16.63, p < 0.001). In addition, six laboratory parameters were positively associated with the odds of mortality: white blood cell count (OR = 1.11, 95% CI 1.02-1.21, p = 0.018), neutrophil (OR = 1.11, 95% CI 1.02-1.22, p = 0.020), creatine kinase myocardial band (OR = 1.02, 95% CI 1.00-1.03, p = 0.030), C-reactive protein (OR = 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.01, p = 0.002), urea (OR = 1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.11, p = 0.026), and lactate dehydrogenase (OR = 1.00, 95% CI 1.00-1.01, p = 0.020).

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort, COVID-19 patients within the older age group (≥65 years) admitted to the ICU with increased C-reactive protein levels in particular, were associated with increased odds of mortality. Further clinical observations are warranted to support these findings and enhance the mapping and control of this pandemic.

Cytokine Blood Filtration Responses in COVID-19

The real issue with the COVID-19 pandemic is that a rapidly increasing number of patients with life-threatening complications are admitted in hospitals and are not well-administered. Although a limited number of patients use the intensive care unit (ICU), they consume medical resources, safety equipment, and enormous equipment with little possibility of rapid recovery and ICU discharge. This work reviews effective methods of using filtration devices in treatment to reduce the level of various inflammatory mediators and discharge patients from the ICU faster. Extracorporeal technologies have been reviewed as a medical approach to absorb cytokines. Although these devices do not kill or remove the virus, they are a promising solution for treating patients and their faster removal from the ICU, thus relieving the bottleneck.

Evaluation of an advanced model reference sliding mode control method for cardiac assist device using a numerical model

In this study, the physiological control algorithm using sliding mode control method is implemented to track the reference input signal. The controller is developed using feed‐forward part, reference model, and steady‐state flow estimator. The proposed control method is evaluated using a dynamic heart‐pump interaction model incorporating descriptions of the cardiovascular system – rotary blood pump. The immediate response of the controller to preload as well as afterload was studied. Stability and feasibility of the control system were demonstrated through the tests. The results showed that the present controller, which allows the left ventricular to automatically adjust to the right ventricular output, reduces the risk of suction.