ABSTRACT
This work addresses the design and implementation of a novel PhotoBiological Filter Classifier (PhBFC) to improve the accuracy of a static sign language translation system. The captured images are preprocessed by a contrast enhancement algorithm inspired by the capacity of retinal photoreceptor cells from mammals, which are responsible for capturing light and transforming it into electric signals that the brain can interpret as images. This sign translation system not only supports the effective communication between an agent and an operator but also between a community with hearing disabilities and other people. Additionally, this technology could be integrated into diverse devices and applications, further broadening its scope, and extending its benefits for the community in general. The bioinspired photoreceptor model is evaluated under different conditions. To validate the advantages of applying photoreceptors cells, 100 tests were conducted per letter to be recognized, on three different models (V1, V2, and V3), obtaining an average of 91.1% of accuracy on V3, compared to 63.4% obtained on V1, and an average of 55.5 Frames Per Second (FPS) in each letter classification iteration for V1, V2, and V3, demonstrating that the use of photoreceptor cells does not affect the processing time while also improving the accuracy. The great application potential of this system is underscored, as it can be employed, for example, in Deep Learning (DL) for pattern recognition or agent decision-making trained by reinforcement learning, etc.
Subject(s)
Gestures , Sign Language , Humans , Animals , Neural Networks, Computer , Photoreceptor Cells , Algorithms , MammalsABSTRACT
Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants (MWWTPs) have proven to be sources of adverse environmental impacts; however, integrated management can help improve their efficiency. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the gap between the current management and another based on an international standard applied to WWTPMs, in order to understand their environmental commitment, and to identify the challenges and opportunities they present for the adoption or certification of an environmental management system (EMS) based on ISO 14001. For this purpose, a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in two MWWTPs in southern Mexico. In a first step, an automated checklist was designed based on the requirements of the ISO 14001:2015 standard and based on a modified FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) calculation method. In a second step, a diagnosis was carried out at the MWWTPs, followed by a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis to determine internal and external factors until a series of challenges and opportunities was identified. The findings indicate that the selected MWWTPs have a wide gap that keeps them away from efficient management. Among the challenges, "limited financial resources" were identified followed by "high turnover of managerial staff", while the opportunities with the greatest potential for improvement are related to the factors "candidate for investment" and "environmental policy". The treatment plants show a weak environmental commitment, therefore rigorous action plans should be considered, not only to protect the environment but also the investment, and they should be the main promoters that challenge the private sector.
Subject(s)
Conservation of Natural Resources , Water Purification , Certification , Cross-Sectional Studies , MexicoABSTRACT
Onychomycosis is especially common among diabetic patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of 10% efinaconazole solution among diabetic subjects, without restriction by nail plate involvement or glycemic control. Forty subjects were enrolled, with 36 reaching their final 50-week follow-up visit. Mycological cure was attained by 21 subjects (58.33%); 8 subjects (20%) attained either clinical cure (0% clinical involvement) or treatment success (≤10% clinical involvement). Glycemic control did not affect clinical outcome. The medication was well tolerated, with 4 local adverse events and no significant adverse events. The medication may represent a useful option for diabetic patients.
Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents/administration & dosage , Diabetes Complications/complications , Foot Dermatoses/drug therapy , Onychomycosis/drug therapy , Triazoles/administration & dosage , Administration, Topical , Adult , Aged , Blood Glucose , Female , Foot Dermatoses/etiology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Onychomycosis/etiology , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
El enlace entre la visión sanitaria occidental y la medicina indígena cimienta la identidad colectiva en la formación en salud. Analizar la percepción de la participación en un programa de formación en salud, desde la visión de parteras y sanadores tradicionales de la zona norte andina ecuatoriana. Diseño cualitativo de tipo interpretativo/ explicativo, se realizaron 25 entrevistas a profundidad y tres grupos focales a 20 parteras y 5 sanadores tradicionales, autodefinidos indígenas; el muestreo fue intencionado y razonado, de tipo opinático. Las subcategorías fueron definición de la participación en un programa de formación en salud, rol social y formación en salud y aplicación de la formación. El contraste de la narrativa se analizó a partir del sexo y tipología del informante. La participación en un programa de formación en salud fue descrita como la oportunidad para compartir, recuperar, conservar y fortalecer la medicina tradicional; opinar en cuestiones de salud-enfermedad en escenarios públicos como asambleas, y en escenarios privados como el acto de curar a la gente. La construcción de la participación en un programa de formación en salud, desde los actores de medicina tradicional enriquece el proceso.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Health Programs and Plans , Medicine, Traditional , Midwifery , Ecuador , Indigenous CultureABSTRACT
The aim of this work is to assess the internal surface area of a set of samples (either carbons or oxides, either porous or nonporous, either microporous or mesoporous) by microcalorimetry via immersion into liquid nitrogen or argon. We have made use of an isothermal, heat-flux microcalorimeter, initially designed and built in our laboratory for the sake of gas adsorption experiments at 77 or 87 K. It seems that immersion calorimetry into liquid nitrogen and argon makes it possible to go one step further in the determination of the internal surface area of micropores.
