bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Speech recognition in a noisy environment using a speech signal estimation method based on the Kalman filter
Authors: Fujimoto Masakiyo , Ariki Yasuo 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThis paper proposes a speech signal estimation method based on the Kalman filter, as preprocessing for speech recognition in a noisy environment. Hitherto, the Kalman filter has been considered unsuited to real‐time processing, since it requires a tremendous amount of computation. Consequently, the purpose of this paper is to reduce the amount of computation in the Kalman filter and to propose a speech signal estimation method for real‐time processing, using high‐speed operation. In order to evaluate the proposed method, a word recognition experiment was performed, using a speech signal extracted from speed with superposed noise. The accuracy of the word recognition tests is compared to the conventional spectral subtraction method and the parallel model combination method in order to demonstrate that the proposed method can deal automatically with various kinds of stationary noise without manual adjustment of the filter parameters for the conditions, such as the speaker, the kind of noise, and the SNR. For this purpose, the range of noise compensation by the proposed method is investigated. It is verified that the proposed method achieves a high word recognition rate, even in the presence of noise that degraded the recognition rate in the conventional method. In particular, the proposed method is effective in environments with a low SNR. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 35(3): 46–57, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.10257
Designing a distributed algorithm for bandwidth allocation with a genetic algorithm
Authors: Kobayashi Hidehiro , Munetomo Masaharu , Akama Kiyoshi , Sato Yoshiharu 
Published: February 2004

AbstractWhen stream communications which requires a certain bandwidth during a certain time is to be realized on an existing network, a bandwidth allocation algorithm that efficiently allocates network resources is crucial to satisfying user service requirements. In the optimization of allocation in a small‐scale network, the most efficient approach is to have one node manage network information and perform allocation in a concentrated scheme. However, in bandwidth allocation the computation time required for optimization increases in proportion to the network scale, and distribution of the algorithm becomes necessary in the implementation. Another advantage of the distributed scheme is that allocations can be continued even if a fault arises in the network, which improves the fault tolerance of the algorithm. This paper investigates distribution of the bandwidth allocation algorithm by using a genetic algorithm. An improved algorithm is proposed which can cope with the fault when it occurs in the network by the reallocation of all communications. The proposed algorithm includes both local optimization to optimize the allocation at each node to reduce the computation time, and global optimization to optimize the whole network by the tournament method while performing local optimization in each node. Simulation experiments comparing the performance of the concentrated algorithm and the proposed algorithm are described. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 35(3): 37–45, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.10350
An algorithm for localizing branch points of pulmonary vessels for nonrigid registration of the lungs
Authors: Shikata Hidenori , Yin Zhiming , Park Yongsup , Kitaoka Hiroko , Sato Yoshinobu , Johkou Takeshi , Nakamura Hironobu , Tamura Shinichi 
Published: February 2004

AbstractAnalyzing three‐dimensional image data based on time series plays an important role in analyzing the functions of human organs that function with periodic changes in their shapes. Our final goal is to analyze the breathing movement of the lungs by nonrigid registration of the volume data between different time phases with vascular branch points spanning the lungs as characteristic points and obtaining positional vectors of each point. This paper presents a method for accurately detecting the locations of the branch points using graph representations of the blood vessels as an essential technique for such analyses. The method proposed obtains graph representations of an object using a method previously published, obtains approximately a product set region by taking each branch as a cylinder by local distance transforms in the neighborhood of a branching point obtained from the graph representations, and takes the centroid of this region as the branching point. The accuracy and reproducibility of determination of the position of a branch point are very important for nonrigid registration using the branch points. The authors have shown the efficacy of the proposed method by constructing a model simulating a blood vessel system by combining the cylinders, evaluating the accuracy using the differences from the axial intersection points of the cylinders constituting the branch as a measure. The authors have confirmed experimentally that the proposed method detects a branch point at a branch point position defined without being significantly influenced by conditions of rotations etc. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 35(3): 24–36, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.10478
Lipreading method using color extraction method and eigenspace technique
Authors: Nakata Yasuyuki , Ando Moritoshi 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThis paper describes a lipreading system using a color extraction method and several eigenspace techniques. To detect a precise mouth position, the system first finds the rough position of the mouth by the color extraction method and then determines the precise position using an eigentemplate technique. To describe the mouth shape change, we developed an eigen waveform technique. The detected precise mouth position improves the accuracy of the eigen waveform, which results in a high recognition rate. We constructed an automatic lipreading system and an experiment revealed that this system recognizes 85% of 35 words and 69% of 100 words. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 35(3): 12–23, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.10508
A recommendation for IT‐driven knowledge sharing
Authors: Inuzuka Atsushi , Nakamori Yoshiteru 
Published: February 2004

AbstractIn this paper, the authors propose a scheme for using simulation techniques to evaluate organizational knowledge sharing. Currently, trials for sharing knowledge within the organization have been undertaken at various corporations, but their effects are not sufficiently understood. Although the objectives for knowledge sharing vary from company to company, if attention is focused only on the reuse of knowledge, its effectiveness can be evaluated from an efficiency standpoint. In this paper, the authors limit the purpose of knowledge sharing to the reuse of knowledge and represent knowledge sharing within an organization hypothetically by modeling the acquisition, storage, and reuse of knowledge. Using this model, they introduce conditions for the superiority of the codification strategy or personalization strategy, which are forms of knowledge sharing. In addition, they propose an application model in which organization‐specific conditions are represented and add a detailed analysis to it. Finally, they extend the discussion by taking into consideration the properties of knowledge, and from the results that are obtained, they refer to points that should be considered when looking at IT‐driven knowledge sharing, which has been popularized in recent years. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 35(3): 1–11, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.10560
Nonlinear principal component analysis by learning nerve fields united by inhibitory connections
Authors: Shirakura Jun , Kurata Koji 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe authors propose a model with feedforward and a recurrent self‐organizing maps model which can extract nonlinear principal components. This model consists of several learning nerve fields that are mutually inhibiting each other, and is an extension of the self‐organizing overlapping maps model proposed previously by the authors. The feedforward model is sufficient for nonlinear principal component analysis, but the recurrent model with symmetrical inhibitory connections between nerve fields has additional interesting characteristics. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 35(3): 68–78, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.1230
Modeling, Simulation, and Experimentation of a Promising New Packaging Technology: Parallel Fluidic Self‐Assembly of Microdevices
Authors: Lienemann J. , Greiner A. , Korvink J. G. , Xiong X. , Hanein Y. , Böhringer K. F. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe parallel fluidic self‐assembly of microdevices is a new technology that promises to speed up the production of complex microsystems made up of many separate parts. The technology brings many advantages. First, it enables a mix of chipmaking technologies for each of the component parts, with each technology selected for its particular technical or financial benefits. Second, it eliminates the need for pick‐and‐place assembly that would unnecessarily slow down any manual assembly technique. Third, it enables massively parallel assembly, almost independent of the number of parts involved, and thereby mimics the elegant parallelism inherent in microchip circuit manufacture.In this chapter we explore this new technology with the ultimate goal of discovering the practical limits for its practical use in manufacturing real microsystems. The driving force of the assembly process is interface surface tension, and our approach is to find the simplest models that correctly describe the attachment, orientation, and bonding of parts to a suitably prepared substrate. We follow both an analytical and a numerical approach in describing the surface tension effects, the latter mainly to gain geometrical generality, and we couple modeling and simulation with suitable laboratory experiments. The ultimate goal of this work is to find practical design rules with which to select bond site geometries and the properties of participating liquids, and to find practical tolerances for all required geometrical and rheological parameters. This chapter extensively documents all results found to date, and carefully cites other work in this area.
Fluorescent Ion‐Sensing Microspheres for Multiplexed Chemical Analysis of Clinical and Biological Samples
Authors: Peper Shane , Bakker Eric 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThis review summarizes recent advances in the development of chemically selective microspheres with a view to developing new, attractive methodologies in clinical and biomedical analysis. In particular, the development of fluorescent ion‐selective microspheres that function analogously to established bulk optodes is discussed. The fluorescent signal is dependent on a selective ion extraction process into a hydrophobic bulk phase doped with selective complexing agents. A mild preparation process for making large numbers of such microspheres is reported. Among a multitude of different applications, these beads may be applied in analytical flow cytometry in order to form part of a total bead‐based suspension array analysis system. Applications toward low detection limit measurements, as well as advances in polymer chemistry to develop plasticizer‐free ion sensing beads, are also discussed.
Optical Sensors in Medical Care
Authors: Öberg P. Åke 
Published: February 2004

AbstractOptical assessment of physiological parameters constitutes a group of measurement principles, which are very attractive because they often provide simple, non‐invasive, continuous physiological monitoring conditions.Optical principles have been used in medical diagnosis since the dawn of the medical sciences. Well‐known examples are the typical pallor of an anaemic patient or the yellowish skin of a baby with jaundice. Skin colours, and changes in skin colours, are typical for a number of infectious diseases.The interest for diagnosis, based on optical principles, has increased in recent years, partly because of the availability of new instruments and methods utilizing new optical technology.For a long time optical instruments have been used for analysis of samples taken from the patient in the laboratory. In these types of instruments, an optical beam typically passes a cuvette containing the sample and properties of the sample can be extracted by analysing absorption or scattering of light from the sample. A newer trend is that data are collected directly from a patient, thereby eliminating the need of sample collection.This paper discusses the principles of three such optical diagnostic measurements:Near infrared spectroscopy, pulse oximetry, laser Doppler flowmetry/imaging.These three methods have been chosen as examples of bio‐optical progress and because they represent technologies at various stages of introduction into use in health care.
Chemical Composition, Starch Bioavailability and Indigestible fraction of Common Beans (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.)
Authors: Vargas‐Torres Apolonio , Osorio‐Díaz Perla , Tovar Juscelino , Paredes‐López Octavio , Ruales Jenny , Bello‐Pérez Luis A. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractIn Mexico, consumption of beans represents 15% of the normal diet of the population in rural zones. Four common bean varieties cultivated in Mexico were studied regarding their chemical composition, starch digestibility and indigestible fraction. The protein level in the samples Huasteco, Tacana and TLP 19 was not different (α = 0.05), but Veracruz cultivar had the highest protein and ash content, and the lowest lipid level. Differences in chemical composition were determined in the cultivars studied. Total starch (TS) ranged between 33.6 and 36.7%, and the cultivars Tacana, TLP 19 and Veracruz were not different in starch content (α = 0.05). The available starch (AS) determined represented between 74 and 87% of TS, due to the resistant starch content and perhaps some complex formed between starch and protein or starch and polyphenols, by the high level of the indigestible fraction determined in the beans. The in vitro α‐amylolysis rate was similar for the different varieties, except for Veracruz cultivar which presented a slightly lower hydrolysis rate.
Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries: clues for prenatal diagnosis
Authors: McEwing R. L. , Chaoui R. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractCongenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) is an uncommon cardiac defect characterized by the atria connecting with the anatomically discordant ventricles and the ventricles connecting with discordant and transposed great arteries. Parallel vessels are evident in corrected TGA, but as this sign is also present in complete TGA, a heart anomaly requiring major cardiac surgery in the postnatal period, it is important to differentiate between the entities prenatally. Most cases of ccTGA have associated anomalies but isolated forms or those with a mild associated cardiac anomaly are infrequently detected prenatally. We report on three cases detected between 21 and 25 weeks' gestation on screening ultrasound with associated mild findings. One fetus had an isolated ventricular septal defect (VSD) first detected at 34 weeks. The child developed heart block at 4 years of age. The second case was associated with a small VSD, a tiny pulmonary trunk and a persistent right umbilical vein. After birth, mild pulmonary stenosis was found as an additional cardiac finding at 4 months of age. The third fetus had no additional cardiac anomalies prenatally, but after birth a bicuspid aortic valve was detected. The first case needed pacemaker implantation but the other two children required no cardiac surgery. Two of the cases were referred because abnormal vessel anatomy was detected on screening ultrasound. As prenatal detection of TGA is becoming a more frequent occurrence, this paper aims to present clues aiding in the prenatal diagnosis of atrioventricular and ventriculoarterial discordance, especially in its differentiation from complete transposition. These details are crucial for counseling and perinatal management. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What women want: women's preferences of caregiver behavior when prenatal sonography findings are abnormal
Authors: Alkazaleh F. , Thomas M. , Grebenyuk J. , Glaude L. , Savage D. , Johannesen J. , Caetano M. , Windrim R. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo determine what women value when receiving news of a pregnancy abnormality detected by ultrasound.MethodsWomen who had a pregnancy complication detected sonographically in the year 2000 were asked to complete a survey of 21 questions measuring the importance of various factors related to the receipt of bad news. Of the target sample of 117 women who agreed to participate, 76 (64.9%) returned completed surveys. Cases included serious anomalies (67%) and soft markers/obstetric complications (33%).ResultsResponses to questions on ‘information quality’, ‘prompt provision of information’, ‘information‐provider behavior’ and ‘information provision environment’ showed that women attached the most importance to information quality, much more so than to promptness. Speed was even less important than information‐provider empathy. Answers concerning use of the terms ‘fetus’ or ‘baby’ revealed greater variation in preferences than any other. Privacy was the most important environmental variable, more important than some information quality variables, or any promptness variable. Intervening variables considered included demographic variables and the seriousness of the prognosis. Education was the most useful predictor of preferences, with highly educated women generally placing less value on environment and some information quality variables, and having different preferences concerning the terms ‘fetus’ and ‘baby’.ConclusionsOur findings shed some light on what is important to women who face bad news. Although more research is needed in this important area, we hope that our findings may assist institutions and caregivers in establishing guidelines for the effective and considerate communication of bad news. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of parity on second‐trimester uterine artery Doppler flow velocity and waveforms
Authors: Prefumo F. , Bhide A. , Sairam S. , Penna L. , Hollis B. , Thilaganathan B. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between second‐trimester uterine artery Doppler findings and parity in a large pregnant population.MethodsUterine artery Doppler studies were performed in all singleton pregnancies at 18–23 weeks of gestation. The mean uterine artery resistance index and the presence or absence of protodiastolic notches were recorded. Two groups were identified: pregnancies not complicated by pre‐eclampsia, and pregnancies with pre‐eclampsia severe enough to require delivery at or before 32 weeks of gestation.ResultsIn the 4132 pregnancies uncomplicated by pre‐eclampsia, parity was shown to be an independent predictor for both mean uterine artery resistance index (beta = 0.073, P < 0.001) and the presence of bilateral protodiastolic notches (odds ratio = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.45–0.98). In the 17 pregnancies complicated with severe pre‐eclampsia, uterine artery Doppler indices showed a trend towards being better predictors of disease in nulliparous compared with parous women.ConclusionParity has a significant effect on the resistance index and the prevalence of protodiastolic notching in the uterine artery flow waveforms. This difference is clinically noticeable in its effect on notching. These findings suggest that some permanent modification may persist in the maternal vessels after a successful pregnancy, altering their impedance in subsequent pregnancies. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The value of uterine artery Doppler in the prediction of uteroplacental complications in multiparous women
Authors: Harrington K. , Fayyad A. , Thakur V. , Aquilina J. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the value of second‐trimester uterine artery Doppler in the prediction of complications resulting from uteroplacental insufficiency in low‐ and high‐risk multiparous women.MethodsColor flow pulsed Doppler imaging of both uterine arteries at 20 weeks' gestation was performed on 628 multiparous women; 458 of them had no known risk factors and 170 had clinically identifiable high‐risk factors at booking. An abnormal result was defined as bilateral notches and a mean resistance index (RI) ≥ 0.55 (50th centile) or unilateral notches and a mean RI ≥ 0.65 (80th centile). The main outcome measure was adverse pregnancy outcome defined as any case of pre‐eclampsia, small‐for‐gestational age birth weight (< 5th centile), placental abruption, stillbirth or early neonatal death.ResultsThere was an adverse outcome in 30 women (6.6%) in the low‐risk group and 48 (28.2%) women in the high‐risk group. In the high‐risk group the sensitivity to predict adverse pregnancy outcome in screen‐positive women was 81.4% for a specificity of 89.0%, a positive predictive value of 71.4% and a negative predictive value of 93.4%. Normal Doppler studies in the high‐risk group conferred a risk of adverse perinatal outcome of 6.6%, similar to the risk of adverse outcome in the low‐risk population (6.6%). In the low‐risk group the sensitivity for an adverse outcome in screen‐positive women was 33.3% for a specificity of 92.8% and a positive predictive value of 24.4%.ConclusionIn high‐risk multiparous women, persistent bilateral notches with mean RI ≥ 0.55 and unilateral notches with mean RI ≥ 0.65 at 20 weeks' gestation identifies the vast majority of women who will subsequently develop complications secondary to uteroplacental insufficiency. Normal uterine artery Doppler studies in these women confers a risk of adverse outcome similar to that of women with an uncomplicated obstetric history. In low‐risk women, the screening efficacy of uterine artery Doppler for adverse perinatal outcome is poor and does not justify routine screening. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determining zygosity in early pregnancy by ultrasound
Authors: Tong S. , Vollenhoven B. , Meagher S. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectivesFirst‐trimester ultrasound can reliably determine chorionicity but not zygosity. We set out to investigate whether it may be possible to determine zygosity using ultrasound by noting the number of corpora lutea (CLs), structures which reflect ovulation. In the presence of a dichorionic twin pregnancy, the identification of one CL would suggest that twins are monozygotic whereas two CLs implies dizygosity.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of predominantly spontaneous twin pregnancies presenting for an early pregnancy ultrasound at 5–8‐completed weeks of gestation. Placentation was correlated with presumed zygosity as predicted by the number of CLs present.ResultsOf 33 twin gestations, chorionicity was compatible in all cases with the predicted zygosity. In 15 cases one CL was seen and these were designated monozygotic. Of these, four were of monochorionic placentation and 11 dichorionic. The remaining 18 cases had two CLs and were presumed dizygotic; all were of dichorionic placentation.ConclusionWe propose a novel technique of zygosity determination during very early pregnancy which may have implications both clinically and in genetic research involving twins. However, this study requires further verification by comparing ultrasound results with DNA evidence taken after birth. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.