Imaging and image processing have been used in variety of applications, such as medical, astronomy, forensic, and industry. Numerous techniques have been proposed to solve speci c problems faced in particular applications which are comprised of a series of processes such as, image enhancement, ltering, segmentation, representation, and recognition. However, there is no a universal algorithm which can be applied to variant image modalities with corresponding applications. With the aim of learning image processing tasks, as supervised learning techniques, we can develop e ective algorithms which are image and task oriented. Learning image processing comprises two main phases, namely: training and testing phases. During training phase, the algorithm has the capability of discovering and adjusting an optimum transformation function or optimal mathematical morphology chain by utilizing a user-prepared ground-truth (gold) sample. Later on, in testing phase, the obtained transform function of morphological chain is applied to untrained test images. The current thesis has three main parts as follows. In the rst part, genetic programming (GP) is employed to obtain an optimum transformation function. The GP utilizes one user-prepared gold sample to learn from. The magni cent feature of this method is that it does not require a prior knowledge or large training set to learn from. The performance of the proposed approach has been examined on 147 X-ray lung images. The results for image thresholding (i.e., Otsu's method) after applying optimal transformation are promising. In the second part, an optimum mathematical morphology (MM) chain is obtained by applying GP to localize the object of interest in a binary image. Morphology operations use 27 regular structuring elements along with commonly used morphological operations (i.e., erosion, dilation, opening, and closing) to build an optimal MM chain. The obtained chains are tested against challenging test cases, such as, object translation, scaling, and rotation. In the third part, a hybrid genetic programming - di erential evolutionary (GP-DE) algorithm is proposed to optimize not only the morphology chain but also the utilized structuring elements. GP as an outer layer optimizer is responsible to optimize the morphology chain while the di erential evolutionary (DE) as an inner layer optimizer optimizes the structure elements. Similarly in the testing phase, the obtained morphology chain is applied on test images. In term of utilized test images, the two test cases have been employed : synthesis and music note images. The results indicate that the proposed method is able to locate the object of interest. For the music note images, the proposed approach is able to extract the head notes, sta s, and vertical lines correctly. The training phase is iii time consuming, but it is acceptable; because one time training is required to obtain an optimal chain for a speci c image processing task.

No description available.

Class of 2015 Abstract / Objectives: To evaluate evidence – based research on acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC), huperzine – A, and vinpocetine, the active ingredients found in Procera AVH for the treatment of memory loss and to investigate the named “authorities” or other professionals named in advertisements to determine if they are credible, reliable and unbiased sources of information for the treatment of memory enhancement. Methods: A systemic literature review of randomized controlled trials (RCT) was performed, based on predefined search criteria, using the words “memory” and “cognition” with the active ingredients of Procera AVH. The studies evaluated needed to meet certain inclusion criteria in order to be included. Results: Study selection criteria included RCTs conducted on male or female participants of all ethnicities, who were at least 18 years of age. The PubMed search on each of Procera's active ingredients, ALC, vinpocetine and huperzine-A, using the search terms and criteria described, yielded a total of 21 RCTs, but only one of which met all the inclusion criteria. The one study that met the inclusion criteria reported on the effect of ALC on cognition in patients with severe hepatic encephalopathy. Phone calls to KeyView Labs, Inc., the company that sells the product, were unsuccessful in obtaining the information sought. The company representatives stated that they did not have CVs or any other professional biographical information on the developers and promoters of Procera AVH. Conclusions: A search of the scientific literature yielded no evidence that Procera AVH, or any of its individual components listed as being the active ingredients, were effective in improving cognitive or memory function in healthy subjects. No data were found to either support or deny the credibility of those professionals or so-called authorities promoting Procera AVH.

No description available.

This thesis is focused on the design, synthesis and characterization of magnetite-ionic copolymer complexes as nanocarriers for drug delivery and magnetic resonance imaging. The polymers included phosphonate and carboxylate-containing graft and block copolymers. Oleic-acid coated magnetite nanoparticles (8-nm and 16-nm diameters) were investigated. Cisplatin and carboplatin were used as sample drugs. The potentials of the magnetite-ionomer complexes as dual drug delivery carriers and magnetic resonance imaging agents were evaluated. An acrylate-functional poly(ethylene oxide) macromonomer and hexyl (and propyl) ammonium bisphosphonate methacrylate monomers were synthesized. Conventional free radical copolymerizations were conducted to synthesize the graft copolymers. The acrylate-functional poly(ethylene oxide) macromonomer was also used to form graft copolymers with tert-butyl acrylate. Block ionomers containing poly(tert-butyl acrylate) were synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization, then the tert-butyl groups were removed to afford anions. All the monomers and polymers were characterized by 1H NMR to confirm their structures and assess their compositions. Phosphonate-containing polymers were also characterized by 31P NMR. Magnetite nanoparticles (8-nm diameter) were synthesized by reducing Fe(acac)3 with benzyl alcohol. The 16-nm diameter magnetite was synthesized by thermal decomposition of an iron oleate precursor in trioctylamine as a high-boiling solvent. The iron-oleate precursor was synthesized with iron (III) chloride hexahydrate and sodium oleate with mixed solvents. TEM images of the magnetite were obtained. Magnetite-ionomer complexes were synthesized by binding a portion of the anions (carboxylate or phosphonate) on the copolymers onto the surfaces the magnetite. The remainder of the anions was used to bind with cisplatin and carboplatin via chelation. Physicochemical properties of the complexes were measured by dynamic light scattering. All the complexes with different polymers and magnetite nanoparticles displayed relatively uniform sizes and good size distributions. The magnetite-ionomer complexes displayed good colloidal stabilities in simulated physiological conditions for at least 24 hours. Those graft and block copolymer-magnetite complexes may be good candidates as drug carriers for delivery applications. After cisplatin and carboplatin loading, the sizes of the complexes increased slightly and the zeta potential decreased slightly, which indicated that the loadings were successful. Minimal loss of iron was found, signaling that the binding strengths between the magnetite and the anions of the graft copolymers were strong. 8.7 wt% of platinum was found in the cisplatin loaded complexes and 6.9% in the carboplatin loaded complexes. The results indicated that the magnetite-graft ionomer complexes were capable of loading drugs. Drug release studies were performed at pH 4.6 and 7.4 to mimick endosomal conditions and the physiological environment. Sustained release of drugs was observed. This further indicated the potential for using the magnetite-ionomer complexes as drug carriers. Transverse relaxivities of the magnetite-ionomer complexes with and without drugs were measured and compared to a commercial T2-weighted iron MRI contrast agent-Feridex®. All the complexes had higher relaxivities compared to Feridex®. Thus, the magnetite-ionomer complexes are promising candidates for dual magnetic resonance imaging and drug delivery.Moreover, the aqueous dispersion of the complexes was found to heat upon exposure to an AC magnetic field, thus potentially allowing heat-induced drug release. / Master of Science

Milling and co-milling are well known techniques that have potential to enhance the solubility and/or dissolution rate of poorly soluble drugs. There are broadly two aims for this project. The first was to develop an understanding of how individual and combination of techniques may be used to explore the impact of milling on particle characteristics (including phase changes, fractures and change in particle size) as a function of milling time/speed, for a range of single powder materials. Anhydrous (lactose, sucrose), monohydrate (lactose) and dihydrate (trehalose) excipients and a poorly soluble drug (ibuprofen), were chosen as model substrates. Each material was micronized by ball-milling (for various time durations and milling speeds) and then characterized by a range of techniques, specifically, SEM, DSC, TGA, THz and dielectric spectroscopy. The second aim of the project was to investigate the impact of milling and co-milling on the solubility and dissolution rate of ibuprofen after co-milling with a variety of excipients (polymer and surfactants). The principle findings of this programme of work can be summarized as follows: i) ball milling of lactose monohydrate produces nano-structured systems with a mixture of damaged crystals and amorphous phase, that can be characterised by dielectric relaxation spectroscopy (DRS), ii) THz spectroscopy provides estimates for residual crystallinity in lactose monohydrate that were much lower than the estimates from the thermal techniques. Such estimates of residual crystallinity are considered to be more reliable given the fact that the spectroscopic measurement characterizes the material in its native state, whereas thermal techniques require a heating process, which tend to induce de-vitrification and mutarotation of lactose. In case of anhydrous materials, while there was agreement between thermal and THz techniques at long milling times, it was shown that the THz technique was susceptible to moisture absorption and crystallization at short milling times, iii) In the molecular dynamics of milled sugars studied by DRS, the structural relaxation is not visible in the vicinity of glass transition, however the secondary relaxation (β) process is equally capable and provided molecular dynamics in term of activation energy changes. The activation energies of beta process of both lactose and sucrose are least affected by milling time, but the higher activation energies for sucrose as compared with lactose show that sucrose has lower propensity to re-crystallize than lactose during post milling storage, iv) Ibuprofen can be assayed by UV-method in the presence of interfering (in absorption) substance by applying multivariate method involving the calculation of concentration factors and v) Co-milling with soluplus has increased the in the solubility of ibuprofen by ~20% and dissolution rate ~50% in 30 min, while these values are ~5% and 30%, respectively in case of co-milling with HPMC.

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The transhumanist movement propounds the view that the evolution of humanity must be extricated from the contingencies of blind natural selection and actively directed by human beings themselves, utilising existing as well as nascent technologies, in order to radically enhance and thus transform individual human capabilities to levels which far surpass current capacities. Transhumanism has elicited vehement critique, however, due to the claim that the transformations it proposes will result in a new posthuman species; and thus, that its aims represent a violation of human dignity. In order to assess this claim it is necessary to firstly investigate the aims and values of the transhumanist movement, as well as the technological means through which it proposes these aims will be fulfilled. This task is the focus of the first half of this thesis. Secondly, the concept of dignity itself must be examined in order to ascertain its status as a means of critiquing transhumanism. The second half of this thesis therefore explicates the notion of dignity by tracing its historical interpretations and uses, as well as the way in which it has been employed to uphold human rights and to adjudicate bioethical dilemmas in the contemporary milieu. This investigation enables the assessment of the two most renowned dignity arguments, namely, the arguments of the bioconservative thinkers Leon Kass and Francis Fukuyama which have been lodged against transhumanism, as well as the counter-argument of the transhumanist Nick Bostrom. In light of this discussion, the conclusion is that the notion of dignity is plagued by irrevocable ambiguity, vagueness and inconsistencies, due to the presence of conflicting interpretations. These findings have implications for the concept’s efficacy to adjudicate the complex ethical conundrums posed, not only by transhumanism, but in the bioethics arena in general. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die transhumanistiese beweging verteenwoordig die standpunt dat die evolusie van die mensdom losgemaak moet word van die toevallighede van blinde, natuurlike seleksie en aktief gerig moet word deur die mens self, deur van bestaande sowel as ontwikkelende tegnologieë gebruik te maak ten einde individuele menslike vermoëns radikaal te verbeter en dus te transformeer tot op vlakke wat huidige vermoëns ver oorskry. Transhumanisme het egter hewige kritiek ontlok weens die aanspraak dat die transformasies wat dit voorstel ‘n nuwe post-menslike spesie tot gevolg sal hê en dus dat die oogmerke daarvan ‘n skending van menswaardigheid verteenwoordig. Ten einde hierdie aanspraak te beoordeel, was dit eerstens nodig om die oogmerke en waardes van die transhumanistiese beweging te ondersoek, sowel as die tegnologiese middele wat voorgestel word as dit waardeur hierdie oogmerke verwesenlik sal word. Hierdie taak is onderneem in die eerste helfte van die tesis. Tweedens is die konsep van waardigheid self krities onder die loep geneem ten einde die status daarvan as ‘n middel om transhumanisme te kritiseer, te beoordeel. Die tweede helfte van hierdie tesis verhelder dus die idee van waardigheid deur die historiese interpretasies en gebruike daarvan na te gaan, sowel as die manier waarop dit aangewend is om menseregte te ondersteun en om dilemmas in die bioetiek in die hedendaagse milieu te bereg. Hierdie ondersoek maak die beoordeling van die drie mees bekende waardigheidsargumente wat teen transhumanisme gebring is, naamlik die argumente van die biokonserwatiewe denkers Leon Kass en Francis Fukuyama, sowel as die teenargument van die transhumanis Nick Bostrom, moontlik. Na aanleiding van hierdie bespreking is die gevolgtrekking van die skrywer dat die idee van menswaardigheid deurspek is met onvermydelike dubbelsinnigheid, vaagheid en teenstrydighede as gevolg van teenstrydige interpretasies. Hierdie bevindinge het implikasies vir die doeltreffendheid van die konsep om die komplekse etiese probleme wat gestel word, nie net deur transhumanisme nie, maar deur die bioetiek arena oor die algemeen, te beoordeel.

The effectiveness of Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), a brief four session form of Motivational Interviewing (MI), provided by diabetes health practitioners at a hospital-based clinic, in improving diabetes outcome and self-management of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes was evaluated using quasi-experimental designs (i.e., non-random control group and multiple baseline designs). Study 1 evaluated if MET provided by Diabetes Nurse Educators (DNEs) was effective in improving diabetes outcome (i.e., blood glucose and lipids) and diabetes self-management, and compared its effectiveness to the current standard treatment which comprised Patient Education (PE). Study 2 evaluated if the results of Study 1 could be generalised to Dietitians providing the intervention. Study 3 evaluated the effects of MI training and post-training supervised practice on practitioner and patient behaviour. Specific hypotheses (Studies 1-2) were that MI would lead to improved diabetes outcome through improved diabetes self-management, and would be more effective than PE. Further, training in MI plus supervised practice was predicted to lead to Nurse Educators behaving in ways consistent with MI and as a result the participants would exhibit less resistance and increased change talk than participants receiving PE (Study 3). The results suggest that MET was well received by the participants, and contributed to improved diabetes outcome (e.g., lowered blood glucose) and diabetes self-management (e.g., self-monitoring of blood glucose and dietary compliance), and may have been more effective than PE, although high variability made conclusions uncertain. Evidence of generalisation across participants, intervention staff, and outcomes is provided. Additionally, evidence is provided that with two days training plus supervised practice the DNE were able to practice MET to at least a beginning level of competency in MI and that as a result the participants behaved in ways consistent with MI theory (i.e., showed less resistance and increased change talk).

No description available.

Speech communication is gaining in popularity in many different contexts as technology evolves. With the introduction of mobile electronic devices such as cell phones and laptops, and fixed electronic devices such as video and teleconferencing systems, more people are communicating which leads to an increasing demand for new services and better speech quality. Methods to enhance speech recorded by microphones often operate blindly without prior knowledge of the signals. With the addition of multiple microphones to allow for spatial filtering, many blind speech enhancement methods have to operate blindly also in the spatial domain. When attempting to improve the quality of spoken communication it is often necessary to be able to reliably determine the location of the speakers. A dedicated source localization method on top of the speech enhancement methods can assist the speech enhancement method by providing the spatial information about the sources. This thesis addresses the problem of speech-source localization, with a focus on the problem of localization in the presence of multiple concurrent speech sources. The primary work consists of methods to estimate the direction of arrival of multiple concurrent speech sources from an array of sensors and a method to correct the ambiguities when estimating the spatial locations of multiple speech sources from multiple arrays of sensors. The thesis also improves the well-known SRP-based methods with higher-order statistics, and presents an analysis of how the SRP-PHAT performs when the sensor array geometry is not fully calibrated. The thesis is concluded by two envelope-domain-based methods for tonal pattern detection and tonal disturbance detection and cancelation which can be useful to further increase the usability of the proposed localization methods. The main contribution of the thesis is a complete methodology to spatially locate multiple speech sources in enclosed environments. New methods and improvements to the combined solution are presented for the direction-of-arrival estimation, the location estimation and the location ambiguity correction, as well as a sensor array calibration sensitivity analysis.