Polar residual network model for assisting evaluation on rat myocardial infarction segment in myocardial contrast echocardiography

Objective To investigate the value of polar residual network(PResNet)model for assisting evaluation on rat myocardial infarction(MI)segment in myocardial contrast echocardiography(MCE).Methods Twenty-five male SD rats were randomly divided into MI group(n=15)and sham operation group(n=10).MI models were established in MI group through ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery using atraumatic suture,while no intervention was given to those in sham operation group after thoracotomy.MCE images of both basal and papillary muscle levels on the short axis section of left ventricles were acquired after 1 week,which were assessed independently by 2 junior and 2 senior ultrasound physicians.The evaluating efficacy of MI segment,the mean interpretation time and the consistency were compared whether under the assistance of PResNet model or not.Results No significant difference of efficacy of evaluation on MI segment was found for senior physicians with or without assistance of PResNet model(both P>0.05).Under the assistance of PResNet model,the efficacy of junior physicians for diagnosing MI segment was significantly improved compared with that without the assistance of PResNet model(both P<0.01),and was comparable to that of senior physicians.Under the assistance of PResNet model,the mean interpretation time of each physician was significantly shorter than that without assistance(all P<0.001),and the consistency between junior physicians and among junior and senior physicians were both moderate(Kappa=0.692,0.542),which became better under the assistance(Kappa=0.763,0.749).Conclusion PResNet could improve the efficacy of junior physicians for evaluation on rat MI segment in MCE images,shorten interpretation time with different aptitudes,also improve the consistency to some extent.

Study on Hydraulic System Efficiency of Heaving-Buoy Wave Energy Converter

The hydraulic system is the key component in the widely used wave energy converters(WEC).In this paper,we theoretically analyze and describe our investigation of the efficiency of the hydraulic system by simulation and model testing of the combined heaving-buoy WEC.We derive a new governing equation that includes nonlinear hydraulic resistance in the power take-off(PTO).We conducted a physical model experiment based on a 100-kW prototype and applied a hydraulic system with an energy accumulator.The model test results reveal an important parameter related to efficiency with respect to nonlinear hydraulic resistance.We also studied the relationship between the efficiency and the initial conditions.Finally,based on our numerical simulation results,we discuss the effect on efficiency of the gas content of the hydraulic fluid and ways to reduce its impact.

Solving the Perennial Problems of Inadequate Physical Laboratories in Africa Through the Use of Virtual Reality Technology and Tools

The major restriction for learning in science and engineering education in Africa is the absence of equipped laboratories. Where laboratory is available, there is the problem of obsolete and antiquated materials, which are seldom available for use. In most Universities in Africa, there is inadequate supply of laboratory space and laboratory materials. The laboratories only have the items of equipment that were provided when the universities were established, this has hampered learning. An alternative educational approach is required to address the aforementioned problems and provide a cost-effective solution for education as well as a valuable complementary or learning tool for university students. The alternative approach is the use of Virtual Reality （VR） technology to simulate virtual learning environments such as virtual reality laboratories. This is a one solution to inadequate physical laboratories in Africa.