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Recently, facial recognition has been extensively adopted in various fields. Wide applications are associated with a large amount of data transmission so that edge computing is inspired accordingly. In this research task, the major goal of edge computing is to handover a part of the computing work to the terminal equipment; the server only needs to process the results of final return. The IoT configuration proposed includes a perception layer, a transmission layer, and an application layer to fulfil a complete IoT system. In the perception layer, the facial authentication mechanism is adopted. This system is equipped with a highly robust anti‐spoofing function, which can avoid criminal access from photos or electronic screens. Finally, the IoT transmission system is realised as the transmission layer. Combined with such a transmission mechanism, one can distribute user facial features to user's electronic devices instead of storing it in the server. This not only saves storage resources and transmission costs, but also allows users to complete data transmission and face authentication easily.

This paper proposes a novel traction control system (TCS) based on feedback sensing of multi‐state of electric scooters (i.e. vehicle‐road inclination, vehicle yaw rate, vehicle lateral fo...

This paper develops a modular multilevel inverter which integrates driving/braking control schemes in a unit for electric vehicles. The multiple driving components are used to balance surg...

Aim and objectives To examine the relationship between illness representations and quality of life, and to test whether illness representations can predict quality of life, in patients with hemodialysis. Background Illness representations are interpretations of and actions taken by individuals when faced with threats to their health. Exploring relationship of illness representations and quality of life in patients with hemodialysis may help patients self-manage their illness and improve their quality of life. Methods A cross-sectional correlation design was used (the checklist STROBE was chosen for this study). The study setting was a hemodialysis center in a teaching hospital. A total of 172 surveys were completed. The inventory comprised demographic data, illness data, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life. Results The illness representations of the surveyed patients fell in the middle range of being not too optimistic or pessimistic. Overall quality of life of patients is moderate. The predictors of quality of life included living status, source of income, and two illness representation elements. Conclusions This study revealed an association between illness representations and quality of life in patients with hemodialysis. New knowledge provided by this study can assist healthcare professionals caring for patients with a Chinese cultural background. Relevance to clinical practice Illness representation assessment could be added to clinical care standards, and patients living with family or without family could be given different interventions.

Diabetic nephropathy is one of the leading causes of end-stage renal disease and creates heavy healthcare burdens globally. Dysfunction of mesangial cells and podocytes contributes to diabetic nephropathy. Dysregulation of signaling involved in renal development and regeneration may cause diabetic kidney damages. Growing evidences suggest the importance of dysregulated dickkopf-1 (DKK1)/Wnt/ β-catenin signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of diabetic glomerular injuries. The inhibition of Wnt signaling in injured mesangial cells is likely attributed to the high glucose-induced Ras/Rac1 dependent superoxide formation. When DKK1, the cellular inhibitor of Wnt signaling, binds to the Kremen-2 receptor, depositions of extracellular matrix increase in the mesangium of diabetic kidneys. Additionally, reactivation of Notch-1 signaling has been implicated in podocytopathy during diabetic proteinuria development. Knocking down Notch-1 alleviates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, nephrin repression and proteinuria in diabetic kidneys. It is also found that epigenetic modulations by histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) and miR-29a could lead to diabetic nephropathy. High glucose increases the expression of HDAC4, which causes deacetylation with subsequent ubiquitination of nephrin. Overexpression of miR-29a in diabetic transgenic mice would decrease the expression of HDAC4 and stabilize nephrin. Surprisingly, reprogramming or reactivation of signaling involved in renal development or regeneration often brings about diabetic glomerular sclerosis in mesangial cells and podocytes. Better knowledge about modifications of embryonic stem cell signaling will have a chance to implement strategically focused pharmacological research programs aiming to the development of new drugs for diabetic kidney injuries.

Hemodialysis patients are particularly vulnerable to Staphylococcus aureus infection, with the vascular access serving as the site of entry for this formidable pathogen. Patients with arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) and tunneled‐cuffed catheters (TCCs) are at elevated risk of S. aureus infection. In this study, we investigated the correlation between the clinical characteristics of S. aureus vascular access infection (VAI), molecular profiles, and the biofilm formation abilities of clinical isolates of S. aureus. We collected samples of methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA), methicillin‐sensitive S. aureus (MSSA), and methicillin‐sensitive S. argenteus (MSSAg) from patients with S. aureus VAI and patients with other infections. The molecular profiles of the clinical isolates were determined using disk diffusion testing and molecular typing. The biofilm formation ability was determined by microtiter plate assay. In total, 63 S. aureus and 10 S. argenteus isolates were identified: 40 MRSA, 23 MSSA, and ten MSSAg. MRSA was highly prevalent (77.8%) in TCC isolates and was multidrug resistant. Of the 40 MRSA isolates, ST239‐SCCmec III was the predominant clone. SCCmec type IV was the predominant type (35%) in isolates from AVGs, while SCCmec type III was prevalent in TCC infection and showed significantly higher biofilm formation ability than types IV and V. In dialysis VAI by S. aureus, patients with TCC were more often infected with MRSA than patients with AVG, and MRSA in TCC–VAI was predominantly SCCmec type III, which had the strongest drug resistance and biofilm formation ability.

This multicenter study was designed to assess the hemoglobin (Hb) stability and conversion ratio of the switch from epoetin beta to darbepoetin alfa in Taiwanese hemodialysis (HD) patients. A total of 135 HD patients were enrolled and randomized with intravenous darbepoetin alfa or epoetin beta. The study duration was 24 weeks. Equivalent doses and conversion ratios were assessed with respect to Hb stratification: low Hb (≥8.0 g/dL to ≤10.0 g/dL) and high Hb (>10.0 g/dL to ≤11.0 g/dL). The results showed stable Hb levels in the study period. At week 24, the conversion ratio was higher for high Hb than low Hb (296.4 IU/dose epoetin beta: 1 µg/dose darbepoetin alfa. vs. 277.2 IU/dose epoetin beta: 1 µg/dose darbepoetin alfa). In conclusion, the conversion ratio in the present study was higher than 1 µg: 200 IU for darbepoetin alfa: epoetin for treating anemia in Taiwanese HD patients.

We present a stable and efficient electromagnetic analysis for the influence of grating on light extraction in organic light emitting diodes. By this approach, the trend of the output power and mode distribution variance with the change of structure parameters could be predicted before the experiments.

Thermal evolution of Co islands on Ag/Ge(111)-√3 × √3 and Ag/Si(111)-√3 × √3 surfaces was studied by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and low-energy electron diffraction (LEED). Ag-√3 × √3 buffer layer can avoid alloy formation of Co and Si or Ge below the annealing temperature 500 °C. The growth behavior of Co on Ag/Si(111)-√3 × √3 surfaces is very different from that on Ag/Ge(111)-√3 × √3 surfaces, although both the √3 structures can be classified as honeycomb chain trimer (HCT) model. Submonolayer Co on Ag/Si(111)-√3 × √3 surfaces prefer to form clusters below 500 °C. However, Co clusters nucleate and construct two-dimensional islands (2D islands) on Ag/Ge(111)-√3 × √3 surfaces after annealing to 300 °C. The result of different growth behavior comes from two major factors. One is antiphase boundaries (APBs) with extra electron states, which trap Co clusters on Ag/Si(111)-√3 × √3 surfaces. The other is the strong binding force that exists between Ge and Co atoms to cause the formation of Co period islands on Ag/Ge(111)-√3 × √3 surfaces. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) play a very important role in postmodern control by providing a framework that unifies many concepts. While many papers have addressed the issue for solving LMIs using sequentially numerical algorithms, few have examined solving related LMIs using neural network processing. The aim of this paper is to show the potential of using recurrent neural networks to solve these problems. Two representative LMI problems are considered. First, the problem of scaling a matrix to reduce its norm, which appears often in robust control applications, is considered. Second, the approach is extended to solve the S-procedure problem, which is closely related to the stability of particular nonlinear systems. Illustrative examples are provided to demonstrate use of the proposed approach.

This paper proposes an optimal control approach for a robust control design problem of the neutral type time-delay systems, taking parameter uncertainties and state delay into account. The robust control design problem can be equivalently transformed into an optimal control problem, and the amount of plant uncertainties is indirectly reflected in the performance index. By introducing algebraic manipulations and appropriate uncertainty descriptions, the uncertain dynamical system can not only achieve stability, but can also reach the guaranteed level of performance. A suitable linear state feedback control law is characterized via Lyapunov stability theory to ensure quadratic stability and performance robustness of the closed-loop system. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Background: The prognostic factors of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) in haemodialysis (HD) patients are not fully clear and there is no standard clinical grading scale to predict 30-day mortality. Our aim was to develop such a scale. Methods: Records of all HD patients with spontaneous ICH presenting to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan during 1994–2004 were reviewed. The study design was a retrospective analysis of data collected from one hospital. Prognostic factors were identified by Student’s t-test and χ2-test. Independent predictors of 30-day mortality were determined by the logistic regression method. An outcome score based on a combination of these predictors was developed with weighting of independent predictors based on strength of association. Results: The overall 30-day mortality rate was 67.3%. Prognostic factors independently associated with mortality were the Glasgow Coma Scale score (P

We have developed an effective approach based on wavelength-selective mirrors to implement three-peak WOLEDs that have EL spectra matching better with transmission spectra of typical color filters and thus give much enhanced color gamut for full-color OLED display applications. The wavelength-selective mirror used is highly compatible with OLED fabrication.

In this paper, by using the unique properties of the efficient red-emitting Osmium (Os) complex in combination with an efficient blue-emitting Iridium (Ir) complex, we report WOLEDs with forward viewing efficiencies up to (17% photon/electron, 36 cd/A, 28 lm/W) and total peak external efficiencies up to (28.8 %, 47.5 lm/W). Results show that the Os complex is a multi-functional material that could be useful for implementing highly efficient and color-stable phosphorescent OLEDs.

Chylous ascites, a rare complication in patients receiving continuous peritoneal dialysis, often presents with turbid dialysate. This characteristic makes it frequently confused with peritonitis. Conservative treatments including bowel rest and dietary intervention with medium chain triglycerides are advised by many authors in the literature. However, this approach usually takes a long time before the lymphorrhagia are eventually resolved. Here, a case of chylous ascites that was successfully treated with subcutaneous octreotide, a somatostatin analogue, is reported. By shortening the bowel rest period, this treatment avoids the nutritional and immunological adverse effects. A series of peritoneal equilibrium tests were performed after administration of octreotide and the results showed that octreotide did not alter the peritoneal function in the short term. Therefore, subcutaneous octreotide administration is a safe and effective therapy in peritoneal dialysis patient with chylous ascites.

In this paper, a single, large-area OLED lighting panel of 245×295 mm2 with 50 lm/W efficacy, correlated color temperature of 3000K and color-rendering index of 80 at 1500 cd/m2 has been demonstrated. Short reduction layer and metal grids are adopted to solve the particle issue and improve the luminance variation of the intra-panel for less than 15%, respectively. In addition, a light extraction film with bulk light scattering function is attached to the OLED lighting panel for improving the total lighting flux by a factor of 1.5. And also, the color shift (Δv'u') with viewing angles from 0 (normal direction) to 60 degree can be suppressed to 0.005.

In this report, the motivation of why we attempt to design current spreading, or current surrounding, is try to provide other current paths, expect to improve the current spreading of LEDs and get lower forward voltage at the same time. Attempt to avoid the trade-off between p -electrode area for uniform current spreading and emitting area for light output of LEDs. Compared to reference LEDs, we can find that the light output intensity of chips with n -pad current surrounding design will decay at higher current injection. This can be attributed to the metal on pitch we design, with better current spreading and much metal area connected to n -pad, so less current crowding effect and less heat-accumulation in chips (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

— It is reported that by integrating OLEDs with solar cells, ambient-light reflection as low as 1.4% (even superior to that achieved with polarizers) can be achieved without compromising the EL efficiency for high-contrast display applications. Furthermore, in such a configuration, the photon energies of both the incident ambient light and the portion of OLED emission not getting outside of the device can be recycled into useful electrical power via the photovoltaic action, instead of being wasted as in other reported contrast-enhancement techniques. These features, we believe, shall make this present technique attractive for high-contrast display applications and portable/mobile electronics that are highly power-aware.

Due to generally low conductivity and low carrier mobilities of organic materials, organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) are typically optimized for light outcoupling by locating emitters around the first antinode of the metal electrode. In this paper, by utilizing device structures containing conductive doping, we investigate theoretically and experimentally the influences of the location of emitters relative to the metal electrode on OLED emission, and show that substantial enhancement in light outcoupling (1.2 times) or forward luminance (1.6 times) could be obtained by placing emitters around the second antinode instead of the first antinode. Depending on the detailed condition, the second-antinode device may also give more directed emission as often observed in strong-micrcavity devices yet without suffering color shift with viewing angles.

In pursuit of the further enhancement of the luminance and efficiency of organic light- emitting devices (OLEDs), it is worthy of exploring what benefits could be obtained by combining two luminance-enhancement techniques, i.e., microcavity and tandem OLEDs. Furthermore, a deeper understanding of the optics in tandem OLEDs will be useful for the design and optimization of tandem OLEDs. In this paper, the optical characteristics of noncavity and microcavity tandem OLEDs are theo- retically and experimentally investigated. By the use of rigorous electromagnetic modeling of OLEDs, the radiation characteristics of tandem OLEDs as a function of device structures are analyzed and correspondingly, the guidelines for optimizing the performance of tandem devices are suggested. By making use of the analytical results, it is shown that with well-designed microcavity conditions and device structures, a five-fold enhancement in luminance in the normal direction can be achieved with cavity-tandem devices having only two emitting units. A very high efficiency of 200 cd/A for a rather broad brightness range of 100-4000 nits is demonstrated with a phosphorescent cavity two-unit device.

In pursuit of further enhancement in luminance and efficiency of organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs), it is worthy of exploring what benefits could be obtained by combining two luminance-enhancement techniques, i.e. microcavity and tandem OLEDs. In this paper, we have investigated theoretically and experimentally the characteristics of noncavity and microcavity tandem OLEDs. Results show that with well designed microcavity and device structures (i.e. consistent with resonant and antinode conditions), a five-fold enhancement in luminance can be achieved with cavity tandem devices having only two emitting units. A very high efficiency of 200 cd/A has been demonstrated with a phosphorescent cavity two-unit device.

Optical characteristics of microcavity organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) having two metal mirrors are examined. Analyses show that a high-reflection back mirror and a low-loss high-reflection exit mirror are essential for such microcavity devices to obtain luminance enhancement relative to conventional noncavity devices. An enhancement of 2 in cd/A efficiencies in comparison with noncavity devices can be generally achieved for microcavity OLEDs using two metal mirrors as long as the exit mirror has high enough reflection and low enough absorption loss.

— Top-emitting organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) have several technical merits for application in active-matrix OLED displays. Generally, stronger microcavity effects inherent with top-emitting OLEDs, however, complicate the optimization of device efficiency and other viewing characteristics, such as color and viewing-angle characteristics. In this paper, using the rigorous classical electromagnetic model based on oscillating electric dipoles embedded in layered structures, the emission characteristics of top-emitting OLEDs as a function of device structures will be analyzed. From comprehensive analysis, trends in the dependence of ewmission characteristics on device structures were extracted, and, accordingly, a general methodology for optimizing viewing characteristics of top-emitting OLEDs for display applications will be suggested. The effectiveness of the analysis and the methodology was confirmed by experimental results.

A 3.8-inch high-contrast top-emitting AMOLED display using the LTPS TFT backplane is demonstrated. The display incorporates low-reflection top-emitting OLEDs with improved efficiency, and thus exhibits clear readability under a strong lighting environment without need of extra contrast-enhancement films.

Generally stronger microcavity effects inherent with top-emitting OLEDs usually complicate optimization of device efficiency and other viewing characteristics. Using the rigorous classical electromagnetic model, trends in the dependence of emission characteristics on device structures are extracted, and accordingly a general methodology for optimizing viewing characteristics of top-emitting OLEDs for display applications is suggested.

Efficient and low-voltage top-emitting OLED using surface-modified Ag anode is reported. By inducing a thin silver oxide at the surface of Ag, hole injection from Ag anodes into OLEDs is largely enhanced yet with rather high reflectivity retained. Top-emitting devices using such surface-modified Ag anode show device characteristics competitive with those of a bottom-emitting device using the indium tin oxide anode.