No abstract

We developed and tested a new automated chromosome karyotyping scheme using a two-layer classification platform. Our hypothesis is that by selecting most effective feature sets and adaptively optimizing classifiers for the different groups of chromosomes with similar image characteristics, we can reduce the complexity of automated karyotyping scheme and improve its performance and robustness. For this purpose, we assembled an image database involving 6900 chromosomes and implemented a genetic algorithm to optimize the topology of multi-feature based artificial neural networks (ANN). In the first layer of the scheme, a single ANN was employed to classify 24 chromosomes into seven classes. In the second layer, seven ANNs were adaptively optimized for seven classes to identify individual chromosomes. The scheme was optimized and evaluated using a "training-testing-validation" method. In the first layer, the classification accuracy for the validation dataset was 92.9%. In the second layer, classification accuracy of seven ANNs ranged from 67.5% to 97.5%, in which six ANNs achieved accuracy above 93.7% and only one had lessened performance. The maximum difference of classification accuracy between the testing and validation datasets is <1.7%. The study demonstrates that this new scheme achieves higher and robust performance in classifying chromosomes.

No abstract

No abstract

In 2013, a survey on air quality (AQ) was conducted in Wuhan, China. The aim was to investigate public awareness of air pollution, and its epidemiological effect. This survey targeted both suburban and central city regions of Wuhan city, between August and December of 2013, where it engaged 1225 participants. Approximately 65% perceived AQ in Wuhan to be "bad". Over 95% recognized a causal association between air pollution and human health. About 65% were unaware of any action taken by the government to mitigate the air pollution situation. 84% indicated that the government should shut down highly polluting enterprises, while 95% expressed willingness to reduce private use of vehicles if required. The results demonstrate that the citizens of Wuhan are concerned about air pollution issues, and agree that improving AQ is the obligation of all citizens. Further, they called for concrete actions to improve AQ. The survey emphasized the need for better education and more activities to raise environmental awareness. The innovative aspects of this survey were the exploration of participants' perceptions of AQ issues and the survey results may influence local government to impose stricter regulations, and to develop more effective programs involving citizens.