In this paper, utilization of clustering algorithms for data fusion in decision level is proposed. The results of automatic isolated word recognition, which are derived from speech spectrograph and Linear Predictive Coding (LPC) analysis, are combined with each other by using fuzzy clustering algorithms, especially fuzzy k-means and fuzzy vector quantization. Experimental results show that the ...

The past four years have seen a steady increase in the number of companies that offer direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing services and in the number of such tests for genetic risk factors, including a wide range of diseases and other non-disease-related traits. These companies sell their tests outside the traditional healthcare setting and often do not involve healthcare professionals for ...

OBJECTIVE To analyse national data on asbestos use and related diseases in the European Region of the World Health Organization (WHO). METHODS For each of the 53 countries, per capita asbestos use (kg/capita/year) and age-adjusted mortality rates (deaths/million persons/year) due to mesothelioma and asbestosis were calculated using the databases of the United States Geological Survey and WHO,...

Three strains of facultatively anaerobic thermotolerant and moderately halophilic bacteria were isolated from two Jordanian hot spring locations. The novel Bacillus strains were short rods, Gram-positive, motile and spore formers. The strains were capable of anaerobic (but not aerobic) growth at 63C, moderately halophilic, able to grow at NaCl concentration range of 12 15 % and at temperatures ...

OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of a partial smoking ban followed by a total smoking ban in a psychiatric hospital in Switzerland. METHODS In 2003, smoking was allowed everywhere in psychiatric units. In 2004, smoking was prohibited everywhere except in smoking rooms. In 2006, smoking rooms were removed and smoking was totally prohibited indoors. Patients and staff were surveyed in 2003 (n=106...