Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Photoacoustic detection of glucose based on the pulsed laser induced ultrasonic combined with scanning position method

In order to accurately measure the glucose concentration, the photoacoustic spectroscopy combined with the scanning position method was used in this paper. Meanwhile, a kind of custom-built photoacoustic detection system was established. In this system, a 532nm pumped OPO pulsed laser was used as the excitation source, and a non-focused ultrasonic detector was used to capture the photoacoustic signals of phantom and glucose. To improve the measurement accuracy of glucose by using the photoacoustic spectroscopy, a scanning sub-system was established to accurately locate the position of the simulated vessel. In the experiments, to simulate the bio-tissue and the blood vessel in human body, a specimen made of agar block with a carbon bar and a silicon gel pipe was prepared to verify the availability and feasibility of the established photoacoustic detection system. According to the obtained photoacoustic peak-to-peak values of the specimen by scanning method, the position of the carbon bar and the silicon gel pipe in the specimen can be located. Then, to test the photoacoustic detection of glucose in the silicon gel pipe, a cycling sub-system was used to simulate the blood flow in the blood vessel. Based on the located position of the silica gel pipe, the focused laser spot was shifted and accurately irradiated into the silica gel pipe to induce the photoacoustic signals of glucose. By mean of the photoacoustic system, several different concentrations of glucose solutions were test, and the time-resolved photoacoustic signals and peak-to-peak values of glucose are all obtained. The prediction model of glucose concentration was established by using the linear fitting method. At the same time, the predicted result was compared with that of the glucose in the agar specimen. Results show that the novel photoacoustic detection of glucose is available. The correction coefficient of the glucose concentration prediction was improved by using the photoacoustic spectroscopy combined with the scanning position method.
Segmentation for high spatial resolution remote sensing images by combining quadtree with minimum spanning tree

This paper presents a high spatial resolution remote sensing image segmentation method by combining quadtree with minimum spanning tree. Firstly, the improved quadtree segmentation algorithm is used to divide the image iteratively into many over-segmented objects, which greatly facilitates the selection of initial segmentation parameters. Then the improved Morton coding is used to construct the spatial index of the generated over-segmented object and form the region adjacency relation. Combine spectral and texture features, the similarity between adjacent regions is calculated and the region merging criterion is constructed. Based on the idea of minimum spanning tree, the over-segmented objects are merged to generate multiple minimum spanning trees. During that process, the number of minimum spanning trees can be controlled to obtain ideal segmentation results. Compared with two other segmentation algorithms, the method proposed in this paper is more convenient to select segmentation parameters and has certain improvement in segmentation accuracy and object integrity of segmentation results.
Systemic AAV9.LAMP2B injection reverses metabolic and physiologic multiorgan dysfunction in a murine model of Danon disease

AAV9.LAMP2B corrects metabolic and physiologic manifestations of a murine model of Danon disease. Switching on the LAMP(2B) Mutations in the in the lysosomal-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2) cause Danon disease (DD), a rare X-linked myopathy associated with weakening of skeletal and heart muscles, multiorgan dysfunction, and intellectual disability. Currently, there is no specific treatment. Now, Manso et al. tested the efficacy of adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9)–mediated gene therapy delivering the human LAMP2B gene in Lamp2 KO mice, a model of DD. AAV9.LAMP2B injected systemically in mice restored protein expression in multiple organs, improved metabolic abnormalities and cardiac function, and increased survival. The results suggest that gene therapy delivery LAMP2B might be a therapeutic option for patients with DD. Danon disease (DD) is a rare X-linked autophagic vacuolar myopathy associated with multiorgan dysfunction, including the heart, skeletal muscle, and liver. There are no specific treatments, and most male patients die from advanced heart failure during the second or third decade of life. DD is caused by mutations in the lysosomal-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2) gene, a key mediator of autophagy. LAMP2 has three isoforms: LAMP2A, LAMP2B, and LAMP2C. LAMP2B is the predominant isoform expressed in cardiomyocytes. This study evaluates the efficacy of human LAMP2B gene transfer using a recombinant adeno-associated virus 9 carrying human LAMP2B (AAV9.LAMP2B) in a Lamp2 knockout (KO) mouse, a DD model. AAV9.LAMP2B was intravenously injected into 2- and 6-month-old Lamp2 KO male mice to assess efficacy in adolescent and adult phenotypes. Lamp2 KO mice receiving AAV9.LAMP2B demonstrated dose-dependent restoration of human LAMP2B protein in the heart, liver, and skeletal muscle tissue. Impaired autophagic flux, evidenced by increased LC3-II, was abrogated by LAMP2B gene transfer in all tissues in both cohorts. Cardiac function was also improved, and transaminases were reduced in AAV9.LAMP2B-treated KO mice, indicating favorable effects on the heart and liver. Survival was also higher in the older cohort receiving high vector doses. No anti-LAMP2 antibodies were detected in mice that received AAV9.LAMP2B. In summary, LAMP2B gene transfer improves metabolic and physiologic function in a DD murine model, suggesting that a similar therapeutic approach may be effective for treating patients with this highly morbid disease.
A method of 3D light field imaging through single layer of weak scattering media basd on deep learning

The study of imaging through scattering media especially 3D imaging is of great significance in many fields such as biomedical imaging. Recently, deep learning has been widely used in the field of information processing with its remarkable performance. In this paper, we proposed a method of three - dimensional imaging through scattering media based on deep learning. This method uses the deep neural network to process the information captured by the light field imaging system based on the microlens array, recovering the no-scattering 4D light field information, and then realize three-dimensional reconstruction by using the processed light field information. Deep learning method requires a large number of samples. But in many environments, it is difficult to obtain a large number of three-dimensional samples through experiment. To solve this crucial problem, we use incoherent light propagation model to simulate the light field propagation and generate samples which contains three-dimensional information through simulation. In this paper, we simulated the propagation of radiation emitted from objects behind a single layer of weak scattering media, generated a large number of samples of 4D light field information by simulation, trained the neural network and processed the test data set generated by simulation, and we realized the deblurring of the light field information which contains information of multiple layers of flat semitransparent objects, which could be used to realize the 3D reconstruction.
Golgi-derived PI(4)P-containing vesicles drive late steps of mitochondrial division

PI(4)P regulates mitochondrial fission Mitochondria are dynamic intracellular organelles, the shape and number of which are regulated by various cell-signaling pathways. Mitochondrial division is driven by the recruitment of a constricting guanosine triphosphatase protein at sites of contact with the endoplasmic reticulum, but other factors, including lysosomes, are also involved. Nagashima et al. now document an essential role for Golgi-derived vesicles bearing a specific lipid—phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate, or PI(4)P—in the final steps of mitochondrial division. Disruption of PI(4)P production results in mitochondrial morphological defects indicative of an inability to complete fission. Science, this issue p. 1366 Recruitment of Golgi-derived vesicles at mitochondria–endoplasmic reticulum contact sites triggers mitochondrial scission. Mitochondrial plasticity is a key regulator of cell fate decisions. Mitochondrial division involves Dynamin-related protein-1 (Drp1) oligomerization, which constricts membranes at endoplasmic reticulum (ER) contact sites. The mechanisms driving the final steps of mitochondrial division are still unclear. Here, we found that microdomains of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate [PI(4)P] on trans-Golgi network (TGN) vesicles were recruited to mitochondria–ER contact sites and could drive mitochondrial division downstream of Drp1. The loss of the small guanosine triphosphatase ADP-ribosylation factor 1 (Arf1) or its effector, phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIIβ [PI(4)KIIIβ], in different mammalian cell lines prevented PI(4)P generation and led to a hyperfused and branched mitochondrial network marked with extended mitochondrial constriction sites. Thus, recruitment of TGN-PI(4)P–containing vesicles at mitochondria–ER contact sites may trigger final events leading to mitochondrial scission.
An untethered isoperimetric soft robot

A large-scale, isoperimetric, untethered, soft robot changes shape by manipulating constant-length inflated tubes using movable joints. For robots to be useful for real-world applications, they must be safe around humans, be adaptable to their environment, and operate in an untethered manner. Soft robots could potentially meet these requirements; however, existing soft robotic architectures are limited by their ability to scale to human sizes and operate at these scales without a tether to transmit power or pressurized air from an external source. Here, we report an untethered, inflated robotic truss, composed of thin-walled inflatable tubes, capable of shape change by continuously relocating its joints, while its total edge length remains constant. Specifically, a set of identical roller modules each pinch the tube to create an effective joint that separates two edges, and modules can be connected to form complex structures. Driving a roller module along a tube changes the overall shape, lengthening one edge and shortening another, while the total edge length and hence fluid volume remain constant. This isoperimetric behavior allows the robot to operate without compressing air or requiring a tether. Our concept brings together advantages from three distinct types of robots—soft, collective, and truss-based—while overcoming certain limitations of each. Our robots are robust and safe, like soft robots, but not limited by a tether; are modular, like collective robots, but not limited by complex subunits; and are shape-changing, like truss robots, but not limited by rigid linear actuators. We demonstrate two-dimensional (2D) robots capable of shape change and a human-scale 3D robot capable of punctuated rolling locomotion and manipulation, all constructed with the same modular rollers and operating without a tether.
ECONOMICS Environmental Regulation and Export Product Quality: Evidence from Chinese Firms

The Chinese government adopted a series of pollution reduction targets in its eleventh five-year (2006-2010) economic development program. Whether this program can achieve its goal of pollution reduction and quality improvement for exports is of vital importance for China’s sustainable development. This paper aims to investigate the effects of these environmental regulation policies on export product quality by using the quasi-difference-in-difference method. Empirical results show that the implementation of these pollution reduction targets significantly reduces export product quality. This negative impact is more profound in western regions, capital-intensive sectors and privately-owned firms. Moreover, the negative effect is only observed among firms exporting to non-OECD countries, whereas the export quality of firms exporting to OECD countries is positively affected by the new policy. Lastly, our extended analysis shows that the negative effects can be mitigated through product switching within the firms.
Assessment of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes based on their agronomic characters and tolerance to biotic stress

Abstract. The aim of the study was to investigate the occurrence and severity of biotic stress factors, quality and agronomic parameters and its effect on yield and quality character of wheat genotypes. The experiment was conducted at Trakia Agricultural Research Institute, Edirne experimental area, during 2013-2015 cropping years. Grain yield, days of heading, plant height, 1000-kernel weight, test weight, protein ratio, leaf rust, stripe rust, Septoria leaf spot and relationship among these parameters were investigated. Based on a two years data, apart from protein content, other parameters showed significant difference (p<0.05). When compared to the mean yields in both cropping years, the genotypes Gelibolu and BBVD-3, BBVD-4, BBVD-9 genotypes were determined the better-adapted genotypes under target environment. Cultivar Aldane and TCI011322-8 line was detected as very tolerant to leaf rust and stripe rust in both years under the infection of field condition. Aldane had higher protein ratio, 1000-kernel weight and test weight. Grain yield was positively correlated with test weight and negatively correlated with foliar diseases. A highly significant negative correlation was determined between grain yield and plant height in both growing years. Leaf rust and Septoria tritici leaf disease had negative effect on protein ratio in both years. There was a significant positive relation between 1000-kernel weight and test weight. Results of the study indicated that based on biotic stress factors BBVD-6, BBVD-7 and TCI011322-8 are promising lines that need to be improved a bit further.
Imaging and computational modeling of tricuspid regurgitation and repair

The tricuspid valve (TV) and right ventricle (RV) are a complex mechanical system. Tricuspid regurgitation impacts a growing and heterogeneous population, leading to right-sided volume overload and right heart failure if left untreated. In part because isolated surgical tricuspid valve repair (TVR) is performed infrequently and has a high mortality, several percutaneous TVR options are being developed. However, the mechanical effects of different types of percutaneous or surgical TVR are unclear. Both the quality of RV imaging and the power of cardiac computational modeling have increased, and accurate computational models of the TV + RV with simulated TVR are now possible. Computational models of TV + RV may aid in patient selection and procedural planning prior to surgical and percutaneous TVR.
Principles for Surgical Management of Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a worsening global pandemic affecting over 33.5 million people worldwide. It has significant healthcare and financial implication. Medical management has not been able to provide all the required solutions. Surgery for AF has evolved as an additive armamentarium to address the residual problems. This manuscript reviews the evolution of AF surgery and the use of alternative energy sources. The goal of treating AF is to achieve sinus rhythm or rate control, adequate cardiac output and prevention of thromboembolic event. Continuing pharmacologic agents to maintain or achieve this goal after surgery should not be regarded as a marker of failure of surgery. There is need for further research to address the pathology and treatment of AF. Chapter 5
Mobilizing Change for Women Within Collective Tenure Regimes

This paper is organized in two parts. The first part provides relevant background information. It discusses a framework for analyzing women’s land tenure security in collective tenure regimes; the research methodology on which this study is based; and the relevant reforms, laws, and norms in the countries covered by this study. The second part of the paper presents the results of the gendered analysis of these reforms. The discussion of results describes the extent to which women participate in or benefit from these reforms as well as how women’s participation and benefits compare to those of their male peers, which will show the gender gap. The findings are presented by tenure regime and by type of reform (defined below). The paper seeks to inform ongoing and future reforms to ensure they reach out, include, and protect the rights of women and other groups that might be vulnerable in the context of reforms.
Analyzing and Predicting Students performance using Artificial Intelligence: A Case Study in Sultanate of Oman

: This research proposed to analyze and predict grade 10 students’ performance in Mathematics for the Sultanate of Oman. Several factors were considered in this research that may influence students’ performance such as factors related to the student textbook, school environment, factors associated with the teacher, and factor related to student behaviors and human and physical resources. The primary data was collected using questionnaires and secondary data such as students result in mathematics subject collected from the Ministry of Education (educational portal database). A sample of 1300 students with the low performance in Mathematics, was taken from 13 schools especially government schools in the Muscat region for the school year 2018-2019 to develop classification model which can efficiently classify and predict grade 10 students’ performance in Mathematics based on some related attributes which can be helpful to guide the students with the low performance initially. For the classification model, two algorithms have been applied Neural Network and Decision tree and selected the best algorithm based on the accuracy. The results of the experiments shown that neural network classifier outperforms the decision tree, by achieving overall accuracy of 91%, both the classifiers perform better with attribute filter while removed of zero effect variables. The finding revealed that the frequent absence of the teacher and student’s internal mark (class test performance) are the most effective factors that affect students’ performance. This research will help the teachers to know the students’ performance in advance and take suitable action at the right time, as well as provide appropriate counseling and advising to the student, hence failing ratio will reduce.
Factors that Influence UiTM’s Undergraduates towards Entrepreneurial Intentions

Entrepreneur’s intentions form the initial strategic template of new organizations, are important underpinnings of new venture development. The study is to determine which entrepreneurial characteristics of respondents such as internal locus of control, need for achievement, risk-taking propensity and self-efficacy would influence them towards their entrepreneurial intentions. In this study, the researchers randomly selected respondent’s students from UiTM Perlis. They are graduating undergraduates who had voluntarily attended the Undergraduates Basic Entrepreneurship Course (KAKS). KAKS is a basic undergraduate entrepreneurship-training program specifically allocated for graduating students. The National Entrepreneurship Institute (INSKEN) sponsors this program. The Malaysian Entrepreneurial Development Center (MASMED) with the consent and cooperation from UiTM organizes this program. The result of the study based on the entrepreneurial characteristics of respondents will be useful in selecting and training potential entrepreneur graduates undergoing this program in the future.
Comparison of retrograde intrarenal surgery, mini percutaneous and super mini percutaneous in the treatment of <2cm renal lower pole stones

Renal lower pole stones are a common disorder in the community. In this study, we aimed to compare Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), Mini PCNL(percutaneous nephrolithotomy) and Super Mini PCNL treatments in the treatment of lower pole stones. Patients who had lower pol renal stones with
Technical complaints submitted to the Regulatory Health Notification and Investigation System

RESUMO This study aimed to evaluate technical complaints submitted to the Regulatory Health Notification and Investigation System between 2006 and 2014 through cross-sectional, quantitative, documental research of a secondary public database. It was identified that, of the 245,940 notifications put forward, 109,311 referred to technical complaints. The Southeast region presented the highest information submission (53.5%) and the North presented the greatest difference in quantity of notifications between states (coefficient of variation = 159.2), followed by the Northeast (coefficient of variation = 124.8). Most of the cases of notifications were on medical articles (53.09%) with equipment being the most notified product (19%). Risk to patient health was identified in 56,777 cases, with the highest frequency being in regard to materials of low or medium risk. Sentinela Network hospitals were the principal sources of notifications. In the analyzed period there was a gradual annual increase in the number of technical complaint notifications, especially regarding medical articles used in invasive procedures. Descriptors: Product Surveillance, Postmarketing; Equipment Safety; Nursing; Patient Safety.
Observer-Based Adaptive Fuzzy Tracking Control for Strict-Feedback Nonlinear Systems With Unknown Control Gain Functions

This article investigates the adaptive fuzzy output-feedback backstepping control design problem for uncertain strict-feedback nonlinear systems in the presence of unknown virtual and actual control gain functions and unmeasurable states. A fuzzy state observer is designed via fuzzy-logic systems, thus the unmeasurable states are estimated based on the designed fuzzy state observer. By constructing the logarithm Lyapunov functions and incorporating the property of the fuzzy basis functions and bounded control design technique into the adaptive backstepping recursive design, a novel observer-based adaptive fuzzy output-feedback control method is developed. The proposed fuzzy adaptive output-feedback backstepping control scheme can remove the restrictive assumptions in the previous literature that the virtual control gains and actual control gain functions must be constants. Furthermore, it can make the control system be semiglobally uniformly ultimately boundedness (SGUUB) and keep the observer and tracking errors to remain in a small neighborhood of the origin. The numerical simulation example is presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme and theory.