Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical Random Walker Segmentation for Large Volumetric Biomedical Images

The random walker method for image segmentation is a popular tool for semi-automatic image segmentation, especially in the biomedical field. However, its linear asymptotic run time and memory requirements make application to 3D datasets of increasing sizes impractical. We propose a hierarchical framework that, to the best of our knowledge, is the first attempt to overcome these restrictions for the random walker algorithm and achieves sublinear run time and constant memory complexity. The goal of this framework is– rather than improving the segmentation quality compared to the baseline method– to make interactive segmentation on out-of-core datasets possible. The method is evaluated quantitatively on synthetic data and the CT-ORG dataset where the expected improvements in algorithm run time while maintaining high segmentation quality are confirmed. The incremental (i.e., interaction update) run time is demonstrated to be in seconds on a standard PC even for volumes of hundreds of gigabytes in size. In a small case study the applicability to large real world from current biomedical research is demonstrated. An implementation of the presented method is publicly available in version 5.2 of the widely used volume rendering and processing software Voreen (https://www.uni-muenster.de/Voreen/).
CMDNet: Learning a Probabilistic Relaxation of Discrete Variables for Soft Detection With Low Complexity

Following the great success of Machine Learning (ML), especially Deep Neural Networks (DNNs), in many research domains in 2010s, several ML-based approaches were proposed for detection in large inverse linear problems, e.g., massive MIMO systems. The main motivation behind is that the complexity of Maximum A-Posteriori (MAP) detection grows exponentially with system dimensions. Instead of using DNNs, essentially being a black-box, we take a slightly different approach and introduce a probabilistic Continuous relaxation of disCrete variables to MAP detection. Enabling close approximation and continuous optimization, we derive an iterative detection algorithm: Concrete MAP Detection (CMD). Furthermore, extending CMD by the idea of deep unfolding into CMDNet, we allow for (online) optimization of a small number of parameters to different working points while limiting complexity. In contrast to recent DNN-based approaches, we select the optimization criterion and output of CMDNet based on information theory and are thus able to learn approximate probabilities of the individual optimal detector. This is crucial for soft decoding in today’s communication systems. Numerical simulation results in MIMO systems reveal CMDNet to feature a promising accuracy complexity trade-off compared to State of the Art. Notably, we demonstrate CMDNet’s soft outputs to be reliable for decoders.
Preparation and characterization of gel polymer electrolytes using poly(ionic liquids) and high lithium salt concentration ionic liquids

Polymerized ionic liquids or poly(ionic liquids) (polyILs) have been considered as promising hosts for fabrication of gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) containing ionic liquids. In this work, a novel GPE based on a polyIL, poly(diallyldimethylammonium) bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (PDADMA TFSI), and a high lithium-concentration phosphonium ionic liquid, trimethyl(isobutyl)phosphonium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (P111i4FSI), is prepared. The composition-dependent behaviour of the GPEs is investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (solid-state NMR). The effects of Al2O3 nano-particles on the polymer electrolyte properties are also discussed. It is shown that the introduction of high lithium-concentration ionic liquids into the polyIL can effectively decrease the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the resulting GPE, leading to improved ion dynamics and higher ionic conductivity. The Al2O3 nano-particles effectively enhanced the mechanical stability of the GPEs. Most importantly, although adding PDADMA TFSI to the ionic liquids decreases the diffusion coefficient of both Li+ and anions, a greater decrease in the anion diffusion is observed, resulting in a higher Li+ transport number (as evaluated by NMR) than that seen in the original ILs. Finally, a highly conductive free-standing GPE membrane is fabricated, and extremely stable lithium symmetrical cell performance is demonstrated.
Enhancement of Electrochemical Performance of Bilirubin Oxidase Modified Gas Diffusion Biocathode by Porphyrin Precursor

Recent studies have focused on tailoring the catalytic currents of multicopper oxidase (MCO) enzymes-based biocathodes to enhance oxygen reduction. Biocathodes modified with natural substrates specific for MCO enzymes demonstrated drastic improvement for oxygen reduction. Performance of 1-pyrenebutanoic acid, succinimidyl ester (PBSE), and 2,5-dimethyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrrole-3-carbaldehyde (Di-Carb) oriented bilirubin oxidase (BOx) modified gas diffusion biocathode has been highly improved by incorporating hematin, a porphyrin precursor as electron transfer enhancement moiety. Hematin modified electrodes demonstrated direct electron transfer reaction of BOx exhibiting larger O2 reduction in current density in phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.0) without the need of a mediator. A remarkable improvement in the catalytic currents with 2.5-fold increase compared to non-hematin modified oriented BOx electrodes was achieved. Moreover, a mediatorless and compartmentless glucose/O2 biofuel cell based on DET-type bioelectrocatalysis via the BOx cathode and the glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) anode demonstrated peak power densities of 1 mW/cm2 at pH 7.0 with 100 mM glucose/10 mM NAD fuel. The maximum current density of 1.6 mA/cm2 and the maximum power density of 0.4 mW/cm2 were achieved at 300 mV with nonmodified BOx cathode, while 3.5 mA/cm2 and 1.1 mW/cm2 of current and power density were achieved with hematin modified cathode. The performance improved 2.4 times which attributes to the hematin acting as a natural precursor and activator for BOx activity enhancement.
Using learners’ self-generated quizzes in online courses

ABSTRACT This qualitative study, through the lens of Bloom’s revised taxonomy, investigates adult learners’ self-generated quiz activity on their online learning in a graduate-level course offered in 3 semesters. The quiz activity aimed to engage students to think about their learning goals while actively interacting with the learning content and performing from an instructor’s perspective with the assessment tools they created. Furthermore, completing the activity was also intended to support the learners in the online class and evaluate their learning performance. Findings show that the quiz activity promotes learners’ active learning and motivates them to think and use questions for assessing their peers’ learning. Self-generated quizzes enhance learners’ engagement with the learning content and improve their cognitive processes to gain knowledge. Findings also indicate that adult learners benefit from creating an assessment tool as practical skills in online learning for their future career and current work settings as educators.
Complicated grief group therapy for community-residing persons diagnosed with serious mental illness

ABSTRACT The traumatic death of a significant person is an under-appreciated adverse life event. Unresolved grief from traumatic death is associated with complicated grief (CG) in adulthood and both contribute to and sustain serious mental illness in adulthood. Persons diagnosed with serious mental illness experiencing CG represent vulnerable persons for whom traditional care is therapeutically insufficient, when the trauma of underlying grief is unaddressed. We examined the feasibility and impact of community implementation of Complicated Grief Group Therapy for persons diagnosed with serious mental illness with CG. Program completers showed statistically significant improvement in grief measures and interpersonal well-being.
Belonging to Quebec and English Canada as Muslims: The Perspectives of the Highly Educated Uyghur Immigrants

Abstract Following the rise of Islamophobia, Muslims in the West have been experiencing increasingly challenging identity dilemmas. Canada is not an exception. This article, at the intersection of Critical Race Theory and post-colonial perspectives, analyzes the narratives of 13 highly educated Uyghur Muslim immigrants living in Quebec and some English provinces of Canada. Their stories show that many of them have become subject to multiple identity dilemmas common to other Muslim diaspora groups, while also facing some challenges unique to their own background. This article further highlights the Uyghur’s experiences through a new angle: they all appear to have developed an us/Muslim immigrant vs. them/white Canadians’ dichotomy. In the province of Quebec, their narratives reveal “oppositional consciousness” against the dominant white Quebecers, which is quite political, while in English provinces they may see their Muslim identity more as “oppositional culture” against the white English Canadians, which is much less political.
Research and method of air burst fracturing

Abstract At present, shale gas pressure fracturing volume development technology tends to be mature, shale gas backlog fracturing ends and enters the trial production stage. Due to the improper control of oil nozzle or its causes, the output drops sharply, or the drainage in the production process makes the funnel effect near the wellbore zone, resulting in the closure of the main fracture passage near the wellbore. However, the far-end complex sealing network structure produced by volume fracturing technology is still not fully closed, or secondary fractures occur in the absence of support for the original wellbore fractures or new complex fractures occur in the vicinity of the wellbore. The simple use of high-energy gas fracturing requires low cost, safety and simple and efficient characteristics, and the requirements for surface equipment are not too high. Existing methods mainly include well testing, sand washing by coiled tubing, gas lifting by coiled tubing, wellbore plugging removal, pumping and drainage by supplementary pressure well operator, etc. They can not fundamentally solve the need of closing or reopening new fractures in wellbore, and can not make new complex unclosed fractures near wellbore zone (without secondary fracturing). If the investment of surface equipment for secondary fracturing is similar to that of the first volume fracturing, and the investment is similar, the more complex situation will arise because of filtration and other reasons. At present, low concentration methane in air and wellbore is used to oxidize and exothermic to produce CO2 and H2O, and release energy at the same time. Temperature and pressure are the main means of energy in limited space. High energy gas formed after volume work can help to reopen the original fracture and form a new type of high energy gas fracturing method by means of air ignition and explosion, because the effect of high energy gas fracturing is not affected by stress, new cracks can be produced, and this crack can avoid overlapping with previous cracks. In particular, it can be pointed out that due to the improvement of thermal recovery of heavy oil and other means, the ground operation equipment has the commonality, and reasonable optimization of the construction plan can achieve the established purpose.
What gets them going? The effects of activation policies on personal change processes of unemployed youth

ABSTRACT Activation policies are widely adopted to encourage labour market participation of unemployed youth, and yet they are poorly understood and monitored with regard to the causal mechanisms unfolding through their implementation. Activation schemes are often based on the carrot-and-stick logic informed by microeconomic job search theory, but activation occurs through processes which are far more complex and comprises elements of career identity and capability development, among others. This paper is the first to provide an in-depth exploration of the processes of attitudinal and behavioural change experienced by unemployed youth over the course of their participation in different activation programmes. Seven phases of change emerged from the analysis, namely vocational availability, self-testing, self-knowledge, self-confidence, goal-orientation, vocational activity and perseverance. For each of these phases, we identify drivers of change from both within and outside the intervention sphere, and discuss them in their implications for research and practice.
Analytical and numerical treatment to the (2+1)-dimensional Date-Jimbo-Kashiwara-Miwa equation

Abstract In this work, we study the (2 + 1)-dimensional Date-Jimbo-Kashiwara-Miwa (DJKM) equation. We employ the extended tanh function method and the simple equation method to achieve analytical soliton solutions. Moreover, numerical treatment for this equation is introduced by the finite difference method. We justify the accuracy of the obtained results by exhibiting illustrative tables and proper graphs.
The NATO terminology programme and NATOTerm

a. NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, was founded in 1949 by a group of ten Western European states together with the USA and Canada to counter the perceived threat from the Soviet Union and, in its initial stages, to prevent any resurgence of German ambitions. Whereas at first NATO was little more than a political association, the Korean War (1950-1953) brought the realization that a more robust organization, known as the integrated military structure, was required.
Automatic translation tools at WIPO

Introduction The World Intellectual Property Organization has access to millions of patent applications written in several languages (the abstract of each “PCT application” has to be available in at least French and English). With our search engine PATENTSCOPE, users can search and browse this collection in addition to other national collections in various languages (English, French, Spanish, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Portuguese). A statistical machine translation (SMT) software tool can use our huge parallel corpora to learn different language pair translation models, as carried out here at WIPO, in addition to a “cross-lingual information access” tool, WIPO now offers users an assistant to translate patent applications and a tool more specifically targeted at assisting translators to accelerate the translation of patent applications in an interactive way.
Inertial effects on the flow near a moving contact line

Abstract The wetting or dewetting of a solid substrate by a liquid involves the motion of the contact line between the two phases. One of the parameters that govern the dynamics of the flow near a moving contact line is the local Reynolds number, $\rho$. At sufficient proximity to the moving contact line, where $\rho \ll 1$, the flow is dominated by viscous forces over inertia. However, further away from the contact line, or at higher speeds of motion, inertia is also expected to be influential. In such cases, the current contact line models, which assume Stokes flow and neglect inertia entirely, would be inaccurate in describing the hydrodynamic flow fields. Hence, to account for inertia, here we perform a regular perturbation expansion in $\rho$, of the streamfunction near the Stokes solution. We, however, find that the leading-order inertial correction thus obtained is singular at a critical contact angle of $0.715 {\rm \pi}$. We resolve this spurious mathematical singularity by incorporating the eigenfunction terms, which physically represent flows due to disturbances originating far from the contact line. In particular, we propose a stick slip on the solid boundary – arising from local surface heterogeneities – as the mechanism that generates these disturbance flows. The resulting singularity-free, inertia-corrected streamfunction shows significant deviation from the Stokes solution in the visco-inertial regime ($\rho \sim 1$). Furthermore, we quantify the effect of inertia by analysing its contribution to the velocity at the liquid interface. We also provide the leading-order inertial correction to the dynamic contact angles predicted by the classical Cox–Voinov model; while inertia has considerable effect on the hydrodynamic flow fields, we find that it has little to no influence on the dynamic contact angles.
Odor dispersion modeling with CALPUFF: Case study of a waste and residue treatment incineration and utilization plant in Kocaeli, Turkey

ABSTRACT This study addresses the odor problem at a waste and residue treatment incineration and utilization plant located within the borders the Alikahya district of the Kocaeli province in Turkey. In the first stage of the study, odor measurements were made at designated sampling points, while in the second stage, odor concentrations were determined at the receptor points through dispersion modelling using a USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) certified long-range (>50 km) CALPUFF lagrangian puff model. In the final stage, an analysis of the predicted and observed values was carried out using such statistical methods as geometric mean bias (MG), geometric variance (VG) and fractions of predictions within a factor of two observations (FAC2). During the modelling study, the highest one-hour concentration level was found to be 1868.10 OU (Odor Units), and the 24-hour concentration level was found to be 1316 OU, representing a decrease of approximately 30 percent. According to the measurement made, the maximum concentration value was 2455 OU. Odor measurements were carried out at 13 points within the area in order to assess the prediction results. When the results were assessed using the MG, VG and FAC2 statistical methods, it was observed that an acceptable model performance was not achieved for the whole sampling point. When the reason for this was investigated, it was concluded that the observed values were lower than the predicted values due to the fact on the measurement days, the odor was dispersed by wind. It was further concluded that the observed values were higher than the predicted values as a result of odors emitted by other plants in the area. When the measurements in residential areas were examined to identify the effect of the odors, it was determined that although the primary density of settlement is to the southwest of the plant, it was not this area that was affected most, but rather the area to the northeast, where there is a lower settlement density.
Are the Growth Standards of the World Health Organization Valid for Spanish Children? The SONEV Study

Background: The use of different growth tables to assess the population's nutritional status has given rise to a series of limitations arising from the lack of consensus and uniform methodological criteria. This leads to a disparity of results that prevent an accurate and reliable diagnosis of whether a child is overweight or obese. Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop growth references for weight, height, and body mass index for Eastern-Spanish children from 6 to 16 years of age. Methods: The final sample used to fit the growth curves was made up of 1,102 observations. The 2007 WHO curves are currently used for Child Health Service Cards. Therefore, to make the comparison of the internal values obtained as realistic as possible, the same construction method has been used for the internal curves, modeling age as a continuous variable and simultaneously adjusting the curves, smoothing them using cubic splines and further smoothing the edge effects by means of data extending above or below the upper and lower age limits. Results: Growth curves for percentiles were constructed for both sexes and higher values were noticeably found to set as growth-standard compared to WHO-standards. Conclusion: Our analysis shows that the WHO 2007 standard references are not suitable for Eastern-Spanish children. The standards shown in this study are much more realistic and current, and we believe that their use will help healthcare professionals more effectively combat the current epidemic of overweight and obesity.
Perturbation Training for Fall-Risk Reduction in Healthy Older Adults: Interference and Generalization to Opposing Novel Perturbations Post Intervention

This study examined the effects of perturbation training on the contextual interference and generalization of encountering a novel opposing perturbation. One hundred and sixty-nine community-dwelling healthy older adults (69.6 ± 6.4 years) were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: slip-perturbation training (St, n = 67) group received 24 slips, trip-perturbation training (Tt, n = 67) group received 24 trips, and control (Ctrl: n = 31) group received only non-perturbed walking trials (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03199729; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03199729). After training, all groups had 30 min of rest and three post-training non-perturbed walking trials, followed by a reslip and a novel trip trial for St, a retrip and a novel slip trial for Tt, and randomized novel slip and trip trials for Ctrl. The margin of stability (MOS), step length, and toe clearance of post-training walking trials were compared among three groups to examine interferences in proactive adjustment. Falls, MOS at the instant of recovery foot touchdown, and hip height of post-training perturbation trials were investigated to detect interferences and generalization in reactive responses. Results indicated that prior adaptation to slip perturbation training, resulting in walking with a greater MOS (more anterior) and a shorter step length (p < 0.01) than that of the Ctrl group, would be associated with a greater likelihood to forward balance loss if encountered with a trip. The trip adaptation training mainly induced a higher toe clearance during walking (p < 0.01) than the Ctrl group, which could lead to reduced effectiveness of the reactive response when encountered with a novel slip. However, there was no difference in the reactive MOS, limb support, and falls between the control group and the slip and trip training groups on their respective opposing novel perturbation post-training (MOS, limb support, and falls for novel slip: Tt = Ctrl; for the novel trip: St = Ctrl, both p > 0.05). Current findings suggested that, although perturbation training results in proactive adjustments that could worsen the reactive response (interference) when exposed to an unexpected opposing perturbation, older adults demonstrated the ability to immediately generalize the training-induced adaptive reactive control to maintain MOS, to preserve limb support control, and to reduce fall risk.