Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reproducibility and Clinical Validation of Automated Habenula Segmentation via deep Learning in Major Depressive Disorder with 7 Tesla MRI

The habenula is one of the most important brain regions for investigating the etiology of psychiatric diseases such as major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the habenula is challenging to delineate with the naked human eye in brain imaging due to its low contrast and tiny size, and the manual segmentation results vary greatly depending on the observer. Therefore, there is a great need for automatic quantitative analytic methods of the habenula for psychiatric research purposes. Here we propose a fully-automated segmentation and volume estimation method for the habenula in 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging based on a novel fully convolutional network. The proposed method, using the data of 69 participants (33 patients with MDD and 36 normal controls), achieved an average precision, sensitivity, and dice similarity coefficient of 0.869, 0.865, and 0.852, respectively, in the automated segmentation task. Moreover, the intraclass correlation coefficient reached 0.870 in the volume estimation task. This study demonstrates that this deep learning-based method can provide accurate and quantitative analytic results of the habenula. By providing rapid and quantitative information on the habenula, we expect our proposed method will aid future psychiatric disease studies.
Stepwise unfolding of a multi-tryptophan protein MPT63 with immunoglobulin-like fold: detection of zone-wise perturbation during guanidine hydrochloride-induced unfolding using phosphorescence spectroscopy

A combination of circular dichroism, steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence, and low temperature phosphorescence spectroscopy has been used to study guanidine hydrochloride (Gdn)-induced stepwise unfolding of MPT63, a small protein with immunoglobulin-like fold. A simple, rapid and inexpensive low temperature (77 K) phosphorescence (LTP) study of MPT63, having four Trp residues, in a suitable aqueous cryogenic solvent clearly indicates that the most exposed Trp 82 and the deeply buried Trp 129 exhibit a greater probability of being unfolded in comparison to the partially exposed Trp 48 during Gdn-induced unfolding. The partially exposed Trp 48 practically conserves its environment up to 1.6 M Gdn concentrations. The excitation wavelength-dependent LTP and lifetime of the triplet state further support the contention. Tyrosine residues which are silent in free MPT63 start exhibiting emission when the concentration of Gdn reaches 1.6 M. The overall solvent exposure of the Trp residues in the fully unfolded state of MPT63 is observed to be less than that observed for a Trp residue in a tripeptide and a heptapeptide in a 40% ethylene glycol matrix. The specific detection of perturbation of the environment of individual Trp residues during gradual unfolding has been achieved without using any Trp substituted mutant. This is possible since the wild-type MPT63 exhibits unusual optical resolution of all four Trp residues by LTP due to the special architecture of MPT63, where the four Trp residues are well distributed in its tertiary structure.
Composition proximate, bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity of Butia capitata

Fruit consumption by humans is recognized to be important because it provides nutrients and bioactive compounds that contribute to reducing the risk of developing various diseases, including non-communicable diseases and chronic diseases (Slavin & Lloyd, 2012). In this context, several fruits underutilized in human food have been receiving special attention from the scientific community as a source of nutrients, bioactive compounds and due to their nutritional and functional properties.
Multiple‐input multiple‐output system design of multidimensional orthogonal frequency division multiplexing system with coded direct index modulation

In this paper, two kinds of design methods of combining the multidimensional (MD) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) with coded direct index modulation (CDIM) system and multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) technology are proposed to increase the spectrum efficiency more. These systems can be called as dimension‐dependent system and dimension‐independent system, respectively. MD‐OFDM‐CDIM was proposed to overcome the limitations of the spectral efficiency of MD‐OFDM. It has some advantages in terms of spectral efficiency and the performance is comparable to OFDM. However, there is a lack of compatibility studies with MIMO to increase the spectral efficiency. Therefore, in this paper, the compatibility of MD‐OFDM‐CDIM with MIMO is shown and the performance of the combined MIMO MD‐OFDM‐CDIM systems is evaluated. The simulation results show that the performance of the two proposed systems are similar under the conditions for the same spectral efficiency. However, the dimension‐independent system is better than the dimension‐dependent system because the reception processing complexity of the dimension‐dependent system increases significantly as the numbers of transmission and reception antennas go to higher.
Extraction of Tea Aroma by Absorption Column Method and SDE Method

To work out a good method of tea aroma extraction and study its conditions,XAD-2 resin was selected as an absorbent of absorptive column method on the basis of the results of comparison experiments of four resins. The essential oil prepared by the absorptive column method and the simultaneous distillated extraction method(SDE) was identified and quantified by GC and GC-MS. The total contents of essential oil by the absorptive column method and SDE were 87.93 and 26.62,respectively. The contents of the alcohols,aldehydes,ketones,esters and nitrogenous compounds by SDE were 3.7,4.0,3.0,4.5 and 5.2 times than those by absorptive column method.A lot of pyrazines,pyrroles,furans were obtained by SDE.Some formation and decomposition reactions happened during the extraction by SDE,but such secondary reactions were few during the extraction by absorptive column method.
High-Performance Tracking for Piezoelectric Actuators Using Super-Twisting Algorithm Based on Artificial Neural Networks

Piezoelectric actuators (PEA) are frequently employed in applications where nano-Micr-odisplacement is required because of their high-precision performance. However, the positioning is affected substantially by the hysteresis which resembles in an nonlinear effect. In addition, hysteresis mathematical models own deficiencies that can influence on the reference following performance. The objective of this study was to enhance the tracking accuracy of a commercial PEA stack actuator with the implementation of a novel approach which consists in the use of a Super-Twisting Algorithm (STA) combined with artificial neural networks (ANN). A Lyapunov stability proof is bestowed to explain the theoretical solution. Experimental results of the proposed method were compared with a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller. The outcomes in a real PEA reported that the novel structure is stable as it was proved theoretically, and the experiments provided a significant error reduction in contrast with the PID.
Phase identification and morphology of CaCO3/CaO from Achatina Fulica snail shell as the base material for Hydroxyapatite

Snail shell is an abundance of waste in Indonesia, particularly from snail or Achatina fulica snail. Snail shell has high calcium content; thus, it can be used as an alternative replacement for CaO/CaCO3. This research aimed to make CaCO3 and CaO from the Achatina fulica snail shell waste as the base material of hydroxyapatite. The synthesis process of CaO/CaCO3 used the ball milling method for 6 hours in various sintering temperature of 850 °C, 950 °C, 1050 °C. The synthesised samples were then characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM-EDX) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The XRD results showed the successful synthesis of snail shell waste into CaCO3 and CaO with the smallest particle size from each temperature variation were 17.60 nm, 30.16 nm, and 53.30 nm. The SEM images showed agglomeration and porosity in all samples. The EDX test results displayed the highest Ca (calcium) was found in the sample with 1050°C sintering temperature, and the highest O (oxygen) level was found in the sample with 850 °C sintering temperature. The FTIR test results presented the functional group transformation from CaCO3 into higher CaO along with the increase of the sintering temperature.
High quality GaN-on-SiC with low thermal boundary resistance by employing an ultrathin AlGaN buffer layer

High quality GaN films on SiC with low thermal boundary resistance (TBR) are achieved by employing an ultrathin low Al content AlGaN buffer layer. Compared with the conventional thick AlN buffer layer, the ultrathin buffer layer can not only improve the crystal quality of the subsequent GaN layer but also reduce the TBR at the GaN/SiC interface simultaneously. The ultrathin AlGaN buffer layer is introduced by performing a pretreatment of the SiC substrate with trimethylaluminum followed by the growth of GaN with an enhanced lateral growth rate. The enhanced lateral growth rate contributes to the formation of basal plane stacking faults (BSFs) in the GaN layer, where the BSFs can significantly reduce the threading dislocation density. We reveal underling mechanisms of reducing TBR and dislocation density by the ultrathin buffer layer. We propose this work is of great importance toward the performance improvement and cost reduction of higher power GaN-on-SiC electronics.
Extended Adjacent Local Binary Pattern for Texture Based Image Retrieval

In this paper, a novel local texture descriptor named Extended Adjacent Local Binary Pattern (EALBP) for images is proposed. In this method, each image is subdivided into local regions of size 4*4. For each local region, 13-bits of binary value are generated by comparing the adjacent neighborhood pixel in three phases. In the first phase, the inner 2x2 region from the local region is considered and each pixel is compared with the adjacent pixel which results in 4 bits. In the second phase, the outer region from the local region is considered and the diagonal pixels present in the 4 directions such as 45°, 135°, 225° and 315° are considered. The pixels values present in each direction are compared with the adjacent neighborhood pixels in the outer region and this comparison results in 4 bits. In the third phase, the pixels except the diagonal pixel values in the outer region are compared against each other and this result in 4 bit binary value. Finally, the mean of the local region is compared with the mean of the input image which results in one bit binary value. The 13-bit binary value of each local region is thus formed and the above steps are repeated for the entire image. The experimental results show that the proposed method could characterize the texture property of the image efficiently when compared with the existing methods on two databases.
Search for the optimal method for obtaining estimations for an automated magnetotelluric signal processing system

The problem of obtaining estimates of impedance frequency characteristics in the magnetotelluric sounding method is considered. A variational algorithm is proposed for research through a variety of means of estimation from the point of view their accuracy and efficiency. The results of computational experiments on the processing of synthetic signals are presented, which represent indicators of the accuracy and efficiency of some estimation methods. The proposed approach can be used in the development of algorithms and software for the embedded system for recording and processing signals, as well as applied software for an automated system for processing signals from magnetotelluric sounding method.
Autonomous Elbow Controller for Differential Drive In-Pipe Robots

The inspection of legacy nuclear facilities to aid in decommissioning is a world wide issue. One of the challenges is the characterisation of pipe networks within them. This paper presents an autonomous control system for the navigation of these unknown pipe networks, specifically focusing on elbows. The controller utilises three low-cost feeler sensors to navigate the FURO II robot around 150 mm short elbows. The controller is shown to allow the robot to safely navigate around an elbow on all 39 attempts comparing that with the brute force method which only completed five of the nine attempts and damaging the robot. This shows the advantages of the proposed controller. A new metric (Impulse) is also proposed to compare the extra force applied to the robot over the time it is slipping in the elbow due to the errors in the drive unit speeds. Using this metric, the controller is shown to decrease the Impulse applied to the robot by 213.97 Ns when compared to the brute force method.
A Novel Value for the Parameter in the Dai-Liao-Type Conjugate Gradient Method

A new rule for calculating the parameter t involved in each iteration of the MHSDL (Dai-Liao) conjugate gradient (CG) method is presented. The new value of the parameter initiates a more efficient and robust variant of the Dai-Liao algorithm. Under proper conditions, theoretical analysis reveals that the proposed method in conjunction with backtracking line search is of global convergence. Numerical experiments are also presented, which confirm the influence of the new value of the parameter t on the behavior of the underlying CG optimization method. Numerical comparisons and the analysis of obtained results considering Dolan and Moré’s performance profile show better performances of the novel method with respect to all three analyzed characteristics: number of iterative steps, number of function evaluations, and CPU time.
Bioelectrochemical transformation of carbon dioxide to target compounds through microbial electrosynthesis

In 2015 the average concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere exceeded 400 ppm. Some technologies, including CO2 capture and storage, are palliative. However, the development of alternatives to burning of fossil fuels focuses on the base of the problem and proposes substantial changes in the energy model. This thesis proposes the use of bioelectrochemical systems to transform CO2 into valuable products. This process is known as microbial electrosynthesis, and is based on the use of bacteria able to use the electrode as an electron donor (biocathode) to drive CO2 reduction. The results show that the production of hydrogen as intermediate is key to allow further CO2 reduction. This thesis has proven methane production, and organic liquid compounds of two (acetic acid) and four (butyric acid) carbons. The results invite to continue investigating to exploit all the potential of BES and enable its industrial scalability El 2015 la concentracio mitjana de CO2 a l’atmosfera va superar per primera vegada les 400 ppm. Algunes tecnologies, com la captura i emmagatzematge de CO2, son pal·liatives. En canvi, el desenvolupament d’alternatives a la crema de combustibles fossils van a l’arrel del problema i proposen canvis substancials en el model energetic. Aquesta tesi planteja l’us dels sistemes bioelectroquimics per transformar el CO2 en productes amb valor afegit. Aquest proces es coneix com electrosintesi microbiana, i es basa en la utilitzacio de bacteris capacos d’utilitzar l’electrode com a donador d’electrons (biocatode) per portar a terme la reduccio de CO2. Els resultats demostren que la produccio d’hidrogen com a compost intermedi es la clau per poder portar a terme la reduccio de CO2. Aquesta tesi ha demostrat la produccio de meta, i compostos liquids organics de dos (acid acetic) i quatre (acid butiric) carbonis. Els resultats esperonen a continuar investigant per aprofitar tot el potencial dels BES i fer possible la seva escalabilitat industrial
Forced or Coerced Sterilization in Canada: An Overview of Recommendations for Moving Forward

Between 2015 and 2019, over 100 Indigenous women from six provinces and two territories have come forward to say that they were forced or coerced to undergo a sterilization procedure in Canada. Despite this, government action is lacking. Through this paper, the research team aims to collect and synthesize the recommendations that have been made in response to the recent cases of forced or coerced sterilization of Indigenous women in Canada. Through a secondary analysis of data, we outline the findings of a thematic analysis of 162 recommendations from four selected sources: (a) Tubal Ligation in the Saskatoon Health Region: The Lived Experience of Aboriginal Women, an external review by Senator Yvonne Boyer and Dr. Judith Bartlett, July 22, 2017; (b) a meeting of the Senate Committee on Human Rights, April 3, 2019; (c) meetings of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, June 13 and 18, 2019; and (d) a letter from Bill Casey, Member of Parliament and Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, to three federal ministers, August 2, 2019. Seven themes emerged following the thematic analysis of the 162 recommendations: (a) Services and Supports (b)Accountability, (c) Training and Education, (d) Legislation and Policy, (e) Criminalization, (f) Data Collection, and g) Investigation. These themes represent seven areas where immediate government action is required to meaningfully and appropriately respond to the recent cases of forced or coerced sterilization of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis women in Canada.
Highly Fluorescent Metal–Organic Frameworks Based on a Benzene-Cored Tetraphenylethene Derivative with the Ability To Detect 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol in Water

One tetracarboxylate functionalized benzene-cored tetraphenylethene derivative was designed as a linker for construction of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) active metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), which exhibit the distinct AIE behavior. Two two-dimensional MOFs materials, MOF-1 and MOF-2, have been successfully synthesized by using the organic linker precursor. Photophysical studies reveal that both MOFs exhibit remarkable fluorescent properties with the absolute quantum yield as high as 43%. The high PL efficiency, good water stability, as well as the electron-donating nature of prepared MOF materials, allow us to explore their potentials in sensing applications for electron-deficient nitro explosives in aqueous media. Especially, water-stable MOF-2 exhibits superior sensitivity and selectivity toward 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) over other selected nitro analytes, including nitromethane, 2,3-dimethyl-dinitrobutane, nitrobenzene, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, 2,6-dinitrotoluene, 2,4-dinitrotoluene, 1,3-dinitro.
A vertically and temporally diverse bacterial community in a shallow lake-water sediment site of a eutrophic lake

ABSTRACT Aquatic sediment accumulates organic matter and provides microenvironments for the growth of a diverse microbial community with key roles in the biogeochemical nutrient cycling of the lacustrine ecosystem. We investigated vertical and temporal variations of the sedimentary bacterial community composition in a shallow coastal site of eutrophic Lake Pamvotis (northwestern Greece) across 3 horizons between the surface and 5 cm below lake floor (cmblf) during transition to the cold period of the year (Oct–Dec). For this analysis we used Illumina sequencing of the V3–V4 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene. Bacterial community composition was dominated by Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Chloroflexi. Rare operational taxonomic units (OTUs) represented 96.09% (standard deviation 0.61%) of richness per sample, contributing significantly to diversity, and only a few became abundant during the study. Abundant OTUs represented <0.005% of richness but accounted for 20–33% of reads in different samples, mainly associated with anaerobic/microaerobic taxa common in polluted aquatic systems, sludge digesters, or wastewater (e.g., Thiolamprovum pedioforme, Candidatus Competibacter, Petrimonas). About 50% of OTUs found at the surface persisted with depth while shared OTUs between any 2 months were always >70% of richness. Overall, sediment bacterial community composition was diverse but remained largely homogeneous in the sediment of this human-impacted ecosystem at the temporal and vertical scale studied here. The study revealed the potential of specific bacterial taxa (e.g., Anaerolineae, Bellilinea) to serve as monitors of specific pollutants (e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) as well as the need to investigate the role of the rare biosphere in ecosystem functioning.
Use of manganese dioxide as oxidant in polymerization of aniline on carbon black for supercapacitor performance

α-Manganese dioxide (MnO2) and β-MnO2 have been prepared by a simple one-step hydrothermal synthesis method. Polyaniline (PANI)/carbon black composites were synthesized in acidic medium by an in situ polymerization method using α-MnO2, β-MnO2, and ammonium peroxydisulfate (APS) as chemical oxidant. The morphology, structure, and electrochemical performances are characterized by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, charge–discharge test, and electrochemical impedance measurements. The PANI/carbon black composite (PANI/C-2) prepared using β-MnO2 as oxidant shows significantly better specific capacity performance compared with those prepared using α-MnO2 and APS as oxidant. Addition of carbon black into the PANI composites prepared via the conventional polymerization method showed improved specific capacitance.
Pengoptimuman proses penyemperitan gentian karbon terkisar dan polipropilena bagi komposit polimer pengalir

Proses penyemperitan merupakan salah satu proses pra-pencampuran yang dapat membantu meningkatkan tahap serakan bahan pengalir dalam komposit polimer pengalir (CPC). Tahap keberaliran elektrik dilihat tidak begitu memuaskan walaupun telah melalui proses serakan melalui pengacuan mekanik. Kajian ini dijalankan bagi mengoptimumkan proses penyemperitan bahan gentian karbon terkisar (MCF) dan polipropilena (PP) iaitu suhu penyemperitan dan halaju putaran melalui kaedah reka bentuk eksperimen (Taguchi). Susunan orthogonal Taguchi L9 digunakan bagi menentukan aras yang paling optimum serta menjalankan analisis varian bagi memperoleh nilai keberaliran elektrik yang paling baik. Pengoptimuman parameter pada suhu penyemperitan 210oC hingga 250oC dan halaju putaran 50 hingga 90 rpm menggunakan komposisi bahan sebanyak 80 % bt. MCF dan 20 % bt. PP dengan tahap keberaliran elektrik meningkat pada tahap maksimum 3.67 S/cm. Pengoptimuman parameter ini menunjukkan bahawa reka bentuk eksperimen yang terhasil mampu menghasilkan nilai keberaliran elektrik yang tinggi serta mempunyai sifat mekanik yang baik.