Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of Diabetic Retinopathy Prognostication Using Deep Learning, CLAHE, and ESRGAN

One of the primary causes of blindness in the diabetic population is diabetic retinopathy (DR). Many people could have their sight saved if only DR were detected and treated in time. Numerous Deep Learning (DL)-based methods have been presented to improve human analysis. Using a DL model with three scenarios, this research classified DR and its severity stages from fundus images using the “APTOS 2019 Blindness Detection” dataset. Following the adoption of the DL model, augmentation methods were implemented to generate a balanced dataset with consistent input parameters across all test scenarios. As a last step in the categorization process, the DenseNet-121 model was employed. Several methods, including Enhanced Super-resolution Generative Adversarial Networks (ESRGAN), Histogram Equalization (HIST), and Contrast Limited Adaptive HIST (CLAHE), have been used to enhance image quality in a variety of contexts. The suggested model detected the DR across all five APTOS 2019 grading process phases with the highest test accuracy of 98.36%, top-2 accuracy of 100%, and top-3 accuracy of 100%. Further evaluation criteria (precision, recall, and F1-score) for gauging the efficacy of the proposed model were established with the help of APTOS 2019. Furthermore, comparing CLAHE + ESRGAN against both state-of-the-art technology and other recommended methods, it was found that its use was more effective in DR classification.
Radiomics Software Tools: A comparative Analysis on Breast Cancer

Radiomics is an emerging and promising field used to describe visual information from medical images by means of numerical features. Several Radiomics software tools are available in the literature, but they return different features and make dissimilar calculations. Choosing one tool or another is not easy so a comparison for classification tasks is required. This paper compares three of these frameworks (3D Slicer, LIFEx and MaZda) on breast cancer data. In this analysis, we tested the features extracted from each tool using different pre-processing techniques and machine learning algorithms to classify the lesion as benign or malignant on more than 350 registers. Two different projections were considered, that is, craniocaudal (183 registers) and mediolateral oblique (172 registers). The results demonstrated that 3D Slicer obtained the best performance in the craniocaudal projection, while MaZda and LIFEx are more appropriate for the mediolateral oblique projection. The results are really promising for classification tasks, exceeding 85% in F1-score.
Extended balance of linear momentum from higher gradient stress field theory

We present the equation of linear momentum considering higher gradients for stress and body force. Both are approximated via Taylor series expansion within a finite Cauchy cube of dimensions Lc. Whereas linear terms of the series expansion result to the classical balance of linear momentum, terms up to third order yield an extended balance equation. The extension includes an internal length scale L2c caused by surface integrals on the cube. The approach makes use of Cauchy's theorem and standard Newtonian mechanics but constitutive assumptions are not applied. (© 2016 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Automated Design of Task-Dedicated Illumination with Particle Swarm Optimization

Task-optimized illuminations can significantly improve feature detection in a broad range of imaging applications and are especially useful in constrained medical applications as an alternative to multispectral/hyperspectral imaging when the required capture integration time, lighting intensity, or storage requirements for the latter cannot be met. When paired with typical consumer-level, three-channel imaging systems or single-channel scientific image sensors, task-dedicated illumination can reveal broadband spectral features previously only visible with specialized multi-channel image sensors. Due to the complexity of feature saliency when taking into account variables such as material reflectance, light source power distribution, and camera sensitivity functions, a straightforward and automated process for designing initial illumination prototypes would be highly advanta-geous for widespread experimentation with this imaging method. In this project, a simple and automated system for optimizing the illumination of a spectrally tunable light source is designed and tested for straightforward, feature saliency enhancement. Particle swarm optimization is used to minimize and maximize saliency cost functions, and the resulting illuminations are evaluated in simulations and real sample captures. Initial simulations show that materials illuminated with the automatically-designed light sources display increases in feature saliency of up to 208% with the selected samples.
Protistology 16 (2): 87–97 (2022)

Tabanids (horseflies and deerflies) represent the main vectors of Trypanosoma theileri species complex and are frequently infected by them. In these insects, the trypanosomes are transiently present in the midgut and develop predominantly in the ileum. During a survey of infections in tabanids, we encountered a horsefly, in which trypanosomatids were present not only in the ileum but also in the rectum. The analysis of 18S rRNA sequences of the parasites in both locations demonstrated that they represented a T. theileri-like trypanosome and the monoxenous species Wallacemonas raviniae previously described from a flesh fly, respectively. The investigation using light and transmission electron microscopy showed that the two parasites differed not only in their affinity to distinct hindgut sections, but also in the patterns of attachment to the cuticular lining, interaction between individual cells, and development of extracellular structures. Unlike most monoxenous trypanosomatids inhabiting the rectum, W. raviniae was not observed on rectal glands or in the close proximity to them indicating either a peculiarity of the parasite species or specific conditions in the insect host. Our results demonstrated that the two trypanosomatid species partitioned their niches within the horsefly host due to strikingly dissimilar life strategies.
Space-Efficient Generation of Nonisomorphic Maps and Hypermaps

In 1979, while working as a senior researcher in the Computing Centre of the USSR Academy of Sciences in Moscow, I used Lehman’s code for rooted maps of any orientable genus to generate these maps. By imposing an order on the code-words and keeping only those that are maximal over all the words that code the same map with each semi-edge chosen as the root, I generated these maps up to orientation-preserving isomorphism, and by comparing each of them with the code-words for the map obtained by reversing the orientation, I generated these maps up to a generalized isomorphism that could be orientation-preserving or orientation-reversing. The limitations on the speed of the computer I was using and the time allowed for a run restricted me to generating these maps with up to only six edges. In 2011, by optimizing the algorithms and using a more powerful computer and more CPU time I was able to generate these maps with up to eleven edges. An average-case time-complexity analysis of the generation algorithms is included in this article. And now, by using a genus-preserving bijection between hypermaps and bicoloured bipartite maps that I discovered in 1975 and the condition on the word coding a rooted map for the map to be bipartite, I generated hypermaps, both rooted and unrooted, with up to twelve darts (edge-vertex incidence pairs).
Commuting holomorphic maps and linear fractional models

Let f be a holomorphic map of the open unit disc Δ of into itself, having no fixed points in Δ and Wolff point τε∂Δ. In the open case in which f ′(τ) = 1 we study the centralizer of f i.e., the family Gf of all holomorphic maps of Δ into itself which commute with f under composition. We prove that if the sequence of iterates {fn } converges to τ non tangentially, then Gf coincides with the set of all elements of the pseudo-iteration semigroup of f (in the sense of Cowen, see [5,6]) whose Wolff point is τ. In the same hypotheses we give a representation of the centralizer Gf in Aut(Δ) or Aut , study its main features and generalize a result due to Pranger ([15]).
GPU-HADVPPM V1.0: high-efficient parallel GPU design of the 1 Piecewise Parabolic Method (PPM) for horizontal advection in 2 air quality model (CAMx V6.10)

With semiconductor technology gradually approaching its physical and 17 thermal limits, Graphics processing unit (GPU) is becoming an attractive solution in 18 many scientific applications due to their high performance. This paper presents an 19 application of GPU accelerators in air quality model. We endeavor to demonstrate an 20 approach that runs a PPM solver of horizontal advection (HADVPPM) for air quality 21 model CAMx on GPU clusters. Specifically, we first convert the HADVPPM to a new 22 Compute Unified Device Architecture C (CUDA C) code to make it computable on the 23 GPU (GPU-HADVPPM). Then, a series of optimization measures are taken, including 24 reducing the CPU-GPU communication frequency, increasing the size of data 25 computation on GPU, optimizing the GPU memory access, and using thread and block 26 indices in order to improve the overall computing performance of CAMx model 27 coupled with GPU-HADVPPM (named as CAMx-CUDA model). Finally, a 28 heterogeneous, hybrid programming paradigm is presented and utilized with the GPU-29 HADVPPM on GPU clusters with Massage Passing Interface (
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Professor and Director, Health Systems/Administration and CNL Programs (Dr Joseph), College of Nursing, The University of Iowa; Nurse Scientist (Dr Kelly), CommonSpirit Health, Phoenix, Arizona; Nurse Practice Leader (Davis), University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City; CEO DAISY Foundation (Dr Zimmermann), DAISY Foundation, Anacortes, Washington; Director (Ward), AONL Foundation for Nursing Leadership Research and Education, Chicago, Illinois. The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Correspondence: Dr Joseph, The University of Iowa College of Nursing, 466 CNB, 50 Newton Rd, Iowa City, IA 52242 (mariajoseph@uiowa.edu). This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0 (CCBY), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. DOI: 10.1097/NNA.0000000000001302
Obesity Intervention in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review protocol

Introduction: The increasing prevalence of obesity in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has made it a pressing public health issue that requires effective interventions tailored to the unique challenges in the region. This protocol outlines a systematic review approach that aims to examine the existing evidence on obesity interventions in SSA, focusing on their effectiveness, implementation strategies, and potential barriers. Methods and analysis: To identify relevant studies in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), MEDLINE (PubMed), MEDLINE (EBSCOHost), Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases will be searched during the review. Studies on obesity interventions in SSA will be considered for inclusion criteria, encompassing various intervention types, target populations, and study designs. Abstracts and titles will be independently assessed by two reviewers, who are aware of the author and journal information. A third reviewer will be consulted for cases where agreement was not reached or when clarity will be needed. The methodological quality of the included research will be assessed using the "Effective Public Health Practise Project quality assessment tool for quantitative studies. For data synthesis and reporting, two independent reviewers will assign effect scores to each intervention's outcome category (dietary behaviour, physical activity, or anthropometric outcomes) through a duplicate scoring exercise. Ethics and dissemination: Since no original data will be collected as part of this review, ethical approval is not required. The completed review will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023430503
The Smoluchowski–Kramer approximation of a generalized Langevin equation with state-dependent damping

The small-mass limit is derived for a generalized Langevin equation (GLE) with state-dependent damping and a kernel expressed as an infinite sum of exponentials. The state dependence includes both the current and the past. By some bounded estimates and tightness, as the mass tends to 0, the GLE is shown to converge in distribution to a limit equation with additional drift terms that come from the current and the past state dependence, respectively.
Experimental evaluation of damping models for a nonlinear pendulum system

Popular damping models for a single pendulum system were experimentally evaluated in this study. The comparison between the numerical and experimental responses showed that neither linear viscous damping model nor squared velocity proportional viscous damping model was able to well capture the free vibration amplitudes of the pendulum in both large and small amplitude ranges. Specifically, the amplitudes of the numerical model with linear viscous damping decreased slower at the large amplitude vibration but faster at the small amplitude vibration than the experimental amplitudes did. The trend was reverse in the numerical model with the squared velocity proportional viscous damping model. Based on the experimental data and a numerical method combined with a fitting approach, a complete quadratic viscous damping model for the pendulum was derived. The model was able to confidently predict the free vibration amplitudes of the pendulum in both large and small amplitude ranges. This study provides analysts with the sense of the accuracy of some popular damping models for a nonlinear pendulum system. It also demonstrates the use of a fitting approach to retrieve physical properties of a system from experimental data. The contents of this paper are suitable for gifted high school students and undergraduate students.
From Gravity Probe B to STEP: Testing Einstein in Space

I summarize the history, current status and preliminary (cid:12)ndings of the Gravity Probe B (GPB) mission, which seeks to make the (cid:12)rst direct measurements of the geodetic and frame-dragging e(cid:11)ects predicted by Einstein’s theory of general relativity. I then discuss the planned Satellite Test of the Equivalence Principle (STEP), which will test the underlying assumption of Einstein’s theory, the equivalence of gravitational and inertial mass. STEP will place important constraints on theories that seek to go beyond general relativity, such as uni(cid:12)ed (cid:12)eld theories based on higher dimensions (string theory) and theories of dynamical dark energy (quintessence), both of which predict the existence of new (cid:12)elds that may violate the equivalence principle.
DYNAMICAL BEHAVIOR OF A HEAT PUMP COAXIAL EVAPORATOR CONSIDERING THE PHASE BORDER’S IMPACT ON CONVERGENCE

Using a dynamical mathematical model, we investigated transient behavior of a water-water heat pump’s evaporator. The model consists of time and space dependent partial differential equations of water, pipe wall and refrigerant. Mathematically the thermal expansion valve (TEV) and compressor are described with lumped parameters and represent the boundary conditions. During the numerical solution of this system of equations the problem emerged of divergence of solutions. It was determined that the cause of the divergence solution was in the location of phase change of the refrigerant. The aim of this paper is, firstly, to display and propose a new approach to the elimination of divergence. In addition, it examines dynamic behavior of the heat pumps’ coaxial evaporator.
Teleoperation Control of a Position‐Based Impedance Force Controlled Mobile Robot by Neural Network Learning: Experimental Studies

Effective haptic performance in teleoperation control systems can be achieved by solving two major problems: the time‐delay in communication channels and the transparency of force control. The time‐delay in communication channels causes poor performance and even instability in a system. The transparency of force feedback is important for an operator to improve the performance of a given task. This article suggests a possible solution for these two problems through the implementation of a teleoperation control system between the master haptic device and the slave mobile robot. Regulation of the contact force in the slave mobile robot is achieved by introducing a position‐based impedance force control scheme in the slave robot. The time‐delay problem is addressed by forming a Smith predictor configuration in the teleoperation control environment. The configuration of the Smith predictor structure takes the time‐delay term out of the characteristic equation in order to make the system stable when the system model is given a priori. Since the Smith predictor is formulated from exact linear modeling, a neural network is employed to identify and model the slave robot system as a nonlinear model estimator. Simulation studies of several control schemes are performed. Experimental studies are conducted to verify the performance of the proposed control scheme by regulating the contact force of a mobile robot through the master haptic device.
Consensus Guidelines for Teledermatology: Scoping Review

Background Consensus guidelines and recommendations play an important role in fostering quality, safety, and best practices, as they represent an expert interpretation of the biomedical literature and its application to practice. However, it is unclear whether the recent collective experience of implementing telemedicine and the concurrent growth in the evidence base for teledermatology have resulted in more robust guidance. Objective The objective of this review was to describe the extent and nature of currently available guidance, defined as consensus guidelines and recommendations available for telemedicine in dermatology, with guidance defined as consensus or evidence-based guidelines, protocols, or recommendations. Methods We conducted a single-reviewer scoping review of the literature to assess the extent and nature of available guidance, consensus guidelines, or recommendations related to teledermatology. We limited the review to published material in English since 2013, reflecting approximately the past 10 years. We conducted the review in November and December of the year 2022. Results We identified 839 potentially eligible publications, with 9 additional records identified through organizational websites. A total of 15 publications met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The guidelines focused on varied topics and populations about dermatology and skin diseases. However, the most frequent focus was general dermatology (8/15, 53%). Approximately half of the telemedicine guidance described in the publications was specific to dermatology practice in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The publications were largely published in or after the year 2020 (13/15, 87%). Geographical origin spanned several different nations, including Australia, the United States, European countries, and India. Conclusions We found an increase in COVID-19–specific teledermatology guidance during 2020, in addition to general teledermatology guidance during the period of the study. Primary sources of general teledermatology guidance reported in the biomedical literature are the University of Queensland’s Centre for Online Health and Australasian College of Dermatologists E-Health Committee, and the American Telemedicine Association. There is strong evidence of international engagement and interest. Despite the recent increase in research reports related to telemedicine, there is a relative lack of new guidance based on COVID-19 lessons and innovations. There is a need to review recent evidence and update existing recommendations. Additionally, there is a need for guidance that addresses emerging technologies.
Applying community health systems lenses to identify determinants of access to surgery among mobile & migrant populations with hydrocele in Zambia: A mixed methods assessment

Hydrocele which is caused by long term lymphatic filariasis infection can be treated through the provision of surgery. Access to surgeries remains low particularly for hard to reach populations. This study applied community health system lenses to identify determinants to the adoption, implementation and integration of hydrocele surgeries among migrants &mobile populations in Luangwa District, Zambia. A concurrent mixed methods design consisting of cross-sectional survey with hydrocele patients (n = 438) and in-depth interviews with different community actors (n = 38) was conducted in October 2021. Data analysis was based on the relational and programmatic lenses of Community Health Systems. Under the Programmatic lens, insufficient resources resulted in most health facilities being incapable of providing the minimum package of care for lymphatic filariasis. The absence of cross border collaborative structures limits the continuity of care for patients moving across the three countries. Other programmatic barriers include language barriers, inappropriate appointment systems, direct and indirect costs. In the relational lens, despite the key role that community leaders play their engagement in service delivery was low. Community actors including patients were rarely included in planning, implementation or evaluation of hydrocele services. Some patients utilized their power within to act as champions for the surgery but local groups such as fishing associations remained underutilized. Community health systems provide a potential avenue through which access amongst mobile and migrant populations can be enhanced through strategies such engagement of patient groups, knowledge sharing across borders and use of community monitoring initiatives.
Insulating the Vacuum. Calculating the Casimir force using the boundary integral method with von Neumann boundary conditions

In 2012, a new method for calculating the Casimir force between compact objects was developed [14,15], expressing the force in terms of a boundary integral equation. The case of perfectly conducting objects with Dirichlet boundary conditions in two dimensions was treated in [14]. The method was later extended to three dimensions [20]. The contribution of this thesis will be to develop the method in two dimensions for the case when the objects are perfectly insulating, meaning von Neumann boundary conditions. A formula for the Casimir force in terms of a boundary integral problem is derived and shown to correctly predict the force between two parallel plates, except for a missing factor of 2 that was also observed for Dirichlet boundary conditions. The developed formula contains a coefficient that is dependent on the regularization scheme used, and it is not clear whether this coefficient is geometry-independent.