Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography and Abdominal Aortic Calcification Screening among High-Risk Living Kidney Donors

Background: A unique scanning protocol combining coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) with routine abdominal CTA is being used at the Rabin Medical Center as a method of screening high-risk candidates for living kidney donation. We aim to evaluate the potential impact of coronary CTA on the decision regarding eligibility for kidney donation and its correlation with abdominal aortic calcification (AAC). Methods: CCTA and abdominal CTA results of potential living kidney donors evaluated for donation between September 2020 and November 2021 were retrieved. A retrospective analysis of the abdominal CTA was used to calculate the AAC. Patients’ demographic, clinical, and imaging data were collected from the electronic files, as well as the final decision regarding eligibility for donation. Results: A total of 62 potential kidney donors were evaluated for donation using the combined scan. The mean age was 53.8 years, with male predominance (59.7%). Significant coronary artery stenosis (≥70% luminal stenosis) was present in two patients (3.2%), whereas five patients (8%) had moderate stenosis (50–69%). Thirteen patients (21%) were disqualified from donation due to moderate-to-significant coronary artery disease or abdominal atherosclerosis. The correlation between the coronary artery calcium score and the AAC was found to be positive, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.88 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The use of coronary CTA in the evaluation of potential kidney donors may has a potential impact on the decision regarding eligibility for donation. A high correlation between the coronary artery calcium score and the AAC was found.
Analyzing dependence in incidence of diabetes and heart problem using generalized bivariate geometric models with covariates

ABSTRACT For analyzing incidence data on diabetes and health problems, the bivariate geometric probability distribution is a natural choice but remained unexplored largely due to lack of models linking covariates with the probabilities of bivariate incidence of correlated outcomes. In this paper, bivariate geometric models are proposed for two correlated incidence outcomes. The extended generalized linear models are developed to take into account covariate dependence of the bivariate probabilities of correlated incidence outcomes for diabetes and heart diseases for the elderly population. The estimation and test procedures are illustrated using the Health and Retirement Study data. Two models are shown in this paper, one based on conditional-marginal approach and the other one based on the joint probability distribution with an association parameter. The joint model with association parameter appears to be a very good choice for analyzing the covariate dependence of the joint incidence of diabetes and heart diseases. Bootstrapping is performed to measure the accuracy of estimates and the results indicate very small bias.
Compact Quantum Circuit Design of PUFFIN and PRINT Lightweight Ciphers for Quantum Key Recovery Attack

Quantum computing plays a vital role in the next generation computing platforms as researchers have achieved quantum supremacy by proving that quantum computers can outperform classical computers. These high performance computers will pose a serious threat to the security of the conventional cryptographic algorithms. The secret key of the conventional cryptographic algorithms when implemented by quantum circuits can be recovered easily with the help of Grover key search algorithm. The Grover’s algorithm requires low cost quantum implementation of cryptographic algorithms in order to mount the quantum key recovery attack successfully. Hence the low cost quantum implementation of conventional cryptographic algorithms to mount quantum key recovery attack using Grover search algorithm is an active area of research. For the first time in literature, this work proposes a novel quantum circuit implementation of two lightweight block ciphers namely PUFFIN and PRINT. Inplace method is used to optimize the quantum resources in these two ciphers which helps to build compact quantum circuits without extra ancilla inputs. The performance metrics considered in this work to quantify the quantum resources of the proposed circuits are number of quantum gates, quantum cost, latency and number of qubits. In addition, the quantum resources are also estimated to mount the quantum key recovery attacks on the proposed quantum circuit implementations of PUFFIN and PRINT using Grover-based key search algorithm.
Variability Among the Isolates of Alternaria Species Causing Blight in Rape-Seed Mustard (Brassica Juncea L.)

Variation in the mycelial growth was observed within the isolates of Alternaria brassicae and A. brassicicola on PDA medium. The isolates were also found to differ from each other in respect to cultural and conidial characters. The colonies were cottony or fluffy in appearance with varied colour from olivaceous green, white, off white, light brown to brown. Colony margins were smooth, rough or wavy and zonation was either present or absent. In Alternaria brassicae isolates, conidial length varied from 92.5 to 116.2 μm, conidial width varied from 11.8 to 17.2 μm, horizontal septa varied from 3.4 to 5.3, vertical septa varied from 0.3 to 1.4 μm and beak length varied from 68.4 to 88.4 μm. However, in A. brassicicola isolates, conidial length varied from 46.8 to 52.8 μm, conidial width varied from 12.8 to 14.6 μm, horizontal septa varied from 3.2 to 3.7 and vertical septa varied from 0.2 to 0.8 μm. Beak was absent in the isolates of A. brassicicola. In the isolates of A. brassicae and A. brassicicola, maximum per cent disease intensity and spot size on all the genotypes was observed in Ab11 and Abl2, respectively. Bangladesh J. Bot. 52(2): 331-336, 2023 (June)
Conceptual Framework of Training Curriculum Development of Stylistic Vocal Performance of Popular Music

Popular music comes in a multitude of styles. This creates problems in offering decent popular music education, which concerns the stylistic vocal performance of popular music. Therefore, there is a need to examine the training curriculum provided currently. The research problems studied have adhered to the research questions for the study. At the same time, a conceptual framework for examining the functionality of the training curriculum encompasses the theoretical supports of four-dimensional matrixes and five principles of curriculum development. The case study can be carried out based on the conceptual framework to examine the training curriculum development of stylistic vocal performance education to ensure that the talents trained suit the market and music industry. The conceptual framework provides a structured approach for analysing and understanding the problem, and the case study method allows for an in-depth examination of a specific real-life situation or instance. By combining these two methods, the study can provide valuable insights and recommendations for improving the curriculum and training process.
Breakthrough in Occupational Therapy with Mixed-Reality exergaming for cerebellar ataxia patients

Occupational therapy is a rehabilitation program that aim to recover or maintain the skills needed in daily life activities in order to preserve autonomy. Technologies, such as Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, have found application in this field where their benefits have been recognised. The aim of this study is to present a mixed reality app for occupational therapy specifically implemented for ataxic patients. The app is implemented in Unity with the integration of the Vuforia asset and it is built for HoloLens2 device. The app can detect a real mug and provide virtual audio-visive feedback to the user during the action of reaching the mug. The audio-visive feedbacks were designed in accordance with an expert. Feedbacks were employed in order to increase concentration on the target and confidence in successfully autonomously complete the action of reaching the target following a virtual straight line. This app could be improved by integrating room-scanning new objects to be detect and feedback according to patient’s necessities. Hardware limitations of the HoloLens2 were for this type of application. However, this system has the potential to be of daily support to patients with neuromotor disorders as well as, with the necessary customisation, to the elderly and visually impaired.
A Graph-based Iterative Algorithm for Inverse Problems with Local and Non-local Regularizations

The most common form of a prior knowledge is the well-known smoothness based prior [2] which assumes that the image contents generally do not change abruptly in a neighborhood of space. Each pixel in the image is constrained to be relevant to its neighboring pixels. It is a generic image contextual constrain. These methods considering the image smoothness take advantage of the local structure of an image, leaving out the overall structure information of the image. Some non-local methods [3, 4, 5]thus have been widely studied. The non-local method assumes that some feature of an image does always repeat in different positions in the image. These methods always seek the similar image patches or exemplars meeting some specified measurements in the whole image space, which means they utilize the information of the entire image. In this paper, we propose a new form of prior for solving general inverse problems in image processing which combines the local total variation regularization with graph-based non-local variation regularization. This graph depicts the relationship among different image patches. This prior makes use of both local and non-local image information to get a better result. Because of the existing of non-local graph-based variation regularization, the problem to be solved in this paper turns to be non-convex. We, therefore, propose an iterative algorithm to work out the inverse problem using such a form of prior, which iteratively updates the image and the weight graph calculated from the current image till convergence. We also show the results when using this new framework in image denoising, image inpainting and image deblurring applications.
A higher rank Selberg sieve with an additive twist and applications

We develop an axiomatic formulation of the higher rank version of the classical Selberg sieve with an “additive twist” and provide asymptotic formulas for the same. As an application of this higher rank sieve, we obtain improvements of results of Heath-Brown and Ho-Tsang on almost prime k-tuples.
Inter-algorithm lesion volumetry comparison of real and 3D simulated lung lesions in CT

The purpose of this study was to establish volumetric exchangeability between real and computational lung lesions in CT. We compared the overall relative volume estimation performance of segmentation tools when used to measure real lesions in actual patient CT images and computational lesions virtually inserted into the same patient images (i.e., hybrid datasets). Pathologically confirmed malignancies from 30 thoracic patient cases from Reference Image Database to Evaluate Therapy Response (RIDER) were modeled and used as the basis for the comparison. Lesions included isolated nodules as well as those attached to the pleura or other lung structures. Patient images were acquired using a 16 detector row or 64 detector row CT scanner (Lightspeed 16 or VCT; GE Healthcare). Scans were acquired using standard chest protocols during a single breath-hold. Virtual 3D lesion models based on real lesions were developed in Duke Lesion Tool (Duke University), and inserted using a validated image-domain insertion program. Nodule volumes were estimated using multiple commercial segmentation tools (iNtuition, TeraRecon, Inc., Syngo.via, Siemens Healthcare, and IntelliSpace, Philips Healthcare). Consensus based volume comparison showed consistent trends in volume measurement between real and virtual lesions across all software. The average percent bias (± standard error) shows -9.2±3.2% for real lesions versus -6.7±1.2% for virtual lesions with tool A, 3.9±2.5% and 5.0±0.9% for tool B, and 5.3±2.3% and 1.8±0.8% for tool C, respectively. Virtual lesion volumes were statistically similar to those of real lesions (< 4% difference) with p >. 05 in most cases. Results suggest that hybrid datasets had similar inter-algorithm variability compared to real datasets.
Safety and efficacy of underwater versus conventional endoscopic mucosal resection for colorectal polyps: Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs

Abstract Background and study aims Conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (C-EMR) is limited by low en-bloc resection rates, especially for large (> 20 mm) lesions. Underwater EMR (U-EMR) has emerged as an alternative for colorectal polyps and is being shown to improve en-bloc resection rates. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the two techniques. Methods Multiple databases were searched through November 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing outcomes of U-EMR and C-EMR for colorectal polyps. Meta-analysis was performed to determine pooled proportions and relative risks (RRs) of R0 and en-bloc resection, polyp recurrence, resection time, and adverse events. Results Seven RCTs with 1458 patients (U-EMR: 739, C-EMR: 719) were included. The pooled rate of en-bloc resection was significantly higher with U-EMR vs C-EMR, 70.17% (confidence interval [CI] 46.68–86.34) vs 58.14% (CI 31.59–80.68), respectively, RR 1.21 (CI 1.01–1.44). R0 resection rates were higher with U-EMR vs C-EMR, 58.1% (CI 29.75–81.9) vs 44.6% (CI 17.4–75.4), RR 1.25 (CI 0.99–1.6). For large polyps (> 20 mm), en-bloc resection rates were comparable between the two techniques, RR 1.24 (CI 0.83–1.84). Resection times were comparable between U-EMR and C-EMR, standardized mean difference –1.21 min (CI –2.57 to –0.16). Overall pooled rates of perforation, and immediate and delayed bleeding were comparable between U-EMR and C-EMR. Pooled rate of polyp recurrence at surveillance colonoscopy was significantly lower with U-EMR than with C-EMR, RR 0.62 (CI 0.41–0.94). Conclusions Colorectal U-EMR results in higher en-bloc resection and lower recurrence rates when compared to C-EMR. Both techniques have comparable resection times and safety profiles.
Computation of elastic constants of solids using molecular simulation: comparison of constant volume and constant pressure ensemble methods

We compute the elastic stiffness tensor of fcc argon at 60 K and 1 bar using molecular simulation tools. Three different methods are investigated: explicit deformations of the simulation box, strain fluctuations at constant pressure and stress fluctuations at constant volume. Statistical ensemble sampling is done using molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations. We observe a good agreement between the different methods and sampling algorithms excepted with molecular dynamics simulations in the (NpT) ensemble. There, we notice a strong dependence of the computed elastic constants with the barostat parameter, whereas molecular dynamics simulations in the (NVT) ensemble are not affected by the thermostat parameter.
Evaluation of advanced time series similarity measures for object-based cropland mapping

ABSTRACT With more and more high-resolution remote-sensing data becoming available, satellite image time series (SITS) analysis is often used to map crops at the pixel level. Although the object-based image analysis paradigm has proven superior to pixel-based image analysis for overcoming salt-and-pepper effects, object-based time series crop classification is still rare. Except for time-weighted dynamic time warping (TWDTW), other time series similarity measuring algorithms popular in the signal processing domain, such as shape-based distance (SBD) and global alignment kernel (GAK), remain poorly explored at the object level. Accordingly, this study aimed to explore better object-based time series classification frameworks by investigating similarity measures, including SBD, GAK and TWDTW, and thus experiments were designed to analyse the response of these methods to various parameters, including crop types, time series density, processing efficiency and so on. The results show that GAK is superior to SBD and TWDTW in general. Specifically, GAK performs better than TWDTW with the limited available images, e.g. in cloudy and rainy climate regions. Also, GAK outperforms SBD in identifying crops with a complex phenological pattern, such as alfalfa. Furthermore, TWDTW has the lowest processing efficiency. This study addresses the scarcity of similarity measurement methods in the object-based time series paradigm, and it is expected that this study could provide some guidance for the selection of cropland mapping methods.
Skeletal and Dendritic Structures of Ice Crystal as a Function of Thermal Conductivity and Vapor Diffusivity

Two series of experiments were carried out in purpose to discriminate the effect of the thermal conductivity of the atmosphere from the effect of vapor diffusivity on the shape of growing ice crystals from the vapor phase. In a series of experiments ice crystals were formed in helium-argon gas mixtures under conditions of a constant vapor diffusivity with varying thermal conductivities. Another series of experiments were made under conditions of a constant thermal conductivity with varying vapor diffusivities. In each experiment ice crystals were nucleated by seeding of silver iodide smoke. In order to avoid contamination of impurity vapor, the replication technique of ice crystal was not used. Ice crystals were directly photographed from outside through a glass window placed at the bottom
Phylogenetic Analysis of Cyclocheilichthys apogon and Cyclocheilichthys armatus (Fish: Cyprinidae) from West Sumatra

Cyclocheilichthys apogon (Beardless Barb fish) and Cyclocheilichthys armatus (Hihgfin Barb fish) in West Sumatra is known by the local name Turiak and Catua fish, respectively, are economically important species. Reducing populations and limited biological information about these fishes make their genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships crucial. The genetic variation was investigated by analyzing the sequencing of a part of mitochondrial DNA Cytochrome b (Cyt b) and Cytochrome oxidase-I (COI) genes of 23 individuals collected from West Sumatra populations. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the monophyletic lineage of the Cyclocheilichthys group and supported Anematichthys as the synonym of Cyclocheilichthys. C. armatus was closely related to C. janthochir and separated from C. apogon with sequences divergence were 12.7-14.0% (Cyt b) and 9.4%-10.0% (COI). C. apogon and C. armatus have low haplotype diversity and genetic diversity, respectively. Genetic diversity within and among populations with sequences divergence was 0.0-0.8% (Cyt b) and 0.0%-0.7% (COI), respectively. The low-level diversity may signify a possibility of gene flow within and among populations. The current data suggests all populations as a single stock unit. Present genetic information is important to establishing effective population management, conservation, and breeding strategies for Turiak and Catua fish.
Design of an Optimal Control Strategy for Coupled Tank Systems Using Nonlinear Constraint Optimization With Kharitonov-Hurwitz Stability Analysis

The fundamentals of nonlinear constraint optimization are exploited in this paper to design a decentralized PID controller for variable area coupled tank systems. Maintaining the tanks at the desired level is the main objective of the proposed decentralized control algorithm. The benchmark coupled tank systems are modeled to the first order plus dead time (FOPDT) model by designing decoupled subsystems. The control law is designed for decoupled systems to attain the servo response by minimizing loop interactions. Further, the overshoot is reduced by imposing constraints on the maximum closed-loop amplitude ratio of the system. Furthermore, the robustness of the controller is analyzed and stability is verified with the Kharitonov-Hurwitz theorem. A concise comparison is carried out between the proposed control law with existing methods in order to highlight the productive application of the proposed control algorithm. From the results, it envisaged that the proposed controller shows better responses compared to the existing methods. Besides, the efficacious nature of the proposed control scheme is validated by considering a wide range of closed-loop amplitude ratios.
Monotonicity properties of the Bessel-Struve kernel

In this paper our aim is to study the classical Bessel-Struve kernel. Monotonicity and log-convexity properties for the Bessel-Struve kernel, and the ratio of the Bessel-Struve kernel and the Kummer confluent hypergeometric function are investigated. Moreover, lower and upper bounds are given for the Bessel-Struve kernel in terms of the exponential function and some Turan type inequalities are deduced.
Topo-Geometrically Distinct Path Computation using Neighborhood-augmented Graph, and its Application to Path Planning for a Tethered Robot in 3D

Many robotics applications benefit from being able to compute multiple locally optimal paths in a given configuration space. Examples include path planning for of tethered robots with cable-length constraints, systems involving cables, multi-robot topological exploration&coverage, and, congestion reduction for mobile robots navigation without inter-robot coordination. Existing paradigm is to use topological path planning methods that can provide optimal paths from distinct topological classes available in the underlying configuration space. However, these methods usually require non-trivial and non-universal geometrical constructions, which are prohibitively complex or expensive in 3 or higher dimensional configuration spaces with complex topology. Furthermore, topological methods are unable to distinguish between locally optimal paths that belong to the same topological class but are distinct because of genus-zero obstacles in 3D or due to high-cost or high-curvature regions. In this paper we propose an universal and generalized approach to multiple, locally-optimal path planning using the concept of a novel neighborhood-augmented graph, search-based planning in which can compute paths that are topo-geometrically distinct. This approach can find desired number of locally optimal paths in a wider variety of configuration spaces without requiring any complex pre-processing or geometric constructions. Unlike the existing topological methods, resulting optimal paths are not restricted to distinct topological classes, thus making the algorithm applicable to many other problems where locally optimal and geometrically distinct paths are of interest. We demonstrate the use of our algorithm to planning for shortest traversible paths for a tethered robot in 3D with cable-length constraint, and validate the results in simulations and real robot experimentation.
Broadband terahertz pulse generation by optical rectification in GaP crystals

We demonstrate a broadband (0.3–7 THz) terahertz pulse generation using GaP generation and detection crystals with an 80-MHz-repetition-rate Ti:Sapphire laser. We also use simulations of cascaded terahertz generation to model the observed terahertz gain profiles. The efficient generation of the broadband terahertz pulses is based on optimizing the phase matching between the optical and terahertz pulses, which is achieved by tuning the wavelength of the laser. We observed further improvement in the generation efficiency due to a mismatching of the imaginary part of the complex wavevectors. Together, these effects allow the use of thicker crystals and thus lead to increased terahertz emission. Our results show that optical rectification by GaP can be used to generate broadband terahertz pulses with MHz-repetition-rate lasers up to a dynamic range that is comparable to commonly used sources like ZnTe and photo-conductive antennas.