Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A foreground detection algorithm for Time-of-Flight cameras adapted dynamic integration time adjustment and multipath distortions

There are two scenarios often appear in the use of a Time-of-Flight (ToF) camera. One is requiring dynamic adjustment of its integration time to avoid overexposure, the other is multipath distortions happen. In these two scenarios, the pixel values of depth map and intensity map will suddenly and greatly change, and it will eﬀect ToF based applications that require foreground detection. Traditional foreground detection algorithms can not adapt to these scenarios well, since they are sensitive to the sudden large change of pixel values and the threshold of pixel values diﬀerence people pick. Therefore, this paper proposes a pixel-insensitive and threshold-free algorithm to deal with the above scenarios. It is an end-to-end model based on deep learning. It takes two intensity maps captured by a ToF camera as input, where one intensity map works as a background, and the other works as a contrast. Taking their actual diﬀerences, also called foreground, as a label. Then, using deep learning to learn how to detect foreground based on these inputs and labels. To learn the pattern, datasets are collected under various scenes by multiple ToF cameras, and the training datasets are enlarged through applying a series of random transformations on the foreground and introducing two-dimensional Gaussian noise. Experiments show the new algorithm can stably detect foreground under diﬀerent circumstances including the two mentioned scenarios.
Deep Learning-based 3D Hand Pose and Shape Estimation from a Single Depth Image: Methods, Datasets and Application

3D hand pose and shape estimation from a single depth image is a challenging computer vision and graphics problem with many applications such as human computer interaction and animation of a personalized hand shape in augmented reality (AR). This problem is challenging due to several factors for instance high degrees of freedom, view-point variations and varying hand shapes. Hybrid approaches based on deep learning followed by model fitting preserve the structure of hand. However, a pre-calibrated hand model limits the generalization of these approaches. To address this limitation, we proposed a novel hybrid algorithm for simultaneous estimation of 3D hand pose and bone-lengths of a hand model which allows training on datasets that contain varying hand shapes. On the other hand, direct joint regression methods achieve high accuracy but they do not incorporate the structure of hand in the learning process. Therefore, we introduced a novel structure-aware algorithm which learns to estimate 3D hand pose jointly with new structural constraints. These constraints include fingers lengths, distances of joints along the kinematic chain and fingers inter-distances. Learning these constraints help to maintain a structural relation between the estimated joint keypoints. Previous methods addressed the problem of 3D hand pose estimation. We open a new research topic and proposed the first deep network which jointly estimates 3D hand shape and pose from a single depth image. Manually annotating real data for shape is laborious and sub-optimal. Hence, we created a million-scale synthetic dataset with accurate joint annotations and mesh files of depth maps. However, the performance of this deep network is restricted by limited representation capacity of the hand model. Therefore, we proposed a novel regression-based approach in which the 3D dense hand mesh is recovered from sparse 3D hand pose, and weak-supervision is provided by a depth image synthesizer. The above mentioned approaches regressed 3D hand meshes from 2D depth images via 2D convolutional neural networks, which leads to artefacts in the estimations due to perspective distortions in the images. To overcome this limitation, we proposed a novel voxel-based deep network with 3D convolutions trained in a weakly-supervised manner. Finally, an interesting application is presented which is in-air signature acquisition and verification based on deep hand pose estimation. Experiments showed that depth itself is an important feature, which is sufficient for verification.
Actinide Partition In Humic Colloidal Ternary Systems

The partition of radionuclides between solid and solution phase has been studied in humic/quartz sand ternary systems. Data have been recorded under ambient (air) and inert (O2 and CO2 free) atmospheres. For Eu (III) and Th (IV), the systems show simple ternary behaviour, with sorption decreasing (and mobility increasing) in the presence of humic, whilst for U (VI), the behaviour is more complex, with the humic enhancing sorption and reducing mobility. There is also evidence that the sorbed humic has an enhanced affinity for the uranyl, which is probably due to fractionation of the humic. Further, the behaviour of plutonium has also been studied in these systems. Pu (IV) showed the simple ternary characteristics, which had been observed for Eu (III) and Th (IV). Pu (V) and Pu (VI) systems exhibited more complex behaviour, with low concentrations of humic actually enhancing sorption, probably due to ternary complex formation. A simple mathematical model has been developed to predict the behaviour of both metal ion and humic acid. The model performs well in predicting the partition of the humic and that of the metal ions in the systems that show simpler ternary behaviour.
VDAC

We introduce carvable volume decomposition for efficient 3-axis CNC machining of 3D freeform objects, where our goal is to develop a fully automatic method to jointly optimize setup and path planning. We formulate our joint optimization as a volume decomposition problem which prioritizes minimizing the number of setup directions while striving for a minimum number of continuously carvable volumes, where a 3D volume is continuously carvable, or simply carvable, if it can be carved with the machine cutter traversing a single continuous path. Geometrically, carvability combines visibility and monotonicity and presents a new shape property which had not been studied before. Given a target 3D shape and the initial material block, our algorithm first finds the minimum number of carving directions by solving a set cover problem. Specifically, we analyze cutter accessibility and select the carving directions based on an assessment of how likely they would lead to a small carvable volume decomposition. Next, to obtain a minimum decomposition based on the selected carving directions efficiently, we narrow down the solution search by focusing on a special kind of points in the residual volume, single access or SA points, which are points that can be accessed from one and only one of the selected carving directions. Candidate carvable volumes are grown starting from the SA points. Finally, we devise an energy term to evaluate the carvable volumes and their combinations, leading to the final decomposition. We demonstrate the performance of our decomposition algorithm on a variety of 2D and 3D examples and evaluate it against the ground truth, where possible, and solutions provided by human experts. Physically machined models are produced where each carvable volume is continuously carved following a connected Fermat spiral toolpath.
Handbook of vacuum arc science and technology : fundamentals and applications

This is a comprehensive text describing the basic physics and technological applications of vacuum arcs. Part I describes basic physics of the vacuum arc, beginning with a brief tutorial review of plasma and electrical discharge physics, then describes the arc ignition process, cathode and anode spots which serve as the locus for plasma generation, and resultant interelectrode plasma. Part II describes the applications of the vacuum arc for depositing thin films and coatings, refining metals, switching high power, and as sources of intense electron, ion, plasma, and x-ray beams.
Rethinking brain-wide interactions through multi-region ‘network of networks’ models

The neural control of behavior is distributed across many functionally and anatomically distinct brain regions even in small nervous systems. While classical neuroscience models treated these regions as a set of hierarchically isolated nodes, the brain comprises a recurrently interconnected network in which each region is intimately modulated by many others. Uncovering these interactions is now possible through experimental techniques that access large neural populations from many brain regions simultaneously. Harnessing these large-scale datasets, however, requires new theoretical approaches. Here, we review recent work to understand brain-wide interactions using multi-region 'network of networks' models and discuss how they can guide future experiments. We also emphasize the importance of multi-region recordings, and posit that studying individual components in isolation will be insufficient to understand the neural basis of behavior.
Application of Trigona (Tetragonula) laeviceps as Pollinator of Mixed Crops Plantation of Beans and Tomatoes in Greenhouse SOVIA SANTI LEKSIKOWATI, RAMADHANI EKA PUTRA2*, MIA ROSMIATI2, IDA KINASIH3, INAYATI ZAKIYATUN HUSNA2, NOVITASARI2, EKA SETIYARNI2, FAJRINA ANJARNISA RUSTAM2

1Program Studi Biologi, Institut Teknologi Sumatera, Jl. Terusan Ryacudu, Lampung 35365 2Program Studi Rekayasa Pertanian, Laboratorium Teknik 1A, Sekolah Ilmu dan Teknologi Hayati, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jl. Let. Jend. Purn. Dr. (HC) Mashudi, Kampus Jatinangor, Sumedang 45363 3Jurusan Biologi, Fakultas Sains dan Teknologi, Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, Jl. AH Nasution, Bandung 40614
Persistent homology and application on residues 1 to 28 of amyloid beta peptide

This article combines the principal component analysis (PCA) with persistent homology for applications in biomolecular data analysis. We extend the technique of persistent homology to localized weighted persistent homology to fit the properties of molecules. We introduce this novel PCA in the study of the folding process of residues 1 to 28 of amyloid beta peptide in solution. We are able to determine seven metastable states of amyloid beta 1 to 28 using homology of dimension 2, corresponding to seven local minimums in the free energy landscape. We also give the transition information between the seven types and the disconnectivity graph. Our result is very robust under change of parameters. Furthermore persistent homology of dimension 1 also give consistent results. This method can be applied to different peptides and molecules.
Treatment rates for alcohol use disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS To estimate the treatment rate for alcohol use disorders (AUDs) in the general adult population. Treatment rates were also considered in relation to economic differences. METHODS Systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases to identify studies that reported treatment rates for alcohol use disorders in the general population. Independent reviewers screened the articles based on predefined inclusion criteria. Data were extracted using a standardized data extraction form. We conducted quality assessments of the included studies. The overall treatment rates were estimated from studies that reported any treatment for AUDs from healthcare or informal non-healthcare settings (any treatment). We estimated the separate treatment rates for each diagnostic category as reported in the primary studies: AUD as a single disorder, alcohol abuse, and alcohol dependence. Data were pooled using a random-effect model. RESULTS Thirty-two articles were included to estimate the treatment rates (percentage treated among the total number of people with AUDs). The pooled estimate of people with AUDs who received any treatment were 14.3% (95% CI: 9.3 - 20.3%) for alcohol abuse, 16.5% (95% CI: 12 - 21.5%) for alcohol dependence, and 17.3% (95% CI: 12.8 - 22.3%) for AUD. A subgroup analysis by World Bank economic classification of countries found that the treatment rate for AUD was 9.3% (95% CI: 4.0-15.7%) in lower-income and lower-middle-income countries. CONCLUSION Globally, approximately one in six people with alcohol use disorders receives treatment. Treatment rates for alcohol use disorders are generally low, with even lower rates in low-income and lower-middle-income countries.
Evaluation of radiation dose from radon ingestion and inhalation in groundwater of a small tropical river basin, Kerala, India

ABSTRACT A comprehensive study was conducted to understand the radon (222Rn) distribution and associated radiation doses to the public in a small tropical river basin partly set in the western slope of the Southern Western Ghats of Kerala, India. Radon, though detected in all the 71 monitored wells (0.17–68.3 Bq L–1), exceeded the maximum contamination level (MCL) of 11.1 Bq L–1 for drinking water recommended by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) in eight samples from isolated pockets of highland, midland and lowland of the Karamana River Basin (KRB) and found to be well within 100 Bq L–1, the parametric value suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU). The age-wise total annual effective doses (AEDs) of groundwater radon activity ranged from 0.5–208.4 μSv a–1 for infants, 0.4–172.2 for children and 0.5–189.7 μSv a–1 for adults. The results reveal that effective doses due to groundwater radon pose no potential public health risk in the study region. Since there is no previous background information on radon-induced radiation dose in the KRB, this work is a newfangled attempt from a public health point of view.
An Effective Cooling Device for Minimal-Incision Kidney Transplantation

Background This study investigated the safety and efficacy of a new cooling device for use in minimal-incision kidney transplantation (MIKT). Material/Methods From June 2016 to December 2021, 9 patients underwent MIKT surgery in our hospitals using the new cooling device to maintain hypothermia. We recorded and analyzed information on the etiology, comorbid status, ongoing renal replacement assessment, BMI, HLA mismatching sites of donors and recipients, and perioperative and postoperative clinical data for recipients. Results Kidney transplantation was successfully performed in all patients. The kidney surface temperature measurement results showed that the intraoperative renal anterior and posterior surface temperatures were stable at approximately 3.8±1.2°C and 5.2±1.3°C, respectively, during ice-water circulation. The mean operation time was 112±15 min, the artery anastomosis time was 16±6.0 min, and the vein anastomosis time was 14±4.5 min. All recipients recovered uneventfully. The patients were followed up for 6–30 months. Urinary and vascular complications were not found in any recipients. Conclusions The new cooling device can facilitate MIKT. It is safe and feasible to carry out MIKT using the new cooling device, which can reduce surgical trauma and improve the quality of vascular anastomosis with satisfactory cosmetic results.
Lymphodepletion strategies to potentiate adoptive T-cell immunotherapy – what are we doing; where are we going?

ABSTRACT Introduction Adoptive immunotherapy of cancer has evolved from the use of ex vivo expanded lymphokine-activated killer cells and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes to an increasing array of approaches involving genetically engineered T-cells. A pivotal advance in the enablement of these therapies has been the conditioning of patients with lymphodepleting chemotherapy. A broad range of lymphodepleting regimens has been employed in an effort to improve response rates, without any single consistent approach having emerged. Only a limited number of studies involving small numbers of patients has directly compared two or more regimens, making it challenging to infer which are the preferred agents and dosing schedules. This difficulty is compounded by the fact that both response rate and toxicity appear to be disease-, patient- and T-cell product specific. Expert Opinion This article surveys clinical experience with lymphodepleting regimens that have been used in conjunction with adoptive T-cell immunotherapy, focussing in particular on studies where different approaches have been employed. Harnessing this limited and evolving clinical experience, we set out to provide potential insights into how an optimal balance may be achieved between efficacy and safety. Intermediate dose fludarabine-based regimens are emerging as an increasingly popular option in an attempt to achieve this goal, although further studies are required to provide definitive evidence.
Anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effect of zingiberene on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in experimental animals

This study aimed to investigate the antihyperlipidemic and anti-inflammatory effect of zingiberene (ZBN) on isoproterenol-(ISO) induced myocardial infarction in rats. ZBN (10 mg/kg b.wt.) was orally administered to rats for 21 days and ISO (85 mg/kg b.wt.) was subcutaneously injected into the rats at 24 h intervals for the last 2 consecutive days. We observed increased serum creatine kinase, creatine kinase-MB, cardiac troponin T, and I levels in ISO-treated MI rats. Conversely, ZBN oral administration significantly prevented in cardiac marker enzyme activities in ISO-mediated rats. We also noticed that ZBN oral administration prevented ISO-induced expression of lipid peroxidative markers, total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, free fatty acids, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to the normal basal level. Furthermore, ZBN restored ISO-mediated antioxidant status, increased level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and tissue phospholipids to the near-normal levels. Besides, ZBN pre-treatment significantly reduced the level of inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, NF-κB, and IL-1β) in ISO-induced MI in rats. We noticed that ZBN pretreatment inhibited the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and cytochrome c and increased the Bcl-2 expression in ISO induced rats. The gene expression profiling by qRT-PCR array illustrates that ZBN treatment prevents the ISO mediated activation of cardiac markers, inflammatory, and fibrosis-related genes in the heart tissue. Taken together, pre-treatment with ZBN attenuated ISO-induced MI resolved exhibits the anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effect.
Adaptive variation and plasticity in nonstructural carbohydrate storage in a temperate tree species.

Trees' total amount of nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) stores and the proportion of these stores residing as insoluble starch are vital traits for individuals living in variable environments. However, our understanding of how stores vary in response to environmental stress is poorly understood as the genetic component of storage is rarely accounted for in studies. Here, we quantified variation in NSC traits in branch samples taken from over 600 clonally transplanted black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) trees grown in two common gardens. We found heritable variation in both total NSC stores and the proportion of stores in starch (H2 TNC = 0.19, H2 PropStarch = 0.31), indicating a substantial genetic component of variation. In addition, we found high amounts of plasticity in both traits in response to cold temperatures and significant genotype-by-environment (GxE) interactions in the total amount of NSC stored (54% of P is GxE). This finding of high GxE indicates extensive variation across trees in their response to environment, which may explain why previous studies of carbohydrate stores' responses to stress have failed to converge on a consistent pattern. Overall, we found high amounts of environmental and genetic variation in NSC storage concentrations, which may bolster species against future climate change. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Physiochemical Analysis of Drinking Water from Different Urban Areas of Faisalabad

In order to determine quality of water used for drinking purposes physicochemical analysis in selected residential areas of Faisalabad, an industrial city of Pakistan was carried out . S amples were collected from twenty different sites and analyzed for following parameters such as color, odor, taste, pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, P-alkalinity, M-alkalinity, total hardness and concentration of principal cations and anions
Changes in telepsychiatry regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic: 17 countries and regions' approaches to an evolving healthcare landscape

Abstract Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of telemedicine as a way to reduce COVID-19 infections was noted and consequently deregulated. However, the degree of telemedicine regulation varies from country to country, which may alter the widespread use of telemedicine. This study aimed to clarify the telepsychiatry regulations for each collaborating country/region before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We used snowball sampling within a global network of international telepsychiatry experts. Thirty collaborators from 17 different countries/regions responded to a questionnaire on barriers to the use and implementation of telepsychiatric care, including policy factors such as regulations and reimbursement at the end of 2019 and as of May 2020. Results Thirteen of 17 regions reported a relaxation of regulations due to the pandemic; consequently, all regions surveyed stated that telepsychiatry was now possible within their public healthcare systems. In some regions, restrictions on prescription medications allowed via telepsychiatry were eased, but in 11 of the 17 regions, there were still restrictions on prescribing medications via telepsychiatry. Lower insurance reimbursement amounts for telepsychiatry consultations v. in-person consultations were reevaluated in four regions, and consequently, in 15 regions telepsychiatry services were reimbursed at the same rate (or higher) than in-person consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions Our results confirm that, due to COVID-19, the majority of countries surveyed are altering telemedicine regulations that had previously restricted the spread of telemedicine. These findings provide information that could guide future policy and regulatory decisions, which facilitate greater scale and spread of telepsychiatry globally.