SIRIS-Lab/unlabelled-sti-corpus huggingface dataset:
Bright, coherent and focused light to resolve neural circuits

The overarching goal of this project is to establish a novel technique for neuroimaging to probe large tissue volumes at the nanometre scale. Currently only electron microscopes are capable of generating data with sufficient resolving power for comprehensive exploration of the neural circuits that underlie brain function. With state of the art systems, imaging just one cubic mm of brain entails years of data collection, ultra-thin sectioning which is prone to errors and data loss, and prohibitive costs. Each circuit unit spans over large distances, thus access to millimetre sized volumes of view is essential for both fundamental and therapeutic discoveries in neurosciences. Today this is an unreachable goal. In contrast, X-ray microscopy facilitates rapid imaging of large samples but the resolving power is not sufficient to visualize neural connections. Thus, at present, resolving large neural circuits is hardly imaginable. The aim of this project is to overcome these limitations and to develop an integrative approach which will open new research perspectives. X-ray holographic nano-tomography is a 3D coherent imaging technique which is capable of generating exceptional contrast in soft tissue through phase contrast. The penetrating power of X-rays and the full-field, free space propagation setup enable rapid multiscale imaging of large samples which are opaque to visible light. By combining a highly brilliant X-ray nanoprobe, a carefully designed nanopositioning system, a cutting edge detection system and cryogenics for sample preservation, isotropic 3D spatial resolution better than 30 nm is conceivable. The objectives of this interdisciplinary project are to 1) develop a system for imaging neural circuits at synaptic level in large tissue volumes, including methods for sample preparation, image acquisition and image reconstruction 2) develop an automatic image analysis tool 3) create unprecedented maps of brain circuits with immediate impact in neurosciences.
Devising statistic models of milking duration on the conveyor milking machines

As a result of theoretical and experimental research, our statistic models of milking duration determine a functional connection between statistic parameters of the duration of conveyor milking machines operation, statistic parameters of preparing and milking a cow, parameters and varieties of milking machines, and the number of animals in the herd. The suggested models are based on a new approach to the estimation of statistic parameters of preparation and milking time. The models permit a more precise estimation of milking machines productivity at the stages of their design and modernization. The findings facilitate working out methods for designing information and measurement systems of milking technology parameters and automatic farm management systems and underlie further development of a theoretical background for such systems. The increased adequacy of the devised models in comparison with the current ones is proved through determining a relative estimation of the divergence between the theoretical findings and experimental data.
ND:YAG Laser Pulses Ablation Threshold of Stainless Steel 304

Laser processing and laser surface texturing in multiple fields have become a popular topic of study in recent decades. Understanding the principles behind the laser irradiation mechanism is an essential step in choosing the most effective process parameters. Through this study, the effects of power and pulse duration on the structure and surface pattern of stainless steel type 304 were examined, and optimized laser parameters were introduced for desired laser penetration and heat-affected areas on the surface. The analyzed sample was prepared by using variations of pulse durations and different pulsed energies. Looking at the trend of change of non-dimensional temperature along the surface, thickness, and center of the sample, the effects of pulse duration and intensity (corresponding to energy) were observed. Upon considering all the aspects of the irradiated spots, such as heat-affected area diameter, surface patterns, and penetration depth, the advantages and disadvantages of short and long pulse durations are mapped out clearly. Also, a new method to obtain the ablation threshold of stainless steel is introduced, and a thorough analytical solution is obtained.
Management and sustainable development of protected transitional waters

The project aims at improving and reinforcing the conservation of the natural heritage in protected transitional ecosystems and at enlarging their sustainable fruition. The strategic objectives are to ameliorate conservation of the natural heritage in the protected transitional waters of the CADSES area, by deepening knowledge, producing technological innovation, reinforcing regulation and overcoming fragmentation of expertise and competencies. Also the territorial integration of environmental policy in the CADSES area should be reinforced. Efforts in conservation should be transferred to sustainable development strategies leading to the creation of new job opportunities and an improvement in the quality of life. The TWReferenceNET project creates activities in the following areas: environmental, socio-economic and networking communication. The environmental project area promotes studies and pilot actions on transitional protected areas focusing on Ramsar and Natura 2000 sites that means wetlands of international importance and areas beloning to the European network of protected sites. The socio-economic field carries out feasibility studies of sustainable economic development, promotes pilot actions for spin-offs in tourism firms, reinforces regulation and contributes to European standards integration for the environment in CADSES countries. The networking communication area is based on the creation of an e-Centre which constitutes a functional networking among protected transitional Ramsar and Natura 2000 sites by bridging knowledge, expertise and competencies of project partners, administrations, NGOs and firms.
Comparison between popular image fusion approaches with the consideration of their influence on later segmentation outcomes

Image Fusion is the basic way to complement the panchromatic bands which occupies precise spatial resolution with the multi-spectral bands which contains abundant spectral details. By the courtesy of rapid development of remote sensing techniques, to the same area, there are lots of images with different spatial and spectral resolutions, which boost the necessity of image fusion. There have been various approaches for image fusion available now, most of which emphasize only on the visual effect while ignoring its fusion consequence to the later image analysis processes (such as segmentation, classification, etc). The paper intends to propose some suggestions on how to choose the fusion procedures, based on the comparison of popular image fusion methodologies applied to Quickbird image with 0.6m spatial resolution. The multi-resolution segmentation approach provided by Definiens' eCognition has been used in the final segmentation stage to ensure the optimal results).
Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Program for Elective Abdominal Surgery at Three Victorian Hospitals

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anaesthesia care of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program for patients having abdominal surgery in Victorian hospitals. The main outcome measure was the number of ERAS items implemented following introduction of the ERAS program. Secondary endpoints included process of care measures, outcomes and hospital stay. We used a before-and-after design; the control group was a prospective cohort (n=154) representing pre-existing practice for elective abdominal surgical patients from July 2009. The introduction of a comprehensive ERAS program took place over two months and included the education of surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and allied health professionals. A postimplementation cohort (n=169) was enrolled in early 2010. From a total of 14 ERAS-recommended items, there were significantly more implemented in the post-ERAS period, median 8 (interquartile range 7 to 9) vs 9 (8 to 10), P &lt;0.0001. There were, however, persistent low rates of intravenous fluid restriction (25%) and early removal of urinary catheter (31%) in the post-ERAS period. ERAS patients had less pain and faster recovery parameters, and this was associated with a reduced hospital stay, geometric mean (SD) 5.7 (2.5) vs 7.4 (2.1) days, P=0.006. We found that perioperative anaesthesia practices can be readily modified to incorporate an enhanced recovery program in Victorian hospitals.
Análise estatística da intensidade do uso de energia de edificações escolares no Brasil: proposição de benchmarking simplificado

&lt;p&gt;Este estudo apresenta uma proposição de benchmarking estatístico do estoque de edificações escolares no Brasil. Informações de consumo de energia, área construída, número de alunos e localização (zona bioclimática) de 2.445 escolas foram utilizadas para se calcular indicadores de intensidade de uso de energia (EUI) em termos de área construída e número de alunos, realizando-se também uma transformação logarítmica para garantir aderência à distribuição normal. Esses indicadores foram analisados por meio de teste de normalidade, desenvolvimento de histogramas, cálculo de medidas de síntese estatística, e determinação de um benchmarking estatístico por meio de normalização simples. Além disso, uma análise de variância (ANOVA) foi aplicada para verificar se o EUI apresenta variação estatística em relação às diferentes zonas bioclimáticas observadas. Resultados apresentam valores típicos de EUI por área construída e por número de alunos para o estoque de edificações e o benchmarking estatístico apresenta valores limites para classificação do desempenho operacional dessas edificações de “A” (melhor desempenho) até “E” (pior desempenho). O teste estatístico ANOVA apontou que há variação dos valores médios dos EUIs para diferentes zonas bioclimáticas. Conclusões apontam que o método utilizado para benchmarking é válido para uma abordagem primária, porém é limitado por não considerar como parâmetro a localidade da edificação, identificado como importante no teste estatístico empregado. Dessa forma, evidencia-se a necessidade de um método mais robusto para representar o benchmarking energético de edificações no Brasil.&lt;/p&gt;
USING COMMUNICATION GAMES TO IMPROVE THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH SPEAKING FOR GRADE X STUDENTS OF SMA N 1 GAMPING IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR OF 2010/2011

This study is action research that aims to improve the teaching speaking practices as an effort to improve the students’ speaking skills through communication games of grade X at SMAN 1 Gamping in the academic year of 2010/2011.
This study was an action research study consisting of two cycles and used qualitative and quantitative data. The researcher worked collaboratively with the English teacher, the collaborator, and the students. The subjects of this research were 35 students of X.B class of SMA N 1 Gamping in academic year of 2010/2011. The qualitative data were obtained by observing the teaching and learning process during the implementation of the actions and interviewing the students, the teacher and the collaborator about the implemented actions. The qualitative data were in the form of field notes, interview transcripts and open-ended questionnaires. Meanwhile, the quantitative data were in the form of the results of students’ speaking tests.
The results of Cycle I showed that the implementation of a communication game and other accompanying actions (i.e. using classroom English, improving students’ self-confidence through small group activity, and giving feedback) were successful in improving students’ speaking skills and their involvement during teaching and learning process. However, the communication game which was implemented in small group activity was not successful enough because there were some students who were not actively engaged in this activity and the class became noisy. Therefore, the researcher improved that action by preparing the students to speak spontaneously. Meanwhile, it was shown in Cycle II that the implementation of various communication games (i.e. guessing and matching games) and other accompanying actions (i.e. using classroom English, implementing various communication games, preparing the students to speak spontaneously, giving rewards to motivate the students, establishing learning contract during the teaching learning process, and giving feedback) were successful in improving the students’ speaking skills and involvement in English teaching learning process. The findings were supported by the means of the students’ score in speaking tests which has improved from 65.03 and 65.47 in pre-test to 69.54 and 70.90 in the post test. In conclusion, the students’ speaking skills was influenced by the use of communication games in the teaching and learning English speaking process.
Gender-Related differences in expression of micrornas in cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a hereditary disease involving a defective ion channel, resulting in altered epithelial cell function and consequent infective/inflammatory airway exacerbations. Progressive loss of lung function is the leading cause of death in CF patients. It is statistically noted that females have a disadvantage in survival and morbidity; this is commonly referred to as the CF gender gap. Recent studies have implicated the female sex hormone, estrogen, in this gender gap. CF patients show altered microRNA expression and some of the affected miRNAs are predicted to target genes encoding key inflammatory mediators such as Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and tumour necrosis factor a receptor associated factor-6 (TRAF6). This highly innovative proposal, to be implemented at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI), aims to study the regulation of key miRNAs by estrogen and investigate if this plays a role in the CF gender gap. I will combine my own expertise in pulmonary innate immunity with the host PI’s world-class knowledge of CF and miRNA research. The research will further our understanding of inflammation in CF to aid development of better therapies. I will develop professionally as I: a) diversify my competencies through the acquisition of new laboratory skills (e.g. qPCR, flow cytometry), b) strengthen my transferable skills (e.g. project management, public engagement, data dissemination) and c) expand my collaborative network through secondments to other world-renowned research teams in Leiden University Medical Centre, Netherlands and University of Heidelberg, Germany. I will contribute richly to research at RCSI as I am already equipped with skills applicable to ongoing work in the team and am keen to take an active role in student supervision. The opportunities carried by this fellowship will form the cornerstone of my career, accelerating my progression towards my goal of achieving a position of independence in respiratory immunology research.
Making connections between the appraisal, performance management and professional development of dentists and teachers: ‘right, what are the problems we’ve got and how could we sort this out?’

Evaluating the connections between the appraisal, or performance management, of different professional groups, and their subsequent uptake of continuing professional development (CPD), is valuable for both employees and managers. The linking of appraisal systems with professional/personal development plans amongst health professionals is now fairly commonplace, although less so amongst dental practitioners. Within teaching, shifts away from appraisal towards performance management have changed the ways in which teachers now regard their professional development. This paper focuses on the introduction of a pilot appraisal scheme for general dental practitioners (GDPs) (n = 20) in a West Midlands Primary Care Trust, comparing findings with existing practices of professional review amongst teachers (n = 28) in the same region. It is apparent that for many professional groups the outcomes of appraisal/performance management meetings now have significant implications, not least through their connection to CPD ...
Closing the loop for urban material flows

CityLoops brings together six ambitious European cities to demonstrate a series of innovative tools and urban planning approaches, aimed at closing the loops of urban material flows and increasing their regenerative capacity. Demonstration actions will be implemented in relation to construction/demolition waste, including soil, and organic waste.  During the inception phase, a circular city scan methodology and indicators will be developed and implemented in each city, by adapting current MFA and Urban Metabolism methods to include context-specific data and challenges, to adjust planned demonstration actions, provide an evaluation framework for the measures and monitor their progress towards a circular economy. A series of further innovative decision support tools will be developed (such as City Lab, a GIS based city planning tool, and a pre-demolition resource-mapping tool) for specific demonstration actions. In each city, a Local Stakeholder Partnership will be established at project outset, involving citizen groups, businesses communities, and other relevant partners, to guide planning and implementation. In each case, public procurement actions will also be analysed to assess potential supportive measures.    As the selected cities are small to medium sized cities (pop. 50,000 – 600,000), Apeldoorn, Bodø, Mikkeli, Porto, Seville and Roskilde/Høje-Taastrup, the tools, approaches and solutions demonstrated should be replicable in a large number of cities across Europe. Replication is embedded throughout the project. At city level, all demonstration cities will prepare scale-up plans. At a regional level Collaborative Learning Networks will be established, consisting of other municipalities, public bodies, and other relevant regional institutions, to prepare regional upscaling plans. At a European level, a series of Replication Zones will be recruited over the course of the project to prepare replication plans. Guidance on replication will also be produced.
Method of modulating the reproductive endocrine system by modulation of TNFalphaActivity

The present invention provides treatment methods, as well as prognostic and diagnostic methods of modulating the reproductive-endocrine system, e.g., inhibiting spontaneous abortion, by modulating TNF-a expression and/or activity.
Steel Bridge Construction of Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge

The 55-km-long Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge (HZMB) is the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge, connecting Hong Kong with Zhuhai and Macao at the mouth of the Pearl River Estuary in China, comprising 22.9-km-long steel bridges. HZMB is the leading steel bridge in China, with top-level manufacturing and installation technology. This paper outlines the steel bridge construction experiences of HZMB to provide comparisons for the construction of other long sea-crossing steel bridges at home or abroad. The main considerations of construction constraints, scheme selection, structural and aesthetic design of HZMB are presented, and the following points related to new strategies in the steel bridge construction of HZMB are elaborated: (1) construction quality assurance, (2) automatic manufacturing technology, (3) large segment offshore installation, (4) eco-friendly paint (content limitation of volatile organic compounds) and new multifunctional inspection gantry, and (5) Guss Mastic Asphalt steel deck pavement system. The successful implementation of those strategies shows that the steel bridge construction of HZMB promotes improvement in the overall construction and management level of the Chinese bridge industry. The advanced experience of HZMB has opened up broad prospects for the design and construction of offshore bridge engineering in China.
Improved energy and resource efficiency by better coordination of production in the process industries

The goal of CoPro is to develop and to demonstrate methods and tools for process monitoring and optimal dynamic planning, scheduling and control of plants, industrial sites and clusters under dynamic market conditions. CoPro will provide decision support to operators and managers and develop closed-loop solutions to achieve an optimally energy and resource efficient production. 
In most plants of the process industries, the energy and resource efficiency of the production depends critically on discrete decisions on the use of equipment, shutdowns, product changeovers and cleaning or regeneration of equipment. CoPro will consider these discrete decisions in plant-wide dynamic optimization and develop integrated scheduling and control solutions. Advanced online data analytics will be developed for plant health and product quality monitoring. The detection of anomalies will trigger fast re-scheduling and re-optimization.
CoPro will demonstrate advanced plant-wide and site-wide coordination and control in five typical use cases that cover a wide range of sectors of the process industries, and the whole value chain:
- Petrochemical production site
- Base chemicals and polymer production site
- Recycling system in cellulose production
- Consumer product formulation and packaging plant
- Food processing plant
In addition,CoPro will develop methods for the coordination of plants in industrial parks that belong to different companies, thus providing a basis for future industrial symbiosis.
CoPro pays special attention to the role of operators and managers in plant-wide control solutions and to the deployment of advanced solutions in industrial sites with a heterogeneous IT environment. As the effort required for the development and maintenance of accurate plant models is the bottleneck for the development and long-term operation of advanced control and scheduling solutions, CoPro will develop methods for efficient modelling and for model quality monitoring and model adaption
Uncertainty analysis of rod ejection accident in VVER-1000 reactor

• PARCS and TRACE are used for RIA analysis of VVER-1000 with adoption of GRS method. • Determination of input uncertainties can be performed according to PIRT document. • Uncertainty of moderator temperature cross-section influenced coupled calculation. • Uncertainty of thermal conductivity of uranium affects the results of calculation. In present work the coupling of neutronics code PARCS and thermo-hydraulics code TRACE was performed with adoption of GRS (Gesellschaft für Anlagen- und Reaktorsicherheit) uncertainty method for rod ejection accident in VVER-1000 reactor core. The determination of input parameters, which represent source of possible uncertainties, for both codes was based on the Phenomenon Identification and Ranking Tables (PIRT) for rod ejection accident in pressurized water reactor (PWR) established by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (U.S. NRC). Following input parameters in PARCS were selected: delayed neutron fraction precursor groups, macroscopic cross-section data for density of moderator, temperature of fuel and temperature of moderator. For TRACE code input uncertainty of thermal conductivity of fuel, gap and cladding were defined. The results obtained from uncertainty analyses imply that macroscopic cross-section data of moderator temperature is the most influential uncertainty among the input parameters in a neutronics code. On the other hand, uncertainty of thermal conductivity of uranium fuel significantly affects the results of coupled calculation. The influence of input uncertainties were investigated on the calculated results, mainly for core thermal power, fuel centerline temperature, total reactivity, moderator density, and fuel temperature reactivity.