Exploiting probability density function of deep convolutional autoencoders’ latent space for reliable COVID-19 detection on CT scans

The Journal of Supercomputing - We present a probabilistic method for classifying chest computed tomography (CT) scans into COVID-19 and non-COVID-19. To this end, we design and train, in an...     

On the Tolerance to Manufacturing Defects in Molecular QCA Tiles for Processing-by-wire

Among emerging technologies, Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA) relies on innovative computational paradigms. For nano-scale implementation, the so-called processing-by-wire (PBW) paradigm in QCA is very effective as processing takes place, while signal communication is accomplished. This paper analyzes the defect tolerance properties of PBW for manufacturing tiles by molecular QCA cells. Based on a 3?×?3 grid and various input/output arrangements in QCA cells, different tiles are analyzed and simulated using a coherence vector engine. The functional characterization and polarization level of these tiles for undeposited cell defects are reported and detailed profiles are provided. It is shown that novel features of PBW are possible due to the spatial redundancy of the cells in the tiles that permits to retain at high probability the fault free function in the presence of defects. Moreover, it is shown that QCA tiles are robust and inherently tolerant to cell defects (by logic equivalence, also additional cell defects can be accommodated).     

SALINE DEPOSITS AND ALKALINE MAGMATISM: A GENETIC MODEL

The temporal and spatical coincidence of saline deposits with rifting and alkaline magmatism is now widely accepted. The congruency of these three phenomena implies, logically, their trilateral genetic inter-relationship. Conventional models for the formation of saline deposits, i.e. the "evaporation process", cannot be properly applied to giant saline deposits, such as those of the Mediterranean and Red Sea basins
The alternative "Volcanogenic Model" proposed here offers a genetic explanation for these problems. This Model is compared with both the conventional evaporation model and the deep-basin evaporation model of fSchmalz. Well-known saline-surface basins (e.g. the Red Sea, East African rift system, Dead Sea, Mediterranean, Circum-Atlantic, Zechstein, and Asian InfraCambrian — Lower Cambrian), and "Kuroko" and "Black Smoker" depostis, are briefly reviewed. The role of alkaline and calc-alkaline magmatism in producing saline-surface deposts and the application of the Volcanogenic Model in each case is discussed, and conclusions concerning the suitability of the new model are drawn.     

A Comparative Investigation on Bioactivity and Antibacterial Properties of Sol-Gel Derived 58S Bioactive Glass Substituted by Ag and Zn

Silicon - The bioactive glass systems of xAg2O-SiO2-P2O5-CaO and xZnO-SiO2-P2O5-CaO (x = 2 and 4% mol) were successfully synthesized through sol-gel method. The effect of silver and...     

Development of a new hybrid ANN for solving a geotechnical problem related to tunnel boring machine performance

Engineering with Computers - Prediction of tunnel boring machine (TBM) performance parameters can be caused to reduce the risks associated with tunneling projects. This study is aimed to introduce...     

Solvent effect in phase separation for fabrication of micropatterned porous scaffold sheets

Cellular orientation control is important for tissue regeneration. Design of oriented structures for cells with suitable features can be used in tissue engineering. One of the methods of cellular orientation with the aim of regenerating which damaged tissues is utilizing oriented biocompatible substrates. This paper reports a one-step method with different solvents to fabricate porous micropatterned polyhydroxybutyrate scaffold sheets. The results indicated that the porosity and pore morphology of the scaffolds are viable with respect to proliferation rate, and a micropattern for cell alignment. Stem cells culturing proved that the scaffold sheets are suitable for cell culturing. Preliminary experiments indicate that the 2-D scaffold sheets are very promising as basis for building 3-D scaffolds.     

The effect of TiO2 nanoparticle codeposition on microstructure and corrosion resistance of electroless Ni?P coating

Ni? P? TiO₂ nanocomposite coatings with various contents of TiO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized by adding TiO₂ nanoparticles to Ni? P electroless plating solution. The effects of pH and anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on the chemical composition of Ni, P, and TiO₂ in the coatings were investigated. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDX), and X‐ray diffractometer (XRD) were used to characterize the morphology, composition, and crystal structure of deposited coatings, respectively. The hardness of nanocomposite coatings was improved greatly compared to Ni? P coating especially after heat treatment. After heat treatment at 400 °C for 1 h, an increase in microhardness was observed for heat‐treated Ni? P coatings. The hardness was increased from 805 to 1050 Hv for Ni? P? TiO₂ coating deposited at 9 g/LTiO₂ concentration in the bath. The corrosion resistance of Ni? P? TiO₂ coating was significantly increased compared to Ni? P coatings by incorporation of TiO₂ nanoparticle.     

Determination of EMC isotherms and appropriate mathematical models for canola

Canola seed needs to be dried to minimize damage during subsequent unit operations. In order to optimize the drying and storage processes of seeds it is necessary to know the equilibrium moisture content at different air equilibrium relative humidities and temperatures. In the present work adsorption equilibrium moisture content isotherms were determined for a specific local canola variety at 25, 40 and 55 °C and seven air relative humidifies within the range of 11-90%. Experimental data were used to model the adsorption isotherm process using non-linear regression analysis. Thirteen available mathematical and semi empirical models were employed to find the best fit isotherm curve model. The Halsey model showed the best results at 25 and 40 °C and the values of coefficient of determination (R²), chi-square (χ²) and root of mean square error (RMSE) were 0.993, 0.122 and 0.295 at 25 °C and 0.994, 0.042 and 0.174 at 40 °C. Another best fit mode was the GAB model at 55 °C which resulted in the values of 0.997, 0.023 and 0.120 for R², χ² and RMSE respectively. The adsorption monolayer moisture content (m₀) was also evaluated using BET equation. The m₀ values at 25 °C, 40 °C and 55 °C were 0.017, 0.016 and 0.015 g H₂O/g solid and the corresponding constant values of the BET equation were found to be −4.733, −5.129 and −10.299 respectively.     

Computer‐aided diagnosis software for vulvovaginal candidiasis detection from Pap smear images

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common gynecologic infection and it occurs when there is overgrowth of the yeast called Candida. VVC diagnosis is usually done by observing a Pap smear sample under a microscope and searching for the conidium and mycelium components of Candida. This manual method is time consuming, subjective and tedious. Any diagnosis tools that detect VVC, semi‐ or full‐automatically, can be very helpful to pathologists. This article presents a computer aided diagnosis (CAD) software to improve human diagnosis of VVC from Pap smear samples. The proposed software is designed based on phenotypic and morphology features of the Candida in Pap smear sample images. This software provide a user‐friendly interface which consists of a set of image processing tools and analytical results that helps to detect Candida and determine severity of illness. The software was evaluated on 200 Pap smear sample images and obtained specificity of 91.04% and sensitivity of 92.48% to detect VVC. As a result, the use of the proposed software reduces diagnostic time and can be employed as a second objective opinion for pathologists.     

Effect of different cooking methods on vitamins,minerals and nutritional quality indices of orange-spotted grouper (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Epinephelus coioides</Emphasis>)

This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional value [proximate, fatty acid profiles, vitamins and minerals and also nutritional quality indices (NQI)] of orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) prepared according to common consumer techniques: raw, poached, steamed, microwaved, pan-fried and deep-fried (in olive oil). There was an increase in protein, lipid and ash contents in cooked fish as compared to raw fish fillets. Cooking treatment had no significant effect on total n-3 fatty acids except for deep-fried fillets. Cooking methods had no significant effect on total n-6 fatty acids. In all the cooking methods, n-6 fatty acids were well preserved. There was no significant difference in the Mn, Zn, Ca and Fe contents of fillet between raw and cooked samples. Vitamin D content in all cooking methods did not differ significantly. None of cooking methods had a significant effect on vitamin A except for deep-frying fillets. However, vitamin B1 and B3 contents of cooked fish significantly decreased. Considering the overall nutritional quality indices, vitamin and mineral contents, steaming is the best cooking method.