Effective Method For Use Research Articles

An UltraMNIST classification benchmark to train CNNs for very large images

Current convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are not designed for large scientific images with rich multi-scale features, such as in satellite and microscopy domain. A new phase of development of CNNs especially designed for large images is awaited. However, application-independent high-quality and challenging datasets needed for such development are still missing. We present the ‘UltraMNIST dataset’ and associated benchmarks for this new research problem of ‘training CNNs for large images’. The dataset is simple, representative of wide-ranging challenges in scientific data, and easily customizable for different levels of complexity, smallest and largest features, and sizes of images. Two variants of the problem are discussed: standard version that facilitates the development of novel CNN methods for effective use of the best available GPU resources and the budget-aware version to promote the development of methods that work under constrained GPU memory. Several baselines are presented and the effect of reduced resolution is studied. The presented benchmark dataset and baselines will hopefully trigger the development of new CNN methods for large scientific images.

Study on the Countermeasures and Mechanism of Balanced Utilization in Multilayer Reservoirs at Ultra-High Water Cut Period

After entering the ultra-high water cut stage of multilayer oil reservoirs, the remaining oil is highly dispersed. Due to the continuous development of general water injection, the generation of advantageous channels makes interlayer contradictions more prominent, and the differences in the utilization between different layers are even greater. After the water drive development of multilayer oil reservoirs enters the ultra-high water cut stage, the development effect deteriorates year by year. Layer restructuring is an effective method of improving the water injection development effect and increasing the degree of utilization. In essence, its goal is to achieve balanced utilization for multiple development layers to increase the degree of recovery. This article mainly employs physical simulation experiments combined with reservoir numerical simulation technology to jointly study the effects of different equilibrium production strategies in the ultra-high water cut period of multilayer oil reservoirs and their mechanism of action based on the remaining oil distribution field and streamline field. As a specific implementation, we use large-plate physical simulation to demonstrate the effectiveness of the rotational injection and production strategy, and to supplement the physical simulation experiment with a reservoir numerical simulation model, we analyze the mechanism of different balanced production strategies. The research results for the combination of physical simulation experiments and numerical simulation experiments show that the combined strategy of rotary injection and rotary production is the most effective method for use in multilayer and ultra-high water cut oil reservoirs. The displacement effect of the high-permeability layer is better, and the increase in the recovery degree is relatively large, while the displacement effect of the low-permeability layer is relatively weak. After conventional water drive oil recovery, the remaining oil mainly exists in the edge area of the research area. However, the use of three-dimensional well network injection wheel recovery changes the streamline field, produces the effect of fluid flow diversion, expands the water drive sweep coefficient, and improves the recovery rate. Chemical plugging can effectively replace water drive oil recovery and will become the main method for improving the recovery rate of such reservoirs in the lower part.

Surgical Results of the Superior Vena Cava Intimal Layer-Only Suture Technique in Heart Transplantation.

Superior vena cava (SVC) stenosis during follow-up is a major concern after heart transplantation, and many technical modifications have been introduced. We analyzed the surgical results of the SVC intima layer-only suture technique in heart transplantation. We performed SVC anastomosis with sutures placed only in the intima during heart transplantation. We measured the area of the SVC at 3 different points (above the anastomosis, at the anastomosis, and below the anastomosis) in an axial view by freely drawing regions of interest, and then evaluated the degree of stenosis. Patients who underwent cardiac computed tomography (CT) at 2 years postoperatively between June 2017 and May 2020 were included in this study. We performed heart transplantation in 41 patients. Among them, 24 patients (16 males and 8 females) underwent follow-up cardiac CT at 2 years postoperatively. The mean age at operation was 49.4±4.9 years. The diagnoses at time of operation were dilated cardiomyopathy (n=12), ischemic heart disease (n=8), valvular heart disease (n=2), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (n=1), and congenital heart disease (n=1). No cases of postoperative bleeding requiring intervention occurred. The mean CT follow-up duration was 1.9±0.7 years. At follow-up, the mean areas at the 3 key points were 2.7±0.8 cm2, 2.7±0.8 cm2, and 2.7±1.0 cm2 (p=0.996). There were no SVC stenosis-related symptoms during follow-up. The suture technique using only the SVC intimal layer is a safe and effective method for use in heart transplantation.

Research on methods for effective use of machines in kit in construction and repair of asphalt concrete pavement

This paper develops a methodology for studying the effective use of asphalt paving and transport machines, the main determining parameters of which are the cost and productivity of transporting and laying asphalt concrete mix. An algorithm has been developed for optimizing the operational performance of a set of asphalt paving and transport machines in the construction and repair of roads.

Size-controlled engineering of cobalt metal catalysts through a coordination effect for oxygen electrocatalysis

In the preparation process of carbon-based transition metal catalysts, the transition metal atoms usually seriously agglomerate, thus reducing the catalytic activity. To slow down the agglomeration of transition metal atoms during high-temperature treatments, herein, organics with coordination functions are proposed to regulate the typical metal-organic framework compound ZIF-67 with rich Co atoms. Electron microscopy structural characterization proves that ZIF-67 modified by coordinated organic compounds, including ascorbic acid (AA), citric acid (CA) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (EA), greatly improves the dispersibility of cobalt in the final product. All the adjusted ZIF-67 can derive cobalt-based bifunctional oxygen catalysts with higher activity. Among them, EA-MOF-Co shows the best ORR performance, with a half-wave potential comparable to commercial Pt/C in alkaline solutions and an obviously reduced oxygen evolution overpotential. This suggests that it is an effective method for use of coordination organics to tether metal ions and prevent their further agglomeration during carbonation.

VOLODYMYR FRANKOVYCH STAKHOVSKYI – RECOGNIZED AUTHORITY IN ANIMAL REPRODUCTION

VOLODYMYR FRANKOVYCH STAKHOVSKYI – RECOGNIZED AUTHORITY IN ANIMAL REPRODUCTION

CREATOR OF MODERN SELECTION PROGRESS IN LIVESTOCK OF UKRAINE

The purpose of the article is to highlight the main milestones of the scientific achievements of the famous scientist in the field of animal husbandry, candidate of biological sciences A. P. Krugliak and his contribution to the development of research in biology and selection of farm animals. Research methods - general scientific (analysis, bibliographic), retrospective and source studies.
 The scientific novelty of the article lies in the presentation of the results of the main scientific works of A. P. Krugliak, which contributed to the development of the theory of biology of reproduction and selection of animals, and their practical application. Among them: -improvement of methods of biotechnology of reproduction of farm animals at the stage of introduction of deep freezing of sperm; -development of methods of creation of domestic specialized dairy breeds of cattle by use of the best world gene pool; -development of methods for effective use of bulls-improvers; -breeding and prospects for improvement of the Ukrainian red-spotted dairy breed of cattle; -development of methods for preserving the gene pool of local and small domestic breeds of farm animals.
 The researcher developed the theory of the mode of use of bulls, developed a method of their effective use, established the minimum allowable criteria for the evaluation of frozen sperm and a method of two-stage thawing. At the initiative and direct leadership of A. P. Kruglyak at the Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics named after M.V.Zubets NAAS created a state gene pool sperm embryo bank, the operation of which provided accelerated breeding of a number of specialized dairy and beef cattle in Ukraine, and the preservation of the gene local grey Ukrainian and white-headed Ukrainian breeds.
 It is proved that thanks to the creative initiatives of AP Kruglyak laid the foundations for the accelerated formation of breed and genealogical structure, and further improvement of the Ukrainian red-spotted dairy breed, the method of breeding animals along short lines is substantiated. The milk yield of cows for 305 days of the last lactation was 7174 kg and in the best herds – 10.0–11.0 thousand kg. With the direct participation of AP Kruglyak, the work of the best in Europe breeding and technological centre in cattle breeding was built and organized, the functioning of which significantly influenced the improvement of dairy breeds of cattle.

Accuracy of different handgrip values to identify mobility limitation in older adults

Background/ObjectiveMobility limitation is commonly the first sign of impaired physical function and predisposes older adults to disability. Moreover, recent epidemiological studies have classified neuromuscular strength as the best explanator of mobility limitation. However, existing cutoffs have not been adequately analyzed regarding accuracy. Therefore, our aims were to define and compare the accuracy of different cutoff points of handgrip strength for the identification of mobility limitation. MethodsCross-sectional study with 5783 participants from the SABE (Saúde, Bem-Estar e Envelhecimento [Health, Wellbeing and Aging]) and ELSA (English Longitudinal Study of Ageing) cohorts aged 60 years or older. Handgrip strength was measured using a dynamometer. Walking speed <0.8 m/s was considered mobility limitation. Receiver operating characteristic curves and probabilities of presenting mobility limitation were calculated. ResultsHandgrip strength <32 kg for men and <21 kg for women demonstrated good diagnostic accuracy for mobility limitation, with 49.1% sensitivity and 79.8% specificity for men and 58.6% sensitivity and 72.9% specificity for women. The fully adjusted models had an area under the curve of 0.82 for men and 0.83 for women, with odds of presenting mobility limitation of 1.88 [95% CI: 1.50 – 2.37] for men and 1.89 [95% CI: 1.57 - 2.27] for women. ConclusionsThe results of this study support the accuracy of handgrip strength as a clinical marker of mobility limitation. Furthermore, manual dynamometry is easily incorporated into clinical practice, has a good cost-benefit, besides being a simple, valid, reliable and effective method for use in both the scientific community and outpatient practice.

Students' Collaborative Writing Method in Pre-Writing Phase

In a pre-writing phase, students need their creativity to put ideas into words. Students need to use what they listen to and what they read as information to start to write. This study reports the findings on the implementation of the collaborative writing method by an English teacher in teaching writing in the pre-writing phase and students' perceptions in the pre-writing phase using the collaborative writing method. This research uses descriptive qualitative research. Participants in this study were nine students and teachers at SMK in Karawang. Data collection was carried out through reflective journals, interviews, and documentation. The results of the study found that the collaborative writing method was an effective method for use in writing classes. The collaborative writing method can be implemented in teaching writing in the pre-writing phase. The results showed that the students were very enthusiastic, interested, and made the learning process fast. Students' perceptions of learning to write in the pre-writing phase using the collaborative writing method are that students find it easier to express their thoughts in the learning process and there is cooperation in groups that accelerate the time when doing their assignments helps them during the learning process.

Method for Effective Use of Cloudlet Network Resources

The article addresses the issue of balanced placement of mobile software applications of mobile users in cloudlets deployed near base stations of Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks (WMAN), taking into account their technical capabilities. It is noted that the proposed model is more efficient in meeting the demand for computing and memory resources of mobile devices, eliminating network delays and using a reliable communication channel. At the same time, a minimum of cloudlet-based communication channels with a mobile user was suggested, reducing the network load and reliability of the communication channel when using multimedia software on mobile devices. The article reviews the balanced distribution of the tasks in the cloudlet network. If a user offloads the task to the nearest cloud and resolves it there, then the delays and energy consumption will be less. When the cloudlet is far from the mobile device, as the number of communication channels increases the delays are observed. Moreover, the article discusses the issue of selecting the cloudlets that meet some of the user requirements. Using the possible values that determine the importance of cloudlets (vacant resources in cloudlets, closeness of cloudlets to the user, high reliability, etc.), the conditions, according to which the user's application is offloaded to the certain cloudlet, are studied and a method is proposed.

Ultrasound-Guided Unilateral Transversus Abdominis Plane Combined with Rectus Sheath Block versus Subarachnoid Anesthesia in Patients Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Surgery: A Randomized Prospective Controlled Trial.

BackgroundPeritoneal dialysis catheter placement can be performed under general anesthesia, local anesthesia or subarachnoid anesthesia (SA). Recently, studies have reported the successful placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters using a transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and rectus sheath (RS) block. This study compared the TAP + RS block with SA for patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis catheter placement.MethodsSixty patients were randomly divided into two groups, with 30 receiving unilateral ultrasound-guided TAP + RS block anesthesia and 30 receiving SA. The demographic characteristics, anesthesia efficacy, indicators related to anesthesia or operation, hemodynamic index, postoperative pain numeric rating score (NRS), postoperative recovery indicators, complications related to anesthesia or surgery, and dosage of sedative or analgesic medication were analyzed.ResultsAnesthesia operation time was significantly shorter in the TAP + RS block group than in the SA group (P<0.001), while there was no significant difference in success rates (TAP + RS 93.33% [95% confidence interval, 95% CI, 83.9–102.8%] vs SA 100.00% [95% CI, 100–100%], P=0.472). Two patients in the TAP + RS group needed extra analgesia, although the dermatome pinprick sensation test gave negative results for all patients. Patients who received the TAP + RS block expressed significantly less pain on movement or at rest at 4 h and 8 h postoperative. Fewer patients needed rescue analgesia with tramadol in the postoperative period in the TAP + RS block group than in the SA group (P<0.05). The intraoperative MAP was more stable (P<0.05) in the TAP + RS group compared to the SA group.ConclusionThe TAP + RS block is a safe, effective method for use as the principal anesthesia technique in PD catheter placement. Compared to SA, it has the advantages of less influence on hemodynamics and a better postoperative analgesic effect.

Synchronization of Processes in Parallel Discrete Event Simulation

The method of parallel discrete event simulation (PDES) is one of promising methods for effective use of supercomputer systems. In this paper, the results of the analysis of synchronization models for processor elements are presented when calculations are performed by the PDES method. An analogy between the change in the local time profile of processor elements and the increase of the sample surface during molecular epitaxy is used for the classification of synchronization models. Two important classes of such models are the models of conservative PDES and optimistic PDES. The conservative model belongs to the universality class of the Kardar–Parisi–Zhang (KPZ) equation, and the optimistic model belongs to the universality class of directed percolation (DP) problems. We present the results of the analysis of synchronization models in the case when the graph of message exchange between processor elements belongs to the class of small-world networks.

A novel autolysis system for extracellular production and direct immobilization of a phospholipase D fused with cellulose binding domain

BackgroundSeveral types of phospholipases have been described in phospholipids modification. The majority of phospholipase D (PLD) superfamily members can catalyze two separate reactions: the hydrolysis of phospholipids to produce phosphatidic acid (PA) and the transphosphatidylation of phosphatidyl groups into various phosphatidyl alcohols to produce modified phospholipids. Transphosphatidylation is a useful biocatalytic method for the synthesis of functional phospholipids from lecithin or phosphatidylcholine (PC), which are both easily accessible. Different PLD coding genes have been cloned from various sources from viral, prokaryotic, and eukaryotic organisms. Despite the catalytic potential of PLD, their low productivity has hampered their practical applications, probably because PLD, which is highly toxic to the host cells, when transformation of the PLD genes into the host cells, degrade PLs in the cell membrane. In this study, we designed a novel two-step expression system to produce and secrete recombinant PLD in extracellular medium, cellulose-binding domains as an affinity fused with PLD for immobilization and purification proteins.ResultsThe engineered BL21 (DE3) host strain, which harbored the final expression vector pET28a-PLD-CBD-araC-ESN, was induced by IPTG and L-arabinose, the cell density decreased rapidly over a 2 h period and the enzymes released into the extracellular medium accounts owned 81.75% hydrolytic activity. Scanning electron microscopy results showed that there were obvious structural changes on the cell surface. The extracellularly secreted PLD-CBD powder was used to catalyze the transphosphatidylation reaction synthesis of phosphatidylserine, 2.3 U enzymes reacted for 12 h, during which the conversion rate reached 99% with very few by-products being produced. When the fused protein PLD-CBD immobilized on microcrystalline cellulose, the enzymes can be cycle used five times with 26% conversion rate was preserved.ConclusionsThis study introduced an effective method for use in the expression of recombinant proteins and their extracellular secretion that simplifies the steps of sonication and purification and demonstrates great potential in the industrial application of enzymes. Cellulose as the most abundant renewable biomass resources in nature, and the cost is low, used for PLD immobilization make it more simple, effective and sustainable.

P156 Optimization of a rapid plate flow cytometry crossmatch assay on the cytoflex platform: The baylor protocol

Aim The Flow Cytometric Crossmatch (FCXM) assay has become the standard method for immunologic risk assesment of donor/recipient pairs. There is growing interest in streamlining the assay to expedite results and reduce performance costs without compromising assay accuracy or sensitivity. The introduction of powerful benchtop instruments, such as the Beckman Coulter CytoFLEX system, combined with the previously published Halifaster FCXM by Liwski et al., allowed our group to optimize and simplify the crossmatch procedure. Methods Instrument analytical performance was defined to validate use of the CytoFLEX, a research use only platform, for high complexity clinical testing. The instrument was evaluated for precision, stability, sensitivity, carryover, and accuracy. Performance characteristics were defined by Median Fluorescence Intensity (MFI), counts, and percentages, and compared to the current cytometer platform. The FCXM assay was optimized for time reduction (centrifugation cycles, incubation times, plating and washing), reduction of sample and reagent volumes, and minimization of cell loss during processing (plate type, pronase treatment). Results Instrument Performance: The instrument analytical performance is summarized in the following table. The CytoFLEX showed increased MFI precision and sensitivity when compared with current instrumentation. Assay Optimization: Each optimized component of the Baylor Protocol FCXM is summarized in the following table. The resulting process reduces assay completion time by 2 1/2 h with optimal cell recovery. Conclusions In this report we describe a model for step-by-step performance characterization of a RUO insturment and optimization of every component of a clinical test. We provide a method for CytoFLEX standardization, which may be reproducible with minimal variation across labs. We also demonstrate that the Baylor Protocol FCXM is a sensitive, fast, and cost effective method for use in clinical transplant labs. Download : Download high-res image (892KB) Download : Download full-size image

Algorithms and framework for computing 2-body statistics on GPUs

Various types of two-body statistics (2-BS) are regarded as essential components of low-level data analysis in scientific database systems. In relational algebraic terms, a 2-BS is essentially a Cartesian product between two datasets (or two instances of the same dataset) followed by a user-defined aggregate. The quadratic complexity of these computations hinders timely processing of data. Use of modern parallel hardware has thus become an obvious solution to meet such challenges. This paper presents our recent work on designing and optimizing parallel algorithms for 2-BS computation on Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). Although a typical 2-BS problem can be summarized into a straightforward parallel computing pattern, traditional knowledge from (general) parallel computing often falls short in delivering the best possible performance. Therefore, we present a suite of techniques to decompose 2-BS problems and methods for effective use of computing resources on GPUs. We also develop analytical models that guide us towards finding the best parameters of our GPU programs. As a result, we achieve the design of highly-optimized 2-BS algorithms that significantly outperform the best known GPU and CPU implementations. Although 2-BS problems share the same core computations, each 2-BS problem however carries its own characteristics that calls for different strategies in code optimization. For that, we develop a software framework that automatically generates high-performance GPU code based on a few parameters and short primer code input. We further present two case studies to demonstrate that code generated by this framework reaches a very high level of efficiency.

A New Method of the Load Compensation Use during Creation of Post Blackout Start-up Path in Power System

Process of power system restoration, especially after blackout, is very complicated logistically and technically. In order to restore thermal power plant in power system, as a source of power hydro power plant is commonly used. The distance between these power plants may be relatively high – even over 500 km. High voltage overhead transmission lines to connect the power plants during the creation of post blackout start-up path are switched on under no load condition. Relatively high value of natural reactive power of these lines makes that value of voltage at the end of the switched line may reach an unacceptable high level, in spite of application of typical algorithm of automatic voltage regulator of synchronous generator. In the paper a new method of effective use of load compensation during creation of post blackout start-up path is proposed. Theoretical assumptions and simulation results of an investigation are presented. An experiment performed in the Polish Power System is also described. This experiment proved that the method proposed by the authors is advisable. The method may be utilized by power system operators for power system restoration process in emergency conditions. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.eie.22.4.15907

Comprehensive review of association estimators for the inference of gene networks

Gene network inference (GNI) algorithms allow us to explore the vast amount of interactions among the molecules in cells. In almost all GNI algorithms the main process is to estimate association scores among the variables of the dataset. However, there is no commonly accepted estimator to compute association scores for the current GNI algorithms. In this paper the association estimators that might be used in GNI applications are reviewed. The aim is to prepare a comprehensive and comparative review of all the important association estimators available in the literature. We performed this main aim by presenting, classifying, comparing, and discussing them to reveal which association estimator is more suitable for use in GNI applications by considering only the information available in the literature. Twenty-seven different estimators from various areas are investigated. The estimators were compared according to the GNI performances in the literature. The most promising association estimators for the GNI applications are suggested. As a result of the study, we identified eight promising methods for effective use in GNI. We expect this study to assist many researchers before using those estimators in their own GNI studies.

Study on radiation chemistry of fluorinated polymers for EUV resist

The fluorination of a chemically amplified resist is an effective method for use in EUV lithography. However, it has been suggested that the fluorination of the base polymer of the chemically amplified resist induces the electron scavenging reaction by the base polymer and reduces the acid yield. In this study, we clarified the formation of transient species and the acid yields of fluorinated polymers after exposure to the ionizing radiations. The acid yields of fluorinated polymers with hydroxyl groups were lower than that of poly(4-hydroxystyrene) (PHS). The lower acid generation efficiency in fluorinated polymers was due to not only the reaction between fluorinated polymers and electrons but also the lower deprotonation efficiency of the radical cation of the fluorinated polymer.

Problem-based learning for introductory psychology: Preliminary supporting evidence.

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a pedagogy designed to facilitate the development of critical thinking skills and promote student course engagement, yet it appears to be underutilized within psychology courses. The current study evaluated the impact of using a problem-based learning (PBL) approach within a small introductory psychology class on students’ critical thinking and course engagement. A total of 74 undergraduate students (38 experimental, 36 control) participated in the study. Students completed questionnaires assessing critical thinking and course engagement at the start (experimental only) and conclusion (both experimental and controls) of the semester. Repeated measures analyses revealed that students in the PBL introductory psychology course showed significant improvements on critical thinking and engagement from the beginning to the end of the course. Group comparisons at the end of the semester showed that students in the PBL course reported higher critical thinking skills, behavioral engagement, and global course engagement relative to the control students. It appears PBL may be an effective method for use within introductory courses to begin developing critical thinking skills and promoting student engagement in learning. Implications for teaching introductory psychology with PBL are discussed.

Nickel sulfide counter electrodes enhanced by hydrosulphuric acid hydrothermal treatments for use in Pt-free dye-sensitized solar cells

Hydrosulphuric acid (H2S) hydrothermal treatment is employed to enhance the catalytic activity of the nickel sulfide (NiS) counter electrode (CE) for the Pt-free dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). It can be found that a small amount of residual nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)2) and nickel (Ni) are still within the as-prepared NiS film electrodeposited by a cyclic voltammetry (CV) approach, which would have impact on the electrocatalytic activity and chemical stability of the NiS CE. After the H2S hydrothermal treatment, not only the Ni(OH)2 and Ni are removed, but also NiS is recrystallized and reorganized, thus resulting in a surface evolution from granular to nanoporous morphology. CV, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and Tafel polarization curve are conducted to compare the electrocatalytic activity and long-term stability of CEs for I3− reduction. The results demonstrate that the DSSC with the optimal treated NiS CE obtains an enhanced photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 7.37% compared to that using the as-deposited NiS CE without H2S treatment (4.84%) under full sunlight illumination (100mWcm−2, AM1.5 G) due to its superior electrocatalytic activity of the high purity of NiS, and increased specific surface area from the nanoporous structure. Therefore, the H2S hydrothermal treatment can be considered as a simple and effective method for use in the preparation of pure metal sulfide films on conductive substrates.