CSWin Transformer-CNN Encoder and Multi-Head Self-Attention Based CNN Decoder for Robust Medical Segmentation

Convolutional Neural Networks have demonstrated exceptional effectiveness in the field of medical image segmentation by effectively capturing intricate local details such as edges and textures. But still, their limited domain of view often impedes comprehensive representation of global information. Transformers, on the other hand, have shown promise in modeling long-range dependencies, yet, Convolutional Neural Networks occasionally face challenges in effectively capturing high-level spatial features. An ideal segmentation model ought to effectively harness both local and global features to achieve precision and semantic accuracy. This article introduces a novel Cross Shaped Window Transformer framework, employing U-shaped network architecture. This network combines a Convolutional Neural Network encoder with a Multi-Head Self-Attention based CNN decoder. Within the CNN encoder, a transformer path is integrated with a shifted window mechanism, enhancing the representation of both local and global information, thus ensuring robust medical image segmentation. The encoder\u27s skip connections are reinstated using a Multi-Head Self-Attention decoder. To decode a wide range of features and manage distortions in local details, a dilated-Uper decoder is introduced. The Synapse dataset is utilized to assess the effectiveness of the proposed method, revealing that it surpasses existing approaches with an impressive accuracy of approximately 93%

Grid Connected Distributed Generation System with High Voltage Gain Cascaded DC-DC Converter Fed Asymmetric Multilevel Inverter Topology

The paper presents distributed generation (DG) system in grid connected mode of operation with asymmetric multi-level inverter (AMLI) topology. Cascaded type DC-DC converter is employed to feed proposed AMLI topology. The DG output voltage (generally low voltage) is stepped up to the required level of voltage using high-gain DC-DC converter. Proposed AMLI topology consists of capacitors at the primary side. The output of high-gain DC-DC converter is fed to split voltage balance single-input multi-output (SIMO) circuit to maintain voltage balance across capacitors of AMLI topology. Cascaded DC-DC converters (both high-gain converter and SIMO circuit) are operated in closed-loop mode. The proposed AMLI feeds active power to grid converting DC type of power generated from DG to AC type to feed the grid. PWM pattern to trigger power switches of AMLI is also presented. The inverting circuit of MLI topology is controlled using simplified Id-Iq control strategy in this paper. With the proposed control theory, the active power fed to grid from DG is controlled and power factor is maintained at unity. The proposed system of DG integration to grid through cascaded DC-DC converters and AMLI structure is validated from fixed active power to grid from DG condition. The proposed system is developed and results are obtained using MATLAB/SIMULINK software

Integration of Reversing Voltage Multilevel Inverter Topology with High Voltage Gain boost Converter for Distributed Generation

The conventional energy sources available to us are on the verge of depletion. This depletion of conventional energy source leads to concentrate more on alternative energy sources. In this research, the focus is on the role of renewable energy sources (RES) in electrical power generation. Even though, the RES based plants produce power, we cannot directly connect it to the grid or loads. Because, the voltage ratings and nature supply of RES plants would not match with the load. Hence, this is a major issue for connecting RES plants to load or other utility. The power electronic converters are extensively being used as a link between load and supply. As most of the renewable energy power generation is DC in nature, the DC-DC converter is used to increase the voltage level and this DC must be converted to AC for grid connection. Therefore, inverters are used for DC to AC conversion. In this paper, the DC supply of renewable energy is connected to load by using cascade DC-DC converters along with a proposed reversing voltage (RV) multilevel inverter (MLI). The first DC-DC converter is used to enhance the voltage level with high gain and second converter is used to split the DC supply for inverter convenience. In this paper, proposed RV symmetrical and asymmetrical MLI generates 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15 levels with only ten power switches. In-phase level-shifted triangular carrier type sine pulse width modulation (PWM) technique is employed to trigger the commutating switches of proposed RV MLI. Switches of H-Bridge for reverse voltage appearance across the load are triggered by simple pulse generator. The circuits are modeled and simulated in MATLAB/SIMULINK software. Results are presented and discussed

Comprehensive Analysis of Secondary Metabolites in Usnea longissima (Lichenized Ascomycetes, Parmeliaceae) Using UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS and Pro-Apoptotic Activity of Barbatic Acid

International audienceConsidering the importance of ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time of flight-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS) hyphenated techniques for analysis of secondary metabolites from crude extracts, the present study was aimed at identification of secondary metabolites in acetone extract of the lichen Usnea longissima. From our study, 19 compounds were tentatively identified through comparison of exact molecular masses from their MS/MS spectra, mass fragmentation studies and comparison with literature data. In addition, potent cytotoxic activity of U. longissima extract prompted us to isolate four compounds, 18R-hydroxy-dihydroalloprotolichesterinic acid (19), neuropogolic acid (20), barbatic acid (21), and usnic acid (22) from this extract which were adequately identified through mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. All four compounds displayed cytotoxic activity. Barbatic acid (21) manifested doxorubicin equivalent activity against A549 lung cancer cell line with IC of 1.78 µM and strong G0/G1 accumulation of cells. Poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage confirmed that it induced cytotoxic activity via apoptosis. Finally, our work has discerned the depside, barbatic acid (21) from crude extract as a candidate anti-cancer molecule, which induces cell death by stepping up apoptosis

Nanotechnology and Plant Extracts as a Future Control Strategy for Meat and Milk Products

Plant extracts, well known for their antibacterial and antioxidant activity, have potential to be widely used preservatives in the food industry as natural alternatives to numerous synthetic additives which have adverse impacts on health and the environment. Most plant compounds and extracts are generally recognized as safe (GRAS). The use of preservatives is of great importance for perishable foods such as meat and milk, which, along with their products, are commonly consumed food items globally. However, the bioavailability of plant compounds could be diminished by their interaction with food components, processing, and storage. Nanoencapsulation of plant extracts, especially essential oils, is an effective method for their application in food model systems. This technique increases the bioactivity of plant compounds by increasing their physical stability and reducing their size, without negative effects on organoleptic properties. Furthermore, a recent study showed that plant extracts act as good bioreductants for biosynthesis of nanoparticles. This so-called green synthesis method using plant extracts is a rapid, relatively inexpensive, safe, and efficient method for synthesis of nanoparticles including silver, gold, iron, lead, copper, cobalt, palladium, platinum, zinc, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, magnetite, and nickel. Some of these nanoparticles have antimicrobial potential which is why they are of great interest to the food industry. In this chapter, the nanoencapsulation of plant extracts and plant extract-mediated synthesis of nanoparticles and their potential application in order to improve the safety and quality and prolong the shelf life of meat and milk products are reviewed and discussed

Abstracts of National Conference on Research and Developments in Material Processing, Modelling and Characterization 2020

This book presents the abstracts of the papers presented to the Online National Conference on Research and Developments in Material Processing, Modelling and Characterization 2020 (RDMPMC-2020) held on 26th and 27th August 2020 organized by the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Science in Association with the Department of Production and Industrial Engineering, National Institute of Technology Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India. Conference Title: National Conference on Research and Developments in Material Processing, Modelling and Characterization 2020Conference Acronym: RDMPMC-2020Conference Date: 26–27 August 2020Conference Location: Online (Virtual Mode)Conference Organizer: Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, National Institute of Technology JamshedpurCo-organizer: Department of Production and Industrial Engineering, National Institute of Technology Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, IndiaConference Sponsor: TEQIP-

Health-status outcomes with invasive or conservative care in coronary disease

BACKGROUND In the ISCHEMIA trial, an invasive strategy with angiographic assessment and revascularization did not reduce clinical events among patients with stable ischemic heart disease and moderate or severe ischemia. A secondary objective of the trial was to assess angina-related health status among these patients. METHODS We assessed angina-related symptoms, function, and quality of life with the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) at randomization, at months 1.5, 3, and 6, and every 6 months thereafter in participants who had been randomly assigned to an invasive treatment strategy (2295 participants) or a conservative strategy (2322). Mixed-effects cumulative probability models within a Bayesian framework were used to estimate differences between the treatment groups. The primary outcome of this health-status analysis was the SAQ summary score (scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better health status). All analyses were performed in the overall population and according to baseline angina frequency. RESULTS At baseline, 35% of patients reported having no angina in the previous month. SAQ summary scores increased in both treatment groups, with increases at 3, 12, and 36 months that were 4.1 points (95% credible interval, 3.2 to 5.0), 4.2 points (95% credible interval, 3.3 to 5.1), and 2.9 points (95% credible interval, 2.2 to 3.7) higher with the invasive strategy than with the conservative strategy. Differences were larger among participants who had more frequent angina at baseline (8.5 vs. 0.1 points at 3 months and 5.3 vs. 1.2 points at 36 months among participants with daily or weekly angina as compared with no angina). CONCLUSIONS In the overall trial population with moderate or severe ischemia, which included 35% of participants without angina at baseline, patients randomly assigned to the invasive strategy had greater improvement in angina-related health status than those assigned to the conservative strategy. The modest mean differences favoring the invasive strategy in the overall group reflected minimal differences among asymptomatic patients and larger differences among patients who had had angina at baseline