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The need for a lightweight and reliable segmentation algorithm is critical in various biomedical image-prediction applications. However, the limited quantity of data presents a significant challenge for image segmentation. Additionally, low image quality negatively impacts the efficiency of segmentation, and previous deep learning models for image segmentation require large parameters with hundreds of millions of computations, resulting in high costs and processing times. In this study, we introduce a new lightweight segmentation model, the mobile anti-aliasing attention u-net model (MAAU), which features both encoder and decoder paths. The encoder incorporates an anti-aliasing layer and convolutional blocks to reduce the spatial resolution of input images while avoiding shift equivariance. The decoder uses an attention block and decoder module to capture prominent features in each channel. To address data-related problems, we implemented data augmentation methods such as flip, rotation, shear, translate, and color distortions, which enhanced segmentation efficiency in the international Skin Image Collaboration (ISIC) 2018 and PH2 datasets. Our experimental results demonstrated that our approach had fewer parameters, only 4.2 million, while it outperformed various state-of-the-art segmentation methods.

Many crucial components inside electronic devices are made from non‐renewable, non‐biodegradable, and potentially toxic materials, leading to environmental damage. Finding alternative green dielectric materials is mandatory to align with global sustainable goals. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a bio‐polymer derived from cellulose and has outstanding properties. Herein, citric acid, dextrin, and CMC based hydrogels are prepared, which are biocompatible and biodegradable and exhibit rubber‐like mechanical properties, with Young modulus values of 0.89 MPa. Hence, thin film CMC‐based hydrogel is explored as a suitable green high‐k dielectric candidate for operation at low voltages, demonstrating a high dielectric constant of up to 78. These fabricated transistors reveal stable high capacitance (2090 nF cm−2) for ≈±3 V operation. Using a polyelectrolyte‐type approach and poly‐(2‐vinyl anthracene) (PVAn) surface modification, this study demonstrates a thin dielectric layer (d ≈30 nm) with a small voltage threshold (Vth ≈−0.8 V), moderate transconductance (gm ≈65 nS), and high ON–OFF ratio (≈105). Furthermore, the dielectric layer exhibits stable performance under bias stress of ± 3.5 V and 100 cycles of switching tests. The modified CMC‐based hydrogel demonstrates desirable performance as a green dielectric for low‐voltage operation, further highlighting its biocompatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a widespread interest in time-resolved electron spectroscopies such as ultrafast electron diffraction, ultrafast electron microscopy, and ultrafast electron energy loss spectroscopy. These techniques require pulsed electron beams with both high current and brightness. LaB6 is commonly used as a thermionic emitter because of its low work function and high electron yield. However, its use as a pulsed photocathode has not been widely explored. Here, we present measurements of the electron yield from a LaB6 filament exposed to 392 nm UV ultrafast laser pulses under a wide range of filament temperatures. We find that sample heating strongly enhances photoelectron yield, an effect known as thermionically enhanced photoemission. However, it also creates potentially undesirable, continuous thermionic background. We conclude that the ideal optimal operating conditions strongly depend on the type of measurement and require defining and quantifying an appropriate figure of merit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Random copolymers, poly(l‐lactide‐r‐glycolide) are synthesized by one‐pot ring‐opening polymerization of l‐lactide and glycolide in the presence of stannous octoate and 1‐dodecanol. Block copolymers, poly(l‐lactide‐b‐glycolide) are synthesized by ring‐opening polymerization of l‐lactide to generate poly(l‐lactide) first and then further ring‐opening polymerization of glycolide in the presence of poly(l‐lactide) and stannous octoate. The composition ratio of l‐lactide and glycolide is determined by the integration of the corresponding signals from 1H NMR spectra, which is consistent with the feeding ratio. Very few hetero‐sequences can be observed for block copolymers due to well‐defined microstructures. The block copolymers are more thermally stable than that of the random copolymers. The degree of crystallinity of the bock copolymers is relatively high compared to that of the random copolymers. The image of the block copolymers determined by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) shows partial aggregate domains containing spherical particles with an average diameter of around 200 nm, which is very different from that of the random copolymers. Block copolymers are more hydrophilic than that of the random copolymers due to the ordered structure and amphiphilic behavior of the block series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Propagated sensation along channels occurs because of stimulations during acupuncture therapies and tends to transmit the stimulating signals along the meridians. From the Western medicine aspect, researchers consider the phenomena as neurotransmissions initiated by nerves, and various ions regulate the physiological functions of the nervous systems. Objective: This research investigates the critical characteristics of ions at acupoints and the mechanism of propagated sensation along channels, crossing meridians in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Methods: This research first conducts experiments by applying intense pulse light beams, which replace the traditional acupuncture treatments, on designated acupoints of studied human subjects, and employs a thermal infrared imager to monitor the temperature responses, which are induced by post sensation, in adjacent regions of the acupoints. Meanwhile, the research applies a synchrotron radiation technique on adult SD (Sprague Dawley) rats. The study analyzes the output responses with an X-ray Absorption Fine Spectroscopy (XAFS) to investigate the ion distributions in the relevant acupoints, which trigger the propagated sensation crossing meridians. Results: Experimental results demonstrate significant temperature increases simultaneously at the stimulated acupoints and specific other acupoints, whether in the same meridians. Moreover, XAFS experimental results indicate significantly high calcium, potassium, and sulfide ions at the stimulated acupoint regions. On the contrary, the measured chloride ions level at the regions is correspondingly lower. Conclusions: The thermal infrared imager monitoring shows significant temperature variations of crossing-meridian acupoints after implementing the intense pulse light beams on designated acupoints, and it implies the occurring of prolonged sensation along channels using acupuncture therapies. The X-ray absorption spectrum demonstrates significant differences in ion amounts and distributions between the acupoints and non-acupoints, and acupuncture therapies result in ion concentrations in the correlated regions inducing propagated sensation crossing meridians in TCM. Hence, the stimulated acupoints operate as ion reservoirs to provide high-concentration of specific ions to trigger the crossing-meridian post sensation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]