Enhancing small target traffic sign detection with ML_SAP in YOLOv5s.

Detecting small traffic signs poses significant challenges due to the complex nature and dynamic conditions of real-world traffic scenarios. In response to these challenges, we propose an improved YOLOv5s target detection model incorporating the multilevel squeeze feature perception (ML_SAP) mechanism, aiming to increase the accuracy of small traffic sign detection. First, an additional detection layer is incorporated to enhance the model's capacity for detecting small-scale traffic signs.

Improved dark channel priori single image defogging technique using image segmentation and joint filtering.

Foggy images affect image analysis and measurement because of their low definition and blurred details. Despite numerous studies on haze in natural images in hazy environments, the recovery effect is not ideal for processing hazy images in sky areas. A dark channel priori technique for processing haze images with sky areas where atmospheric light values are misestimated and halo artefacts are produced, as well as an improved dark channel priori single-image defogging technique based on image segmentation and joint filtering, are proposed.

Performance Investigations of InAs/InP Quantum-Dash Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers with Different Numbers of Dash Layers.

We present here a performance comparison of quantum-dash (Qdash) semiconductor amplifiers (SOAs) with three, five, eight, and twelve InAs dash layers grown on InP substrates. Other than the number of Qdash layers, the structures were identical. The eight-layer Qdash SOA gave the highest amplified spontaneous emission power (4.

The rock damage mechanism of combined rock breaking with saw blade and conical pick.

The combined rock breaking method with the saw blade and conical pick is proposed to improve the rock breaking efficiency. The numerical simulation of combined rock breaking with the saw blade and conical pick is established to investigate the rock damage mechanism. And verified and modified the numerical simulation model with the rock breaking comprehensive test bench, the quantitative analysis error is less than 0.

The COMPASS Complex Regulates Fungal Development and Virulence through Histone Crosstalk in the Fungal Pathogen .

The Complex of Proteins Associated with Set1 (COMPASS) methylates lysine K4 on histone H3 (H3K4) and is conserved from yeast to humans. Its subunits and regulatory roles in the meningitis-causing fungal pathogen remain unknown. Here we identified the core subunits of the COMPASS complex in and and confirmed their conserved roles in H3K4 methylation.

Simple polarization-insensitive coherent RoF link with increased capacity.

A simple polarization-insensitive coherent radio-over-fiber (RoF) link with increased spectrum efficiency and transmission capacity is proposed and demonstrated. Instead of using two polarization splitters (PBSs), two 90° hybrids, and four pairs of balanced photodetectors (PDs) in a conventional polarization-diversity coherent receiver (PDCR), a simplified PDCR with only one PBS, one optical coupler (OC), and two PDs is employed in the coherent RoF link. At the simplified receiver, a novel, to the best of our knowledge, digital signal processing (DSP) algorithm is proposed to achieve polarization-insensitive detection and demultiplexing of two spectrally overlapping microwave vector signals as well as the elimination of the joint phase noise originating from the transmitter and the local oscillator (LO) laser sources.

High-performance long-distance discrete-modulation continuous-variable quantum key distribution.

We experimentally demonstrate a high-rate discretely modulated continuous-variable quantum key distribution over 80-km standard single-mode fiber with a 2.5 Gbaud, 16-symbol, two-ring constellation. With the help of well-designed digital signal processing algorithms, the excess noise of the system can be effectively suppressed.

Cryptococcus neoformans, a global threat to human health.

Background: Emerging fungal pathogens pose important threats to global public health. The World Health Organization has responded to the rising threat of traditionally neglected fungal infections by developing a Fungal Priority Pathogens List (FPPL). Taking the highest-ranked fungal pathogen in the FPPL, Cryptococcus neoformans, as a paradigm, we review progress made over the past two decades on its global burden, its clinical manifestation and management of cryptococcal infection, and its antifungal resistance.

FPGA-Based Implementation of Multidimensional Reconciliation Encoding in Quantum Key Distribution.

We propose a multidimensional reconciliation encoding algorithm based on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) with variable data throughput that enables quantum key distribution (QKD) systems to be adapted to different throughput requirements. Using the circulatory structure, data flow in the most complex pipeline operation in the same time interval, which enables the structural multiplexing of the algorithm. We handle the calculation and storage of eight-dimensional matrices cleverly to conserve resources and increase data processing speed.

Variability of radiotherapy volume delineation: PSMA PET/MRI and MRI based clinical target volume and lymph node target volume for high-risk prostate cancer.

Purpose: A comparative retrospective study to assess the impact of PSMA Ligand PET/MRI ([68 Ga]-Ga-PSMA-11 and [18F]-F-PSMA-1007 PET/MRI) as a new method of target delineation compared to conventional imaging on whole-pelvis radiotherapy for high-risk prostate cancer (PCa).

Patients And Methods: Forty-nine patients with primary high-risk PCa completed the whole-pelvis radiotherapy plan based on PSMA PET/MRI and MRI. The primary endpoint compared the size and overlap of clinical target volume (CTV) and nodal gross tumour volume (GTVn) based on PSMA PET/MRI and MRI.

Investigation of fragment separation during a circular saw blade cutting rock based on ANSYS/LS-DYNA.

Circular saw blades are widely used in stone processing. The circular saw blade cutting hard rock numerical simulation model based on ANSYS/LS-DYNA was established to investigate the complex dynamic problem in rock cutting. The failure mechanism of the rock and the influence of cutting parameters on the cutting force and rock fragments were studied by numerical simulation.

Impact of homodyne receiver bandwidth and signal modulation patterns on the continuous-variable quantum key distribution.

In continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD), the key information are encoded on quadratures of the optical field, which are measured via balanced homodyne detector (BHD). The bandwidth of the BHD is one of key parameters for precise characterization of quantum states. We establish a theoretical model to analyze the impact of the BHD bandwidth and signal modulation patterns on the channel parameters estimation of CV-QKD systems.

Gross tumor volume delineation in primary prostate cancer on F-PSMA-1007 PET/MRI and Ga-PSMA-11 PET/MRI.

Background: We aimed to assess the clinical value of F-PSMA-1007 and Ga-PSMA-11 PET/MRI in the gross tumor volume (GTV) delineation of radiotherapy for prostate cancer (PCa).

Methods: Sixty-nine patients were retrospectively enrolled (57 in the F subgroup and 12 in the Ga subgroup). Three physicians delineated the GTV and tumor length by the visual method and threshold method with thresholds of 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60% SUVmax.

Reconfigurable microwave photonic filter based on a quantum dash mode-locked laser.

We demonstrate a reconfigurable microwave photonic (MWP) filter using a quantum dash (QDash) mode-locked laser (MLL) that can generate an optical frequency comb (OFC) with ∼50 comb lines and a free spectral range of 25 GHz. Thanks to the large number of comb lines, the MWP filter responses can be easily programmed by tailoring the OFC spectrum. We implement MWP filter responses with Gaussian, sinc, flat-top, and multiple peaks, as well as demonstrate that tuning of the central frequency.

InAs/InP quantum dot mode-locked laser with an aggregate 12.544 Tbit/s transmission capacity.

Chip-scale optical frequency comb sources are ideal compact solutions to generate high speed optical pulses for applications in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and high-speed optical signal processing. Our previous studies have concentrated on the use of quantum dash based lasers, but here we present results from an InAs/InP quantum dot (QDot) C-band passively mode-locked laser (MLL) for frequency comb generation. By using this single-section QDot-MLL we demonstrate an aggregate line rate of 12.

Research on Cutting Performance of Conical Pick Cutting Rock Plate with One Side Constrain and Three Sides Free.

To improve the conical pick cutting performance by per cutting to the free surface. The cutting performance of rock and rock plate breaking are investigated by theoretical and experimental methods. Analyzed the fracture position of the rock plate with constrained one side by the pick to study the effect of rock properties and the rock plate structural parameters on cutting force.

Research on cutting performance and fatigue life of conical pick in cutting rock process.

The conical pick is the most crucial tool of roadheader for breaking rock, establishing the conical pick cutting rock and conical pick fatigue life numerical simulation models to investigate the influence of cutting parameters on rock damage, average peak cutting force, specific cutting energy and the conical pick fatigue life. The research results indicate that the width and depth of rock damage increase with increasing cutting depth and cutting speed. The average peak cutting force and the specific cutting energy have the same changing tendency.

Evaluation of Hybrid PET/MRI for Gross Tumor Volume (GTV) Delineation in Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases Radiotherapy.

Purpose: Hybrid PET/MRI has been increasingly incorporated into the practice of radiation oncologists since it contains both anatomical and biological data and may bring about personalized radiation plans for each patient. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of GTV delineation from hybrid PET/MRI compared with that from current-practice MRI during radiotherapy planning in patients with colorectal liver metastases.

Patients And Methods: Twenty-four patients (thirty lesions) with colorectal liver metastases were prospectively enrolled in this study.

InAs/InP quantum dash buried heterostructure mode-locked laser for high capacity fiber-wireless integrated 5G new radio fronthaul systems.

We have developed and experimentally demonstrated a highly coherent and low noise InP-based InAs quantum dash (QDash) buried heterostructure (BH) C-band passively mode-locked laser (MLL) with a pulse repetition rate of 25 GHz for fiber-wireless integrated fronthaul 5G new radio (NR) systems. The device features a broadband spectrum providing over 46 equally spaced highly coherent and low noise optical channels with an optical phase noise and integrated relative intensity noise (RIN) over a frequency range of 10 MHz to 20 GHz for each individual channel typically less than 466.5 kHz and -130 dB/Hz, respectively, and an average total output power of ∼50 mW per facet.

Quantum random number generator with discarding-boundary-bin measurement and multi-interval sampling.

A quantum random number generator (QRNG) provides a reliable means for the generation of true random numbers. The inherent randomness of the vacuum fluctuations makes the quantum vacuum state a superior source of entropy. However, in practice, the raw sequences of QRNG are inevitably contaminated by classical technical noise, which compromises the security of the QRNG.

Efficient FPGA implementation of high-speed true random number generator.

High-speed true random number generator is a building block in the modern information security system. We propose and demonstrate an efficient high-speed true random number generator based on multiple parallel self-timed rings (STRs). To improve the security, we evaluate the randomness of the entropy source by min-entropy and exploit the information-theoretically provable Toeplitz-hashing extractor.