#Future of Cloud Architecture

[sigzentechnologies]

Embracing Agility: How Cloud Architecture Design Transforms Businesses

Introduction to Cloud Architecture In the contemporary landscape of technology, businesses are increasingly reliant on cloud services to propel their operations forward. Cloud architecture design has emerged as a pivotal element in this domain, offering scalable, flexible, and secure infrastructures that cater to diverse business needs. Crafting an efficient cloud architecture involves strategic…

[zegalba]

Futurelab: Cloud Odeum (2015) Location: Shenzhen Shi, China

[worlds-of-imaginations]

How close to the clouds will the new cities reach?

Man has always wanted to soar high into the clouds. The dream of building a building that would reach the sky seemed more realistic than flying, and the prospect of living as high as possible has fueled the architecture of the most important buildings in cities for many centuries. For centuries, the tallest buildings were the towers of Gothic churches and the minarets of mosques. The tallest towers of European medieval colossi were over 100m. The record height was achieved by the cathedral in Ulm (Germany), and the most monumental temple in terms of area was, among others, the Gothic temple in Gdańsk (Poland) or the famous Notre Dame in Paris. In the following centuries, nothing matched the craftsmanship and scale of these buildings.

The turn of the 19th and 20th centuries (the so-called "belle Époque") brought many inventions and new building materials. After many centuries, monumental Gothic cathedrals slowly began to surpass the first skyscrapers. The oldest skyscrapers (the term itself is relative) were built in US cities at the end of the 19th century. In Europe, in the interwar period, the tallest buildings were in cities such as Warsaw (Prudential hotel), Torengebouw in Antwerp or Torre Piacentini in Genoa.Today we are crossing the next boundaries of what seemed impossible; in Dubai, after the construction of the famous Burj Khalifa, which reached a gigantic height of 828 meters, the next record is to be the Dubai Creek tower, most likely exceeding 1000 meters in height.Dubai already looks like a city of the future, and large-scale projects of new, increasingly futuristic cities are also being created in other countries, on a larger scale also in China.This raises the question of what the future will bring, how high will we reach the sky through the architecture of cities in the near and distant future?

[jcmarchi]

3D-ViTac: Low-Cost Tactile Sensing System Bridges Human-Robot Gap

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/3d-vitac-low-cost-tactile-sensing-system-bridges-human-robot-gap/

3D-ViTac: Low-Cost Tactile Sensing System Bridges Human-Robot Gap

The world of robotics faces a persistent challenge: replicating the intricate sensory capabilities that humans naturally possess. While robots have made remarkable strides in visual processing, they’ve historically struggled to match the nuanced touch sensitivity that allows humans to handle everything from fragile eggs to complex tools with ease.

A team of researchers from Columbia University, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and University of Washington has developed an innovative solution called 3D-ViTac, a multi-modal sensing and learning system that brings robots closer to human-like dexterity. This innovative system combines visual perception with sophisticated touch sensing, enabling robots to perform precise manipulations that were previously considered too complex or risky.

Hardware Design

The 3D-ViTac system represents a significant breakthrough in accessibility, with each sensor pad and reading board costing approximately $20. This dramatic reduction in cost, compared to traditional tactile sensors that can run into thousands of dollars, makes advanced robotic manipulation more accessible for research and practical applications.

The system features a dense array of tactile sensors, with each finger equipped with a 16×16 sensor grid. These sensors provide detailed feedback about physical contact, measuring both the presence and force of touch across an area as small as 3 square millimeters. This high-resolution sensing enables robots to detect subtle changes in pressure and contact patterns, crucial for handling delicate objects.

One of the most innovative aspects of 3D-ViTac is its integration with soft robotic grippers. The team developed flexible sensor pads that seamlessly bond with soft, adaptable grippers. This combination provides two key advantages: the soft material increases the contact area between sensors and objects, while also adding mechanical compliance that helps prevent damage to fragile items.

The system’s architecture includes a custom-designed readout circuit that processes tactile signals at approximately 32 frames per second, providing real-time feedback that allows robots to adjust their grip strength and position dynamically. This rapid processing is crucial for maintaining stable control during complex manipulation tasks.

Enhanced Manipulation Capabilities

The 3D-ViTac system demonstrates remarkable versatility across a range of complex tasks that have traditionally challenged robotic systems. Through extensive testing, the system successfully handled tasks requiring both precision and adaptability, from manipulating fragile objects to performing intricate tool-based operations.

Key achievements include:

Delicate object handling: Successfully grasping and transporting eggs and grapes without damage

Complex tool manipulation: Precise control of utensils and mechanical tools

Bimanual coordination: Synchronized two-handed operations like opening containers and transferring objects

In-hand adjustments: Ability to reposition objects while maintaining stable control

One of the most significant advances demonstrated by 3D-ViTac is its ability to maintain effective control even when visual information is limited or blocked. The system’s tactile feedback provides crucial information about object position and contact forces, allowing robots to operate effectively even when they can’t fully see what they’re manipulating.

Technical Innovation

The system’s most groundbreaking technical achievement is its successful integration of visual and tactile data into a unified 3D representation. This approach mirrors human sensory processing, where visual and touch information work together seamlessly to guide movements and adjustments.

The technical architecture includes:

Multi-modal data fusion combining visual point clouds with tactile information

Real-time processing of sensor data at 32Hz

Integration with diffusion policies for improved learning capabilities

Adaptive feedback systems for force control

The system employs sophisticated imitation learning techniques, allowing robots to learn from human demonstrations. This approach enables the system to:

Capture and replicate complex manipulation strategies

Adapt learned behaviors to varying conditions

Improve performance through continued practice

Generate appropriate responses to unexpected situations

The combination of advanced hardware and sophisticated learning algorithms creates a system that can effectively translate human-demonstrated skills into robust robotic capabilities. This represents a significant step forward in creating more adaptable and capable robotic systems.

Future Implications and Applications

The development of 3D-ViTac opens new possibilities for automated manufacturing and assembly processes. The system’s ability to handle delicate components with precision, combined with its affordable price point, makes it particularly attractive for industries where traditional automation has been challenging to implement.

Potential applications include:

Electronics assembly

Food handling and packaging

Medical supply management

Quality control inspection

Precision parts assembly

The system’s sophisticated touch sensitivity and precise control capabilities make it particularly promising for healthcare applications. From handling medical instruments to assisting in patient care, the technology could enable more sophisticated robotic assistance in medical settings.

The open nature of the system’s design and its low cost could accelerate robotics research across academic and industrial settings. The researchers have committed to releasing comprehensive tutorials for hardware manufacturing, potentially spurring further innovations in the field.

A New Chapter in Robotics

The development of 3D-ViTac represents more than just a technical achievement; it marks a fundamental shift in how robots can interact with their environment. By combining affordable hardware with sophisticated software integration, the system brings us closer to robots that can match human dexterity and adaptability.

The implications of this breakthrough extend beyond the laboratory. As the technology matures, we could see robots taking on increasingly complex tasks in various settings, from manufacturing floors to medical facilities. The system’s ability to handle delicate objects with precision while maintaining cost-effectiveness could democratize access to advanced robotics technology.

While the current system demonstrates impressive capabilities, the research team acknowledges areas for future development. Potential improvements include enhanced simulation capabilities for faster learning and broader application scenarios. As the technology continues to evolve, we may see even more sophisticated applications of this groundbreaking approach to robotic manipulation.

[dubai-properties-2024]

Sky Vista in JVC by Peace Homes

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The developer of Sky Vista offers bespoke furnishings and kitchen appliances, and the project also holds private commercial offices and professional spaces. Moreover, Peace Homes presents the finest amenities, which include an infinity-edge pool, a rooftop lounge area, and state-of-the-art gyms. There is more to discover.

JVC Sky Vista consists of 17-story apartments and duplex apartments with spaces ranging between 1,733 and 3,426 square feet that are attached by a private swimming pool, which will be ready to deliver on the exact date of Q4-2025. Let all these features be included in your future by booking now with 20%.

[rabbitcruiser]

Clouds (No. 1142)

Whitehorse, YU

[i4technolab]

Java is an established programming language and an ecosystem that has dominated the software business for many years. According to TIOBE index rankings, Java was the #1 popular programming language in 2020 and the fourth best currently for bespoke software development.

The key factor for its intensive popularity is its security, which is why it is extensively used in a broad range of disciplines such as Big data processing, AI application development, Android app development, Core Java software development, and many more. It provides a large set of tools and libraries, as well as cross-platform interoperability, allowing customers to build applications of their choice.

[thewriteadviceforwriters]

100 Vocabulary Words for Gothic Fiction | For Writers

Hello Writers! I've put together a list of 100 words to help you expand your vocabulary for writing gothic fiction in October. I categorized the words for easy reference. I did some research using thesauruses and dictionaries to compile this list for you. I hope you find it helpful! 👻🎃

Atmospheric Words

Tenebrous - dark and gloomy

Oppressive - overwhelming and unpleasantly powerful

Ominous - suggesting evil or harm is imminent

Eerie - strange and frightening

Uncanny - mysterious and unsettling

Nefarious - wicked or criminal

Malevolent - having evil intentions

Sinister - giving the impression of evil

Melancholy - deep sadness

Lugubrious - mournful or dismal

Sombre - dark and gloomy

Dreary - dull and depressing

Desolate - empty and lonely

Bleak - cold and depressing

Dank - unpleasantly damp and cold

Character Descriptions

Pallid - abnormally pale

Gaunt - thin and bony

Haggard - looking exhausted and unwell

Cadaverous - corpse-like

Wan - pale and sickly

Spectral - ghost-like

Enigmatic - mysterious and difficult to understand

Brooding - appearing darkly thoughtful

Tortured - suffering mentally or physically

Macabre - disturbing due to focus on death or injury

Architectural Features

Gothic - relating to medieval style architecture

Dilapidated - in a state of disrepair

Decrepit - worn out or ruined due to age

Crumbling - breaking into small fragments

Decaying - rotting or decomposing

Ramshackle - in a state of severe disrepair

Crypt - underground room or vault

Turret - small tower on a building

Parapet - low protective wall along the edge of a roof

Buttress - structure built against a wall for support

Supernatural Elements

Apparition - ghost or spirit

Phantasm - figment of the imagination

Specter - ghost or phantom

Wraith - ghost or spirit

Revenant - person who returns as a spirit after death

Ethereal - extremely delicate and light

Otherworldly - belonging to an imaginary or spiritual world

Paranormal - beyond normal explanation

Preternatural - beyond what is normal in nature

Occult - supernatural or magical

Emotions and States of Mind

Dread - great fear or apprehension

Foreboding - fearful apprehension

Trepidation - fear or anxiety about something that may happen

Anguish - severe mental or physical pain

Despair - complete loss of hope

Melancholia - deep and long-lasting sadness

Hysteria - exaggerated or uncontrollable emotion

Delirium - state of confusion and hallucination

Madness - state of severe mental illness

Obsession - persistent disturbing preoccupation with an idea or feeling

Gothic Settings

Moor - area of open, uncultivated upland

Wasteland - barren or desolate area

Labyrinth - complex maze-like structure

Catacomb - underground cemetery

Dungeon - dark underground prison

Mausoleum - building housing a tomb or tombs

Sepulcher - small room or monument where a dead person is laid

Necropolis - large cemetery, especially an ancient one

Citadel - fortress that commands a city

Monastery - building occupied by a community of monks

Weather and Natural Phenomena

Tempest - violent windy storm

Miasma - unpleasant or unhealthy smell or vapor

Fog - thick cloud of tiny water droplets

Mist - cloud of tiny water droplets in the air near ground level

Gloom - partial or total darkness

Twilight - soft glowing light from the sky when the sun is below the horizon

Umbra - the fully shaded inner region of a shadow

Penumbra - the partially shaded outer region of a shadow

Crepuscular - resembling twilight; dim

Tenebrous - dark, shadowy, or obscure

Literary Devices and Narrative Elements

Foreshadowing - warning or indication of a future event

Omen - event regarded as a portent of good or evil

Portent - sign or warning that a momentous or calamitous event is likely to happen

Harbinger - person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another

Presage - sign or warning that something will happen

Doppelganger - look-alike or double of a living person

Grotesque - comically or repulsively ugly or distorted

Gothic double - character representing the duality of human nature

Unreliable narrator - narrator whose credibility is compromised

Frame narrative - story within a story

Liminal Spaces and Concepts

Threshold - strip of wood or stone forming the bottom of a doorway

Liminal - occupying a position at, or on both sides of, a boundary or threshold

Betwixt - in between

Interstitial - of, forming, or occupying interstices (small spaces between things)

Twilight zone - undefined or intermediate area between two distinct states

Purgatory - place or state of temporary suffering or expiation

Netherworld - imaginary subterranean world of the dead

Abyss - deep or seemingly bottomless chasm

Void - completely empty space

Chthonic - concerning, belonging to, or inhabiting the underworld

Miscellaneous Gothic Terms

Sublime - of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire awe

Ineffable - too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words

Eldritch - weird and sinister or ghostly

Atavistic - relating to or characterized by reversion to something ancient or ancestral

Numinous - having a strong religious or spiritual quality; indicating the presence of a divinity

Happy writing, and Happy October! 📜🕯️- Rin T.

[buckiverse]

Between the Lines

☆--- paring: athlete!sylus x athlete!reader

[chapter 1/3]

☆--- summary: Sylus plays baseball, and you play softball at Linkon University. Unfortunately, both of you share the misfortune of suffering major injuries during the world championship, cutting your seasons short. With your athletic careers on hold, you and Sylus find yourselves rehabilitating together—working to rebuild not only your bodies but also your confidence in yourselves and your futures.

☆--- word count: 3.4k

☆--- warnings: murder mentioned, this is mostly world building tbh, eventual smut (not in this chapter), caleb & tara are mentioned

☆--- a/n: this story is very much me projecting, so enjoy! I was gonna make a mini vocab list type of thing, but honestly, I decided against it. But give me your thoughts guys I genuinely feel conflicted about writing a sports romance... essentially (╥_╥)

You started at Linkon University earlier in the fall. The campus was like nothing you had ever seen before, which was a high compliment from you since you grew up in the countryside. First, the sheer size of the place was enough to make you consider buying a scooter. You relocated closer to the university for your second degree, leaving behind your granny and best friend, Caleb. You understood the pains of being a commuter all too well, and for Law school, you decided not to repeat that mistake. 

It was darker now in the mornings. You took a deep breath and could smell the change in the season. You looked around and admired the change reflected on the campus. Birds flew overhead, migrating south in preparation for winter. Squirrels scaled the surrounding trees, busy working. The wind blessed your senses, the breeze blowing your hair, the crisp air causing you to sniffle from the chill. 

Warmth surrounded your body from your coat as you strolled down the paved path. Taking your time, you slowed your pace, observing the changes around you. Your favorite part was the colors that autumn brought about. It reminded you of your mother. She loved the change in season reflected by nature. 

You reached the large bulletin board stationed near the student center. From time to time, you check it out, always curious about what's going on around the school. Your gaze started from the top of the board, scanning your way down till the blue, gold, and white flier caught your eye. “Tryouts,” you said before grabbing it off the wall. “Softball tryouts.”

The clouds drew your head to the sky as you contemplated the flier. You used to enjoy playing when you were younger, but you still played occasionally. It had been a year since you’d picked up a glove. Your knee still screamed at you when the weather changed—the cold aching your old wounds. 

A signature ringtone came from your phone, distracting you from your thoughts. You opened the bag and grabbed your phone. You saw the incoming call from Caleb, “Yo, what’s up?” you said smoothly, giving the poster a one-over before folding and placing it into your bag. You resumed your steady stroll, making your way through campus.

“Hey, pip-squeak, just calling to see how’s law school going? Have you flunked out yet?” he teased. You laughed, imagining the face he was making on the other side of the phone. “No, actually, and I'm considering taking on a new hobby,” you replied smoothly. “I’m simply too efficient. I’m getting bored.” you joked, kicking a rock in your path. 

You were still adjusting to the grandeur of this campus. No matter how many months you committed here, you still needed help finding the law building. Your gaze followed the gothic architecture of the buildings. The stained glass and pointed arches got you thinking about changing your major. “And what would that be?” Caleb said, breaking through your thoughts.

“A sport,” you said. “I’ll leave you to guess which, but there are quite a few fliers around campus.” 

“Hmm, Softball?” he guessed. Your eyes opened wider as you saw the law building. Grand as this school was, this building was tucked away, but it still had a Romanesque charm. “Maybe–or maybe not, but I’ll call you later. I have a class to flunk out of,” you said. Caleb laughed at your elusiveness, “Break a leg in there.” You ended the call, climbing the steps and confirming the location for your day's first class. 

Linkon University was considered the pinnacle of achievement. It was one of the most prestigious universities in the country academically, and it also ranked among the top five for sports. Getting into Linkon for graduate school was an accomplishment and a big step toward your goals. You had dreamed of becoming a lawyer since you were a little girl. 

Opening your phone, you check the updated syllabus for your seminar class. Your eyes scanned the page, checking the topics for today's class, “Ethics and Justice,” you repeated quietly, processing the words on the page. 

To you, being a lawyer meant more than making a good living. It was about opportunity for justice. You distinctly remember the trial for your mother's murder, and the courtroom had a gloom about it. Seeing the somber mood your grandmother tried to hide from you was enough to shake your world. 

The trial began years after her passing, and you could see your grandmother trying to be strong for you. The judge called the court to rise, and the jury gave the verdict. When you heard the word guilty, a relief ran through you like no other. But, nothing could have prepared you for the following words: the sentencing of 10 years… 10 years for the lifetime of experiences stolen from you, and there was nothing you could do about it. 

You remember turning your head. Your face felt hot. Your ears were on fire, and rage ran through you–this couldn’t be right or fair. Even the feeling of your grandmother's arms enveloping you did not act as a comfort. She cradled your face, and the tears burned hot down your cheeks at the pain in your chest. 

That day, you decided to pursue law. Not just for justice, but ultimately for control, someone’s fate would lie in your hands–and you wouldn’t fail them how the prosecution failed you that day. 

The hallways of the law building were quiet as always, save for the occasional murmur of footsteps or the faint rustle of paper. Lost in thought, the memories of the sentencing racing in your mind. These days, you were reminded of your past more often than you liked to admit. 

Your eyes drifted upward to the arched ceiling, its intricate carvings like something from a history textbook. You let out a small sigh, trying to focus on the fact that you’d made it here, to Linkon, against all odds. 

And then you hit a wall.

Or, more accurately, a person. 

Your shoulder smacked against solid muscle, and the impact sent your bag sliding halfway down your arm. You stumbled back a step, muttering an apology as you adjusted your strap. “Sorry, I wasn’t—”

“Watching where you were going?” a voice cut in smoothly, tinged with amusement.

You looked up and were met with crimson eyes. Red–crimson. Like a warning sign. His smirk, paired with his annoyingly well-kept hair and that stupidly perfect posture, only made it worse. 

Your cheeks heated as you narrowed your eyes, irritation swiftly replacing your embarrassment. “Excuse me?” you said, your tone sharp.

“You should be,” he replied, the corners of his mouth twitching as if holding back a laugh. “I’d hate for you to end up injured on your first day.”

The audacity. First, it wasn’t your first day—you’d been here for months. Second, what was his problem?

“Oh, don’t worry about me. I can handle myself,” you shot back, trying to mask the faint flush creeping up your neck.

His expression didn’t falter. If anything, he looked more amused now, leaning ever so slightly closer. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

You opened your mouth to fire back another retort, but he stepped aside with a casual shrug before you could. “Good luck… rookie.”

And with that, he was gone, leaving you dumbfounded and a little annoyed. Rookie?

You shook your head, forcing yourself to focus. Whoever he was, you’d already decided he was annoying. He was probably some overconfident upperclassman who thought he owned the place.

You made a mental note to avoid him, refocusing on where you needed to be. 

You didn’t have to be first in class but needed a good seat, no exceptions. You picked up the pace, focusing on where you were going this time. When you found the room, you sat down and took a second to sink into the chair to relax. 

Your mind drifted to the man you ran into. “I wonder if he's a law student,” you muttered out loud. Not that it mattered.

You shifted your attention to the topic at hand. The class was starting soon, and other graduate students had warned you plenty of times that law school differs from your first degree. You reached for the legal pad in your bag, placing it on the table. It was covered in the notes from your readings on ethics and justice. 

Distracting you from your quiet mumbles while reviewing the coursework, a shorter brown-haired woman approached you. “Is this seat taken?” she asked smoothly. She had on a hat that said ‘Linkon Lions,’ and she wore athletic wear. Her figure was highlighted by the well-fitting clothes she had on. “I’m Tara, by the way.” 

“Oh, uh–no, it’s not, I’m y/n,” you responded. “Nice to meet you!” 

She sat next to you, and class went off without any issues. After your seminar, you packed your bag silently, looking up at Tara, “Hey, I was going to go to a local coffee shop. Do you wanna come?” you asked. You didn’t know her well, but she seemed nice enough, and you had a couple of classes with her.

“Yeah, I'm down,” she said swiftly, her face scrunching into a soft smile. You both worked your way to the coffee shop, opening the door for her. The coffee shop buzzed with a low hum of conversation and the occasional clink of ceramic cups against the tables. You placed your orders, picked them up from the counter, and sat in the shop's back corner. 

You sipped your drink, enjoying the warmth as it spread through your chest. Across the small table, Tara sat back in her chair, her brown hair pulled into a low ponytail. Her eyes lit up as she laughed at some joke about law professors.

“So,” she said, setting her cup down with a soft clink. “How’s your first semester treating you so far?”

You sighed dramatically. “Oh, you know, just drowning in legal briefs and case law. The usual.”

She nodded, her expression empathetic. “Same here. First-year law classes are no joke. And I’m trying to balance it with softball, which…” She trailed off with a wry smile, “...is its own kind of chaos.”

Your eyes widened. “Wait—you play softball? At Linkon?”

Tara grinned. “Yep. I’ve got two more years of eligibility left. I was redshirted most of undergrad, but I finally got some decent playing time last season. You play?”

The question caught you off guard. You hesitated, fingers fidgeting with the edge of your coffee cup. “I used to. I mean, I was really into it my first year of undergrad. It was–kind of my escape. But I haven’t played competitively in years.”

Her brow arched, a curious smile playing on her lips. “You should come to tryouts. The team could always use good players, and walk-ons are rare but not unheard of.”

“I don’t know…” You glanced down at your drink, suddenly fascinated by the swirl of foam. “It’s been so long. I don’t even know if I’d still be good enough.”

Tara waved a hand dismissively. “Nonsense. If you loved it enough to play seriously during undergrad, it’s still in you. Muscle memory, right?”

You chuckled weakly. “Muscle memory or muscle cramping.”

She laughed, leaning forward conspiratorially. “Tell you what—if you decide to try out, I’ll help you prep. We can hit the field before tryouts get you back into the swing of things.”

“You’d do that?” you asked, surprised by her offer.

“Of course! It’s always nice to have more women on the team who know what they’re doing.” She took another sip of her coffee, a smirk curling her lips. “Besides, if you’re half as competitive in softball as you seem about law school, you’ll fit right in.”

You couldn’t help but smile. The idea of trying out still terrified you, but having someone like Tara in your corner made it feel a little less daunting. Maybe this was the push you needed.

You made your way to your hole-in-the-wall apartment. It was bad enough that you were attending a prestigious university because the cost of attendance reflected that. You strolled, allowing yourself to soak up the tranquility of your surroundings. The green of the large trees had a way of calming your senses, even if your mind felt chaotic. 

You reached the brown building, entering the back alleyway to enter the door to the apartment. You sat down on the cot on your floor, hugging your knees. You dropped your head to rest on your kneecaps, and the flier from earlier popped into your mind. It really wouldn’t hurt to try out. It’s not committing to anything long-term. 

Linkon University felt like both a new beginning and a test of endurance. Between case law briefs and endless nights of research, you wondered if chasing both your dreams was even possible. You reached for your phone, your thumb hovering over Caleb’s contact. He’d know what to say right now. You waited as your phone rang, hugging your knees tighter. 

You explained yourself to him, and you hoped he’d understand. 

“So, you’re just going to stay holed up in your apartment and overthink this, huh? Solid strategy. I’m sure the team will be super impressed by your tryout performance—live from your living room.” he said. 

You groaned, “Not now, Caleb.”

“What? I’m just saying. Sitting on your couch isn’t exactly going to help,” he said. You sat up fully, adjusting your position in the bed. “I don’t even know why I’m bothering. It’s been years since I played competitively. What if I show up and I’m terrible? What if they laugh?” What if I'm wasting my time? The fear was paralyzing. 

“Hmm. Okay, let me think. When have you ever been terrible at anything you cared about? Oh, right—never.” he replied, his tone mocking. You rolled your eyes, “You’re so dramatic.” 

“No, seriously. You’re a natural. Do you think I forgot all those times you turned impossible plays into routine outs? You could probably still crush it even if you hadn’t touched a glove in ten years.”

“I’m not the same person anymore. And what if I embarrass myself–or fail?” you responded hushedly. “It just feels like the only thing I was sure about is Law School, and now that I’m here, I’m not even sure about that.” your voice trailed off.

“Look, I get it. Things have changed. You’re not the same person.” he said softly. “You’re better. You’ve got this, okay? You’ve always had this. Just think why you wanted to try out in the first place–go to school in the first place. You love the game. You love the law. And honestly, I think you miss proving to yourself just how amazing you are.”

You leaned back on your forearms, contemplating, “I guess so…”

“Alright, here’s the deal: if you don’t go, I’ll drag you to that field, even if I have to drive from the granny’s house. And you know I’d do it.” 

You laughed softly, “You would, wouldn’t you?

“Oh, absolutely. With a megaphone. And maybe I’ll sing an encouraging song, too.” You smiled, imagining the performance now, “You’re insufferable.”

“Yeah, yeah. But I’m also right. Go out there and do your thing, okay? You owe it to yourself. And hey, if they don’t see how great you are, they don’t deserve you anyway.”

“Okay. You’re right. I’ll go.”

—

Training with Tara was quite the adjustment. You knew this might be difficult, but you didn't realize how out of shape you’d become in just a year. 

“Keep pushing. You’re almost there,” Tara said, encouraging you. You had to remind yourself ‘mind over matter,’ taking control of your actions. 

But that was easier said than done when your lungs felt like they were on fire and your mouth was starting to taste like blood… You ran another rep, reaching the orange cone at first base. You tapped the cone, finally slowing down your pace, looking to your right—practicing good habits.

“I knew I struggled with endurance—but I don’t remember it feeling that bad,” you said, kneeling over as you held onto your knees. 

“You should try the athletic center,” she said, looking at you a bit concerned. One of the coaches could give you a weight card—to build endurance gradually.” You peered up at her, pondering the request in your mind. “Not a bad idea,” you said, short of breath. 

–

Later, after you finished up with Tara, you took her advice. Finding your way to the athletic center, you walked through the double doors. Everything about this school is grand.

The ceilings expanded as tall as the length of the building. Though this part of the building was admittedly more modern, the detailed pillars caught your attention. The athletic center was separated into three parts. The first part of the floor had workout equipment, even a separate pool area at the far end of the facility. The second floor had some more equipment, some things for rock climbing, some offices, and the rehabilitation center, which was your desired destination. 

Those injured and not injured alike attended this facility area, getting advice and training from the coaches. 

The clang of weights and low chatter filled the athletic center, but the sound softened to a quieter hum as you climbed the stairs toward the rehabilitation center. You paused at the entrance, unsure if you were even supposed to be there. The space was bustling, with trainers moving between stations, clipboard in hand, and athletes stretching or working through carefully monitored exercises. 

You spotted him before he spotted you. The guy from your first day (not really)–the one you’d bumped into. His striking red eyes and sharp features made him impossible to miss, even in a room full of athletes. He was seated on a padded bench, his left arm cradled in a sling, and his expression–a mix of irritation and determination–was fixed on a trainer who appeared to be giving instructions.

What’s he doing here? You wondered.

Not wanting to be caught staring, you ducked your head and moved toward the back of the room, pretending to look for something—or someone. You didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of knowing you’d noticed him.

As you passed by the station closest to him, his voice stopped you in your tracks. “I told you, it's fine. I don’t need to sit out. Just tape it up, and I’ll play through it.”

The trainer sighed, his tone firm. “Sylus, we’ve been over this. You tore your rotator cuff. Playing through it isn’t an option unless you want permanent damage. I know how much the team means to you, but you’re useless to them if you can’t pitch again.”

Sylus. So that was his name.

“I don’t care if I can pitch again,” Sylus grit out, frustration sharpening his tone. “I care about being there for my team now. Missing the playoffs isn’t an option.”

The trainer crossed his arms, unmoved. “If you keep pushing yourself like this, you’ll lose more than the playoffs. You’ll lose the game altogether. Think about that, Sylus.”

There was a pause, the weight of the trainer’s words hanging heavy in the air. Sylus didn’t reply, his jaw tightening as he looked away, his fingers flexing absently on his good hand.

You ducked behind a column, heart thumping in your chest. You’d come to this school expecting greatness from everyone around you, but hearing him talk like that made you realize how much pressure everyone was under. How much he was under.

He’s not just some arrogant jerk, you thought, remembering his amused grin when you’d bumped into him. He’s carrying something heavier than he lets on.

You debated whether to say something—to let him know you’d overheard—but you shook the thought away. What would you even say? Instead, you slipped out of the rehab center, your mind racing.

As you left, you found yourself thinking of Sylus differently. He was still annoying—there was no doubt about that—but now, you couldn’t help but feel a flicker of understanding. Maybe even curiosity.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Great Expectations 2

No tag lists. Do not send asks or DMs about updates. Review my pinned post for guidelines, masterlist, etc.

Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as noncon/dubcon, power imbalance, age gap, and possible untagged elements. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.

This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: Professor Holmes’ class is your most difficult, but he’s about to make it even more challenging.

Characters: Sherlock Holmes (modern AU)

Note: monday

As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. I will do my best to answer all I can. I’m trying to get better at keeping up so thanks everyone for staying with me.

Your feedback will help in this and future works (and WiPs, I haven’t forgotten those!) Please do not just put ‘more’. I will block you.

I love you all immensely. Take care. 💖

Friday arrives too quickly for your likely. Amid the usual cluster of readings, lectures, and assignments, you have Professor’s Holmes’ additional task to add to the pile. It feels unfair that he would point out your own efforts only to force more upon you. His praise hardly seems like that in retrospect. 

That you did the readings likely made your experience simpler, though the vague instructions leave you uncertain. No rubric, no objectives, no outline. Your format in the usual style and triple-check the word count before you resign yourself to fate or fortune, whichever favours you. 

As usual, Professor Holmes prefers a physical copy, neglecting the digital workspace designed by the campus for ease of access. He doesn’t seem to be the type for the easy way out, does he? You try not to malinger on your gripes and head off, promising to reward yourself with a double whip frap for your work. It’s certainly more than you’ll receive from your professor, even if you do manage to gleam your first A+ from the man. 

The softness of autumn mingles with the crispness of early winter. You mourn the orange and yellow leaves as they start to curl at the edges and brown, blowing across the pavement and catching on pantlegs and tree roots. Midterm season is almost over but it won’t be long before finals rise to haunt you. 

You come up the Herringbone building and look up at the romanticist arches and columns. The esteemed architecture has you feeling even smaller. Surely, the professor will only add to that. 

Inside, the air is dry from the heat blowing from the high vents and curved staircases crest the foyer. You follow the left one up and continue along to the small set of steps that lead up to a hallway with only three office doors. Holmes is at the very end. You went there once before when you needed to be signed into the course; he was certain to make you wait then threatened not to sign the form at all. 

You stop and stare at the frosted glass with his pedigree emblazoned on it. You contemplate just shoving the paper through his slot but the light is on. You raise your fist and gently tap on the wood. You bounce on your feet as you wait, tugging at the itchy collar of the blue sweater dotted with little clouds. In the warmth of the stuffy building and under your wool jacket, it’s stifling. 

You hear movement from within and ready yourself for the encounter. You don’t think you’ve ever talked to Professor Holmes without some degree of awkwardness. On your end, of course. He can’t be bothered to care what others think of him. 

The door opens and you try to smile but it feels like chewing rocks. He looks back at you without an ounce of emotion. You gulp. 

“Um, Professor, I have my paper--” 

He’s already walking away as you stand dumbly in the doorway. You blanch as he circles back to his desk and sits heavily in his seat. He leans forward and dips his head, bending over an open leather folio with a lined pad within. A curl falls onto his forehead and he reaches without looking for the pipe propped up on a mahogany tray. 

“Come in,” he says before he puts the pipe to his lips and bites down. He teethes on it as he snatches up a pen with his other hand. You warily obey and cross the threshold. 

“So, um, here you go,” you near the desk and lay down the stapled paper. He doesn’t look up. “Erm, thanks, professor. I hate to disturb, so I’ll just leave it here--” 

He sighs and sits up, flicking back the curl as he replaces the pipe on the tray, “they won’t let me light that, even with the window open.” 

You glance over at the drawn curtains and nod, “oh.” 

“You’re the first,” he interjects before you can summon any sort of response. 

“Ah, oh--” 

“You are rather quick, aren’t you?” He challenges as he rolls the pen between his fingers, his shoulders spreading wide against the puckered leather chair, “fleet of foot, as some Victorian ponce might say. Quiet.” 

You blink and purse your lips, giving a shrug. 

“You didn’t say hello,” he intones, “it is courteous when you see an acquaintance to greet them, though I suppose etiquette does continue to change.” 

“Um, I didn’t want to... impose?” You murmur. 

His expression remains cryptic. You can’t tell if he’s annoyed or amused or something else. 

“So you didn’t,” he shrugs, his vest bracing on his chest. 

“Sorry, er, sir. But um, there’s my paper, I’ll... let you be. I’m sure you’re busy enough--” 

“Terribly busy,” he confirms dryly. “Since I’ll have a new batch of papers to mark, I’ll be kept well in hand.” 

You clasp your hands together and sway, “right, uh--” 

“And you’ll be off like the rest of those dull girls, paying no mind to the real purpose of study, but rather the wordly pleasures of the modern campus. All that pumpkin spice and such.” He reprimands. 

“Oh, uh, professor...” you know better than to argue. He is set in his ideas of his students and what should make you any different than the rest. 

“Right then,” he reaches for your paper and barely glances at the title page. He flips to the short essay and his eyes skim. He reaches for the antique pen and marks up the page as he goes. He hums as he scratches with the nib. “Good point but clunky prose. No, redudant.” He scribbles his comments in the margins. He turns to the second page and sighs. He closes it and holds it out. “You show comprehension but you need refinement.” 

“Um, thanks, er...” you take it hesitantly and back up again. He watches you with his bold blue eyes, not showing a single crack in his veneer. 

“Go off and enjoy your weekend, don’t fret over the fault of others. Certainly, you show more promise than most who haunt my lectures,” he says. His tone is flat but his words are praising. The contradiction has you off-foot. 

“Thank you, Professor, have a good weekend too.” 

He doesn’t respond as he puts his attention back to another stack of papers. You turn on your heel slowly and scurry to the door. He clears his throat and you stop. 

“Perhaps I mightn’t have such a tedious weekend.” 

You glance back but he still has his head down. You nod and leave him be with a sharp inhale. You hold your breath in until you close the door from the other side. 

Only a few more weeks and you’ll be through this class. Hopefully, you won’t ever have to face the heart palpitations that come with each encounter after that. For now, you will focus on the last paper and the eventual exam. Those are hurdles that look higher the closer you get. 

📕

There’s a cafe off campus you prefer. The library kiosk and the franchised booth in the Student Rec Centre are always overcrowded. This place isn’t so bad. A local mom and pop with a single barista. Maude, the retiree turned businesswoman, works slowly but efficiently. Traffic matches her pace but is enough to keep her thriving. 

“I’ll bring it to you, dearie,” she smiles as she hands you a plate with a crumbly scone on it. You thank her and go to find a seat. 

The place is homey. The seating is mismatched. There are armchairs around a low coffee table, some long tables with thrift store dining chairs, and square table in the corner with two benches and some stools. The rug that stands center to the sitting space is faded but its patterns still visible. 

You claim one of the armchairs near the bookcases and sit. Despite the tense submission, you’re glad not be stressing over another mark. Another A- to add to the rota in Holmes’ class. You could do a lot worse given what you’ve overheard from your classmates. 

The door opens and closes, letting in a chilly. You keep your coat on as you balance the scone on the coffee table. You’ll wait until you have your mocha and savour them together. It’s a rare treat but the dropping temperature coaxed you into it. 

A familiar baritone pricks your ears. You glance over before you can bury your nose in your phone and flinch. What luck. You almost doubt it’s a coincidence. Twice in a row you’ve managed to stumble upon the Professor outside of class. 

Your shoulders sink as you turn back and plant your elbow on the armrest, shielding your face behind your hand. What do you do? Your mind races. Despite what he said in his office he does not radiate welcoming energy. You can’t just flee and leave your order behind; it isn’t fair to Maude and you wouldn’t want to waste the money. 

Professor Holmes’ voice carries. He orders a black coffee and two shortbread biscuits; the Saturday special. The elder barista takes his order and as usual, bids him to sit down so she can bring it to him. You chew your lip as time ticks on. Make up your mind. 

Too late.  

“Pardon, oh,” Holmes approaches and gives pause as you look up at him. “You aren’t reserving these for your friends?” 

He gestures to the other arm chairs. You shake your head and clasp your phone tight in your hands. He dips his chin and sidles around the coffee chair. He removes his jacket and hangs it on the rack between the bookshelves. He lingers there as he browses the titles on the spines. 

Maude appears with your mocha in a large mug on a matching saucer. You thank her as she sets it by your scone. She calls over to Holmes, “I’ll have your coffee and biscuits in just a moment, dearie.” 

He turns his head and nods but says nothing else. She shuffles off and you lean forward to take your mug. Somehow your chocolatey treat doesn’t seem so sweet any more. He backs up and lowers himself across from you. You shyly return his gaze over the brim of your cup. 

“You come here often?” He asks. 

The question has you off-guard as much as his presence. You slurp noisily before you pull the cup away and put it down. You take the napkin by your scone and wipe your lips. 

“Sometimes. Once in a while. Er, I... I make my coffee at home. Tea, more often.” You clamp your lip shut before you can ramble on. 

“Mm, yes, I prefer tea as well. I was suggested the dark roast here by a colleague however.” 

You don’t know what to say. You’re entirely unprepared for the conversation. You’ve never thought much of what he might speak of outside his lectures. His interests, you assume, would align with his expertise. 

“You are enjoying your time? You haven’t any schoolwork?” He asks. 

You slant your lips one way then the other. You look down at the bag by your feet and back at him. He wears a wool sweater with elbow patches; not quite casual but casual for him. 

“I was going to do my readings...” you say. 

“Ah,” he sits back in the chair as Maude brings his coffee and biscuits. He thanks her tersely. 

You bend over and reach for your bag. You slide out your notebook and open it to the printed articles stashed between the pages. You hope it’s enough of an excuse not to talk as much. 

“My class?” He asks. 

“Yes, sir, er, Professor,” you answer. 

“Those are available digitally, as I understand.” 

“I know, but I, er, prefer print.” 

“Mm, yes, it does permeate more effectively, doesn’t it?” He intones. 

You agree with a silent nod and try to focus. You’re too shy to check if he’s watching you but it feels like he is. He sighs and sips from his cup. 

“What were you on the hunt for then?” He asks abruptly before you can read the introduction for the fifth time. You look up, perplexed. “At the craft store?” 

You open your mouth then pause. Finally, you summon the answer, “thread.” 

“Thread?” 

“Yes, I... make little things. Sometimes. It wasn’t urgent. I don’t have my sewing machine in my dorm and... no time.” You shrug and let the papers lay flat on your notebook. 

He considers you as his cheek dimples and he leans his chin on his knuckles. He looks down at the cup he holds over one leg. He sucks his teeth. 

“Rather flat,” he dislodges his elbow and leans forward. “And what did you get? It smells intriguing.” 

“Mocha with peppermint,” you answer. 

“Mm, with whip?” He peeks at your cup and the melting glut of cream. 

“Yes, Professor,” you reply. 

“I think I might trade mine for the same,” he stands with his cup in hand. 

You watch him, confused and uneasy. So much for getting some studying done. You doubt you’ll be able to concentrate with him looming on the other side of the table. 

[reason-with-the-underdog]

ningguang & kaveh are interesting foils

thinking about ningguang & kaveh, whose ambitions are literally encapsulated in grand architectural marvels of their own design

both bankrolled & were heavily involved in every step of the construction process

their buildings were destroyed due to choices they made

they chose to rebuild anyways

both care deeply about their impact on the future generations, of which their buildings are a key part of their intended legacy

but their buildings (jade chamber + palace of alcazarzaray) convey entirely different meanings/purposes

jade chamber is ningguang's office, where she conducts both her government and personal business work. it also affords her a birds eye view over all of liyue and figuratively serves as her throne atop the heavens.

she chose to sacrifice it to defeat osial & protect liyue harbor

that choice is made easier for her (but no less important) as ningguang knows that by doing so, she preserves liyue so that it can continue towards a more prosperous future (<- also shown in her being invested in children's education + welfare)

she's satisfied with liyue's current state & thus subsumes her personal ambition temporarily for the sake of liyue's continued progress. importantly, ningguang can and will guide liyue onwards and rebuild her beloved palace amongst the clouds as part of that process

meanwhile the palace of alcazarzaray is kaveh's "magnum opus"-- it represents the pinnacle of his aesthetic ideals in a time where the mainstream in sumeru did not value the arts

the palace's first destruction was at the hands of the withering (which kaveh takes personal responsibility for since he chose its location over a cliff) so its destruction isn't an active investment in continuing the status quo, like the jade chamber's was

the palace's loss represented the difficulty of pushing against the status quo (dori's commission was particularly enticing for kaveh as an incredibly rare opportunity to advocate for the arts at a time when the akademiya's official stance was to shut cultural activities down)

so while kaveh rebuilds the palace of alcazarzaray, much like ningguang rebuilt the jade chamber...

kaveh rebuilds the palace as a swan song-- he put everything he had into reconstruction as if it were his last message to a society that no longer recognised his values. he calls it a "magnum opus" (his greatest work, implying he may never do better, or that nothing else will come after)

ningguang's jade chamber is a monument to her ambition & her desire to shape the continuance of society thru leadership/oversight over liyue

kaveh's palace of alcazarzaray is a monument to his ambition & his desire to build something wonderful in defiance of what society valued

the temporary destruction of those ambitions-as-buildings affect them very differently as a result...

another lens to look at them is through their nation's AQs and themes

liyue's AQ was about humans taking control of their future governance...

while sumeru's AQ was about humans going too far with their pursuit of power/governance & crossing the line against the divine

both ningguang and kaveh are highly influential important people in their nations in positions of power to do great things for their nation and share their ideals/dreams with the public

but ningguang's story has her take charge of her nation and actively defend liyue in crisis

while kaveh is positioned more as an outsider to the akademiya government bureaucracy & as alhaitham asks in the AQ "Where were you when Sumeru needed you most?"

they have other parallels too (having a taste for luxury, being high income earners from their chosen profession, caring deeply for the development of children's education and welfare, having teasing & at-times combative relationships with their romantic partners)

LOOK I JUST REALLY WANT THEM TO MEET... IMAGINE IF KAVEH HAD AN ACTUAL GOOD PATRON INSTEAD OF DORI LORD SANGEMAH BAY

crossposted from twt

[jcmarchi]

Computer-aided diagnosis for lung cancer screening

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/computer-aided-diagnosis-for-lung-cancer-screening/

Computer-aided diagnosis for lung cancer screening

Posted by Atilla Kiraly, Software Engineer, and Rory Pilgrim, Product Manager, Google Research

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally with 1.8 million deaths reported in 2020. Late diagnosis dramatically reduces the chances of survival. Lung cancer screening via computed tomography (CT), which provides a detailed 3D image of the lungs, has been shown to reduce mortality in high-risk populations by at least 20% by detecting potential signs of cancers earlier. In the US, screening involves annual scans, with some countries or cases recommending more or less frequent scans.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force recently expanded lung cancer screening recommendations by roughly 80%, which is expected to increase screening access for women and racial and ethnic minority groups. However, false positives (i.e., incorrectly reporting a potential cancer in a cancer-free patient) can cause anxiety and lead to unnecessary procedures for patients while increasing costs for the healthcare system. Moreover, efficiency in screening a large number of individuals can be challenging depending on healthcare infrastructure and radiologist availability.

At Google we have previously developed machine learning (ML) models for lung cancer detection, and have evaluated their ability to automatically detect and classify regions that show signs of potential cancer. Performance has been shown to be comparable to that of specialists in detecting possible cancer. While they have achieved high performance, effectively communicating findings in realistic environments is necessary to realize their full potential.

To that end, in “Assistive AI in Lung Cancer Screening: A Retrospective Multinational Study in the US and Japan”, published in Radiology AI, we investigate how ML models can effectively communicate findings to radiologists. We also introduce a generalizable user-centric interface to help radiologists leverage such models for lung cancer screening. The system takes CT imaging as input and outputs a cancer suspicion rating using four categories (no suspicion, probably benign, suspicious, highly suspicious) along with the corresponding regions of interest. We evaluate the system’s utility in improving clinician performance through randomized reader studies in both the US and Japan, using the local cancer scoring systems (Lung-RADSs V1.1 and Sendai Score) and image viewers that mimic realistic settings. We found that reader specificity increases with model assistance in both reader studies. To accelerate progress in conducting similar studies with ML models, we have open-sourced code to process CT images and generate images compatible with the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) used by radiologists.

Developing an interface to communicate model results

Integrating ML models into radiologist workflows involves understanding the nuances and goals of their tasks to meaningfully support them. In the case of lung cancer screening, hospitals follow various country-specific guidelines that are regularly updated. For example, in the US, Lung-RADs V1.1 assigns an alpha-numeric score to indicate the lung cancer risk and follow-up recommendations. When assessing patients, radiologists load the CT in their workstation to read the case, find lung nodules or lesions, and apply set guidelines to determine follow-up decisions.

Our first step was to improve the previously developed ML models through additional training data and architectural improvements, including self-attention. Then, instead of targeting specific guidelines, we experimented with a complementary way of communicating AI results independent of guidelines or their particular versions. Specifically, the system output offers a suspicion rating and localization (regions of interest) for the user to consider in conjunction with their own specific guidelines. The interface produces output images directly associated with the CT study, requiring no changes to the user’s workstation. The radiologist only needs to review a small set of additional images. There is no other change to their system or interaction with the system.

Example of the assistive lung cancer screening system outputs. Results for the radiologist’s evaluation are visualized on the location of the CT volume where the suspicious lesion is found. The overall suspicion is displayed at the top of the CT images. Circles highlight the suspicious lesions while squares show a rendering of the same lesion from a different perspective, called a sagittal view.

The assistive lung cancer screening system comprises 13 models and has a high-level architecture similar to the end-to-end system used in prior work. The models coordinate with each other to first segment the lungs, obtain an overall assessment, locate three suspicious regions, then use the information to assign a suspicion rating to each region. The system was deployed on Google Cloud using a Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) that pulled the images, ran the ML models, and provided results. This allows scalability and directly connects to servers where the images are stored in DICOM stores.

Outline of the Google Cloud deployment of the assistive lung cancer screening system and the directional calling flow for the individual components that serve the images and compute results. Images are served to the viewer and to the system using Google Cloud services. The system is run on a Google Kubernetes Engine that pulls the images, processes them, and writes them back into the DICOM store.

Reader studies

To evaluate the system’s utility in improving clinical performance, we conducted two reader studies (i.e., experiments designed to assess clinical performance comparing expert performance with and without the aid of a technology) with 12 radiologists using pre-existing, de-identified CT scans. We presented 627 challenging cases to 6 US-based and 6 Japan-based radiologists. In the experimental setup, readers were divided into two groups that read each case twice, with and without assistance from the model. Readers were asked to apply scoring guidelines they typically use in their clinical practice and report their overall suspicion of cancer for each case. We then compared the results of the reader’s responses to measure the impact of the model on their workflow and decisions. The score and suspicion level were judged against the actual cancer outcomes of the individuals to measure sensitivity, specificity, and area under the ROC curve (AUC) values. These were compared with and without assistance.

A multi-case multi-reader study involves each case being reviewed by each reader twice, once with ML system assistance and once without. In this visualization one reader first reviews Set A without assistance (blue) and then with assistance (orange) after a wash-out period. A second reader group follows the opposite path by reading the same set of cases Set A with assistance first. Readers are randomized to these groups to remove the effect of ordering.

The ability to conduct these studies using the same interface highlights its generalizability to completely different cancer scoring systems, and the generalization of the model and assistive capability to different patient populations. Our study results demonstrated that when radiologists used the system in their clinical evaluation, they had an increased ability to correctly identify lung images without actionable lung cancer findings (i.e., specificity) by an absolute 5–7% compared to when they didn’t use the assistive system. This potentially means that for every 15–20 patients screened, one may be able to avoid unnecessary follow-up procedures, thus reducing their anxiety and the burden on the health care system. This can, in turn, help improve the sustainability of lung cancer screening programs, particularly as more people become eligible for screening.

Reader specificity increases with ML model assistance in both the US-based and Japan-based reader studies. Specificity values were derived from reader scores from actionable findings (something suspicious was found) versus no actionable findings, compared against the true cancer outcome of the individual. Under model assistance, readers flagged fewer cancer-negative individuals for follow-up visits. Sensitivity for cancer positive individuals remained the same.

Translating this into real-world impact through partnership

The system results demonstrate the potential for fewer follow-up visits, reduced anxiety, as well lower overall costs for lung cancer screening. In an effort to translate this research into real-world clinical impact, we are working with: DeepHealth, a leading AI-powered health informatics provider; and Apollo Radiology International a leading provider of Radiology services in India to explore paths for incorporating this system into future products. In addition, we are looking to help other researchers studying how best to integrate ML model results into clinical workflows by open sourcing code used for the reader study and incorporating the insights described in this blog. We hope that this will help accelerate medical imaging researchers looking to conduct reader studies for their AI models, and catalyze translational research in the field.

Acknowledgements

Key contributors to this project include Corbin Cunningham, Zaid Nabulsi, Ryan Najafi, Jie Yang, Charles Lau, Joseph R. Ledsam, Wenxing Ye, Diego Ardila, Scott M. McKinney, Rory Pilgrim, Hiroaki Saito, Yasuteru Shimamura, Mozziyar Etemadi, Yun Liu, David Melnick, Sunny Jansen, Nadia Harhen, David P. Nadich, Mikhail Fomitchev, Ziyad Helali, Shabir Adeel, Greg S. Corrado, Lily Peng, Daniel Tse, Shravya Shetty, Shruthi Prabhakara, Neeral Beladia, and Krish Eswaran. Thanks to Arnav Agharwal and Andrew Sellergren for their open sourcing support and Vivek Natarajan and Michael D. Howell for their feedback. Sincere appreciation also goes to the radiologists who enabled this work with their image interpretation and annotation efforts throughout the study, and Jonny Wong and Carli Sampson for coordinating the reader studies.

[return-to-twisted-wonderland]

Lixue's Dream Part 1

Snow-laden peaks glistened under a silver sky, their ethereal glow reflecting the soft hum of activity in the courtyard of Lixue’s empire. The tranquil kingdom was alive with anticipation, its icy beauty adorned with ribbons of pale gold and deep emerald, colors chosen to honor the union of their White Prince with the King of Beasts. Softly glowing lanterns floated gently in the crisp air, casting their warm light upon bustling attendants, who hurried to ensure that every detail of the ceremony was perfect. Despite the flurry of activity, the air carried a soothing sense of serenity, a reflection of Lixue’s presence in this dream world.

In the grand hall, draped in cascading silk and glimmering snow-petal motifs, Lixue stood before an ornate mirror. His wedding attire shimmered like the first snowfall—an intricately embroidered hanfu of soft white and silver, adorned with accents of pale gold. A delicate crown rested atop his head, its design echoing the snowflake-like architecture of his empire. His crimson eyes, typically calm and assured, now held a spark of nervous excitement. He adjusted the wide sleeves of his robe, glancing at the attendants fluttering around him like petals in the wind.

“Your Highness,” one of the attendants said softly, bowing low, “the final arrangements for the ceremony are nearly complete. However, the garlands for the banquet hall have yet to be placed, and we’re awaiting the arrival of the musicians.”

Lixue sighed gently, his hands brushing over the fabric of his robe. “There is no need to rush. Everything will come together in time,” he said, his voice soothing yet carrying an undercurrent of anticipation. “The empire’s beauty lies in its harmony, not its perfection.”

In the adjoining chamber, a familiar low voice broke the air’s stillness. “You know, I don’t understand all this fuss over decorations.” Leona stood leaning against the doorframe, dressed in a rich emerald robe lined with gold, his usual casual demeanor laced with a rare softness. His golden eyes, sharp yet warm, watched Lixue intently. “I could marry you right here, with or without the fanfare.”

Lixue turned to meet his gaze, a rare blush dusting his pale cheeks. “You say that now, but I know you’ve grown fond of the empire’s beauty. Or is it the meat that has won you over?”

Leona smirked, stepping into the room. “The meat's decent. But it’s you I’m here for, Lixue.” He reached out, brushing a stray strand of snowy hair from Lixue’s face. “Though, if this ceremony doesn’t start soon, I might just carry you off to the desert and skip the whole thing.”

A soft laugh escaped Lixue, the sound like the chiming of distant bells. “If you did that, the court would surely riot. Besides, I promised the people a celebration of peace and union.”

Leona’s smirk softened into something more genuine. “Fine. But only because you asked so nicely.”

The moment was interrupted by another attendant rushing in, their breath clouding in the cold air. “Your Highness! The floral arrangements for the royal path are delayed, and we cannot find your Emperor’s crown.”

Lixue sighed but smiled gently. “It seems chaos follows even the most peaceful of days,” he murmured, turning to Leona. “Will you ensure the crown is found? The attendants seem to fear your sharp tongue more than my calming words.”

Leona chuckled. “Fine, I’ll handle it. But you owe me,” he said, brushing his hand lightly against Lixue’s before turning to leave.

As Leona departed, Lixue gazed out of the frosted windows, watching the snow fall gently over the bustling courtyard. Despite the minor setbacks, the empire was alive with joy, and the dream of a future with Leona felt more vivid and tangible than ever. This world, though crafted by Malleus’s overblot, captured Lixue’s deepest desires—a life where he and Leona could share a bond untainted by strife, surrounded by the beauty and peace they both longed for.

Ah yes, the underlying pain of the dream.

[dubai-properties-2024]

Al Thuraya Island by Ajmal Makan in Sharjah

Al Thuraya Island is your next step for luxury waterfront residences. Along the picturesque shores of Al Hamriyah, Sharjah, The Island stands as a radiant beacon of refined elegance and unparalleled living. This ambitious real estate project by Ajmal Makan redefines the very essence of luxury, offering an exclusive collection of 4, 5, 6, and 7-bedroom villas ranging from 2,773 to 5,119 square feet.

[azebansartdump]

♡⁺. ༶ ⋆˙⊹ Azeban's Art Infoboard ༶ ⋆˙⊹⁺♡

About me:

Hi~! I'm Azeban, born 2/20/2003, I am a male (she/him) with a love for Scifi, especially scifi surrealism, city settings, robots, and similar archetypes, I am gay and objectum, and adore architecture and machine/tech themes.

I openly welcome asks, and don't mind being approached at all, thanks for peeking! (⁠ ⁠ꈍ⁠ᴗ⁠ꈍ⁠)

Creative Mediums:

Pixel Art

Low Poly 3D

Artwork made for @raskuly

Worldbuilding

Writing

Current Established Worlds:

Writing:

AXL - A cyberpunk city in a post apocalyptic setting, where the land outside the city walls is decayed, the story follows Edward Grimm, a man who rules over the city as the head of the capitalistic hierarchy, he seeks change in the way the city works, and freedom for his people from a dying world.

Armoseia - Meanwhile in AXL's setting, an anthology of various alien species under the same predicament takes place, when multiple species and unknowingly taken captive in an artificial solar system, being kept as a sentient archive by a race that believes themselves to be godlike in comparison, every species has their own unique civilizations, eventually the borders between them will shatter.

Homesick - In modern day 2020's the US is facing an anomalous epidemic that the government is attempting to keep under wraps, the country is dotting with temporal anomalies and people are finding themselves walking into peeks of new timelines, some defying logic, a society of cloth in a biome of fire, a drowned earth and floating cities, ramschackle dieselpunk towns drenched in chemicals to deter some new threat.

Rapture - In 2023, an unusual apocalyptic event took place, by unknown means every method of entering or exiting a building, (doors, windows, etc.) would open to reveal an endless sky, with no way around it, the only option was to starve, avoid doors as long as you could, or fall, those who chose to fall would find themselves in a new world of endless clouds and open atmosphere, where angelic beings were no more than animals, and titanous golems roamed with human colonies built on their backs.

Haywire Godflock - (fun fact, this is Azeban's Canon) a bubbly pastel cassette futurism inspired setting within a reality breaking city amidst a normal world, a city of scientific anarchy where the most powerful seek to become gods through paracausal and metaphysical means, the outside world has bordered the city away seeking only to benefit from the products and advances produced within, meanwhile the city struck with an addictive brainpower enhancer only becomes more unhinged and disconnected from reality by the day, inspired by Baki, JJBA, and Godflock is cute, bubbly, and equally dark.

Ghosts of White - After a new ice age comes in the form of an isolated persisting storm, dubbed 'The Bliss', and humanity is frozen to death, groups of survivors take shelter in abandoned military bunkers, forming militia factions to fight for resources, with elements of brutalism, snowscapes, and vaporwave aesthetics, the story is slow and depressing, survival is not within reasonable hope, but maybe the end doesn't have to be a terrible thing.

Bar The Gate (BTG) - In a future dystopian Earth, the sun has enlarged into a giant, causing Earth to become nearly uninhabitable, the oceans receded and the landscape is desertlike, however thanks to a collective government effort, select humanity was able to cryosleep through millennium, however they awake to find the world has evolved, scaled tree's, wolf like animals that resemble scorpions, wildlife befitting a newly balanced scorched Earth, humanity relies on robots to help them survive, and one scientist makes a breakthrough in wormhole technology, making a robotic mobile gateway that when opened in the right location will grant them access to a new world, however when learning the new lead government leading the new world plans to abandon them all to form a new colony under martial law at the new planet, the scientist grants the gateway and a few other robots freedom, with the gateway at the lead, and a pirate like crew behind him, they fight for the freedom of humanity gliding the dessert with their sentient mobile base, however with the aspirations of saving humanity, the Captain knows this ending requires sacrificing himself.

Game Concepts:

Railrunner - in the fictive dieselpunk country of Statrel, a city spanning miles upon miles wide, and miles high, trains were the main form of transportation for goods, resources, and people, the Conductors of these trains acted as the drivers, mechanics, and even police of the spiraling and sprawling railways, with their iconic helmets and sentient massive wrench-multitools, they were celebrities to the people within the city, until the Dictator that ruled over the city suddenly called for the abolishment of Conductors, having their wrenches attached permanently into the trains to be automated, this incited a revolt by the Conductors, leading to their executions, now years later, a vigilante seeking to stop the rise of railway pirates discovers his mothers helmet and hidden wrench, and seeks to learn about a new secret technological development, one that puts airships to shame. This game is a tactical combat train simulator with inspirations from rain world, and barotrauma.

Priortier - A flipphone styled robot named Quirk meets a man named David at a marketplace as he travelled post the passing of his creator, the two fell for eachother and David gave him his address, but when the two separated, he lost the contact, remembering only the city, he made his way to the mega metropolis, lost and not knowing where to look, he discovers that an app called Priortier is used by everyone in the city, and hires people to navigate the degrading infrastructure to deliver goods, now on a love quest in a city thats lost it's meaning of community, he rises the charts to find his future. Priortier is a bubbly pastel aesthetic parkour game with inspirations from rain world, dying light, and animal crossing.

BlitzBound - after a near apocalyptic event in 2024, where a particle of strange matter made contact with Earth and nearly wiped out humanity, a scientist created a cure that incidentally merged him with the strange source, resulting in earth becoming a blend of its old self and a physcoscape, with new biomes based on emotions and aspects of consciousness, animals struck by the strange matter immediately evolving to these changes, and a new sentient race being comprised of living clothing, the new world is strange and remade, in the effort of a recovering society a group known as the Venators blessed with the ability to come back from the dead become bounty hunters, collecting artifacts and relics, all while dueling eachother in a flashy show for their social audience. The game is a flashy PVP objective based game where winning is second priority to making cool fight scenes.

Magouthei - a fantasy world with a bustling ecosystem has you going out on your own to study the wildlife of a diverse island, setting up your camp and utilizing spells and tools to research and hunt enchanting wildlife. This is inspired by rain world, and monster hunter, a 2D physics based wildlife/spell simulator.

Cult Of The Lamb: Industrae - the eldritch ways become challenged as the arrival of a new industrial age makes itself known, some say that industry will take over and the ways of these rituals and curses will be lost, the lamb seeks a balance between machine and magic. A fan steampunk styled expansion for the game involving a variety of additions including 4 new dungeons, new map areas, and an expanded home plot, as well as a new resource to manage (water) and a new development tree.

If you'd like me to add anything to this post or elaborate one anything listed here, my asks are open and welcome~!

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