LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Wetbrush: GPU-based 3D painting simulation at the bristle level

We present a real-time painting system that simulates the interactions among brush, paint, and canvas at the bristle level. The key challenge is how to model and simulate sub-pixel paint details, given the limited computational resource in each time step. To achieve this goal, we propose to define paint liquid in a hybrid fashion: the liquid close to the brush is modeled by particles, and the liquid away from the brush is modeled by a density field. Based on this representation, we develop a variety of techniques to ensure the performance and robustness of our simulator under large time steps, including brush and particle simulations in non-inertial frames, a fixed-point method for accelerating Jacobi iterations, and a new Eulerian-Lagrangian approach for simulating detailed liquid effects. The resulting system can realistically simulate not only the motions of brush bristles and paint liquid, but also the liquid transfer processes among different representations. We implement the whole system on GPU by CUDA. Our experiment shows that artists can use the system to draw realistic and vivid digital paintings, by applying the painting techniques that they are familiar with but not offered by many existing systems.
Adhesion molecules in different treatments of acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND
Tissue damage after ischemia and reperfusion involves leukocyte endothelial interactions mediated by cell adhesion molecules. This study was designed to determine the time course of soluble adhesion molecules in patients with acute myocardial infarction after attempted reperfusion by thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) or streptokinase (SK), or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA).


METHODS
In 3 x 10 randomly selected patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing thrombolysis with tPA or SK, or treated with PTCA, plasma concentrations of soluble L-selectin, P-selectin, E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, 30 min and 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours after intervention.


RESULTS
After thrombolysis with tPA, soluble L-selectin concentrations were persistently depressed and soluble PECAM-1 concentrations were elevated, compared with controls, SK and PTCA. While soluble VCAM-1 concentrations did not differ within the first hours after interventions between the three groups, soluble VCAM-1 rose by 24 hours after tPA thrombolysis but did not increase after SK and PTCA treatment. Soluble ICAM-1 concentrations were consistently elevated after PTCA compared with controls and thrombolysed patients. Soluble E-selectin was depressed after tPA thrombolysis and PTCA in comparison with controls, while the SK group showed an increase throughout the observation period. Soluble P-selectin was increased after PTCA and SK lysis up to 8 hours after treatment compared with controls, but no significant differences could be found between treatment groups.


CONCLUSION
Adhesion molecules mediating leukocyte endothelial interactions are altered subsequent to postischemic reperfusion and by treatment with thrombolytic agents and angioplasty. The clinical relevance of these biological changes remains to be determined.
Antibiotics in addition to systemic corticosteroids for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

RATIONALE
The role of antibiotics in acute exacerbations is controversial and their efficacy when added to systemic corticosteroids is unknown.


OBJECTIVES
We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effects of doxycycline in addition to corticosteroids on clinical outcome, microbiological outcome, lung function, and systemic inflammation in patients hospitalized with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.


METHODS
Of 223 patients, we enrolled 265 exacerbations defined on the basis of increased dyspnea and increased sputum volume with or without increased sputum purulence. Patients received 200 mg of oral doxycycline or matching placebo for 7 days in addition to systemic corticosteroids. Clinical and microbiological response, time to treatment failure, lung function, symptom scores, and serum C-reactive protein were assessed.


MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS
On Day 30, clinical success was similar in intention-to-treat patients (odds ratio, 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.8 to 2.0) and per-protocol patients. Doxycycline showed superiority over placebo in terms of clinical success on Day 10 in intention-to-treat patients (odds ratio, 1.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 3.2), but not in per-protocol patients. Doxycycline was also superior in terms of clinical cure on Day 10, microbiological outcome, use of open label antibiotics, and symptoms. There was no interaction between the treatment effect and any of the subgroup variables (lung function, type of exacerbation, serum C-reactive protein, and bacterial presence).


CONCLUSIONS
Although equivalent to placebo in terms of clinical success on Day 30, doxycycline showed superiority in terms of clinical success and clinical cure on Day 10, microbiological success, the use of open label antibiotics, and symptoms. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00170222).
Dynamics of Spiking Neurons Connected by Both Inhibitory and Electrical Coupling

We study the dynamics of a pair of intrinsically oscillating leaky integrate-and-fire neurons (identical and noise-free) connected by combinations of electrical and inhibitory coupling. We use the theory of weakly coupled oscillators to examine how synchronization patterns are influenced by cellular properties (intrinsic frequency and the strength of spikes) and coupling parameters (speed of synapses and coupling strengths). We find that, when inhibitory synapses are fast and the electrotonic effect of the suprathreshold portion of the spike is large, increasing the strength of weak electrical coupling promotes synchrony. Conversely, when inhibitory synapses are slow and the electrotonic effect of the suprathreshold portion of the spike is small, increasing the strength of weak electrical coupling promotes antisynchrony (see Fig. 10). Furthermore, our results indicate that, given a fixed total coupling strength, either electrical coupling alone or inhibition alone is better at enhancing neural synchrony than a combination of electrical and inhibitory coupling. We also show that these results extend to moderate coupling strengths.
COLOR IMAGE SEGMENTATION BASED ON MEAN SHIFT AND NORMALIZED CUTS

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.48929 ABSTRACT An approach for Image segmentation is proposed based on mean shift algorithm and normalized cuts algorithm and its application’s implementation is proposed. The normalized cuts algorithm gives good accuracy and better segmentation compared to all most of the existing methods. By using Mean Shift algorithm on the original image to partition it into sub graphs we can create image matrices with lower dimensions. The proposed algorithm first applied Mean Shift algorithm to obtain sub graphs and then applied Normalized cut. Currency denomination and detection is an application of image segmentation. It is very difficult to count different denomination notes in a bunch. This paper propose a image segmentation technique to extract paper currency denomination. The extracted ROI can be used with Pattern Recognition and Neural Networks matching technique. First we acquire the image by simple flat scanner on fix dpi with a particular size, the pixels level is set to obtain image. Some filters and segmentation algorithms are applied to extract denomination value of note. We use different pixel levels in different denomination notes. The Pattern Recognition and Neural Networks matcher technique is used to match or find currency value/denomination of paper currency. After matching the pattern the result is converted to an audio file which helps in recognition of the given Indian currency.
Internet of Things based Expert System for Smart Agriculture

Agriculture sector is evolving with the advent of the information and communication technology. Efforts are being made to enhance the productivity and reduce losses by using the state of the art technology and equipment. As most of the farmers are unaware of the technology and latest practices, many expert systems have been developed in the world to facilitate the farmers. However, these expert systems rely on the stored knowledge base. We propose an expert system based on the Internet of Things (IoT) that will use the input data collected in real time. It will help to take proactive and preventive actions to minimize the losses due to diseases and insects/pests. Keywords—Internet of Things; Smart Agriculture; Cotton; Plant Diseases; Wireless Sensor Network
Plantar fasciitis and the windlass mechanism: a biomechanical link to clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE
Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent problem, with limited consensus among clinicians regarding the most effective treatment. The purpose of this literature review is to provide a systematic approach to the treatment of plantar fasciitis based on the windlass mechanism model.


DATA SOURCES
We searched MEDLINE, SPORT Discus, and CINAHL from 1966 to 2003 using the key words plantar fasciitis, windlass mechanism, pronation, heel pain, and heel spur.


DATA SYNTHESIS
We offer a biomechanical application for the evaluation and treatment of plantar fasciitis based on a review of the literature for the windlass mechanism model. This model provides a means for describing plantar fasciitis conditions such that clinicians can formulate a potential causal relationship between the conditions and their treatments.


CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS
Clinicians' understanding of the biomechanical causes of plantar fasciitis should guide the decision-making process concerning the evaluation and treatment of heel pain. Use of this approach may improve clinical outcomes because intervention does not merely treat physical symptoms but actively addresses the influences that resulted in the condition. Principles from this approach might also provide a basis for future research investigating the efficacy of plantar fascia treatment.
Real Time Pattern Recognition and Identification of Co-ordinates with LabVIEW

Digital Image processing( DIP ) is a theme of awesome significance basically for any task, either for essential varieties of photograph indicators or complex mechanical frameworks utilizing assumed vision. In this paperbasics of the image processing in LabVIEW have been described in brief. It involves capturing the image of an object that is to be analysed and compares it with the reference image template of the object by pattern matching algorithm. The co-ordinates of the image is also be identified by tracking of object on the screen. A basic pattern matching algorithm is modified to snap and track the image on real-time basis. Keywords— LabVIEW, IMAQ, Pattern matching, Realtime tracking, .
Power quality analysis of Residual Current Device [RCD] nuisance tripping at commercial buildings

This paper concentrates on the case study on nuisance tripping of Residual Current Device (RCD) and equipment damage due to high neutral to ground voltage. The understanding of power quality elements is highlighted. The events of neutral to ground voltage disturbance are analysed by using CBEMA Curve. The events of neutral to ground voltage which occur outside the CBEMA Curve will easily contribute the above power quality problems. By implementing a proper grounding arrangement system based on TT, TN-S and TN-C-S systems and applying a separately derived system, the problems can be mitigated. With adequate wiring and proper grounding installation and by adding a separately derived source near to the load will eliminate the high neutral to ground voltage events.
Measuring Engagement at Work: Validation of the Chinese Version of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale

BACKGROUND
Work engagement is a positive work-related state of fulfillment characterized by vigor, dedication, and absorption. Previous studies have operationalized the construct through development of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale. Apart from the original three-factor 17-item version of the instrument (UWES-17), there exists a nine-item shortened revised version (UWES-9).


PURPOSE
The current study explored the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale in terms of factorial validity, scale reliability, descriptive statistics, and construct validity.


METHOD
A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in 2009 among 992 workers from over 30 elderly service units in Hong Kong.


RESULTS
Confirmatory factor analyses revealed a better fit for the three-factor model of the UWES-9 than the UWES-17 and the one-factor model of the UWES-9. The three factors showed acceptable internal consistency and strong correlations with factors in the original versions. Engagement was negatively associated with perceived stress and burnout while positively with age and holistic care climate.


CONCLUSION
The UWES-9 demonstrates adequate psychometric properties, supporting its use in future research in the Chinese context.
Does multitasking with mobile phones affect learning? A review

Mobile phone multitasking is widely considered to be a major source of distraction in academic performance. This paper attempts to review the emerging literature by focusing on three questions concerning the influence of mobile phone multitasking on academic performance: (a) How does mobile phone multitasking impair learning? (b) Why does mobile phone use impair learning? (c) How to prevent from mobile phone distraction? We use multiple strategies to locate the existing research literature and identified 132 studies published during 1999e2014. The mobile phone multitasking and distractibility are reviewed in three major aspects: distraction sources (ring of mobile phone, texting, and social application), distraction targets (reading and attending), and distraction subjects (personality, gender, and culture). We also compare the results of these studies with the findings on mobile phone multitasking and driving, the earliest area of mobile phone multitasking research. Both limitations of existing research and future research directions are discussed. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Avaliação de desempenho de serviços de saúde

AZEVEDO, A.C. de. Avaliação de desempenho de serviços de saúde. Rev. Saúde públ., S. Paulo, 25: 64-71, 1991. A partir da literatura recente (até 1988) a respeito da avaliação de serviços de saúde em geral e do desempenho hospitalar em particular, destacam-se os diferentes aspectos conceituais e metodológicos envolvidos, começando pelas primeiras tentativas no seio do Colégio Americano de Cirurgiões, passando pela criação e evolução da Comissão Conjunta de Acreditação de Hospitais americana, até os esforços e elaborações conceituais e metodológicas mais recentes. São destacados a metodologia dos grupos diagnósticos homogêneos ("diagnosis related groups" ou "DRGs") e os indicadores de gravidade ("severity of illness"). É comentada a evolução desse incipiente campo de conhecimento e de prática no ambiente nacional. São comentadas as origens do recente interesse internacional a respeito do problema, ou seja, o aumento generalizado de custos dos serviços de saúde, crescente aumento de demandas judiciais em alguns países e ainda o acentuado incremento de complexidade dos atos em muitas especialidades. Destacam-se as fontes de informação correntemente utilizadas no processo, ou seja, a observação direta (estudos caso/controle), os prontuários médicos e os instrumentos-resumo, freqüentemente utilizados para remuneração do atendimento. Mencionam-se as profundas influências na prática de saúde que o processo de avaliação tem introduzido, particularmente a padronização de procedimentos, o estadiamento de agravos, os estudos de trajetória, os relacionados a situações traçadoras ("tracers") e a alternativa que mais tem influenciado a prática de situações complexas de saúde, que são os protocolos diagnóstico-terapêutico s já amplamente utilizados em algumas áreas como a do tratamento de câncer, inclusive no Brasil.
Research Guides: European Social and Cultural History during the Long Nineteenth Century: Start Here

Welcome to the library web site for European Social and Cultural History during the Long Nineteenth Century!
Overview of Impacts of Climate Change and Adaptation in China's Agriculture

The purpose of this paper is to document the likely impacts of climate change on China’s agriculture and the current adaptation efforts made y government and farmers The revie of literature sho s that climate change ill have a signi cant impact on agriculture, primarily through its effect on crop yields. The extent of predicted impacts highly depends on the crop, the CO2 fertilization effect assumption and adaptation abilities. Market response to the production shocks resulting from climate change will lessen the impacts on agricultural production predicted by natural scientists. On adaptation, the government’s major efforts have been in the developing new technologies, reforming extension system and enhancing institutional capacity. Farmers do adapt to climate change, but their adaptation measures cannot fully offset the negative impacts of climate change. The paper concludes and makes implications for future studies.
Reflexology and progressive muscle relaxation training for people with multiple sclerosis: a crossover trial.

PURPOSE
To compare the effects of reflexology and progressive muscle relaxation training for people with multiple sclerosis, provided by nurse therapists, on psychological and physical outcomes.


METHODS
A crossover design was chosen with a 4-week break between treatment phases. The Short Form 36 and General Health Questionnaire 28 were completed by patients (n=50) pre and post each of the 6-week treatment phases. Salivary cortisol levels, State Anxiety Inventory, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate data were collected pre and post the weekly sessions.


RESULTS
All of the chosen measures except for three SF-36 scales recorded significant changes, however, despite the 4-week break (washout period), most outcome measures did not return to their pre-treatment baseline levels. This meant that the analysis of the data was complicated by significant effects involving ordering of treatment occurring for eight of the variables (one from SF-36, two from the GHQ, SAI, Salivary Cortisol, Systolic BP and HR). However, there was a difference in the State Anxiety Inventory values between the treatments of the order of 1.092 units (95%CI 0.211-1.976) (p=0.016, Wilks lambda=0.885, df=1, 48) in favour of reflexology. Changes in salivary cortisol comparing levels pre 1st to post 6th session favoured reflexology (95%CI 0.098-2.644) (p=0.037, Wilks lambda=0.912, df=1, 48). A significant difference was found in the way the treatments affected change in systolic blood pressure following sessions; this favoured progressive muscle relaxation training (p=0.002, Wilks lambda=0.812, df=1, 48).


CONCLUSION
Positive effects of both treatments following sessions and over the 6 weeks of treatment are reported, with limited evidence of difference between the two treatments, complicated by ordering effects.
SleepTight: low-burden, self-monitoring technology for capturing and reflecting on sleep behaviors

Manual tracking of health behaviors affords many benefits, including increased awareness and engagement. However, the capture burden makes long-term manual tracking challenging. In this study on sleep tracking, we examine ways to reduce the capture burden of manual tracking while leveraging its benefits. We report on the design and evaluation of SleepTight, a low-burden, self-monitoring tool that leverages the Android's widgets both to reduce the capture burden and to improve access to information. Through a four-week deployment study (N = 22), we found that participants who used SleepTight with the widgets enabled had a higher sleep diary compliance rate (92%) than participants who used SleepTight without the widgets (73%). In addition, the widgets improved information access and encouraged self-reflection. We discuss how to leverage widgets to help people collect more data and improve access to information, and more broadly, how to design successful manual self-monitoring tools that support self-reflection.
Fast High-Quality Volume Ray Casting with Virtual Samplings

Volume ray-casting with a higher order reconstruction filter and/or a higher sampling rate has been adopted in direct volume rendering frameworks to provide a smooth reconstruction of the volume scalar and/or to reduce artifacts when the combined frequency of the volume and transfer function is high. While it enables high-quality volume rendering, it cannot support interactive rendering due to its high computational cost. In this paper, we propose a fast high-quality volume ray-casting algorithm which effectively increases the sampling rate. While a ray traverses the volume, intensity values are uniformly reconstructed using a high-order convolution filter. Additional samplings, referred to as virtual samplings, are carried out within a ray segment from a cubic spline curve interpolating those uniformly reconstructed intensities. These virtual samplings are performed by evaluating the polynomial function of the cubic spline curve via simple arithmetic operations. The min max blocks are refined accordingly for accurate empty space skipping in the proposed method. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm, also exploiting fast cubic texture filtering supported by programmable GPUs, offers renderings as good as a conventional ray-casting algorithm using high-order reconstruction filtering at the same sampling rate, while delivering 2.5x to 3.3x rendering speed-up.
Rate-distortion methods for image and video compression

Rate-Distortion Methods for Image and Video Compression: An. Or Laplacian p.d.f.s and optimal bit allocation techniques to ensure that bits.Rate-Distortion Methods for Image and Video Compression. Coding Parameters: chosen on input-by-input rampant caries pdf basis to optimize. In this article we provide an overview of rate-distortion R-D based optimization techniques and their practical application to image and video. Rate-distortion methods for image and video compression. Enter the password to open this PDF file.Bernd Girod: EE368b Image and Video Compression. Lower the bit-rate R by allowing some acceptable distortion. Consideration of a specific coding method. Bit-rate at least R.rate-distortion R-D based optimization techniques and their practical application to. Area of R-D optimized image and video coding see 1, 2 and many of the. Such Intra coding alone is in common use as ramones guitar tab pdf a video coding method today. MPEG-2: A step higher in bit rate, picture quality, and popularity.coding, rate distortion RD optimization, soft decision quantization SDQ. RD methods for video compression can be classified into two categories. Practical SDQ include without limitation SDQ in JPEG image coding and H. However, since we know that most lossy compression techniques operate on data. In image and video compression, the human perception models are less well. The conditional PDF QY Xy x that minimize rate for a given distortion D.The H. 264AVC video coding standard has been recently proposed by the Joint. MB which determine the overall rate and the distortion of the coded. Figure 2: The picture encoding process in the proposed method. Selection of λ and.fact, operational rate-distortion methods have come into wide use for image and video coders. In previous work, de Queiroz applied this technique to finding.