Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Collision analysis for a multi-Bluetooth picocells environment

Operating in the unlicensed 2.4-GHz ISM band, a Bluetooth piconet will inevitably encounter the interference problem from other piconets. With a special channel model and packet formats, one research issue is how to predict the packet collision effect in a multi-piconet environment. In an earlier work (El-Hoiydi (2001)), this problem is studied, but the result is still very limited, due to the assumptions that packets must be single-slot ones and that time slots of each piconet must be fully occupied by packets. A more general analysis is presented in this work by eliminating these constraints.
A new edge feature for head-shoulder detection

In this work, we introduce a new edge feature to improve the head-shoulder detection performance. Since Head-shoulder detection is much vulnerable to vague contour, our new edge feature is designed to extract and enhance the head-shoulder contour and suppress the other contours. The basic idea is that head-shoulder contour can be predicted by filtering edge image with edge patterns, which are generated from edge fragments through a learning process. This edge feature can significantly enhance the object contour such as human head and shoulder known as En-Contour. To evaluate the performance of the new En-Contour, we combine it with HOG+LBP [1] as HOG+LBP+En-Contour. The HOG+LBP is the state-of-the-art feature in pedestrian detection. Because the human head-shoulder detection is a special case of pedestrian detection, we also use it as our baseline. Our experiments have indicated that this new feature significantly improve the HOG+LBP.
Compressing code for embedded systems

The size of the embedded software is increasing at a rapid pace. Often, the task of designing hardware that meets a lot of functionality needed in software became a challenging process and it needs more time for projecting. Then, the compression code is a way to reduce this problem. This paper presents an innovative and efficient approach to code compression. Our method reduces code size by up to 31% (including all extra costs). We performed simulations and analyzes, using the applications from benchmark MiBench and use two embedded processors (ARM and MIPS). Our method is orthogonal to approaches that take into account the particularities of a given instruction set architecture, becoming an independent method for any specific architecture. We have implemented the decompressor using VHDL and FPGA and we obtained only one clock from decompression process.
How Could Contact Lens Wearers Be at Risk of Acanthamoeba Infection? A Review

Contact lens wear is highly influential on the incidence of ulcerative keratitis worldwide, particularly in developed countries. The association between Acanthamoeba keratitis and contact lens wear is firmly established; it may account for up to 95% of the reported cases. Before the popularisation of soft contact lens wear, Acanthamoeba keratitis was extremely rare. In 2000 it was estimated that the number of contact lens wearers worldwide was about 80 million, out of whom 33 million were in the United States and 90% of them wore hydrogel soft lenses. Contact lens-related problems depend on many factors, such as lens material, wearing modality, lens hygiene, type of lens-caring solution, the degree of compliance of the lens user with lens wear and care procedures, lens overwear, sleeping in lenses, rate of changing lenses, and lens case hygiene. This paper is a thorough review of the literature aiming to highlight the role of one of the main risk factors of infectious keratitis, contact lens wear, and also to show the responsibility of lens users in aggravating this risk.
Lateral pharyngoplasty versus uvulopalatopharyngoplasty: a clinical, polysomnographic and computed tomography measurement comparison.

STUDY OBJECTIVE To compare the lateral pharyngoplasty procedure with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). DESIGN Prospective randomized study. SETTING Academic tertiary center. PATIENTS Twenty-seven adults with OSAHS originally selected for treatment with UPPP. INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups: in one group, we performed the lateral pharyngoplasty (15 cases), and in the other, we did the UPPP (12 cases). MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS We compared treatment outcomes through the evaluation of OSAHS-related symptoms and the analysis of polysomnographic tests and computed tomography measurements of pharyngeal airway. The lateral pharyngoplasty group achieved a statistically greater reduction in body weight, excessive daytime sleepiness, and apnea-hypopnea index. In addition, only in this group did we observe a statistically significant increase in the amount of deep sleep stages and improvement in morning headaches. Patients from the UPPP group did not present significant changes in the polysomnographic parameters. Pharyngeal airway measurement outcomes were similar in both groups and did not reflect the clinical and polysomnographic differences we observed. CONCLUSIONS Lateral pharyngoplasty produces better clinical and polysomnographic outcomes in the treatment of OSAHS than does UPPP, without resultant differences in the cross-sectional measurements of the pharyngeal airway between these treatments.
Ginseng-berry-mediated gold and silver nanoparticle synthesis and evaluation of their in vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxicity effects on human dermal fibroblast and murine melanoma skin cell lines

There has been a growing interest in the design of environmentally affable and biocompatible nanoparticles among scientists to find novel and safe biomaterials. Panax ginseng Meyer berries have unique phytochemical profile and exhibit beneficial pharmacological activities such as antihyperglycemic, antiobesity, antiaging, and antioxidant properties. A comprehensive study of the biologically active compounds in ginseng berry extract (GBE) and the ability of ginseng berry (GB) as novel material for the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (GBAuNPs) and silver nanoparticles (GBAgNPs) was conducted. In addition, the effects of GBAuNPs and GBAgNPs on skin cell lines for further potential biological applications are highlighted. GBAuNPs and GBAgNPs were synthesized using aqueous GBE as a reducing and capping agent. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized for their size, morphology, and crystallinity. The nanoparticles were evaluated for antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, antibacterial, and cytotoxicity activities and for morphological changes in human dermal fibroblast and murine melanoma skin cell lines. The phytochemicals contained in GBE effectively reduced and capped gold and silver ions to form GBAuNPs and GBAgNPs. The optimal synthesis conditions (ie, temperature and v/v % of GBE) and kinetics were investigated. Polysaccharides and phenolic compounds present in GBE were suggested to be responsible for stabilization and functionalization of nanoparticles. GBAuNPs and GBAgNPs showed increased scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radicals compared to GBE. GBAuNPs and GBAgNPs effectively inhibited mushroom tyrosinase, while GBAgNPs showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, GBAuNPs were nontoxic to human dermal fibroblast and murine melanoma cell lines, and GBAgNPs showed cytotoxic effect on murine melanoma cell lines. The current results evidently suggest that GBAgNPs can act as potential agents for antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, and antibacterial activities. In addition, GBAuNPs can be further developed into mediators in drug delivery and as antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, and protective skin agents in cosmetic products. Consequently, the study showed the advantages of using nanotechnology and green chemistry to enhance the natural properties of GBs.
Symmetry for solutions of two-phase semilinear elliptic equations on hyperbolic space

Assume that f (s) = F' (s) where F is a double-well potential. Under certain conditions on the Lipschitz constant of f on [-1, 1], we prove that arbitrary bounded global solutions of the semilinear equation Δu = f (u) on hyperbolic space ℍ n must reduce to functions of one variable provided they admit asymptotic boundary values on s n-1 = ∂ ∞ ℍ n which are invariant under a cohomogeneity one subgroup of the group of isometries of ℍ n . We also prove existence of these one-dimensional solutions.
Structure of a pentameric virion-associated fiber with a potential role in Orsay virus entry to host cells

Despite the wide use of Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism, the first virus naturally infecting this organism was not discovered until six years ago. The Orsay virus and its related nematode viruses have a positive-sense RNA genome, encoding three proteins: CP, RdRP, and a novel δ protein that shares no homology with any other proteins. δ can be expressed either as a free δ or a CP-δ fusion protein by ribosomal frameshift, but the structure and function of both δ and CP-δ remain unknown. Using a combination of electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, computational and biophysical analyses, here we show that the Orsay δ protein forms a ~420-Å long, pentameric fiber with an N-terminal α-helical bundle, a β-stranded filament in the middle, and a C-terminal head domain. The pentameric nature of the δ fiber has been independently confirmed by both mass spectrometry and analytical ultracentrifugation. Recombinant Orsay capsid containing CP-δ shows protruding long fibers with globular heads at the distal end. Mutant viruses with disrupted CP-δ fibers were generated by organism-based reverse genetics. These viruses were found to be either non-viable or with poor infectivity according to phenotypic and qRT-PCR analyses. Furthermore, addition of purified δ proteins to worm culture greatly reduced Orsay infectivity in a sequence-specific manner. Based on the structure resemblance between the Orsay CP-δ fiber and the fibers from reovirus and adenovirus, we propose that CP-δ functions as a cell attachment protein to mediate Orsay entry into worm intestine cells.
Development of a Spatial and Temporal Agent-Based Model for Studying Water and Health Relationships: The Case Study of Two Villages in Limpopo, South Africa

Diarrhea, the second leading cause of child morbidity and mortality, can have detrimental effects in the physical and cognitive development of children in developing countries. Health interventions (e.g., increased access to health services and safe water) designed to address this problem are difficult to implement in resource-limited settings. In this paper, we present a tool for understanding the complex relationship between water and public health in rural areas of a developing country. A spatial and temporal agent-based model (ABM) was developed to simulate the current water, sanitation, and health status in two villages in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The model was calibrated using empirical data and published sources. It was used to simulate the effects of poor water quality on the frequency of diarrheal episodes in children, and consequently on child development. Preliminary simulation results show that at the current total coliform levels in the water sources of the studied villages, children are expected to experience stunting by as much as -1.0 standard deviations from the World Health Organization height norms. With minor modifications, the calibrated ABM can be used to design and evaluate intervention strategies for improving child health in these villages. The model can also be applied to other regions worldwide that face the same environmental challenges and conditions as the studied villages.
HIV Point-of-Care Testing in Canadian Settings: A Scoping Review

Background HIV point-of-care testing (POCT) was approved for use in Canada in 2005 and provides important public health benefits by providing rapid screening results rather than sending a blood sample to a laboratory and waiting on test results. Access to test results soon after testing (or during the same visit) is believed to increase the likelihood that individuals will receive their results and improve access to confirmatory testing and linkages to care. This paper reviews the literature on the utilization of HIV POCT across Canadian provinces. Methods We searched OVID Medline, Embase, EBM Reviews, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and 20 electronic grey literature databases. All empirical studies investigating HIV POCT programs in Canada published in French or English were included. Results Searches of academic databases identified a total of 6,091 records. After removing duplicates and screening for eligibility, 27 records were included. Ten studies are peer-reviewed articles, and 17 are grey literature reports. HIV POCT in Canada is both feasible and accepted by Canadians. It is preferred to conventional HIV testing (ranging from 81.1 to 97%), and users are highly satisfied with the testing process (ranging between 96 and 100%). Conclusion The majority of studies demonstrate that HIV POCT is feasible, preferred, and accepted by diverse populations in Canada. Losses to follow-up and linkage rates are also good. However, more research is needed to understand how best to scale up HIV POCT in contexts that currently have very limited or no access to testing.
Topological Value Iteration Algorithm for Markov Decision Processes

Value Iteration is an inefficient algorithm for Markov decision processes (MDPs) because it puts the majority of its effort into backing up the entire state space, which turns out to be unnecessary in many cases. In order to overcome this problem, many approaches have been proposed. Among them, LAO, LRTDP and HDP are state-of-theart ones. All of these use reachability analysis and heuristics to avoid some unnecessary backups. However, none of these approaches fully exploit the graphical features of the MDPs or use these features to yield the best backup sequence of the state space. We introduce an algorithm named Topological Value Iteration (TVI) that can circumvent the problem of unnecessary backups by detecting the structure of MDPs and backing up states based on topological sequences. We prove that the backup sequence TVI applies is optimal. Our experimental results show that TVI outperforms VI, LAO, LRTDP and HDP on our benchmark MDPs.
SPECTRAL GRAPH THEORY AND THE INVERSE EIGENVALUE PROBLEM OF A GRAPH

Spectral Graph Theory is the study of the spectra of certain matrices defined from a given graph, including the adjacency matrix, the Laplacian matrix and other related matrices. Graph spectra have been studied extensively for more than fifty years. In the last fifteen years, interest has developed in the study of generalized Laplacian matrices of a graph, that is, real symmetric matrices with negative off-diagonal entries in the positions described by the edges of the graph (and zero in every other off-diagonal position). The set of all real symmetric matrices having nonzero off-diagonal entries exactly where the graph G has edges is denoted by S(G). Given a graph G, the problem of characterizing the possible spectra of B, such that B ∈S (G), has been referred to as the Inverse Eigenvalue Problem of a Graph . I n the last fifteen years a number of papers on this problem have appeared, primarily concerning trees. The adjacency matrix and Laplacian matrix of G and their normalized forms are all in S(G). Recent work on generalized Laplacians and Colin de Verdiere matrices is bringing the two areas closer together. This paper surveys results in Spectral Graph Theory and the Inverse Eigenvalue Problem of a Graph, examines the connections between these problems, and presents some new results on construction of a matrix of minimum rank for a given graph having a special form such as a 0,1-matrix or a generalized Laplacian.
Saturation Diving Alters Folate Status and Biomarkers of DNA Damage and Repair

Exposure to oxygen-rich environments can lead to oxidative damage, increased body iron stores, and changes in status of some vitamins, including folate. Assessing the type of oxidative damage in these environments and determining its relationships with changes in folate status are important for defining nutrient requirements and designing countermeasures to mitigate these effects. Responses of humans to oxidative stressors were examined in participants undergoing a saturation dive in an environment with increased partial pressure of oxygen, a NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations mission. Six participants completed a 13-d saturation dive in a habitat 19 m below the ocean surface near Key Largo, FL. Fasting blood samples were collected before, twice during, and twice after the dive and analyzed for biochemical markers of iron status, oxidative damage, and vitamin status. Body iron stores and ferritin increased during the dive (P<0.001), with a concomitant decrease in RBC folate (P<0.001) and superoxide dismutase activity (P<0.001). Folate status was correlated with serum ferritin (Pearson r = −0.34, P<0.05). Peripheral blood mononuclear cell poly(ADP-ribose) increased during the dive and the increase was significant by the end of the dive (P<0.001); γ-H2AX did not change during the mission. Together, the data provide evidence that when body iron stores were elevated in a hyperoxic environment, a DNA damage repair response occurred in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, but double-stranded DNA damage did not. In addition, folate status decreases quickly in this environment, and this study provides evidence that folate requirements may be greater when body iron stores and DNA damage repair responses are elevated.
Mapping cell surface antigens on mouse pre‐B cell lines

Characterization of cell surface molecules expressed by B cell precursors has been hampered by the inability to routinely assay such cells from freshly explanted normal lymphoid tissues. However, a large number of transformed pre‐B cell clones have been isolated which presumably include those precursors recently entering the B cell lineage (obtained from fetal liver and more rarely from adult bone marrow) and extending to those clones which are poised to become surface Ig‐positive B cells. In this report, we have quantitated expression of 10 different cell surface molecules, 5 of which bear special interest as B cell differentiation antigens, among a large panel of pre‐B cell clones.
Effects of Zinc Content on the Magnetic Properties of Ni-Zn Ferrite/Epoxy Composites

Magnetic composites, especially ferrite composites, are of great interest for embedded inductor applications. In this paper, the Ni-Zn ferrite particles (Ni1-xZnxFe2O4, x=0.2～0.8) with different zinc contents were synthesized via chemical coprecipitation method followed by modification with γ-glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane (KH-560). The particles were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The results show that the prepared Ni1-xZnxFe2O4(x=0.2～0.7) have good spinel structures, higher saturation magnetization (35.18～77.69 emu/g) and smaller hysteresis hoops, while Ni0.2Zn0.8Fe2O4 grains exhibit some paramagnetic behaviors, such as almost zero hysteresis and non-saturated magnetization. Next Ni1-xZnxFe2O4 magnetic/epoxy composites with different volume fraction of ferrite were prepared and their magnetic performances at high frequencies were characterized by an Agilent E4991A impedance analyzer (USA). It is found that with zinc content in Ni1-xZnxFe2O4 increasing from 0.2 to 0.7, the real part of the complex permeability (μ′) of these composites increase first and then decrease with the frequency increasing gradually from 10 MHz to 1 GHz. Of all, the epoxy composites with filler of Ni0.6Zn0. 4Fe2O4 or Ni0.5Zn0. 5Fe2O4 ferrite show good frequency stability, and the composites including Ni0.4Zn0. 6Fe2O4 ferrite have the highest permeability, and the maximal value at the frequency of 100 MHz is 5.55 when the volume faction is 42.75%. The imaginary part of the complex permeability (μ′′) of all magnetic composites is low For the Ni0.2Zn0.8Fe2O4/epoxy composites, they have very low real permeability (μ′～1) and imaginary permeability (μ″≤0.2).
Gastroprotective effect of alpha-pinene and its correlation with antiulcerogenic activity of essential oils obtained from Hyptis species

Background: Alpha-pinene (α-pinene) is a monoterpene commonly found in essential oils with gastroprotective activity obtained from diverse medicinal plants, including Hyptis species. The genus Hyptis (lamiaceae) consists of almost 400 species widespread in tropical and temperate regions of America. In the north and northeastern Brazil, some Hyptis species are used in traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal disturbances. Objective: The present study has investigated the gastoprotective effect of purified α-pinene in experimental gastric ulcer induced by ethanol and indomethacin in mice. Materials and Methods: Gastric ulcers were induced in male Swiss mice (20-30 g) by oral administration of absolute ethanol or indomethacin 45 min after oral pretreatment with vehicle, standard control drugs or α-pinene (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg). One hour after the ulcerative challenges, the stomach were removed, and gastric lesions areas measured. The effects of α-pinene on the gastric juice acidity were determined by pylorus ligation model. The gastrointestinal motility and mucus depletion were determined by measuring the gastric levels of phenol red and alcian blue, respectively. Hematoxylin and eosin stained sections of gastric mucosa of the experimental groups were used for histology analysis. Results: α-pinene pretreatment inhibited ethanol-induced gastric lesions, reduced volume and acidity of the gastric juice and increased gastric wall mucus (P < 0.05). Furthermore, we showed an interesting correlation between concentration of α-pinene and gastroprotective effect of Hyptis species (P Pearson = 0.98). Conclusion: Our data showed that the α-pinene exhibited significant antiulcerogenic activity and a great correlation between concentration of α-pinene and gastroprotective effect of Hyptis species was also observed.
Efficient Bayes-Adaptive Reinforcement Learning using Sample-Based Search

Bayesian model-based reinforcement learning is a formally elegant approach to learning optimal behaviour under model uncertainty, trading off exploration and exploitation in an ideal way. Unfortunately, finding the resulting Bayes-optimal policies is notoriously taxing, since the search space becomes enormous. In this paper we introduce a tractable, sample-based method for approximate Bayes-optimal planning which exploits Monte-Carlo tree search. Our approach outperformed prior Bayesian model-based RL algorithms by a significant margin on several well-known benchmark problems - because it avoids expensive applications of Bayes rule within the search tree by lazily sampling models from the current beliefs. We illustrate the advantages of our approach by showing it working in an infinite state space domain which is qualitatively out of reach of almost all previous work in Bayesian exploration.