Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reactive Planning for Assistive Robots

We consider a vehicle consisting of a robotic walking assistant pushed by a user. The robot can guide the person along a path and suggest a velocity by various means. The vehicle moves in a crowded environment and can detect other pedestrians in the surroundings. We propose a reactive planner that modifies the path in order to avoid pedestrians in the surroundings. The algorithm relies on a very accurate model to predict the motion of each pedestrian, i.e., the headed social force model. The possible trajectories for both the vehicle and the pedestrians are modeled as clothoid curves, which are efficient to manage from the numeric point of view and are very comfortable to follow for the user. Probabilistic techniques are used to account for the variability of the motion of each pedestrian. The path is efficient to generate, is collision free (up to a certain probability), and is comfortable to follow. Simulations and comparisons with a state-of-the-art planner using real data as well as experiments are reported to prove the effectiveness of the method.
Tree Species Identification from Bark Images Using Convolutional Neural Networks

Tree species identification using bark images is a challenging problem that could prove useful for many forestry related tasks. However, while the recent progress in deep learning showed impressive results on standard vision problems, a lack of datasets prevented its use on tree bark species classification. In this work, we present, and make publicly available, a novel dataset called BarkNet 1.0 containing more than 23,000 high-resolution bark images from 23 different tree species over a wide range of tree diameters. With it, we demonstrate the feasibility of species recognition through bark images, using deep learning. More specifically, we obtain an accuracy of 93.88% on single crop, and an accuracy of 97.81 % using a majority voting approach on all of the images of a tree. We also empirically demonstrate that, for a fixed number of images, it is better to maximize the number of tree individuals in the training database, thus directing future data collection efforts.
[Effectiveness of an intervention to provide information to patients with hypertension as short text messages and reminders sent to their mobile phone (HTA-Alert)].

OBJECTIVE To analyze the effect of an intervention to provide information with mobile phone text messages to patients with hypertension on compliance with therapy for hypertension. DESIGN Comparative, controlled, multicenter, randomized cluster study. SETTING 26 primary care health centers in Spain. PARTICIPANTS 26 researchers were randomized to a control group or an intervention group (52 patients each, for a total of 104 patients). All patients were receiving monotherapy for uncontrolled hypertension. INTERVENTION Patients in the control group received their physician's usual interventions. Patients in the intervention group received messages and reminders sent to their mobile phones 2 days per week during 4 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Tablets were counted and blood pressure was measured at the start of the study and 1, 3, and 6 months later. The percentage of compliers, mean percentage of compliance and degree of control of hypertension were compared. The reduction in absolute and relative risk was calculated, as was the number of individuals needed to treat to avoid noncompliance. RESULTS The results were evaluated for a total of 67 individuals (34 in the intervention group and 33 in the control group). The rate of compliance was 85.1% (CI, 74.9%-95.3%) overall, 85.7% (CI, 70.5%-100.9%) in the control group and 84.4% in the intervention group (CI, 70.7%-95.3%) (P=NS). Mean percentage compliance was 90.2%+/-16.3% overall, 88.1%+/-20.8% in the control group and 91.9%+/-11.6% in the intervention group (P=NS). The percentage of patients whose hypertension was controlled at the end of the study was 51.5% (CI, 34.4%-68.6%) in the control group and 64.7% (CI, 48.6%-80.8%) in the intervention group (P=NS). CONCLUSIONS The telephone messaging intervention with alerts and reminders sent to mobile phones did not improve compliance with therapy in patients with hypertension.
Demographic Comparison of Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (F.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Reared on Three Cultivars of Solanum melongena L. and a Wild Hostplant Solanum nigrum L.

Abstract Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (F.) is a widespread pest found on many solanaceous vegetables. The development and fecundity of H. vigintioctopunctata were studied on three cultivars (‘Zihong', ‘Eyou’, and ‘Baijiao') of eggplant, Solanum melongena L. , using the two-sex life table theory. These results were then compared with similar parameters from a wild alternate host, Solanum nigrum. Our results showed that there were no significant differences between the developmental times of the larval stages, pupae, oviposition period, adult longevity, and the fecundity of H. vigintioctopunctata reared on the three eggplant cultivars.The survival rates of H. vigintioctopunctata larvae reared on the three eggplant cultivars were higher than that on S. nigrum. The fecundity of H. vigintioctopunctata adults reared on S. nigrum (724.12 eggs), however, was significantly higher than on each of the three eggplant cultivars.The values for the intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), and net reproductive rate (R0) for H. vigintioctopunctata when reared on S. nigrum were 0.1225 d–1,1.1303 d–1, and 299.6 offspring, respectively. Each of these was significantly higher than comparable values when reared on the cultivar Eyou and Baijiao but were not different from those reared on the Zihong. Our results indicated that H. vigintioctopunctata is well adapted to all tested host plant cultivars and that S. nigrum is an important alternate wild hostplant that may potentially contribute to future outbreaks of H. vigintioctopunctata if not taken into consideration when planning an integrated control strategy against the pest.
Electrophysiological Evidence for Elimination of the Positive Bias in Elderly Adults with Depressive Symptoms

Background Depressed populations demonstrate a greater tendency to have negative interpretations on ambiguous situations. Cognitive theories concerning depression proposed that such a negative bias plays an important role in developing and maintaining depression. There is now fairly consistent evidence arising from different stimuli and assessment methods that depression is featured by such a bias. The current study aimed to explore the neural signatures associated with the interpretation bias in the elderly with depressive symptoms confronted with different facial expressions using event-related brain potentials (ERPs). Methods Participants were 14 community-dwelling older adults with depressive symptoms assessed by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale scores. We collected event-related potentials of their brain compared to that of 14 healthy aged-matched adults. The late positive potential (LPP) was used to examine cognitive-affective processes associated with judgment of emotional facial expressions between the two groups. Results Old adults with depressive symptoms have much smaller amplitude than healthy older adults irrespective of the prime types. When processing the targets, the two groups showed different patterns regarding the LPP. The healthy control group revealed no differences between ambiguous and happy primes, irrespective of whether the targets were sad or happy facial expressions. However, significant differences were found between happy and sad and between ambiguous and sad primes. Such a pattern indicates a positive bias in healthy elderly adults. Regarding the elderly with depressive symptoms, there were no significant differences between ambiguous versus happy, ambiguous versus sad primes, and happy versus sad primes. Concerning reaction times, there was no group difference. Thus, the findings provide some support for cognitive theories of depression. Conclusion The current study shows that there is an association between interpretative biases and depressive symptoms in the elderly by using the neuroscientific method of ERPs. The results suggest that ERPs are sensitive to explore the interpretation bias in depressed populations.
The Changing Pattern of Pediatric Burns

After scalds, flame burns have been considered the next most common mode of burn injury in childhood. Recent experience in the authors' unit suggested that contact burns were becoming more frequent. The authors sought to determine the contemporary frequency of different burn modalities in children presenting to a burns unit. A retrospective review of 3621 children treated in the burns unit, both ambulatory and inpatient, at the authors' institution between January 2003 and December 2007 was performed. Patients were identified using the Burns Unit database. Data collected included age, gender, burn etiology and site, TBSA, and whether operative surgery was required. Of the 3515 patients eligible for inclusion, scalds accounted for 55.9%, contact 30.5%, and flame 7.9% of all burns. Contact burns were shown to be consistently more frequent than flame burns for every year of the study (z = 17.30, P < .001). No seasonal variation was demonstrated amongst contact burns, reflecting the variety of mechanisms involved. The data suggest a change in the historical pattern of pediatric burns previously reported in the literature. These findings have implications for public health awareness and burns prevention campaigns.
SCORTEN Accurately Predicts Mortality Among Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Patients Treated in a Burn Center

SCORTEN is a scoring system used to predict mortality in toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) patients. The accuracy of SCORTEN among TEN patients treated in burn centers has not been established. The purpose of this study was to assess the discriminative power and calibration of SCORTEN among TEN patients treated at an adult regional burn center. Retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of TEN patients was used to compare actual mortality with that predicted by SCORTEN. A standardized mortality ratio was obtained to compare the actual number of deaths to the predicted number based on SCORTEN. Discrimination was measured using the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve, and model fit (calibration) was measured using the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit statistic. A total of 61 adult patients were analyzed. The actual overall mortality rate of 29.5% was not significantly different than the mortality rate of 25.2% predicted by SCORTEN (standardized mortality ratio, 1.17; 95% confidence intervals, 0.695–1.853; P = .08). The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve was 0.82 and the Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic was 1.381 (P = .710). SCORTEN is an accurate scoring system for estimation of mortality among TEN patients treated in a burn center setting.
Bayesian Coreset Construction via Greedy Iterative Geodesic Ascent

Coherent uncertainty quantification is a key strength of Bayesian methods. But modern algorithms for approximate Bayesian posterior inference often sacrifice accurate posterior uncertainty estimation in the pursuit of scalability. This work shows that previous Bayesian coreset construction algorithms---which build a small, weighted subset of the data that approximates the full dataset---are no exception. We demonstrate that these algorithms scale the coreset log-likelihood suboptimally, resulting in underestimated posterior uncertainty. To address this shortcoming, we develop greedy iterative geodesic ascent (GIGA), a novel algorithm for Bayesian coreset construction that scales the coreset log-likelihood optimally. GIGA provides geometric decay in posterior approximation error as a function of coreset size, and maintains the fast running time of its predecessors. The paper concludes with validation of GIGA on both synthetic and real datasets, demonstrating that it reduces posterior approximation error by orders of magnitude compared with previous coreset constructions.
Effects of diaphragm stretching on posterior chain muscle kinematics and rib cage and abdominal excursion: a randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Background Few studies have explored the effects of stretching techniques on diaphragm and spine kinematics. Objective To determine whether the application of diaphragm stretching resulted in changes in posterior chain muscle kinematics and ribcage and abdominal excursion in healthy subjects. Method Eighty healthy adults were included in this randomized clinical trial. Participants were randomized into two groups: the experimental group, which received a diaphragmatic stretching technique, or the placebo group, which received a sham-ultrasound procedure. The duration of the technique, the position of participants, and the therapist who applied the technique were the same for both treatments. Participant assessment (cervical range of movement, lumbar flexibility, flexibility of the posterior chain, and rib cage and abdominal excursion) was performed at baseline and immediately after the intervention by a blinded assessor. Results The mean between-group difference [95% CI] for the ribcage excursion after technique at xiphoid level was 2.48 [0.97 to 3.99], which shows significant differences in this outcome. The remaining between-group analysis showed significant differences in cervical extension, right and left flexion, flexibility of the posterior chain, and ribcage excursion at xiphoid level (p<0.05) in favor of the experimental group. Conclusion Diaphragm stretching generates a significant improvement in cervical extension, right and left cervical flexion, flexibility of the posterior chain, and ribcage excursion at xiphoid level compared to a placebo technique in healthy adults.
Learning Trans-Dimensional Random Fields with Applications to Language Modeling

To describe trans-dimensional observations in sample spaces of different dimensions, we propose a probabilistic model, called the trans-dimensional random field (TRF) by explicitly mixing a collection of random fields. In the framework of stochastic approximation (SA), we develop an effective training algorithm, called augmented SA, which jointly estimates the model parameters and normalizing constants while using trans-dimensional mixture sampling to generate observations of different dimensions. Furthermore, we introduce several statistical and computational techniques to improve the convergence of the training algorithm and reduce computational cost, which together enable us to successfully train TRF models on large datasets. The new model and training algorithm are thoroughly evaluated in a number of experiments. The word morphology experiment provides a benchmark test to study the convergence of the training algorithm and to compare with other algorithms, because log-likelihoods and gradients can be exactly calculated in this experiment. For language modeling, our experiments demonstrate the superiority of the TRF approach in being computationally more efficient in computing data probabilities by avoiding local normalization and being able to flexibly integrate a richer set of features, when compared with n-gram models and neural network models.
Using Branch Frequency Spectra to Evaluate Operational Coverage

Coverage metrics try to quantify how well a software artifact is tested. High coverage numbers instill confidence in the software and might even be necessary to obtain certification. Unfortunately, achieving high coverage numbers does not imply high quality of the test suite. One shortcoming is that coverage metrics do not measure how well test suites cover systems in production. We look at coverage from an operational perspective. We evaluate test suite quality by comparing runs executed during testing with runs executed in production. Branch frequency spectra are employed to capture the behavior during runtime. Differences in the branch frequency spectra between field executions and testing runs indicate test suite deficiencies. This post-release test suite quality assurance mechanism can be used to (1) build confidence by pooling coverage information from many execution sites and (2) guide test suite augmentation in order to prepare the test suite for the next release cycle.
Free Flexural (or Bending) Vibrations of Composite Mindlin Base Plates or Panels with Two Bonded Stiffening Plate Strips

In this study, the primary concern is the "Free Flexural (or Bending) Vibrations of Composite Mindlin Base Plates or Panels with Two Bonded Stiffening Plate Strips". The "Bonded and Stiffened Plate or Panel System" is composed of an "Orthotropic Mindlin Base Plate or Panel" reinforced by the two dissimilar, orthotropic "Stiffening Plate Strips" of unequal thicknesses adhesively bonded to the "Base Plate or Panel". The entire "System" is analyzed in terms of the "Mindlin Plate Theory" which takes into account the transverse shear deformations and the transverse and rotary moments of inertia in all its plate elements. The very thin and in+between adhesive layers are considered to b e linearly elastic, each with different material properties. The dynamic equations of each plate element and the stress resultant+displacement equations are combined together. Following some mathematical manipulations, the aforementioned equations are reduced to a new "Governing System of the First Order Ordinary Differential Equations" in "state vector" forms. These are numerically integrated by means of the "Modified Transfer Matrix Method (MTMM) (with Interpolation Polynomials)". In the numerical solutions, the "Isotropic Al+Alloy" system and the "Orthotropic Composite" system are considered separately in terms of various sets of boundary conditions. The mode shapes and their natural frequencies are accurately computed up to the sixth mode. However, in the present paper, they are graphically presented only up to the fifth mode with the corresponding natural frequencies. Furthermore, the effects on the natural frequencies of some important parameters such as the "Stiffeners Length (or Width) Ratio" are studied and presented. Also, very significant differences in mode shapes caused by the "Hard" (or relatively "Stiff") and the "Soft" (or relatively "flexible") adhesive layers in the "Isotropic Al+Alloy" and the "Orthotropic Composite" systems are shown and presented for a few sets of the boundary conditions. Based on the numerical results obtained, some important conclusions are stated for engineering and design applications.
Anemia of Thermal Injury: Combined Acute Blood Loss Anemia and Anemia of Critical Illness

Anemia is a pervasive and difficult-to-treat consequence of a severe burn injury. The most effective method of correcting anemia is the transfusion of packed red blood cells, but this therapy is not without complications. Surgical techniques including tourniquets and epinephrine tumescence have reduced blood loss and stricter thresholds have limited transfusions, but for severe burns, transfusion requirements are still massive. In this review of the current literature of anemia of thermal injury, we will provide a new framework for addressing this anemia and will show how this approach may help to develop better interventions and further reduce transfusion rates.
Measured GFR in Routine Clinical Practice-The Promise of Dried Blood Spots.

Accurate determination of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is crucial for the diagnosis of kidney disease. Estimated GFR (eGFR) calculated by serum creatinine and/or cystatin C is a mainstay in clinical practice and epidemiologic research but lacks precision and accuracy until GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Furthermore, eGFR may not precisely and accurately represent changes in GFR longitudinally. The lack of precision and accuracy is of concern in populations at high risk for kidney disease, as the dissociation between changes in eGFR and GFR may lead to missed diagnoses of early kidney disease. Therefore, improved methods to quantify GFR are needed. Whereas direct measures of GFR have been too cumbersome for screening and ambulatory care, a practical method of measuring GFR by iohexol clearance using dried capillary blood spots exists. In this review, we examine the current literature and data addressing GFR measurements by dried capillary blood spots and its potential application in high-risk groups.
Influence of Different Food Commodities on Life History, Feeding Efficiency, and Digestive Enzymatic Activity of Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Abstract The life history, feeding indices, and digestive enzymatic activity of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) were studied on flours of 10 commodities (artificial diet, barley, cowpea, maize, millet, rice, sorghum, soybean, triticale, and wheat) at 30 ± 1°C, relative humidity 75 ± 5% (12 h photophase). The maximum survival rate of immature stages was on artificial diet (75%), and the minimum rate was on soybean flour (30%). The duration of immature stages was significantly longer on soybean flour (33.3 ± 0.6 days) than on other tested flours of commodities. Record for the highest fecundity of this insect was on artificial diet (418.9 ± 9.1 eggs/female) and the lowest was on soybean flour (121.5 ± 7.0 eggs/female). The results showed that fourth instar of T. castaneum reared on soybean flour had the lowest relative growth rate (RGR; 0.141 ± 0.011 mg/mg/d) and efficiency of conversion of ingested food (34.59 ± 0.009%). The amylolytic activity of fourth instar was the highest when larvae were fed on barley flour (8.97 ± 0.25 mU/min/larva) and the lowest when they were fed on wheat flour (1.64 ± 0.23 mU/min/larva). Larvae exhibited a single strong band of amylolytic activity among different flours of commodities; the lowest and highest intensity was for larvae fed on wheat and barley flours, respectively.The zymogram of the general protease activity showed four main bands, which the first band was unique for triticale- and artificial diet-fed larvae. The results of this study indicated that soybean flour was the most unsuitable food for feeding and development of T. castaneum.
A Voltage Dependent Non-Inactivating Na+ Channel Activated during Apoptosis in Xenopus Oocytes

Ion channels in the plasma membrane are important for the apoptotic process. Different types of voltage-gated ion channels are up-regulated early in the apoptotic process and block of these channels prevents or delays apoptosis. In the present investigation we examined whether ion channels are up-regulated in oocytes from the frog Xenopus laevis during apoptosis. The two-electrode voltage-clamp technique was used to record endogenous ion currents in the oocytes. During staurosporine-induced apoptosis a voltage-dependent Na+ current increased three-fold. This current was activated at voltages more positive than 0 mV (midpoint of the open-probability curve was +55 mV) and showed almost no sign of inactivation during a 1-s pulse. The current was resistant to the Na+-channel blockers tetrodotoxin (1 µM) and amiloride (10 µM), while the Ca2+-channel blocker verapamil (50 µM) in the bath solution completely blocked the current. The intracellular Na+ concentration increased in staurosporine-treated oocytes, but could be prevented by replacing extracellular Na+ whith either K+ or Choline+. Prevention of this influx of Na+ also prevented the STS-induced up-regulation of the caspase-3 activity, suggesting that the intracellular Na+ increase is required to induce apoptosis. Taken together, we have found that a voltage dependent Na+ channel is up-regulated during apoptosis and that influx of Na+ is a crucial step in the apoptotic process in Xenopus oocytes.