Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Automated classification of swallowing and breadth sounds

The goal of this study was to develop an automated and objective method to separate swallowing sounds from breath sounds. Swallowing sound detection can be utilized as part of a system for swallowing mechanism assessment and diagnosis of swallowing dysfunction (dysphagia) by acoustical means. In this study, an algorithm based on multilayer feed forward neural networks is proposed for decomposition of tracheal sound into swallowing and respiratory segments. Among many features examined, root-mean-square of the signal, the average power of the signal over 150-450 Hz and waveform fractal dimension were selected features applied to the neural network as inputs. Findings from previous studies about temporal and durational patterns of swallowing and respiration were used in a smart algorithm for further identification of the swallow and breath segments. The proposed method was applied to 18 tracheal sound recordings of 7 healthy subjects (ages 13-30 years, 4 males). The results were validated manually by visual inspection using airflow measurement and spectrogram of the sounds and auditory means. The algorithm was able to detect 91.7% of swallows correctly. The average of missed swallows and average of false detection were 8.3% and 9.5%, respectively. With additional preprocessing and post processing, the proposed method may be used for automated extraction of swallowing sounds from breath sounds in healthy and dysphagic individuals.
The bielefeld anthropomorphic robot head “Flobi”

A robot's head is important both for directional sensors and, in human-directed robotics, as the single most visible interaction interface. However, designing a robot's head faces contradicting requirements when integrating powerful sensing with social expression. Furher, reactions of the general public show that current head designs often cause negative user reactions and distract from the functional capabilities.
Characterization of poly (L-co-D,L Lactic Acid) and a study of polymer-tissue interaction in subcutaneous implants in wistar rats

Poly (L-co-D,L lactic acid) (PLDLA) is an important biomaterial because of its biocompatibility properties that promote cellular regeneration and growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the polymer-tissue interaction of PLDLA implants in the dorsal subcutaneous tissue of male Wistar rats at various intervals (2, 7, 15, 30, 60 and 90 days) after implantation. Physical properties such as the glass transition point (Tg), degradation behavior and other mechanical properties were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and tension tests. Analysis of the degradation of PLDLA membranes in vitro showed that the polymer became crystalline as a function of the degradation time. Mechanical tension tests showed that the polymer behaved like a ductile material: when subjected to constant tension it initially suffered deformation, then elongation and finally ruptured. TGA/MEV provided evidence of PLDLA membrane degradation. For histological analysis, samples from each group were processed in xylol/paraffin, except for the 60 - and 90 - day samples. Each of the latter samples was divided in two: one half was treated with xylol/paraffin and the other with historesin. Light microscopy showed the adhesion of cells to the biomaterial, the formation of a conjunctive capsule around the implant, the presence of epithelioid cells, the formation of foreign body giant cells and angiogenesis. During degradation, the polymer showed a 'lace' - like appearance when processed in xylol/paraffin compared to the formation of "centripetal cracks in the form of glove fingers" when embedded in historesin.
NOS Evaluations in Human Dental Pulp-Capping with MTA and Calcium-Hydroxide

The aim of this study is to compare mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) with calcium hydroxide when used as pulp-capping material in human teeth. 40 teeth were divided into groups based on clinical diagnosis: healthy and hyperaemic. The teeth were pulp capped with MTA and calcium hydroxide. We localized the eNOS and iNOS by immunohistochemistry, tested their mRNA expression by RT-PCR and protein levels by western blots. The evaluation of the samples was based on the cell inflammatory response and on the pulp tissue organization. In particular, evaluation of eNOS and iNOS differences between the various groups and the cellular evolution after the first 7 days from the treatment, and at a distance of 28 days. Our results suggest that there are differences in localization and expression between eNOS and iNOS in dental pulp. Our study has helped us to better understand the effects that calcium hydroxide and MTA have on pulp tissue.
MtDNA Markers for Celtic and Germanic Language Areas in the British Isles Chapter 8 MtDNA Markers for Celtic and Germanic Language Areas in the British Isles

In this context, the term ‘marker’ needs to be explained. Occasionally, in the course of the millennia, mutations may occur in the DNA of an organism, such as a human or a seed of grain, and these mutations are passed down to the descendants. If these descendants remain united by a common characteristic such as a language, a certain geographic area, or a resistance against cereal rust, the DNA mutation can be considered a marker for that characteristic, even though it does not cause the characteristic. The two best-characterized genetic systems for identifying evolutionary markers in humans are the Y chromosome (passed down exclusively from the father to his male children) and mitochondrial DNA (transmitted exclusively from the mother to her children). Individuals living today differ genetically from each other as a consequence of different mutation events which occurred in their past ancestry, irrespective of whether these mutation events are interesting markers for any characteristic. To date there have been two approaches to analyzing data for the exploration of genetic patterning: the summary method and the lineage approach. The summary method treats the entire data set in terms of a population concept which considers all the different genetic types as a single heritable unit, which is passed down through time. The lineage method looks at the geographic spread and mutational age of specific lineages which in turn reflect movement of prehistoric individuals (for a discussion of the two approaches see Richards et al. 1997; Forster et al. 2001). This contrast in approach is also reflected in the choice of methods for detecting geographic patterns in genetic data. We will compare available coarse-grained approaches to detecting genetic patterns in Europe with the finer-scaled methods we propose in the main part of this paper. Peter Forster, Valentino Romano, Francesco Calì, Arne Röhl & Matthew Hurles
Discovering new facts and revealing existing myths about the acoustic stethoscope 200 years after its invention 1

Acoustic stethoscope, invented exactly 200 years ago by French physician, Rene Laennec, is the most widespread medical diagnostic device, and also the icon of the medical profession. Hence, it might seem strange, that the mechanisms and physical phenomena underlying the auscultation examination are still not well understood, and some of the commonly repeated statements – such as those regarding highor low-pass filtering effects supposedly introduced by specific kinds of chestpieces – have no scientific justification. The present study introduces results of the experimental investigations on the different factors influencing the acoustic properties of a stethoscope. Unlike other studies which were based either on subjective evaluation of sound quality or on measurements of the transfer functions performed using loudspeakers as the primary sound source, the investigations described herein were based on original experimental and data analysis schemes, which allowed to quantitatively evaluate the parameters of signals recorded during the actual auscultation examinations. Results obtained using various kinds of chestpieces and different lengths of the hollow tubes are compared in order to expose the factors which have the greatest impact on the perceived sound quality. It is shown, that the parameters and the construction of the chestpiece determine the achievable sound level, while the hollow tubes act as an acoustic filter. This contradicts the statements repeated in the literature for over 50. years, about the highly frequency-selective behaviour of the diaphragms of the stethoscopes.
Amino Acid- vs. Peptide-Odorants: Responses of Individual Olfactory Receptor Neurons in an Aquatic Species

Amino acids are widely used waterborne olfactory stimuli proposed to serve as cues in the search for food. In natural waters the main source of amino acids is the decomposition of proteins. But this process also produces a variety of small peptides as intermediate cleavage products. In the present study we tested whether amino acids actually are the natural and adequate stimuli for the olfactory receptors they bind to. Alternatively, these olfactory receptors could be peptide receptors which also bind amino acids though at lower affinity. Employing calcium imaging in acute slices of the main olfactory epithelium of the fully aquatic larvae of Xenopus laevis we show that amino acids, and not peptides, are more effective waterborne odorants.
Mapping the inner landscape of Australian TAFE teachers: navigating contours by explicating critical spirit

In The Courage to Teach, Parker J. Palmer (1998) explores the inner landscape of teachers by elaborating his proposition that 'We teach who we are' (p. 1). What is highlighted is that in order to teach well teachers need firstly to know their self-hood and then to connect it with what they do. With this in mind, this chapter explores ruminations around my research into a particular site in the inner landscape of teachers' work. That site is illuminated and mapped by applying a concept known as critical spirit, which is used to describe the dispositions of the critical thinker (Oxman-Michelli, 1992; Siegel, 1988). The intention is to seek support for the notion of critical spirit being part of the inner terrain of a group of Australian Technical and Further Education (TAFE) teachers working within the current period of new vocationalism. Taking a socio-cultural vantage point I begin with the claim that TAFE teachers are endeavouring to travel the terrain between discourses that position them as educators responsible for skilling an economy and those that position TAFE teachers as liberal educators, concerned with the developing person and the enactment of civil responsibilities. I make claim to critical spirit as a discourse, and move to presenting a coding framework for exploring elements of critical spirit within TAFE teacher narratives. The results of this analysis are discussed in terms of their relevance to these teachers' identities and their engagements with their world of work. The mapping of this landscape and the navigating of these contours are articulated in an attempt to reflect upon 'what might be' in relation to a larger research project.
Secondary Mandibular Reconstruction After Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Resection: Clinical Reevaluation of Transport Disk Distraction Osteogenesis

Besides bone grafting, transport disk distraction osteogenesis (TDDO) is an alternative approach that can be used for the reconstruction of the mandibular arch after neoplastic surgery. Although several animal experiments are reporting about the applicability of this technique, little is known about its long-term success in human beings. In this study, we report about the successful treatment of patients with defects of their mandibular arch due to tumor resection by means of the external bifocal TDDO. A total of 7 patients (n = 3 with lateral, n = 4 with anterior defects) were followed up for a mean period of 56 months. Although neither adjuvant nor neoadjuvant chemotherapy negatively influenced callus formation, prereconstructive radiation with a dose of 51 Gy led to an insufficient callus formation. The reconstruction of anterior defects was unsatisfying because tensions from the soft tissue on the fragile and rubber-like callus negatively influenced the natural arch shaping. In these cases, additional surgery was often required. However, reconstruction of lateral defects of the mandibular arch was more successful and resulted in functional bone with good quality, in which dental implants could be inserted. The results of this study emphasize that TDDO by means of bifocal distraction provides functional bone comparable to residual bone. Lateral defects of mandibular arch can be better reconstructed, whereas anterior defects often require additional surgery.
Gastric cancer--new therapeutic options.

Gastric and gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas are important health problems. A 2005 analysis1 of the worldwide incidence of and mortality from cancer showed that 934,000 cases of gastric cancer occurred in 2002 and that 700,000 patients die annually of this disease. The management of gastric cancer, like the management of most gastrointestinal cancers, is based on surgical resection of the primary tumor. When the cancer is localized to the stomach and is minimally invasive,2,3 surgical cure is possible in up to 90 percent of cases. However, the detection of early gastric cancer is unusual in Western countries. More commonly, resectable gastric .
The 2 H(d,p) 3 H reaction in metallic media at very low energies

Based on our experimental studies of the electron screening effect in the 2H(d,p)3H reaction for five deuteron-implanted solid targets (C,Al,Zr,Pd,Ta), theoretical calculations have been performed within an improved dielectric function theory. The theory describes correctly the observed target material dependence of the screening energies, underestimating, however, the absolute values by about a factor of 2. Applying an effective screening energy approach, the theoretical cross-sections, thick-target yields as well as nuclear reaction rates have been calculated down to the energies corresponding to the conditions of so-called cold-fusion experiments. This allows for a comparison of the experimental results at higher energies with those achieved in the heavy-water electrolysis experiments.
Characterization studies on Calotropis procera fibers and their performance as reinforcements in epoxy matrix

ABSTRACT This study aims to characterize and find the suitability of Calotropis procera fibers to reinforce polymer matrices from Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction studies. Composite samples are prepared using varying weight % of Calotropis procera fibers with epoxy resin as matrix and the effect of fiber loading on the tensile, flexural, impact and water absorption properties are conducted and reported. It is found that fiber loading improves the mechanical strength of the composites and it is attributed to the strong bonding that exists between the fiber reinforcement and the matrix polymer. Fiber loading in excess of 40 weight % leads to decrease in the mechanical strength, while no significant difference in water absorption is noticed when the fiber loading exceeds 30 weight %. The study suggests that Calotropis procera fibers are promising candidates to reinforce polymers and can be used for the fabrication of composites.
An Information Geometry of Statistical Manifold Learning

Manifold learning seeks low-dimensional representations of high-dimensional data. The main tactics have been exploring the geometry in an input data space and an output embedding space. We develop a manifold learning theory in a hypothesis space consisting of models. A model means a specific instance of a collection of points, e.g., the input data collectively or the output embedding collectively. The semi-Riemannian metric of this hypothesis space is uniquely derived in closed form based on the information geometry of probability distributions. There, manifold learning is interpreted as a trajectory of intermediate models. The volume of a continuous region reveals an amount of information. It can be measured to define model complexity and embedding quality. This provides deep unified perspectives of manifold learning theory.
[Validation of Polish version of CFQoL in patients with cystic fibrosis].

UNLABELLED Cystic Fibrosis Quality of Life Questionnaire (CFQoL), is a specific measurement tool of quality of life in adolescents and adults with cystic fibrosis, fully verified in English-speaking countries. However, introduction of new language version requires validation process. The aim of this study was to validate Polish version of CFQoL questionnaire. MATERIAL AND METHODS Language adaptation was performed after obtaining consent of the author. Healthy group (n=40, mean age = 19.5 +/- 3.4 years) assessed level of comprehension of each questionnaire item. Final Polish version of the questionnaire was assessed in 33 patients with cystic fibrosis (mean age = 21.8 +/- 3.4 years). The comparisons included CFQoL, SGRQ, WHOQOL-BREF, HADS and medical records analysis (spirometry, Shwachman-Kulczycki scale). RESULTS CFQoL questionnaire was well understood and its graphics and time of completion were highly assessed. Good reliability of CFQoL was proven: Cronbach's Alpha coefficient was over 0.7 for all subscales, and high correlations between each item and general outcome for every subscale were found (r = from 0.63 to 0.93; p < 0.001). High correlation was observed in measurements repeated after 3 to 4 days (r = from 0.66 to 0.93; p < 0.001), the only difference between assessments was reduction of concerns about future (p = 0.007). Accuracy of the questionnaire was proven by significant correlations between CFQoL subscale assessing physical functioning and general outcome of SGRQ, psychosocial aspect of CFQoL and WHOQOL-BREF subscales, and emotional functioning subscale of CFQoL and anxiety and depression in HADS scale. There were no relationship between clinical data and CFQoL except Shwachman-Kulczycki scale. CONCLUSION Polish version of the questionnaire fulfilled basic psychometric criteria and may be used for evaluation of quality of life of adolescents and adults with cystic fibrosis.
Heart rate responses during acclimation of horses to water treadmill exercise.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY The use of water treadmill exercise in horses is popular, although little is known about the physiological responses to this form of exercise. No information exists regarding the time taken to acclimate to water treadmill exercise compared to that of high-speed treadmill exercise, for both physiological and biomechanical parameters. OBJECTIVE To determine heart rate responses during acclimation to water treadmill exercise with and without sedation on first time exposure. METHODS All horses were exercised on a water treadmill at the walk for 15 min once a day for 4 days. Fourteen horses (mean +/- s.d. age 9 +/- 3.2 years) were assigned randomly to Group A (sedated) and Group B (nonsedated). Group A were given 20-30 microg/kg bwt romifidine within 10-15 min prior to the start of the first acclimating run. Acclimation was determined by the time taken to reach a threshold heart rate value. RESULTS Group A and B reached threshold heart rate values by the 6th minute of the 4th run (72.8 beats/min) and the 6th min of the 3rd run (78.7 beats/min), respectively. No significant difference was found (P>0.05) between Group A and B in the time taken to reach threshold heart rate values. Acclimation to water treadmill exercise requires a minimum of 2 x 15 min nonsedated acclimating runs. Sedation can be used to prevent horses panicking during the first exposure but thereafter does not affect the time taken to acclimate. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE Previous experience of water treadmill exercise should be taken into consideration prior to collecting physiological and biomechanical data. Further studies detailing the physiological and biomechanical responses are required prior to making recommendations for the incorporation of this mode of exercise into rehabilitation programmes.
A Study of Multi-Age or Family-Grouped Classrooms.

D eliberate mixing of age and grade levels in the elementary classroom has been common even fashionable at times over the past 30 years. A number of different terms describe this practice: family grouping, split level, mixed grade, etc. In each, however, a child remains in the same class with the same teacher for a number of years, most commonly three. Multi-age grouping can start at any age. As new children enter a given group at the young end of the age range, older youngsters graduate. A typical pattern looks like this:
Crowdsourcing for Word Recognition in Noise

Access to large samples of listeners is an appealing prospect for speech perception researchers, but lack of control over key factors such as listeners’ linguistic backgrounds and quality of stimulus delivery is a formidable barrier to the application of crowdsourcing. We describe the outcome of a web-based listening experiment designed to discover consistent confusions amongst words presented in noise, alongside an identical task carried out using traditional laboratory methods. Web listeners were graded according based on information they provided as well as via their responses to tokens recognised robustly by a majority of participants. While overall word identification scores even for the best-performing web subset were well below those obtained in the laboratory, word confusions with high levels of cross-listener agreement were obtained nevertheless, suggesting that focused application of crowdsourcing in speech perception can provide useful data for scientific analysis.
Diagnostic and prognostic values of critical flicker frequency determination as new diagnostic tool for objective HE evaluation in patients undergoing TIPS implantation

Objectives The diagnostic and prognostic value of critical flicker frequency (CFF) analysis for assessment of severity and dynamics of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) was studied before and after implantation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). Basic methods Sixty-three cirrhotic patients were retrospectively analyzed for the consequences of TIPS implantation. Thirty-one cirrhotic patients without TIPS implantation served as age-matched, sex-matched, Child–Pugh-matched controls. CFF and computer psychometric tests as objective test parameters of HE-severity were evaluated for analysis of visual discrimination ability, general arousal and cognitive function. Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression model were used for analysis of prognostic significances. Main results In the control group, HE-severity was stable during the observation period (442±428 days) with minimal changes in CFF (−0.1±1.9 Hz). In the intervention group, TIPS implantation had no effect on HE-severity in 44% of the patients and CFF shifted by only 0.01±1.5 Hz. Thirty-five and 21% of the patients experienced an aggravation or improvement of HE after TIPS implantation, respectively. In HE improvers CFF increased by 3.3±2.3 Hz and decreased by 3.5±1.5 Hz in those experiencing an aggravation of HE-severity. Univariate analysis showed that overall survival in the study population inversely correlated with HE-severity and serum alkaline phosphatase activity and positively correlated with serum sodium, albumin and CFF. Serum albumin, alkaline phosphatase levels and CFF were independent predictors of survival in a multivariate Cox regression analysis. Conclusion The data show that pre-TIPS HE does not predict post-TIPS encephalopathy. Otherwise, CFF can reliably pick up the evolution of HE-severity after TIPS implantation. Low pre-TIPS CFF is indicative for a poor prognosis and may help to identify transplant candidates without delay.