Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Verification of a Kinetics-Based Model for Long-Term Effects of Fire Retardants on Bending Strength at Elevated Temperatures

This study verifies a single-stage reaction-rate model for the long-term effects of various fire retardants. The adequacy of predictions from our previously reported models was tested using data from fire-retardant-treated wood exposed at 66°C (150°F) and 75% relative humidity for 3 or 4 years. Our analysis showed that if the treated wood experienced significant thermal degradation early during exposure to high temperature, then the previously reported model parameters adequately predicted thermal degradation for up to 4 years of steady-state exposure. However, if the treated wood did not experience significant thermal degradation early during high-temperature exposure, then the previous parameter estimates tended to underpredict degrade. Modified parameter estimates are presented where appropriate. This report also describes the practical implications of running the verified models for up to 10 annual iterations of an actual year of measured roof sheathing temperatures derived from structures exposed in the field. Our results predict that monoammonium phosphate, a generic fire-retardant formulation, can be expected to cause an additional 15% loss in original strength capacity in 10 years if used for roof sheathing under similar conditions.
Generative Street Addresses from Satellite Imagery

We describe our automatic generative algorithm to create street addresses from satellite images by learning and labeling roads, regions, and address cells. Currently, 75% of the world’s roads lack adequate street addressing systems. Recent geocoding initiatives tend to convert pure latitude and longitude information into a memorable form for unknown areas. However, settlements are identified by streets, and such addressing schemes are not coherent with the road topology. Instead, we propose a generative address design that maps the globe in accordance with streets. Our algorithm starts with extracting roads from satellite imagery by utilizing deep learning. Then, it uniquely labels the regions, roads, and structures using some graph- and proximity-based algorithms. We also extend our addressing scheme to (i) cover inaccessible areas following similar design principles; (ii) be inclusive and flexible for changes on the ground; and (iii) lead as a pioneer for a unified street-based global geodatabase. We present our results on an example of a developed city and multiple undeveloped cities. We also compare productivity on the basis of current ad hoc and new complete addresses. We conclude by contrasting our generative addresses to current industrial and open solutions.
NeuroEvolution : The Importance of Transfer Function Evolution

NeuroEvolution is the application of Evolutionary Algorithms to the training of Artificial Neural Networks. Currently the vast majority of NeuroEvolutionary methods create homogeneous networks of user defined transfer functions. This is despite NeuroEvolution being capable of creating heterogeneous networks where each neurons transfer function is not chosen by the user, but selecte d or optimised during evolution. This paper demonstrates how NeuroEvolution can be used to select or optimise each neuron transfer function and demonstrates empirically that doing so significantly aids training. This finding is important as most NeuroEvolutionary methods are capable of creating heterogeneous networks using the methods described.
Comparison of Clonidine and Midazolam Premedication Before Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: Results of Clinical Trial

Objectives Premedication with clonidine has been found to reduce the bleeding during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), therefore lowering the risk of surgical complications. Premedication is an essential part of pre-surgical care and can potentially affect magnitude of systemic stress response to a surgical procedure. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of premedication with clonidine and midazolam in patients undergoing sinus surgery. Methods Forty-four patients undergoing ESS for chronic sinusitis and polyp removal were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either oral clonidine or midazolam as a premedication before receiving propofol/remifentanil total intravenous anesthesia. The effect of this premedication choice on anesthetic requirements, intraoperative hemodynamic profile, preoperative anxiety and sedation as well as postoperative pain and shivering were examined in each premedication group. Results Total intraoperative remifentanil requirement was lower in the clonidine group as compared to the midazolam group 503.2±147.0 µg vs. 784.5±283.8 µg, respectively (P<0.001). There was no difference between groups in required induction dose of propofol, level of preoperative anxiety, level of sedation and postoperative shivering. Intraoperative systemic blood pressure and heart rate response had a more favorable profile in patients premedicated with clonidine. Postoperative pain assessed by visual analogue scale for pain was lower in the clonidine group compared with to the midazolam premedication group. Conclusion Premedication with clonidine provides better attenuation of hemodynamic response and reduction of intraoperative remifentanil requirements in patients undergoing ESS. Postoperative pain seems to be better controlled after clonidine premedication as well.
Distinction of Neurons, Glia and Endothelial Cells in the Cerebral Cortex: An Algorithm Based on Cytological Features

The estimation of the number or density of neurons and types of glial cells and their relative proportions in different brain areas are at the core of rigorous quantitative neuroanatomical studies. Unfortunately, the lack of detailed, updated, systematic and well-illustrated descriptions of the cytology of neurons and glial cell types, especially in the primate brain, makes such studies especially demanding, often limiting their scope and broad use. Here, following an extensive analysis of histological materials and the review of current and classical literature, we compile a list of precise morphological criteria that can facilitate and standardize identification of cells in stained sections examined under the microscope. We describe systematically and in detail the cytological features of neurons and glial cell types in the cerebral cortex of the macaque monkey and the human using semithin and thick sections stained for Nissl. We used this classical staining technique because it labels all cells in the brain in distinct ways. In addition, we corroborate key distinguishing characteristics of different cell types in sections immunolabeled for specific markers counterstained for Nissl and in ultrathin sections processed for electron microscopy. Finally, we summarize the core features that distinguish each cell type in easy-to-use tables and sketches, and structure these key features in an algorithm that can be used to systematically distinguish cellular types in the cerebral cortex. Moreover, we report high inter-observer algorithm reliability, which is a crucial test for obtaining consistent and reproducible cell counts in unbiased stereological studies. This protocol establishes a consistent framework that can be used to reliably identify and quantify cells in the cerebral cortex of primates as well as other mammalian species in health and disease.
PCB Drill Path Optimization by Combinatorial Cuckoo Search Algorithm

Optimization of drill path can lead to significant reduction in machining time which directly improves productivity of manufacturing systems. In a batch production of a large number of items to be drilled such as printed circuit boards (PCB), the travel time of the drilling device is a significant portion of the overall manufacturing process. To increase PCB manufacturing productivity and to reduce production costs, a good option is to minimize the drill path route using an optimization algorithm. This paper reports a combinatorial cuckoo search algorithm for solving drill path optimization problem. The performance of the proposed algorithm is tested and verified with three case studies from the literature. The computational experience conducted in this research indicates that the proposed algorithm is capable of efficiently finding the optimal path for PCB holes drilling process.
Evaluation of terrestrial carbon cycle models for their response to climate variability and to CO2 trends

The purpose of this study was to evaluate 10 process‐based terrestrial biosphere models that were used for the IPCC fifth Assessment Report. The simulated gross primary productivity (GPP) is compared with flux‐tower‐based estimates by Jung et al. [Journal of Geophysical Research 116 (2011) G00J07] (JU11). The net primary productivity (NPP) apparent sensitivity to climate variability and atmospheric CO2 trends is diagnosed from each model output, using statistical functions. The temperature sensitivity is compared against ecosystem field warming experiments results. The CO2 sensitivity of NPP is compared to the results from four Free‐Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) experiments. The simulated global net biome productivity (NBP) is compared with the residual land sink (RLS) of the global carbon budget from Friedlingstein et al. [Nature Geoscience 3 (2010) 811] (FR10). We found that models produce a higher GPP (133 ± 15 Pg C yr−1) than JU11 (118 ± 6 Pg C yr−1). In response to rising atmospheric CO2 concentration, modeled NPP increases on average by 16% (5–20%) per 100 ppm, a slightly larger apparent sensitivity of NPP to CO2 than that measured at the FACE experiment locations (13% per 100 ppm). Global NBP differs markedly among individual models, although the mean value of 2.0 ± 0.8 Pg C yr−1 is remarkably close to the mean value of RLS (2.1 ± 1.2 Pg C yr−1). The interannual variability in modeled NBP is significantly correlated with that of RLS for the period 1980–2009. Both model‐to‐model and interannual variation in model GPP is larger than that in model NBP due to the strong coupling causing a positive correlation between ecosystem respiration and GPP in the model. The average linear regression slope of global NBP vs. temperature across the 10 models is −3.0 ± 1.5 Pg C yr−1 °C−1, within the uncertainty of what derived from RLS (−3.9 ± 1.1 Pg C yr−1 °C−1). However, 9 of 10 models overestimate the regression slope of NBP vs. precipitation, compared with the slope of the observed RLS vs. precipitation. With most models lacking processes that control GPP and NBP in addition to CO2 and climate, the agreement between modeled and observation‐based GPP and NBP can be fortuitous. Carbon–nitrogen interactions (only separable in one model) significantly influence the simulated response of carbon cycle to temperature and atmospheric CO2 concentration, suggesting that nutrients limitations should be included in the next generation of terrestrial biosphere models.
Measurement of cardiac output: a comparison between transpulmonary thermodilution and uncalibrated pulse contour analysis.

BACKGROUND Recently, continuous monitoring of cardiac output (CO) based on pulse contour analysis (Vigileo) has been introduced into practice. In this clinical study, we evaluated the accuracy of this system by comparing it with the transpulmonary thermodilution technique (TPID) in septic patients. METHODS We studied 24 mechanically ventilated patients with septic shock (16 male, 8 female, age 26-77 yr) receiving treatment with norepinephrine who for clinical indication underwent haemodynamic monitoring by the transpulmonary thermodilution technique using a PiCCO plus system (Pulsion Medical Systems, Munich, Germany). In parallel, arterial pulse contour was applied using the femoral arterial pressure curve (FloTrac pressure sensor, Vigileo monitor, Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, USA). After baseline measurement, mean arterial pressure was elevated by increasing norepinephrine dosage, and CO was measured again before mean arterial pressure was reduced back to baseline levels. Fluid status and ventilator settings remained unchanged throughout. At each time point, CO by transpulmonary thermodilution was calculated from three central venous bolus injections of 15 ml of saline (<8 degrees C). Linear regression and the Bland-Altman method were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Overall, CO was 6.7 (sd 1.8) (3.2-10.1) litre min(-1) for CO(TPID) and 6.2 (2.4) (3.0-17.6) litre min(-1) for CO(Vigileo((R))). Linear regression revealed: CO(Vigileo) = 1.54 + 0.72 x CO(TPID) litre min(-1), r(2) = 0.26 (P < 0.0001). Mean bias between techniques [CO(TPID)-CO(Vigileo)] was 0.5 litre min(-1) (SD 2.3 litre min(-1)). Correlation coefficients at the three time points were not significantly different from each other. CONCLUSIONS Pulse contour analysis-derived CO (Vigileo system) underestimates CO(TPID) and is not as reliable as transpulmonary thermodilution in septic patients.
Variation of Densitometry on Computed Tomography in COPD – Influence of Different Software Tools

Objectives Quantitative multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) as a potential biomarker is increasingly used for severity assessment of emphysema in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Aim of this study was to evaluate the user-independent measurement variability between five different fully-automatic densitometry software tools. Material and Methods MDCT and full-body plethysmography incl. forced expiratory volume in 1s and total lung capacity were available for 49 patients with advanced COPD (age = 64±9 years, forced expiratory volume in 1s = 31±6% predicted). Measurement variation regarding lung volume, emphysema volume, emphysema index, and mean lung density was evaluated for two scientific and three commercially available lung densitometry software tools designed to analyze MDCT from different scanner types. Results One scientific tool and one commercial tool failed to process most or all datasets, respectively, and were excluded. One scientific and another commercial tool analyzed 49, the remaining commercial tool 30 datasets. Lung volume, emphysema volume, emphysema index and mean lung density were significantly different amongst these three tools (p<0.001). Limits of agreement for lung volume were [−0.195, −0.052l], [−0.305, −0.131l], and [−0.123, −0.052l] with correlation coefficients of r = 1.00 each. Limits of agreement for emphysema index were [−6.2, 2.9%], [−27.0, 16.9%], and [−25.5, 18.8%], with r = 0.79 to 0.98. Correlation of lung volume with total lung capacity was good to excellent (r = 0.77 to 0.91, p<0.001), but segmented lung volume (6.7±1.3 – 6.8±1.3l) were significantly lower than total lung capacity (7.7±1.7l, p<0.001). Conclusions Technical incompatibilities hindered evaluation of two of five tools. The remaining three showed significant measurement variation for emphysema, hampering quantitative MDCT as a biomarker in COPD. Follow-up studies should currently use identical software, and standardization efforts should encompass software as well.
New particle formation during a - and b -pinene oxidation by O 3 , OH and NO 3 , and the influence of water vapour: particle size distribution studies

Abstract. New particle formation during the oxidation of a - and b -pinene (C10H16) by ozone, OH and NO3 was studied by measuring the particle size distributions with a scanning mobility particle sizer (TSI 3936). The results indicate a drastically higher nucleation potential of the ozonolysis than in the reaction with either OH or NO3. On the contrary, the contribution of the individual oxidation reactions to form new aerosol volume was found to depend on the location of the carbon double bond to be oxidised: for the endocyclic a -pinene reactions the ozonolysis contributed mostly to the aerosol volume yield, whereas for the exocyclic b -pinene reactions the oxidation by O3, OH and NO3 yielded a similar aerosol volume. In a second part of this study the influence of water vapour on the nucleation in all three possible oxidation routes was examined. The observations revealed only an effect of water vapour during the ozonolysis reactions.
MIXED FEM OF HIGHER ORDER FOR CONTACT PROBLEMS WITH FRICTION

This paper presents a mixed variational formulation and its discretization by finite elements of higher-order for the Signorini problem with Tresca friction. To guarantee the unique existence of the solution to the discrete mixed problem, a discrete inf-sup condition is proved. Moreover, a solution scheme based on the dual formulation of the problem is proposed. Numerical results confirm the theoretical findings.
TweetFit: Fusing Multiple Social Media and Sensor Data for Wellness Profile Learning

Wellness is a widely popular concept that is commonly applied to fitness and self-help products or services. Inference of personal wellness-related attributes, such as body mass index or diseases tendency, as well as understanding of global dependencies between wellness attributes and users' behavior is of crucial importance to various applications in personal and public wellness domains. Meanwhile, the emergence of social media platforms and wearable sensors makes it feasible to perform wellness profiling for users from multiple perspectives. However, research efforts on wellness profiling and integration of social media and sensor data are relatively sparse, and this study represents one of the first attempts in this direction. Specifically, to infer personal wellness attributes, we proposed multi-source individual user profile learning framework named "TweetFit". "TweetFit" can handle data incompleteness and perform wellness attributes inference from sensor and social media data simultaneously. Our experimental results show that the integration of the data from sensors and multiple social media sources can substantially boost the wellness profiling performance.
Preserved incretin activity of glucagon-like peptide 1 [7-36 amide] but not of synthetic human gastric inhibitory polypeptide in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus.

In type-2 diabetes, the overall incretin effect is reduced. The present investigation was designed to compare insulinotropic actions of exogenous incretin hormones (gastric inhibitory peptide [GIP] and glucagon-like peptide 1 [GLP-1] [7-36 amide]) in nine type-2 diabetic patients (fasting plasma glucose 7.8 mmol/liter; hemoglobin A1c 6.3 +/- 0.6%) and in nine age- and weight-matched normal subjects. Synthetic human GIP (0.8 and 2.4 pmol/kg.min over 1 h each), GLP-1 [7-36 amide] (0.4 and 1.2 pmol/kg.min over 1 h each), and placebo were administered under hyperglycemic clamp conditions (8.75 mmol/liter) in separate experiments. Plasma GIP and GLP-1 [7-36 amide] concentrations (radioimmunoassay) were comparable to those after oral glucose with the low, and clearly supraphysiological with the high infusion rates. Both GIP and GLP-1 [7-36 amide] dose-dependently augmented insulin secretion (insulin, C-peptide) in both groups (P < 0.05). With GIP, the maximum effect in type-2 diabetic patients was significantly lower (by 54%; P < 0.05) than in normal subjects. With GLP-1 [7-36 amide] type-2 diabetic patients reached 71% of the increments in C-peptide of normal subjects (difference not significant). Glucagon was lowered during hyperglycemic clamps in normal subjects, but not in type-2 diabetic patients, and further by GLP-1 [7-36 amide] in both groups (P < 0.05), but not by GIP. In conclusion, in mild type-2 diabetes, GLP-1 [7-36 amide], in contrast to GIP, retains much of its insulinotropic activity. It also lowers glucagon concentrations.
Coding for Channels with Rate-Limited Side Information at the Decoder

In this work coding for channel with partial state information at the decoder is studied. Specifically, the model under consideration assumes that the encoder is provided with full channel state information in a non causal manner, and the decoder is provided with partial state knowledge, quantified by a rate-limit. Coding of side information intended for the channel decoder is a Wyner-Ziv like problem, since the channel output depends statistically on the state, thus serving as side information in retrieving the encoded state. Therefore, coding for such a channel involves the simultaneous solution of a Wyner-Ziv problem and a related Gel'fand-Pinsker problem. A single letter characterization of the capacity of this channel is developed, that involves two rate constraints, in the form of Wyner-Ziv and Gel'fand-Pinsker formulas. Applications to watermarking problems are suggested.
Music and Discourse: Toward a Semiology of Music

In this book Jean-Jacques Nattiez, well-known for his pioneering work in musical semiology, examines both music, and discourse about music, as products of human activity that are perceived in varying ways by various cultures. Asking such questions as "what is a musical work" and "what constitutes music," Nattiez draws from philosophy, anthropology, music analysis, and history to propose a global theory for the interpretation of specific pieces, the phenomenon of music, and the human behaviors that music elicits. He reviews issues raised by the notion of the musical sign, and shows how Peircian semiotics, with its image of a chain or web of meanings, applies to a consideration of music's infinite and unstable potential for embodying meaning. In exploring the process of ascribing meaning to music, Nattiez reviews writings on the psychology of music, non-Western metaphorical descriptions, music-analytical prose, and writings in the history of musical aesthetics. A final analytical chapter on the Tristan chord suggests that interpretations of music are cast in terms of analytical plots shaped by transcendent principles, and that any semiological consideration of music must account for these interpretive narratives.
Information flow safety in multiparty sessions †

We consider a calculus for multiparty sessions enriched with security levels for messages. We propose a monitored semantics for this calculus, which blocks the execution of processes as soon as they attempt to leak information. We illustrate the use of this semantics with various examples, and show that the induced safety property is compositional and that it is strictly included between a typability property and a security property proposed for an extended calculus in previous work.
Accrual Management to Meet Earnings Targets: Did Cadbury Make a Difference?

This paper examines the association between the composition of the board of directors and earnings management activity for a period spanning the publication of the Cadbury Report (1992). Central to both the Cadbury Committee? s initial remit and its subsequent recommendations is the view that director integrity and board effectiveness play a key role in ensuring the quality and reliability of published financial statements. We evaluate the impact of the Cadbury Report by testing for evidence of income-increasing abnormal accruals when unmanaged earnings undershoot target earnings and whether outside directors help constrain such activity. Our results provide evidence of accrual management to meet earnings targets in both the pre- and post-Cadbury periods. However, while we find no evidence of an association between the degree of accrual management and the composition of the board of directors in the pre-Cadbury period, results for the post-Cadbury period indicate less income-increasing accrual management to avoid earnings losses or earnings declines when the proportion of non-executive directors is high. These results are consistent with the view that appropriately structured boards are discharging their financial reporting duties more effectively post-Cadbury.