Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inter-camera color calibration for object re-identification and tracking

Object re-identification and tracking in non-overlapping cameras is a challenging problem due to the variation of the object's appearance, linked to the different view angle, distance and color variation in different cameras. We present a computationally efficient real time human tracking algorithm, which can track objects inside the field of view (FOV) of a camera, re-identify objects that exit and then return in a same or in a different camera FOV. Object appearance in several cameras may be very different due to illumination conditions, camera gain, focus, focal length etc. Therefore inter-camera color calibration is important for object re-identification before applying object recognition features. We compare different existing color calibration methods and evaluate their color brightness transfer function (BTF) using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. We propose some modifications in cumulative brightness transfer function (CBTF) which significantly improve the objects re-identification in non-overlapping multi camera environment.
Career and Vocational Assessment 1993 -1994: A Biennial Review

This is the first biannual review of research for the Journal of Career Assessment. A selective review, this article covers the 2- year period, 1993-1994. Seven inclusion criteria were employed in an effort to reduce the extensive literature by up to 50%. Principal topics were: The origin, structure, and nature of vocational interests; Career indecision; Culture and career assessment; Gender and career assessment; and Tests as tools: What should we teach graduate students? Several conclusions were drawn from this review. The proportion of vocational interests that can be attributed to genetic sources is apparently greater than was previously believed. Further, interests may be broad constructs if strong correlations between interests and personality continue to be found. Repeated confirmation of the circular arrangement of interests is leading to three-dimensional (spherical) models of interests. The introduction of one new, and three revised, interest inventories is testimony to the future viability of vocational interests as diagnostic and treatment devices. Career decision appears to have a strong neurotic component, but our understanding of the nature of indecision is limited by a failure to relate this area to basic decision science. Research on culture and gender in career development continues at a high rate. Finally, questions are raised about the adequacy of vocational assessment training in graduate programs. A call is made for more systematic theoretical work in vocational assessment and for a closer link to interventions.
Focus on the unique mechanisms involved in thoracic aortic aneurysm formation in bicuspid aortic valve versus tricuspid aortic valve patients: clinical implications of a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES The involvement of different factors in the onset of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) in patients with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) vs those with a tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) is well recognized. However, the molecular, genetic and cellular mechanisms driving TAA remain unclear. The aim of this study was to identify the different mechanisms involved in TAA development in patients with BAV vs TAV. METHODS Aorta specimens and DNA samples were collected from 24 BAV (18 men and 6 women; mean age: 54.2 ± 14.39 years) and 110 TAV (79 men and 31 women, mean age: 66 ± 9.8 years) patients. A control group of 128 subjects (61 men and 67 woman, mean age: 61.1 ± 5.8 years) was also enrolled. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed, as well as genotyping of 10 polymorphisms. RESULTS In BAV-associated ascending aortas, significant severe plurifocal apoptosis of smooth muscle cells and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) amounts were detected. In contrast, TAV-associated ascending aortas were characterized by a significant severity of elastic fragmentation, cystic medial necrosis, medial fibrosis and inflammation. In addition, in BAV cases, the -1562TMMP-9 and -735TMMP-2 alleles represent independent risk factors for TAA. The effects of these genotypes combined with hypertension and smoking in BAV cases result in an increase in both the apoptosis (P = 0.0001) and levels of MMP-9 (P = 0.001). In TAV cases, the D angiotensin-converting enzyme and +896A Toll-like receptor-4 alleles seem to be the predictive factors for TAA risk. They, combined with hypertension and age, significantly increase both the microscopic lesions and inflammation. CONCLUSIONS Our data seem to suggest that TAA in BAV and TAV patients arises from different molecular, cellular and genetic mechanisms. They might help to identify the potential molecular and genetic biomarkers that are useful to detect BAV subjects at high TAA risk, to monitor and treat them differently from those with TAV, with approaches such as the complete removal of the ascending aorta, including the aortic root with or without dilatation.
Metal stents: a new treatment of malignant ureteral obstruction.

PURPOSE We report our experience with the use of metallic self-expandable and balloon expandable stents for the treatment of malignant ureteral obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS We treated 12 consecutive patients with malignant ureteral obstruction, for a total of 14 ureters with stents placed. We placed metallic balloon expandable stents in 6 patients and self-expandable metallic stents in the remaining 6. Mean patient age was 65 years and mean followup was 9 months (range 8 to 16). RESULTS Of the ureters 11 were patent without any additional manipulations during followup of 8 to 16 months. Secondary interventions were needed in 3 cases because of obstructive urothelial hyperplastic reaction, tumor ingrowth and local recurrence of the primary cancer invading the upper end of the stent. Two patients died 2 and 10 months after placement of the stent. CONCLUSIONS Both types of metal stents have advantages and disadvantages that must be balanced against each other when choosing the ideal device for the treatment of obstruction. Implantation of a metal self-expanding or balloon expanding stent is safe and effective for the palliative treatment of malignant ureteral obstruction in late stage cancer patients.
The effect of feeding mice during gestation and nursing with Rhodiola kirilowii extracts or epigallocatechin on CD4 and CD8 cells number and distribution in the spleen of their progeny

Rhodiola kirilowii, a member of Crassulaceae family, grows wildly in Asiatic mountains and is also cultivated in some European countries. Its underground parts traditionally are used for enhance physical and mental performance of the body. In our previous papers we reported immuno- and angio-modulatory effects of aqueous and hydro-alcoholic extracts of radix and rhizome of this plant in mice. In the present work we evaluated the effect of Rhodiola kirilowii water- (RKW) or hydro-alcoholic (RKW-A) extracts and epigallocatechin (one of the polyphenols present in these extracts) given to mice, during pregnancy and nursing period, on the number and localization of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in spleens of adult progeny mice. Previously, we observed several abnormalities in functionality of spleen cells collected from these mice. No differences in CD4+ T cells localisation or numbers were found between all tested mice groups. In contrast, CD8+ T cells localisation and staining were altered in progeny of water or alcohol extract-fed mice. CD8+ T cells were found not only in the PALS but also in the B cell follicle and in the red pulp. Furthermore, CD8+ T cells from T cell zones in the progeny of extract-fed mice showed much intensive staining for CD8 antigen and significantly higher numbers per area in comparison to control mice.
Evaluating the contributions of interactive problem solving to the resolution of ethnonational conflicts

Interactive problem solving is a form of unofficial diplomacy, centering on problem-solving workshops and related activities with political elites in conflicting societies. Its dual purpose is producing changes in individual participants that are transferred to the policy process. The most relevant criterion for evaluating the effectiveness of interactive problem solving is its contribution to changes in the political cultures of the parties that would make them more receptive to negotiation. The article describes the difficulties in evaluating such changes in political culture, because of the inapplicability of the standard experimental model of evaluation and the ethical and methodological obstacles to the use of procedures that may interfere with the practice of conflict resolution. It then presents two models of evaluation research, based on gradual accumulation of evidence in support of the assumptions of interactive problem solving: the “links-in-the-chain” model, testing by appropriate means each o.
Reliability and Attribute-Based Scoring in Cognitive Diagnostic Assessment.

The attribute hierarchy method (AHM) is a psychometric procedure for classifying examinees’ test item responses into a set of structured attribute patterns associated with different components from a cognitive model of task performance. Results from an AHM analysis yield information on examinees’ cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Hence, the AHM can be used for cognitive diagnostic assessment. The purpose of this study is to introduce and evaluate a new concept for assessing attribute reliability using the ratio of true score variance to observed score variance on items that probe specific cognitive attributes. This reliability procedure is evaluated and illustrated using both simulated data and student response data from a sample of algebra items taken from the March 2005 administration of the SAT. The reliability of diagnostic scores and the implications for practice are also discussed.
Prevention programmes targeting emotional and social development in preschoolers: current status and future directions

Early intervention has become a widely recognised practice because preschool years offer the best timing for preventing early onset conduct problems. Moreover, some factors have been consistently identified as putting children at risk for developing mental health problems, as well as school readiness problems. Such risk factors are poor development of social and emotional competencies in children, harsh and/or inconsistent parenting strategies, contextual factors (e.g. low socio‐economic status (SES), parental mental health problems), and educational factors. Different types of preventive programmes have been aimed at reducing the impact of these risk factors on children’s developmental pathways. However, there are only a few evidence‐based interventions, efficient in reducing symptoms associated with early onset conduct problems such as aggression and non‐compliance. Future directions for designing and implementing preventive interventions are drawn upon an in‐depth content analysis of current programmes and a discussion of key methodological issues in establishing programme efficacy.
Neuropsychological performance of a sample of adults with ADHD, Developmental Reading Disorder, and controls

In this study, we investigated the performance of adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), relative to adults with Developmental Reading Disorder (DRD), and controls on a battery of executive function tasks (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test [WCST], Test of Variables of Attention, Tower of Hanoi, and Ravens Progressive Matrices) and several self‐report ADHD rating scales (Wender Utah Rating Scale, Patient Behavior Checklist, and the Adult Rating Scale). Sixty‐four participants took part in the study (21 with ADHD, 19 with DRD, and 24 controls). Kruskall‐Wallis one‐way analysis of variance results revealed a significant difference between groups, with the DRD group committing more WCST errors (total and perseveration) than the remaining groups. Group differences were also found on the ADHD ratings scales, with the ADHD group reporting higher ratings. Discriminant Function Analyses (using the rating scales and the neuropsychological tasks) correctly classified 67% and 44% of the cases, respect.
Concentration of ciprofloxacin in human prostatic tissue after oral administration

Concomitant concentrations of ciprofloxacin in serum, urine, and prostatic tissue were determined in 15 patients after single oral doses of 750 mg. Levels in tissue ranged from 0.6 to 4.18 micrograms/g, and therapeutic concentrations were demonstrable for up to 9 h after administration. The mean ratio of tissue to serum concentration was 0.93 +/- 0.08 (standard error).
Basolateral Mg2+ Extrusion via CNNM4 Mediates Transcellular Mg2+ Transport across Epithelia: A Mouse Model

Transcellular Mg2+ transport across epithelia, involving both apical entry and basolateral extrusion, is essential for magnesium homeostasis, but molecules involved in basolateral extrusion have not yet been identified. Here, we show that CNNM4 is the basolaterally located Mg2+ extrusion molecule. CNNM4 is strongly expressed in intestinal epithelia and localizes to their basolateral membrane. CNNM4-knockout mice showed hypomagnesemia due to the intestinal malabsorption of magnesium, suggesting its role in Mg2+ extrusion to the inner parts of body. Imaging analyses revealed that CNNM4 can extrude Mg2+ by exchanging intracellular Mg2+ with extracellular Na+. Furthermore, CNNM4 mutations cause Jalili syndrome, characterized by recessive amelogenesis imperfecta with cone-rod dystrophy. CNNM4-knockout mice showed defective amelogenesis, and CNNM4 again localizes to the basolateral membrane of ameloblasts, the enamel-forming epithelial cells. Missense point mutations associated with the disease abolish the Mg2+ extrusion activity. These results demonstrate the crucial importance of Mg2+ extrusion by CNNM4 in organismal and topical regulation of magnesium.
Characterization of human immunodeficiency viruses resistant to oxathiolane-cytosine nucleosides

The (-) enantiomers of 2',3'-dideoxy-5-fluoro-3'-thiacytidine [(-)-FTC] and 2',3'-dideoxy-3'-thiacytidine [(-)-BCH-189] were recently shown to inhibit selectively human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) and hepatitis B virus in vitro. In the current study, the potential for HIV type 1 (HIV-1) resistance to these compounds was evaluated by serial passage of the virus in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and MT-2 cells in the presence of increasing drug concentrations. Highly drug-resistant HIV-1 variants dominated the replicating virus population after two or more cycles of infection. The resistant variants were cross-resistant to (-)-FTC, (-)-BCH-189, and their (+) congeners but remained susceptible to 2',3'-dideoxycytidine, 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine, 3'-fluoro-3'-deoxythymidine, 2',3'-dideoxyinosine, phosphonoformate, the TIBO compound R82150, and the bis(heteroaryl)piperazine derivative U-87201E. Reverse transcriptase derived from drug-resistant viral particles was 15- to 50-fold less susceptible to the 5'-triphosphates of FTC and BCH-189 compared with enzyme from parental drug-susceptible virus. DNA sequence analysis of the reverse transcriptase gene amplified from resistant viruses consistently identified mutations at codon 184 from Met (ATG) to Val (GTG or GTA) or Ile (ATA). Sequence analysis of amplified reverse transcriptase from a patient who had received (-)-BCH-189 therapy for 4 months demonstrated a mixture of the Met-184-to-Val (GTG) mutation and the parental genotype, indicating that the Met-184 mutation can occur in vivo.
Awareness of information, expectations and experiences among women for obstetric sonography in a south east Nigeria population.

BACKGROUND The role of obstetric sonography in the development of diagnostic ultrasound technology has remained invaluable in obstetric and gynaecological investigation. OBJECTIVES This work investigated the awareness of information, expectations and experiences of pregnant women coming for obstetric sonography. METHODS One hundred and ten (110) pregnant women in Anambra State of Nigeria were prospectively studied during prenatal ultrasound scan. RESULTS The mean age of the studied population was 30.5 +/- 14.5 years. Majority (85%) of the subjects were already aware of obstetric ultrasound scan. Most of the subjects were between the ages of 26-35. 73% got their information from antenatal centre. Over 20% were interested in the lies and presentation of their foetus. During the scan, about 69% subjects interested with the sonographers, and more than half of the population (51%) saw their babies. CONCLUSION The role of prenatal a-sonography in obstetric care should be promoted by creating awareness campaign in antenatal centres, and initiating mother/sonographers interaction are necessary.
Gingival vascular functions are altered in type 2 diabetes mellitus model and/or periodontitis model

The association of vascular reactivity between diabetes and periodontal disease has not been clarified. Gingival blood flow was measured by laser Doppler flowmetry for 31 weeks in Wistar rats, Wistar rats orally challenged with Porphyromonas gingivalis (Wistar rats + Porphyromonas gingivalis), Goto-Kakizaki rats, and Goto-Kakizaki rats orally challenged with Porphyromonas gingivalis (Goto-Kakizaki rats + Porphyromonas gingivalis). Effects of alveolar bone resorption on periodontal tissue was enhanced in Wistar rats + Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Goto-Kakizaki rats, with this effect being significantly enhanced by Goto-Kakizaki rats + Porphyromonas gingivalis. Using the L-band electron spin resonance technique, we succeeded in measuring oxidative stress as decay rate constant (K1 and K2) of 3-carbamoyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidin-1-yloxy in the oral and maxillofacial region of the animal models. The decay rate constant (K1) of 3-carbamoyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidin-1-yloxy was significantly greater in the oral and maxillofacial region of Goto-Kakizaki rats + Porphyromonas gingivalis compared to Wistar rats, Wistar rats + Porphyromonas gingivalis and Goto-Kakizaki rats groups. Gingival reactive hyperemia was attenuated by periodontal disease, and this effect was also remarkable in the diabetes mellitus model. Taken together, we found that vascular endothelial function was decreased in diabetes mellitus and/or periodontal disease animal models due to increasing oxidative stress in the gingival circulation.
A Randomized Double Blind Controlled Safety Trial Evaluating d-Lactic Acid Production in Healthy Infants Fed a Lactobacillus reuteri-containing Formula

Background D-Lactic acidosis in infants fed lactic acid bacteria-containing products is a concern. Methods The primary objective of this non-inferiority trial was to compare urinary D-lactic acid concentrations during the first 28 days of life in infants fed formula containing Lactobacillus reuteri (1.2 x 106 colony forming units (CFU)/ml) with those fed a control formula. The non-inferiority margin was set at a two-fold increase in D-lactic acid (0.7 mmol/mol creatinine, log-transformed). Healthy term infants in Greece were enrolled between birth and 72 hours of age, and block randomized to a probiotic (N = 44) or control (N = 44) group. They were exclusively fed their formulae until 28 days of age and followed up at 7, 14, 28, 112, and 168 ± 3 days. Anthropometric measurements were taken at each visit and tolerance recorded until 112 days. Urine was collected before study formula intake and at all visits up to 112 days and blood at 14 days. Results D-Lactic acid concentration in the probiotic group was below the non-inferiority margin at 28 days: treatment effect -0.03 (95% confidence interval [CI]: [-0.48 to 0.41]) mmol/mol creatinine but was above the non-inferiority margin at 7 and 14 days–-treatment effect 0.50 (95% CI: [0.05-0.96]) mmol/mol creatinine and 0.45 (95% CI: [0.00-0.90]) mmol/mol creatinine, respectively. Blood acid excess and pH, anthropometry, tolerance, and adverse events (AEs) were not significantly different between groups. Conclusion Intake of L. reuteri-containing formula was safe and did not cause an increase in D-lactic acid beyond two weeks. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01119170.
Pitfalls of liver stiffness measurement: A 5‐year prospective study of 13,369 examinations

Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) based on transient elastography (TE, FibroScan) is gaining in popularity for noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis. However, LSM has limitations, which have not yet been thoroughly evaluated. We prospectively investigated the frequency and determinants of LSM failure and unreliable results over a 5‐year period, based on 13,369 examinations (134,239 shots). LSM failure was defined as zero valid shots, and unreliable examinations were defined as fewer than 10 valid shots, an interquartile range (IQR)/LSM greater than 30%, or a success rate less than 60%. LSM failure occurred in 3.1% of all examinations (4% at first examination [n = 7261]) and was independently associated at first examination with body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2 (odds ratio [OR], 7.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.6‐10.2; P = 0.0001), operator experience fewer than 500 examinations (OR 2.5 [1.6‐4.0]; P = 0.0001); age greater than 52 years (OR 2.3 [1.6‐3.2]; P = 0.0001), and type 2 diabetes (OR 1.6 [1.1‐2.2]; P = 0.009). Unreliable results were obtained in a further 15.8% of cases (17% at first examination) and were independently associated at first examination with BMI greater than 30 kg/m2 (OR 3.3 [2.8‐4.0]; P = 0.0001), operator experience fewer than 500 examinations (OR 3.1 [2.4‐3.9]; P = 0.0001), age greater than 52 years (OR 1.8 [1.6‐2.1]; P = 0.0001), female sex (OR 1.4 [1.2‐1.6], P = 0.0001), hypertension (OR 1.3 [1.1‐1.5]; P = 0.003), and type 2 diabetes (OR 1.2 [1.0‐1.5]; P = 0.05). When metabolic syndrome and waist circumference were taken into account in a subgroup of 2835 patients, waist circumference was the most important determinant of LSM failure and unreliable results. Conclusion: In our experience, liver stiffness measurements are uninterpretable in nearly one in five cases. The principal reasons are obesity, particularly increased waist circumference, and limited operator experience. These results emphasize the need for adequate operator training and for technological improvements in specific patient subpopulations. (HEPATOLOGY 2010.)
Determinants of Computer Self-Efficacy—An Examination of Learning Motivations and Learning Environments

The purpose of this article is to discuss determinants of computer self-efficacy from the perspective of participant internal learning motivations and external learning environments. The former consisted of three motivations—interest, trend, and employment—while the latter comprised two environments—home and school. Through an intermediate variable—computer use—a causal model was constructed to analyze how the determinants affected participant computer self-efficacy. To validate the model, 235 vocational and technology college and university students were surveyed. The results indicated that computer use and interest motivation had significant direct effects on participant computer self-efficacy, as did school environment and trend motivations, but the latter was negative. The home environment and employment motivations had indirect effects on computer self-efficacy through computer use, as did the interest and trend motivations. Among the correlations of determinants, the home environment was significantly correlated with all of the learning motivations, but school environment was not. Demographic analysis indicated that most of the students were not satisfied with the learning environment of schools. The results could provide useful and practical information for educational administrators, computer instructors, and students.