Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recognition of Video Text through Temporal Integration

This paper presents a method for temporal integration, which can be used to improve the recognition accuracy of video texts. Given a word detected in a video frame, we use a combination of Stroke Width Transform and SIFT (Scale Invariant Feature Transform) to track it both backward and forward in time. The text instances within the word's frame span are then extracted and aligned at pixel level. In the second step, we integrate these instances into a text probability map. By thresholding this map, we obtain an initial binarization of the word. In the final step, the shapes of the characters are refined using the intensity values. This helps to preserve the distinctive character features (e.g., sharp edges and holes), which are useful for OCR engines to distinguish between the different character classes. Experiments on English and German videos show that the proposed method outperforms existing ones in terms of recognition accuracy.
Stress Fracture Criteria for Laminated Composites Containing Stress Concentrations

Two related criteria based on stress distribution are presented for predicting the uniaxial tensile strength of laminated composites containing through the thickness discontinuities of a general shape. The criteria result in two parameter (unnotched tensile strength and a characteristic dimension) models which are capable of predicting observed discontinuity size effects without resorting to classical concepts of linear elastic fracture mechanics. As a direct consequence of the stress criteria, however, a relationship between Mode I fracture toughness and unnotched laminate tensile strength is determined. Limited comparison of theory to experimental data for circular holes and straight cracks yields good results. The simplicity of the analytical approach coupled with its generality make it of practical value to the designer.
Clinical Usefulness of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the Detection of Early Recurrence in Treated Cervical Cancer Patients with Unexplained Elevation of Serum Tumor Markers

We investigated the diagnostic value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for restaging of treated uterine cervix squamous cell cancer with tumor maker elevation that was not explained by other conventional evaluation. We enrolled 32 cases who underwent PET/CT for the restaging of treated cervical cancer with tumor marker elevation that was not explained by recent conventional evaluation. All enrolled cases had squamous cell carcinoma. Increased tumor markers included squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC Ag) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). PET/CT findings were determined by pathologic confirmation or clinical follow-up. We compared PET/CT accuracy and clinical parameters including normalization of tumor markers in both the SCC Ag elevation group and the CEA elevation group. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of PET/CT in detecting recurrence were 100%, 83.3%, 82.4%, and 100%, respectively. Accuracy was significantly different between the SCC Ag elevation group and the CEA elevation group (p=0.0169). PET/CT with SCC Ag elevation was more accurate (100%) than PET/CT with CEA elevation (66.7%). Normalization of tumor markers was observed more often in the SCC Ag elevation group than in the CEA elevation group (p=0.0429). PET/CT showed high negative predictive value and sensitivity in the restaging of cervical cancer with unexplained tumor marker elevation. PET/CT was more accurate in patients with SCC Ag elevation than in those with CEA elevation.
Sero-Prevalence and Genetic Diversity of Pandemic V. parahaemolyticus Strains Occurring at a Global Scale

Pandemic Vibrio parahaemolyticus is an emerging public health concern as it has caused numerous gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. Currently, the absence of a global overview of the phenotypic and molecular characteristics of pandemic strains restricts our overall understanding of these strains, especially for environmental strains. To generate a global picture of the sero-prevalence and genetic diversity of pandemic V. parahaemolyticus, pandemic isolates from worldwide collections were selected and analyzed in this study. After a thorough analysis, we found that the pandemic isolates represented 49 serotypes, which are widely distributed in 22 countries across four continents (Asia, Europe, America and Africa). All of these serotypes were detected in clinical isolates but only nine in environmental isolates. O3:K6 was the most widely disseminated serotype, followed by O3:KUT, while the others were largely restricted to certain countries. The countries with the most abundant pandemic serotypes were China (26 serotypes), India (24 serotypes), Thailand (15 serotypes) and Vietnam (10 serotypes). Based on MLST analysis, 14 sequence types (STs) were identified among the pandemic strains, nine of which fell within clonal complex (CC) 3. ST3 and ST305 were the only two STs that have been reported in environmental pandemic strains. Pandemic ST3 has caused a wide range of infections in as many as 16 countries. Substantial serotypic diversity was mainly observed among isolates within pandemic ST3, including as many as 12 combinations of O/K serotypes. At the allele level, the dtdS and pntA, two loci that perfectly conserved in CC3, displayed a degree of polymorphism in some pandemic strains. In conclusion, we provide a comprehensive understanding of sero-prevalence and genetic differentiation of clinical and environmental pandemic isolates collected from around the world. Although, further studies are needed to delineate the specific mechanisms by which the pandemic strains evolve and spread, the findings in this study are helpful when seeking countermeasures to reduce the spread of V. parahaemolyticus in endemic areas.
A FEM-DBEM investigation of the influence of process parameters on crack growth in aluminum friction stir welded butt joints

This paper deals with a numerical investigation on the influence of FSW process parameters on fatigue crack growth in AA2024-T3 butt joints. The computational approach is based on the sequential usage of Finite Element Method (FEM) and Dual Boundary Element Method (DBEM). The distribution of the process induced residual stresses has been mapped by means of the contour method. The residual stress field has then been superimposed in a DBEM environment to the stress field induced by a remote fatigue traction load. A two-parameter crack growth law has been used for the crack propagation rate assessment. The simulation results corresponding to different combinations of process parameters are presented. The influence of process parameters on the residual stress distribution has also been highlighted.
A Multifaceted Approach to Distributed Communities of Learning and Practice

In the electronic age, locally-driven regeneration of the concept of community could be enabled by a flexible, multifaceted model where new information and communication technologies are the catalyst. However technology, no matter how advanced, is far from providing the complete answer and it is essential to take an integrated socio-technical approach to this issue. This paper reports on two cases that are part of ongoing research into distributed communities, framing them as phases of an activity system in expansive learning cycles in the context of a program of innoyatiye learning. This research d! monstrates that such communities are viable. with a wide range of henefits however more work needs to be done in order to detennine if they are sustainable, economically and socially, in the future.
Inducement by Fat Feeding of Basal Hyperglycemia in Rats With Abnormal β-Cell Function: Model for Study of Etiology and Pathogenesis of NIDDM

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is a heterogenous disorder characterized by defects in insulin action and secretion. This study was aimed at developing a rat model in which these pathogenic factors might be studied. Male Wistar rats were injected at 2 days of age with 45 or 30 mg/kg streptozocin (STZ) or vehicle (control). Fasting plasma glucose and insulin levels were not significantly different between the two groups between 5 and 8 wk of age. At 8 wk, half of each group was randomly assigned to isocaloric diets high in either fat (59% of calories) or starch (70% of calories). After 1 wk on the diets, 45-mg/kg-STZ-administered fat-fed animals displayed significant fasting hyperglycemia (8.6 ± 0.2 mM; P < 0.01), which was exacerbated by the stress of anesthesia and/or cannulation, whereas no changes were observed in any of the other groups before (STZ starch fed, 6.7 ± 0.1 mM; control fat fed, 6.8 ± 0.1 mM; control starch fed; 6.4 ± 0.1 mM) or after anesthesia and/or cannulation. In the 30-mg/kg-STZ animals, fat feeding did not significantly elevate plasma glucose concentration, but a significant hyperglycemic response was seen with anesthesia and/or cannulation. In all STZ groups, substantial impairment of glucose-induced insulin secretion was observed, particularly early-phase insulin secretion. Further studies indicated that STZ animals on a diet conferring normal insulin sensitivity (starch) maintained basal normoglycemia and mildly impaired (i.v.) glucose tolerance despite this gross insulin secretory defect. However, addition of dietary fatinduced insulin resistance resulted in basal hyperglycemia and marked deterioration of glucose tolerance. These results highlight the interaction between diet, insulin secretion and action, and the autonomic nervous system in the development of hyperglycemia.
The Effect of the Great Moderation on the U.S. Business Cycle in a Time-Varying Multivariate Trend-Cycle Model

In this paper we investigate whether the dynamic properties of the U.S. business cycle have changed in the last fifty years. For this purpose we develop a flexible business cycle indicator that is constructed from a moderate set of macroeconomic time series. The coincident economic indicator is based on a multivariate trend-cycle decomposition model that accounts for time variation in macroeconomic volatility, known as the great moderation. In particular, we consider an unobserved components time series model with a common cycle that is shared across different time series but adjusted for phase shift and amplitude. The extracted cycle can be interpreted as the result of a model-based bandpass filter and is designed to emphasize the business cycle frequencies that are of interest to applied researchers and policymakers. Stochastic volatility processes and mixture distributions for the irregular components and the common cycle disturbances enable us to account for all the heteroskedasticity present in the data. The empirical results are based on a Bayesian analysis and show that time-varying volatility is only present in the a selection of idiosyncratic components while the coefficients driving the dynamic properties of the business cycle indicator have been stable over time in the last fifty years.
Deformation of Interparticle Necks by Diffusion-Controlled Creep

The deformation of a neck between two spherical particles of the same size by coupled grain-boundary and surface diffusion has been simulated numerically through the finite-difference method. In the case of pure sintering where there is no applied stress, the results agree quite well with simple analytical models. When a force is applied, it is found that they do not deform as truncated spheres, even when surface diffusion is much faster than grain-boundary diffusion. Expressions are given representing the rate of approach of the particles and the rate of growth of the neck as a function of the current neck radius and the applied stress.
Cytomegalovirus Prevalence and Transmission After Islet Allograft Transplant in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) serological status of transplant donors and recipients has important implications on antiviral prophylaxis, morbidity/mortality, donor selection and hospital stay. We evaluated CMV prevalence in our islet transplant candidates (ITC) in comparison with organ donors. We correlated the CMV serological status of our ITC with serology for Epstein‐Barr virus and Parvovirus B19, auto‐antibodies, patient's age, age at DM onset, duration of DM, gender, race, ABO group, HLA haplotype and C‐peptide levels. Cytomegalovirus transmission after islet transplant using the Edmonton regimen was also evaluated. Cytomegalovirus seropositivity varied according to patient group, age, gender and race. Type 1 DM patients had reduced odds of CMV seropositivity when compared with organ donors. In all groups studied, older patients, females, and non‐Caucasians were more likely to be CMV seropositive. In addition, no CMV reactivation, infection or disease was observed among our transplanted patients using this steroid‐free regimen even after donor/recipient CMV mismatch.
Association between Thoracic Kyphosis, Head Posture and Cervical Range of Motion in Adults with and without Cervical Spine Dysfunction

Background: Excessive Thoracic Kyphosis (TK) and Forward Head Posture(FHP) become more apparent in aging adults from the accumulation of remodeling in response to habitual postures. Faulty posture of the shoulders, neck, and particularly the head may contribute to the onset and perpetuation of cervical pain dysfunction syndrome. Current literature suggests that an association exists between the head posture, thoracic kyphosis and cervical range of motion in individuals with cervical spine dysfunction. Since age as well as cervical spine dysfunction may affect the above parameters, the objective of our research was to study the association between these in adults with and without cervical spine dysfunction.Methods: 50 adults with CSD and 50 adults without CSD were assessed for TK, FHP and Cervical range of motion (CROM) by flexicurve method Kipnotic Index (KI), measuring cranio-vertebral angle(CVA) using a lateral-view photograph(digitized) of the subject and using Universal Goniometer respectively.Results: In both groups, there was increased KI (TK), lesser CVA i.e. FHP and reduced CROM when compared to normative values, however there was no statistical difference in KI and CVA between the two groups (p=0.53,0.75). Cervical extension and rotation ranges were significantly reduced in CSD adults (p=0.00,0.00,0.00). Correlation between CVA and CROM, KI and CROM and KI and CVA was not significant in adults with as well as without CSD (p=0.16-0.51,0.05-0.35,p=0.08-0.69,0.19-0.52,p=0.13,0.94 respectively). Conclusion: Correlation between FHP and CROM,TK and CROM, FHP and TK in adults with and without CSD was not significant.
Determinants of Latina Obesity in the United States

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Hispanic American women in particular have higher rates of obesity than their non-Hispanic White counterparts. In this article, the authors review the existing literature on acculturation as it relates to obesity and health behaviors among U.S. Hispanic women. In addition, a conceptual framework is proposed to examine factors contributing to obesity through “selective acculturation. ” This concept challenges traditionally held unilateral assumptions that underscore Hispanic women's unhealthful behavioral patterns by explaining a process whereby Hispanic women both maintain some older health-related behaviors and acquire new ones once they settle in a new culture.
Effect of surface treatments on the surface morphology, corrosion property, and antibacterial property of Ti–10Cu sintered alloy

Ti–10Cu sintered alloy has shown strong antibacterial properties against S. aureus and E. coli and good cell biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo, displaying potential application as an implant material. Surface treatments are always applied to implants to improve the surface biocompatibility. In this paper, several typically used surface treatments, including sandblasting (SB), sandblasted and large-grits acid etching (SLA), and alkaline heat treatment (AH) were chosen to modify the Ti–10Cu. A cp-Ti (commercially pure titanium) sample was used as control sample. The effect of surface treatments on the corrosion properties and antibacterial properties of the Ti–10Cu sintered alloy was investigated. After SB and SLA treatments, a rough surface with a TiO2 layer was formed on the surface, which reduced the corrosion resistance and enhanced the Ti and Cu ion release. After AH treatment, a smooth but microporous surface with a TiO2/titanate layer was formed, which improved slightly the corrosion resistance. However, the Cu ion and Ti ion release from the Ti–10Cu sample was promoted by AH treatment due to the fact that more Ti2Cu phases were exposed on the AH-treated Ti–10Cu sample. It was demonstrated that the Ti–10Cu samples after surface treatments still exhibited good antibacterial properties against S. aureus, which indicated that the surface treatment did not reduce the antibacterial activity. The control mechanism was thought to be related to the high Cu ion release even after surface treatments. It was expected that the surface treatments provided Ti–10Cu sintered alloy with good surface bioactivity without reduction in antibacterial activity.
Specific cut-off points for waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio as predictors of cardiometabolic risk in Black subjects: a cross-sectional study in Benin and Haiti

Purpose Waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) are widely used as indicators of abdominal adiposity and the cut-off values have been validated primarily in Caucasians. In this study we identified the WC and WHtR cut-off points that best predicted cardiometabolic risk (CMR) in groups of African (Benin) and African ancestry (Haiti) Black subjects. Methods This cross-sectional study included 452 apparently healthy subjects from Cotonou (Benin) and Port-au-Prince (Haiti), 217 women and 235 men from 25 to 60 years. CMR biomarkers were the metabolic syndrome components. Additional CMR biomarkers were a high atherogenicity index (total serum cholesterol/high density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥4 in women and ≥5 in men); insulin resistance set at the 75th percentile of the calculated Homeostasis Model Assessment index (HOMA-IR); and inflammation defined as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) concentrations between 3 and 10 mg/L. WC and WHtR were tested as predictors of two out of the three most prevalent CMR biomarkers. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, Youden’s index, and likelihood ratios were used to assess the performance of specific WC and WHtR cut-offs. Results High atherogenicity index (59.5%), high blood pressure (23.2%), and insulin resistance (25% by definition) were the most prevalent CMR biomarkers in the study groups. WC and WHtR were equally valid as predictors of CMR. Optimal WC cut-offs were 80 cm and 94 cm in men and women, respectively, which is exactly the reverse of the generic cut-offs. The standard 0.50 cut-off of WHtR appeared valid for men, but it had to be increased to 0.59 in women. Conclusion CMR was widespread in these population groups. The present study suggests that in order to identify Africans with high CMR, WC thresholds will have to be increased in women and lowered in men. Data on larger samples are needed.
Effect of implementation time on real options valuation

Exercising real options often requires an implementation time, whereas financial options can be exercised instantly. Neglecting the implementation time needed to exercise a real option causes overvaluing that option. We develop lattice and Monte Carlo simulation techniques to value real option problems, where exercising the option requires an implementation time. We present the application of the proposed techniques on a global supply chain network problem with exchange rate uncertainty and value the flexibility to switch between manufacturing options for a firm that has operations in different countries.
Diagnosing cancer in primary care: results from the National Cancer Diagnosis Audit

Background Continual improvements in diagnostic processes are needed to minimise the proportion of patients with cancer who experience diagnostic delays. Clinical audit is a means of achieving this. Aim To characterise key aspects of the diagnostic process for cancer and to generate baseline measures for future re-audit. Design and setting Clinical audit of cancer diagnosis in general practices in England. Method Information on patient and tumour characteristics held in the English National Cancer Registry was supplemented by information from GPs in participating practices. Data items included diagnostic timepoints, patient characteristics, and clinical management. Results Data were collected on 17 042 patients with a new diagnosis of cancer during 2014 from 439 practices. Participating practices were similar to non-participating ones, particularly regarding population age, urban/rural location, and practice-based patient experience measures. The median diagnostic interval for all patients was 40 days (interquartile range [IQR] 15–86 days). Most patients were referred promptly (median primary care interval 5 days [IQR 0–27 days]). Where GPs deemed diagnostic delays to have occurred (22% of cases), patient, clinician, or system factors were responsible in 26%, 28%, and 34% of instances, respectively. Safety netting was recorded for 44% of patients. At least one primary care-led investigation was carried out for 45% of patients. Most patients (76%) had at least one existing comorbid condition; 21% had three or more. Conclusion The findings identify avenues for quality improvement activity and provide a baseline for future audit of the impact of 2015 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance on management and referral of suspected cancer.
Non-hemodynamic predictors of arterial stiffness after 17 years of follow-up: the Malmö Diet and Cancer study

Background: Arterial stiffness plays a fundamental role in the development of hypertension and is a risk factor for both cardiovascular disease and mortality. The stiffening that occurs with increasing age has, in numerous cross-sectional studies, been shown to be associated with several cardiovascular risk factors. This observational study aims to characterize the predictive and cross-sectional markers focusing on the non-hemodynamic component of arterial stiffness. Method: In all, 2679 men and women from Malmö, Sweden, were examined at baseline during 1991–1994, and again at follow-up during 2007–2012 (mean age 72 years, 38% men). Follow-up examination included measurement of arterial stiffness by carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (c-fPWV), after a mean period of 17 years. The associations between c-fPWV and risk markers were calculated with multiple linear regression. Results: The results indicated that for both sexes, waist circumference (&bgr; = 0.17, P < 0.001), fasting glucose (&bgr; = 0.13, P < 0.001), Homeostatic Model Assessment – Insulin Resistance (&bgr; = 0.10, P < 0.001), triglycerides (&bgr; = 0.10, P < 0.001), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (&bgr; = −0.08, P < 0.001) were all predictors of cfPWV adjusted for mean arterial pressure and heart rate, as well as for classical cardiovascular risk factors and drug treatment. There were no associations between baseline or follow-up low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, smoking, or eGFR and c-fPWV. Conclusion: The non-hemodynamic cluster of risk markers and predictors of arterial stiffness in a middle-aged population includes abdominal obesity, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia, but not smoking and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. This pattern existed in both sexes.