Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Are We There Yet? Challenging SeqSLAM on a 3000 km Journey Across All Four Seasons

When operating over extended periods of time, an autonomous system will inevitably be faced with severe changes in the appearance of its environment. Coping with such changes is more and more in the focus of current robotics research. In this paper, we foster the development of robust place recognition algorithms in changing environments by describing a new dataset that was recorded during a 728 km long journey in spring, summer, fall, and winter. Approximately 40 hours of full-HD video cover extreme seasonal changes over almost 3000 km in both natural and man-made environ- ments. Furthermore, accurate ground truth information are provided. To our knowledge, this is by far the largest SLAM dataset available at the moment. In addition, we introduce an open source Matlab implementation of the recently published SeqSLAM algorithm and make it available to the community. We benchmark SeqSLAM using the novel dataset and analyse the influence of important parameters and algorithmic steps.
The saccade velocity test

Scatter plots showing the amplitude versus velocity (maximum and average) relationship of horizontal saccades in 25 normal subjects and four groups of patients were statistically compared. Three patients with “subclinical” medial longitudinal fasciculus syndromes had significant slowing of adducting saccades, and two of these patients had unsuspected slowing of abducting saccades (although to a lesser degree). Five patients with olivopontocerebellar degeneration and three patients with myotonic dystrophy had significant slowing of saccades in both directions. Five patients with surgically documented acoustic neuromas did not have significant slowing despite brain-stem compression in three. It is concluded that the saccade velocity test can be a useful clinical tool in addition to its potential in clinical research.
The Influence of Implementation Brain-Friendly Learning Through the Whole Brain Teaching to Students’ Response and Creative Character in Learning Mathematics

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the application of learning brain-friendly through the whole brain teaching a positive effect on the character of creative students, to study the response of the students, and to determine whether the students' response to the application of learning brain-friendly through the whole brain teaching positively correlated with the character of creative students in mathematics. The research method used is quantitative. The instruments used are student questionnaire responses related to the application of brain-friendly learning through the whole brain teaching and observation sheet on student creativity in the learning of mathematics after the implementation of this method. Results of research with correlation analysis show that the greater significance of the alpha value (5%), which means accepting and rejecting H0 Ha which means students' response to the application of brain-friendly learning through the whole brain teaching is not positively correlated with the creative character of students in the learning of mathematics. The average score of the students' response to this methodology very well categorized in the amount of 85%. The results of the observation of the creative character of the students after the implementation of this method, the average score of 68% were categorized quite creative
Ocular melanoma is not associated with CDKN2A or MC1R variants — a population-based study

Germline variants in the melanocortin 1 receptor gene (MC1R) and the p16 gene (CDKN2A) are associated with an increased risk of cutaneous melanoma. The frequency of these germline variants was examined in a population-based, incident series of 62 ocular melanoma cases and ethnicity-matched population controls. In both cases and controls, 59% of individuals carried at least one MC1R variant and there were no significant differences in the frequency of any of the five most common variants of MC1R. We also found no significant differences between cases and controls in the frequency of any of the four most common variants of CDKN2A, and no melanoma case carried a deleterious germline CDKN2A mutation. Our findings argue against an important predisposing effect of the MC1R and CDKN2A genes for ocular melanoma.
Maternal and Neonatal Toxicities induced by three Antirheumatic Drugs in Albino Rats

Because of their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties especially for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the most often ingested drugs during pregnancy. The aim of the present work was to evaluate and compare some of the maternal and neonatal toxicity induced by three presently marketing antirheumatic drugs namely meloxicam, celecoxib and leflunomide. The study revealed an ascendent retardation in the body weight gain of experimental dams during gestation compared to control in a drug dependent manner for meloxicam, celecoxib and leflunomide, respectively. Moreover, maternal atrophy of femur cartilage thickness associated with lacking of the integrity was observed in the treated dams. Significant retardation in weight, size and length of the maternally treated newborns was also detected compared to control. A number of congential malformations associated with a significant decrease in ossified lengths of certain axial and appendicular bones and evident missing of ossification centers were observed in the maternal treated litters. The mentioned maternal and neonatal toxicity showed direct dependency on the applied drug. The results indicate that the tested drugs should be avoided during pregnancy and if necessary, this should be done with caution. (Gamal M. Badawy, Hassan I. El-Sayyad and Eman E. Al-Shahari. Maternal and Neonatal Toxicities induced by three Antirheumatic Drugs in Albino Rats . Journal of American Science 2011;7(6):783-793). (ISSN: 1545-1003). http://www.americanscience. org .
The Relation between X-ray Spectral Index and the Eddington Ratio in AGNs

Using the Hβ linewidth, we obtained the virial central supermassive black hole masses and then the Eddington ratios in a sample of broad-line AGNs and NLS1s observed by ASCA. Combined with the data from ROSAT and Chandra observations, we found a strong correlation between hard/soft X-ray photon index and the Eddington ratio. Such a correlation can be understood by a two-zone accretion flow model, in which zone is a thin disk and the inner zone is an advection-dominated accretion flow (ADAF) disk. The relation between X-ray photon index and the Eddington ratio may account for NLS1s with not too steep X-ray photon index founded by SDSS. If this relation is directly related to the accretion disk, it may also exist in the accretion disk of different scales (such as microquasar).
Clinical Applications of Hemolytic Markers in the Differential Diagnosis and Management of Hemolytic Anemia

Several hemolytic markers are available to guide the differential diagnosis and to monitor treatment of hemolytic conditions. They include increased reticulocytes, an indicator of marrow compensatory response, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, a marker of intravascular hemolysis, reduced haptoglobin, and unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. The direct antiglobulin test is the cornerstone of autoimmune forms, and blood smear examination is fundamental in the diagnosis of congenital membrane defects and thrombotic microangiopathies. Marked increase of lactate dehydrogenase and hemosiderinuria are typical of intravascular hemolysis, as observed in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, and hyperferritinemia is associated with chronic hemolysis. Prosthetic valve replacement and stenting are also associated with intravascular and chronic hemolysis. Compensatory reticulocytosis may be inadequate/absent in case of marrow involvement, iron/vitamin deficiency, infections, or autoimmune reaction against bone marrow-precursors. Reticulocytopenia occurs in 20–40% of autoimmune hemolytic anemia cases and is a poor prognostic factor. Increased reticulocytes, lactate dehydrogenase, and bilirubin, as well as reduced haptoglobin, are observed in conditions other than hemolysis that may confound the clinical picture. Hemoglobin defines the clinical severity of hemolysis, and thrombocytopenia suggests a possible thrombotic microangiopathy or Evans' syndrome. A comprehensive clinical and laboratory evaluation is advisable for a correct diagnostic and therapeutic workup of the different hemolytic conditions.
PERCEIVED SPERM COMPETITION INTENSITY INFLUENCES SEMINAL FLUID PROTEIN PRODUCTION PRIOR TO COURTSHIP AND MATING

Sperm competition is a potent postcopulatory selective force where sperm from rival males compete to fertilize a limited set of ova. Considering that sperm production is costly, we expect males to strategically allocate sperm in accordance with the level of competition. Accordingly, previous work has examined a male's strategic allocation in terms of sperm number. However, the seminal fluid proteins (Sfps) transferred along with sperm may also play a crucial role in competition. Surprisingly, the strategic allocation of Sfps has remained largely unexplored. Using Drosophila melanogaster, we examined the expression of three seminal fluid and four spermatogenesis genes in response to perceived sperm competition intensity by manipulating male density in a pre‐mating and courtship environment. In the pre‐mating environment, we found that males modified Sfp ratios by reducing the production of two spfs when potential rivals were present, while one Sfp and all spermatogenesis genes remained unaltered. In the courtship environment, males did not modify spermatogenesis or Sfp production in response to either rival males or female presence. Our data suggest that perceived competition in the pre‐mating environment places a significant influence on Sfp allocation, which may be a general trend in promiscuous animal systems with internal fertilization.
Searching Alternate Spaces to Solve Oversubscribed Scheduling Problems

Oversubscribed scheduling problems have been approached using both direct representations of the solution space and indirect, permutation-based representations (coupled with a schedule builder to produce the corresponding schedule). In some problem contexts, permutation-based search methods have been shown to outperform schedule-space search methods, while in others the opposite has been shown to be the case. We consider two techniques for which this behavior has been observed: TaskSwap (TS), a schedule-space repair search procedure, and Squeaky Wheel Optimization (SWO), a permutation-space scheduling procedure. We analyze the circumstances under which one can be expected to dominate the other. Starting from a real-world scheduling problem where SWO has been shown to outperform TS, we construct a series of problem instances that increasingly incorporate characteristics of a second real-world scheduling problem, where TS has been found to outperform SWO. Experimental results provide insights into when schedule-space methods and permutation-based methods may be most appropriate. Finally, we consider opportunities for improving performance by integrating the two approaches into a hybrid approach that exploits both search spaces. 1
Self-monitoring overhead of the Linux perf_ event performance counter interface

Most modern CPUs include hardware performance counters: architectural registers that allow programmers to gain low-level insight into system performance. Low-overhead access to these counters is necessary for accurate performance analysis, making the operating system interface critical to providing low-latency performance data. We investigate the overhead of self-monitoring performance counter measurements on the Linux perf_event interface. We find that default code (such as that used by PAPI) implementing the perf_event self-monitoring interface can have large overhead: up to an order of magnitude larger than the previously used perfctr and perfmon2 performance counter implementations. We investigate the causes of this overhead and find that with proper coding this overhead can be greatly reduced on recent Linux kernels.
Speed estimation using ANFIS with the adaptive controller of magnetically saturated induction motor

The problem of controlling the π-model induction motor with magnetic saturation is considered in this proposed research. The speed sensorless using Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS) technique will be used for the adaptive controller with stator current and speed measurement. This proposed research introduces the use of ANFIS technique for motor speed estimation, so there is no need of speed sensor which can reduce the cost than the old method with the classical estimation of any deviation in rotor resistance and load torque. A comparison study is illustrated between the new proposed method and with the previous works that done with speed measurement, which depends on stator currents and speed measurements. All the unknown parameters are assumed constant or slowly varying and are estimated online by the controller. Simulation results are provided for illustration. The proposed technique shows promising results
Nothing on the news but the establishment blues? Toward a framework of depoliticization and agonistic media pluralism

Mainstream news media have been criticized for serving as marketing agents of establishment ideas and elite voices. In response, this article introduces an analytical framework of agonistic media pluralism that enables an evaluation of media discourse on whether it opens or closes the space for a democratic debate about and beyond established social structures and ways of life. Theoretically, this framework draws from post-foundational political thought, agonistic democratic theory, and post-politics. Methodologically, it consists of a critical discourse analysis that combines four levels of analysis: the ideological conflict underlying a social issue, the scope and form of media discourse, the ideological culture of a media outlet, and the level of agonistic pluralism in a media landscape. Special attention is paid to how particular discursive strategies either open (i.e. cultivate or politicize) or close (i.e. depoliticize) a debate. It concludes by sketching some future research avenues.
Assistive learning technologies for learners with ADHD and ASD

This literature review was a part of a research project investigating how technologies can be utilised to support learners with developmental and attention deficit to be included in mainstream learning contexts. The review contains research within the field of assistive learning technologies for learners with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder from 2006 to 2016. The review is conducted, by using systematic and qualitative academically acknowledged literature search methods. Seven categories of technology-based interventions are recognised from current research, where technologies have been used to support: 1) memory disabilities and/or brain training, 2) increasing focusing attention, 3) time and task management, 4) communication, 5) reading, writing, language and literacy skills, 6) changing behaviour and 7) group work and collaboration. The results indicate that the overall findings of the rendered studies present mixed conclusions. The review calls for more research in a mainstream learning context with a universal design for learning approach.
The paleoenvironments of azhdarchid pterosaurs localities in the Late Cretaceous of Kazakhstan

Abstract Five pterosaur localities are currently known from the Late Cretaceous in the northeastern Aral Sea region of Kazakhstan. Of these, one is Turonian-Coniacian in age, the Zhirkindek Formation (Tyulkili), and four are Santonian in age, all from the early Campanian Bostobe Formation (Baibishe, Akkurgan, Buroinak, and Shakh Shakh). All so far collected and identifiable Late Cretaceous pterosaur bones from Kazakhstan likely belong to Azhdarchidae: Azhdarcho sp. (Tyulkili); Aralazhdarcho bostobensis (Shakh Shakh); and Samrukia nessovi (Akkurgan). These latter two taxa, both from the Bostobe Formation might be synonyms. Azhdarcho sp. from the Zhirkindek Formation lived in a tropical-to-subtropical relatively humid climate on the shore of an estuarine basin connected to the Turgai Sea. Known fossils were collected in association with brackish-water bivalves and so the overall paleoenvironment of this pterosaur was likely an estuarine marsh as indicated by the dominance of conifers and low relative counts of ferns and angiosperms. Aralazhdarcho bostobensis, from the Bostobe Formation, lived on a coastal fluvial plain along the Turgai Sea. This paleoenvironment was either floodplain (Akkurgan, Buroinak, and Shakh Shakh) or estuarine (Baibishe). In the Santonian – early Campanian, shallow waters near this coastal plain were sites for the intensive accumulation of phosphates under upwelling conditions caused by strong winds from the ancient Asian landmass. These winds also caused significant aridization of the climate during this time. We speculate that pterosaurs may have been attracted to this area by the abundant resources in the bio-productive estuaries and nearshore upwelling waters.
THE WELL-BEING AT WORK AND RESILIENCE: A STUDY CORRELATION IN NURSING TECHNICIANS IN HOSPITAL

This article analyzes resilience and well-being at work as important constructs in the discussion of health promotion. In the hypothesis that well-being correlates with resilience, they are analyzed in the context of positive psychology by dialoguing with social psychology. An exploratory method was used in a sample of 131 nursing technicians. The theoretical models used were the Inventory of Well-being at Work and the Resilience Scale for Adults. Results: Consistency was analyzed by composite reliability and Cronbach's alpha, convergent validity through the AVE. The KMO test verified if the factorial analysis model used was adequately adjusted to the data. Confirmatory factorial analysis was performed for validation and Spearman’s correlation to measure the relationships between variables. The correlation analysis indicated that there is a positive correlation between indices (r = 0.20, p = 0.096) and indicators of well-being and resilience. Concluding the greater the resilience is, the greater welfare at work is and vice versa.
A dedicated fungal culture medium is useful in the diagnosis of fungemia: a retrospective cross-sectional study

Background Mortality for candidemia ranges from 15% to 35%. Current guidelines recommend inoculating blood into three aerobic and three anaerobic blood culture bottles when candidemia is suspected, without mention of a fungal blood culture bottle. Objective To determine the value of the BACTEC Myco/F Lytic blood culture media in the diagnosis of fungemia. Methods A two-year retrospective cross-sectional study was performed for patients who had fungemia with submitted BACTEC Plus Aerobic/F (Aer), BACTEC Plus Anaerobic/F (Anaer) or Myco/F Lytic (Myco) blood culture bottles. Results The detection rate of fungemia was 77.4% in 93 patients with contemporaneously submitted blood culture bottles when limited to only Aer/Anaer culture results. The detection rate improved significantly with the addition of the Myco culture bottle results (p<0.0001). A logistic regression model showed that Myco culture bottle submissions were less useful for patients with appropriate anti-fungal therapy administered within 48 hours [OR = 0.18, 95% CI = (0.06, 0.49), p = 0.001] and those with fungal growth detected within 48 hours [OR = 0.33, 95% CI = (0.12, 0.89), p = 0.001]. Among a subset of patients with concordant blood culture results, those with Myco culture bottles submission allowed earlier fungal detection and speciation by at least one day in 27.5% and 25.0% of the cases respectively. Conclusion Our study highlights the importance of a dedicated fungal blood culture when fungemia is clinically suspected. Nearly a quarter of fungemias may be missed if a fungal blood culture is not performed.
Efficacy and Safety of Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine for Treatment of Plasmodium vivax Malaria in Endemic Countries: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies

Background This study aimed to synthesize available evidence on the efficacy of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHP) in treating uncomplicated Plasmodium vivax malaria in people living in endemic countries. Methodology and Principal Findings This is a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT). We searched relevant studies in electronic databases up to May 2013. RCTs comparing efficacy of (DHP) with other artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), non-ACT or placebo were selected. The primary endpoint was efficacy expressed as PCR-corrected parasitological failure. Efficacy was pooled by hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI, if studies reported time-to-event outcomes by the Kaplan-Meier method or data available for calculation of HR Nine RCTs with 14 datasets were included in the quantitative analysis. Overall, most of the studies were of high quality. Only a few studies compared with the same antimalarial drugs and reported the outcomes of the same follow-up duration, which created some difficulties in pooling of outcome data. We found the superiority of DHP over chloroquine (CQ) (at day > 42-63, HR:2.33, 95% CI:1.86-2.93, I 2: 0%) or artemether-lumefentrine (AL) (at day 42, HR:2.07, 95% CI:1.38-3.09, I 2: 39%). On the basis of GRADE criteria, further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate. Discussion/Conclusion Findings document that DHP is more efficacious than CQ and AL in treating uncomplicated P. vivax malaria. The better safety profile of DHP and the once-daily dosage improves adherence, and its fixed co-formulation ensures that both drugs (dihydroartemisinin and piperaquine) are taken together. However, DHP is not active against the hypnozoite stage of P. vivax. DHP has the potential to become an alternative antimalarial drug for the treatment uncomplicated P. vivax malaria. This should be substantiated by future RCTs with other ACTs. Additional work is required to establish how best to combine this treatment with appropriate antirelapse therapy (primaquine or other drugs under development).
Determination and Chemical Speciation of Selenium in Farmlands from Southeastern Spain: Relation to Levels Found in Sugar Cane

The concentration and the oxidation state of selenium in farmland soils, sewage sludges, and sands was determined by using hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry. Total Se concentrations ranged from 0.071 to 0.390 Ig/g, whereas Se IV concentrations varied from not detectable to 0.050 Ig/g. Selenium is predominantly present as Se VI ; a minor fraction was found as Se IV . W e also studied the influence of pH, its values varied between 7.03 and 8.33, on the oxidation state and the content in Se and its possible correlation with the selenium uptake and accumulation in the sugar cane plants. Significant differences were observed between the levels of total Se (p < 0.01) and Se IV (p < 0.05) in farmland soils, whether they are located in the industrialized or nonindustrialized areas. Total Se is found in higher concentrations and mainly as Se IV (selenite) in industrialized area. The content of total Se in the samples of sugar cane taken from the zone is independant of the concentration of total Se and Se IV in farmland soils of the zone (p < 0.05).