Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Automated Vision-based Bridge Component Extraction Using Multiscale Convolutional Neural Networks

Image data has a great potential of helping post-earthquake visual inspections of civil engineering structures due to the ease of data acquisition and the advantages in capturing visual information. A variety of techniques have been applied to detect damages automatically from a close-up image of a structural component. However, the application of the automatic damage detection methods become increasingly difficult when the image includes multiple components from different structures. To reduce the inaccurate false positive alarms, critical structural components need to be recognized first, and the damage alarms need to be cleaned using the component recognition results. To achieve the goal, this study aims at recognizing and extracting bridge components from images of urban scenes. The bridge component recognition begins with pixel-wise classifications of an image into 10 scene classes. Then, the original image and the scene classification results are combined to classify the image pixels into five component classes. The multi-scale convolutional neural networks (multi-scale CNNs) are used to perform pixel-wise classification, and the classification results are post-processed by averaging within superpixels and smoothing by conditional random fields (CRFs). The performance of the bridge component extraction is tested in terms of accuracy and consistency.
Prevalence and determinants of age-related macular degeneration in central Sri Lanka: the Kandy Eye Study

Aims To determine the prevalence, associations and risk factors for age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) in central Sri Lanka. Methods The study was a population-based, cross-sectional survey of residents aged ≥40 years in rural Sri Lanka. ARMD was assessed on dilated fundoscopy using the International Age-Related Maculopathy Epidemiology Study Group classification system. Results Of the 1721 subjects identified, 1375 participated (79.9%). Of the participants, 1013 were aged ≥50 years (73.6%). The prevalence of any ARMD (adjusted for study design) was 4.72 (95% CI 2.22 to 7.20)% with 3.82 (95% CI 1.60 to 6.04)% early ARMD and 1.70 (95% CI 0.14 to 3.27)% late ARMD. Age (p<0.001) and Sinhalese ethnicity (p = 0.016) were significantly associated with ARMD. Men had a tendency toward a higher prevalence of ARMD than women, although this was not statistically significant (p = 0.081). Ocular risk factors such as cortical cataract (p = 0.024) and pseudophakia (p = 0.003) were associated with ARMD on the univariate but not multivariate analyses. Illiteracy and the identification of social supports were significantly associated with ARMD on univariate analyses. However, only social support was statistically significant after multivariate analysis (p = 0.024). Conclusions Although the prevalence of ARMD is slightly lower in Sri Lanka than surrounding regions, it contributes to a higher proportion of visual impairment, including blindness. Risk factors include age and Sinhalese ethnicity.
Multi-criteria Batch Scheduling under Time-of-Use Tariffs. (Ordonnancement multicritère par lots avec tarifs d'électricité différenciés)

The industrial sector is the largest consumer of the world's total energy and most of its consumption form is electricity. To strengthen the grid's peak load regulation ability, time-of-use (TOU) electricity pricing policy has been implemented in many countries to encourage electricity users to shift their consumption from on-peak periods to off-peak periods. This strategy provides a good opportunity for manufacturers to reduce their energy bills, especially for energy-intensive ones, where batch scheduling is often involved. In this thesis, several bi-objective batch scheduling problems under TOU tariffs are studied. We first investigate a single machine batch scheduling problem under TOU tariffs with the objectives of minimizing total electricity cost and makespan. This primary work is extended by further considering machine on/off switching. Finally, a parallel batch machines scheduling problem under TOU tariffs with non-identical job sizes to minimize total electricity cost and number of enabled machines is studied. For each of the considered problems, appropriate mathematical models are established, their complexities are demonstrated. Different bi-objective resolution methods are developed, including knapsack problem heuristic based ɛ-constraint method, multiple knapsack problem heuristic based ɛ-constraint method, bin packing heuristic based ɛ-constraint method and two-stage heuristic based iterative search algorithm. The performance of the proposed methods is evaluated by randomly generated instances. Extensive numerical results show that the proposed algorithms are more efficient and/or effective for the studied problems than the commercial software CPLEX.
Effective Drive Current for Near-Threshold CMOS Circuits’ Performance Evaluation: Modeling to Circuit Design Techniques

This paper presents an effective current model (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${I}_{\textsf {eff}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) for a near-threshold voltage (NTV) inverter and two-input NAND/NOR gates. The proposed model is validated by 2-D technology computer-aided design mixed-mode device simulations and HSPICE simulations at two different technology nodes. When compared with our model, the existing nominal supply voltage <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${I}_{\textsf {eff}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> models fail to estimate an inverter/NAND/NOR gate performance in the NTV regime. The proposed model is also validated for process, voltage, and temperature variations. Performance variation due to layout-dependent effects (LDEs) and inverse narrow width effect (INWE) are significant in the NTV regime. Therefore, the model is validated while considering LDEs. We show that due to LDEs and INWE, the value of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${I}_{\textsf {eff}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> per unit width is a function of the device width and the number of fingers. To account for this effect, a systematic methodology is presented to optimize a circuit performance in the NTV domain. An inverter chain with <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${C}_{\textsf {out}}/{C}_{\textsf {in}}=\textsf {2000}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> designed employing our methodology results in 3.2%, 35%, and 30% improvement in the delay, energy per operation, and total transistor width, respectively, as compared with existing methodologies. Similarly, data paths resized using the proposed methodology result in a significant performance improvement when compared with their conventionally designed counterparts.
Reliability of oscillometric central blood pressure and wave reflection readings: effects of posture and fasting

Objective: Oscillometric pulse wave analysis devices have recently emerged, presenting suitable options for investigating central hemodynamic properties in clinical practice. This study sought to examine whether the between-day reliability of central SBP (cSBP) and systemic arterial wave reflection (augmentation index, AIx) readings exceed the criterion for acceptable reliability or are affected by posture (supine and seated) and fasting state. Methods: Twenty healthy adults (50% female, 27.9 years, 24.2 kg/m2) were tested on six different mornings: 3 days fasted and 3 days nonfasted. On each occasion, participants were tested in supine and seated postures. Oscillometric pressure waveforms were recorded on left upper arm. Results: For cSBP, there was nonsignificant main effect for fasting state (P = 0.819) but there was a main effect for posture (P = 0.002). Conversely, for AIx, there was nonsignificant main effect for posture (P = 0.537) but there was a large main effect for fasting state (P = < 0.001). The criterion intraclass correlation coefficient value of 0.75 was exceeded for both variables when participants were assessed under the combined supine-fasted condition. For cSBP, the reliability coefficient was lowest (best) when supine fasted (6.8 mmHg) and greatest (worst) when seated nonfasted (8.6 mmHg). For AIx, the reliability coefficient was lower for the supine (11.4–11.7%) compared with the seated (14.0–15.2%) posture. Conclusion: Findings from this study suggest that oscillometric assessments of central hemodynamic variables exceed the criterion for acceptable reliability and are most reliable when participants are evaluated while supine and fasted.
Implementation of IEEE 802.15.4g wireless communication platform for smart utility service

Smart home utility network is the last mile of smart grid network. Although some wireless technologies such as ZigBee or Wi-Fi have been used for home utility service, they have disadvantages such as cost, power consumption, and network topology. To overcome the problems, a new wireless technology has been introduced in IEEE 802.15. 4g standard. In this paper, we implement IEEE 802.15. 4g communication platform and show possibilities of smart home utility service using the implemented platform. We firstly introduce an architecture of the implemented platform. Then, we show the demonstration of smart home utility service and water metering service using the platform which includes IEEE 802.15. 4g OFDM and FSK features.
Hypnosis and meditation: Vehicles of attention and suggestion

Although hypnosis and meditation represent distinct domains of practice, they appear to overlap in phenomenology, cognitive mechanisms, neural substrates, and potential therapeutic merits. Whereas numerous studies have documented the beneficial impact of these approaches, few have harnessed these distinctive phenomena together, either clinically or as a means of illuminating cognitive questions. This paper introduces the theme of the present issue and discusses the potential value of yoking empirical studies of hypnosis and meditation. The marriage of these seemingly disparate yet overlapping practices promises to improve our scientific understanding of each as well as unravel their underlying mechanisms. On the one hand, albeit largely overlooked by researchers studying meditation, the intimate relationship between attention and suggestion holds important implications for both theoretical models and therapeutic applications of contemplative practice. On the other hand, hypnosis and meditation serve as complementary vehicles for elucidating salient topics in cognitive neuroscience, including the neural underpinnings of perception and cognitive control, and the governing of deeply-ingrained processes. Binding these approaches to the science of attention and suggestion paves the road to a more nuanced appreciation of hypnosis and meditation while fostering novel therapeutic prospects and improving our understanding of consciousness and cognition.
Biological Roles Played by Sphingolipids in Dimorphic and Filamentous Fungi

ABSTRACT Filamentous and dimorphic fungi cause invasive mycoses associated with high mortality rates. Among the fungal determinants involved in the establishment of infection, glycosphingolipids (GSLs) have gained increased interest in the last few decades. GSLs are ubiquitous membrane components that have been isolated from both filamentous and dimorphic species and play a crucial role in polarized growth as well as hypha-to-yeast transition. In fungi, two major classes of GSLs are found: neutral and acidic GSLs. Neutral GSLs comprise glucosylceramide and galactosylceramide, which utilize Δ4-Δ8-9-methyl-sphingadienine as a sphingoid base, linked to a C16–18 fatty acid chain, forming ceramide, and to a sugar residue, such as glucose or galactose. In contrast, acidic GSLs include glycosylinositol phosphorylceramides (GIPCs), composed of phytosphingosine attached to a long or very long fatty acid chain (C18–26) and to diverse and complex glycan groups via an inositol-phosphate linker. GIPCs are absent in mammalian cells, while fungal glucosylceramide and galactosylceramide are present but diverge structurally from their counterparts. Therefore, these compounds and their biosynthetic pathways represent potential targets for the development of selective therapeutic strategies. In this minireview, we discuss the enzymatic steps involved in the production of fungal GSLs, analyze their structure, and address the role of the currently characterized genes in the biology and pathogenesis of filamentous and dimorphic fungi.
Ice Condensation as a Planet Formation Mechanism

Abstract Particles in protoplanetary discs grow rapidly to millimetre-sizes via coagulation, but further growth to centimetre-sized pebbles is not yet completely understood. We investigate particle growth by ice condensation in a model where we take the dynamical behaviour of vapour and ice particles into account, as well as the size evolution due to condensation and sublimation. Our results show that efficient growth from dust to pebbles is possible close to the water ice line at ~3 AU, with particles growing from millimetres to decimetres on a time scale of 10000 yr.
Comparison of Marginal Bone Loss Between Implants with Internal and External Connections: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE The objective of this systematic review was to compare the loss of marginal bone between implants with internal and external connections by analyzing results reported in studies published after 2010. MATERIALS AND METHODS A literature search in MEDLINE with the keywords "dental implant connections, external internal implant connection, bone loss implant designs, internal and external connection implant studies in humans" was conducted. Clinical trials on human beings, comparing both connections and published in English, from 2010 to 2016 were selected. Their methodologic quality was assessed using the Jadad scale. RESULTS From the initial search, 415 articles were obtained; 32 were chosen as potentially relevant based on their titles and abstracts. Among them, only 10 finally met the inclusion criteria. A total of 1,523 patients with 3,965 implants were analyzed. Six out of 10 studies observed that internal connections showed significantly less bone loss compared with external connections. The remaining four articles did not find statistically significant differences between the two connections. CONCLUSION According to this systematic review and considering its limitation due to the degree of heterogeneity between the included studies, both internal and external connections present high survival rates. To assess whether marginal bone loss differs significantly between the two connections, more homogenous clinical studies are needed with identical implant characteristics, larger samples, and longer follow-up periods. Studies included in this review and characterized by long-term follow-ups showed that the external connection is a reliable connection on a long-term basis.
Assessing the Effects of Information About Global Population Growth on Risk Perceptions and Support for Mitigation and Prevention Strategies

The human population is forecast to increase by 3–4 billion people during this century and many scientists have expressed concerns that this could increase the likelihood of certain adverse events (e.g., climate change and resource shortages). Recent research shows that these concerns are mirrored in public risk perceptions and that these perceptions correlate with a willingness to adopt mitigation behaviors (e.g., reduce resource consumption) and preventative actions (e.g., support actions to limit growth). However, little research has assessed the factors that influence risk perceptions of global population growth (GPG). To contribute to this important goal, this article presents three studies that examined how risk perceptions of GPG might be influenced by textual‐visual representations (like those in media and Internet articles) of the potential effects of GPG. Study 1 found that a textual narrative that highlighted the potential negative (cf. positive) consequences of GPG led to higher perceived risk and greater willingness to adopt mitigation behaviors, but not to support preventative actions. Notably, the influence of the narratives on perceived risk was largely moderated by the participant's prior knowledge and perceptions of GPG. Contrary to expectations, studies 2 and 3 revealed, respectively, that photographs depicting GPG‐related imagery and graphs depicting GPG rates had no significant effect on the perceived risk of GPG or the willingness to embrace mitigation or preventative actions. However, study 3 found that individuals with higher “graph literacy” perceived GPG as a higher risk and were more willing to adopt mitigation behaviors and support preventative actions.
Utilization of Stochastic Modeling for Green Predictive Video Delivery Under Network Uncertainties

Predictive resource allocation (PRA) has gained momentum in the network research community as a way to cope with the exponential increase in video traffic. Existing PRA schemes have demonstrated profound energy savings and ubiquitous quality of service (QoS) satisfaction under idealistic prediction of future network states. In this paper, we relax the main assumption of existing PRA work and tackle uncertainties in predicted information which resulted from space and time variation of the network load and users demands. A robust green PRA (R-GPRA) is proposed to: model the uncertainties as random variables, ensure a probabilistic satisfaction of QoS constraints, and follow a risk-aware preallocation of future demand. A recourse programming model is used to represent the tradeoff between the energy-savings and the risk of wasting resources while considering the probability of a user terminating the video session at each time slot. Thus, the scheme prevents the network from prebuffering the future video content that might be skipped by the user. Similarly, a chance constrained programming model is proposed to provide a probabilistic QoS representation to guarantee that the sum of resources, predetermined to video streaming users, do not surpass the total time-varying network capacity. We prove that a near-optimal solution is attainable by proposing a guided heuristic search with small optimality gap to numerical methods. Simulation results demonstrate the ability of R-GPRA to deliver energy-efficient video streaming with less resources than existing PRA while promising QoS satisfaction. These results provide the incentive to implement the R-GPRA in future wireless networks.
Insights into the regulatory function of the ɛ subunit from bacterial F-type ATP synthases: a comparison of structural, biochemical and biophysical data

ATP synthases catalyse the formation of ATP, the most common chemical energy storage unit found in living cells. These enzymes are driven by an electrochemical ion gradient, which allows the catalytic evolution of ATP by a binding change mechanism. Most ATP synthases are capable of catalysing ATP hydrolysis to varying degrees, and to prevent wasteful ATP hydrolysis, bacteria and mitochondria have regulatory mechanisms such as ADP inhibition. Additionally, ɛ subunit inhibition has also been described in three bacterial systems, Escherichia coli, Bacillus PS3 and Caldalkalibacillus thermarum TA2.A1. Previous studies suggest that the ɛ subunit is capable of undergoing an ATP-dependent conformational change from the ATP hydrolytic inhibitory ‘extended’ conformation to the ATP-induced non-inhibitory ‘hairpin’ conformation. A recently published crystal structure of the F1 domain of the C. thermarum TA2.A1 F1Fo ATP synthase revealed a mutant ɛ subunit lacking the ability to bind ATP in a hairpin conformation. This is a surprising observation considering it is an organism that performs no ATP hydrolysis in vivo, and appears to challenge the current dogma on the regulatory role of the ɛ subunit. This has prompted a re-examination of present knowledge of the ɛ subunits role in different organisms. Here, we compare published biochemical, biophysical and structural data involving ɛ subunit-mediated ATP hydrolysis regulation in a variety of organisms, concluding that the ɛ subunit from the bacterial F-type ATP synthases is indeed capable of regulating ATP hydrolysis activity in a wide variety of bacteria, making it a potentially valuable drug target, but its exact role is still under debate.
Relationship between Folic Acid Supplementation, Serum Homocysteine and Markers of Kidney Function in Male Albino Rats

Increased serum homocysteine (Hcy) can induce kidney diseases and can play a role in renal disorders. The purpose of the present study therefore was to investigate the relationship between serum hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) induced by methionine administration, folic acid and kidney functions. The relationship between total homocysteine (tHcy) and outcomes has not been investigated in patients with chronic kidney disease. The present study was designed to induce hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) in male rats. Also, to evaluate, the effect of (HHcy) as a risk factor for kidney disorder and folic acid supplementation on serum levels of Hcy, urea, uric acid, creatinine and alkaline phosphatase. In this work 50 male albino rats were used and divided into five groups. The first served as control. , the second and third group received two different doses of L-methionine. , the fourth and fifth group received fortified diet with folic acid powder plus L-methionine. The results showed that homocysteine levels in rats received low and high doses of methionine were higher than in the control group, and increased urea in rats treated with high dose of methionine only, while uric acid and creatinine level showed insignificant changes in rats treated with both doses of methionine. Alkaline phosohatases activity significantly increased in low and high dose treated rats compared to control group. Folic acid supplementation induced significant decrease in homocysteine level in rats treated with high dose of methionone while low dose keeps homocysteine within normal value.As regard to kidney functions, supplementation of folic acid with low dose of methionine leading to significant decrease in serum urea and uric acid concentration while, when folic acid added to high dose of methionine keep its concentration within the normal value.Creatinine and alkaline phosphatase level significantly increased in folic acid treated rats with high dose of methionine, but an alkaline phosphatase activity significantly increased in folic acid treated rats with low and high dose of methionine. A positive correlation was seen between the activities of alkaline phosphatase in serum and HHcy rats. It can be concluded that hyperhomocysteinemia may be an additional risk factor for renal failure and dietary supplementation with folic acid blocking the activity of homocysteine and may be considered as a therapeutic possibility in patients with renal disorders. Also, plasma Hcy and folic acid measurement may be useful in the evaluation of renal disorders. More studies are necessary to pinpoint the precise mechanisms that lead to hyperhomocysteinemia in renal failure. This should lead to optimal treatment and, ultimately, to the prevention of cardiovascular complications in this vulnerable patient group.