Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Algorithm and Hardware Design for Image Restoration and Classification

Automatic recognition of a scene based on the information present in an image is an important task for portable devices with many practical applications (e.g., face detection on a smart phone). On the other hand, power consumption and thinness of portable devices are two important considerations behind the design of cell phones and tablets. A side-effect of these constraints is a smaller camera module that works with lenses with small apertures and sensors with tiny pixels both limiting the amount of light sensed by the camera. It results in reduced quality of photographs under adverse imaging conditions such as low light and small exposure time for imaging fast moving objects. The reduced quality manifests itself in increased noise, increased blur, and lack of contrast. These non-idealities, in turn, limit the accuracy of scene recognition in practice. In this work, it is proposed to build a real time, computationally inexpensive image denoising engine that enhances the quality of photographs taken by a camera and, consequently, the accuracy for scene recognition. Once a high-quality image is restored, it is further sent to a classification engine to identify objects in the scene. A novel hardware architecture will be proposed to implement the aforementioned image restoration/classification algorithm with FPGA. The main goal is to dramatically enhance the quality of images and, hence, the quality of classification in real time by taking advantage of the proposed FPGA implementation.
Uterine artery embolization in single symptomatic leiomyoma: do anatomical imaging criteria predict clinical presentation and long-term outcome?

Background Uterine artery embolization (UAE) has proven to be an effective treatment alternative for women suffering from symptomatic uterine leiomyomas. However, long-term clinical evaluation reveals treatment failure in approximately 25% of patients. To cope with the great variability in the extent of leiomyoma disease former studies are based on the simplifying assumption that the largest leiomyoma mainly causes the symptoms. Purpose To evaluate whether anatomical characteristics in women with a single symptomatic leiomyoma influence clinical presentation and outcome after UAE. Material and Methods Ninety-one patients with a single leiomyoma underwent UAE. Age, uterine and fibroid volume, fibroid location, and clinical symptoms (bleeding- and/or bulk-related symptoms) were documented. The need for reinterventions (i.e. repeat UAE, hysterectomy, myomectomy) and unchanged or worsened symptoms after UAE were classified as treatment failure (TF). Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 48–72 h after UAE was available in 38 women. The rate of fibroid infarction was determined and patients were assigned to one of three groups: complete (100%), almost complete (90–99%), or partial infarction (<90%). Cox regression analysis (CRA) was used to determine the influence of morphological and clinical parameters on outcome. Results Follow-up was available in 79/91 (87%) women (median age, 42 years; range, 33–56 years) at a median of 5 years (range, 3.1–9.2 years) after UAE. Anatomical leiomyoma criteria neither connected to specific clinical presentation nor influenced clinical outcome. Younger women showed a higher risk for TF with every year older lowering the risk by the factor of 0.86 (P = 0.024). Subgroup analysis showed predictive value of fibroid infarction with a cumulative survival free from TF of 91% for complete vs. 0% for partial infarction (P < 0.001). Conclusion Even in women with single leiomyomas, anatomical criteria do not specify clinical presentation or predict clinical outcome. Younger patient age and incomplete fibroid infarction relate to higher rates of TF.
Pelvic inlet and outlet radiographs redefined.

BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal plain radiographic imaging protocols are typically predicated on orthogonal views of the bone or joint being evaluated. Pelvic injury has been evaluated with 45 degrees inlet and 45 degrees outlet radiographs. While these views are perpendicular to each other, they may not be in the best plane to evaluate pelvic injury because of variable lumbopelvic anatomy. We hypothesized that inlet and outlet radiographic views optimized to examine the clinically relevant osseous landmarks vary substantially from routine 45 degrees inlet and outlet views. METHODS Sixty-eight consecutive patients without pelvic ring disruption who had undergone routine axial pelvic computed tomography scans were retrospectively identified. The optimal inlet and outlet angles required to profile the clinically relevant pelvic anatomy were quantified for each patient with use of sagittal computed tomography reconstructions. RESULTS The optimal inlet angle to profile the anterior body of S1 required an average caudal tilt of 21 degrees . The average outlet angle (cephalad tilt) perpendicular to the body of S1 was 63 degrees and perpendicular to S2 was 57 degrees . The optimal angles were the same for male and female patients and for patients with normal and dysmorphic pelves and were independent of patient age. CONCLUSIONS Screening inlet and screening outlet radiographs made at 25 degrees and 60 degrees , respectively, are recommended to provide accurate profiles of the clinically relevant posterior osseous pelvic anatomy.
Inelasticity and intranuclear cascading in geometrical multichain model

The inelasticity in nucleus-nucleus collisions at high energies is calculated in the framework of geometrical multichain model. The very fast increase of the inelasticity is found as a result of a second-stage cascading process. The same behaviour is expected for all the models using the wounded nucleon idea. The simple formula for the number of wounded nucleons inside colliding nuclei does not need to be exact.
Measurement of IgD by a double antibody radioimmunoassay: demonstration of an apparent trimodal distribution of IgD levels in normal human sera.

A double antibody radioimmunoassay (RIA) was developed to measure IgD in serum and secretions. One IgD myeloma protein was used as radiolabeled antigen and standard with antiserum to a second IgD myeloma protein. The IgD standard and normal sera yielded parallel inhibition curves in the RIA and inhibition was produced by IgD and not by any of the other immunoglobulins. The assay had a lower limit of sensitivity of 0.01 International Unit (I.U.)/ml and modifications increased the sensitivity to 0.0008 I.U. /ml. Measurable IgD levels were found in all 112 normal adult sera assayed (geometric mean 13.0 I.U. /ml, arithmetic mean 30.1 I.U. /ml, median 14.8 I.U. /ml, range 0.10 to 202 I.U. /ml, 95% of values between 0.19 and 156 I.U. /ml. The distribution of IgD in the 112 normal sera appeared trimodal with modes at approximately 0.25 I.U. /ml, 5I.U. /ml, and 35 I.U. /ml. IgD was measurable in nasal and bronchial washes and human milk, but could not be detected in parotid fluid.
Spirometric Reference Values in Tunisian Children

Background: In Tunisia, there are no normal values of pulmonary function for healthy Tunisian children. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to set reference values for spirometric lung function in Tunisian children and to compare these results with other data sets. Methods: Spirometric values were measured with a Minato portable spirometer in 1,114 asymptomatic, nonsmoking Tunisian children (581 boys and 533 girls) 6–16 years of age. Natural logarithmic values of lung function and standing height were used in the final regression model. Results: Prediction equations for forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC × 100, maximum mid expiratory flow (MMEF 25–75%) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) for both sexes are presented with standing height as the dependent variable. Our data show a significant increase in lung function with standing height in both sexes. Comparing our results with recent data, values of FVC and FEV1 in both sexes in the present study are close to those in European, white US and Asian children, whereas our values are higher than the Libyan ones. Conclusions: Healthy Tunisian children showed similar spirometric reference values compared to European, white US and Asian children. Thus, these standards of lung function could also be used in Tunisia.
Directional evaluation of receive power, Rician K-factor and RMS delay spread obtained from power measurements of 60 GHz indoor channels

To meet link budgets for millimetre wave wireless communications, antennas with high directivity are essential. This directional view of the channel is evaluated by the important small scale fading parameters receive power, Rician K-factor and the RMS delay spread. These parameters are all derived from frequency swept power measurements. The effect of transmit polarization is very visual in the measurement results. A maximum K-factor of almost 80 was observed. The RMS delay spread is approximately 4 ns at reflective reception.
Prostitution in Vancouver: Violence and the Colonization of First Nations Women

We interviewed 100 women prostituting in Vancouver, Canada. We found an extremely high prevalence of lifetime violence and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Fifty-two percent of our interviewees were women from Canada’s First Nations, a significant overrepresentation in prostitution compared with their representation in Vancouver generally(1.7-7%). Eighty-two percent reported a history of childhood sexual abuse, by an average of four perpetrators. Seventy-two percent reported childhood physical abuse, 90% had been physically assaulted in prostitution, 78% had been raped in prostitution. Seventy-two percent met DSM-IV criteria for PTSD. Ninety-five percent said that they wanted to leave prostitution. Eighty-six percent reported current or past homelessness with housing as one of their most urgent needs. Eighty-two percent expressed a need for treatment for drug or alcohol addictions. Findings are discussed in terms of the legacy of colonialism, the intrinsically traumatizing nature of prostitution and prostitution’s violations of basic human rights.
Diversity, abundance, and host relationships of avian malaria and related haemosporidians in New Mexico pine forests

Avian malaria and related haemosporidian parasites (genera Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, and Leucocytozoon) affect bird demography, species range limits, and community structure, yet they remain unsurveyed in most bird communities and populations. We conducted a community-level survey of these vector-transmitted parasites in New Mexico, USA, to describe their diversity, abundance, and host associations. We focused on the breeding-bird community in the transition zone between piñon-juniper woodland and ponderosa pine forests (elevational range: 2,150–2,460 m). We screened 186 birds representing 49 species using both standard PCR and microscopy techniques to detect infections of all three avian haemosporidian genera. We detected infections in 68 out of 186 birds (36.6%), the highest proportion of which were infected with Haemoproteus (20.9%), followed by Leucocytozoon (13.4%), then Plasmodium (8.0%). We sequenced mtDNA for 77 infections representing 43 haplotypes (25 Haemoproteus, 12 Leucocytozoon, 6 Plasmodium). When compared to all previously known haplotypes in the MalAvi and GenBank databases, 63% (27) of the haplotypes we recovered were novel. We found evidence for host specificity at the avian clade and species level, but this specificity was variable among parasite genera, in that Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon were each restricted to three avian groups (out of six), while Plasmodium occurred in all groups except non-passerines. We found striking variation in infection rate among host species, with nearly universal infection among vireos and no infection among nuthatches. Using rarefaction and extrapolation, we estimated the total avian haemosporidian diversity to be 70 haplotypes (95% CI [43–98]); thus, we may have already sampled ∼60% of the diversity of avian haemosporidians in New Mexico pine forests. It is possible that future studies will find higher diversity in microhabitats or host species that are under-sampled or unsampled in the present study. Fortunately, this study is fully extendable via voucher specimens, frozen tissues, blood smears, parasite images, and documentation provided in open-access databases (MalAvi, GenBank, and ARCTOS).
Management of Multiple Pregnancy: Prenatal Care—Part II

Over the past 20 years, the number and rate of multiple births have dramatically increased in the United States. The rise in multiple births is mainly attributable to the increased use of ovulation-inducing drugs and the newly developed assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization. Multifetal gestation is associated with an increased risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Multiple births account for an increasing percentage of low-birth-weight infants, preterm births, and infant mortality. In this article, the unique complications of multiple gestation and their management are reviewed. Also, selective termination and multifetal reduction in multiple gestation are discussed. Target Audience: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians Learning Objectives: After completion of this article, the reader should be able to describe the effects of the rising rate of multiple pregnancies on perinatal morbidity and mortality, to recall the complications of diagnosing and treating abnormalities of multiple pregnancies, to list the multiple severe complications associated with multiple gestations, and to describe the difficulty in managing these complications.
Direct catalytic conversion of methane to methanol in an aqueous medium by using copper-promoted Fe-ZSM-5.

Iron copper zeolite (Fe-Cu-ZSM-5) with aqueous hydrogen peroxide is active for the selective oxidation of methane to methanol. Iron is involved in the activation of the carbon–hydrogen bond, while copper allows methanol to form as the major product. The catalyst is stable, re-usable and activates methane giving >90 % methanol selectivity and 10 % conversion in a closed catalytic cycle (see scheme).
Genetic Analysis of Craniofacial Traits in the Medaka

Family and twin studies suggest that a substantial genetic component underlies individual differences in craniofacial morphology. In the current study, we quantified 444 craniofacial traits in 100 individuals from two inbred medaka (Oryzias latipes) strains, HNI and Hd-rR. Relative distances between defined landmarks were measured in digital images of the medaka head region. A total of 379 traits differed significantly between the two strains, indicating that many craniofacial traits are controlled by genetic factors. Of these, 89 traits were analyzed via interval mapping of 184 F2 progeny from an intercross between HNI and Hd-rR. We identified quantitative trait loci for 66 craniofacial traits. The highest logarithm of the odds score was 6.2 for linkage group (LG) 9 and 11. Trait L33, which corresponds to the ratio of head length to head height at eye level, mapped to LG9; trait V15, which corresponds to the ratio of snout length to head width measured behind the eyes, mapped to LG11. Our initial results confirm the potential of the medaka as a model system for the genetic analysis of complex traits such as craniofacial morphology.
On the violation of hospitalized patients’ rights: A qualitative study

Background: Nurses have always been known as an advocate for the rights of patients. The recognition of what is perceived as the violation of patients’ rights can help nurses to understand patients’ concerns and priorities. Thus, it helps nurses play their supportive roles more effectively. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore different dimensions of the violation of patients’ rights. Research design: Data were collected utilizing unstructured interviews and field notes. Data analysis was conducted using the qualitative content analysis approach. Prolonged engagement, maximum variation sampling, and member check were among the factors which enriched the research. Participants and research context: The sample consisted of 18 patients and 11 members of their families. They were purposively selected from two hospitals in Tehran during 2009–2012. Ethical considerations: The research was approved by the Ethics Committee of the university and hospitals. Finding: The patients’ rights were violated in a variety of ways. There were three main dimensions to this issue: (a) care recession including deprivation of the caregiver’s presence and the delay/lack of needed responses; (b) receiving mechanical care including superficiality, lack of emotion, and failure to understand the situation; and (c) being disrespected including humility and aggression. Conclusion: The patients and their families consider any shortcomings in relation to the patient and the quality of care as the violation of the rights. The findings of the study imply sensitizing managers toward providing appropriate conditions as well as educating nurses to observe patients’ rights. It is suggested that the processes leading to the violation of patients’ rights be discovered and prevented in the future.
Intradermal tacrolimus prevent scar hypertrophy in a rabbit ear model: a clinical, histological and spectroscopical analysis

Background: Keloids and hypertrophic scars (HSc) affect 4.5–16% of the population. Thus far, the different approaches of keloid treatment are not very efficient, with a 50% relapse rate and many ongoing researches are looking for simple, safe and more efficient therapeutic methods. Tacrolimus is an immunomodulator that could be useful in treating keloid.
Serum IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and Beta2-Microglobulin in Association with International Prognostic Index in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma

Aims and Background Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma displays striking heterogeneity at clinical, genetic and molecular levels. The International Prognostic Index is useful to predict the outcome of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients. However, patients with identical International Prognostic Index values in clinical practice exhibit marked variability in survival, suggesting the presence of significant residual heterogeneity within each category. Since cytokines such as interleukin-6, -8 and -10 play important roles in the pathogenesis of lymphomas, and plasma level of beta2-microglobulin is associated with the outcome of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, the aim of the present study was to determine whether these parameters combined with the International Prognostic Index would better stratify these patients to predict their prognosis. Patients and Methods The study included 46 untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients. Results All study parameters (International Prognostic Index, Ann Arbor stage, extra-nodal involvement, performance status, lactate dehydrogenase, beta2-microglobulin, interleukin-6 and -10, and response to therapy) except for patient age and serum interleukin-8 level were associated with overall survival. In addition, the International Prognostic Index was strongly correlated with beta2-microglobulin, interleukin-6, -8 and -10, and when combined these parameters significantly better stratified patients according to survival. On multivariate analysis, therapeutic response to the primary treatment, elevated interleukin-6 and -10 levels, and the International Prognostic Index were significant predictors of overall survival. Conclusions Our data imply that interleukins and beta2-microglobulin evaluation should be used in association with the International Prognostic Index to define prognostic subgroups in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients.
Percepción de la desigualdad y demanda de políticas redistributivas en Andalucía

Este estudio trata de conocer hasta que punto la percepcion de la desigualdad y de las oportunidades de movilidad social condicionan la demanda de politicas sociales y redistributivas en Andalucia. A partir de la explotacion de los resultados de la Encuesta sobre la Realidad Social en Andalucia (ERSA – Centro de Estudios Andaluces), cuya edicion de 2009 estuvo dedicada especialmente a estudiar la percepcion de la desigualdad y la demanda de politicas sociales, este numero de la coleccion Actualidad aporta un analisis pormenorizado de la percepcion que tienen los andaluces ante la desigualdad social y la relacion entre esta percepcion y la demanda de politicas redistributivas. El estudio, elaborado por los investigadores del Centro de Estudios Andaluces Antonio M. Jaime Castillo, Ildefonso Marques Perales y Gloria Martinez Cousinou, ofrece una nueva aproximacion al estudio de la desigualdad, conjugando la vision tradicional centrada en el analisis de los factores objetivos que la generan, con la percepcion (subjetiva) que los individuos tienen de dicha desigualdad, un aspecto igualmente relevante segun los investigadores y clave para entender sus comportamientos y sus preferencias politicas. La presentacion de los resultados se estructura en tres apartados. En el primero se analiza como perciben los andaluces la desigualdad social y la forma en la que observan que estan distribuidos los recursos y las oportunidades. Seguidamente se estudian las percepciones sobre la desigualdad de oportunidades a traves de la comparacion entre la movilidad objetiva y subjetiva, y se analiza hasta que punto tales creencias se corresponden con la estructura de las desigualdades objetivas. Finalmente, en el ultimo apartado, se estudian los mecanismos por los que estas percepciones sobre la desigualdad y la movilidad social afectan a las preferencias individuales hacia politicas sociales y redistributivas.
GIS-based estimation of roof-PV capacity & energy production for the Seeb region in Oman

This paper assesses the potential solar power for the PV roof integration system using the Geographic Information System (GIS). The residential area of Seeb (Muscat-Oman) was investigated as a case study. The constraint of the roof optimization for the optimal design of solar photovoltaic fields consisting of multiple rows was analyzed and the optimal area of deployment of PV collectors was calculated taking into account orientation, shading and masking of adjacent rows. A MATLAB program was developed in order to estimate the total roof-PV power capacity and total annual energy generation. The program takes into account the different factors that affect the efficiency of the PV. The results show that, if we consider 10 hours as a daily average of sunshine, the total roof PV panels in the Seeb area will be equivalent to a 300MW power generation plant.
Causalgia and reflex sympathetic dystrophy: Does the sympathetic nervous system contribute to the generation of pain?

The striking response of causalgia and reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) to sympatholytic procedures together with signs of autonomic nervous system abnormalities suggest that the sympathetic efferent system can generate or enhance pain (sympathetically maintained pain, SMP). This concept is supported by human and animal experiments indicating that sympathetic activity and catecholamines can activate primary afferent nociceptors. Some clinical evidence, however, calls the SMP concept into question and alternative explanations have been advanced. In this review, we describe the clinical features of causalgia and RSD and the evidence for sympatholytic efficacy. The major barrier to proving the SMP concept is that all available sympatholytic procedures are problematic. We conclude that, although the weight of current evidence supports the SMP concept and its relevance to causalgia and RSD, it remains unproven by scientific criteria. More careful adherence to diagnostic criteria and well‐controlled trials of sympatholysis are needed to finally settle the issue. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 22: 678–695, 1999.