Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Segmentation of Liver Lesions with Reduced Complexity Deep Models

We propose a computationally efficient architecture that learns to segment lesions from CT images of the liver. The proposed architecture uses bilinear interpolation with sub-pixel convolution at the last layer to upscale the course feature in bottle neck architecture. Since bilinear interpolation and sub-pixel convolution do not have any learnable parameter, our overall model is faster and occupies less memory footprint than the traditional U-net. We evaluate our proposed architecture on the highly competitive dataset of 2017 Liver Tumor Segmentation (LiTS) Challenge. Our method achieves competitive results while reducing the number of learnable parameters roughly by a factor of 13.8 compared to the original UNet model.
Estimation of the Influence of Artificial Roadway Lighting on Road Collision Frequency

Road accidents in Quebec registered a total of 104,070 collisions with 39,541 victims of injuries and 436 fatalities in 2012 alone. Driving in dark environments increases the risk of accident likelihood for which artificial roadway lighting is typically seen as a countermeasure. However, it is unknown if non-standard levels of lighting help in reducing collision frequency, representing the case for many inconsistently illuminated roads under municipal jurisdiction. This research collected illuminance measurements for the Arthabasca region in Quebec. The collected data was combined with available operational and geometrical characteristics as well as collision frequency, to investigate what variables explain nighttime road crashes and how different levels of artificial lighting correlate with them. It was found that the presence of an intersection and having a slippery road surface produced more collisions. Roads with a complex geometry as well as traffic volume explain higher collision rates. Either standard or non-standard illuminated roads resulted in an increase of road collision frequency as compared to dark sites. Definition of standard illumination seems not to correspond to the statistical evidence herein found. Increasing the minimum level of illuminance for standard lighting helps in reducing collision frequency at standard lit sites as illuminance levels were raised. Quebec warrant grid system seems to give preference to illuminate roads at either urban locations or in the proximity to an intersection. A good correlation between all illuminated sites and a variable containing urban and suburban land uses was found. Empirical evidence also suggests that dark locations correspond mostly to rural sites (possibly with lower volumes of cars) which observe lower frequency of road collisions.
GAN-based synthetic brain MR image generation

In medical imaging, it remains a challenging and valuable goal how to generate realistic medical images completely different from the original ones; the obtained synthetic images would improve diagnostic reliability, allowing for data augmentation in computer-assisted diagnosis as well as physician training. In this paper, we focus on generating synthetic multi-sequence brain Magnetic Resonance (MR) images using Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). This involves difficulties mainly due to low contrast MR images, strong consistency in brain anatomy, and intra-sequence variability. Our novel realistic medical image generation approach shows that GANs can generate 128 χ 128 brain MR images avoiding artifacts. In our preliminary validation, even an expert physician was unable to accurately distinguish the synthetic images from the real samples in the Visual Turing Test.
Accelerating the convergence of the method of alternating projections

The powerful von Neumann-Halperin method of alternating projections (MAP) is an algorithm for determining the best approximation to any given point in a Hilbert space from the intersection of a finite number of subspaces. It achieves this by reducing the problem to an iterative scheme which involves only computing best approximations from the {\it individual} subspaces which make up the intersection. The main practical drawback of this algorithm, at least for some applications, is that the method is slowly convergent. In this paper, we consider a general class of iterative methods which includes the MAP as a special case. For such methods, we study an ``accelerated'' version of this algorithm which was considered earlier by Gubin, Polyak, and Raik [14] and by Gearhart and Koshy [13]. We show that the accelerated algorithm converges faster than the MAP in the case of two subspaces, but is in general {\it not faster} than the MAP for more than two subspaces! However, for a ``symmetric'' version of the MAP, the accelerated algorithm always converges faster for any number of subspaces. Our proof seems to require the use of the Spectral Theorem for self-adjoint mappings.
Business ethics and customer stakeholders

The article discusses foundations for ethical customer relationships, contingent knowledge about customers as stakeholders, and insights on establishing a balanced stakeholder orientation. The relationship between customers and a firm exist because of a mutual expectation built on trust, good faith, and fair dealing. Ethical responsibilities to U.S. consumers have a strong foundation of legal protection. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) works to protect consumers against unfair or fraudulent practices. Experts say organizations need to create ethical corporate cultures based on leadership and the commitment to values that stress the importance of stakeholder relationships.
Changes in Rumen Microbial Profiles and Subcutaneous Fat Composition When Feeding Extruded Flaxseed Mixed With or Before Hay

Extruded flaxseed (25%) and ground hay (75%) were each fed (DM basis) either together in a total mixed ration (TMR) or as flaxseed first followed by hay (non-TMR) to three pens of eight crossbred steers (n = 24 per diet) for 240 days. Compared to TMR, feeding non-TMR enriched subcutaneous fat with α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3) and its biohydrogenation intermediates including vaccenic acid [trans(t)11-18:1], rumenic acid [cis(c)9,t11-conjugated linoleic acid] and conjugated linolenic acid (CLnA). Rumen microbial analysis using QIIME indicated that 14 genera differed (P ≤ 0.05) between TMR and the non-TMR. Azoarcus and Streptococcus were the only genera which increased in relative abundance in the TMR fed steers, whereas Methanimicrococcus, Moryella, Prevotella, Succiniclasticum, Succinivibrio, Suttenella, and TG5 decreased as compared to steers fed the non-TMR. Among these, Moryella, Succiniclasticum, and Succinivibrio, spp. were correlated with fatty acid profiles, specifically intermediates believed to be components of the major biohydrogenation pathway for ALA (i.e., t11, c15-18:2, c9, t11, c15-18:3, and total CLnA). In addition, negative correlations were found between the less abundant Ruminoccocus-like OTU60 and major ALA biohydrogenation intermediates, as well as positive correlations with several intermediates from alternative pathways that did not involve the formation of trans 11 double bonds. The present results suggest a number of pathways for ALA biohydrogenation are operating concurrently in the rumen, with their balance being influenced by diet and driven by less abundant species rather than members of the core bacterial population.
Continuous dopaminergic stimulation in a patient treated with daytime Levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel and overnight Rotigotine: a case report

Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) receiving long-term L-Dopa therapy eventually develop motor complications with unpredictable “on-off” response fluctuations and involuntary movements, leading to progressive disability. Hence, the search for alternative therapeutic choices based on continuous dopaminergic stimulation (CDS) becomes crucial for the treatment of advanced PD. Here, we describe the case of a 70-year-old man with a 9-year history of PD, treated with daytime levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) and overnight Rotigotine transdermal patch. LCIG monotherapy significantly reduced motor fluctuations and prevented the appearance of unpredictable off periods; concurrently, overnight Rotigotine improved his sleep quality and morning akinesia. Both LCIG and Rotigotine induce CDS, which conceptually mimics physiologic striatal dopamine receptor function. Hence, they both represent a good therapeutic option for the treatment of advanced PD. (www.actabiomedica.it)
EXTRACELLULAR HYDROLASES OF HALOPHILIC MICROORGANISMS ISOLATED FROM HYPERSALINE ENVIRONMENTS (SALT MINE AND SALT LAKES)

This work aims to reveal the ability of halophilic microorganisms, both bacteria and archaea, isolated from salted lakes and salt crystals from the salt mine, to produce a wide range of extracellular hydrolytic enzymes able to degrade several macromolecular substrates, such as sugar based polymers or proteins. A relatively wide positive spectrum of extracellular hydrolases for tested substrates was recorded from archaeal and bacterial strains isolated from investigated salted area. The number appears to be higher if comparing isolates from salt lakes with isolates from salt crystal. In the case of tested halophilic bacteria were found enzymes capable of hydrolyzing starch, casein, Tween80 and carboxymethylcellulose. In the case of microorganisms belonging to the Archaea domain, identified on the surface of the crystal and belonging to Halorubrum genus was detected the ability to degrade starch and seldom Tween80. In some cases, a combined hydrolytic activity has been observed. One halophilic bacterial strain combined cellulase and esterase activities and other strains combined two or more hydrolytic activities. The enzymes degrading starch appear to have a wide distribution and when compared the 16S rRNA phylogeny distribution of investigated strains with the absence or presence of amylase activity, the data showed a very high correlation degree.
Modeling and Visualizing Locus of Control with Facebook Language

A body of literature has demonstrated that users' psychological traits such as personality can be predicted from their posts on social media. However, there is still a gap between the computational and descriptive analyses of the language features associated with different psychological traits, and their use by social scientists and psychologists to make deeper behavioral inferences. In this study, we aim to bridge this gap with a visualization that situates the language associated with one psychological trait in the context of other psychological dimensions. We predict Locus of Control (LoC), an individual's perception of personal control over events in their lives, from their Facebook language (F1=0.82). We then look at how language explains the relationship of LoC with consciousness and emotional stability.
Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome associated with vitiligo

Face, neck, and chest are the common sites of NC. [4] Usually the lesions are localized and appear in groups and in linear pattern. [3] Involvement of an entire half of the body has been reported. [4,5] In our patient, the lesions were limited to the pinna and adjacent parts. To the best of our knowledge, lesions limited to these areas have not been reported before. Usually NC is asymptomatic. Our patient had episodes of inflammation of the lesions, which were self-limiting. Inflammatory episodes which worsen during puberty have been reported earlier. [4,5] In both of these patients,[4,5] the lesions were extensive. Occurrence of inflammatory episodes in an infant with limited lesions was a peculiarity observed in our patient.
Factors Influencing Adoption and Implementation of Cooking With Kids, An Experiential School-Based Nutrition Education Curriculum

Little research has been conducted to examine factors leading to adoption and implementation of nutrition education curricula. Data from two Web-based surveys (n = 313) and 27 interviews were used to explore how Diffusion of Innovations' perceived attributes contributed to adoption and implementation of Cooking with Kids (CWK) food and nutrition education curriculum. Results suggest programs that create or adapt nutrition education curricula for use in schools should emphasize experiential methods and ease of use to increase adoption and implementation. Perceived simplicity predicted intended use. Ensuring that users have adequate information and planning time to overcome barriers is essential.
Human Reliability Analysis of Radiotherapy Procedures Using Bayesian Networks

Human Reliability Analysis of Radiotherapy Procedures Using Bayesian Networks Erica C. Gomes, Juliana P. Duarte, Paulo Fernando F. Frutuoso e Melo Graduate Program of Nuclear Engineering, COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Horacio Macedo 2030, sala G-206, 21941-914 Riode Janeiro, RJ, Brazil Department of Nuclear Engineering, Polytechnic School, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Horacio Macedo 2030, sala G-206, 21941-914 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil frutuoso@nuclear.ufrj. br
Relationship between Polymorphisms of Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Gene Insertion / Deletion , Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Intron 4 VNTR and Risk for Cervical Cancer

Background and Aims: Angiotensin-converting enzyme gene (ACE) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene (eNOS) have been reported to be associated with risk for a wide range of cancers. This study evaluated the relationship between polymorphisms of ACE insertion/deletion (I/D), eNOS intron 4 variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) and risk for cervical cancer. Methods: Polymorphisms of ACE I/D and eNOS intron 4 VNTR were analyzed by PCR in 147 cervical cancer cases and 167 healthy control subjects. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS for Windows. Results: We found that the D/D genotype of ACE, compared with the I/I and I/D genotypes, was significantly associated with an increased risk for cervical cancer (D/D vs. I/I: OR = 0.41, 95% CI= 0.18-0.94; D/D vs. I/D: OR = 0.34, 95% CI=0.15-0.78); the 4a/4b genotype of eNOS, compared with the 4b/4b genotype, was not associated with increase in the risk for cervical cancer (4b/4b vs. 4a/4b OR = 0.58, 95% CI= 0.31-1.08). The rare variant named 4c allele in eNOS intron 4 VNTR was encountered in one patient and one control subject. Conclusions: Our results provide that the ACE I/D polymorphisms is associated with the risk for cervical cancer, and there is no enough evidence to show the significant association between the polymorphisms of eNOS intron 4 VNTR and the risk for cervical cancer. Further studies with more subjects in diverse ethnic population are necessary to confirm the general validity of our findings. [Jun-Ge Han , Hong Jin , Lin-Bo Gao , Jian Zhang , Xue-Ke Deng , Li-Juan Li , Chang-Ping Song , Tao Wang , Lin Zhang. Relationship between Polymorphisms of Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Gene Insertion/Deletion, Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Intron 4 VNTR and Risk for Cervical Cancer. Life Science Journal. 2012;9(2):100-104] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com. 17
ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT AND JOB BURNOUT AMONG EMPLOYEES IN MALAYSIA

Burnout issue is an increasingly important phenomenon in Asian countries. Burnout is a well-known phenomenon that may express itself differently, and affect employees differently, in different working condition. Studying on burnout in different contexts will contribute to deeper understanding of the phenomenon as a whole and how to minimize its negative effects on employees' productivity, satisfaction, and commitment to stay in their organization. Commitment has become one of the most important factors influencing burnout in modern day occupational settings. Present study is to investigate the influence of organizational commitment (affective, continuous and normative commitment) on burnout among employees. Respondents were approached conveniently, from various departments in Northport (M) Bhd. Using a sample of 50 employees revealed that only affective commitment influence burnout. Implications of the result are discussed.
The impact of Facebook in teaching practicum: Teacher trainees perspectives

Prompt feedback is one of the critical components of teacher education programs. To reap the greatest benefit from the teaching practicum process, the quality of feedback as well as its implementation by stakeholders, supervisors, cooperating teachers, and teacher trainees, takes on great importance. The purpose of this study is to examine how Web 2.0 tools support a teaching practicum course at a large public university and to discuss Facebook in relation to feedback and informal learning. The use of Facebook in a university setting aims to encourage interactions among stakeholders, thus enhancing instant and appropriate feedback mechanisms and informal learning. Data were obtained by monitoring posts within a closed Facebook group and from a teacher trainee survey whereby teacher trainees indicated the ways in which they adapted to this technology. Findings indicate that teacher trainees have benefited from Facebook in receiving prompt feedback; communicating with their peers, supervisors and cooperative teachers; sharing knowledge; collaborating with their peers; and improving their professional performance. The observed benefits of Facebook use by teacher trainees should therefore be an important consideration for teacher education programs in the 21st century. Key words: Teacher training, teacher trainees, clinical supervision model, Web 2.0, Facebook, feedback, teaching practicum.
Uganda 2013

Background: Rabies is a neglected disease despite being responsible for more human deaths than any other zoonosis. A lack of adequate human and dog surveillance, resulting in low prioritization, is often blamed for this paradox. Estimation methods are often employed to describe the rabies burden when surveillance data are not available, however these figures are rarely based on country-specific data. Methods: In 2013 a knowledge, attitudes, and practices survey was conducted in Uganda to understand dog population, rabies vaccination, and human rabies risk factors and improve in-country and regional rabies burden estimates. Poisson and multi-level logistic regression techniques were conducted to estimate the total dog population and vaccination coverage. Results: Twenty-four villages were selected, of which 798 households completed the survey, representing 4 375 people. Dog owning households represented 12.9% of the population, for which 175 dogs were owned (25 people per dog). A history of vaccination was reported in 55.6% of owned dogs. Poverty and human population density highly correlated with dog ownership, and when accounted for in multi-level regression models, the human to dog ratio fell to 47:1 and the estimated national canine-rabies vaccination coverage fell to 36.1%. This study estimates there are 729 486 owned dogs in Uganda (95% CI: 719 919 – 739 053). Ten percent of survey respondents provided care to dogs they did not own, however unowned dog populations were not enumerated in this estimate. 89.8% of Uganda’s human population was estimated to reside in a community that can support enzootic canine rabies transmission. Conclusions: This study is the first to comprehensively evaluate the effect of poverty on dog ownership in Africa. These results indicate that describing a dog population may not be as simple as applying a human: dog ratio, and factors such as poverty are likely to heavily influence dog ownership and vaccination coverage. These modelled estimates should be confirmed through further field studies, however, if validated, canine rabies elimination through mass vaccination may not be as difficult as previously considered in Uganda. Data derived from this study should be considered to improve models for estimating the in-country and regional rabies burden.
EOICHD : A Routing Scheme for Wireless Sensor Network Based on Energy and Optimal Inter Cluster Head Distance

Clustering in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) has been proven to enhance lifetime of the network. Reducing the energy consumption and parallelly prolonging network lifetime is the research goal of most of the cluster based routing protocols. In this paper, a routing scheme based on Energy and Optimal Inter Cluster Head Distance (EOICHD) for WSNs has been proposed. EOICHD considers parameters such as residual energy and optimal inter cluster head distance to elect the cluster head (CH) nodes. EOICHD ensures that (a) elected CHs are always separated by certain predefined distance (b) election of CHs within close proximity of one another is avoided and (c) CHs are scattered to cover most of the sensing region. Experimental evaluation shows that EOCIHD is far better than LEACH and LEACH-C protocol in terms of network stability, energy consumption, cluster head election pattern, and number of alive nodes over simulation duration.
Neural Simpletrons: Learning in the Limit of Few Labels with Directed Generative Networks

We explore classifier training for data sets with very few labels. We investigate this task using a neural network for nonnegative data. The network is derived from a hierarchical normalized Poisson mixture model with one observed and two hidden layers. With the single objective of likelihood optimization, both labeled and unlabeled data are naturally incorporated into learning. The neural activation and learning equations resulting from our derivation are concise and local. As a consequence, the network can be scaled using standard deep learning tools for parallelized GPU implementation. Using standard benchmarks for nonnegative data, such as text document representations, MNIST, and NIST SD19, we study the classification performance when very few labels are used for training. In different settings, the network's performance is compared to standard and recently suggested semisupervised classifiers. While other recent approaches are more competitive for many labels or fully labeled data sets, we find that the network studied here can be applied to numbers of few labels where no other system has been reported to operate so far.
Allelopathic Effect of Different Concentrations of Leaf Extract of Lawsonia inermis L., Seed Germination of Steria italica, Pennisetum americanum and Lectuca sativa

In the laboratory trial the extract of leaves, of Lawsonia inermis L was made in distilled water and kept for 24hr, 48hr, 72hrs against three test species Lectuca sativasteria italica and Pennisitum americanum. The leaf extract showed inhibition Lectuca sativa >steria italica >Pennesitum americanum in terms of germination percentage and seedling growth and fresh and dry weight. The 1.0 gm at 48hr extract showed completely inhibition in seteria italic and lectuca sativa. lectuca sativa showed inhibition in germination percentage and fresh and dry weight in 0.5 and 1.5 gm. The extract of leaf showed highly stimulation in seedling length of Pennisitum americanum in all concentrations. On the other hand the concentration of (0.5, 1.0, 1.5gms) showed the inhibition in germination percentage and fresh and dry weight. The leaf extract showed the insignificance in all test spp. Hence, it is help to the hypothesis that Lawsonia inermis L contain such allelochemical which affect the seedling growth and germination rate of Steria italic Pennesitum americanum L and Lectuca sativa L.