Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chemicals of emerging concern in household products: a case study on the disposal of cosmetics in the United Kingdom

Household products may contain chemicals of emerging concern (CECs) and their use and disposal can contribute to CECs being released to the environment with the potential to cause concern. Cosmetic products were used to exemplify the source-pathway-effect relationship for CECs, by investigating the use of cosmetics as a prospective pollutant source, their disposal, as a pathway for environmental contamination and, the potential need for effective management of CECs in products. Emphasis was placed on the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH) legislation as a framework to consider the use of regulation to facilitate the assessment and management of CECs in household products. The CECs present in cosmetic products were identified, validated and quantified and, their potential environmental risks were assessed using a methodology developed under the REACH legislation guidelines. Findings demonstrated that once released in the environment, nanomaterials and triclosan have the potential to affect both aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Multi-criteria analysis was used to assess alternative risk management options for the use and disposal of these CECs in cosmetic products. The analysis indicated the need to manage some CECs in cosmetics to minimize the potential for environmental contamination. REACH has the potential to facilitate the management of these chemicals by shifting the legislative focus from disposal to prevention and minimization. The guidelines under REACH could be amended to improve the risk assessment and management process for CECs. This research demonstrated the efficacy of modifying the guidelines to produce sound assessments, whilst emphasising the need for effective management of CECs in cosmetic products.
Object-Based Sorted-Histogram Similarity Measurement for Detecting Land Cover Change With VHR Remote Sensing Images

Land cover change detection (LCCD) with very high-resolution (VHR) remote sensing images has been widely used in various applications. However, pseudo-changes and noise usually affect the performance of detection map. In this letter, an object-oriented sorted-histogram similarity measurement (OSSM) is proposed for measuring the change magnitude between bi-temporal remote sensing images. First, multi-scale objects are acquired for the post-event image using a multi-scale segmentation algorithm, and then the pixels within each object are considered to construct the pairwise histograms and the bin of each histogram is sorted in descending order. Second, a bin-to-bin (B2B) distance is defined to measure the change magnitude between the pairwise object-based histograms, and the change magnitude image (CMI) is generated after all the bi-temporal images are scanned object by object. Finally, a simple yet effective method called Otsu is used to divide the CMI into binary change detection maps. The experiments on three pairs of VHR images produced promising results compared with five popular LCCD approaches, for example, the improvement is about 2.5% for F-score.
Network Attack Detection And Classification using ANN Algorithm

Advancement of computer networktechnology and the IT business lead to new security issues in networks emerge on a regular basis, making it increasingly difficult to ignore. How to successfully prevent dangerous network hackers from invading, so that network systems and computers are safe and regular functioning, is a critical job for today's network administrators. In recent decades, network security has become increasingly important due to the rapid growth of the Internet and the growing number of users. Intrusion detection systems (IDSs), which attempt to maintain the maximum level of security, have recently become one of the most popular research subjects in network security. Deep learning neural network is used to extract features of network monitoring data, and classify intrusion types. The method will be validated using KDD CUP’99 dataset or any other relevant dataset. The results will be compared with other algorithms to show that the proposed method has a significant improvement over the traditional machine learning model accuracies.
Net 1 Tbps/λ Transmission Over 80 km of SSMF Using a Single Segment SiP IQM With All-Electronic Equalization

We achieve net 1 Tbps (line-rate 1.26 Tbps) transmission using a single-segment travelling-wave SiP IQ modulator at 105 Gbaud DP-64QAM below the 25% SD-FEC-threshold over 80 km of SSMF with all-electronic equalization and non-linear pre-distortion.
Channel prediction in wireless communications

Knowledge of the channel over which signals are sent is of prime importance in modern wireless communications. Inaccurate or incomplete channel information leads to high error rates and wasted bandwidth and energy. Although active channel measurement is commonly used to gain channel knowledge, it can only accurately represent the channel at the time the measurement was taken, makes energy and bandwidth demands, and adds significant complexity to the radio system. Due to the highly time variant nature of wireless channels, active measurements become invalid almost as soon as they are taken, making alternative approaches to predicting future behaviour highly attractive. Such systems would allow maximum advantage to be taken of the limited bandwidth available and make significant power savings. This thesis investigates a number of complementary technologies, leading towards a channel prediction scheme suitable for mobile devices. As a first step towards channel prediction, anomaly detection is investigated within periodic wireless signals to establish when radical changes in the channel occur. In previous experiments, long monotonic sequences had been observed to coincide with certain anomalies but not others when using Kullback-Leibler Divergence (KLD) analysis, possibly allowing the characterisation of anomaly types. An investigation is described to explain the origin of these features in a rigorous mathematical sense. A proof is given for the causes of the monotonic sequences, followed by a discussion of the types of signal anomaly which would underly such a feature and the value of this information. The second part describes a novel channel characterisation method which uses a class of Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) called an Echo State Network (ESN). Using this tool, a channel characterisation system can be constructed without an explicit statistical or mathematical model of the wireless environment, relying instead on observed data. This approach is much more convenient than existing models which require detailed information about the wireless system’s parameters and also allows for new channel classifications to be added easily. It is able to achieve double the correct classification rate of a conventional statistical classifier, and is computationally simple to implement, making it ideal for inclusion on low-power mobile devices. Following their successful use in characterisation, ESNs are used in the final part in an investigation into channel prediction in a number of different scenarios. They were however found to be unable to produce useful predictions for all but the most trivial channel models. An alternative method is described for indoor environments using an approach inspired by ray tracing. It is simple and computationally lightweight to implement, again making it suitable for mobile devices. Simulation results show that it can outperform pilot-assisted methods by a significant margin, while not wasting bandwidth on channel measurement.
"Dark arts" : Algorithms for enhancement and interpretation of low light images - Semester 8 Report

Images taken in low light condition suffer from poor aesthetics and result in degraded performance for vision-based algorithms which are primarily designed for high-quality images. Therefore, Low light image enhancement is an important task in making computer vision algorithms work robustly under different environmental conditions. Through our studies, we have show that classical algorithms and supervised learning solutions have certain shortcomings in different environments. We analyze the reasons for these and shortcomings and propose a hybrid solution for this problem. Furthermore, we introduce an algorithmic testbed under which these algorithms can be studied in detail and we propose an evaluation metric which aims to enhance the visual aesthetics of the image. We also explore the possibility to detect a class of images in low light condition after learning them in well light conditions. In addition to these specific cases, the work reveals insights to the properties of digital images (and algorithmic interpretation of them) in different lighting conditions. On conclusion, this study suggests possible future research avenues on all these fronts.
Diagnosis of trapping phenomena in GaN MESFETs

In this work we present results related to the current/voltage characteristics collapse in GaN MESFETs. Two different failure mechanisms were observed, one of them clearly consists in a positive threshold voltage shift. Traps responsible for the "current collapse" were also characterized by means of different measurement techniques. Phototransient experiments show the presence of a capture barrier of 0.1 eV while by a spectroscopic technique four photoionization energy levels were estimated. Finally, electroluminescence measurements show the presence of visible and UV light, suggesting the presence of a self-recovery mechanisms.
Lethal West Nile Virus Infection Elicit Protective T Cell Immunity against Incorporate an Immundominant Peptide Single-Chain HLA-A2 MHC Trimers That

The generation of a robust CD8 + T cell response is an ongoing challenge for the development of DNA vaccines. One problem encountered with classical DNA plasmid immunization is that peptides produced are noncovalently and transiently associated with MHC class I molecules and thus may not durably stimulate CD8 + T cell responses. To address this and enhance the expression and presentation of the antigenic peptide/MHC complexes, we generated single-chain trimers (SCTs) composed of a single polypeptide chain with a linear composition of antigenic peptide, b 2 -microglobulin, and H chain connected by ﬂexible linkers. In this study, we test whether the preassembled nature of the SCT makes them effective for eliciting protective CD8 + T cell responses against pathogens. A DNA plasmid was constructed encoding an SCT incorporating the human MHC class I molecule HLA-A2 and the immunodominant peptide SVG9 derived from the envelope protein of West Nile virus (WNV). HLA-A2 transgenic mice vaccinated with the DNA encoding the SVG9/HLA-A2 SCT generated a robust epitope-speciﬁc CD8 + T cell response and showed enhanced survival rate and lower viral burden in the brain after lethal WNV challenge. Inclusion of a CD4 + Th cell epitope within the SCT did not increase the frequency of SVG9-speciﬁc CD8 + T cells, but did enhance protection against WNV challenge. Overall, these ﬁndings demonstrate that the SCT platform can induce protective CD8 + T cell responses against lethal virus infection and may be paired with immunogens that elicit robust neutralizing Ab responses to generate vaccines that optimally activate all facets of adaptive immunity. The Journal of Immunology
Humans actively sample evidence to support prior 1 beliefs 2

18 No one likes to be wrong. Previous research has shown that participants may 19 underweight information incompatible with previous choices, a phenomenon called 20 confirmation bias. In this paper we argue that a similar bias exists in the way 21 information is actively sought. We investigate how choice influences information gathering using a perceptual choice task and find that participants sample more information from a previously chosen alternative. Furthermore, the higher the 24 confidence in the initial choice, the more biased information sampling becomes. As a 25 consequence, when faced with the possibility of revising an earlier decision, 26 participants are more likely to stick with their original choice, even when incorrect. 27 Critically, we show that agency controls this phenomenon. The effect disappears in a 28 fixed sampling condition where presentation of evidence is controlled by the 29 experimenter, suggesting that the way in which confirmatory evidence is acquired 30 critically impacts the decision process. These results suggest active information 31 acquisition plays a critical role in the propagation of strongly held beliefs over time.
Pleomorphic Carcinoid: A Pitfall in Diagnosis on Small Biopsy Specimens

Abstract Typical and atypical carcinoids account for 2% of all pulmonary neoplasms and are usually diagnosed based on characteristic neuroendocrine granules, architecture, and overall bland cytomorphology. However, there are rare carcinoids with unusual morphology mimicking features seen in non–small cell lung carcinoma, which can be a significant challenge on small biopsy or cytology specimens with major therapeutic implications. We report a case of a transbronchial needle aspirate that was initially misinterpreted as non–small cell lung carcinoma due to the presence of cohesive clusters of tumor cells showing striking pleomorphism and prominent nucleoli in a background of necrosis. In addition, tumor cells showed multifocal brown cytoplasmic melanin pigment that has rarely been reported in carcinoids. The diagnostic pitfalls of a pleomorphic carcinoid and the possible limitations of reaching this diagnosis on small biopsy specimens are discussed.
Using grapeseed meal as natural antioxidant in slow-growing Hubbard broiler diets enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids

: The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of the grapeseed meal, added to slow-growing Hubbard broilers diet high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) due to the dietary flaxseed meal. The 7-wk feeding trial used 80 broiler chicks (14 d), assigned to two groups: control (C) and E, with 4 replicates of 10 chicks/group. The basal diet was similar for both groups during both feeding stages. The diet for group E was supplemented with 3% grapeseed meal. Six broilers from each group were slaughtered in the end of the feeding trial, and blood, breast and leg meat samples were collected. Serum cholesterol was significantly lower in group E (110.85 mg/dL), than in group C (146.82 mg/dL). The PUFA concentration was significantly higher in group E, than in group C, both in the breast (31.34 %, compared to 27.73 % total fatty acid methyl ester - FAME) and in the leg (32.44 %, compared to 30.06 % total FAME). The cholesterol concentration was significantly lower in group E (42.52 mg), than in group C (60.91 mg/100 g fresh sample) in the leg. After 7 d of refrigeration, the peroxide value was significantly lower in group E (8.11 meq), than in group C (8.79 meq/kg fat) in the breast meat, while fat acidity was significantly lower in group E (40.82 mg KOH), than in group C (43.99 mg KOH / g fat) in the leg. The dietary 3 % grapeseed meal, used as natural antioxidant, in PUFA-enriched broiler diets, had positive effects on the blood parameters and meat quality. SFA–saturated fatty acids; MUFA-monounsaturated fatty acids; PUFA- polyunsaturated fatty acids; ALA -α-linolenic acid; ω-3 -omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids; ω-6 - omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids; values row different superscripts different (
Revisiting the Daylit Area: Examining Daylighting Performance Using Subjective Human Evaluations and Simulated Compliance with the LEED Version 4 Daylight Credit

ABSTRACT The IES Lighting Measurement 83-12 Approved Method: IES Spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA) and Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE) (LM-83) codifies annual climate–based daylighting metrics and performance criteria, yet interpretation and application of the metrics and criteria are not fully substantiated. This article reports “daylit area” drawings prepared in the field by architecture students and compares these drawings to corresponding point-in-time and annual daylighting simulations. The point-in-time simulations without blinds showed less discrepancy between student daylit area evaluations than did annual simulations with blinds operated per LM-83. The daylit area drawings and point-in-time simulations together suggest a horizontal illuminance of 100 lx differentiating between non-daylit and partially daylit areas and 250 lx differentiating between partially and fully daylit areas. For 18 annual simulations that employed the LM-83 protocol, half were characterized similar to the field assessments. The other half consistently underpredicted daylight ratings; students found the spaces to be fully or partially daylit when the annual simulation predicted the spaces to be non-daylit. This study suggests that the spatial daylight autonomy (sDA) and ASE criteria in LM-83 may warrant refinement.
Addressing Barriers Affecting Primary Care Providers Willingness to Prescribe Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Care as a Prevention Strategy Among Black/African American Men at Higher Risk for HIV: A Quality Improvement Project

Introduction: Approved since 2012 by the Food and Drug Administration, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention has significantly evolved. Taken daily, PrEP reduces an individual’s risk of contracting new HIV infections (Eakle et al., 2018). Despite the proven effectiveness of PrEP in reducing new HIV infection among high-risk HIV-negative individuals, the percentage of Black/African American who filled prescriptions for PrEP in 2016 was only 11.2%, compared to 68.7% among Whites (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018). The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a quality improvement project by creating an educational module based on CDC’s PrEP implementation guidelines to improve barriers affecting primary care providers’ willingness to prescribe PrEP care as a prevention strategy among Black and African American men at higher risk for HIV. Methodology: IRB approval was obtained from Florida International University. Participants included two MDs (n=2) and thirteen APRNs (n=13). A Qualtrics link was electronically provided to all participants to complete the online survey, pre-test, and post-test during a 4-week period. Results: 15 participants completed the study. The mean of the pre-test survey was 12.58 with as standard deviation (SD) of 5.36 while the post-test survey had a mean of 17.00 with a SD of 5.95. PCPs’ knowledge increased by 25.65%, attitude by 12.63%, and behavior by 4.93%. A pairedsamples t Test was performed, the two-tailed P value was 0.0004. By conventional criteria, the difference was extremely statistically significant. Conclusion: Educational intervention was effective in improving PCPs’ knowledge, attitude, and behavior towards PrEP. Ongoing work focused on educating primary care clinicians on the implementation of PrEP and other HIV prevention strategies will be crucial in reducing and BARRIERS AFFECTING PCPs’ WILLINGNESS TO PRESCRIBE PREP 4 eradicating the HIV epidemic, more importantly in high-risk vulnerable population such as Black/ African heterosexual men and BMSM.
Utilization of Educational Module on The Benefits of Cerebral Oximetry to Reduce Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in PACU and ICU

4 INTRODUCTION. 5 Description of the Problem . 5 Background and Significance . 6 Systematic Review Rationale . 7 Objectives of the Systematic Review . 8 METHODOLOGY . 9 Search Strategy and Sources. 9 Study Selection and Screening of Evidence . 10 RESULTS . 13 Study Selection . 13 Study Characteristics . 13 Definitions and Outcomes . 14 DISCUSSION . 15 Summary of Evidence . 15 Limitations of the Systematic Review . 16 Recommendations for Future Research . 17 Conclusion of Literature Review . 17 METHODOLOGY OF QUALITY IMPROVEMENT . 18 Setting . 18 Recruitment and Participants . 18 Intervention and Procedures . 19 Protection of Human Subjects . 19 Data Collection . 20
Host Tumor-Specific CD8 T Cells Cross-Priming Rather than Cross-Tolerizing Cross-Presentation, Increases Tumor Antigen Induction of Tumor Cell Apoptosis In Vivo

Cross-presentation of cell-bound Ags from established, solid tumors to CD8 cells is efﬁcient and likely to have a role in determining host response to tumor. A number of investigators have predicted that when tumor Ags are derived from apoptotic cells either no response, due to Ag “sequestration,” or CD8 cross-tolerance would ensue. Because the crucial issue of whether this happens in vivo has never been addressed, we induced apoptosis of established hemagglutinin (HA)-transfected AB1 tumors in BALB/c mice using the apoptosis-inducing reagent gemcitabine. This shrank the tumor by (cid:1) 80%. This induction of apoptosis increased cross-presentation of HA to CD8 cells yet neither gross deletion nor functional tolerance of HA-speciﬁc CD8 cells were observed, based on tetramer analysis, proliferation of speciﬁc CD8 T cells, and in vivo CTL activity. Interestingly, apoptosis primed the host for a strong antitumor response to a second, virus-generated HA-speciﬁc signal in that administration of an HA-expressing virus after gemcitabine administration markedly decreased tumor growth compared with viral administration without gemcitabine. Thus tumor cell apoptosis in vivo neither sequesters tumor Ags nor cross-tolerizes tumor-speciﬁc CD8 cells. This observation has fundamental consequences for the development of tumor immunotherapy protocols and for understanding T cell reactivity to tumors and the in vivo immune responses to apoptotic cells. The Journal of Immunology, 2003, 170: 4905–4913.
Blood-based high sensitivity measurements of amyloid beta and phosphorylated tau as biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease: A focused review on recent advances

Discovery and development of clinically useful biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementias have been the focus of recent research efforts. While cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and positron emission tomography (PET)or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based neuroimaging markers have made the in vivo detection of AD pathology and its consequences possible, their high cost or their invasiveness have limited their widespread use in the clinical setting. On the other hand, advances in potentially more accessible blood-based biomarkers had been impeded by lack of sensitivity in detecting changes in markers of the hallmarks of AD, including amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides and phosphorylated tau (P-tau). More recently, however, emerging technologies with superior sensitivity and specificity for measuring Aβ and P-tau have reported high concordances with AD severity. In this focused review, we describe several emerging technologies, including immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry (IPMS), Single molecule array (Simoa) and Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) immunoassay platforms, and appraise the current literature arising from their use to identify plaques, tangles and AD. Whilst there is potential clinical utility in adopting these technologies, we also highlight that further studies are needed to establish Aβ and P-tau as bloodbased biomarkers for AD, including validation with existing large sample sets, new independent cohorts from diverse backgrounds as well as population-based longitudinal studies. In conclusion, the availability of sensitive and reliable measurements of Aβ peptides and P-tau species in blood holds promise for the diagnosis, prognosis, and outcome assessments in clinical trials for AD.