Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Body fat and facial shape are correlated in female adolescents

Relative body weight is not only an important indicator for health and reproductive condition, but also subject to stereotypes and stigmatization. It can be reliably assessed from adult faces alone, yet the facial correlates, especially in adolescents, remain largely unidentified. This study was designed to determine the facial features of adolescent girls that change with body fat proportion using a modern, comprehensive technique for shape analysis.
Theoretical analysis of limiting factors for distributed MIMO system

The multiple input multiple output (MIMO) technology increases the capacity of wireless communication system remarkably. However, it is unrealistic to deploy distributed antenna system (DAS) owing to several problems, including power imbalance, frequency difference and time delay difference between different data streams. In this paper, we analyze MIMO system capacity theoretically at first. Then we analyze effects of the problems above on MIMO system performance. At last, we conduct LTE link level simulation to verify our assumptions and draw our conclusions.
A Behavioural Approach to Information Retrieval System Design

A behavioural approach to information retrieval system design is outlined based on the derivation of a behavioural model of the information seeking patterns of academic social scientists. The information seeking patterns of a variety of academic social scientists were broken down into six characteristics: starting, chaining, browsing, differentiating, monitoring, and extracting. These characteristics constitute the principal generic features of the different individual patterns, and together provide a flexible behavioural model for information retrieval system design. The extent to which these characteristics are available on existing systems is considered, and the requirements for implementing the features on an experimental system are set out.
An Approach to Intelligent Information Handling in Web-based Learning Environments

This paper discusses an integrated approach to information handling and knowledge management in web-based open-ended learning environments. It supports both learners and instructors in information structuring and task- oriented processing and usage. AIMS, a web -based intelligent tool for task-based information and performance support is implemented to exemplify the theoretical assumptions of this approach. AIMS focuses on three important aspects of the information handling process - information structuring, information visualization, and user centered approach. We employ concept maps (CM) to build a subject domain ontology and use it as a basis for defining course structures. The domain CM is also used for attractive non-linear visualization and conceptual graphical navigation of the subject domain and the search results, thus allowing for more efficient information searches. In order to provide appropriate adaptation to the individual information needs and preferences of the learners AIMS models their behavior.
Nanotechnology in Agriculture: A Review

Nanotechnology has been extensively used in food production, plant protection, processing, packaging transportation of agricultural products and quality control and environmental management. It has great potential to make agriculture more efficient by using nanosensors and nanoagricultural chemicals. Nanopore filters, nanoceramic devices, nanofilteration, nanofeeds, nanolamination, nanodelivery systems, could precisely deliver drugs or micronutrients at the right time and to the right part of the material. Research in nanobiotechnology is advancing toward the ability to sequence DNA in nanofabricated gel free systems, which would allow for significantly more rapid DNA sequencing of crop germplasm can potentially provide highly useful information about molecular markers associated with agronomically and economically important traits. Thus, nanobiotechnology can enhance the pace of progress in molecular marker assisted breeding for crop improvement. Use of certain engineered nanoscale materials in agriculture, food and environment may have risks for human consumption and environment. The lack of sufficient scientific knowledge about key risk-assessment factors, such as nanoparticle toxicity, bioaccumulation, exposure information, or inges-tion risks, causes the most concern. With the current application and advancements soon to come, nanotechnology will have a great impact on the direction that agriculture will take.
Warning: statistical benchmarking is addictive. Kicking the habit in machine learning

Algorithm performance evaluation is so entrenched in the machine learning community that one could call it an addiction. Like most addictions, it is harmful and very difficult to give up. It is harmful because it has serious limitations. Yet, we have great faith in practicing it in a ritualistic manner: we follow a fixed set of rules telling us the measure, the data sets and the statistical test to use. When we read a paper, even as reviewers, we are not sufficiently critical of results that follow these rules. Here, we will debate what are the limitations and how to best address them. This article may not cure the addiction but hopefully it will be a good first step along that road.
Quantifying lateral adsorbate interactions by kinetic Monte-Carlo simulations and density-functional theory: NO dissociation on Rh(100)

The dissociation of NO on Rh(100) surfaces has been modelled by kinetic Monte-Carlo (MC) simulations including nearest neighbour (NN) and next-nearest neighbour (NNN) interactions, and zero-coverage kinetic parameters obtained from experiments. Two approaches were performed to derive the lateral interactions. First, the interactions were quantified by fitting the MC model to the experimental data. All interactions between NO, N and O were found to be repulsive. Nearest-neighbour interactions involving atoms are typically on the order of 20–30 kJ mol−1; between molecules they are below 10 kJ mol−1. All next-nearest neighbour interactions were smaller than 10 kJ mol−1. The simulations show that at higher initial NO coverage, the nitrogen and oxygen atoms were created by dissociation form c(2 × 2) islands, thereby compressing the NO areas and impeding their dissociation. Second, interactions estimated using DFT calculations were significantly higher than the ones estimated from fitting the experiments. Monte-Carlo simulations based on interactions obtained from DFT provide a description that is only qualitatively useful.
Movement Ecology of Black Bears in a Fragmented Bottomland Hardwood Habitat in Louisiana

Twelve Louisiana black bears (Ursus americanus luteolus) were captured 18 times on a 350-km study. area in the Tensas River Basin in northeastern Louisiana during 1992 and 1993. The study area, owned by Deltic Farm and Timber Co. , Inc. , consisted of 4 bottomland hard�ood habitat fragments, several smaller woodlots, and extensive agricultural fields. A total of 3,748 locations were collected on 10 radio-collared bears (4 male, 6 female) . Mean home ranges were 52. 33 km and 12. 61 km for males and females, respectively, and were largest during fall. Home range shape appeared to be influenced by available forest cover. Extensive home range overlap, particularly among females·, suggested high intraspecific tolerance. Bears generally were crepuscular, but shifted from more diurnal activity in summer to more no�turnal a�tivity in fall. Hourly movement rates were not different between sexes except during September (F = 374 m/hr, M = 589 m/hr) . Daily movement rates were greater for males than females (F = 1079 m/day, M = 1847 m/day). No differences were found between adult and subadults in terms of home range characteristics, movement rates or activity. Males were more likely than females to travel to other habitat fragments � = 0.025) . Black bear use of bottomland hardwood habitat fragments did not increase in proportion to the size of the fragment. Possible factors determining fragment use include human use of the habitat and differences in natural food sources. All bears
Simultaneous Acoustic, Prosodic, and Phrasing Model Training for TTs Conversion Systems

A new integrated model for simultaneous modeling of linguistic and acoustic models, and a training algorithm is proposed. Usually, text-to-speech (TTS) systems based on the hidden Markov model (HMM) consist of text analysis and speech synthesis modules. Linguistic and acoustic model training are performed independently using different training data sets. Integrated model parameters were simultaneously optimized by the proposed training algorithm. The derived algorithm optimizes two model parameter sets simultaneously. Therefore, the appropriate model is estimated because we can directly-formulate the TTS problem in which the speech waveform is generated from a word sequence. We conducted objective evaluation experiments using phrasing and prosodic models to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed technique.
Fear avoidance beliefs in back pain-free subjects are reflected by amygdala-cingulate responses

In most individuals suffering from chronic low back pain, psychosocial factors, specifically fear avoidance beliefs (FABs), play central roles in the absence of identifiable organic pathology. On a neurobiological level, encouraging research has shown brain system correlates of somatic and psychological factors during the transition from (sub) acute to chronic low back pain. The characterization of brain imaging signatures in pain-free individuals before any injury will be of high importance regarding the identification of relevant networks for low back pain (LBP) vulnerability. Fear-avoidance beliefs serve as strong predictors of disability and chronification in LBP and current research indicates that back pain related FABs already exist in the general and pain-free population. Therefore, we aimed at investigating possible differential neural functioning between high- and low fear-avoidant individuals in the general population using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Results revealed that pain-free individuals without a history of chronic pain episodes could be differentiated in amygdala activity and connectivity to the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex by their level of back pain related FABs. These results shed new light on brain networks underlying psychological factors that may become relevant for enhanced disability in a future LBP episode.
Path planning in dynamic environments with deforming obstacles using collision cones

In this paper, a path planning algorithm is presented in a dynamic environment with moving and deforming irregularly shaped obstacles using the concept of collision cones. A method to determine the collision cone of an irregularly shaped obstacle using radar signal return is introduced. No restrictions are placed either on the obstacle shape or on its velocity. Simulation results are given to validate the guidance law.
XRCC1 gene polymorphisms and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma risk in Chinese population: A meta‐analysis of case–control studies

Two non‐synonymous polymorphisms Arg194Trp and Arg399Gln in the DNA‐base excision repair gene X‐ray repair cross‐complementing group 1 (XRCC1) have been implicated in risk for esophageal cancer. However, the results from different studies remain controversial. The present meta‐analysis of literatures was performed to clarify these associations in Chinese population. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify all case–control studies of XRCC1 polymorphisms Arg194Trp and Arg399Gln and risk for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). A total of 9 eligible studies, including 1,538 ESCC cases and 2,472 controls, were identified to the meta‐analysis. The odds ratio (OR) for the variant homozygous genotype Trp/Trp of the Arg194Trp polymorphism, compared with the wild‐type homozygote Arg/Arg, was 1.59 (p = 0.0007), with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.22–2.09, for ESCC risk without between‐study heterogeneity. However, there was no statistically significant associations of ESCC risk in the dominant model Arg/Trp+Trp/Trp (OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.84–1.12; p = 0.69) and heterozygous genotype Arg/Trp (OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.77–1.04; p = 0.16) when comparing with wild‐type genotype Arg/Arg. For Arg399Gln, there was no effect in dominant modeling (Arg/Gln+Gln/Gln vs. Arg/Arg: OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.80–1.06; p = 0.25), and the variant Gln/Gln homozygote was not associated with ESCC risk (OR 1.29; 95% CI 0.79–2.10; p = 0.31), either. In conclusion, Arg194Trp genetic polymorphism may be associated with an increased risk for developing ESCC and a study with the larger sample size is needed to further evaluate gene–environment interaction on XRCC1 polymorphisms and ESCC risk. © 2009 UICC
Evaluation of a noise adaptive speech recognition system on the Aurora 3 database

In this paper, we present evaluation results of a noise adaptive speech recognition system with combination of several techniques for robust speech recognition. The evaluation was on AURORA 3 database which contains noisy digit utterances collected in real car environments through close-talking and hands-free microphones. Thetechniquesinthesystemincludesegmentation, maximumlike-lihood linear regression (MLLR) and non-stationary environment compensation by noise adaptive speech recognition. Through experiments, it is observed that the system has competitive performance improvement in all evaluations over the baseline results provided for the evaluation. As a whole, the system achieved 28% of relative performance improvement.
Short-Term Signatures of Evolutionary Change in the Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium 14028 Genome

ABSTRACT Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium is a Gram-negative pathogen that causes gastroenteritis in humans and a typhoid-like disease in mice and is often used as a model for the disease promoted by the human-adapted S. enterica serovar Typhi. Despite its health importance, the only S. Typhimurium strain for which the complete genomic sequence has been determined is the avirulent LT2 strain, which is extensively used in genetic and physiologic studies. Here, we report the complete genomic sequence of the S. Typhimurium strain 14028s, as well as those of its progenitor and two additional derivatives. Comparison of these S. Typhimurium genomes revealed differences in the patterns of sequence evolution and the complete inventory of genetic alterations incurred in virulent and avirulent strains, as well as the sequence changes accumulated during laboratory passage of pathogenic organisms.
Arrival and departure patterns of Eurasian Curlew Numenius a. arquata wintering on the River Severn estuary, Gloucestershire, southwest England

Regular spring and autumn observations of colour-ringed Eurasian Curlew Numenius a. arquata wintering on the River Severn estuary in Gloucestershire, UK, marked during 2010–2013 inclusive, were used to locate surviving ringed individuals (n = 147 birds resighted) and describe the timing of their annual arrivals and departures. Breeding locations reported for 18 birds were from Fennoscandia (5), the Netherlands or Germany (6) and Britain (7). Fennoscandian birds remained significantly later on the estuary each year than the 13 individuals known to breed in Britain, the Netherlands or Germany. Departure dates recorded for 109 Curlew during a more intensive survey in 2016 similarly found that onset of spring migration was significantly later for birds known (or thought because they remained on the estuary until April) to be of Fennoscandian origin. Curlew returned from breeding grounds to the Severn estuary from the first week of June onwards, sooner than reported in previous studies, but with limited evidence for differences in return dates for Curlew breeding in different parts of Europe. Whether early arrival is associated with a failed breeding attempt could not be determined.
The Dynamics of the Relay Loop Tryptophan Residue in theDictyostelium Myosin Motor Domain and the Origin of Spectroscopic Signals*

Steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence measurements were performed on a Dictyostelium discoideum myosin II motor domain construct retaining a single tryptophan residue at position 501, located on the relay loop. Other tryptophan residues were mutated to phenylalanine. The Trp-501 residue showed a large enhancement in fluorescence in the presence of ATP and a small quench in the presence of ADP as a result of perturbing both the ground and excited state processes. Fluorescence lifetime and quantum yield measurements indicated that at least three microstates of Trp-501 were present in all nucleotide states examined, and these could not be assigned to a particular gross conformation of the motor domain. Enhancement in emission intensity was associated with a reduction of the contribution from a statically quenched component and an increase in a component with a 5-ns lifetime, with little change in the contribution from a 1-ns lifetime component. Anisotropy measurements indicated that the Trp-501 side chain was relatively immobile in all nucleotide states, and the fluorescence was effectively depolarized by rotation of the whole motor domain with a correlation time on 50–70 ns. Overall these data suggest that the backbone of the relay loop remains structured throughout the myosin ATPase cycle but that the Trp-501 side chain experiences a different weighting in local environments provided by surrounding residues as the adjacent converter domain rolls around the relay loop.
Establishing Software Measurement Programs

In seeking to improve software, companies are finding out how much is involved in measuring it. They are also learning that the more integral software measurement is to the company's underlying business strategy, the more likely it is to succeed. We propose a framework or metamodel called the Model, Measure, Manage Paradigm (M/sup 3/P), which is our extension of the well known Quality Improvement Paradigm/Goal-Question-Metric paradigm (R.B. Grady, 1992; V.R. Basili and H.D. Rombach, 1988). M/sup 3/P helps counter a contributing factor commonly seen in failed measurement programs, namely the lack of well defined links between the numerical data and the surrounding development and business contexts, by coupling technical, business, and organizational issues into a given measurement program context. An example where links are important is in highly technical measurement and analysis reports which do not generally answer the concerns of senior executives. We present some early experience with our framework gathered from several case studies, discuss the 8 stages of M/sup 3/P implementation and describe a tool set we developed for use with M/sup 3/P.
Double Axis Cephalocondylic Fixation of Stable and Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractures: Early Results in 60 Cases with the Veronail System

Introduction: This prospective case-series, without control group, study presents our early experience in the treatment of both stable and unstable peri-trochanteric fractures with a new cephalocondylic implant; the Veronail system. Materials & Methods: Enrolment in our study was from January 2008 through September 2009, with follow-up until October 2011 (at least 1 year). During this period 65 consecutively patients with a fracture in the trochanteric region of the femur (31.A1, A2 and A3 according to AO classification) were surgically managed and prospectively followed up for at least one year. Average age was 78 years old (range 42 to 93) with 40 female and 25 male patients. All patients were surgically treated using the Veronail system. Demographic and nursery data such as pre-existing illness, previous ambulatory status, type of anaesthesia, duration of surgery, volume of blood loss, transfusions, length of hospital stay, time to union and overall complications were systematically recorded and analysed. Results: Mean follow up was 17 months (range, 12 to 23 months). Radiological evaluation was performed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, as well as at the last follow up visit. Clinical outcome was assessed using the parameters of Harris Hip score. Solid union was achieved in 57/60 patients (95%) at a mean time of 12.5 weeks. Two fractures did not progress to union. There were 3 superficial infections and 1 deep infection; all were successfully managed with appropriate antibiotic treatment. The Harris hip score at the last follow up visit was excellent or good in 46 (77%) of the patients. Conclusions: In the face of the good clinical and radiological results we consider the Veronail system to be of particular interest and perfectly adapted in primary surgery for both elderly and young patients.
The genesis of the alkaline rock series of the benom complex, central belt of the peninsular Malaysia

The Genesis of the Benom Complex is important to reveal because of their history will give the whole view about the evolution of the Central Belt of the Peninsular Malaysia. In our study, we focused on the alkaline rock series of the Benom Complex. It is allocate as elongated body by the trend north-south at the western hill of Mount Benom. This series consists of gabbro, pyroxenite, diorite, syenite, and monzonite with the lesser amount of dolerite dykes and mafic microgranular enclaves. It was predominantly high-K, shoshonitic series with I-type characteristics. It was metaluminous and classified as the magnesium pluton. They have very high total alkaline and LIL elements, i.e. Ba and Sr. Based on geochemical studied, we postulated that the genesis of the alkaline rock series in the Benom Complex can be explained by the model of the slab breakoff.
Cubesat Lidar Concepts for Ranging, Topology, Sample Capture, Surface, and Atmospheric Science

This paper discusses progress Fibertek is making toward development of next-generation remote sensing lidar technology for cube, micro, and small satellite (smallsat) platforms. Our general finding is that small, relatively inexpensive cube/micro/small satellite lidars are feasible and that numerous applications are possible. Lidar is not traditionally thought of as being suitable for cube and smallsat applications because of the cost, complexity, mass, and power typically associated with groundand space-based earth and planetary lidars. This paper describes our performance modeling and concept lidar designs that are 2-4U in size, 2-3 kg, draw 10-25 W, and are capable of science and satellite proximity operations. This paper will discuss lidar concepts for multiple applications. Short-range proximity lidars are capable of 50degree field of view (FOV), scanning angle up to 500 m and can support three-dimensional (3D) imaging for satellite rendezvous operations and comet/asteroid sample capture missions. Long-range cubesat lidar configurations can support up to 1,000 km range and can be used for planetary body topology mapping and altimetry. Lidars with multi-wavelength capability can measure surface properties of solid ices found in outer planets and moons and can tell the difference between liquid and solid phase. Cubesat atmospheric lidars can measure aerosol backscatter intensities and characterize cloud layer structures, for example, as seen around Pluto, Charon, and Enceladus. Lidar measurements of atmospheric gas including water, carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane are also possible in small form factors.
Accessing Tacit Knowledge in the Pediatric Pain E-Mail Archives

The Pediatric Pain Mailing List (PPML) is an international Internet-based forum for informal discussion of any topic related to pain in children. There are now over seven hundred members, including clinicians, researchers and patients from at least forty countries on six continents. Currently, the archive contains more than ten thousand messages. The goal of this research is to provide a means by which the tacit knowledge captured in the archive can be organized and accessed in a fruitful manner. This involves the threading together of e-mails such that the threads represent asynchronous discussions and question-answer sessions and then clustering these threads hierarchically such that the PPML archives can be browsed easily.