Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LivDet-Iris 2015 - Iris Liveness Detection Competition 2015

Presentation attacks such as printed iris images or patterned contact lenses can be used to circumvent an iris recognition system. Different solutions have been proposed to counteract this vulnerability with Presentation Attack Detection (commonly called liveness detection) being used to detect the presence of an attack, yet independent evaluations and comparisons are rare. To fill this gap we have launched the first international iris liveness competition in 2013. This paper presents detailed results of its second edition, organized in 2015 (LivDet-Iris 2015). Four software-based approaches to Presentation Attack Detection were submitted. Results were tallied across three different iris datasets using a standardized testing protocol and large quantities of live and spoof iris images. The Federico Algorithm received the best results with a rate of rejected live samples of 1.68% and rate of accepted spoof samples of 5.48%. This shows that simple static attacks based on paper printouts and printed contact lenses are still challenging to be recognized purely by software-based approaches. Similar to the 2013 edition, printed iris images were easier to be differentiated from live images in comparison to patterned contact lenses.
SELECTIVE DORSAL RHIZOTOMY IN CEREBRAL PALSY: SELECTION CRITERIA AND POSTOPERATIVE PHYSICAL THERAPY PROTOCOLS

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify selection criteria for selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) in cerebral palsy, to analyze the instruments used for evaluation, and to describe the characteristics of physical therapy in postoperative protocols. Data sources: Integrative review performed in the following databases: SciELO, PEDro, Cochrane Library, and PubMed. The terms in both Portuguese and English for “cerebral palsy”, “selective dorsal rhizotomy”, and “physical therapy” were used in the search. Studies whose samples enrolled individuals with cerebral palsy who had attended physical therapy sessions for selective dorsal rhizotomy according to protocols and describing such protocols’ characteristics were included. Literature reviews were excluded and there was no restriction as to period of publication. Data synthesis: Eighteen papers were selected, most of them being prospective cohort studies with eight-month to ten-year follow-ups. In most studies, the instruments of assessment encompassed the domains of functions, body structure, and activity. The percentage of posterior root sections was close to 50%. Primary indications for SDR included ambulatory spastic diplegia, presence of spasticity that interfered with mobility, good strength of lower limbs and trunk muscles, no musculoskeletal deformities, dystonia, ataxia or athetosis, and good cognitive function. Postoperative physical therapy is part of SDR treatment protocols and should be intensive and specific, being given special emphasis in the first year. Conclusions: The studies underline the importance of appropriate patient selection to obatin success in the SDR. Postoperative physical therapy should be intensive and long-term, and must necessarily include strategies to modify the patient’s former motor pattern.
Conducting Privacy-Preserving Multivariable Propensity Score Analysis When Patient Covariate Information Is Stored in Separate Locations

Distributed networks of health-care data sources are increasingly being utilized to conduct pharmacoepidemiologic database studies. Such networks may contain data that are not physically pooled but instead are distributed horizontally (separate patients within each data source) or vertically (separate measures within each data source) in order to preserve patient privacy. While multivariable methods for the analysis of horizontally distributed data are frequently employed, few practical approaches have been put forth to deal with vertically distributed health-care databases. In this paper, we propose 2 propensity score-based approaches to vertically distributed data analysis and test their performance using 5 example studies. We found that these approaches produced point estimates close to what could be achieved without partitioning. We further found a performance benefit (i.e., lower mean squared error) for sequentially passing a propensity score through each data domain (called the "sequential approach") as compared with fitting separate domain-specific propensity scores (called the "parallel approach"). These results were validated in a small simulation study. This proof-of-concept study suggests a new multivariable analysis approach to vertically distributed health-care databases that is practical, preserves patient privacy, and warrants further investigation for use in clinical research applications that rely on health-care databases.
The interaction of strigolactones with abscisic acid during the drought response in rice

Both strigolactones (SLs) and abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthetically originate from carotenoids. Considering their common origin, the interaction of these two hormones at the biosynthetic and/or regulatory level may be anticipated. Here we show that, in rice, drought simultaneously induces SL production in the root, and ABA production and the expression of SL biosynthetic genes in the shoot. Under control conditions, the ABA concentration was higher in shoots of the SL biosynthetic rice mutants dwarf10 (d10) and d17 than in wild-type plants, while a similar trend was observed for the SL perception mutant d3. These differences were enhanced under drought. However, drought did not result in an increase in leaf ABA content in the rice mutant line d27, carrying a mutation in the gene encoding the first committed enzyme in SL biosynthesis, to the same extent as in the other SL mutants and the wild type. Accordingly, d10, d17, and d3 lines were more drought tolerant than wild-type plants, whereas d27 displayed decreased tolerance. Finally, overexpression of OsD27 in rice resulted in increased levels of ABA when compared with wild-type plants. We conclude that the SL and ABA pathways are connected with each other through D27, which plays a crucial role in determining ABA and SL content in rice.
A Program Logic for Union Bounds

We propose a probabilistic Hoare logic aHL based on the union bound, a tool from basic probability theory. While the union bound is simple, it is an extremely common tool for analyzing randomized algorithms. In formal verification terms, the union bound allows flexible and compositional reasoning over possible ways an algorithm may go wrong. It also enables a clean separation between reasoning about probabilities and reasoning about events, which are expressed as standard first-order formulas in our logic. Notably, assertions in our logic are non-probabilistic, even though we can conclude probabilistic facts from the judgments. Our logic can also prove accuracy properties for interactive programs, where the program must produce intermediate outputs as soon as pieces of the input arrive, rather than accessing the entire input at once. This setting also enables adaptivity, where later inputs may depend on earlier intermediate outputs. We show how to prove accuracy for several examples from the differential privacy literature, both interactive and non-interactive.
Solving the stereo matching problem using an embedded GPU for a real-time application

General-purpose computing on graphics processing units (GPGPU) is used not only to offload the CPU from heavy computations but also to perform them faster than it is possible on CPUs. This is commonly referred as GPU acceleration and is an exercised area of study in the PC platform that has received very little attention on commodity embedded devices. Just as the PC GPU is being used to perform computations that would be impossible in terms of execution time for its accompanying CPU, the embedded GPU can accelerate computations normally done by the embedded CPU. This work presents an implementation of a factible, real-time, GPU accelerated stereo matching solution using a Broadcom's VideoCore IV GPU (BCM2835 System on a Chip). Details include the delimitation process, design considerations and optimization techniques.
Providing secure coordinated access to grid services

Coordinating the cumulative use of distributed resources in a grid environment so that users do not consume too much is a difficult task. This paper presents one approach that we have implemented in Globus Toolkit version 4 (GT4), that uses an SQL database to hold "coordination" data, and policy decision points (PDPs) to make access control decisions about whether the user's request for more resources can be granted or denied. When access is granted, obligations in the policy ensure that the coordination database is appropriately updated. In our initial implementation, the coordination service is imbedded into the GT4 authorization chain as a custom PDP so that any web service can be provided with a security policy that provides a coordination capability. In the final section we describe how coordinated decision making could be more tightly integrated into a future version of GT.
Detecting emotion from short messages on Nepal earthquake

Being a trending topic on natural language processing, emotion recognition still demands research to meet the end user satisfaction. This paper presents a foundation work to detect emotions at word-level. The texts used are all related to recent Nepal catastrophe. In this partial work, we reported the collection process for the event related corpus of short-messages produced during Nepal catastrophe and the building of lists of words related to emotions. We also determine the statistics for the emotional words in Assamese, Bengali and English messages.
A hybrid model of the 3D-objects recognition system

The paper the problems of recognition of 3D-objects by their geometric features are studied. Features of recognition of 3D-objects in conditions of incompleteness of information are considered. Shown the advantages of joint use of technologies fuzzy logic and artificial neural networks. A block diagram of a hybrid neural-fuzzy model is proposed. Presented the results of a computer experiment and suggestions for improving the hybrid recognition system.
Comprehensive genome and epigenome characterization of CHO cells in response to evolutionary pressures and over time

The most striking characteristic of CHO cells is their adaptability, which enables efficient production of proteins as well as growth under a variety of culture conditions, but also results in genomic and phenotypic instability. To investigate the relative contribution of genomic and epigenetic modifications towards phenotype evolution, comprehensive genome and epigenome data are presented for six related CHO cell lines, both in response to perturbations (different culture conditions and media as well as selection of a specific phenotype with increased transient productivity) and in steady state (prolonged time in culture under constant conditions). Clear transitions were observed in DNA‐methylation patterns upon each perturbation, while few changes occurred over time under constant conditions. Only minor DNA‐methylation changes were observed between exponential and stationary growth phase; however, throughout a batch culture the histone modification pattern underwent continuous adaptation. Variation in genome sequence between the six cell lines on the level of SNPs, InDels, and structural variants is high, both upon perturbation and under constant conditions over time. The here presented comprehensive resource may open the door to improved control and manipulation of gene expression during industrial bioprocesses based on epigenetic mechanisms. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 2241–2253. © 2016 The Authors. Biotechnology and Bioengineering Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Performance assessment of shell oil fractionator

In this paper, performance assessment technique is proposed for ‘Shell’ heavy oil fractionator, in which an algorithm for calculation of minimum-variance benchmark is developed without the knowledge of transfer function. Note that the existing techniques can't handle such case because of gain uncertainties in the process. Instead of the knowledge of interact matrix or Markov parameter matrices required in the existing performance assessment techniques, only time delay matrix is demanded in the proposed algorithm for performance assessment of ‘Shell’ heavy oil fractionator.
Evidence-Based practice knowledge, attitudes, practice and perceived barriers among nurses in Oman

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe nurses’ practices, attitudes, knowledge/skills and perceived barriers in relation to evidence-based practice (EBP) in Oman. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between February and November 2012. A self-reported 24-item questionnaire was used to measure EBP practices, attitudes and knowledge/skills among a convenience sample of 600 nurses working in four governmental hospitals in Muscat, Oman. Responses were scored on a one to seven rating scale. Barriers to EBP were measured on a five-point Likert scale using two subscales. Descriptive statistics and general linear regression were used to analyse the data. Results: A total of 414 nurses were included in the study. The greatest barriers to developing EBP among nurses were insufficient time for research (3.51 ± 0.97) and insufficient resources to change practices (3.64 ± 0.99). Nurses with more years of experience reported increased use of EBP ( P <0.01), more positive attitudes towards EBP ( P <0.001) and fewer barriers to research ( P <0.01). Significant positive correlations were found between years of experience and practice (r = 0.16) and attitudes (r = 0.20). Nurses with a baccalaureate degree reported fewer barriers to research than those qualified at a diploma level ( P <0.001). Nurses who perceived more barriers to research reported less use of EBP ( P <0.001), less positive attitudes towards EBP ( P <0.001) and limited EBP knowledge/skills ( P <0.001). Conclusion: These findings provide a basis for enhancing nursing practices, knowledge and skills. Continuing education for nurses and minimising barriers is crucial to increasing the use of EBP in Oman.
Impact of Device Parameters on Thermal Performance of High-Speed Oxide-Confined 850-nm VCSELs

We study the impact of device parameters, such as inner-aperture diameter and cavity photon lifetime, on thermal rollover mechanisms in 850-nm, oxide-confined, vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) designed for high-speed operation. We perform measurements on four different VCSELs of different designs and use our empirical thermal model for calculating the power dissipated with increasing bias currents through various physical processes such as absorption within the cavity, carrier thermalization, carrier leakage, spontaneous carrier recombination, and Joule heating. When reducing the top mirror reflectivity to reduce internal optical absorption loss we find an increase of power dissipation due to carrier leakage. There is therefore a trade-off between the powers dissipated owing to optical absorption and carrier leakage in the sense that overcompensating for optical absorption enhances carrier leakage (and vice versa). We further find that carrier leakage places the ultimate limit on the thermal performance for this entire class of devices. Our analysis yields useful design optimization strategies for mitigating the impact of carrier leakage and should thereby prove useful for the performance enhancement of 850-nm, high-speed, oxide-confined VCSELs.
Gray Matter Network Disruptions and Regional Amyloid Beta in Cognitively Normal Adults

The accumulation of amyloid plaques is one of the earliest pathological changes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and may occur 20 years before the onset of symptoms. Examining associations between amyloid pathology and other early brain changes is critical for understanding the pathophysiological underpinnings of AD. Alterations in gray matter networks might already start at early preclinical stages of AD. In this study, we examined the regional relationship between amyloid aggregation measured with positron emission tomography (PET) and gray matter network measures in elderly subjects with subjective memory complaints. Single-subject gray matter networks were extracted from T1-weigthed structural MRI in cognitively normal subjects (n = 318, mean age 76.1 ± 3.5, 64% female, 28% amyloid positive). Degree, clustering, path length and small world properties were computed. Global and regional amyloid load was determined using [18F]-Florbetapir PET. Associations between standardized uptake value ratio (SUVr) values and network measures were examined using linear regression models. We found that higher global SUVr was associated with lower clustering (β = −0.12, p < 0.05), and small world values (β = −0.16, p < 0.01). Associations were most prominent in orbito- and dorsolateral frontal and parieto-occipital regions. Local SUVr values showed less anatomical variability and did not convey additional information beyond global amyloid burden. In conclusion, we found that in cognitively normal elderly subjects, increased global amyloid pathology is associated with alterations in gray matter networks that are indicative of incipient network breakdown towards AD dementia.
Top soil salinity prediction in South-Western part of Urmia Lake with ground water data

Drying of Urmia Lake in the north-west of Iran threatens all the agricultural lands around the Lake. Therefore, soil salinity appears to be the major threat to the agricultural lands in the area. The aim of the present study was to investigate the spatial variation of top soil salinity by taking into account of underground water quality data as secondary information. The research was performed on a grid of 500 m in an area of 5000 ha. Soil samples were gathered during the autumn of 2009 and were repeated in the spring of 2010. Electrical conductivity of soil samples was measured in a 1:2.5 soil to water suspension. Then covariance functions were build for each data set and soil salinity prediction were done on a grid of 100 m using kriging estimator with taking into account the mean variation. Afterwards sodium activity ratio derived from underground water quality database was used as covariate to develop cross-semivarograms in prediction of top soil salinity using cokriging method. Results demonstrated that soil salinity varied from values lower than 0.5 to more than 35 dSm-1 as a function of distance to the Lake. Cross-validating the results from salinity predictions using only kriging estimator to that of cokriging with sodium activity ratio data revealed that kriging offered better estimations with ME of 0.04 for autumn 2009 and -0.12 for spring 2010. Cokriging estimator had more smoother and diffused boundaries than that of kriging and resulted in more bias estimations (ME= -0.11 and -0.21 for first and second data sets). Although kriging method had better performance in top soil salinity prediction, but cokring method resulted in smoother boundaries and reduced the negative effects of mean variation in the area. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3329/ijarit.v4i1. 21093 Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 4 (1): 57-63, June, 2014
Throughput and Delay Analysis of Wireless Caching Helper Systems With Random Availability

In this paper, we investigate the effect of bursty traffic and random availability of caching helpers in a wireless caching system. More explicitly, we consider a general system consisting of a caching helper with its dedicated user in proximity and another non-dedicated user requesting for content. Both the non-dedicated user and the helper have limited storage capabilities. When the user is not able to locate the requested content in its own cache, then its request shall be served either by the caching helper or by a large data center. Assuming bursty request arrivals at the caching helper from its dedicated destination, its availability to serve other users is affected by the request rate, which will further affect the system throughput and the delay experienced by the non-dedicated user. We characterize the maximum weighted throughput and the average delay per packet of the considered system, taking into account the request arrival rate of the caching helper, the request probability of the user, and the availability of the data center. Our results provide fundamental insights in the throughput and delay behavior of such systems, which are essential for further investigation in larger topologies.
Cardiac function in 5-year survivors of childhood cancer: a long-term follow-up study.

BACKGROUND Childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the prevalence and determinants of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in a large cohort of long-term CCSs treated with different potentially cardiotoxic therapies. METHODS The study cohort consisted of all adult 5-year CCSs who were treated with potentially cardiotoxic therapies and who visited our late effects outpatient clinic. Echocardiography was performed in patients who had received anthracyclines, cardiac irradiation, high-dose cyclophosphamide, or high-dose ifosfamide. Detailed treatment data were registered. Both multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS Of 601 eligible CCSs, 525 (87%) had an echocardiogram performed, of which 514 were evaluable for assessment of the LV shortening fraction (LVSF). The median overall LVSF in the whole group of CCSs was 33.1% (range, 13.0%-56.0%). Subclinical cardiac dysfunction (LVSF <30%) was identified in 139 patients (27%). In a multivariate linear regression model, LVSF was reduced with younger age at diagnosis, higher cumulative anthracycline dose, and radiation to the thorax. High-dose cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide were not associated with a reduction of LVSF. Vincristine sulfate was associated with a nonsignificant decrease of cardiac function (P = .07). Epirubicin hydrochloride was as cardiotoxic as doxorubicin when corrected for tumor efficacy, and daunorubicin hydrochloride seemed less cardiotoxic. CONCLUSIONS A high percentage (27%) of young adult CCSs have an abnormal cardiac function. The strongest predictors of subclinical cardiac dysfunction are anthracycline dose, cardiac irradiation, and younger age at diagnosis. There is a suggestion that daunorubicin is less cardiotoxic than other anthracyclines.