Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Automated Diabetic Retinopathy Detection Using Bag of Words Approach

Imaging and computer vision systems offer the ability to study quantitatively on human physiology. On contrary, manual interpretation requires tremendous amount of work, expertise and excessive processing time. This work presents an algorithm that integrates image processing and machine learning to diagnose diabetic retinopathy from retinal fundus images. This automated method classifies diabetic retinopathy (or absence thereof) based on a dataset collected from some publicly available database such as DRIDB0, DRIDB1, MESSIDOR, STARE and HRF. Our approach utilizes bag of words model with Speeded Up Robust Features and demonstrate classification over 180 fundus images containing lesions (hard exudates, soft exudates, microaneurysms, and haemorrhages) and non-lesions with an accuracy of 94.4%, precision of 94%, recall and f1-score of 94% and AUC of 95%. Thus, the proposed approach presents a path toward precise and automated diabetic retinopathy diagnosis on a massive scale.
Binary vectors which allow the exchange of plant selectable markers and reporter genes

With the binary vectors pBIG and pBIB it is possible to: i) exchange the plant selectable marker/promoter fusion and the reporter gene, ii) use one vector and Agrobacterium strain system, thus reducing variables associated with using different vectors and strains, iii) allow for divergent transcription of the selectable marker gene and of promoter/reporter gene fusions. The two plasmids are derivatives of the binary vectors pBI 101 and pBIN 19 (1, 2). DNA fragments can be inserted into the T-DNA by the unique restriction sites of a pUC 19 polylinker. The RK2 functions of the plasmids allow the stable maintenance both in E. coli and A. tumefaciens. The two plasmids were constructed by removing the Bam HI site in pBI 101 (1) by filling in with Klenow-polymerase. The resulting plasmid was partially digested with Sst II, blunt ended and subsequently digested with Hind III and isolated on a low melting agarose gel. An Eco RI blunt ended/Bam HI fragment containing the polyadenylation site of gene 7 (3) and a Hind IWBam HI fragment which contains a Nos-promoter/kanamycin and a Nos-promoter/hygromycin gene fusion, respectively, were inserted into the vector, thus producing the vectors pBIG-KAN and pBIG-HYG. The Nos-promoter was taken from pPCV5013 Hyg (4), the neomycin-phosphotransferase (NPT II) gene from pBI 101 (1), and a modified hygromycin B phosphotransferase (HPT) gene was taken from pGDW 11 (5). Subsequently, the GUS-gene was exchanged by the pUC 19 polylinker {Hind WSst I) without a Bam HI site to create pBEB-KAN and pBIB-HYG, respectively. The vectors have been tested by leaf disk transformation of Nicotiana tabacum cv. Petit Havana SRI and were effective in producing resistant plants which produce shoots and roots on MSmedium containing the appropriate antibiotics (kanamycin sulfate 200 /tg/ml; hygromycin B 45 /ig/ml).
XBRL implementation methods in COREP reporting

Objectives of the Study The main objective of this study is to find out the XBRL adoption methods for European banks to submit COREP reports to local FSAs and to explore transitions in these methods. Thus, the goal is to find patterns from the transitions in XBRL implementation methods. The study is exploratory, as there is no earlier literature about XBRL implementation methods in COREP reporting or from XBRL implementation method transitions in any field. Additionally, this thesis has developed a useful framework for examination of technology adaption methods, transitions in technology adaption methods and patterns in technology adaption methods’ transitions. Academic background and methodology Academic background includes general earlier XBRL related literature, explaining the major benefits and attributes for companies using XBRL, XBRL usage around the world and discussing the implementation strategies that companies may use to adopt XBRL into their organizational processes. It also presents the basic elements of COREP reporting. Additionally, the incremental vs radical change in technology adoption is adopted to this research as it brings valuable addition to the framework. The theoretical framework is built on the XBRL implementation strategies, on pieces from XBRL related literature and on the model of technology adoption. The methodology consists of multiple case study with qualitative data collected through questions distributed via online tool and internet telephone interview with voluntary bank representatives around Europe. This data is analyzed with comparative case analysis/cross-case analysis. Findings and conclusions Findings confirm only one of the four propositions thoroughly. Propositions are presented in the theoretical part of the thesis. Results support the proposed theoretical framework, although XBRL have not yet matured deeply into banking industry’s legacy systems in Europe. Respondents had clear opinions on methods they are using and the XBRL attributes. Four of the seven attributes arise as more valuable to respondents than other three attributes, meaning that respondents’ opinion differed from earlier literature.
Microbiome of Fungus-Growing Termites: a New Reservoir for Lignocellulase Genes

ABSTRACT Fungus-growing termites play an important role in lignocellulose degradation and carbon mineralization in tropical and subtropical regions, but the degradation potentiality of their gut microbiota has long been neglected. The high quality and quantity of intestinal microbial DNA are indispensable for exploring new cellulose genes from termites by function-based screening. Here, using a refined intestinal microbial DNA extraction method followed by multiple-displacement amplification (MDA), a fosmid library was constructed from the total microbial DNA isolated from the gut of a termite growing in fungi. Functional screening for endoglucanase, cellobiohydrolase, β-glucosidase, and xylanase resulted in 12 β-glucosidase-positive clones and one xylanase-positive clone. The sequencing result of the xylanase-positive clone revealed an 1,818-bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a 64.5-kDa multidomain endo-1,4-β-xylanase, designated Xyl6E7, which consisted of an N-terminal GH11 family catalytic domain, a CBM_4_9 domain, and a Listeria-Bacteroides repeat domain. Xyl6E7 was a highly active, substrate-specific, and endo-acting alkaline xylanase with considerably wide pH tolerance and stability but extremely low thermostability.
Resonantly Enhanced Faraday Rotation in an Microcoil Current Sensor

A proof-of-principle experimental demonstration with theoretical modeling is presented for resonantly enhanced Faraday rotation in a microcoil current sensor. The recirculation of resonant light within the coil gives rise to an accumulated polarization rotation and thus improved responsivity. According to simulations, microcoil resonators with sharper resonances could offer significantly larger enhancements. This new type of current sensor has the potential to be ultrafast, compact, and low-cost.
TDMA digital cellular systems in the second stage based on PDC standard in Japan

We have described the developmental situation at the second stage of digital cellular systems in Japan. Especially, the configurations and features of the first 1.5 GHz PDC digital cellular network built up by NTT Mobile Communications Network Inc. (NTT DoCoMo) are precisely clarified as a transplanted system from 800 MHz band to 1.5 GHz band successfully. <<ETX>>
Design and characterization of cefuroxime axetil biphasic floating minitablets

Abstract Biphasic floating minitablets of cefuroxime axetil were prepared by melt granulation technique using two different grades of gelucire namely 50/13 and 43/01 to maintain constant plasma drug concentration. Loading dose of cefuroxime axetil was formulated as immediate release (IR) minitablets by using hydrophilic grade of gelucire 50/13. Maintenance dose was formulated as floating sustained release (SR) minitablets by using hydrophobic grade of gelucire 43/01. The prepared IR and SR granules were subjected to micromeritic studies and scanning electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) study revealed that drug and selected carriers were compatible. In vitro dissolution study of optimized IR minitablets showed more than 85% of loading dose dissolved within 30 min. Optimized SR minitablets showed zero lag time with floating duration more than 12 h. The drug release from SR minitablets was linear with square root of time with non-Fickian diffusion-controlled release. The optimized batch of minitablets was filled into 0 size hard gelatin capsule. In vitro dissolution study for capsule showed an immediate burst release followed by SR up to 12 h. There is no significant change in dissolution data after storage at 40 °C and 75% RH for three months. Microbiological assay of dissolution samples of optimized minitablets filled in capsules showed proportionate increase in inhibition of growth against Escherichia coli up to 12 h samples. In vivo bioavailability study in albino rabbits showed three times improvement in oral bioavailability.
Eosinophils secrete IL-4 to facilitate liver regeneration

The liver is a central organ for the synthesis and storage of nutrients, production of serum proteins and hormones, and breakdown of toxins and metabolites. Because the liver is susceptible to toxin- or pathogen-mediated injury, it maintains a remarkable capacity to regenerate by compensatory growth. Specifically, in response to injury, quiescent hepatocytes enter the cell cycle and undergo DNA replication to promote liver regrowth. Despite the elucidation of a number of regenerative factors, the mechanisms by which liver injury triggers hepatocyte proliferation are incompletely understood. We demonstrate here that eosinophils stimulate liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy and toxin-mediated injury. Liver injury results in rapid recruitment of eosinophils, which secrete IL-4 to promote the proliferation of quiescent hepatocytes. Surprisingly, signaling via the IL-4Rα in macrophages, which have been implicated in tissue repair, is dispensable for hepatocyte proliferation and liver regrowth after injury. Instead, IL-4 exerts its proliferative actions via IL-4Rα in hepatocytes. Our findings thus provide a unique mechanism by which eosinophil-derived IL-4 stimulates hepatocyte proliferation in regenerating liver.
Characterization of a Temperature-sensitive Yeast Vacuolar ATPase Mutant with Defects in Actin Distribution and Bud Morphology*

The 27-kDa E subunit, encoded by theVMA4 gene, is a peripheral membrane subunit of the yeast vacuolar H+-ATPase. We have randomly mutagenized theVMA4 gene in order to examine the structure and function of the 27-kDa subunit. Cells lacking a functional VMA4 gene are unable to grow at pH > 7 or in elevated concentrations of CaCl2. Plasmid-borne, mutagenized vma4 genes were screened for failure to complement these phenotypes. Mutants producing Vma4 proteins detectable by immunoblot were selected; one (vma4–1 ts ) is temperature conditional, exhibiting the Vma− phenotype only at elevated temperature (37 °C). Sequencing revealed that a single point mutation, D145G, was responsible for the phenotypes of thevma4-1 ts allele. The unassembled 27-kDa subunit made in the vma4-1 ts cells is rapidly degraded, particularly at 37 °C, but can be protected from degradation by prior assembly into the V-ATPase complex. In purified vacuolar vesicles from the mutant cells, the peripheral subunits are localized to the vacuolar membrane at decreased levels and a comparably decreased level of ATPase activity (14% of the activity in wild-type vesicles) is observed. When vma4-1 ts mutant cells are shifted to pH 7.5 medium at 37 °C, the cells become enlarged and exhibit multiple large buds, elongated buds, and other abnormal morphologies, together with delocalization of actin and chitin, within 4 h. These phenotypes suggest connections between the vacuolar ATPase, bud morphology, and cytokinesis that had not been recognized previously.
Antibiotic resistance among different species of fecal coliforms isolated from water samples

The distribution of resistance to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, sulfonamides, tetracycline, and streptomycin among fecal coliforms in sewage, surface waters, and sea water was investigated. The incidence of resistant strains among isolates varied significantly among the water samples, without obvious connection with the water source or the level of pollution. The average frequency of multiple resistance was not always high in the same samples in which the overall resistance was high. The species composition varied considerably in different water samples. A significant correlation was observed between the relative frequency of Klebsiella species and the incidence of ampicillin resistance in water samples. The importance of species composition of fecal coliforms, affected by their source and by the aquatic environment, on the resistance pattern is noted.
Wound Healing in Tenascin-X Deficient Mice Suggests that Tenascin-X is Involved in Matrix Maturation Rather than Matrix Deposition

Tenascin-X (TNX) is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein whose absence in humans leads to a recessive form of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). TNX deficient patients have hypermobile joints and fragile skin, but unlike the classical type of EDS, no atrophic scars were observed. Anecdotal evidence suggested that wound healing in TNX deficient patients is abnormal, but no detailed study has been performed so far. To address the role of TNX in wound healing, we analyzed skin wound morphology and mechanical properties of scars in TNX knockout (KO) mice. Breaking strength of unwounded skin of KO mice is significantly lower (<50%) than that of wild-type (WT) mice. In the early stage of wound healing when TNX is hardly expressed in WT wounds (day 7), WT and KO skin are of similar strength. After 14 days, when TNX starts to be expressed at moderate levels in wounds of WT mice, the WT scars gain a further increase in breaking strength, whereas KO scars do not progress beyond the mechanical strength of uninjured KO skin. No obvious differences between KO and WT mice were noted in the rate of wound closure, or in expression of fibrillar collagens during wound healing. We conclude that TNX is unlikely to be involved in matrix deposition in the early phase of wound healing, but it is required in the later phase when remodeling and maturation of the matrix establishes and improves its biomechanical properties.
Clinical Evaluation of Signal-to-Noise Ratio–Based Noise Reduction in Nucleus® Cochlear Implant Recipients

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether a real-time noise reduction algorithm provided speech perception benefit for Cochlear™ Nucleus® cochlear implant recipients in the laboratory. Design: The noise reduction algorithm attenuated masker-dominated channels. It estimated the signal-to-noise ratio of each channel on a short-term basis from a single microphone input, using a recursive minimum statistics method. In this clinical evaluation, the algorithm was implemented in two programs (noise reduction programs 1 [NR1] and 2 [NR2]), which differed in their level of noise reduction. These programs used advanced combination encoder (ACE™) channel selection and were compared with ACE without noise reduction in 13 experienced cochlear implant subjects. An adaptive speech reception threshold (SRT) test provided the signal-to-noise ratio for 50% sentence intelligibility in three different types of noises: speech-weighted, cocktail party, and street-side city noise. Results: In all three noise types, mean SRTs for both NR programs were significantly better than those for ACE. The greatest improvement occurred for speech-weighted noise; the SRT benefit over ACE was 1.77 dB for NR1 and 2.14 dB for NR2. There were no significant differences in speech perception scores between the two NR programs. Subjects reported no degradation in sound quality with the experimental programs. Conclusions: The noise reduction algorithm was successful in improving sentence perception in speech-weighted noise, as well as in more dynamic types of background noise. The algorithm is currently being trialed in a behind-the-ear processor for take-home use.
Shaping Model-Free Reinforcement-Learning with Model-Based Pseudorewards

Model-free and model-based reinforcement-learning provide a successful framework for understanding human behavior and neural data. These two systems are usually thought to compete for control of behavior. However, it has also been proposed that they can be integrated cooperatively. The Dyna algorithm uses MB replay of past experience to train the MF system, and has inspired research examining whether human learners do something similar. Here we introduce an approach that links MF and MB learning in a new way: via the reward function. Given a model of the learning environment, dynamic programming is used to iteratively approximate state values that monotonically converge to state values under the optimal decision policy. Pseudorewards are calculated from these values and used to shape the reward function of a MF learner in a way that is guaranteed not to change the optimal policy. We show that this method offers computational advantages over Dyna. It also offers a new way to think about integrating MF and MB RL: our knowledge of the world doesn’t just provide a source of simulated experience for training our instincts; it shapes the rewards that those instincts latch onto. We discuss psychological phenomena that this theory could apply to.
Management of Academic and Educational Problems in Head Injury

Designing and implementing beneficial educational interventions for traumatically brain injured (TBI) children requires a thorough understanding of the sequelae of pediatric head injury and an appreciation for the complex interaction of environmental and neuropsychological variables during the recovery process. This article provides a brief review of data pertaining to educational adjustment for TBI children, followed by a discussion of the major educationally relevant sequelae of head injury in children. Systemic problems in the delivery of appropriate educational interventions are outlined, and suggestions for mitigating the effects of these obstacles are offered. The article concludes with a description of 10 important features of appropriate educational programs for TBI children.
Constitutive equations for the lung tissue.

The mechanical behavior of the lung tissue (expressed by its constitutive equations) has considerable influence on the normal and pathological function of the lung. It determines the stress field in the tissue, thus affecting the impedence and energy consumption during breathing as well as the localization of certain lung diseases. The lung tissue has a complex mechanical response. It arises from the tissue's structure--a cluster of a very large number of closely packed airsacks (alveoli) and air ducts. Each of the alveoli has a shape of irregular polyhedron. It is bounded by the alveolar wall membrane. In the present study, a stochastic approach to the tissue's structure will be employed. The density distribution function of the membrane's orientation in space is considered as the predominant structural parameter. Based on this model the present theory relates the behavior of both the alveolar membrane and that of its liquid interface to the tissue's general constitutive properties. The resulting equations allow for anisotropic and visco-elastic effects. A protocol for material characterization along the present model is proposed as well. The methodology of the present theory is quite general and can be similarly used with other structural models of the lung tissue (e.g., models in which the effect of the alveolar ducts is included).
The Role of SMEs in International Trade: Selected Aspects

Research background: International trade is an important stimulant for economic development that simultaneously ensures free access to raw materials, goods, services and technologies. It essentially involves trade in goods, yet what is also significant is the invisible trading sphere (tourism, transport, financing sources). Being a vital factor in macro-economic policies pursued by contemporary national economies, SMEs build the single market, which integrates the European economy, through trade development that directly fosters economic growth. Purpose of the article: The article strives to answer the question whether EU-based SMEs enjoy benefits and greater stability as well as state support when operating in foreign markets. The article presents the contribution of SMEs to international trade conducted by selected EU countries and Poland. The results of the author’s own research relate to the share of SMEs in the sectoral and geographical structure. Methodology/methods: The research findings are based on source data from annual reports and publications that have been produced and made available by financial market institutions and on the author’s own research concerning Polish entrepreneurs. The volume and structure of SME imports and exports in the various markets are outlined by means of analyses, figures and comparisons. Findings: The author’s own research shows that Polish entrepreneurs operating in international markets are primarily driven by: (1) profitability of transactions, (2) prospects for establishing long-term cooperation, and (3) high demand for products originating in their country in foreign markets. The ongoing standardisation and unification with respect to internationalisation should be supported by the state along with forms of financial security and contract insurance. What SMEs expect most is support as regards co-financing investments that are a necessary and costly element of the international activity development process.