Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pneumatic muscle actuated continuum arms: Modelling and experimental assessment

This paper presents an improved mode shape function-based 3D dynamic model for pneumatic muscle actuated continuum arms, and validates the model and simulation results through experimental testing. The model also facilitates the direct control of pneumatic muscle actuated continuum arms through the use of input pressure. This is achieved without additional intermediary transformations and does not have singularity problems present in previous models. The proposed arm model uses a new pneumatic muscle actuator (PMA) dynamic model with hysteresis that is capable of modelling both extending and contracting PMAs. The proposed hysteric model is simple, easily adaptable, and validated experimentally. The PMA model can be applied to dynamically model any PMA based system as well as PMA actuated continuum arms utilizing different actuator configurations.
FINANCIAL CONTRACTIBILITY AND ASSETS ’ HARDNESS : INDUSTRIAL COMPOSITION AND GROWTH

One salient characteristic of poorly developed capital markets is the excessive weight they give to the availability of hard assets in the allocation of financial funds. Where external finance contractibility is poor, higher proportions of assets that more easily remain with investors if the relationship breaks down are used in order to sustain external finance. Consistent with this view, I show that industries whose assets are relatively less tangible perform worse in terms of growth and contribution to GDP in countries with poorly developed financial systems. The impact is larger the more dependent an industry is on external finance. The effect is important (comparable to more traditional determinants of specialization and growth), and robust. Firm-level evidence also confirms finance as the link: leverage is less sensitive to tangibility in better-working capital markets.
Characterization of IS46, an insertion sequence found on two IncN plasmids

The IncN plasmids R46 and N3 each contain two copies of an insertion sequence which we denote IS46. This insertion sequence has single PstI and SalI restriction sites and is 0.81 kilobases long. All four copies of IS46 were capable of forming cointegrates, although the DNA between the insertion sequences, which in each case carries a tetracycline resistance gene, was not transposable in the form of a compound transposon. IS46-mediated cointegrates resolved in Rec+ but not in RecA- cells. Recombination between two copies of IS46, causing an inversion, accounts for the existence of two distinct forms of R46. IS46-mediated deletions were probably responsible for the formation of the plasmid pKM101 from R46. IS46 was not homologous to IS1 but did show homology with IS15.
Tuning Frequency Dependency in Music Classification

Deep architectures have become ubiquitous in Music Information Retrieval (MIR) tasks, however, concurrent studies still lack a deep understanding of the input properties being evaluated by the networks. In this study, we show by the example of a Music Genre Classification system the potential dependency on the tuning frequency, an irrelevant and confounding variable. We generate adversarial samples through pitch-shifting the audio data and investigate the classification accuracy of the output depending on the pitch shift. We find the accuracy to be periodic with a period of one semitone, indicating that the system is utilizing tuning information. We show that proper data augmentation including pitch-shifts smaller than one semitone helps minimizing this problem and point out the need for carefully designed augmentation procedures in related MIR tasks.
Enhanced Weighted Method for Test Case Prioritization in Regression Testing Using Unique Priority Value

Regression testing is an integral and expensive part in software testing. To reduce its effort, test case prioritization approaches were proposed. The problem with most of the existing approaches is the random ranking of test cases with equal weight. In this paper, an enhanced weighted method to prioritize the full test suite without using random ranking is presented. In addition, a controlled experiment was executed to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show an improved performance in terms of prioritizing test cases and recording higher APFD values over the original weighted method. In future, a larger experiment would be executed to generalize the results.
Psychometric Properties of the Proactive Attitude Scale in Students at the University of Hong Kong

The 15-item Proactive Attitude Scale is defined as a unidimensional measure of belief in one's ability to effect positive life changes. The current study tested the scale's unidimensionality assumption with confirmatory factor analysis on a mixed sample of 157 fourth-year Bachelor of Education (n = 30) and first year Masters of Education (n = 121) students from The University of Hong Kong. 49 were men and 108 women, with a median age of 31 yr. The confirmatory factor analysis showed that a two-factor congeneric model fit the data significantly better than the unidimensional model. The two factors were characterized as reflecting proactive attitude and independent mindedness, respectively. The moderate correlation between these factors clearly defined them as reflecting distinct constructs, making untenable the scale's unidimensionality assumption.
Alcohol Reduces Arterial Remodeling by Inhibiting Sonic Hedgehog‐Stimulated Stem Cell Antigen‐1 Positive Progenitor Stem Cell Expansion

BACKGROUND Cell and molecular mechanisms mediating the cardiovascular effects of alcohol are not fully understood. Our aim was to determine the effect of moderate ethanol (EtOH) on sonic hedgehog (SHh) signaling in regulating possible stem cell antigen-1 positive (Sca1+ ) progenitor stem cell involvement during pathologic arterial remodeling. METHODS Partial ligation or sham operation of the left carotid artery was performed in transgenic Sca1-enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) mice gavaged with or without "daily moderate" EtOH. RESULTS The EtOH group had reduced adventitial thickening and less neointimal formation, compared to ligated controls. There was expansion of eGFP-expressing (i.e., Sca1+ ) cells in remodeled vessels postligation (day 14), especially in the neo intima. EtOH treatment reduced the number of Sca1+ cells in ligated vessel cross-sections concomitant with diminished remodeling, compared to control ligated vessels. Moreover, EtOH attenuated SHh signaling in injured carotids as determined by immunohistochemical analysis of the target genes patched 1 and Gli2, and RT-PCR of whole-vessel Gli2 mRNA levels. Intraperitoneal injection of ligated Sca1-eGFP mice with the SHh signaling inhibitor cyclopamine diminished SHh target gene expression, reduced the number of Sca1+ cells, and ameliorated carotid remodeling. EtOH treatment of purified Sca1+ adventitial progenitor stem cells in vitro inhibited SHh signaling, and their rSHh-induced differentiation to vascular smooth muscle cells. CONCLUSIONS EtOH reduces SHh-responsive Sca1+ progenitor cell myogenic differentiation/expansion in vitro and during arterial remodeling in response to ligation injury in vivo. Regulation of vascular Sca1+ progenitor cells in this way may be an important novel mechanism contributing to alcohol's cardiovascular protective effects.
IPTVhome networking via 802.11 wireless mesh networks: an implementation experience

Wireless multimedia home servers are the next generation of home entertainment systems. From a single broadband connection entering home, multimedia data is transmitted to TV and other peripherals using only wireless links. The provision of hiqh quality time-critical multimedia services in indoor environment is very challenging due to high attenuation and multi-path fading caused by the walls and the contention in the shared wireless channel. In this paper, we demonstrate that mesh networking can help improve the service quality of both multimedia and data users, when the video packets are relayed with EDCA priorities based on their importance. Our results on a real wireless mesh network implementation using the new high definition video streaming standard, H.264 verify our hypothesis, where we observe almost no degradation video quality, and very low packet delay and loss rate in the presence of high amount of competing data traffic.
Bayesian Speech and Language Processing

With this comprehensive guide you will learn how to apply Bayesian machine learning techniques systematically to solve various problems in speech and language processing. A range of statistical models is detailed, from hidden Markov models to Gaussian mixture models, n-gram models and latent topic models, along with applications including automatic speech recognition, speaker verification, and information retrieval. Approximate Bayesian inferences based on MAP, Evidence, Asymptotic, VB, and MCMC approximations are provided as well as full derivations of calculations, useful notations, formulas, and rules. The authors address the difficulties of straightforward applications and provide detailed examples and case studies to demonstrate how you can successfully use practical Bayesian inference methods to improve the performance of information systems. This is an invaluable resource for students, researchers, and industry practitioners working in machine learning, signal processing, and speech and language processing.
Robotic versus laparoscopic resection of liver tumours.

BACKGROUND There are scant data in the literature regarding the role of robotic liver surgery. The aim of the present study was to develop techniques for robotic liver tumour resection and to draw a comparison with laparoscopic resection. METHODS Over a 1-year period, nine patients underwent robotic resection of peripherally located malignant lesions measuring <5 cm. These patients were compared prospectively with 23 patients who underwent laparoscopic resection of similar tumours at the same institution. Statistical analyses were performed using Student's t-test, χ(2) -test and Kaplan-Meier survival. All data are expressed as mean ± SEM. RESULTS The groups were similar with regards to age, gender and tumour type (P= NS). Tumour size was similar in both groups (robotic -3.2 ± 1.3 cm vs. laparoscopic -2.9 ± 1.3 cm, P= 0.6). Skin-to-skin operative time was 259 ± 28 min in the robotic vs. 234 ± 17 min in the laparoscopic group (P= 0.4). There was no difference between the two groups regarding estimated blood loss (EBL) and resection margin status. Conversion to an open operation was only necessary in one patient in the robotic group. Complications were observed in one patient in the robotic and four patients in the laparoscopic groups. The patients were followed up for a mean of 14 months and disease-free survival (DFS) was equivalent in both groups (P= 0.6). CONCLUSION The results of this initial study suggest that, for selected liver lesions, a robotic approach provides similar peri-operative outcomes compared with laparoscopic liver resection (LLR).
Enhancing Coverage of a Sensor Field using Augmented Lagrange Optimization

In an inaccessible area, sensor laden mobile robots can be used for observation and for collecting information. Repositioning these sensors after an initial random deployment can be done using average distance based selfrelocation method which produces a good final coverage. This coverage can further be improved by containing the sensors within the boundary using Augmented Lagrange method. Keywords— Sensors, average distance based self-relocation, augmented Lagrange method
Using spatial tools for high impact zoonotic agent surveillance design in backyard production systems in central Chile

Veterinaria Mexico OA ISSN: 2448-6760 Cite this as: Alegria Moran R, Lazo A, Urcelay S, Hamilton West C. Using spatial tools for high impact zoonotic agents’ surveillance design in backyard production systems from central Chile. Veterinaria Mexico OA. 2017;4(1). doi: 10.21753/vmoa.4. 1.435 Specific locations of backyard production systems (BPSs) in Chile remain unclear, creating dificulties for designing surveillance activities for promptly detecting zoonotic agents with high impacts on health, such as avian influenza and Salmonella spp. This study aims to prove the use of spatial tools for improving the surveillance of BPSs in central Chile. A stratified and proportional random sampling was performed in 15 provinces of the Valparaiso, Libertador General Bernardo O’Higgins and Metropolitana regions. In this sampling, 329 BPSs were detected. In the first stage, 329 random sample points were allocated within the study area that searched for BPSs with poultry or swine breeding. Then, these random points were validated with remote sensing and in the field by searching for the presence of rural or semi-rural areas, nearby crops and houses or small towns within a 5 km radius around each point, while points allocated over hills or water sources (lakes or rivers) were discarded. Over 70 % of the sampling points were correctly allocated. In Los Andes, Cordillera and Chacabuco, less than 50 % of the points were allocated within feasible sampling areas. From the total BPSs sampled, 89 % met the 5 km radius criteria, and in the provinces of Valparaiso, Cordillera and Cachapoal, over 20 % of the sampling points were outside the radius criteria. This study is the first in Chile to explore the locations and sanitary statuses of BPSs. Given the lack of knowledge about the specific locations of BPSs, their identification during field activities represents a high cost for the surveillance of pathogens. We argue that using spatial tools in BPS surveillance design is an important support for healthcare management. Figure 1. Random sampling points by province assigned using ArcGIS® 10 and compatible zone detection by using free spatial tools. A. Study region with random sampling points. Study area and provinces: (1) Petorca; (2) Valparaiso, (3) Quillota; (4) San Felipe; (5) Los Andes; (6) San Antonio; (7) Melipilla; (8) Chacabuco; (9) Santiago; (10) Cordillera; (11) Talagante; (12) Maipo; (13) Cardenal Caro; (14) Cachapoal; (15) Colchagua. B. Random point (red pushpin) located in the Andes Mountains and 5 km searching area (yellow circle). C. Random point (red pushpin) and sampling candidate backyard farms (Yellow paddle) within less than 5 km.
On-line dependability enhancement of multiprocessor SoCs by resource management

This paper describes a new approach towards dependable design of homogeneous multi-processor SoCs in an example satellite-navigation application. First, the NoC dependability is functionally verified via embedded software. Then the Xentium processor tiles are periodically verified via on-line structural self-testing techniques, by using a new IIP Dependability Manager. Based on the Dependability Manager results, faulty tiles are electronically excluded and replaced by fault-free spare tiles via on-line resource management. This integrated approach enables fast electronic fault detection/diagnosis and repair, and hence a high system availability. The dependability application runs in parallel with the actual application, resulting in a very dependable system. All parts have been verified by simulation.
Integrating genomic information with protein sequence and 3D atomic level structure at the RCSB protein data bank

Summary: The Protein Data Bank (PDB) now contains more than 120,000 three-dimensional (3D) structures of biological macromolecules. To allow an interpretation of how PDB data relates to other publicly available annotations, we developed a novel data integration platform that maps 3D structural information across various datasets. This integration bridges from the human genome across protein sequence to 3D structure space. We developed novel software solutions for data management and visualization, while incorporating new libraries for web-based visualization using SVG graphics. Availability and Implementation: The new views are available from http://www.rcsb.org and software is available from https://github.com/rcsb/. Contact: andreas.prlic@rcsb.org Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Genetic Diversity and Distribution of Human Norovirus in China (1999–2011)

Noroviruses (NoVs) are a leading cause of epidemic and sporadic acute gastroenteritis worldwide. However, the genetic diversity and geographical distribution of NoV isolates from China have not been well described thus far. In this study, all NoV sequences obtained in China from 1999 to 2011 (n = 983), both partial and complete genomes, were downloaded from GenBank. Genotyping and phylogenetic and recombination analyses were performed in order to gain a better understanding of the distribution and genetic diversity of NoVs in China. The results indicated that approximately 90% of NoV sequences were obtained from the coastal regions of China, and most of the NoV sequences from distinct geographical regions appeared to be closely related. GII.4 was the most prevalent genotype, accounting for 64.4% of all genotypes, followed by GII.12 (13.9%) and GII.3 (7.0%). Over the last decade, the GII.4 variants were dominated by successive circulation of GII.4/2002, GII.4/2004, GII.4/2006b, and GII.4/2008, with GII.4/2006b continuing to date. A relatively high frequency of NoV intergenotype recombinants was identified. The most common ORF1/ORF2 intergenotype recombinant was GII.12/GII.4 (n = 11), and the relative frequency was up to 30% among all the recombinant strains (n = 36). These findings may aid in the evaluation and implementation of appropriate measures for monitoring NoV infectious diseases in China.
A Survey on Cryptography Algorithms in Security of Voting System Approaches

There are three general classes of cryptographic voting protocols: those based on blind signatures, those based on mix-nets, and using homomorphic encryption. Historically, cryptographic research has focused on proving that the tally is the sum of all the ballots, and that the contents of individual ballots remain secret. Cryptographic voting research considered the voter and the polling booth to be one entity. Voterpsilas final ballot must be secret and she can not prove the contents of her final ballot to anyone. In the other way, voter needs ability to verify that their votes are cast and counted as intended. Survey on kinds of cryptography methods and voter-verified in voting systems for better comprehension and different of them are goals of this article. Survey of cryptography variety methods on security of voting, beside of voter-verified helps to find new ways in selecting models. And with these models except of increasing of voting safety assure to voter about system honesty.
Segmentation of retinal blood vessels by combining the detection of centerlines and morphological reconstruction

This paper presents an automated method for the segmentation of the vascular network in retinal images. The algorithm starts with the extraction of vessel centerlines, which are used as guidelines for the subsequent vessel filling phase. For this purpose, the outputs of four directional differential operators are processed in order to select connected sets of candidate points to be further classified as centerline pixels using vessel derived features. The final segmentation is obtained using an iterative region growing method that integrates the contents of several binary images resulting from vessel width dependent morphological filters. Our approach was tested on two publicly available databases and its results are compared with recently published methods. The results demonstrate that our algorithm outperforms other solutions and approximates the average accuracy of a human observer without a significant degradation of sensitivity and specificity
The Blood Cells Ultrastructure Electron Microscopy Changes: Reflection on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

The sub-laboratory effects of SLE on blood cells were not completely evaluated to explain the thrombotic tendency found in this disease. The present study was conducted to assess the ultrastructural changes of RBCs, WBCs and platelets in SLE and to corelate these changes with the disease activity. Comet assay and 8- hydroxydeoguanosine (8-OHdG) were used to confirm cellular dysfunction. Ninety subjects were recruited and equally divided into 3 groups: Group Ι; SLE (normal CBC), Group ΙΙ; SLE (abnormal CBC) and Group ΙΙΙ; healthy control. Disease activity was evaluated by systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index score (SLEDAI). Ultrastructure examination of blood cells were done by electron microscope, DNA damage was assessed by Comet assay and serum 8-OHdG levels. CBC and serological tests including serum C3, C4, ANA and anti-dsDNA were evaluated. There was statistically significant negative correlation between RBCs and WBCs elements with SLEDAI score in Group II. There was significant statistical difference in RBCs and WBCs cell membrane defects by electron microscope between Group I and Group II. There was no statistically significant correlation between blood cell membrane defects and SLEDAI score in both Group I and Group II. There was a significant increase in percentage of tail DNA damage (p<0.05) in Comet assay and serum 8-OHdG levels in Group I and Group II. In conclusion, there are ultrastructural changes in blood cells in SLE that could play a crucial role in the thrombotic and inflammatory effects of blood cells. Comet assay can be used as a detectable and reliable method for assessment of other biological genetic research.
The effect of graded inclusion of baked beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) on plasma and liver lipids in hypercholesterolaemic pigs given a Western-type diet

The aim of the present study was to measure the effect of graded inclusion of baked beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) on plasma and liver lipids in hypercholesterolaemic pigs fed on a Western-type diet. Twenty- four Large White × Landrace pigs of about 30 kg body weight were made hypercholesterolaemic by feeding a semi-purified diet, high in saturated fat and supplemented with 10 g cholesterol/kg, for 14 d. After that, six pigs were randomly assigned to one of the four experimental groups. They received their respective diets, containing 0, 100, 200 or 300 g baked beans/kg, on a dry-matter basis, for a further 28 d. Fasting blood samples were taken and analysed for total plasma cholesterol, lipoproteins and triacylglycerols. After the pigs were slaughtered at the end of the study, livers were analysed for their cholesterol content. Consumption of baked beans at 100, 200 and 300 g/kg reduced plasma total cholesterol by 5·3, 20·2 and 35·6 % respectively. However, only the diet with 300 g baked beans/kg showed a significant reduction (P < 0·05) compared with the control (without baked beans)- The level of low-density-Hpoprotein-cholesterol was also significantly (P < 0·05) reduced by 48% at 300 g baked beans/kg. Plasma very-low-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol, high-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol and triacylgiycerol contents were not affected by bean consumption. The supplements of 200 and 300 g baked beans/kg promoted a significant (P < 0·05) reduction of about 50% in cholesterol deposition in the liver, compared with the control.