Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The FGM Concept in the Development of Fiber Cement Components

The FGM concept appears promising in improving the mechanical performance and reducing production costs of fiber cement building components. However, it has not yet been broadly applied to fiber cement technology. In this study we analyze the functionally graded fiber cement concept and its potential for industrial application in Hatschek machines. The conventional Hatschek process is summarized as well as the proposed modifications to allow FGM fiber cement production. The feasibility of producing functionally graded fiber cement by grading PVA fiber content was experimentally evaluated. Thermogravimetric (TG) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis were used to evaluate fiber distribution profiles. Four‐point bending tests were applied to evaluate the mechanical performance of both conventional and functionally graded composites. The results shows that grading PVA fiber content is an effective way to produce functionally graded fiber cement, allowing the reduction of the total fiber volume witho.
Adaptive Spai Mail Filtering Using Genetic Algorithm

In this paper, we propose a mechanism for filtering incoming spam mails by generating spam mail prototypes using genetic algorithm. Firstly, words from e-mails are extracted and are categorized by their relating meaning into 7 groups. Then, we compose a string of chromosome having 7 genes, i.e., groups of words. Each gene, represented words in each group, is encoded into binary value. The genetic algorithm and its operations are applied to create varieties of spam mail prototypes which inherit from old spam mails. It saves time for preparing training sets and need no large training set for learning like other methods. The spam mail prototypes are the result of this learning mechanism. The experimental results show that the proposed system has efficiency. When testing with both spams and hams, the accuracy is about 85% in average
The effects of brief hospitalization upon the psychiatric patient's household

This paper describes the social results of a randomized controlled trial of brief versus standard hospitalization for acute psychiatric inpatients. All the data reported were obtained through the use of a new semi‐structured standardized interview schedule, The Patient Behaviour Assessment Schedule (PBAS). Overall, there were no significant differences between groups in the extent of Objective Burden and Subjective Distress experienced by the informant's household. The groups were differentiated, however, on a number of individual items. At the 2‐week evaluation Brief Care informants expressed more distress than Standard Care informants arising out of the patient's slowness, but were less distressed by the effect of the patient's behaviour on their work performance. At the follow‐up interview Standard Care informants were more affected in their social life and pursuit of leisure activities, while expressing less distress as a result of the patient's overdependence. The sensitivity of the PBAS Distress Scales is demonstrated by comparing the informant's differential emotional response to role and non‐role aspects of the patient's behaviour at different points in time.
Randomized Study of Two Different Target Levels of Glycemic Control Within the Acceptable Range in Type 2 Diabetes: Effects on well-being at 1 year

OBJECTIVE A randomized trial with 1-year follow-up was conducted in 23 general practices to study the relationship between target values for glycemic control and well-being in type 2 diabetes RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 176 patients with type 2 diabetes, aged 40–75 years, were included. General practitioners were encouraged to make decisions according to a standardized step-up regimen until the target levelof glycemic control was reached. The random allocation to a strict or a less strict target level of glycemic control (fasting capillary glucose <6.5 or <8.5 mmol/;1), change in HbAlc and fasting glucose, and initiating insulin or treatment with oral hypoglycemic agents were studied as putative determinants of scores on a type 2 diabetes symptom checklist, a profile ofmood states, an affect balance scale, and general well-being. Adjustments were made for baseline scores on the outcome at issue. RESULTS Positive affect (an odds ratio [OR] [95% CI] of 0.39 [0.19–0.83]) and perceived treatment burden (OR 0.48[0.23–0.98]) were unfavorably altered in the group randomly allocated to stricter target levels (fasting capillary glucose <6.5 mmol/l). Patients who had a decrease in HbA1c of 1% or more tended to have comparatively favorable mood (OR displeasure score 0.35 [0.13–0.94]) and general well-being scores at 1 year (ORs of having unfavorable scores ranged from 0.4 to 0.5, NS). CONCLUSIONS Perceived treatment burden and positive effect are unfavorably affected by random allocation to a strict target level for glycemic control. Improved glycemic control is associated with favorable mood and possibly general well-being in type 2 diabetes.
Minimum Error Rate Training Semiring

Modern Statistical Machine Translation (SMT) systems make their decisions based on multiple information sources, which assess various aspects of the match between a source sentence and its possible translation(s). Tuning a SMT system consists in finding the right balance between these sources so as to produce the best possible output, and is usually achieved through Minimum Error Rate Training (MERT) (Och, 2003). In this paper, we recast the operations implied in MERT in the terms of operations over a specific semiring, which, in particular, enables us to derive a simple and generic implementation of MERT over word lattices.
Random Sequential Renormalization of Networks I: Application to Critical Trees

We introduce the concept of random sequential renormalization (RSR) for arbitrary networks. RSR is a graph renormalization procedure that locally aggregates nodes to produce a coarse grained network. It is analogous to the (quasi)parallel renormalization schemes introduced by C. Song et al. [C. Song et al., Nature (London) 433, 392 (2005)] and studied by F. Radicchi et al. [F. Radicchi et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 148701 (2008)], but much simpler and easier to implement. Here we apply RSR to critical trees and derive analytical results consistent with numerical simulations. Critical trees exhibit three regimes in their evolution under RSR. (i) For N₀{ν}≲N<N₀, where N is the number of nodes at some step in the renormalization and N₀ is the initial size of the tree, RSR is described by a mean-field theory, and fluctuations from one realization to another are small. The exponent ν=1/2 is derived using random walk and other arguments. The degree distribution becomes broader under successive steps, reaching a power law p{k}~1/k{γ} with γ=2 and a variance that diverges as N₀¹/² at the end of this regime. Both of these latter results are obtained from a scaling theory. (ii) For N₀{ν{star}}≲N ≲ N₀¹/², with ν_{star}≈1/4 hubs develop, and fluctuations between different realizations of the RSR are large. Trees are short and fat with an average radius that is O(1). Crossover functions exhibiting finite-size scaling in the critical region N~N₀¹/²→∞ connect the behaviors in the first two regimes. (iii) For N ≲ N₀{ν{star}}, star configurations appear with a central hub surrounded by many leaves. The distribution of stars is broadly distributed over this range. The scaling behaviors found under RSR are identified with a continuous transition in a process called "agglomerative percolation" (AP), with the coarse-grained nodes in RSR corresponding to clusters in AP that grow by simultaneously attaching to all their neighboring clusters.
Query-by-Online Word Spotting Revisited: Using CNNs for Cross-Domain Retrieval

A word spotting system is in large parts characterized by the query modalities it is able to process. The most common modalities here are Query-by-Example and Query-by-String. However, recently a new query type has been proposed: In Query-by-Online-Trajectory (QbO) the query is presented as a set of online-handwritten trajectories. In this work we devise a cross-domain word spotting framework using CNNs which is able to accomplish the QbO task. In particular, we design two different QbO systems which we evaluate in a number of experiments. We are not only able to outperform the current state of the art in QbO word spotting but also show that a system using a single CNN for both online and offline data achieves superior results compared to a system that uses a CNN for each domain individually.
A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ABRASION TEST FOR REFRACTORIES AT HIGH TEMPERATURES1

A report of progress in the development of a method of testing refractories for their resistance to abrasion at high temperatures. The method developed consists of a steel chisel point moving back and forth over faces of the brick clamped together. Eleven brick are tested at one time. The chisel is actuated by means of a jack hammer and is water-cooled. The blow delivered vanes from 6.5 inch-pounds at the beginning of the test to 13 inch-pounds under the most severe conditions. The chisel has a rounded point l/8-ch radius and 1 inch wide. Data show that the principle is correct and capable of differentiating between brick of varying resistances to abrasion at tempcratures as high as 1350°C.
Effect of environmental factors on steel plate corrosion under marine immersion conditions

This study considers different environmental factors affecting corrosion under marine immersion conditions and proposes a mathematical model incorporating their effects on corrosion degradation through the ship life. The study adopts a nonlinear function of time as the reference corrosion model calibrated with operational corrosion data at long term average conditions to represent the corrosion behaviour under standard environmental conditions. Based on previously obtained field data, a corrosion deterioration model is developed, in which a correction factor is proposed to account for the effect of each environmental factor. These multiplicative factors correct the standard prediction of corrosion degradation to obtain short term estimates under any specific environmental condition. Then, a long term estimate of corrosion degradation is determined by summing the short term corrosion contributions during the various discrete time periods in which the ship life can be decomposed. A numerical example of a representative application of the new empirical based corrosion model is presented, to demonstrate how to apply the model.
Designing Order Picking System Efficiency by Combining Four Planning Problems and its Influence on Picker Blocking with RFID

Customers receive services that require a lot of labor from warehouse. High cost and unmet demand from customers could be the outcome of underperformance. In order to handle this, order picking procedures must be streamlined by finding solutions to a variety of planning issues. A bad overall warehouse performance may result from progressively optimizing order picking planning challenges. This literature review is investigating combinations of various order picking planning issues and their impact on picker blocking that affects the length of time it takes for pickers to complete a customer order. To automate the search for items in storage in warehouses, IOT-based technologies like RFID can be used in order picking planning. RFID can improve traceability of products. Application of this technologies can support development of effective order-picking systems and enhance customer service by finding the best technological and policy combinations.
Naturally occurring genotypes of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 long terminal repeat display a wide range of basal and Tat-induced transcriptional activities

The primary body of information on the structure of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) long terminal repeat (LTR)/gag leader genotypes has been determined from the analysis of cocultivated isolates. Functional studies of this regulatory portion of the provirus have been derived from the study of in vitro-generated mutations of laboratory-adapted molecular clones of HIV-1. We have performed a longitudinal analysis of molecular clones from the LTR/gag leader region amplified directly from the peripheral blood of four patients over three years. We have found a remarkable number of point mutations and length polymorphisms in cis- and trans-acting regulatory elements within this cohort. Most of the length polymorphisms were associated with duplications of Sp1 and TCF-1 alpha sequences. These mutations were associated with a wide range of transcriptional activities for these genotypes in a reporter gene assay. Mutations in conserved Sp1 sequences correlated with a diminished capacity of such genotypes to bind purified Sp1 protein. Although no generalized trend in transcriptional activity was seen, a single patient accumulated mutations in NF-kappa B, Sp1, and TAR elements over this period. The analysis of naturally occurring mutations of LTR genotypes provides a means to study the molecular genetic consequences of virus-host interactions and to assess the functional impact of HIV therapeutics.
Relevance of Health Warnings on Cigarette Packs: A Psycholinguistic Investigation

Although most research on the effect of tobacco warnings has been focused on attitude changes following the presentation of tobacco warnings, this paper takes a somewhat new perspective by investigating cognitive processing of tobacco warnings by adolescents of different ages (i.e., 14-, 16-, and 18-year-olds). More specifically, this paper investigates the way adolescents encode different textual elements presented in tobacco warnings. By means of a standard psycholinguist paradigm (i.e., sentence evaluation paradigm), we evaluated tobacco warnings differing along three variables: (1) severity, (2) time consequence and (3) target (health vs. others). Our main result demonstrated noticeable differences between the age groups and between smoking experiences in the cognitive processing of tobacco warnings. Our experimental paradigm represents an important step in identifying the mechanisms through which certain types of written warnings are cognitively processed, which in turn may well set a critical base for understanding decision makers' responses to risky behaviors such as smoking and for constructing adequate health warnings.
Changes of Water Hydrogen Bond Network with Different Externalities

It is crucial to uncover the mystery of water cluster and structural motif to have an insight into the abundant anomalies bound to water. In this context, the analysis of influence factors is an alternative way to shed light on the nature of water clusters. Water structure has been tentatively explained within different frameworks of structural models. Based on comprehensive analysis and summary of the studies on the response of water to four externalities (i.e., temperature, pressure, solutes and external fields), the changing trends of water structure and a deduced intrinsic structural motif are put forward in this work. The variations in physicochemical and biological effects of water induced by each externality are also discussed to emphasize the role of water in our daily life. On this basis, the underlying problems that need to be further studied are formulated by pointing out the limitations attached to current study techniques and to outline prominent studies that have come up recently.
A 6 DoF Navigation Algorithm for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

The objective of this paper is to compare the performance of a new proposed measurement assisted partial re-sampling (MAPR) filter against the performance of the extended Kalman filter and the mixture Monte Carlo localizer within the context of a navigation algorithm for a dynamic 6 DoF system. In this paper, an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is used as the dynamic system. The performances of the above three filters in resolving a navigation solution are assessed by giving the AUV a sequence of trajectories that highlight the sensitivities of the navigation algorithm to noise. This paper demonstrates that the MAPR filter is capable of computing an estimate that, like the EKF, takes into account the dynamics of the system, but like all particle filters is also capable of estimating non-Gaussian distributions.
BMP‐2 but not VEGF or PDGF in fibrin matrix supports bone healing in a delayed‐union rat model

Treatment of delayed bone healing and non‐unions after fractures, osteotomies or arthrodesis still is a relevant clinical challenge. Artificially applied growth factors can increase bone healing and progressively gain importance in clinical routine. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of rhPDGF‐BB, rhVEGF‐165, and rhBMP‐2 in fibrin matrix on bone healing in a delayed‐union rat model. Thirty‐seven rats underwent a first operation where a standardized femoral critical size defect was created. A silicone spacer was implanted to impair vascularization within the defect. At 4 weeks the spacer was removed in a second operation and rhPDGF‐BB, rhVEGF‐165, or rhBMP‐2 were applied in a fibrin clot. Animals in a fourth group received a fibrin clot without growth factors. At 8 weeks fibrin bound rhBMP‐2 treated animals showed a significantly increased union rate and bone volume within the defect compared to the other groups. Single application of fibrin bound rhPDGF‐BB and rhVEGF‐165 failed to increase bone healing in our atrophic non‐union model. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1563–1569, 2012
Improvement of TCP Throughput by Combination of Data and ACK Packets in Ad Hoc Networks

SUMMARY Since a radio channel is shared among terminals in an ad hoc network, packet collisions are frequent. In case of transmitting packets especially using TCP, data and ACK packets are transmitted in opposite directions on the same radio channel. Therefore, frequent collisions are unavoidable, and this seriously degrades TCP throughput. It is possible to transmit to two or more nodes which adjoin from a certain node simultaneously on the radio channel. To reduce the likelihood of packet collisions when an intermediate node transmits both data and ACK packets, these two types of packet can be combined and transmitted at the same time to increase the efficiency of radio channel utilization. In this paper, we propose a new technique to improve TCP performance by combining data and ACK packets. Our proposed technique is applicable to generic ad hoc networks easily. By means of a simulation using networks with various topologies, we have found that throughput can be improved by up to 60% by applying our proposed technique.
Selective mitochondrial DNA degradation following double-strand breaks

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can undergo double-strand breaks (DSBs), caused by defective replication, or by various endogenous or exogenous sources, such as reactive oxygen species, chemotherapeutic agents or ionizing radiations. MtDNA encodes for proteins involved in ATP production, and maintenance of genome integrity following DSBs is thus of crucial importance. However, the mechanisms involved in mtDNA maintenance after DSBs remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the consequences of the production of mtDNA DSBs using a human inducible cell system expressing the restriction enzyme PstI targeted to mitochondria. Using this system, we could not find any support for DSB repair of mtDNA. Instead we observed a loss of the damaged mtDNA molecules and a severe decrease in mtDNA content. We demonstrate that none of the known mitochondrial nucleases are involved in the mtDNA degradation and that the DNA loss is not due to autophagy, mitophagy or apoptosis. Our study suggests that a still uncharacterized pathway for the targeted degradation of damaged mtDNA in a mitophagy/autophagy-independent manner is present in mitochondria, and might provide the main mechanism used by the cells to deal with DSBs.
Multi-graph enabled active learning for multimodal web image retrieval

In this paper, we propose a multimodal Web image retrieval technique based on multi-graph enabled active learning. The main goal is to leverage the heterogeneous data on the Web to improve retrieval precision. Three graphs are constructed on images' content features, textual annotations and hyperlinks respectively, namely Content-Graph, Text-Graph and Link-Graph, which provide complimentary information on the images. By analyzing the three graphs, a training dataset is automatically created and transductive learning is enabled. The transductive learner is a multi-graph based classifier, which simultaneously solves the learning problem and the problem of combining heterogeneous data. This proposed approach, overall, tackles the problem of unsupervised active learning on Web graph. Although the proposed approach is discussed in the context of WWW image retrieval, it can be applied to other domains. The experimental results show the effectiveness of our approach.
Comprehensive Analysis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1-Specific CD4 Responses Reveals Marked Immunodominance of gag and nef and the Presence of Broadly Recognized Peptides

ABSTRACT Increasing evidence suggests that human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-specific CD4 T-cell responses contribute to effective immune control of HIV-1 infection. However, the breadths and specificities of these responses have not been defined. We screened fresh CD8-depleted peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 36 subjects at different stages of HIV-1 infection for virus-specific CD4 responses by gamma interferon enzyme-linked immunospot assay, using 410 overlapping peptides spanning all HIV-1 proteins (based on the clade B consensus sequence). HIV-1-specific CD4 responses were identified in 30 of the 36 individuals studied, with the strongest and broadest responses detected in persons treated in acute infection who underwent treatment interruption. In individuals with identified responses, the total number of recognized HIV-1 peptides ranged from 1 to 36 (median, 7) and the total magnitude of responses ranged from 80 to >14,600 (median, 990) spot-forming cells/106 CD8-depleted PBMC. Neither the total magnitude nor the number of responses correlated with viremia. The most frequent and robust responses were directed against epitopes within the Gag and Nef proteins. Peptides targeted by ≥25% of individuals were then tested for binding to a panel of common HLA-DR molecules. All bound broadly to at least four of the eight alleles tested, and two bound to all of the HLA-DR molecules studied. Fine mapping and HLA restriction of the responses against four of these peptides showed a combination of clustering of epitopes and promiscuous presentation of the same epitopes by different HLA class II alleles. These findings have implications for the design of immunotherapeutic strategies and for testing candidate HIV vaccines.
Capturing translational divergences with a statistical tree-to-tree aligner

Parallel treebanks, which comprise paired source-target parse trees aligned at sub-sentential level, could be useful for many applications, particularly data-driven machine translation. In this paper, we focus on how translational divergences are captured within a parallel treebank using a fully automatic statistical tree-to-tree aligner. We observe that while the algorithm performs well at the phrase level, performance on lexical-level alignments is compromised by an inappropriate bias towards coverage rather than precision. This preference for high precision rather than broad coverage in terms of expressing translational divergences through tree-alignment stands in direct opposition to the situation for SMT word-alignment models. We suggest that this has implications not only for tree-alignment itself but also for the broader area of induction of syntaxaware models for SMT.