Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Next‐generation metrics for monitoring genetic erosion within populations of conservation concern

Genetic erosion is a major threat to biodiversity because it can reduce fitness and ultimately contribute to the extinction of populations. Here, we explore the use of quantitative metrics to detect and monitor genetic erosion. Monitoring systems should not only characterize the mechanisms and drivers of genetic erosion (inbreeding, genetic drift, demographic instability, population fragmentation, introgressive hybridization, selection) but also its consequences (inbreeding and outbreeding depression, emergence of large‐effect detrimental alleles, maladaptation and loss of adaptability). Technological advances in genomics now allow the production of data the can be measured by new metrics with improved precision, increased efficiency and the potential to discriminate between neutral diversity (shaped mainly by population size and gene flow) and functional/adaptive diversity (shaped mainly by selection), allowing the assessment of management‐relevant genetic markers. The requirements of such studies in terms of sample size and marker density largely depend on the kind of population monitored, the questions to be answered and the metrics employed. We discuss prospects for the integration of this new information and metrics into conservation monitoring programmes.
People first: separating people from background in digital photographs

Extracting people from background in digital photography is a task of great importance, with many applications for digital cameras. Yet, the task poses a number of challenging technical problems to be tackled. In this paper we propose a novel technique for people extraction from background which is both accurate and of low computational complexity therefore amenable to be embedded in digital cameras. The proposed technique uses frames from the camera live view mode (called previews) (now widely available in digital cameras and even in the latest DSLRs) in conjunction with the flash. The basic principle of the method is to acquire two images of the same scene, one with flash and the other without. The use of preview images over two captured images makes the solution easily embeddable in digital cameras. In the proposed setup, in daylight conditions, the flash is triggered at the time of the penultimate preview image. The mask of the subject is then computed based on the intensity difference between the last two previews. For night scenes, where the flash power is required for the acquisition of the actual picture, the subject is detected based on the intensity difference between the final image downsampled to the size of the preview and the average of the last two previews. Additional problems posed by this setup, e.g. misalignments, false positives, incomplete subject map, are also addressed. The resulting foreground map is further used to obtain a narrow depth-of-field version of the initial photograph, by keeping the foreground unaltered while blurring the background.
Spatial-Temporal Context for Action Recognition Combined with Confidence and Contribution Weight

In this paper, we propose a new method for human action analysis in videos. A video sequence of human action in our perspective can be modeled through feature distribution over spatial-temporal domain. Relationships between features and each defined action are also explored to form discriminative feature sets. In our work, we first capture contextual correlations between the local features through multiple windows. We then mine confidences from association rules and learn contributions from trained-SVM based on sample videos. Finally, through the analysis of feature distribution and their interactions over spatial-temporal domain, we combine the contexture correlations and the relationships between words and their related actions to derive weights of bag of feature words for action matching. In most of the case, our experiments have indicated that the new method outperforms other previous published results on the Weizmann and KTH datasets.
Subjective Decision-Making in Healthcare: The Case of Vaccinations

Although an understanding of socio-scientific issues is purported to influence and inform individuals' behavior and decision-making, this may ultimately depend on the level of control any person feels they have to enact change. Current major issues such as global warming and consequent climate change or the production of genetically modified foods, may well appear to be out of the control of individuals. Consequently, people may look to the government to enact legislation to deal with these. However, one area where individuals have almost total control, in most western societies at least, is that of vaccination. In this study, 33 university graduates (largely university lecturers) from science and non-science backgrounds were interviewed in an attempt to ascertain their attitudes to vaccination programs and to determine where they obtained their own information from in relation to vaccinations. The small sample of this inquiry precludes generalisation. However, the preliminary findings indicated that in general, background (science or non-science) did not appear to be a determinant of support for vaccination programs, and although both groups drew on a wide range of information sources about vaccination, the most common sources of information cited by the participants included general practitioners or health care workers. Furthermore, despite being aware of some side effects, they generally had high confidence in vaccine safety.
Virus Replication and Cytokine Production in Dengue Virus-Infected Human B Lymphocytes

ABSTRACT Dengue virus (DV) replication, antibody-enhanced viral infection, and cytokine responses of human primary B lymphocytes (cells) were characterized and compared with those of monocytes. The presence of a replication template (negative-strand RNA intermediate), viral antigens including core and nonstructural proteins, and increasing amounts of virus with time postinfection indicated that DV actively replicated in B cells. Virus infection also induced B cells to produce interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha, which have been previously implicated in virus pathogenesis. In addition, a heterologous antibody was able to enhance both virus and cytokine production in B cells. Furthermore, the levels of virus replication, antibody-enhanced virus replication, and cytokine responses observed in B cells were not statistically different from those in monocytes. These results suggest that B cells may play an important role in DV pathogenesis.
Discrimination of Radionuclides in High-Resolution Spectral Gamma Logging

Since 1995, the Hanford Geophysical Logging Project has been performing high-resolution spectral gamma logging in steel-cased boreholes at the Hanford Site in Richland, Washington. The project has established a baseline of contamination conditions in the vicinity of the single-shell tank farms and recently began collecting data in boreholes associated with liquid waste disposal sites. Detection and quantification of gamma-emitting radionuclides in the subsurface is based on specific gamma energy lines between 185 and 2615 keV. Liquid waste sites in the vicinity of the Plutonium Finishing Plant are known to contain various transuranic radionuclides, primarily plutonium isotopes, Np-237, and Am-241. These are generally characterized as alpha emitters, but they do emit detectable gamma rays within the energy range of the spectral gamma logging system. The co-existence of several transuranic radionuclides presents analysis challenges because many gamma rays have similar energies (i.e., within 3 keV). Neutron activity may also be observed as a result of ({alpha}, n) interactions. Assessment of neutron activity and gamma energy spectra can provide information on the presence and concentration of transuranic radionuclides and may provide clues as to the chemical state of the waste. The presence of Am-241 presents a special problem in that shielding effects ofmore » the relatively thick steel borehole casing preclude detection of the characteristic gamma ray at 59.6 keV. A secondary gamma ray at 662.40 keV may be mistaken for Cs-137 (661.62 keV), which is commonly detected as a fission product or as an indicator of fallout from atmospheric weapons tests. Because of the large difference in gamma yields, this can lead to significant errors in contamination assessment. Strategies and lessons learned for the accurate identification and quantification of man-made radionuclides are presented. (authors)« less
Further characterization of an insulin antagonist in the serum of patients in diabetic acidosis.

Wehave previously described an insulin antagonist in the sera of patients in diabetic acidosis (1, 2). The protein nature of this material was suggested by its lability at 1000 C. and its electrophoretic migration with the a-globulins. The antagonist was not a lipoprotein and did not exhibit any insulinase activity. Its inhibitory effect was still demonstrable whether it was added to the hemidiaphragm preparation before or after exposure to insulin. Experiments using insulin-I'81 indicated that the antagonist did not compete with insulin for binding sites on diaphragm (2). Further characterization of this insulin antagonist serves as the basis for this report.
Effect of Sativex on spasticity-associated symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis

Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) spasticity may experience a range of symptoms, such as bladder dysfunction, pain, impaired sleep quality and mobility restrictions that worsen as spasticity severity increases. In this review, the effects of Sativex® oromucosal spray on symptoms and functional impairment associated with MS-related spasticity were examined. Across Sativex studies, there was a clear trend for improvement in spasticity-associated symptoms that was more pronounced and sustained over time in Sativex responders. Meaningful symptomatic improvement was achieved within the recommended dosage limit of ≤12 sprays per day. In appropriate patients, Sativex has the potential to minimize the consequences of spasticity-related symptoms on quality of life and reduce the economic burden on healthcare systems.
Psychological impact of the SARS outbreak on a Singaporean rehabilitation department

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) developed in Singapore in March 2003. It started from three index cases and rapidly multiplied in the hospitals. The total number of probable SARS cases was 238, of which 42% was health-care workers. This article describes the psychological impact of the SARS outbreak on the staff of a rehabilitative services department in a general hospital in Singapore 2 months after the outbreak. In total, 55 rehabilitation staff were asked to participate in this voluntary survey, consisting of self-reported measures on demographics, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and the Impact of Events Scale (IES). A questionnaire measuring changes in life priorities as a result of SARS and ways that people coped with SARS was also administered. A total of 23.4% of subjects had GHQ scores higher than 5, indicating presence of psychiatric symptoms, while 12.8% of them scored more than 30 for IES, indicating presence of post-traumatic stress symptoms. Support from colleagues, taking pre.
Determinants of credit default swap (CDS) spreads in Latin America: An empirical analysis of corporate debt in public and private companies

In this article we have examined the effects of the common determinants of credit quality such as cash, debt, and tangibility on CDS spreads in Latin America. Our sample consists of 50 Latin American companies, while the period under consideration is between 2006 and 2016. Using the panel regression model in which we have controlled for year and company effects, we have found that certain proxies for cash, debt, and tangibility could explain the variation in CDS spreads in publicly traded companies, but not in the case of private companies that trade bonds at international markets. For private companies in Latin America, none of the common determinants for spreads were statistically significant. For public companies, we have found that the most statistically significant proxies for cash, debt, and tangibility explaining the variation in CDS spreads are retained earnings, total debt/total assets, inventories, and fixed assets. Our results show that in the case of private companies of Latin America, the common CDS spreads determinants found in literature do not help explaining the variation in spreads.
An Adaptive XP-based approach to Agile Development

Software design is gradually becoming open, distributed, pervasive, and connected. It is a sad statistical fact that software projects are scientifically fragile and tend to fail more than other engineering fields. Agile development is a philosophy. And agile methods are processes that support the agile philosophy. XP places a strong emphasis on technical practices in addition to the more common teamwork and structural practices. In this paper, we elaborate how XP practices can be used to thinking, collaborating, releasing, planning, developing. And the state that make your team and organization more successful.
Fast Search Algorithms for VQ Codebook Generation

Abstract In this paper, we propose two fast codebook generation algorithms by making use of the information in the iterative process. Comparing to the conventional full search method (the LBG algorithm), the Fast Codebook Generation Algorithm (FCGA) reduces the CPU time by a factor of 2.49 to 6.16 for real images. Compared to FCGA the Maximum Set Algorithm (MSA), which is designed for the large codebook, gives the worse performance in general for our simulations. However, the Maximum Set Algorithm (MSA) still gives a better performance than that of the LBG algorithm and reduces the CPU time by a factor of 1.63 to 2.67. Both methods presented in this paper outperform the DSBS method developed by Huang and Harris. Compared to the LBG algorithm, the DSBS method reduced the codebook generation time by a factor of 1.5–2. It is noted that both FCGA and MSA give the same codebook as that produced by the LBG algorithm. Finally, some experimental results for several training sets with different types and sizes are listed.
Decomposition of Dynamic Textures Using Morphological Component Analysis

The research context of this paper is dynamic texture analysis and characterization. Many dynamic textures can be modeled as large scale propagating wavefronts and local oscillating phenomena. After introducing a formal model for dynamic textures, the morphological component analysis (MCA) approach with a well-chosen dictionary is used to retrieve the components of dynamic textures. We define two new strategies for adaptive thresholding in the MCA framework, which greatly reduce the computation time when applied on videos. Tests on real image sequences illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method. An application to global motion estimation is proposed and future prospects are finally exposed.
A proposed diagnostic classification of patients with temporomandibular disorders: implications for physical therapists.

SYNOPSIS Physical therapists have an important role on the interprofessional team to provide care for people with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Diagnostic classification is a challenge in this population, given the complexities inherent in presentations of headache and orofacial pain, and is critical to selecting the appropriate intervention. The objectives of this paper were (1) to characterize the epidemiology and pathophysiology of the TMDs most commonly seen in the outpatient clinic, (2) to describe a systems screen to be used in the physical therapy examination to determine the need for interprofessional referral, and (3) to propose an approach for physical therapists to examine, evaluate, and classify patients with TMDs, based on previously validated methodologies. A modification of the diagnostic framework of the International Headache Society has provided the basis for the systems screen of people presenting with orofacial pain. The physical therapy examination and evaluation is based on the Diagnostic Criteria for TMD, developed and validated by a consortium of specialists from the American Academy of Orofacial Pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Diagnosis, level 5.
Anthropometry and the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer

The association between anthropometric factors and ovarian cancer risk was investigated using data from 762 cases and 1348 controls participating in a population‐based case‐control study in the Delaware Valley from 1994–1998. Because factors such as oral contraceptive (OC), hormone therapy (HT), and parity may affect weight and hormone levels, the associations were examined in women with and without these characteristics.
Evaluation of salmeterol xinafoate plus fluticasone propionate for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Introduction: Current clinical guidelines recommend long-acting bronchodilators as the mainstay of the pharmacotherapy of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), in conjunction with long-acting beta-agonists (LABA), are routinely considered at severe and very severe stages of COPD when patients lack adequate response to single-therapy with LABAs. Although the study methodologies evaluating the clinical effectiveness of the combination therapy using salmeterol and fluticasone (SAL/FLU) for patients with COPD have been questioned, a number of studies have suggested that using ICS, in combination with a LABA agent, may improve survival of patients with COPD. Areas covered: This article attempts to review the most current evidence for using SAL/FLU in the management of COPD and summarizes the results of outcome measures reported in randomized controlled trials. Expert opinion: Until new forms of drug combinations are made available, the use of dual-therapy containing a LABA and ICS remain as the most logical and appropriate approach for the treatment of patients suffering from severe and very severe COPD with repeated exacerbations.
Anti‐hepatitis B virus activity of a mixture of two monoclonal antibodies in an “inhibition in solution” assay

Two human monoclonal antibodies with anti‐hepatitis B activity were investigated separately and as a mixture by means of an “inhibition in solution” assay. With this assay the capacity of anti‐HBs antibodies to inhibit the binding of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) with solid‐phase anti‐HBs (Ausria II, Abbott Laboratories) was studied. Both HBsAg of different subtypes and purified Dane particles were used. One of the monoclonal antibodies (9H9) was directed against a conformational epitope (anti‐“a” like) but induced incomplete inhibition (80% to 90%) of all HBsAg subtypes; the other (4–7B), active against a linear epitope, caused full inhibition of all HBsAg subtypes except one (HBsAg/adw4). In vitro, a mixture of these two monoclonal antibodies was active against HBsAg from liver transplant recipients, including those with suspected variant viruses. (HEPATOLOGY 1995; 22:1078–1083.).
Spam Mail Detection through Data Mining – A Comparative Performance Analysis

As web is expanding day by day and people generally rely on web for communication so e-mails are the fastest way to send information from one place to another. Now a day's all the transactions all the communication whether general or of business taking place through e-mails. E-mail is an effective tool for communication as it saves a lot of time and cost. But e- mails are also affected by attacks which include Spam Mails. Spam is the use of electronic messaging systems to send bulk data. Spam is flooding the Internet with many copies of the same message, in an attempt to force the message on people who would not otherwise choose to receive it. In this study, we analyze various data mining approach to spam dataset in order to find out the best classifier for email classification. In this paper we analyze the performance of various classifiers with feature selection algorithm and without feature selection algorithm. Initially we experiment with the entire dataset without selecting the features and apply classifiers one by one and check the results. Then we apply Best-First feature selection algorithm in order to select the desired features and then apply various classifiers for classification. In this study it has been found that results are improved in terms of accuracy when we embed feature selection process in the experiment. Finally we found Random Tree as best classifier for spam mail classification with accuracy = 99.72%. Still none of the algorithm achieves 100% accuracy in classifying spam emails but Random Tree is very nearby to that.
Tyrosine Kinase c-Src Constitutes a Bridge between Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator Channel Failure and MUC1 Overexpression in Cystic Fibrosis*

Cystic fibrosis (CF), a disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) chloride channel, is associated in the respiratory system with the accumulation of mucus and impaired lung function. The role of the CFTR channel in the regulation of the intracellular pathways that determine the overexpression of mucin genes is unknown. Using differential display, we have observed the differential expression of several mRNAs that may correspond to putative CFTR-dependent genes. One of these mRNAs was further characterized, and it corresponds to the tyrosine kinase c-Src. Additional results suggest that c-Src is a central element in the pathway connecting the CFTR channel with MUC1 overexpression and that the overexpression of mucins is a primary response to CFTR malfunction in cystic fibrosis, which occurs even in the absence of bacterial infection.
Hirsutine, an Indole Alkaloid of Uncaria rhynchophylla, Inhibits Late Step in Dengue Virus Lifecycle

Dengue virus (DENV) is transmitted to humans by Aedes mosquitoes and is a public health issue worldwide. No antiviral drugs specific for treating dengue infection are currently available. To identify novel DENV inhibitors, we analyzed a library of 95 compounds and 120 extracts derived from crude drugs (herbal medicines). In the primary screening, A549 cells infected with DENV-1 were cultured in the presence of each compound and extract at a final concentration of 10 μM (compound) and 100 μg/mL (extract), and reduction of viral focus formation was assessed. Next, we eliminated compounds and extracts which were cytotoxic using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Hirsutine, an indole alkaloid of Uncaria rhynchophylla, was identified as a potent anti-DENV compound exhibiting high efficacy and low cytotoxicity. Hirsutine showed antiviral activity against all DENV serotypes. Time-of-drug-addition and time-of-drug-elimination assays indicated that hirsutine inhibits the viral particle assembly, budding, or release step but not the viral translation and replication steps in the DENV lifecycle. A subgenomic replicon system was used to confirm that hirsutine does not restrict viral genome RNA replication. Hirsutine is a novel DENV inhibitor and potential candidate for treating dengue fever.