Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Monocular Obstacle Detection

A feature extraction approach to detect obstacles in an indoor environment using monocular sequence of images is presented. The approach aims to distinguish between two kinds of obstacles – walls and objects. This differentiation is essential for a robot to autonomously navigate indoors. The approach is split into two steps – feature extraction and supervised learning using SVM. In addition to features computed using computer vision techniques in a region of interest (ROI), some features are computed based on unsupervised learning methods. A total of 10 features are extracted per ROI and in the second step, a SVM classifies the ROI as Wall, Object, or Unknown. Of the 9 datasets, 2 were used to train the SVM, and this gave a mean classification accuracy of ~76% using the percent misclassification metric. From this classification, a robot can autonomously detect walls and objects using its one camera as a sensor. The results from the presented approach can be used for obstacle avoidance, path planning, and visual SLAM.
Cumulative HIV viremia during highly active antiretroviral therapy is a strong predictor of AIDS-related lymphoma.

BACKGROUND AIDS-related lymphoma contributes to significant morbidity and mortality among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). We assessed the predictive role of cumulative HIV viremia and other risk factors in the development of AIDS-related non-Hodgkin lymphoma. METHODS Data from the Clinical Surveillance of HIV Disease (ClinSurv) study, an ongoing, observational, open cohort study of HIV-infected patients from different urban areas in Germany, were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS In the Cox model, which comprised 6022 patients and 27,812 patient-years of follow-up while patients were receiving HAART from 1999 through 2006, cumulative HIV viremia was found to be independently associated with the risk of lymphoma (hazard ratio, [HR], 1.67 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.27-2.20]) (P < .001]). This association differed markedly between lymphoma subtypes. Although the association was more pronounced for Burkitt-type lymphoma (HR, 3.45 [95% CI, 1.52-7.85]) (P = .003), there was no association between cumulative HIV viremia and the incidence of primary central nervous system lymphoma (HR, 1.00 [95% CI, 0.39-2.57]) (P = .997). Other risk factors associated with an increased risk in a multivariable analysis included the latest CD4 T cell count as well as age per 10-year increment. CONCLUSIONS Cumulative HIV viremia is an independent and strong predictor of AIDS-related lymphoma among patients receiving HAART. The influence of cumulative HIV viremia may differ between lymphoma subtypes.
Hydrodynamic Focusing in Microfluidic Devices

In the last decade one of the quickest developing trends in fluid mechanics and chemical engineering has been microfluidics, covering the issues of heat, mass and momentum transfer in microscale. This corresponds directly to intensive research of nanoand microscale technology, as in such scales the system behavior shows significant deviations, compared to macroscale. That is mainly due to a drastically different surface-to-volume ratio and a minor role of buoyancy and inertia forces compared to surface forces like surface tension and adhesion. Due to the characteristic dimensions of microchannels, the flow of liquid is characterized by parallel streamlines, Reynolds number is small and only molecular diffusion is responsible for the inter-diffusion of a reagent.
A Computational Model for Aperture Control in Reach-to-Grasp Movement Based on Predictive Variability

In human reach-to-grasp movement, visual occlusion of a target object leads to a larger peak grip aperture compared to conditions where online vision is available. However, no previous computational and neural network models for reach-to-grasp movement explain the mechanism of this effect. We simulated the effect of online vision on the reach-to-grasp movement by proposing a computational control model based on the hypothesis that the grip aperture is controlled to compensate for both motor variability and sensory uncertainty. In this model, the aperture is formed to achieve a target aperture size that is sufficiently large to accommodate the actual target; it also includes a margin to ensure proper grasping despite sensory and motor variability. To this end, the model considers: (i) the variability of the grip aperture, which is predicted by the Kalman filter, and (ii) the uncertainty of the object size, which is affected by visual noise. Using this model, we simulated experiments in which the effect of the duration of visual occlusion was investigated. The simulation replicated the experimental result wherein the peak grip aperture increased when the target object was occluded, especially in the early phase of the movement. Both predicted motor variability and sensory uncertainty play important roles in the online visuomotor process responsible for grip aperture control.
Critical point mounting of kinetoplast DNA for atomic force microscopy

Atomic force microscope (AFM) images of intact kinetoplast DNA were obtained from samples prepared utilizing critical point drying. These images are compared with AFM images obtained using conventional methods for DNA deposition. Although the images obtained on chemically pretreated mica show more details than on unmodified mica, images obtained with critical point drying were superior. Kinetoplast networks with expected sizes and structures were routinely observed with critical point drying. The resolution of individual strands of DNA was greatly improved, and image artifacts associated with air dried samples were eliminated. Samples prepared using mildly sonicated kinetoplast DNA show isolated minicircles.
Feasibility Study of Forward Electromagnetic Solutions Used in Breast Tumor Detection

Forward electromagnetic (EM) solutions must be sufficiently accurate in order to be used in the solution of the inverse problem of microwave medical imaging. Two well-known issues related to the adequacy of the forward EM solutions are: 1) the feasibility of 2-D approximations and 2) the effect of the skin interface. In this paper, we present a systematic study using the time-domain EM solver XFDTD to assess the applicability of related approximations. This preliminary investigation leads us to believe that a 2-D simulation is not an adequate representation of the forward problem and may be misleading when testing inverse solvers. Also, the skin interface must be modeled correctly regardless of how well the properties of the coupling medium match those of the breast tissue. Ultra-wide band responses are studied and numerous plots are presented to support our conclusions
FINE STRUCTURE OF SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS GROWN IN TISSUE CULTURE

The fine structure of smooth muscle cells of the embryo chicken gizzard cultured in monolayer was studied by phase-contrast optics and electron microscopy. The smooth muscle cells were irregular in shape, but tended to be elongate. The nucleus usually contained prominent nucleoli and was large in relation to the cell body. When fixed with glutaraldehyde, three different types of filaments were noted in the cytoplasm: thick (150–250 A in diameter) and thin (30–80 A in diameter) myofilaments, many of which were arranged in small bundles throughout the cytoplasm and which were usually associated with dark bodies; and filaments with a diameter of 80–110 A which were randomly orientated and are not regarded as myofilaments. Some of the aggregated ribosomes were helically arranged. Mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, and dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum were prominent. In contrast to in vivo muscle cells, micropinocytotic vesicles along the cell membrane were rare and dense areas were usually confined to cell membrane infoldings. These cells are compared to in vivo embryonic smooth muscle and adult muscle after treatment with estrogen. Monolayers of cultured smooth muscle will be of particular value in relating ultrastructural features to functional observations on the same cells.
Study of Multimedia Application Characteristics

In this document, we study the characteristics of various multimedia applications in an attempt to figure out the optimal architectural support for these applications. CJPEG, which is used for image compression and decompression and is useful in a variety of video applications, is analyzed at the programming language level to identify the scope of exploiting data level and loop-level parallelism in image applications. 1 Brief Overview of Multimedia Applications The main characteristics of Multimedia applications are as follows: Intensive computation for highly regular operations Intensive I/O or memory accesses, and data locality High control complexity in less computational intensive tasks Frequent encounters of small integer operands Usually demand real-time processing capabilities Some of the common multimedia applications include Video conferencing, video on demand. We primarily focus on video/image-synthesis applications rather than speech applications which also constitute multimedia. 2 General Characteristics of Multimedia applications Fritts et al. [1] did an exhaustive study of multimedia applications which primarily included video and image systems. Although they didn’t include some of the latest graphics applications in their benchmarks but it is a pretty exhaustive study of video/image systems. 2.1 Benchmarks Fritts et al. [1] used an enhanced version of MediaBench[3] benchmarks which they called MediaBench +. The MediaBench+ benchmark includes: Video: MPEG-2, MPEG-4, H.263 Audio: ADPCM coder
A comparison of two approaches for independent scaling up of processing and communication capacities in multicomputer networks

Current multicomputer designs based on the k -ary d-cube topology present two main drawbacks when used as general purpose computers: They couple processing and communication capacities, and, when the dimension is kept fixed, the bisection bandwidth availability for each node decreases as the number of processing nodes grows. To overcome the above shortcomings, it is possible to apply a strategy we refer to as overrouting to k-ary d-cube networks. Two interconnection schemes resulting from such strategy are the k-ary d-cube n-spaces networks and the k-ary d-cube z-overrouted networks. The present paper compares the relative merits and demerits of those two schemes.
MALICIOUS IT Statically Scanning Java Code for Security Vulnerabilities

Although there is a vast amount of literature on how to avoid and detect security vulnerabilities, there are still few practical solutions codified into tools. Both developers and users require some degree of assurance as to the presence or absence of known security vulnerabilities. To address these concerns, we have designed a prototype tool, Jslint, that statically scans Java source code looking for potentially insecure coding practices. Automated source code scanning tools can help programmers easily prevent some types of bugs. In developing Jslint, we applied the software security assurance methodology we use while working on real-world systems: 1 identify and correct potential security problems during the software development process as opposed to patching broken systems in the field. <<okay? >> Like many useful technology applications, our approach involves a mix of art and engineering. The steps are straightforward:
A New Algorithm for Error-Tolerant Subgraph Isomorphism Detection

We propose a new algorithm for error-correcting subgraph isomorphism detection from a set of model graphs to an unknown input graph. The algorithm is based on a compact representation of the model graphs. This representation is derived from the set of model graphs in an off-line preprocessing step. The main advantage of the proposed representation is that common subgraphs of different model graphs are represented only once. Therefore, at run time, given an unknown input graph, the computational effort of matching the common subgraphs for each model graph onto the input graph is done only once. Consequently, the new algorithm is only sublinearly dependent on the number of model graphs. Furthermore, the new algorithm can be combined with a future cost estimation method that greatly improves its run-time performance.
Analyzing and Displaying of Crime Hotspots using Fuzzy Mapping Method

detection is one of the essential challenges in crime mapping and analysis. Data mining can be used to explore crime detection problems. A cluster technique is an effective method for determining areas with high concentrations of localized events. Conversely, it remains a particularly demanding task to detect hotspots with mapping methods in view of the vulnerability connected with the suitable number of groups to create and additionally securing significance of individual clusters identified. Fuzzy clustering means algorithm was used for identifying hotspots of Chicago police department's citizen law enforcement analysis and reporting system data. In fuzzy clustering, a membership value to each data is assigned, which indicate the strength of relationship between that data points and a specific cluster. In this study each cluster represented the group of global positioning system data points having latitude and longitude as their co- ordinates. The findings from this study were expected to aware the public about crime hotspots. Law enforcement agencies can take prior steps to prevent crime with the use of detected crime hotspots.
Achieving best practices transfer across countries

Purpose – This paper seeks to take up the challenges of examining the issues of knowledge transfer in an organization operating across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. The purpose is directed to understanding whether knowledge management efforts can lead to the improvement of knowledge transfer.Design/methodology/approach – The paper adopts a qualitative analysis based on a case study whose aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of a global knowledge management programme in achieving best practices transfer in sales and marketing practices throughout business units of Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America. The principal data‐gathering method is a structured interview conducted with senior staff from within 28 markets.Findings – The study's findings reveal that there is a level of complexity and non‐linear interconnectivity within and between business units, which confirms that knowledge transfer is a complex, multifactor process relying on a number of interacting variables.Research.
Process optimization of electrospun silk fibroin fiber mat for accelerated wound healing

Considering the outstanding biocompatibility of Bombyx mori silk fibroin, this study is designed to fabricate biomimetic nanofibrous structure made of silk fibroin, which can enhance cell activities for tissue formation. The electrospinning of blend of silk fibroin with low molecular weight poly(ethylene-oxide) (PEO) is explored with ease of preparation for high productivities. The average diameter of electrospun silk fibroin (eSF) is decreased from 414 ± 73 to 290 ± 46 nm after PEO extraction. To induce the desired cellular activity, the surface of the eSF fibers is modified with fibronectin by using the carbodiimide chemistry method. The potential use of the obtained wound healing material is assessed by indirect cytotoxicity evaluation on normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) in terms of their attachment and cell proliferation. The surface-modified eSF nanofiber mats show good support for cellular adhesion and spreading as a result of fibronectin grafting on the fiber surface, especially for cell migration inside the fibrous structure. These results demonstrate a new fabrication technique of surface-modified silk fibroin electrospun nanofibers for biomedical application; with the ability to accelerate wound healing. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 3634–3644, 2013
The role of protected areas in conserving biological diversity in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia

As elsewhere in the world, the loss of biodiversity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is due above all to economic factors. This is especially true where low values are given to biodiversity and ecological functions such as rangeland and watershed protection, nutrient cycling, pollution control, soil formation and photosynthesis. The threats to ecosystem structure and function are basically the same as those which threaten species. In Saudi Arabia emphasis is given to in-situ conservation which aims to maintain and recover viable populations of wild species in nature within their known natural range. This is being achieved through a system of protected areas and captive breeding programmes.
Vision based behavior verification system of humanoid robot for daily environment tasks

This paper describes integrated/intelligent humanoid robot system for daily-life environment tasks. We have realized complex behaviors of a humanoid robot in daily-life environment based on motion planner technique using an environment and manipulation knowledge. However in order to adapt to unknown or dynamic situations, sensor based behavior variation is essentially important. In this paper, we present a design and implementation of sensor based behavior verification system using an environment and manipulation knowledge, which is also used in manipulation motion planner. We also present software architecture that allows us to write a single stream code to perform complex concurrent humanoid motions. By using this architecture, sensor based verification functions are easily integrated in motion generation functions. Finally, we demonstrated a water-pouring task and a dishwashing task of the life-sized humanoid robot HRP2-JSK in a real environment while verifying its own motion
Increased Angiogenesis and Improved Left Ventricular Function after Transplantation of Myoblasts Lacking the MyoD Gene into Infarcted Myocardium

Skeletal myoblast transplantation has therapeutic potential for repairing damaged heart. However, the optimal conditions for this transplantation are still unclear. Recently, we demonstrated that satellite cell-derived myoblasts lacking the MyoD gene (MyoD−/−), a master transcription factor for skeletal muscle myogenesis, display increased survival and engraftment compared to wild-type controls following transplantation into murine skeletal muscle. In this study, we compare cell survival between wild-type and MyoD−/− myoblasts after transplantation into infarcted heart. We demonstrate that MyoD−/− myoblasts display greater resistance to hypoxia, engraft with higher efficacy, and show a larger improvement in ejection fraction than wild-type controls. Following transplantation, the majority of MyoD−/− and wild-type myoblasts form skeletal muscle fibers while cardiomyocytes do not. Importantly, the transplantation of MyoD−/− myoblasts induces a high degree of angiogenesis in the area of injury. DNA microarray data demonstrate that paracrine angiogenic factors, such as stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF), are up-regulated in MyoD−/− myoblasts. In addition, over-expression and gene knockdown experiments demonstrate that MyoD negatively regulates gene expression of these angiogenic factors. These results indicate that MyoD−/− myoblasts impart beneficial effects after transplantation into an infarcted heart, potentially due to the secretion of paracrine angiogenic factors and enhanced angiogenesis in the area of injury. Therefore, our data provide evidence that a genetically engineered myoblast cell type with suppressed MyoD function is useful for therapeutic stem cell transplantation.
Resonant Binary and Fibonacci Switched-capacitor bidirectional DC-DC converter

A resonant step-up/step-down Binary and Fibonacci Switched capacitor bi-directional converter is proposed for the medium power range. The resonant operation is achieved with only one air core inductor or by using the stray inductance. This approach reduces the power losses by reducing the switching losses together with increasing the number of target voltages. A 100W prototype with 100V input and 13 conversion ratios, operating at 45-55 kHz switching frequency is built and tested experimentally. A simple, an isolated gate driver was also developed. It features wide switching frequency duty cycle ranges of 30kHz-350kHz and 0.1-0.9, respectively, and rise and fall times of about 200ns.
Mouse Hindbrain Ex Vivo Culture to Study Facial Branchiomotor Neuron Migration

Embryonic neurons are born in the ventricular zone of the brain, but subsequently migrate to new destinations to reach appropriate targets. Deciphering the molecular signals that cooperatively guide neuronal migration in the embryonic brain is therefore important to understand how the complex neural networks form which later support postnatal life. Facial branchiomotor (FBM) neurons in the mouse embryo hindbrain migrate from rhombomere (r) 4 caudally to form the paired facial nuclei in the r6-derived region of the hindbrain. Here we provide a detailed protocol for wholemount ex vivo culture of mouse embryo hindbrains suitable to investigate the signaling pathways that regulate FBM migration. In this method, hindbrains of E11.5 mouse embryos are dissected and cultured in an open book preparation on cell culture inserts for 24 hr. During this time, FBM neurons migrate caudally towards r6 and can be exposed to function-blocking antibodies and small molecules in the culture media or heparin beads loaded with recombinant proteins to examine roles for signaling pathways implicated in guiding neuronal migration.
Clinical experiences with a convertible thermoplastic knee-ankle-foot orthosis for post-stroke hemiplegic patients

As rehabilitation for post-stroke hemiplegic patients has become widely accepted practice, there has been an increase in patients who are more difficult to treat. In the prescription rationale of orthoses for hemiplegics, the knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) for the lower limb has generally been underestimated because of its inhibitory effect on the normal walking pattern and also its interference with gait training. The authors had an experience of 28 hemiplegics with severe physical impairments who were fitted with a convertible plastic KAFO. Among these patients, there were 11 cases in which the KAFO was replaced by an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) within 1.5 to 8 months (average 4 months) following initial prescription when they were able to control their knee actively. Ambulatory capability in these patients was superior to that of the remaining KAFO group. The Barthel index of the AFO group patients was higher than the KAFO group (p<0.01). However neither age, sex, severity of hemiplegia, starting time of rehabilitation following onset of stroke, time of fitting with the orthosis, nor the functional recovery stage were critical factors between the two groups, only the incidence of major complications affected ambulatory capability.