Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human Identification in Information Systems

Many information systems involve data about people. In order reliably to associate data with particular individuals, it is necessary that an effective and efficient identification scheme be established and maintained. There is remarkably little in the information technology literature concerning human identification. Seeks to overcome that deficiency by undertaking a survey of human identity and human identification. Discusses techniques including names, codes, knowledge‐based and token‐based identification, and biometrics. Identifies the key challenge to management as being to devise a scheme which is practicable and economic, and of sufficiently high integrity to address the risks the organization confronts in its dealings with people. Proposes that much greater use be made of schemes which are designed to afford people anonymity, or which enable them to use multiple identities or pseudonyms, while at the same time protecting the organization′s own interest. Describes multi‐purpose and inhabitant regist.
EFFECT OF FLUORIDE INTOXICATION ON LIPID PEROXIDATION AND ANTIOXIDANT SYSTEMS IN RATS

SUMMARY: The effect of fluoride intoxication on lipid peroxidation and anti- oxidant systems in the blood, brain, and liver of rats was studied. Twelve one- month-old albino rats were administered 100-ppm fluoride (as NaF) in their drinking water for four months. In the red blood cells the levels of malondial- dehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) increased, along with the activity of glu- tathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), but the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) decreased. In the plasma the level of ascorbic acid increased while that of uric acid decreased. In the brain and liver, MDA and GSH levels increased, as did the activities of GSH-Px and glutathione S-transferase (GST). The level of ascorbic acid increased in the brain, but it decreased in the liver. These re- sults suggest that fluoride enhances lipid peroxidation in the red blood cells, brain and liver of rats and causes increased or decreased enzyme activity as- sociated with free radical metabolism.
THE IMPACTS OF PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION ATTRIBUTES ON TOURISM DEMAND

The private tourism accommodation concept has not b een largely represented in the scientific research. It started appearing on the margins of the actual research in the past ten years, namel y with a hotel as the most analyzed form of tourism accommodation. In the structure of tourism accommodation in Croati a in 2011 private accommodation participated with 465 000 beds which represents 49,8 percent of the total capacity and therefore demands more attention. Using the main marketing postulate where the consum er is the key of each business success, the main goal of this paper is to determinate the attributes of private tourism accommodation which h ave the main role in selection of accommodation facilities in Dubrovnik as one of the leading tourism destination in Croatia. The main goal will be carried out through the primary research of tourism demand by using mod ified hedonic model which will represent accommodation capacity utiliza tion rate in relation to selected private accommodation attributes. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression or the related log-linear form hav e in prior hospitality or tourism applications mostly been used to estimat e this type of model. In this paper log-linear specification for the capacit y utilisation rate function was used instead of the linear one. This paper differs from other papers which used hed onic pricing model as it examines the impact of attributes of the actual accommodation units not on price but on capacity occupancy rate. The explanatory variables of the private accommodat i n capacity utilization rate, among others, include location, c haracteristics such as availability of free parking place, distance to the Old Town, sea view, terrace/garden. The results of this research will provide instructi ons and directions to the management of private accommodation in tourism dest ination in order to increase private accommodation capacity utilisation whereby private accommodation season will be extended. The positive effects of season extension will be two-sided: for destination manage ment the number of arrivals will be increased as well as overnights an d receipts and for the accommodation owners increasing of rental receipts will result in their higher satisfaction. The main finding of the paper is that the prices in the private tourist accommodation are formed solely by owners’ intuitio n whereas accommodation capacity utilization rate is the real ref ection of the tourist demand preferences.
Out-of-Class Novelty Generation : An Experimental Foundation

Recent advances in machine learning have brought the field closer to computational creativity research. From a creativity research point of view, this offers the potential to study creativity in relationship with knowledge acquisition. From a machine learning perspective, however, several aspects of creativity need to be better defined to allow the machine learning community to develop and test hypotheses in a systematic way. We propose an actionable definition of creativity as the generation of out-of-distribution novelty. We assess several metrics designed for evaluating the quality of generative models on this new task. We also propose a new experimental setup. Inspired by the usual held-out validation, we hold out entire classes for evaluating the generative potential of models. The goal of the novelty generator is then to use training classes to build a model that can generate objects from future (hold-out) classes, unknown at training time - and thus, are novel with respect to the knowledge the model incorporates. Through extensive experiments on various types of generative models, we are able to find architectures and hyperparameter combinations which lead to out-of-distribution novelty.
Decoupled Current-Balancing Control With Single-Sensor Sampling-Current Strategy For Two-Phase Interleaved Boost-Type Converters

For interleaved boost-type converters, both functions of voltage regulation and current balance are important. In this paper, the decoupled current-balancing control (DCBC) with two parallel loops is proposed. At first, the small-signal transfer functions of the voltage-regulation loop and the current balancing loop to the controller output are derived. The results show that the voltage-regulation loop and the proposed current-balancing loop are nominally decoupled. That is, two PI-type controllers can be designed independently and included to implement the proposed DCBC. Additionally, the single-sensor sampling-current strategy is proposed to obtain two average inductor currents by sensing only the sum of diode currents. All the controllers are implemented in field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The provided simulation and experimental results demonstrate the proposed DCBC.
Optical trapping and binding

The phenomenon of light's momentum was first observed in the laboratory at the beginning of the twentieth century, and its potential for manipulating microscopic particles was demonstrated by Ashkin some 70 years later. Since that initial demonstration, and the seminal 1986 paper where a single-beam gradient-force trap was realized, optical trapping has been exploited as both a rich example of physical phenomena and a powerful tool for sensitive measurement. This review outlines the underlying theory of optical traps, and explores many of the physical observations that have been made in such systems. These phenomena include ‘optical binding’, where trapped objects interact with one another through the trapping light field. We also discuss a number of the applications of ‘optical tweezers’ across the physical and life sciences, as well as covering some of the issues involved in constructing and using such a tool.
Overview of P-glycoprotein inhibitors: a rational outlook

Glicoproteina-p (P-gp), uma glicoproteina de transmembrana permeavel, e um membro da superfamilia (ABC) de cassete de gene de ligacao de ATP que funciona especificamente como um carreador mediado pelo transportador de efluxo ativo primario. E amplamente distribuido por todo o corpo e apresenta uma gama diversificada de substratos. Diversos agentes terapeuticos vitais sao substratos para P-gp e sua biodisponibilidade e reduzida ou a resistencia e induzida devido ao efluxo de proteinas. Portanto, os inibidores da P-gp foram explorados para a superacao da resistencia a multiplas drogas e problemas de biodisponibilidade deficiente dos substratos terapeuticos da P-gp. A sensibilidade das moleculas da droga a P-gp e vice-versa, pode ser estabelecida por varios modelos experimentais in silico, in vitro e in vivo. Desde a descoberta da P-gp, diversas pesquisas identificaram varias estruturas quimicas como inibidores da P-gp. O objetivo deste presente estudo foi o de enfatizar a descoberta e desenvolvimento de inibidores mais novos, inertes, atoxicos e mais eficazes, visando especificamente os da P-gp, como aqueles entre os extratos vegetais, excipientes e formulacoes farmaceuticas, e outras moleculas racionais de droga. As aplicacoes do conhecimento de biologia celular e molecular, bancos de dados estruturais in silico, estudos de modelagem molecular e analises da relacao quantitativa estrutura-atividade (QSAR) no desenvolvimento de novos inibidores racionais da P-gp tambem foram mencionados.
Developing Bayesian networks from a dependency‐layered ontology: A proof‐of‐concept in radiation oncology

Purpose: Bayesian networks (BNs) are graphical representations of probabilistic knowledge that offer normative reasoning under uncertainty and are well suited for use in medical domains. Traditional knowledge‐based network development of BN topology requires that modeling experts establish relevant dependency links between domain concepts by searching and translating published literature, querying domain experts, or applying machine learning algorithms on data. For initial development these methods are time‐intensive and this cost hinders the growth of BN applications in medical decision making. Further, this approach fails to utilize knowledge representation in medical fields to automate network development. Our research alleviates the challenges surrounding BN modeling in radiation oncology by leveraging an ontology based hub and spoke system for BN construction. Methods: We implement a hub and spoke system by developing (a) an ontology of knowledge in radiation oncology (the hub) which includes dependency semantics similar to BN relations and (b) a software tool that operates on ontological semantics using deductive reasoning to create BN topologies (the spokes). We demonstrate that network topologies built using the software are terminologically consistent and form networks that are topologically compatible with existing ones. We do this first by merging two different BN models for prostate cancer radiotherapy prediction which contain domain cross terms. We then use the logic to perform discovery of new causal chains between radiation oncology concepts. Results: From the radiation oncology (RO) ontology we successfully reconstructed a previously published prostate cancer radiotherapy Bayes net using up‐to‐date domain knowledge. Merging this model with another similar prostate cancer model in the RO domain produced a larger, highly interconnected model representing the expanded scope of knowledge available regarding prostate cancer therapy parameters, complications, and outcomes. The causal discovery resulted in an automatically‐built causal network model of all ontologized radiotherapy concepts between a ‘Mucositis’ complication and anatomic tumor location. Conclusions: The proposed model building approach lowers barriers to developing probabilistic models relevant to real‐world clinical decision making, and offers a solution to the consistency and compatibility problems. Further, the knowledge representation in this work demonstrates potential for broader radiation oncology applications outside of Bayes nets.
Investment under uncertainty with potential improvement of the operating cash flows

Potential improvement of the operating cash flows from a project stimulates a firm to anticipate investment in the project. I characterize the optimal investment rule and derive the closed-form solution of the value of the option of waiting to invest. The major factors of investment forestalling are high project-value volatility, proximity to the project value that triggers cash flow improvement, and short status-quo operating cash flows. JEL-Classification: G12, G13, G31.
The effect of ultraviolet B irradiation on nitric oxide synthase expression in murine keratinocytes

Abstract: Nitric oxide (NO), which has several physiological functions in skin, is generated by NO synthase (NOS). NOS has at least three isoforms; endothelial NOS (eNOS), brain NOS (bNOS), and inducible NOS (iNOS). Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation has been reported to stimulate NO production in skin via induction or activation of NOS, however, the exact mechanism of NOS induction by UVB irradiation remains obscure. In this study, we investigated the direct effect of UVB on the expression of NOS isoforms in murine keratinocytes, and found a significant increase in NO production within 48 h. mRNA and protein expressions of bNOS were both enhanced by UVB irradiation in murine keratinocytes, whereas iNOS mRNA expression was suppressed at 4 and 12 h after UVB irradiation. These results suggest that the enhancement of NO production observed after UVB irradiation in murine keratinocytes may be explained in part by the upregulation of bNOS expression, but not iNOS expression.
Catheter-based ultrasound technology for image-guided thermal therapy: Current technology and applications

Abstract Catheter-based ultrasound (CBUS) is applied to deliver minimally invasive thermal therapy to solid cancer tumours, benign tissue growth, vascular disease, and tissue remodelling. Compared to other energy modalities used in catheter-based surgical interventions, unique features of ultrasound result in conformable and precise energy delivery with high selectivity, fast treatment times, and larger treatment volumes. We present a concise review of CBUS technology being currently utilized in animal and clinical studies or being developed for future applications. CBUS devices have been categorised into interstitial, endoluminal and endovascular/cardiac applications. Basic applicator designs, site-specific evaluations and possible treatment applications have been discussed in brief. Particular emphasis has been given to ablation studies that incorporate image guidance for applicator placement, therapy monitoring, feedback control, and post-procedure assessment. Examples of devices included here span the entire spectrum of the development cycle from preliminary simulation-based design studies to implementation in clinical investigations. The use of CBUS under image guidance has the potential for significantly improving precision and applicability of thermal therapy delivery.
The role of a floodplain in regulating aquifer recharge during a flood event of the River Adour in southwest France

This study forms part of a French Government initiative supporting researchs into the function of wetlands as regulators of water regimes and supporters of a rich biodiversity. Aquifer recharge has been studied in a section of the floodplain of the River Adour, between Saubusse and Le Vimport, one of the major wetland areas in southwest France. The study has focused primarily on a major flood event observed during 6 to 19 March 1999. The March flood allows 2.1×106 m3 of water to be store in the sub-surface as the water-table rises to the surface of the floodplain giving complete saturation. After the passage of the flood wave, the water table declines to a level that restores the original volume of water stored in the subsurface. The 7 km2 floodplain has an estimated total sub-surface storage capacity of ≈ 6.3 × 106 m3 down to a layer of impermeable clay. During summer low water periods, the sub-surface storage is estimated to be ≈ 4.2 ×106 m3 (i.e., 67% of the total available sub-surface storage in the zone studied). A hydrologic balance was calculated for the flood event that considers inputs and outputs to the floodplain. The input volume from stream overflow, surface runoff, rainfall, and input from a small stream in the floodplain was estimated to be 6.9×106 m3 (of which 5.6×106 m3 is retained on the suface). Water outputs including drainage channels, direct drainage by the river, and evapotranspiration were estimated to be 7.5×106 m3. These volumes contribute water representing ca. 1.4% of the total flood event low of 5.40×108 m3. Relatively low nitrate concentrations and associated low conductivities were observed in the water sampled at a number of piezometers placed within the study zone. A mechanism is suggested that involves the mixing of water of low nitrate content and conductivity from small streams and the sub-surface within the floodplain, with water containing elevated levels of dissolved nitrate and high conductivity from the River Adour.
Two-Piece, Dual-Purpose Comprehensive Contact Lens for Vitreous Surgery

Purpose: To describe a dual-purpose lens that can be used both as a planoconcave direct-image lens and wide-angle lens. This lens provides good resolution, is autoclavable and self-stabilizing. Design: New instrument design. Method: This lens has two components (lenses): the inferior element is a modification of the standard, self-stabilizing planoconcave, one-piece acrylic lens with 4 footplates and is used in a similar manner; the superior part is a biconvex glass lens in a high-temperature-resistant plastic casing. The superior plastic casing is screwed on the inferior lens to convert it into a wide-angle lens. The lens is used as a self-stabilizing, planoconcave or wide-angle lens and is sterilized by autoclaving. Result: The planoconcave direct-image inferior lens gives a high-resolution image with a field of view of 20°. The wide-angle lens on assembly of the inferior and superior parts gives a static field of view of 80° and a dynamic field of view of 98°. Conclusion: The two-piece dual-purpose contact lens is an inexpensive substitute for both planoconcave and traditional wide-angle lens without compromising the stability and quality of the fundus image.
Post-Acute Care Services Received by Older Adults Following a Cardiac Event: A Population-Based Analysis

Background:Post-acute care (PAC) is available for older adults who need additional services after hospitalization for acute cardiac events. With the aging population and an increase in the prevalence of cardiac disease, it is important to determine current PAC use for cardiac patients to assist health care workers to meet the needs of older cardiac patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the current PAC use and factors associated with PAC use for older adults following hospitalization for a cardiac event that includes coronary artery bypass graft and valve surgeries, myocardial infarction (MI), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and heart failure (HF). Methods and Results:A cross-sectional design and the 2003 Medicare part A database were used for this study. The sample (n = 1493521) consisted of patients 65 years and older discharged after their first cardiac event. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with PAC use. Overall, PAC use was 55% for cardiac valve surgery, 50% for MI, 45% for HF, 44% for coronary artery bypass graft, and 5% for PCI. Medical patients use more skilled nursing facility care, and surgical patients use more home health care. Only 0.1% to 3.4% of the cardiac patients use intermediate rehabilitation facilities. Compared with those who do not use PAC, those who use home health care and skilled nursing facility care are older and female, have a longer hospital length of stay, and have more comorbidity. Asians, Hispanics, and Native Americans were less likely to use PAC after hospitalization for an MI or HF. Conclusions:The current rate of PAC use indicates that almost half of nondisabled Medicare patients discharged from the hospital following a cardiac event use one of these services. Health care professionals can increase PAC use for Asians, Hispanics, and Native Americans by including culturally targeted communication. Optimizing recovery for cardiac patients who use PAC may require focused cardiac rehabilitation strategies.
UV Enhanced Field Emission Properties of Ga-Doped ZnO Nanosheets

High-density gallium (Ga)-doped ZnO nanosheets were fabricated successfully on a glass substrate by aqueous solution method. The diameter and length of the Ga-doped ZnO nanosheets were ~25 nm and 2.16 μm, respectively. In the dark, the turn-ON field of Ga-doped ZnO nanosheets was 4.67 V/μm, and the field enhancement factor (β) was 4037. Under UV illumination, the turn-ON field and field enhancement factor were 2.83 V/μm and 6616, respectively.
A soluble extract from human spermatozoa activates ascidian oocytes

A soluble extract from human spermatozoa induced calcium oscillations and extrusion of the first polar body when injected into oocytes of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis. The properties of calcium oscillations and time of polar body extrusion precisely mimic oocyte activation induced by C. intestinalis sperm or sperm extracts. The data suggest that human sperm extracts can activate oocytes of different phyla by the same mechanism as homologous spermatozoa. Injection of inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3) into C. intestinalis oocytes mimicked to some extent the initial stages of oocyte activation, but the results demonstrate that ascidian oocyte activation by human sperm extract cannot be explained solely in terms of IP3‐induced calcium release. Injection of other calcium releasing second messengers, cyclic adenosine diphosphate ribose, or calcium ions, does not lead to oocyte activation or release intracellular calcium in ascidian oocytes. It was concluded that human spermatozoa contain one or more molecules that can trigger intracellular calcium release in oocytes from different phyla.
Evaluation of Methods for the Measurement of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol

A high concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in plasma is one of the strongest risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and mortality. The most common approach to determining LDL-C in the clinical laboratory is the Friedewald calculation. There is an increased interest to improve the accuracy of LDL-C estimated by this equation. The expert panel convened by National Cholesterol Education Program has recommended the development of accurate direct methods to measure LDL-C. Several homogeneous and fully automated methods have been introduced in recent years that show improved precision and accuracy over earlier methods, especially the Friedewald calculation. Each of the atherogenic particles in plasma—very-low, intermediate-, and low-density lipoprotein—as well as lipoprotein (a), contain one molecule of apolipoprotein B (apoB) and thus, plasma total concentration of apoB reflects the number of atherogenic particles. Several studies suggested that the measurement of apoB could improve the prediction of risk of coronary artery disease. Thus, in addition to the newly developed direct assays, alternative calculation procedures have been proposed that also take into consideration total serum apoB concentration for the estimation of LDL-C and the presence of small, dense LDL particles. The new generation of homogenous methods for the measurement of LDL-C and the use of serum apoB concentration for the estimation of LDL-C can contribute to the accurate LDL-C determination.