Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Visual analytics for semantic based image retrieval (sbir): semantic tool

-Semantic-based image retrieval (SBIR) is a retrieval technique based on the intuition of user. However, implementing a meticulous strategy without incurring a semantic gap (disparity between the retrieved images and the user desired images) is a challenging task. The semantic gap is not trivial, when it comes to sensitive medical diagnostic images. Also, with rapid digitization of medical diagnostic images, statistics reveal that data from US health care system alone reached 150 Exabyte’s and so with the presumption that this diagnostic medical data will shoot up, memory requirements and computational expenses should be reduced substantially. Furthermore, as only a region of image will be most relevant (ROI-Region of Interest) while retrieving diagnostic medical data, the feature dimensionality is reduced and thereby the speed of the retrieval process is increased. As, most SBIR algorithms do not intuitively explain why the retrieved images are considered relevant to the user query, there is a chance that the user may miss out relevant images which may be outliers. Semantic technologies like ontology offers auspicious approach to image retrieval as it tries to map the low level image features to high level ontology concepts. So a tool called Visual Analytics Tool for Semantic Retrieval (VATSR) is proposed which allows user to visually interact and refine the query and/or search results. Moreover, in this paper, a hierarchical classifier is proposed which classifies at different levels with different set of features, which ensures that a relevant image missed out in one classifier may be retrieved in another classifier. Along with this, a boosting algorithm is use to improve the precision of the search results.
Advancing Strategic Communication through Mission Statements: Creation of a Natural Language Taxonomy

This paper creates natural language taxonomy for mission statements using text analytics rather than predefined researcher classes. The uniqueness of the paper is present in the fact there has not been taxonomy of mission statements created until now and the taxonomy is based on the actual wording of the statements. Furthermore, this study links mission statements, a topic of strategic management, to the new and growing field of strategic communication. The sample used for this paper was 798 firms that had mission statements written in English. The firms chosen vary widely in size, mission and industry so a broader taxonomy could be developed. The result is a three-class taxonomy that complements existing theory and is useful for theory development.
Comparative genomic hybridization detects genomic abnormalities in 80% of follicular lymphomas

Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) was used to analyse 34 follicular lymphoma (FL) samples. 27 samples showed DNA sequence copy number changes of at least one genomic region (26 samples with at least one gain and nine with at least one loss). Some chromosomes or chromosomal regions were preferentially involved. The most frequently gained regions were chromosome 18q (29% of samples), chromosome X (21%), chromosome 7 (18%), chromosomes 2, 6p and 8q (12%). Two regions were preferentially lost: 6q (12%) and 17p (9%). All these gained and lost regions have been previously reported in cytogenetic studies, confirming the accuracy of CGH in detecting genetic abnormalities in FL. 21% of samples displayed normal profiles, probably reflecting the absence of unbalanced abnormality, which is also in agreement with the cytogenetic data. In conclusion, we showed that CGH is an accurate, reliable and rapid method and we propose the inclusion of CGH in the evaluation of FL at diagnosis.
Lifetime Optimization of a Multiple Sink Wireless Sensor Network through Energy Balancing

The wireless sensor network consists of small limited energy sensors which are connected to one or more sinks. The maximum energy consumption takes place in communicating the data from the nodes to the sink. Multiple sink WSN has an edge over the single sink WSN where very less energy is utilized in sending the data to the sink, as the number of hops is reduced. If the energy consumed by a node is balanced between the other nodes, the lifetime of the network is considerably increased. The network lifetime optimization is achieved by restructuring the network by modifying the neighbor nodes of a sink. Only those nodes are connected to a sink which makes the total energy of the sink less than the threshold. This energy balancing through network restructuring optimizes the network lifetime. This paper depicts this fact through simulations done in MATLAB.
Neuropathology of Heart Transplantation

ABSTRACT: The neuropathology of 18 cardiac transplant recipients was reviewed with the clinical findings. Pathological changes were noted in the central nervous system (CNS) in 94% of the patients, the most frequent being cerebral vascular in origin (72%). Eight patients (44%) had multiple cerebral infarcts and morphologically, a large number of these antedated the transplantation. In addition 4 patients had acute focal ischemic changes which occurred after transplantation. Intracranial hemorrhage was noted in 5 patients (28%), including one case of fatal intracerebral hemorrhage following an acute hypertensive episode after the transplantation. While systemic infection was common (10 patients), there were only 5 cases of intracranial infection; including 3 cases of cytomegalovirus infection, one of candidiasis and one of aspergillosis. Post-transplant seizures, occurring in a third of the patients, were related to a variety of causative factors such as sepsis, intracranial hemorrhage, cerebral ischemia, metabolic encephalopathy and cyclosporin neurotoxicity. Of note in this series was the absence of CNS lymphoma or other systemic lymphoproliferative disorder.
Genomic Cloning of Xenopus TFIIS (TCEA1) and Identification of Its Transcription Start Site

We previously cloned the cDNA of the transcription factor TFIIS (SII) from Xenopus laevis and showed that its expression was not constant during Xenopus development. To investigate its regulation, we cloned the genomic DNA of Xenopus TFIIS, focusing on the 5'-promoter region. Here, we present the Xenopus TFIIS genomic sequence ( m 1730 to +214) and transcription start site (cap site). We define the position of the primary cap site as the adenine located 142 u bp upstream from the adenine of the ATG (Met) codon. Another putative start-site region, where 13 transcriptional start sites are clustered within 12 u bp, was mapped about 100 u bp downstream of the primary cap site. Although a computer search found putative trans -element binding sites proximal to two Xenopus TFIIS transcription start sites, we could not identify typical "TATA" or "CAATT" boxes upstream of the primary cap site, probably owing to TFIIS's character as a "house keeping gene".
DES modelling and control vs. problem solving methods

Modelling and control of a kind of Discrete-Event Systems (DES) having a character of Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS) are examined by means of methods used in applied artificial intelligence. While assembly and/or disassembly processes are controlled by means of the problem solving methods (the so called block world and the Hanoi tower puzzle), the process of crossing vehicles inside FMS is controlled as the multi-agent system. Petri Net (PN)-based models are utilised in order to described the dynamic behaviour of the systems. The control strategy based on Reachability Graphs (RGs) is proposed and illustrated. Feasible state trajectories in the space of feasible states are found. The set of discrete events corresponding to particular segments of the trajectories represents the result of control synthesis.
Versatile visual servoing without knowledge of true Jacobian

Proposes a versatile visual servoing control scheme with a Jacobian matrix estimator. The Jacobian matrix estimator does not need a priori knowledge of the kinematic structure and parameters of the robot system, such as camera and link parameters. The proposed visual servoing control scheme ensures the convergence of the image-features to desired trajectories, by using the estimated Jacobian matrix, which is proved by the Lyapunov stability theory. To show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme, simulation and experimental results are presented. <<ETX>>
Investigating Factors Influencing Impulsive Buying: Consumer and Nondurable Goods Case

Impulsive buying is one of the ways of buying in which there is a short time interval between viewing the goods and deciding to buy them. Nowadays, the investigating of the process of impulsive buying, as one of the methods of increasing sales rate, is prevalent in many retail and production units. This research aims at investigating impulsive buying constituents and also factors increasing impulsive buying rate with regard to consumption and nondurable goods. This research is carried out using an applied approach in which a questionnaire-based survey is carried out, with the consumers of consumption and nondurable goods regarded as its source of data and information. A total of 384 usable questionnaires were collected and analyzed utilizing correlation and regression analysis to establish the relationships in the model. The results provide a more comprehensive perspective of impulsive buying. Also, the results show that discount shopping, store’s layout and decoration, having credit cards, as well as, income levels influence customers’ impulsive buying, respectively.
The role of corporate governance and transparency in the generation of financial performance in socially responsible companies

ABSTRACT Socially responsible companies develop strategies based on ESG criteria. Literature and agents operating in the markets are concerned about knowing whether the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Corporate Governance (CG) practices have a positive impact on financial performance. Main studies indicate that good CG practices are associated with a commitment to transparency. Our aim is to analyse the impact that CSR disclosure, as a transparency mechanism, and good CG practices have on the financial performance of socially responsible companies. To this aim, a system of simultaneous equations is proposed, in which the CSR disclosure variable has a mediating role, acting as liaison between the CG adopted by the organisation and the financial valuation. The results indicate that companies who wish to rise funding on the financial markets should develop both: a good CG and a high level of CSR disclosure, as part of their CSR strategy.
A comparative study of two methods for attaining constant alcohol levels.

AIMS Alcohol effects or drug-alcohol interactions are preferably studied at constant blood levels. To achieve pseudo-steady state levels, various methods are used, which usually produce adequate averages but variable individual concentration profiles. The aim was to compare two modes of alcohol administration: a 'two-step prekinetic procedure' and a 'clamping method'. METHODS The two-step prekinetic procedure started with determination of individual pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters, during a prestudy occasion. Individual infusion regimens were calculated afterwards, based on a pseudo-steady state breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) of 0.65 g l(-1) and applied on a separate occasion. For the clamping procedure, a spreadsheet-based paradigm was developed using BrAC-guided adjustments of infusion rates, to maintain stable BrAC levels of 0.6 g l(-1). RESULTS The mean BrAC during clamping [0.61 g l(-1), 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58, 0.63] did not differ from its intended level of 0.6 g l(-1) (1.0% on average). In contrast, the mean BrAC during the prekinetic procedure was significantly lower than the 0.65 g l(-1) set-point (0.59 g l(-1), 95% CI 0.54, 0.63) and deviated from this target by 9.7% on average. The clamping method also showed less variation between subjects [coefficient of variation (CV) 6.2%] compared with the prekinetic procedure (CV 14.6%). CONCLUSIONS Although the two methods differ considerably in their approach, clamping of BrAC resulted in more accurate alcohol levels than infusion based on PK modelling and does not require an extra prestudy occasion. The novel alcohol clamping paradigm can be of value in future studies of alcohol interactions or the pharmacodynamics of acute alcohol administration.
Origin and evolutionary history of HIV-1 subtype C in Brazil

Objective:To investigate the origin and to reconstruct the onset date of the HIV-1 subtype C epidemic in Brazil. Design:Three independent datasets of subtype C sequences isolated from HIV-1-positive patients from southern Brazil over a period of 15 years (1991–2006) were analyzed: 82 env V3 sequences (213nt), 40 env C2–C5 sequences (559nt), and 72 pol sequences (960nt). Methods:Brazilian sequences were compared with other subtype C reference strains from the database using basic local alignment search tool, phylogenetic analyses, and searching of specific amino acid signature patterns. Evolutionary parameters were estimated using a Bayesian coalescent-based method under either strict or relaxed molecular clock models. Results:HIV-1 subtype C sequences from Brazil and Burundi formed a monophyletic cluster at both env and pol regions and shared specific amino acid signatures in the protease region when compared with other viruses of the same subtype from around the world. All Brazilian strains arose as a monophyletic subcluster within the Burundi-Brazilian lineage, whereas isolates from Burundi appeared at the origin of the clade. Evolutionary analyses of both env and pol genomic regions indicate that the age of the most recent common ancestor of the Brazilian subtype C clade dates back to the early 1980s. Conclusion:The subtype C epidemic in the southern Brazilian region was initiated by the introduction of a single founder strain closely related to subtype C strains from Burundi. Our results suggest that this founder event probably took place around the early 1980s, roughly a decade before the previous estimates.
Modelling How Managers Support Their Subordinates Toward Environmental Sustainability: A Moderated-Mediation Study

This study examines the linkages between managerial support for the environment, employee environmental commitment, perceived behavioral control, and employee propensity to recycle. Using a convenience sample (N = 142), we report that employee environmental commitment mediates the relationship between managerial support and propensity to behave eco-friendly. Additionally, we showed that perceived behavioral control moderates the relationship between employee environmental commitment and propensity to recycle.
TEXTILE FABRICS AS THERMAL INSULATORS

Abstract In recent times, a wide range of textile materials has been used as thermal insulators in many industrial applications. The thermal insulating properties of textile fabrics depend on their thermal conductivity, density, thickness and thermal emission characteristics. Experiments have been made with the aim of studying heat transfer by conduction through the different types of fabrics used as thermal insulators. 100% polyester and 100% polypropylene nonwoven fabrics are used in this work as case studies. The temperature variation through the selected fabrics is measured under different operating parameters such as densities and inlet temperature. The thermal response and behaviour for the selected fabrics used in this work as thermal insulators are illustrated. The relationship between the thermal conductivity and material density of the selected fabrics is studied. Polyester fabric has higher thermal resistance and specific heat resistance than polypropylene. Fabric thickness has a significant effect on the fabric temperature variations. The results of ? [Anova-two way measurements] are presented for 100% polyester and 100% polypropylene nonwoven fabrics. The temperature variation of the fabric increased with the testing time, and also decreased with the increase of fabric weight up to a certain limit beyond its optimum level. The results show that the selected nonwoven fabrics are suitable for usage as thermal insulators.
The relationship between external threats and smoking in central Harlem.

OBJECTIVES This study assessed the relationship between external risks, such as personal and neighborhood danger, and smoking by using a new theoretical framework based on competing mortality risk models. METHODS Regression analyses of self-reported data from residents of Central Harlem, New York, surveyed from 1992 through 1994 (n = 695, response rate = 72%) were used to assess the relationship between smoking and 2 measures of external health threats: levels of neighborhood danger and lifetime trauma. RESULTS Support for the framework was mixed. At the 95% confidence level, exposure to lifetime trauma was positively related to current smoking status but was not related to the number of cigarettes smoked, conditional on being a smoker. Living in a "somewhat unsafe neighborhood" was also statistically significantly related to current smoking status. CONCLUSIONS Although the framework implies that policies directed at improving the physical and social environment might improve health through their indirect effects on behaviors, little supporting evidence was found. Smoking rates may decrease if exposure to violence and neighborhood danger is reduced. This framework needs to be tested on larger and more information-rich data sets.
All at sea: sustaining livelihoods through maritime tourism in Croatia

This paper explores the development of maritime tourism activities undertaken by a Seafaring Croatian community, largely in response to changing economic circumstances. Empirical data gathered in May 2013 from narrative stories given by boat Captains and questionnaires underpin the case study. The paper argues that in studying community livelihoods, the historical context of that community is an important factor in determining the success of tourism development and any policy formation and intervention. The sustainable livelihoods framework provides the bases for assessing the potential for success. The five factors of the SL approach (financial capital, human capital, physical and social aspect, and natural capital) have proved to be an essential framework and toolkit for tourism development in the observed community. Despite evident ongoing challenges, maritime tourism activities provide a commercially viable way of life in this community. Keywords : Sustainable livelihoods, maritime tourism, seafaring community, entrepreneurship, Croatia.
Silica-on-silicon optical sensor based on integrated waveguides and microchannels

The operation of a novel optical device sensitive to the refractive index of a small (<1/spl times/10/sup -12/ m/sup 3/) volume of liquid is demonstrated experimentally. The structure is a silica-on-silicon three-core directional coupler with two quasi-circular microchannels, approximately three micrometers in diameter, located between the cores. The operation of the device is demonstrated by introducing liquid into the microchannels and varying the refractive index of the liquid through a temperature change.
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor MS-275 Exhibits Poor Brain Penetration: Pharmacokinetic Studies of [ 11 C]MS-275 using Positron Emission Tomography

MS-275 (entinostat) is a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor currently in clinical trials for the treatment of several types of cancer. Recent reports have noted that MS-275 can cross the blood - brain barrier (BBB) and cause region-specific changes in rodent brain histone acetylation. To characterize the pharmacokinetics and distribution of MS-275 in the brain using positron emission tomography (PET), we labeled the carbamate carbon of MS-275 with carbon-11. Using PET, we determined that [ 11 C]MS-275 has low uptake in brain tissue when administered intravenously to nonhuman primates. In rodent studies, we observed that pharmacokinetics and brain accumulation of [ 11 C]MS-275 were not changed by the coadministration of large doses of unlabeled MS-275. These results, which both highlight the poor brain penetration of MS-275, clearly suggest its limitation as a therapeutic agent for the central nervous system (CNS). Moreover, our study de-monstrates the effectiveness of PET at providing brain pharmacokinetic data for HDAC inhibitors. These data are important not only for the development of new compounds for peripheral cancer treatment (where CNS exclu-sion is often advantageous) but also for the treatment of neurological disorders (where CNS penetration is critical). percent unmetabolized radiotracer in the baboon’s determined using the following protocol: Baboon plasma ∼ 0.2 mL) sampled at various time points during the PET study was counted and added to a solution of unlabeled standard (20 μ L of a 1 mg/mL solution) in acetonitrile (0.3 mL), and the resulting mixture was vortexed and centrifuged.
Activation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 2 by metabotropic glutamate receptors

Activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) leads to modulation of a variety of second messenger pathways probably including the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinases (ERK). MAPK play a key role in the control of cellular responses to changes in the external environment by regulating transcriptional activity and the phosphorylation state of several cytoplasmic targets. In this study, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells permanently transfected with rat mGluR1a, mGluR2 and mGluR4 were employed as a model to examine the activation of MAPK by glutamate through mGluRs. All three mGluR subtypes rapidly stimulated ERK activation. In particular, mGluR1a and mGluR2 preferentially mediated phosphorylation and activation of ERK2 in a pertussis toxin (PTX)‐sensitive and concentration‐dependent manner. The activation was blocked completely by pretreatment with the antagonist (rs)‐α‐methyl‐4‐carboxyphenylglycine (MCPG) or with the MEK inhibitor PD098059. Furthermore, mGluR1a‐mediated ERK activation was suppressed by the depletion of endogenous protein kinase C (PKC) activity and by the PKC inhibitors staurosporine and calphostin C, but not chelerythrine. When cAMP was elevated in mGluR2‐expressing cells, by forskolin or dibutyryl‐cAMP, slight elevation of ERK activity was observed. However, glutamate‐stimulated ERK activation remained unaffected. In these cells, the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor wortmannin produced a significant, albeit only partial, inhibition of mGluR2‐mediated ERK activation. These findings raise the possibility of a MAPK cascade involvement in glutamate‐dependent neuronal plasticity mediated through stimulation of mGluRs.