Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Digital stereo image analyzer for generating automated 3-D measures of optic disc deformation in glaucoma

The major limitations of precise evaluation of retinal structures in present clinical situations are the lack of standardization, the inherent subjectivity involved in the interpretation of retinal images, and intra- as well as interobserver variability. While evaluating optic disc deformation in glaucoma, these limitations could be overcome by using advanced digital image analysis techniques to generate precise metrics; from stereo optic disc image pairs. A digital stereovision system for visualizing the topography of the optic nerve head from stereo optic disc images is presented. We have developed an algorithm, combining power cepstrum and zero-mean-normalized cross correlation techniques, which extracts depth information using coarse-to-fine disparity between corresponding windows in a stereo pair. The gray level encoded sparse disparity matrix is subjected to a cubic B-spline operation to generate smooth representations of the optic cup/disc surfaces and new three-dimensional (3-D) metrics from isodisparity contours. Despite the challenges involved in 3-D surface recovery, the robustness of our algorithm in finding disparities within the constraints used has been validated using stereo pairs with known disparities. In a preliminary longitudinal study of glaucoma patients, a strong correlation is found between the computer-generated quantitative cup/disc volume metrics and manual metrics commonly used in a clinic. The computer generated new metrics, however, eliminate the subjective variability and greatly reduce the time and cost involved in manual metric generation in follow-up studies of glaucoma.
Energy-Efficient Strategies for Cooperative Multichannel MAC Protocols

Distributed Information SHaring (DISH) is a new cooperative approach to designing multichannel MAC protocols. It aids nodes in their decision making processes by compensating for their missing information via information sharing through neighboring nodes. This approach was recently shown to significantly boost the throughput of multichannel MAC protocols. However, a critical issue for ad hoc communication devices, viz. energy efficiency, has yet to be addressed. In this paper, we address this issue by developing simple solutions that reduce the energy consumption without compromising the throughput performance and meanwhile maximize cost efficiency. We propose two energy-efficient strategies: in-situ energy conscious DISH, which uses existing nodes only, and altruistic DISH, which requires additional nodes called altruists. We compare five protocols with respect to these strategies and identify altruistic DISH to be the right choice in general: it 1) conserves 40-80 percent of energy, 2) maintains the throughput advantage, and 3) more than doubles the cost efficiency compared to protocols without this strategy. On the other hand, our study also shows that in-situ energy conscious DISH is suitable only in certain limited scenarios.
Variation of acid phosphatases and cathepsins activities in the cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) eggs: specific activity and effects of Ag, Cd, Cu exposures

This paper describes the changes of the acid phosphatases (AcP) and cathepsin activities throughout the cuttlefish embryo development. The enzyme activity kinetics appeared to be linked with the respective developmental stage. Activities of both enzymes increased during the last days of development suggesting a de novo production of these proteins by the maturing embryo in the digestive gland. The effects of selected heavy metals, i.e. Ag (0.06, 1.2, 60, 1200 ng.l-1), Cd (31, 61, 305, 610 ng.l-1) and Cu (0.23, 2.3, 23, 230 µg.l-1), were assessed on the AcP and cathepsin activities at the end of embryonic development and on the hatchling's weight. Enzymatic activities were not impacted by Ag and were significantly inhibited by the four Cd concentrations for AcP and at 610 ng.l-1 for cathepsin. Cu stimulated AcP activity at 2.3 µg. l-1. No cause-consequence relationship was found between metal effect on the enzymatic activities and the reduction of hatchling weight, suggesting that heavy metals could affect other physiological functions during embryogenesis.
Modeling the Microwave Emission of Bubbly Ice: Applications to Blue Ice and Superimposed Ice in the Antarctic and Arctic

Passive microwave remote sensing is extensively used in polar regions to study the cryosphere. To better understand the measured signal above continental ice-covered areas, our objective is to estimate the microwave emission of bubbly-ice surfaces using a physically based multilayer electromagnetic model, i.e., the dense media radiative transfer-multilayer model (DMRT-ML). This model accounts for ice layers with variable amounts of bubbles. Each layer is fully described by its temperature, density, thickness, and air bubble radius. Simulations are performed using in situ data from two distinct sites: one in Antarctica on a coastal Blue Ice Area near the Cap Prud'Homme (CPH) station in Adelie Land and the other on the Barnes Ice Cap (BIC) located on Baffin Island in the Arctic. On this ice cap, superimposed ice with seasonal snow cover about 1 m thick was observed. In both cases, several ice parameters were measured or estimated, and the others were optimized. Results of the DMRT-ML simulations are compared with in situ surface-based radiometer (SBR) measurements at 11, 19, and 37 GHz at both horizontal and vertical polarizations. Results show that DMRT-ML is able to reproduce the microwave emission of different ice types with good accuracy when accounting for ice bubbles: final RMSE = 7.37 K and 8.42 K, for CPH and BIC, respectively, compared with RMSE ranging from 15 K to 40 K without bubbles. Comparisons between SBR measurements and satellite data for the BIC also show good agreement (RMSE = 4.1 K for 19 and 37 GHz, both polarizations).
International Journal of Hospitality Management Validation of a Market Orientation Adoption Scale in Rural Tourism Enterprises. Relationship between the Characteristics of the Enterprise and Extent of Market Orientation Adoption

Market orientation (MO) is considered as a competitive strategy for the rural tourism sector. A MO adoption scale is proposed and validated for the rural tourism sector. Given the importance of MO, it is important to know the relationship between a firm's characteristics and MO adoption. This study makes a hierarchical segmentation to predict the behaviour of these firms when adopting the MO. Activity and category are the two characteristics that most effectively predict a firm's behaviour. The contribution made by this work is of interest given the new field of application achieved and which have implications for the professional sector.
rnaDesign: Local search for RNA secondary structure design

The RNA secondary structure design (SSD) problem is a recently emerging research topic motivated by applications such as customized drug design and the self-assembly of RNA nano-objects. This paper presents a novel local search algorithm, rnaDesign for SSD solving. An evaluation of the algorithm performance in terms of sequence affinity and structure specificity is made through comparison with another algorithm, RNAinverse. Experiments were performed on RNA secondary structures including three biologically existing data sets and one random structure set. Empirical results show that rnaDesign outperforms RNAinverse in terms of structure designability; sequences designed by rnaDesign also exhibit better thermodynamic stability with relatively lower folding energy. Furthermore, we demonstrate through parameter tuning experiments that using a combination of heuristic search strategies leads to better design performance; there also exists a strong correlation between the heuristic values in use and solution quality.
Evaluation of neural gene expression in serum treated embryonic stem cells in Alzheimer's patients

Background: Previous studies confirmed that neural gene expression in embryonic stem cells (ESC) could influence by chemical compounds through stimulating apoptotic pathway. We aimed to use ESCs-derived neural cells by embryoid body formation as an in vitro model for determination of neural gene expression changes in groups that treated by sera from Alzheimer's patients and compare with healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: ESC line which was derived from the C57BL/6 mouse strain was used throughout this study. ESC-derived neural cells were treated with serum from Alzheimer's patient and healthy individual. Neural gene expression was assessed in both groups by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. The data was analyzed by SPSS Software (version 18). Results: Morphologically, the reducing in neurite out-growth was observed in neural cells in group, which treated by serum from Alzheimer's patient, while neurite growth was natural in appearance in control group. Microtubule-associated protein 2 and glial fibrillary acidic protein expression significantly reduced in the Alzheimer's patient group compared with the control group. Nestin expression did not significantly differ among the groups. Conclusion: Neural gene expression could be reduced in serum treated ESC in Alzheimer's patients.
Complex data clustering using a new competitive learning algorithm

This paper introduces and discusses some competitive learning algorithms for complex data clustering. A new competitive learning algorithm, named the dynamically penalized rival competitive learning algorithm (DPRCL), is introduced and studied. It is a variant of the rival penalized competitive algorithm and it performs appropriate clustering without knowing the number of clusters, by automatically driving the extra seed points far away from the input data set. It doesn't have the "dead units" problem. The results of simulations, performed in different conditions, are presented, showing that the performance of the new DPRCL algorithm is better if compared with other competitive algorithms.
Joint pose and principal curvature refinement using quadrics

In this paper we present a novel joint approach for optimising surface curvature and pose alignment. We present two implementations of this joint optimisation strategy, including a fast implementation that uses two frames and an offline multi-frame approach. We demonstrate an order of magnitude improvement in simulation over state of the art dense relative point-to-plane Iterative Closest Point (ICP) pose alignment using our dense joint frame-to-frame approach and show comparable pose drift to dense point-to-plane ICP bundle adjustment using low-cost depth sensors. Additionally our improved joint quadric based approach can be used to more accurately estimate surface curvature on noisy point clouds than previous approaches.
The concept and modeling of driving safety field based on driver-vehicle-road interactions

Vehicle driving safety is influenced by many factors including drivers, vehicles, and roads, the interactions among which are quite complex. Consequently, existing methods that evaluate driving safety perform inadequately since they consider only limited factors and their effects. As such, it is difficult for vehicle kinematics- and dynamics-based driving safety assistant systems to adapt to increasingly complex traffic environments. In this study, we propose a new concept, driving safety field. The concept makes use of field theory to represent the risks of driving caused by drivers, vehicles, roads, and other traffic factors. A unified model of the driving safety field is constructed, which includes the following three parts: i) a potential field, which is determined by no-moving objects on the roads, such as a stopped vehicle; ii) a kinetic field, which is determined by the moving objects on roads, such as vehicles and pedestrians; and iii) a behavior field, which is determined by the driver's individual characteristics. Moreover, the model's application in a typical car-following scenario is illustrated, which evaluates the risks caused by traffic factors. The driving safety field can reveal driver-vehicle-road interactions and their influences on driving safety in order to predict trends of dynamic changes in driving safety. In addition, it can provide a new platform for driving safety measures and active vehicle control under complex traffic environments.
An exploratory study investigating irritable bowel symptoms, associated unhelpful thoughts, adult attachment, emotional distress and disordered eating

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are related to disordered eating and eating disorders. These constructs have many commonalities, including a number of psychological factors. This review examines the psychological factors associated with IBS and its associated GI symptoms; and eating pathology. A systematic search of four databases was conducted and resulted in eight studies which were quality assessed and reviewed. Parental mental health; parental alcohol misuse; parental functional gastrointestinal disorders; parental separation; neuroticism; unhelpful cognitive processes; depression; anxiety; feeling sad and confused; and somatisation were found to be related to IBS, GI symptoms (associated with IBS) and eating pathology. These findings are critically discussed alongside the studies’ methodological limitations. Clinical implications and ideas for future research are suggested.
Nursing and medical students teaming up: Results of an interprofessional project

ABSTRACT Health professions programmes are increasing the number of interprofessional events in their curricula. Many of these programmes are grounded in case study or simulation events in order to prepare students for eventual practice. We designed an interprofessional education collaborative practice (IPECP) that provides direct interprofessional practice experience while students are still in their health profession programmes. In our programme, teams of senior baccalaureate nursing and third-year medical students provided health coaching to patients in need of chronic disease management. The purpose of the project and study was to determine whether repeated exposure to opportunities for interprofessional communication would lead to improvement in the individual and team communication skills. Teams met with their assigned patients monthly to provide coaching and had follow-up conversations with the patients between meetings. Faculty were present at each meeting to review the healthcare and coaching plans, observe the teams’ interactions, and provide a debriefing after each meeting. Results demonstrated that both individual and team communication skills significantly increased over time. The IPECP project was successful in providing a context where students could develop and improve upon key interprofessional communication skills.
Career Interruption and the Productivity of Superstars: Evidence from Major League Baseball During the Vietnam War Era

Do superstars receive dramatically larger incomes because they are dramatically more productive or simply because luck has placed them at the top? Using data on the careers and productivity of Major League Baseball players subject to the Vietnam War draft, we find that birthdates randomly drawn in the draft produce 19% fewer players who eventually make the major leagues. Players born on drafted birthdates who do make it to Major League Baseball produce 29% fewer wins than those born on undrafted days, a gap that is largest for the most productive players and persists as players age. We conclude that the identities of the winners in superstar labor markets can be sensitive to random shocks to early career experience precisely because such shocks hurt productivity. JEL Codes: J31; J44
The CPA's role in income tax compliance: An empirical study of variability in recommending aggressive tax positions

The primary research objective of this study was to examine whether certain variables, descriptive of the tax professional (CPA) and the objective situation, are related to the decision to recommend aggressive tax positions to clients. Based on prior research in the tax comphance area, a model was specified that hypothesized a relationship between situational factors, sanction attitudes, and locus of control (LOC) and the aggressive tax position recommendation decision (as well as certain moderating effects of LOC). To test these relationships, a research instrument containing hypothetical tax decision issues was administered in the field to 119 employees or partners of the tax department of an international CPA firm. The resulting analysis supported the situational factor/aggressive position decision linkage. Size of tax savings, probability of audit, probabiUty of position examination (given audit), and chent importance were all associated with the subjects' willingness to recommend aggressive tax positions, with the client factor only important at certain levels of the other factors. Additionally, the analysis indicated that the situational factor/aggressive position Unkage was not contingent on relative LOC classification. The direct relationship between attitude toward sanctions and the aggressive position decision was supported. Subjects who indicated a greater belief in the deterrence value of the tax practice sanctions were less willing to recommend the aggressive tax position. The direct linkage between LOC and the aggressive position decision was not supported.
Plasticity of brain wave network interactions and evolution across physiologic states

Neural plasticity transcends a range of spatio-temporal scales and serves as the basis of various brain activities and physiologic functions. At the microscopic level, it enables the emergence of brain waves with complex temporal dynamics. At the macroscopic level, presence and dominance of specific brain waves is associated with important brain functions. The role of neural plasticity at different levels in generating distinct brain rhythms and how brain rhythms communicate with each other across brain areas to generate physiologic states and functions remains not understood. Here we perform an empirical exploration of neural plasticity at the level of brain wave network interactions representing dynamical communications within and between different brain areas in the frequency domain. We introduce the concept of time delay stability (TDS) to quantify coordinated bursts in the activity of brain waves, and we employ a system-wide Network Physiology integrative approach to probe the network of coordinated brain wave activations and its evolution across physiologic states. We find an association between network structure and physiologic states. We uncover a hierarchical reorganization in the brain wave networks in response to changes in physiologic state, indicating new aspects of neural plasticity at the integrated level. Globally, we find that the entire brain network undergoes a pronounced transition from low connectivity in Deep Sleep and REM to high connectivity in Light Sleep and Wake. In contrast, we find that locally, different brain areas exhibit different network dynamics of brain wave interactions to achieve differentiation in function during different sleep stages. Moreover, our analyses indicate that plasticity also emerges in frequency-specific networks, which represent interactions across brain locations mediated through a specific frequency band. Comparing frequency-specific networks within the same physiologic state we find very different degree of network connectivity and link strength, while at the same time each frequency-specific network is characterized by a different signature pattern of sleep-stage stratification, reflecting a remarkable flexibility in response to change in physiologic state. These new aspects of neural plasticity demonstrate that in addition to dominant brain waves, the network of brain wave interactions is a previously unrecognized hallmark of physiologic state and function.
Effects of inspiratory muscle training on respiratory function and repetitive sprint performance in wheelchair basketball players

Background There is considerable evidence that respiratory muscle training improves pulmonary function, quality of life and exercise performance in healthy athletic populations. The benefits for wheelchair athletes are less well understood. Therefore, in the present study, influence of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on respiratory function and repetitive propulsive sprint performance in wheelchair basketball players was examined. Methods Using a placebo-controlled design, 16 wheelchair athletes were divided to an experimental (IMT; n=8) or placebo (sham-IMT; n=8) group based on selective grouping criteria. 30 dynamic breaths were performed by the IMT group twice daily at a resistance equivalent to 50% maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), and 60 slow breaths were performed by the sham-IMT group once a day at 15% MIP for a period of 6 weeks. Results In the IMT group, both MIP and maximum expiratory pressure (17% and 23%, respectively; p≤0.03) were improved. Similar improvements were noted for the sham-IMT group with 23% and 33% from baseline for MIP and maximum expiratory pressure, respectively (p≤0.03). There were no significant changes in pulmonary function at rest and any of the performance parameters associated with the repetitive sprint test (sprint and recovery times, peak heart rate and peak blood lactate concentration). Reported experiences of using the IMT training device suggested “less breathlessness” and “less tightness in the chest during the training”. Conclusions Although there was no improvement in sprint performance, an improved respiratory muscle function and quality of life were reported by participants in both the IMT and sham-IMT groups.
Design of cationic nanostructured heterolipid matrices for ocular delivery of methazolamide

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) formulated from one type of lipid (homolipid) suffer from low drug encapsulation and drug bursting due to crystallization of the lipid into the more ordered β modification, which leads to decreased drug entrapment and faster drug release. This study assessed the feasibility of using nanostructured lipid matrices (NLMs) for ocular delivery of methazolamide-(MZA) adopting heterolipids composed of novel mixtures of Compritol ® and cetostearyl alcohol (CSA), and stabilized by Tween 80®. The systems were prepared using the modified high shear homogenization followed by ultrasonication method, which avoids the use of organic solvents. A 32 full factorial design was constructed to study the influence of two independent variables, namely the ratio of CSA:Compritol and the concentration of Tween 80, each in three levels. The dependent variables were the entrapment efficiency percentages (EE%), mean particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential (ZP). In vivo intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering activity for the selected formulae was compared to that of MZA solution. The results showed that increasing the ratio of CSA to Compritol increased the EE% and PS, while increasing the concentration of Tween 80, decreased PS with no significant effect on EE%. The ZP values of all formulae were positive, and greater than 30 mV. The best formula, composed of 4% CSA, 2% Compritol, 0.15% stearylamine, and 2% Tween 80, with EE% of 25.62%, PS of 207.1 nm, PDI of 0.243, and ZP of 41.50 mV, showed in vitro sustained release properties for 8 hours and lowered the intraocular pressure by 8.3 mmHg within 3 hours, with this drop in pressure lasting for 12 hours.