Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Speech Recognition System for Medical Domain

— In today's world, speech recognition has become very popular and important. Over the past 20 years, despite considerable advances in computer technology, the keyboard and video display are still the principal means of entering and retrieving data. However, as the use of computers increases, the need for interacting with the computer also grows. This demand has generated a need for an intuitive human - machine interface to accommodate the increase in the number of users. Over the recent years, advances in speech recognition technology have enabled a wide range of voice-enabled services. However, after years of research and development the accuracy of automatic speech recognition software’s remains an important research challenge. This paper presents a brief survey on the features and applications of Automatic Speech Recognition systems and investigates the results of these systems for medical domain questions. Our results suggest that as the medical questions are quite long and complex, this domain differs from the open domain and requires additional work in automatic speech recognition to be adapted as per the domain.
Blind Crosstalk Channel Estimation for Multi-User Digital Subscriber Lines

Abstract-This paper presents a blind method for estimating both the insertion loss and crosstalk channel in multi-user Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) systems. Based on cyclostationary properties of Discrete Multi-tone (DMT) signal, we select appropriate cyclic suffix length of DMT signal in the transmitter side such that the receiver reserves the insertion loss channel information of the discussed line and crosstalk channels information from other lines on the chosen tone, while the insertion loss channel effects from other lines and the crosstalk effect on the current line from other users on the chosen tone are all zeros. Then the insertion loss and crosstalk channels can respectively be estimated from received data on each line. Computer simulation results based on real measured data verify that the proposed method can estimate both the insertion loss and crosstalk channels. Furthermore, compared to the previous works, the new method has lower estimation errors and is easy to be implemented.
Game Theoretic Centrality Analysis of Terrorist Networks: The Cases of Jemaah Islamiyah and Al Qaeda

The identification of key players in a terrorist network can lead to prevention of attacks, due to efficient allocation of surveillance means or isolation of key players in order to destabilize the network. In this paper we introduce a game theoretic approach to identify key players in terrorist networks. The advantage of this approach is that both the structure of the terrorist network, which usually reflects a communication structure, as well non-network features, which represent individual parameters like financial means or bomb building skills, can be taken into account. The application of our methodology results in rankings of the terrorists in the network. We illustrate our methodology by two case studies: Jemaah Islamiyah’s Bali bombing and Al Qaeda’s 9/11 attack, which has led to new insights in the operational networks responsible for these attacks.
An Inflammatory Landscape for Preoperative Neurologic Deficits in Glioblastoma

Introduction: Patients with glioblastoma (GBM), one of the most aggressive forms of primary brain tumors, exhibit a wide range of neurologic signs, ranging from headaches to neurologic deficits and cognitive impairment, at first clinical presentation. While such variability is attributed to inter-individual differences in increased intracranial pressure, tumor infiltration, and vascular compromise, a direct association with disease stage, tumor size and location, edema, and necrotic cell death has yet to be established. The lack of specificity of neurologic symptoms often confounds the diagnosis of GBM. It also limits clinicians’ ability to elect treatment regimens that not only prolong survival but also promote symptom management and high quality of life. Methods: To decipher the heterogeneous presentation of neurologic symptoms in GBM, we investigated differences in the molecular makeup of tumors from patients with and without preoperative neurologic deficits. We used the Ivy GAP (Ivy Glioblastoma Atlas Project) database to integrate RNA sequencing data from histologically defined GBM tumor compartments and neurologic examination records for 41 patients. We investigated the association of neurologic deficits with various tumor and patient attributes. We then performed differential gene expression and co-expression network analysis to identify a transcriptional signature specific to neurologic deficits in GBM. Using functional enrichment analysis, we finally provided a comprehensive and detailed characterization of involved pathways and gene interactions. Results: An exploratory investigation of the association of tumor and patient variables with the early development of neurologic deficits in GBM revealed a lack of robust and consistent clinicopathologic prognostic factors. We detected significant differences in the expression of 728 genes (FDR-adjusted p-value ≤ 0.05 and relative fold-change ≥ 1.5), unique to the cellular tumor (CT) anatomical compartment, between neurologic deficit groups. Upregulated differentially expressed genes in CT were enriched for mesenchymal subtype-predictive genes. Applying a systems approach, we then identified co-expressed gene sets that correlated with neurological deficit manifestation (FDR-adjusted p-value < 0.1). Collectively, these findings uncovered significantly enriched immune activation, oxidative stress response, and cytokine-mediated proinflammatory processes. Conclusion: Our study posits that inflammatory processes, as well as a mesenchymal tumor subtype, are implicated in the pathophysiology of preoperative neurologic deficits in GBM.
A fast method for the confirmation of fecal streptococci from M-enterococcus medium

M-Enterococcus medium, used for the detection and enumeration of fecal streptococci from different types of water, demonstrated a very low specificity. We propose the transfer of membrane filters to bile-esculin medium as a confirmation technique. It has proved to be more reliable, faster to perform, and more effective than the random selection of colonies, which is recommended for confirmation in Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (A.E. Greenberg, L.S. Clesceri, and A.D. Eaton, ed., 1992).
Nitrogen retention in the Szczecin Lagoon, Baltic Sea

Nitrogen (N) retention and transformation in the Szczecin Lagoon, southern Baltic Sea, were studied by means of budget calculations and stable isotope data of dissolved and particulate matter. Two stations, one located at the main outlet of the lagoon (Świna Strait) and the other 100 km to the south, on the Oder River (Widuchowa), were sampled biweekly over the years 2000–2002. The Oder River is one of the five largest rivers draining into the Baltic Sea and the largest one discharging its waters into the western Baltic. According to our data, the Oder River carried approximately 60 kt y−1 total N, of which 7 kt y−1 (<12 %) are particulate organic nitrogen and 46 kt y−1 (77 %) dissolved inorganic nitrogen. Seasonal patterns of particulate nitrogen and nitrate concentrations were similar at Widuchowa and Świna Strait station, but nitrate concentrations in the Świna Strait were much lower, pointing not only to the dilution effect but also to considerable nutrient removal capacity (especially of nitrate) in the lagoon. The loss of nitrate suggests that denitrification is the major N-removal process, whereas primary production was only a minor contributor, due to the very low particle load. Combining budget calculations with stable isotope measurements reveal unique information about nitrogen turnover processes in the lagoon.
Assessing the reliability of dose coefficients for inhaled and ingested radionuclides

Consideration of uncertainties on doses can provide numerical estimates of the reliability of the protection quantities (dose coefficients) used in radiation protection to assess exposures to radionuclides that enter the body by ingestion or inhalation (‘internal emitters’). Uncertainty analysis methods have been widely applied to quantify uncertainties on doses, including effective dose. However, it is not always clear how the distributions of effective dose per unit intake that result from such analyses should be interpreted with respect to the intended use of effective dose in radiation protection and the use of dose coefficients as reference values. The ICRP system of radiological protection is reviewed briefly and it is argued that the reliability of an effective dose coefficient as a protection device can best be determined by comparing the nominal detriment adjusted cancer risk associated with the dose coefficient, with a best estimate of risk for the exposure pathway and exposed population group, considering uncertainties in biokinetic, dosimetric and risk parameters. Because it is the uncertainty on the population mean of this quantity that is required, the effect of parameter variability should be distinguished from the effect of parameter uncertainty when performing uncertainty analyses. A methodology for performing the uncertainty analysis is discussed and studies that quantify uncertainty on doses and risk from intakes of radionuclides are reviewed.
Application-layer DDoS in dynamic Web-domains: Building defenses against next-generation attack behavior

Current state-of-the art in the field of application-layer DDoS protection is generally designed, and thus effective, only for static Web-domains. To the best of our knowledge, our work is the first one to study the problem of application-layer DDoS defense in Web-domains of dynamic content and/or organization, and under next-generation bot/attack behavior. The main contributions of this paper are twofold: (1) we discuss the relevance of a branch of data mining theory - known as data streams with concept drift - to the problem of application-layer DDoS defense in dynamic Web-domains, (2) we present the outline of our next-generation anti-DDoS system that is intended for dynamic Web-domains facing different sophisticated variants of application-layer DDoS attacks.
A methodology of theropod print replication utilising the pedal reconstruction of Australovenator and a simulated paleo-sediment

Distinguishing the difference between theropod and ornithopod footprints has proved a difficult task due to their similarities. Herein our aim was to produce a method where a skeleton could be more closely matched to actual fossilised footprints. The reconstructed pes of the Australian Megaraptoran Australovenator wintonensis was utilised for this footprint reconstruction. It was 3-D printed in life size, molded and cast to produce a flexible theropod foot for footprint creation. The Dinosaur Stampede National Monument, Lark Quarry, Queensland, Australia was used as our case study to compare fossilised dinosaur footprints with our reconstructed theropod prints. The footprints were created in a sediment that resembled the paleo-sediments of Lark Quarry prior to being traversed by dinosaurs. Measurements of our Australovenator prints with two distinctly different print types at Lark Quarry revealed similarities with one distinct trackway which has been the center of recent debate. These footprints consist of 11 consecutive footprints and show distinct similarities in both size and proportions to our Australovenator footprints.
Improvement of continuous dynamic programming for human gesture recognition

This paper describes an improved continuous dynamic programming (CDP) for human gesture recognition. In order to cope with the variation in the amplitude of the input signal, a reference pattern set containing patterns with different mean amplitudes is used instead of a single reference pattern. Next, a new multiple search path determination strategy is developed to replace the traditional single one to deal with the variation in the speed of the input gesture. Also, a matching error controlled path determination method is introduced to reduce the influence of noises. The experimental results show this CDP can give stable recognition results compared with the conventional one.
Could geriatric comprehensive assessment predict the outcome of pneumonia in the very old?

SIR—Patients over the age of 65 years develop pneumonia twice as often as younger patients. Risk factors include poor nutrition, endotracheal intubation and neuromuscular disease. Aspiration was felt to be particularly frequent in the elderly [1]. Interestingly, mortality in the intensive care unit amongst patients with respiratory disease is not predictable on the basis of age alone, but requires examination of co-morbid conditions [2]. Health services for the elderly are becoming increasingly important in industrialised nations, and comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is one of the procedures designed to improve the health of this part of the population [3]. CGA determines an elderly person’s medical, psychosocial, functional, environmental resources and problems, and comes up with an overall plan for treatment and follow-up [3–5]. This survey of patients under cefepime treatment aims: (i) to analyse the characteristics of patients presenting with pneumonia among Belgian acute geriatrics units using a CGA; and (ii) to assess the risk factors associated with outcomes for these patients.
Automatic Needle Detection and Tracking in 3D Ultrasound Using an ROI-Based RANSAC and Kalman Method

This article proposes a robust technique for needle detection and tracking using three-dimensional ultrasound (3D US). It is difficult for radiologists to detect and follow the position of micro tools, such as biopsy needles, that are inserted in human tissues under 3D US guidance. To overcome this difficulty, we propose a method that automatically reduces the processed volume to a limited region of interest (ROI), increasing at the same time the calculation speed and the robustness of the proposed technique. First, a line filter method that enhances the contrast of the needle against the background is used to facilitate the initialization of ROI using the tubularness information of the complete US volume. Then, the random sample consensus (RANSAC) and Kalman filter (RK) algorithm is used in the ROI to detect and track the precise position of the needle. A series of numerical inhomogeneous phantoms with a needle simulated from real 3D US volumes are used to evaluate our method. The results show that the proposed method is much more robust than the RANSAC algorithm when detecting the needle, regardless of whether or not the insertion axis corresponds to an acquisition plane in the 3D US volume. The possibility of failure is also discussed in this article.
Encounters with Psychosis

This essay offers a personal account of one physician’s attempt to engage with psychotic patients in an inner-city hospital. It considers some of the obstacles to psychoanalytic work with psychotic patients, including anxiety in the psychotherapist, anxiety in the patient, institutional resistances, and paradigmatic errors. A discussion of paradigmatic errors in Western mental health care is expanded upon. Rorty’s () critique of objectivity and Kuhn’s () work on scientific paradigm shifts are discussed in an attempt to demonstrate how we might better understand psychosis as an illness and connect with patients across the entire diagnostic spectrum.
Cost-effectiveness of clozapine in patients with high and low levels of hospital use. Department of Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study Group on Clozapine in Refractory Schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND This study examined the relationship between pretreatment hospital use and the cost-effectiveness of clozapine in the treatment of refractory schizophrenia. METHODS Data from a 15-site randomized clinical trial were used to compare clozapine with haloperidol in hospitalized Veterans Affairs patients with refractory schizophrenia (n = 423). Outcomes were compared among those with many days in the hospital use (hereafter, high hospital users) (n = 141; mean = 215 psychiatric hospital days in the year prior to study entry) and those with few days in the hospital use (hereafter, low hospital users) (n = 282; mean = 58 hospital days). Analyses were conducted with the full intention-to-treat sample (n = 423) and with crossovers excluded (n = 291). RESULTS Clozapine treatment resulted in greater reduction in hospital use among high hospital users (35 days less than controls, P = .02) than among low users (21 days less than controls, P = .05). Patients taking clozapine also had lower health care costs; after including the costs of both medications and other health services, costs were $7134 less than for controls among high hospital users (P = .14) but only $759 less than for controls among low hospital users (P = .82). Clinical improvement in the domains of symptoms, quality of life, extrapyramidal symptoms, and a synthetic measure of multiple outcomes favored clozapine in both high and low hospital user groups. CONCLUSIONS Substantial 1-year cost savings with clozapine are observed only among patients with very high hospital use prior to initiation of treatment while clinical benefits are more similar across groups. Cost-effectiveness evaluations, and particularly studies of expensive treatments, cannot be generalized across type of use groups.
Lack of neurogenesis in the adult rat cerebellum after Purkinje cell degeneration and growth factor infusion

Although constitutive neurogenesis exclusively occurs in restricted regions of the adult mammalian brain, resident progenitors can be isolated from many different CNS sites, and neuronal neogeneration can be stimulated in vivo by injury or infusion of growth factors. To ask whether latent compensatory mechanisms, which may be exploited to promote repair processes, are present throughout the CNS, we examined the neurogenic potentialities of the adult rat cerebellum in normal conditions, following injury, and after infusion of growth factors. Degeneration of Purkinje cells was induced by intracerebroventricular administration of the toxin saporin, conjugated to anti‐p75 antibodies. In addition, epidermal growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor, or FGF8, were infused for 2 weeks to either intact or injured animals. In all conditions, proliferating cells were identified from bromodeoxiurydine (BrdU) incorporation. In the unmanipulated cerebellum there were rare dividing cells, mainly represented by NG2‐positive presumptive oligodendrocyte precursors. Mitotic activity was strongly enhanced in cortical areas with Purkinje cell degeneration, being mostly sustained by microglia, plus minor fractions of NG2‐expressing cells, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. In contrast, growth factor infusion had a weak effect on both intact and injured cerebella. In all experimental conditions, we never found any BrdU‐positive cells coexpressing distinctive markers for immature or differentiated cerebellar neurons. Therefore, although some progenitor cells reside in the adult cerebellum, the local environment, either intact or injured, does not provide efficient cues to direct their differentiation towards neuronal phenotypes. In addition, neurogenic potentialities cannot be induced or boosted by the application of growth factors which are effective in other CNS regions.
Statistical process control tools for monitoring clinical performance.

The quality assurance of medical practice in most countries is effected through a mixture of informal assessment and peer review, and through more formal accreditation, credentialing or delineation of privilege. The process of assessment and review is often subjective and without explicit reference to pre-determined standards of practice. It has been argued that comparative treatment outcome data on an individual doctor’s performance is required to make quality assurance credible [1]. Equally, many would add that objective and quantitative methods to monitor the quality of a doctor’s performance based on treatment outcome data could be more widely applied and would lend credence to the quality assurance process. Statistical process control (SPC) tools such as control charts have been widely used in the manufacturing industry for a long time. Also, the case for their application in health care has long been made [2–4]. Resistance to their more widespread adoption in health care may stem from lack of evidence or lack of conviction regarding their power or utility. This issue of the …
Perceptually Robust Headphone Equalization for Binaural Reproduction

Headphones must always be adequately equalized when used for reproducing binaural signals if they are to deliver high perceptual plausibility. However, the transfer function between headphones and ear drums (HpTF) varies quite heavily with the headphone fitting for high frequencies, thus even small displacements of the headphone after equalization will lead to irregularities in the resulting frequency response. Keeping in mind that irregularities in the form of peaks are more disturbing than equivalent valleys, a new method for designing headphone equalization filters is proposed where not the average but an upper variance limit of many measured HpTFs is inverted. Such a filter yields perceptually robust equalization since the equalized frequency response will, with high chance, differ from the ideal response only by the presence of valleys in the high frequency range.
Molecular Basis of Substrate Recognition in D‐3‐Hydroxybutyrate Dehydrogenase from Pseudomonas putida

D‐3‐Hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase from Pseudomonas putida (EC 1.1.1.30) belongs to the family of short‐chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDRs). It catalyzes the reversible and stereospecific oxidation of D‐3‐hydroxybutyrate (D‐3‐HB) to acetoacetate with the aid of NAD+ as coenzyme. This study contributes to understanding the mechanism and the high specificity of this enzyme towards its negatively charged and hydrophilic substrate. Sequence comparison of 44 bacterial HBDHs shows the residues Gln91, His141, Lys149, Lys192, and Gln193 to be strictly conserved. Site‐directed mutagenesis of these amino acids to alanine and subsequent kinetic characterization of the mutated enzymes provides insight into the importance of these residues for substrate recognition and catalysis. Docking studies and molecular‐dynamics simulations based on a three‐dimensional structure model of a complex between P. putida HBDH and its coenzyme obtained by comparative molecular modeling were performed and provided deeper insight into the binding of the ligands at the molecular level. They show the residues Gln91, His141, Gln193, and, in particular, Lys149 to be involved in a hydrogen‐bonding network with the carboxylate group of the substrate.
Evaluating surface roughness of castings using K-means clustering and watershed transform

Surface roughness is an important parameter for the machined parts such as grinding, milling, turning and casting. The conventional digital image processing methods have the capability of detecting the surface roughness of grinding, milling and turning parts. However, these methods can not be utilized to evaluate the surface roughness of castings in that there is no regular or periodic texture in the surface image of casting. Therefore, we proposed a simple but effective texture analysis method to evaluate surface roughness of castings in this paper. The proposed method is based on image partition and edge counting, which are implemented via K-means clustering or watershed transform. Several groups of experiments illustrated that the proposed method is feasible but promising as well.