Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recognition of students combining features of Zernike moment and optical flow

Due to practical application demand of automatic recorded education system, it is necessary to detect and recognize students' actions in the classrooms. This paper proposes a method combining with Zernike moment of motion history image and computing optical flow to recognize class actions of students, which mainly identifying three actions of hands up, stand up and sit down. Zernike moment, good sampling and strong ability to resist noise, can describe the shape of motion history image. Lucas-Kanade optical flow method can describe the direction and speed of the movement. Based on video database of Student-Behaviors captured in the paper and combining two ways to describe characteristics of the actions, experiment results show that the proposed method recognizes these three actions effectively, and has a certain robustness.
Muscle strength in myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is characterized by fatigue and fluctuating muscle weakness as a result of impaired neuromuscular transmission (NMT). Although MG is a prototypic fatiguing disorder, little is known about how the condition affects fixed weakness, and if present, whether weakness is related to disease duration or gender. The aim of this study was to quantify the strength of patients with MG and investigate whether it is related to disease duration.
How to Insert a Perfect Chest Drain

Abstract Background: Not many juniors get several opportunities to perform chest drains. It can be difficult to insert a chest drain perfectly in distressed patients with pneumothorax or pleural effusion under local anaesthesia. Method: This article provides various practical tips for junior trainees for inserting chest drains perfectly, based upon the experience of the authors and published literature. Discussion: Correct positioning, enough local anaesthetic into the right space, the use of a needle to locate both anaesthetised skin and the intercostal space and knowing the depth of the pleural cavity and the purpose of insertion all may help to insert a chest drain perfectly.
Bacterial communities associated with the ectoparasitic mites Varroa destructor and Tropilaelaps mercedesae of the honey bee (Apis mellifera)

Varroa and Tropilaelaps mites have been reported as serious ectoparasites of the honey bee (Apis mellifera). In this study, bacterial communities associated with Varroa destructor and Tropilaelaps mercedesae from northern Thailand were determined, using both culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches. Adult female mites were collected from apiaries in Chiang Mai and Lampang provinces. Culturable bacteria were isolated from individual mites. On average, we observed approximately 1340 and 1140 CFU/mite in Varroa and Tropilaelaps, respectively. All isolates were assigned to the genus Enterococcus. Six samples of genomic DNA from 30-50 mites were extracted and subjected to pyrosequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA amplicons. The resulting 81 717 sequences obtained from Varroa were grouped into 429 operational taxonomic units. The most abundant bacteria in Varroa mites belonged to the family Enterobacteriaceae, especially the genera Arsenophonus, Enterobacter and Proteus. For Tropilaelaps mites, 84 075 sequences were obtained and clustered into 166 operational taxonomic units, within which the family Enterococcaceae (particularly the genus Enterococcus) was predominant. Localization of bacteria in the mites using fluorescence in situ hybridization with two universal bacterial probes revealed that these bacteria were in the cecum of the mites. Taxon-specific Enterobacteriaceae and Arsenophonus probes also confirmed their localization in the cecum of Varroa.
Unnoticeable Mumps Infection in India: Does MMR Vaccine Protect against Circulating Mumps Virus Genotype C?

Abstract — MMR vaccine failure had been reported globally and here we report that it occurs now in India. Samples were collected from clinically suspected mumps cases were subjected for anti mumps antibodies, virus isolation, RT-PCR, sequencing and phylogenetic tree analysis. 56 samples collected from men and women belonging to various age groups. 30 had been vaccinated and the status of 26 patients was unknown. 28 out of 30 samples were found to be symptomatic and positive for Mumps IgM, indicating active mumps infection in 93.4% of the vaccinated population. A phylogenetic tree comparison of the clinical isolate is shown to be genotype C which is distinct from vaccine strain. Our study clearly sending warning signs that MMR vaccine is a failure and it needs to be revamped for the human use by increasing its efficacy and efficiency. Keywords — Genotype C,Mumps virus, MMR vaccine, Sero types. I. I NTRODUCTION UMPS is an acute, highly contagious, viral infection found throughout the world, characterized by parotitis of salivary glands, aseptic meningitis, transient deafness and encephalitis. Other clinical features include orchitis, oophoritis and respiratory symptoms. Mumps is a vaccine preventable childhood disease that tends to be mild; about 30% of infection is asymptomatic and more common in adults. Transmission occurs through inhalation of respiratory droplets or by direct person-to-person contact. Until recently it was believed that after MMR vaccination offered complete
Sub-Nyquist MIMO radar prototype with Doppler processing

We present a hardware prototype of the sub-Nyquist multiple input multiple output radar (SUMMeR) system with capabilities of cognitive transmission and Doppler processing. The prototype allows both spatial and spectral compressive sampling. It realizes an X-band MIMO radar receiver configured to have a maximum of 8 transmit and 10 receive antenna elements. The orthogonality of MIMO waveforms is achieved via frequency division multiplexing. Targets range, azimuth and Doppler are recovered using the Xampling framework. The thinned 4×5 random array configuration achieves the detection performance of its filled array counterpart with samples obtained at 12.5% of Nyquist from half the antennas.
Sensibilidad y especificidad del índice ponderal de Rohrer en el diagnóstico de la desnutrición intrauterina

La desnutricion intrauterina (DIU) se puede definir como la imposibilidad del feto para desarrollar su potencial de crecimiento por deficiencias nutrimentales. Como consecuencia, estos ninos suelen tener mayores tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad que los nacidos a termino. Se estima que 10% de los recien nacidos presentan este problema. La forma de deteccion de la DIU se basa, principalmente, en datos clinicos; sin embargo, se usan tambien indices que facilitan la identificacion a los ninos afectados. Entre los mas utilizados estan los propuestos por Battaglia y Lubchenco quienes dividen a los recien nacidos en: pretermino, cuando nacen antes de las RESUMEN
Allometric Prediction of Locomotor Performance: An Example from Southeast Asian Flying Lizards

Allometric scaling analysis is the standard paradigm for studies attempting to unravel the consequences of evolutionary size change (Huxley 1932; Gould 1966; SchmidtNielsen 1984). Although the value of this approach is clear, prediction of the allometry of performance is often hamstrung by the complexity of biological systems. This complexity derives from the heterogeneous interaction of physiological and morphological variables that together determine maximal performance. Despite this complication, allometric analysis is widely employed primarily because understanding the consequences of size evolution is so important to our field. Not only does size influence virtually every aspect of an organism’s biology (Calder 1984; Schmidt-Nielsen 1984), but it is also remarkably variable, even among closely related species. There is little consensus in the literature regarding the expected relationship between morphology and locomotor performance over a range of sizes. Despite a diversity of alternative models attempting to predict the allometry of performance (Thompson 1917; Hill 1950; Alexander 1968; McMahon 1973, 1975, 1984; Gunther 1975; Bennet-Clark 1977; Rubin and Lanyon 1984; Marsh 1988, 1994; Wakeling et al. 1999), empirical data often fail to conform to any extant model (e.g., Emerson 1978; Garland 1983, 1985; Chappell 1989; Katz and Gosline 1993; Bennett 2000; Wil-
A Note on Cluster Effects in Latent Class Analysis

This article examines the effects of clustering in latent class analysis. A comprehensive simulation study is conducted, which begins by specifying a true multilevel latent class model with varying within- and between-cluster sample sizes, varying latent class proportions, and varying intraclass correlations. These models are then estimated under the assumption of a single-level latent class model. The outcomes of interest are measures of bias in the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) and the entropy R 2 statistic relative to accounting for the multilevel structure of the data. The results indicate that the size of the intraclass correlation as well as between- and within-cluster sizes are the most prominent factors in determining the amount of bias in these outcome measures, with increasing intraclass correlations combined with small between-cluster sizes resulting in increased bias. Bias is particularly noticeable in the BIC. In addition, there is evidence that class separation interacts with the size of the intraclass correlations and cluster sizes in producing bias in these measures.
On Error-Correcting Codes and Invariant Linear Forms

Given a code C, invariant linear forms are used to study the designs afforded by codewords of a fixed weight. The most important theorem relating codes and designs is due to Assmus and Mattson [J. Combin. Theory, 6 (1969), pp. 122–151], and this theorem is extended in different ways. For extremal self dual codes over the fields $\mathbb{F}_2 $ and $\mathbb{F}_3 $, it is proved that the t-designs afforded by the codewords of any fixed weight exhibit extra regularity with respect to $( t + 2 )$-sets. The same is true for the design afforded by the codewords of minimum weight in an extremal self-dual code over $\mathbb{F}_4 $. The invariant linear forms are also used to construct Boolean designs with several block sizes, extending previous work by Safavi-Naini and Blake [Utilitas Math., 14 (1978), pp. 49–63], [Ars Combin. , 7 (1979), pp. 135–151], [Inform. and Control, 42 (1986), pp. 261–282].
CHAPTER 4 Iron mediates differential activation of human endothelial cells in response towards Chlamydia pneumoniae or Cytomegalovirus infection

Chronic inflammation has been implemented in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases like atherosclerosis. Several pathogens like Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cp) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) result in inflammation and thereby are potentially artherogenic. Those infections could trigger endothelial activation, the starting point of the atherogenic inflammatory cascade. Considering the role of iron in a wide-range of infection processes, the presence of iron may complicate infection-mediated endothelial activation. In this study, we measure endothelial ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selection expression using flow cytometry, as an indication of endothelial activation. An increased number of infected endothelial cells in a monolayer population lead to a raised expression of adhesion molecules of the whole cell population, suggesting paracrine interactions. Iron additively upregulated Cp-induced VCAM-1 expression, while synergistically potentiated Cp-induced ICAM-1 expression. Together with CMV, iron also stimulated ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression. Moreover, the effects of iron could be reversed by intracellular iron chelation or radical scavenging, conforming modulating effects of iron on endothelial activation after infections through an increased cellular oxidative stress. We conclude that endothelial response towards chronic infections is alterable by intracellular iron levels. This finding implies that iron status in populations positive for Cp or CMV infections could be an important determinant in having increased risk of developing atherosclerosis.
Statistical Problems in Dynamics of Exploited Fisheries Populations

The many postwar conferences on allocation of fishing rights on the high seas between various nations and on the conservation of marine resources have focused attention on the dynamics of marine populations and particularly those exploited by man. This interest has brought forth numerous models of various degrees of sophistication pertaining to the dynamics of such populations. The forerunner of these perhaps was the model of Baranov [2]; the most extensive modern study is that due to Beverton and Holt [5]. The emphasis of all of these studies has been in determining the optimum level of exploitation by man, that is, to determine what is the maximum sustainable catch. Since catch is the result of fishing effort, initial population size, growth rate, natural mortality, and certain other parameters, the over-all structure can be examined only if there is information to estimate such parameters. This information comes partly from samples obtained or experiments made by the research biologists and partly from data obtained in connection with the exploitation. In fact, in general it is feasible to study a large population only if it is exploited. Consequently a statistical study of the dynamics of a large population is necessarily based on such information, that is, catch data, effort data, returns of tags from the fishery, and so on. Such data may be used to estimate the parameters of the various processes that go to make up the total yield and the changes in these parameters in response to manipulations of man. That is, one can attempt to study the structure of the several processes in the small. Alternatively it is possible to consider only the end result of the total catch and try to relate this to changes in effort or other manipulations of man. Beverton and Holt in the paper cited used the first approach and studied a number of models in detail; however, it was not their aim to give a complete statistical treatment. They have used a number of special methods; some methods suggested have been used uncritically. Often no formulas have been given for variances of the estimates nor confidence intervals for the parameters. It is the aim of this paper, therefore, to formulate some of the statistical problems associated with the dynamics of exploited fish populations, to provide solutions to some of them, and to note problems which are still open.
Regulation of HIF‐1 alpha by the proprotein convertases furin and PC7 in human squamous carcinoma cells

Proprotein convertases (PC), a family of serine proteases, process cancer‐related substrates such as growth factors, growth factor receptors, cell adhesion molecules, metalloproteinases, etc. HIF‐1α is a major transcription factor involved in tumorigenesis by sensing intratumoral hypoxia. Furin (PCSK3) is one of the numerous target genes regulated by HIF‐1α transactivation and its distribution into endosomal compartments and onto the cell surface can be triggered by hypoxia via HIF‐1α. siRNAs to knockdown PCs were transfected into cells alone or in combination with different drug treatments. Protein and RNA expression levels were analyzed by Western blotting or RT‐PCR, respectively. PC7 (PCSK7) and furin siRNAs upregulated HIF‐1α protein under normoxic condition to a level similar to that obtained by cobalt chloride treatment, eventually leading to activation of VEGF‐A synthesis in two human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. The unchanged levels of HIF‐1α mRNA expression under siRNA treatment and the additive HIF‐1α induction of PC siRNAs and either cobalt chloride or the 26S ribosome inhibitor, MG‐132, suggested a post‐transcriptional PC‐mediated regulation. Furthermore, cycloheximide chase showed that PC7/furin siRNA regulation occurred at the level of HIF‐1α translation. A specific IGF‐1R signaling inhibitor was able to attenuate the PC siRNA induction of HIF‐1α, suggesting the involvement of the IGF‐1R pathway. Thus, the data show that PCs regulate HIF‐1α. Furin and PC7 siRNAs induced HIF‐1α protein by increasing its translation, resulting in upregulation of VEGF‐A. This finding may provide insight into intricate PC functions that seem to be independent from their substrate‐processing activity. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Architecture for vision-based purposive behaviors

In this paper we describe an extended behavior-based architecture capable of executing purposive tasks. The key to this capability is a novel mechanism for sharing data between behaviors. Simple processing elements called markers ground task related data on sensor data flow and communicate it to the behaviors. A control system based on the architecture controls a mobile robot to help other robots in their transfer tasks. In addition to robot movements the control system controls a stereo gaze platform performing real time stereo tracking. In this paper we concentrate on behavior coordination by markers and realistic behavior-based systems. We present experimental results using a real robot.
Annotated Bibliographies of Old and Middle English Literature. Vol. 3: Visions of the Other World in Middle English

Visions of Hell and Heaven, or, more usually, of Purgatory and the Earthly Paradise, were widely disseminated in the Middle Ages, and this volume offers an introduction to and a bibliography of the scholarly literature (mainly but not exclusively from the 20th century) on a range of Middle English texts, from the twelfth to the fifteenth century, recounting visions in nineteen different versions. Dr Easting briefly discusses the genre; the relationship of visions to texts; the literary tradition and functions of such visions; and the development of the scholarly discussion of this material. Since there are Latin sources for the majority of the Middle English visions, and much work has been done on the Latin texts, the volume includes non-annotated, select bibliographies of recent work on the Latin vision tradition in addition to the chronologically-arranged annotated General Bibliography on the Middle English texts. The volume is completed with an Index of Manuscripts, an Index of Scholars and Critics, and a Subject Index. Dr ROBERT EASTINGteaches in the Department of English Language and Literature at the Victoria University of Wellington.
Burn-In Demonstrations for Multi-Modal Imitation Learning

Recent work on imitation learning has generated policies that reproduce expert behavior from multi-modal data. However, past approaches have focused only on recreating a small number of distinct, expert maneuvers, or have relied on supervised learning techniques that produce unstable policies. This work extends InfoGAIL, an algorithm for multi-modal imitation learning, to reproduce behavior over an extended period of time. Our approach involves reformulating the typical imitation learning setting to include "burn-in demonstrations" upon which policies are conditioned at test time. We demonstrate that our approach outperforms standard InfoGAIL in maximizing the mutual information between predicted and unseen style labels in road scene simulations, and we show that our method leads to policies that imitate expert autonomous driving systems over long time horizons.
An Analysis of Demand for Money in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic

This paper is aimed at exploring the dynamic relationship between money balance and four other macroeconomic variables: real GDP, expected inflation, exchange rates, domestic and foreign interest rates by modeling and testing for stability of money demand functions in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) during the period of 1993:Q1-2010:Q2. Demands for narrow money, broad money and board money in foreign currencies were estimated. The estimated results suggested that all demand functions are stable. They can be intermediate targets of the Bank of the Lao PDR. The substantial results point out: (i) there is an evidence of ample influence of exchange rates and interest rate on money balances in the Lao PDR; (ii) expected inflation indicates the effect of high inflation episodes on money balances, especially in terms of foreign currency, and (iii) the local currency, the Kip, is used predominantly for transaction purposes rather than foreign currencies.
The beneficial effect of vitamin E supplementation on zinc status, carbohydrate metabolism, transaminases and alkaline phosphatase activities in alloxan-diabetic rats fed on zinc deficiency diet

The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effect of vitamin E supplementation on zinc deficiency in experimental diabetes. Male alloxan-diabetic Wistar, albino rats of 10 weeks of age were divided into three groups. The first group received a diet containing 54 mg zinc/kg (adequate zinc group, AZ), the second group received a diet containing 1mg zinc/kg (zinc deficient group, ZD), and the third group received a diet containing 1mg zinc/kg supplemented with vitamin E (500mg/kg diet) (ZD+VE). Body weight gain and food intake of all rats were recorded regularly over a period of four weeks. On day 28, after overnight fasting, animals were killed and blood glucose, serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, serum protein, serum urea, serum zinc, femur zinc, pancreatic zinc, testis zinc, liver glutathione concentrations and serum glutamic oxalic transaminase (GOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) and serum alkaline phosphatase activities were determined on blood and tissue samples. Body weight gain of zinc deficient diabetic animals at the end of four weeks of dietary manipulation was significantly lower than that of zinc adequate diabetic animals. Dietary zinc intake significantly increased blood glucose, serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, and serum urea of zinc deficient diabetic rats. In contrast, serum zinc, femur zinc, pancreatic zinc, serum protein and liver glutathione levels were lower. The consumption of zinc deficient diet led also to an increase in serum GOT, GPT coupled with a decrease in serum alkaline phosphatase. Vitamin E ameliorated all the previous parameters. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that vitamin E supplementation significantly reduced the severity of zinc deficiency in diabetes mellitus. (Int J Diabetes Metab 15: 46-50, 2007)
Performance Evaluation for Interrupt-Driven Embedded Software Based on EDSPN

In the design of trustworthy software for real-time embedded systems, the interrupt mechanism plays an important role. Due to the randomness and non-determinism of interrupt handling behaviors, the performance evaluation of embedded software is an important but challenging problem. To solve this problem, we propose a performance model for embedded software based on extended deterministic and stochastic Petri nets (EDSPN), which is a semantic expansion of DSPN that add non-deterministic time transitions. In this manner, the performance model can effectively express interrupt handling behaviors, including random requests, responses according to priority, interrupt nesting, and non-deterministic execution times. In addition, we also provide a performance evaluation method for the EDSPN model based on Markov regenerative theory and demonstrate the analysis process via a specific example. Finally, we analyze the performance of embedded software, taking into account all types of the impact factors of interrupts through experimentation.