Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Qualitative study of HIV related stigma and discrimination: What women say in Iran

Introduction HIV-related stigma is a major social problem of people living with HIV. Stigma against these people, especially women, interferes with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HIV. This study examined the experiences of HIV infected women who were stigmatized, as well as the strategies used to tackle the issue. Methods Twenty-five women living with HIV were examined using in-depth, semi-structured interviews. The data obtained was analyzed using content analysis method in MAXQDA10. Results The finding of this study was classified into four themes: fear, shame, rejection by family or friends and feelings of frustration. The participant strategies adopted to the perceived stigma and discrimination included isolation, nondisclosure, and loss of follow-up. Conclusions HIV in women has different social interposition. It is necessary to intervene, so as to alleviate the effect of stigma on HIV infected women, in order that they gain the ability to accomplish wellness, increase life span and improve quality of life. Nurses, midwives and other professionals need to be involved to ensure public policy in providing supportive environments, and decrease stigma.
Circular RNA of the human sphingomyelin synthase 1 gene: Multiple splice variants, evolutionary conservatism and expression in different tissues

The human sphingomyelin synthase 1 gene (SGMS1) encodes an essential enzyme that is involved in the synthesis of sphingomyelin and diacylglycerol from phosphatidylcholine and ceramide. Among the products of SGMS1, we found new transcripts, circular RNAs (circRNAs), that contain sequences of the gene's 5′ untranslated region (5′UTR). Some of them include the gene's coding region and fragments of introns. An analysis of the abundance of circRNAs in human tissues showed that the largest transcripts were predominantly found in different parts of the brain. circRNAs of rat and mouse sphingomyelin synthase 1 orthologous genes were detected and are highly similar to the human SGMS1 gene transcripts. A quantitative analysis of the abundance of such transcripts also revealed their elevated amount in the brain. A computational analysis of sequences of human circRNAs showed their high potential of binding microRNAs (miRNAs), including the miRNAs that form complexes with Ago proteins and the mRNA of SGMS1. We assume that the circRNAs identified here participate in the regulation of the function of the SGMS1 gene in the brain.
Rate of Blood Transfusion in Patients Undergoing Bilateral Simultaneous Total Knee Arthroplasty using Patient-Specific Templates and Conventional Techniques : A Comparative Study

Introduction: Blood loss is one of the major concerns for patients undergoing major surgeries such as bilateral simultaneous total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this study was to determine the rate of blood transfusion in patients undergoing bilateral simultaneous TKA using patient specific templates (PST) and conventional technique. Materials and Methods: This is a comparetive study between 54 patients (108 knees) who underwent bilateral simultaneous TKA using PST in comparison to 63 patients (126 knees) who underwent the same procedure using conventional technique. All procedures were done by one surgeon for each group. Preoperative Hb and the rate of blood transfusion were measured for each group. Results: The rate of blood transfusion in the PST group was 16.6%, that is, 9 patients required blood transfusion and all were female. The mean preoperative Hb for PST group was 12.39 g/dL (range: 7.8–14.5 g/dL). The rate of blood transfusion in the conventional group was 100%, that is, all patients had blood transfusion. All female patients required additional 1 unit of blood. The mean preoperative Hb for conventional group was 14.5 g/dL (range: 12–17 g/dL). Conclusion: The rate of blood transfusion in bilateral simultaneous TKA could be reduced when using PST technique in comparison to conventional TKA.
Designing Optimum One-Level Carry-Skip Adders

The author shows how to design one-level carry-skip adders that attain very high speeds. One-level carry-skip adders are very fast adders that are hardly more complex than the much-slower ripple adders. The design procedure allows the use of realistic component delays obtained by simulation and is technology-independent. An example of a 64-b, 1 mu m CMOS adder is given. This adder achieves an add time of 6.23 ns, measured by SPICE simulation with realistic loads. This delay figure excludes sum buffering delays, which depend on the particular application of the adder. The combination of high-speed and simplicity makes one-level carry-skip adders attractive for applications in highly parallel systems. >
Study of Kernel Selection and Construction Kernel for SVM Classification

It is the most critical for finding the best kernel to apply the kernel-based algorithms in practice, such as support vector machines (SVMs) for classification. The selection is tightly connected to the encoding of our prior knowledge about the data and the pattern type of the task. In this paper, we discuss the kernel trick and its selection and construction methods for SVM classification. In addition we employed distance learning to construct RBF kernels. Experiments on several dataset proved the advantages of distance metric learning for kernel construction. Copyright © 2013 IFSA.
WEVIAN: A Web-based Placement Visualizer / Analyzer

One of the most important stages of a typical ASIC (Application-specific integrated circuit) design flow, is physical design. The most prominent step of the aforementioned stage is placement. Major design challenges are regulated while traversing this stage in order to accommodate the final sign-off. Various aspects of the design might be modified during this step, and the primary manner to keep track of these modifications is usually through detailed text reports, concerning universal metrics like density and wire-length, and generic static visualizations, due to the timing overhead it introduces to the overall procedure. However, a detailed and interactive depiction of the final result might provide insights concerning the quality of the final solution and the effectiveness of the applied algorithms. In this paper we present WEVIAN, a web-based placement visualizer/analyzer that enhances the design procedure by adding interactivity and offloading part of the workload to a third-party server.
Fast Two-Point Correlations of Extremely Large Data Sets

The two-point correlation function (TPCF) is an important measure of the distribution of a set of points, particularly in astronomy where it is used to measure the clustering of galaxies in the Universe. Current astronomical data sets are sufficiently large to seriously challenge serial algorithms in computing the TPCF, and within the next few years, the size of data sets will have far exceeded the capabilities of serial machines. Therefore, we have developed an efficient parallel algorithm to compute the TPCF of large data sets. We discuss the algorithm, its implementation using MPI and OpenMP, performance, and issues encountered in developing the code for multiple architectures.
Rupture imaging of the Wenchuan earthquake and advice for Chinese earthquake early warning system

Using the teleseismic body waves recorded by Hi-net array, the rupture image of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake is studied by the back-projecting method. Our results show that seismic energy is mainly released in the area north to the hypocenter. Comparing with historical seismicity, aftershock rate in the source area is significantly active with a characteristic time of 11 years, indicating that seismicity in this area in the future ten years is significantly higher than background earthquake rate. A reliably and accurate EEW system is expected to play a central role in helping to mitigate seismic hazard. On the basis of experience from Japanese EEW, we recommend that China should introduce an instrumentally observable intensity scale, deploy intensity seismometers and broadcast the instrumentally observed intensity data to the public. We would point out that prediction of shaking intensity is much more important than estimating the final magnitude. It follows that seismologists should find an effective method to issue the coming S-wave shaking intensity using the P-wave data, and that the public should pay attention to the intensity index, rather than the magnitude.
Preparation of Mesoporous Materials Modified Nanofiltration Membrane for Measured of Dissolved Organic Nitrogen

The incorporation of nano-materials in commercial nanofiltration composite (NFC) membrane has opened an alternative opportunity to enhance the membrane permeation, retaining macromolecular and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) measurements properties in many drinking water treatment processes. In this study, mesoporous silica and mesoporous carbon were incorporated into the surface active layer of a NFC membrane via interfacial polymerization (IP) reaction. The structure, composition and pore distribution of the membranes and mesoporous materials were characterized by FT-IR, FE-SEM and BET measurements. The separation performance for DON and the water permeation performance of the mesoporous materials modified NFC membranes were investigated with prepared water in laboratory. The permeate water and the concentrated water samples were analyzed with total dissolved nitrogen (TDN), nitrate nitrogen (NO2 ), nitrate nitrogen (NO3 ) and ammonia nitrogen (NH4 ). Within the range of mesoporous materials loadings assessed in this study, it was found that the NFC membrane incorporated with mesoporous materials offered higher water flux and DON rejection rate, which was ascribed to the favorable change in membrane pore structure, surface morphology and surface charge by the addition of appropriate amount of mesoporous materials, indicating great potential of such membranes in organic nitrogen testing. The dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN, including nitrite, nitrate and ammonia) to total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) ratio of finished water is reduced up to 0.88, 0.78, 0.80, 0.70, 0.78, 0.65, 0.81 and 0.69 for NF90, NF270, CPNF90, CPNF270, CFNF90, CFNF270, SNF90 and SNF270 respectively.
Market segmentation : a tool for improving customer satisfaction and retention in insurance service delivery

This paper looks at the use of market segmentation as a tool for improving customer satisfaction in insurance service delivery. Insurance companies are always seeking alternative ways to improve the level of satisfaction among their customers; market segmentation may be a useful tool. The paper argues that in spite of the egalitarian approach that underpins the marketing of insurance, market segmentation may be used to better serve the needs of their customers. In utilizing market segmentation, the insurance companies must pay particular attention to barriers that may negatively impact the effectiveness of the market segmentation exercise. Consequently, the need to pay particular attention to issues relating to barriers to implementing market segmentation is highlighted. This paper also attempts to address management's concerns about the practicality and usefulness of segmentation.
Predicting circuit performance using circuit-level statistical timing analysis

Recognizing that the delay of a circuit is extremely sensitive to manufacturing process variations, this paper proposes a methodology for statistical timing analysis. The authors present a triple-node delay model which inherently captures the effect of input transition time on the gate delays. Response surface methods are used so that the statistical gate delays are generated efficiently. A new path sensitization criterion based on the minimum propagatable pulse width (MPPW) of the gates along a path is used to check for false paths. The overlap of a path with longer paths determines its "statistical significance" to the overall circuit delay. Finally, the circuit delay probability density function is computed by performing a Monte Carlo simulation on the statistically significant path set. <<ETX>>
Corpus-based Extraction of Collocations for Near-Synonym Discrimination

This paper shows a method of extracting collocations from a corpus for the purpose of discrimination of near-synonyms. Information on synonym discrimination, which is often part of usage notes appended to entries in general dictionaries, specifies points of differences between words of similar meaning. Using computer technology, one can automate the process of collocation retrieval and reduce the amount of time and effort needed to prepare such information. The paper emphasises the importance of examining collocational behaviour when establishing meaning differences, but it also underlines the necessity of a critical analysis of existing records of word meaning, in particular dictionaries. An evidence from a parsed corpus is used in order to find collocations for a set of synonymous adjectives ( false, counterfeit, artificial, bogus, forged ) standing either in attributive or predicative positions. The corpus findings are compared against definitions in MacMillan Dictionary online.
A Modified Percutaneous Transhepatic Varices Embolization With 2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate in the Treatment of Bleeding Esophageal Varices

Background To evaluate the effect of a modified percutaneous transhepatic variceal embolization (PTVE) with 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (2-OCA) on the prevention and treatment of esophageal variceal bleeding. Methods Between March 2002 and December 2005, PTVE was attempted in 92 patients with esophageal varices, 74 patients with recent variceal bleeding, 18 patients with acute variceal bleeding. The 2-OCA was injected into the entire lower esophageal and periesophageal or paraesophageal varices, the cardial submucosal, and perforating vessels. Results PTVE was successfully performed in 89 of 92 patients, providing a procedural success rate of 96.7%. According to the distribution of injected 2-OCA, 3 types of variceal embolization were defined, esophagogastric obliteration (n=42), gastric obliteration (n=34), and main left gastric vein obliteration (n=13). Acute variceal bleeding was immediately arrested in all 18 (100%) patients after the procedure. During the median follow-up period of 37 months, the total rebleeding rate was 19.1% (17/89), with the rate being higher in patients with main left gastric vein obliteration 46.1% (6/13) than in patients with esophagogastric obliteration 9.5% (4/42) or with gastric obliteration 20.6% (7/34, P<0.05). Total survival rate was 74.4%, with the rate being significantly higher in patients with esophagogastric obliteration and gastric obliteration than that in patients with left gastric vein obliteration demonstrated by Kaplan-Meier analysis (P<0.001, log-rank test). There was 1 patient with fatal bleeding at the puncture site after the PTVE procedure, and 1 patient with slight pulmonary embolism; there were no other major procedure-related complications. Conclusions The effect of PTVE with 2-OCA on esophageal varices is associated with the site and range of embolization. With the lower esophageal and periesophageal varices and/or the cardial submucosal and perforating vessels are sufficiently obliterated, PTVE with 2-OCA can improve long-term efficacy by preventing varices recurrence and rebleeding.
Design of the Zephyros Z 72 wind turbine with emphasis on the direct drive PM generator

The Zephyros Z72 is a gearless variable speed wind turbine with a direct driven PM synchronous generator with a rotor diameter of 70 m. This article describes the design process, testing and prototyping with focus on the generator which till date is the biggest PM generator available on the wind turbine market. The turbine after testing and commissioning has a track record of over 8000 grid connected hours and more than 4700 MWh produced. Tests and operational experience is commented and results are given. Measurements such as the power curve (power versus average wind speed), noise and heat run have been performed and show good results and reassembly with the design calculations. The turbine has been installed in April 2002 and certification design assessment and measurements are completed.
Implementation of an Augmented Reality AR Workflow for Human Robot Collaboration in Timber Prefabrication

– In this paper, we present a set of enabling technologies developed for the KUKA Innovation Award to facilitate Human Robot collaboration targeted for the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector. Critically, little progress has been made in the usability of user interfaces for industrial robots [1]. We targeted our investigation explicitly towards human-robot collaboration (HRC) in wood based prefabrication production. Although wood is a sustainable material with abundant processing possibilities, it is also a material system where process knowledge remains critically important, making highly automated workflows unfeasible and inefficient. We propose an interactive fabrication process where a user such as a construction worker could wear an augmented reality head mounted display (ARHMD) as an interface to plan robotic trajectories, influence production sequencing, and view superimposed diagnostic feedback. We describe necessary system components including a robotic workcell consisting of a KUKA LBR iiwa, flexFELLOW mobile platform, a Robotiq 2-finger gripper and a custom platform and material feeding station. In addition, we describe a communication framework and set of protocols connecting a CAD digital design environment, a user interface (UI) for Microsoft HoloLens, a ROS server for backend path planning and coordination, and a 3D graphical web interface for downstream visualization of construction status. We conclude with an outlook on enabling technologies for human-robot collaboration in construction, and the importance of increasing digital integration and accessibility in characteristic production workflows through accessible and intuitive digital interfaces.
MIMO Phased-Array for SMTI Radar

Waveform diversity techniques for radar have gained considerable interest over the past several years. Novel radar waveforms have been proposed to improve detection performance and metric accuracy (i.e., angle estimation performance). This paper explores the potential for using a waveform diversity technique known as multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) radar to improve the detection performance of slow moving surface targets from a moving radar platform. The MIMO radar system achieves superior performance by transmitting unique uncorrelated waveforms from each antenna subaperture as opposed to the traditional approach of transmitting a single coherent waveform across the entire aperture. The results show that the radar system minimum detectable velocity (MDV) can be reduced by exploiting the ability of a MIMO system to effectively increase the radar antenna aperture.
Overexpression of lincRNA-ROR predicts poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer

Introduction: lincRNA-ROR has been discovered to be associated with tumor progression in many tumor entities. However, the role of lincRNA-ROR in gastric cancer is still unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the clinicopathological and prognostic implication of lincRNA-ROR in gastric cancer patients. Methods: Expression of lincRNA-ROR expression was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in 137 pairs of gastric cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues. The correlation between lincRNA-ROR expression and clinicopathological factors was analyzed. Overall survival was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazard model to identify independent prognostic factors. Results: lincRNA-ROR expression was significantly higher in gastric cancer tissues compared with adjacent non-tumor tissues. Moreover, lincRNA-ROR expression level was significantly associated with tumor size, tumor depth, differentiation, lymph node metastasis and TNM stage. In addition, the expression of lincRNA-ROR was remarkably correlated with gastric cancer patients’ overall survival. Patients with high lincRNA-ROR expression were presented with shorter overall survival. Multivariate analysis indicated that lincRNA-ROR level was an independent prognostic factor for gastric cancer patients. In conclusion, our results indicate that lincRNA-ROR plays an important role in gastric cancer progression, and might be considered as a potential molecular biomarker for predicting the prognosis of patients.
Behavior of geogrid e reinforced sand and effect of reinforcement anchorage in large-scale plane strain compression

This paper presents experimental investigations on the behavior of geogridereinforced sand featuring reinforcement anchorage which simulates the reinforcement connected to the wall facings in numerous in-situ situations. A series of large plane strain compression tests (the specimen 56 cm high 56 cm wide 45 cm long) was conducted. Standard Ottawa sand and 4 types of PET geogrids exhibiting 5% stiffness in the range of 750e1700 kN/m were used in this study. The specimens were tested by varying the relative density of sand, confining pressures, geogrid types, and reinforcement-anchorage conditions. Experimental results indicate that relative to unreinforced specimens, both anchored and non-anchored geogrid reinforcements can enhance the peak shear strength and suppress the volumetric dilation of reinforced soil. The studies on anchorage revealed that anchoring the reinforcement can restrain the lateral expansion of reinforced specimens, resulting in a substantial increase in shear strength and a reduction in volumetric dilation. The strength ratios of non-anchored specimens appeared to be insensitive to the reinforcement stiffness, whereas the strength ratios of the anchored specimens increased markedly with increases in soil density, reinforcement stiffness, and system deformation (i.e., axial stain). Geogrid anchorage contributed a large percentage of the total shear-strength improvement, nearly 3-times more than the contribution of the soilegeogrid interaction in non-anchored specimens. Lastly, an analytical model was developed based on the concept that additional confinement is induced by reinforcement anchorage, and the predicted shear strength of the anchored soil was verified based on the experimental data. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.