Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Proactive Index Maintenance: Using Prediction Models for Improving Index Maintenance in Databases

vanessa 0 0 2012-07-21T23:22:00Z 2012-07-21T23:22:00Z 1 172 983 UFC 8 2 1153 14.0 Normal 0 false false false PT-BR JA X-NONE This article presents a mechanism, denoted Proactive Index Maintenance (PIM, for short), for proactive index management based on the use of prediction models. The main objective of the proposed mechanism is to predict when a time-consuming query q will be executed, in order to proactively create index structures which reduce q's response time. After q is executed, PIM drops the created indexes for avoiding the overhead of updating index structures. Thus, indexes are automatically created and dropped by PIM in a proactive manner. PIM is DBMS-independent, runs continuously and with no DBA intervention. Experiments show that PIM presents low overhead, can be effectively deployed to predict time-consuming query execution and provides significant performance gain during time-consuming query execution. Different prediction models have been evaluated: neural networks (Multi-Layer Perceptron - MLP and Radial Basis Function - RBF) and Linear Regression. The results indicate that the prediction model is query-specific, i.e., it should be defined according to the statistical distribution (normal, poisson, binomial) of the query execution history.
Co morbidities associated with vesico vaginal fistula in patients managed in Maryam Abacha Fistula Hospital Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria

Background: Prolong obstructed labor is a preventable obstetric complication in the developing countries with devastating consequences and comorbidities. This study aimed to determine the frequencies of the common comorbidities in patients managed for obstetrics fistula at Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital, Sokoto, and also to identify the association of age and parity on the occurrence of some of the comorbidities observed. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 179 patients with obstetric vesicovaginal fistula seen at Maryam Abacha women and Children VVF center, Sokoto, from January to December 2017. A proforma was used to assess the sociodemograhic features and also to record comorbidities during preoperative evaluation. Results: Foot drop was the commonest comorbidity seen in 106 (59.2%), followed by depression in 104 (58.1%). There was statistically significant association between age, parity, and foot drop P = 0.025. Depression was found to be higher in the primipara P = <0.001. Urinary dermatitis occurred more frequently in the older age group and multipara 62.7% and 80%, respectively. Amenorrhea was commoner among age group 30 years and above 62.7%. Out of 179 patients analyzed, 36 (20.1%) had eclampsia whereas gynaetresia was present in 29 (16.2%). Conclusion: Significant comorbid conditions accompany obstetrics trauma and vesicovaginal fistula. Foot drop had statistically significant association with age. Depression was common in all age groups. There was significant association between depression and parity. Urinary dermatitis occurred more frequently in the older age group and multiparae.
Hepato-Renal Toxicity of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles and The Protective Effects of Moringa Oleifera Leaves Extract and Vitamin E in Male Albino Rats

Background: Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TDN) one of the most common nanomaterial used in a wide range of applications. Moringa oleifera leaves extract (MOLE) has hepato- and nephron-protective effects amongst other medicinal and nutritional benefits. Vitamin E (Vit. E) is an important lipid soluble vitamin. Aim: The present work aimed to study hepato-renal toxicity of TDN in adult male albino rats through biochemical and histopathological study and protective effects of either MOLE or Vit. E or both. Materials and Methods: 49 adult male albino rats were divided randomly into 7 groups (7 rats each). Group 1: served as control, Group 2: Rats received (MOLE) once daily by oral gavage Group 3: Rats received (Vit. E) once daily by oral gavage Group 4: Rats received TDN subcutaneous on alternate days Group 5: Rats coadministrated TDN and MOLE Group 6: Rats co-administrated TDN and (Vit. E), Group 7: Rats coadministrated TDN, (MOLE) and vitamin E. All groups received the treatment for four weeks, then blood samples were collected for assessment of liver function markers and kidney function markers. Also, Liver and kidney were excised for histopathological examination. Results and Conclusion: TDN treated animals recorded a significant increase in ALT, AST. ALP, total bilirubin, urea and creatinine and a significant decrease in total protein. Significant improvement occurred on co-administration of either (MOLE) or (Vit.E) or both. Histopathological lesion in both liver and kidney which were observed in TDN treated animals improved on co-administration of either (MOLE) or (Vit. E) or both.
Failure of hearing screening in high-risk neonates does not increase parental anxiety

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether a failure of neonatal hearing screening affected the anxiety level of parents of high-risk infants. Methods: Two hundred and eighty-eight parents of infants included in the neonatal hearing screening protocol of our Institution were tested with the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and with an open-question questionnaire investigating parents’ attitude to hearing problems in their child, done at the time of audiological follow-up. 105 were parents of high-risk infants who had been discharged from neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and 183 of low-risk infants discharged from well-baby nursery. Results: No differences in anxiety levels were seen between parents of high-risk infants passing and failing neonatal hearing screening using homogeneous case-control pairs. Additionally, no differences in the level of anxiety were found between parents of high- and low-risk infants failing neonatal auditory screening. Conclusions: Failure of neonatal auditory screening does not affect the anxiety levels of parents of high-risk infants at post discharge from NICU. This finding is a key factor to be considered when evaluating the costs and benefits of tests for universal neonatal hearing screening.
Airborne allergic contact dermatitis from 3‐iodo‐2‐propynyl‐butylcarbamate at a paint factory

3‐Iodo‐2‐propynyl‐butylcarbamate (IPBC) is a fungicide used in both industrial products and cosmetics. We report the first case of allergic contact dermatitis from airborne exposure to this preservative. A 34‐year‐old female production worker at a paint factory developed dermatitis on air‐exposed skin areas. Patch testing showed a ++ reaction to the preservative IPBC 0·01% in petrolatum. The compound was used as a preservative in wood treatment products manufactured at her work place. Based on animal studies, IPBC is considered safe as a cosmetic preservative. However, widespread use of the chemical might lead to increasing levels of contact allergy, and therefore, close monitoring of IPBC is recommended.
Effect of light source and specimen thickness on the surface hardness of resin composite.

PURPOSE To compare the Knoop hardness of different thicknesses of resin composite irradiated using either a plasma arc curing (PAC) light, or a quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) light. MATERIALS AND METHODS A 2.5-mm diameter hole was drilled through the center of 2, 3, 4, and 5-mm thick discs of enamel and dentin. This hole was filled with either Filtek P60 or Prodigy Condensable composite and irradiated in bulk using: (a) a PAC light with an 8-mm, 470 nm light guide for 3 seconds, (b) a QTH light with an 8-mm standard light guide for 40 seconds (QTH+S), or (c) a QTH light with a 13/8-mm Turbo light guide for 40 seconds (QTH+T). Immediately after irradiating the composite, the surface hardness was measured at the bottom and then the top. Hardness values were remeasured after 24-hour and 7-day storage in water at 37 degrees C. The hardness values were compared using the Analysis of Variance for Repeated Measures and Least Squares Means test for multiple comparisons (LSM test) at P< 0.05. RESULTS The power density delivered by each light was: PAC over 1999 mW/cm2, QTH+S 588 mW/cm2, and QTH+T 844 mW/cm2. Both the thickness of the composite and the light source had a significant effect on the hardness. Overall, using the QTH+T produced the highest hardness values and the PAC light the lowest values. For all 2-mm thick specimens, irrespective of the light source, the hardness values at the bottom were not significantly different from their top hardness values measured at the same time. For the 3-mm thick specimens using the QTH+T, the hardness values at the bottom of both composites were not significantly different from their top hardness values at all time intervals. For the 3-mm thick specimens using the QTH+S, the bottom hardness values were not significantly different from those at the top for P60 only, and only at 24 hours and 7 days, but not when measured immediately. For all the 4 and 5-mm thick specimens, the hardness values at the bottom were all significantly different from those at the top measured at the same time interval.
Zebra finches have a light-dependent magnetic compass similar to migratory birds

ABSTRACT Birds have a light-dependent magnetic compass that provides information about the spatial alignment of the geomagnetic field. It is proposed to be located in the avian retina and mediated by a light-induced, radical-pair mechanism involving cryptochromes as sensory receptor molecules. To investigate how the behavioural responses of birds under different light spectra match with cryptochromes as the primary magnetoreceptor, we examined the spectral properties of the magnetic compass in zebra finches. We trained birds to relocate a food reward in a spatial orientation task using magnetic compass cues. The birds were well oriented along the trained magnetic compass axis when trained and tested under low-irradiance 521 nm green light. In the presence of a 1.4 MHz radio-frequency electromagnetic (RF)-field, the birds were disoriented, which supports the involvement of radical-pair reactions in the primary magnetoreception process. Birds trained and tested under 638 nm red light showed a weak tendency to orient ∼45 deg clockwise of the trained magnetic direction. Under low-irradiance 460 nm blue light, they tended to orient along the trained magnetic compass axis, but were disoriented under higher irradiance light. Zebra finches trained and tested under high-irradiance 430 nm indigo light were well oriented along the trained magnetic compass axis, but disoriented in the presence of a RF-field. We conclude that magnetic compass responses of zebra finches are similar to those observed in nocturnally migrating birds and agree with cryptochromes as the primary magnetoreceptor, suggesting that light-dependent, radical-pair-mediated magnetoreception is a common property for all birds, including non-migratory species. Highlighted Article: The magnetic compass of zebra finches depends on the wavelength and intensity of light, as for the magnetic compass of migratory birds, suggesting common properties for all birds.
Discovering user interests from Web browsing behavior: an application to Internet news services

Discovering user interests is a very important task for providing personalized services in electronic commerce. A popular approach is to develop customer profiles from their browsing behavior. In this paper, we present an approach that analyzes the browsing content and time to determine user interests. An empirical study using actual news provided by the China Times shows that the proposed system outperforms the traditional headline news compiled by the news editor in both objective performance indices and customer satisfaction.
CA-SVM: Communication-Avoiding Support Vector Machines on Distributed Systems

We consider the problem of how to design and implement communication-efficient versions of parallel support vector machines, a widely used classifier in statistical machine learning, for distributed memory clusters and supercomputers. The main computational bottleneck is the training phase, in which a statistical model is built from an input data set. Prior to our study, the parallel is efficiency of a state-of-the-art implementation scaled as W = Omega(P3), where W is the problem size and P the number of processors, this scaling is worse than even a one-dimensional block row dense matrix vector multiplication, which has W = Omega(P2). This study considers a series of algorithmic refinements, leading ultimately to a Communication-Avoiding SVM (CASVM) method that improves the is efficiency to nearly W = Omega(P). We evaluate these methods on 96 to 1536 processors, and show average speedups of 3 - 16× (7× on average) over Dis-SMO, and a 95% weak-scaling efficiency on six real world datasets, with only modest losses in overall classification accuracy. The source code can be downloaded at https://github.com/fastalgo/casvm.
Feasibility of a Direct-Conversion Method from Magnetic Susceptibility to Relative Electron Density for Radiation Therapy Treatment Planning

Recently, several institutions have been developing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided radiotherapy treatment systems. In this study, we examine whether it is possible to perform radiation therapy planning (RTP) using a magnetic susceptibility map obtained using MRI. The head of a healthy volunteer was scanned using dual-energy computed tomography (CT) and MRI. A T2-star-weighted 3D gradient echo-based sequence (GRE) with images taken at four different echo times was acquired using the MRI scanner. The CT images were converted to relative electron density (rED) using a predefined ΔCT-rED conversion table. ΔCT was derived using the energy-subtraction method. The rED map was obtained from a single-linear relationship with the ΔCT-rED conversion table, whereas the magnetic susceptibility map was obtained from quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) via MRI. Subsequently, to obtain the relationship between the magnetic susceptibility and the rED, the rED map was rigidly aligned to the susceptibility map and resampled at the susceptibility map’s resolution. Finally, the magnetic susceptibility rED conversion table was obtained via voxel-by-voxel mapping between the two maps. No strong relationship between magnetic susceptibility and rED was obtained in the healthy volunteer’s head or in this study. The coefficient correlation between these parameters was 0.0145. Magnetic susceptibility values may be not able to convert to rED using our proposed method in healthy volunteer’s head. In contrast to the magnetic-susceptibility values obtained from the QSM algorithm, which were strongly affected by calcification and iron content, the rED or CT number was not considerably affected by such materials.
Social interactions by visual focus of attention in a three‐dimensional environment

In human behaviour analysis, the visual focus of attention (VFOA) of a person is a very important cue. VFOA detection is difficult, though, especially in a unconstrained and crowded environment, typical of video surveillance scenarios. In this paper, we estimate the VFOA by defining the Subjective View Frustum, which approximates the visual field of a person in a three‐dimensional representation of the scene. This opens up to several intriguing behavioural investigations. In particular, we propose the Inter‐Relation Pattern Matrix, which suggests possible social interactions between the people present in a scene. Theoretical justifications and experimental results substantiate the validity and the goodness of the analysis performed.
Specific binding of HIV‐1 nucleocapsid protein to PSI RNA in vitro requires N‐terminal zinc finger and flanking basic amino acid residues.

The nucleocapsid (NC) protein of human immunodeficiency virus HIV‐1 (NCp7) is responsible for packaging the viral RNA by recognizing a packaging site (PSI) on the viral RNA genome. NCp7 is a molecule of 55 amino acids containing two zinc fingers, with only the first one being highly conserved among retroviruses. The first zinc finger is flanked by two basic amino acid clusters. Here we demonstrate that chemically synthesized NCp7 specifically binds to viral RNA containing the PSI using competitive filter binding assays. Deletion of the PSI from the RNA abrogates this effect. The 35 N‐terminal amino acids of NCp7, comprising the first zinc finger, are sufficient for specific RNA binding. Chemically synthesized mutants of the first zinc finger demonstrate that the amino acid residues C‐C‐C/H‐C/H are required for specific RNA binding and zinc coordination. Amino acid residues F16 and T24, but not K20, E21 and G22, located within this zinc finger, are essential for specific RNA binding as well. The second zinc finger cannot replace the first one. Furthermore, mutations in the basic amino acid residues flanking the first zinc finger demonstrate that R3, 7, 10, 29 and 32 but not K11, 14, 33 and 34 are also essential for specific binding. Specific binding to viral RNA is also observed with recombinant NCp15 and Pr55Gag. The results demonstrate for the first time specific interaction of a retroviral NC protein with its PSI RNA in vitro.
Scanning Electron Microscopy Observations of Osseointegration Failures of Dental Implants that Support Mandibular Overdentures

Aim: Investigating possible failure causes of mandibular implants after their immediate loading with an overdenture retained with bilateral bar attachments, using scanning electron microscope. Patients and Methods: Twenty edentulous male patients were included in the present study. Each patient had 2 fixtures inserted in the canine and the first molar areas on each side of the mandible. After abutments screwing, the 2 fixtures on the same side were splinted with a bar, and immediately loaded with an overdenture. Implants mobility was assessed on weekly basis. Failed implants were removed, and examined by scanning electron microscope. Results: The failed implants, removed after 4 weeks of treatment, showed an intimate contact of mineralized and osteoid tissues with dense collagen-rich matrix in the apical third of implants. Furthermore, newly developed bone was observed at the same area in implants removed after 7 weeks. However, there was no evidence of such growth at the middle and/or cervical thirds in either case. Conclusion: Lack of osseointegration at the middle and cervical thirds of the root could be a possible cause of implant failure. Early loading by an overdenture retained with bilateral bars is considered a major contributing factor to incomplete osseointegration of the supporting implants.
Analytical modeling of large-angle CMBR anisotropies from textures.

We propose an analytic method for predicting the large-angle CMBR temperature fluctuations induced by model textures. The model makes use of only a small number of phenomenological parameters which ought to be measured from simple simulations. We derive semianalytically the ${\mathit{C}}^{\mathit{l}}$ spectrum for 2\ensuremath{\le}l\ensuremath{\le}30 together with its associated non-Gaussian cosmic variance error bars. A slightly tilted spectrum with an extra suppression at low l is found, and we investigate the dependence of the tilt on the parameters of the model. We also produce a prediction for the two point correlation function. We find a high level of cosmic confusion between texture scenarios and standard inflationary theories in any of these quantities. However, we discover that a distinctive non-Gaussian signal ought to be expected at low l, reflecting the prominent effect of the last texture in these multipoles.
Developing an evidence-based prehabilitation programme designed to improve functional outcomes after lumbar fusion surgery - A feasibility study using the Medical Research Council framework

Abstract Purpose: A prehabilitation phase is suggested as the ideal way to prepare patients for optimal outcomes from surgery. Our aim was to describe the lessons we learned from developing PREPARE, an evidence-based prehabilitation programme based on a cognitive behavioural approach designed to improve functional outcomes after lumbar fusion surgery. Methods: We used the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework approach for developing and designing a complex intervention, specifically the two phases; ‘Development’ and ‘Feasibility and Piloting’. Various aspects of treatment fidelity were evaluated during the phase ‘Feasibility and Piloting’. As part of the feasibility element, a pilot Single Subject Research Design study was performed. Eleven patients awaiting lumbar fusion surgery participated in the study. We evaluated in particular the use and application of outcome measures. Results: Significant lessons were learned which we used to adjust the prehabilitation programme to better fit a surgical context. The original treatment manual was elaborated on, the outcome measures adjusted, and the content of the intervention altered. Finally, the PREPARE programme was published in the form of a study protocol. Conclusions: There are significant lessons to be learned from testing a study protocol before it is implemented in a large-scale randomised controlled trial (RCT).
Do Lower Target Temperatures or Prolonged Cooling Provide Improved Outcomes for Comatose Survivors of Cardiac Arrest Treated With Hypothermia?

Background Optimal protocols for targeted temperature management are still unclear. This study investigated whether lower target temperatures and/or prolonged cooling could provide improved outcomes in comatose survivors of cardiac arrest. Methods and Results This observational study was conducted using the prospectively collected targeted temperature management database in Hiroshima, Japan. Between September 2003 and September 2014, 237 patients treated with TTM after cardiac arrest were enrolled in this study. The target temperatures and durations were assigned by the treating physicians regardless of the patients’ conditions. Favorable outcomes were defined as a cerebral performance category scale of 1 or 2 at the 90-day follow-up time point. The rate of favorable outcomes were similar between the patients whose protocols of target temperature were <34°C and ≥34°C (40% versus 35%, P=0.41), cooling durations were <28 and ≥28 hours (33% versus 44%, P=0.11), and rewarming durations were <28 and ≥28 hours (35% versus 41%, P=0.39). However, in patients treated with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, target temperatures <34°C were associated with more favorable outcomes (29% versus 8%, P=0.01). The cooling and rewarming durations >28 hours and target temperatures <34°C were associated with more frequent lethal arrhythmia, pneumonia, and/or bleedings. Conclusions Prolonged durations of cooling and rewarming ≥28 hours may not improve outcomes and may increase complications. Further studies are necessary to assess the hypothesis that target temperatures <34°C provide improved outcomes in patients treated with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Evaluation of pointing performance on screen edges

Pointing on screen edges is a frequent task in our everyday use of computers. Screen edges can help stop cursor movements, requiring less precise movements from the user. Thus, pointing at elements located on the edges should be faster than pointing in the central screen area. This article presents two experiments to better understand the foundations of "edge pointing". The first study assesses several factors both on completion time and on users' mouse movements. The results highlight some weaknesses in the current design of desktop environments (such as the cursor shape) and reveal that movement direction plays an important role in users' performance. The second study quantifies the gain of edge pointing by comparing it with other models such as regular pointing and crossing. The results not only show that the gain can be up to 44%, but also reveal that movement angle has an effect on performance for all tested models. This leads to a generalization of the 2D Index of Difficulty of Accot and Zhai that takes movement direction into account to predict pointing time using Fitts' law.