Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dust concentration vision measurement based on moment of inertia in gray level-rank co-occurrence matrix

To improve the accuracy of existing dust concentration measurements, a dust concentration measurement based on Moment of inertia in Gray level-Rank Co-occurrence Matrix (GRCM), which is from the dust image sample measured by a machine vision system is proposed in this paper. Firstly, a Polynomial computational model between dust Concentration and Moment of inertia (PCM) is established by experimental methods and fitting methods. Then computing methods for GRCM and its Moment of inertia are constructed by theoretical and mathematical analysis methods. And then developing an on-line dust concentration vision measurement experimental system, the cement dust concentration measurement in a cement production workshop is taken as a practice example with the system and the PCM measurement. The results show that measurement error is within 9%, and the measurement range is 0.5-1000 mg/m3. Finally, comparing with the filter membrane weighing measurement, light scattering measurement and laser measurement, the proposed PCM measurement has advantages on error and cost, which can be provided a valuable reference for the dust concentration vision measurements.
Fabry Perot polymer film fibre-optic hydrophones and arrays for ultrasound field characterisation

An optical ultrasound sensing method based upon the detection of acoustically-induced changes in the optical thickness of a Fabry Perot (FP) polymer film sensing interferometer has been developed as an alternative to piezoelectric based detection methods for ultrasound measurement applications. The technique provides an inherently broadband (~30 MHz) response and excellent detection sensitivities (<10 kPa), comparable to those of piezoelectric PVDF transducers. An important distinguishing feature however is that the sensing geometry is defined by the area of the polymer sensing film that is optically addressed. As a result, very small element sizes can be obtained to provide low directional sensitivity without compromising detection sensitivity—a key advantage over piezoelectric transducers. It also means that, by spatially sampling over a relatively large aperture, a high density ultrasound array can readily be configured. Other advantages are that, the sensing element can be inexpensively batch fabricated using polymer film deposition techniques, has the ability to self-calibrate, is electrically passive and immune to EMI. A range of measurement devices using this type of sensor have now been developed. These include a miniature (0.25 mm o.d.) optical fibre hydrophone for in situ measurements of diagnostic and therapeutic medical ultrasound exposure. By rapidly scanning a focused laser beam over a planar FP sensor, a notional array of 3 cm aperture, 50 µm element size and 200 µm interelement spacing has also been demonstrated for rapid transducer field mapping applications. It is considered that this ability to fabricate acoustically small, highly sensitive receivers in a variety of configurations offers the prospect of developing a valuable new set of ultrasound measurement tools.
Product engagement and identity signaling : The role of likes in social commerce for fashion products

Motivated by a lack of understanding of user engagement with identity-relevant products, we distinguish between two mechanisms by which existing likes affect subsequent engagement: observational learning (OL) by observing the number of existing likes, and social influence (SI) by observing the likes of one’s social connections. Using a novel panel dataset of 930 handbags, we find that, contrary to most OL studies, OL has a negative effect on subsequent likes, and the effect is mitigated by SI. By contrast, OL has a positive effect on clicks, and the effect diminishes as SI increases. We attribute our findings to identity signaling.
Beryllium Stress-Induced Modifications in Antioxidant Machinery and Plant Ultrastructure in the Seedlings of Black and Yellow Seeded Oilseed Rape

Beryllium (Be) could be a threatening heavy metal pollutant in the agroecosystem that may severely affect the performance of crops. The present study was conducted to evaluate the toxic effects of Be (0, 100, 200, and 400 μM) on physiological, ultrastructure, and biochemical attributes in hydroponically grown six-day-old seedlings of two cultivars of Brassica napus L. , one tolerant (ZS 758, black seeded) and one sensitive (Zheda 622, yellow seeded). Higher Be concentrations reduced the plant growth, biomass production, chlorophyll contents, and the total soluble protein contents. A significant accumulation of ROS (H2O2, OH−) and MDA contents was observed in a dose-dependent manner. Antioxidant enzymatic activities including SOD, POD, GR, APX, and GSH (except CAT) were enhanced with the increase in Be concentrations in both cultivars. Relative transcript gene expression of above-mentioned antioxidant enzymes further confirmed the alterations induced by Be as depicted from higher involvement in the least susceptible cultivar ZS 758 as compared to Zheda 622. The electron microscopic study showed that higher level of Be (400 μM) greatly damaged the leaf mesophyll and root tip cells. More damage was observed in cultivar Zheda 622 as compared to ZS 758. The damage in leaf mesophyll cells was highlighted as the disruption in cell wall, immature nucleus, damaged mitochondria, and chloroplast structures. In root tip cells, disruption in Golgi bodies and damage in cell wall were clearly noticed. As a whole, the present study confirmed that more inhibitory effects were recorded in yellow seeded Zheda 622 as compared to black seeded ZS 758 cultivar, which is regarded as more sensitive cultivar.
Weighted sampling without replacement

Comparing concentration properties of uniform sampling with and without replacement has a long history which can be traced back to the pioneer work of Hoeffding (1963). The goal of this short note is to extend this comparison to the case of non-uniform weights, using a coupling between the two samples. When the items' weights are arranged in the same order as their values, we show that the induced coupling for the cumulative values is a submartingale coupling. As a consequence, the powerful Chernoff-type upper-tail estimates known for sampling with replacement automatically transfer to the case of sampling without replacement. For general weights, we use the same coupling to establish a sub-Gaussian concentration inequality. We also construct another martingale coupling which allows us to answer a question raised by Luh and Pippenger (2014) on sampling in Polya urns with different replacement numbers.
Tubulin polymerization disrupts cardiac β-adrenergic regulation of late INa.

AIMS The anticancer drug paclitaxel (TXL) that polymerizes microtubules is associated with arrhythmias and sinus node dysfunction. TXL can alter membrane expression of Na channels (NaV1.5) and Na current (INa), but the mechanisms are unknown. Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) can be activated by β-adrenergic stimulation and regulates INa gating. We tested whether TXL interferes with isoproterenol (ISO)-induced activation of CaMKII and consequent INa regulation. METHODS AND RESULTS In wild-type mouse myocytes, the addition of ISO (1 µmol/L) resulted in increased CaMKII auto-phosphorylation (western blotting). This increase was completely abolished after pre-treatment with TXL (100 µmol/L, 1.5 h). The mechanism was further investigated in human embryonic kidney cells. TXL inhibited the ISO-induced β-arrestin translocation. Interestingly, both knockdown of β-arrestin2 expression using small interfering RNA and inhibition of exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) blocked the ISO-induced CaMKII auto-phosphorylation similar to TXL. The generation of cAMP, however, was unaltered (Epac1-camps). CaMKII-dependent Na channel function was measured using patch-clamp technique in isolated cardiomyoctes. ISO stimulation failed to induce CaMKII-dependent enhancement of late INa and Na channel inactivation (negative voltage shift in steady-state activation and enhanced intermediate inactivation) after pre-incubation with TXL. Consistent with this, TXL also inhibited ISO-induced CaMKII-specific Na channel phosphorylation (at serine 571 of NaV1.5). CONCLUSION Pre-incubation with TXL disrupts the ISO-dependent CaMKII activation and consequent Na channel regulation. This may be important for patients receiving TXL treatments, but also relevant for conditions of increased CaMKII expression and enhanced β-adrenergic stimulation like in heart failure.
Use of problem-based learning in the teaching and learning of horticultural production

ABSTRACT Purpose: Problem-based learning (PBL), a relatively novel teaching and learning process in horticulture, was investigated. Proper application of PBL can potentially create a learning context that enhances student learning. Design/Methodology/Approach: Students worked on two complex ill-structured problems: (1) to produce fresh baby greens for a 4-week catering event and (2) to produce seedlings for a grower. Data collected were analyzed by the concurrent method and presented as case studies. Findings: Students developed positive attitudes through active engagement. Their presentations and reports demonstrated leadership roles, critical thinking and conflict management. Practical professional, social and affective skills were developed through production of 5 kg baby greens, and 2500 vegetable seedlings. Successes and limitations were identified. Theoretical Implication: The quality of the PBL problem is critical for the stimulation and elaboration of prior knowledge, development of epistemic curiosity and the relevant semantic framework. These are motivators that inspire effective learning. Practical Implication: Cognitive and emotional intelligence skills are realized by trusting the PBL process, identifying enhancers and inhibitors. Enhancement of creativity, social and employability skills manifest through challenges that help to develop for the ‘whole’. Originality/Value: In the horticulture industry, stakeholders interact with each other and the agro-ecological system. Consequently, competencies in production and emotional intelligence are invaluable.
Dynamics of trap models

These notes cover one of the topics of the class given in the Les Houches Summer School ``Mathematical statistical physics'' in July 2005. The lectures tried to give a summary of the recent mathematical results about the long-time behaviour of dynamics of (mean-field) spin-glasses and other disordered media. We have chosen here to restrict the scope of these notes to the dynamics of trap models only, but to cover this topic in somewhat more depth.
Telomeric associations correlate with telomere length reduction and clonal chromosome aberrations in giant cell tumor of bone

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is characterized cytogenetically by frequent telomeric associations (tas). To explore the mechanisms behind the formation of tas in GCTB and to investigate their karyotypic consequences, the frequencies of tas and clonal aberrations other than tas in 20 GCTBs were compared to telomere length and status, as assessed by quantitative PCR, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and expression levels of four genes involved in telomere maintenance. Based on the G-banding results, the tumors were divided into two groups, one with a high frequency of tas and one with a low frequency. Clonal aberrations were found to be restricted to the group with a high level of tas, and the same group showed a significantly larger reduction in telomere length in tumor cells compared to peripheral blood cells. Furthermore, 65 out of 66 tas analyzed by FISH were negative for telomeric sequences. The expression levels of TERT, TERF1, TERF2, and POT1 did not correlate with telomere length or the frequency of tas. Thus, the present findings provide strong support for the notion that decreased telomere length is a prerequisite for tas in GCTBs and that the clonal changes occurring in GCTBs are derived from tas.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Associations between Psychopathology in Mothers , Fathers and Their Children : A Structural Modeling Approach

This study investigated associations between parental and child psychopathology with parenting stress as a possible mediator, in order to get more insight in mothers’ and fathers’ roles in the development of psychopathology in children. Parents of 272 clinically referred (aged 6–20, 66% boys) reported about their own and their child’s behavioral problems, and about parenting stress. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling. Outcomes of path models demonstrated that mothers’ higher internalizing and externalizing problems were associated with respectively children’s higher internalizing and externalizing problems. Fathers’ higher externalizing problems were associated with both children’s higher internalizing and externalizing problems, but fathers’ internalizing problems were only associated with children’s lower externalizing problems. Parenting stress fully mediated the relation between mothers’ and children’s externalizing problems, and partly mediated the relation between mothers’ and children’s internalizing problems. For fathers, parenting stress partly mediated the relation between fathers’ internalizing problems and children’s externalizing problems. Findings indicate that for mothers, the association between parental and child psychopathology is specific, whereas for fathers it is non-specific. Furthermore, results suggest that reducing parenting stress may decrease child problem behavior. Longitudinal studies are needed in order to gain more insight in the direction and underlying mechanisms of the relation between parental and child psychopathology, including parental stress.
The Risks Associated With Obesity in Pregnancy.

BACKGROUND Approximately one-third of all women of childbearing age are overweight or obese. For these women, pregnancy is associated with increased risks for both mother and child. METHODS This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective search of PubMed, with special attention to current population-based cohort studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and controlled trials. RESULTS Obesity in pregnancy is associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes for both mother and child. Many of the risks have been found to depend linearly on the body-mass index (BMI). The probability of conception declines linearly, starting from a BMI of 29 kg/m2, by 4% for each additional 1 kg/m2 of BMI (hazard ratio 0.96, 95% confidence interval: [0.91; 0.99]). A 10% increase of pregravid BMI increases the relative risk of gestational diabetes and that of preeclampsia by approximately 10% each. A 5 kg/m2 increase of BMI elevates the relative risk of intrauterine death to 1.24 [1.18; 1.30]. An estimated 11% of all neonatal deaths can be attributed to the consequences of maternal overweight and obesity. Nonetheless, in most randomized controlled trials, nutritional and lifestyle interventions did not bring about any clinically relevant reduction in the incidence of gestational diabetes and fetal macrosomia. CONCLUSION The risks associated with obesity in pregnancy cannot necessarily be influenced by intervention. Preventive measures aimed at normalizing body weight before a woman becomes pregnant are, therefore, all the more important.
6F-1 Phase Aberration Effects in Static Compression Elasticity Imaging

There are currently several clinical studies underway to evaluate the use of elastography in breast imaging, mainly with compression elastographic techniques. Clinical ultrasound image quality is compromised by tissue velocity inhomogeneities, resulting in poor image resolution and contrast. This phase aberration can be especially evident in breast and abdominal imaging where fatty tissue components are present. The images used for elastographic estimations could be degraded by phase aberration and result in decreased performance of elastography. This paper presents an analysis of contrast and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in strain images with different experimental phantom and ex-vivo porcine aberrators. Controlled axial compression strain elastography data were obtained to isolate the effect of aberration from other error contributions to elastography imaging. Several 2D thin rubber silicon aberrators, ranging from 25-100ns rms amplitude and 3-6mm FWHM, were placed between a clinical breast imaging 1D array and an elasticity phantom (E=32 kPa background with a 10mm diameter, E=77 kPa spherical lesion). Summed RF signals were collected from static axial multi-step compressions to induce 10% average strain at surface (about 1% frame-to-frame strain). Strain images were formed using a 2D phase sensitive, correlation-based speckle tracking technique with adaptive strain estimation. Speckle brightness lesion levels were assessed in all B-mode images; compared to the unaberrated case, the images with the 25ns and 100ns aberrators showed reductions of 57% and 88%, respectively. The strain image results show a decrease in strain CNR with increasing aberrator strength: CNR= 1.63, 1.39, 1.16, 0.84, and 0.63, for 3mm FWHM aberrators at 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100ns rms amplitudes, respectively. The average image-to-image correlation values in the lesion decreased from 0.97 to 0.88 for 0ns and 100ns rms aberrators. The results showed 1.57, 1.56, 1.49, 1.50, and 1.35 strain contrast values for aberrator strengths from 0ns to 100ns rms. Similar decreases in strain contrast and CNR were seen with ex-vivo porcine aberrators (46ns and 124ns rms). An analysis of the sources of error (RF SNR and phase aberration changes) is presented. The initial results presented here indicate that phase aberration does decrease the strain CNR levels, but does not severely hinder the detectability of the lesion in this strain imaging scenario. Therefore, in clinical practice, phase aberration could contribute an additional source of error to compression strain imaging
Lerna: Parallelizing Dependent Loops Using Speculation

We present Lerna, an end-to-end tool that automatically and transparently detects and extracts parallelism from data dependent sequential loops using speculation combined with a set of techniques including code profiling, dependency analysis, instrumentation, and adaptive execution. Speculation is needed to avoid conservative actions and detect actual conflicts. Lerna targets applications that are hard-to-parallelize due to data dependency. Our experimental study involves the parallelization of 13 applications with data dependencies. Results on a 24-core machine show an average of 2.7x speedup for micro-benchmarks and 2.5x for the macro-benchmarks.
High-Quality Draft Single-Cell Genome Sequence Belonging to the Archaeal Candidate Division SA1, Isolated from Nereus Deep in the Red Sea

ABSTRACT Candidate division SA1 encompasses a phylogenetically coherent archaeal group ubiquitous in deep hypersaline anoxic brines around the globe. Recently, the genome sequences of two cultivated representatives from hypersaline soda lake sediments were published. Here, we present a single-cell genome sequence from Nereus Deep in the Red Sea that represents a putatively novel family within SA1.
The role of electron irradiation history in liquid cell transmission electron microscopy

New nanofluidic LC-TEM devices enable controlling and understanding electron irradiation history effects on liquid samples. In situ liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (LC-TEM) allows dynamic nanoscale characterization of systems in a hydrated state. Although powerful, this technique remains impaired by issues of repeatability that limit experimental fidelity and hinder the identification and control of some variables underlying observed dynamics. We detail new LC-TEM devices that improve experimental reproducibility by expanding available imaging area and providing a platform for investigating electron flux history on the sample. Irradiation history is an important factor influencing LC-TEM results that has, to this point, been largely qualitatively and not quantitatively described. We use these devices to highlight the role of cumulative electron flux history on samples from both nanoparticle growth and biological imaging experiments and demonstrate capture of time zero, low-dose images on beam-sensitive samples. In particular, the ability to capture pristine images of biological samples, where the acquired image is the first time that the cell experiences significant electron flux, allowed us to determine that nanoparticle movement compared to the cell membrane was a function of cell damage and therefore an artifact rather than visualizing cell dynamics in action. These results highlight just a subset of the new science that is accessible with LC-TEM through the new multiwindow devices with patterned focusing aides.
Improving Social Inclusion using NLP : Tools , Methods and Resources

This article presents best practices for the design of a user-centric approach in accessibility research projects, taking two European projects as an example: ImAc (Immersive Accessibility) and EasyTV (Easing the access of Europeans with disabilities to converging media and content). Both H2020 projects aim to investigate access services such as audio description, audio subtitling, subtitling/captioning or sign language interpreting in media content. The paper explains the many and varied documentation required to comply with existing ethical issues in Europe. Designing alternative means of obtaining information will be explained, since interaction with participants had to cater for the needs of diverse users. The second part of the article presents an overview of user profiling in previous accessibility projects in the field of media accessibility, and shows good practices based on the two ongoing projects. Finally, the article presents an example of how users have been defined and how they have been involved in the initial stages of both ImAc and EasyTV, by summarizing the methodology developed for a series of focus groups with end users. The article concludes with some recommendations when involving users in accessibility research.
Genome-Wide Association Analysis of Age-Dependent Egg Weights in Chickens

Egg weight (EW) is an economically-important trait and displays a consecutive increase with the hen's age. Because extremely large eggs cause a range of problems in the poultry industry, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in order to identify genomic variations that are associated with EW. We utilized the Affymetrix 600 K high density SNP array in a population of 1,078 hens at seven time points from day at first egg to 80 weeks age (EW80). Results reveal that a 90 Kb genomic region (169.42 Mb ~ 169.51 Mb) in GGA1 is significantly associated with EW36 and is also potentially associated with egg weight at 28, 56, and 66 week of age. The leading SNP could account for 3.66% of the phenotypic variation, while two promising genes (DLEU7 and MIR15A) can be mapped to this narrow significant region and may affect EW in a pleiotropic manner. In addition, one gene (CECR2 on GGA1) and two genes (MEIS1 and SPRED2 on GGA3), which involved in the processes of embryogenesis and organogenesis, were also considered to be candidates related to first egg weight (FEW) and EW56, respectively. Findings in our study could provide worthy theoretical basis to generate eggs of ideal size based on marker assisted breeding selection.