Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Material Classification using Neural Networks

The recognition and classification of the diversity of materials that exist in the environment around us are a key visual competence that computer vision systems focus on in recent years. Understanding the identification of materials in distinct images involves a deep process that has made usage of the recent progress in neural networks which has brought the potential to train architectures to extract features for this challenging task. This project uses state-of-the-art Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) techniques and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers in order to classify materials and analyze the results. Building on various widely used material databases collected, a selection of CNN architectures is evaluated to understand which is the best approach to extract features in order to achieve outstanding results for the task. The results gathered over four material datasets and nine CNNs outline that the best overall performance of a CNN using a linear SVM can achieve up to ~92.5% mean average precision, while applying a new relevant direction in computer vision, transfer learning. By limiting the amount of information extracted from the layer before the last fully connected layer, transfer learning aims at analyzing the contribution of shading information and reflectance to identify which main characteristics decide the material category the image belongs to. In addition to the main topic of my project, the evaluation of the nine different CNN architectures, it is questioned if, by using the transfer learning instead of extracting the information from the last convolutional layer, the total accuracy of the system created improves. The results of the comparison emphasize the fact that the accuracy and performance of the system improve, especially in the datasets which consist of a large number of images.
A Chemical Route to Carbon Nanoscrolls

Current theories suggest that multiwalled nanotubes may form through a scrolling mechanism ([1][1], [2][2]). The concept that scrolling could lead to nanotube-like structures ([3][3]) inspired us to extend our recent work on making colloidal suspensions of layered compounds ([4][4]) to graphite.
3D bathymetry and bottom backscattering maps applied to identify potential phosphate deposits in the pelotas Basin, Brazil

The Brazilian sector of the Pelotas Basin (PB) covers an area of 210,000 km2, limited northwards by the Florianópolis High southwards by the boundary with Uruguay. The PB is economically and strategically important due to the presence of sub-surface mineral resources such as oil, natural and hydrate gas, as well as surface deposits, crusts and concretions of phosphorite (P2O5), in addition the PB it is an important fishing ground. In this work bathymetric and Bottom Surface Backscattering Strength (BSBS) data were used from twenty hydroacoustic assessment surveys undertaken either to map pelagic fish or to evaluate the abundance of cetaceans in the PB. Bathymetry and BSBS were collected with a calibrated scientific echo-sounder SIMRAD EK500, operating at the frequency of 38 kHz. A total of 5,249,191 acoustic readings were processed from 15,367 nautical miles. Bathymetric data were integrated to satellite altimetry data in order to produce a 3D map aiming the identification of the main features in the region, such as the Rio Grande Valleys, the Rio Grande Cone, the Rio Grande Terrace and the terrace off Florianópolis. A BSBS map was also generated. The BSBS acoustic parameter is the ratio between incident and reflected energy by the seafloor and it is usually expressed on a logarithmic scale (dB). Bottom backscattered signal is influenced by physical, chemical and morphological characteristics of the seabed. Thus, BSBS can be used to identify different bottom types due to their different acoustic responses. In our analyses the PB showed intermediate BSBS values. Lower BSBS values, associated with finer sediment, predominated in the continental slope and oceanic areas, while high values, associated with coarse sediments, did not occupy large areas. The BSBS map was then superimposed on the 3D bathymetric map, allowing the identification of six areas associated with the presence of phosphorite in the PB, based on the high BSBS values and depth, suitable for the formation of phosphorite. Because of their genesis phosphorite deposits tend to exist in areas with high levels of organic matter, at depths of up to 1000 m, covering the edge of the continental shelf and upper slope, marginal plateaus and submarine banks. Potential areas were identified in the outer shelf on the Rio Grande Cone, on the outer shelf and slope off Mostardas-RS, on the Rio Grande Terrace and off Florianópolis-SC. All these areas have good correspondence with those identified by the Geological Survey of Brazil with the presence of calcareous deposits and phosphorite.
Alcohol-Impaired Driving in the United States: Contributors to the Problem and Effective Countermeasures

Objective: To review the effectiveness of current countermeasures in alcohol-impaired driving. Method: This article provides an overview of the contributors to the alcohol-impaired driving problem in the United States and reviews the effectiveness of alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures. Results: Many effective countermeasures have been used during the past few decades both to deter drivers from driving when they are over the legal limit for alcohol and to discourage driving while intoxicated (DWI) offenders from reoffending once they have been caught and convicted. In recent years, greater attention has been given to the problem of “hardcore” drinking drivers, a term coined to refer to those who repeatedly drive with high blood alcohol concentrations and are resistant to changing their behavior. Although such individuals are a legitimate target for attention, focusing predominantly on this group will result in missed opportunities to address a large portion of alcohol-impaired driving crashes. This article provides a review of the primary countermeasures that have been used to reduce alcohol-impaired driving and summarizes evidence for their effectiveness. It asks the question of where, in an environment of limited resources, attention should be focused. Conclusions: General deterrent approaches, such as frequent and highly publicized sobriety checkpoints, have the greatest potential to save lives and should be the mainstay of state and local efforts. Specific deterrent approaches, aimed at deterring DWI offenders from reoffending, such as alcohol ignition interlocks, should be applied to all apprehended drivers, whatever their drinking history. Evidence suggests that they could benefit from them. In the future, advanced in-vehicle technologies that would prevent vehicles from being driven when their drivers are over the legal limit may hold the key to drastically reducing the alcohol-impaired driving problem.
Detection of Multiple Tags Based on Impulsive Backscattered Signals

Passive and semipassive ultrawideband (UWB) radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology has been recently proposed to offer high-accuracy localization capabilities in next-generation RFID systems. This technology relies on the modulation of backscattered signals, i.e., backscatter modulation, from multiple tags present in the environment. The detection of multiple tags based on backscattered signals is challenging in harsh environments with nonideal conditions such as clutter, near-far interference effects, and clock drift. This paper analyzes the detection of multiple tags employing UWB backscatter modulation and proposes practical signaling, spreading codes, and detection schemes that are robust to nonideal conditions. A case study is presented to evaluate the performance of the proposed technique for the detection of multiple tags based on impulsive backscattered signals.
Perineuronal nets in the cortical white matter – visualized with WFA (Wisteria floribunda agglutinin) in adult macaque monkeys

Purpose: To characterize the distribution of white matter neurons (WMNs) positive for perineuronal nets (PNNs) in the adult monkey. WMNs are a mixed population of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. They have an important role in axon guidance during cortical development, but their role in the adult brain is less understood. In vitro and in vivo experiments provide evidence that WMNs are incorporated into cortical circuitry. The majority of investigations in the adult, however, have focused on regional variations in overall density, or on characterization of morphological and neurochemical subtypes. The present study was motivated by the observation that some WMNs exhibit PNNs in adult monkey. Since PNNs are associated with plasticity in younger animals, their occurrence with some WMNs might be functionally significant. Methods: PNNs were visualized, at the light microscopic level, by WFA staining in three adult macaque brains. Density of WFA positive WMNs was scored at three anterior-posterior levels (frontal, mid-hemispheric, and occipital), and compared with overall density of WMNs, as visualized by immunocytochemistry for NeuN. Quantitation of WFA+ neurons and neuron morphology were analyzed via light microscopy. Soma size and appearance, and dendritic length were recorded and measured. vi Results: On the basis of soma size and proximal dendritic shape, several types of WFA+ WMNs were provisionally identified, consistent with previous reports in the literature. Subpopulation densities were of highest density in mid-cortical areas and lowest quantities at occipital, matching previous studies. Morphological measurements suggested a heterogeneous neuron population through soma measurements and dendrite orientation. Soma sizes exhibited a range of circularity and size (10 μm – 30 μm). Dendrites were stained beyond the “proximal” area, including intermediate areas beyond the first branch, and up to 500 μm. Conclusions: A small population of WMNs are coated by PNNs in adult monkey. On the basis of morphology, these might be further subdivided, but combined studies with other markers would be needed. Future studies might investigate ageor pathology-related changes in the density and subtypes of WMNs that express PNNs in human or nonhuman primates. We speculate that these WMNs might have functional specializations, perhaps similar to the plasticity effects documented for PNNs in early development.
Peptide Inhibitors Against Dengue Virus Infection

Dengue virus (DENV) infection has become a public health problem worldwide. The development of anti‐DENV drug is urgently needed because neither licensed vaccine nor specific drug is currently available. Inhibition of DENV attachment and entry to host cells by blocking DENV envelope (E) protein is an attractive strategy for anti‐DENV drug development. A hydrophobic pocket on the DENV E protein is essential for structural transition in the membrane fusion, and inhibition of this process is able to inhibit DENV infection. To search for a safe anti‐DENV drug, we identified short peptides targeting the hydrophobic pocket by molecular docking. In addition, the information of predicted ligand‐binding site of reported active compounds of DENV2 hydrophobic pocket was also used for peptide inhibitors selection. The di‐peptide, EF, was the most effective on DENV2 infection inhibition in vitro with a half maximal inhibition concentration (IC50) of 96 μm. Treatment of DENV2 with EF at the concentration of 200 μm resulted in 83.47% and 84.15% reduction in viral genome and intracellular E protein, respectively. Among four DENV serotypes, DENV2 was the most effective for the inhibition. Our results provide the proof of concept for the development of therapeutic peptide inhibitors against DENV infection by the computer‐aided molecular design.
Leydig cell tumor after treatment for Ewing's sarcoma

Leydig cell tumors account for 3% of testicular tumors and have never been reported after treatment for Ewing's sarcoma. We report the unusual occurrence of a patient who developed a Leydig cell tumor of the testis 18 years after successful treatment for Ewing's sarcoma. Additional monitoring for second malignancies may become appropriate as long‐term survival continues to improve for patients with Ewing's sarcoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:1008–1010. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative study of different approaches for preparation of chlorzoxazone orodispersible tablets

Abstract Context: Muscle spasm is a painful involuntary contraction of muscles, which causes involuntary movement and distortion. Chlorzoxazone is a centrally acting muscle-relaxant with sedative properties, but given orally, it is hepatically metabolized leading to decreased bioavailability. Objective: Orodispersible tablets (ODTs) of chlorzoxazone were formulated using two different approaches; by coprocessed excipients (CE) or by liquisolid (LS) technique. Materials and methods: Pharmaburst® 500, Starlac®, Pearlitol flash®, Prosolv® odt and F-melt® were used as coprocessed superdisintegrants, whereas in LS, Avicel® PH101, Microcelac® 100 and Cellactose® 80 were used as carriers, while Aerosil® 200 was the coating material. ODTs were evaluated in terms of weight and thickness variations, drug content, hardness, friability, wetting time, dissolution, disintegration time (DT) and palatability. Results: In vitro DT of CE-ODTs ranged from 26.43 ± 1.693 s to >180 s, whereas it was between 25.42± 0.203 s to >180 s in LS-ODTs. Complete drug release within 15 min was attained by CE1 prepared with 92.5 mg Pharmaburst® 500. In vivo DT of CE1 and LS3 were 19.779 ± 0.810 and 18.105 ± 0.423 s, respectively, using six volunteers. Volunteers found that CE1 had more acceptable taste and was more palatable than LS3. Conclusion: It was concluded that chlorzoxazone ODTs could be successfully formulated using either CE or LS techniques and be used as novel dosage forms for pediatrics and geriatrics showing improved drug release. Moreover, CE technique was superior to LS technique in terms of palatability.
Exploring Prospective EFL Teachers' Perceived Self-Efficacy and Beliefs on English Language Learning.

Learners’ perceived self-efficacy and beliefs on English language learning are important in education. Taking into consideration the important impact of individual variables on language learning, this study seeks to highlight the relationship between Turkish EFL learners’ beliefs about language learning and their sense of self-efficacy. The participants are 210 Turkish EFL undergraduate students whose major is English. The subjects were questioned about their beliefs and self-efficacy as English language learners. The data gathered were analysed quantitatively. The findings demonstrated that EFL students have medium scores in their English self-efficacy and hold the strong belief that motivation factors have a great role on their learning process. Moreover, student’s beliefs about language learning are affected by their English selfefficacy. It is recommended that teachers and teacher trainers enhance students’ self-efficacy and help students hold correct beliefs about foreign language learning to motivate them. It is expected that the findings of the study will shed light on the relationship between EFL learners’ beliefs and self-efficacy and provide guidelines for teachers to help their students become aware of and to evaluate their own beliefs in language learning and English self-efficacy during the teaching of a foreign language.
Triclosan as a Systemic Antibacterial Agent in a Mouse Model of Acute Bacterial Challenge

ABSTRACT The upsurge of multiple-drug-resistant microbes warrants the development and/or use of effective antibiotics. Triclosan, though used in cosmetic and dermatological preparations for several decades, has not been used as a systemic antibacterial agent due to problems of drug administration. Here we report the striking efficacy of triclosan in a mouse model of acute systemic bacterial infection. Triclosan not only significantly extends the survival time of the infected mice, it also restores blood parameters and checks liver damage induced by the bacterial infection. We believe that the excellent safety track record of triclosan in topical use coupled with our findings qualifies triclosan as a candidate drug or lead compound for exploring its potential in experimental systems for treating systemic bacterial infections.
Antihyperlipidemic and Biochemical Activities of Mcy Protein in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: This study was aimed to evaluate the protective effects of a novel anti-hyperglycemic “Mcy protein” isolated from the fruits of Momordica cymbalaria in streptozotocin induced- diabetes rat model. Materials and Methods: Wild type and Streptozotocin induced diabetic male wistar albino rats were either treated with single intraperitoneal injection of 2.5 mg Mcy protein/kg body weight or acetate buffer daily for 30 days. Fasting blood glucose and, serum and tissue lipid levels were measured along with biochemical analysis for hepatic and renal function tests. Results: Mcy protein significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose and, serum as well as tissue lipid levels (p<0.05), besides normalizing the levels of liver and kidney function markers in the treated diabetic rats when compared to the diabetic controls. Our studies also showed the pancreatic islet regeneration in Mcy treated rats. Conclusion: Mcy protein can alleviate hyperlipidemia and help manage diabetes by stimulating insulin secretion without evident toxic effects on liver and kidney.
Does cognitive change mediate improvement during an early intervention for panic ?

Background: Cognitive-behavioural therapy has proved effective in the treatment of panic disorder (PD). However, research into the process of change underlying clinical improvement is scarce. Methods: This investigation aims to study cognitive mediation in a sample of 217 participants with subthreshold PD or mild PD in a pragmatic, pre-post, two-group, multi-site, randomised trial of an early intervention for panic symptoms, based on cognitive behavioural therapy, versus a wait-list control group. We used the Panic Appraisal Inventory (PAI) and the MasteryScale as possible cognitive mediator variables. Outcome variables were the residual change scores on the Panic Disorder Severity Scale-Self Report (PDSS-SR), the Mobility Inventory and the subscale Anxiety of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. In order to analyse cognitive mediation we used the analytic steps outlined by Baron and Kenny (1986), univariate and multivariate bootstrapping. Furthermore, a cross-lagged panel design was used to determine the directionality of possible relationships. Results: Firstly, two of the three subscales of the PAI (PAI-anticipation and PAI-coping) significantly mediated residual change in panic disorder symptomatology. Secondly, it emerged from the cross-lagged panel design analyses that pre-intervention to post-intervention PAIanticipation and PAI-coping change scores significantly predicted post-intervention to followup PDSS-SR change scores after controlling for other change scores. However, in both cases the converse association was also significant. Conclusions:. The results suggest that changes in cognitions may mediate changes in panic disorder symptomatology. The relationship between change on the cognitive and symptom measures appears to be bidirectional, suggesting that the process of change is circular.
Dendritic cells enhance detection of antigen‐specific cellular immune responses by lymphocytes from rhesus macaques immunized with an HIV envelope peptide cocktail vaccine

Abstract: Detection and enumeration of functional antigen‐specific T cells is important for understanding the breadth of cell‐mediated immunity to infections and experimental vaccines. We tested the utility of dendritic cells (DC), the professional antigen presenting cells, in the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent spot‐forming cell assay (ELISPOT) for efficient monitoring of antigen‐specific immunity in rhesus macaques vaccinated with an HIV envelope peptide‐cocktail. Compared with direct antigen‐specific stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, the DC‐ELISPOT protocol involving co‐culturing of macaque T cells with autologous DC pulsed with the various peptides from the vaccine cocktail yielded up to 18‐fold higher numbers of interferon‐γ producing cells without increasing the background. Importantly, use of DC in the analyses revealed immune responses in vaccinated macaques that were otherwise undetectable. Similar data were obtained when recall responses to purified protein derivative were analyzed by the DC‐ELISPOT method using blood samples from human volunteers. These data establish the importance of DC in improving detection sensitivity and eliminating false negative results, both essential for efficient monitoring of antigen‐specific cellular immune responses.
Decoupling of iron and phosphate in the global ocean

We formulate a mechanistic model of the coupled oceanic iron and phosphorus cycles. The iron parameterization includes scavenging onto sinking particles, complexation with an organic ligand, and a prescribed aeolian source. Export production is limited by the availability of light, phosphate, and iron. We implement this biogeochemical scheme in a coarse resolution ocean general circulation model using scavenging rates and conditional stability constants guided by laboratory studies and a suite of box model sensitivity studies. The model is able to reproduce the broad regional patterns of iron and phosphorus. In particular, the high macronutrient concentrations of the Southern Ocean, tropical Pacific, and subarctic Pacific emerge from the explicit iron limitation of the model. In addition, the model also qualitatively reproduces the observed interbasin gradients of deep, dissolved iron with the lowest values in the Southern Ocean. The ubiquitous presence of significant amounts of free ligand is also explicitly captured. We define a tracer, Fe* which quantifies the degree to which a water mass is iron limited, relative to phosphorus. Surface waters in high‐nutrient, low‐chlorophyll regions have negative Fe* values, indicating Fe limitation. The extent of the decoupling of iron and phosphorus is determined by the availability and binding strength of the ligand relative to the scavenging by particulate. Global iron concentrations are sensitive to changes in scavenging rate and physical forcing. Decreasing the scavenging rate 40% results in ∼0.1 nM increase in dissolved iron in deep waters. Forcing the model with weaker wind stresses leads to a decrease in surface [PO4] and [Fe] in the Southern Ocean due to a reduction in the upwelling strength.
Implementation of Mobile Robot Control in Intelligent Space

In this paper we present the implementation of mobile robot control in the intelligent space (iSpace). The mobile robot in iSpace is primarily used as a mean of offering physical services to users, or as a mobile sensor for providing more details about the space. On the other hand, the distributed sensors in iSpace offer advantages in standard robot control tasks. In this paper the details of the engagement of mobile robots in iSpace are given. Moreover, the details of the implementation of the mobile robot localization mapping and navigation are described in detail and experimental results are given
Complete Genome Sequence of Mycoplasma hyorhinis Strain SK76

ABSTRACT Mycoplasma hyorhinis is a eubacterium belonging to the Mollicutes class and is responsible for porcine respiratory and arthritic diseases. It is also the major contaminant of mammalian tissue cultures in laboratories worldwide. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of M. hyorhinis strain SK76.