Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Wavelet ridge track interpretation in terms of formants

This paper proposes two new approaches for formant tracking using Fourier and wavelet ridges. The speech signal is decomposed into Time-Frequency representations issued from windowed Fourier transform and wavelet transform. Formant tracking is achieved by exploring ridges from time-frequency representation and imposing continuity constraints on formant trajectories. These approaches are validated by their application on synthesized vowels. The formant tracking shows a reliable estimation in comparison with the values given in synthesis. In the same way, the two analyses are applied on natural voiced speech. All the results are compared to two traditional methods using some type of LPC analysis. Fourier ridge detection analysis is shown to be a useful tool for formant tracking compared to traditional methods.
Air cysts and bronchiectasis prevail in nondependent areas in severe acute respiratory distress syndrome: A computed tomographic study of ventilator-associated changes

ObjectiveTo investigate prevalence and spatial distribution of air cysts and bronchiectasis associated with mechanical ventilation in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. DesignRetrospective observational study. SettingUniversity hospital intensive care division. SubjectsA total of 21 patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation and undergoing thoracic computed tomographic scanning. Measurements and Main ResultsLung fields were anatomically divided according to functional bronchial divisions in ten segments on each side. Air cysts, bronchiectasis, and the percentage of normal and abnormal tissue were quantified for each segment and correlated to the duration and variables of mechanical ventilation. Air cysts prevailed in nondependent compared with dependent areas (38% ± 5% vs. 9% ± 3%, respectively;p < .01). With mechanical ventilation longer than 10 days, the odds ratio was 13.1 (95% confidence interval, 1.4–118.7) for air cysts and for bronchiectasis 17.6 (95% confidence interval, 2.8–109.6). The amount of abnormal parenchyma correlated with duration of mechanical ventilation on high end-inspiratory pressure but not with tidal volume or minute ventilation. The presence of pneumothorax was not correlated with ventilation settings but with the amount of consolidated tissue revealed by the computed tomographic scan. ConclusionsThese findings suggest predominant ventilator-induced lung damage in better ventilated areas (i.e., nondependent regions). Severity of changes revealed by computed tomographic imaging seems to be associated mainly with the high inspiratory pressures required and the length of mechanical ventilation.
Scope of information communications technology in the health of diabetes patients in poor rural zones of panama through holistic, interactive, and persuasive model to facilitate self-care of diabetes patients.

BACKGROUND In Latin America, public health systems that manage and warrant the health of the population lack mechanisms and technological capabilities that enable them to accept and adopt initiatives focused to guide, look after, and improve the quality of life of millions of patients with diabetes who need attention and special care. However, the proposal presented here for a holistic, interactive, and persuasive model to facilitate self-care of diabetes patients (hiPAPD) is the first proposal in Panama, Central America, and the Caribbean Region to develop and implement information communications technology (ICT) platforms for the care of patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes. METHODS The process of experimentation was initiated with an agreement with all the staff of the project to comply with the international biomedical studies stipulations, having as reference the Declaration of Helsinki of the World Medical Association (Recommendations to Guide to Doctors in Biomedical Research on People). RESULTS After several months of evaluation and ongoing work the study obtained successful validation of the hiPAPD model. The project had the support of 107 patients with diabetes, their families, friends, doctors, nurses and nursing assistants, and social groups in rural communities. Finally, the project contributed to society with a highly innovative ICT environment that facilitates self-care of diabetes patients without financial resources and health. CONCLUSIONS A timely health treatment at a decisive moment may be the difference in care for patients. Through the validation process conducted in this research initiative, it was demonstrated that the hiPAPD model, from the perspective of the patient with diabetes, relatives, friends, health workforce (nurses and nursing assistants), doctors, and societal contexts, allowed the improvement of the quality of life of patients with diabetes in poor rural zones of Panama.
Dysregulation of kallikrein-related peptidases in renal cell carcinoma: potential targets of miRNAs

Abstract Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for 3% of all adult malignancies and currently no diagnostic marker exists. Kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) have been implicated in numerous cancers including ovarian, prostate, and breast carcinoma. KLKs 5, 6, 10, and 11 have decreased expression in RCC when compared to normal kidney tissue. Our bioinformatic analysis indicated that the KLK 1, 6, and 7 genes have decreased expression in RCC. We experimentally verified these results and found that decreased expression of KLKs 1 and 3 were significantly associated with the clear cell RCC subtype (p<0.001). An analysis of miRNAs differentially expressed in RCC showed that 61 of the 117 miRNAs that were reported to be dysregulated in RCC were predicted to target KLKs. We experimentally validated two targets using two independent approaches. Transfection of miR-224 into HEK-293 cells resulted in decreased KLK1 protein levels. A luciferase assay demonstrated that hsa-let-7f can target KLK10 in the RCC cell line ACHN. Our results, showing differential expression of KLKs in RCC, suggest that KLKs could be novel diagnostic markers for RCC and that their dysregulation could be under miRNA control. The observation that KLKs could represent targets for miRNAs suggests a post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism with possible future therapeutic applications.
Sharing economy and the lodging websites

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the main determinants that affect accommodation purchase intentions through lodging websites in sharing economy context. This industry differs from the hotel industry because it is a community marketplace with a growing community of users where renters can monetize their extra space and list their properties to an audience of millions while travelers can find unique accommodation at any price point. Design/methodology/approach The authors examine factors such as perceived lodging value, perceived lodging price, lodging information, online lodging reviews, trust with the host, website usability and perceived privacy/security of the website, and measure their relationships with purchase intentions. Based on an online survey data, the structural model test outcomes explain the direct effect of the exogenous variables on purchase intentions and the mediating effect of perceived lodging value between perceived lodging price and purchase intentions. Findings The study demonstrates that the six latent factors and proposed associations have positive effects on purchase intentions. Thus, enterprises operating in the online lodging industry should consider these elements as key antecedents of lodging purchase intentions. Originality/value Lodging websites operate in a highly competitive market where they have to compete with hotel operators, hostels, bed and breakfasts and hotel comparison websites in current sharing economy. In addition, consumers usually spend a great deal of time and effort on online pre-purchase evaluation because of the ease of the information gathering process where consumers can find a wide variety of options online. Therefore, understanding the drivers that convert browsers into renters is a topic of great interest among marketing managers in the current sharing economy context.
Development and Validation of a Short Form of the Social Role Participation Questionnaire in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Objective. The Social Role Participation Questionnaire (SRPQ) assesses the influence of health on 11 specific roles and 1 general role along 4 dimensions. In this study, a shortened version of the SRPQ (s-SRPQ) was developed in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) to facilitate data collection in clinical studies and practice. Methods. Using data from 246 patients with AS and population controls, the fit of each role to the different participation dimensions, the contribution of each role to the measurement precision, and the correlation between dimensions were evaluated using item response theory. Representation of the 3 participation chapters of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health was ensured. Reliability of each dimension of both versions of the SRPQ was compared by correlating scores to the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) and the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), and by comparing ability to discriminate between patients and controls and between patients with low and high disease activity (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index ≥ 4). Results. The s-SRPQ, which assesses participation across 6 social roles along 2 dimensions (physical difficulty and satisfaction with performance), was proposed. Both dimensions of the s-SRPQ were highly reliable (r ≥ 0.86) and were shown to have construct validity as indicated by a similar pattern of correlations with the SF-36 and SWLS as the original SRPQ dimensions. Both versions discriminated well between patients and controls and between patients with high versus low disease activity (relative validity ≥ 0.72). Conclusion. The s-SRPQ retains the measurement properties of the original SRPQ and seems useful for measuring the effect of AS on participation.
Immunohistochemical Localization of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Transforming Growth Factor &agr;, and Transforming Growth Factor &bgr;1 in Human Corneas with Neovascularization

Purpose. To analyze presence and distribution of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor (TGF)&agr;, and TGF&bgr;1 in human corneas with neovascularization due to different corneal diseases. Methods. Indirect immunohistochemistry for VEGF, TGF&agr;, and TGF&bgr;1 was performed on paraffin-embedded corneas obtained by keratoplasty. Corneas from each of the four main groups of histopathologic diagnoses associated with corneal neovascularization were analyzed (scarring after keratitis, graft rejection/insufficiency, acute necrotizing keratitis, scarring after mechanical/chemical injury). Subclassification of inflammatory infiltrates was done using immunohistochemistry for CD3 (T-lymphocytes) and CD68 (macrophages). Results. The analyzed angiogenic factors were detectable in corneas from all four histopathologic groups in a similar distribution; capillary endothelial cells, stromal and intravascular inflammatory cells (T-lymphocytes, macrophages), and basal corneal epithelial cells stained positive for the tested angiogenic factors. Conclusion. The angiogenic factors VEGF, TGF&agr;, and TGF&bgr;1 are detectable in human corneas with neovascularization. Their distribution is quite uniform in different corneal diseases, resulting in corneal angiogenesis. An antiangiogenic therapy inhibiting corneal neovascularization by antagonizing angiogenic factors would have to counteract several angiogenic factors.
NYEs/SGRs‐mediated chlorophyll degradation is critical for detoxification during seed maturation in Arabidopsis

In the seed industry, chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence is often used as a major non-invasive reporter of seed maturation and quality. Breakdown of Chl is a proactive process during the late stage of seed maturation, as well as during leaf senescence and fruit ripening. However, the biological significance of this process is still unclear. NYE1 and NYE2 are Mg-dechelatases, catalyzing the first rate-limiting step of Chl a degradation. Loss-of-function of both NYE1 and NYE2 not only results in a nearly complete retention of Chl during leaf senescence, but also produces green seeds in Arabidopsis. In this study, we showed that Chl retention in the nye1 nye2 double-mutant caused severe photo-damage to maturing seeds. Upon prolonged light exposure, green seeds of nye1 nye2 gradually bleached out and eventually lost their germination capacity. This organ-specific photosensitive phenotype is likely due to an over-accumulation of free Chl, which possesses photosensitizing properties and causes a burst of reactive oxygen species upon light exposure. As expected, a similar, albeit much milder, photosensitive phenotype was observed in the seeds of d1 d2, a green-seed mutant defective in NYE/SGR orthologous genes in soybean. Taken together, our data suggest that efficient NYEs-mediated Chl degradation is critical for detoxification during seed maturation.
Co-Production and the Co-Creation of Value in Public Services: A suitable case for treatment?

Abstract Co-production is currently one of cornerstones of public policy reform across the globe. Inter alia, it is articulated as a valuable route to public service reform and to the planning and delivery of effective public services, a response to the democratic deficit and a route to active citizenship and active communities, and as a means by which to lever in additional resources to public service delivery. Despite these varied roles, co-production is actually poorly formulated and has become one of a series of ‘woolly-words’ in public policy. This paper presents a conceptualization of co-production that is theoretically rooted in both public management and service management theory. It argues that this is a robust starting point for the evolution of new research and knowledge about co-production and for the development of evidence-based public policymaking and implementation.
Self-Configuring Sensors for Uncharted Environments

Sensor networks (SN) have arisen as one of the most promising monitoring technologies. The recent emergence of small and inexpensive sensors ease the development and proliferation of this kind of networks in a wide range of actualworldapplications.1 So far the majority of SN deployments have assumed that sensors can be configured prior to their deployment because the area and events to monitor are well known at design time. Nevertheless, when the purpose of anSN is to monitor the events of an environment such that the distribution and nature of its events is uncertain, we cannot longer assume that sensors can be configured at design time. Instead, sensors must be endowed with the capacity of autonomously reconfiguring and coordinating in order to maximize the amount of information they perceive over time. In this paper, we propose a low cost (in terms of energy and computation) collective distributed algorithm, the so-called collective search diffusion (CDS) algorithm, which allows the sensors in an SN to collaboratively search for the configurations that maximize the information that they perceive based only on their local knowledge. We empirically show that the CDSalgorithm helps an SN efficiently monitor environments where various dynamic events occur while showing high degrees of resilience to sensor failures. Both features make the CDSalgorithm a suitable tool for monitoring remote and/or hostile uncharted environments.
Strengthening scholarly publishing in Africa : assessing the potential of online systems

ii PREFACE . iii TABLE OF CONTENTS . iv LIST OF TABLES . ix LIST OF FIGURES . xi ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . xii DEDICATION . xiv CHAPTER 1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY . 1 1.1 Introduction . 1 1.2 Purpose of the Study . 3 1.3 Research Questions . 5 1.4 Significance of the Study . 6 1.5 Statement of Problem and Rationale for the Study . 8 1.6 Research Design . 11 CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW . 14 2.1 Introduction . 14 2.2 Historical Perspective . 14 2.3 Higher Institutions and the Development of Scholarly Journals in Africa . 15 2.4 The Current State of Scholarly (Journal) Publishing in African Universities . 27 2.5 Current Trends in Numbers . 28 2.6 Current Trends in Authorship and Editorial Process . 31 2.6. 1 Trends in Authorship . 31 2.6. 2 State of Editing/Peer Reviewing . 37 2.7 The Research Libraries . 41 2.7. 1 Library Collections . 43 2.7. 2 Personnel in University Libraries . 47 2.8 Donor Support and Capacity Building in African Libraries . 51 2.8. 1 ICT Infrastructure . 51 2.8. 2 Improving Research Library Access and Resources . 55 2.9 The Transition to Electronic Publishing . 58 2.10 Economics of Online Journal Publishing . 65 2.11 Conclusion . 70
Women recovering from acute myocardial infarction: psychosocial and physical functioning outcomes for 12 months after acute myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to describe the recovery trajectories for women after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). DESIGN The study was designed as a prospective, comparative, longitudinal, convenience sample. SETTING The study was set in 5 West Coast major medical centers and 1 northeastern major medical center. PATIENTS The subjects were 76 women (81% white, 19% African American; mean age, 67.8 years) with AMI. OUTCOME MEASURES Outcome measures were the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI), a measure of cardiac and physical functional capacity; the Profile of Mood States (POMS), a measure of mood disturbance; the Mastery instrument, a sense of mastery in one's life; and the Support Requirements Interview, a measurement of needs for social support and assistance during recovery. RESULTS Repeated measures analysis of variance results revealed that white women recovered more quickly than did African American women, with DASI scores approximately 50% better. POMS and Mastery results improved over time for both groups, with limited differences between African American and white women. At 6 weeks after AMI, age, social support, and mastery contributed significantly and predicted 42% of the variance in functional status (DASI) and 44% of the variance in mood disturbance as measured with the POMS. CONCLUSION African American women and white women have similar recovery trajectories in terms of psychosocial recovery from AMI but different physical recovery trajectories.
Tailored carbon nanotubes for tissue engineering applications

A decade of aggressive researches on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has paved way for extending these unique nanomaterials into a wide range of applications. In the relatively new arena of nanobiotechnology, a vast majority of applications are based on CNTs, ranging from miniaturized biosensors to organ regeneration. Nevertheless, the complexity of biological systems poses a significant challenge in developing CNT‐based tissue engineering applications. This review focuses on the recent developments of CNT‐based tissue engineering, where the interaction between living cells/tissues and the nanotubes have been transformed into a variety of novel techniques. This integration has already resulted in a revaluation of tissue engineering and organ regeneration techniques. Some of the new treatments that were not possible previously become reachable now. Because of the advent of surface chemistry, the CNT's biocompatibility has been significantly improved, making it possible to serve as tissue scaffolding materials to enhance the organ regeneration. The superior mechanic strength and chemical inert also makes it ideal for blood compatible applications, especially for cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. The applications of CNTs in these cardiovascular surgeries led to a remarkable improvement in mechanical strength of implanted catheters and reduced thrombogenecity after surgery. Moreover, the functionalized CNTs have been extensively explored for in vivo targeted drug or gene delivery, which could potentially improve the efficiency of many cancer treatments. However, just like other nanomaterials, the cytotoxicity of CNTs has not been well established. Hence, more extensive cytotoxic studies are warranted while converting the hydrophobic CNTs into biocompatible nanomaterials. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog. , 2009
Effects of utility DSM programs on risk

Electric utilities face a variety of uncertainties that complicate their long-term resource planning and acquisition. These uncertainties include future economic and load growths, fuel prices, environmental regulations, economic regulations, performance and construction cost of existing power plants, cost and availability of purchased power, and the costs and performance of new demand and supply resources. As utilities increasingly turn to demand-side management (DSM) programs to provide energy and capacity resources, it becomes more important to analyze the interactions between these programs and the uncertainties facing utilities. This report uses a new planning model (DIAMOND, developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory) to explore quantitatively the uncertainty implications of supply-only vs DSM + supply resource portfolios. The analysis focuses on risks to society, with only limited attention to the allocation of risks among customers, shareholders, and others. Four sets of uncertainties are considered in these analyses: economic growth, fuel prices, the costs to build new power plants, and the costs to operate DSM programs. These four types of uncertainties serve as proxies for the many others that face utilities, including delays in completing power plants (proxied by cost of completing plants) and the energy and load reductions caused by DSM programs (proxied bymore » cost of DSM programs). The two types of resource portfolios are tested against these four sets of uncertainties for the period 1990 to 2010. Sensitivity, scenario, and worst-case analysis methods are used. Results show that it is feasible to analyze the effects on uncertainty of including DSM programs in a utility`s resource mix. In light of these results, utilities, which to date have done very little such analysis, should conduct such studies as part of their integrated-resource planning activities. « less
Surgical treatment of intrahepatic portosystemic shunts in 45 dogs

The surgical attenuation of an intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in 45 dogs is described. Twenty-nine (64 per cent) had left divisional shunts consistent with a patent ductus venosus (PDv), 15 (33 per cent) had central divisional shunts and one had a right divisional shunt. In the dogs with a PDV, the shunt vessel could be most easily manipulated at a posthepatic site, whereas in those with central and right divisional shunts the manipulation could be more easily made intrahepatically but sometimes involved demanding intravascular surgical techniques. Eight dogs (18 per cent) died during the surgery or shortly afterwards. Of the 37 dogs surviving longer term, 28 (76 per cent) became clinically normal and required no medication or diet control. In a further three animals the shunt was ligated completely only during a second surgical procedure. The remaining six dogs were euthanased because of clinical signs of encephalopathy which were either surgically or medically uncontrollable.