Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Insight of Dogs' Inner Mandible Anatomy using Mathematical Models

This study was performed in a sample of 20 dogs (n = 20) and aimed to: (1) characterize the mandible height (Mh), mandibular canal height (MCh) and distance between the inter‐dental alveolar margin and the mandibular canal (dIAM‐MC) dimensions, and (2) to develop mathematical models that express the insight's mandible anatomy of those important mandible structural elements allowing the prediction of their dimensions using physical parameters such as patient body weight (Wg) and the canine tooth width at the free gingival margin level‐(wCGM). Lateral‐view X‐rays of both sides of the skull were taken for all the individuals. Three mathematical prediction models were developed to calculate Mh, MCh and dIAM‐MC. Achieved proportions of the mandible considered parameters regarding its height were of 36.45% for MCh, 50.90% for dMAI‐MC and 12.65% for vMC. Statistically significant differences were registered between the Wg and wCGM (P = 0.00), Mh (P = 0.00), MCh (P = 0.00) and dIAM‐MC (P = 0.00). Only the Wg presented a strong correlation with the wCGM (R = 0.58), Mh (R = 0.70), dIAM‐MC (R = 0.60) and MCh (R = 0.68). These models will allow a clinician to estimate the size of the mandible structures by only using data obtained during the physiological examination, with a sufficiently high prediction capacity and a very low standard error. The study points out the relationships of physiological parameters such as Wg and wCGM with mandible anatomical structural elements considered as important in oral surgery. The results of this study give the surgeon a new additional tool providing more information on the mandible anatomical structures and its relationships. This reduces the risk of iatrogenic lesions during the oral surgical procedures and improves patient safety.
Random Forest and Graph-Cut based Segmentation of Human Limbs Anonymous ICCV submission

We present a generic framework for object segmentation using depth maps based on Random Forest and Graph-cuts theory, and apply it to the segmentation of human limbs. First, from a set of random depth features, Random Forest is used to infer a set of label probabilities for each data sample. This vector of probabilities is used as unary term in α-expansion Graph-cuts algorithm. Moreover, depth of neighboring data points are used as boundary potentials. Results on a new multi-label human depth data set show high performance in terms of segmentation overlapping of the novel methodology compared to classical approaches.
Adaptation Engine for Intelligent Tutoring Systems

This paper discusses the design for an intelligent and adaptive tutoring system offering pedagogical support that deviates from the traditional chalk and talk form of teaching for online courses. The design proposed utilizes the systems data to create models which recognizes when a user is struggling or falling behind. A novel method of assessing effectiveness of pedagogy using system interaction logs and MOOC data is put forward. The system also provides room for manual intervention by the course administrators in case of at-risk participants. Educational data mining and learning analytics techniques have been applied to understand user behavior and course effectiveness. The design proposed allows the system to personalize the learning experience and supports the instructor in administering the course to a huge number of participants.
OPTIMIZATION OF VENTILATION CONTROL IN THE BLANKA TUNNEL COMPLEX

The master thesis is concerned with improvement, refinement and optimization of the ventilation operation in a tunnel having complex both a structure and ventilation system. This thesis can be divided into three main parts. The first part deals with mathematical modeling of airflow dynamics in complex road tunnels. Namely, it focuses on derivation of a linearized mathematical model. The result of this part is a simplified simulation model of a tunnel containing mathematical model of airflow velocity based on Kirchhoff’s laws for fluids dynamics, which includes all important factors influencing the airflow dynamics in a tunnel, i.e. piston effects of vehicles, air friction, effect of ventilation, etc. The second part of the thesis presents how to derive concentrations model in a road tunnel. Two types of such model are introduced. The steady-state model of pollutant concentrations, which is the most used model in practice to describe behaviour of pollutants in road tunnels, is developed as well as a dynamic model of pollutant concentration, which stands on convection-diffusion equation. The final part of the thesis suggests a possible improvement of the operational ventilation control of a tunnel based on mathematical optimization. The aim of these improvements is to reduce energy costs while keeping the control performance, since the ventilation in road tunnels forms a significant part of electricity costs. This objective is achieved by finding more convenient method how to solve an optimization problem. The results of all parts of the thesis are validated on the Blanka tunnel complex in Prague, which is the largest city tunnel in Central Europe consisting of several entrance and exit ramps. Achieved results depict how to improve the control algorithm in the real operation. A comparison between couple of models of pollutant concentration and real measured data is shown as well as the linearized model of airflow velocity. The developed models, suggested improvements for the operational ventilation control and experimental validation using measured data are the main contribution of the thesis.
Dynamic focusing for wide-field light-sheet scanning

Abstract In scanning PIV the light sheet is shifted rapidly perpendicular to the planes of observation of a high speed camera thus obtaining a 2 component 3 dimensional measurement of the flow velocity. It is desirable to use high aperture optics to collect as much scattered light as possible from the tracer particles. However, high aperture optics also have a small depth of field, so that only a very small depth range can be scanned. One trade off is using telecentric lenses that produce a constant magnification and a large depth of field at the expense of aperture. Here the opposite trade off is presented. A lens system with a larger aperture thus smaller depth of field that is capable of focusing within the time needed for a volume scan using existing high speed cameras. The focusing lens is mounted on a ventilated loudspeaker, i.e. with a magnet system where the voice coil surrounds the magnet and the central pole piece is replaced by an external ring shaped pole. This allows the light to traverse the loudspeaker through the now open central opening. A test system using a small 144 mm woofer, an achromatic lens mounted on the speaker dust cap and an optical set-up similar to a telecentric lens allows scanning for a range of 90 mm with a field of view of 80 mm x 80 mm up to frequencies of 100 volume scans per second.
Show, Divide and Neural: Weighted Style Transfer

The neural style algorithm has been very successful in obtaining the style of famous pieces of art. There have been attempts to overlay this style on images, to varying degrees of success. We believe that we can improve the vanilla Neural Style by performing image segmentation, and applying neural style only on the background, or only on our main object or both. This leads to our object remaining distinct, while the new image still manages to take an artsy look.
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT TEMPERATURE TREATMENTS ON PHYSIOLOGICAL TRANSFORMATION OF IN VITRO PHALAENOPSIS ‘ FORTUNE SALTZMAN ’ SEEDLINGS

Phalaenopsis ‘Fortune Saltzman’ tissue culture seedlings were grown with 5 different day/night incubation temperatures (25/25oC, 25/20oC, 30/20oC, 30/25oC, and 35/25 o C). The seedlings used were clearly identified into three photosynthesis stages through CO2 rhythm detecting. In Stage I (21 days after planting, DAP) it showed a typical C3 plant carbon fixation pattern but when plants continued to grow to Stage II (45DAP) they exhibited similar type C3-CAM plants. After 120DAP, plants showed significantly decreased CO2 concentration at night, and showed a typical CAM plant carbon fixation pattern. The result showed that after 120 days, cultures with 30/20oC and 30/25oC incubation temperatures grew more stems and presented higher fresh weight and leaf lengths compared to the results of other treatments. Moreover, 30/25oC treatment showed significantly higher responses in terms of dry weight, number of root, root length and number of leaf. The seedlings subjected to 30/25oC treatment showed significantly higher levels of Rubisco enzyme activity than those subjected to the other treatments. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase activities recorded during the night time in seedlings subjected to 30/25oC incubation temperatures were also significant greater. Therefore, 30/25oC treatment could advance growth of Phalaenopsis ‘Fortune Saltzman’ tissue culture seedlings faster and can be recommended for commercial production. Keywords; CO2 rhythm, micropropagation, Phalaenopsis, physiological responses, temperature
The influence of sequential ligand exchange and elimination on the performance of P3HT:CdSe quantum dot hybrid solar cells

We report on a sequential ligand exchange and elimination process for the fast and easy surface modification of CdSe quantum dots (QDs) in order to improve the electronic interaction between poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and CdSe QDs in P3HT:CdSe hybrid solar cells. We systematically investigated the influence of surface treatment on the insulating ligand shell of CdSe QDs using 1H-NMR analysis, and correlated their influence on the photovoltaic properties of P3HT:CdSe hybrid solar cells. A decrease in the average thickness of the ligand shells directly improved carrier transport properties. Moreover, the presence of remnant 1-hexylamine ligands provided efficient surface trap passivation. As a result, overall solar cell performance (especially fill factor and power conversion efficiency) was enhanced and the recombination mechanism was dominated by monomolecular recombination due to enhanced carrier collection length (lC0).
The role a fuzzy implication plays in a multi-criteria decision algorithm

We introduce a similarity measure between fuzzy sets using a fuzzy implication. We investigate for the eight most important potential properties of fuzzy implications, which ones should be taken into consideration to measure the similarity, and thereafter choose a suitable fuzzy implication which satisfies these potential properties. Simple examples are given to illustrate the application of the chosen fuzzy implication in a partition algorithm used for multi-criteria decision making.
A Case Study of Public Servants Engaged in E-Consultation in Australia

This article examines some of the challenges faced by local government during the development and implementation of a relatively new area of e-democratic innovation in Australia: e-consultation. E-consultation is seen as a valuable way through which a two-way relationship can be developed and enhanced between citizens and elected representatives. It involves the use of information and communications technologies (ICTs), such as the Internet, to extend and/or enhance political democracy through access to information, and to facilitate participation in democratic communities, processes, and institutions. Drawing on a case study of the Darebin eForum in Victoria, Australia, this article focuses on the role of public servants as moderators of this local form of e-consultation. The discussion has three parts: online policy consultation is defined within the context of e-democracy; some of the ways that e-consultation challenges the roles of the public service, elected representatives, and citizens are outlined; and the author then argues for an e-consultation strategy that is situated within a continuum of citizen engagement that is ongoing, deliberative, educative, and inclusive.
INDUSTRIALLY APPLICABLE METALLISATION WRAP THROUGH SOLAR CELL PROCESS RESULTING IN EFFICIENCIES EXCEEDING 16 %

Metallization Wrap Through (MWT) solar cells are back contact solar cells with a cell design that is particularly suited for large area cells. New interconnection technologies, applicable to back-contact cells, might be beneficial for the interconnection of thin wafers. As there is a trend in the industry to process both larger and thinner wafers, the development of a production process for MWT solar cells that can be transferred into an industrial environment is desirable. Our cell process for MWT cells is very similar to that of conventional screen-printed solar cells. Apart from minor adaptations, the additional effort is mostly only the formation of a limited number of holes with a laser. Large area (156 mm x156 mm) MWT cells with efficiencies up to 16.7% were processed. The cell process proved to be stable on a batch of over 80 cells, resulting in an average cell efficiency of 16.2%.
Opposing effects of Ctk 1 kinase and Fcp 1 phosphatase at Ser 2 of the RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain

The C-terminal domain (CTD) of the RNA polymerase II (Pol II) largest subunit is hyperphosphorylated during transcription. Using an in vivo cross-linking/chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we found previously that different phosphorylated forms of RNA Pol II predominate at different stages of transcription. At promoters, the Pol II CTD is phosphorylated at Ser 5 by the basal transcription factor TFIIH. However, in coding regions, the CTD is predominantly phosphorylated at Ser 2. Here we show that the elongation-associated phosphorylation of Ser 2 is dependent upon the Ctk1 kinase, a putative yeast homolog of Cdk9/P-TEFb. Furthermore, mutations in the Fcp1 CTD phosphatase lead to increased levels of Ser 2 phosphorylation. Both Ctk1 and Fcp1 cross-link to promoter and coding regions, suggesting that they associate with the elongating polymerase. Both Ctk1 and Fcp1 have been implicated in regulation of transcription elongation. Our results suggest that this regulation may occur by modulating levels of Ser 2 phosphorylation, which in turn, may regulate the association of elongation factors with the polymerase.
Cloning, functional characterization, and mechanism of action of the B-cell-specific transcriptional coactivator OCA-B

Biochemical purification and cognate cDNA cloning studies have revealed that the previously described transcriptional coactivator OCA-B consists of a 34- or 35-kDa polypeptide with sequence relationships to known coactivators that function by protein-protein interactions. Studies with a recombinant protein have proved that a single OCA-B polypeptide is the main determinant for B-cell-specific activation of immunoglobulin (Ig) promoters and provided additional insights into its mechanism of action. Recombinant OCA-B can function equally well with Oct-1 or Oct-2 on an Ig promoter, but while corresponding POU domains are sufficient for OCA-B interaction, and for octamer-mediated transcription of a histone H2B promoter, an additional Oct-1 or Oct-2 activation domain(s) is necessary for functional synergy with OCA-B. Further studies additional Oct-1 or Oct-2 activation domain(s) is necessary for functional synergy with OCA-B. Further studies show that Ig promoter activation by Oct-1 and OCA-B requires still other general (USA-derived) cofactors and also provide indirect evidence that distinct Oct-interacting cofactors regulate H2B transcription.
Sensors for Future VR Applications

Future generations of virtual reality (VR) systems will incorporate multiple sensors for various capture, tracking, mapping, reconstruction, and other machine perception functions. In this paper, we provide examples of some tracking and mapping functions that illustrate the critical requirements and performance metrics. The sensor performance, form factor, power, and data bandwidth are the main challenges in a battery powered, always on VR devices. We further propose a new figure of merit that incorporates both sensor power consumption and SNR into a single parameter. To overcome bandwidth, compute, and power challenges, onsensor signal processing and early information extraction are necessary. We expect stacking technology will be the key enabler of new sensor architectures, and innovations on both sensing and processing layers will deliver intelligent machine perception sensors for the future generations of VR devices.
Loughborough University Institutional Repository The use of wearable inertial motion sensors in human lower limb biomechanics studies : a systematic review

Wearable motion sensors consisting of accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetic sensors are readily available nowadays. The small size and low production costs of motion sensors make them a very good tool for human motions analysis. However, data processing and accuracy of the collected data are important issues for research purposes. In this paper, we aim to review the literature related to usage of inertial sensors in human lower limb biomechanics studies. A systematic search was done in the following search engines: ISI Web of Knowledge, Medline, SportDiscus and IEEE Xplore. Thirty nine full papers and conference abstracts with related topics were included in this review. The type of sensor involved, data collection methods, study design, validation methods and its applications were reviewed.
Motor assessment using the NIH Toolbox

Motor function involves complex physiologic processes and requires the integration of multiple systems, including neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and cardiopulmonary, and neural motor and sensory-perceptual systems. Motor-functional status is indicative of current physical health status, burden of disease, and long-term health outcomes, and is integrally related to daily functioning and quality of life. Given its importance to overall neurologic health and function, motor function was identified as a key domain for inclusion in the NIH Toolbox for Assessment of Neurological and Behavioral Function (NIH Toolbox). We engaged in a 3-stage developmental process to: 1) identify key subdomains and candidate measures for inclusion in the NIH Toolbox, 2) pretest candidate measures for feasibility across the age span of people aged 3 to 85 years, and 3) validate candidate measures against criterion measures in a sample of healthy individuals aged 3 to 85 years (n = 340). Based on extensive literature review and input from content experts, the 5 subdomains of dexterity, strength, balance, locomotion, and endurance were recommended for inclusion in the NIH Toolbox motor battery. Based on our validation testing, valid and reliable measures that are simultaneously low-cost and portable have been recommended to assess each subdomain, including the 9-hole peg board for dexterity, grip dynamometry for upper-extremity strength, standing balance test, 4-m walk test for gait speed, and a 2-minute walk test for endurance.
PNEUMOSENSE PROJECT A flexible kinetic windbreak

The study of wind conditions in the urban context has multiple application areas such as for cleaning pollution through ventilation, analysing wind pressures on building façades, and improving pedestrian comfort. In this context, the Pneumosense project is a student’s project focused in the design of a kinetic system to ameliorate negative impact of wind conditions in pedestrian areas in the city of Melbourne. Its development considers several stages including site analysis, analogue wind tunnel testing, digital simulations with Computational Fluid Dynamic software, material explorations, kinetic component design with Arduino, and rapid prototyping.
Bioavailability of flavonoids and carotenoids 3 BIOAVAILABILITY OF DIETARY ANTIOXIDANTS A . Flavonoids 1

Dietary antioxidants may help to supplement the body antioxidant defenses in handling free radicals. Studies on different food sources to discover their antioxidant property have received considerable attention since 1960s. However, the majority of these studies were from epidemiological studies and in vitro experiments. There are much fewer in vivo studies on the bioavailability of consumed antioxidants. Bioavailability of antioxidants is important, as the in vitro data cannot be simply extrapolated to the physiological situation. Hence, it is not convinced that dietary antioxidants can act as supplemental free radical scavengers to the body. Carotenoids and flavonoids are among the most extensively studied phytochemicals and were first reported to have antioxidant effects in the late 1970s and mid-1980s, respectively. The present review summarizes the existing bibliography over the last few decades on bioavailability studies of carotenoids and flavonoids, both in human and in rodents. Those findings well implied that it is extremely necessary to increase the bioavailability study of antioxidants so as to demonstrate direct absorption of antioxidants in vivo and, thus enable a more definite conclusion to be drawn on the beneficial effects that dietary antioxidants may have on the body.
An ethanol extract of Piper betle Linn. mediates its anti‐inflammatory activity via down‐regulation of nitric oxide

The leaves of Piper betle (locally known as Paan) have long been in use in the Indian indigenous system of medicine for the relief of pain; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms of this effect have not been elucidated. The anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of an ethanolic extract of the leaves of P. betle (100 mg kg−1; PB) were demonstrated in a complete Freund's adjuvant‐induced model of arthritis in rats with dexamethasone (0.1 mg kg−1) as the positive control. At non‐toxic concentrations of PB (5–25 μg mL−1), a dose‐dependent decrease in extracellular production of nitric oxide in murine peritoneal macrophages was measured by the Griess assay and corroborated by flow cytometry using the nitric oxide specific probe, 4,5‐diaminofluorescein‐2 diacetate. This decreased generation of reactive nitrogen species was mediated by PB progressively down‐regulating transcription of inducible nitric oxide synthase in macrophages, and concomitantly causing a dose‐dependent decrease in the expression of interleukin‐12 p40, indicating the ability of PB to down‐regulate T‐helper 1 pro‐inflammatory responses. Taken together, the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐arthrotic activity of PB is attributable to its ability to down‐regulate the generation of reactive nitrogen species, thus meriting further pharmacological investigation.