Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computer-aided image analysis system for background diabetic retinopathy

This paper describes the Digital Fundus Image Diagnostic System, a computerized image analysis system being developed to aid a human analyst, or grader, in the labeling and quantification of pathologic lesions indicative of background diabetic retinopathy. The grader uses a computer workstation to perform the analysis on a digitized color image of the ocular fundus (retina). The goal of the system is to provide precise quantitative measures of pathologic lesions (size, location, number and color), and place them in a computer database to be used for clinical records and for epidemiological studies.
From Engineer to Entrepreneur - Entrepreneurship Education for Engineering Students: The Case of the Entrepreneurial Campus Villach

Entrepreneurship education is quite a novel phenomenon that is gaining increasing importance in academia and practice alike. Entrepreneurship education aims to provide the necessary skills and knowledge that enable students to successfully found a new venture. Hitherto entrepreneurship education has not received much attention in engineering pedagogy. This finding is quite surprising because through proper entrepreneurship education engineers can be enabled to exploit entrepreneurial opportunities that result from technological innovation. Thus, we argue that entrepreneurship education should be a cornerstone in engineering education. The paper introduces the ‘Entrepreneurial Campus Villach’ located at the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (CUAS). The campus is among the first in Austria that provide an extensive and scientifically sound entrepreneurship program. The campus focusses on the four core areas 1) research, 2) teaching, 3) coaching and support, and 4) infrastructure. The paper provides insights for other university and institutions that aim to set up similar concepts.
Decision support system based on the support vector machines and the adaptive support vector machines algorithm for solving chest disease diagnosis problems

Several diseases threaten human health by affecting longevity and its well-being in many ways. Among them, chest diseases as Tuberculosis (TB), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), pneumonia, asthma, and lung cancer are considered as serious health complications and one major cause of death in both developing and developed countries. Doctors confirm that the earlier a disease is diagnosed, the higher is the patient cure probability. In this context, expert systems and different artificial intelligence techniques have been successfully used to solve different problems in various domains including medical diagnosis. In this paper, we use the Support Vector Machines (SVM) method to diagnose chest diseases and for the first time, we examine the performance of the Adaptive Support Vector Machine (ASVM) method for chest disease diagnosis. This involves improving the SVM by finding its most appropriate Bias term value. These approaches are evaluated using an experimental dataset from Diyarbakir chest diseases hospital and comparing them with the Neural Network method used in previous studies. The experimental results showed the efficiency of these methods, especially ASVM, which could achieve promising results and confirmed that it, can be efficiently used in chest diseases.
1 Duplicate Detection in ProgrammingQuestion Answering Communities

Community based Question Answering (CQA) websites are attracting increasing number of users and contributors in recent years. However, duplicate questions frequently occur in CQA websites and are currently manually identified by the moderators. Automatic duplicate detection, on one hand will alleviate this laborious effort from moderators before taking close actions, on the other hand helps question issuers quickly find answers. A number of studies have looked into related problems, however, very limited works target the duplicate detection in Programming CQA (PCQA), a branch of CQA that is dedicated to programmers. Existing works framed the task as a supervised learning problem on the question pairs and relied on only textual features. Moreover, the issue of selecting candidate duplicates from large volume of historical questions is often un-addressed. To tackle these issues, we model the duplicate detection as a two-stage “ranking-classification” problem over question pairs. In the first stage, we rank the historical questions according to their similarities to the new issued question and select the top ranked ones as candidates to reduce the search space. In the second stage, we develop novel features that capture both textual similarity and latent semantics on question pairs, leveraging techniques in deep learning and information retrieval literature. Experiments on real-world questions about multiple programming languages demonstrate that our method works very well; in some cases up to 25% improvement compared to the state-of-the-art benchmarks.
Structured Robust Submodular Maximization: Offline and Online Algorithms

Constrained submodular function maximization has been used in subset selection problems such as selection of most informative sensor locations. Although these models have been quite popular, the solutions obtained via this approach are unstable to perturbations in data defining the submodular functions. Robust submodular maximization has been proposed as a richer model that aims to overcome this discrepancy as well as increase the modeling scope of submodular optimization. In this work, we consider robust submodular maximization with structured combinatorial constraints and give efficient algorithms with provable guarantees. Our approach is applicable to constraints defined by single or multiple matroids and knapsack as well as distributionally robust criteria. We consider both the offline setting where the data defining the problem are known in advance and the online setting where the input data are revealed over time. For the offline setting, we give a general (nearly) optimal bicriteria approximation algorithm that relies on new extensions of classical algorithms for submodular maximization. For the online version of the problem, we give an algorithm that returns a bicriteria solution with sublinear regret. Summary of Contribution: Constrained submodular maximization is one of the core areas in combinatorial optimization with a wide variety of applications in operations research and computer science. Over the last decades, both communities have been interested on the design and analysis of new algorithms with provable guarantees. Sensor location, influence maximization and data summarization are some of the applications of submodular optimization that lie at the intersection of the aforementioned communities. Particularly, our work focuses on optimizing several submodular functions simultaneously. We provide new insights and algorithms to the offline and online variants of the problem which significantly expand the related literature. At the same time, we provide a computational study that supports our theoretical results.
Ultra‐short heart rate variability recording reliability: The effect of controlled paced breathing

Recent studies have reported that Heart Rate Variability (HRV) indices remain reliable even during recordings shorter than 5 min, suggesting the ultra‐short recording method as a valuable tool for autonomic assessment. However, the minimum time‐epoch to obtain a reliable record for all HRV domains (time, frequency, and Poincare geometric measures), as well as the effect of respiratory rate on the reliability of these indices remains unknown.
Spatiotemporal Distribution of GABAA Receptor Subunits Within Layer II of Mouse Medial Entorhinal Cortex: Implications for Grid Cell Excitability

GABAergic parvalbumin-expressing (PV+) interneurons provide powerful inhibitory modulation of grid cells in layer II of the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC LII). However, the molecular machinery through which PV+ cells regulate grid cell activity is poorly defined. PV+ interneurons impart inhibitory modulation primarily via GABA-A receptors (GABAARs). GABAARs are pentameric ion channels assembled from a repertoire of 19 subunits. Multiple subunit combinations result in a variety of receptor subtypes mediating functionally diverse postsynaptic inhibitory currents. Whilst the broad expression patterns of GABAAR subunits within the EC have been reported, those expressed by individual MEC LII cell types, in particular grid cells candidates, stellate and pyramidal cells, are less well described. Stellate and pyramidal cells are distinguished by their selective expression of reelin (RE+) and calbindin (CB+) respectively. Thus, the overall aim of this study was to provide a high resolution analysis of the major (α and γ) GABAAR subunits expressed in proximity to somato-dendritic PV+ boutons, on RE+ and CB+ cells, using immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy and quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR). Clusters immunoreactive for the α1 and γ2 subunits decorated the somatic membranes of both RE+ and CB+ cells and were predominantly located in apposition to clusters immunoreactive for PV and vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT), suggesting expression in GABAergic synapses innervated by PV interneurons. Although intense α2 subunit-immunopositive clusters were evident in hippocampal fields located in close proximity to the EC, no specific signal was detected in MEC LII RE+ and CB+ profiles. Immunoreactivity for the α3 subunit was detected in all RE+ somata. In contrast, only a sub-population of CB+ cells was α3 immunopositive. These included CB-α3 cells which were both PV+ and PV−. Furthermore, α3 subunit mRNA and immunofluorescence decreased significantly between P 15 and P 25, a period implicated in the functional maturation of grid cells. Finally, α5 subunit immunoreactivity was detectable only on CB+ cells, not on RE+ cells. The present data demonstrates that physiologically distinct GABAAR subtypes are selectively expressed by CB+ and RE+ cells. This suggests that PV+ interneurons could utilize distinct postsynaptic signaling mechanisms to regulate the excitability of these different, candidate grid cell sub-populations.
From dictations to clinical reports using machine translation

A typical workflow to document clinical encounters entails dictating a summary, running speech recognition, and post-processing the resulting text into a formatted letter. Post-processing entails a host of transformations including punctuation restoration, truecasing, marking sections and headers, converting dates and numerical expressions, parsing lists, etc. In conventional implementations, most of these tasks are accomplished by individual modules. We introduce a novel holistic approach to post-processing that relies on machine callytranslation. We show how this technique outperforms an alternative conventional system—even learning to correct speech recognition errors during post-processing—while being much simpler to maintain.
Cechy regionalne w budownictwie na terenie gminu Uniejów

Since 2011 the authors have been researching the regional features of rural construction in the region of Kolska Structural Basin and in its vicinity. The specific nature of this region involves a high share of buildings erected from the local building stone – upper-Cretaceous limestone silica building stone. The material, common in the area about 1000 km2 in size, is used for outcropping in the region of the village of Rożniatów, the Uniejów commune, where such formations appear on the surface in the upper layer. The article presents the results of research referring to the Uniejów commune, in which there has been listed about 30% of the total of more than 2000 buildings made from limestone silica building stone. Such a considerable distribution of that material not typical of lowland facilitated the study of the technology applied in the regional rural construction, as well as the architectonic solutions used. The buildings made from limestone silica building stone represented by housing and livestock structures, barns, churches and special structures, due to their unique character, provide a very characteristic element of the local landscape. Unfortunately, from year to year the number of structures demonstrating the regional specific nature in the commune has been decreasing. The deteriorating technical condition of the buildings results in launching maintenance works where the stone is replaced with today’s building materials. More and more structures get demolished. It is necessary to initiate the protection of that unique heritage of material culture. In such actions a special role should be played by local government.
Anomalous mobility of a driven active particle in a steady laminar flow

We study, via extensive numerical simulations, the force–velocity curve of an active particle advected by a steady laminar flow, in the nonlinear response regime. Our model for an active particle relies on a colored noise term that mimics its persistent motion over a time scale . We find that the active particle dynamics shows non-trivial effects, such as negative differential and absolute mobility (NDM and ANM, respectively). We explore the space of the model parameters and compare the observed behaviors with those obtained for a passive particle () advected by the same laminar flow. Our results show that the phenomena of NDM and ANM are quite robust with respect to the details of the considered noise: in particular for finite a more complex force–velocity relation can be observed.
Validity and Reliability of the 30-s Continuous Jump for Anaerobic Power and Capacity Assessment in Combat Sport

Cycling test such Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) is used to measure anaerobic power (AP), but not anaerobic capacity (AC, i.e., the metabolic energy demand). However, in sports that do not involve cycling movements (Karate), the continuous jump for 30 s (vertical jumps for 30 s) has been extensively used to measure anaerobic performance in all young athletes. Limited information’s are available concerning its validity and reliability especially in children. As such, the current study aimed to test validity and reliability of a continuous jumps test (the CJ30s), using WAnT as a reference. Thirteen female Karate kids (age: 11.07 ± 1.32 years; mass: 41.76 ± 15.32 kg; height: 152 ± 11.52 cm; training experience: 4.38 ± 2.14 years) were tested on three separate sessions. The first and second sessions were used to assess the reliability using Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) of CJ30s, whereas on the third session WAnT was administered. Following CJ30s and WAnT, we assessed AP (1/CJ30s, as jump height [JH], fatigue index [FI], and blood lactate [BL]; 2/WAnT, as mechanical power [P], FI, and BL) and AC as the excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). Large/highly significant correlations were found between CJ30s and WAnT EPOCs (r = 0.730, P = 0.003), and BLs (r = 0.713, P = 0.009). Moderate/significant correlations were found between CJ30s and WAnT FIs (r = 0.640, P = 0.014), CJ30s first four jumps mean JH and WAnT peak P (r = 0.572, P = 0.032), and CJ30s mean JH and WAnT mean P (r = 0.589, P = 0.021). CJ30s showed excellent and moderate reliability (ICC) for AP (maximal JH 0.884, mean JH 0.742, FI 0.657, BL 0.653) and AC (EPOC 0.788), respectively. Correlations observed especially in terms of AC between CJ30s and WAnT provide evidence that former may adequately assess anaerobic performance for the young combat athlete. CJ30 is a reliable test and allow an easy assessment of AP and AC in karate children.
Automatic alignment of multi-temporal images of planetary nebulae using local optimization

Automatic alignment of time-separated astronomical images have historically proven to be difficult. The main reason for this difficulty is the amount of sporadic and unpredictable noise associated with astronomical images. A few examples of these effects are: image distortion due to optics, cosmic ray hits, transient background sources (super novae) and various artifact sources associated with the CCD imager itself. In this paper a new automated image registration method is introduced for aligning two time-separated images while minimizing the inherent errors and unpredictabilities. Using local optimization, the two images are aligned when the root mean square of the difference between the two images is minimized. The dataset consists of images of galactic planetary nebulae acquired by the Hubble Space Telescope. The aligned centroids inferred by the suggested method agree with the results from previously aligned images by inspection with high confidence. It is also demonstrated that this method is robust, sufficient, does not require extensive user input and it is highly sensitive to minor adjustments.
Characterization of lanthanide elements doped ceria nanoparticles and its performance in chemical mechanical polishing as novel abrasive particles

The conventional modification method is mainly to tune the mechanical wear of CeO2 abrasive particles in CMP, but the chemical reaction of CeO2 is unique, which is rarely reported. In this paper, cerium nanoparticles doped with lanthanide (La, Nd and Yb) were modified by incipient-wetness impregnation method. In this way, the percentage of Ce3+ increased in CeO2 nanoparticles, which improved the chemical reaction activity of CeO2, resulting in higher removal rate of dielectric material in alkaline slurry and better surface quality.
Hypotension in small preterms: what does it mean?

Abstract Introduction: Small preterms often have low blood pressure readings in the first few days of life. However, what is hypotension in preterms? Should there be an aggressive approach to its management? What are the immediate and long-term side effects of powerful medications? Alternatively, could a low blood pressure be accepted instead? Materials and methods: Data were collected from files of all live babies with gestational age (GA) between 230/7 and 316/7 weeks over two different periods: years 2000–2004 and 2008–2012. Results: Our data show that, despite extremely low gestational age (ELGA)/extremely low birth weight (ELBW) neonates, almost half of these tiny babies have neither low mean arterial pressure (MAP) readings nor clinical signs of impaired perfusion. Yet, many of them are, variously treated or not, depending on individual decisions, rather than on sound evidence. Discussion: We suggest, should it be required to treat persistent hypotension, rather than treating just a low MAP recording, to address the whole issue of hypotension in the overall picture of clinical settings; we to assess organ dysfunction caused by low output and use the least aggressive measures, preferably within written protocols, tailored to the given unit, but equally, sufficiently flexible to individual babies. Furthermore, allow for “permissive hypotension” especially if transient, in the absence of clinical signs of hypoperfusion, with normal superior vena cava (SVC) flow, normal cardiac output, and normal brain scanning with normal cerebral Doppler flows. Whether treating hypotension, by whichever definition, “per se”, will make any difference to both, immediate and late outcomes; in the end, treating remains open to questioning and calls for careful follow-up of these very susceptible preterms.
Ammonia sensors based on in situ fabricated nanocrystalline graphene field-effect devices

By transfer-free in situ catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) hundreds of nanocrystalline graphene field-effect transistors (ncGFETs) have been fabricated on a single 2″ silicon substrate. Raman spectroscopic analysis of the grown nanocrystalline graphene shows a clear signature of the G and a weak 2D peak in accoordance with the Raman spectra of nanocrystalline graphene from Schmidt et al. [1]. Using a grounded backgate ncGFET, the detection of ammonia (NH3) is demonstrated for room temperature (300 K) and 425 K, achieving detection down to a volume concentration of 100 parts-per-billion-volume (ppbv). By this method, a sensitivity of S4ppm, 425 k = 80.6% can be found for a volume concentration of 4 parts-per-million-volume (ppmv) of NH3 at a temperature of 425 K. In addition, by evaluation of the input characteristics of our ncGFET under different volume concentrations of ammonia we observe a global increase in the conductivity, which influences the sensitivity of our devices as well as of the negative shift of the charge neutrality point.
Apolipoprotein B and angiotensin-converting enzyme polymorphisms and aerobic interval training: randomized controlled trial in coronary artery disease patients

Physical training has been strongly recommended as a non-pharmacological treatment for coronary artery disease (CAD). Genetic polymorphisms have been studied to understand the biological variability in response to exercise among individuals. This study aimed to verify the possible influence of apolipoprotein B (ApoB: rs1042031 and rs693) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE-ID: rs1799752) genotypes on the lipid profile and functional aerobic capacity, respectively, after an aerobic interval training (AIT) program in patients with CAD and/or cardiovascular risk factors. Sixty-six men were randomized and assigned to trained group (n=32) or control group (n=34). Cardiopulmonary exercise test was performed to determine the ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT) from cardiorespiratory variables. The AIT program, at an intensity equivalent to %VAT (70–110%), was conducted three times a week for 16 weeks. ApoB gene polymorphisms (−12669C>T (rs1042031) and −7673G>A (rs693)) were identified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). I/D polymorphism in the ACE gene (rs1799752) was identified through PCR and fragment size analysis. After 16 weeks, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels increased in the trained and control groups with the GA+AA genotype (−7673G>A) of the ApoB gene. Trained groups with ACE-II and ACE-ID genotypes presented an increase in oxygen consumption (VO2VAT) and power output after the AIT program. The presence of the ACE I-allele was associated with increased aerobic functional capacity after the AIT program. Increased LDL levels were observed over time in patients with the −7673G>A polymorphism of the ApoB gene. Trial Registration Information: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02313831
Movement Sonification in Stroke Rehabilitation

Stroke often affects arm functions and thus impairs patients' daily activities. Recently, several studies have shown that additional movement acoustics can enhance motor perception and motor control. Therefore, a new method has been developed that allows providing auditory feedback about arm movement trajectories in real-time for motor rehabilitation after stroke. The present article describes the study protocol for a randomized, controlled, examiner, and patient blinded superiority trial (German Clinical Trials Register, www.drks.de, DRKS00011419), in which the method will be applied to 13 subacute stroke patients with hemiparesis during 12 sessions of 30 min each as additional feedback during the regular movement therapy. As primary outcome, a significant pre-post-change in the Box and Block Test is expected that exceeds the performance increase of 13 patients who will be provided with sham-acoustics. Possible limitations of the method as well as the study design are discussed.