Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cloud-Based Multimedia Content Protection System

We propose a new design for large-scale multimedia content protection systems. Our design leverages cloud infrastructures to provide cost efficiency, rapid deployment, scalability, and elasticity to accommodate varying workloads. The proposed system can be used to protect different multimedia content types, including 2-D videos, 3-D videos, images, audio clips, songs, and music clips. The system can be deployed on private and/or public clouds. Our system has two novel components: (i) method to create signatures of 3-D videos, and (ii) distributed matching engine for multimedia objects. The signature method creates robust and representative signatures of 3-D videos that capture the depth signals in these videos and it is computationally efficient to compute and compare as well as it requires small storage. The distributed matching engine achieves high scalability and it is designed to support different multimedia objects. We implemented the proposed system and deployed it on two clouds: Amazon cloud and our private cloud. Our experiments with more than 11,000 3-D videos and 1 million images show the high accuracy and scalability of the proposed system. In addition, we compared our system to the protection system used by YouTube and our results show that the YouTube protection system fails to detect most copies of 3-D videos, while our system detects more than 98% of them. This comparison shows the need for the proposed 3-D signature method, since the state-of-the-art commercial system was not able to handle 3-D videos.
The Relationships Between Satisfaction with Social Support, Affect Balance, and Hope in Cancer Patients

Abstract The present study investigated relationships between cancer patients' satisfaction with social support, and their affect and levels of hope. Cancer patients completed measures describing their hope and affect, and a structured interview was conducted to ascertain their level of satisfaction with the support they were receiving. Results indicated that support satisfaction accounted for a statistically significant proportion of the variance in patient hope and affect, although other variables emerged as more powerful predictors.
Streaming audio over Bluetooth ACL links

This paper describes the Bluetooth radio technology as an enabling platform to wirelessly stream audio content from hotspots to small form factor mobile devices over short ranges. The paper has been derived from my Mphil thesis based on streaming voice over Internet protocol over Bluetooth links. One can imagine a scenario of a person with a Bluetooth enabled mobile telephone streaming Moving Picture Expert Group-1 Layer 3 (MP3) music files to their mobile from a nearby access point in a cafe, bus, pub, taxi, train et al. Each file uploaded would be stored in the mobile phone limited by storage. Prior to downloading a MP3 file a micro payment could be made to purchase the track. The individual could also listen to music without making any payment and make voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) voice calls at a fraction of the cost of carrier networks.
Switching Extensible FIR Filter Bank for Adaptive Horizon State Estimation With Application

Horizon size is an important parameter that affects the estimation performance of finite impulse response (FIR) filters. In this brief, we propose a novel adaptive horizon approach that aims to adapt the horizon size at each time point. The approach suggests providing state estimation using a bank of FIR filters called the switching extensible FIR filter bank (SEFFB), which consists of several FIR filters operating using different horizon sizes. The horizon sizes and the number of FIR filters in the SEFFB are adapted to changes in system characteristics using maximum likelihood. The SEFFB is applied to target tracking using a ground moving target indicator. A significant performance improvement is demonstrated using the SEFFB in comparison with a single FIR filter using constant optimal horizon size.
Microbial biofilms and their control by various antimicrobial strategies

In nature, bacteria as opposed to the planktonic form predominantly exist as biofilms. Biofilms are consortium of microorganisms and can be considered as complex communities of microorganisms which are embedded in a selfproduced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances attached to a substratum which can be inert or living surfaces. In the recent years, there is an increasing interest in studying biofilms. This is mainly due to the reason that biofilms are known to cause persistent and chronic infections. They are also a major problem in industries and food processing units. Their resistance to biocides, disinfectants and host immune responses makes their study important. In this review, the development and dynamics in microbial biofilms and the strategies employed to effectively control biofilms in industrial and medical settings as well as food processing units will be discussed in detail. The various environmental cues, genetics and molecular mechanisms involved in biofilm formation will be assessed in the review. The role of cell to cell communication or quorum sensing in biofilm formation and the use of anti-quorum sensing strategies in biofilm control will also be focused. The mechanism of action of various antibiofilm strategies including the use of phytochemicals, nanoparticles, quorum sensing inhibitors, enzymes and other novel biological approaches will be reviewed. The techniques used in studying biofilms will be briefly discussed.
Effectiveness of Multifaceted Hand Hygiene Interventions in Long-Term Care Facilities in Hong Kong: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective. To determine the effectiveness of World Health Organization (WHO) multimodal strategy in promoting hand hygiene (HH) among healthcare workers (HCWs) in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Design. Cluster-randomized controlled trial. Setting. Eighteen homes for the elderly in Hong Kong were randomly allocated to 2 intervention arms and a control arm. Direct observation of HH practice was conducted by trained nurses. Either handrubbing with alcohol-based handrub (ABHR) or handwashing with liquid soap and water was counted as a compliant action. Disease notification data during 2007–2010 were used to calculate incidence rate ratio (IRR). Participants. Managers and HCWs of the participating homes. Interventions. The WHO multimodal strategy was employed. All intervention homes were supplied with ABHR (WHO formulation I), ABHR racks, pull reels, HH posters and reminders, a health talk, video clips, training materials, and performance feedback. The only difference was that intervention arms 1 and 2 were provided with slightly powdered and powderless gloves, respectively. Results. A total of 11,669 HH opportunities were observed. HH compliance increased from 27.0% to 60.6% and from 22.2% to 48.6% in intervention arms 1 and 2, respectively. Both intervention arms showed increased HH compliance after intervention compared to controls, at 21.6% compliance (both P < .001). Provision of slightly powdered versus powderless gloves did not have any significant impact on ABHR usage. Respiratory outbreaks (IRR, 0.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.01–0.93; P = .04) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections requiring hospital admission (IRR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.38–0.97; P = .04) were reduced after intervention. Conclusions. A promotion program applying the WHO multimodal strategy was effective in improving HH among HCWs in LTCFs.
The Different Roles of Interleukin 7 and Interleukin 18 in Affecting Lymphoid Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells and CD4 Homeostasis in Naive Primary and Chronic HIV-Infected Patients.

TO THE EDITOR—We read with interest the recent manuscript by Thiebaut and colleagues [1] reporting that, in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected subjects with immune failure despite virological control after antiretroviral therapy, recombinant human interleukin 7 (r-hIL-7) administration may increase CD4 T-cell restoration. Although the mechanisms driving CD4 T-cell increase after r-hIL-7 administration in these patients remain undisclosed, Thiebaut et al propose several explanations, including CD4 proliferation, improvement in cell survival, and perhaps increased thymic output [1, 2]. Our interest in Thiebaut et al’s findings is driven by our work on the relationship between proinflammatory cytokine levels and CD34 hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) in HIV-infected patients. In particular, we investigated HIV effect on the delicate balance between cytokine levels and T-lymphoid progenitor (L-HPC) frequency, as they represent the primary source of lymphopoiesis, and may play a pivotal role in defining immune reconstitution capability [3, 4]. Therefore, we correlated the levels of plasmatic IL-7, known to affect lymphocyte homeostasis and differentiation [5], and interleukin 18 (IL-18), known to synergize with IL-7 in promoting ex vivo the
Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of kesum (Polygonum minus), ginger (Zingiber officinale) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) extract

Herb and spices namely kesum, ginger and turmeric were extracted by using juice extractor without the additional of solvent. These herb and spices were determined for moisture content and the extracts were analyzed for total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging assay and FRAP ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay). The yield of kesum, ginger and turmeric extraction was 23.6%, 58.6% and 66.4%, respectively. The results showed that, there was significant difference (P < 0.05) in total phenolic content and antioxidant activity for kesum, ginger and turmeric extracts. Kesum extract had the highest total phenolic content followed by ginger and turmeric extract. A significant and positive high Pearson's correlations between TPC and DPPH assay (r = 0.86) and between TPC and FRAP assay (r = 0.91) respectively was observed for all plants extracts. This indicated that phenolic compounds were the main contributor of antioxidant activity in plants. However, there was no synergistic effect observed for all plants extract mixture.
THE EFFECT OF A COMPETITIVE WRESTLING SEASON ON BODY WEIGHT,HYDRATION, AND MUSCULAR PERFORMANCE IN COLLEGIATE WRESTLERS

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the effects of a collegiate wrestling season on body weight, hydration, and muscular performance. Twelve Division I collegiate wrestlers (mean ± SE; 20.75 ± 0.41 year) volunteered to participate in testing sessions during midseason and 3 weeks following the season. Testing consisted of weigh-in, providing a urine sample for hydration analysis, and a measure of isometric leg extension peak torque. Weight significantly increased (p < 0.05) following the completion of the competitive season. No significant change in urine specific gravity (p > 0.05) was observed. Muscular performance was affected by the season as peak torque (PT) and PT-to-body weight ratio increased significantly (p < 0.05). Following the collegiate wrestling season, augmentation in body weight and muscular performance of the wrestlers occurs without alterations in hydration status. Further research is warranted on what type of strength training program would most effectively reduce the decrements in strength associated with weight loss and the strain of a competitive season.
Attitude of the subject towards feedback and its implications for BCI use in neurorehabilitation

Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) systems allow user to operate devices without muscular activation and experimental results indicate that they can induce activity-dependent plasticity. A BCI system has two key features: exploitation of brain signal changes induced by the cognitive task assigned to the user and mutual learning. With respect to the first feature, BCI users can learn to control and hence change their cortical activity, for example by performing a motor imagery task. Mutual learning, on the other hand, is set up between users, which have to learn how to control their brain activity, and the classifier used for learning and categorize brain signal changes. This mutual learning can be mediated by the use of feedback, which in turn can be discrete or continuous, abstract or realistic and so on. Motor imagery represents a promising approach for stroke rehabilitation, thus a BCI based on a motor imagery paradigm could be a useful tool. Nevertheless, in stroke rehabilitation settings two issues are emerging which are also crucial for motor imagery BCIs. The first one relates to the importance of recognize the imagery ability of the subject, the second one to the importance of feedback in re-learning of motor skills. The present study relates to this second issue and it is aimed at investigating attitudes of BCI users towards feedback. We considered a sample of six healthy males, using an EEG-based BCI and executing a Motor Imagery task without feedback (training phase) and with feedback (performance phase). A horizontal bar of varying length depicted on a computer screen was used as feedback medium and overall accuracy data were matched with neurophysiological data acquired from Pz and Oz. Results could be of importance for BCI use as neurorehabilitation tool in stroke rehabilitation protocols since they suggest that some subjects could need an increased cortical activation in order to deal with a stimulus like visual feedback. Moreover, they reveal a possible association between worsening in performance and increased cortical activation needed in order to cope with feedback.
Trunk muscle stabilization training plus general exercise versus general exercise only: randomized controlled trial of patients with recurrent low back pain.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to examine the usefulness of the addition of specific stabilization exercises to a general back and abdominal muscle exercise approach for patients with subacute or chronic nonspecific back pain by comparing a specific muscle stabilization-enhanced general exercise approach with a general exercise-only approach. SUBJECTS Fifty-five patients with recurrent, nonspecific back pain (stabilization-enhanced exercise group: n=29, general exercise-only group: n=26) and no clinical signs suggesting spinal instability were recruited. METHODS Both groups received an 8-week exercise intervention and written advice (The Back Book). Outcome was based on self-reported pain (Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire), disability (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire), and cognitive status (Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, Pain Locus of Control Scale) measured immediately before and after intervention and 3 months after the end of the intervention period. RESULTS Outcome measures for both groups improved. Furthermore, self-reported disability improved more in the general exercise-only group immediately after intervention but not at the 3-month follow-up. There were generally no differences between the 2 exercise approaches for any of the other outcomes. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION A general exercise program reduced disability in the short term to a greater extent than a stabilization-enhanced exercise approach in patients with recurrent nonspecific low back pain. Stabilization exercises do not appear to provide additional benefit to patients with subacute or chronic low back pain who have no clinical signs suggesting the presence of spinal instability.
T'ai chi and postural control in the well elderly.

In this study, we investigated the potential value of t'ai chi in promoting postural control of the well elderly. T'ai chi, a traditional Chinese exercise, is a series of individual dancelike movements linked together in a continuous, smooth-flowing sequence. Performance on five balance tests of 9 t'ai chi practitioners was compared to that of 9 nonpractitioners. An analysis of variance demonstrated that in three of the tests, the t'ai chi practitioners had significantly better postural control than the sedentary nonpractitioners (p less than .05). It was also found that men performed significantly better than women in both the practitioner and non-practitioner groups on the same three tests (p less than .01).
Histology, Immunohistochemistry and Ultrastructure of the Tonsil of the Soft Palate of the Horse

The tonsil of the soft palate was an oval, flat structure located centro‐rostrally on the oral surface of the soft palate. Its stratified squamous non‐keratinized epithelium was perforated by holes or small crypts the deeper parts of which were loosely spongiform inter‐digitated with lymphoid tissue. These unusual features have not previously been reported in tonsils of any species. Crypts and reticulated epithelium as found in the lingual and palatine tonsils were not observed. Lectins showed varying affinities for specific layers of the epithelium. M cells were not observed. A few Langerhans cells were distributed among surface epithelial cells. Lymphoid tissue was arranged loosely and in isolated lymphoid follicles in the subepithelial lamina propria mucosae. Although IgA+ cells and macrophages were proportionately more numerous the amount of lymphoid tissue was much less than in the lingual and palatine tonsils. Most of the follicular germinal centres lacked a darkly stained corona. CD4 positive were more numerous than CD8+ lymphocytes and were distributed in the parafollicular and inter‐follicular areas. Large clusters of mucus acini positive for glycogen, acidic and neutral mucopolysaccharides separated lymphoid tissue from deeply placed striated muscle. Only a few high endothelial venules were observed in the parafollicular and inter‐follicular areas. These had relatively few vesiculo vacuolar or other organelles in their high endothelial cells and few lymphocytes attaching to their walls.
Adverse impact of intermittent portal clamping on long‐term postoperative outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma

INTRODUCTION To evaluate the impact of intermittent portal clamping (IPC) on long‐term postoperative outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Clinical records of 355 patients underwent curative liver resection for HCC in January 2007 to December 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. According to how portal clamping was performed, patients were grouped as: IPC, n=113; other portal clamping (OPC), n=190; and no portal clamping (NPC), n=52. RESULTS Median recurrence‐free survival (RFS) was statistically significantly shorter in the IPC (39.4 months) than OPC (47.3 months, p=0.010) and NPC groups (51.4 months, p=0.008). Median overall survival (OS) was also significantly shorter with IPC (46.3 months), versus 52.9 months with OPC (p=0.022) and 56.2 months with NPC (p=0.015). Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis revealed that 5‐year cumulative RFS was much lower in the IPC (42.5%) than OPC (50.9%, p=0.014) and NPC groups (49.6%, p=0.013). Five‐year cumulative OS was also much lower in the IPC (44.9%) than OPC (58.0%, p=0.020) and NPC groups (57.7%, p=0.025). On univariate analysis, tumour grade, size and number, TNM stage, blood transfusion, vascular invasion and IPC were significantly inversely correlated with RFS and OS. On multivariate analysis, tumour size and number, blood transfusion, vascular invasion and IPC remained significant. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that IPC is an independent risk factor for poor long‐term postoperative outcomes in patients with HCC.
An integrated subchannel scheduling algorithm for adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) MIMO-OFDM wireless systems

We develop an integrated subchannel scheduling algorithm to maximize the system throughput while guaranteeing minimum data rate requirements for multimedia users in multiuser MIMO-OFDM systems downlink transmission utilizing adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) with limited channel state information feedback. By using the integrated subchannel scheduling, we apply the mathematical equivalence between antennas and subcarriers in the analysis, getting multiple parallel transmit subchannels, and then evaluating the channel state from the viewpoint of receivers. Joint space-frequency diversity as well as multiuser diversity is exploited simultaneously by the subchannel allocation algorithm. A modified proportional fair scheduling is proposed and a fast algorithm for more practical implementation is also proposed. By numerical examples, the system throughput and fairness superiority of our scheduling scheme are verified.
An Exploratory Factor Analysis of Children's Depression Inventory Scores in Young Children of Substance Abusers

A factor analytic study of scores obtained on the Children's Depression Inventory from a sample of 202 young children (M = 7.5 yr., SD = 2.2) of alcoholics and substance abusers was completed. A principal components factor analysis with an oblique rotation yielded five separate factors related to Negative Self-concept, Acting-out, Somatic/Disturbed Symptoms, Mood, and Hopelessness. In previous factor analytic studies of the Children's Depression Inventory with normal and clinical populations the primary factor obtained was formed by mood-related items. In contrast, the primary factor of the present analysis was formed by items concerning perceptions of self-concept, not mood. These results corroborated previously reported data from the Child Behavior Checklist suggesting that the depressive symptoms displayed by children of substance abusers are related to self-concept and externalization.
Critically coupled surface phonon-polariton excitation in silicon carbide

We observe critical coupling to surface phonon-polaritons in silicon carbide by attenuated total reflection of mid-infrared radiation. Reflectance measurements demonstrate critical coupling by a double-scan of wavelength and incidence angle. Critical coupling occurs when prism coupling loss is equal to losses in silicon carbide and the substrate, resulting in maximal electric field enhancement.
miRNA 34a, 100, and 137 modulate differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in proper function and differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). We performed a systematic comparison of miRNA expression in undifferentiated vs. differentiating ESCs. We report that 138 miRNAs are increased on the induction of differentiation. We compared the entire list of candidate mRNA targets of up‐regulated miRNAs with that of mRNA down‐regulated in ESCs on induction of differentiation. Among the candidate targets emerging from this analysis, we found three genes, Smarca5, Jarid1b, and Sirt1, previously demonstrated to be involved in sustaining the undifferentiated phenotype in ESCs. On this basis, we first demonstrated that Smarca5 is a direct target of miR‐100, Jarid1b of miR‐137, and we also confirmed previously published data demonstrating that Sirt1 is a direct target of miR‐34a in a different context. The suppression of these three miRNAs by anti‐miRs caused the block of ESC differentiation induced by LIF withdrawal. On the other hand, the overexpression of the three miRNAs resulted in an altered expression of differentiation markers. These results demonstrate that miR‐34a, miR‐100, and miR‐137 are required for proper differentiation of mouse ESCs, and that they function in part by targeting Sirt1, Smarca5, and Jarid1b mRNAs. —Tarantino, C. , Paolella, G. , Cozzuto, L. , Minopoli, G. , Pastore, L. , Parisi, S. , Russo, T. miRNA 34a, 100, and 137 modulate differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells. FASEB J. 24, 3255–3263 (2010). www.fasebj. org