Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance Prediction for Students: A Multi-Strategy Approach

Abstract This paper presents a study on Predicting Student Performance (PSP) in academic systems. In order to solve the task, we have proposed and investigated different strategies. Specifically, we consider this task as a regression problem and a rating prediction problem in recommender systems. To improve the performance of the former, we proposed the use of additional features based on course-related skills. Moreover, to effectively utilize the outputs of these two strategies, we also proposed a combination of the two methods to enhance the prediction performance. We evaluated the proposed methods on a dataset which was built using the mark data of students in information technology at Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU). The experimental results have demonstrated that unlike the PSP in e-Learning systems, the regression-based approach should give better performance than the recommender system-based approach. The integration of the proposed features also helps to enhance the performance of the regression-based systems. Overall, the proposed hybrid method achieved the best RMSE score of 1.668. These promising results are expected to provide students early feedbacks about their (predicted) performance on their future courses, and therefore saving times of students and their tutors in determining which courses are appropriate for students’ ability.
Impacts of droughts on the growth resilience of Northern Hemisphere forests

Aim The intensity and frequency of drought have increased considerably during recent decades in some Northern Hemisphere forested areas, and future climate warming could further magnify drought stress. We quantify how forests resist drought events and recover after them, i.e. we determine their growth resilience. Location North America and Europe. Methods We use a large tree-ring database to study how drought influences forest growth resilience. We selected 775 tree-ring width chronologies and studied the occurrence of years with extremely dry conditions (low soil moisture and/or high evaporative stress; hereafter ‘drought’) in these forests. For each drought in each forest we calculated three indices that represent different components of growth resilience to drought: resistance (Rt), recovery (Rc) and resilience (Rs). We related the variation in these indices with geographical, topographic, climatic and ecological conditions from each region. Results The three components of forest growth resilience were interrelated. Resistance and recovery were negatively related, and both were positively and nonlinearly related to resilience. Drought resistance increased with latitude, soil moisture and slope, whereas drought recovery decreased with latitude, soil moisture and summer normalized difference vegetation index. Drought resilience increased with elevation and decreased with the variation in soil moisture. Temperate broadleaf forests from wet regions showed a greater growth resistance (e.g. north-eastern USA, central Europe) while conifer forests from dry to semi-arid regions (e.g. south-western USA, southern Europe) presented a greater growth recovery. Main conclusions The geographical patterns of growth resilience indices confirm the existence of different strategies among forests to cope with droughts, depending on the biome, the tree species and the prevailing climatic conditions. Geographical patterns in soil moisture availability tend to override species-specific responses to drought.
Image Retrieval using Sparse Codewords with Cryptography for Enhanced Security

Now days face image of people is the interesting area of users. Most of the time images are in digital form. Thus, content-based face image retrieval is a technique which facilitates for many emerging applications. In this paper, automatically detected human attributes are used to enhance the performance of content based face image retrieval. Here, low level features of image are combined with high level features of image to get more efficient results about image retrieval. In this work, semantic codewords for face retrieval are constructed by using semantic cues of the face image to improve content based face image retrieval. Secured Quick Crypt (SQC) encryption algorithm is applied on images when they are transferred via network. This will protect image from getting attacked. The proposed method can achieve a set of relevant and secured results as compared to the existing methods.
Tikhonov Regularization enhances EEG-based Spatial filtering for single-Trial Regression

In the field of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI), robust methods for the decoding of continuous brain states are of great interest as new application fields are arising. When capturing brain activity by an elec-troencephalogram (EEG), the Source Power Comodulation (SPoC) algorithm allows to compute spatial filters for the decoding of a continuous variable. However, dealing with high-dimensional EEG data that suffer from low signal-to-noise ratio, the method reveals instabilities for small training data sets and is prone to overfitting. In this paper, we introduce a framework for applying Tikhonov regularization to the SPoC approach in order to restrict the solution space of filters. Our findings show that an additional trace normalization of the included covariance matrices is a necessary prerequisite to tune the sensitivity of the resulting algorithm. In an offline analysis with data from N=18 subjects, the introduced trace normalized and Tihonov regularized SPoC variant (NTR-SPoC) outperforms the standard SPoC method for the majority of individuals. With this proof-of-concept study, a generalizable regularization framework for SPoC has been established which allows to implement a variety of different regularization strategies in the future.
In vitro Callus Induction from Different Explants of Gymnema sylvestre R. Br

The different parts of in vitro raised plant of Gymnema sylvestre were tested on the two different type medium MS and WAP in different concentrations supplemented with 2,4-D, IAA and NAA for callus induction. Various growth regulators greatly influenced the growth of callus on both medium but highest efficient callus were established from in vitro leaves part on WAP full strength medium containing 2 mg/l 2, 4-D. Higher concentrations of auxins represent decreased callus production. Abbreviations: IAA Indole-3-acetic acid, NAA Naphthalene acetic acid 2, 4-D 2 4 Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid, MS Murashige and Skoog, WAP Woody Plant Medium.
Phonologie Expression of Second Occurrence Focus in German

In a production study on read German, we investigate the tonal, durational and articulatory parameters used in the marking of three different focus structures. Special attention is paid to target words in Second Occurrence Focus (SOF). Such words are both focussed and contextually given. Prominence in SOF items is compared to prominence in items which are focussed and new (First Occurrence Focus, FOF) and those which are in the Background. Results confirm previous findings that SOF is not marked by a pitch accent. However, we observe gradient but systematic adjustments of acoustic and articulatory parameters (word durations and temporal and spacial modifications of opening and closing gestures) leading to an increase in prominence from Background through SOF to FOF. The extent to which single speakers employ different strategies varies. Phonologically, we propose an analysis of SOF prominences as phrase accents.
Late Quaternary climatic and oceanographic changes in the Northeast Pacific as recorded by dinoflagellate cysts from Guaymas Basin, Gulf of California (Mexico)

A high-resolution record of organic-walled dinoflagellate cyst production in Guaymas Basin, Gulf of California (Mexico) reveals a complex paleoceanographic history over the last ~40 ka. Guaymas Basin is an excellent location to perform high resolution studies of changes in late Quaternary climate and paleo-productivity because it is characterized by high primary productivity, high sedimentation rates, and low oxygen bottom waters. These factors contribute to the deposition and preservation of laminated sediments throughout large portions of the core MD02-2515. In this study, we document dinoflagellate cyst production at a centennial to millennial scale throughout the late Quaternary. Based on the cyst assemblages, three dinoflagellate cyst zones were established and roughly correspond to Marine Isotope Stages (MISs) 1 to 3. MISs 1 and 3 are dominated by cysts of heterotrophic dinoflagellates, whereas MIS 2 is characterized by enhanced variability and a greater proportion of cysts produced by autotrophic taxa. The most dominant dinoflagellate cyst taxa found throughout the core were Brigantedinium spp. And Operculodinium centrocarpum. Dansgaard-Oeschger event 8 is observed in the dinoflagellate cyst record where it is characterized by an increase in warm taxa, such as Spiniferites pachydermus. Other intervals of interest are the Younger Dryas where warmer conditions are recorded and the Holocene which is characterized by the consistent presence of tropical species Stelladinium reidii, Tuberculodinidum vancampoae, Bitectatodinium spongium, and an increase in Quinquecuspis concreta. Changes in cyst assemblages, concentrations, and species diversity, along with geochemical data reflect major orbital to millennial-scale climatic and oceanographic changes. Reference: Price, A. M. , K. N. Mertens, V. Pospelova, T. F. Pedersen, and R. S. Ganeshram (2013), Late Quaternary climatic and oceanographic changes in the Northeast Pacific as recorded by dinoflagellate cysts from Guaymas Basin, Gulf of California (Mexico), Paleoceanography, 28, doi:10.1002/palo.20019.
Voriconazole In situ Gel for Ocular Drug Delivery

Fungal keratitis is an important cause of vision loss in developing countries characterized by a corneal epithelial defect and inflammation of the corneal stroma [17]. Currently, fungal keratitis remains a perplexing diagnostic challenge and a difficult management problem for ophthalmologists [7]. Various factors responsible for development of fungal karatitis includes ocular trauma, contamination of corneal lesions by soil and plant material, use of broad spectrum antibiotics and steroids use of contact lenses. Another important factor to be considered supportive to fungal karatitis are climatic conditions mainly temperate climate and tropical climate [10]. Early diagnosis of fungal keratitis and its treatment is important in preventing Abstract
Software and Hardware Systems for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Mechanical Properties Investigation

The main goal of this paper is to describe two different systems that were developed for the purpose of abdominal aortic aneurysm mechanical properties investigation and to present the results of the measurements. The first system is based on the “Bubble Inflated” method and it increases the pressure of physiological saline which affects blood vessel tissue and causes mechanical deformation. The system provides recording the data about the current value of the pressure in the physiological saline by using the appropriate pressure sensor. The second system makes stretches of the vessel tissue in uni-axial direction and save the data about the force and the elongation. Both of these systems use cameras for assessment of the deformation. Obtained results from both systems are used for numerical simulation of computer model for abdominal aortic aneurysm. It gives a new avenue for application of software and hardware systems for determination of vascular tissue properties in the clinical practice.
Reading between the Lanes: Road Layout Reconstruction from Partially Segmented Scenes

Autonomous vehicles require an accurate and adequate representation of their environment for decision making and planning in real-world driving scenarios. While deep learning methods have come a long way providing accurate semantic segmentation of scenes, they are still limited to pixel-wise outputs and do not naturally support high-level reasoning and planning methods that are required for complex road manoeuvres. In contrast, we introduce a hierarchical, graph-based representation, called scene graph, which is reconstructed from a partial, pixel-wise segmentation of an image, and which can be linked to domain knowledge and AI reasoning techniques. In this work, we use an adapted version of the Earley parser and a learnt probabilistic grammar to generate scene graphs from a set of segmented entities. Scene graphs model the structure of the road using an abstract, logical representation which allows us to link them with background knowledge. As a proof-of-concept we demonstrate how parts of a parsed scene can be inferred and classified beyond labelled examples by using domain knowledge specified in the Highway Code. By generating an interpretable representation of road scenes and linking it to background knowledge, we believe that this approach provides a vital step towards explainable and auditable models for planning and decision making in the context of autonomous driving.
Breed-specific patterns of hepatic gluconeogenesis and glucocorticoid action in pigs

In the present study, Erhualian and Pietrain pigs were employed to investigate the breedspecific patterns of hepatic gluconeogenesis by detecting the related enzyme mRNA expression, and to analyse the relationship with the hepatic glucocorticoid receptors and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) expression. Furthermore, hepatic DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) expression was determined to detect DNA methyltransferase state difference between the two breeds. The results demonstrated that the Erhualian pigs exhibited significantly lower plasma lactate acid concentration, but higher liver lactate acid content than the Pietrain pigs. A significantly higher expression of pyruvate carboxylase (PC), fructose-1, 6-bisphosphatase (FBP) and the mitochondria phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK2) mRNA were observed in Erhualian pigs. The Erhualian pigs demonstrated a significantly higher expression of glucocorticoid receptor and 11β-HSD1 mRNA than the Pietrain pigs, though there was no difference in the hepatic cortisol content between the two breeds. The hepatic DNMT1 mRNA expression in the Erhualian pigs was significantly lower, and the DNMT1 protein content in Erhualian pigs tended to be decreased compared with Pietrain pigs (P=0.066). The results suggest that the Erhualian pigs demonstrated higher hepatic gluconeogenesis capacity in comparison to the Pietrain pigs. The up-regulation of hepatic glucocorticoid receptor and 11β-HSD1 expression may be involved in the enhanced hepatic gluconeogenesis in Erhualian pigs. Moreover, the down-regulation of DNMT1 in Erhualian pigs implies possible involvement of DNA methylation in a breed-specific pattern of hepatic gluconeogenesis.
Cytopathology of spleen in eel Anguilla Anguilla exposed to a chemical spill in the Rhine River

Structural alterations in the spleen of eel Anguilla anguilla L. , following exposure to a chemical spill in the Rhine h v e r in 1986, were investigated by means of light and electron microscopy. Relative abundance of reticulum and blood cells was quantified in comparison to controls. The data presented provide evidence of profound damage to the spleen and its cellular components. Histological and cytological modifications varied within a wide range from minor changes to cell death. Major cytological alterations of reticulum and blood cells included deviations in cytoplasmic density, loss of surface differentiations (cell junctions, pseudopodia), swelling of rnitochondria, formation of rnyelin-like membrane aggregations in the cytoplasm, mitochondria, lysosomes and nuclear membrane, as well as augmentation of lipid droplets. Severely damaged and necrotic cells were found either diffusely or focally distributed within the splenic reticulum. Melano-macrophages were strongly reduced in number and melano-macrophage centres were lacking. In contrast, considerable numbers of macrophages with intense lysosomal compartmentation, but free of pigments, were present. Spleens were further characterized by the absence of erythroblasts and plasma cells. Histological and cytological findings in the spleen of exposed eel indicate a severe impairment of the efficiency of the central splenic functions, in particular phagocytosis and cell-mediated immune response. Thus, chemical-induced patholopcal processes in the spleen have most likely been a contributing factor to the fatality of the chemical spill to the Rhine eel population. They are discussed in the context of earlier investigations on liver and intestine pathology of Rhine eel. Finally, cytological alterations of fish spleen are suggested as a potential biomarker for toxicant-induced damage in fish.
Aminoglycosides Resistance among Acinetobacter baumannii Complex Isolated from Hospital Acquired Blood Stream Infections

ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 6 Number 11 (2017) pp. 1103-1112 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii complex associated with bloodstream infections is a major concern in hospitalized patients. Aminoglycosides resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii complex is mainly caused by enzymatic modification of aminoglycosides. This study was designed to identify the prevalence of aminoglycosides resistance and its association with aminoglycosides modifying enzymes (AMEs) genes and armA gene for 16S rRNA methylase among Acinetobacter baumannii complex causing bloodstream infections in patients of Mansoura University Hospitals (MUHs). Also, to evaluate the effect of aminglycosides combinations on extensively resistant strains to all tested agents. Blood culture samples were collected from patients with signs and symptoms of blood stream infections. Acinetobacter baumannii complex were identified by API 20 NE. Antibiotic susceptibilities testing were performed by disc diffusion method. Activity of amikacin and gentamicin was evaluated in vitro in combination with ciprofloxacin and imipenem against resistant strains of Acinetobacter baumannii complex to all tested antibiotics using checkerboard titration method and the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) was calculated for each combination. Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii complex were tested for presence of aac(3)-I, ant(2'')-Ia, aac(6')-I h, aac(6')-I b, aph (3')V1 AME genes and armA gene for 16S rRNA methylase using PCR. A total of 67 Acinetobacter baumannii complex isolates were collected during the period of the study. Forty-one isolates (61.2%) were resistant to gentamicin and/ or amikacin. There were 15 isolates resistant to all tested antibiotics agents. Amikacin combination with ciprofloxacin and imipenem showed the highest synergistic effect against 40%, 33.3% respectively of these extensively drug resistant A. baumannii complex isolates. Combination of gentamicin-ciprofloxacin and gentamicin-imipenem each showed synergistic effect against 26.7% of these isolates. The most commonly encountered AME genes were aac(6')-I b and aac(3)-I (70.7% and 65.8% respectively). ArmA 16S rRNA methylase gene was encountered in 56.1% of resistant strains. The most prevalent gene profile was aac(3)-I + aac(6')-Ib + ant(2'')-Ia + armA detected in 31.7% of resistant isolates. The extensively resistant strains mostly express the gene pattern aac(3)-I + aac(6')-Ib + ant(2'')-Ia +armA (6/15). This study concluded that aminoglycosides modifying enzymes are widespread in aminoglycosides resistant A. baumannii complex causing bloodstream infections. Combination therapy including amikacin and gentamicin with ciprofloxacin and imipenem can be used as for treatment of severe resistant A. baumannii blood stream infection. K e y w o r d s Acinetobacter baumannii, Resistance, Aminoglycosides, Bloodstream infections, Aminoglycosides modifying enzymes, Antibiotic combination. Accepted: 10 September 2017
Beyond the ocean : Contamination of freshwater ecosystems with (micro-) plastic particles

Massive accumulation of plastic particles has been reported for marine ecosystems around the world, posing a risk to the biota. Freshwater ecosystems have received less attention despite the majority of plastic litter being produced onshore and introduced into marine environments by rivers. Some studies report not only the presence of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems, but show that contamination is as severe as in the oceans. In continental waters microplastics have been observed in both sediments (predominantly lakeshores but also riverbanks) and water samples (predominantly surface water of lakes and rivers). This review highlights recent findings and discusses open questions, focusing on the methodology of assessing this contaminant in freshwater ecosystems. In this context, method harmonization is needed in order to obtain comparable data from different environmental compartments and sites. This includes sampling strategies (at spatial and temporal 18 scales), sample treatment (taking into consideration high levels of organic matter and suspended 19 solids) and reliable analytical methods to identify microplastics.
Toxic Metals in Urban Runoff: Physico-Chemical Mobility Assessment Using Speciation Schemes

Physico-chemical characterization of lead, zinc and cadmium has been carried out on eight samples from both separate and combined sewers. Dissolved and paniculate total metal levels have been determined. A speciation scheme has been used to further divide these phases in two dissolved fractions, bioavailable and stable, and five paniculate fractions, ion-exchangeable, acid-soluble, reducible, oxidizable and residual. Total dissolved lead concentrations were found to be largely below European Community (EC) directives for drinking water production. Lead was represented by stable forms while zinc and cadmium were mainly bioavailable. Paniculate concentrations were higher than natural levels found in the Seine-Normandie basin. Zinc was characteristic for municipal effluents, and lead and cadmium were more concentrated in separate sewers. Correlations have been observed between paniculate heavy metals and volatile matter on the ring highway, or with iron at the Savigny site. The paniculate metal speciation scheme has demonstrated the important dependence of heavy metal distribution on the sampling site, as well as the potentially more mobile nature of zinc and cadmium, compared to that of lead. The structural modifications undergone by solids during their transport along the sewer networks had a significant impact on paniculate metal mobility. This has been clearly noted for lead, whose mobility decreased from upstream to downstream in the studied system.