Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Study of a Neurofeedback methodology for treatment of chronic pain in clinical context

Chronic pain is a worldwide health problem characterized by physical debilitation and often accompanied by anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment. Previous research suggests that Neurofeedback (NF), a type of biofeedback in which individuals are trained to self-regulate their brain activity, has demonstrated its potential as a therapeutic complementary/alternative approach to help chronic pain patients. In this thesis, an EEG-NF training protocol was designed and implemented in 7 patients with chronic back pain, aiming to decrease their pain level and discomfort. The training comprised 16 sessions, in which an alpha/theta protocol was applied at Cz to enhance alpha activity and simultaneously inhibit theta. Since only 4 out of 7 participants have already completed the treatment, the analysis was performed from the first to the seventh session. Considering all participants, a significant raise of the alpha/theta ratio was observed within session, as well as a significant decrease of the theta relative amplitude. Across sessions, only a significant increase was observed for the alpha band. No significant changes were obtained regarding psychological and cognitive improvements, neither a significant decrease in pain was observed after 7 training sessions. Although improvements were seen in patients’ training performance over the first half of the procedure, it is important to further evaluate the outcomes for the whole treatment. By increasing sample size and adding a control group it is expected that stronger conclusions can be drawn. Nonetheless, these findings provide preliminary support for the NF potential efficacy in the treatment of chronic back pain, suggesting further investigation is needed for a deeper understanding.
A Review of friction stir processing and behavioral study of surface modified Al-Si-Mg alloy done by this technique

Silicon is a good metallic alloy for Aluminum alloys as it increases the fluidity, reduces the melting temperature, decreases the shrinkage during solidification, and is very inexpensive as a raw material. Recently use of cast Al–Si alloys has been expanding widely in military, automobile and general engineering industry. The wear behavior of these alloys depends on material related parameters and service conditions. Surface treatments are generally carried out to improve their service life. Out of various means available for surface modification, friction stir processing (FSP) is being widely used these days. This paper comprises of an elaborative study of friction stir processing for surface modification of Al-Si-Mg alloy system.
Learning-based Lyapunov Analysis for Nonlinear Control Systems

The establishment of Lynapunov theory has provided fundamental methods to determine local stability using Lyapunov functions. How to successfully search Lynapunov functions therefore becomes a critical problem in stabilizing control systems. In this work, we tackle the stability problem in nonlinear control systems using a novel learning-based architecture, which guarantees the satisfaction of Lynapunov constraints in a strict sense. Experiments on various dynamical systems are performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the presented method.
Association between Pax8-PPARγ1 Rearrangement and Follicular Thyroid Cancer: a Meta-Analysis

We focused on a chromosomal translocation in t(2;3) (q13;p25), fusing Pax8-a transcription factor, which is the key of normal thyroid gland development, and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγ(PPARγ), which is one of the thyroid cell nucleus receptor family (Eberhardt et al., 2010). Pax8-PPARγ1 oncogene was detected in thyroid carcinomas (78% of follicular carcinomas are FTC)(Marques et al., 2002). In addition, papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC)may also harbor the Pax8-PPARγ1 fusion gene(Castro et al., 2005). Some studies even reported that the frequency of Pax8PPARγ1 rearrangements was similar in FVPTC (37.5%), FTC45.5%)(Banito et al., 2007). Moreover, previous cytogenetic studies have identified the translocation in some cases of FTA(33.3%) (Dwight et al., 2003). But some studies reported that the frequency of Pax8-PPARγ1 rearrangements is 35% in FTC and 55% in FTA(Cheung et al., 2003). The main purpose of the meta-analysis is
Using Phone Log-Likelihood Ratios as Features in an iVector Approach to Language Recognition

—In acoustic approaches to Spoken Language Recognition (SLR), short-term spectral features such as MFCC-SDC are commonly used under different modeling techniques, including the highly competitive total variability (iVector) approach. On the other hand, phonotactic SLR systems are built on segmental-level phone n-gram statistics computed on phone lattices/sequences produced by phone decoders, some of which use frame-level phone posterior probabilities as intermediate features. In this paper, we propose the use of log-likelihood ratios of frame-level phone posterior probabilities, the so called Phone Log-Likelihood Ratios (PLLR), as features under an iVector approach. A PLLR-based iVector system is fully described, evaluated and compared to: (1) an acoustic iVector system (trained on MFCC-SDC features); and (2) a phonotactic (Phone-lattice-SVM) system. To evaluate the goodness of the proposal, experiments on four different benchmarks have been carried out: the NIST 2007, 2009 and 2011 LRE databases (which include narrow band, mostly single-speaker telephone conversational speech) and the Albayzin 2010 LRE database (which includes wide-band, multi-speaker broadcast speech). In these experiments, the iVector system trained on PLLR features outperformed the iVector system trained on MFCC-SDC. The fusion of the PLLR-based iVector system —either with the acoustic iVector system or with the phonotactic system— provided signiﬁcant improvements in all benchmarks, which may indicate that PLLR features are complementary to both acoustic and phonotactic features. Finally, the fusion of the three approaches yielded the best or among the best performances reported so far on the considered benchmarks 1 .
OTT_A_214319 9265..9275

1Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, Valencia, Spain; 2Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Clinical and Translational Research in Cancer, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain; 3Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Català Oncologia, IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; 4Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain; 5Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, Valencia, Spain; 6Department of Cardiac Surgery, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, Valencia, Spain
INVESTIGATION OF NANOCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND FILMS PREPARED BY MICROWAVE PLASMA CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION

Two approaches have been described in literature for the preparation of nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) coatings by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MWCVD). The first approach involves an increase of the methane concentration in the conventional CH4/H2 gas mixture, leading to enhanced secondary nucleation rate (4-8), the second one – partial or complete substitution of hydrogen by argon or nitrogen, resulting in change of the growth mechanism by inclusion of new film-forming species (9-15). We have investigated the deposition of NCD films by MWCVD combining the two approaches mentioned above: by increasing the methane concentration in the gas mixture up to 17% and by complete replacement of hydrogen by nitrogen. The influence of the gas phase composition on the properties of the deposited NCD films (films B and C) was investigated and they were compared to that of polycrystalline diamond films (films A). All deposition conditions are listed in Table I.
Development of Model Active Packaging System and Inactivation of Surface-Associated Listeria monocytogenes by Controlled Release of Nisin

This is the fixed version of an article made available by an organization that acts as a publisher by formally and exclusively declaring the article "published". If it is an "early release" article (formally identified as being published even before the compilation of a volume issue and assignment of associated metadata), it is citable via some permanent identifier(s), and final copy-editing, proof corrections, layout, and typesetting have been applied.
The leaching kinetics of gold from gold scraps in Cl2-saturated HCl solutions Cl2 gazı ile doyurulmuş HCI çözeltilerinde altın hurdalarından altının liçing kinetiği

Öz In order to explain the model of kinetics control on the leaching of gold in gold-bearing scraps, the effects of the reaction temperature, solid/ liquid ratio, particle size and stirring speed and acid concentration are investigated. In the examination of the leaching kinetics of gold in Cl2saturated HCI solutions, Cl atoms occurring in the medium react more rapidly than Cl2 molecules with gold scraps. This reaction takes place simultaneously with the reaction of dissolution and in situ-generated chlorine is called. Also, the method doesn’t have some disadvantages such as the storage of generated chlorine. It is determined that the leaching rate decreases with increasing particle size and solid to liquid ratio while it increases with increasing reaction temperature, acid concentration and stirring speed. For fluid/solid systems, shrinking core models are analysed by using of experimental results. It is observed that the leaching of gold from gold-bearing scraps is chemically controlled. Also, the leaching rate controlled by the chemical reaction is supported by the relationship between the particle diameter and rate constant. The activation energy of leaching process by using Statistica Package Program is determined as 34.40 kJ/mol. Altın içeren hurdalardan altının liçingi üzerine kinetiği ortaya koyan modeli açıklamak için, reaksiyon sıcaklığı, asit konsantrasyonu, katısıvı oranı, karıştırma hızı ve partikül boyutunun etkileri araştırılmıştır. Cl2 ile doyurulmuş HCI çözeltilerindeki altın liç kinetiğinin incelenmesinde, ortamda meydana gelen Cl atomları, altın hurdaları ile Cl2 moleküllerine göre daha hızlı reaksiyon vermektedir. Bu reaksiyon, çözünme reaksiyonu ile eşzamanlı olarak gerçekleşir ve yerinde oluşturulan klor olarak isim alır. Yöntemin, üretilen klorun depolanması gibi bazı dezavantajları da yoktur. Liçing hızının, artan reaksiyon sıcaklığı, karıştırma hızı ve asit konsantrasyonunu ile artarken; katı-sıvı oranı ve partikül boyutunun artmasıyla azaldığı belirlenmiştir. Katı-sıvı sistemleri için büzülen nüve modellerini kullanan deneysel veriler analiz edilerek, altın içeren hurdalardaki altının liçinginin kimyasal kontrollü olduğu gözlenmiştir. Keza; çözünmenin kimyasal reaksiyon ile kontrol edilen liçing hızı, hız sabiti ve partikül boyutu arasındaki ilişki ile de desteklenmiştir. Liçing prosesinin aktivasyon enerjisi Statistica Paket Programı kullanılarak 34.40 kJ/mol olarak tespit edilmiştir.
Kinematics of lower extremity joint after ankle arthrodesis by retrograde nail

The aim of the study was to assess the variability of parameters characterising the gait of patients after Tibio-talo-calaneal arthrodesis. The locomotion study evaluated values of angular changes in the hip, knee and ankle joints in three planes of motion, as well as spatio-temporal parameters. The locomotion examination was carried on 4 patients aged between 45 and 60 years (55±7,6), using Vicon 250, with diagnosed secondary degenerative changes of the left ankle and subtalar joints who had undergone the Tibio-talo-calaneal arthrodesis by retrograde intramedullary nail. The control group comprised 30 healthy subjects aged 50- 70 years. Ankle and subtalar arthrodesis have changed the gait stereotype causing a reduction in the economy of patients’ locomotion, the influence of the surgery on the function of the neighbouring joints is also distinctly marked.
OTT_A_239336 1797..1807

Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China Abstract: Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors, and it is also one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Because of its insidious symptoms and lack of early dictation screening, many cases of gastric cancer are at late stages which make it more complicated to cure. For these advanced-stage gastric cancers, combination therapy of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and target therapy would bring more benefit to the patients. However, the drug-resistance to the chemotherapy restricts its effect and might lead to treatment failure. In this review article, we discuss the mechanisms which have been found in recent years of drug resistance in gastric cancer. And we also want to find new approaches to counteract chemotherapy resistance and bring more benefits to the patients.
Measuring the Macroeconomic Impact of Capital Requirements∗

We quantitatively assess the implications of regulatory capital requirements in an open economy DSGE model with banks. The capital requirement consists of a fixed part and a countercyclical part (countercyclical buffers). Since we focus on the deterministic steady state, changes on the fixed part affect the long-term economy, while changes in the sensitivity of the buffers do not. In particular, we examine the aggregate dynamics resulting from a negative capital quality shock and assess the effectiveness of capital requirements as a tool to diminish real losses in the case of a financial crisis. We find that the higher the fixed capital requirements, the better able banks are, and hence economy, to handle a financial crisis. Furthermore, in general, countercyclical buffers that respond to deviations of the expected spread or the observed credit-to-GDP ratio from their long-term values, or to percentage deviations of the observed credit (or GDP) from its long-term values diminish the fluctuations in both financial and real variables. The conclusion is not clear when buffers respond to the observed deviations of asset prices, credit and output growth from their long-term levels.
TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF INTERPERSONAL CONFLICT: A CASE STUDY IN THREE PRIMARY SCHOOLS

The purpose of this qualitative intrinsic interpretive case study, which formed part of a larger Master in Education Study, is to report on the perceptions of teachers in three primary schools regarding the consequences of conflict among educators. Fifty nine educators, including principals, participated in this study that utilised an open-ended questionnaire, semi-structured interviews and focus-group interviews. The rationale for this study was to ascertain what the perceived consequences of conflict are, in order that these schools as well as the district office of the Department of Basic Education could have a sense of what the perceived consequences are as portrayed by the participants. Hence, participants were able to tell their stories through using text and voice. The findings suggest that the consequences of conflict can be categorised as functional (positive) and dysfunctional (negative) outcomes, each with subsidiary themes. Overall, conflict was experienced as a negative force in general, that is perceived as causing defi ant attitudes, intolerance, poor cooperation and teamwork, poor relationships, division of unity, poor morale and work ethic, has a negative impact on wellness, leads to absenteeism and ultimately adversely impact on the learners’ learning. On the other hand the positive consequences were improved relationships among staff, greater understanding, improved attitudes, positive change and even personal growth.
Tissue-specific bioaccumulation of heavy metals in ammopiptanthus mongolicus, the only evergreen shrub in the desert of northwest China

The concentration of heavy metals (HMs) in plants is determined by the background values in soil and/or the expression of genes related to HM metabolism. To determine if the bioaccumulation of HMs in Ammopiptanthus mongolicus, an evergreen desert shrub commonly used as a traditional medicine, is related to environmental background and/or tissue (organ) specific, the HM concentrations (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, Ni, and Zn) in the soil, roots, stems, and leaves of A. mongolicus in the desert of northwestern China were measured. Efficiencies of bioconcentration, bioaccumulation, and translocation to different portions of the plant were calculated. A linear mixed-effects model was used to test the effects of environmental background and tissue specificity on bioaccumulation. The results showed that most HMs did not exceed the pollution threshold in the soil samples, and the accumulation in plants did not meet the standard of worldwide averages. The phytoaccumulation of HMs was independent of the background concentration in soil but was related to plant tissues, which reflects the low mobility of HMs in the desert, and suggesting that the phytoaccumulation is related to the metabolic capacity and/or differential expression of HM-related genes in tissues of A. mongolicus. The high translocation efficiency of mercury from the underground portion to the leaves makes A. mongolicus a potential phytoremediator for mercury contamination. However, the removal efficiency in high-dose contamination soil still needs to be further examined. This study suggests that the desert environment may lack appropriate microorganisms to decompose immobile HMs effectively. In addition, when using A. mongolicus as a medicinal plant, special attention should be paid to the accumulation of HMs in different tissues, even if they have not reached the risk threshold.
Management of crop residue through various techniques

Keeping in view the increasing problems associated with crop stubble burning in the state of Punjab, several initiatives for its proper management have been taken up. Various departments and institutions of the Punjab government are promoting alternative uses of straw instead of burning. Rice-wheat system is a major dominating cropping system of India. High yields of the irrigated Rice-wheat system have resulted in production of huge quantities of crop residues. Burning of rice straw is common in north-west India causing nutrient losses and serious air pollutions affecting human health, climate change and global warming. To avoid straw burning, innovations in crop residue management should assist in achieving sustainable productivity and allow farmers to reduce nutrient and water inputs, and reduce risk due to climate change. Crop residues contain significant quantities of plant nutrients and their judicious application will have positive effect on nutrient management in rice wheat system. Long-term studies of the residue recycling have indicated improvements in physical, chemical and biological health of soil. Other plausible option of crop residues management lies in utilizing a portion of surplus residue are incorporate in to soil which improve soil health, increase nutrient use efficiency and minimize air pollution and other i.e. mushroom cultivation as converting of inedible crop residues into valuable food, surface mulch as conservation of soil moisture, temperature and control of weed emergence, bio-fuel and compost production. Residue decomposition in soil substantially increases the soil organic carbon and other nutrient.
Evaluation of Anti-Helicobacter pylori IgG in Sera of Pregnant Women

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterial infection of the stomach, which plays a major role in abdominal symptoms and gastroduodenal pathology. The pregnant women had a significantly higher relative risk of acquiring H.pylori infection during pregnancy as a result of physiological alterations. To investigate the relationship of H.pylori with dyspeptic symptoms in early and late pregnancy, thirty sera samples were obtained from pregnant women and thirty sera samples were obtained from apparently healthy women as control. All studied groups were evaluated anti-Helicobacter pylori IgG antibody by ELISA. Ten of pregnant women samples (33.3%) were seropositive of anti-H. pylori IgG antibody in pregnant women compared with control. This lead to suggest that H. pylori positive may be related to nausea and vomiting in pregnant women.
ANALYSIS OF FLOW METERS READING IN FUKUOKA CITY WATER SUPPLY NETWORK USING SELF-ORGANIZING MAP

The water distribution regulation system of Fukuoka City is a system in which motor valves are operated by remote control while pressure gauges and flow meters attached to distribution pipes are monitored. One of the main objectives towards the wise management of this system is to regulate pressure in all the network nodes between lower and upper target values. With the ever-increasing complexity of the city-wide distribution pipe network, motor valve operations to regulate pressure and flow came to depend more and more on the experience and skills of operators. For this reason, an improvement of valve operations support should be done based on valve operation planning for flow and pressure regulation, and the operation knowledge database which is constructed on the basis of past experience in order to prevent the events of pressure regulation falls outside the required target pressure range, feeds the different network nodes with the required water demand and also to reduce the effort of operators. Therefore in this study an analysis of the existing flow meters reading of a certain block within the city district is performed using an unsupervised class of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) named SelfOrganizing Maps (SOM). Two different models are constructed; the first is used for long term operation with the assistance of three years of hourly telemetry data while the second model is performed using two days of one minute telemetry data for short term operation. Both models treat the valve operations rules and the resulted water pressure by an indirect way. Results show that SOM is an efficient tool in clustering the different complicated operational patterns of valves, visualizing the huge amount of telemetry data, detecting the patterns which need future improvement and could present good alternative solutions for improving future valve operational support.
TOPIC MODELLING : AN ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL ISSUE THROUGH

The prime focus is on “topic modeling” by extracting the tweets from Twitter about Sterlite Project. The extracted tweets are processed using LDA (Latent Dirichlet Allocation) and Gibbs Method. Using these methods we analyze locus standi on Sterlite Project from various dimensions. The centroid of the issue is the central government stand on extraction of copper by hydraulic without considering other environmental issues that hampers the livelihood of the inhabitants. Which in turn favors the corporate profit and by destroying nature. There was public outcry from various groups in Social Media (Twitter) against the Sterlite Project. The topic modeling clearly explores all opinions and options from various dimensions about Sterlite Project. In our study there were few topics that are been discussed in a large scale such as ‘BanSterlite’,’’SaveTuticorin’,’support’,’tamilnadu’ and ‘Sterlite protest’ by which we can say that the sterlite project is a threat to the agriculture and destroys the sentiment of the people associated with farming. It is also observed that the emotions are changing with the respect to time and reactive policy changes from the government. A time series analysis with the topic modeling is carried out and studied for the better understanding of the sentiments.