Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Study on medical image segmentation methods of humerus

Currently, many people suffer from osteoporosis. Judgment of osteoporosis is usually measured using a machine such as a bone densitometer. We propose a method of grading the degree of osteoporosis in bone using images. Using a regional growth model (humeral stem) based on statistical ideas, a dynamic contour model based on segmentation (humeral head) and Otsu Law to image segmentation, processing, analysis, and then assist the doctor to choose the appropriate way to treatment. This method is based on the analysis of pixel points of medical DR images. The experimental results are valuable and more in line with modern society for medical requirements.
Application of enzymes in leather processing: a comparison between chemical and coenzymatic processes

The use of biotechnology by tanneries has increased in recent years. Enzymes can be applied during different steps of the leather production process: soaking, dehairing, bating, dyeing, degreasing or in effluent and solid waste treatment. This study evaluated the performance of five commercial enzymes in soaking and unhairing/liming by comparing the chemical and coenzymatic processes. Tests were conducted in bench drums to evaluate the action of enzymes during each stage. Concentration, processing time and type of enzyme were varied. Total organic carbon and soluble protein were used to measure the efficiency of the processes. Enzymatic activity assays on collagen, keratin and lipid and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analyses of hides were used to complement the study. Coenzymatic processes generally showed better results in comparison to chemical processes. The enzymes showed activity on all substrates, and the SEM analyses of the hides showed a clear difference between the chemical and coenzymatic processes.
A comparison of the antifouling/foul-release characteristics of non-biocidal xerogel and commercial coatings toward micro- and macrofouling organisms

Five non-biocidal xerogel coatings were compared to two commercial non-biocidal coatings and a silicone standard with respect to antifouling (AF)/fouling-release (FR) characteristics. The formation and release of biofilm of the marine bacterium Cellulophaga lytica, the attachment and release of the microalga Navicula incerta, and the fraction removal and critical removal stress of reattached adult barnacles of Amphibalanus amphitrite were evaluated in laboratory assays. Correlations of AF/FR performance with surface characteristics such as wettability, surface energy, elastic modulus, and surface roughness were examined. Several of the xerogel coating compositions performed well against both microfouling organisms while the commercial coatings performed less well toward the removal of microalgae. Reattached barnacle adhesion as measured by critical removal stress was significantly lower on the commercial coatings when compared to the xerogel coatings. However, two xerogel compositions showed release of 89–100% of reattached barnacles. These two formulations were also tested in the field and showed similar results.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Comparing Two Approaches for Empirical Antifungal Therapy in Hematological Patients with Persistent Febrile Neutropenia

ABSTRACT New approaches of empirical antifungal therapy (EAT) in selected hematological patients with persistent febrile neutropenia (PFN) have been proposed in recent years, but their cost-effectiveness has not been studied. The aim of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of two different approaches of EAT in hematological patients with PFN: the diagnosis-driven antifungal therapy (DDAT) approach versus the standard approach of EAT. A decision tree to assess the cost-effectiveness of both approaches was developed. Outcome probabilities and treatment pathways were extrapolated from two studies: a prospective cohort study following the DDAT approach and a randomized clinical trial following the standard approach. Uncertainty was undertaken through sensitivity analyses and Monte Carlo simulation. The average effectiveness and economic advantages in the DDAT approach compared to the standard approach were 2.6% and €5,879 (33%) per PFN episode, respectively. The DDAT was the dominant approach in the 99.5% of the simulations performed with average cost-effectiveness per PFN episode of €32,671 versus €52,479 in the EAT approach. The results were robust over a wide range of variables. The DDAT approach is more cost-effective than the EAT approach in the management of PFN in hematological patients.
Social Network Profiles as Taste Performances

This study examines how a social network profile's lists of interests-music, books, movies, television shows, etc.-can function as an expressive arena for taste performance. By composing interest tokens around a theme, profile users craft their "taste statements. " First, socioeconomic and aesthetic influences on taste are considered, and the expressivity of interest tokens is analyzed using a semiotic framework. Then, a grounded theory approach is taken to identify four types of taste statements-those that convey prestige, differentiation, authenticity, and theatrical persona. The semantics of taste and taste statements are further investigated through a statistical analysis of 127,477 profiles collected from the MySpace social network site between November 2006 and January 2007. The major findings of the analysis include statistical evidence for prestige and differentiation taste statements and an interpretation of the taste semantics underlying the MySpace community-its motifs, paradigms, and demographic structures.
Laparoscopic repair for perforated peptic ulcer disease.

BACKGROUND Perforated peptic ulcer is a common abdominal disease that is treated by surgery. The development of laparoscopic surgery has changed the way to treat such abdominal surgical emergencies. The results of some clinical trials suggest that laparoscopic surgery could be a better strategy than open surgery in the correction of perforated peptic ulcer but the evidence is not strongly in favour or against this intervention. OBJECTIVES To measure the effect of laparoscopic surgical treatment versus open surgical treatment in patients with a diagnosis of perforated peptic ulcer in relation to abdominal septic complications, surgical wound infection, extra-abdominal complications, hospital length of stay and direct costs. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) on The Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 2004), PubMed/MEDLINE (1966 to July 2004), EMBASE (1985 to November 2004) and LILACS (1988 to November 2004) as well as reference lists of relevant articles. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised clinical trials comparing laparoscopic surgery versus open surgery for the repair of perforated peptic ulcer using any mechanical method of closure (suture, omental patch or fibrin sealant). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Primary outcome measures included proportion of septic and other abdominal complications (surgical site infection, suture leakage, intra-abdominal abscess, postoperative ileus) and extra-abdominal complications (pulmonary). Secondary outcomes included mortality, time to return to normal diet, time of nasogastric aspiration, hospital length of stay and costs. Outcomes were summarized by reporting odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, using the fixed-effect model. MAIN RESULTS We included two randomised clinical trials, which were of acceptable quality. We found no statistically significant differences between laparoscopic and open surgery in the proportion of abdominal septic complications (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.47), pulmonary complications (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.11 to 1.31) or actual number of septic abdominal complications (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.33 to 1.58). Heterogeneity was significant only for pulmonary complications. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This systematic review suggests that a decrease in septic abdominal complications may exist when laparoscopic surgery is used to correct perforated peptic ulcer. However, it is necessary to develop more randomised controlled trials that include a greater number of patients to confirm such an assumption, guaranteeing a long learning curve for participating surgeons. With the information provided by the available clinical trials it could be said that laparoscopic surgery results are not clinically different from those of open surgery.
Efficient analysis of arrays of rectangular corrugated horns: the synthetic aperture function approach

This paper presents a procedure to reduce the computational effort for the full-wave analysis of corrugated or stepped rectangular horns/cavities, open-ended on an infinite ground plane. This procedure, framed in the method of moments (MoM), is based on the construction of appropriate basis functions generated by solving the problem of one element in isolation. These functions are termed "synthetic aperture functions" (SAF); being numerical solutions of a physical problem, they have the adequate contents of high-order waveguide modes which allow the proper storage of local reactive energy. They also include a good approximation of the correct edge behavior. The technique reveals a significant reduction of computational resources compared to an ordinary MoM solution, especially for a large number of radiating elements
From (Quantified) Boolean Formulae to Answer Set Programming

We propose in this article a translation from quantified Boolean formulae to answer set programming. The computation of a solution of a quantified Boolean formula is then equivalent to the computation of a stable model for a normal logic program. The case of unquantified Boolean formulae is also considered since it is equivalent to the case of quantified Boolean formulae with only existential quantifiers.
Instrumental Assessment of Pediatric Dysphagia

Abstract Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have fulfilled primary roles in the evaluation and management of children with feeding/swallowing disorders for more than five decades. The increased incidence and prevalence of newborns, infants, and children with feeding and swallowing disorders has resulted in increased use of instrumental swallowing evaluations. The videofluoroscopic swallow study and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing are the two most commonly used swallowing assessments by SLPs, with ultrasound used less frequently. This article focuses on updates over the past decade in the procedures and utility of instrumental assessments of swallowing function, and identifies future directions that may enable us to meet the needs of the children who are in our care to attain functional outcomes.
Evaluation of different carrier-based PWM methods for modular multilevel converters for HVDC application

The outstanding features of modular multilevel converters (M2C) make it attractive for high voltage direct current (HVDC) systems. In order to achieve high efficiency in HVDC converter stations, the switching frequency and the capacitor voltage ripple of the converter should be minimized. A suitable modulation algorithm should achieve an optimal tradeoff between these two requirements. This paper evaluates different carrier-based PWM algorithms and discusses the most challenging technical aspects of an efficient M2C. It is observed that decoupling the waveform synthesis from the selection of which cell to switch at each instant has beneficial impact on operation performance. The evaluation is done by time-domain simulation considering a grid connected, three-phase M2C converter and an advanced control system. Results of this study can be used for implementing more economical HVDC converters.
Simulating resistive bridging and stuck-at faults

The authors present a simulator for resistive-bridging and stuck-at faults. In contrast to earlier work, it is based on electrical equations rather than table look up, thus, exposing more flexibility. For the first time, simulation of sequential circuits is dealt with; interaction of fault effects in current time frame and earlier time frames is elaborated on for different bridge resistances. Experimental results are given for resistive-bridging and stuck-at faults in combinational and sequential circuits. Different definitions of fault coverage are listed, and quantitative results with respect to all these definitions are given for the first time
Comparison of Madin-Darby canine kidney cells (MDCK) with a green monkey continuous cell line (Vero) and human lung embryonated cells (MRC-5) in the isolation of influenza A virus from nasopharyngeal aspirates by shell vial culture

We report a comparative study of the MDCK, Vero, and MRC-5 cell lines in the isolation of the influenza A (IA) virus. We studied 746 samples in which 63 IA viruses were isolated. The MDCK line displayed 100% sensitivity, the Vero line displayed 71.4%, and the MRC-5 displayed 57.1%. The MDCK line showed a statistically significant difference with respect to the Vero line (P = 0.001) and the MRC-5 line (P = 0.001). The quantitative sensitivity analysis showed the MDCK line to be superior to the other lines. It seems that the MDCK line is still one of the most recommendable for the isolation of the IA virus from respiratory samples.
Analysis of the semantic representations of living and nonliving concepts: A normative study

Current feature-based semantic memory models assume that the semantic representations of concepts differ systematically across living and nonliving categories and that such differences account for the emergence of category-specific semantic deficits in brain-damaged people. To assess some of the different models' main assumptions about structural differences at the semantic feature level in the two major semantic domains, we administrated a feature-listing task to normal young volunteers on 64 concepts drawn from living and nonliving semantic categories. We investigated whether feature correlation, a variable with a crucial role in the emergence of category-specific deficits, should be computed as a concept-dependent or as a concept-independent measure, and we chose the former. We also addressed the issue of a psychological counterpart of feature production frequency. Finally, we analysed the database obtained from the feature-listing tasks, looked at cross-domain differences for correlation, feature frequency, distinctiveness, and feature type, and discussed the implications of these findings for current semantic memory models.
AC 2007-3122: EVALUATING THE EFFICIENCY OF CANDIDATES FOR GRADUATE STUDY VIA DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS

In this paper, we present a DEA approach to measure the relative efficiency of applicants to the graduate programs in engineering. The proposed performance criteria are determined depending on the current evaluation criteria in the School of Engineering at the University of Bridgeport. The steps and implementation of the proposed methodology are explained with the help of a numerical example for the Fall 2004 semester.
Molecular characterization of brucella from north pacific common minke whale

Brucellosis is known to cause reproductive disorders or abortions in terrestrial mammals, especially domesticated animals. The causative agent, Brucella is a gram-negative, facultative intracellular bacterium of genus Brucella. Recently Brucella infection has been reported in a variety of wild animals including marine mammals. In the western North Pacific, pathological and serological investigations suggested Brucella infection occurred in common minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata). In the present study, infection with Brucella sp. was demonstrated in granular testes with caseation or calcification from the North Pacific whales using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Previous studies showed that terrestrial and North Atlantic seal isolates have omp2a and omp2b gene copies at outer membrane protein 2 gene locus, while North Atlantic cetacean isolates have two omp2b gene copies. The North Pacific whale Brucella has been shown to have omp2a and omp2b gene copies at the locus in this study, suggesting the similarity to terrestrial and North Atlantic seal isolates. However, the sequence of omp2b was different from those of known Brucella strains, and formed a distinct clade in the phylogenetic tree of omp2 gene. The insertion of an IS711 transposable element downstream of bp26 gene is a common molecular feature to all marine isolates. The insertion was found in the North Pacific whale Brucella, suggesting its close relation to North Atlantic marine isolates. Furthermore, an identical DNA sequence, which is unique to North Atlantic seal isolates, was found in the North Pacific whale Brucella. These results together showed that the North Pacific Brucella was different from known Brucella strains, but was most similar to North Atlantic seal strains
Nematic Liquid Crystal Optical Channel Waveguides on Silicon

We demonstrate the first channel waveguides made of E7 nematic liquid crystal (LC) in SiO2-Si V-grooves. The grooves have been obtained by wet etching n-Si substrates first and then by thermally growing an approximately 2-mum-thick SiO2 cladding layer. Propagation of infrared light at a wavelength of 1550 nm shows a good optical confinement in 10-mum-wide LC waveguides. Modal analysis and beam propagation simulations predict single mode propagation. This is experimentally confirmed by the acquired near field images. The optical waveguide acts as an integrated optic polarizer, since only vertical polarization can propagate due to the orientation of the LC molecules. The horizontal polarization state is suppressed by more than 25 dB
Factors influencing residents' satisfaction in residential aged care.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to identify the important factors influencing residents' satisfaction in residential aged care and to provide a better understanding of their interrelationships. DESIGN AND METHODS A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect the required information, including resident satisfaction, resident dependency levels, and staff satisfaction. A stratified random sampling approach was utilized to select facilities. All residents satisfying the selection criteria (i.e., understand English, be sufficient cognitive competence, have a sufficient energy level to participate in the survey, and live in the facility for more than 4 weeks) and all care staff were invited to participate. A total of 996 residents and 895 staff from 62 facilities (36 hostels and 26 nursing homes) provided the required data. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the interrelationships among three sets of contributing factors, related to the facility, staff and residents, and resident satisfaction components, separately for nursing home and hostel residents. RESULTS Overall fits of both nursing home and hostel models were satisfactory. This study has revealed that staff satisfaction plays a crucial and central role in determining resident satisfaction in nursing homes, whereas it has less impact in hostels. The provision of more care hours has only a small, yet positive, impact on resident satisfaction. Larger facility size has a negative impact on resident involvement. Older residents were found to be more satisfied with staff care. IMPLICATIONS The results provide a comprehensive understanding of what influences resident satisfaction. By accounting for important factors identified by residents, a resident-focused care model can be developed and implemented, leading to better service for aged care residents.
The effect of body dissatisfaction on women's perceptions of female celebrities.

OBJECTIVE Research suggests that media exposure causes some women to feel heightened dissatisfaction with their body shape. This study attempts to determine which women are effected as such, by investigating how women feel about their own bodies and how this effects their perceptions of female celebrities in the media. METHOD Undergraduate females (n = 116) were shown one accurate and six distorted photographs of thin and heavy female celebrities. Each distorted photograph made the celebrity appear thinner or heavier than actuality. Participants chose which photograph portrayed each celebrity's true body shape. Body shape concerns were measured by the Body Shape Questionnaire. RESULTS Women concerned about their body shape judged thin celebrities as thinner than actuality, whereas unconcerned women judged them accurately. Both groups judged heavy celebrities as heavier than actuality. DISCUSSION Results suggest certain women are effected by media exposure due to their own perception of females in the media. Prevention strategies, and the media's role in body dissatisfaction and dieting disorders, are discussed.
Welfare implications of tax driven industrial timberland ownership change on U . S . timber markets

In the last two decades, many firms in the U.S. forest products industry have either divested their timberlands to timber investment management organizations (TIMOs) and conservation organizations or converted their corporate structures from C corporations to real estate investment trusts (REITs). All landowners sold smaller timberland tracts for nonforestry uses. Reduced timber supplies from conservation organizations and timberland loss to other nonforestry uses were believed to have consequences on the welfare (i.e. economic surplus) shares of producers and consumers in the U.S. timber markets. This issue has not been adequately addressed in existing literature. Equilibrium displacement models were employed to address welfare implications in U.S. timber markets attributed to timberland ownership changes. Due to the net reduction of timber supply, total social welfare decreased by $43 million in 2006. Compared to over $33 billion U.S. timber markets, this welfare reduction was quite small. This study thus helps justify timberland divestiture decisions of industrial timberland owners, and understand the shifts of welfare share among producers and consumers when timberlands change hands.
Image Dehazing with Dark Channel Prior and Novel Estimation Model

Single Image Dehazing technology is widely needed in many fields. In order to solve the problem, we propose an improved and modified framework for estimating the optical transmission t in hazy scenes in a given single input image. At first, a novel formulation to the t estimation is presented with the combination of constant albedo and dark channel prior knowledge. Later, we introduce the watershed segmentation methodology into the algorithm to separate the image into some gray level consistent parts based on the original image’s color distribution and feature difference. As a result, we could estimate the atmospheric light A better and avoid the important drawback of artifacts phenomenon. At last, through this effective estimation to t and A, the scene visibility is largely increased and the haze-free scene contrasts can be better recovered. The experimental analysis shows that compared with other state-of-the-art algorithms, our proposed algorithm can provide promising results to dark channel prior and get corresponding reliable estimation value t with the advantage of minimal halo artifacts and fewer unreal details. Our method is more effective and robust.