Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Occlusion-Free Road Segmentation Leveraging Semantics for Autonomous Vehicles

The deep convolutional neural network has led the trend of vision-based road detection, however, obtaining a full road area despite the occlusion from monocular vision remains challenging due to the dynamic scenes in autonomous driving. Inferring the occluded road area requires a comprehensive understanding of the geometry and the semantics of the visible scene. To this end, we create a small but effective dataset based on the KITTI dataset named KITTI-OFRS (KITTI-occlusion-free road segmentation) dataset and propose a lightweight and efficient, fully convolutional neural network called OFRSNet (occlusion-free road segmentation network) that learns to predict occluded portions of the road in the semantic domain by looking around foreground objects and visible road layout. In particular, the global context module is used to build up the down-sampling and joint context up-sampling block in our network, which promotes the performance of the network. Moreover, a spatially-weighted cross-entropy loss is designed to significantly increases the accuracy of this task. Extensive experiments on different datasets verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach, and comparisons with current excellent methods show that the proposed method outperforms the baseline models by obtaining a better trade-off between accuracy and runtime, which makes our approach is able to be applied to autonomous vehicles in real-time.
Follow‐up ultrasound in second‐trimester low‐positioned anterior and posterior placentae: prospective cohort study

The majority of cases of placenta previa or a low‐lying placenta in the second trimester will have a normal placental position in the third trimester. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of the distance between the placenta and the internal os of the cervix (IOD) in the second trimester for the prediction of third‐trimester low‐positioned placenta, and to define a cut‐off value at which all cases of third‐trimester low‐positioned placenta are identified.
TRAINING INDUCED CHANGES ON PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL VARIABLES OF YOUNG INDIAN FIELD HOCKEY PLAYERS

The present study aims to find out the training induced changes on different physiological and biochemical parameters in young Indian field hockey players. A total of 30 Indian male field hockey players (age range 14-16 yrs) regularly playing competitive field hockey were selected; a training programme consist of aerobic and anaerobic exercise were followed for 6 wks and 12 wks respectively. Results showed a significant decrease (P<0.05) in body fat, and a significant increase (P<0.05) in LBM following both 6 wks and 12 wks of training. Strength of backs and handgrip muscles were also increased significantly (P<0.05) after the training. Significant reduction (P<0.05) in heart rates during sub-maximal exercises, maximal exercises and recoveries were noted after both the training programme. Moreover, significant increase (P<0.05) in aerobic capacity and anaerobic power were observed after the training. Further, significant reductions (P<0.05) were noted in hemoglobin, total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDLC after the training. On the other hand plasma levels of urea, uric acid and HDLC were increased significantly (P<0.05) following the training. Present study showed a decrease in body fat and the plasma levels of cholesterol as well as LDLC and increase in HDLC, which is beneficial for good health and better performance. However, reduction in hemoglobin and increase in plasma urea and uric acid may be due to increased training load. Since the data on field hockey players are limited in India, therefore the present study may provide useful information to the coaches to develop their training programme. (Biol.Sport 26:33-43, 2009)
Development and application of surface plasmon polaritons on optical amplification

Propagation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) along the interface between a metal and a dielectric has attracted significant attention due to its unique optical properties, which has inspired a plethora of fascinating applications in photonics and optoelectronics. However, SPPs suffer from large attenuation because of the ohmic losses in the metal layer. It has become the main bottom-neck problem for the development of high performance plasmonic devices. This limitation can be overcome by providing the material adjacent to the metal with optical gain. In this paper, a review of gain compensation to SPPs is presented. We focus on the spontaneous radiation amplification and simulated radiation amplification. The ohmic loss of metal was greatly improved by introducing optical gain. Then we introduce several gain mediums of dye doped, quantum dots, erbium ion, and semiconductor to compensate optical loss of SPPs. Using gain medium mentioned above can compensate losses and achieve many potential applications, for example, laser, amplifier, and LRSPP discussed.
Acute reduction in cerebral blood velocity on supine-to-stand transition increases postural instability in young adults.

We tested the hypothesis that transient deficits in cerebral blood flow are associated with postural sway. In 19 young healthy adults, we examined the association between the drop in cerebral blood flow during supine-to-stand transitions (indexed by transcranial Doppler ultrasound (middle cerebral artery blood velocity at diastole; MCAdv) and near-infrared spectroscopy (tissue saturation index; TSI)) and the center of pressure displacement while standing. Participants performed transitions under 3 conditions aimed at progressively increasing the drop in MCAdv, in a randomized order: (i) a control transition (CON); (ii) a transition that coincided with deflation of bilateral thigh cuffs (TC); and (iii) a transition that coincided with both thigh cuff deflation and 90 sec of prior hyperventilation (HTC). The deficit in diastolic blood velocity (MCAdv deficit) was quantified as the difference between MCAdv and its preceding baseline value, summed over 10 sec beginning at the MCAdv nadir. Compared to CON, HTC led to greater drops in MCAdv (P = 0.003) and TSI (P < 0.001) at nadir. The MCAdv deficit was positively associated with the center of pressure displacement vector-average using repeated-measures correlation (rrm = 0.56, P < 0.001). An a posteriori analysis identified a sub-group of participants that showed an exaggerated increase in MCAdv deficit and greater postural instability in both the anterior-posterior (P = 0.002) and medial-lateral (P = 0.021) directions in response to the interventions. These findings support the theory that individuals who experience greater initial cerebral hypoperfusion upon standing may be at a greater risk for falls.
Production of selenium-enriched milk and dairy products

Abstract Until the middle of the last century, selenium was considered to be toxic, but recently it turned out to be a micronutrient with important physiological effects, whose lack impedes the functioning of several enzymes, while in the case of a prolonged deficiency, disease processes can also occur in the body. Hungary belongs to the selenium-deficient regions in Europe; therefore, our aim was to contribute to the improvement of selenium supply of the population through increasing the selenium content of milk and dairy products. A daily supplementation of 1-6 mg organic selenium to the feed of dairy cows increases the selenium content of milk from the value of 18 μg/kg to 94 μg/kg in 8 weeks, decreasing again to the initial value in 6 weeks after stopping the supplementation. After producing various products from the control milk (18 μg/kg selenium content) and the selenium-enriched milk (53 μg/kg) obtained from dairy cattle fed on a feed supplemented with 2 mg selenium/day, we concluded that the selenium content of selenium-enriched milk compared to the products produced from the control milk increased from the value of 18.6 to 58.5 μg/kg in the case of yogurt, from 66.0 to 138.1 μg/kg in the case of telemea, from 80.8 to 163.7 μg/kg in the case of orda (urdă) and from 88.6 to 200.0 μg/kg in the case of semi-hard cheese obtained by mixed-coagulation. The selenium content of whey also increased significantly (from 8.8-9.7 μg/kg to 20.1-25.8 μg/kg), which could also be used as a food for people or feed for animals. According to our calculations, the selenium requirements of the developing organism could be satisfied by the consumption of 2-3 dl selenium-enriched milk until the age of 8 and with 4-6 dl selenium-enriched milk until the age of 20.
Endovascular Management of Neurofibromatosis Type I-Associated Vasculopathy: A Case Series and Brief Review of the Literature

Purpose: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal-dominant disorder found in approximately 1 of every 3000 individuals. Neurofibromatosis type 1 can have vascular manifestations including aneurysms, stenoses, and arteriovenous malformations. The purpose of this article is to describe the clinical manifestations of NF1 vasculopathy, discuss therapeutic options, and highlight endovascular therapies from our institutional experience. Materials and Methods: The radiology information system was searched for cases of NF1. Cases with vasculopathy managed with endovascular therapies were included. Demographics, clinical histories, procedural details, and outcomes were recorded. A review of the literature for the management strategies of NF1 vasculopathy was performed. Results: Two pediatric patients with NF1 were identified, both of whom presented with hypertension found to be secondary to renal artery stenosis. One of the patients also had infrarenal aortic narrowing. Both patients were successfully treated with balloon angioplasty, resulting in improved blood pressures. The review of the literature identified case series of pharmacologic, surgical, and endovascular therapies, although, endovascular therapies appear to be preferred due to lower morbidity and mortality. Conclusions: NF1 vasculopathy is a rare condition that most often presents with hypertension due to renal artery stenosis. In these situations, endovascular management is the preferred approach.
GAMES PEOPLE PLAY – CREATING A FRAMEWORK FOR THE GAMIFICATION OF A MASTER’S COURSE IN A PORTUGUESE UNIVERSITY

Education, like many institutions in contemporary society, faces significant challenges to the completion of its mission. This is especially true of higher education, which is often expected to be and seen as a facilitator of social and cultural advancement. Gamification is a relatively new concept intending to use elements from video games in non-game applications. Education is therefore an area with high potential for application of this concept since it seeks to promote people’s motivation and engagement. The research in progress aims at creating a model for applying gamification in a course of Human Resources Management for Engineers, where testing and validating the results of that application can be possible. This paper presents the state of the art of gamification in higher education, as well as some guidelines and main features of a gamification framework to be applied in the course of a Masters in Engineering.
Spider Knottin Pharmacology at Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels and Their Potential to Modulate Pain Pathways

Voltage-gated sodium channels (NaVs) are a key determinant of neuronal signalling. Neurotoxins from diverse taxa that selectively activate or inhibit NaV channels have helped unravel the role of NaV channels in diseases, including chronic pain. Spider venoms contain the most diverse array of inhibitor cystine knot (ICK) toxins (knottins). This review provides an overview on how spider knottins modulate NaV channels and describes the structural features and molecular determinants that influence their affinity and subtype selectivity. Genetic and functional evidence support a major involvement of NaV subtypes in various chronic pain conditions. The exquisite inhibitory properties of spider knottins over key NaV subtypes make them the best venom peptide leads for the development of novel analgesics to treat chronic pain.
Taking spoofs seriously Th e counter-narrative potential of spoofs as critical discourse

Th is article explores how the theoretical framework of “counter-narrative” can be a resource for the analysis of spoofi ng videos. Using spoofs deployed by activist organizations to critique Western aid appeals and “voluntourism,” we 1) investigate the intertextual mechanisms of spoof videos as counter-narrative and how spoofers borrow generic conventions and use them to create alternative narratives, and 2) discuss the consequences of their cultural depictions, for example for the discourse of volunteering, which we examine here, particularly in light of tendencies toward self-refl ecting campaigns identifi ed by Chouliaraki (2013). Th rough these understandings, we draw lessons about the counter-narrative potential of spoofs used as critique and edifi cation and their ambivalent status as counter-narratives. As critiques, they may hold a mirror to viewers’ self-perceptions and motivations. Yet, this self-refl exive strategy carries the risk of self-congratulatory complicity with the genres they seek to critique and the discourses and power relations upon which they depend.
Turkey results from the western Anatolian Extensional Province , Manisa fault zone , Cl exposure dating of paleoearthquakes in the Eastern Mediterranean : First 36

Based on historical and instrumental data, societies in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East have survived at least 150 large earthquakes (generally M > 6) during the past 2500 yr. Beyond this time span, an earthquake chronology is mostly unknown, which hampers the production of reliable long-term earthquake models. Since the only remaining evidence of seismic activity is a bedrock scarp, cosmogenic 36Cl is the only suitable nuclide to be applied in the determination of the seismic history and slip rate of an active limestone fault plane. In this study, we focus on the 4-m-high Mugırtepe fault scarp within the active Manisa fault zone in western Anatolia, one of the most seismically active and rapidly extending regions in the world. We analyzed 44 samples in two slightly overlapping strips, which in total covered 2.65 m of the fault scarp. In order to determine the timing and the amount of slip of the paleoseismic events, we analyzed the measured 36Cl concentrations using the Schlagenhauf Matlab® code. We used two different scenarios based on two different inherited 36Cl concentrations as constrained by our data and modeling. The best fi t for the fi rst scenario yields two seismic events, one at 13.7 ± 0.8 ka with a displacement of 0.5 ± 0.2 m and one at 7.8 ± 0.5 ka with 2.15 ± 0.35 m offset. For the second scenario, we obtained a single seismic event at 8.6 ± 0.6 ka with 2.65 ± 0.35 m of slip. These results indicate that the visible part of the Mugırtepe exposed fault scarp had achieved most of its displacement already by 8 ka. Initial surface faulting at Mugırtepe occurred not later than around 14 ka, and marked seismic activity continued until around 8 ka. Our fi rst results from the western Anatolian Extensional Province show the ability to reveal periods of enhanced seismic activity beyond historical data using cosmogenic 36Cl.
Phylogeography of Sula: the role of physical barriers to gene flow in the diversification of tropical seabirds

We examined mitochondrial cytochrome b sequence variation in masked Sula dactylatra, red-footed S. sula, and brown S. leucogaster boobies sampled from islands in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean and in the Caribbean Sea. Each species showed a different phylogeographic pattern. Whereas haplotypes in masked and red-footed boobies were shared across the central and eastern Pacific (i.e., across the Eastern Pacific Basin), brown booby haplotypes were not shared across the Eastern Pacific Basin. Although most masked booby haplotypes from the Pacific were distinct from those in the Caribbean, one haplotype was shared across the Isthmus of Panama. Red-footed and brown boobies, however, did not share haplotypes across the Isthmus of Panama. We estimate that divergence of these regional populations occurred within the last 560,000 years. Thus, the Isthmus of Panama and the Eastern Pacific Basin (albeit to a lesser degree) appear to have played a role in the diversification of these species.
Tick-borne encephalitis virus infections in Germany. Seasonality and in-year patterns. A retrospective analysis from 2001-2018

Background Little is known regarding the changing seasonality of infections with the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and the incidence of the resulting disease over the last two decades. Seasonal patterns have to our knowledge not previously been systematically investigated and are poorly understood. We investigate emerging seasonal changes in clinical aspects like potentially increasing hospitalization during the year, variations in clinical symptoms and disease severity during the season and seasonal dynamics of fatal outcomes. Material and methods TBEV infection became a notifiable disease in Germany in 2001. We used the national reporting dataset spanning from 2001–2018, provided by the Robert Koch-Institute (RKI). There were general epidemiological variables available, including “symptom onset”, “age” and “sex”. Furthermore, several variables documented disease severity. These included “CNS symptoms”, “myelitis”, “fatal outcome” and “hospitalization”. Potential factors influencing the occurrence of CNS symptoms, myelitis, hospitalizations and fatal outcome were analyzed using logistic regression models. Linear trends, including the “time point in year” at which TBEV infection related symptoms were detected, were tested using calendar year as a continuous covariate. In addition, seasonal trends and age and sex specific differences were exploratively tested for non-linear effects using restricted cubic splines with knot locations based on Harrell's recommended percentiles. Finally, the dynamic relationship between in-seasonal trends year of detection, sex and age was tested using interaction terms. Results 6,073 TBEV infection cases from 2001–2018 were included in our analysis. We find that from 2001–2018 TBEV infections are reported 0.69 days earlier each year (p<0.001). There was no detectable seasonal variation regarding the occurrence of fatal outcome, CNS and myelitis. However, there was a significant changing trend regarding hospitalizations over the course of the year: The risk for hospitalization increases until August, decreases again from October on. Conclusion We present epidemiological evidence that the TBE season in Germany has shifted to start earlier over the last years, beginning approximately 12 days earlier in 2018 than it did in 2001. There are seasonal patterns regarding a higher risk of hospitalization during August.
Assessing mobile health feasibility and acceptability among HIV-infected cocaine users and their healthcare providers: guidance for implementing an intervention.

Background Mobile health (mHealth) can provide innovative, cost-effective strategies to improve medication adherence and optimize HIV treatment outcomes. Very little, however, is known about the acceptability and feasibility of mHealth among people with HIV (PWH) who use drugs. Our study objective was to assess feasibility, acceptability, and barriers and facilitators of implementing an mHealth intervention among PWH who are cocaine users, a group for whom no pharmacological treatment to reduce cocaine use is available. Methods Five focus groups (FGs) (N=20) were conducted with PWH who self-reported cocaine use in the past 30 days, with 3 groups (N=8) of healthcare providers. Topics included previous experience with smartphones; barriers and facilitators of mobile technology for health purposes; and attitudes toward receiving types of feedback about adherence. Results Patients preferred text reminders over phone calls for reasons of privacy, accessibility and economizing phone minutes. Direct communication via text messages and phone calls was considered more appropriate for social workers and case managers, who have greater frequency of communication and deeper relationships with patients, and less so for doctors, who see patients less regularly than community health workers. Patients seem particular about who has what information, and overall, they seem to prefer that their medical information, especially HIV-related, stay within the confines of patient-provider relationships. Conclusions HIV still provokes stigma and makes health information particularly sensitive for both providers and patients. The rise of mobile technology and related applications such as mHealth, means that new norms have to be established for its use. Participants' suggestions and feedback informed the design of a subsequent mHealth pilot randomized control trial to improve medication adherence.
Microstructure and Mechanical Performance of 3D Printed Wood-PLA/PHA Using Fused Deposition Modelling: Effect of Printing Temperature

The microstructure and mechanical performance of wood-based filament is investigated in the case of Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) technique using experimental and numerical approaches. The printing process of wood-PLA/PHA is conducted by varying the printing temperature, typically from 210 °C to 250 °C. The filament temperature during the laying down is measured using infra-red camera to study the thermal cycling. In addition, X-ray micro-tomography is used to evaluate the material arrangement of printed wood-PLA/PHA at different length scales. Tensile experiments are performed to rank the loss in mechanical performance with respect to the filament properties. Finally, finite element computation is considered to predict the tensile behaviour based on the implementation of the real 3D microstructure issued from X-ray micro-tomography. The results show that the wood-based filament is printable over a wide range of temperatures and exhibits a marked heat accumulation tendency at high printing temperatures. However, the limited gain in tensile performance at these temperatures makes 220 °C an optimal choice for printing wood-based filament. The elongation at break of 3D-printed wood-PLA/PHA is remarkably similar to the results observed for the filament. Finite element computation reveals that despite this apparent similarity, the associated deformation mechanisms are different.
Routine clinical care for chronic immune thrombocytopenia purpura in Denmark, 2009–2015

ABSTRACT Objectives: To describe routine treatment and clinical characteristics of patients with chronic ITP (cITP). Methods: We used data from Danish nationwide registers and medical records to examine routine clinical care, including splenectomy and medical treatment, of Danish patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (cITP, defined as two or more ITP diagnoses at least 6 months apart), i.e. treatment initiation before cITP diagnosis and treatment initiation within one year post-diagnosis for treatment-naïve patients. Results: Nearly half of all 964 cITP patients diagnosed during 2009–2015 initiated treatment between initial ITP diagnosis and chronic onset; 43% received glucocorticoids, 12% received IVIG and 18% received rituximab. Within one year post-diagnosis, 9.2% of previously untreated patients commenced therapy, most often corticosteroids and rituximab. Discussion: Our results are in line with findings of recent studies from other countries. Conclusion: We found that corticosteroids, IVIG, and rituximab are common first- choice of ITP drugs. Bleeding events occurred in nearly one third of treated patients in the year before cITP diagnosis and in 5% of the treatment-naïve patients. A substantial number of patients do not need treatment during the first 6–12 months. However, some of these patients will subsequently need treatment as the disease may worsen, indicating the need for continuous follow-up of these patients.