Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Home and office automation system using human activity recognition

The recent years have witnessed significant progress in the automation of human activity recognition in order to realize intelligent environments which are capable of detecting users actions and gestures so that the needed services can be provided automatically and instantly for maximizing the user comfort and safety as well as minimizing energy. If a person enters into the room and sits/stands/lies down then the fan or AC should be automatically turned on. If a person comes and walks away or keeps roaming around, then they should not be turned on thus saving energy.
Root Caries and Some Related Factors in 88-Year-Old Carriers and Non-Carriers of Streptococcus sobrinus in Saliva

The prevalence of caries on exposed root surfaces in 88-year-old subjects with and without salivary levels of Streptococcus sobrinus was studied. Ninety-two individuals were examined with regard to root caries lesions and fillings. The root caries index (RCI) was calculated and related to salivary flow rate and buffer capacity, plaque score and salivary counts of Streptococcus mutans, S. sobrinus and lactobacilli. In 89 subjects with exposed root surfaces, all but 2 harbored mutans streptococci; 51 subjects carried S. mutans only, 35 both S. sobrinus and S. mutans, and 1 S. sobrinus only. The RCI was significantly higher in persons with than those without S. sobrinus (p < 0.05). Subjects with both S. sobrinus and S. mutans had higher counts of total mutans streptococci and lactobacilli than subjects with only S. mutans (p < 0.05). The RCI was significantly correlated to S. sobrinus and S. mutans (p < 0.05). The positive correlation between the RCI and S. sobrinus was still significant when the other tested variables were kept constant, whereas the correlation between the RCI and S. mutans was weaker when S. sobrinus and lactobacilli were kept constant. The D-component of the RCI (DSr%) was significantly correlated to S. sobrinus, S. mutans and lactobacilli, whereas the F-component of the RCI showed no significant correlation to any of the tested variables. A stepwise multiple correlation showed that the variance of DSr% was best explained in the S. sobrinus carriers by S. sobrinus and the salivary buffer effect, and in the non-carriers by S. mutans.
Exercise training reduces the frequency of menopausal hot flushes by improving thermoregulatory control

Objective:Postmenopausal hot flushes occur due to a reduction in estrogen production causing thermoregulatory and vascular dysfunction. Exercise training enhances thermoregulatory control of sweating, skin and brain blood flow. We aimed to determine if improving thermoregulatory control and vascular function with exercise training alleviated hot flushes. Methods:Twenty-one symptomatic women completed a 7-day hot flush questionnaire and underwent brachial artery flow-mediated dilation and a cardiorespiratory fitness test. Sweat rate and skin blood flow temperature thresholds and sensitivities, and middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAv) were measured during passive heating. Women performed 16 weeks of supervised exercise training or control, and measurements were repeated. Results:There was a greater improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness (4.45 mL/kg/min [95% CI: 1.87, 8.16]; P = 0.04) and reduced hot flush frequency (48 hot flushes/wk [39, 56]; P < 0.001) after exercise compared with control. Exercise reduced basal core temperature (0.14°C [0.01, 0.27]; P = 0.03) and increased basal MCAv (2.8 cm/s [1.0, 5.2]; P = 0.04) compared with control. Sweat rate and skin blood flow thresholds occurred approximately 0.19°C and 0.17°C earlier, alongside improved sweating sensitivity with exercise. MCAv decreased during heating (P < 0.005), but was maintained 4.5 cm/s (3.6, 5.5; P < 0.005) higher during heating after exercise compared with control (0.6 cm/s [−0.4, 1.4]). Conclusions:Exercise training that improves cardiorespiratory fitness reduces self-reported hot flushes. Improvements are likely mediated through greater thermoregulatory control in response to increases in core temperature and enhanced vascular function in the cutaneous and cerebral circulations.
Platelets: much more than bricks in a breached wall

Platelets have various roles in vascular biology and homeostasis. They are the first actor in primary haemostasis and play important roles in thrombosis pathogenesis, but they are also part of innate immunity, which initiates and accelerate many inflammatory conditions. In some contexts, their immune functions are protective, while in others they contribute to adverse inflammatory outcomes. Platelets express numerous receptors and contain hundreds of secretory molecules that are crucial for platelet functional responses. The capacity of platelets to produce and secrete cytokines, chemokines and related molecules, under the control of specific intracellular pathways, is intimately related to their key role in inflammation. They are also able to intervene in tissue regeneration and repair because they produce pro‐angiogenic mediators. Due to this characteristic platelets are involved in cancer progression and spreading. In this review we discuss the complex role of platelets, which bridges haemostasis, inflammation and immune response both in physiological and pathological conditions.
Exploring the Experience of African Immigrant Mothers Providing Reproductive Health Education to Their Daughters Aged 10 to 14 Years

Introduction: Adolescents have disproportionate rates of unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections when compared with all other age groups. Mothers are gatekeepers and providers of reproductive health education, which can prevent teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Reproductive health education provided by African immigrant mothers is influenced by cultural experiences and cultural contexts that are not well understood and have not been studied. This study sought to describe the experience of African mothers living in the United States providing reproductive health education to their daughters aged 10 to 14 years. Method: A qualitative descriptive design was used. Twenty African immigrant mothers were interviewed in a community setting. Qualitative content analysis approach was used for analysis. Results: Three main themes emerged: (1) mothers’ reproductive health education in their country of origin, (2) mothers’ reproductive health communication with their daughters, and (3) changes due to the move to the United States. Discussion: Mothers believed daughters were too young for reproductive health education, leading to conversations with limited content that were frequently triggered by daughters’ exposure to reproductive health education outside the home. Implications: African immigrant mothers may benefit from culturally congruent discussions with health care providers about the reproductive health information they give their daughters.
Nondestructive Evaluation of Strain-Induced Phase Transformation and Damage Accumulation in Austenitic Stainless Steel Subjected to Cyclic Loading

Strain-induced phase transformation and damage accumulation in austenitic stainless steel subjected to cyclic loading were investigated by nondestructive evaluation. The cyclic loading test was performed at various strain amplitudes at the same strain rate. The volume fraction of the strain-induced phase transformation (α′-martensite) was determined by ferrite scope and magnetic coercivity measurement. The damage accumulation and microstructure of cyclic loading specimens were characterized by microstructural observation. The cyclic hardening and cyclic softening behavior are discussed in terms of the generation of strain-induced martensite phases and a dislocation substructure at each strain amplitude. The volume fraction of the strain-induced phase increased with the strain amplitude. The increase in α′-martensite was evaluated by measuring the ultrasonic nonlinearity parameter. The presence of α′-martensite is sufficient to distort the austenitic matrix due to an interface misfit between the austenite matrix and α′-martensite, resulting in wave distortion of the longitudinal wave. From this wave distortion, super-harmonics may be generated with nucleation of the strain-induced martensite, a process that strongly depends on the strain amplitude.
Cortical oscillations and entrainment in speech processing during working memory load

Neuronal oscillations are thought to play an important role in working memory (WM) and speech processing. Listening to speech in real‐life situations is often cognitively demanding but it is unknown whether WM load influences how auditory cortical activity synchronizes to speech features. Here, we developed an auditory n‐back paradigm to investigate cortical entrainment to speech envelope fluctuations under different degrees of WM load. We measured the electroencephalogram, pupil dilations and behavioural performance from 22 subjects listening to continuous speech with an embedded n‐back task. The speech stimuli consisted of long spoken number sequences created to match natural speech in terms of sentence intonation, syllabic rate and phonetic content. To burden different WM functions during speech processing, listeners performed an n‐back task on the speech sequences in different levels of background noise. Increasing WM load at higher n‐back levels was associated with a decrease in posterior alpha power as well as increased pupil dilations. Frontal theta power increased at the start of the trial and increased additionally with higher n‐back level. The observed alpha–theta power changes are consistent with visual n‐back paradigms suggesting general oscillatory correlates of WM processing load. Speech entrainment was measured as a linear mapping between the envelope of the speech signal and low‐frequency cortical activity (< 13 Hz). We found that increases in both types of WM load (background noise and n‐back level) decreased cortical speech envelope entrainment. Although entrainment persisted under high load, our results suggest a top‐down influence of WM processing on cortical speech entrainment.
Organisation-Oriented Coarse Graining and Refinement of Stochastic Reaction Networks

Chemical organisation theory is a framework developed to simplify the analysis of long-term behaviour of chemical systems. In this work, we build on these ideas to develop novel techniques for formal quantitative analysis of chemical reaction networks, using discrete stochastic models represented as continuous-time Markov chains. We propose methods to identify organisations, and to study quantitative properties regarding movements between these organisations. We then construct and formalise a coarse-grained Markov chain model of hierarchic organisations for a given reaction network, which can be used to approximate the behaviour of the original reaction network. As an application of the coarse-grained model, we predict the behaviour of the reaction network systems over time via the master equation. Experiments show that our predictions can mimic the main pattern of the concrete behaviour in the long run, but the precision varies for different models and reaction rule rates. Finally, we propose an algorithm to selectively refine the coarse-grained models and show experiments demonstrating that the precision of the prediction has been improved.
Uncharacterized Bacterial Structures Revealed by Electron Cryotomography

ABSTRACT Electron cryotomography (ECT) can reveal the native structure and arrangement of macromolecular complexes inside intact cells. This technique has greatly advanced our understanding of the ultrastructure of bacterial cells. We now view bacteria as structurally complex assemblies of macromolecular machines rather than as undifferentiated bags of enzymes. To date, our group has applied ECT to nearly 90 different bacterial species, collecting more than 15,000 cryotomograms. In addition to known structures, we have observed, to our knowledge, several uncharacterized features in these tomograms. Some are completely novel structures; others expand the features or species range of known structure types. Here, we present a survey of these uncharacterized bacterial structures in the hopes of accelerating their identification and study, and furthering our understanding of the structural complexity of bacterial cells. IMPORTANCE Bacteria are more structurally complex than is commonly appreciated. Here we present a survey of previously uncharacterized structures that we observed in bacterial cells by electron cryotomography, structures that will initiate new lines of research investigating their identities and roles.
Del17p does not always significantly influence the survival of B-cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders

B-cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders (B-CLPD) comprise several entities with indolent clinical manifestations but heterogeneous survival. Cytogenetic aberrations are now the standard prognostic predictors in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) but have been less investigated in other subtypes of B-CLPD. In this study, we detected cytogenetic aberrations by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in 875 B-CLPD patients, based on a panel probes locating at 13q14, 11q22, 17p13 and CEP12. We identified del17p acted as the independent adverse cytogenetic predictor for overall survival (OS) in CLL. Del13q, del11q and del17p were adverse factors for OS in Waldenström's macroglobulinemia in the univariate analysis but lost their role in the multivariate analysis. Trisomy 12 acted as an independent poor factor for both marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) and unclassified B-CLPD (BCLPD-U) subtype. Del17p did not impact survival in MZL and BCLPD-U patients. These contrasting results indicate different roles of the same cytogenetic aberrations in the pathogenesis of each B-CLPD subtype. As del17p contributed to the poorest survival in CLL and desired extraordinary treatment strategy, the imitation of CLL strategy to other B-CLPD with del17p should be carefully advocated based on this study.
Electrospun silk fibroin‐based neural scaffold for bridging a long sciatic nerve gap in dogs

Silk fibroin (SF)‐derived silkworms represent a type of highly biocompatible biomaterial for tissue engineering. We have previously investigated biocompatibility of SF with neural cells isolated from the central nervous system or peripheral nerve system in vitro, and also developed a SF‐based nerve graft conduit or tissue‐engineered nerve grafts by introducing bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, as support cells, into SF‐based scaffold and evaluated the outcomes of peripheral nerve repair in a rat model. As an extension of the previous study, the electrospun technique was performed here to fabricate SF‐based neural scaffold inserted with silk fibres for bridging a 30‐mm‐long sciatic nerve gap in dogs. Assessments including functional, histological and morphometrical analyses were applied 12 months after surgery. All the results indicated that the SF‐based neural scaffold group achieved satisfactory regenerative outcomes, which were close to those achieved by autologous nerve grafts as the golden‐standard for peripheral nerve repair. Overall, our results raise a potential possibility for the translation of SF‐based electrospun neural scaffolds as an alternative to nerve autografts into the clinic.
A Study of the Effect of Soil Improvement Based on the Numerical Site Response Analysis of Natural Ground in Babol City

A series of numerical calculations have been performed to investigate the effect of soil improvement on seismic site response. Seismic site response analyses were also performed using data collected from a study area in Babol city. The improved site is a composite ground and has more or less different mechanical properties than the natural ground. In this research, the influence of the elastic modulus of the pile, the pile distance ratio, ground motion input, distance to fault rupture, and PGA of the earthquakes on seismic response characteristics are especially investigated. The results reveal that the values of the PGA and amplification factor on the surface of the natural and improved grounds depend strongly on the fundamental period of the site, the predominant period, and the intensity of the ground motion input. The acceleration response spectra also are affected by the characteristics of ground motion input and soil layers. Changing the pile distance ratio doesn’t have a significant effect on the seismic response of the site.
Transmission Performance Based on Plasmonic Waveguide Coupled With Sectorial-Ring Stub Resonator

A novel nanoscale plasmonic resonator system based on metal-dielectric-metal plasmonic waveguide coupled with left- or right-handed sectorial-ring stub resonator is proposed and investigated. The two-dimensional simulation demonstrates that a transmission spectrum with two dips and one peak is achieved in the novel system, whose left- or right-handed resonator is the same effect. The transmission spectrum can be highly tuned by adjusting the refractive index <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$(n)$ </tex-math></inline-formula> of the dielectric, or the central angle (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\theta$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) or the outer radius <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$(R)$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and inner radius <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$(r)$ </tex-math></inline-formula> of the stub (namely the width (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${w}_{\mathrm{ s}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) or center arc length (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$l_{\mathrm{ C}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) of the stub) when the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$n$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${w}_{\mathrm{ s}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$l_{\mathrm{ C}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> are unfixed, and also can be highly controlled by fixing the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$n$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${w}_{\mathrm{ s}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$l_{\mathrm{ C}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> with different <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\theta$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$R$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$r$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. The transmission performance is explained by the resonance condition, which agrees well with the numerical simulation or theoretical calculation. The proposed structure realizes asymmetrical, multiple, and tunable or controllable stub, which can become a novel plasmonic nanofilter or nanosensor. This letter provides a promising application for nanoscale optical devices and integrated optics devices.
Why OR.NET? Requirements and perspectives from a medical user’s, clinical operator’s and device manufacturer’s points of view

Abstract In the past decades, modern medicine has been undergoing a change in the direction of digitalisation and automation. Not only the integration of new digital technologies, but also the interconnection of all components can simplify clinical processes and allow progress and development of new innovations. The integration and interconnection of medical devices with each other and with information technology (IT) systems was addressed within the framework of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)-funded lighthouse project OR.NET (“Secure dynamic networking in the operating room and clinic”.) (OR.net-Forschungskonsortium (OR.net Research Syndicate.) OR.net – Sichere dynamische Vernetzung in Operationssaal und Klinik [Online]. Available: www.ornet. org. [last accessed 22 March 2017]). In this project the standards and concepts for interdisciplinary networking in the operating room (OR) were developed. In this paper, the diverse advantages of the OR.NET concept are presented and explained by the OR.NET “Medical Board”. This board represents the forum of clinical users and includes clinicians and experts from various specialties. Furthermore, the opinion from the viewpoint of operators is presented. In a concluding comment of the “Operator Board”, clinical user needs are aligned with technical requirements.
Phylogeny and taxonomy of Favolus (Basidiomycota)

ABSTRACT Favolus is a natural genus that is closely related to Polyporus. A taxonomic study of Favolus was carried out based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 = ITS) and 18S and 28S genes of the nuc rDNA, translation elongation factor 1-α gene (TEF1-α), the mt 16S rDNA gene (mt rrnS), β-tubulin gene (TBB1), and the RNA polymerase II largest subunit (RPB1) and second largest subunit (RPB2) genes. Fourteen specimens collected from subtropical to tropical regions in China were shown to be different from existing Favolus species. They are described and illustrated here as four new species, namely, Favolus niveus, F. septatus, F. pseudoemerici, and F. subtropicus.
Protective effect of Teucrium polium on carbon tetrachloride induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Teucrium polium (TP) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced spleen, erythrocyte’s oxidative stress, and genotoxicity in rats. TP was found to contain large amounts of polyphenols (150 mg GAE/G of dry plant) and flavonoids (60 mg QE/g of quercetin dry plant). The CCl4 (0.5 ml/kg) treated rats exhibited significant reductions in serum vitamin A (VA), vitamin E (VE) and total antioxidant status (TAS). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and conjugated dienes (CD) were significantly high in the CCl4 group compared to controls. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significantly decreased in CCl4 rats. Cytogenetic trials revealed remarkable increases in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations (CAs) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) following CCl4 administration. Pretreatment with TP prevented damages caused by CCl4. Spleen characterised by necrosis was detected in CCl4 as compared to controls. Pretreatment with TP considerably decreased the perturbation.
Supervised classification of Dermatological diseases by Deep learning

This paper introduces a deep-learning based efficient classifier for common dermatological conditions, aimed at people without easy access to skin specialists. We report approximately 80% accuracy, in a situation where primary care doctors have attained 57% success rate, according to recent literature. The rationale of its design is centered on deploying and updating it on handheld devices in near future. Dermatological diseases are common in every population and have a wide spectrum in severity. With a shortage of dermatological expertise being observed in several countries, machine learning solutions can augment medical services and advise regarding existence of common diseases. The paper implements supervised classification of nine distinct conditions which have high occurrence in East Asian countries. Our current attempt establishes that deep learning based techniques are viable avenues for preliminary information to aid patients.