Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Automated bridge component recognition from point clouds using deep learning

To assess the current conditions of bridges in practice, a manual visual inspection is commonly used for maintenance purposes. Because manual visual inspection is time consuming, expensive, and laborious, computer vision with deep learning techniques has recently been introduced as a promising tool for automatic damage detection and classification. However, damage localization is difficult in that close‐up images do not contain the global structural context, while knowing the damage locations and the associated structural components is essential for interpreting the overall structural health. Compared with two‐dimensional (2D) image data, the point clouds in the three‐dimensional (3D) space with an extra dimension can be useful for bridge component recognition. However, previous research employing geometric features of bridges was only partially successful for relatively simple types of bridges without the background regions (e.g., ground, water, and vegetation). This study presents a methodology for automated bridge component recognition using deep learning. The proposed approach is designed for general bridges that may have curved decks or different pier heights. Furthermore, the proposed method can handle point clouds that have points in the background regions, significantly reducing the time‐consuming preprocessing of the point cloud. For robust and automated segmentation, a set of point clouds is extracted from a bridge by subspace partition, and a deep leaning technique is employed to classify labels. Subsequently, the classification results are combined to determine the consensus label for each point based on a majority of estimated classes, thereby improving identification accuracy. The classification performance is experimentally validated using full‐scale bridge.
An Evaluation of Risk Adjusted Measurements for Thai Mutual Funds

Risk adjusted measurements can be used to measure risk and volatility that are involved in investment returns. They are of great interest to investors. This paper focuses on evaluation of the risk adjusted measurements and aims to find the measurements that are most suitable for evaluating the performance of Thai mutual funds. Three popular risk adjusted measurements, i.e., Sharpe ratio, Treynor ratio, and Jensen’s alpha ratio, are used. Data from all funds in the bond asset class, the real estate asset class, and the equity asset class, from January 2013 to the end of December 2018 are used for the evaluation. The analysis shows that Jensen’s alpha ratio outperforms the other measurements in all the three asset classes.
Quantum degenerate mixtures of Cs and Yb

We report the production of quantum degenerate Bose-Bose mixtures of Cs and Yb with both attractive (Cs + $^{174}$Yb) and repulsive (Cs + $^{170}$Yb) interspecies interactions. Dual-species evaporation is performed in a bichromatic optical dipole trap that combines light at 1070 nm and 532 nm to enable control of the relative trap depths for Cs and Yb. Maintaining a trap which is shallower for Yb throughout the evaporation leads to highly efficient sympathetic cooling of Cs for both isotopic combinations at magnetic fields close to the Efimov minimum in the Cs three-body recombination rate at around 22 G. For Cs + $^{174}$Yb, we produce quantum mixtures with typical atom numbers of $N_\mathrm{Yb} \sim 5 \times 10^4$ and $N_\mathrm{Cs} \sim 5 \times 10^3$. We find that the attractive interspecies interaction (characterised by the scattering length $a_\mathrm{CsYb} = -75\,a_0$) is stabilised by the repulsive intraspecies interactions. For Cs + $^{170}$Yb, we produce quantum mixtures with typical atom numbers of $N_\mathrm{Yb} \sim 4 \times 10^4$, and $N_\mathrm{Cs} \sim 1 \times 10^4$. Here, the repulsive interspecies interaction ($a_\mathrm{CsYb} = 96\,a_0$) can overwhelm the intraspecies interactions, such that the mixture sits in a region of partial miscibility.
Oral tranexamic acid for bleeding during spinal surgery: A randomized double-blind placebo clinical trialRunning title: Oral tranexamic acid for spinal surgery

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the oral Tranexamic acid (TXA) effect on the bleeding during spine surgery amounts. Patients and Methods: In this randomized double-blind placebo clinical trial, patients with lumbar spinal cord and back pain disease, those who needed fusion or were candidates for bilateral or more or equal to two levels surgeries, and those who referred to the Neurosurgery Department, were included and randomly divided into two equal groups. TXA was orally administered at 25 mg/kg dosages four times a day before surgery and 500 mg in the morning of surgery. The bleeding amount during the operation was calculated based on the number of sterile pads used during the operation and the amount of bleeding collected in the suction device (suction) in milliliters. Each sterile pad soaked in blood is equal to 50 ml of bleeding. The suction blood content at the end of the operation (in milliliters), was also collected by bleeding in sterile pads and reported in milliliters . The difference in hemoglobin level 24 after surgery was compared to before surgery. The follow-up period was until discharge from the hospital. Results: No significant difference was seen in the demographic data between the two groups (p < 0.05). Oral TXA had a positive effect on the intraoperative and postoperative bleeding amounts, and hospitalization duration, and it significantly reduced bleeding in the mentioned cases (p < 0.05 in all cases). Moreover, no significant differences were observed in coagulation factors, including PT, INR, and coagulation tests between the two groups, even PTT was increased. Oral TXA increased nausea and vomiting experienced by patients in the intervention group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Overall, oral TXA significantly reduced the intraoperative and postoperative bleeding, as well as the hospitalization duration in patients undergoing spinal surgery in comparison with the placebo group. Because of its anti-fibrinolytic properties, TXA effectively controlled bleeding. Thus, the intraoperative bleeding amount was decreased with the TXA administration.
New molecular and cellular aspects of mutant calreticulin in myeloproliferative neoplasms

Calreticulin (CALR) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein that plays an important role as a calcium (Ca2+) buffering chaperone. Mutations in CALR exon 9 have been identified in essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis, two myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) characterised by megakaryocyte hyperplasia. Despite the large body of research built around CALR mutations, many aspects of the oncogenic mechanisms of CALR in MPNs remain unanswered. This investigation aims to investigate whether CALR mutations affect the nature of the C-terminal domain of this protein, its sub-cellular compartmentalisation and its Ca2+ buffering activity during megakaryocyte hyperplasia. Additionally, this study establishes a new cellular model to investigate megakaryocyte differentiation in presence of CALR mutations. In silico analysis of the structural characteristics of CALR mutant C-terminal domain revealed that CALR mutations lead to changes in its secondary structure, its protein binding properties and changes the acidity of CALR mutant´s C-terminal domain. These physical alterations could affect CALR cellular behaviour by leading to inefficient ER Ca2+ buffering activity and lead to a novel oncogenic network of protein interactions. This study revealed that MARIMO leukemic cell line, which harbours a CALR mutation, has in vitro megakaryocyte differentiation potential. Importantly, this discovery was useful for further studies aiming to analyse CALR mutant cells during megakaryocyte commitment. Moreover, study of CALR mutant cellular localisation showed that this protein is localised within the ER, but it is also mislocalised within the cytoplasm and cell membrane, where it co-localised with thrombopoietin receptor. Interestingly, CALR cell surface expression increased during megakaryocyte commitment in CALR mutant cells, showing a dynamic process of CALR compartmentalisation during megakaryocyte differentiation. One of the more significant findings shown in this study is the emergence of intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+I]) as an important element during megakaryopoiesis. Importantly, CALR mutations impaired the cellular ER Ca2+ buffering activity and led to changes in the [Ca2+I] during the process of megakaryocyte differentiation. In addition, initial experimentsrevealed that physical manipulation of [Ca2+I] leads to the emergence of a megakaryocyte phenotype in leukemic cells, showing the relevance of this factor during megakaryocyte commitment. All together, these findings elucidate novel effects of CALR mutations into the physical and functional characteristics of CALR mutant in MPNs, describing new aspects of this driver mutation during the oncogenesis of these diseases. Finally, the current data highlight the importance of studying the effects of CALR mutations during the process of megakaryocyte differentiation, as CALR mutant sub-cellular compartmentalisation and ER Ca2+ buffering activity variate during the process of megakaryopoiesis.
Convergence of Networking and Cloud/Edge Computing: Status, Challenges, and Opportunities

The wide applications of virtualization and service-oriented principles in various emerging networking technologies introduce a trend of network cloudification that enables network systems to be realized based on cloud technologies and allows network services to be provisioned following the cloud service model. Network cloudification together with the critical role of networking in the latest cloud/edge computing technologies leads to the convergence of networking and cloud/edge computing, which calls for a holistic vision across the fields of networking and computing that may shape relevant technology developments. in this article, we attempt to sketch a big picture to reflect the current status of on-going research toward network-cloud/edge convergence. We first describe the notion of such convergence and present an architectural framework for converged network-cloud/edge systems. Then, we survey the state of the art of enabling technologies for network-cloud/edge convergence by reviewing recent progress in relevant standardization and technology developments in representative research projects. We also discuss challenges that must be fully addressed for realizing the convergence of networking and cloud/ edge computing and identify some opportunities for future research in this exciting interdisciplinary field.
Impaired cognitive performance under psycho-social stress in cannabis dependence is mediated by attenuated precuneus activity

Deficient regulation of stress plays an important role in the escalation of substance use, addiction and relapse. Accumulating evidence suggests dysregulations in cognitive and reward-related processes and the underlying neural circuitry in cannabis dependence. However, alterations in stress regulation have not been systematically examined. Against this background the present fMRI study examined psycho-social stress processing in cannabis-dependent males and matched controls using an adaptive mental arithmetic task accompanied by negative social evaluation. During psycho-social stress exposure, but not the non-stress condition, cannabis users demonstrated decreased performance. In contrast, levels of experienced stress and cardiovascular stress responsivity did not differ from controls. Neuroimaging data revealed that stress-induced performance deteriorations in cannabis users were accompanied by decreased precuneus activity and increased connectivity of this region with the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex. Together, the present findings provide the first evidence for exaggerated stress-induced cognitive performance deteriorations in cannabis users. The neural data suggests that deficient stress-related dynamics of the precuneus may mediate the deterioration of performance on the behavioral level.
Natural conservation of guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) meat vacuum packed: Oregano essential oil effect on the physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics

Guinea pig meat is high in protein and low in fat, representing an attractive option for human nutrition. In addition, its sensory characteristics are making this product more appreciated in both internal and external markets. However, it is a highly perishable product, for which it is important to look for products and technologies that allow it to preserve its quality. Oregano essential oil is a natural product that presents antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that can use on the preservation of meat. Thus, the objective of this work was to study the effect of the concentration of oregano essential oil (0.5% and 1%) and storage time (0, 35 and 70 days) at -10 °C, on physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics of guinea pig meat vacuum packed. For this was used guinea pigs of Peru race with 3 months of age-old and weight range between 600 and 700 g. Oregano essential oil at 0.5 and 1% was dissolved in a saline solution at 2%, next add to surface internal and external of meat after this was packing vacuum in PE pouches and stored at -10 °C until 35 and 70 days. At each storing time was evaluated physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics. The best results in the majority of the characteristics were obtained to 0.5% oregano essential oil concentration and 70 days of storage, in this condition the characteristics were pH = 6.11 ± 0.05; moisture (%) = 71.6 ± 0.36; ΔEi = 3.74 ± 0.77; ΔEe = 8.30 ± 0.55; PBC = 99 ± 4 cfu/g and; texture, odor, internal and external color and, appearance acceptable.
The catalytic partial oxidation of n-tetradecane on Rh and Sr substituted pyrochlores

Catalyst deactivation by high levels of sulfur and aromatics limits the catalytic partial oxidation (CPOX) of diesel fuel into a H2-rich stream for fuel cells. These species poison traditional supported metal catalysts because they adsorb strongly to electron dense metal clusters and promote the formation of carbon on the surface. In this work, Rh + Sr are substituted into lanthanum zirconate (LZ) pyrochlore (La2Zr2O7) to give an La(2-x)SrxRhyZr(2-y)O(7- i) (LSRZ) catalyst. The resistance to deactivation and carbon formation were examined by the CPOX of a mixture of 5 wt% 1-methylnaphthalene + 1000 ppmw dibenzothiophene in n-tetradecane. The results were compared to a commercial Rh/a-Al2O3 catalyst. In the presence of these contaminants, the activity of the LSRZ was only kinetically inhibited, which is thought to be attributable to the oxygen-ion conductivity that results from Sr substitution into the pyrochlore structure. Rh/a-Al2O3 was deactivated, likely due to significant carbon accumulation on/near the Rh metal
Shaping entrepreneurial intention among youngsters in Malaysia

Purpose Entrepreneurship is one of the engines to stimulate socio-economic development. This study aims to examine the relationships of entrepreneurship education, financial support and market availability, with the entrepreneurial attitude among youngsters in venturing into entrepreneurship. A further discovery concerning the relationship between entrepreneurial attitudes and entrepreneurial intention is also analysed. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through a survey questionnaire that was distributed to university students. A total of 425 collected data were analysed using structural equation modelling to discover the relationship among five chosen constructs. Findings It was found that entrepreneurship education and financial support encourage the entrepreneurial attitude of youngsters to venture into entrepreneurship. This entrepreneurial attitude is further supported by an entrepreneurial intention to become an entrepreneur. Nevertheless, market availability does not influence the youngsters to venture into entrepreneurship. Practical implications Entrepreneurship encouragement should focus on the entrepreneurship education and financial support to shape the entrepreneurial attitude, which, indirectly, may further influence the entrepreneurial intention. Originality/value As an initiative to become an entrepreneurial nation, there is a need to discover how to shape the entrepreneurial intention through entrepreneurial attitude. This study is assisting to fill the research gap by focussing on the Malaysian market.
Spelling Errors and Non-Standard Language in Peer-to-Peer Loan Applications and the Borrower’s Probability of Default

As peer-to-peer (P2P) lenders evaluate the potential risk of each loan application, they may rely on subjective judgement given qualitative information. Academics have found loan approval rates to be associated with the borrower's personality traits, social capital, and appearances. However, the association between a borrower's language and probability of default has yet be considered. In this paper, we show that there are statistically significant linguistic differences in the free-text Lending Club loan descriptions between those that default and those that are fully paid. By newly engineering features on non-standard language and spelling errors, using natural language processing techniques and running multivariate logistic regression analyses, we find that the usage of slang words, short-hand abbreviations, and spelling errors are all associated with a higher likelihood of default when controlling for the borrower's income and loan amount. However, whether the errors were orthographic or phonological and the egregiousness of the error do not affect the probability of default. Finally, we discuss the ethical implications of potential discriminatory bias given the association between poor spelling and disability status (e.g. dyslexia), national origin (i.e. English language familiarity), and personality traits (carelessness), laying the foundation for future work on bias in P2P lending, and other scenarios involving applicant-oriented risk assessments.
Potential of observational learning to induce empathy and self – efficacy in pre-adolescent Indian orphan minors

The study explores the potential of Observational Learning as a technique to induce an understanding of the basic soft skills among children who belong to an orphanage. The study considers two soft skills namely empathy and self-efficacy. The qualitative technique of a semi-structured interview was used after a session of observation with the model. The sample constituted of 12 children (6 males and 6 females) between the age group of 6-12 years of age. The non-probability technique of convenient sampling was used. Thematic analysis was carried out on the collected data. Themes related to empathy (Love, kindness, caring and ability to think about/others) and Self-efficacy (Self-awareness, self-belief and self- regulation) were found out.
Determination of the Volatiles in Rosa chinensis Cultivars by Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography (GC × GC) and Quadrupole Time-of-Flight (QTOF) Mass Spectrometry (MS)

Abstract The Rosa chinensis cultivars Rosa Lvye, Rosa Knock out, Rosa Parade and Slater’scrimson China were analyzed for the volatile chemical composition in their flower petals. Headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) was applied to extract volatile flavors, and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) and quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectrometry (MS) were used for chemical profiling, including quantitative and qualitative analysis of the Rosa cultivars. A total of 97 volatile compounds were identified and 38 to 67 compounds were identified in each cultivar. The total concentrations of the extracted volatile compounds in the four cultivars were Rosa Knock out (750.21 ± 45.06 μg/g) > Rosa Parade (714.02 ± 6.94 μg/g) > Rosa Lvye (558.11 ± 9.08 μg/g) > Slater’s crimson China (436.86 ± 3.21 μg/g). This study provides a specific chromatographic fingerprint for the Rosa chinensis cultivars, which can be applied in differentiation of the fragrance and aroma constituents.
Onset of nucleate boiling in research reactors with thin rectangular channels under low-velocity upward-flow conditions

Currently used correlations to predict the onset of nucleate boiling heat flux q/sup ''//sub ONB/ in research reactor channels determine q/sup ''//sub ONB/ in terms of local channel pressure and wall superheat. Recent experiments show that these correlations may over- or underestimate q/sup ''//sub ONB/ by as much as a factor of 5 in thin rectangular channels for low-velocity upward flows. Such flow conditions are encountered in the natural convection cooling of research reactors with plate-type fuels. A set of experiments are performed to quantify the effect of channel flow velocity and gap size (in the ranges of 2 to 14 cm/s and 2 to 4 mm, respectively) on q/sup ''//sub ONB/ for upward flow in rectangular channels. An adjustable gap between two internally heated aluminum blocks forms the flow channel. A new correlation is proposed that predicts the experimental q/sup ''//sub ONB/ results within 13% for flows with Re < 700 (Re based on channel gap) and that is valid in the 1.40- to 1.46-atm pressure range.
Removing Non-Resonant Background from CARS spectra via Deep Learning

Broadband Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (B-CARS) is a powerful label-free nonlinear spectroscopy technique allowing one to measure the full vibrational spectrum of molecules and solids [1] - [2] . B-CARS spectra, however, suffer from the presence of a spurious signal, called non-resonant background (NRB), which interferes with the resonant one, distorting the line shapes and degrading the chemical information. While several numerical techniques [3] are available to remove this unwanted contribution and extract the resonant vibrational signal of interest, they all require the user’s intervention and sensitively depend on the spectral shape of the NRB, which needs to be measured independently.
‘This democracy is killing us’: perceptions of rights and democracy in the South African Police Service

Abstract Police reform in South Africa has been a crucial component of democratic consolidation. Yet recent research presents a contrasting set of opinions, indicating low levels of public trust in the South African Police Service (SAPS), but continued belief in their right to enforce the law, and a strong sense of isolation amongst officers themselves. As police are constitutive of the officers who populate their ranks, attention should be given to how ‘democracy’ is perceived by those charged with its protection. Through a series of interviews, this article examines how SAPS officers understand and experience ‘democracy’. Situating officers in the broader society and communities in which they work, it shows that officers conceive of democracy predominantly through the lens of ‘rights’ and that their role in protecting rights is complicated by the transitional nature of South Africa's democracy. It also provides insight into a sense of disempowerment amongst officers, suggesting negative conceptions of the quality of democracy and of the balance of liberal constitutionalism with the democratic impetus of building safer communities.