Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ontology-Based Inverted Tables in Information Retrieval System

In this paper, a kind of 3-layer index inverted table is proposed, which differs from the usual one for the introduction of the additional layer for semantic items. We take advantage of some semantic markups and convert the content of documents to a set of ontology terms. The index tables for search engine obtains those converted terms, which match with the terms from the query, in that the precision of matching can be improved effectively.
How do Sources of Meaning in Life Vary According to Demographic Factors

Research has identified a variety of sources for deriving meaning in one’s life. The present research examined how central sources of meaning varied according to age, gender, and level of education, and, second, whether these sources predicted well-being differentially. A New Zealand community sample of 247 individuals (30 – 69 years) provided open-ended descriptions of the meaning in their lives, rated their meaning in certain domains and completed 11 well-being measures. The most frequently reported source of meaning was family, and the second was interpersonal relations. Differences were found by age, gender, and amount of education, for example, younger individuals were more likely to find personal growth meaningful, whereas older people were more likely to find standard of living and community activities meaningful.
Perfluorooctanoate exposure in a highly exposed community and parent and teacher reports of behaviour in 6-12-year-old children.

BACKGROUND In toxicology studies, perfluorinated compounds affect fetal growth, development, viability, and postnatal growth. There are limited epidemiologic studies on child development. METHODS We recruited and evaluated 321 children who participated in the C8 Health Project, a 2005-06 survey in a mid-Ohio Valley community highly exposed to perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) through contaminated drinking water. We examined associations between measured childhood PFOA serum concentration and mother and teacher reports of executive function (Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-like behaviour (Conner's ADHD Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV Scales), and behavioural problems (Behaviour Assessment System for Children) assessed 3 to 4 years later at ages 6-12 years. RESULTS Overall, neither reports from mothers nor teachers provided clear associations between exposure and child behaviour. Mother reports, however, did suggest favourable associations between exposure and behaviour among boys and adverse associations among girls. On the composite scale from the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function (n = 318), PFOA exposure had a favourable association among boys (highest vs. lowest quartile β = -6.39; 95% confidence interval [CI] -11.43, -1.35) and an adverse association among girls (highest vs. lowest quartile β = 4.42; 95% CI -0.03, 8.87; interaction P = 0.01). Teacher reports (n = 189) replicated some, but not all of the sex interactions observed in mothers' reports. CONCLUSIONS Aggregate results did not suggest adverse effects of PFOA on behaviour, but sex-specific results raise the possibility of differing patterns by sex. Results are not consistent between mothers' and teachers' reports. Effect modification by sex may warrant further investigation.
Bio-inspired neuromorphic visual processing with neural networks for cyclist detection in vehicle's blind spot and segmentation in medical CT images

Neuromorphic visual processing inspired by the biological vision system of brain offers an alternative process into applying machine vision in everyday environment. With the growing demand for an effective detection method of moving objects on the road for the purpose of transportation safety enhancement, the proposed neuromorphic visual processing was tested on the vehicle's blind spot cyclist detection. The effectiveness of proposed convolutional-recurrent mixed networks of neuromorphic visual processing is evaluated for the cyclist detection without optimized complex template matching or denoising layers of neural network. The new feature extraction by integrating both hand-cut convolution filters and autoencoder is designed for processing the noisy image including the 3-dimensional tooth segmentation in the gum region. The proposed mixed feature extraction by the hand-cut filter and auto-encoder demonstrates the cyclist detection rate of 98% for vehicles on the road or the successful segmentation for medical CT images of dental X-ray 3D CT including the gum region or brain CT in BRATS data sets.
Deformation of objects with non-linear constraints

There are various techniques for deforming three-dimensional objects in existing computer-aided design (CAD) systems. To maintain user-specified constraints in the deformation of a parametric and feature-based model is a new challenge in deformation modelling. This article presents a constraint-based deformation technique. Firstly, a deformed object is obtained with common deformation techniques such as free-form deformation (FFD) and axial deformation. Secondly, features defined with parametric are grouped into systems of primitive constraints based on user specification. Finally, features are reconstructed by the use of optimisation technique. The optimisation is to minimise the changes in the deformed model subjected to all the provided constraints. This method allows deformations like FFD and axial deformation to be performed without destroying the constraints in the model. This method combines the advantage of free-form modelling with feature-based modelling and allows engineering design to be performed in a free-form manner.
Multi-period optimization for Voltage Control system in transmission grids

Automatic Voltage Control (AVC) systems maintain the voltage in an acceptable range and minimize the power loss of the grid by coordinately regulating the controllable components. Switchable shunts and tap-able transformers are expected to be operated as few times as possible. This paper proposes a two-level, multi-period optimal reactive power flow approach. In the upper level, the real-time measurements and short-term forecasts are used as the inputs of the multi-period optimization for one hour with 15 minutes intervals, to minimize the operational cost, subjected to a certain constraints. In the lower level, the optimization is focused on the correction of the voltage violations every single minute based on data from the measurements and state estimation. The presented case study shows that the multi-period optimization in the upper level of AVC system can reduce adjustment times of the discrete components for saving the total operational cost.
Independent and Joint Effects of Personality on Intentions to Become an Active Participant in Local Union Activities in Canada

ABSTRACT Drawing on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this field study (N = 282) investigates the impact of two focal personality traits, extraversion and conscientiousness, on employees’ attitudes and intentions to actively participate in their local union. Consistent with the TPB, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and attitudes toward participation each explained unique variance in union participation intentions. Furthermore, results revealed that extraversion was positively related, and conscientiousness was negatively related to participation intentions, with attitudes toward participation mediating these effects. A significant interaction between extraversion and conscientiousness was also observed, such that introverted workers higher in conscientiousness were less inclined to express positive attitudes toward union participation. Overall, these results provide support for the utility of the TPB in predicting union participation intentions and highlight the vital role that personality traits may play in determining union participation attitudes and intentions.
Use of Smartphones as Adjuvant Tools for Cervical Cancer Screening in Low-Resource Settings

Objectives Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility and performance of smartphone digital images for the detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia of grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) as an adjunct to a conventional visual inspection approach with acetic acid (VIA) and Lugol's iodine (VILI), in comparison with detection by histopathologic examination. Methods Three hundred women were primarily screened for human papillomavirus (HPV) using self-collected vaginal specimens. Human papillomavirus–positive women were then invited for VIA and VILI, which were interpreted as (i) nonpathological, (ii) pathological or, (iii) inconclusive. Cervical smearing, endocervical brushing, and cervical biopsies were performed. Digital images of the cervix were taken with a smartphone and evaluated offsite by experienced health care providers. Sensitivity and specificity for CIN2+ were compared between on-site and off-site observers, using histopathological diagnosis as the criterion standard. Results Eighty-eight HPV-positive women were screened for cervical cancer. Overall, 7 cases of CIN2+ (8.0%) were diagnosed using biopsy specimens. The on-site physician obtained a sensitivity of 28.6% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 3.7–71) and a specificity of 87.2% (95% CI, 77.7– 93.7). The off-site physicians obtained a sensitivity ranging between 42.9% (95% CI, 9.9–81.6; p = 1) and 85.7% (95% CI, 42.1–99.6; p = .13) and a specificity between 48.1% (95% CI, 36.5– 59.7; p < .001) and 79.2% (95% CI, 68.5–87.6; p = .10). Comparison between observers did not reach significance. Observers assessed 95.6% of all images as very good or acceptable for interpretation purpose. Conclusion Smartphone images may be a useful adjunct to conventional VIA and VILI for the detection of CIN2+ and improve cervical cancer screening in low-resource settings.
Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy in Fundus Images using Vector Quantization Technique

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the major cause of blindness among the people. Many approaches are proposed by the authors to automate and detect the presence of diabetic retinopathy in fundus image. We propose a novel method of detection of the diabetic retinopathy using Gaussian intensity feature input to a VQ classifier. The underlying idea of using this technique in fundus imaging is that there are certain features which pertain only to diabetic retinopathy. These features are extracted in terms of diameter of the blood vessels expressed by sigma, and the height of the Gaussian profile across the cross-section, given by h. In this work, 30 images are taken as normal images and 25 pathological images are considered. A successful average diagnostic performance of 90% is achieved in this method
Polymeric Chains of SUMO-2 and SUMO-3 Are Conjugated to Protein Substrates by SAE1/SAE2 and Ubc9*

Conjugation of the small ubiquitin-like modifier SUMO-1/SMT3C/Sentrin-1 to proteins in vitro is dependent on a heterodimeric E1 (SAE1/SAE2) and an E2 (Ubc9). Although SUMO-2/SMT3A/Sentrin-3 and SUMO-3/SMT3B/Sentrin-2 share 50% sequence identity with SUMO-1, they are functionally distinct. Inspection of the SUMO-2 and SUMO-3 sequences indicates that they both contain the sequence ψKXE, which represents the consensus SUMO modification site. As a consequence SAE1/SAE2 and Ubc9 catalyze the formation of polymeric chains of SUMO-2 and SUMO-3 on protein substrates in vitro, and SUMO-2 chains are detectedin vivo. The ability to form polymeric chains is not shared by SUMO-1, and although all SUMO species use the same conjugation machinery, modification by SUMO-1 and SUMO-2/-3 may have distinct functional consequences.
Inter-hemispheric functional connectivity disruption in children with prenatal alcohol exposure.

BACKGROUND MRI studies, including recent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies, have shown corpus callosum abnormalities in children prenatally exposed to alcohol, especially in the posterior regions. These abnormalities appear across the range of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Several studies have demonstrated cognitive correlates of callosal abnormalities in FASD including deficits in visual-motor skill, verbal learning, and executive functioning. The goal of this study was to determine whether inter-hemispheric structural connectivity abnormalities in FASD are associated with disrupted inter-hemispheric functional connectivity and disrupted cognition. METHODS Twenty-one children with FASD and 23 matched controls underwent a 6-minute resting-state functional MRI scan as well as anatomical imaging and DTI. Using a semi-automated method, we parsed the corpus callosum and delineated 7 inter-hemispheric white matter tracts with DTI tractography. Cortical regions of interest (ROIs) at the distal ends of these tracts were identified. Right-left correlations in resting fMRI signal were computed for these sets of ROIs, and group comparisons were made. Correlations with facial dysmorphology, cognition, and DTI measures were computed. RESULTS A significant group difference in inter-hemispheric functional connectivity was seen in a posterior set of ROIs, the para-central region. Children with FASD had functional connectivity that was 12% lower than in controls in this region. Subgroup analyses were not possible owing to small sample size, but the data suggest that there were effects across the FASD spectrum. No significant association with facial dysmorphology was found. Para-central functional connectivity was significantly correlated with DTI mean diffusivity, a measure of microstructural integrity, in posterior callosal tracts in controls but not in FASD. Significant correlations were seen between these structural and functional measures, and Wechsler perceptual reasoning ability. CONCLUSIONS Inter-hemispheric functional connectivity disturbances were observed in children with FASD relative to controls. The disruption was measured in medial parietal regions (para-central) that are connected by posterior callosal fiber projections. We have previously shown microstructural abnormalities in these same posterior callosal regions, and the current study suggests a possible relationship between the two. These measures have clinical relevance as they are associated with cognitive functioning.
Ground Based Studies of Thermocapillary Flows in Levitated Drops: Analytical Part

The main objectives of the analytical part of this investigation are to study the fluid flow phenomena together with the thermal effects on drops levitated in an acoustic field. To a large extent, experimentation on ground requires a strong acoustic field that has a significant interference with other thermal-fluid effects. While most of the work has been directed towards particles in strong acoustic fields to overcome gravity, some results for microgravity have been obtained. One of the objectives was to obtain the thermocapillary flow in a spot-heated drop, and set up a model for the prediction of thermophysical properties. In addition, for acoustically levitated particles, a clear understanding of the underlying fluid mechanics was required. Also, the interaction of acoustics with steady and pulsating thermal stimuli was required to be analyzed. The experimental part of the work was funded through JPL, and has been reported separately.
Quantitative Analysis of White Matter on DTI Images of Patients with Tinnitus: Preliminary Report

Tinnitus is defined as an unwanted auditory perception of internal origin, usually localized, and rarely heard by others. Persisting appearances of tinnitus are most commonly combined with diseases or damage in the inner ear or neuro-auditory pathway. Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DTI) is a new imaging method with the capability of providing non-invasive information on tissue microstructure not available in routine clinical MRI images. Since white matter regions of the brain are an ordered structure due to the myelination and directionality of axons and have a high degree of anisotropy, the ability to detect changes in anisotropy can be extremely useful in the study of diseases such as tinnitus and multiple sclerosis, which are assumed to involve the demyelination of axons. While several studies investigated tinnitus using MRI, few studies tried to analyze neurological disorders quantitatively using DTI. In this study, the cerebral volume of white matter on DTI images of patients with tinnitus was measured using the semi-automated and intuitive menu based image processing tool (Human Analyzer, ETRI, Korea). Total number of ten patients with tinnitus including three women was examined
Efficacy and safety of the adjustable gastric band – pooled interim analysis of the APEX and HERO studies at 48 weeks

Abstract Objective: This 48 week combined analysis reports safety and clinical effectiveness of the LAP-BAND AP laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) in severely obese patients enrolled in the 5 year, prospective, observational, open-label APEX (NCT00501085) and HERO (NCT00953173) studies. Methods: The studies enrolled 1620 patients (APEX: N = 514; HERO: N = 1106), 1140 patients in the US (including all APEX patients), and 480 patients in the European Union (EU), Canada or Australia. APEX and HERO are non-randomized, non-comparator, open-label studies with differences in study management practices and follow-up. Notably, laboratory data were not collected during the APEX study. Results: After 48 weeks, mean (SD) percentage weight loss (%WL) was for APEX: 18.7% (7.9); HERO-US: 17.9% (8.5); HERO-EU: 16.5% (10.3); HERO-Canada: 13.4% (8.9); and HERO-Australia: 12.3% (6.9). After 48 weeks, there were no significant differences in %WL for APEX vs. HERO-US. After 48 weeks in the combined analysis (APEX + HERO): (1) patients without vs. with type 2 diabetes at baseline had greater %WL (18% [8.7] vs. 16% [8.5], p = 0.002); (2) female patients had greater %WL vs. male patients (17.9% [8.5] vs. 15.9% [9.3], p = 0.003); (3) younger patients had greater %WL vs. older patients (<50 years: 17.8% [8.7] vs. ≥50 years: 16.7% [8.6], p = 0.035); (4) baseline BMI did not affect %WL (≤35 to ≤45 kg/m2: 17.7% [8.4] vs. >45 kg/m2: 17.1% [9.1], p = 0.272). Device-related serious adverse events and adverse events were reported in 1.9% and 17.7% of patients, respectively. Revision and explantation surgeries were carried out on 3.4% and 2.3% of patients, respectively during the 48 weeks of follow-up. Conclusions: This analysis demonstrates the effective weight loss and safety profile of the current LAGB system, with US patients achieving better weight loss than patients from outside the US.
The Effects of Histatin-derived Basic Antimicrobial Peptides on Oral Biofilms

Susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial agents is strongly reduced by the formation of complex biofilms. We investigated whether synthetic histatin analogs with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity in vitro were also active against these complex mixtures of bacteria, as present in saliva and plaque. In a simplified model system for dental plaque, hydroxyapatite discs were placed in a continuous culture system comprised of Streptococcus mutans, S. sanguis, S. salivarius, Actinomyces naeslundii, Veillonella parvula, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Prevotella intermedia. Ex situ treatment of the biofilms formed on these discs with 100 μg/mL of peptide dhvar4 significantly reduced facultative anaerobic, total anaerobic, and obligate anaerobic Gram-negative counts with 0.8, 0.5, and 0.5 log units, respectively. Ex vivo treatment of salivary bacteria gave reductions of 0.4, 0.7, and 1.5 log units, respectively. For ex vivo treatment of plaque bacteria, reductions of 0.4, 0.4, and 1.4 log units, respectively, were found. In both saliva and plaque samples, obligate anaerobic Gram-negative bacteria were significantly more susceptible to dhvar4 than facultatively anaerobic or anaerobic bacteria as a whole (p = 0.013 and p = 0.018, for salivary bacteria, and p = 0.021 and p = 0.020 for plaque bacteria, respectively). Although the oral bacteria are protected by biofilm formation, the synthetic histatin analog caused a significant reduction of viable counts in a model for oral biofilm as well as in isolated oral biofilms.
Method to Interpolate Scattered Rainfall Data Using the Thin Plate Spline, B-Spline and Energy Fairing

This paper aims at constructing a smooth surface using scattered rainfall data to gives us a visual distribution of rainfall. A grid is superimposed on the map within the data boundary, and thin plate spline (TPS) method is used to interpolate rainfall data to obtain the values of the grid points. Due to the irregularity of the data boundary, the grid has to be divided into several small regular grids then B-Spline is used to interpolate these grid points to construct surfaces. Finally an energy method is used to join these surfaces together, and it gives us the smoothest joined surfaces in vision.
SOME ASPECTS OF METHANE OXIDATION

Johnson, John L. (Montana State College, Bozeman) and Kenneth L. Temple. Some asspects of methane oxidation. J. Bacteriol. 84:456–458. 1962. —A culture of Pseudomonas methanica (Methanomonas methanica) was isolated from a film of growth on the water layer in a methane storage bottle. This organism differed from Dworkin and Foster's strain in pH optimum, requirement for growth factors, sensitivity to oxygen and optimal oxygen level, and minor cultural features. Highly significant interactions were found for the concentrations of oxygen, methane, and carbon dioxide in growth experiments.
A semi-blind detection algorithm for V-BLAST system

The channel information is required in conventional V-BLAST algorithm. When the training sequences are short, the channel estimation is very noisy, which incurs the system performance degradation. We propose a semi-blind detection algorithm in this paper. Signals transmitted from different antennas are separated blindly first based on the statistical independence of the signals. Short training sequences are then utilized to eliminate the permutation and scale ambiguities which are inherent to blind separation algorithms. Simulation results demonstrate that the performance of the proposed algorithm is better than that of the conventional V-BLAST algorithm both in flat and frequency-selective fading channel when the training sequences are short.
Automatic construction of 2D and 3D models during robot inspection

Purpose – Aims to make a mobile robot able to build accurate 2D and 3D models of its environment while navigating autonomously.Design/methodology/approach – 2D map building is performed using a laser range scanner. The map is used by the robot to both localize itself and recognize places already explored. This is the well‐known simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) problem. 3D model reconstruction, instead, uses computer vision techniques based on feature extraction and matching.Findings – The experimental results illustrate the validity and accuracy of the reconstructed maps of the environment and enable the robot to navigate autonomously in indoor environments, such as museums, hospitals, airports, offices and so on. Such a robot can play a major role in different tasks such as surveillance, image‐based rendering, remote fruition of hardly accessible sites, monitoring and maintenance applications, reverse engineering in construction. In these areas accurate 3D models in addition to 2D maps can co.