Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new multiuser detector employing frequency-domain excision

We address the problem of multiuser detection in synchronous code-division multiple-access systems in the presence of narrowband external interference. The proposed approach relies on processing the observables in the frequency domain, so as to exploit the narrowband nature of the interferers. The resulting detector represents a generalization of the decorrelating detector to which, in fact, it reduces for the special case that no external interference is considered at the design stage. The performance assessment shows that the newly proposed receiver largely outperforms the decorrelating detector in the presence of narrowband interference, while suffering a negligible loss as no interferer is active.
Breaking down the Barrier: Topical Liposomes as Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery into the Posterior Segment of the Eyeball

Topical instillation is the most widely preferred noninvasive route of drug administration to treat diseases affecting the anterior segment of the eye. Nonetheless, the ocular bioavailability for deeper ocular tissues is very low. Different routes of administration, such as intravitreal injections, periocular injections, and systemic administration, have been used to deliver drugs into the posterior segment ocular tissues. However, the presence of blood-retinal barriers (BRBs) makes systemic administration an impractical approach, whereas the drug delivery with the periocular administration route is compromised by ocular static and dynamic barriers. On the other hand, intravitreal injection, the most common and widely recommended route for drug administration to treat posterior ocular diseases, is related to several side effects such as endophthalmitis, hemorrhage, retinal detachment, and poor patient tolerance. Diverse strategies to overcome ocular barriers have been explored for topical drop formulations in order to deliver drugs into the posterior segment ocular tissues. In this chapter, we will review the promising topical nanocarriers for drug delivery into the posterior segment of the eye, emphasizing the use of liposomes for topical ophthalmic formulations targeting the vitreous cavity and the retina.
Electroencephalographic Slowing: A Source of Error in Automatic Seizure Detection

Although a seizure event represents a major deviation from a baseline electroencephalographic signal, there are features of seizure morphology that can be seen in non-epileptic portions of the record. A transient decrease in frequency, referred to as slowing, is a generally abnormal but not necessarily epileptic EEG variant. Seizure termination is often associated with a period of slowing between the period of peak amplitude and frequency of the seizure and the return to baseline. In annotation of seizure events in the TUH EEG Seizure Corpus, independent slowing events were identified as a major source of false alarm error. Preliminary results demonstrated the difficulty in automatic differentiation between seizure events and independent slowing events. The TUH EEG Slowing database, a subset of the TUH EEG Corpus, was created, and is introduced here, to aid in the development of a seizure detection tool that can differentiate between slowing at the end of a seizure and an independent non-seizure slowing event. The corpus contains 100 10-second samples each of background, slowing, and seizure events. Preliminary experiments show that 77% sensitivity can be achieved in seizure detection using models trained on all three sample types compared to 43% sensitivity with only seizure and background samples.
Last-Level Cache Interference-Aware Scheduling in Scientific Clouds

Cloud infrastructures are increasingly being adopted in different purposes, like business applications and scientific experiments. Relying in virtualization, it addresses several advantages such as resource consolidation and improved management of entire infrastructure, leading to opportunity to reduce costs associated with power consumption and acquisition of new hardware. However, consolidation of multiple applications onto multi-core servers can impose significant performance degradation due to sharing of hardware resources, such as last-level cache. Such phenomenon of performance interference among co-located applications can become problematic, since applications' required quality-of-service (QoS) will not met. In this work, we analyse the cache interference in virtual machines' execution time, and we propose an adapted algorithm to dynamically map virtual machines to physical hosts, so as to regenerate and meet jobs' S LA constraints. Our decision making algorithm detects and reacts to performance degradation, due to last- level cache sharing, and leverages existing virtualization mechanisms to reconfigure the virtual infrastructure , in an accurately and controlled manner. Compared to state of the art approaches the results show that our algorithm performs better targeting users' required performance over the cloud infrastructure.
A system for the 3D reconstruction of retracted-septa PET data using the EM algorithm

The authors have implemented the EM reconstruction algorithm for volume acquisition from current generation retracted-septa PET scanners. Although the software was designed for a GE Advance scanner, it is easily adaptable to other 3D scanners. The reconstruction software was written for an Intel iPSC/860 parallel computer with 128 compute nodes. Running on 32 processors, the algorithm requires approximately 55 minutes per iteration to reconstruct a 128/spl times/128/spl times/35 image. No projection data compression schemes or other approximations were used in the implementation. Extensive use of EM system matrix (C/sub ij/) symmetries (including the 8-fold in-plane symmetries, 2-fold axial symmetries, and axial parallel line redundancies) reduces the storage cost by a factor of 188. The parallel algorithm operates on distributed projection data which are decomposed by base-symmetry angles. Symmetry operators copy and index the C/sub ij/ chord to the form required for the particular symmetry. The use of asynchronous reads, lookup tables, and optimized image indexing improves computational performance. Studies of the convergence of the 3D algorithm in comparison with that of the 2D algorithm are underway. <<ETX>>
Fuzzy logic control of linear systems with variable time delay

A closed loop control system incorporating fuzzy logic has been developed for a class of systems with unknown or variable time delay. A unique fuzzy logic controller structure has been proposed. To compensate for the time delay without specifically taking into account the past inputs or requiring a predictive model. The fuzzy logic controller consists of a rule base implementing a classical control strategy and a simple output membership adaptation mechanism to compensate for changes in the time delay. The fuzzy logic controller is applied to a tank temperature control problem and significant improvements in the system performance is observed. <<ETX>>
Bezier and B-spline Technology

Graphical curves and surfaces are hot topics in many different areas of research and application, not least due to the rapid progression of computer aided design (CAD) and gaming technology. Two of the most popular representations for this field are the Bezier and B-spline curves and surfaces. This thesis will describe the theory behind these topics from a programmers viewpoint, together with the developed software which is a rather intuitive application to model different types of Bezier and B-spline curves and surfaces in real-time. The mathematics behind these elements can be quite intimidating to the normal user at first, hence this thesis is dedicated to students with some background in elementary linear algebra and variable calculus but not necessarily in computer graphics. There are an abundance of interesting aspects to this topic of curves and surfaces, and this thesis will primarily focus on the different ways to use, implement and efficiently evaluate them. Thus, this report will serve as excellent material for students entering the field of polynomial curves and surfaces in computer graphics.
Alinhamento de Sequ^encias Biologicas Utilizando Algoritmo Genetico e Processamento Distribu¶‡do

This work describes an alternative method based on Genetic Algorithm (GA) to find the optimal pair-wise alignment. The alignment sequence takes into account the chromosome and each chromosome is associated with a fitness function based on BLOSUM50 substitution matrix implemented in the C++ language (Linux e Windows) with a distributed programming library (Messaging Passing Interface MPI). Two implementations of the proposed algorithm were analyzed, the first without the resource of distributed processing (Serial AG), and the second with the resource (Parallel AG). The obtained results showed that the method is effective.
Effect of Acute Administration of Ethanol Extract of Wild Fig (Ficus thonningii) on Spatial Memory and Learning in CD-1 Mice

Background and Aim: Since there is an increasing demand by people for means of enhancing the neuro-cognitive functions of the brain and the side effects of many neuro-cognitive drugs which have left many persons with irreversible neurological damage. This situation has lead to our investigation of the neuro-cognitive properties (learning and memory) of the plant, Ficus thioningii (wild fig). Methods: 30 Adult Swiss mice weighing between 16 -21g, were divided into 3 groups, 10 mice per group. Before the neurobehavioral parameters were assessed, the LD50, acute toxicological screenings of the plant were determined. Group A being the control, received rat feed with normal saline, group B being the low dose were administered with Ficus thoninngii extract at a dose of 10mg/kg and group C being the high dose were administered with Ficus thoninngii extract at a dose of 20mg/kg, this administration lasted for 14 days. All animals were allowed clean drinking water. Results: The data’s were analyzed and the results showed that on days 1, 2 and 3 of acquisition training mice from low dose and high dose learned equally when compared to the control. In the reversal training, memory was improved in the low dose and high dose treated mice when compared to control at (p<0.05, p<0.01 and p<0.001). During the probe trial, the swim duration in the South-East quadrant was significantly higher for high dose and low dose compared to control (p<0.01 and at p<0.001). However, during the visible platform task, the swim latencies for the low dose and high dose group were also significantly lower compared to control (p<0.001). Conclusion: The results suggest that consumption of Ficus thoninngii extracts enhances learning and memory in mice, thus Ficus thoninngii containing diet may be beneficial in the improvement of learning and memory.
Abnormal ECG Findings in Amateur Athletes: Comparison of the 2013 and 2017 Seattle Criteria

Introduccion: La especificidad del electrocardiograma como metodo diagnostico de causas de muerte subita cardiaca en deportistasdepende de los criterios utilizados para discernir entre alteraciones fisiologicas y patologicas.Objetivos: Evaluar la prevalencia de hallazgos electrocardiograficos anormales en deportistas amateur al comparar los Criteriosde Seattle 2013 y 2017.Material y metodos: Fueron evaluados 853 deportistas. Se evaluaron genero y edad como variables predictoras independientes.Se realizo un seguimiento mediante metodos complementarios de diagnostico.Resultados: Presentaron electrocardiogramas anormales segun criterios 2013 29 deportistas y 17, segun criterios 2017, lo queconstituyo el 3,4% y el 2%, respectivamente. No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre generos ni por edad.Conclusiones: De los electrocardiogramas considerados anormales segun los criterios 2013, el 41,4% paso a considerarse normalal aplicarse los criterios redefinidos en 2017. Ni el genero ni la edad constituyen variables predictoras independientes. Enningun evaluado, se pudo demostrar cardiopatia en el seguimiento.
Modeling Gilliland Correlation using Genetic Programming

The distillation process is one of the most important processes in industry, especially petroleum refining. Designing a distillation column assesses numerous challenges to the engineer, being a complex process that is approached in various studies. An important component, directly affecting the efficient operation of the column, is the reflux ratio that is correlated with the number of the theoretical stages, a correlation developed and studied by Gililland. The correlation is used in the case of simplified control models of distillation columns and it is a graphical method. However, in many situations, there is the need for an analytical form that adequately approximates the experimental data. There are in the literature different analytical forms which are used taking into account the desired precision. The present article attempts to address this problem by using the technique of Genetic Programming, a branch of Evolutionary Algorithms that belongs to Artificial Intelligence, a recently developed technique that has recorded successful applications especially in process modeling. Using an evolutionary paradigm and by evolving a population of solutions or subprograms composed of carefully chosen functions and operators, the Genetic Programming technique is capable of finding the program or relation that fits best the available data.
Safety and efficacy of copper chelates of lysine and glutamic acid as a feed additive for all animal species

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of copper chelates of lysine and glutamic acid (Copper‐LG) as a nutritional feed additive for all animal species. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concludes that, owing to safety considerations, Copper‐LG should not be used in water for drinking. Copper‐LG is safe for chickens for fattening; this conclusion can be extrapolated to all animal species and categories provided that the maximum authorised levels in the EU for total copper in feed are not exceeded. No increases in the copper content of animal tissues/products are expected from the use of Copper‐LG in animal nutrition. There is no indication that the toxicity of Copper‐LG is essentially different from that of inorganic divalent copper. The use of Copper‐LG in animal nutrition is of no concern for consumer safety provided that the maximum authorised total copper in feed is respected. Owing to the copper and nickel content of Copper‐LG, the handling of the additive, poses a risk to users by inhalation. The additive is considered as a skin and respiratory sensitiser; it is corrosive to the eye while it is non‐irritant to skin. The additive is intended to be a substitute for other authorised copper additives and will not further increase the environmental burden of copper; therefore, the FEEDAP Panel considers that the use of the additive in animal nutrition would not pose an additional risk for the environment. Copper‐LG is a bioavailable source of copper, comparable to the standard inorganic copper source, and therefore, the additive is efficacious in meeting the birds copper requirements; this conclusion can be extrapolated to all animal species/categories. The FEEDAP Panel posed a recommendation concerning the description of the additive.
An opinion paper of the Cardiology Practice and Research Network of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy: Recommendations for training of cardiovascular pharmacy specialists in postgraduate year 2 residency programs

Pharmacists in direct patient care settings are expanding their roles and responsibilities. These changes mandate a deeper and broader understanding of disease states, as well as influencing social, behavioral, and environmental factors. Existing guidelines and accreditation standards related to the training of graduate or cardiovascular pharmacist specialists (ie, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, American Society of Health‐System Pharmacists, American College of Clinical Pharmacy [ACCP]) provide some guidance on essential competencies. However, they stop short of providing recommendations for how to achieve all the objectives. The purpose of this paper is to build upon existing guidelines/standards, describing our recommendations for pharmacy residency training of a cardiovascular clinical specialist. The paper is broken down into the following sections: (1) Skills and Competencies (Building Clinical Skills, Application of Clinical Knowledge and Skills, Drug Information, Research and Scholarship, Teaching Skills, Interpersonal, Communication, and Presentation Skills), (2) Personal and Professional Growth (Growing Interpersonal Skills, Engaging with the Profession), (3) Program Design (Resident Selection, Preceptors and Mentoring, Expectations for Progress/Milestones, Program and Learning Experience Structure), and (4) Clinical and Therapeutic Content Expertise or Medical Knowledge. After each recommendation, specific details are provided to aid in conceptualizing how each can be achieved. Some recommendations are considered essential whereas others are designated as optional. This paper represents the opinion of the Cardiology Practice and Research Network of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy. It does not necessarily represent an official ACCP commentary, guideline, or statement of policy or position.
Adaboost learning of shape and colour features for object recognition

We explore the problem of recognizing objects in images dominated by a broad background, aiming for a low false alarm rate. We propose a new discriminative model which consists of a large number of weighted object indicators. The model is learned efficiently and automatically from pictorial examples using the AdaBoost algorithm, exploiting both color and shape information. Unlike previous methods we compensate for the class priors in the training data by assigning unequal weights and updating them according to classification error. We perform experiments on several datasets including pedestrians, cars, and the COIL-100 color objects. The experimental results demonstrate that one algorithm with (almost) no parameter tuning can learn to recognize objects and perform as well as methods dedicated to each problem individually.
Bioinformatics analysis of dysregulated microRNAs in exosomes from docetaxel-resistant and parental human breast cancer cells

Background: Resistance to docetaxel is a major obstacle to effective treatment of breast cancer. Exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) have recently been introduced in cell-to-cell transmission of chemoresistance between heterogeneous populations of tumor cells with diverse drug sensitivity. However, a systematic evaluation of the exosomal miRNA signature remains largely unclear. Method: miRNA expression profiles in exosomes from docetaxel-resistant (D/exo) and parental sensitive breast cancer cells (S/exo) were assessed using microarray. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to predict target genes of the dysregulated miRNAs and to uncover their potential roles in chemoresistance formation. Signaling pathways, gene ontology terms, transcription factors, protein–protein interactions, and hub genes were also constructed. Results: The selected exosomal miRNAs could modulate target genes responsible for MAPK, TGF-beta, Wnt, mTOR, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Function enrichment analysis revealed the involvement of target genes in transcription regulation, protein phosphorylation, kinase activity, and protein binding. Enriched transcription factors including SP1, SP4, and EGR1 were obtained and a protein–protein interaction network was established. The hub genes for up-expressed and down-expressed exosomal miRNAs such as CCND1 and PTEN were identified. Conclusion: This bioinformatics study provides a comprehensive view of the function of dysregulated exosomal miRNAs, and may help us to understand exosome-mediated resistance transmission and overcome docetaxel resistance in future breast cancer therapy.
Identification of De Novo Drug Candidate for Skin Cancer using Cheminformatics Method

INTRODUCTION Skin cancers result in 80,000 deaths a year as of 2010, 49,000 of which are due to melanoma and 31,000 of which are due to non-melanoma skin cancers. This is up from 51,000 in 1990 [1]. In the US in 2008, 59,695 people were diagnosed with melanoma, and 8,623 people died from it. In Australia more than 12,500 new cases of melanoma are reported each year, out of which more than 1,500 die from the disease. Australia has the highest per capita incidence of melanoma in the world. More than 3.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed annually in the United States, which makes it the most common form of cancer in that country. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point of their lives. The most common form of skin cancer is basal-cell carcinoma, followed by squamous cell carcinoma. Although the incidence of many cancers in the United States is falling, the incidence of melanoma keeps growing, with approximately 68,729 melanomas diagnosed in 2004 according to reports of the National Cancer Institute. Skin cancer (malignant melanoma) is the fifth most common cancer in the UK (around 13,300 people were diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2011), and the disease accounts for 1% all cancer deaths (around 2,100 people died in 2012) [2]. The survival rate for people with melanoma depends upon when they start treatment. The cure rate is very high when melanoma is detected in early stages, when it can easily be removed surgically. The prognosis is less favorable if the melanoma has spread to other parts of the body [3].
Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Infected Wounds at Sohag University Hospitals

Background:Staphylococcus aureus is an important human pathogen causing varieties of mild to life threatening community and hospital infections. This study was carried out to determine the antibiotic susceptibility profile of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from infected wounds of patients at Sohag University Hospitals. patients and methods: 100 clinical isolates of S. aureus were obtained from 350 pus samples using standard microbiological techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed using the modified Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method and confirmed by VITEK 2 automated microbiology system. methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) detection was also confirmed by detection of mec A gene by PCR. Results: S.aureus isolates were totally resistant to Penicillin G and highly resistant to Cefoxitin and Oxacillin. They were moderately resistant to Gentamycin, Tetracycline, Erythromycin, Clindamycin, Doxycycline and Chloramphenicol.They showed low resistance to Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin Trimethoprim/ Sulfamethoxazole, Moxifloxacin and Azithromycin. All isolates were sensitive to Qunipristin/Dalfopristin, Linezolid, Vancomycin ,Tigecycline, Nitrofurantoin, Rifampicin and Teicoplanin.Among the 100 isolated Staphylococcus isolates, 89(89%) were identified as MRSA. Conclusion: The high incidence of S.aureusisolates resistant to the commonly used antibiotics in the hospital calls for urgent need to put in place measures to curtail the spread of MRSA infections in the hospital.