Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Environment perception in racing simulators using Deep Neural Networks

In this paper, we introduce a real-time approach for object recognition, applying the Faster Region-based Convolutional Network (Faster-RCNN) concept in an affordable and open source simulator that can be used to train and test Deep Neural Networks (DNN) models. The objective is to provide the scientific community with a framework where the advantages and disadvantages of already published or new designed architectures and concepts for object detection can be validated. The framework proposes two available configurations for implementing DNN algorithms. Our framework provides an interface to the TORCS racing game simulator, where the deployed methods can be evaluated. Various ground truth information can be extracted from TORCS, like the traffic scene image, car position on the track, speed or distances between the traffic participants.
Dietary fiber and glucose tolerance in Japanese Brazilians.

Although the evidence for a protective effect of high total dietary fiber intakes on diabetes appears to be strong (1), the role of food sources of dietary fiber in the etiology of impaired glucose disturbances is poorly understood (2). Epidemiological studies suggest that high intakes of whole grain foods (3,4) and vegetables (5–7) may prevent diabetes. On the other hand, the impact of consumption of fruits and fruit juices (5,6,8), legumes (5,9), and refined grains (3,10) has been investigated in a few controversial investigations. Here, we evaluated the relationship between fiber-related dietary factors and the risk of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) among Japanese Brazilians. In 2000, Japanese Brazilians >30 years of age living in Bauru, Sao Paulo State, Brazil ( n = 1,751), were invited to participate. Cross-sectional data from 1,283 first- and second-generation subjects were available (73.3%) (11). For the present analysis, subjects with self-reported impaired glucose disturbances (IFG, IGT, or diabetes; n = 220) and newly diagnosed diabetes ( n = 276) whose treatment could interfere in food habits were excluded. Smoking status, drinking habits, and physical activity were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Height, weight, and waist circumference were measured using standardized approaches (11). Central obesity was defined as a waist circumference ≥0.90 m for men and ≥0.80 m for women (12). The last two of three measures of blood pressures using an …
The in vitro and in vivo ultrasonographic appearances of the angio-seal percutaneous closure device.

PURPOSE To assess the ultrasound appearances of the Angio-Seal device in an animal model and in twenty patients following catheterization of the femoral artery. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten patients were scanned within 8 hours of their procedure (early group) and 10 at two to four days (delayed group) using Acuson Aspen and Sequoia scanners. Colour flow images were taken and Doppler spectral analysis was performed proximal proximal to, at and distal to the Angio-Seal device. Early and delayed in vitro images were taken in a water bath in which the Angio-Seal device was deployed across a normal porcine aorta for comparison. RESULT In the ten early patients colour and Doppler drop out were seen in 100 percent and 90 percent respectively compared with 90 percent and 60 percent in the delayed group. The device was seen in 30 percent and 90 percent in early and delayed groups respectively. In the in vitro study the components of the device were seen and a posterior acustic shadow noted. This shadow was less obvious and the polymer anchor more easily seen in the delayed group. CONCLUSION The Angio-Seal device produces a consistent artifact when scanned soon after deployment. These appearances could potentially be mistaken for a vascular occlusion by the unwary in the appropriate clinical setting of acute post catheterisation lower limb ischaemia however an awareness of the normal sonographic appearances of this device would make this misinterpretation unlikely.
Phenobarbital Confers its Diverse Effects by Activating the Orphan Nuclear Receptor Car

In the early 1960s, phenobarbital (PB) was shown to induce hepatic drug metabolism and the induction was implicated in the molecular mechanism of drug tolerance development. Since then, it has become evident that PB not only induces drug metabolism, but also triggers pleiotropic effects on liver function, such as cell growth and communication, proliferation of the endoplasmic reticulum, tumor promotion, glucose metabolism, steroid/thyroid hormone metabolism, and bile acid synthesis. Upon activation by PB and numerous PB-type inducers, the nuclear receptor CAR mediates those pleiotropic actions by regulating various hepatic genes, utilizing multiple regulatory mechanisms.
PWM Dead Time Optimization Method for Automotive Multiphase DC/DC-Converters

This paper introduces a PWM dead time optimization method for multiphase DC/DC-converters with synchronous rectifiers. The aim of the method is to reduce power losses. After a perturbation of the dead times in one converter phase, the phase-currents starts to deviate, whereby the most efficient phase has the higher current. A current balancing controller compensates for this deviation by adjusting duty cycles. Consequently, optimal dead times can be detected by duty cycle differences of the phases. The proposed optimization approach was implemented in a two-phase boost-/buck converter prototype for automotive dual-voltage power-nets. No additional components or circuit modifications were necessary. The detection of optimal dead times, increasing efficiency and reduction of voltage transients are discussed and investigated experimentally.
Novel applications of VDVTA: as current-mode SIMO-type biquad and electronically controllable sinusoidal oscillator

In this paper we present new applications of voltage differencing voltage transconductanse amplifier (VDVTA) as current-mode (CM) biquad filter and electronically controllable sinusoidal oscillator (ECSO) using single VDVTA and with four passive components, three passive components respectively. The biquad circuit realizes low pass, high pass, and band pass filter simultaneously without changing the circuit topology. The oscillator circuit also enjoys the explicit current output and also the frequency is electronically controllable. The active and passive sensitivities for both circuits are very low. Both the circuits are simulated using PSPICE with TSMC CMOS 0.18 μm process parameter
OF A DENSE LEAD MONOLAYER ON COPPER

,4 LEED intensity analysis is reported for the c(S& X fi)R45 o structure, which is formed by a dense lead monolayer on the (100) surface of copper. Evidence was found that the adsorbate atoms do not arrange pseudo-hexagonally (i.e. without sixfold intra-layer coordination) as expected for a dense two-dimensional package. It was confirmed that the lead atoms still tend to occupy the hollow sites of the (100) surface and arrange in the narrow domains of a strained c(2 X 2) structure. These domains are regularly intersected by dislocation lines, so that adjacent domains are in antiphase position. Within this arrangement the adsorbate atoms are mutually equidistant with closer spacings than in bulk lead. The growth of the monolayer and the epitaxial growth of lead on copper(100) in Stranslc-Krastanov mode arc correlated to this structure.
Soccer vs. running training effects in young adult men: which programme is more effective in improvement of body composition? Randomized controlled trial

The aims of this study were: 1) To determine the effects of a 12-week recreational soccer training programme and continuous endurance running on body composition of young adult men and 2) to determine which of these two programmes was more effective concerning body composition. Sixty-four participants completed the randomized controlled trial and were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a soccer training group (SOC; n=20), a running group (RUN; n=21) or a control group performing no physical training (CON; n=23). Training programmes for SOC and RUN lasted 12-week with 3 training sessions per week. Soccer sessions consisted of 60 min ordinary five-a-side, six-a-side or seven-a-side matches on a 30-45 m wide and 45-60 m long plastic grass pitch. Running sessions consisted of 60 min of continuous moderate intensity running at the same average heart rate as in SOC (~80% HRmax). All participants, regardless of group assignment, were tested for each of the following dependent variables: body weight, body height, body mass index, percent body fat, body fat mass, fat-free mass and total body water. In the SOC and RUN groups there was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in body composition parameters from pre- to post-training values for all measures with the exception of fat-free mass and total body water. Body mass index, percent body fat and body fat mass did not differ between groups at baseline, but by week 12 were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the SOC and RUN groups compared to CON. To conclude, recreational soccer training provides at least the same changes in body composition parameters as continuous running in young adult men when the training intensity is well matched.
[Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials of Eye-acupuncture Therapy for Patients with Post-stroke Insomnia].

OBJECTIVE To observe the therapeutic effect of eye-acupuncture therapy for post-stroke insomnia. METHODS Sixty patients (45-70 years in age) with post-stroke insomnia were randomized into eye-acupuncture group and routine acupuncture (body acupuncture) group (30 cases in each). Patients of the eye-acupuncture group were treated by acupuncture stimulation of bilateral Shangjiao (Upper-energizer) and Xin (Heart) regions and those of the routine acupuncture group treated by acupuncture stimulation of Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Anmian (EX-HN 16), etc. After Deqi, the filiform needles were retained for 20 min, and the treatment in both groups was conducted once a day, with 15 days being one therapeutic course and 2 courses altogether. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) including the subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, daytime dysfunction, and total PSQI score was used to evaluate the overall sleep quality. The clinical efficacy was assessed according to the "Guiding Principles of Clinical Trials for New Drugs of Traditional Chinese Medicine" formulated by Chinese Ministry of Health. RESULTS Following the treatment, of the two 30 cases in the eye-and routine acupuncture groups, 21 and 9 experienced a marked improvement in their symptoms, 8 and 17 were effective, and 1 and 4 invalid, with the effective rate being 96.7% and 86.7%, respectively. The PSQI scores of the subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, daytime dysfunction, and the total PSQI score were all significantly decreased in comparison with pre-treatment in each group (P<0.01). The therapeutic effect of the eye-acupuncture was markedly superior to those of routine acupuncture in reducing sleep latency, sleep disturbances and daytime dysfunction (P<0.05), but without significant differences between the two groups in the effective rate, sleep quality, sleep duration, sleep efficiency and total PSQI score (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Both eye-acupuncture and routine acupunture are effective in the treatment of post-stroke insomnia, and the eye-acupuncture is better than routine acupuncture in reducing sleep latency, improving sleep disturbances and daytime dysfunction.
Lawsuit activity, defensive medicine, and small area variation: the case of cesarean sections revisited

Abstract: This paper examines whether delivery practice patterns (Cesarean sections or vaginal) are influenced by lawsuits or whether the hypothesized relationship is confounded by small area variation. The analysis uses multilevel analysis to deal with hospital- and Dartmouth Hospital Referral Region-level variation. The model includes patient clinical variables, patient socio-economic status, and hospital characteristics as control variables. The secondary data sources include hospital discharges from the 2002 Texas Health Care Information Council as well as 1988–2001 Texas Department of Insurance Closed Claim File data. After extracting the variation in delivery practice between hospitals and between Dartmouth Hospital Referral Regions in a multilevel model, the effects of lawsuits on defensive medicine are reduced but are still significant.
Fast Binarisation with Chebyshev Inequality

In order to enhance the binarization result of degraded document images with smudged and bleed-through background, we present a fast binarization technique that applies the Chebyshev theory in the image preprocessing. We introduce the Chebyshev filter which uses the Chebyshev inequality in the segmentation of objects and background. Our result shows that the Chebyshev filter is not only effective, but also simple, robust and easy to implement. Because of its simplicity, our method is sufficiently efficient to process live image sequences in real-time. We have implemented and compared with the Document Image Binarization Contest datasets (H-DIBCO 2014) for testing and evaluation. The experimental outcomes have demonstrated that this method achieved good result in this literature.
Multiobjective Optimization of Parallel Robots and Optimal Path Placement. (Opimisation multi-objectif de robots parallèles et placement optimale de trajectoires)

Parallel Kinematics Machines (PKMs) have attracted attention for their high speed, good accuracy, low mass/inertia properties and high structural stiffness.They are attractive for the innovative machine-tool architectures. However, practicalutilizations for the potential benefits require an extensive and efficient analysis of their structure, kinematics and dynamics. Conventional design techniques may be used for a trivial design of PKMs with a limited capability of considering the performance measures and constraints. A multiobjective optimization approach, on the other hand, can be used to consider a set of optimal trade-off solutions (called Pareto set) between the conflicting design objectives, to better understand the complex design problems. Three separate but inter-linked design optimization issues of parallel manipulators are addressed in this dissertation. Firstly, a multiobjective optimization problem is proposed for the dimensional synthesis of parallel manipulators, in order to determine their optimum structural and geometric parameters. The proposed approach is applied to the optimum design of a three-degree-of-freedom planar parallel manipulator. Secondly, the issue of the actuators selection based on the kinematic and dynamic models of the manipulators is discussed. The process focuses on the kinematic and dynamic analysis of the Orthoglide 5-axis, a spatial PKM developed for high speed operations. The analysis is carried out firstly for the 2-DOF spherical wrist of the Orthoglide 5-axis and then for the 3-DOF translational parallel manipulator, the Orthoglide 3-axis. Some test trajectories are used to analyze the results and a procedure for motors selection is proposed. The last part deals with the optimal path placement of parallel manipulators. Mono- and multi-objective path placement optimization problems for PKMs based on energy consumption, actuators torques and shaking forces are introduced. Accordingly, a methodology is provided to determine the optimal location of a given test path withinthe workspace of a PKM to optimize some objective functions subject to the geometric, kinematic and dynamic constraints of the PKM. The proposed methodology is applied to the Orthoglide 3-axis as an illustrative example.
Use of intracranial self‐stimulation to evaluate abuse‐related and abuse‐limiting effects of monoamine releasers in rats

Monoamine releasers constitute a class of drugs that promote the release of dopamine (DA), serotonin (5‐HT) and/or norepinephrine. Although some drugs in this class are well‐known drugs of abuse (amphetamine, methamphetamine), others are thought to have reduced (3,4‐methylenedioxy‐N‐methylamphetamine [MDMA]) or no (fenfluramine) abuse potential. The purpose of this study was to further elucidate the role of dopamine versus serotonin selectivity on expression of abuse‐related effects produced by monoamine releasers in an assay of intracranial self‐stimulation (ICSS) in rats.
The explanatory gap in Neuroscience

Introduction We all know what it is like to be conscious, to be aware of something, to be aware of ourselves. However, even though there is this consensus and even though most would agree that consciousness is intimately related to brain functions, a universally accepted definition is still lacking. It is one of the goals of cognitive neuroscience to arrive at a better characterization of consciousness through a better understanding of the underlying neuronal mechanisms – and there have been remarkable advances in the study of the Neuronal Correlates of Consciousness (NCC). Since the seminal paper of Crick and Koch (1990), several theoretical proposals (Dehaene, Changeux, Naccache, Sackur, & Sergent, 2006; Lamme, 2006; Singer, 2000) as well as important empirical contributions regarding NCC have been made. However, important questions remain unresolved. In the following we propose that the search for a neuronal correlate of consciousness is equivalent with the search for neuronal mechanisms that have to account for several constitutive properties of consciousness. Therefore, we shall first summarize these characteristics and then explore putative mechanisms. Based on theoretical considerations and empirical evidence we propose that neuronal synchrony between distant neuronal assemblies might be a key mechanism for perceptual awareness. Finally, some pressing questions in the field of consciousness research will be discussed.
Social and psychological correlates of unprotected anal intercourse among Hispanic-American women: implications for STI/HIV prevention

Abstract Heterosexual anal intercourse is associated with increased risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Research on the social and psychological risk factors associated with heterosexual unprotected anal intercourse among Hispanic women in the USA is limited. We examined demographic, mental health, relationship power, sexual self-efficacy, self-esteem, acculturation and HIV knowledge as correlates of unprotected anal intercourse among 514 HIV-negative Hispanic women, 18 to 59 years of age, residing in one urban county in southern Florida. In both unadjusted and adjusted results, the likelihood of engaging in unprotected anal intercourse was associated with food insecurity in the past 30 days (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03, 2.40) and more interpersonal power attributed to the male partner (AOR = 1.63, 95%CI 1.08, 2.45). Not significant, yet of possible importance, were ever having engaged in exchange sex (AOR = 1.96, 95%CI = 0.97, 3.98) and lower HIV knowledge (AOR = 0.80, 95%CI = 0.63, 1.01). Interventions aimed at reducing heterosexual unprotected anal intercourse risk for HIV infection among Hispanic women may benefit by addressing socioeconomic and interpersonal issues, and assessing HIV knowledge and comprehension.
Genetic Diversity and Mosaicism at the por Locus ofNeisseria gonorrhoeae

ABSTRACT The por genes of the predominant serovars ofNeisseria gonorrhoeae circulating in a high-frequency transmitter core group located in Nairobi, Kenya, were examined for nucleotide sequence polymorphism. The level of por gene diversity did not differ significantly between core group-derived gonococcal strains and gonococcal strains originating elsewhere. However, por mosaicism appeared to be more frequent among core group-derived strains, suggesting that recombination of differentpor sequences may be a important strategy by which N. gonorrhoeae generates por gene diversity within core group populations. Despite extensive sequence variability,por expressed by gonococcal isolates of different geographic origin exhibited conserved patterns of nucleotide change, suggesting that diversity among por alleles may also be finite.
Traffic sign detection based on co-training method

To improve the performance of traffic sign detection and recognition systems in real implementation for the outdoor challenging environment, we propose a robust traffic sign detection algorithm based on co-training learning methods with a small number of manually labeled initial samples (opposite to collect all possible views) in this paper. With consideration on the various appearances of different traffic signs in real environment, two kinds of redundant textual descriptors are extracted for reinforcing the discrimination ability of traffic sign detection classifier from background. First, a novel traffic sign candidate regions extraction method is used based on probability map image built from multiple color-histogram back-projection. Secondly, a small number of labeled samples are used to train two classifiers respectively: one is AdaBoost with MB-LBP (multi-block local binary pattern) features and the other is SVM (support vector machines) with HOG (histograms of oriented gradients) features. Then, on the basis of co-training semi-supervised learning framework, the newly labeled samples with higher confidence from one classifier are used to update the training samples of the other one. Because of the constant increment of each training samples, the performance of traffic sign detection is highly improved which is evaluated intensively in the results of our experiment.
FREE RADICALS, ANTIOXIDANTS, DISEASES AND PHYTOMEDICINES: CURRENT STATUS AND FUTURE PROSPECT

Free radicals are well documented for playing a dual role in our body as both deleterious and beneficial species. In low/moderate concentrations free radicals are involved in normal physiological functions but excess production of free radicals or decrease in antioxidant level leads to oxidative stress. It is a harmful process that can be mediates damage to cell structures, including lipids, proteins, RNA and DNA which leads to number of diseases. A variety of synthetic medicine employed in the treatment of different diseases also capable to generate free radicals in body which may causes another disease. The plant sources are rich of antioxidants, phyto-constituents are capable to terminate free radical reactions and prevent our body from oxidative damage. Vegetables and fruits are also important sources of antioxidant substances. Different phytoconstituents and herbal product which are safer then synthetic medicine and beneficial in the treatment of diseases caused by free radicals, it also protect the body by prevent the free radicals to cause tissue injury. Phytoconstituents are conferring less side effect and compatible to body physiology. Therefore it is demand of modern era to use such phytoconstituents or phytomedicines.
[Cervical cancer in Bas-Rhin: trend and prediction of the incidence in 2014].

BACKGROUND In the world, the cervix cancer is the second commonest cancer in women. Its incidence is decreasing but it is still too frequent. The aim of this study was to predict the incidence of cervix cancer among women in the Department of Bas-Rhin. METHODS Incidence data were provided by the Bas-Rhin Tumor Registry. The incidence of in situ tumors and invasive cancers was predicted in 2010-2014 by using an age - period - cohort model and a Bayesian approach. RESULTS The incidence rates predicted by the model, standardized to the European population, were 99.7 per 10(5)population in 2000-2004 (CI 95%: [82.7-118.5]) and 177.1 per 10(5) population in 2010-2014 (CI 95%: [103.7-288.5]) for in situ and 13.0 per 10(5) population (CI 95%: [9.5-17.2]) in 2000-2004 and 11.1 per 10(5)population (CI 95%: [4.5-22.7]) in 2010-2014 for invasive tumors. CONCLUSIONS The decrease of invasive tumors is due to screening. The improvement of the quality of the screening and treatment of in situ tumors would allow the number of incident cases of cervix cancer to decrease.