Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Noninvasive Type 2 Diabetes Screening

OBJECTIVE—This study compared the performance of a novel noninvasive technology to fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and A1C tests for detecting undiagnosed diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—The design was a head-to-head evaluation in a naïve population. Consented subjects received FPG and A1C tests and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Subjects were also measured by a noninvasive device that detects the fluorescence of skin advanced glycation end products. A total of 351 subjects participated. RESULTS—Subjects with 2-h OGTT values ≥140 mg/dl defined the positive screening class. A total of 84 subjects (23.9% prevalence) screened positive. The performances of the noninvasive device, FPG, and A1C were evaluated for sensitivity and specificity against this classification. At the impaired fasting glucose threshold (FPG =100 mg/dl), the FPG testing sensitivity was 58% and the specificity was 77.4%. At that same specificity, the sensitivity for A1C testing was 63.8%, while the noninvasive testing sensitivity was 74.7%. The sensitivity advantage of the noninvasive device over both blood tests for detecting diabetes and precursors was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS—The noninvasive technology showed clinical performance advantages over both FPG and A1C testing. The sensitivity differential indicated that the noninvasive device is capable of identifying 28.8% more individuals in the OGTT-defined positive screening class than FPG testing and 17.1% more than A1C testing. The combination of higher sensitivity and greater convenience—rapid results with no fasting or blood draws—makes the device well suited for opportunistic screening.
An adaptive segmentation algorithm for traffic lights image based on OTSU and fuzzy theory

In order to improve the accuracy of traffic lights segmentation in complex background, a novel adaptive threshold algorithm based on Otsu and fuzzy theory is proposed. Firstly, the fuzzy area was obtained by rough segmentation based on Otsu theory. Then, taking into account the characteristic of traffic lights images in complex background, the membership function about luminance component of image is constructed. Finally, along with defuzzification by the gravity method, the threshold which could segment image adaptively was obtained. The experimental results demonstrate that our algorithm provides more accurate traffic light segmentation than the existing state-of-the-art algorithm through qualitative and quantitative evaluations.
High-definition surveillance camera control system from mobile phones

The demand for remote monitoring by high-definition, high-quality video has been growing as high-definition surveillance cameras come on the market and mobile networks for transmitting that video become capable of higher speeds and larger capacities. We have developed a prototype high-definition surveillance-camera system to meet this demand using surveillance cameras capable of shooting high-definition video and a transcoder / camera-control gateway. Our system uses protocols defined by Peer-to-peer Universal Computing Consortium (PUCC) to control various kinds of devices over a peer-to-peer network. This system enables remote high-quality video monitoring from mobile phones by controlling a HDTV-quality video camera using PUCC protocol.
Macular Ganglion Cell Layer Assessment to Detect Glaucomatous Central Visual Field Progression

Purpose To investigate the use of ganglion cell inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thickness, as measured by spectral domain optical coherence tomography, to detect central visual field (VF) progression. Methods This study included 384 eyes from 384 patients (219 preperimetric and 165 perimetric glaucomatous eyes; average follow-up, 4.3 years). Photographic assessment of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and serial VF analysis were performed to detect glaucoma progression in the central (within 10°) area. Study inclusion required at least five serial spectral domain optical coherence tomography exams at different visits. The long-term test-retest variability of average GC-IPL thicknesses was calculated in 110 stable preperimetric glaucomatous eyes. The sensitivity and specificity of GC-IPL measurements for the detection of central VF progression were calculated in an event-based analysis using the calculated variability as a cut-off and were compared with those of central RNFL photographic assessment. Results The intersession test-retest variability, defined as the 95% confidence interval, was 1.76 µm for average GC-IPL thickness. The sensitivity and specificity of the average GC-IPL thickness for detecting central VF progression were 60.7% and 78.9%, respectively. Among six sectors, the inferonasal GC-IPL sector showed the highest sensitivity (53.6%). The sensitivity of the ≥1 sector GC-IPL to detect central VF progression was significantly higher than that of central RNFL photographic progression (p = 0.013). Other GC-IPL parameters showed comparable sensitivity and specificity to detect central VF progression compared with RNFL photographic progression. Conclusions Serial GC-IPL measurements show comparable performance in the detection of central glaucomatous VF progression to RNFL photographic assessment.
Unsupervised learning of a steerable basis for invariant image representations

There are two aspects to unsupervised learning of invariant representations of images: First, we can reduce the dimensionality of the representation by finding an optimal trade-off between temporal stability and informativeness. We show that the answer to this optimization problem is generally not unique so that there is still considerable freedom in choosing a suitable basis. Which of the many optimal representations should be selected? Here, we focus on this second aspect, and seek to find representations that are invariant under geometrical transformations occuring in sequences of natural images. We utilize ideas of 'steerability' and Lie groups, which have been developed in the context of filter design. In particular, we show how an anti-symmetric version of canonical correlation analysis can be used to learn a full-rank image basis which is steerable with respect to rotations. We provide a geometric interpretation of this algorithm by showing that it finds the two-dimensional eigensubspaces of the average bivector. For data which exhibits a variety of transformations, we develop a bivector clustering algorithm, which we use to learn a basis of generalized quadrature pairs (i.e. 'complex cells') from sequences of natural images.
Stereo-vision-based 3D modeling of space structures

Servicing satellites in space requires accurate and reliable 3D information. Such information can be used to create virtual models of space structures for inspection (geometry, surface flaws, and deployment of appendages), estimation of relative position and orientation of a target spacecraft during autonomous docking or satellite capture, replacement of serviceable modules, detection of unexpected objects and collisions. Existing space vision systems rely on assumptions to achieve the necessary performance and reliability. Future missions will require vision systems that can operate without visual targets and under less restricted operational conditions towards full autonomy. Our vision system uses stereo cameras with a pattern projector and software to obtain reliable and accurate 3D information. It can process images from cameras mounted on a robotic arm end-effector on a space structure or a spacecraft. Image sequences can be acquired during relative camera motion, during fly-around of a spacecraft or motion of the arm. The system recovers the relative camera motion from the image sequence automatically without using spacecraft or arm telemetry. The 3D data computed can then be integrated to generate a calibrated photo-realistic 3D model of the space structure. Feature-based and shape-based approaches for camera motion estimation have been developed and compared. Imaging effects on specular surfaces are introduced by space materials and illumination. With a pattern projector and redundant stereo cameras, the robustness and accuracy of stereo matching are improved as inconsistent 3D points are discarded. Experiments in our space vision facility show promising results and photo-realistic 3D models of scaled satellite replicas are created.
Spectrum Sensing of OFDM Signals in the Presence of Carrier Frequency Offset

This paper addresses the important issue of detecting orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) signals in the presence of carrier frequency offset (CFO). The proposed algorithm utilizes the characteristics of the covariance matrix of the discrete Fourier transform of the input signal to the detector to determine the presence of the primary user's signal. This algorithm can be exploited to differentiate OFDM signals from the noise through the proposal of a new decision metric, which measures the off-diagonal elements of the input signal's covariance matrix. The decision threshold subject to a given probability of false alarm is derived, whereas performance analysis is carried out to demonstrate the potential of the proposed algorithm. Finally, simulation results are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed sensing method in comparison with other existing approaches.
Capacity Loss Factors in Semiconductor Manufacturing

This paper describes characteristics and problems of the capacity planning process in semiconductor wafer fabrication facilities. Twenty-two factors that contribute to capacity loss are identified and discussed. Informaton on these loss factors was obtained through three sources: 1) a literature review; 2) an extensive survey, interview, and workshop process; and 3) a variety of queueing and simulation models.
The role of older women in health promotion: Conversation wheels in the community

O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender como usuarias que frequentam rodas de conversa na comunidade exercem o protagonismo, utilizando o conhecimento adquirido nas rodas e de que maneira multiplicam essas informacoes na promocao do cuidado em saude. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, descritiva que entrevistou oito mulheres idosas (60 anos ou mais) da comunidade, pertencentes a diferentes micro areas de um territorio de saude, de um municipio do interior do estado do Rio Grande do Sul/BR, durante o mes de setembro de 2016. As mesmas deveriam ter participado de no minimo quatro rodas de conversa no decorrente ano. Elas responderam a um questionario com perguntas abertas e fechadas. As entrevistas foram analisadas segundo os pressupostos da analise de conteudo proposta por Minayo (2010) e os resultados foram organizados por categorias de analise, considerando as etapas de pre-analise, exploracao do material e tratamento e interpretacao dos resultados. Conclui-se que as rodas de conversa enquanto metodologia ativa e tecnologia leve do cuidado geram beneficios na promocao do autocuidado, transformando o cotidiano dos individuos que delas participam e o meio social e familiar ao qual estao inseridas, ocupando elas, o papel de agentes multiplicadores de saberes nos seus espacos de convivio. Alem disso, o espaco da roda de conversa mostrou-se um local de construcao coletiva, que eleva relacoes harmoniosas com a equipe de saude, fortalecendo vinculos terapeuticos e o protagonismo das usuarias envolvidas.
Galerkin radiosity: a higher order solution method for global illumination

This paper presents an alternative radiosity formulation using piecewise smooth radiance functions that incorporates curved surfaces directly. Using the Galerkin integral equation technique as a mathematical foundation, surface radiance functions are approximated by polynomials. This model eliminates the need for a posteriori rendering interpolation, and allows the direct use of non-planar parametric surfaces. Convergence problems due to singularities in the radiosity kernel are analyzed and rectified, and sources of approximation error are examined. The incorporation of a shadow masking technique vastly reduces the need for meshing and associated storage space—accurate radiosity calculations can often be made with no meshing. The technique is demonstrated on traditional radiosity scenes, as well as environments with untessellated curved surfaces.
Automatic Generation of Poetry using a CBR Approach

A case based reasoning application that generates poetry versions of texts provided by the user is presented. Cases consist of a sentence of prose (used as retrieval key) associated with a corresponding poem fragment (used as starting point for the solution). Adaptation takes place by combining phonetic, metrical and lexical information about the words in the different sources the prose message, the retrieved case, and additional vocabulary provided by the user. An extension of this system is proposed. Such extension would include semantic information in an integrated manner, allowing close interaction between the basic CBR processes retrieval and adaptation and the natural language semantics of the words involved.
Performance and analysis of 10T Full Adder using MTCMOS technique

Full Adder performs addition and therefore in microprocessor and digital signal processor, it is used for arithmetic operation, for comparison and for access the address in memory. Improvement of this circuit would impart a greater impact on the performance of large systems where it has been employed. For improvement of power and delay performance in full adder, the 10T structure based static energy recovery type full Adder (SERF) has been utilized with MTCMOS technique at 45nm technology. MTCMOS (Multi-Threshold Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) technique has been emerged as a promising and popular circuit technique for further improvement in performance (i.e. reduction in delay and power minimization) of full adder. The paper here illustrates the analysis of leakage current, active power, delay and noise with power supply of (0.7 V). The reduction in power consumption in the structure represented is computed as 90.27nW and propagation delay of 10.24ns, which significantly improves and makes the circuit more efficient and reliable. The leakage current has been reduced and lies between 1.004-1.771pA with different supply voltages from 0.5v to 0.9v. The adder has been analyzed for various parameters. All simulation results are performed with 45nm CMOS technology, 20ns access time and 0.05GHZ frequency using cadence virtuoso tool.
FPGA-Based HD Camera System for the Micropositioning of Biomedical Micro-Objects Using a Contactless Micro-Conveyor

With recent advancements, micro-object contactless conveyers are becoming an essential part of the biomedical sector. They help avoid any infection and damage that can occur due to external contact. In this context, a smart micro-conveyor is devised. It is a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)-based system that employs a smart surface for conveyance along with an OmniVision complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) HD camera for micro-object position detection and tracking. A specific FPGA-based hardware design and VHSIC (Very High Speed Integrated Circuit) Hardware Description Language (VHDL) implementation are realized. It is done without employing any Nios processor or System on a Programmable Chip (SOPC) builder based Central Processing Unit (CPU) core. It keeps the system efficient in terms of resource utilization and power consumption. The micro-object positioning status is captured with an embedded FPGA-based camera driver and it is communicated to the Image Processing, Decision Making and Command (IPDC) module. The IPDC is programmed in C++ and can run on a Personal Computer (PC) or on any appropriate embedded system. The IPDC decisions are sent back to the FPGA, which pilots the smart surface accordingly. In this way, an automated closed-loop system is employed to convey the micro-object towards a desired location. The devised system architecture and implementation principle is described. Its functionality is also verified. Results have confirmed the proper functionality of the developed system, along with its outperformance compared to other solutions.
Genes of the sbo-alb Locus ofBacillus subtilis Are Required for Production of the Antilisterial Bacteriocin Subtilosin

ABSTRACT Bacillus subtilis JH642 and a wild strain of B. subtilis called 22a both produce an antilisterial peptide that can be purified by anion-exchange and gel filtration chromatography. Amino acid analysis confirmed that the substance was the cyclic bacteriocin subtilosin. A mutant defective in production of the substance was isolated from a plasmid gene disruption library. The plasmid insertion conferring the antilisterial-peptide-negative phenotype was located in a seven-gene operon (alb, for antilisterial bacteriocin) residing immediately downstream from thesbo gene, which encodes the precursor of subtilosin. An insertion mutation in the sbo gene also conferred loss of antilisterial activity. Comparison of the presubtilosin and mature subtilosin sequences suggested that certain residues undergo unusual posttranslational modifications unlike those occurring during the synthesis of class I (lantibiotic) or some class II bacteriocins. The putative products of the genes of the operon identified show similarities to peptidases and transport proteins that may function in processing and export. Two alb gene products resemble proteins that function in pyrroloquinoline quinone biosynthesis. The use of lacZ-alb and lacZ-sbo gene fusions, along with primer extension analysis, revealed that thesbo-alb genes are transcribed from a major promoter, residing upstream of sbo, that is very likely utilized by the ςA form of RNA polymerase. The sbo andalb genes are negatively regulated by the global transition state regulator AbrB and are also under positive autoregulation that is not mediated by the subtilosin peptide but instead requires one or more of the alb gene products.
A Very Large Number of GABAergic Neurons Are Activated in the Tuberal Hypothalamus during Paradoxical (REM) Sleep Hypersomnia

We recently discovered, using Fos immunostaining, that the tuberal and mammillary hypothalamus contain a massive population of neurons specifically activated during paradoxical sleep (PS) hypersomnia. We further showed that some of the activated neurons of the tuberal hypothalamus express the melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) neuropeptide and that icv injection of MCH induces a strong increase in PS quantity. However, the chemical nature of the majority of the neurons activated during PS had not been characterized. To determine whether these neurons are GABAergic, we combined in situ hybridization of GAD67 mRNA with immunohistochemical detection of Fos in control, PS deprived and PS hypersomniac rats. We found that 74% of the very large population of Fos-labeled neurons located in the tuberal hypothalamus after PS hypersomnia were GAD-positive. We further demonstrated combining MCH immunohistochemistry and GAD67 in situ hybridization that 85% of the MCH neurons were also GAD-positive. Finally, based on the number of Fos-ir/GAD+, Fos-ir/MCH+, and GAD+/MCH+ double-labeled neurons counted from three sets of double-staining, we uncovered that around 80% of the large number of the Fos-ir/GAD+ neurons located in the tuberal hypothalamus after PS hypersomnia do not contain MCH. Based on these and previous results, we propose that the non-MCH Fos/GABAergic neuronal population could be involved in PS induction and maintenance while the Fos/MCH/GABAergic neurons could be involved in the homeostatic regulation of PS. Further investigations will be needed to corroborate this original hypothesis.
BlinkWrite2: an improved text entry method using eye blinks

Areas of design improvements for BlinkWrite, an eye blink text entry system, are examined, implemented, and evaluated. The result, BlinkWrite2, is a text entry system for individuals with severe motor impairment. Since the ability to blink is often preserved, even in severe conditions such as locked-in syndrome, BlinkWrite2 allows text entry and correction with blinks as the only input modality. Advantages of BlinkWrite2 over its predecessor include an increase in text entry speed. In a user evaluation, 12 participants achieved an average text entry rate of 5.3 wpm, representing a 16% increase over BlinkWrite and a 657% increase over the next fastest video-based eye blink text entry system reported in the literature.
Escala de Identidade Moral: Evidências de Validade para o Contexto Brasileiro

Moral Identity (MI) can be defined as the degree to which the morality is important as a part of a person’s identity. This construct has shown strong relationships with intentions and moral behavior, but has not yet been adapted to Brazil. Thus, the study intended to find evidences of validity of the MI scale to the Brazilian context. Therefore, the MI scale was translated and applied online along with related constructs scales in a sample of 218 people. The results of the factor analysis and reliability showed a two-factor structure (internalization and symbolization) with satisfactory rates for the MI scale. Significant correlations were found with sympathy, moral disengagement and brazilian jeitinho. Therefore, the instrument is constituted as a relevant measure for identifying characteristics related to morality and ethics.
Nonpulmonary Outcomes of Asbestos Exposure

The adverse pulmonary effects of asbestos are well accepted in scientific circles. However, the extrapulmonary consequences of asbestos exposure are not as clearly defined. In this review the potential for asbestos to produce diseases of the peritoneum, immune, gastrointestinal (GIT), and reproductive systems are explored as evidenced in published, peer-reviewed literature. Several hundred epidemiological, in vivo, and in vitro publications analyzing the extrapulmonary effects of asbestos were used as sources to arrive at the conclusions and to establish areas needing further study. In order to be considered, each study had to monitor extrapulmonary outcomes following exposure to asbestos. The literature supports a strong association between asbestos exposure and peritoneal neoplasms. Correlations between asbestos exposure and immune-related disease are less conclusive; nevertheless, it was concluded from the combined autoimmune studies that there is a possibility for a higher-than-expected risk of systemic autoimmune disease among asbestos-exposed populations. In general, the GIT effects of asbestos exposure appear to be minimal, with the most likely outcome being development of stomach cancer. However, IARC recently concluded the evidence to support asbestos-induced stomach cancer to be “limited. ” The strongest evidence for reproductive disease due to asbestos is in regard to ovarian cancer. Unfortunately, effects on fertility and the developing fetus are under-studied. The possibility of other asbestos-induced health effects does exist. These include brain-related tumors, blood disorders due to the mutagenic and hemolytic properties of asbestos, and peritoneal fibrosis. It is clear from the literature that the adverse properties of asbestos are not confined to the pulmonary system.
Automatic Speech Recognition In Noisy Environments Using Wavelet Transform

The performance of speech recognition systems is mainly determined by the used acoustic feature extraction technique. Two techniques are known, namely the full-band approach and the multi-band approach using filter banks. Systems using either approach usually suffer from performance degradation in the presence of noise. In this paper, the multi-band approach using Wavelet transform is suggested for speaker-independent isolated word recognition in noisy environments. Moreover, it has been found that combining the acoustic features obtained using both the full-band approach and the Wavelet transformbased multi-band approach has led to an improvement in the achievable recognition rates especially under mismatched conditions at low signal-to-noise ratio situations. Key-Words: Speech Processing, Wavelet Transform and Automatic Speech Recognition.