Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Household Wastes as Larval Habitats of Dengue Vectors: Comparison between Urban and Rural Areas of Kolkata, India

Porcelain and plastic materials constitute bulk of household wastes. Owing to resistibility and slow degradability that accounts for higher residence time, these materials qualify as potential hazardous wastes. Retention of water permits these wastes to form a congenial biotope for the breeding of different vector mosquitoes. Thus porcelain and plastic wastes pose a risk from public health viewpoint. This proposition was validated through the study on the porcelain and plastic household wastes as larval habitats of Dengue vectors (Aedes spp.) in rural and urban areas around Kolkata, India. The wastes were characterized in terms of larval productivity, seasonal variation and a comparison between urban and rural areas was made using data of two subsequent years. The number of wastes positive as larval habitats and their productivity of Aedes spp. varied among the types of household wastes with reference to months and location. Multivariate analysis revealed significant differences in the larval productivity of the household wastes based on the materials, season, and urban–rural context. Results of Discriminant Analysis indicated differences in abundance of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus for the urban and rural areas. The porcelain and plastic wastes were more productive in urban areas compared to the rural areas, indicating a possible difference in the household waste generation. A link between household wastes with Aedes productivity is expected to increase the risk of dengue epidemics if waste generation is continued without appropriate measures to limit addition to the environment. Perhaps, alternative strategies and replacement of materials with low persistence time can reduce this problem of waste and mosquito production.
Global Scheduling for Flexible Transactions in Heterogeneous Distributed Database Systems

A heterogeneous distributed database environment integrates a set of autonomous database systems to provide global database functions. A flexible transaction approach has been proposed for the heterogeneous distributed database environments. In such an environment, flexible transactions can increase the failure resilience of global transactions by allowing alternate (but in some sense equivalent) executions to be attempted when a local database system fails or some subtransactions of the global transaction abort. We study the impact of compensation, retry, and switching to alternative executions on global concurrency control for the execution of flexible transactions. We propose a new concurrency control criterion for the execution of flexible and local transactions, termed F-serializability, in the error-prone heterogeneous distributed database environments. We then present a scheduling protocol that ensures F-serializability on global schedules. We also demonstrate that this scheduler avoids unnecessary aborts and compensation.
Practical Strategies for Discovering Regulatory DNA Sequence Motifs

Many functionally important regions of the genome can be recognized by searching for sequence patterns, or “motifs. ” Aside from the genes themselves, examples include CpG islands, often present in promoter regions, and splice sites that denote intron/exon boundaries. Other motifs of great interest correspond to sites bound by regulatory proteins. Differential expression of genes in response to environmental and developmental cues depends on the action of these proteins, which are also known as transcription factors. Identifying the regulatory motifs bound by transcription factors can provide crucial insight into the mechanisms of transcriptional regulation. However, the search for these sites is challenging because a single regulatory protein will often recognize a variety of similar sequences. In this tutorial, we review computational techniques, termed “motif discovery,” to learn representations of regulatory motifs from sequence data. In Figure 1, we present an overview of the basic workflow in a motif discovery analysis and some practical strategies for successfully mining sequence data for biologically important regulatory motifs. In the remainder of this tutorial, we discuss the main challenges associated with motif discovery in detail, and we review recent developments for addressing these challenges. Figure 1 Motif Discovery Workflow
Leveraging Over Priors for Boosting Control of Prosthetic Hands

The Electromyography (EMG) signal is the electrical activity produced by cells of skeletal muscles in order to provide a movement. The non-invasive prosthetic hand works with several electrodes, placed on the stump of an amputee, that record this signal. In order to favour the control of prosthesis, the EMG signal is analyzed with algorithms based on machine learning theory to decide the movement that the subject is going to do. In order to obtain a significant control of the prosthesis and avoid mismatch between desired and performed movements, a long training period is needed when we use the traditional algorithm of machine learning (i.e. Support Vector Machines). An actual challenge in this field concerns the reduction of the time necessary for an amputee to learn how to use the prosthesis. Recently, several algorithms that exploit a form of prior knowledge have been proposed. In general, we refer to prior knowledge as a past experience available in the form of models. In our case an amputee, that attempts to perform some movements with the prosthesis, could use experience from different subjects that are already able to perform those movements. The aim of this work is to verify, with a computational investigation, if for an amputee this kind of previous experience is useful in order to reduce the training time and boost the prosthetic control. Furthermore, we want to understand if and how the final results change when the previous knowledge of intact or amputated subjects is used for a new amputee. Our experiments indicate that: (1) the use of experience, from other subjects already trained to perform a task, makes us able to reduce the training time of about an order of magnitude; (2) it seems that an amputee that tries to learn to use the prosthesis doesn't reach different results when he/she exploits previous experience of amputees or intact.
Mahalanobis Distance Cross-Correlation for Illumination-Invariant Stereo Matching

A robust similarity measure called the Mahalanobis distance cross-correlation (MDCC) is proposed for illumination-invariant stereo matching, which uses a local color distribution within support windows. It is shown that the Mahalanobis distance between the color itself and the average color is preserved under affine transformation. The MDCC converts pixels within each support window into the Mahalanobis distance transform (MDT) space. The similarity between MDT pairs is then computed using the cross-correlation with an asymmetric weight function based on the Mahalanobis distance. The MDCC considers correlation on cross-color channels, thus providing robustness to affine illumination variation. Experimental results show that the MDCC outperforms state-of-the-art similarity measures in terms of stereo matching for image pairs taken under different illumination conditions.
The Maritime Labour Convention 2006: International Labour Law Redefined

1. The Maritime Labour Convention 2006 in the European Union Ariadne Abel 2. Increased Seafarer Protection under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006: A Maltese Flag Perspective Adrian Attard & Paul Gonzi 3. The Shipmaster and the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 John A. C. Cartner 4. Yachting and the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 Mateusz Bek 5. Crewing Insurance under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 Johanna Hjalmarsson 6. Seafarer Abandonment Insurance: A System of Financial Security for Seafarers Denis Nifontov With contributions from Capt. Thomas Brown and Nicholas Maddalena 7. Seafarers and Modern Piracy Graham Caldwell 8. The Enforcement Procedures of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 Alexandros Ntovas 9. How to Determine Jurisdiction and Governing Law in Disputes Arising out of a Seafarer's Employment Agreement Jennifer Lavelle 10. Implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (UK) Interview with Julie Carlton & Neil Atkinson, MCA
Association and family studies of DRD2 gene polymorphisms in alcohol dependence syndrome.

INTRODUCTION The human dopamine receptor 2 gene DRD2 plays a central role in susceptibility to Alcohol Dependence Syndrome (ADS). The aim of this study was to evaluate 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms: D2 (rs1076560), Tag1D (rs1800498), Tag1B (rs1079597) located in dopamine receptor 2 DRD2 gene and its role in alcohol dependence. MATERIAL AND METHODS DNA was provided from alcohol dependent (AD) patients (n=171) and healthy control subjects (n=160) all of Polish descent. The history of alcoholism was obtained using the Polish version of the SSAGA (Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism). We conducted case-control association study and transmission disequilibrium test (TDT). Samples were genotyped using real-time PCR method. RESULTS We did not confirm the association between studied polymorphisms and alcohol dependence syndrome. TDT reveled an adequate transmission of both alleles in the group of alcohol families. CONCLUSIONS The lack of association of studied polymorphisms and ADS does not preclude its participation in the pathogenesis. Further research is needed to determine the actual contribution of DRD2 gene in the pathogenesis of alcoholism.
Convex gain-scheduled control of an LFT model

This paper deals with an extension of the convex closed loop design technique, initially proposed by Boyd and co-workers for the case of a linear plant, to the scheduled case. The issue is to synthesize an LFT controller for an open loop LFT model, describing a continuum of time invariant linearizations (typically computed at the trim points of a nonlinear plant). The LFT controller and open loop plant share the same (scheduling) parameters, supposed to be measured. Modal and H∞ specifications on the continuum of linearizations are directly introduced in the design procedure: first, a scheduled Youla parameterization is computed on the basis of an initial observed state-feedback LFT controller, designed to satisfy modal spec. Second, a Youla parameter is computed to satisfy I/O spec. In both cases the principle is to combine a multi-model design technique with a validation on the continuum using μ analysis. A nonlinear missile example illustrates the feasibility of the approach.
Design and analysis of compact ultra Energy-Efficient logic gates using laterally-actuated double-electrode NEMS

Nano-Electro-Mechanical Switches (NEMS) are among the most promising emerging devices due to their near-zero subthreshold-leakage currents. This paper reports device fabrication and modeling, as well as novel logic gate design using “laterally-actuated double-electrode NEMS” structures. The new device structure has several advantages over existing NEMS architectures such as being immune to impact bouncing and release vibrations (unlike a vertically-actuated NEMS) and offer higher flexibility to implement compact logic gates (unlike a single-electrode NEMS). A comprehensive analytical framework is developed to model different properties of these devices by solving the Euler-Bernoulli's beam equation. The proposed model is validated using measurement data for the fabricated devices. It is shown that by ignoring the non-uniformity of the electrostatic force distribution, the existing models “underestimate” the actual value of Vpull-in and Vpull-out. Furthermore, novel energy efficient NEMS-based circuit topologies are introduced to implement compact inverter, NAND, NOR and XOR gates. For instance, the proposed XOR gate can be implemented by using only two NEMS devices compared to that of a static CMOS-based XOR gate that requires at least 10 transistors.
Modeling user experience with news websites

Although news websites are used by a large and increasing number of people, there is a lack of research within human‐computer interaction regarding users' experience with this type of interactive technology. In the current research, existing measures of user‐experience factors were identified and, using an online survey, answers to psychometric scales to measure website characteristics, need fulfillment, affective reactions, and constructs of technology acceptance and user experience were collected from regular users of news sites. A comprehensive user‐experience model was formulated to explain acceptance and quality judgments of news sites. The main contribution of the current study is the application of influential models of user experience and technology acceptance to the domain of online news. By integrating both types of variable in a comprehensive model, the relationships between the types of variable are clarified both theoretically and empirically. Implications of the model for theory, further research, and system design are discussed.
Mental Health Nursing: The Art of Compassionate Care

PART 1 Meaning and behaviour: The nature of human distress Social and cultural issues in the experience of distress Creative solutions to crisis A person-centred approach to assessment Creating pathways to recovery A humanistic approach to helping PART 2 The working alliance: Beginnings and the working alliance A framework for the working alliance The working alliance as an enabling relationship Advocacy and the working alliance Case management and the working alliance The working alliance with families and carers Reluctance, resistance and the working alliance Endings and the working alliance PART 3 The therapeutic use of self: The dynamics of therapeutic care The therapeutic use of self in developmentally needed or reparative relationships The person-to-person relationship The spiritual dimension to therapeutic care The shadow side of helping relationships PART 4 Personal management: Personal development in professional education Taking care of ourselves Guided reflection on practice
Sedentary time in older adults: a critical review of measurement, associations with health, and interventions

Sedentary time (ST) is an important risk factor for a variety of health outcomes in older adults. Consensus is needed on future research directions so that collaborative and timely efforts can be made globally to address this modifiable risk factor. In this review, we examined current literature to identify gaps and inform future research priorities on ST and healthy ageing. We reviewed three primary topics:(1) the validity/reliability of self-report measurement tools, (2) the consequences of prolonged ST on geriatric-relevant health outcomes (physical function, cognitive function, mental health, incontinence and quality of life) and(3) the effectiveness of interventions to reduce ST in older adults. Methods A trained librarian created a search strategy that was peer reviewed for completeness. Results Self-report assessment of the context and type of ST is important but the tools tend to underestimate total ST. There appears to be an association between ST and geriatric-relevant health outcomes, although there is insufficient longitudinal evidence to determine a dose–response relationship or a threshold for clinically relevant risk. The type of ST may also affect health; some cognitively engaging sedentary behaviours appear to benefit health, while time spent in more passive activities may be detrimental. Short-term feasibility studies of individual-level ST interventions have been conducted; however, few studies have appropriately assessed the impact of these interventions on geriatric-relevant health outcomes, nor have they addressed organisation or environment level changes. Research is specifically needed to inform evidence-based interventions that help maintain functional autonomy among older adults. This consensus statement has been endorsed by the following societies: Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy, Exercise & Sports Science Australia, Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging, Society of Behavioral Medicine, and the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine.
MODELOVANIE POVRCHU RUKY VO VIRTUÁLNO-REALITNOM SYSTÉME ( MODELLING OF HAND SURFACE IN VIRTUAL-REALITY SYSTEM )

This paper deals with the virtual-reality system and it is focused to kinematic and statokinetic and visualisation subsystems. Main stream of this paper describes a modelling of human hand surface. Model of human hand is based on skeleton model with using of complex geometric transformations a NURBS for surface representation. The paper is divided to three parts. First part describes skeleton model of human hand. Every finger is approximated with linear construction and every construction contains rotation nodes and edges with fixed length. Second part contains description of surface model. Surface is assigned for every edge (bone) of skeleton model. This surface has cylinder form and is constructed from two parts: upper and bottom part. Every part is defined by NURBS plane. One chapter describes association between edge (finger bone) of skeleton model and appropriate control points of NURBS plane. Thumb is solved separately. In the last part are described advantages, disadvantages and usage of this solution. This part contains the example of output from program implementation.
Academic identity traits : a corpus-based investigation

Contents: Maurizio Gotti: Introduction - Maurizio Gotti: Variation in Academic Texts - Maurizio Gotti: The CADIS Corpus - Davide S. Giannoni: Local/Global Identities and the Medical Editorial Genre - Larissa D'Angelo: Identity Conflicts in Book Reviews: A Cross-disciplinary Comparison - Stefania M. Maci: The Discussion Section of Medical Research Articles: A Cross-cultural Perspective - Michele Sala: Different Systems, Different Styles: Legal Expertise and Professional Identities in Legal Research Articles - Ulisse Belotti: Variations of Identity in Single- and Multi-Authored Economics RA Abstracts - Davide S. Giannoni: Evaluation and Popularisation in Journal Editorials: Medicine vs Applied Linguistics - Davide S. Giannoni: Metaphoric Expressions and Editorial Identity Across Disciplines - Michele Sala: Metadiscursive Resources as Indicators of Disciplinary Variation - Michele Sala: Interrogative Forms as Engagement Markers: A Diachronic Perspective - Stefania M. Maci: Fast-track Publications: The Genre of Medical Research Letters - Larissa D'Angelo: Academic Poster Presentations: Mapping the Genre - Stefania M. Maci: The Genre of Medical Conference Posters - Larissa D'Angelo: Exploring Gender Identity in Academic Research Articles and Book Reviews.
Human Thermal Face Recognition Based on Random Linear Oracle (RLO) Ensembles

This paper proposes a human thermal face recognitionapproach with two variants based on Random linearOracle (RLO) ensembles. For the two approaches, the Segmentation-based Fractal Texture Analysis (SFTA) algorithmwas used for extracting features and the RLO ensembleclassifier was used for recognizing the face from its thermalimage. For the dimensionality reduction, one variant (SFTALDA-RLO) was used the technique of Linear DiscriminantAnalysis (LDA) while the other variant (SFTA-PCA-RLO) wasused the Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The classifier'smodel was built using the RLO classifier during the trainingphase and in the testing phase then this model was usedto identify the unknown sample images. The two variantswere evaluated using the Terravic Facial IR Database and theexperimental results showed that the two variants achieved agood recognition rate at 94.12% which is better than related work.
Adolescents with Hearing Loss and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health: Children & Youth Version

Abstract In 2007, the World Health Organization published a set of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) codes designed for children and youth (ICF-CY version). The ICF-CY considers typical developmental changes associated with childhood while describing health status and the effects of intervention. In this article we will describe how a specific intervention (transition planning for adolescents) can be documented with the ICF-CY. Transition planning in health care prepares adolescents and their families for the transfer from pediatric to adult health services and has been demonstrated to be an effective practice for adolescents with many types of chronic health conditions (e.g., cystic fibrosis, epilepsy, diabetes). Audiology has not yet addressed transition planning for adolescents with hearing loss; therefore, we propose using the ICF-CY to design a pathway of care. The ICF-CY can standardize transition planning to the benefit of both teen patients and audiologists: teens and their families would gradually acquire necessary knowledge and skills, and audiologists would develop a meaningful data set to help further inform our pediatric practices, as well as give more structure, depth, and accountability to our role in rehabilitation.
High-throughput sequencing of 16S rDNA amplicons characterizes bacterial composition in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a life-threatening disease that is associated with high rates of morbidity and likely mortality, placing a heavy burden on an individual and society. Currently available diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for VAP treatment are limited, and the prognosis of VAP is poor. The present study aimed to reveal and discriminate the identification of the full spectrum of the pathogens in patients with VAP using high-throughput sequencing approach and analyze the species richness and complexity via alpha and beta diversity analysis. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples were collected from 27 patients with VAP in intensive care unit. The polymerase chain reaction products of the hypervariable regions of 16S rDNA gene in these 27 samples of VAP were sequenced using the 454 GS FLX system. A total of 103,856 pyrosequencing reads and 638 operational taxonomic units were obtained from these 27 samples. There were four dominant phyla, including Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. There were 90 different genera, of which 12 genera occurred in over ten different samples. The top five dominant genera were Streptococcus, Acinetobacter, Limnohabitans, Neisseria, and Corynebacterium, and the most widely distributed genera were Streptococcus, Limnohabitans, and Acinetobacter in these 27 samples. Of note, the mixed profile of causative pathogens was observed. Taken together, the results show that the high-throughput sequencing approach facilitates the characterization of the pathogens in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples and the determination of the profile for bacteria in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples of the patients with VAP. This study can provide useful information of pathogens in VAP and assist clinicians to make rational and effective therapeutic decisions.
Analysis of the list-strength effect.

In several articles, Shiffrin et al. (e.g,, Shiffrin, Ratcliff, & Clark, 1990) argued that their data on the list-strength effect (LSE), in conjunction with their data on the list-length effect (LLE), are counter to current global matching memory models (GMMs). This is only true if one assumes that the memory system is reinitialized after every list, which is an unrealistic default assumption present in many implementations of GMMs. By making the more reasonable assumption that memory is continuous, it is shown that TODAM (and probably other GMMs) does in fact predict the LSE and LLE data