Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biomedical data privacy: problems, perspectives, and recent advances

The notion of privacy in the healthcare domain is at least as old as the ancient Greeks. Several decades ago, as electronic medical record (EMR) systems began to take hold, the necessity of patient privacy was recognized as a core principle, or even a right, that must be upheld.1 ,2 This belief was re-enforced as computers and EMRs became more common in clinical environments.3–5 However, the arrival of ultra-cheap data collection and processing technologies is fundamentally changing the face of healthcare. The traditional boundaries of primary and tertiary care environments are breaking down and health information is increasingly collected through mobile devices,6 in personal domains (eg, in one's home7), and from sensors attached on or in the human body (eg, body area networks8–10). At the same time, the detail and diversity of information collected in the context of healthcare and biomedical research is increasing at an unprecedented rate, with clinical and administrative health data being complemented with a range of *omics data, where genomics11 and proteomics12 are currently leading the charge, with other types of molecular data on the horizon.13 Healthcare organizations (HCOs) are adopting and adapting information technologies to support an expanding array of activities designed to derive value from these growing data archives, in terms of enhanced health outcomes.14 The ready availability of such large volumes of detailed data has also been accompanied by privacy invasions. Recent breach notification laws at the US federal and state levels have brought to the public's attention the scope and frequency of these invasions. For example, there are cases of healthcare provider snooping on the medical records of famous people, family, and friends, use of personal information for identity fraud, and millions of records disclosed through lost and … Correspondence to Dr Bradley Malin, Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University, 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 600, Nashville, TN 37203, USA; b.malin{at}vanderbilt.edu
Availability study on cloud computing environments: Live migration as a rejuvenation mechanism

With the increasing adoption of cloud computing environments, studies about high availability in those systems became more and more significant. Software rejuvenation is an important mechanism to improve system availability. This paper presents a comprehensive availability model to evaluate the utilization of the live migration mechanism to enable VMM rejuvenation with minimum service interruption. Live migrations are performed observing a time-based trigger. We evaluate five different scenarios, with distinct time intervals for triggering the rejuvenation. The results show that the live migration can significantly reduce the system downtime.
Neural network-based adaptive control of uncertain multivariable systems: Theory and experiments

This paper is concerned with design of an adaptive neural network (NN)-based controller for a class of multi-input multi-output (MIMO) nonlinear systems. Unlike most of the previous methods, the MIMO system under study is assumed to be in nonaffine form with unknown nonlinear functions in which the nonlinearities are completely coupled with system states and inputs. The system dynamics are first transformed into an affine form via mean value theorem. Then, a direct adaptive control strategy is developed by utilizing NNs universal approximation theory. In the proposed control scheme, the common assumption on fixing the NN hidden weights is removed. Hence, the suggested controller uses full approximation capabilities of NNs and is applicable to systems with higher degrees of nonlinearity. The tracking error and NN weights errors are ensured to be bounded via Lyapunov's direct method. Finally, experimental results are performed on a 6 degree of freedom (DoF) robotic system to illustrate performance of the proposed control scheme when applied to a completely unknown nonlinear system.
Recent developments in automated lip-reading

Human lip-readers are increasingly being presented as useful in the gathering of forensic evidence but, like all humans, suffer from unreliability. Here we report the results of a long-term study in automatic lip-reading with the objective of converting video-to-text (V2T). The V2T problem is surprising in that some aspects that look tricky, such as real-time tracking of the lips on poor-quality interlaced video from hand-held cameras, but prove to be relatively tractable. Whereas the problem of speaker independent lip-reading is very demanding due to unpredictable variations between people. Here we review the problem of automatic lip-reading for crime fighting and identify the critical parts of the problem.
A distributed closed-loop probabilistic robust prioritized motion planning algorithm

This paper addresses the problem of large scale multi-agent motion planning in the presence of various uncertainties and under limited communication bandwidth. Obtaining an optimal solution while simultaneously addressing all the issues is a difficult problem. Towards this, we develop a decentralized motion planner that combines probabilistic approaches including the rapidly-exploring random tree (RRT), chance constraint, overlapping coefficient and birthday paradox. First, we use RRT along with the chance constraint approach to identify robust paths. Second, we use the overlapping coefficient technique to detect conflicts between multiple agent paths and third, we use the birthday paradox to detect conflicts between agents in a large team under communication bandwidth constraints. Finally, a priority based approach is employed to resolve conflicts. These steps are carried out sequentially. To manage the level of uncertainty in the path planner, we use a closed-loop system to predict future distributions. Our paper extends the prediction approach to nonlinear Gaussian systems. We describe details of integrating these techniques to create a complete framework for determining computationally efficient paths for large scale multi-agent systems under uncertainty.
Floorplanning with abutment constraints and L-shpaed/T-shaped blocks baed on corner block list

The abutment constraint problem is one of the common constraints in practice to favor the transmission of data between blocks. Based on Corner Block List(CBL), a new algorithm to deal with abutment constraints is developed in this paper. We can obtain the abutment information by scanning the intermediate solutions represented by CBL in linear time during the simulated annealing process and fix the CBL in case the constraints are violated. Based on this algorithm, a new method to deal with L-shaped/T-shaped blocks is proposed. The shape flexibility of the soft blocks and the rotation and reflection of L-shaped/T-shaped blocks are exploited to obtain a tight packing. The experiment results are demonstrated by some benchmark data and the performance shows effectiveness of the proposed method.
Survey on the Relationship between Organizational Silence and Management Styles from the Viewpoint of Employees of TUMS General Hospitals 2016

Background: Management style is one of the factors that could cause staff unwillingness for sharing information and ideas that ultimately leads to dominance silence culture in organizations. This study aimed at determining the relationship between management style and organizational silence in hospitals affiliated by Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This study was an analytical, descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in 2016. The study population included all employees of General Hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences with 4251 employees that 354 among this population were selected as samples with stratified random sampling method. Organizational silence questionnaire by Vakola and Bouradas was used for data collection. The reliability of the questionnaire was α = 0.83 assessed by Cronbach’s alpha method. Data were analyzed using a t-test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient and also post-test experience if necessary. SPSS19 software was used for analyzing the data. Results: The results showed that there was a positive and meaningful relationship between exploitative-authoritative and benevolent-authoritative styles and organizational silence (P<0.001). Furthermore, organizational silence in Baharloo and Shariati hospital compared to other hospitals were more common. Conclusion: Given that the type of management style on organizational silence is very important, managers should support free and open communication to reduce organizational silence
Urinary Concentrations of Triclosan in the U.S. Population: 2003–2004

Background Triclosan is a synthetic chemical with broad antimicrobial activity that has been used extensively in consumer products, including personal care products, textiles, and plastic kitchenware. Objectives This study was designed to assess exposure to triclosan in a representative sample ≥ 6 years of age of the U.S. general population from the 2003–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Methods We analyzed 2,517 urine samples using automated solid-phase extraction coupled to isotope dilution–high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Results We detected concentrations of total (free plus conjugated) triclosan in 74.6% of samples at concentrations of 2.4–3,790 μg/L. The geometric mean and 95th percentile concentrations were 13.0 μg/L (12.7 μg/g creatinine) and 459.0 μg/L (363.8 μg/g creatinine), respectively. We observed a curvilinear relation between age and adjusted least square geometric mean (LSGM) concentrations of triclosan. LSGM concentrations of triclosan were higher in people in the high household income than in people in low (p < 0.01) and medium (p = 0.04) income categories. Conclusions In about three-quarters of urine samples analyzed as part of NHANES 2003–2004, we detected concentrations of triclosan. Concentrations differed by age and socioeconomic status but not by race/ethnicity and sex. Specifically, the concentrations of triclosan appeared to be highest during the third decade of life and among people with the highest household incomes.
Regulatory Circuits of MicroRNAs and Transcription Factors in Plant

We selected differentially expressed genes induced by cold, drought and salinity in the root and shoot of Arabidopsis seedlings, and up-regulated genes at different developmental stages with a method called Rank Products [2] (Figure 1). The microarray data were from AtGenExpress [4]. Using our genome-wide WordSpy motif algorithm [7, 8], we discovered many significant motifs. The expression relevance of a motif was measured by a p-value from a cumulative hypergeometric test [1], and by the average pairwise cosine similarity (gscore) of genes containing the motif. Figure 1E shows the distribution of the motifs from the coldinduced genes in shoot, and 258 motifs obtained with the p-value cutoff of 0.01 and gscore cutoff of 0.1. Similarly, significant motifs were obtained for the drought and salt stresses, and different development stages.
Comments on ``The first detections of the Extragalactic Background Light at 3000, 5500, and 8000 A'' by Bernstein, Freedman and Madore

A critical discussion is presented of the data analysis applied by Bernstein, Freedman and Madore (2002 ApJ, 571, 56; and ApJ 571, 85) in their measurement of the Extragalactic Background Light. There are questionable assumptions in the analysis of the ground-based observations of the Zodiacal Light. The modeling of the Diffuse Galactic Light is based on an underestimated value of the dust column density along the line of sight. Comparison with the previously presented results from the same observations reveals a puzzling situation: in spite of a large difference in the atmospheric scattered light corrections the derived Extragalactic Background Light values are exactly the same. The claim of the paper of a ``detection of the Extragalactic Background Light'' appears premature.
The Complexity Construct in Air Traffic Control: A Review and Synthesis of the Literature.

Air traffic control (ATC) operations are the primary activity of the National Airspace System. This report summarizes the literature on ATC operations which has identified factors related to ATC complexity. ATC complexity has two components: sector complexity and traffic complexity. A model is proposed to explain the relationship between ATC complexity factors and controller workload. This review summarizes ATC complexity factors identified in the literature and methods used to measure them. In addition, the literature on information display, controller cognitive strategies, and individual differences is addressed with respect to ATC complexity. Metrics used to assess complexity are described. Airspace factors that correlate with controller performance and workload are presented. Controller information processing strategies that change in response to workload are reviewed. It is concluded that further research should emphasize how to apply these factors to improve sector design techniques and manage controller workload.
The Effect of Desmopressin on the Amount of Bleeding in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery with a Cardiopulmonary Bypass Pump After Taking Anti-Platelet Medicine

Background Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a common surgical intervention at the end-stages of coronary artery occlusion disease. Despite the effectiveness of CABG, it may have particular complications, such as bleeding during and after surgery. So far, there have been many drugs used to reduce bleeding. Objectives This study aimed at investigating the effects of desmopressin on the amount of bleeding in patients undergoing CABG with a cardiopulmonary bypass pump (CPBP) who were taking anti-platelet medicine. Methods One hundred patients scheduled for elective CABG with a CPBP were included in a prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial study. They were randomly divided into two groups. One group received desmopressin (40 μg) and the other group received a placebo (isotonic saline). Seven patients were excluded from the study, and 47 and 46 patients participated in the desmopressin and control groups, respectively. The methods of monitoring and the anesthetic techniques were similar in both groups, and all surgeries were performed by one surgeon. Variables including age, gender, pump time, aortic clamp time, duration of surgery, complications (e.g., nausea and vomiting, blood pressure changes), the necessity to receive blood products, and coagulation tests (prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, international normalized ratio, and bleeding time) were assessed. Data were statistically analyzed with SPSS software version 17. Results There was no significant difference between the groups regarding age, gender, pump time, clamp time, duration of surgery, complications, and the changes in hemoglobin and coagulation test measurements (P > 0.05). No significant difference was noted between the groups regarding the rate of bleeding after surgery (359.3 ± 266.2 in group D vs. 406.3 ± 341.6 in group P (control group); P = 0.208). However, the platelet changes after surgery in both groups were significantly different. The analysis revealed that the rate of thrombocytopenia after surgery was higher in the control group (P = 0.012). Conclusions Our study showed that desmopressin could not reduce the amount of blood loss after CABG. Also, desmopressin did not have a significant effect on coagulation status. Therefore, based on the results of our study, it seems that the use of this medication cannot be a helpful for patients with any indication for CABG.
Evidence against the Sciama Model of Radiative Decay of Massive Neutrinos

We report on spectral observations of the night sky in the band around 900 Å where the emission line in the Sciama model of radiatively decaying massive neutrinos would be present. The data were obtained with a high-resolution, high-sensitivity spectrometer flown on the Spanish satellite MINISAT. The observed emission is far less intense than that expected in the Sciama model.
Brain-derived circulating endothelial cells in peripheral blood of newborn infants with seizures: a potential biomarker for cerebrovascular injury

Neonatal seizures have been associated with cerebrovascular endothelial injury and neurological disabilities. In a piglet model, the long‐term loss of endothelial regulation of cerebral blood flow coincides with the surge of brain‐derived circulating endothelial cells (BCECs) in blood. We hypothesized that BCECs could serve as a noninvasive biomarker of cerebrovascular injury in neonates with seizures. In a prospective pilot feasibility study, we enrolled newborn infants with confirmed diagnoses of perinatal asphyxia and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH); both are commonly associated with seizures. Infants without clinical evidence of cerebrovascular injuries were representative of the control group. BCECs were detected in the CD45‐negative fraction of peripheral blood mononuclear cells by coexpression of CD31 (common endothelial antigen) and GLUT1 (blood‐brain barrier antigen) via automated flow cytometry method. In Infants with asphyxia (n = 12) and those with IVH grade III/IV (n = 5), the BCEC levels were 9.9 ± 0.9% and 19.0 ± 2.0%, respectively. These levels were significantly higher than the control group (n = 27), 0.9 ± 0.2%, P < 0.001. BCECs in infants with cerebrovascular insults with documented clinical seizures (n = 10; 16.8 ± 1.3%) were significantly higher than infants with cerebrovascular insults with subclinical or no seizures (n = 7; 9.5 ± 1.2%); P < 0.001. BCEC levels decreased with seizure control. BCECs levels were elevated in infants with seizures caused by severe IVH and perinatal asphyxia. We suggest that monitoring BCEC levels in peripheral blood can potentially offer a biological marker that reflects cerebrovascular insult and recovery. Further studies with a larger number of patients are required to support these findings.
Land Use Classification Using Optimum-Path Forest

It was introduced in this paper the Optimum-Path Forest for land use classification aiming a better environmental management, using images obtained from CBERS 2B CCD satellite covering the area of the Rio das Pedras watershed, Itatinga City, São Paulo State, Brazil. We also compared the Optimum-Path Forest algorithm with the well known supervised classifiers: Artificial Neural Networks using Multilayer Perceptrons, Bayesian Classifier and Support Vector Machines. The Optimum-Path Forest and Support Vector Machines classifiers had similar results and outperformed the other ones, but the first was much faster than the last one. As far we know, we are the first that used the Support Vector Machines classifier in this context of research field. Also were presented some qualitative results, in which the Optimum-Path Forest and Maximum Likelihood classifiers were compared against each other for visual purposes.
The Association between the Degree of Centralisation of Financial Decision Making and Financial Policy of Multinational Enterprises: Some Empirical Evidence

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between centralisation of financial decision-making within multinationals and their financial policy. A sample of UK multinationals were surveyed in order to ascertain their degree of centralisation and the importance placed upon various financial policies and strategies. The research findings reveal that firms with lower levels of centralisation of financial decision-making place different emphasis upon capital structure objectives; tend to follow financial policies which balance the "global vision" of the multinational with "national responsiveness" and stress the usage of local sources of finance for overseas subsidiaries in order to mitigate political risks and capitalise upon market imperfections. The outcome of this paper has policy relevant implications for finance directors who should be aware of the relationship between levels of centralisation and the ability of the multinational to balance its often conflicting objectives.
Good Jobs, Bad Jobs, and the Great Recession: Lessons from Japan's Lost Decade

This paper provides novel evidence on the long-term effect of the Great Recession on the quality of jobs, in particular whether the Great Recession results in the replacement of "good jobs" (characterized by high wage/benefit, job security, and opportunity for training and development) with "bad jobs" (characterized by the lack of such attributes). Unfortunately there is not yet sufficiently long data from the recent Great Recession that enable researchers to study fully its long-term consequences for the labor market structure. To this end, we examine Japan's Lost Decade, the original Great Recession that occurred two decades ago. First, insofar as male workers are concerned, we find evidence against the popular narrative that during Japan's Lost Decade there was a significant shift of the composition of employment toward "bad jobs. " Second, we find that the composition of female workers shifted significantly toward "bad jobs" and that such a shift occurred primarily through an increased use of a hybrid employment contract of nonstandard employment with indefinite contracts. Third, young women in Japan made considerable progress in shifting the composition of their employment toward "good jobs" during Japan's growth decade preceding the Lost Decade. We find that such progress was entirely undone during the Great Recession. Obviously the Great Recession affects the quantity of jobs and policy makers ought to pay immediate attention to such quantity effects. However, the Great Recession may also have more long-term structural effects on the quality of jobs.
Theoretical Analysis of Overlay GNSS Receiver Effects

Having given a short overview of GNSS signals and state-of-the-art multi-band front-end architectures, this paper presents a novel contribution to efficient multi-band GNSS reception. A general overlay based front-end architecture is introduced that enables the joint reception of two signals broadcast in separate frequency bands, sharing just one common baseband stage. The consequences of this overlay are analyzed for both signal and noise components. Signal overlay is shown to have a negligible impact on signal quality. It is shown that the noise floor superposition results in non-negligible degradations. However, it is also demonstrated that these degradations can be minimized by judiciously setting the relative gain between the two signal paths. As an illustration, the analytical optimal path-control expression to combine overlaid signals in an ionospheric-free pseudorange is derived for both Cramer-Rao Lower Bound and practical code tracking parameters. Finally, some practical overlay receiver and path control aspects are discussed.