Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Feature space optimization for content-based image retrieval

Substantial benefits can be gained from effective Relevance Feedback techniques in content-based image retrieval. However, existing techniques are limited due to computational cost and/or by being restricted to linear transformations on the data. In this study we analyze the role of nonlinear transformations in relevance feedback. We present two promising Relevance Feedback methods based on Genetic Algorithms used to enhance the performance on the task of image retrieval according to the user's interests. The first method adjusts the dissimilarity function by using weighting functions while the second method redefines the features space by means of linear and nonlinear transformation functions. Experimental results on real data sets demonstrate that our methods are effective and the results show that the transformation approach outperforms the weighting approach, achieving a precision gain of up to 70%. Our results indicate that nonlinear transformations have a great potential in capturing the user's interests in image retrieval and should be further analyzed employing other learning/optimization mechanisms.
Analysis of Performance of DSR Using Different Types of Cache in Dynamic Environment

Route caching strategy is important in on-demand routing protocols used in Mobile Adhoc Networks (MANETs). While high routing overhead usually has a significant performance impact in low bandwidth wireless networks, a good route caching strategy can reduce routing overheads by making use of the available route information more efficiently. In this paper, we present the effects of two cache schemes, " link cache " and " path cache " on the performance of on-demand routing protocols through simulations based on the Dynamic Source Routing (DSR) protocol. We have proposed a new simulation environment where the nodes move in random direction with random velocity. This was implemented by modifying the random waypoint model so that the scenario matches to that of the real world. The analysis of the performance of DSR using the link cache has been done in a new simulation environment by using static time out mechanism and a new proposed dynamic timeout mechanism. The effects of different link lifetime values and cache timeout values on the performance of routing protocol in terms of routing overhead and packet delivery ratio are investigated and presented.
Model Checking with Tabled Logic Programming

This article presents a tutorial overview of using Tabled Logic Programming for model checking finite-state systems. In this article, we mainly focus on the work done by the LMC group in Stony Brook, pointing out the relevant related works along the way. We describe a complete model checkers for the computation tree logic (CTL), the modal mu-calculus, the linear temporal logic (LTL) and a value-passing version of modal mu-calculus with data variables. Each of these model checkers and equivalence checkers is derived more or less directly from the semantics of the logic. We encode the semantic equations or tableau rules as a logic program and use query evaluation to answer the model checking question. We indicate optimizations and transformations of the resulting logic program that help make the model checker efficient. The model checkers derived this way, when evaluated on the XSB tabled logic programming system have shown performance that is comparable to tools built using specialized algorithms and data structures in low-level languages. We also present a short exposition on bisimulation checking for finite-state systems, to complete our tour of finite-state system verification using logic programming. Many of the techniques described here have been adapted to the verification of infinite-state systems as well, and will be described in future articles in this newletter.
Test-retest reliability of an active range of motion test for the shoulder and hip joints by unskilled examiners using a manual goniometer

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to analyze test-retest reliability of an active range of motion test using a manual goniometer by unskilled examiners. [Subjects and Methods] Active range of motion was measured in 30 students attending U university (4 males, 26 females). Range of motion during flexion and extension of the shoulder and hip joints were measured using a manual goniometer. [Results] Flexion and extension of the shoulder joint (ICC=0.906 and ICC=0.808) and (ICC=0.946 and ICC=0. 955) of the hip joint showed excellent reliabilities. [Conclusion] The active range of motion test using a manual goniometer showed very high test-retest reliability in unskilled examiners. When examiners are aware of the method of the test, an objective assessment can be conducted.
Patient safety and medical errors: knowledge, attitudes and behavior among Italian hospital physicians.

OBJECTIVE To investigate physicians' knowledge about evidence-based patient safety practices, their attitudes on preventing and managing medical errors and to explore physicians' behavior when facing medical errors. DESIGN A nationwide cross-sectional survey. SETTING We first stratified our population by the 20 Italian regions. Then, within each stratum, we selected by simple random sampling, for each region, one regional general hospital and one district general hospital to yield a sample of 40 hospitals overall. PARTICIPANTS Twelve hundred physicians involved in direct patient care (30 per hospital) were sent a survey by mail and 696 responded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Knowledge on patient safety practices, attitudes and practices toward the prevention of medical errors. RESULTS Physicians' knowledge of evidence-based safety practices was inconsistent. More than 90% of physicians reported that counting surgical items during an invasive surgical procedure represented a patient safety practice. Positive attitudes about patient safety were revealed by responses, but 44.5 and 44.1%, respectively, agreed or were uncertain about the disclosure of errors to the patients. The pattern of behavior showed that 7.6% of physicians reported to have never been involved in medical errors, and among system failures, 'overwork, stress or fatigue of health professionals' was the most highly rated item. CONCLUSIONS The results from our study highlight that greater efforts are needed to facilitate the translation of positive attitudes towards patient safety into appropriate practices that have proven to be effective in the reduction of medical errors.
Research on Grid Scheduling based on Modified Genetic Algorithm

The dissertation consists of six chapters. In the first chapter, we present basic notions and relevant results in the area of grid scheduling. We understand that the current approaches of GA have little weaknesses when it was used in grid scheduling. This inspires us to study the method of MGA (modified genetic algorithm) to solve grid-scheduling problems. Consequently, in the second and the third chapter, we introduce mathematical model of grid scheduling and give a detailed MGA method by using the "pattern theory" and "building block hypothesis" technologies. This modified method can decrease the randomicity of the current GA. In the fourth chapter, we use the MGA method to study grid-scheduling problems and find a necessary and sufficient design method. In the latter chapters, we analyze the laboratory result to show that the modified algorithm has better characteristics than the standard GA when it was used in task scheduling.
New mechanism for generating density perturbations from inflation

We propose a new mechanism to generate density perturbations in inflationary models. Spatial fluctuations in the decay rate of the inflaton field to ordinary matter lead to fluctuations in the reheating temperature. We argue that in most realistic models of inflation the coupling of the inflaton to normal matter is determined by the vacuum expectation values of fields in the theory. If those fields are light during inflation (this is a generic situation in the minimal models of supersymmetric inflation) they will fluctuate leading to density perturbations through the proposed mechanism. We show that these fluctuations could easily dominate over the ones generated through the standard mechanism. The new scenario has several consequences for inflation model building and observations. The proposed mechanism allows to generate the observed level of density perturbations with a much lower scale of inflation and thus generically predicts a smaller level of gravitational waves. The relation between the slope of the spectrum of the produced density perturbations and the potential of the inflaton field is different from the standard relations obtained in the context of slow roll inflation. Because the field responsible for the fluctuations is not the inflaton, it can have significantly larger self couplings and thus density perturbations could be non-Gaussian. The non-Gaussianity can be large enough to be detectable by CMB and Large Scale Structure observations.
Security in Machine Learning : Measuring the relative sensitivity of classifiers to adversary-selected training data

In the spam domain, the data mining classifier Naïve Bayes has become the standard for use in commercial anti-spam products. It has therefore recei ved much study from the research community, recently in terms of its susceptibility to adversarial attack a nd its poor defense against these attacks. Yet, little wo rk has been done to show any sort of comparison of this po pular classifier against other classifiers. Determined t o find a better and more resilient classifier, we compared N aïve Bayes against three other classifiers. Our ensembl e learning algorithm, AdaBoost, significantly outperformed the other classifiers in 29 out of 30 experi m nts. This could potentially drive further work into usin g ensemble learners for security in machine learning.
Cabozantinib Inhibits Growth of Androgen-Sensitive and Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer and Affects Bone Remodeling

Cabozantinib is an inhibitor of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases, including MET and VEGFR2. In a phase II clinical trial in advanced prostate cancer (PCa), cabozantinib treatment improved bone scans in 68% of evaluable patients. Our studies aimed to determine the expression of cabozantinib targets during PCa progression and to evaluate its efficacy in hormone-sensitive and castration-resistant PCa in preclinical models while delineating its effects on tumor and bone. Using immunohistochemistry and tissue microarrays containing normal prostate, primary PCa, and soft tissue and bone metastases, our data show that levels of MET, P-MET, and VEGFR2 are increasing during PCa progression. Our data also show that the expression of cabozantinib targets are particularly pronounced in bone metastases. To evaluate cabozantinib efficacy on PCa growth in the bone environment and in soft tissues we used androgen-sensitive LuCaP 23.1 and castration-resistant C4-2B PCa tumors. In vivo, cabozantinib inhibited the growth of PCa in bone as well as growth of subcutaneous tumors. Furthermore, cabozantinib treatment attenuated the bone response to the tumor and resulted in increased normal bone volume. In summary, the expression pattern of cabozantinib targets in primary and castration-resistant metastatic PCa, and its efficacy in two different models of PCa suggest that this agent has a strong potential for the effective treatment of PCa at different stages of the disease.
Heart Rate Variability Analysis a Non-invasive Clinical Screening Tool to Detect Functional Ability of Diabetic Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy

Cardiovascular complications are the main cause of death in people with diabetes, which if identified can lead to improved health. A non-invasive, clinical system for low-cost screening of diabetes mellitus (DM) is introduced and tested on patients with some known conditions. Data recorded on 20 Normal Control (NC) and 20 Diabetic mellitus. Lead II electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded in three modes, supine, sitting to standing and deep breath. The heart rate variability (HRV) signal is extracted from ECG recording. The HRV signal is then characterized using time domain and frequency domain analysis method which is subsequently used as a basis for detection of percentage functional ability of sympathetic, parasympathetic and autonomic nervous system of diabetes mellitus. Almost 20 time domain and frequency domain parameters have significance pvalue less than 0.05. Poor heart rate variability is seen in diabetes patients in all three modes. In patients with type 2 DM significant reduction of spectral power in HF band of the heart rate variability was found for orthostatic stress and respiratory stress. Decreased values of Dynamic Orthostatic Stress (DOS) index, Dynamic Respiratory Stress (DRS) index and OrthoRespiratory Stress (ROR) Index for DM compared to NC indicates damage to sympathetic, parasympathetic and autonomic nervous system of DM as an effect of diabetes.
Coruscations and Requirements for Quality of Services in Mobile Ad hoc Networks

A mobile Ad hoc network (MANET) is an autonomous system of mobile routers (and associated hosts) connected by wireless links. In some applications, the routers are fixed and sometimes mobile free to move randomly and organize themselves arbitrarily. Due to mobile nature, the network’s wireless topology may change rapidly and unpredictably. Such a network may operate in a stand-alone fashion, or may be connected to the larger Internet. MANET’S were initially proposed for use in military and battle field, due to the rapid expansion of the Multimedia Technology, Mobile Technology and civilian applications has to strictly adhere to QoS. The paper presents the description about the QoS and the issues of MANETS like Routing, Medium (or Channel) access, Mobility Management, Security and Reliability, and Power Consumption and also the current approaches including models and solution strategies. The paper presents a literature study on the requirements of Quality of Services (QoS) in Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks (MANET’S) which is universally growing area.
A Simplified Algorithm for Solution Classification of the Perspective-three-Point Problem 1)

Given the distance between every pair of 3 control points, and given the angle to every pair of the control points from an additional point called the Center of Perspectivity (P ), find the lengths of the segments joining the P to each of the control points. We call this the “perspective-three-point (p3p) problem”. The corresponding algebraic equation system is called the p3p equation system. So-called a solution classification of the p3p equation system is to give explicit conditions under which the system has none, one, two, . real physical solutions, respectively. This problem had been open for many years [11, 1-8]. An efficient algorithm is presented here for such a classification under some non-degenerate conditions that gives: • The condition under which the p3p equation system has a unique real physical solution.
Sequential SPFDs

SPFDs are a mechanism to express flexibility in Boolean networks. Introduced by Yamashita et al. in the context of FPGA synthesis [1996], they were extended later to general combinational networks. We introduce the concept of sequential SPFDs and provide an algorithm to compute them based on a partition of the state bits. The SPFDs, of each component in the partition are used to generate equivalence classes of states. We provide a formal relation between the resulting state classification and the equivalence classes produced by classical state minimization of completely specified machines. The SPFDs, associated with the state bits can be applied for re-encoding the state space. For this, we give an algorithm to re-synthesize the sequential circuit using sequential SPFDs and the new state re-encoding.
Association between Dietary Acid Load and Insulin Resistance: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

In the current study, we investigated the longitudinal association between dietary acid load and the risk of insulin resistance (IR) in the Tehranian adult population. This longitudinal study was conducted on 925 participants, aged 22~80 years old, in the framework of the third (2006~2008) and fourth (2009~2011) phases of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. At baseline, the dietary intake of subjects was assessed using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and the potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP) scores were calculated at baseline. Fasting serum insulin and glucose were measured at baseline and again after a 3-year of follow-up; IR was defined according to optimal cut-off values. Multiple logistic regression models were used to estimate the risk of IR according to the PRAL and NEAP quartile categories. Mean age and body mass index of the participants were 40.3 years old of 26.4 kg/m2, respectively. Mean PRAL and NEAP scores were −11.2 and 35.6 mEq/d, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders, compared to the lowest quartile of PRAL and NEAP, the highest quartile was accompanied with increased risk of IR [odds ratio (OR)=2.81, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.32~5.97 and OR=2.18, 95% CI=1.03 ~4.61, respectively]. Our findings suggest that higher acidic dietary acid-base load, defined by higher PRAL and NEAP scores, may be a risk factor for the development of IR and related metabolic disorders.
Emergent Properties of the Optic Tectum Revealed by Population Analysis of Direction and Orientation Selectivity

How local circuits within the brain process visual information has classically been addressed at the single neuron level. Such reductionist approaches, however, struggle to capture the full scope of functional properties associated with even “simple” brain nuclei. Using population functional calcium imaging, we aim to describe how local circuits within the zebrafish optic tectum process visual information. Specifically, how are previously identified direction-selective (DS) and orientation-selective (OS) retinal ganglion cell (RGC) inputs (Nikolaou et al., 2012) represented in tectal cells? First, we identify an emergent population of DS tectal cell with a direction preference not explicitly present in any one of the RGC inputs. Second, this is associated with a striking shift from a tiled and triangular representation of directional space (RGC inputs) into an overlapping cardinal representation by tectal cell populations. Third, and in contrast, we find that orientation space is represented similarly in both the RGC input and tectal cell populations illustrating feature-dependent differences in how tectal circuits process their inputs. Finally, we identify OS and two populations of DS cells at the superficial border of the tectal neuropil, one of which is an emergent population. This study, together with our previous one (Nikolaou et al., 2012), demonstrate that direction-selectivity is established in both the retina and tectum.
Evidence for Clinical Use of Honey in Wound Healing as an Anti-bacterial, Anti-inflammatory Anti-oxidant and Anti-viral Agent: A Review

Context To provide an updated review of published literature on the anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of honey. Evidence Acquisition CINAHL, BioMed Central, Cochrane Library, Medline and Embase data bases and reference lists were used to find randomized controlled trials and review articles. Randomized controlled trials using honey with a comparator were reviewed, along with published review articles to determine the relative benefits of tropical honey. These methods were undertaken by three reviewers. Results Honey has anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used as a wound dressing to promote rapid and improved healing. These effects are due to honey’s anti-bacterial action, secondary to its high acidity, osmotic effect, anti-oxidant content and hydrogen peroxide content. The use of honey leads to improved wound healing in acute cases, pain relief in burn patients and decreased inflammatory response in such patients. However, it has proven to be ineffective in chronic leg ulcers. Overall, studies have been done in favor of the use of honey in medicine. Conclusions Honey has almost equal or slightly superior effects when compared with conventional treatments for acute wounds and superficial partial thickness burns. More randomized controlled trials with significant statistical power comparing different kinds of honey, are required in order to create a strong body of evidence towards definite recommendations for medical use. There is biological plausibility.
Data Transport Reliability in Wireless Sensor Networks. A Survey of Issues and Solutions

ABSTRACT Reliable data transport is an important facet of dependability and quality of service in wireless sensor networks. This paper gives an introduction to the reliable data transport problem and surveys protocols and approaches for this protocol, often developed for particular applications to reflect the application-specific dependability requirements. A joint characteristic of many of the discussed protocols is that they combine mechanisms from several layers to achieve their reliability goals while being energy-efficient. This very need to be energy-efficient precludes Internet-style approaches to reliability – handle it in the end system – and necessitates in-network solutions.
Non‐Financial Shareholder Activism: A Process Model for Influencing Corporate Environmental and Social Performance

Shareholders have become increasingly active in endeavouring to influence companies’ environmental and social practices. In comparison with the mature field of financially motivated shareholder activism, limited enquiries have been carried out on its non‐financial counterparts. This paper synthesizes the knowledge base through a review of the academic literature, exploring shareholder activism intended to affect corporate environmental and social performance. Theoretical perspectives appropriate to this phenomenon are critically appraised: in particular, insights from social movement theory, Hirschman's theory of exit, voice and loyalty and stakeholder salience theory, as well as the roles of signalling and symbolic management actions. Data from the literature are organized into a process model of non‐financial shareholder influence. Underpinned by the influencing context, this conceptualization centres on three primary shareholder interventions: divestment, dialogue and shareholder proposals. These interventions are enabled through a range of actors and tools: coalitions, non‐governmental organizations, codes and indices, the media and regulators. The interaction between interventions and the enabling actors and tools helps to determine managers’ perceptions of shareholder salience. These perceptions subsequently shape the organizational behaviours that affect companies’ symbolic and substantive environmental and social performance. An agenda to direct future research in this burgeoning field is articulated.