Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Accuracy Improvement of Energy Prediction for Solar-Energy-Powered Embedded Systems

Solar energy prediction is a key to the power management in the electronic embedded system that operates using the harvested solar energy. This paper proposes accuracy improvement approaches for the solar energy prediction based on artificial neural networks, in order to increase the robustness of solar-energy-powered systems. Two complementary neural network models, multilayer perceptron (MLP) network and knowledge-based neural network (KBNN), are exploited to predict the future solar energy, through offline and online training. MLP is constructed under the guidance of the proposed input parameter selection approach and is used when the training data are sufficient. KBNN is employed to take advantage of the existing prediction models and is especially valuable when the training data are insufficient. Built on top of the existing prediction approaches, our work results in a synergy that can overcome the accuracy limitation of the existing prediction approaches. The experimental results show the prediction accuracy improvements by up to 65.4%, compared with the existing approaches. The results also demonstrate the capability of KBNN in providing a reliable model, especially when fewer training data are available.
Larval survivorship and settlement of Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (Acanthaster cf. solaris) at varying algal cell densities

The dispersal potential of crown-of-thorns starfish (CoTS) larvae is important in understanding both the initiation and spread of population outbreaks, and is fundamentally dependent upon how long larvae can persist while still retaining the capacity to settle. This study quantified variation in larval survivorship and settlement rates for CoTS maintained at three different densities of a single-celled flagellate phytoplankton, Proteomonas sulcata (1 × 103, 1 × 104, and 1 × 105 cells/mL). Based on the larval starvation hypothesis, we expected that low to moderate levels of phytoplankton prey would significantly constrain both survival and settlement. CoTS larvae were successfully maintained for up to 50 days post-fertilization, but larval survival differed significantly between treatments. Survival was greatest at intermediate food levels (1 × 104 cells/mL), and lowest at high (1 × 105 cells/mL) food levels. Rates of settlement were also highest at intermediate food levels and peaked at 22 days post-fertilization. Peak settlement was delayed at low food levels, probably reflective of delayed development, but there was no evidence of accelerated development at high chlorophyll concentrations. CoTS larvae were recorded to settle 17–43 days post-fertilization, but under optimum conditions with intermediate algal cell densities, peak settlement occurred at 22 days post-fertilization. Natural fluctuations in nutrient concentrations and food availability may affect the number of CoTS that effectively settle, but seem unlikely to influence dispersal dynamics.
The effect of visual field defects on driving performance: a driving simulator study.

OBJECTIVES To investigate the effect of visual field defects on driving performance, and to predict practical fitness to drive. METHODS The driving performance of 87 subjects with visual field defects due to ocular abnormalities was assessed on a driving simulator and during an on-road driving test. OUTCOME MEASURES The final score on the on-road driving test and simulator indexes, such as driving speed, viewing behavior, lateral position, time-headway, and time to collision. RESULTS Subjects with visual field defects showed differential performance on measures of driving speed, steering stability, lateral position, time to collision, and time-headway. Effective compensation consisted of reduced driving speed in cases of central visual field defects and increased scanning in cases of peripheral visual field defects. The sensitivity and specificity of models based on vision, visual attention, and compensatory viewing efficiency were increased when the distance at which the subject started to scan was taken into account. CONCLUSIONS Subjects with visual field defects demonstrated differential performance on several driving simulator indexes. Driving examiners considered reduced speed and increased scanning to be valid compensation for central and peripheral visual field defects, respectively. Predicting practical fitness to drive was improved by taking driving simulator indexes into account.
PER1 and CLOCK: Potential circulating biomarkers for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Circadian clock regulates daily rhythms in various physiologic processes and deregulated circadian clock are linked to cancers. We have previously demonstrated the association between altered circadian clock genes (CCGs) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the CCGs were also altered in peripheral blood (PB) of patients with HNSCC.
Comparative study analyzing survival and safety of bevacizumab/carboplatin/paclitaxel and cisplatin/pemetrexed in chemotherapy-naïve patients with advanced non-squamous bronchogenic carcinoma not harboring EGFR mutation

Purpose The majority of Egyptian patients with lung cancer present at a late stage of the disease. Bevacizumab/carboplatin/paclitaxel, as well as cisplatin plus pemetrexed, are both standard regimens for advanced non-squamous bronchogenic cancer. This study compares both regimens, in terms of efficacy and toxicity profile, in Egyptian patients. Patients and methods This is a randomized Phase II study comparing toxicity profile and survival in 41 chemotherapy-naïve patients with stage IIIB or IV non-squamous NSCLC, with an ECOG performance status of 0 to 2. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation detection was performed prior to treatment of all patients. Patients in the first group received: bevacizumab 7.5 mg/m2 on Day 1 and Day 15; carboplatin area under the curve-5 on Day 1; and paclitaxel 60 mg/m2 on Day 1, Day 8, and Day 15 every 4 weeks. In the second group, patients received cisplatin 75 mg/m2 and pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 every 3 weeks. Results The combination of bevacizumab/carboplatin/paclitaxel demonstrated higher Grade III–IV toxicity than cisplatin/pemetrexed regarding sensory/motor neuropathy (P = 0.06), DVT (P = 0.23), proteinuria (P = 0.23), and hypertension (P = 0.11), as well as Grade II alopecia (P = 0.001); however, no significant difference in toxicities between both arms was recorded regarding nausea and vomiting (P = 0.66), hematological toxicity, febrile neutropenia (P = 1) and fatigue (P = 0.66). Progression-free survival was similar for both treatment arms with a median of 6 months (P = 0.978). Overall median survival was comparable in both arms, 16.07 months versus 16.01 months (P = 0.89). Conclusion Bevacizumab/carboplatin/paclitaxel and cisplatin/pemetrexed provided meaningful and comparable efficacy in advanced non-squamous bronchogenic carcinoma not harboring EGFR mutation. No significant difference in toxicity was observed between both treatment arms, apart from bevacizumab/carboplatin/paclitaxel-related risks as DVT, hypertension, proteinuria, sensory/motor neuropathy, and alopecia.
A Broadband Low-Noise-Amplifier

This report describes the design of a two-stage broadband low-noise-amplifier (LNA) for the frequency range from 3 GHz to 9 GHz, using GaAs MESFETs with an ft of 20 GHz. The passive components were implemented with microstrips. In the frequency band of operation, the achieved noise figure (NF) is within 0.5 dB from the minimum NF of a single transistor, the power gain is 15 dB, flat within 1 dB, and the maximum input VSWR is lower than 3.
Influence of variation in birth weight within normal range and within sibships on IQ at age 7 years: cohort study

Abstract Objective: To examine the relation between birth weight and measured intelligence at age 7 years in children within the normal range of birth weight and in siblings. Design: Cohort study of siblings of the same sex. Setting: 12 cities in the United States. Subjects: 3484 children of 1683 mothers in a birth cohort study during the years 1959 through 1966. The sample was restricted to children born at ≥37 weeks gestation and with birth weights of 1500-3999 g. Main outcome measure: Full scale IQ at age 7 years. Results: Mean IQ increased monotonically with birth weight in both sexes across the range of birth weight in a linear regression analysis of one randomly selected sibling per family (n= 1683) with adjustment for maternal age, race, education, socioeconomic status, and birth order. Within same sex sibling pairs, differences in birth weight were directly associated with differences in IQ in boys (812 pairs, predicted IQ difference per 100 g change in birth weight =0.50, 95% confidence interval 0.28 to 0.71) but not girls (871 pairs, 0.10, −0.09 to 0.30). The effect in boys remained after differences in birth order, maternal smoking, and head circumference were adjusted for and in an analysis restricted to children with birth weight ≥ 2500 g. Conclusion: The increase in childhood IQ with birth weight continues well into the normal birth weight range. For boys this relation holds within same sex sibships and therefore cannot be explained by confounding from family social environment. What is already known on this topic IQ at school age is linked to birth weight among low birthweight babies Some evidence suggests the association might also apply to children of normal birth weight What this study adds IQ at age 7 years is linearly related to birth weight among children of normal birth weight The relation was not due to confounding by maternal or socioeconomic factors IQ is also associated with differences in birth weight between boy sibling pairs but not girls
A study of the comparative efficacy of three common analgesics in the control of pain after third molar surgery under local anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the comparative efficacy of three commonly used analgesics (Panadeine, Diflunisal and Etodolac) in the control of pain after third molar surgery under local anaesthesia. METHODS A randomized control study. Outcome of primary efficacy was judged by overall assessment of the area under the curve of graphs for pain intensity, measured from serial visual analogue scales over a 24-hour period. Other measures of efficacy included the number (per cent) of patients who took 'additional' analgesics and the incidence of adverse effects occurring in each treatment group over the study period. RESULTS The three drugs were effective in the control of post-operative pain (p<0.01). Variations in pain intensity and the use of additional medication between the treatment groups were observed over the study period. The Diflunisal group experienced less pain than the Panadeine or Etodolac group (p<0.01). Furthermore, a lesser number of those in the Diflunisal group used additional medication compared to the other two groups (p<0.01). The incidence of side effects from all three drugs was low. CONCLUSION Diflunisal is superior in the control of pain following third molar surgery under local anaesthesia than either Panadeine or Etodolac, and has few side effects.
A Study of Chaotic Phenomena in Human-like Reaching movements

In this paper, the feasibility of observing chaotic behavior in the model of a human arm is discussed. Two-Link Arm driven by Six Muscles (TLASM) which is a well-known model of planar human arm reaching movements in the horizontal plane is investigated. Reinforcement learning (RL) that is considered as a model for Dopamine-based learning in the brain is used to control the TLSAM. Finally, the existence of chaos phenomena in the TLASM model controlled with RL is researched using tools like bifurcation maps, Lyapunov exponents, phase-plane trajectories, and spectral analysis using FFT. Results yield that chaos phenomena may occur in the overall system by changing some internal parameters of muscles that have a physiological explanation.
Applying Support Vector Machines to the TREC-2001 Batch Filtering and Routing Tasks

Given the large training set available for batch filtering, choosing a supervised learning algorithm that would make effective use of this data was critical. The support vector machine approach (SVM) to training linear classifiers has outperformed competing approaches in a number of recent text categorization studies, particularly for categories with substantial numbers of positive training examples. SVMs require little or no feature selection, since they avoid overfitting by optimizing a margin-based criterion rather than one based on number of features. This minimizes the complexity of the software and processing. Finally, Thorsten Joachims has made publicly available an efficient implementation of SVMs, SVM_Light [Joachims 1999]: http://www.joachims. org/svm_light/
Mineralogical and Geochemical Signatures of Metalliferous Sediments in Wocan-1 and Wocan-2 Hydrothermal Sites on the Carlsberg Ridge, Indian Ocean

In this paper, we conduct a comparative study on the mineralogy and geochemistry of metalliferous sediment collected near the active hydrothermal site (Wocan-1) and inactive hydrothermal site (Wocan-2) from Wocan Hydrothermal Field, on the Carlsberg Ridge (CR), northwest Indian Ocean. We aim to understand the spatial variations in the primary and post-depositional conditions and the intensity of hydrothermal circulations in the Wocan hydrothermal systems. Sediment samples were collected from six stations which includes TVG-07, TVG-08 (Wocan-1), TVG-05, TVG-10 (Wocan-2), TVG-12 and TVG-13 (ridge flanks). The mineralogical investigations show that sediment samples from Wocan-1 and Wocan-2 are composed of chalcopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite, barite, gypsum, amorphous silica, altered volcanic glass, Fe-oxides, and hydroxides. The ridge flank sediments are dominated by biogenic calcite and foraminifera assemblages. The bulk sediment samples of Wocan-1 have an elevated Fe/Mn ratio (up to ~1545), with lower U contents (<7.4 ppm) and U/Fe ratio (<~1.8 × 10−5). The sulfide separates (chalcopyrite, pyrite, and sphalerite) are enriched in Se, Co, As, Sb, and Pb. The calculated sphalerite precipitation temperature (Sph.PT) yields ~278 °C. The sulfur isotope (δ34S) analysis returned a light value of 3.0–3.6‰. The bulk sediment samples of Wocan-2 have a lower Fe/Mn ratio (<~523), with high U contents (up to 19.6 ppm) and U/Fe ratio (up to ~6.2 × 10−5). The sulfide separates are enriched in Zn, Cu, Tl, and Sn. The calculated Sph.PT is ~233 °C. The δ34S returned significant values of 4.1–4.3‰ and 6.4–8.7‰ in stations TVG-10 and TVG-05, respectively. The geochemical signatures (e.g., Fe/Mn and U/Fe ratio, mineral chemistry of sulfides separates, and S-isotopes and Sph.PT) suggest that sediment samples from Wocan-1 are located near intermediate–high temperature hydrothermal discharge environments. Additionally, relatively low δ34S values exhibit a lower proportion (less than 20%) of seawater-derived components. The geochemical signatures suggest that sediment samples from Wocan-2 has undergone moderate–extensive oxidation and secondary alterations by seawater in a low–intermediate temperature hydrothermal environments. Additionally, the significant δ34S values of station TVG-05 exhibit a higher estimated proportion (up to 41%) of seawater-derived components. Our results showed pervasive hydrothermal contributions into station TVG-08 relative to TVG-07, it further showed the increased process of seafloor weathering at TVG-05 relative to TVG-10.
Recognizing Human Gait Types

Everyday people will observe, analyze, and interpret the motion and actions of the people surrounding them. This is a source of very valuable information about not only what each person is doing but also things like their intentions, their attitude towards the observer, situations they perceive as dangerous or interesting, etc. In open spaces where people are moving around the type of motion will be an important cue for a lot of this information. More specifically, the human gait has been actively investigated in different research areas for this reason. Within psychology the expression and perception of emotions through styles of motions has been investigated by e.g. (Montepare et al., 1987) and the question of how people infer intention from actions has been studied within neuroscience by e.g. (Blakemore & Decety, 2001). In biomechanics (Alexander, 2002) describes how the choice of different gait types (walking and running) are based on the minimizing of energy consumption in muscles and (Whittle, 2001) describes how gait analysis can be used within clinical diagnostics to diagnose a number of diseases. A lot of the information that is embedded in the gait can be extracted by simply observing a person. Systems that operate around people can benefit greatly from such observations. This fact has driven much research within robotics and computer vision to focus on analysis of human gait with a number of different applications as the aim. Robots that move and work around humans will be very dependant on their ability to observe people and to interact with humans in an efficient way and the ability to recognize basic human activities is furthermore necessary. Methods for recognizing human gestures to enable natural human-robot interaction has been presented in e.g. (Yang et al., 2006; Meisner et al., 2009; Waldherr et al., 2000). Natural human-robot interaction also requires the robot to behave in a way that is in accordance with the social rules of humans. A method for adapting the robot behavior according to the motion of people is presented in (Svenstrup et al., 2009). Since the human gait is a very distinctive type of motion it can be used in many contexts to detect the presence of people, e.g. from surveillance cameras (Cutler & Davis, 2000; Ran et al., 2007; Viola et al., 2005). Gait as a biometric measure has also received much attention because it is non-intrusive (Collins et al., 2002; Liu & Sarkar, 2006; Veeraraghavan et al., 2005; Wang et al., 2004; Yam et al., 2002). Finally, there has been considerable interest in the computer vision community in the classification of gait types or, more generally, of different types of human action (Blank et al., 2005; Dollar et al., 2005; Schuldt et al., 2004). The research in human action recognition is applicable in a number of areas besides human11
Developmental differences in the field of view during covert and overt search.

MILLER, LEON K. Develomental Differences in the Field of View during Covert and Overt Search. CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 1973, 44, 247-252. First, third, and sixth graders and college students were asked to find a single target letter located at various positions in a large letter array under conditions permitting varying degrees of overt visual search. Largest age differences were found for longer exposure durations and, under some conditions, for targets appearing toward the periphery of the array. Marked age differences were also found in the tendency for letters to be detected more accurately on the right than on the left, the effect being largest for the youngest Ss. These differences were discussed in terms of 2 variables contributing to search performance: information processing speed and decentered, balanced exploration of the array.
Insulin Production and Signaling in Renal Tubules of Drosophila Is under Control of Tachykinin-Related Peptide and Regulates Stress Resistance

The insulin-signaling pathway is evolutionarily conserved in animals and regulates growth, reproduction, metabolic homeostasis, stress resistance and life span. In Drosophila seven insulin-like peptides (DILP1-7) are known, some of which are produced in the brain, others in fat body or intestine. Here we show that DILP5 is expressed in principal cells of the renal tubules of Drosophila and affects survival at stress. Renal (Malpighian) tubules regulate water and ion homeostasis, but also play roles in immune responses and oxidative stress. We investigated the control of DILP5 signaling in the renal tubules by Drosophila tachykinin peptide (DTK) and its receptor DTKR during desiccative, nutritional and oxidative stress. The DILP5 levels in principal cells of the tubules are affected by stress and manipulations of DTKR expression in the same cells. Targeted knockdown of DTKR, DILP5 and the insulin receptor dInR in principal cells or mutation of Dilp5 resulted in increased survival at either stress, whereas over-expression of these components produced the opposite phenotype. Thus, stress seems to induce hormonal release of DTK that acts on the renal tubules to regulate DILP5 signaling. Manipulations of S6 kinase and superoxide dismutase (SOD2) in principal cells also affect survival at stress, suggesting that DILP5 acts locally on tubules, possibly in oxidative stress regulation. Our findings are the first to demonstrate DILP signaling originating in the renal tubules and that this signaling is under control of stress-induced release of peptide hormone.
The Enigmatic Plasmacytoid T Cells Develop into Dendritic Cells with Interleukin (IL)-3 and CD40-Ligand

A subset of CD4+CD11c−CD3− blood cells was recently shown to develop into dendritic cells when cultured with monocyte conditioned medium. Here, we demonstrate that CD4+ CD11c−CD3− cells, isolated from tonsils, correspond to the so-called plasmacytoid T cells, an obscure cell type that has long been observed by pathologists within secondary lymphoid tissues. They express CD45RA, but not markers specific for known lymphoid- or myeloid-derived cell types. They undergo rapid apoptosis in culture, unless rescued by IL-3. Further addition of CD40-ligand results in their differentiation into dendritic cells that express low levels of myeloid antigens CD13 and CD33.
Curcumin and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Potential and Limits of Innovative Treatments

Curcumin belongs to the family of natural compounds collectively called curcuminoids and it possesses remarkable beneficial anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective properties. Moreover it is commonly assumed that curcumin has also been suggested as a remedy for digestive diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), a chronic immune disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract and that can be divided in two major subgroups: Crohn’s disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC), depending mainly on the intestine tract affected by the inflammatory events. The chronic and intermittent nature of IBD imposes, where applicable, long-term treatments conducted in most of the cases combining different types of drugs. In more severe cases and where there has been no good response to the drugs, a surgery therapy is carried out. Currently, IBD-pharmacological treatments are generally not curative and often present serious side effects; for this reason, being known the relationship between nutrition and IBD, it is worthy of interesting the study and the development of new dietary strategy. The curcumin principal mechanism is the suppression of IBD inflammatory compounds (NF-κB) modulating immune response. This review summarizes literature data of curcumin as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant in IBD, trying to understand the different effects in CD e UC.