Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Automatic Identification of Crisis-Related Sub-events Using Clustering

Social media are becoming an important instrument for supporting crisis management, due to their broad acceptance and the intensive usage of mobile devices for accessing them. Social platforms facilitate collaboration among the public during a crisis and also support after-the-fact analysis. Thus, social media are useful for the processes of understanding, learning, and decision making. In particular, having information from social networks in a suitable, ideally summarized, form can speed up such processes. The present study relies on Flickr and You Tube as social media and aims at automatically identifying individual sub-events within a crisis situation. The study applies a two-phase clustering approach to detect those sub-events. The first phase uses geo-referenced data to locate a sub-event, while the second phase uses the natural language descriptions of pictures and videos to further identify the "what-about" of those sub-events. The results show high potential of this social media-based clustering approach for detecting crisis-related sub-events.
Synthesis, structure and optical properties of europium doped calcium barium phosphate – a novel phosphor for solid-state lighting

A new phase, Ca6BaP4O17, was found in the CaO–BaO–P2O5 phase diagram and its Eu2+-doped derivative was evaluated as a possible phosphor for solid-state lighting. Ca6BaP4O17 was prepared by conventional solid-state synthesis and its structure was solved ab initio from high-resolution, synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data. The bandgap of Ca6BaP4O17 was estimated to be 5.79 eV. Under excitation with UV to blue light, Ca6BaP4O17:Eu2+ shows strong yellow emission with the peak position at 553 nm. A white LED, which was fabricated with an InGaN blue chip and Ca6BaP4O17:Eu2+, achieved a luminous efficacy of 31 lm W−1 with a color-rendering index of 78 around the correlated color temperature of 6500 K.
Quantitative Low-Dose Computed Tomography of the Lung Parenchyma and Airways for the Differentiation between Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma Patients

Background: It is difficult to differentiate between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma in clinics; therefore, for diagnostic purposes, imaging-based measurements could be beneficial to differentiate between the two diseases. Objectives: We aim to analyze quantitative measurements of the lung and bronchial parameters that are provided by low-dose computed tomography (CT) to differentiate COPD and asthma from an imaging perspective. Materials and Methods: 69 COPD patients, 52 asthma patients, and 20 healthy subjects were recruited to participate in CT imaging and pulmonary function tests (PFTs). Comparative analysis was performed to identify differences between COPD and asthma in CT measurements. PFT measurements enabled validation of the differentiation between COPD and asthma patients. Results: There were significant differences among the COPD, asthma, and healthy control groups. The differences were more significant among the following: inspiratory emphysema index (EI)-950 (%), expiratory lung volume, expiratory mean lung density (MLD), and expiratory EI-950 (%) and EI-850 (%). The COPD group had a significantly higher EI-950 (%) than the asthma group (p = 0.008). There were significant differences among the three groups in lumen area (LA), wall area (WA), total area, and Pi10WA. The asthma group had significantly higher WA%/WV% than both the COPD (p = 0.002) and the control group (p = 0.012). There was high sensitivity in EI-950 (%), EI-850 (%) and expiratory MLD in the parenchyma and high sensitivity in LA and Pi10WA in small airways in the differential diagnosis of COPD and asthma. Conclusion: To aid the diagnosis, CT can provide quantitative measurements to differentiate between COPD and asthma patients.
Resource allocation and minimum rate for precoded non-orthogonal multiple access

In this paper, we propose user clustering and power allocation algorithms for a precoded NOMA system. The user clustering for the strong and the weak users, and corresponding power allocation can be optimized disjointedly when SNR is sufficiently high, and this leads to a great reduction in computational complexity. Moreover this proposed power allocation algorithm can maximize sum achievable rate subject to a minimum target rate. Furthermore, from the analytical results, we suggest a reasonable minimum target rate for the weak user so that this rate can always be achieved, i.e, with outage probability 1. Using the suggested target rate, the NOMA system can avoid failing in achieving this target rate even if all power is allocated to the weak user. Simulation results corroborate theoretical results.
Adhesion Potential of Intestinal Microbes Predicted by Physico-Chemical Characterization Methods

Bacterial adhesion to epithelial surfaces affects retention time in the human gastro-intestinal tract and therefore significantly contributes to interactions between bacteria and their hosts. Bacterial adhesion among other factors is strongly influenced by physico-chemical factors. The accurate quantification of these physico-chemical factors in adhesion is however limited by the available measuring techniques. We evaluated surface charge, interfacial rheology and tensiometry (interfacial tension) as novel approaches to quantify these interactions and evaluated their biological significance via an adhesion assay using intestinal epithelial surface molecules (IESM) for a set of model organisms present in the human gastrointestinal tract. Strain pairs of Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 with its sortase knockout mutant Lb. plantarum NZ7114 and Lb. rhamnosus GG with Lb. rhamnosus DSM 20021T were used with Enterococcus faecalis JH2-2 as control organism. Intra-species comparison revealed significantly higher abilities for Lb. plantarum WCSF1 and Lb. rhamnosus GG vs. Lb. plantarum NZ7114 and Lb. rhamnosus DSM 20021T to dynamically increase interfacial elasticity (10−2 vs. 10−3 Pa*m) and reduce interfacial tension (32 vs. 38 mN/m). This further correlated for Lb. plantarum WCSF1 and Lb. rhamnosus GG vs. Lb. plantarum NZ7114 and Lb. rhamnosus DSM 20021T with the decrease of relative hydrophobicity (80–85% vs. 57–63%), Zeta potential (-2.9 to -4.5 mV vs. -8.0 to -13.8 mV) and higher relative adhesion capacity to IESM (3.0–5.0 vs 1.5–2.2). Highest adhesion to the IESM collagen I and fibronectin was found for Lb. plantarum WCFS1 (5.0) and E. faecalis JH2-2 (4.2) whereas Lb. rhamnosus GG showed highest adhesion to type II mucus (3.8). Significantly reduced adhesion (2 fold) to the tested IESM was observed for Lb. plantarum NZ7114 and Lb. rhamnosus DSM 20021T corresponding with lower relative hydrophobicity, Zeta potential and abilities to modify interfacial elasticity and tension. Conclusively, the use of Zeta potential, interfacial elasticity and interfacial tension are proposed as suitable novel descriptive and predictive parameters to study the interactions of intestinal microbes with their hosts.
Linguistically Annotated Corpus as an Invaluable Resource for Advancements in Linguistic Research: A Case Study

Abstract A case study based on experience in linguistic investigations using annotated monolingual and multilingual text corpora; the “cases” include a description of language phenomena belonging to different layers of the language system: morphology, surface and underlying syntax, and discourse. The analysis is based on a complex annotation of syntax, semantic functions, information structure and discourse relations of the Prague Dependency Treebank, a collection of annotated Czech texts. We want to demonstrate that annotation of corpus is not a self-contained goal: in order to be consistent, it should be based on some linguistic theory, and, at the same time, it should serve as a test bed for the given linguistic theory in particular and for linguistic research in general.
Morphology-Based Sensor Pattern Noise Extraction for Device Identification

Multimedia such as image, audio, and video is easy to create and distribute with the advance of IT. Since novice uses them for illegal purposes, multimedia forensics are required to protect contents and block illegal usage. Using a Morphology-based Sensor Pattern Noise (M-SPN), this paper presents a multimedia forensic algorithm for video to identify the device used for acquiring unknown video files. First, the way to calculate a sensor pattern noise using morphology filter is presented, which comes from the imperfection of photon detectors against light. Then, the way to identify the device is explained after estimating MSPNs from the reference device and the unknown video. For the experiment, 15 devices including DSLR, compact camera, smartphone, and camcorder are tested and analyzed quantitatively. Based on the results, the presented algorithm can achieve the 92.0% identification accuracy.
Reconfigurable architecture for elementary functions evaluation

A reconfigurable architecture for efficient computation of several elementary functions, in double precision floating-point format, is presented in this paper. The main idea is to tailor the computation method towards FPGA resources of Virtex-II circuits to increase the execution performances of these functions. Our method employs a piecewise Minimax approximation and look-up tables. To achieve a precision of one ULP (Unit in Last Place) without exceeding the memory available in Virtex-II FPGAs, third degree approximation polynomials were needed which have been evaluated using Horner's scheme to reduce the multiplications number. Some strategies were used in the Fused Multiplier Adder (FMAs) to overcome the carry propagation such as the carry save representation for the intermediate results to minimize the multipliers delay. A pipelined architecture implementing our method is proposed and its execution time and area costs estimations are presented showing that the architecture has attained a cycle time of 17.372 ns and an operating frequency of 57 MHz with a latency of four cycles and a throughput of one result per cycle.
Miss rate prediction across all program inputs

Improving cache performance requires understanding cache behavior. However, measuring cache performance for one or two data input sets provides little insight into how cache behavior varies across all data input sets. We use our recently published locality analysis to generate a parameterized model of program cache behavior. Given a cache size and associativity, this model predicts the miss rate for arbitrary data input set sizes. This model also identifies critical data input sizes where cache behavior exhibits marked changes. Experiments show this technique is within 2% of the hit rate for set associative caches on a set of integer and floating-point programs.
Validated Screening Tools for Common Mental Disorders in Low and Middle Income Countries: A Systematic Review

Background A wide range of screening tools are available to detect common mental disorders (CMDs), but few have been specifically developed for populations in low and middle income countries (LMIC). Cross-cultural application of a screening tool requires that its validity be assessed against a gold standard diagnostic interview. Validation studies of brief CMD screening tools have been conducted in several LMIC, but until now there has been no review of screening tools for all CMDs across all LMIC populations. Methods A systematic review with broad inclusion criteria was conducted, producing a comprehensive summary of brief CMD screening tools validated for use in LMIC populations. For each validation, the diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was calculated as an easily comparable measure of screening tool validity. Average DOR results weighted by sample size were calculated for each screening tool, enabling us to make broad recommendations about best performing screening tools. Results 153 studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Because many studies validated two or more screening tools, this corresponded to 273 separate validations against gold standard diagnostic criteria. We found that the validity of every screening tool tested in multiple settings and populations varied between studies, highlighting the importance of local validation. Many of the best performing tools were purposely developed for a specific population; however, as these tools have only been validated in one study, it is not possible to draw broader conclusions about their applicability in other contexts. Conclusions Of the tools that have been validated in multiple settings, the authors broadly recommend using the SRQ-20 to screen for general CMDs, the GHQ-12 for CMDs in populations with physical illness, the HADS-D for depressive disorders, the PHQ-9 for depressive disorders in populations with good literacy levels, the EPDS for perinatal depressive disorders, and the HADS-A for anxiety disorders. We recommend that, wherever possible, a chosen screening tool should be validated against a gold standard diagnostic assessment in the specific context in which it will be employed.
Multi-UAV path planning in obstacle rich environments using Rapidly-exploring Random Trees

This paper presents path planning algorithms using Rapidly-exploring Random Trees (RRTs) to generate paths for multiple unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) in real time, from given starting locations to goal locations in the presence of static, pop-up and dynamic obstacles. Generating non-conflicting paths in obstacle rich environments for a group of UAVs within a given short time window is a challenging task. The difficulty further increases because the turn radius constraints of the UAVs have to be comparable with the corridors where they intend to fly. Hence we first generate a path quickly using RRT by taking the kinematic constraints of the UAVs into account. Then in order to generate a low cost path we develop an anytime algorithm that yields paths whose quality improves as flight proceeds. When the UAV detects a dynamic obstacle, the path planner avoids it based on a set of criteria. In order to track generated paths, a guidance law based on pursuit and line-of-sight is developed. Simulation studies are carried out to show the performance of the proposed algorithm.
Submucosal plexus and electrolyte transport across rat colonic mucosa.

Electrolyte transport across two preparations of mucosa from rat colon descendens was compared to determine what influence the submucosal plexus has on electrolyte transport. One preparation consisted of the mucosa, muscularis mucosae, and the submucosal tissue and is referred to as the mucosa‐submucosa preparation. The second preparation obtained by further blunt dissection of the mucosa‐submucosa preparation consisted of only the mucosa and the circular muscle layer of muscularis mucosae and is referred to as the mucosa preparation. Histological studies showed that the submucosal tissue and the longitudinal layer of muscularis mucosae could be removed leaving only the mucosa and the circular layer of muscularis mucosae. The extensive neuronal network of the submucosa was shown when the submucosal tissue and longitudinal muscle layer of muscularis mucosae, which were removed, were stained histochemically for acetylcholinesterase activity. Both the mucosa‐submucosa and mucosa preparations absorbed Na+ and Cl‐ when short‐circuited. However, Na+ and Cl‐ absorption were significantly higher in the mucosa preparation. The increase in Na+ and Cl‐ transport in the mucosa preparation was accompanied with a decrease in the short‐circuit current (Isc), the open‐circuit potential difference (p.d.) and the transmural tissue conductance (Gt) when compared to the mucosa‐submucosa preparation. Tetrodotoxin (TTX), a neurotoxin which blocks specifically the propagation of action potentials in excitable tissues, dose‐dependently decreased Isc and p.d. in the mucosa‐submucosa preparation when added to the serosal solution. The half‐maximal effective concentration of TTX was 5 nM and maximal effective concentration 100 nM. TTX (1 microM) had no effect on Isc or p.d. when added to the mucosal solution. The decrease in Isc and p.d. caused by TTX in the mucosa‐submucosa preparation was accompanied with an increase in Na+ and Cl‐ absorption. TTX caused only a small decrease in Isc and p.d. in the mucosa preparation. However, there was no measurable change in Na+ and Cl‐ transport in the mucosa preparation. The results suggest that spontaneously active neurones from the submucosal plexus have an inhibitory influence on the mucosa. Physical removal of the submucosal plexus or pharmacological blockade of the neurones within the mucosa‐submucosa preparation by TTX led to enhanced absorption, suggesting that the set point of the mucosa for electrolyte transport is at or near a maximal absorptive state. Regulation or modulation of the mucosa may therefore occur by mechanisms that lower this set point, causing an inhibition of absorption of electrolytes.
Gravidity-Dependent Production of Antibodies That Inhibit Binding of Plasmodium falciparum-Infected Erythrocytes to Placental Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan during Pregnancy

ABSTRACT During pregnancy, Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes sequester in the placenta by adhering to chondroitin 4-sulfate, creating a risk factor for both the mother and the fetus. The primigravidae are at higher risk for placental malaria than the multigravidae. This difference in susceptibility has been attributed to the lack of antibodies that block the adhesion of infected erythrocytes to placental chondroitin 4-sulfate in primigravid women. However, recent results show that many primigravidae at term have antibody levels similar to those of multigravidae, and thus the significance of antiadhesion antibodies in providing protection against malaria during pregnancy remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed plasma samples from women of various gravidities at different gestational stages for antiadhesion antibodies. The majority of women, regardless of gravidity, had similar levels of antibodies at term. Most primigravidae had low levels of or no antiadhesion antibodies prior to ∼20 weeks of pregnancy and then produced antibodies. Multigravidae also lacked antibodies until ∼12 weeks of pregnancy, but thereafter they efficiently produced antibodies. In pregnant women who had placental infection at term, higher levels of antiadhesion antibodies correlated with lower levels of placental parasitemia. The difference in kinetics of antibody production between primigravidae and multigravidae correlated with the prevalence of malaria in these groups, suggesting that antibodies are produced during pregnancy in response to placental infection. The early onset of efficient antibody response in multigravidae and the delayed production to antibodies in primigravidae appear to account for the gravidity-dependent differential susceptibilities of pregnant women to placental malaria.
6 to 17 GHz broadband high power amplifier using spatial power combining technique

High power, broad bandwidth, high linearity and low noise are among the most important features in amplifier design. Broadband spatial power combining techniques address all these issues by combining the output power of a large quantity of microwave monolithic integrated circuit (MMIC) amplifiers in a broadband coaxial waveguide environment, while maintaining good linearity and improving phase noise of the MMIC amplifiers. A coaxial waveguide was used as the host of the combining circuits for broader bandwidth and better uniformity by equally distributing the input power to each element. A new compact coaxial combiner with much smaller size is investigated. Broadband slotline to microstrip line transitions are integrated for better compatibility with commercial MMIC amplifiers. Thermal simulations are performed and a new thermal management scheme is employed to improve the heat sinking in high power applications. A high power amplifier, using the compact combiner design, is built and demonstrated to have a bandwidth from 6 to 17 GHz with 44 W maximum output power. Linearity measurement has shown a high IP3 of 52 dBm.
Convex hull of N planar Brownian motions: exact results and an application to ecology.

We compute exactly the mean perimeter and area of the convex hull of N independent planar Brownian paths each of duration T, both for open and closed paths. We show that the mean perimeter =alpha N sqrt[T] and the mean area =beta(N)T for all T. The prefactors alpha N and beta N, computed exactly for all N, increase very slowly (logarithmically) with increasing N. This slow growth is a consequence of extreme value statistics and has interesting implications in an ecological context in estimating the home range of a herd of animals with a population size N.
Dense Descriptors for Optical Flow Estimation: A Comparative Study

Estimating the displacements of intensity patterns between sequential frames is a very well-studied problem, which is usually referred to as optical flow estimation. The first assumption among many of the methods in the field is the brightness constancy during movements of pixels between frames. This assumption is proven to be not true in general, and therefore, the use of photometric invariant constraints has been studied in the past. One other solution can be sought by use of structural descriptors rather than pixels for estimating the optical flow. Unlike sparse feature detection/description techniques and since the problem of optical flow estimation tries to find a dense flow field, a dense structural representation of individual pixels and their neighbors is computed and then used for matching and optical flow estimation. Here, a comparative study is carried out by extending the framework of SIFT-flow to include more dense descriptors, and comprehensive comparisons are given. Overall, the work can be considered as a baseline for stimulating more interest in the use of dense descriptors for optical flow estimation.
Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions

In the United States, cancers of the oral cavity and oropharynx represent approximately three percent of all malignancies in men and two percent of all malignancies in women. The American Cancer Society estimates that 28,900 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed in 2002, and nearly 7,400 people will die from this disease. Over 90 percent of these tumors are squamous cell carcinomas, which arise from the oral mucosal lining. In spite of the ready accessibility of the oral cavity to direct examination, these malignancies still are often not detected until a late stage, and the survival rate for oral cancer has remained essentially unchanged over the past three decades. The purpose of this article is to review the clinical features of oral cancer and premalignant oral lesions, with an emphasis on early detection.
Coral Adaptation in the Face of Climate Change

[Extract] In their Review, "Coral reefs under rapid climate change and ocean acidification" (14 December 2007, p. 1737), O. Hoegh-Guldberg et al. present future reef scenarios that range from coral-dominated communities to rapidly eroding rubble banks. Notably, none of their scenarios considers the capacity for corals to adapt. The authors dismiss adaptation because "[r]eef-building corals have relatively long generation times and low genetic diversity, making for slow rates of adaptation [relative to rates of change]. " We think the possibility of adaptation deserves a second look. Many features of coral life histories, such as extended life spans, delayed maturation, and colony fission, do result in long generation times (1) [some between 33 and 37 years (2)]. However, other corals, such as many species of Acropora and Pocillopora, mature early, grow rapidly, and suffer whole-colony mortality, as opposed to colony fission, after mechanical disturbances (3) and thermal stress (4). The life histories of these ecologically important and abundant species suggest an underappreciated capacity to adapt rapidly to changing environments.