Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Are two commonly used self-report questionnaires useful for identifying antihypertensive medication nonadherence?

Objective: Medication nonadherence is a major cause of uncontrolled hypertension, but clinicians are poor at judging adherence, and the gold standard for measuring adherence, electronic monitoring, is rarely available in clinical settings. Self-report questionnaires (SRQs), by contrast, are inexpensive, easy to administer, and hence, may be useful for ‘diagnosing’ nonadherence. In this study, we evaluated the validity of two commonly used medication adherence SRQs among patients with uncontrolled hypertension, using electronic pillbox measurement as the gold standard. Methods: A total of 149 patients with uncontrolled hypertension had adherence to their antihypertensive medication regimen monitored using a four-compartment electronic pillbox (MedSignals) between two primary care visits (median 50 days). Participants completed the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at the second visit. Likelihood ratios were calculated using less than 80% correct dosing adherence by electronic measurement as the gold standard. Results: SRQ scores indicating low adherence (MMAS-8 <6 and VAS <80%, 23 and 9% of participants, respectively) had likelihood ratios of 2.00 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–3.65] and 7.72 (95% CI 1.77–33.6), respectively, for detecting nonadherence compared to electronic measurement. SRQ scores indicating highest adherence (MMAS-8 = 8 and VAS = 100%, 43 and 61% of participants, respectively) had likelihood ratios of 0.55 (95% CI 0.35–0.85) and 0.76 (95% CI 0.57–1.01), respectively, for detecting nonadherence. Conclusion: The MMAS-8 and VAS are modestly useful in identifying antihypertensive medication nonadherence. Other tools, including electronic measurement, may be needed to guide titration of antihypertensive medications among patients with uncontrolled hypertension.
The International Affiliation Network of YouTube Trends

Online video, a ubiquitous, visual, and highly shareable medium, is well-suited to crossing geographic, cultural,and linguistic barriers. Trending videos in particular,by virtue of reaching a large number of viewers in a short span of time, are powerful as both influencers and indicators of international communication flows. In this work, we study a large set of videos trending across 57 nations, collected from YouTube over a7-month period. We consider the set as a network of content flowing between nations, then develop conditional co-affiliation, a nation-nation co-affiliation index that enables a meaningful interpretation of network path length and the application of betweenness centrality. We observe a highly-interlinked network with remarkably similar co-affiliation levels between very different nations.However, Arabic-speaking nations appear more isolated, with the U.A. E. emerging as a key bridge. By analyzing video trend lifespans, we show that nations having many globally-popular video trends are reliably not the nation where those trends are strongest: we see no evidence to support the widely discussed idea of cultural exporter or trendsetter nations. We model correlations between co-affiliation and a selection of contextual factors. We note a surprisingly complex interaction between migration and shared video trends. Consistent with existing work on video popularity, we find that long trending times within one nation do not necessarily translate to reaching a wide global audience. This work expands on previous studies of the geographic popularity of videos by incorporating trending data and extending our analysis from video-nation affiliations to nation-nation co-affiliations. Characterizing these relationships is key to understanding the international cultural impact and potential of online video.
Learning First-Order Definitions of Functions

First-order learning involves finding a clause-form definition of a relation from examples of the relation and relevant background information. In this paper, a particular first-order learning system is modified to customize it for finding definitions of functional relations. This restriction leads to faster learning times and, in some cases, to definitions that have higher predictive accuracy. Other first-order learning systems might benefit from similar specialization.
A Pre-Identification Method for Chinese Named Entity Recognition

In this paper, a pre-identification method for Chinese named entity recognition is proposed. Internal information of entity name like family name, first name in person name, feature word in place name and organization name do not needed. Through entity name guessing based on context keywords, pre-identification is realized. Definition of bidirectional potential entity name recognition, rough confirmation of potential entity name, segmentation word is proposed. To solve the possible ambiguity in entity name identification, the degree of segmentation and conjunction is presented as well as cascade recognition and final confirmation. Combining with this pre-processing method, performance will be improved by using internal information of entity name. Experiment proves that the method have a special advantage in recognition special entity name, ambiguity name and irregular name. In this paper, Chinese person name is taken as an example for entity name recognition. Nevertheless, the method is not limit to person name recognition but also a pre-identification method for other entity name.
A decade of robotics in lung cancer surgery.

Minimally invasive approaches to cancer surgery have been widely embraced by many surgical specialties and for many the less invasive approach is used preferentially. For thoracic surgeons, lung cancer and pulmonary lobectomy is the dominant oncologic procedure but open thoracotomy remains the most commonly used approach to lung cancer resection. Minimally invasive lobectomy using a video assisted approach or VATS was first reported nearly 25 years ago (1) and despite multiple studies demonstrating clear benefits adoption has been slower than anticipated.
A Relax-and-Cut Algorithm for the Knapsack Node Weighted Steiner Tree Problem

The Knapsack Node Weighted Steiner Tree Problem (KNWSTP) is a generalization of the Steiner Tree Problem on graphs, which takes into account the classical cost function defined on the edges, as well as a prize function defined on the vertices and a limit on the size of the solution. It has several applications to network design. We propose an exact branch-and-bound algorithm for this problem, based on a relax-and-cut approach: the algorithm relaxes an exponential family of generalized subtour elimination constraints and takes into account only the violated ones as the computation proceeds. The performance of the algorithm has been tested on a wide set of benchmark problems, up to three hundred vertices, whose structure reflects the features of the most likely applications (sparse graphs with Euclidean costs) and covers different cases with respect to the prize function (only positive, or both positive and negative prizes) and the weight threshold.
Accelerating the Simulation of Thermal Convection in the Earth's Outer Core on Tianhe-2

Numerical simulation of thermal convection in the Earth's outer core requires extreme-scale computing due to the large temporal and spatial disparity, extreme physical parameters, rapid rotation and spherical geometry. In this work, the numerical simulation of the thermal convection in the Earth's outer core for CPU-MIC heterogeneous many-core systems is studied. Firstly, starting from a legacy parallel code based on the PETSc software package, a framework of the numerical simulation built on CPU-MIC heterogeneous many-core systems has been developed. Secondly, a sparse linear solver for CPUMIC heterogeneous many-core systems, which focuses on solving the two linear systems of the simulation, is presented and optimized. Thirdly, some computational kernels of the simulation, including sparse matrix-vector multiplication (SpMV) and polynomial preconditioner on distributed memory Xeon Phiaccelerated systems are implemented and optimized. In addition, in order to reduce the cost of data movement, we use methods to minimize the memory access, the PCI-E data transfer, and the MPI communication. Finally, some optimized measures are taken to the extended code. Experiments on Tianhe-2 Supercomputer show that as compared to the original code, our Xeon Phiaccelerated design is able to deliver 6.93x and 6.00x speedups for single MIC device and 64 MIC devices, respectively.
Recherche d'information dirigée par les interfaces utilisateur : approche basée sur l'utilisation des ontologies de domaine. (User interface-driven information retrieval : an domain ontology-based approach)

This thesis study the using of ontologies in information retrieval system dedicated to a specific domain. For that we propose a two-level approach to deal with i) the query formulation that assists the user in selecting concepts and properties of the used ontology ; ii) the query recommendation that uses the Case-based reasoning method, where a new query is considered as a new case. Solving a new case consists of reusing similar cases from the history of the previous similar cases already processed. For the validation of the proposed approaches, a system was developed and a set of computational experimentations was made. Finally, research perspectives conclude that this present report.
Hybrid moulds: effect of the moulding blocks on the morphology and dimensional properties

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the influence of the materials used in moulding blocks of hybrid moulds on the injection moulding setup and the properties of the mouldings.Design/methodology/approach – An instrumented (pressure and temperature) hybrid mould with exchangeable moulding blocks, produced by rapid prototyping and tooling techniques (RPT), was used to produce polypropylene tubular mouldings. The configuration of the mould was varied with combinations of moulding block materials, namely, an epoxy resin composite processed by vacuum casting and steel. The processing conditions were adjusted to obtained steady processing conditions. The mouldings were assessed in terms of the microstructure and the shrinkage.Findings – Due to the properties of the moulding block obtained by RPT being different from tool steel, the injection moulding processing conditions and the plastics parts properties are different when hybrid moulds are used. The cycle time depends on the moulding block properties and mus.
Neuroimaging criteria and cognitive performance in vascular mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review

The recognition of Cerebrovascular Disease (CVD) at earlier clinical stages may favor the control of vascular risk factors and prevention of dementia. However, operational criteria for symptomatic phases at non-dementia stages are often difficult, as the current criteria normally require the evidence of extensive subcortical disease. Objective To identify the neuroimaging profile of Vascular Mild Cognitive Impairment (VaMCI), the impact of those aspects over cognition and the neuropsychological tests that distinguished VaMCI from other groups. Methods Searches were performed in Scopus, ISI and PsycINFO, using the following key terms: "vascular mild cognitive impairment" OR "vascular cognitive impairment no dementia" OR "vascular cognitive impairment not demented" OR "subcortical mild cognitive impairment". Results Of 249 papers, 20 studies were selected. Ten of those included only patients with severe White Matter Hyperintensities (WMH), whereas 10 others admitted subjects with moderate-to-severe WMH. Both groups showed poor performances in Executive Function (EF) tasks in comparison to normal controls and other diagnostic groups. Among EF tests, those assessing "complex" EF abilities consistently distinguished VaMCI from other groups, regardless of the severity of WMH. VaMCI subjects with severe or moderate-to-severe WMH showed cognitive deficits in comparison with other groups. "Complex" EF tests were the most useful in differentiating those patients from the other groups. Conclusion The occurrence of VaMCI may be associated with the presence of CVD at moderate levels; the detection of vascular damage at earlier stages may allow the adoption of therapeutic actions with significant effect-sizes.
Plasmonic nanoparticle based nanobiosensors and nanophotodetectors

Plasmonics mainly deals with light-matter interactions in metallic nanostructures. It has gathered interest since its discovery due to the benefits it provides when compared with photonics and electronics. It owes its popularity to the tremendous number of applications it serves for. In this paper, we review how plasmonic nanoparticles can be utilized in applications such as localized surface plasmon resonance based biosensing and enhancing performance of photodetectors.
Response Time Reliability in Cloud Environments: An Empirical Study of n-Tier Applications at High Resource Utilization

When running mission-critical web-facing applications (e.g., electronic commerce) in cloud environments, predictable response time, e.g., specified as service level agreements (SLA), is a major performance reliability requirement. Through extensive measurements of n-tier application benchmarks in a cloud environment, we study three factors that significantly impact the application response time predictability: bursty workloads (typical of web-facing applications), soft resource management strategies (e.g., global thread pool or local thread pool), and bursts in system software consumption of hardware resources (e.g., Java Virtual Machine garbage collection). Using a set of profit-based performance criteria derived from typical SLAs, we show that response time reliability is brittle, with large response time variations (order of several seconds) depending on each one of those factors. For example, for the same workload and hardware platform, modest increases in workload burstiness may result in profit drops of more than 50%. Our results show that profitbased performance criteria may contribute significantly to the successful delimitation of performance unreliability boundaries and thus support effective management of clouds.
Processing of hierarchical syntactic structure in music

Hierarchical structure with nested nonlocal dependencies is a key feature of human language and can be identified theoretically in most pieces of tonal music. However, previous studies have argued against the perception of such structures in music. Here, we show processing of nonlocal dependencies in music. We presented chorales by J. S. Bach and modified versions in which the hierarchical structure was rendered irregular whereas the local structure was kept intact. Brain electric responses differed between regular and irregular hierarchical structures, in both musicians and nonmusicians. This finding indicates that, when listening to music, humans apply cognitive processes that are capable of dealing with long-distance dependencies resulting from hierarchically organized syntactic structures. Our results reveal that a brain mechanism fundamental for syntactic processing is engaged during the perception of music, indicating that processing of hierarchical structure with nested nonlocal dependencies is not just a key component of human language, but a multidomain capacity of human cognition.
Application of Data Envelopment Analysis to Measure Cost , Revenue and Profit Efficiency

The literature analysing efficiency of financial institutions has enveloped rapidly over the last years. Most studies have focused on the input side analysing input technical and cost efficiency. Only few studies have examined the output side evaluating output technical and revenue efficiency. We know that both sides are relevant when evaluating efficiency of financial institutions. Therefore the primary purpose of this paper is to review a number of approaches for efficiency measurement. In particular, the concepts of cost, revenue and profit functions are discussed. We apply Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to a sample of Slovak and Czech commercial banks during years 2009–2013 comparing the efficiencies by either minimizing cost or maximizing revenue and profit. The results showed that the level of average revenue efficiency was the highest and the average profit efficiency was the lowest one. As can be seen the Czech banks were more cost, revenue and profit efficient than Slovak ones during the whole analysed period. Application of Data Envelopment Analysis to Measure Cost, Revenue and Profit Efficiency Kristína Kočišová1 | Technical University of Košice, Košice, Slovak Republic
Analysis of the Mechanical Behavior of Pipe Flange Connections by Taking Account of Gasket Compression Characteristics at Elevated Temperature

Sealing of contained fluids is the primary performance required for pipe flange connections. It is well known that the leakage is likely to occur when contained fluids at high temperature are concerned. Due to the differential thermal expansion of each part, bolt preloads that tighten a pair of pipe flanges tend to decrease. Therefore, it is significantly important for the joint safety to estimate the amount of bolt preload reduction at the design stage. In this paper, a finite element approach is proposed to analyze thermal and mechanical behavior of pipe flange connections at elevated temperature, by incorporating the stress-strain curves of sheet gaskets measured in the previous paper. Then, the reduction rate of bolt preloads at elevated temperature is systematically evaluated. The analytical objects are pipe flange connections tightened with aramid sheet gaskets. When a pipe flange connection is subjected to thermal load, the gasket stress usually decreases along unloading curves. The temperature dependency of gasket stiffness is considered by defining Young’s modulus in unloading E*, which can be introduced into FE formulation using ordinary solid elements. Numerical results show that bolt preloads are decreased by as much as 30% of the initial value when using aramid sheet gaskets of 3mm thickness. The effectiveness of the proposed numerical method has been confirmed by comparing the numerical results of bolt preload reduction to experimental ones. © 2009 ASME
Dynamics of sexual populations structured by a space variable and a phenotypical trait

We study sexual populations structured by a phenotypic trait and a space variable, in a non-homogeneous environment. Departing from a structured population equation we perform a hydrodynamic-type limit to derive a model close to an existing model of theoretical biology. We then perform a further simplification to obtain a model depending on only one parameter that indicates how fast the environment is changing. We show that depending on this parameter, there exist either propagating waves, where the population invades the entire environment, or steady-states where the population survives but remains in a limited range. The corresponding propagating fronts connect an unstable steady point to a singular point. Existence of steady states with limited range distinguishes the dynamics of the sexual populations from asexual populations, where the populations whether gets extinct or propagates to the whole environment. Numerical simulations show that the derived simplified model is a good approximation of the initial structured population model. Key-words: Sexual populations, Structured populations, Hydrodynamic limit, Propagating fronts, gene flow
Verrucous Carcinoma due to Arsenic Ingestion in a Psoriasis Patient

Background and Objective: Verrucous carcinoma is a rare clinicopathologic entity caused by multifactorial influences. We report here a 64-year-old male patient presenting with a large exophytic mass in the right leg. Results and Conclusion: The patient had a 19-year duration of psoriasis and received various treatments. In his last year of life, he had been taking an illegally produced folk drug with the hope of controlling his psoriasis. However, 6 months after the drug ingestion, many papules appeared on his right leg, which eventually developed into a large tumor in the next few months. The patient died of acute pulmonary embolism only a week after hospitalization, when his tumor was pathologically confirmed as verrucous carcinoma. Later, the folk drug was analyzed and found to contain arsenic. The causative relevance of the tumor with his daily arsenic intake is discussed. Contexte et objectif: Le carcinome verruqueux est une entité clinicopathologique rare, causée par divers facteurs. Nous exposons ici le cas d'un homme de 64 ans, qui a consulté pour une grosse masse exophytique sur la jambe droite. Résultats et conclusions: Le patient souffrait de psoriasis depuis 19 ans et a été soumis à divers traitements. Au cours de sa dernière année de vie, il a pris un remède empirique traditionnel, illégal, dans l'espoir de soulager le psoriasis. Cependant, 6 mois après la consommation du remède, de nombreuses papules sont apparues sur la jambe droite, et ont fini par former une grosse tumeur au cours des mois suivants. Le patient est mort d'une embolie pulmonaire aiguë, une semaine seulement après son hospitalisation, lorsque l'examen histopathologique de la tumeur a révélé qu'il s'agissait d'un carcinome verruqueux. Le remède a été analysé plus tard, et il s'est avéré que celui-ci contenait de l'arsenic. Le lien de cause à effet entre la tumeur et la consommation quotidienne d'arsenic fera l'objet de discussion.
GROK-LAB: Generating Real On-chip Knowledge for Intra-cluster Delays Using Timing Extraction

Timing Extraction identifies the delay of fine-grained components within an FPGA. From these computed delays, the delay of any path can be calculated. Moreover, a comparison of the fine-grained delays allows a detailed understanding of the amount and type of process variation that exists in the FPGA. To obtain these delays, Timing Extraction measures, using only resources already available in the FPGA, the delay of a small subset of the total paths in the FPGA. We apply Timing Extraction to the Logic Array Block (LAB) on an Altera Cyclone III FPGA to obtain a view of the delay down to near-individual LUT SRAM cell granularity, characterizing components with delays on the order of tens to a few hundred picoseconds with a resolution of ±3.2ps, matching the expected error bounds. This information reveals that the 65nm process used has, on average, random variation of σ μ =4.0% with components having an average maximum spread of 83ps. Timing Extraction also shows that as VDD decreases from 1.2V to 0.9V in a Cyclone IV 60nm FPGA, paths slow down, and variation increases from σ μ =4.3% to σ μ =5.8%, a clear indication that lowering VDD magnifies the impact of random variation.