Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improved Sectional Image Analysis Technique for Evaluating Fiber Orientations in Fiber-Reinforced Cement-Based Materials

The distribution of fiber orientation is an important factor in determining the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced concrete. This study proposes a new image analysis technique for improving the evaluation accuracy of fiber orientation distribution in the sectional image of fiber-reinforced concrete. A series of tests on the accuracy of fiber detection and the estimation performance of fiber orientation was performed on artificial fiber images to assess the validity of the proposed technique. The validation test results showed that the proposed technique estimates the distribution of fiber orientation more accurately than the direct measurement of fiber orientation by image analysis.
An Approach for Document Clustering using Agglomerative Clustering and Hebbian-type Neural Network

Clustering is a useful method that categorizes a large quantity of unordered text documents into a small number of meaningful and coherent collections, thereby providing a basis for instinctive and informative navigation and browsing mechanisms. Different type of distance functions and similarity measures have been used for clustering, such as squared, cosine similarity, Euclidean distance and relative entropy. This paper presents text document space dimension reduction in text document retrieval by agglomerative clustering and Hebbian-type neural network. Hebbian-type neural network reduce document space to two dimensions so each document is represented as a point in the reduced document space. Furthermore, the clusters are formed in compact document space.
Subtype and Regional-Specific Neuroinflammation in Sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease

The present study identifies deregulated cytokines and mediators of the immune response in the frontal cortex and cerebellum of sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (sCJD) MM1 and VV2 subtypes compared to age-matched controls. Deregulated genes include pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, toll-like receptors, colony stimulating factors, cathepsins, members of the complement system, and members of the integrin and CTL/CTLD family with particular regional and sCJD subtype patterns. Analysis of cytokines and mediators at protein level shows expression of selected molecules and receptors in neurons, in astrocytes, and/or in microglia, thus suggesting interactions between neurons and glial cells, mainly microglia, in the neuroinflammatory response in sCJD. Similar inflammatory responses have been shown in the tg340 sCJD MM1 mice, revealing a progressive deregulation of inflammatory mediators with disease progression. Yet, inflammatory molecules involved are subjected to species differences in humans and mice. Moreover, inflammatory-related cell signaling pathways NFκB/IKK and JAK/STAT are activated in sCJD and sCJD MM1 mice. Together, the present observations show a self-sustained complex inflammatory and inflammatory-related responses occurring already at early clinical stages in animal model and dramatically progressing at advanced stages of sCJD. Considering this scenario, measures tailored to modulate (activate or inhibit) specific molecules could be therapeutic options in CJD.
Toward enhanced understanding and projections of climate extremes using physics-guided data mining techniques

Abstract. Extreme events such as heat waves, cold spells, floods, droughts, tropical cyclones, and tornadoes have potentially devastating impacts on natural and engineered systems and human communities worldwide. Stakeholder decisions about critical infrastructures, natural resources, emergency preparedness and humanitarian aid typically need to be made at local to regional scales over seasonal to decadal planning horizons. However, credible climate change attribution and reliable projections at more localized and shorter time scales remain grand challenges. Long-standing gaps include inadequate understanding of processes such as cloud physics and ocean–land–atmosphere interactions, limitations of physics-based computer models, and the importance of intrinsic climate system variability at decadal horizons. Meanwhile, the growing size and complexity of climate data from model simulations and remote sensors increases opportunities to address these scientific gaps. This perspectives article explores the possibility that physically cognizant mining of massive climate data may lead to significant advances in generating credible predictive insights about climate extremes and in turn translating them to actionable metrics and information for adaptation and policy. Specifically, we propose that data mining techniques geared towards extremes can help tackle the grand challenges in the development of interpretable climate projections, predictability, and uncertainty assessments. To be successful, scalable methods will need to handle what has been called "big data" to tease out elusive but robust statistics of extremes and change from what is ultimately small data. Physically based relationships (where available) and conceptual understanding (where appropriate) are needed to guide methods development and interpretation of results. Such approaches may be especially relevant in situations where computer models may not be able to fully encapsulate current process understanding, yet the wealth of data may offer additional insights. Large-scale interdisciplinary team efforts, involving domain experts and individual researchers who span disciplines, will be necessary to address the challenge.
Establishment and optimization of prediction model for recovery rate of alloying elements

Steel quality depends on the alloying model precision. While the precision is mainly dependent on the recovery rate of alloying elements calculation, the prediction model for recovery rate of alloying elements was established based on the BP neural network. The simulation shows that using POS algorithm to optimize the model is still easy to fall into local minimum, so a simulated annealing (SA) thought was introduced to improve it. By the comparison we can see that SA-PSO algorithm can overcome above shortcomings. This algorithm strengthens the global convergence ability. It can optimize the model while ensuring high precision and improve the training convergence rate at the same time. The simulation results proved that this model is effective.
Specificity of p47phox SH3 domain interactions in NADPH oxidase assembly and activation

The delineation of molecular structures that dictate Src homology 3 (SH3) domain recognition of specific proline-rich ligands is key to understanding unique functions of diverse SH3 domain-containing signalling molecules. We recently established that assembly of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase involves multiple SH3 domain interactions between several oxidase components (p47phox, p67phox, and p22phox). p47phox was shown to play a central role in oxidase activation in whole cells by mediating interactions with both the transmembrane component p22phox and cytosolic p67phox. To understand the specific roles of each SH3 domain of p47phox in oxidase assembly and activation, we mutated critical consensus residues (Tyr167 or Tyr237-->Leu [Y167L or Y237L], W193R or W263R, and P206L or P276L) on each of their binding surfaces. The differential effects of these mutations indicated that the first SH3 domain is responsible for the p47phox-p22phox interaction and plays a predominant role in oxidase activity and p47phox membrane assembly, while the second p47phox SH3 domain interacts with the NH2-terminal domain of p67phox. Binding experiments using the isolated first SH3 domain also demonstrated its involvement in intramolecular interactions within p47phox and showed a requirement for five residues (residues 151 to 155) on its N-terminal boundary for binding to p22phox. The differential effects of nonconserved-site mutations (W204A or Y274A and E174Q or E244Q) on whole-cell oxidase activity suggested that unique contact residues within the third binding pocket of each SH3 domain influence their ligand-binding specificities.
Effect of Acute and Fractionated Irradiation on Hippocampal Neurogenesis

Ionizing radiation has become an inevitable health concern emanating from natural sources like space travel and from artificial sources like medical therapies. In general, exposure to ionizing radiation such as γ-rays is one of the methods currently used to stress specific model systems. In this study, we elucidated the long-term effect of acute and fractionated irradiation on DCX-positive cells in hippocampal neurogenesis. Groups of two-month-old C57BL/6 female mice were exposed to whole-body irradiation at acute dose (5 Gy) or fractional doses (1 Gy × 5 times and 0.5 Gy × 10 times). Six months after exposure to γ-irradiation, the hippocampus was analyzed. Doublecortin (DCX) immunohistochemistry was used to measure changes of neurogenesis in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). The number of DCX-positive cells was significantly decreased in all acute and fractionally irradiation groups. The long-term changes in DCX-positive cells triggered by radiation exposure showed a very different pattern to the short-term changes which tended to return to the control level in previous studies. Furthermore, the number of DCX-positive cells was relatively lower in the acute irradiation group than the fractional irradiation groups (approximately 3.6-fold), suggesting the biological change on hippocampal neurogenesis was more susceptible to being damaged by acute than fractional irradiation. These results suggest that the exposure to γ-irradiation as a long-term effect can trigger biological responses resulting in the inhibition of hippocampal neurogenesis.
A Cross Layer Frame Work for Enhanced Quality of Service Provisioning in Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Networks

Problem statement: The demand for multimedia applications in WiMAX networks is growing at a rapid pace. A method for guaranteeing Quality of Service (QoS) for different classes of traffic is therefore gaining importance. Hence designing and analyzing multimedia traffic and QoS parameters has become central to this problem. In this study, we propose a cross layer frame work in which a coordination between the Medium Access Control layer (MAC) and the Physical layer (PHY) is established for guaranteeing the QoS requirement in a multiclass traffic WiMAX environment. Two traffic classes’ real time Polling Service (rtPS) and non real time Polling Service (nrtPS) are considered for analyzing the performance. Approach: The objective of study is to guarantee QoS for multiple service class traffic in a multiple connection environment in WiMAX network. A cross layer design approach is used for this purpose. A priority scheduler at the MAC layer schedules the traffic based on channel state information. The Adaptive modulation and coding scheme is used at the physical layer that adapts to the scheduled traffic to stabilize the QoS requirements of different traffic classes. Results: The Priority value is estimated using the Friis equation that calculates the received power and determines the SNR. The average throughput, average bytes received and the packet loss are plotted against time. This indicated that these QoS parameters are stable over a period of time. Conclusion: A cross layer frame work was developed based on a scheduler for QoS stability that uses CSI at the MAC layer and an AMC at the PHY layer in WiMax Networks. The scheduler enjoyed flexibility and scalability, whose performance was evaluated against existing systems through simulation.
In vitro effect of antiretroviral drugs on cultured primary astrocytes: analysis of neurotoxicity and matrix metalloproteinase inhibition

There is little information available on the possible toxic effects that antiretroviral (ARV) drugs used for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected subjects, may have on the central nervous system (CNS) resident cells. Moreover, it remains unclear whether the efficacy of the ARV drugs may also be due to their ability to exert extravirological effects on factors responsible for the development of HIV brain injury, e.g., matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). This study investigates the toxicity of three different ARV drugs and on their ability to modulate levels and expression of gelatinases A (MMP‐2) and B (MMP‐9) in astrocytes. Primary cultures of rat astrocytes were activated by exposure to lipopolysaccaride (LPS) and simultaneously treated with darunavir, maraviroc, or raltegravir, used alone or in combination. Among the tested drugs, maraviroc was the less toxic for astrocytes. At toxic concentration (TC50), the studied drugs induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), suggesting that the oxidative stress may represent a mechanism of ARV toxicity. As assessed by gelatin zymography and RT‐PCR, the single antiretroviral drugs reduced levels and expression of both MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 through the inhibition of the signaling transduction pathway of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase1/2, which is involved in the regulation of MMP‐9 gene. A synergistic inhibition of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 was observed with combinations of the studied ARV drugs. The present results indicate that maraviroc, darunavir, and raltegravir, through their ability to inhibit MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 at doses non‐toxic for astrocytes, might have a great potential for the management of HIV‐associated neurological complications.
SQL-INJECTION SECURITY EVOLUTION ANALYSIS IN ASP.NET

All the interactive web applications that provide work for databases are target of an SQL injection attack. Such applications gives the permission to the user for input, after that this input added in database request, that’s SQL Statement. In SQL injection, the attacker provides user input that outcome in a different database request than was intended by the application programmer. SQL injection is a code injection technique that exploits security vulnerability in a website's software. The vulnerability happens when user input is either incorrectly filtered for string literal escape characters embedded in SQL statements or user input is not strongly typed and unexpectedly executed. SQL commands are thus injected from the web form into the database of an application (like queries) to change the database content or dump the database information like credit card or passwords to the attacker. SQL injection is mostly known as an attack vector for websites but can be used to attack any type of SQL database. In our project work we describe a technique to prevent this kind of manipulation and hence eliminate SQL injection vulnerabilities. For empirical analysis, we provide a case study of our solution in ASP page. We implement our solution in a simple . NET framework, and show its effectiveness and scalability.
Photoionization and Electron-impact Ionization of Kr$^{3+}$

Absolute photoionization cross sections for Kr5+ weremeasured in the photon energy range 74 175 eV using synchrotronradiation. For comparison, a detailed energy scan of the electron-impactionization cross section was made in the same energy range and normalizedto previously published absolute measurements. The Flexible Atomic Codeand Cowan atomic structure code were used to calculate energy levels,excitation energies, and oscillator strengths for 3d np, 3d nf, and 4s npautoionizing transitions from the ground and metastable states. Withinthe experimental uncertainty, oscillator strengths determined from thephotoionization measurements are in agreement with both calculations.Excitation-autoionization and resonant excitation-double-autoionizationfeatures are evident in the electron-impact ionization crosssection.
The healthy food environment policy index: findings of an expert panel in New Zealand

Abstract Objective To assess government actions to improve the healthiness of food environments in New Zealand, based on the healthy food environment policy index. Methods A panel of 52 public health experts rated the extent of government implementation against international best practice for 42 indicators of food environment policy and infrastructure support. Their ratings were informed by documented evidence, validated by government officials and international benchmarks. Findings There was a high level of implementation for some indicators: providing ingredient lists and nutrient declarations and regulating health claims on packaged foods; transparency in policy development; monitoring prevalence of noncommunicable diseases and monitoring risk factors for noncommunicable diseases. There was very little, if any implementation of the following indicators: restrictions on unhealthy food marketing to children; fiscal and food retail policies and protection of national food environments within trade agreements. Interrater reliability was 0.78 (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.76–0.79). Based on the implementation gaps, the experts recommended 34 actions, and prioritized seven of these. Conclusion The healthy food environment policy index provides a useful set of indicators that can focus attention on where government action is needed. It is anticipated that this policy index will increase accountability of governments, stimulate government action and support civil society advocacy efforts.
Domestic biomass fuel combustion and chronic bronchitis in two rural Bolivian villages

BACKGROUND Chronic bronchitis is an important public health problem worldwide. A study was undertaken to examine the association between exposure to air pollution from domestic biomass fuel combustion and chronic bronchitis in two rural Bolivian highland villages: a village in which cooking is done exclusively indoors and a village in which cooking is done primarily outdoors. Apart from this difference, the villages were virtually identical in terms of socioeconomic status, climate, altitude, access to health care, and other potential confounders. METHODS Pollution exposure was assessed by combining information on concentrations of particulate matter of <10 μm diameter (PM10) in 12 randomly selected households in each village in all potential microenvironments of exposure with time allocation information. The prevalence of chronic bronchitis was assessed using the British Medical Research Council’s questionnaire on individuals >20 years of age in both villages (n = 241). RESULTS Daily pollution exposure was significantly higher in the indoor cooking village (range for adults: 9840–15 120 μg-h/m3) than in the outdoor cooking village (range for adults: 5520–6240 μg-h/m3) for both seasons and for men and women. The overall prevalence of chronic bronchitis was 22% and 13% for the indoor and outdoor cooking villages, respectively. Logistic regression analysis, which excluded the few smokers present in the population, showed a 60% reduced risk of chronic bronchitis in the outdoor cooking village compared with the indoor cooking village (OR 0.4; 95% CI 0.2 to 0.8; p = 0.0102) after adjusting for age and sex. Individuals aged >40 years were 4.3 times more likely to have chronic bronchitis than the younger age group (OR = 4.3; 95% CI 2.0 to 9.3; p = 0.0002). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of chronic bronchitis in men and women. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest an association between chronic bronchitis and exposure to domestic biomass fuel combustion, but further large scale studies from other areas of the developing world are needed to confirm the association. Results from this and other studies will assist the development of culturally acceptable and feasible alternatives to the high exposure cooking stoves currently being used by most people worldwide.
Parallel programming with big operators

In the sciences, it is common to use the so-called "big operator" notation to express the iteration of a binary operator (the reducer) over a collection of values. Such a notation typically assumes that the reducer is associative and abstracts the iteration process. Consequently, from a programming point-of-view, we can organize the reducer operations to minimize the depth of the overall reduction, allowing a potentially parallel evaluation of a big operator expression. We believe that the big operator notation is indeed an effective construct to express parallel computations in the Generate/Map/Reduce programming model, and our goal is to introduce it in programming languages to support parallel programming. The effective definition of such a big operator expression requires a simple way to generate elements, and a simple way to declare algebraic properties of the reducer (such as its identity, or its commutativity). In this poster, we want to present an extension of Scala with support for big operator expressions. We show how big operator expressions are defined and how the API is organized to support the simple definition of reducers with their algebraic properties.
Replication stress, a source of epigenetic aberrations in cancer?

Cancer cells accumulate widespread local and global chromatin changes and the source of this instability remains a key question. Here we hypothesize that chromatin alterations including unscheduled silencing can arise as a consequence of perturbed histone dynamics in response to replication stress. Chromatin organization is transiently disrupted during DNA replication and maintenance of epigenetic information thus relies on faithful restoration of chromatin on the new daughter strands. Acute replication stress challenges proper chromatin restoration by deregulating histone H3 lysine 9 mono‐methylation on new histones and impairing parental histone recycling. This could facilitate stochastic epigenetic silencing by laying down repressive histone marks at sites of fork stalling. Deregulation of replication in response to oncogenes and other tumor‐promoting insults is recognized as a significant source of genome instability in cancer. We propose that replication stress not only presents a threat to genome stability, but also jeopardizes chromatin integrity and increases epigenetic plasticity during tumorigenesis.
Translocation or just location? Pseudopodia affect fluorescent signals

The use of fluorescent probes is one of the most powerful techniques for gaining spatial and temporal knowledge of dynamic events within living cells. Localized increases in the signal from cytosolic fluorescent protein constructs, for example, are frequently used as evidence for translocation of proteins to specific sites within the cell. However, differences in optical and geometrical properties of cytoplasm can influence the recorded intensity of the probe signal. Pseudopodia are especially problematic because their cytoplasmic properties can cause abrupt increases in fluorescent signal of both GFP and fluorescein. Investigators should therefore be cautious when interpreting fluorescence changes within a cell, as these can result from either translocation of the probe or changes in the optical properties of the milieu surrounding the probe.