Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Direct and surrogate sensing for the Gyil african xylophone

The Gyil is a pentatonic African wooden xylophone with 14-15 keys. The work described in this paper has been motivated by three applications: computer analysis of Gyil performance, live improvised electro-acoustic music incorporating the Gyil, and hybrid sampling and physical modeling. In all three of these cases, detailed information about what is played on the Gyil needs to be digitally captured in real-time. We describe a direct sensing apparatus that can be used to achieve this. It is based on contact microphones and is informed by the specific characteristics of the Gyil. An alternative approach based on indirect acquisition is to apply polyphonic transcription on the signal acquired by a microphone without requiring the instrument to be modified. The direct sensing apparatus we have developed can be used to acquire ground truth for evaluating different approaches to polyphonic transcription and help create a “surrogate” sensor. Some initial results comparing different strategies to polyphonic transcription are presented.
Clinical diseases with thrombotic risk and their pharmacologycal treatment: How they change the therapeutic attitude in dental treatments

The new antiplatelets and anticoagulant drugs have been recently introduced in the daily medical practices for the control of thromboembolism associated with different diseases. The dental assistance of these patients forces us to know these drugs, understand their action mechanisms and try to decrease the risks that entail ours actions in these patients, making a thorough analysis of the risk of bleeding that is going to be related to our medical intervention, as well as the use of all the control measures of the hemorrhage from our knowledge with these patients, and to be prudent. The communication with the medical specialist that supervises these patients must be maxim, being necessary to make clinic trials for establishing protocols or guides of the handling with these patients during the odontological treatment. Key words:Antiplatelet drugs, anticoagulants drugs, new/classic, thrombotic risk, hemorrhagic risk, dental treatment, caution.
Awareness of food labelling and use of the information in purchasing pre packaged food products among consumers in Ilala municipality Dar es Salaam

Liberalization of trade, globalization and development in food science and technology has resulted in an increase in trade and consumption of pre-packaged foods. Reading food labelling information is important to assist in making informed choices of food. This study determined level of awareness on pre-packaged food labelling information among consumers in Ilala Municipality, their perception on the importance of such information and difficulties encountered in reading and using pre- packaged food labels. A descriptive cross- sectional study was conducted in Ilala Municipality from July to August, 2012. A questionnaire with both close and open ended questions was used to collect information from 208 consumers who were found purchasing prepackaged foods in selected supermarkets (Uchumi, Shoprite, Imalaseko, Mek One and TSN). The obtained data were computed to determine relationships and associations between various factors and the use of food labelling information among consumers in the area of study. Awareness and use of pre-packaged food labelling information was found to be low among consumers in Ilala municipality. Findings showed that only a quarter of the study respondents had high awareness on food labelling. Health concerns, religious beliefs and the need to know characteristics of food, motivate consumers to read prepackaged food labels. Difficulties encountered in reading food labels included small font sizes, use of scientific and technical language as well as the use of unfamiliar language. Circumstances in which consumers purchase pre-packaged food without consulting the respective labels include time constraint and purchase of routine food products. Awareness and use of pre-packaged food labelling information was significantly associated with age, occupation and education level of respondents. People who read food labels concentrated on ingredients and expiry. It is therefore recommended that deliberate efforts should be taken to improve food labelling, provide education to consumers to raise their awareness and use of food labelling information as well as develop a consumer guide on food labelling.
Immunomodulatory Activity of Polysaccharide-Protein Complex of Longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) Pulp

The immunomodulatory function of longan pulp polysaccharide-protein complex (LP3) was investigated in immunosuppressed mice models. Compared with the model control, peroral administration of 100 mgkg−1d−1 LP3 could significantly increase/enhance antibody production against chicken red blood cell (CRBC), concanavalin A (ConA)-induced splenocyte proliferation, macrophage phagocytosis, NK cell cytotoxicity against YAC-1 lymphoma cell, and interferon-gamma (INF-γ) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) secretion in serum (P < 0.05). The immunomodulatory effects, except for those on splenocytes and macrophages (P > 0.05), were also observed in mice administered with 50 or 200 mgkg−1d−1 LP3 (P < 0.05). The beneficial effects of 50–200 mgkg−1d−1 LP3 were comparable to those of 50 mgkg−1d−1 ganoderan. The strong immunomodulatory activity of LP3 confirmed its good potential as an immunotherapeutic adjuvant.
Routing Connections With Differentiated Reliability Requirements in WDM Mesh Networks

Reliability has been well recognized as an important design objective in the design of modern high-speed networks. While traditional approaches offer either 100% protection in the presence of single link failure or no protection at all, connections in real networks may have multiple reliability requirements. The concept of differentiated reliability (DiR) has been introduced in the literature to provide multiple reliability requirements in protection schemes that provision spare resources. In this paper, we consider the problem of routing connections with differentiated reliability in wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) mesh networks when backup sharing is not allowed. Our objective is to route connections with minimum network cost (e.g., network resources) while meeting their required reliability. We assume connections arrive dynamically one-at-a-time and a decision as to accept or reject a connection has to be made without a priori knowledge of future arrivals. Since sharing cannot be used for achieving efficiency, the goal is to achieve efficiency by improved path selection. In this paper, we first present an integer linear programming (ILP) formulation for the problem. By solving the ILP formulation, we can obtain an optimal solution with respect to the current network state for each dynamic arrival. To solve the ILP formulation, however, is time consuming for large networks. We thus propose two approximation algorithms for the problem. The first one, called Shortest-Path-Pair-based Auxiliary graph (SPPA), can obtain an epsiv-approximation solution whose cost is at most 1 + epsiv times the optimum in O((n2(n + 1) + 2mn)(log log(2n) + 1/epsiv)) time, where n and m are the number of nodes and links in a network, respectively. To reduce the computational complexity of the first algorithm, the second algorithm, called Auxiliary graph-based Two-Step Approach (ATSA), is proposed and can obtain a near optimal solution with cost at most 2 + epsiv times that of the optimal solution in O(mn(log log n + 1/epsiv)) time. Results from extensive simulations conducted on two typical carrier mesh networks show the efficiency of the two algorithms.
Anterior debridement and fusion followed by posterior pedicle screw fixation in pyogenic spondylodiscitis: autologous iliac bone strut versus cage.

OBJECT An anterior approach for debridement and fusion with autologous bone graft has been recommended as the gold standard for surgical treatment of pyogenic spondylodiscitis. The use of anterior foreign body implants at the site of active infection is still a challenging procedure for spine surgeons. Several authors have recently introduced anterior grafting with titanium mesh cages instead of autologous bone strut in the treatment of spondylodiscitis. The authors present their experience of anterior fusion with 3 types of cages followed by posterior pedicle screw fixation. They also compare their results with the use of autologous iliac bone strut. METHODS The authors retrospectively reviewed the cases of 60 patients with pyogenic spondylodiscitis treated by anterior debridement between January 2003 and April 2005. Fusion using either cages or iliac bone struts was performed during the same course of anesthesia followed by posterior fixation. Twenty-three patients underwent fusion with autologous iliac bone strut, and 37 patients underwent fusion with 1 of the 3 types of cages. RESULTS The infections resolved in all patients, as noted by normalization of their erythrocyte sedimentation rates and C-reactive protein levels. Patients in both groups were evaluated in terms of their preoperative and postoperative clinical and imaging findings. CONCLUSIONS Single-stage anterior debridement and cage fusion followed by posterior pedicle screw fixation can be effective in the treatment of pyogenic spondylodiscitis. There was no difference in clinical and imaging outcomes between the strut group and cage group except for the subsidence rate. The subsidence rate was higher in the strut group than in the cage group. The duration until subsidence was also shorter in the strut group than in the cage group.
Social cognition by food-caching corvids. The western scrub-jay as a natural psychologist

Food-caching corvids hide food, but such caches are susceptible to pilfering by other individuals. Consequently, the birds use several counter strategies to protect their caches from theft, e.g. hiding most of them out of sight. When observed by potential pilferers at the time of caching, experienced jays that have been thieves themselves, take further protective action. Once the potential pilferers have left, they move caches those birds have seen, re-hiding them in new places. Naive birds that had no thieving experience do not do so. By focusing on the counter strategies of the cacher when previously observed by a potential pilferer, these results raise the intriguing possibility that re-caching is based on a form of mental attribution, namely the simulation of another bird's viewpoint. Furthermore, the jays also keep track of the observer which was watching when they cached and take protective action accordingly, thus suggesting that they may also be aware of others' knowledge states.
Large Diversity and Original Structures of Acyl-Homoserine Lactones in Strain MOLA 401, a Marine Rhodobacteraceae Bacterium

Quorum sensing (QS) is a density-dependent mechanism allowing bacteria to synchronize their physiological activities, mediated by a wide range of signaling molecules including N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs). Production of AHL has been identified in various marine strains of Proteobacteria. However, the chemical diversity of these molecules still needs to be further explored. In this study, we examined the diversity of AHLs produced by strain MOLA 401, a marine Alphaproteobacterium that belongs to the ubiquitous Rhodobacteraceae family. We combined an original biosensors-based guided screening of extract microfractions with liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (MS), High Resolution MS/MS and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. This approach revealed the unsuspected capacity of a single Rhodobacteraceae strain to synthesize 20 different compounds, which are most likely AHLs. Also, some of these AHLs possessed original features that have never been previously observed, including long (up to 19 carbons) and poly-hydroxylated acyl side chains, revealing new molecular adaptations of QS to planktonic life and a larger molecular diversity than expected of molecules involved in cell–cell signaling within a single strain.
Transcriptional Differences between Rhesus Embryonic Stem Cells Generated from In Vitro and In Vivo Derived Embryos

Numerous studies have focused on the transcriptional signatures that underlie the maintenance of embryonic stem cell (ESC) pluripotency. However, it remains unclear whether ESC retain transcriptional aberrations seen in in vitro cultured embryos. Here we report the first global transcriptional profile comparison between ESC generated from either in vitro cultured or in vivo derived primate embryos by microarray analysis. Genes involved in pluripotency, oxygen regulation and the cell cycle were downregulated in rhesus ESC generated from in vitro cultured embryos (in vitro ESC). Significantly, several gene differences are similarly downregulated in preimplantation embryos cultured in vitro, which have been associated with long term developmental consequences and disease predisposition. This data indicates that prior to derivation, embryo quality may influence the molecular signature of ESC lines, and may differentially impact the physiology of cells prior to or following differentiation.
A new approach for channel equalization using Wiener filtering

In this work we present an efficient structure based on the Wiener filter to perform channel equalization in a block communications system. We show that it is possible to derive a structure to estimate a block of transmitted symbols that use the same Wiener filter to estimate all symbols in the block. In terms of bit error rate, experimental results show that the system performs better than discrete multitone (DMT) for a wide range of signal-to-noise ratios. A multistage Wiener filter recently introduced was used to implement a reduced-rank version of the equalizer, and the performance of the system was shown to remain almost unchanged for rank values much smaller than the signal autocovariance matrix rank.
Novel Cross-Border Approaches to Optimise Identification of Asymptomatic and Artemisinin-Resistant Plasmodium Infection in Mobile Populations Crossing Cambodian Borders

Background Human population movement across country borders presents a real challenge for malaria control and elimination efforts in Cambodia and its neighbouring countries. To quantify Plasmodium infection among the border-crossing population, including asymptomatic and artemisinin resistant (AR) parasites, three official border crossing points, one from each of Cambodia's borders with Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, were selected for sampling. Methods and Findings A total of 3206 participants (of 4110 approached) were recruited as they crossed the border, tested for malaria and interviewed. By real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), 5.4% of all screened individuals were found to harbour Plasmodium parasites. The proportion was highest at the Laos border (11.5%). Overall there were 97 P. vivax (55.7%), 55 P. falciparum (31.6%), two P. malariae (1.1%) and 20 mixed infections (11.5%). Of identified infections, only 20% were febrile at the time of screening. Of the 24 P. falciparum samples where a further PCR was possible to assess AR, 15 (62.5%) had mutations in the K13 propeller domain gene, all from participants at the Laos border point. Malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) pLDH/HRP-2 identified a positivity rate of 3.2% overall and sensitivity compared to RT-PCR was very low (43.1%). Main individual risk factors for infection included sex, fever, being a forest-goer, poor knowledge of malaria prevention methods and previous malaria infection. Occupation, day of the week and time of crossing (morning vs. afternoon) also appeared to play an important role in predicting positive cases. Conclusions This study offers a novel approach to identify asymptomatic infections and monitor AR parasite flow among mobile and migrant populations crossing the borders. Similar screening activities are recommended to identify other hot borders and characterise potential hot spots of AR. Targeted “customised” interventions and surveillance activities should be implemented in these sites to accelerate elimination efforts in the region.
Seminar - Service Interoperability on Context Level in Ubiquitous Computing Environments

A power-driven, wheeled vehicle which interacts semiautomatically with winders in a spinning area to doff completed yarn packages, automatically delivers the packages to an unload station to unload the packages from the vehicle and then moves to another winder to repeat the operation. The wheeled vehicle and the winders are located on opposite sides of a service aisle. A frame extendable and retractable across the aisle is mounted to the vehicle. The means for extending and retracting the frame includes two four-bar linkages coupled to the vehicle and the frame and to each other.
Changing Patterns of Global Trade ; IMF Policy Paper; June 15, 2011; First IMF/WB/WTO Joint Trade Workshop, December 2, 2011

II. The Evolving Structure of Global Trade . 8 A. The Diffusion of Key Players in Global Trade . 8 B. Growing Trade Interconnectedness . 11 C. The Growing Role of Global Supply Chains . 15 D. The Diffusion of High-Technology Exporters . 21 E. Rising Export Similarity . 27 F. Past Trends and Implications for Trade Outlook . 31
The relationship between facial morphology and the structure of the alveolar part of the mandible in edentulous complete denture wearers. A preliminary study

Abstract Objective. Although the effect of involutional processes that occurs in the maxilla and mandible of edentulous subjects is obvious, the problem of factors definitely determining the direction of changes still remains unsolved. This study was aimed at determining the relationship between facial morphology and the structure of the alveolar part and the body of the mandible in edentulous complete denture wearers. Materials and methods. Twenty-five healthy edentulous Caucasian patients in the 70.5 ± 9 years of age group were examined. All patients underwent tele-X-ray examination with the presence of currently used dentures in the oral cavity. To assess morphological parameters of the facial skeleton, cephalograms were analyzed according to Ricketts and Mc Namara method. To assess the mandible morphology, the films were measured using the method of Tallgren. Results. The period of edentulism was found to be negatively correlated with the anterior segment of the body of the mandible within its symphysis. The parameter corresponding to the location of the first lower molar showed a directly proportional correlation with G’-Sn’, G’-Me’, Sn’-Me’, N-Ans, N-Me, Ans-Me, Co-Gn and Co-Go. Positive correlations were found between the parameters describing contour of the alveolar part of the body of the mandible and mandibular symphysis and G’-Me’, Sn’-Me’, N-Me, Ans-Me describing the height of the occlusal vertical dimension. Conclusion. The study showed a directly proportional correlation between the vertical occlusal dimension of the lower face conditioned by prosthetic rehabilitation and the height of the alveolar part in the lateral regions of the mandible.
Polar codes for q-ary source coding

Polar coding is a recent channel coding technique invented by Arikan to achieve the ‘symmetric capacity’ of binary-input memoryless channels. Subsequently it was observed by Korada and Urbanke that such codes are also good for lossy channel coding, achieving the ‘symmetric rate distortion’ bound, when the representation alphabet is binary. In this note we extend this result to the case when the representation alphabet is q-ary, for q a prime number.
Fuzzy control of nonlinear stochastic systems with actuator saturation and performance constraints

This paper discusses the problem of actuator saturation constrained fuzzy controller design for the nonlinear stochastic continuous-time systems with external disturbances. By employing the Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy modeling approach, the nonlinear stochastic system is described by several sub-linear systems and corresponding membership functions. The sub-linear systems are represented by linear stochastic differential equations. For solving the proposed fuzzy control problem, the sufficient conditions are derived via Lyapunov theory and Itô's formula. Moreover, the H∞ control scheme is used to constrain the effect of external disturbance on the system. According to the derived sufficient conditions, the asymptotical stability and H∞ performance for nonlinear stochastic continuous-time system are achieved by the designed fuzzy controller. Finally, a numerical example for the nonlinear dynamic ship system is applied to demonstrate the effectiveness and usefulness of the proposed fuzzy controller design method.
Infrastructure of data centers for transferring big data traffic: A survey research

Big data make drastic changes in patterns of data center traffic. In traditional applications, which are based on client-server architectures, data center traffic are in northern-southern mode. While, as applications of big data developed, so-called eastern-western traffic patterns were widely used in data center networks. Moreover, applications of cloud computing technology in processing infrastructures and data center storage have made dynamic network traffic in such centers. Large volume of eastern-western data, changes in traffic patterns in a dynamic manner, and immediate nature are among importance characteristics of application of big data in data center networks that have posed several challenges to traditional architecture and data center technologies. This is, therefore, essential to make drastic changes in network infrastructure of data centers to execute several applications of big data. In this article, attempts are made to focus on network issues and requirements for big data, addressing recent methods and technologies in order to solve network problems. We, in addition, analyzed application and impact of modern technologies such as software-defined networks in applications relevant to big data.
Discomfort and hypermetabolism

In general, the visual stimulation that is uncomfortable on the eye gives rise to a large haemodynamic response in the visual cortex, suggesting that the sensation of discomfort is homeostatic and acts to prevent a large metabolic load. The large haemodynamic response is consistent with evidence from computational models that the visual stimuli responsible for discomfort cannot be processed efficiently. These visual stimuli differ from those encountered in nature in respect of their image structure and colour contrast. Strong sensory stimulation may be metabolically demanding to process, although there are individual differences in response to these stimuli.
Sources of activity-related social support and adolescents' objectively measured after-school and weekend physical activity: gender and age differences.

BACKGROUND To progress physical activity (PA) social support research using objective measures of PA, attention should be turned to specific segments of the day (eg, after school or weekends) in which young people spend the majority of their time with parents or friends. Furthermore, the majority of previous research has focused on the influence of parents and peers. The current study examined gender and age differences in 5 sources of activity-related social support and their relationship with objectively measured after-school and weekend PA among adolescents. METHODS 328 adolescents aged 12-16 years (57% boys) wore an accelerometer for 7 days and completed a questionnaire assessing support for PA. After-school and weekend PA were extracted. RESULTS Adolescents perceived more support from their peers compared with other sources and boys perceived more peer support than girls. Younger adolescents perceived greater amounts of family support and explicit modeling from both mother and father; however, logistic support appeared constant throughout adolescence. After controlling for gender and age, peer support was a significant influence on after-school MVPA. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that there may be benefit in encouraging adolescents to participate in PA in the after-school period with their peers.