Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of methods for estimating the position of actuated instruments in flexible endoscopic surgery

The spatial configuration of actuated flexible instruments is fundamental for control applications in robotic noscar surgery. In these operations, the instruments are inserted in the channels of a flexible guide equipped with an endoscopic camera. In this paper we propose to estimate the position of the instruments of the Anubis platform (Karl Storz) using the endoscopic images provided by the embedded camera. In this system flexible instruments have 3-DOF (translation and rotation in the channel and deflection). Application of standard approaches for 3D location with such system do not provide good accuracy because of uncertainties on several model parameters. To cope with these uncertainties, supervised learning methods has been explored. With the help of colored visual markers attached to the instruments, the proposed approach consists of an image segmentation stage followed by a position estimation stage. Firstly, the markers are segmented in the images using an AdaBoost classifier manually trained on in-vivo images. Subsequently, the resulting blobs are used as input data of an approximation function trained using ground truth information provided by a magnetic sensor. A comparison with two other model-based methods showed the potentialities of such an approach on real devices.
The Formation of Opportunity Beliefs: Overcoming Ignorance and Reducing Doubt

Although (opportunity) beliefs are becoming increasingly recognized as fundamental to understanding entrepreneurial cognition and strategic action, little is understood about the mechanisms that are responsible for the formation and evolution of these beliefs. Introducing the mechanisms of gists, matching, and updating from philosophy's and psychology's coherence theory, we propose a theoretical framework to explain how third-person opportunity beliefs (beliefs that one has recognized an opportunity for someone with the right knowledge and motivation) are formed and how they evolve to become first-person opportunity beliefs (beliefs that one has recognized an opportunity for himself or herself). We conclude by examining how the model contributes to literatures ranging from entrepreneurial cognition and action, to strategic myopia and organizational attention, to opportunity recognition, discovery, and creation. Copyright © 2007 Strategic Management Society.
Parental presence during induction enhances the effect of oral midazolam on emergence behavior of children undergoing general anesthesia

Background: Pre‐anesthetic anxiety and emergence agitation are major challenges for anesthesiologists in pediatric anesthesia. Thus, sedative premedication and parental presence during induction of anesthesia (PPIA) are used to treat pre‐anesthetic anxiety in children. The aim of the present study was to test if a combination of mother presence and midazolam premedication is effective for improving emergence condition in children undergoing general anesthesia.
2016 Ieee International Conference on Big Data (big Data) Estore: an Effective Optimized Data Placement Structure for Hive

—The data warehouse system Hive has emerged as an important facility for supporting data computing and storage. In particular, RCFile is a tailor-made data placement structure implemented in Hive, which is designed for the data processing efficiency. In this paper, we propose several optimized schemes based on RCFile and introduce EStore, which is an optimized data placement structure that is able to improve the query rate and reduce storage space for Hive. Specifically, it adopts both row-store and column-store in blocks, and further classifies the columns by the frequency of each table-column. Moreover, we also employ the classic RDP code to store files of the data table. We conduct experiments on a real cluster, and the results show that EStore has better features in terms of data query rate and storage space compared with RCFile.
Youths Making Sense of Political Conflict: Considering Protective and Maladaptive Possibilities

It is widely recognized that adolescence is a time of unique adaptability as well as vulnerability. Indeed, the teenage years are often considered to be a distinct developmental period precisely because youths are in the midst of an unfinished process of constructing a sense of themselves in the world. This is equally the case for adolescents whose worlds have been turned upside down, as in the context of war. Nevertheless, research on youths exposed to political violence has rarely focused on the developmental implications of the interplay between adolescents’ capacities for adaptation and their unique vulnerabilities. As such, there is an urgent need to gain a more comprehensive understanding of adolescent development in relation to their experiences of political conflict, and in a way that recognizes the wide-ranging and far-reaching consequences of these events. Typically, past research on youths’ experiences with political conflict has characterized young people as victims of war. As such, studies have largely focused on trauma and the distress that results from their exposure to violence. Indeed, connections between war-related experiences and post-traumatic stress disorder symptomatology are well established and far from surprising [Barenbaum, Ruchkin, & Schwab-Stone, 2004; Betancourt & Khan, 2008]. However, three recent books, including a volume edited by Brian Barber [2009a] as well as books by Colette Daiute [2010] and Phillip Hammack [2011], introduce and underscore the important and more novel proposition that youths are not just victims or passive recipients of warrelated experiences, but rather active participants in these contexts who interpret events through the lens of their own understandings. Indeed, given that young people are in the process of becoming the next adult generation, each volume emphasizes that ignoring their active abilities to adapt and to effect positive social change
A Human-Centered Activity Tracking System: Toward a Healthier Workplace

Lost productivity from lower back injuries in workplaces costs billions of U.S. dollars per year. A significant fraction of such workplace injuries are the result of workers not following best practices. In this paper, we present the design, implementation, and evaluation of a novel computer-vision-based system that aims to increase the workers’ compliance to best practices. The system consists of inexpensive programmable depth sensors, wearable devices, and smart phones. The system is designed to track the activities of consented workers using the depth sensors, alert them discreetly on detection of noncompliant activities, and produce cumulative reports on their performance. Essentially, the system provides a valuable set of services for both workers and administrators toward a healthier and, therefore, more productive workplace. This study advances the state of the art in the following ways: 1) a set of mechanisms that enable nonintrusive privacy-aware selective tracking of consented workers in the presence of people that should not be tracked; 2) a single sign-on worker identification mechanism; 3) a method that provides realtime detection of noncompliant activities; and 4) a usability study that provides invaluable feedback regarding system design and deployment, as well as future areas of improvements.
Mechanisms of Hepatic Chylomicron Remnant Clearance

Experimental evidence suggests that chylomicron remnants, the carriers of dietary lipids, are highly atherogenic and that their postprandial plasma concentration is directly correlated with the progression of coronary artery disease. Much interest has therefore focused on elucidation of the various steps involved in uptake of these lipoprotein particles from the circulation. Recently, gene targeting has been applied to generate mouse models with deficiencies in lipoprotein metabolism and to dissect the chylomicron remnant clearance pathway in vivo. These experiments, together with studies performed in cultured cells, have demonstrated that plasma clearance of chylomicron remnants is a two‐step process. The lipoprotein particles are rapidly sequestered in the liver by binding to the heparan sulphate proteoglycan surface (HSPG) of hepatocytes. This constitutes a high‐capacity reservoir for adsorbing large amounts of lipoproteins in the postprandial state. Binding to HSPG is facilitated by apolipoprotein E (apo E) molecules present on the surface of the remnant particles. Once bound to the hepatocellular surface, the remnants are further enriched with apo E secreted by the hepatocytes. They are then internalized by two lipoprotein receptors: the low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor and the LDL receptor‐related protein (LRP). Characterization of this distinct clearance pathway for chylomicron remnants helps to direct further research towards developing an understanding of pathological abnormalities in postprandial lipoprotein metabolism. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Journalism Guardians in a Time of Great Change: Newspaper Editors' Perceived Influence in Integrated News Organizations

A national survey of top newspaper editors explored industry uncertainty and organizational change and how organizational integration, team-based newsrooms, newspaper size, and profit emphasis impact editors' perceived organizational influence. Findings indicate that newspaper size and extent of integration predict perceived organizational influence, while profit emphasis is a negative predictor. Editors generally welcome working with non-news departments, and see their influence in their advocacy of journalism values throughout the organization. Editors do not see benefits resulting from newsroom reporting teams.
New insights in pyrimidine antagonist chemotherapy: the role of pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenetics

Is de werking van een antikankermedicijn bij een patient genetisch bepaald? En hoe gedraagt zo’n middel zich in het lichaam? Jan Gerard Maring verrichtte onderzoek naar deze ‘farmacogenetica’ en ‘farmacokinetiek’ om tot een veiliger gebruik van medicijnen tegen kanker te komen. Zo ontdekte hij dat patienten met leveruitzaaiingen geen aangepaste dosis van het middel 5-fluorouracil nodig hebben, omdat de farmacokinetiek niet wordt beinvloed door verstoringen in de leverfunctie die ontstaan bij uitzaaiingen. Daarentegen blijkt een bepaald eiwit wel van zeer groot belang. Bij patienten met een genetisch bepaald gebrek hieraan - 1 a 2 procent van de bevolking - heeft de behandeling zeer ernstige bijwerkingen, want normaal zou dit eiwit zorgen voor de afbraak van het middel 5-fluorouracil. Het blijkt dat met een test voorafgaand aan de behandeling bekeken kan worden of de patient die eiwitdeficientie heeft. Vervolgens onderzocht Maring het middel gemcitabine. Deze stof maakt kankercellen gevoeliger voor bestraling. De promovendus toonde aan hoe dit werkt: gemcitabine blijkt een specifiek DNA reparatiemechanisme te belemmeren. Bij longkankerpatienten die een combinatiebehandeling krijgen van gemcitabine en epirubicine komt nogal eens mondslijmvliesontsteking voor. Maring onderzocht of dit komt door de uitscheiding van beide stoffen in speeksel, maar er blijkt slechts een geringe uitscheiding te vinden. Verder blijkt dat de farmacokinetiek van gemcitabine niet wordt beinvloed door epirubicine. De verschillen in DNA codering van het eiwit dat gemcitabine afbreekt hebben geen belangrijke klinische effecten.
Heart rate variability biofeedback: effects of age on heart rate variability, baroreflex gain, and asthma.

OBJECTIVES To present additional analysis of data from a previously published study showing that biofeedback training to increase heart rate variability (HRV) can be an effective component in asthma treatment. HRV and intervention-related changes in HRV are negatively correlated with age. Here we assess the effects of age on biofeedback effects for asthma. DESIGN Ten sessions of HRV biofeedback were administered to 45 adults with asthma. Medication was prescribed by blinded physicians according to National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute criteria. Medication needs were reassessed biweekly. RESULTS Decreases in need for controller medication were independent of age. There were larger acute decreases in forced oscillation frequency dependence in the older group but larger increases in HRV variables in the younger group. Differences between age groups were smaller among subjects trained in pursed-lips abdominal breathing as well as biofeedback, than among those receiving only biofeedback. CONCLUSIONS Age-related attenuation of biofeedback effects on cardiovascular variability does not diminish the usefulness of the method for treating asthma among older patients. Additional training in pursed-lips abdominal breathing obliterates the effects of age on HRV changes during biofeedback.
Self-organizing features and categories through attentive resonance

Because “people create features to subserve the representation and categorization of objects” (abstract) Schyns et al. “provide an account of feature learning in which the components of a representation have close ties to the categorization history of the organism” (sect. 1.1). This commentary surveys self-organizing neural models that clarify this process. These models suggest how “top-down information should constrain the search for relevant dimensions/features of categorization” (sect. 3.4.2).
Using CHC-based Strengths and Difficulties to Communicate Assessment Results to Teachers

The effectiveness of supplementing a psychoeducational report with a CHC-based listing of a student’s cognitive strengths and areas of difficulty was examined. Elementary-level school teachers read a psychoeducational report, either with or without the supplemental listing, and developed intervention ideas for various school assignments, based on the assessment results. Results indicated no significant differences between groups regarding number of interventions developed. Teachers were, however, significantly more satisfied with the way information was presented in the report when it was supplemented with the CHC-based listing.
A school-based mental health program for traumatized Latino immigrant children.

OBJECTIVE To pilot-test a school mental health program for Latino immigrant students who have been exposed to community violence. METHOD In this quasi-experimental study conducted from January through June 2000, 198 students in third through eighth grade with trauma-related depression and/or posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms were compared after receiving an intervention or being on a waitlist. The intervention consisted of a manual-based, eight-session, group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) delivered in Spanish by bilingual, bicultural school social workers. Parents and teachers were eligible to receive psychoeducation and support services. RESULTS Students in the intervention group ( = 152) had significantly greater improvement in posttraumatic stress disorder and depressive symptoms compared with those on the waitlist ( = 47) at 3-month follow-up, adjusting for relevant covariates. CONCLUSIONS A collaborative research team of school clinicians, educators, and researchers developed this trauma-focused CBT program for Latino immigrant students and their families. This pilot test demonstrated that this program for traumatized youths, designed for delivery on school campuses by school clinicians, can be implemented and evaluated in the school setting and is associated with a modest decline in trauma-related mental health problems.
Identification of key genes and pathways associated with obesity in children

The present study aimed to identify potential key genes and pathways in obese children in order to explore possible molecular mechanisms associated with child obesity. The array dataset GSE29718 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Subcutaneous adipose tissue samples derived from 7 obese children and 8 lean children were selected for the analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in samples from obese children compared with those from lean children were analyzed by the limma package. Gene ontology (GO) annotation, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Reactome pathway enrichment analyses for up and downregulated genes were performed. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed with Cytoscape software and important genes associated with obesity were determined using IRegulon. A total of 199 DEGs (79 up and 120 downregulated genes) were identified in the samples of obese children compared with those from lean children. The PPI network was established with 103 nodes and 147 protein pairs. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase β (ACACB) were identified as hub genes in the PPI network and may therefore be marker genes for child obesity. In addition, upregulated DEGs were enriched in Reactome pathways associated with the immune system. Besides, MMP9 was upregulated in immune system processes as a GO term in the category Biological Processes. The results of the present study indicated that MMP9, ACACB and immune system pathways may have a significant role in child obesity.
Challenges to antiretroviral therapy: can one sentence in medication labelling reduce adherence?

In an article about antiretroviral therapy recently published in this journal [1], the authors commented on the great benefits that the new combined therapy brought to patients, pointing out that the next challenge will be to make these medications available to all who need them. Today, the Brazilian HIV/AIDS program is a world reference, mainly because all patients affected by the pandemic have access, guaranteed by law, to antiretroviral drugs, which are included in the national list of essential medicines. Despite this, the greatest challenge facing the country today with regard to HIV/ AIDS has been adherence to antiretroviral treatment. In studying this population, we found low adherence rates (between 50 and 75%), which is due mainly to patients’ resistance to treatment because of the adverse reactions and complex therapies involved [2,3]. In this letter, we would like to point out another possible cause of resistance based on one sentence that appears on the label of antiretroviral medicines, which means: ‘Caution: Improper use may cause AIDS virus resistance and treatment failure’. Such a sentence is a requirement of the Brazilian Ministry of Health [4]. The importance of this information provided to the patient is unequivocal, and the intention of the authorities cannot be questioned. From our experience, however, we should emphasize that, paradoxically, its presence highlighted on the product label may reduce adherence to drug therapy. Often, we have heard from patients who report that they do not use the medication in the presence of people who do not know about their health problem. We have also observed patients who take the wrong medicine or inadequate dosage because they have removed the product’s label. From the patient’s point of view, there is a big difference between using zidovudine, lamivudine and ritonavir, among others, and using a product that exposes a health condition that still is a taboo subject in our society. On the other hand, from a government policy viewpoint, and in view of the effective prevention and disease control, it seems important to examine whether the sentence is ruining the effort and is harmful to AIDS patients. Further studies may contribute towards an understanding of whether the mentioned sentence is effective or harmful in this type of treatment. Until then, education campaigns to raise awareness about issues relating to rational use of medicines and viral resistance, especially among HIV/AIDS patients, could be considered a suitable alternative.
Families Seen Sightseeing

Ideas of embodiment and performance have been crucial in destabilizing the visual hegemony of images, cameras, and gazes in tourist studies. This article discusses how a practice-inspired performance perspective potentially allows a more satisfying account of tourist photography’s “nature” than conventional “representational” ones in which tourist photography is dismissed as “all eyes and no bodies and sometimes no brain. ” The author writes a new account, seeing tourist photography as performed rather than preformed and tourist photographers as framing as much as being framed. Tourist photography is a choreographed and experimental performance connecting the representational and nonrepresentational. Tourist photography is made less visual and more embodied, less concerned with “consuming” places than with producing social relationships, such as family life. The author examines the performances and performativities, the embodied practices and textual and corporeal choreographies, of tourist photography within a family photography context, the “family gaze. ” The article draws on ethnographic research of tourist photographic performances at northern Europe’s largest medieval ruined castle, Hammershus.
Wavelet Feature Selection based on Support Vector Machine

Feature selection is the process of selecting the best features among all the features because all the features are not useful in constructing the clusters: some features may be redundant or irrelevant thus not contributing to the learning process. In this paper, we proposed the combination of the discrete wavelet transform and two features selection approaches such as a principal component analysis followed by a sequential forward selection method. This strategy of combination increases the performance of a recognition system. The wavelet transform performs a local analysis to characterize the image in time and scale space. We motivate the use of this technique in selecting the optimal subset of features using the coefficients of the approximation sub-image generated by a wavelet transform. The choice of the criterion for selecting a subset features is primordial. Therefore, in this work, it is based on the correct classification achieved by the support vector machine classifier. Some well known wavelet families with their different orders (Haar, coiflet1, Daubechies 4 and symlet 4) are utilized to investigate their performance in handwriting digit recognition. Support vector machine is used again in the classification phase. Experiments conducted on a data set extracted from the USPS database show that our proposed method can increase the recognition accuracy. Key-Words: feature extraction, feature selection, handwritten digit recognition, wavelet transform, support vector machine.
Comparing Native Signing, Late-Signing and Orally Trained Deaf Children's ‘Theory of Mind’ Abilities

I argue that language skills and social interaction, specifically quality social discourse (reciprocal interaction) concerning mental states are pivotal in the development of social understanding and 'theory of mind' development. Thus, this research is grounded and positioned within the theories of social constructivism. 'Theory of mind' development in relation to language acquisition, social interaction and the assessment of 'false-belief' is presented. In addition, the advantage that Sign Language offers in the early years of a deaf child's life is clearly demonstrated, by comparing the performance of native signing deaf children with deaf parents and late-signing and orally trained deaf children of hearing parents on different 'false-belief' tasks. In contrast to deaf children of hearing parents, deaf children who have deaf parents, are provided with natural access and exposure to Sign Language. As a result, native signing deaf children demonstrate developmental benchmarks in 'theory of mind' acquisition similar to typical developing hearing children.