Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trimodal spectroscopy for the detection and characterization of cervical precancers in vivo.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to assess the potential of 3 spectroscopic techniques (intrinsic fluorescence, diffuse reflectance, and light scattering) individually and in combination (trimodal spectroscopy) for the detection of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions. STUDY DESIGN The study was conducted with 44 patients who underwent colposcopy for the evaluation of an abnormal Papanicolaou smear. Fluorescence and reflectance spectra were collected from colposcopically normal and abnormal sites and analyzed to extract quantitative information about tissue biochemistry and morphologic condition. This information was compared with histopathologic classification, and diagnostic algorithms were developed and validated with the use of logistic regression and cross-validation. RESULTS Diagnostically significant differences exist in the composition of fluorescing biochemicals, the scattering properties, and the epithelial cell nuclear morphology of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions and non-squamous intraepithelial lesions. Trimodal spectroscopy is a superior tool for the detection of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions than any 1 of the techniques alone. CONCLUSION Trimodal spectroscopy has the potential to improve the in vivo detection of precancerous cervical changes.
Switched Resonant Clocking (SRC) scheme enabling dynamic frequency scaling and low-speed test

A novel Switched Resonant Clocking (SRC) scheme is proposed to solve two basic problems of the conventional resonant clocking, that is, power increase and clock waveform inability at the lower clock frequency region. The power increase prohibits widely-used dynamic frequency scaling (DFS) and the waveform instability hinders low-speed function tests. A test chip in 0. 18μm CMOS is manufactured and measured to show that the SRC suppresses power increase at low clock frequency and enables the low-speed tests, while reducing the clock power by 8% at 1.5-GHz clock with an area penalty of 4.8%.
Joint Iterative Decoding of LDPC Codes and Channels with Memory

Sequences of irregular low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes that achieve the capacity of the binary erasure channel (BEC) under iterative decoding were first constructed by Luby, et al. in [11]. This was followed by the work of Chung, et al., whichprovided evidence suggesting that sequences of iteratively decoded LDPC codes can also achieve the channel capacity of the binary-input additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel [3]. Since then, density evolution (DE) [13] has been used to optimize irregular LDPC codes for a variety of memoryless channels (e.g., [6]), and the results suggest, for each channel, that sequences of iteratively decoded LDPC codes can indeed achieve the channel capacity. In fact, the discovery of a channel whose capacity cannot be approached by LDPC codes would be more surprising than a proof that iteratively decoded LDPC codes can achieve the capacity of any binary-input symmetric channel (BISC). The idea of decoding a code transmitted over a channel with memory via iteration was first introduced by Douillard, et al. in the context of turbo codes and is known as turbo equalization[4]. This approach can also be generalized to LDPC codes by constructing one large graph which represents the constraints of both the channel and the code. This idea is also referred to asjoint iterative decoding , and was investigated for partial-response channels by
A study of the development of students' visualizations of program state during an elementary object-oriented programming course

Students' understanding of object-oriented (OO) program execution was studied by asking students to draw a picture of a program state at a specific moment. Students were given minimal instructions on what to include in their drawings in order to see what they considered to be central concepts and relationships in program execution. Three drawing tasks were given at different phases of an elementary OO programming course where two animation tools were used for program visualization. The drawings were analyzed for their overall approaches and their detailed contents. There was a large variability in the overall approaches and the popularity of various approaches changed during the course. The results indicate that students' mental representations of OO concepts and program execution not only grow as new material is covered in teaching, but they also change. The first drawings treat methods as having primarily a static existence; later methods are seen as dynamic invocations that call each other. The role of classes in program execution fluctuates during learning, indicating problems in locating the notion of class with respect to, for example, objects. Two major sources of problems that manifested in many different forms were the relationship between object and method, and the role of the main method with respect to program state. Other problems were caused by overly simplistic understanding of object identification and improper use of application domain knowledge.
Focused and Sustained Attention Is Modified by a Goal-Based Rehabilitation in Parkinsonian Patients

Rehabilitation for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) is based on cognitive strategies that exploit attention. Parkinsonians exhibit impairments in divided attention and interference control. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of specific rehabilitation treatments based on attention suggests that other attentional functions are preserved. Data about attention are conflicting in PD, and it is not clear whether rehabilitative treatments that entail attentional strategies affect attention itself. Reaction times (RTs) represent an instrument to explore attention and investigate whether changes in attentional performances parallel rehabilitation induced-gains. RTs of 103 parkinsonian patients in “on” state, without cognitive deficits, were compared with those of a population of 34 healthy controls. We studied those attentional networks that subtend the use of cognitive strategies in motor rehabilitation: alertness and focused and sustained attention, which is a component of the executive system. We used visual and auditory RTs to evaluate alertness and multiple choices RTs (MC RTs) to explore focused and sustained attention. Parkinsonian patients underwent these tasks before and after a 4-week multidisciplinary, intensive and goal-based rehabilitation treatment (MIRT). Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) III and Timed Up and Go test (TUG) were assessed at the enrollment and at the end of MIRT to evaluate the motor-functional effectiveness of treatment. We did not find differences in RTs between parkinsonian patients and controls. Further, we found that improvements in motor-functional outcome measures after MIRT (p < 0.0001) paralleled a reduction in MC RTs (p = 0.014). No changes were found for visual and auditory RTs. Correlation analysis revealed no association between changes in MC RTs and improvements in UPDRS-III and TUG. These findings indicate that alertness, as well as focused and sustained attention, are preserved in “on” state. This explains why Parkinsonians benefit from a goal-based rehabilitation that entails the use of attention. The reduction in MC RTs suggests a positive effect of MIRT on the executive component of attention and indicates that this type of rehabilitation provides benefits by exploiting executive functions. This ensues from different training approaches aimed at bypassing the dysfunctional basal ganglia circuit, allowing the voluntary execution of the defective movements. These data suggest that the effectiveness of a motor rehabilitation tailored for PD lies on cognitive engagement.
Chemical Evolution of Clusters of Galaxies

The high metallicity of the intra-cluster medium (ICM) is generally interpreted on the base of the galactic wind scenario for elliptical galaxies. In this framework, we develop a toy-model to follow the chemical evolution of the ICM, formulated in analogy to chemical models for individual galaxies. Just as the ingredients for usual models are (a) the stellar yields, amount of metals newly synthesized and re-ejected by stars; (b) the Star Formation Rate and (c) the stellar Initial Mass Function (IMF), our model for clusters involves: (a') ``galactic yields'' derived from galactic wind models of ellipticals; (b') a parametric Galactic Formation Rate; (c') a Press-Schechter-like Galactic Initial Mass Function. The model is used to test the response of the predicted metal content and abundance evolution of the ICM to varying input galactic models. The resulting luminosity function of cluster galaxies is also calculated, in order to constrain model parameters.
Combining agents and Wrapper Induction for information gathering on restricted web domains

Web is growing constantly and exponentially every day. Thus, gathering relevant information becomes unfeasible. Existent indexing-based search engines ignore information context, which is essential to deciding on its relevance. Restraining to a single web domain, domain ontology can be used to take into consideration the related context, the fact that might enable treating web pages that belong to the considered domain more intelligently. Nevertheless, symbolic rules that exploit domain's ontology to realize this treatment are delicate and fastidious to develop, especially for information extraction task. This paper presents Boosted Wrapper Induction (BWI), a machine learning method for adaptive information extraction, and its exploitation as a replacement of the symbolic approach for information extraction task in AGATHE, a generic multi-agent architecture for information gathering on restrained web domains.
The Robust Design of EOQ Considering the Compound Effect of Both Noise Uncertainty and Meta-modeling Uncertainty

The goal of robust design optimization for the supply chain is to improve the quality of the supply chain by minimizing the deteriorating effects of noise variables. This robustness can be achieved by different approaches such as meta-model-based robust design optimization. However, the aforementioned methods nearly ignore the meta-modeling uncertainty quantifying the mismatch between the meta-model and the simulation process. But meta-modeling uncertainty may have much effect on the results of the robust design optimization for the supply chain. In this paper, we consider the compound effect of both uncertainty in noise variables and meta-modeling uncertainty and apply the results to Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) model. Simulation results show the robust optimization considering the meta-modeling uncertainty may require order quantities that differ from the robust optimization with considering meta-modeling uncertainty.
Evaluation of accuracy of non-linear finite element computations for surgical simulation: study using brain phantom

In this paper, the accuracy of non-linear finite element computations in application to surgical simulation was evaluated by comparing the experiment and modelling of indentation of the human brain phantom. The evaluation was realised by comparing forces acting on the indenter and the deformation of the brain phantom. The deformation of the brain phantom was measured by tracking 3D motions of X-ray opaque markers, placed within the brain phantom using a custom-built bi-plane X-ray image intensifier system. The model was implemented using the ABAQUSTM finite element solver. Realistic geometry obtained from magnetic resonance images and specific constitutive properties determined through compression tests were used in the model. The model accurately predicted the indentation force–displacement relations and marker displacements. Good agreement between modelling and experimental results verifies the reliability of the finite element modelling techniques used in this study and confirms the predictive power of these techniques in surgical simulation.
Towards Low Latency State Machine Replication for Uncivil Wide-area Networks

We consider the problem of building state machines in a multi-site environment in which there is lack of trust between sites, but not within a site. This system model recognizes the fact that if a server is attacked, then there are larger issues at play than simply masking the failure of the server. We describe the design principles of a low-latency Byzantine state machine protocol, called RAM, for this system model. RAM also makes judicious use of attested append-only memory (A2M) and uses a rotating leader design to further reduce latency.
Scalable Nonlinear FET Model Based on a Distributed Parasitic Network Description

Electron device modeling requires accurate descriptions of parasitic passive structures connecting the intrinsic electron device to the external world. In conventional approaches, the parasitic phenomena are described by a network of lumped elements. As an alternative, a distributed description can be conveniently adopted. This choice has been proven very appropriate when dealing with device scaling and very high operating frequencies. In this paper, a novel approach to distributed parasitic modeling is adopted for the very first time in association with a nonlinear electron device model. In particular, it is shown how an equivalent intrinsic device and a suitably defined distributed parasitic network can be accurately defined and modeled on the basis of standard measurements and easy electromagnetic simulations. Wide experimental validation based on GaAs pseudomorphic HEMTs is provided, showing accurate prediction capabilities both under small- and large-signal conditions. The proposed model is shown to perform optimally even after periphery scaling.
Is multiple-objective model-predictive control “optimal”?

We consider multiple-objective model-predictive control (MPC) of a linear time-invariant (LTI) single-input single-output (SISO) system (for simplicity without input constraints and/or disturbances). The performance index is the sum of weighted convex functionals J = Σi=1nwiJi (with wi ≥ 0). Although, by theory, the overall model-predictive control problem has a unique, globally optimal solution, this does not imply optimality of each sub-performance index Ji. To achieve “desirable” control performance, one has to find “decent” weighting factors wi; often done by “trial-and-error” which should be avoided, since weighting factor design might be not intuitive (even for LTI SISO systems without constraints; as we will show). The inherent difficulty lies in the mismatch between the “human performance index” (the optimality measure in the mind of the control engineer) and the implemented performance index J. In this paper, we illustrate these difficulties for a simple, linear third-order system and present some (old and new) approaches to ease weighting factor design. We do not give full answers but discuss first ideas which are admissible within the theoretical framework of standard MPC of LTI SISO systems.
Body schema and body awareness of amputees

Aim: The phantom phenomenon is a well-known example of the difference between body awareness and body schema. The present study is aimed at showing how body changes and prosthesis use are reflected in body schema and body awareness–the latter relating to the image that various amputees have of their bodies. Subject and methods: (i) Examining the configuration of body schema: A trial examining the spatial location of the phantom limb (50 people with lower or upper limb loss); (ii) examining the functional aspect of body schema: The distribution of weight power between intact and prosthetic limbs (34 people with tibial amputation); (iii) examining body awareness: Body Focus Questionnaire by Fisher (44 people with lower limb amputation, 33 intact people); and (iv) Questionnaire on anamnesis- and prosthesis-wearing habits (people participating in research methods [i] and [iii] mentioned above). Results: We found that when the amputees wore their prostheses, the configuration of body schema did not change, however, the people who had not used their prosthesis for a long period of time (in our study, at least for six years), the phantom limb shortened, a phenomenon known as telescoping. The functional adaptation of the prosthesis to the body schema starts in a short time (within two weeks) after wearing it, and it becomes close to normal in carrying body weight after a longer period of time (two years). In the beginning phase of rehabilitation, the awareness of legs is similar to that of the control group, while later on it this awareness decreases. Over time, however, the lost limb, regardless of having a prosthesis or not, loses its importance. People with a more serious or vascular amputation of the upper limbs have a clearer image of them. Limb parts having a greater cortical representation appear more intensively in phantom sensations, while the strength of the cortical representation in body schema has no significance. Conclusion: From both configuration and functional aspects, wearing a prosthesis helps maintain a body schema in which the phantom limb remains similar to the intact one, which can be explained by the connectional schema model. This is needed for movements to be carried out properly. Although the amputee can see the prosthesis and senses the phantom limb, they do not consider it their own since they are aware of the loss. Therefore, the fact that a prosthesis is worn will not be represented in body awareness as the highest level of mental structure.
Mechanical Models with Interval Parameters

In this paper we consider modelling of composite material with inclusions where the elastic material properties of both matrix and inclusions are uncertain and vary within prescribed bounds. Such mechanical systems, involving interval uncertainties and modelled by finite element method, can be described by parameter dependent systems of linear interval equations and process variables depending on the system solution. A newly developed hybrid interval approach for solving parametric interval linear systems is applied to the considered model and the results are compared to other interval methods. The hybrid approach provides very sharp bounds for the process variables - element strains and stresses. The sources for overestimation when dealing with interval computations are demonstrated. Based on the element strains and stresses, we introduce a definition for the values of nodal strains and stresses by using a set-theoretic approach.
A Stable Nonlinear in Parameter Neural Network Controller for a Class of Saturated Nonlinear Systems

Abstract This paper deals with the tracking problem for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems subjected to actuator saturation constraint. Despite most of proposed control schemes for saturated systems which employed linear in parameter neural networks (LPNNs), in the present work nonlinear in parameter neural network (NLPNN) is introduced to support global approximation property. To compensate the effect of the input saturation constraint an auxiliary system is introduced and the error dynamics are modified based on the auxiliary states. Then, learning rules are achieved based on the back propagation (BP) algorithm and by adding two robustifying terms to the standard BP learning rules the stability of the overall system is ensured via Lyapunov direct method. Finally simulations performed on a “generalized pendulum” nonlinear system to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed tracking control scheme.
Towards a Stakeholder Analysis of an ERP Adoption in a Higher Education Institution

This study presents a case study carried out in a public Higher Education Institution (HEI) that adopted an ERP solution for its economic management processes. The objective of this study is twofold. First, we attempt to understand how the process of selection, implementation, use and maintenance of the ERP have evolved in the HEI. Second, we attempt to analyze how the different employee roles changed along the whole process and how they perceived the process. The research methodology is a combination of different research methods and techniques. Next we will explain in detail the case study background and the research methodology. Finally, we present the key aspects that we will present in the workshop.
Inside Charter Schools: The Paradox of Radical Decentralization.

Acknowledgments Introduction: Growing Charier Schools, Decentering the State Bruce Fuller The Public Square, Big or Small? Charter Schools in Political Context Bruce Fuller We Hold on to Our Kids, We Hold on Tight: Tandem Charters in Michigan Patty Yancey An Empowering Spirit Is Not Enough: A Latino Charter School Struggles over Leadership Edward Wexler and Luis A. Huerta Selling Air: New England Parents Spark a New Revolution Kate Zernike Diversity and Inequality: Montera Charter High School Amy Stuart Wells, Jennifer Jellison Holme and Ash Vasudeva Losing Public Accountability: A Home Schooling Charter Luis A. Huerta Teachers as Communitarians: A Charter School Cooperative in Minnesota Eric Rofes Breaking Away or Pulling Together? Making Decentralization Work Bruce Fuller Notes Contributors Index
More on a holographic dual of QCD

We investigate the interactions among the pion, vector mesons and external gauge fields in the holographic dual of massless QCD proposed in a previous paper [T. Sakai and S. Sugi-moto, Prog. Theor. Phys. 113 (2005), 843; hep-th/0412141] on the basis of probe D8-branes embedded in a D4-brane background in type IIA string theory. We obtain the coupling constants by performing both analytic and numerical calculations, and compare them with experimental data. It is found that the vector meson dominance in the pion form factor as well as in the Wess-Zumino-Witten term holds in an intriguing manner. We also study the ω → πγ and ω → 3π decay amplitudes. It is shown that the interactions relevant to these decay amplitudes have the same structure as that proposed by Fujiwara et al. [T. Fujiwara, T. Kugo, H. Terao, S. Uehara and K. Yamawaki, Prog. Theor. Phys. 73 (1985), 926]. Various relations among the masses and the coupling constants of an infinite tower of mesons are derived. These relations play crucial roles in the analysis. We find that most of the results are consistent with experiments.
Performance of Host-Races of the Fruit Fly, Tephritis conura on a Derived Host Plant, the Cabbage Thistle Cirsium oleraceum: Implications for the Original Host Shift

Abstract The thistle-infesting fruit fly Tephritis conura Loew (Diptera: Tephritidae) forms host races on the melancholy thistle, Cirsium hetewphyllum (L.) Hill (Asterales: Asteraceae) and the cabbage thistle, Cirsium olemceum (L.). Scop. Previous research indicates that the host shift occurred from C. hetewphyllum to C. oleraceum. In this paper we address whether the host shift involved physiological adaptations by studying oviposition acceptance and survival of the two host races on the derived host C. oleraceum. Performance differed significantly between host races. T. conura originating from C. oleraceum produced adults in 75% of all egg-laying trials in contrast to only 6.6% in T. conura originating from C. hetewphyllum. Population fitness components measured as a function of life-stage was linear decreasing for T. conura on C. oleraceum but stepwise for T. conura on C. heterophyllum. Low performance of T. conura on C. hetewphyllum was determined by low plant acceptance and high mortality during the larval stage, whereas hatching (at least one larva per batch) and pupae survival were not affected.