Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A study of an EMG-based authentication algorithm using an artificial neural network

The typical method of entering a password for user authentication is vulnerable to hacking; therefore, various security technologies using bio-signals, such as iris scan, electrocardiography, electromyography (EMG), and fingerprint recognition, are being developed. In this research, an authentication algorithm using an EMG signal is proposed to supplement the weakness of personal certification techniques. To improve recognition, an artificial neural network clustering algorithm is employed in this study. It includes pre-processing, feature extraction, and classification. Personal authentication is processed based on five parameters extracted from the EMG signal. The proposed algorithm is verified through experiments, demonstrating that it is able to distinguish 81.6% identities of the subjects.
Contact dermatitis from a nickel‐containing bindi

A 33-year-old woman presented with a 2-year history of recurrent eczema localized to her central forehead where she typically wore her bindi. She typically developed symptoms of pruritus followed by palpable erythema 8h after application of the bindi. She had worn a bindi 3days before her patch test appointment. She gave a history of sensitivity to inexpensive jewelry. She had a family history of atopy, no personal history of atopy and was otherwise well, with no known allergies. On examination, there was a circular area of red scaly skin on her central forehead She was patch tested to the European standard series, her bindi and its plastic adhesive backing, and on D2 and D4 was positive to nickel sulfate 5% pet. (π π) and the metal bindi (π π). A positive dimethylglyoxime test on the bindi confirmed nickel release. The patient was treated with a moderately potent topical corticosteroid and has been been advised to avoid bindis made of inexpensive metals.
Épidémiologie de l’épilepsie en Afrique subsaharienne : une revue de la littérature

Epilepsy is, above all tropical, moreover, very african in its frequency and gravity. Data on the prevalence of epilepsy shows it to be two or three times more prevalent in tropical zones than in industrialized countries in non tropical areas, however it is rare to find data on the incidence and prognosis of epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa. It is difficult to determine the relative contribution of each of the causes of epilepsy. Only a few case-control studies have been carried out in sub-Saharan Africa. Infectious diseases, in particular parasitic diseases such as neurocysticercosis or cerebral malaria, seem to be the cause of the majority of the cases of epilepsy. However it is necessary to do additional epidemiological studies to determine the etiologies of epilepsy more precisely in sub-Saharan Africa.
Hardware supports for efficient barrier synchronization on 2-D mesh networks

In this paper, we consider a hardware scheme for supporting barrier synchronization on scalable systems with a 2D mesh network. Our design takes into account of the program execution path in such systems-from programming interfaces down to routers. The hardware router design will be based on the MPI-1 standard. A distributed algorithm is proposed to construct a collective synchronization tree (CS tree) from the nodes participating in the barrier based upon the CS tree, the status registers in the routers are set up and synchronization messages are transmitted along the paths set by the status registers. Performance evaluations show that our proposed method has better performance for barrier synchronization and is less sensitive to variations in group size and startup delay than previous approaches. However our scheme has the extra overhead of building the CS tree. Thus it is more suitable for parallel iterative computations, in which the same barrier is invoked repetitively.
Fine-Grained Contextual Predictions for Hard Sentiment Words

We put forward the hypothesis that highaccuracy sentiment analysis is only possible if word senses with different polarity are accurately recognized. We provide evidence for this hypothesis in a case study for the adjective “hard” and propose contextually enhanced sentiment lexicons that contain the information necessary for sentiment-relevant sense disambiguation. An experimental evaluation demonstrates that senses with different polarity can be distinguished well using a combination of standard and novel features.
Potential Cause of Diarrhea in Piglets at Weaning in Hawai

It has been observed on a particular farm that the zebra dove (Geopelia striata), also known as the “barred ground dove,” often frequents the feeding troughs in the weanling piglets pens. It was hypothesized that the birds contributed to incidences of diarrhea in the piglets. A simple study was initiated to examine the microbial population present in feed that had been exposed to the zebra doves. The treatments tested (n= 3 samples for each) were a) commercial piglet feed out of a sealed bag (control, C); b) commercial piglet feed exposed to air at the feed trough level with a net screen (air exposure, AE); and c) commercial piglet feed exposed to zebra doves (birds ate from the trough, BE). To simulate eating and digestion, 10g samples of feed were mixed with with 90 ml of 1% peptone water, placed in a sterile bag, and subjected to 1 minute of blending in a Stomacher food processor at 260 rpm. The pH of the mixture was then lowered to 3.0–3.5 with hydrochloric acid to mimic the environment of the stomach. A sample of the mixture (the supernatant) was then plated on plate count agar and incubated for 24h at 350C. Cultures grown were then subjected to laboratory procedures leading to DNA sequencing. The results showed the presence of Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus licheniformis, and Acetobacter indonesiensis in all BE samples and Leuconostoc mesenteriodes in one BE sample. This paper discusses the potential role of these bacteria in piglet health and their impact on public health.
A Multisite Cluster Randomized Field Trial of Open Court Reading

In this article, the authors report achievement outcomes of a multisite cluster randomized field trial of Open Court Reading 2005 (OCR), a K–6 literacy curriculum published by SRA/McGraw-Hill. The participants are 49 first-grade through fifth-grade classrooms from predominantly minority and poor contexts across the nation.Blocking by grade level within schools, the trial includes 27 classrooms receiving the OCR curricular materials and professional development and 22 "business-as-usual" control classrooms. Multilevel analyses of classroom-level effects of assignment to OCR reveal statistically significant treatment effects on all three of the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills, 5th edition, Terra Nova literacy posttests. The OCR effect sizes are d = 0.16 for the Reading Composite, d = 0.19 for Vocabulary, and d = 0.12 for Reading Comprehension. These effects achieved across 27 classrooms and 5 schools demonstrate the potential for replicating improved literacy outcomes through the scale-up of OCR.
Joint network and dirty-paper coding for multi-way relay networks with pairwise information exchange

In this paper we study two-stage decode-and-forward coding schemes for relaying with multi-pair information exchange. A joint network and dirty-paper coding (JNDPC) scheme is proposed to serve as a basic element for coding in the broadcast stage. The JNDPC scheme embeds network coding into dirty-paper coding, which allows interference cancelation while fully utilizing the user side information. By using JNDPC, we propose a novel successive network coding (SNC) scheme where the interference to each pair of users are canceled simultaneously. The SNC scheme consists of two layers. The first layer consists of JNDPC to cancel interference at the encoder. In the second layer, JNDPC is sequentially organized to facilitate successive decoding at the decoders. The SNC scheme has a fixed decoding order and hence suffers a rate loss for users. With JNDPC, we then propose a rate-splitting SNC scheme which, together with SNC, outperform the state of the art schemes. For the multiple access stage, a full decode multiple access scheme and a functional decode multiple access scheme are presented. The achievable regions of all proposed broadcast and multiple stage coding schemes are established.
Multi-user MISO broadcasting for indoor visible light communication

In this paper, we study multi-user multi-input single-output (MU-MISO) broadcasting for visible light communication (VLC). VLC differs from radio frequency communication in both baseband signal format and optical power constraints. We propose a precoding and biasing model for MU-MISO transmitter design in indoor VLC. We formulate and solve optimization problems for maximizing max-min fairness or throughput subject to per transmitting unit optical power constraint. We apply linear zero forcing and zero forcing dirty paper coding techniques and compare them in simulations.
An Integrated Development Environment for transparent fuzzy agents design: An application to automotive Electronic Stability Program

In the last years several computing frameworks based on the ubiquitous and embedding properties have been designed and realized. These systems, characterized by the interconnection of several devices embedded into a micro-environment and interacting among them in order to achieve a common goals, offer new fascinating challenges to face as, for instance, the interoperability and safety problems. The automotive environments are a typical sample of ubiquitous and embedded systems, in fact, modern cars can be considered as mobile computer network composed of intelligent devices capable of controlling the mechanical and hydraulic car components. This study presents an advanced integrated development environment modeling FNM-based fuzzy controllers useful to design an efficient electronic stability program (ESP) to be reprogrammed on different hardware without additional effort. In this scenario, multi-agent paradigm and transparent fuzzy control methodology represent the natural technologies exploited to achieve the proposed aims.
Thiazolidinediones and Edema: Recent Advances in the Pathogenesis of Thiazolidinediones-Induced Renal Sodium Retention

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are one of the major classes of antidiabetic drugs that are used widely. TZDs improve insulin resistance by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and ameliorate diabetic and other nephropathies, at least, in experimental animals. However, TZDs have side effects, such as edema, congestive heart failure, and bone fracture, and may increase bladder cancer risk. Edema and heart failure, which both probably originate from renal sodium retention, are of great importance because these side effects make it difficult to continue the use of TZDs. However, the pathogenesis of edema remains a matter of controversy. Initially, upregulation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in the collecting ducts by TZDs was thought to be the primary cause of edema. However, the results of other studies do not support this view. Recent data suggest the involvement of transporters in the proximal tubule, such as sodium-bicarbonate cotransporter and sodium-proton exchanger. Other studies have suggested that sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter 2 in the thick ascending limb of Henle and aquaporins are also possible targets for TZDs. This paper will discuss the recent advances in the pathogenesis of TZD-induced sodium reabsorption in the renal tubules and edema.
Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic, and Wound Healing Potential of Quercetin in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Among the dietary polyphenolic, quercetin is the most common compound available in vegetables and fruits. The phytochemicals are used to treat diabetic wounds and diabetes, and specifically dietary polyphenols are being extensively studied for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and wound healing potential of quercetin in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Induction of diabetes was done by intraperitoneally administration of STZ at the dose of 55 mg/kg in Wistar rats. An excision wound was created in diabetic rats that were treated with quercetin (100 mg/kg) orally and quercetin ointment topically to evaluate the antidiabetic and wound healing potential of quercetin. Results: Repeated oral administration of quercetin along with topical application of quercetin ointment in diabetic rats normalized the altered blood glucose, hydroxyproline, and glucosamine levels. Topical application of quercetin ointment alone on the excised wound was sufficient enough to heal the wound area in diabetic rats. Conclusions: The result of the present study indicates that quercetin produces hypoglycemic effect in STZ-induced diabetic rats and normalized plasma lipids and protein profiles. Besides, this quercetin also has an excellent wound healing property when applied topically on the wound area in diabetic rats. Abbreviation used: STZ: Streptozotocin; CMC: Carboxy methyl cellulose; HDL: High density lipoproteins; LDL: low density lipoproteins.
Standardizing Interactive Pricing for Electronic Business

Interactive pricing, the subset of dynamic pricing where buyers and sellers enter a computer mediated price-negotiation process, has stimulated academic interest ever since the introduction of Internet-related B2C and B2B applications. However, this has not yet led to the widespread use of standardized interactive pricing mechanisms within industrial applications. A recent study suggests that applicants expect the integration of interactive pricing mechanisms into existing IT infrastructure to be very costly due to high customization efforts. The standardization of interactive pricing should thus be a first step towards enabling a wider use of these mechanisms. Building on the classification of the range of dynamic pricing methods, we analyze existing business standards that should be capable of describing interactive pricing mechanisms. Our analysis reveals the shortcomings of recent business standards which therefore require the development of an enhanced model for interactive pricing applications. Addressing this issue we propose a model that integrates a price communication language with a process description format for the customization of interactive pricing mechanisms. The paper concludes with three case studies illustrating the use of our model.
Exploring attitudes toward advance care directives in two diverse settings.

BACKGROUND Advance care directives (ACD) are not used equally by different ethnic groups in the United States. Theories regarding this difference include lack of access to health care, mistrust of the health care system, absence of surrogate decision makers, and universal lack of knowledge on this topic. Few studies have investigated attitudes toward advance care planning for future end-of-life decision-making in the Latino and Cambodian communities. METHODS Six focus groups were conducted, including a total of 20 Latino and 19 Cambodian patients of two community health centers. Focus groups were audiotaped, transcribed, and qualitatively analyzed to identify major themes regarding attitudes toward advance directives and engaging in discussion about advance care planning. RESULTS Most patients did not have a health care proxy nor had discussed this topic with their doctor. Two broad themes were identified: integration of belief systems (including religion, suffering/destiny, and importance of quality of life) as well as process/preferences regarding decision-making (including family roles, provider roles, confusion/uncertainty regarding ACD, and openness to learning about ACD). CONCLUSIONS In focus groups discussing end-of-life decision making among Latino and Cambodian patients, two main themes emerged: integration of belief systems and process/preferences regarding end-of-life care. In particular, efforts to improve completion of advance care directives in diverse populations should consider patients' emphasis on quality of life and destiny in end-of-life planning as well as the role of family consensus in decision-making.
Designing Calcium-sensitizing Mutations in the Regulatory Domain of Cardiac Troponin C*

Cardiac troponin C belongs to the EF-hand superfamily of calcium-binding proteins and plays an essential role in the regulation of muscle contraction and relaxation. To follow calcium binding and exchange with the regulatory N-terminal domain (N-domain) of human cardiac troponin C, we substituted Phe at position 27 with Trp, making a fluorescent cardiac troponin CF27W. Trp27 accurately reported the kinetics of calcium association and dissociation of the N-domain of cardiac troponin CF27W. To sensitize the N-domain of cardiac troponin CF27W to calcium, we individually substituted the hydrophobic residues Phe20, Val44, Met45, Leu48, and Met81 with polar Gln. These mutations were designed to increase the calcium affinity of the N-domain of cardiac troponin C by facilitating the movement of helices B and C (BC unit) away from helices N, A, and D (NAD unit). As anticipated, these selected hydrophobic residue substitutions increased the calcium affinity of the regulatory domain of cardiac troponin CF27W ∼2.1–15.2-fold. Surprisingly, the increased calcium affinity caused by the hydrophobic residue substitutions was largely due to faster calcium association rates (2.6–8.7-fold faster) rather than to slower calcium dissociation rates (1.2–2.9-fold slower). The regulatory N-domains of cardiac troponin CF27W and its mutants were also able to bind magnesium competitively and with physiologically relevant affinities (1.2–2.7 mm). The design of calcium-sensitizing cardiac troponin C mutants presented in this work enhances the understanding of how to control cation binding properties of EF-hand proteins and ultimately their structure and physiological function.
Perspectives on Positive Political Economy: Political science and rational choice

The impulse to study politics scientifically is both old and persistent. Aristotle collected 158 constitutions in order to generalize about events and institutions in the Politics . Early in the Renaissance, Machiavelli revived the Aristotelian program in the Discourses and The Prince , although he did not seem to have as clear a vision of the scientific method as did Aristotle. Late in the eighteenth century, when the term political science came into general use, John Adams studied republics in exactly the Aristotelian spirit and with, perhaps, an even bolder claim for political science: The vegetable and animal kingdoms, and those heavenly bodies whose existence and movements we are, as yet only permitted faintly to perceive, do not appear to be governed by laws more uniform or certain than those that regulate the moral and political world. (Adams 1850–1856, vol. VI, p. 218) By the twentieth century, however, hardly anyone shared Adams's faith in the relative certainty of social and physical science. Surely few people now believe that our laws of political life are as certain or as useful for making predictions as are the laws employed in sending a man to the moon or in eradicating smallpox. In 1778, however, when Adams started his book, electricity had been identified but hardly understood, chemistry consisted mainly of the story of phlogiston, and no one had ever thought that bacteria were connected with disease.
Working memory and distributed vocabulary learning

ABSTRACT This study tested the hypothesis that individual differences in immediate verbal memory span would predict success in second language vocabulary acquisition. The subjects learned 56 English–Finnish translations during two sessions using a method in which they were encouraged to distribute their learning and to use semantic encoding strategies where appropriate. Verbal, but not visuo-spatial, memory span was correlated with the rate of vocabulary learning, a result that could not have occurred because of immediate retrieval from a short-term buffer. When tested one week later, the subjects were less likely to remember those words they had had difficulty learning, even though they had studied these items more often. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings for vocabulary learning are discussed.
A Model of e-Learning by Constructivism Approach Using Problem-Based Learning to Develop Thinking Skills for Students in Rajabhat University

This research aimed to develop a model of e-learning by using Problem-Based Learning–PBL to develop thinking skills for students in Rajabhat University. The research is divided into three phases through the e-learning model via PBL with Constructivism approach as follows: Phase 1 was to study characteristics and factors through the model to develop thinking skills, Phase 2 was to construct the model to develop thinking skills, Phase 3 was to study the effects of implementing from the model to develop thinking skills. The findings found that: There are five factors in the model of e-learning –principle, purpose, learning and teaching process, systematic procedures, and measurement and evaluation. There are nine stages of learning and teaching activities: faced problem, defined problem, defined boundary to collect facts, setting hypothesis, allocated problem topic to group members, group members’ collected data, analyzed and synthesized data, decision making, and evaluation. By the learning set through the model of e-learning with problem-based learning in constructivism approach to develop their thinking skills, students at Rajabhat University, as the subject study, significantly achieved their post-test scores more highly than their pre-test at 0.05. Otherwise, the students’ opinions on the model used indicated in high degrees. The students in this study significantly showed the development of their thinking skills in higher degree at 0.05. Key words: e-Learning, Constructivism, Problem-Based Learning –PBL, Thinking skills.
Diastolic Filling Characteristics in the Stage 12 to 27 Chick Embryo Ventricle

ABSTRACT: Cardiac output is affected by the diastolic filling characteristics of the ventricle. We hypothesized that the relative contributions of passive and active filling change as the ventricle develops from a smooth-walled tube to a trabeculated four-chamber heart. In stage 12 to 27 white Leghorn chick embryos, we simultaneously measured ventricular pressure with a servo-null micropressure system and dorsal aortic and atrioventricular velocities with a 20-MHz pulsed-Doppler velocity meter. The analog waveforms were sampled at 500 Hz and converted to digital format via an analog/digital board. We partitioned diastole into passive and active components. The passive phase began with the return of the pressure curve to baseline and extended to the onset of the a-wave. The active phase began with the upstroke of the atrial velocity curve and extended to the upstroke of the ventricular pressure curve at end-diastole. Data are presented as mean ± SEM (n ≥ 6 at each stage) and analyzed by analysis of variance and regression analysis. At similar cycle lengths ranging from 480 to 600 ms (p > 0.05), end-diastolic pressure increased from 0.24 ± 0.02 mm Hg at stage 12 to 0.55 ± 0.01 mm Hg at stage 27. Passive and active filling volumes were 92 (0.0038 ± 0.0005 mm3) and 8% (0.0004 ± 0.0002 mm3), respectively, at stage 12 and changed to 24 (0.23 ± 0.08 mm3) and 76% (0.62 ± 0.08 mm3), respectively, at stage 27. The ratio of passive to active filling volume decreased from 7.89 to 0.35. Thus, active ventricular filling became dominant as the trabeculae formed in the embryonic ventricle. These observations define the diastolic filling characteristics of the embryonic heart during primary cardiac morphogenesis.