Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measurement-based Hyper-elastic Material Identification and Real-time FEM Simulation for Haptic Rendering

In this paper, we propose a measurement-based modeling framework for hyper-elastic material identification and real-time haptic rendering. We build a custom data collection setup that captures shape deformation and response forces during compressive deformation of cylindrical material samples. We collected training and testing sets of data from four silicone objects having various material profiles. We design an objective function for material parameter identification by incorporating both shape deformation and reactive forces and utilize a genetic algorithm. We adopted an optimization-based Finite Element Method (FEM) for object deformation rendering. The numerical error of simulated forces was found to be perceptually negligible.
Iris biometric feature hidden based on chaotic encryption

Iris verification is considered to be the safest method of biometric identification, but it has been shown that iris features may be illegally used. In order to preserve the iris features and further improve the security of iris recognition, we present an iris feature hidden approach based on chaotic encryption. Experiments demonstrate that our proposed method can significantly improve the security of the iris images.
Effective Recycling Planning for Dockless Sharing Bikes

Bike-sharing systems become more and more popular in the urban transportation system, because of their convenience in recent years. However, due to the high daily usage and lack of effective maintenance, the number of bikes in good condition decreases significantly, and vast piles of broken bikes appear in many big cities. As a result, it is more difficult for regular users to get a working bike, which causes problems both economically and environmentally. Therefore, building an effective broken bike prediction and recycling model becomes a crucial task to promote cycling behavior. In this paper, we propose a predictive model to detect the broken bikes and recommend an optimal recycling program based on the large scale real-world sharing bike data. We incorporate the realistic constraints to formulate our problem and introduce a flexible objective function to tune the trade-off between the broken probability and recycled numbers of the bikes. Finally, we provide extensive experimental results and case studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.
Integration of Services for Software Development in DH: A Case Study of Image Classification using Convolutional Neural Networks

: This paper presents a case study of integrating RESTful web services for software development in the Digital Humanities. Journalists today are able to utilize huge amounts of image data to illustrate their articles. To provide easy access, image databases need to be structured and photographic documents stored within need to be categorized. Here, methods based on Deep Learning have recently had a signiĄcant impact on image categorization. We highlight the potentials of incorporating machine learning with different models for named-entity recognition in image captions, to facilitate classiĄcation of images according to standard IPTC media topics. We Ąnally discuss the results of our project employing service-oriented architectures integrating specialized components to simplify the creation of DH applications.
Analysing Visitor Flow Using a Bluetooth Positioning System

This contribution proposes a Bluetooth fingerprinting-based system that can be used to analyse participant movement within a public space [2]. Several classification algorithms, such as Naive Bayes, k-Nearest Neighbors and SVM, are compared to determine which algorithm is the best fit for the system. The data collected by the system is able to provide metrics such as time spent in a location and movement patterns. We conducted two experiments in a science museum, with and without regular visitors, to analyse its performance. Finally, several suggestions are provided on how this system may be improved. Until Bluetooth 4.0 was introduced in 2010, the de-facto standard for indoor localization was a technique known as “Wi-Fi fingerprinting”, an algorithm that used the received signals and their strengths to map the user to a known, prerecorded location. Bluetooth 4.0 specifies a subsystem known as Bluetooth Low Energy, a protocol that was built specifically for usage in the context of Internet of Things with improved energy usage and lower scan times. Similarly to WiFi fingerprinting, Bluetooth fingerprinting works by observing incoming signals and classifying this signal-vector (fingerprint) to known fingerprints at reference locations. Under ideal conditions (low interference, 1 beacon per 30m), an accuracy of fewer than 2.5 meters can be achieved 90% of the time, which is a significant improvement over Wi-Fi fingerprinting (8.5 meters 95% of the time) [1]. Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) fingerprinting seems to be the most promising technique because of its high theoretical accuracy [1]. RSSI fingerprinting localization systems differ mainly in what classifiers they use to classify RSSI vectors. The approach we followed utilises a machine learning algorithm such that classify(u) yields a location, ideally alongside a probability, that most likely contains the RSSI feature vector u. However, all supervised machine learning algorithms must first be trained using manually-labelled RSSI vectors in order for it to make accurate estimations. Therefore, fingerprinting-based systems must be split into two distinct phases: a training phase, during which a database is constructed of labelled training data to be fed to a machine learning algorithm (classifier), and a “live” phase, during which that trained classifier is used to provide “live” probability estimations for a given RSSI vector. Estimote’s Proximity Beacons were used as the system’s Bluetooth beacons. The packets that are emitted by these beacons are received by a mobile device
Virtual Reality Forge: Pattern-Oriented Authoring of Virtual Reality Nuggets

A current educational trend is to divide learning content in relatively small and independent learning units, referred to as learning nuggets. These “bite-sized” nuggets often rely on patterns in order to reuse these patterns within highly diverse curricular structures like lessons, presentations or demos. In this paper, we explore how virtual reality (VR) can be utilized as a medium for learning purposes similar to learning nuggets. We present a nugget-inspired VR system design and dovetail the pattern-oriented nugget concept in relatively small VR systems. We call this authoring approach with VR nuggets forging. Furthermore, we propose a VR authoring system for these VR nuggets – the VR forge. The system design for realizing VR nuggets and the authoring system are presented and implemented in Unity. For an example we utilize a set of basic patterns from the educational domain. In an expert user study, we use the resulting bite-sized VR applications to evaluate four critical aspects concerning VR and nugget-like usage and show that the educational experts accepted the VR nuggets. Within an additional study, we indicate that our authoring system which reflects the simplistic pattern-oriented content creation paradigm of learning nuggets has potential for general laymen authoring of VR application.
Android Malware Detection Approaches in Combination with Static and Dynamic Features

This paper presents two approaches in which static features are combined with dynamic features and used to identify unknown Android malware after proper training by Weka, a well-known machine learning tool. Static features are derived by parsing the test APK after decompi-lation; they include permissions, sensitive function calls, native-permissions, and priority APK settings. Dynamic features are obtained by parsing an emulator log ﬁle after running the test app in the emulator, identifying important activities such as sending short messages (SM) without a user’s consent, modifying system ﬁles, reading personal contact information, etc. Since the static features can be obtained quickly by parsing the decompiled APK, but dynamic features cannot be obtained in real-time, this study proposes two approaches, ModeA and ModeB, which make eﬃcient use of both types of features. ModeA is a two-tier framework which uses static features for the ﬁrst tier, and dynamic features for the second tier. Thus, the ﬁrst tier can be run on a mobile device in real-time, and if the tested app is suspicious then the system can move to the second tier for dynamic feature analysis. ModeB is an oﬀ-line system in which static features are merged with dynamic features to measure a test app. ModeB can achieve an overall accuracy of 97.4% for the best case, with ten-fold cross validation in the experiments. The technique of n-fold cross validation, such as n = 2 or 10, is applied to demonstrate the performance of a system for detecting unknown malware.
Platform Leadership: Managing Boundaries for the Network Growth of Digital Platforms

This study aims to generate a systematic understanding of how digital platform firms can attain platform leadership. We explore the question by casting a boundary management lens over the complex network of interactions on a digital platform. Firms are faced with various boundaries— boundaries of efficiency, competence, power, identity, and ties—and must carefully address tensions within diverse groups of actors with their own interests. We conducted an in-depth case study on China’s largest online ticketing firm and established two contributions for attaining platform leadership. First, we conceptualized the development of a digital platform as a set of technology-based boundary management mechanisms (functional multiplexing, scope expansion, community curation, actor empowerment, and positional escalation) that includes a combination of boundary spanning, erecting, and reinforcing. Second, we uncovered the network dynamics of a digital platform by explicating the synergies and tensions of boundary management. Considering our novel findings, this study offers managerial and design guidelines for a digital platform by advocating an integrative view of boundary management. We present a multidimensional framework that includes five boundaries and four types of networks (dyadic, interconnected, intraconnected, and external) for future analysis of networks built on digital platforms.
Clinical Significance of Low Serum Cryptococcal Antigen Titers by Lateral Flow Assay in Immunocompromised Patients: a Retrospective Case-Control Study

Cryptococcus species are associated with invasive fungal infections in immunosuppressed individuals. The clinical significance of low-titer cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) by lateral flow assay is frequently uncertain. We investigated the correlation of low CrAg titers with disease in an immunocompromised patient population. Patients with first-time positive CrAg results with low serum titers (≤1:10) at two medical centers (Los Angeles, CA) from April 2014 to July 2018 were included. ABSTRACT Cryptococcus species are associated with invasive fungal infections in immunosuppressed individuals. The clinical significance of low-titer cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) by lateral flow assay is frequently uncertain. We investigated the correlation of low CrAg titers with disease in an immunocompromised patient population. Patients with first-time positive CrAg results with low serum titers (≤1:10) at two medical centers (Los Angeles, CA) from April 2014 to July 2018 were included. Age-matched controls with high (≥1:20) and negative titers were selected. We extracted medical records for pertinent clinical, radiologic, and laboratory data for cryptococcal disease. From 2,196 serum samples submitted for CrAg testing, 96 cases were included (32 each in low-titer, high-titer, and negative-titer groups). One or more immunocompromising condition was identified in 95% of patients, including HIV infection (45%), solid organ transplant (26%), and cirrhosis (22%). Pulmonary cryptococcosis was diagnosed in 9 (28%) low-titer and 8 (25%) high-titer patients (P = 1.00). Disseminated cryptococcosis occurred in 7 (22%) low-titer and 15 (47%) high-titers cases (P = 0.064). Titers ≤1:10 more frequently represented isolated antigenemia in HIV-positive than non-HIV, immunocompromised patients (P < 0.001). Follow-up testing in patients with ≤1:5 titers (n = 21) showed persistently low titers in 6 of 12 instances and increased titers in 2 cases. Twenty-seven patients with low CrAg titers were treated with antifungal therapy and 22 (81%) responded well clinically. Low-serum CrAg titers (≤1:10) correlated with cryptococcal disease in a substantial proportion of non-HIV immunocompromised patients and should prompt careful clinical workup for cryptococcal infection.
Visualization of Protein Coding, Long Noncoding, and Nuclear RNAs by Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization in Sections of Shoot Apical Meristems and Developing Flowers1[OPEN]

RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization on sections can be used to investigate the tissue/subcellular localization of coding and noncoding RNAs, or for double labeling RNAs, or RNAs and proteins. In addition to transcriptional regulation, gene expression is further modulated through mRNA spatiotemporal distribution, by RNA movement between cells, and by RNA localization within cells. Here, we have adapted RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to explore RNA localization in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). We show that RNA FISH on sectioned material can be applied to investigate the tissue and subcellular localization of meristem and flower development genes, cell cycle transcripts, and plant long noncoding RNAs. We also developed double RNA FISH to dissect the coexpression of different mRNAs at the shoot apex and nuclear-cytoplasmic separation of cell cycle gene transcripts in dividing cells. By coupling RNA FISH with fluorescence immunocytochemistry, we further demonstrate that a gene’s mRNA and protein may be simultaneously detected, for example revealing uniform distribution of PIN-FORMED1 (PIN1) mRNA and polar localization of PIN1 protein in the same cells. Therefore, our method enables the visualization of gene expression at both transcriptional and translational levels with subcellular spatial resolution, opening up the possibility of systematically tracking the dynamics of RNA molecules and their cognate proteins in plant cells.
Rosa chinensis in vitro cell cultures: a phytocomplex rich of medium molecular weight polysaccharides with hydrating properties

Abstract In-vitro cell cultures of selected Rosa chinensis meristematic cells cultivated with an innovative CROP® (Controlled Release of Optimized Plants) platform, allowed obtaining a stable and standardized phytocomplex rich of medium molecular weight polysaccharides. The polysaccharides profile of the rose extract has been analysed with the size exclusion chromatography (HPLC-ELSD-SEC) both in the in vitro extract and in the dried petals of Rosa chinensis. The polysaccharides content in the extract was ≥20%, higher than in the dried petals. The 65–80% of total polysaccharides have a medium molecular weight (1000 Da), known for their moisturizing and anti-age properties. Reconstructed human epidermis in homeostatic conditions was used to evaluate its moisturizing action and the ability to maintain homeostasis. The Rosa chinensis extract increased the Aquaporin-3 expression and cell membrane localization and demonstrated to regulate hydration either in topical and systemic exposure. Graphical Abstract
Early evaluation of the Integrated Care and Support Pioneers Programme: Interim Report

This interim report is intended to provide a description of (roughly) the first twelve months of Pioneer development, drawing out some of the similarities and differences between the sites, the barriers they are encountering in their ambitious attempts to integrate health and social care services, and the approaches they are taking to overcome these barriers. This progress report of the development of the Pioneers during their first year presents interim findings which may be subject to change by the time the final report of the early evaluation is independently peer reviewed and prepared for publication in summer 2015.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY & LIFE SCIENCES A study on isolation of different type of bacteria from pus

The microbiological analysis of infection in 245 pa tients was undertaken in the outpatient departments of the Pt. Jawahar lal Nehru memorial medical college and Dr. B.R. A.M. hospital, Raipur (C.G.). Identification of bacterial isolates was determined by standard microbiological techniques. A total of one hundred and sixteen bac terial isolates were obtained from different cultures. In 86 cases, cultures were monomicrobial, 16 cultures were polymicrobial but no bacterial isolate was obtained in 149 cases. Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant microorganism (40%) followed by Klebsiella sp. (33%), Pseudomonas sp. (18%), Escherichia coli (16%), and Proteus sp. (7%). The diversity of microorganisms and the high incidence of polymicrobic flora in this study give credence to the value of identifying one or more ba cterial pathogens from pus cultures. Continuous dia logue between the microbiology department and wound care practitioners and education of patients on personal hygiene is strongly advised. Key-Words: Diversity, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas sp, E. coli, Klebsiella sp, Proteus sp.
Alcohol consumption and survival after breast cancer diagnosis in Japanese women: A prospective patient cohort study

Background It is unclear whether alcohol consumption may impact survival after breast cancer diagnosis. To clarify the association between pretreatment alcohol consumption and survival in breast cancer patients, a prospective patient cohort study was conducted. Methods The cohort comprised 1,420 breast cancer patients diagnosed during 1997–2013 at a single institute in Japan. Alcohol drinking and other lifestyle factors were assessed by questionnaire survey at the initial admission. The patients were followed until December 31, 2016. The crude associations of pretreatment alcohol intake with survival were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) controlled by confounders. Results During a median follow-up period of 8.6 years, 261 all-cause and 193 breast cancer-specific deaths were documented. Survival curves showed that ever-drinkers tended to have better survival than never-drinkers (breast cancer-specific survival, log-rank p = 0.0381). Better survival was also observed for light drinkers with an intake of <5.0 g per day. In the Cox model, ever-drinking was associated with a decreased risk of all-cause (HR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.54–1.05) and breast cancer-specific death (HR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.46–0.99). Light drinkers had a lower risk of breast cancer-specific death (frequency of drinking, HR = 0.57 for occasional or 1–2 times per week and 0.72 for 3–7 times per week; amount of alcohol consumed per day, HR = 0.57 for <5.0 g and 0.68 for ≥5.0 g compared with never-drinking). In terms of hormone receptor status, a significantly decreased risk of death associated with ever-drinking was observed among women with receptor-negative cancer (ER-/PR-, HR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.20–0.84 for breast cancer-specific death). Conclusions Pretreatment, i.e., pre-diagnosis alcohol consumption is unlikely to have an adverse effect on survival after breast cancer diagnosis. Light alcohol consumption may have a beneficial effect on patient survival.
Incidence of teicoplanin adverse drug reactions among patients with vancomycin-associated adverse drug reactions and its risk factors

Background/Aims Teicoplanin can be used as an alternative to vancomycin when treating beta-lactam-resistant gram-positive bacterial infections. Both vancomycin and teicoplanin are associated with relatively high rates of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), including hypersensitivity reactions. There is limited data on teicoplanin-vancomycin cross-reactivity. This study examined the incidence of teicoplanin ADRs and risk factors for cross-reactivity between vancomycin and teicoplanin. Methods We analyzed the incidence of teicoplanin ADRs in a retrospective study of 304 newly teicoplanin-exposed, immunocompetent, hospitalized patients at a single Korean Medical Center between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2015. Results Among 304 patients, 238 (78.3%) experienced vancomycin-associated ADRs prior to their teicoplanin exposure and 58 (19.1%) experienced teicoplanin- associated ADRs, which were mostly hypersensitivity reactions without acute kidney injury. The incidence of teicoplanin ADRs was higher in patients who previously experienced vancomycin-related ADRs (23.1% vs. 5.3%, p < 0.001). History of drug allergy was a statistically significant risk factor of teicoplanin ADRs. The incidence of teicoplanin ADRs significantly increased in patients with multiple organ involvement in vancomycin hypersensitivity reactions. Conclusions Teicoplanin should be administered with caution and clinicians must consider the risk factors of cross-reaction when prescribing teicoplanin to individuals with a history of vancomycin hypersensitivity.
Characterization of size-resolved hygroscopicity of black carbon-containing particle in urban environment.

The hygroscopic properties of BC-containing particles (BCc) is important to determine its wet scavenging, atmospheric lifetime and interactions with clouds. Such information is still lack in real world because of the challenges in isolating BCc from other aerosols to be directly characterized. In this study, the size-resolved chemical components of BCc including the refractory BC core and associated coatings were measured by a soot particle-aerosol mass spectrometer in suburban Nanjing. The size-resolved hygroscopicity parameter of BCc (κBCc) is obtained based on this full chemical characterization of BCc. We found increased inorganic fraction and more oxidized organic coatings when being more thickly coated, which modified κBCc besides the determinant of particle size. The bulk κBCc was observed to range at 0.11-0.34. The size-resolved κBCc consistently showed minima at coated diameter (Dcoated) 100 nm, parameterized as κ(x)=0.28-0.35×exp(-0.004×x), x=Dcoated. Under critical supersaturation (SS) 0.1% and 0.2%, D50 of BCc was at 200 ± 20 nm and 135 ± 18 nm respectively. On average 33 ± 16% and 59 ± 20% of BCc in number could be activated at SS = 0.1% and 0.2% respectively. These results provide constraints on surface CCN sources for the light-absorbing BC-containing particles.
Reaching the people: a three-country study of health systems.

Bahrain Egypt and Yemen conducted a comparative study of their countries health systems. This was done to provide the 3 countries with information useful for the goal of attaining health for all by the year 2000. The factors shared by the 3 countries are similar disease patterns and high infant and maternal mortality rates. Most of the study was focused on the community level so that the health center home and local settings could be analyzed. National data revealed that the 3 countries have in common such problems as high population and illiteracy rates. On the positive side the 3 countries provide adequate health services and have adopted policies to promote and develop health services. Areas which showed variance within countries included water electricity sewage communication supplies equipment health education and availability of health care. The study establishes that the failure of diseases among women and children to be controlled is attributed to the lax public health laws and their enforcement. Sanitation health facilities and awareness once improved would eliminate the populations vulnerability to preventable diseases. Community involvement management and usage of facilities would encourage recognition and support for effective health care. A government sponsored program which offers services scaled in accordance to the patients income is highly recommended.