Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Hybrid TOA/RSS Range Estimation in Wireless Sensor Networks

Distance estimation, which arises in many applications and especially in range-based localization, is addressed for joint received signal strength (RSS) and time of arrival (TOA) data. A statistical characterization of the joint maximum likelihood estimator, which is unavailable in closed-form, is provided together with a full performance assessment in terms of the actual mean squared error (MSE), in order to establish when hybrid estimation is superior compared to RSS-only or TOA-only estimation. Furthermore, a novel closed-form estimator is proposed based on an ad-hoc relaxation of the likelihood function, which removes the need to adopt iterative methods for hybrid TOA/RSS ranging and strikes a better bias-variance tradeoff for improved performance. A thorough theoretical analysis, corroborated by numerical simulations, shows the effectiveness of the proposed approach, which outperforms state-of-the-art solutions.
Biomarcadores bioquímicos em bagres amarelos de São João da Barra - RJ

O complexo portuario do Acu, localizado no municipio de Sao Joao da Barra, apresenta aproximadamente 7800 hectares. Este empreendimento, que mudara aspectos socioambientais da regiao, sera formado por siderurgicas, usinas termoeletricas, retroporto, industrias metalmecânicas, montadoras de automoveis. A atividade pesqueira tende a sofrer com a expansao da atividade portuaria (SOUZA, 2010). A estrategia de gestao dos impactos associados a esta atividade pode ser mais efetiva quando se tem conhecimento do ambiente, antes e durante a implantacao de uma atividade impactante. Neste sentido, os biomarcadores podem ser aplicados como alternativa para esta proposta (NAPIERSKA et al., 2009). As enzimas de conjugacao Glutationas S-transferase (GSTs) sao biomarcadoras de contatos com quimicos que no organismo estejam envolvidos em alguma fase de desintoxicacao (DOUHRI et al., 2009). A catalase e uma enzima antioxidante que atua como biomarcador de aumento de especies reativas de oxigenio (EROs) (LUSHCHAK; BAGNYUKOVA, 2006). A acetilcolinesterase (AChE) e um conhecido biomarcador de compostos neurotoxicos em particular os organofosforados e carbamatos naturais ou sinteticos (OLIVEIRA et al., 2007). O objetivo deste estudo e ensaiar a atividade das enzimas acetilcolinesterase (AChE), Catalase (CAT) e as Glutationas S-transferase totais em bagres amarelos, presentes no Porto do Acu, com analise de alguns metais tracos (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd e PB) como forma de avaliar os futuros impactos promovidos pela presenca de xenobioticos no ambiente estudado.
A deterministic IP model for optimizing bus scheduling in a private transportation system

In this paper, we propose a deterministic optimization model for selecting and scheduling a fleet of buses in a private transportation system where buses are to be assigned to serve employees and their families on different trips along different routes from the main campus and residential compound. The paper describes the development of an integer programming formulation as a tool to help in the decision making process of improving this private transportation system. The decision problem is to determine the number and size of buses assigned to particular trips in a particular interval so as to optimize a criterion function, which includes such components as the fixed cost of renting buses that varies depending on the size of the bus. A case example is presented for illustrating the applicability and suitability of the proposed approach.
Hierarchical Distributed Model Predictive Control of Interconnected Microgrids

In this work, we propose a hierarchical distributed model predictive control strategy to operate interconnected microgrids (MGs) with the goal of increasing the overall infeed of renewable energy sources. In particular, we investigate how renewable infeed of MGs can be increased by using a transmission network allowing the exchange of energy. To obtain an model predictive control scheme, which is scalable with respect to the number of MGs and preserves their independent structure, we make use of the alternating direction method of multipliers leading to local controllers communicating through a central entity. This entity is in charge of the power lines and ensures that the constraints on the transmission capacities are met. The results are illustrated in a numerical case study.
Large-Scale Calculations of Low-Frequency Induced Currents in High-Resolution Human Body Models.

We present large-scale computations of currents induced in the human body, arising from an external low-frequency magnetic field. Using the Ex-SPFD approach, a two-step algorithm for the efficient calculation of induced currents in inhomogeneous, low-conductive materials, models consisting of hundred millions of unknowns are used. The high model resolution allows a detailed analysis of the induced currents, even in small organs like in the eye
Urinary Cell-Free DNA as a Potential Tumor Marker for Bladder Cancer

The objective was to assess the possibility of measuring urine creatinine (UCr)-adjusted urinary cell-free (ucf) DNA concentration as a noninvasive screening tool for bladder cancer. Using PicoGreen-based detection, the ucf-DNA/UCr concentration was quantified in urine supernatant specimens from 46 bladder cancer patients and 98 controls and compared to 400-bp real-time PCR-based detection, which detected the amplification of 400-bp β-actin (named 400-bp ucf-DNA/UCr). The mean concentrations for both PicoGreen and 400-bp ucf-DNA (ng/mL)/UCr (mg/dL) were significantly higher in bladder cancer patients than in controls: 15.28 vs 6.68 (p<0.001, t-test) and 14.98 vs 1.07 (p<0.001), respectively. Among different stages and grades, no significant difference was found between these two methods. The areas under the ROC curves of PicoGreen and 400-bp ucf-DNA/UCr were 0.571 (95% confidence interval, 0.451–0.692) and 0.805 (95% confidence interval, 0.713–0.896), respectively. In 400-bp ucf-DNA/UCr, the best sensitivity and specificity were 86.1% and 72.0% at the cutoff value of 0.0645. These data indicated that 400-bp ucf-DNA/UCr is more reliable for bladder cancer detection than PicoGreen. In conclusion, our results suggest that ucf-DNA/UCr can be used as a potential tumor marker for bladder cancer, especially for detecting longer DNA fragments.
A Case-Based Real-Time Adaptive Engineer Site Support System

Employee experience is a valuable asset for any company. A system which can store, retrieve and adapt these experiences to meet the requirements of new scenarios can play an important role in corporate knowledge management. Case-Based Reasoning provides an excellent mechanism for this because it allows the capture and reuse of past experiences, which in this paper involves the generation of expert-level support in response to questions raised by British Telecommunications field engineers. However, experience capture is hard in dynamic environments involving multi-modal communication and content. This paper examines the context of this research and details the work which has been completed thus far, as well as potential next steps.
Hemiarthroplasty for Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis of the Shoulder: A Report of Two Cases

Pigmented villonodular synovitis is a reactive condition characterised by exuberant proliferation of synovial villi and nodules. It may be localised or diffuse and can cause severe articular damage. This report is of 2 patients with pigmented villonodular synovitis of the shoulder causing extensive arthritic changes. Both patients underwent shoulder hemiarthroplasty and total synovectomy and achieved satisfactory painless range of motion, with no signs of local recurrence or loosening of the prosthesis after 4 to 5 years of follow-up.
Fibrin-fiber architecture influences cell spreading and differentiation

ABSTRACT The mechanical and structural properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) play an important role in regulating cell fate. The natural ECM has a complex fibrillar structure and shows nonlinear mechanical properties, which are both difficult to mimic synthetically. Therefore, systematically testing the influence of ECM properties on cellular behavior is very challenging. In this work we show two different approaches to tune the fibrillar structure and mechanical properties of fibrin hydrogels. Addition of extra thrombin before gelation increases the protein density within the fibrin fibers without significantly altering the mechanical properties of the resulting hydrogel. On the other hand, by forming a composite hydrogel with a synthetic biomimetic polyisocyanide network the protein density within the fibrin fibers decreases, and the mechanics of the composite material can be tuned by the PIC/fibrin mass ratio. The effect of the changes in gel structure and mechanics on cellular behavior are investigated, by studying human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) spreading and differentiation on these gels. We find that the trends observed in cell spreading and differentiation cannot be explained by the bulk mechanics of the gels, but correlate to the density of the fibrin fibers the gels are composed of. These findings strongly suggest that the microscopic properties of individual fibers in fibrous networks play an essential role in determining cell behavior.
Impact of alcohol advertising and media exposure on adolescent alcohol use: a systematic review of longitudinal studies.

AIMS To assess the impact of alcohol advertising and media exposure on future adolescent alcohol use. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Sociological Abstracts, and PsycLIT, from 1990 to September 2008, supplemented with searches of Google scholar, hand searches of key journals and reference lists of identified papers and key publications for more recent publications. We selected longitudinal studies that assessed individuals' exposure to commercial communications and media and alcohol drinking behaviour at baseline, and assessed alcohol drinking behaviour at follow-up. Participants were adolescents aged 18 years or younger or below the legal drinking age of the country of origin of the study, whichever was the higher. RESULTS Thirteen longitudinal studies that followed up a total of over 38,000 young people met inclusion criteria. The studies measured exposure to advertising and promotion in a variety of ways, including estimates of the volume of media and advertising exposure, ownership of branded merchandise, recall and receptivity, and one study on expenditure on advertisements. Follow-up ranged from 8 to 96 months. One study reported outcomes at multiple time-points, 3, 5, and 8 years. Seven studies provided data on initiation of alcohol use amongst non-drinkers, three studies on maintenance and frequency of drinking amongst baseline drinkers, and seven studies on alcohol use of the total sample of non-drinkers and drinkers at baseline. Twelve of the thirteen studies concluded an impact of exposure on subsequent alcohol use, including initiation of drinking and heavier drinking amongst existing drinkers, with a dose response relationship in all studies that reported such exposure and analysis. There was variation in the strength of association, and the degree to which potential confounders were controlled for. The thirteenth study, which tested the impact of outdoor advertising placed near schools failed to detect an impact on alcohol use, but found an impact on intentions to use. CONCLUSIONS Longitudinal studies consistently suggest that exposure to media and commercial communications on alcohol is associated with the likelihood that adolescents will start to drink alcohol, and with increased drinking amongst baseline drinkers. Based on the strength of this association, the consistency of findings across numerous observational studies, temporality of exposure and drinking behaviours observed, dose-response relationships, as well as the theoretical plausibility regarding the impact of media exposure and commercial communications, we conclude that alcohol advertising and promotion increases the likelihood that adolescents will start to use alcohol, and to drink more if they are already using alcohol.
The effect of tuning ankle foot orthoses–footwear combination on the gait parameters of children with cerebral palsy

Background: There are a wide variety of ankle foot orthoses used in clinical practice which are characterised by their design, the material used and the stiffness of that material. Changing any of these three components will alter the effect of the ankle foot orthosis on gait. Objectives: The purpose of this article is to provide an overview on the available research on ankle foot orthosis–footwear combination tuning on the gait characteristics of children with cerebral palsy through a structured review. Study Design: Literature review. Methods: A thorough search of previous studies published in English was conducted within all major databases using relevant phrases without any limits for the dates. These searches were then supplemented by tracking all key references from the appropriate articles identified including hand searching of published books where relevant. Results: To date, there are 947 papers in the literature pertaining to the study of ankle foot orthosis. Of these, 153 investigated the use of ankle foot orthosis for children with cerebral palsy. All the studies included in this review were of a within-subjects design and the evidence levels were generally low. Conclusions: The overall results suggested that ankle foot orthosis–footwear combination tuning has the potential to improve the kinematics and kinetics of gait in children with cerebral palsy. However, the review highlights a lack of well-designed and adequately powered studies. Clinical relevance While the research described in this article indicates an improvement in the gait of children with cerebral palsy following tuning of their ankle foot orthosis–footwear combination, there is still a paucity of research with quantitative data on the effects of kinematics and kinetics of ankle foot orthosis–footwear combination tuning, comparing untuned ankle foot orthosis–footwear combinations with tuned ankle foot orthosis–footwear combination. Furthermore, current research does not identify the effect of tuning on energy efficiency.
Relationships between knee valgus, hip-muscle strength, and hip-muscle recruitment during a single-limb step-down.

CONTEXT Reduced strength and activation of hip muscles might correlate with increased weight-bearing knee valgus. OBJECTIVE To describe relationships among frontal-plane hip and knee angles, hip-muscle strength, and electromyographic (EMG) recruitment in women during a step-down. DESIGN Exploratory study. SETTING Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS 20 healthy women 20 to 30 years of age. INTERVENTIONS Frontal-plane hip and knee angles were measured. Gluteus maximus and medius recruitment were examined with surface EMG. Hip-abduction and -external-rotation strength were quantified with handheld dynamometry. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS The authors analyzed correlation coefficients between knee and hip angles, gluteus maximus and medius EMG, and hip-abduction and -external-rotation strength. RESULTS Hip-adduction angles (r = .755, P = .001), gluteus maximus EMG (r = -.451, P = .026), and hip-abduction strength (r = .455, P = .022) correlated with frontal-plane projections of knee valgus. CONCLUSIONS Gluteus maximus recruitment might have greater association with reduced knee valgus in women than does external-rotation strength during step-down tasks. Gluteus medius strength might be associated with increased knee valgus.
Begging for milk: evolution of teat massaging in suckling pigs.

We present a model that simulates the evolution of teat massaging (begging) by suckling piglets (Sus scrofa) and milk distribution among teats (provisioning) by their mothers. Contrary to previous begging models, this one incorporates an ontogenetic dimension in that the inherited begging and provisioning rules are repeatedly allowed to interact, and their consequences for milk intake, growth and death probability are assessed, during each nursing. We test the model under three selection regimes differing in the relative importance of the between-litter selection component. We show that the selection regime with the strongest between-litter selection component leads to lowest begging levels and most effective milk utilization, thus supporting the hypothesis that selection based on whole litters may attenuate sibling competition.
MINI‐REVIEW/COMMENTARY

Neurotransmission, enzyme secretion, or hormone release involve a highly regulated cellular process called exocytosis. Membrane-bound secretory vesicles are transported to specific sites at the plasma membrane where they dock and fuse to release their contents. It is commonly accepted that the final step in exocytosis is total incorporation of the secretory vesicle membrane with the cell plasma membrane (Fig. 1A), and the compensatory retrieval of excess membrane by endocytosis at a later time. Recently, however, high resolution imaging (Schneider et al., 1997) and fine tuned electrophysiological measurements (Alvarez de Toledo et al., 1993; Maruyama and Petersen, 1994) of this final step in exocytosis, demand reconsideration of this cellular process. How would the cell benefit expending more energy to release vesicular contents by a total incorporation of vesicle membrane at the plasma membrane rather than undergoing transient fusion (Fig. 1B) to accomplish the same? More importantly, what is the evidence in support of total vs transient fusion? Studies utilizing transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have provided on rare occasions, glimpses of secretory vesicle membrane incorporation at the plasma membrane (Jamieson, 1972). However all TEM studies on stimulated secretory cells demonstrate the presence of several intact but empty or partially empty secretory vesicles within Exocytotic Fusion: Total or Transient?
Optimum designs of high mobility wireless systems with channel estimation errors

This research studies the optimum system designs of high mobility wireless communication systems with imperfect channel state information. In high mobility systems, the channel estimation error is usually inevitable and might have significant impacts on system performance. The impacts of channel estimation errors on system performance are quantified through the development of a spectral efficiency lower bound. With the help of the asymptotic analysis of the channel estimation mean squared error, the spectral efficiency lower bound is expressed as explicit functions of a number of system parameters, such as the maximum Doppler frequency, the percentage of pilots in the transmitted symbols, and the ratio of energy allocated between data symbols and pilot symbols. The optimum pilot percentage and energy allocation factor that jointly maximise the spectral efficiency lower bound are identified through analytical studies. It is discovered that, in term of maximising spectral efficiency, the optimum performance can be achieved by optimising the energy allocation factor when the pilots sample the fast time-varying fading at its Nyquist rate.
HPV detection in floor of mouth squamous cell carcinoma by PCR amplification

Introduction: Studies conducted during the last years, using new technologies for viral detection, permit to consider human papillomavirus (HPV) an etiologic factor for cervical cancer. Besides the relation to genital regions, other anatomic sites have been associated with HPV, including head and neck regions. Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of HPV infection in 35 samples from paraffin-embedded tissues using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) amplification, and correlate it with demographic, clinical, and morphological factors and prognosis. Materials and methods: All samples were first amplified with human β-globin gene primers. Samples with positive amplification were subjected to HPV-DNA detection with general GP5 and GP6 primers. Results Only 30 samples were amplified for the β-globin gene. No floor of mouth squamous cell carcinoma cases showed amplification of HPV DNA. Discussion: The absence of HPV-DNA amplification does not suggest that this virus is absent from the process of oral carcinogenesis, since the selected sample is not in the risk group for the development of oral cancer associated with HPV infection. Conclusions: No correlation was found between HPV infection and floor of mouth carcinogenesis, however further studies are necessary.
Cooperative Game Theory Approach for the Cognitive Radio Users

Wireless mobile communication plays a vital role in our life. The facility of anywhere anytime communication services availability can be handled by management of resources efficiently. The quality of service offered to users may be enhanced through innovative protocols and new technologies. Future trends in wireless computing should take into account resource allocation, resource sharing and network/terminal cooperation as well. Cognitive radio is novel way to solve spectrum underutilization problem and to improve utilization of electromagnetic radio spectrum. In cognitive network the radio parameters were modified to achieve network objectives, which can be through-put maximization, reliability, or spectral or energy efficiency. In these networks, the licensed spectrum and dynamic spectrum sharing is based on opportunistic communication which plays an important role in resource allocation. The traditional spectrum sharing approaches based on fully cooperative, static and centralised network environment are no longer applicable.
Input-Parallel Output-Series DC/AC Converter for On-Board EV Charger

An input-parallel output-series full-bridge DC/AC converter for on-board Electric Vehicle (EV) charger is proposed in this paper with the merits that low input current ripple and output voltage ripple. It can also decrease the current stress on the primary side devices and voltage stress on secondary side devices. This proposed DC/AC converter interleaves two isolated full-bridge converters with parallel input and series output connection. The DC/DC converter is followed by a current-fed inverter with inductor link. The merits such as high voltage turn ratio make the converter suitable for EV on-board chargers. Steady-state operation modes, analysis, simulation results are presented in this paper. A 1KW laboratory prototype is built to demonstrate the validity of the proposed topology. The results of experiment demonstrate the validity of proposed topology well.
Clinical and surgical applications of smart glasses.

BACKGROUND With the increased efforts to adopt health information technology in the healthcare field, many innovative devices have emerged to improve patient care, increase efficiency, and decrease healthcare costs. A recent addition is smart glasses: web-connected glasses that can present data onto the lenses and record images or videos through a front-facing camera. OBJECTIVE In this article, we review the most salient uses of smart glasses in healthcare, while also denoting their limitations including practical capabilities and patient confidentiality. METHODS Using keywords including, but not limited to, ``smart glasses'', ``healthcare'', ``evaluation'', ``privacy'', and ``development'', we conducted a search on Ovid-MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar. A total of 71 studies were included in this review. RESULTS Smart glasses have been adopted into the healthcare setting with several useful applications including, hands-free photo and video documentation, telemedicine, Electronic Health Record retrieval and input, rapid diagnostic test analysis, education, and live broadcasting. CONCLUSIONS In order for the device to gain acceptance by medical professionals, smart glasses will need to be tailored to fit the needs of medical and surgical sub-specialties. Future studies will need to qualitatively assess the benefits of smart glasses as an adjunct to the current health information technology infrastructure.