Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Splitting-based statistical X-ray CT image reconstruction with blind gain correction

Variational methods are useful for solving ill-posed inverse imaging problems by minimizing a cost function with a data fidelity term and a regularization term. For statistical X-ray computed tomography (CT) image reconstruction, penalized weighted least-squares (PWLS) criteria with edge-preserving regularization can improve quality of the reconstructed image compared to traditional filtered back-projection (FBP) reconstruction. Nevertheless, the huge dynamic range of the statistical weights used in PWLS image reconstruction leads to a highly shift-variant local impulse response, making effective preconditioning difficult. To overcome this problem, iterative algorithms based on variable splitting were proposed recently. However, existing splitting-based iterative algorithms do not consider the (unknown) gain fluctuations that can occur between views. This paper proposes a new variational formulation for splitting-based iterative algorithms where the unknown gain parameter vector and the image are estimated jointly with just simple changes to the original algorithms. Simulations show that the proposed algorithm greatly reduces the shading artifacts caused by gain fluctuations yet with almost unchanged computational complexity per iteration.
Empathy of Regular Junior High School Students on Children With Special Needs.

Anak berkebutuhan khusus (ABK) yang memperoleh pendidikan di sekolah reguler (umum) akan memunculkan empati atau sikap negatif, karena siswa reguler tidak dapat memahami dan memaklumi perilaku yang dimunculkan oleh ABK. Tujuan studi ini adalah mengetahui hubungan antara empati dan sikap terhadap ABK pada siswa reguler sebuah SMP di Surabaya. Subjek berusia 11-16 tahun (N = 25) yang pernah berinteraksi dengan ABK, diperoleh melalui studi populasi total. Data dihimpun melalui skala sikap terhadap ABK dan skala empati, kemudian dianalisis dengan non-parametrik Kendall‟s Tau-b correlation. Hasil analisis menunjukkan nilai r = . 229 dan p = . 124 (p >.5) berarti tidak ada hubungan antara empati dan sikap terhadap ABK pada siswa reguler SMP tersebut. Tidak ada hubungan empati dengan sikap terhadap ABK karena di dalam sikap terdapat komponen kognitif yang memiliki peran sebagai informasi dan empati yang dimiliki individu yang bersifat objektif dan situasional. Selain itu, tidak adanya hubungan antara kedua variabel dapat disebabkan oleh faktor eksternal seperti pengalaman, kebudayaan, proses belajar, kontak langsung, dan informasi. Secara deskriptif mayoritas subjek memiliki sikap cukup positif hingga sangat positif (92%) dan empati terhadap ABK pada kategori sedang sampai sangat tinggi (96%).
Study of the collagen- and fibronectin- binding protein FNE

Strangles is a severe equine respiratory infection, caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi subspecies equi affecting horses of all ages and types worldwide. Infected horses suffer from fever, coughing and copious nasal discharge as well as abscesses in lymph nodes in the head and throat. S. equi invades the body through the mouth or nose of the horse, and previous studies have shown that the interaction is dependent on various extracellular proteins, several of which have been characterized. In this project one of these proteins, FNE, has been studied. FNE is a secreted fibronectin- and collagen- binding protein unique to S. equi. The main purpose of this project was to identify the collagen- and fibronectin-binding parts of the protein. This was performed by designing primers and truncating the protein from both N- and C-termini (Appendix I). The binding capacities of the truncated proteins were assayed by dot blotting. To further examine the properties of the truncated proteins inhibition assays with antibodies against FNE were performed. Results show that fibronectin binding is restricted to the C-terminal part of the protein and that the amino acids GLEGGSS (228 – 234) are required for the binding. By contrast, collagen binding regions seem to be present at both N- and C-termini, i.e. the collagen binding domain is fairly large. Antibodies seem to be directed to the central part of the protein, and consistent with the above results, interaction with antibodies inhibits fibronectin- and collagen- binding. The results will hopefully contribute to a deeper basic knowledge about S. equi and the FNE protein as well as be important in the progress towards the development of a safe and effective vaccine against strangles.
Evaluating the multi-scale iCID metric

In this study, we investigate the extent to which an image-difference metric based on structural similarity can correlate with human judgment. We introduce a modified version of the recently published iCID metric and present new results over two large image quality databases. It is particularly noteworthy that the proposed metric yields a correlation of 0.861 with mean opinion scores on the 2013 version of the renowned Tampere Image Database, without dedicated parameter optimization.
Lean Construction and Resilience Engineering - Complementary Perspectives of Variability

Lean construction (LC) emphasizes the reduction and coping with variability. Nevertheless, a portion of variability is unavoidable, and it triggers manifestations of resilience, at the individual, team and organizational level. This paper compares the perspectives of LC and resilience engineering (RE) of variability. Three criteria are adopted for the comparison: (i) commonalities and differences between the concepts of resilience and making-do, as the last is relevant for the LC view of variability; (ii) types of variability each perspective emphasizes; and (iii) tools for the description of systems, which set a basis for the identification of variability. Concerning the last criterion, a comparison is made between Value Stream Mapping, which is derived from lean, and the Functional Resonance Analysis Method, which is derived from RE. Based on this comparison, learning opportunities for LC from RE are identified.
Evaluating Measures of Core Inflation

• The Bank of Canada’s inflation-control target is expressed in terms of total consumer price index (CPI) inflation, but because movements in the CPI are frequently caused by transitory fluctuations in prices, the Bank uses a measure of core inflation as an operational guide to the underlying trend of inflation. • When the inflation targets were renewed in 2001, the Bank adopted a new measure of core inflation, CPIX, to replace CPI excluding food and energy. This measure excludes eight of the most volatile components of the CPI and adjusts the remaining components for the effect of changes in indirect taxes. • Recent research conducted at the Bank shows that CPIX still has advantages over the alternatives. However, it remains an imperfect measure of underlying inflation. Other measures of core inflation, in particular CPIW, which down-weights (rather than excluding) volatile components, provide valuable additional information about trend inflation. • The Bank will therefore retain CPIX as its official measure of core inflation, but will continue to closely monitor the other measures. t the centre of the Bank of Canada’s monetary policy is the inflation-control target, currently the 2 per cent midpoint of a 1 to 3 per cent range. The target is set in terms of the 12-month rate of increase in the total consumer price index (CPI), the most commonly used indicator of inflation in the Canadian economy. Since the CPI measures the prices of consumer goods and services, it is the most relevant estimate of the cost of living of Canadians. As well, the CPI is the price index that is most familiar to the general public, is available monthly, is published in a timely fashion, and is never revised.
Rethinking non-traditional resistance at work: The case of the Indian Diaspora in Mauritius

Resistance at work can take many forms and be theorised in multiple ways. In this paper, I use postcolonial theorist Homi Bhabha's concepts of mimicry, ambivalence and hybridity to explore non-traditional forms of resistance among Indo-Mauritians working in the hotel industry. I employ a two-stage qualitative research approach by conducting focus groups in eight hotels in Mauritius followed by focused ethnography with 20 Indo-Mauritians. The findings reveal that the Indian diasporic community is actively engaging with its past (India) through the materiality of its home, its sacred space and its use of Bhojpuri to communicate. By unfolding and maintaining its difference, it is constantly demarcating its personal space from that of the Other. As this behaviour extends to the workplace, salient forms of non-traditional resistance surface in rural regions.
Single-PhaseHigh-Power Fuel Cell Converter With Direct Double-Frequency Ripple Current Control

This project proposes a direct double-frequency ripple current control in a single-phase high-power fuelcell converter that can accomplish low-frequency ripple-free input current without using large electrolytic capacitors.Such a ripple current may reduce fuel cell life span. It tends to decrease the fuel cell output capacity because the fuelcell controller trips under instantaneous over-current condition. In this proposed method the content of ripples incurrent is reduced without requirement of extra switching devices. A fuel cell power system that contains a dc–acinverter tends to draw an ac ripple current at twice the output frequency. Such a ripple current may reduce input celllifespan an advanced active control method is proposed to incorporate a current control loop in the dc–dc converter forripple reduction.
Adult-Onset Still’s Disease Diagnosed During Pregnancy: Case Report

Adult-onset rheumatoid arthritis di agnosed during pregnancy is very rare. Because it resem bles several infectious, malignant and other rheumatological disorders, its diagnosis and treatm n are often delayed. Highspiking fever with long duration during the organog enesis period exposes fetus to the well-known teratogen. A 28-year-oldwoman with fever, eruptions, myalgia, arthralgia and fatig ue applied at 6 weeks’ gestation in her first pregnancy. After he challenging evaluation, she was diagnosed to have adult-onset S till’s disease triggered by infectious mononucleosis. She was admi tted on corticosteroid therapy that resulted in the remission of sy mptoms and a healthy live-born infant. Adult-onset Still’s disea se must be considered during the evaluation of the fever of unknown origin. The association between disease and pregnancy had not been described, however, in the present report we wanted to em phasize the teratogenity of maternal hyperthermia, which is the main symptom of the disease.
A case of squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity treated with radical radiation in a patient with Fanconi anemia

Introduction: Fanconi anemia is an autosomal or X-linked recessive disorder due to germ-line mutations in DNA repair genes. head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common solid tumor in Fanconi anemia, of which oral cavity tumors are the most common. Due to impaired DNA repair mechanism these patients will have higher treatment related toxicity with radiotherapy and chemotherapy and concurrent chemotherapy is not an option. Case Report: We report a case of Fanconi anemia presented with carcinoma of oral cavity (Upper alveolus c T3 N0 M0), who was treated with radical radiation with reduced dose using volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy (VMAT i.e., rapid arc intensity modulated radiotherapy) with simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) with acceptable toxicity. She received 63.6 Gy to GTV, 54 Gy to high risk CTV, 49.5 Gy to low risk CTV in 30 fractions. She developed Grade II mucositis, Grade III fatigue, and Grade II skin reaction during the course of radiation. Patient is disease free and alive after 20 months of diagnosis. Conclusion: Radical radiation with reduced dose can be used as effective treatment in patients with Fanconi Ashwini Gopal1, Deleep Kumar Gudipudi1 Affiliations: 1DMRT, DNB RT, Registrar, Department of Radiation Oncology, Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and Research institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India; 2DNB RT, Consultant, Department of Radiation Oncology, Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Corresponding Author: Ashwini Gopal, 201, Sri Kuteer, Road no 8, Kakatheeya Hills, Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, 500081; Email: ashwini.3g@gmail.com Received: 10 November 2017 Accepted: 27 November 2017 Published: 26 December 2017 PEER REVIEWED | OPEN A CE S anemia in carcinoma oral cavity with acceptable acute toxicity and good local control.
Challenges in the Control and Elimination of Plasmodium vivax Malaria

The human malaria parasite Plasmodium vivax imposes unique challenges to its control and elimination. Primary among those is the hypnozoite reservoir of infection in endemic communities. It is the dominant source of incident malaria and exceedingly difficult to attack due to both inability to diagnose latent carriers and the potentially life-threatening toxicity of primaquine in patients with an inborn deficiency of G6PD, the only therapeutic option against hypnozoites. Large segments of endemic populations are not eligible for primaquine, and alternative strategies for managing the threat of relapse in any group have not been optimized or validated. Association of risk of primaquine failure against latent P. vivax with impaired alleles of P450 2D6 exacerbates the substantial pool of primaquine ineligibles. Resistance to chloroquine against acute P. vivax malaria commonly occurs; alternative therapies like ACTs are effective but seldom evaluated as a partner drug to primaquine in the essential radical cure. Many of the Anopheles mosquito vector of P. vivax in South and Southeast Asia, where >90% of infections occur, thrive in a diversity of habitats and exhibit wide ranges of feeding and breeding behavior. This chapter explores many of these challenges and possible approaches in controlling and eliminating endemic vivax malaria.
The Backdoor to Overconsumption: The Effect of Associating “Low-Fat” Food with Health References

Using a priming procedure, the authors study the influence of associating low-fat snack products with contextual health references (e.g., words, such as diet and fiber) on the consumption of these products. Health primes increase consumption of low-fat potato chips (Study 1) and lead consumers to report that they are closer to their ideal weight (Study 2). These results indicate that associating low-fat products with health references may contribute to rather than solve the obesity problem, and they have useful implications for public policy and society.
Standardization and Evaluation of Probiotic Shrikhand

Probiotics are viable microbial dietary supplements that, when introduced in sufficient quantities, positively influence the health mainly by improving the composition of intestinal microbiota. The World Health Organization (2001) defined probiotics as "live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host”. Probiotics can survive better in dairy products than in nondairy foods. Most of the probiotics can readily utilize lactose as an energy source for growth. Milk is one of the most important natural products consumed by people all around the world in one form or another. During fermentation the microorganisms convert lactose into lactic acid and its metabolites which confers improved digestibility and nutrition.
Applying phosphorus indices at a small agricultural watershed in Southern Brazil

Best management practices at watershed scale are essential to mitigate water pollution. The objectives of this study were: (1) to estimate the P-index in a small watershed with intensive agricultural use applying five P-index versions at three scales (watershed, sub-basin and agricultural field); (2) to assess the effect of the connectivity factors (distance between the agricultural field and the stream and width of riparian native vegetation) in estimating the risk of P loss. The five P-index versions resulted in a similar risk of P loss, 75 to 83 % of the whole watershed scale (agricultural plus forest areas) was classified as low or very low risk for P loss. At the agricultural area scale, 79 to 100 % of this area was classed as high and very high risk for P loss. The low risk of P loss at watershed scale is explained by the high occurrence of forest vegetation. The reduced distance between agricultural land and streams and/or the reduced width of riparian native vegetation increased the risk of P loss. Estimated P-index values at a sub-basin scale indicated lower risk of P loss compared to agricultural field scale. In order to better estimate the risk of P loss at an agricultural field scale, we advise using a P-index which considers also connectivity factors.
Heavy metals in the common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) from three reservoirs in the Czech Republic

Vičarová P., Dočekalová H. , Ridošková A. , Pelcová P. (2016): Heavy metals in the common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) from three reservoirs in the Czech Republic. Czech J. Food Sci., 34: 422–428. Toxic metals (cadmium, lead, and mercury) in the tissues of common carp fished from three reservoirs (Pilská, Domaninský, and Matějovský) in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands were measured in the period from April 2013 to September 2014 and the risk of consuming the fish from these localities was evaluated. During this project 25 fish specimens from each locality were analysed. The concentration of metals in muscle tissue and liver was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. A variation in the content of heavy metals in fish samples and fish tissues was demonstrated and discussed. Higher concentrations of cadmium in the fish tissue were found in 50 samples of carp liver. Because the fish liver is not commonly consumed, common carp from the Moravian-Moravian Highlands does not pose any health risk for consumers. Concentrations of the other monitored toxic metals in fish tissue were low and were complying with the maximum residue limit in all cases.
Corporate Brand Values Perception Gap Analysis as an Internal Marketing Management System Assessment Tool

One of the major problems facing Russian companies is the problem of differences between brand promises and the experience of actual consumer interaction with that brand, resulting in image destruction and the customers’ refusal from repeat purchases. Having taken as the basis the idea of gap analysis in perception of corporate brand values by different stakeholder groups (owners/top managers, personnel and customers), we have developed and tested a methodology of internal marketing management system assessment, assuming that a significant gap between declared, shared, and perceived brand values is a consequence of absence or inefficient functioning of this system
Establishing Semantic Similarity of the Cluster Documents and Extracting Key Entities in the Problem of the Semantic Analysis of News Texts

This paper is dedicated to the problem of establishing semantic similarity for the documents of the news cluster and extracting key entities from the article's text. The existing methods and algorithms for fuzzy duplicate detection texts are briefly reviewed and analysed, such as TF-IDF and its modifications, Long Sent, Megashingles and Log Shingles, and Lex Rand. The shingles algorithm essence and its main stages are described in detail. Several options of the parallel implementation for the shingles algorithm are presented: for multiprocessor heterogeneous computing systems using CUDA and Open CL and for distributed computing systems using Google App Engine. The parameters of the algorithm (operation time, acceleration) applied to the problem of the semantic analysis for news texts are assessed. In addition, the methods and algorithms for extracting key phrases from the news text are reviewed: graph methods, in particular TextRank, building horizontal visibility graphs, the Viterbi algorithm, types of Markov random fields method, as well as a comprehensive context-sensitive algorithm for news text analysis (a combination of statistical algorithms for extracting key words and algorithms for forming semantic coherence of the text blocks). These methods are analysed from the standpoint of applicability to the news articles analysis. Particular attention is paid to the peculiarities of the news text structure. Although the thematic classification and selection of key entities in text documents are powerful text processing tools, these stages of analysis cannot give a complete picture of the news piece semantics. The paper presents a methodology and a comprehensive analysis of news text, based on a combination of semantic analysis and subsequent text abstracting submitting it in a compressed format - so-called mind map.
A Study of Rock Magnetism of High-Grade Hematite Ores

Rock magnetism is useful in various applications. Hematite is one of the two most important carriers of magnetism in the natural world and its magnetic features were mostly studied through laboratory experiments using synthetic hematite samples. A gap exists between the magnetic behaviors of hematite contained in the natural rocks and ores and those of synthetic hematite samples. This paper presents the results of a rock magnetism study on the natural hematite ores from the Whaleback mine in the Hamersley Province in the northwest of Western Australia. It was found that high-grade hematite ores carry a much higher remanent magnetization than induced magnetization. Hematite ores with less than 0.1% magnetite appear to have an exponential correlation between the bulk susceptibility and hematite content in weight percentage, different from the commonly accepted linear relationship between the bulk susceptibility and hematite content obtained from synthetic hematite samples. The new knowledge gained from this study contributes to a better understanding of magnetic behaviors of hematite, particularly natural hematite, and hence applications to other relevant disciplines.
Impacts of Sea Surface Temperature on Coral Reefs in Mafia Island, Tanzania

Coral reefs are very sensitive and vulnerable to Sea Surface Temperature (SST) rise than their optimal maximum temperature (27°C). SST rise do not only affect coral reef but also fishery production. Line Intersect Transect (LIT) and key informant interview have been used to study the effect of SST on coral reefs in Chole bay and Jibondo in Mafia Island. Sea Surface temperature in Mafia has increased by 0.56°C since 2001 up to 2016. This increase has significant effect on coral reef health, as it causes coral bleaching and reduction of fish catch. In Mafia Island increase in SST from November 2015 up to April 2016 was exacerbated by El Nino incidence in the Indian Ocean. The El Nino incidence was very strong with the temperature rise of 2.3°C. Almost 50% of coral reefs in Mafia have been bleached in 2016 while from 2001 bleaching varied in yearly basis. That's, coral reefs tend to bleach from January to March in every year and recover from September to November in every year, but the 2016 bleaching incidence was very severe since, 40-60% was bleached in mafia Island.