Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Efficiency of Importance Sampling Techniques for Polarization-Mode Dispersion in Optical Fiber Transmission Systems

An adaptive variance reduction technique was recently proposed to efficiently study transmission errors induced by polarization-mode dispersion (PMD) in optical fiber transmission systems. The technique combines importance sampling (IS) and the cross entropy (CE) method to bias Monte Carlo simulations. Here we (i) present a detailed study to quantify the computational efficiency of this technique, (ii) introduce a novel variant of the hinge model for PMD in optical fiber communication systems, and (iii) use the IS-CE technique to compare the statistical properties of various hinge models. Specifically, we compare the statistics of PMD-induced transmission impairments due to the traditional hinge model (isotropic hinge output), the waveplate hinge model (anisotropic hinge output), and the novel variant of the waveplate hinge model introduced here. We use computationally efficient expressions to determine the probability density function of the differential group delay, and we couple these techniques with t.
Keeping the spirit high: why trauma team training is (sometimes) implemented

Background: Systematic and multiprofessional trauma team training using simulation was introduced in Norway in 1997. The concept was developed out of necessity in two district general hospitals and one university hospital but gradually spread to 45 of Norway's 50 acute‐care hospitals over the next decade. Implementation in the hospitals has varied from being a single training experience to becoming a regular training and part of quality improvement. The aim of this study was to better understand why only some hospitals achieved implementation of regular trauma team training, despite the intentions of all hospitals to do so.
Social Mission in Health Professions Education: Beyond Flexner.

Education, research, and service are well-established missions of health professions schools and teaching hospitals in the United States. The role of social mission in these institutions is vitally important but less clear. Broadly defined, the social mission of a health professions school is the contribution of the school in its mission, programs, and the performance of its graduates, faculty, and leadership to enhancing health equity and to addressing the health disparities of the society in which it exists.1 School characteristics that are associated with commitment to social mission, include community engagement, promotion of diversity, reduction in health disparities, the responsible use of health resources, and a focus on the social determinants of health. Social mission is about making health not only better but fairer—more just, reliable, and universal. It focuses on the purpose of education in the health professions, the ethical dimension of what it is to be a teaching institution
Can echocardiography and ECG discriminate hereditary transthyretin V30M amyloidosis from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

Abstract Objective: Hereditary transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis with increased left ventricular wall thickness could easily be misdiagnosed by echocardiography as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Our aim was to create a diagnostic tool based on echocardiography and ECG that could optimise identification of ATTR amyloidosis. Methods: Data were analysed from 33 patients with biopsy proven ATTR amyloidosis and 30 patients with diagnosed HCM. Conventional features from ECG were acquired as well as two dimensional and Doppler echocardiography, speckle tracking derived strain and tissue characterisation analysis. Classification trees were used to select the most important variables for differentiation between ATTR amyloidosis and HCM. Results: The best classification was obtained using both ECG and echocardiographic features, where a QRS voltage >30 mm was diagnostic for HCM, whereas in patients with QRS voltage <30 mm, an interventricular septal/posterior wall thickness ratio (IVSt/PWt) >1.6 was consistent with HCM and a ratio <1.6 supported the diagnosis of ATTR amyloidosis. This classification presented both high sensitivity (0.939) and specificity (0.833). Conclusion: Our study proposes an easily interpretable classification method for the differentiation between HCM and increased left ventricular myocardial thickness due to ATTR amyloidosis. Our combined echocardiographic and ECG model could increase the ability to identify ATTR cardiac amyloidosis in clinical practice.
A motor learning model based on the basal ganglia in operant conditioning

In this paper, a motor learning model based on the basal ganglia (BG) in operant conditioning (OC) using actor-critic (AC) learning is presented. The model has three networks for realizing action selecting function of the BS, such as actor network, critic network and explorer network. Actor network uses a probabilistic fuzzy controller for action selection which is enhanced by the introduction of a probability measure into the learning structure based on OC learning. A tropism mechanism is designed for describing intrinsic motivation which is a key factor for animal learning and it can direct the orientation of the agent learning. Critic network is composed of a multi-layer feedforward network and the learning is enhanced by TD(λ) algorithm and gradient descent algorithm. Explorer network is to settle the conflict between exploration and exploitation. Through the experiments of cognitive experiment, the method endows the mobile robot with the capabilities of learning obstacle avoidance and finding the target actively.
Robust fuzzy controller design of nonlinear dynamic systems based on H ∞ optimal criterion

A new design method of fuzzy controllers to achieve H X optimal performance for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems is presented. The dynamic behaviour of a product-sum-type fuzzy controller is analysed and the result reveals that this type of fuzzy controller behaves approximately like a state feedback controller with non-constant feedback gains which are dependent on input signals. Based on the H X control design technique, a systematic analysis and design of the fuzzy controller is presented for guaranteeing the stability or even the performance. Even though the bound of the plant nonlinearity is unknown, the influence of the nonlinear term on the system error is attenuated to a prescribed level by the proposed fuzzy controller. Finally, the fuzzy controller is applied to the Duffing forced oscillation system, which confirms the validity of the controller.
Robust visual tracking with deep feature fusion

Recently, CNN (Convolutional Neural Network) based trackers have achieved promising results benefited from their robust feature representation. However, most trackers only use features from a certain layer, which limits their performance. In this paper, we propose a novel CNN based tracker. Firstly, we use local detection and global detection network for target localization. In local detection network, we fuse features from different layers to train a fully convolutional neural network for target localization. In case the local detection network fails when the target disappear for a while and appears in another location, we train a global detection network to detect if the target appears again. Then, we employ a correlation filter to estimate accurate scale of the target using HOG features extracted around predicted location. Extensive experiments on various challenging video sequences demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm compared with several state-of-the-art trackers.
A biomechanical analysis of hip compression loading during lifting.

The aims of the present study were (i) to calculate the magnitude and direction of the hip joint compressive force, (ii) to determine the influence of hip flexion angle on the compressive force and (iii) to design a diagram for easy predictions of hip extensor muscular forces. A biomechanical analysis was performed using data from dissection, combined with data from our previous investigations into hip load moments during lifting, and into length of hip extensor muscular moment arms. Waters' load-sharing data were also included in the biomechanical model. The compressive force during lifting a 126 N ( 12.8 kg) box in the sagittal plane with flexed and with straight knees was calculated to be between 2.6 and 3.2 times body weight and the force was found to be directed medially and slightly dorsally. At a constant hip joint loading moment, the degree of hip flexion greatly influenced the compressive force, the least force being obtained at 35° hip flexion. The use of the force prediction diagram developed i.
Superior qulities of swine breeds of china and their contribution to the world swine industry.

Pig raising has a long history in China. As early as about 6000-9000 years ago, local wild boars had been domesticated by the Chinese. The ancient Chinese people also paid great attention to selective breeding. In the Han Dynasty the superiority of Chinese pigs were known at home and abroad. During the Han Dynasty the small-ear pig in Southern China was introduced into Dachin Country (Roman Empire) to be bred into the ancient Roman pig. Up to the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the Chinese pig (Guangdong pig varietry) was introduced into the western countries such as the Great Britain and the USA. Since then it played an important role in the improvement of pig varieties in these countries.In recent years, due to the shortage of pig variety resources, some countries with developed pig industry have paid great attention to the Chinese pig varieties with high reproductivity and introduced them for crossbreeding. The results have been encouraging. And researches have been carried out in France, Britain, Japan and the Netherlands using Chines pigs to improve the reproductivity of pig varieties in these countries.World wide attension has been focused on the excellent characters of Chinese pigs and the breeding and management technology. They are the precious wealth of the whole mankind. We are thus expecting a glorious future.
El resultado internacional de las nuevas empresas. Una visión relacional asociada a la orientación al mercado de la red

[ES] Este trabajo profundiza en el estudio de los factores que influyen en la competitividad internacional de las nuevas empresas internacionales y, en consecuencia, en su resultado internacional. Aunando las disciplinas del emprendedurismo y del marketing internacional, se trata de remarcar la importancia del conocimiento relacional a traves de la influencia de la orientacion al mercado de la red en los resultados internacionales logrados por estas empresas en base al efector mediador de las ventajas competitivas. Los resultados obtenidos del contraste de hipotesis, mediante modelos de ecuaciones estructurales y analisis multi-muestra, confirman que la orientacion al mercado de la red resulta determinante en la obtencion de resultados internacionales superiores por parte de las nuevas empresas. Esta influencia se produce de forma indirecta a partir del efecto mediador de las ventajas competitivas en diferenciacion y costes desarrolladas por las mismas. Este estudio extiende la investigacion pasada en torno al emprendedurismo internacional, incluyendo nuevas aportaciones propias de la disciplina del marketing respecto a los antecedentes de la competitividad y los resultados de las nuevas empresas internacionales en los mercados exteriores. Ademas, los resultados obtenidos animan a emprendedores en el contexto internacional a considerar el valor explicito de otros factores distintos al conocimiento experiencial, que la empresa adquiere de forma gradual conforme se incrementa su experiencia en el mercado exterior, para darse cuenta del valor potencial que el conocimiento relacional asociado a la orientacion al mercado de la red tiene como antecedente para la consecucion de ventajas competitivas en el mercado internacional.
Azithromycin reduces airway inflammation in a murine model of lung ischaemia reperfusion injury

Clinical studies revealed that azithromycin reduces airway neutrophilia during chronic rejection after lung transplantation. Our aim was to investigate the possible effect of azithromycin on ischaemia‐reperfusion injury. Azithromycin or water was administered to mice every other day during 2 weeks (n = 6/group). On the 14th day, the left lung was clamped to induce ischaemia (90 min). In two additional groups, animals underwent the same protocol, followed by 4 h of reperfusion. Two control groups were included with thoracotomy only. Inflammatory parameters and oxidative stress were measured in broncho‐alveolar lavage of the left lung. Leukocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, 8‐isoprostane and IL‐1β levels after ischaemia and reperfusion were significantly reduced in mice treated with azithromycin. There was a trend towards lower IL‐6 and KC levels. A significant correlation was seen between 8‐isoprostanes and neutrophils (Pearson r = 0.72; P = 0.0086), IL‐6 (Pearson r = 0.84; P = 0.0006), KC (Pearson r = 0.88; P = 0.0002) and IL‐1β (Pearson r = 0.62; P = 0.0326). We conclude (i) that azithromycin reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in our IRI model, and (ii) that oxidative stress is correlated with the number of neutrophils and IL‐6, KC and IL‐1β levels after ischaemia and reperfusion. Azithromycin should be further investigated as a novel drug to prevent lung ischaemia‐reperfusion injury.
Functional Impairment and Quality of Life in Retired Workers of the Construction Trades

ABSTRACT This cross-sectional study compared the quality of life and physical health of retirees from the construction industry to that of retirees from more sedentary occupations. The feasibility of cooperation from the unions and their retirees for a larger health study was also examined. The mailed health survey assessed current physical functioning, role limitations as a result of poor health, pain, and past and current problems with falls and injuries. The survey was completed by 77 construction and 174 nonconstruction retirees. Results were striking with 42.1% of the construction retirees, compared to 12.9% of the male and 14.3% of female nonconstruction retirees reporting significantly poorer health. A multiple regression analysis comparing male construction to male nonconstruction retirees showed male construction retirees were almost five times more likely to report their health as being fair or poor. Further, significantly more male construction, versus male nonconstruction retirees, reported that their physical health reduced the time they were able to spend on daily activities. Almost one in five (19.4%) construction retirees described themselves as having severe to very severe pain versus 3.1% of the male nonconstruction retirees. Construction retirees reported significantly greater problems with their vision, neck and shoulders, hands and wrists, hips, knees, and ankle/feet joints. These findings suggest that with our rapidly aging population, there will be enormous physical, emotional, and financial costs related to construction work and that prevention and intervention measures are needed for current employees in this profession.
Stress Ratios in Entire Mine Stopes with Cohesionless Backfill: A Numerical Study

Evaluation of stress states in backfilled mine stopes (or similar openings), using arching theory, can be largely impacted by the value selected for the earth pressure coefficient, K = σ′h/σ′v. Recently, the current study’s authors addressed the debate about the value of K near the opening center, based on Rankine’s active coefficient (Ka) and at-rest coefficient (K0). Here, stress ratios in vertical backfilled stopes are numerically assessed (in two dimension, 2D), considering both the independent and related backfill internal friction angle (ϕ′) and Poisson’s ratio (ν). Emphasis is placed on the backfill state near stope walls, where local rotation of stresses occurs, so the coefficient (K) and principal stress ratio, Kps (= σ′3/σ′1), should be distinguished. Parametric analyses indicate that values of K and Kps depend on the position and the relationship between ϕ′ and ν. Near the opening center, K (= Kps) is close to Ka when ν or ϕ′ is below a critical value; otherwise the value approaches K0, defined from ν. Near both walls, Kps is always close to Ka, while K is near K0 for related ν − ϕ′ cases and depends on their respective values for independent ν and ϕ′. Additional simulations conducted with interface elements indicate that the stress ratios near the opening center line are insensitive to interface roughness and are almost identical to values obtained without interfaces, but the stress ratios near walls may change for less rough or smooth interfaces.
Reliability of Selected Antioxidants and Compounds Involved in One-Carbon Metabolism in Two Dutch Cohorts

Many epidemiological studies assess nutritional status based on single blood measurements, without verifying if these remain reliable over repeated measurements. This study assessed the reliability over a period of 2 to 5 yr of plasma carotenoids, vitamin C, retinol, tocopherols, and serum compounds involved in 1-carbon metabolism in a subsample of Dutch participants of European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). Blood samples from 38 men from MORGEN-EPIC and 35 women from Prospect-EPIC were collected between 1993 and 1997 and again after 2 to 5 yr. The reliability of plasma carotenoids, retinol, vitamin C, and tocopherols, and of serum folate, homocysteine, and vitamins B6 and B12 was estimated using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Serum homocysteine and vitamin B12 were highly reliable biomarkers, with ICCs of 0.91 and 0.75, respectively. All other analyzed biomarkers had a slight or fair reliability over several years (ICCs ranged from 0.17 to 0.56). Most examined biomarkers showed reliability values that may lead to considerable attenuation of the risk estimate when used as exposure assessment in a risk model. If multiple measurements are not available, the risk estimates can be adjusted for the regression dilution using the ICC as adjustment coefficient.
Analytical mechanics approaches in the dynamic modelling of Delta mechanism

SUMMARY The increasing importance of computational models for the design of complex mechanical systems raises a discussion on defining some criteria for the selection of adequate modelling methods. This paper aims to contribute to such discussion from an educational point of view. By choosing the Delta parallel mechanism as a typical representative of multi-body mechanical systems, four approaches – one based on the Principle of Virtual Work, two based on Lagrange's formalism, and one based on Kane's formalism – are analysed from the perspective of modelling procedures. Finally, inverse dynamic simulations are carried out along with qualitative comparisons of the considered approaches.
Iron Induces Anti-tumor Activity in Tumor-Associated Macrophages

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) frequently help to sustain tumor growth and mediate immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we identified a subset of iron-loaded, pro-inflammatory TAMs localized in hemorrhagic areas of the TME. The occurrence of iron-loaded TAMs (iTAMs) correlated with reduced tumor size in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Ex vivo experiments established that TAMs exposed to hemolytic red blood cells (RBCs) were converted into pro-inflammatory macrophages capable of directly killing tumor cells. This anti-tumor effect could also be elicited via iron oxide nanoparticles. When tested in vivo, tumors injected with such iron oxide nanoparticles led to significantly smaller tumor sizes compared to controls. These results identify hemolytic RBCs and iron as novel players in the TME that repolarize TAMs to exert direct anti-tumor effector function. Thus, the delivery of iron to TAMs emerges as a simple adjuvant therapeutic strategy to promote anti-cancer immune responses.
Hypertension and cardiovascular disease in women.

Despite the efforts of many healthcare professionals, voluntary health organizations, and policy makers, many women as well as many healthcare professionals are still unaware that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women. Surveys by the American Heart Association (AHA) indicate that <50% of women realize that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, and only 13% of women indicated that cardiovascular disease was their own greatest personal health threat.1 In 2004, the AHA launched the “Go Red for Women” movement to increase public awareness of this problem, and in the same year, …
Strategies for managing cytomegalovirus in transplant recipients

Importance of the field: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most important pathogen that affects transplant recipients, by directly causing clinical disease and by indirectly reducing patient and allograft survival. Areas covered in this review: This review provides a brief overview of the direct and indirect effects of CMV disease and the traditional and newly described factors that increase the risk of disease after transplantation. Newly acquired data in the diagnostics, prevention and treatment of CMV infection are discussed, with emphasis on guidelines for management as recently endorsed by the American Society of Transplantation and the Transplantation Society. What the reader will gain: The reader will gain up-to-date insights into the contemporary management of CMV after solid organ transplantation. Practical aspects of its diagnosis, prevention and treatment are discussed. Emerging concerns of late-onset CMV disease and antiviral resistance are also highlighted to emphasize the need to optimize CMV-prevention strategies. Take home message: Prevention of CMV disease is an important goal in the management of solid organ transplant recipients. The efficacy of CMV prevention should be measured not only by the significant reduction in CMV incidence but, as importantly, by the improvement in long-term allograft and patient survival.
Monitoring and detecting outliers for elder's life activities in a smart home: A case study

Monitoring the progress or deterioration of the elder's life activities is vital for a medical assistant or care helper to provide an early alert when an unusual activity may be happening in other days. In this study, we have considered a technique for monitoring and identifying abnormal behavior of health data collected from a smart home to help an elderly person to live safely in his/her home longer away from hospitals. We approach this by using statistical techniques. The proposed technique is applied in an intelligent environment where a network of wireless sensors is installed. To validate our approach, we use a real sensor data extracted from a smart home where an elderly lady living alone during one year. The experiment results show that the statistical test Modified Thompson tau successfully distinguishes the normal and abnormal behavioral patterns.