Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Land-Cover Mapping by Markov Modeling of Spatial–Contextual Information in Very-High-Resolution Remote Sensing Images

Markov models represent a wide and general family of stochastic models for the temporal and spatial dependence properties associated to 1-D and multidimensional random sequences or random fields. Their applications range over a wide variety of subareas of the information and communication technology (ICT) field, including networking, automation, speech processing, genomic-sequence analysis, or image processing. Focusing on the applicative problem of land-cover mapping from very-high-resolution (VHR) remote sensing images, which is a relevant problem in many applications of environmental monitoring and natural resource exploitation, Markov models convey a great potential, thanks to their capability to effectively describe and incorporate the spatial information associated with image data into an image-classification process. In this framework, the main ideas and previous work about Markov modeling for VHR image classification will be recalled in this paper and processing results obtained through recent methods proposed by the authors will be discussed.
Contact Force Canonical Decomposition and the Role of Internal Forces in Robust Grasp Planning Problems

This article addresses the problem of grasping rigid objects us ing robot hands. A new formalism is presented that is suitable for representing the space of the contact forces that allow a grasped object to perform an assigned motion, and emphasis is placed on the advantages to be gained from this formalism when planning a "robust grasp. " In particular, a "canoni cal" represeratation of the space of so-called internal forces is given. Within this framework, an algorithm is proposed for the determination of feasible grasping and manipulation forces.
The convergence guarantees of a non-convex approach for sparse recovery using regularized least squares

Existing literatures suggest that sparsity is more likely to be induced with non-convex penalties, but the corresponding algorithms usually suffer from multiple local minima. In this paper, we introduce a class of sparsity-inducing penalties and provide the convergence guarantees of a non-convex approach for sparse recovery using regularized least squares. Theoretical analysis demonstrates that under some certain conditions, if the non-convexity of the penalty is below a threshold (which is in inverse proportion to the distance between the initialization and the sparse signal), the sparse signal can be stably recovered. Numerical simulations are implemented to verify the theoretical results in this paper and to compare the performance of this approach with other references.
Methods of Collecting and Analyzing of Civil Initiatives to Improve the Life -Support System

Civil initiatives require special methods of analysis. These capabilities have a hybrid research complexes. These research complexes are an integrative methodological apparatus for collecting and analyzing civil initiatives to improve the life -support system. The use of hybrid research complexes is based on the principles of interdisciplinarity. The complexes include reliance on the theoretical and methodological potential of related disciplines, innovative data collection technologies (civil initiatives), strategies and methods of qualitative and quantitative analysis. As a result of the application of quantitative and qualitative methodological complexes, the quantitative characteristics of the objects of research are filled with living meanings and experiences of a person; the situational uniqueness is preserved when it is possible to reach the levels of broad theoretical generalizations. Particular attention is paid to the use of classical methods of sociology in combination with methods of qualitative analysis. The article presents the architectonic hybrid methodological complex to work with civil initiatives. Keywords—civil initiatives, lifesupport system, hybrid methodological complex
Réseau de neurones à double convolution pour la classification de sentiments multi-domaines

Nous proposons d'utiliser un reseau de neurones pour classer les sentiments positifs et negatifs de commentaires issus du web participatif. Le reseau de neurones que nous presentons utilise une double convolution : dans chaque phrase, les mots sont projetes sur une premiere couche cachee. Ces representations de mots sont fusionnees pour obtenir une representation des phrases en dimension fixe (premiere convolution). Les phrases sont ensuite projetees sur une seconde couche cachee puis fusionnees au niveau du document (seconde convolution). Une derniere couche classique permet de prendre une decision globale. Cette approche presente la particularite de projeter les mots dans un espace semantique continu de dimension parametrable, a la maniere des algorithmes a variables latentes de type PLSA ou LDA. Toutefois, la construction de cet espace est totalement supervisee, les coordonnees des mots etant apprises par retro-propagation de l'erreur sur l'ensemble du reseau. Nous montrons l'interet de cette architecture sur la tache de classification de sentiments. Les performances en mono-domaine sont interessantes mais c'est surtout la robustesse lors du passage au multi-domaines qui distingue notre approche du reste de l'etat de l'art. Nous proposons des resultats qualitatifs et quantitatifs pour illustrer le fonctionnement du reseau.
Doctors and managers: a problem without a solution?

In preparing this theme issue on doctors and managers we were offered many sophisticated descriptions of the origin and nature of the tension between doctors and managers but fewer credible solutions. The fundamental problem is a paradox between calls for a common set of values and the need to recognise that doctors and managers do and should think differently. If managers suddenly became preoccupied with the needs of an individual patient, irrespective of the consequences for others or for their budget, then the health system would collapse. If doctors decided that their principal concern was to ensure the smooth running of the system and the delivery of policy irrespective of the consequences for the patient in front of them, then both the quality of care and public support would collapse. Doctors worry about patient outcomes. Managers worry about patient experience (which includes outcomes, but only as part of a mix to be met out of finite resources). Patients are, again, best served by a tension between the two. Admitting that this paradox …
Transepidermal water loss reflects permeability barrier status: validation in human and rodent in vivo and ex vivo models

Abstract: Permeability barrier function is measured with instruments that assess transepidermal water loss (TEWL), either with closed‐ or open‐loop systems. Yet, the validity of TEWL as a measure of barrier status has been questioned recently. Hence, we tested the validity of this measure by comparing TEWL across a wide range of perturbations, with a variety of methods, and in a variety of models. TEWL rates with two closed‐chamber systems (VapoMeter and H4300) and one closed‐loop system (MEECO) under different experimental in vivo conditions were compared with data from four open‐loop instruments, i.e. TM 210, TM 300, DermaLab and EP 1. The instruments were compared in vivo both in humans and hairless mice skin subjected to different degrees of acute barrier disruption. The values obtained with bioengineering systems were correlated with absolute water loss rates, determined gravimetrically. Measurements with both closed and open systems correlated not only with each other, but each method detected different degrees of barrier dysfunction. Although all instruments differentiated among gradations in TEWL in the mid‐range of barrier disruption in vivo, differences in very low and very high levels of disruption were less accurately measured with the H4300 and DermaLab systems. Nevertheless, a high Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was calculated for data from all instruments vs. gravimetrically assessed TEWL. Together, these results verify the utility of TEWL as a measure of permeability barrier status. Moreover, all tested instruments are reliable tools for the assessment of variations in permeability barrier function.
A study of substance abuse testing in patient care facilities

Drug testing, once practically ignored as a health care management strategy in curbing legal liability -potential, is now the norm rather than exception. Most hospitals today conduct drug tests involving employment considerations and “for cause” (e.g., accidents) involving most employees but excluding physicians. Random drug testing is recommended for health care institutions to consider as a strategy designed to reduce illicit drug abuse in such facilities. This recommendation is based on the nature and sensitivity of the health care institution's mission and purpose relative to patient care and safety.
Correlation between Sparring and Cognitive Function in Boxers of Two Boxing Camps in Medan

Banyak studi Neuropsikologis yang menyatakan bahwa tinju dapat mengakibatkan gangguan pada fungsi kognitif, khususnya memori, atensi dan pengolahan informasi. Resiko gangguan kognitif sehubungan dengan tinju – dementia pugilistica – telah dikenal selama bertahun-tahun. Resiko ini memerlukan perhatian dari para dokter, karena tinju merupakan olah raga yang populer dengan ribuan peserta. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui apakah nilai beberapa tes neuropsikologis yang dipilih berhubungan dengan dimensi paparan latih tanding tinju yang dipilih, terlepas dari norma- norma populasi umum. Studi potong lintang dilakukan pada bulan Maret – April 2005 pada 36 petinju dari dua sasana tinju di kota Medan. Seluruh peserta diminta untuk menyelesaikan 3 buah tes neuropsikologis: MMSE, SPMQ dan CDT. Data tentang seputar paparan latih tanding juga dikumpulkan. Rata-rata ± SD dari nilai MMSE pada peserta adalah 27 ± 1,95 (95% CI), sementara untuk SPMQ dan CD adalah 9,86 ± 0,35 (95% CI) dan 3,92 ± 0,28 (95% CI). Hubungan antara performa petinju dengan hasil tes neuropsikologis serta dengan umur dan rekor bertinjunya adalah tidak bermakna (p>0,05). Namun berbagai indeks dari paparan latih tanding berhubungan terbalik dengan nilai MMSE (p 0,05). Latih tanding yang lebih sering, berhubungan dengan penurunan performa pada porsi orientasi (p < 0,05) dan nilai total MMSE (p < 0,05). Sebagai kesimpulan, latih tanding yang melibatkan pukulan yang berulang-ulang pada kepala, dapat berhubungan dengan penurunan performa kognitif yang bermakna secara statistik.
Adaptative or maladaptative hypertrophy, different spatial distribution of myocardial contraction

Background: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) may be an adaptative remodelling process induced by physical training, or result from pathological stimuli. We hypothesized that different LVH aetiology could lead to dissimilar spatial distribution left ventricular (LV) contraction, and compared different components of LV contraction using 2‐dimensional (2‐D) speckle tracking derived strain in subjects with adaptative hypertrophy (endurance athletes), maladaptative hypertrophy (hypertensive patients) and healthy controls.
Toluene-4-monooxygenase, a three-component enzyme system that catalyzes the oxidation of toluene to p-cresol in Pseudomonas mendocina KR1

Pseudomonas mendocina KR1 grows on toluene as a sole carbon and energy source. A multicomponent oxygenase was partially purified from toluene-grown cells and separated into three protein components. The reconstituted enzyme system, in the presence of NADH and Fe2+, oxidized toluene to p-cresol as the first detectable product. Experiments with p-deutero-toluene led to the isolation of p-cresol which retained 68% of the deuterium initially present in the parent molecule. When the reconstituted enzyme system was incubated with toluene in the presence of 18O2, the oxygen in p-cresol was shown to be derived from molecular oxygen. The results demonstrate that P. mendocina KR1 initiates degradation of toluene by a multicomponent enzyme system which has been designated toluene-4-monooxygenase.
Role of endogenous endothelin-1 in experimental renal hypertension in dogs.

BACKGROUND Endothelin-1, a vasoconstrictive peptide released by endothelium, may be involved in the pathophysiology of hypertension. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the role of endogenous endothelin-1 in renal hypertension in dogs. The model of hypertension consisted of silk tissue wrapping of the left kidney, which produced hypertension associated with perinephritis after 6 to 8 weeks. METHODS AND RESULTS Thirty-two anesthetized open chest dogs were studied randomly: 8 dogs with perinephritic hypertension received the nonpeptidic ETA-ETB receptor antagonist bosentan (group 1); 8 other hypertensive dogs received the vehicle solution (group 2); 8 healthy dogs received bosentan (group 3); and 8 healthy dogs received the vehicle solution (group 4). Bosentan was injected as an intravenous bolus (3 mg/kg) followed by a 1-hour infusion at a rate of 7 mg.kg-1.h-1. In hypertensive dogs, bosentan produced a similar decrease (P = .0001) of both left ventricular systolic and mean aortic pressures, which averaged 38 mm Hg (-22% and -24%, respectively). These parameters remained unchanged with the vehicle solution. Left ventricular end-diastolic and left atrial pressures also declined significantly with bosentan (P = .0005 and P < .05, respectively). Left ventricular lengths tended to decrease. The other cardiovascular parameters (heart rate, peak [+]dP/dt, time constant of relaxation, and coronary vascular resistance) did not change significantly. In healthy dogs, bosentan decreased mean aortic pressure by 19 mm Hg (P = .004). Vehicle solution had no effect. Plasma endothelin-1 levels, similar under basal conditions in healthy and hypertensive dogs, increased 30-fold with bosentan (P = .0001). CONCLUSIONS Specific endothelin-1 receptor antagonism markedly lowers blood pressure in experimental hypertension but is less effective on blood pressure of healthy animals. This suggests that endothelin-1 plays a role in the pathophysiology of hypertension but contributes to a lesser extent to the maintenance of normal blood pressure. This role of endothelin-1 is unrelated to its plasma levels. The increase of plasma endothelin-1 with bosentan, due either to a displacement of endothelin-1 from its receptor or to a feedback mechanism, does not prevent this blood pressure reduction.
High interleukin-6 mRNA expression is a predictor of relapse in colon cancer.

AIM To investigate the expression of interleukin-6 (IL6) in colon cancer tissue, and to examine if the risk of relapse is influenced by IL6 expression. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fresh-frozen biopsies from tumor and normal adjacent tissues were taken from patients with colon cancer during surgery and stored at -80 °C. mRNA expression for interleukin-6 was evaluated with reverse transcription real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Survival analyses were carried-out using a Cox competing risk regression model. RESULTS IL6 mRNA was significantly more highly expressed in tumor tissue compared to normal adjacent tissue (p<0.001). We found no significant association with regard to IL6 expression and histological differentiation or cancer stage. We found a significant association between high IL6 expression and risk of relapse (Hazard Ratio=2.23, 95% CI=1.10-4.53; p<0.05), also when adjusted for clinicopathological characteristics (Hazard Ratio=2.16, 95% CI=1.07-4.40; p<0.05). CONCLUSION Interleukin-6 is up-regulated in colon cancer tissue at the transcriptional level and is significantly associated with increased risk of relapse.
The cellular and molecular basis of gastric mucosal defense

The association between colonization of the stomach by Helicobacter pylori and peptic ulcer disease has stimulated a renewal of interest in the factors that render the gastric mucosa resistant to injury induced by endogenous secretions and ingested toxins. Mucosal defense consists of a complex network of components that function in concert with one another. This network includes: 1) the extramucosal components such as acid, mucus, surface‐active phospholipids, and bicarbonate; 2) the epithelium itself; 3) the microcirculation and sensory afferent neurons beneath the epithelium; 4) the mu‐cosal immune system; and 5) the ability of the mucosa to undergo repair. In the past two decades, an enormous amount has been learned about the cellular and molecular basis of the various components of mucosal defense, including a better understanding of the chemical substances that coordinate mucosal responses to injury. In this paper, we review the factors that contribute to mucosal defense, the cellular and molecular mechanisms through which mucosal defense is modulated, and the chemical mediators that play key roles in this process. —Wallace, J. L. , Granger, D. N. The cellular and molecular basis of gastric mucosal defense. FASEB J. 10, 731‐740 (1996)
The Salmeterol Multicenter Asthma Research Trial: a comparison of usual pharmacotherapy for asthma or usual pharmacotherapy plus salmeterol.

STUDY OBJECTIVE To compare the safety of salmeterol xinafoate or placebo added to usual asthma care. DESIGN A 28-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, observational study. SETTING Study subjects were seen once in the study physician's office for screening and were provided all blinded study medication for the entire study period. Follow-up by telephone was scheduled every 4 weeks. PARTICIPANTS Subjects (> 12 years old) with asthma as judged by the study physician were eligible. Individuals with a history of long-acting beta2-agonist use were excluded. INTERVENTIONS Salmeterol, 42 mug bid via metered-dose inhaler (MDI), and placebo bid via MDI. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Following an interim analysis in 26,355 subjects, the study was terminated due to findings in African Americans and difficulties in enrollment. The occurrence of the primary outcome, respiratory-related deaths, or life-threatening experiences was low and not significantly different for salmeterol vs placebo (50 vs 36; relative risk [RR] = 1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.91 to 2.14). There was a small, significant increase in respiratory-related deaths (24 vs 11; RR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.06 to 4.41) and asthma-related deaths (13 vs 3; RR, 4.37; 95% CI, 1.25 to 15.34), and in combined asthma-related deaths or life-threatening experiences (37 vs 22; RR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.01 to 2.89) in subjects receiving salmeterol vs placebo. The imbalance occurred largely in the African-American subpopulation: respiratory-related deaths or life-threatening experiences (20 vs 5; RR, 4.10; 95% CI, 1.54 to 10.90) and combined asthma-related deaths or life-threatening experiences (19 vs 4; RR, 4.92; 95% CI, 1.68 to 14.45) in subjects receiving salmeterol vs placebo. CONCLUSIONS For the primary end point in the total population, there were no significant differences between treatments. There were small, but statistically significant increases in respiratory-related and asthma-related deaths and combined asthma-related deaths or life-threatening experiences in the total population receiving salmeterol. Subgroup analyses suggest the risk may be greater in African Americans compared with Caucasian subjects. Whether this risk is due to factors including but not limited to a physiologic treatment effect, genetic factors, or patient behaviors leading to poor outcomes remains unknown.
Throughput optimized architectural synthesis

This paper presents for the first time an optimization approach to synthesizing DSP-specific architectures which maximize throughput. A new integer programming (IP) model is presented that supports simultaneous scheduling, allocation, and retiming or loop winding. The IP model is used to map a DSP application to a high speed application-specific architecture which maximizes throughput given constraints on area and latency. Results show this approach optimally synthesizes architectures that have up to 12% higher throughputs than previously published architectures. This research provides industry with a DA tool for mapping DSP applications to high performance architectures optimized for throughput. >
A gestão do conhecimento no contexto de uma emergência em Saúde Pública: o caso da síndrome congénita do Zika vírus, em Pernambuco, Brasil

The Knowledge Management (GC) aggregates strategies of development, improvement, dissemination and use of knowledge influencing actions and decisions in the organizational context. It has to do with the creation, identification, capture, sharing and use of knowledge, approaching what is expected in response to a Public Health Emergency (ESP). The objective of this study was to analyze the GC of the Zika Virus Congenital Syndrome (SCZ) epidemic, in Pernambuco, state of northeastern Brazil. Based on an analytical model that explores dyadic capabilities fundamental to the value chain of the KM: Mapping and acquisition of knowledge; production and destruction of knowledge; integration and knowledge sharing; multiplication and protection of knowledge; knowledge performance and innovation, adapted to the components of an ESP, a qualitative study was conducted with open interviews and documentary analysis. The results point to the production of events and registrations in the criteria defined for the five dyadic capacities of the KM studied at the time of the SCZ epidemic, finding only knowledge / innovation performance gaps, especially with regard to the measurement of results and consequences achieved by the reproduction of knowledge.
High Altitude Arrhythmias

Objective: To investigate the cause and nature of palpitations occurring at high altitude. Methods: Implantable loop recorders were inserted subcutaneously in the left pectoral region of 9 healthy male volunteers. Subjects flew to Kathmandu (1,250 m) and then Lukla (2,800 m) before immediately commencing an identical ascent and descent profile to high altitude. The loop recorders were activated with any episode of palpitations and during exercise, rest and sleep. Arterial oxygen saturation was assessed concomitant with device activation. Results: Above 5,000 m all subjects reported palpitations during exercise. All subjects demonstrated sinus tachycardia and marked sinus arrhythmia; one subject demonstrated atrial flutter; one subject had non-conducted p waves, and a further subject had marked ST segment depression. Conclusions: Significant arrhythmias occur at high altitude. In view of the increased risk of sudden cardiac death at high altitude, and considering that the elderly account for 15% of the 100 million visitors to altitude annually, further investigation is required.