Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MORPHOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES IN SPERMATO ZOA OF HOUSE RAT DURING PASSAGE THROUGH THE EPIDIDYMIS

Morphological changes in sperm are one aspect of a maturation process during epididymal transit in mam als. Taking into account the importance of the sperm epi didymal maturation process and the consequential ch nges in the spermatozoa, we studied different sperm malformatio ns n the caput, corpus and cauda regions of the ep ididymis of healthy and sexually mature house rats in order to determin e the origin of these sperm abnormalities. Migratio n of the cytoplasmic droplet and induction of motility originate in capu t and increases progressively through corpus to cau da regions. During epididymal transit the percentage of immature and u viable spermatozoa decreases, indicating the exist ence of a mechanism that removes abnormal spermatozoa. The pr imary abnormalities like sperm head/acrosomal defec ts, acrosomal abnormalities and midpiece abnormalities were obser ved to be constant. In contrast, there was a small but significant increase in the proportion of spermatozoa with seco ndary abnormalities during epididymal transit. The results of this study demonstrate that the proportions of sperm abnormali ties originating in the testes decrease during epid idymal transport, while some sperm tail abnormalities may actually or iginate in the epididymis. Furthermore, the morphom etric studies showed a significant decrease in sperm head dimensi ons during passage through epididymis, probably due to acrosomal condensation. The change in acrosome size during ep ididymal passage is discussed in relation to the de velopment of fertilizing ability of rat spermatozoa. The complex pididymal maturation process of the sperm results in quantitative and qualitative changes that can be characterized in ea ch of the three epididymal regions.
How do gamified mobile apps influence customer value, satisfaction and behavioural intentions to cease smoking?

Providing customers greater value through technological and mobile services has been an evolving topic in the services marketing literature (Gummerus et al., 2011; Pihlström et al., 2008; van Riel et al., 2005). In particular, there is growth in the development of mobile phone applications (apps) as part of the service mix for transformative service programs, such as mental health and wellbeing (Schuster, et al. 2013), as well as smoking (Abroms et al., 2013). However, what is yet to be explained is the influence of the relatively new phenomenon of "gamification" (the use of game like design features) in these apps on key service outcomes, such as customer value, satisfaction and behavioural intentions. The current research seeks to address this gap in the context of mobile apps designed to encourage smoking cessation. Disciplines Business Publication Details Mulcahy, R. , Russell-Bennett, R. , Kuhn, K. & Zainuddin, N. (2016). How do gamified mobile apps influence customer value, satisfaction and behavioural intentions to cease smoking? American Marketing Association Services Special Interest Group (AMA SERVSIG) Conference (pp. 1-6). SERVSIG. This conference paper is available at Research Online: http://ro.uow. edu.au/buspapers/1144
The Effects of Oil Price Changes on the Industry-Level Production and Prices in the U.S. And Japan

In this paper, we decompose oil price changes into their component parts following Kilian (2009) and estimate the dynamic effects of each component on industry-level production and prices in the U.S. and Japan using identified VAR models. The way oil price changes affect each industry depends on what kind of underlying shock drives oil price changes as well as on industry characteristics. Unexpected disruptions of oil supply act mainly as negative supply shocks for oil-intensive industries and act mainly as negative demand shocks for less oil-intensive industries. For most industries in the U.S., shocks to the global demand for all industrial commodities act mainly as positive demand shocks, and demand shocks that are specific to the global oil market act mainly as negative supply shocks. In Japan, the oil-specific demand shocks as well as the global demand shocks act mainly as positive demand shocks for many industries.
Objectness Supervised Merging Algorithm for Color Image Segmentation

Ideal color image segmentation needs both low-level cues and high-level semantic features. This paper proposes a two-hierarchy segmentation model based on merging homogeneous superpixels. First, a region growing strategy is designed for producing homogenous and compact superpixels in different partitions. Total variation smoothing features are adopted in the growing procedure for locating real boundaries. Before merging, we define a combined color-texture histogram feature for superpixels description and, meanwhile, a novel objectness feature is proposed to supervise the region merging procedure for reliable segmentation. Both color-texture histograms and objectness are computed to measure regional similarities between region pairs, and the mixed standard deviation of the union features is exploited to make stop criteria for merging process. Experimental results on the popular benchmark dataset demonstrate the better segmentation performance of the proposed model compared to other well-known segmentation algorithms.
DeepLesion : a Diverse and Large-scale Database of Significant Radiology Image Findings

Large-scale datasets with diverse images and dense annotations are important in training effective computer-aided detection/diagnosis (CADe/CADx) algorithms, especially in the era of deep learning. However, most publicly available medical image datasets are either small (with hundreds of cases) [3] or contain only image-level labels. In addition, most datasets focus on only certain body parts, such as lung and liver [1]. Annotating medical image datasets is time-consuming and requires extensive clinical training. To solve these problems, we introduce our work in [5, 6]. A data mining strategy is proposed to harvest large-scale lesion-level annotations with minimum manual effort. DeepLesion, a lesion database with over 32K lesions of various types in CT images, was collected and used to train algorithms for multi-class lesion retrieval, matching, and detection. The dataset will be publicly released soon.
The Discrimination of Foreign Speech Contrasts by Infants and Adults.

TREHUB, SANDRA E. The Discrimination of Foreign Speech Contrasts by Infants and Adults. CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 1976, 47, 466-472. Infants 5-17 weeks of age were presented with foreign speech sounds which were contingent upon their nonutritive sucking. When the infants met a specified criterion of sucking decrement, a contrasting sound was substituted. Significant differences in response recovery for experimental versus control (no sound change) subjects were found for the contrast pairs [pa]-[p-a] and [za]-[ia]. Adults were presented with a comparable discrimination task for the foreign contrasts [za]-[ia] and the English contrasts [li]-[ri]. It was found that adults achieved perfect accuracy with English contrasts but readily confused the foreign contrasts. The implications of these results for theories of perceptual development are discussed.
Combining Knowledge and Reasoning through Probabilistic Soft Logic for Image Puzzle Solving

The uncertainty associated with human perception is often reduced by one’s extensive prior experience and knowledge. Current datasets and systems do not emphasize the necessity and beneﬁt of using such knowledge. In this work, we propose the task of solving a genre of image-puzzles (“image riddles”) that require both capabilities involving visual detection (including object, activity recognition) and, knowledge-based or commonsense reasoning. Each puzzle involves a set of images and the question “what word connects these images? ”. We compile a dataset of over 3k riddles where each riddle consists of 4 images and a groundtruth answer. The annotations are validated using crowd-sourced evaluation. We also deﬁne an automatic evaluation metric to track future progress. Our task bears similarity with the commonly known IQ tasks such as analogy solving, sequence ﬁll-ing that are often used to test intelligence. We develop a Probabilistic Reasoning-based approach that utilizes commonsense knowledge about words and phrases to answer these rid-dles with a reasonable accuracy. Our approach achieves some promising results for these rid-dles and provides a strong baseline for future attempts. We make the entire dataset and re-lated materials publicly available to the community ( bit.ly/22f9Ala ).
Theory of Fine Sediment Infiltration into Immobile Gravel Bed

A theoretical model is developed to describe the process of fine sediment infiltration into immobile coarse sediment deposits. The governing equations are derived from mass conservation and the assumption that the amount of fine sediment deposition per unit vertical travel distance into the deposit is either constant or increases with increasing fine sediment fraction. Model results demonstrate that fine sediment accumulation decreases rapidly with depth into coarse substrate initially void of fine sediment, which is consistent with experimental observations that significant fine sediment infiltration occurs to only a shallow depth. Comparisons of the theory with flume data indicate that the model adequately reproduced the weighted-averaged fine sediment fraction values from experiments. An early model developed by Sakthivadivel and Einstein for fine sediment infiltration is in part based on the generally incorrect assumption that intragravel flow remains constant following fine sediment infiltration. Applying a correction to the Sakthivadivel and Einstein model based on alternate hypothesis that introgravel flow is driven by a constant head gives similar results as the proposed model.
Equine Piroplasmosis: Current status

Equine piroplasmosis (EP) caused by apicomplexan haemoprotozoan parasites , Babesia caballi and Theileria equi poses a threat to intercontinental maneuver of equids. It is diff used by infected ixodid ticks, contaminated blood s ources needlesand also by transplacental route. For potent chemotherapy to be effective, timely confirmation is required along w ith a swift test to provide an early diagnosis . Affirmation of EP in blood smear or by in vitro technique is an utter method of confirmation, but f or this well-furnished laboratory, experienced person and more time is required. So, many different serodiagno stic tests such as the complement fixation test (CFT), indirect fluorescen t antibody test (IFAT), enzyme linked immuneosorbent assay (ELISA) has been recommended for detecting the presence of anti bodies to Babesia spp. These have several disadvantages, including lo w sensitivity for detecting latent infections and fal se-positive results. To increase sensitivity and di fferentiate between current and past infection ELISA may be an alternative, but its main demerit is its poor specificity and limited a ntigen supply. Now a day’s more specific and accurate techniques are available for the direct detection of the parasites, i.e. Po lymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting different genes of DNA probes. Since ther e is no vaccine available for EP, thus, the control must include effective tick control, serological, molecular monitoring of equid s and the application of antiprotozoal drugs.
APPLICATION OF MOLECULAR MARKERS IN LIVESTOCK IMPROVEMENT

With recent developments in DNA technologies, a large number of genetic polymorphisms at DNA sequence level has been introduced over the last decades as named DNA-based markers. The discovery of new class of DNA profiling markers has facilitated the development of marker-based gene tags, mapbased cloning of livestock important genes, variability studies, phylogenetic analysis, synteny mapping, marker-assisted selection of favourable genotypes, etc. The most commonly used DNA-based markers have advantages over the traditional phenotypic and biochemical markers since they provide data that can be analyzed objectively. In this article the main applications of molecular markers in present-day breeding strategies for livestock improvement - parentage determination, genetic distance estimation, genetic diversity, gene mapping and marker-assisted selection have been reviewed.
A Hierarchical Model for Oxygen Dynamics in Streams

Although oxygen frequently limits aquatic ecosystems, broad temporal-spatial oxygen dynamics in streams and consequences for aquatic life are poorly understood. In this perspective, we quantified dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations (mg·L–1) in six low-gradient streams in Illinois, USA, using semicontinuous data loggers at multiple sites during summer 2005 (a severe drought year) and summer 2006. We then interpreted these patterns in the context of known responses of stream organisms to DO. Daily median and minimum DO concentrations varied among sites, even within streams. Daily mean discharge (m3·s–1) explained as much as 63% of the variance in DO during both the drought and nondrought years, with increasing discharge (often concomitant with declining temperature) causing DO concentrations to increase in most large stream reaches and to decline in many small streams. Biological responses to this variation in DO are uncertain, although our review suggests that minimum daily concentrations within several o.
A reversed hierarchy of active normal faults: the 6 April 2009, M w 6.3, L'Aquila earthquake (Italy)

Abstract. Understanding the relationship between seismogenic slip at depth and surface deformation is fundamental in any seismic hazard analysis because the assessment of the earthquake potential of large continental faults relies largely on field investigations. The well-documented 6 April 2009, Mw 6.3, L'Aquila earthquake affords a unique opportunity to explore the relationships between the activity of the deep source and its surface evidence. We used available high-resolution geologic, geodetic and seismological data aided by analogue modeling to reconstruct the geometry of the seismogenic rupture in relation with surface and sub-surface faults. We contend that the earthquake was caused by a blind fault, controlled at depth by pre-existing discontinuities and expressed at the surface by pseudo-primary breaks resulting from coseismic crustal bending. Finally, we propose a scheme for hierarchizing normal faults that explains all surface occurrences related to blind faulting in the frame of a single, mechanically coherent, interpretative model. Failure to appreciate such complexity may result in severe over– or under-estimation of the local seismogenic potential.
CHANGES IN MOVEMENT REGULARITY DURING LEARNING OF A NOVEL DISCRETE TASK

Sample entropy and surrogate methods were employed to investigate changes in regularity of movement profiles during the learning of a novel discrete task under contextual interference conditions by two groups. The contextual interference effect was confirmed. Surrogate methods were used to show the presence of deterministic dynamics in observed data. Trends of decreased and increased movement regularity for groups 1 and 2 respectively were observed. The relative stage of learning and the ability to operate within an acceptable range of variability/complexity may explain these trends. Entropy estimates as a measure of regularity may provide important information about the learning of discrete tasks.
Concept Mapping and the CO-OP Approach with Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder : Exploring Participant Experiences

Background: To explore the experiences of adolescents with ASD participating in a novel occupationally based intervention. Methods: The intervention used concept mapping in combination with the CO-OP approach with 10 adolescents with ASD in a 4-week program focused on developing life skills they deemed as important in their transition to adulthood. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed using deductive thematic analysis informed by Self-Determination Theory and occupationally relevant theoretical frameworks. This study is part of a larger feasibility project and focuses on the analysis of participant reflections and researcher field notes. Results: Five themes emerged: finding a sense of balance through negotiating tensions; a sense of “we” and a sense of “I”; selecting purposeful, meaningful, and authentic occupations; multimodal tools; and action through participating in doing. Conclusion: This study highlights valuable participant insights into their involvement in a novel occupationally based intervention that will inform the program’s on-going development and implementation. Comments The authors report no conflicts of interest to disclose.
Airframe Design for "Silent Aircraft"

The noise goal of the Silent Aircraft Initiative, a collaborative effort between industry, academia and government agencies led by Cambridge University and MIT, demands an airframe design with noise as a prime design variable. This poses a number of design challenges and the necessary design philosophy inherently cuts across multiple disciplines involving aerodynamics, structures, acoustics, mission analysis and operations, and dynamics and control. This paper discusses a novel design methodology synthesizing first principles analysis and high-fidelity simulations, and presents the conceptual design of an aircraft with a calculated noise level of 62 dBA at the airport perimeter. This is near the background noise in a well populated area, making the aircraft imperceptible to the human ear on takeoff and landing. The all-lifting airframe of the conceptual aircraft design also has the potential for a reduced fuel burn of 124 passenger-miles per gallon, a 25% improvement compared to existing commercial aircraft. A key enabling technology in this conceptual design is the aerodynamic shaping of the airframe centerbody which is the main focus of this paper. Design requirements and challenges are identified and the resulting aerodynamic design is discussed in depth. The paper concludes with suggestions for continued research on enabling technologies for quiet commercial aircraft.
BER Performance Analysis of Coarse Quantized Uplink Massive MIMO

Having lower quantization resolution, has been introduced in the literature, as a solution to reduce the power consumption of massive MIMO and millimeter wave MIMO systems. In this paper, we analyze bit error rate (BER) performance of quantized uplink massive MIMO employing a few-bit resolution ADCs. Considering Zero-Forcing (ZF) detection, we derive a closed-form quantized signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) to achieve an analytical BER expression for coarse quantized M-QAM massive MIMO systems, by using a linear quantization model. The proposed expression is a function of quantization resolution in bits. We further numerically investigate the effects of different quantization levels, from 1-bit to 4-bits, on the BER of three modulation types of QPSK, 16-QAM, and 64-QAM. Uniform and non-uniform quantizers are employed in our simulation. Numerical BER results reveal that analytical formula gives a tight upper bound for the BER performance of b-bit resolution quantized systems using non-uniform quantizers, whereas the use of uniform quantizers cause a lower performance for the same systems. We also found a small BER performance degradation in coarse quantized systems, for example 2-3 bits QPSK and 3-4 bits 16-QAM, compared to the full-precision (unquantized) case. However, this performance degradation can be compensated by increasing the number of antennas at the BS.
Transformation optics approach for Goos-Hänchen shift enhancement at metamaterial interfaces

Since its first observation in 1947, the Goos-Hänchen effect—an electromagnetic wave phenomenon where a totally reflected beam with finite cross section undergoes a lateral displacement from its position predicted by geometric optics—has been extensively investigated for various types of optical media such as dielectrics, metals and photonic crystals. Given their huge potential for guiding and sensing applications, the search for giant and tunable Goos-Hänchen shifts is still an open question in the field of optics and photonics. Metamaterials allow for unprecedented control over electromagnetic properties and thus provide an interesting platform in this quest for Goos-Hänchen shift enhancement. Over the last few years, the Goos-Hänchen effect has been investigated for specific metamaterial interfaces including graphene-on-dielectric surfaces, negative index materials and epsilon- near-zero materials. In this contribution, we generalize the approach for the investigation of the Goos-Hänchen effect based on the geometric formalism of transformation optics. Although this metamaterial design methodology is generally applied to manipulate the propagation of light through continuous media, we show how it can also be used to describe the reflections arising at the interface between a vacuum region and a transformed region with a metamaterial implementation. Furthermore, we establish an analytical model that relates the magnitude of the Goos-Hänchen shift to the underlying geometry of the transformed medium. This model shows how the dependence of the Goos-Hänchen shift on geometric parameters can be used to dramatically enhance the size of the shift by an appropriate choice of permittivity and permeability tensors. Numerical simulations of a beam with spatial Gaussian profile incident upon metamaterial interfaces verify the model and firmly establish a novel route towards Goos-Hänchen shift engineering using transformation optics.
Macroeconomic interactions between Latin America and China-India in a dynamic Intertemporal model of the world economy

This paper develops a perfect foresight dynamic intertemporal general equilibrium model of the world economy to study the nature of the short-run adjustment process and the likely quantitative impacts of economic, trade policy and financial reform developments in China and India on Latin America as a whole. A sequence of simulation experiments suggests that tariff reductions, rapid growth and financial liberalization reform in China and India have minor negative effects on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and technological growth, consumption and investment in Latin America and relatively stronger effects - but still small - on trade patterns, financial capital inflows, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and relative prices. Trade liberalization and rapid economic growth based on productivity growth in China and India likely depress relative prices of primary commodities and manufactures produced in the developing world, causing a slight deterioration of the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region's terms of trade. The trade balance to GDP ratio improves slightly over the medium term as exports increase while imports fall somewhat. The destinations for Latin America exports tilt away from China and India and toward developed country markets as its export prices fall while imports from the developed world are substituted, in relative terms, with imports from China and India. Foreign direct investment flows toward Latin America fall by less than one percent relative to trend. With the emergence of China-India as a marginal net creditor to the rest of the world, FDI inflows in the future may come from this region, competing with developed countries for the role of FDI source.
Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments from the Changjiang River

Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in the sediments from the main stream and the tributary of the Changjiang River. PAHs contents in the sediments from the Changjiang River ranged from 10.31 ng/g to 1239 ng/g, which were most likely related to human activities. Meanwhile, these results were lower than that of polluted area. PAH isomer ratios showed that PAHs were derived primarily from combustion, and minor amounts of PAHs are from direct input of petroleum.