Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Local problem forests: Classifier training for locally limited sub-problems using spectral clustering

Voxel-wise classification for image segmentation often suffers the drawback, that the learnt global classification model only insufficiently captures sub-problems locally limited in problem space. We propose a novel method using spectral clustering to partition the global problem space into strongly connected clusters representing sub-problems. With fuzzy training set sampling, overlapping local problem classifiers are subsequently trained for each. Evaluation on a database of 37 magnetic resonance images displaying ischemic stroke lesions shows a significant improvement in segmentation accuracy compared to standard decision forest.
A Study of Children with Epilepsy Attending Ordinary Schools. I: Their Seizure Patterns, Progress and Behaviour in School

Among 85 school‐children with epilepsy attending ordinary schools, 31.2 per cent were achieving an above‐average level of work, 53.1 per cent were holding their own at a below‐average level and 15.6 per cent were falling seriously behind. 21.1 per cent were showing deviant behaviour which presented their teachers with problems of management.
Developing a wearable wrist glove for fieldwork support: A user activity-driven approach

This paper presents a wearable assistance system for service and maintenance personnel in industrial facilities, when used together with mobile smart devices. It provides a practical interaction metaphor designed to fully utilize the user's physical activities, such as touch and hand gestures. As a result of a user activity-driven design approach, the presented system frees user from various constraints during various working operations. Especially, our new developed gesture input method enables the user to immediately interact with services using one-handed motions in an arbitrary postures. Furthermore, an event-driven architecture is proposed to solve the power management problem. We also developed a wristwatch-like wearable device to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results presented in this paper demonstrate that the proposed system not only allows for effective and satisfactory service but also cuts down on errors and oversights. Finally, potential applications of this research that include design guidelines for future interface configurations are discussed.
Exploring synergies between academia and vaccine manufacturers: a pilot study on how to rapidly produce vaccines to combat emerging pathogens

Abstract Background: In spring 2009, a new swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus emerged in Mexico. During the following weeks the virus spread worldwide, prompting the World Health Organization to declare the first influenza pandemic of the 21st century. Sustained human-to-human transmission and severe disease progression observed in some patients urged public health authorities to respond rapidly to the disease outbreak and vaccine manufacturers to develop pandemic influenza vaccines for mass distribution. With the onset of the pandemic we began to explore the potential of academic/industrial collaboration to accelerate the production of vaccines during an outbreak of an emerging virus by combining the use of an academic BSL-4 laboratory with the expertise of a commercial vaccine manufacturer. Methods and results: To obtain virus seed stocks used for the production of a vaccine to combat the pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza virus (H1N1pdm), we followed various strategies: (i) optimization of cell culture conditions for growth of wild-type H1N1pdm isolates; (ii) classical reassortment of H1N1pdm and standard influenza vaccine donor strain PR8; and (iii) generation of corresponding reassortant viruses using reverse genetics. To ensure a rapid transition to production, the entire potential seed stock development process was carried out in a certified canine kidney suspension cell line (MDCK 33016-PF) under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions. Conclusions: The outcome of this study indicates that a combination of different experimental strategies is the best way to cope with the need to develop vaccines rapidly in the midst of an emerging pandemic.
Low-energy design of a 3G-compliant turbo decoder

In this work, a rate-1/3 8-state log-MAP turbo decoder for third-generation wireless terminals is designed. Several architectural and logic level techniques are applied to reduce area and power, and increase throughput of the turbo decoder. Furthermore, an efficient dynamic-iterative technique, reliable at both poor and good channel conditions, is applied for additional power reduction of the turbo decoder. After modeling the turbo decoder in VHDL, it is synthesized and optimized into 0.18 /spl mu/ CMOS standard cells. The gate-level design has an estimated core area of about 0.58 mm/sup 2/. The turbo decoder works at a maximum clock frequency of 100 MHz, and with an upper limit of 5 iterations, it achieves a 5 Mb/s data rate and consumes about 50 mW of power. Hence, the designed turbo decoder has an energy efficiency of 2 nJ/b/iteration.
Understanding Quantum Tunneling through Quantum Monte Carlo Simulations.

The tunneling between the two ground states of an Ising ferromagnet is a typical example of many-body tunneling processes between two local minima, as they occur during quantum annealing. Performing quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) simulations we find that the QMC tunneling rate displays the same scaling with system size, as the rate of incoherent tunneling. The scaling in both cases is O(Δ^{2}), where Δ is the tunneling splitting (or equivalently the minimum spectral gap). An important consequence is that QMC simulations can be used to predict the performance of a quantum annealer for tunneling through a barrier. Furthermore, by using open instead of periodic boundary conditions in imaginary time, equivalent to a projector QMC algorithm, we obtain a quadratic speedup for QMC simulations, and achieve linear scaling in Δ. We provide a physical understanding of these results and their range of applicability based on an instanton picture.
Frame alignment in a digital carrier system-a tutorial

Four key timing parameters that are used as performance measures are defined; reframe time, false in-frame time, out-of-frame detection time, and misframe time. Several strategies that improve frame alignment performance are considered for the case of a burst frame alignment word (FAW). With a little modification, the same strategies could also be applied to the case of a distributed FAW. The probability generating function is introduced, and its derivation from a state transition diagram is presented. The probability generating function is used in the timing parameters estimation. As an example, the frame alignment of a SONET (synchronized optical network) STS-3 signal is discussed. <<ETX>>
Lessons learned from small store programs to increase healthy food access.

OBJECTIVES To document implementation challenges and opportunities associated with small store interventions. METHODS Case study analysis of small store interventions conducted in 4 regions of the US. We systematically generated matrices to compare and contrast lessons learned to advance implementation science. RESULTS Seven thematic areas were identified including: establishing relationships with stores, store owner and customer relationships, selection of intervention approaches, stocking healthier foods, evaluation, maintenance of changes, and dissemination. CONCLUSIONS This information provides guidance to researchers and practitioners wishing to design, implement, and evaluate small store interventions.
Making the strange familiar: Bridging boundaries on database preservation projects

Archive authorities develop information resources to enable public offices to meet their obligations under their jurisdiction's public records laws. Particular care is taken to ensure that these materials equip their audience with the necessary context and knowledge. Our current work with the evaluation of tools and processes for the preservation of relational databases causes us to question whether good documentation will be enough. In this paper we describe our experiences at the Public Record Office Victoria (PROV), Australia, in developing processes and guidance for the preservation of relational databases. We find that these projects are different to ‘traditional’ transfers, and that their novelty and technical challenges may be made more difficult by organizational and conceptual complexities. We posit that the nature of such projects may require more than the knowledge of what must be done and how it should be done. We reason that these projects may be hindered by the lack of a shared language to communicate across organisational or functional boundaries. Using database preservation projects as an example, we discuss the potential contribution that theoretical perspectives such as boundary objects (Star), transmission theory (Shannon) and externalization (Norman) may make to our development of guidance and how this may assist the support of cross-functional dialogue. While focused on database preservation projects, this approach may be generalisable to other cross-disciplinary and cross-functional work.
Development of Self-Stabilizing Manipulator Inspired by the Musculoskeletal System Using the Lyapunov Method

The stabilization of man-made dynamic systems has been achieved by sensor-based state feedback control with high computational bandwidth, fast signal transmission speed, and stiff joints. In contrast, many biological systems can achieve similar or superior stable behavior with low computational bandwidth, slow signal transmission speed via the nervous system, and flexible joints. The concept of self-stabilization has recently been proposed and widely investigated to explain this phenomenon. Self-stabilization is defined as the ability to restore its original state after a disturbance without any feedback control. In this paper, the stabilizing function of a musculoskeletal system for arbitrary motion in the vertical plane is analytically investigated using Lyapunov stability criteria. Based on this investigation, the method of designing a new actuator that can assign a self-stabilizing function to a robotic arm is introduced and a self-stabilizing manipulator is physically realized. As a result, a theoretically predicted self-stabilizing function is experimentally verified and explains why a biological musculoskeletal system can be stabilized with feedforward control.
An Improved Current-Fed ZVS Isolated Boost Converter for Fuel Cell Applications

This paper proposes an improved current-fed zero-voltage switching isolated boost converter suitable for fuel cell applications. Preserving the inherent advantages of the current-fed converter which include smaller input current ripple, lower diode voltage rating, and lower transformer turns ratio, the proposed converter does not require any clamping and start-up circuits unlike the conventional current-fed converters. The voltage ratings of the primary switches and secondary diodes of the proposed converter are significantly reduced. Some alternative schemes of the proposed converter without the voltage-second unbalance are presented. These characteristics of the proposed converter lead to a high overall efficiency over wider load range. Experimental results on a 1 kW prototype are provided to validate the proposed concept.
The Development of NGOs in China

This article presents an analysis of the development of NGOs in China. It is comprised of six sections — the concept of NGOs in China, the history of their development, relevant legislation, current status, existing problems and academic research on NGOs. Chinese NGOs are divided into two broad categories: social associations (shehui tuanti) which have legal status and (2) private non-enterprise organizations (minban feiqiye danwei). The latter do not have legal status but are more analogous to the concept of NGOs widely accepted by the international community. Chinese NGOs can also be distinguished by whether they were established by either a “top-to-bottom” or “bottom-to-top” process. The development of China’s NGOs has gone through three unique stages in modern Chinese history and their current status has been heavily influenced by the China’s rapid economic development since the 1980s. The legal system monitoring the registration and administration of NGOs is evolving. The current system is based on the concept of “duel management” (Shuangchong guanli) that places restrictions on their development. Recent reforms in China have loosened the monopolizing role of the government in providing social services and have created greater operating room for Chinese NGOs. In addition, the dedication of Chinese NGOs to resolving social problems has won them greater acceptance by both the Chinese government and the public. The most active organizations among them often focus on social development. In general, Chinese NGOs are at an early stage of development and are challenged by many organizational problems and financing difficulties. Chinese scholars are devoting themselves to analyzing and evaluating information networks and policy developments in hopes of better understanding and increasing the role of Chinese NGOs. A recently formed research team at the NGO Research Center of Tsinghua University has been applying itself to a large-scale investigation of China’s NGOs since 1999. It is also working on establishing a NGO Evaluation System and educating NGO leaders through a series of short-term training seminars.
ACTIVATORS OF LUMINESCENCE IN SPELEOTHEMS AS SOURCE OF MAJOR MISTAKES IN INTERPRETATION OF LUMINESCENT PALEOCLIMATIC RECORDS

This work summarizes the main results of the operation of the International Program “Luminescence of Cave Minerals” of the commission on Physical Chemistry and Hydrogeology of Karst of UIS of UNESCO in the field of activators of speleothem luminescence. It discusses Activators of Luminescence in Speleothems as a source of major mistakes in the interpretation of luminescent paleoclimatic records. It demonstrates the existence of 6 types of luminescence of speleothems and cave minerals in dependence of the type of the luminescence center and its incorporation in the mineral. 24 different activators of photoluminescence of speleothem calcite and 11 of aragonite are studied. This paper demonstrates that it is impossible to produce reliable Paleotemperature or Past Precipitation records from luminescence of speleothems without establishing the organic origin of the entire luminescence of the particular sample.
Factors Influencing Progression of Keratoconus 2 Years After Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking in Pediatric Patients

Purpose: To assess the preoperative patient characteristics that may predict outcomes of keratoconus 2 years after corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in pediatric patients with keratoconus. Methods: This retrospective study included 72 eyes of 52 consecutive patients with keratoconus under the age of 18 with 2-year follow-up after CXL. Subgroup analysis and cutoff values were determined as per age (<14 and ≥14 years), sex, baseline uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities (UCVA, CDVA; <0.8 and ≥0.8 logMAR), topographic cone location (central and paracentral), maximum keratometry (K-max, <54 and ≥54 diopters), and corneal thickness at the thinnest point (thCT) (<450 and ≥450 &mgr;m) to evaluate the associations between preoperative patient characteristics and outcomes of CXL treatment in terms of K-max. Postoperative progression in K-max was defined as steepening of 1.0 diopter or more. Results: Average age of patients was 14.8 ± 2.2 (9–17) years. After 2 years, the mean UCVA significantly improved and the mean thCT significantly decreased in all patients (P = 0.023, P < 0.001, respectively). The K-max in patients with paracentral cones and/or with thCT less than 450 &mgr;m were more likely to progress (cone location: P = 0.023, odds ratio = 3.21, 95% confidence interval, 1.17–8.72; thCT: P = 0.008, odds ratio = 4.54, 95% confidence interval, 1.46–14.14). Age, sex, baseline UCVA, CDVA, and K-max did not present any significant effect on progression of CXL after treatment (P > 0.05 for all variables). Conclusions: In pediatric patients with keratoconus, cone location and the baseline thinnest corneal thickness seem to affect the success rate of CXL treatment after 2-year follow-up.
Redefining Online Discussions: Using Participant Stances to Promote Collaboration and Cognitive Engagement

Advances in technology are having a profound impact on distance education as online learning is becoming a preferred educational option. Within these online learning experiences, the asynchronous online discussion has evolved into one of the most commonly used communication tools. However, a lack of cognitive processing and interaction in the discussions appears to limit the potential benefits as suggested within social constructivist theories. This research analyzed participant responses and postings in online discussions and identified seven stances relative to collaboration and cognitive engagement of participants. A taxonomy was created that allows categorization of participant stances with respect to the two constructs. Implications for teaching and research are presented with attention to facilitative prompts, which are used to enhance collaboration and participation within online discussions.
Using Analytic Hierarchy Process for Supplier Selection

Abstract The supplier selection process is perhaps the most important of the purchasing function. Some of the common and important criteria in the selection of a supplier are quality, price, delivery and service. These evaluation criteria often conflict and it is frequently impossible to find one supplier that excels in all areas. In addition, some of the criteria are quantitative and some are qualitative. Therefore, a methodology is needed that can be used capture both objective and subjective evaluation measures. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a decision-making method for ranking alternative courses of action when multiple criteria must be considered. This paper will show how AHP can be used to structure the supplier selection process. This method of selection is described, and a detailed hypothetical example of how AHP can be used is also provided.
Service-oriented architecture and data grids in oracle

Oracle SOA Suite is a comprehensive, hot-pluggable software suite to build, deploy and manage Service-Oriented Architectures (SOA). The components of the suite benefit from common capabilities including consistent tooling, a single deployment and management model, end-to-end security and unified metadata management. This paper deals with a data grid infrastructure, built with clustered caching, can help you avoid "weak link" vulnerabilities that can sabotage SOA strategies. Discover why the data grid offers improved data access that can create a competitive edge, improve financial performance, and sustain customer loyalty. Service-oriented architecture (SOA) provides a means of integrating disparate applications within an enterprise, improving reuse of application logic while eliminating duplication of production environments.
Telithromycin and Quinupristin-Dalfopristin Induce Delayed Death in Plasmodium falciparum

ABSTRACT Antibacterial agents are used in malaria therapy due to their effect on two prokaryote organelles, the mitochondrion and the apicoplast. We demonstrate here that the ribosome-blocking antibiotics telithromycin and quinupristin-dalfopristin, but not linezolid, inhibit the growth of Plasmodium falciparum. Both drugs induce delayed death in the parasite, suggesting that their effect involves the impairment of apicoplast translation processes.
Methanogenic Activity and Structural Characteristics of the Microbial Biofilm On a Needle-Punched Polyester Support

In a downflow stationary fixed-film anaerobic reactor receiving a swine waste influent, few bacteria were observed to be tightly adherent to the surfaces of the needle-punched polyester support material. However, there was a morphologically complex, dense population of bacteria trapped within the matrix. Frequently large microcolonies of a uniform morphological type of bacteria were observed. These were particularly evident for methanosarcina-like bacteria which grew forming large aggregates of unseparated cells. Leafy deposits of electron-dense, calcium- and phosphorus-enriched material coated the polyester matrix and some cells. As the biofilm matured there was more extensive mineral deposition which completely entrapped cells. The entrapped cells appeared to autolyze, and many were partially degraded. Further impregnation of the matrix with minerals and apparent cell death may eventually have a deleterious effect on the methanogenic activity of the biofilm.
Does PCAOB Inspection Exposure Affect Auditor Reporting Decisions

To gain insight into the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s (PCAOB) impact on audit quality, this study investigates the association between PCAOB inspection exposure (akin to the threat of a PCAOB inspection) and auditor reporting decisions. Certain foreign governments prohibit PCAOB inspections of their domestic auditors of U.S. SEC registrants citing sovereign control. This unique setting provides an opportunity to observe variation in the reach of the PCAOB inspection program and isolate its’ effect on auditor reporting. I find that auditors in jurisdictions allowing PCAOB inspections are more likely to report going concern opinions and material weaknesses relative to auditors in jurisdictions barring PCAOB inspections. I find no difference in these auditor reporting propensities in the pre-PCAOB regulatory. This study provides evidence that PCAOB inspection exposure is associated with auditor reporting incentives, and ultimately audit quality, which is the fundamental purpose of the PCAOB inspection program.
Outpatient-Based Pneumococcal Vaccine Campaign and Survey of Perceptions about Pneumococcal Vaccination in Patients and Doctors

Purpose Despite the ready availability of pneumococcal vaccine, vaccination rates are quite low in South Korea. This study was designed to assess perceptions and awareness about pneumococcal vaccines among subjects at risk and find strategies to increases vaccine coverage rates. Materials and Methods A cross sectional, community-based survey was conducted to assess perceptions about the pneumococcal vaccine at a local public health center. In a tertiary hospital, an outpatient-based pneumococcal vaccine campaign was carried out for the elderly and individuals with chronic co-morbidities from May to July of 2007. Results Based on the survey, only 7.6% were ever informed about pneumococcal vaccination. The coverage rates of the pneumococcal vaccine before and after the hospital campaign showed an increased annual rate from 3.39% to 5.91%. The most common reason for vaccination was "doctor's advice" (53.3%). As for the reasons for not receiving vaccination, about 75% of high risk patients were not aware of the pneumococcal vaccine, which was the most important barrier to vaccination. Negative clinician's attitude was the second most common cause of non-vaccination. Conclusion Annual outpatient-based campaigns early in the influenza season may improve pneumococcal vaccine coverage rates. Doctor's advice was the most important encouraging factor for vaccination.