Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Polyurethane / Hydroxyapatite Composite Scaffold for Tissue Regeneration

In this study, a new composites scaffold of hydroxyapatite (HA)/polyurethane (PU) were prepared by thermally induced solid–liquid phase separation (TIPS). The morphology, chemical bonding and mechanical properties of the scaffolds were investigated by SEM, FTIR and compression testing. The SEM pictures Exhibited regular and interconnected porosity. The pore volume decreased with increasing amounts of HA into the scaffold. The SEM images have shown that the samples had pore size with ranging from 50-200 μm. The water absorption of the composite foams was investigated with phosphate buffer saline (PBS). The addition of hydroxyapatite to polymer foams increased the water absorption. The HA/PU scaffold exhibited good biocompatibility estimated by culturing the scaffold with L-929 fibroblast cell line. Such polyurethane composite scaffolds have good prospects to be used as biodegradable and bioactive scaffolds in bone tissue engineering.
Neutral-ion interaction in the auroral E region obtained from coordinated Fabry-Perot imager and VHF radar observations

[1] It is important to investigate the small-scale dynamics of thermospheric neutrals and ionospheric plasmas at high latitudes since there are local and temporal variations in energy input and transfer processes associated with auroral activities. To clarify these ionosphere-thermosphere interactions in the auroral E region, we examined neutral winds and plasma motions obtained by coordinated Fabry-Perot imager and VHF radar observations at Syowa Station, Antarctica. From case studies on 11 and 12 September 1996, we found a good correlation between temporal variation (period < 1 hr) of E region neutral winds measured by the Fabry-Perot imager and the Doppler velocities of plasmas obtained from the VHF radar echoes. On the other hand, the absolute mean values of the neutral winds were around zero whereas the plasma Doppler velocities were 350–400 m/s, showing a significant discrepancy. Considering that the neutral-ion and ion-neutral momentum transfer collision frequencies in the E region are ∼10−6 Hz and ∼102 Hz, respectively, these good correlations are probably due to ion motions driven by neutral drag force, suggesting a strong coupling between neutrals and ions in the E region. The observed correlation and discrepancy between the radar Doppler velocity and the neutral wind velocity are consistent with the linear theory of E region irregularities that shows the radar Doppler velocity is the sum of two components; one is the E × B drift speed, and another is proportional to the neutral wind velocity.
Atrial Fibrillation Mechanisms and Implications for Catheter Ablation

AF is a heterogeneous rhythm disorder that is related to a wide spectrum of etiologies and has broad clinical presentations. Mechanisms underlying AF are complex and remain incompletely understood despite extensive research. They associate interactions between triggers, substrate and modulators including ionic and anatomic remodeling, genetic predisposition and neuro-humoral contributors. The pulmonary veins play a key role in the pathogenesis of AF and their isolation is associated to high rates of AF freedom in patients with paroxysmal AF. However, ablation of persistent AF remains less effective, mainly limited by the difficulty to identify the sources sustaining AF. Many theories were advanced to explain the perpetuation of this form of AF, ranging from a single localized focal and reentrant source to diffuse bi-atrial multiple wavelets. Translating these mechanisms to the clinical practice remains challenging and limited by the spatio-temporal resolution of the mapping techniques. AF is driven by focal or reentrant activities that are initially clustered in a relatively limited atrial surface then disseminate everywhere in both atria. Evidence for structural remodeling, mainly represented by atrial fibrosis suggests that reentrant activities using anatomical substrate are the key mechanism sustaining AF. These reentries can be endocardial, epicardial, and intramural which makes them less accessible for mapping and for ablation. Subsequently, early interventions before irreversible remodeling are of major importance. Circumferential pulmonary vein isolation remains the cornerstone of the treatment of AF, regardless of the AF form and of the AF duration. No ablation strategy consistently demonstrated superiority to pulmonary vein isolation in preventing long term recurrences of atrial arrhythmias. Further research that allows accurate identification of the mechanisms underlying AF and efficient ablation should improve the results of PsAF ablation.
Eigenvalue crossing in principal eigenvector localized networks.

Investigation of eigenvectors localization of complex networks is important to get insight into various structural and dynamical properties of the corresponding systems. Networks having highly localized principal eigenvector (PEV) possess few typical structural features which include, presence of hub nodes, heavy-tailed degree distributions, etc. We investigate origin of occurrence of characteristic features in the highly localized networks. Using a model network, achieved through an optimized evolution scheme, we investigate the relationships of the localization properties of PEV with the entire spectra and report that the localization behavior of PEV is closely related with that of the second largest eigenvector. In particular, we find evidence of eigenvalue crossing in the networks having highly localized PEV. This observation inspires a direct construction of such highly localized networks without performing any optimization scheme. Additionally, we investigate spectral properties of various real-world networks constructed from the empirical data and report similarities and differences with those of the optimized structure. Our analysis offers a platform to understand the relations between spectral properties and PEV localization of complex networks.
An improvement in medical undergraduate education in Ecuadorthrought hands-on training in perinatal skills

Introduction: In Ecuador, newly medical doctors are obliged to do a compulsory rural year to provide services in all medical fields, with a strong emphasis in obstetrics. Maternal mortality ratio has been stabilized around 50 per 100,000 live births, with postpartum hemorrhage as the main cause. Although skills laboratories are now widely used and recommended for undergraduate clinical skills education, medical curricula in Ecuador have little experience using them. As a response to the high perinatal mortality in the country, the Universidad Tecnica Particular de Loja (UTPL), in the southeastern part of Ecuador, started a project implementing skills lab training. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the improvement of the performance in perinatal skills needed in the rural area in final year students after a short educational intervention based on skills lab training. Method: Two subsequent groups of fifth year students were assessed and compared during an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Group 1 consisted of 39 students and Group 2 consisted of 43 students. Both groups received perinatal lessons in regular master classes, the group 2 additionally received training in six perinatal skills in small groups during the semester in the skills lab. Univariate statistics (independent student's t-test or chi square test) was performed to compare basic characteristics in the two groups and to compare final grades after the intervention. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Passing students in the total OSCE rises from 11.1% to 42.7% (p<0.05) between the first and the second group. The three stations with “no passing participants” in the first group are: pelvic examination, episiotomy and repair, and postpartum hemorrhage management. The global score for each skill showed an improvement except for Neonatal resuscitation. Conclusion: The implementation of skills lab training facilitates the acquisition and maintenance of perinatal skills. Curriculum changes are needed to improve the student’s competence. A skills laboratory provides a space to develop their skills and to receive an objective assessment.
Origin of magnetic moments in carbon nanofoam

A range of carbon nanofoam samples was prepared by using a high-repetition-rate laser ablation technique under various Ar pressures. Their magnetic properties were systematically investigated by dc magnetization measurements and continuous wave (cw) as well as pulsed EPR techniques. In all samples we found very large zero-field cooled-field-cooled thermal hysteresis in the susceptibility measurements extending up to room temperature. Zero-field cooled (ZFC) susceptibility measurements also display very complex behavior with a susceptibility maximum that strongly varies in temperature from sample to sample. Low-temperature magnetization curves indicate a saturation magnetization MS ≈0.35 emu g at 2 K and can be well fitted with a classical Langevin function. MS is more than an order of magnitude larger than any possible iron impurity, proving that the observed magnetic phenomena are an intrinsic effect of the carbon nanofoam. Magnetization measurements are consistent with a spin-glass type ground state. The cusps in the ZFC susceptibility curves imply spin freezing temperatures that range from 50 K to the extremely high value of >300 K. Further EPR measurements revealed three different centers that coexist in all samples, distinguished on the basis of g -factor and relaxation time. Their possible origin and the role in the magnetic phenomena are discussed.
THE PERCEPTIONS OF ARMENIAN IN TURKEY ”

Female migrants have been invisible in migration studies since the feminist approaches introduced gender analyses in migration research. The role of gender relations is significant to understand the dynamics of international migration. This study provides an overview of the feminist migration literature to explain gender and other intra and inter-related concepts’ roles in women’s migration to the understanding of international migration. It also analyses labour market participation of migrant women in the European Union with its policies and, most specifically, migrant women from Turkey in Germany.
Analysis of bioelectrical signals of the human retina (PERG) and visual cortex (PVEP) evoked by pattern stimuli

Purpose: to demonstrate the possibility of finding features reliable for more precise distinguishing between normal and abnormal Pattern Electroretinogram (PERG) recordings, in Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) coefficients domain. To determine characteristic features of the PERG and Pattern Visual Evoked Potential (PVEP) waveforms important in the task of precise classification and assessment of these recordings. Material and methods: 60 normal PERG waveforms and 60 PVEPs as well as 47 PERGs and 27 PVEPs obtained in some retinal and optic nerve diseases were studied in the two age groups (≤ 50 years, > 50 years). All these signals were recorded in accordance with the guidelines of ISCEV in the Laboratory of Electrophysiology of the Retina and Visual Pathway and Static Perimetry, at the Department and Clinic of Ophthalmology of the Pomeranian Medical University. Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) was used for the time-frequency analysis and modelling of the PERG signal. Discriminant analysis and logistic regression were performed in statistical analysis of the PERG and PVEP signals. Obtained mathematical models were optimized using Fisher F (n1, n2) test. For preliminary evaluation of the obtained classification methods and algorithms in clinical practice, 22 PERGs and 55 PVEPs were chosen with respect to especially difficult discrimination problems (“borderline” recordings). Results: comparison between the method using CWT and standard time-domain based analysis showed that determining the maxima and minima of the PERG waves was achieved with better accuracy. This improvement was especially evident in waveforms with unclear peaks as well as in noisy signals. Predictive, quantitative models for PERGs and PVEPs binary classification were obtained based on characteristic features of the waveform morphology. Simple calculations algorithms for clinical applications were elaborated. They proved effective in distinguishing between normal and abnormal recordings. Conclusions: CWT based method is efficient in more precise assessment of the latencies of the PERG waveforms, improving separation between normal and abnormal waveforms. Filtering of the PERG signal may be optimized based on the results of the CWT analysis. Classification of the PERG and PVEP waveforms based on statistical methods is useful in preliminary interpretation of the recordings as well as in supporting more accurate assessment of clinical data.
Is sexual brutality maladaptive under high population density

Coercive copulation is frequent in promiscuous mating systems, generating both benefits (e.g. higher copulation rate) and costs (e.g. injuries and fewer foraging opportunities). The negative consequences of sexual harassment are expected to increase with increasing population density with male-biased operational sex ratio (OSR). This study offers an example in which the frequency and severity of the injuries inflicted on female tortoises during forced copulations increased with population density and biased OSR. Male Hermann’s tortoises (Testudo hermanni) harass females during courtship, ramming and biting them until they eventually force mating. They also use their horny and mobile tail to stimulate females, sometimes damaging their cloaca. We compared the frequency and severity of cloacal injuries between two populations in the Republic of Macedonia. Under high density and balanced OSR at one site (Konjsko), 25% of females exhibited cloacal injuries. Under very high density and extremely biased OSR at another site (Golem Grad Island), 75% of females were wounded, often severely. Furthermore, exclusively on Golem Grad, many small and immature females were courted and wounded. This behavioural shift toward juveniles generated costs without benefits. Perhaps brutal reproductive behaviours in male Hermann’s tortoises evolved under low or moderate population densities? Under very high densities, coercive mating seems maladaptive, negatively affecting females and possibly further skewing OSR.
A refined acoustic analysis of speech rhythm

Several recent studies have rekindled interest in the traditional distinction of languages into rhythmic classes (e.g. stresstimed, syllable-timed) and presented evidence in the form of durational acoustic parameters in favor of such an interpretation. The present paper discusses some of the methods and data used in such work, and attempts to refine them in an independent study investigating the homogeneity of what has been described as acoustic correlates of rhythm. Adopting a variable consonant/vowel distinction during data preparation, this study indicates that certain consonant classes are significantly more efficient than others in influencing the distribution of individual languages along durational parameters. These results support the view that rhythmic language classification is strongly determined by phonotactic factors.
2 SPEAKER IDENTIFICATION THEORY AND PROPOSE MODELING 2 . 1 Speaker Identification

The rapid development of the forensic science technologies has been evolved speaker recognition to becoming one of the research topic. However, pattern classification from speech signal remains as challenging problem encountered in general speaker recognition system, including speaker verification and speaker identification. The use of Gaussian Mixture Models (GMM) are most common pattern classification technique in speaker identification due to it can be performed in a completely text independent situation. However, it sounds efficient to speaker identification application, but it results long time processing in practice. In this paper, we propose a decision rules by using vector quantization (VQ) techniques to decrease the training model for GMM in order to reduce the processing time. In our proposed modeling, we take the superiority of VQ, which is simplicity computation to distinguish between male and female speaker. Then, in phase 2 classification, we utilize dominance of GMM model to get the accuracy rates. Experimental result shows that our hybrid VQ/GMM method always yielded better improvements in accuracy and bring almost 30% reduce in time processing.
On the Optimality of General Reinforcement Learners

We discuss cases in which unlucky or adversarial choices of the universal prior cause the general reinforcement learning agent AIXI to misbehave drastically. We show that Legg-Hutter intelligence and thus balanced Pareto optimality is entirely subjective, and that every policy is Pareto optimal in the class of all computable environments. This undermines all existing optimality properties for AIXI. While it may still serve as a gold standard for general reinforcement learning, our results imply that AIXI is a relative theory, dependent on the choice of the universal prior.
Modern conducted labor is medically assisted

Introduction: First child delivery stage lasts 12-16 hours not including any medications, while the second child delivery stage and grand multiparity last a couple of hours shorter. Oxytocin (Syntocinon®) is drug that facilitates well-fed delivery, therefore, induced labor assisted by peridural lasts approximately 4 hours less than natural labor not supported by any medication. Aim: To make quantitative analysis of the medically assisted childbirth and spontaneous vertex delivery within three years (2014-2016). Methodology: This paper is part of a non-commercial, retrospective, IV phase epidemiological study. The study was conducted at the Clinical Centre “Dr Dragiša Mišović, Dedinje”, Hospital for Gynecology and Obstetrics. The data are obtained from the ZIS Monthly-Yearly Heliant Reports of the Hospital for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Delivery room. Results: In the Clinical Centre “Dr Dragiša Mišović, Dedinje”, Hospital for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Delivery room there is over 2000 childbirths annually. Number of pharmacologically assisted labors was 1290 or (62%) in 2014, in 2015 was 1318 or (61%) and in 2016 was 1286 or (60%). Using syntocinon, there was 585 or (28%) in 2014, in 2015, 513 or (28%) and in 2016, 639 or (30%) cesarean sections, urgent, planned and elective labors. Of the total 80% of newborns received Apgar score 9 (nine). Conclusions: Labor induced by medication is a joint choice of a midwifes and doctors health team because the fl ow of labor can be anticipated and infl uenced at any moment.
StarCraft AI Competition : A Step Toward Human-Level AI for Real-Time Strategy Games

102 AI MAGAZINE StarCraft by Blizzard Entertainment is one of the most popular and famous real-time strategy (RTS) games. It provides a dynamic environment in which several agents interact to build military units with which to fight against an opponent. This game involves three distinct “races” (Protoss, Terran, and Zerg) who build different types of units and buildings and who have particular disadvantages and strengths. Players require a great deal of economic and military power to defeat their opponents while surviving and incurring minimal damage. RTS games differ from traditional board games in that they involve simultaneous movement in real time within partially observable and nondeterministic complex environments. Since the introduction of BroodWar API, StarCraft has been an important AI research platform for the development of game-playing bots using various approaches to handle a number of units and buildings by employing careful resource management and high-level tactics. The First StarCraft AI Competition took place in 2010 and was organized by the AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Interactive Digital Entertainment (AIIDE); it involved four tournament categories (micromanagement, small-scale combat, tech-limited game, and complete game) StarCraft AI Competition: A Step Toward Human-Level AI for Real-Time Strategy Games
Detection of Mitochondrial A 12308 G Mutation in tRNA Leu ( CUN ) Gene and it ' s Relation with Colorectal Cancer Risk

A mitochondria have important role in oxidative phosphorylation, each cell have many copies of mitochondria. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in human is a 16. 569 kb circular double stranded molecule able for replication, transcription and translation. MtDNA represent the unique genetic material outside the nucleus in eukaryotic cells. This study was conduct on 36 Iraqi patients with colorectal disease to analyze the genetic mutation in A12308G of mtDNA tRNA gene for its etiology role in inflammation bowel and colorectal tumorgenesis using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing analysis. The results referred to that total frequency of the A12308G transition was showed 6 variations out of 18 patients (33.3%) in colorectal patients but these differences were not statistically significant, similar distribution for the frequency of the G12372A transition mutations was found in combination with A12308G polymorphism patients . Total of 7 out 18 patients (38.8%) were presence as insertion (ins) base between (12413-12414). Statistically significant results with high rate of deletion 11924A base was showed in 10 out of 18 samples (55.5%), coexisted of A12308G with G12372A mutations in addition to that in combination of A12410 C with T12414A may have synergistic effect in functions and associated with risk factor in colorectal cancer, finally large deletion site in (12380.12425) and (12383.12425) positions were described only in two tumor patients may be effect the colorectal cancer progression. In conclusions: The mtDNA A12308G tRNA gene variant may be don’t have risk factor for malignant process of colorectal. Identify the predictive role of the mt tRNA(CUN) gene variations may be use as genetic biomarker in colorectal cancer, high rate of novel mutations that were found may serve as supporting factor in colorectal etiology and tumorgensis.
Analysis of Posterior Estimation Approaches to I-vector Extraction for Speaker Recognition

The i-vector approach to speaker recognition requires estimating Sufficient Statistics (SS) (i.e., zerothand firstorder statistics) for a given utterance of speech with respect to a Universal Background Model (UBM) usually represented by Gaussian Mixture Models (GMM). To estimate SS, alternate approaches have also been experimented. Studies suggest that using acoustic phone posteriors estimated from a Deep Neural Network (DNN) based Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) system can be useful in estimating accurate speaker representations with ivectors. In this paper, we analyze and compare the UBM-GMM and several versions of DNN approaches together with subspace Gaussian Mixture Models to estimate i-vectors for a speaker. We show that better alignments of speech frames can lead to superior speaker verification performance. This is achieved through the use of the decoded output from the ASR system, whereas existing systems only use posteriors at the output of the DNN directly. The posteriors from the decoding lattices are rescaled suitably to deal with its sparse nature that can affect SS computation. We show that a direct correlation exists between senone recognition accuracy of the system generating the posterior and the performance of corresponding speaker recognition systems. The posterior estimation methods are compared on standard NIST 2010 SRE dataset. Significant improvements are obtained when using the ASR decoder, thereby confirming that with better frame-level alignments speaker verification performance improves. Equal Error Rate (EER) as low as 0.9% is achieved on the telephone condition of the evaluation set.