Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advanced multiple input multiple output (MIMO) SAR algorithm for high-resolution 3D reconstruction imaging

In this paper, an advanced multiple input multiple output (MIMO) SAR algorithm for high-resolution three-dimensional reconstruction imaging was proposed. Firstly, we give a short overview of the principle of scattering mechanism and the formulations of optimized physical optics (PO). Additionally, a three-dimensional(3D) MIMO SAR array is illustrated. Finally, NVIDIA's Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) is used to parallelize and accelerate the Electromagnetics (EM) simulation and imaging process in a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). An electrically-large target, Airbus A380, was computed and the 3D reconstruction image was presented.
Workflow Extraction from Textual Process Descriptions

Wikipedia, WordNet and word co-occurrences are knowledge sources that have been used in text processing to solve various problems. In text classification, these knowledge sources are used to enrich the document representation and increase classification accuracy. Easy articles can be classified correctly by looking at just the title or author while others might require more processing to classify correctly. Such an approach has interesting correspondences to how humans progressively resort to more involved processing once shallower approaches fail. As part of doctoral research, we attempt to propose a method, where we try to suggest a principled combination of knowledge sources for each document that uses minimal knowledge to solve the problem. This is done by estimating the difficulty in processing the documents and suggesting the right knowledge source that would reduce this difficulty.
Implementation of Low Cost Human Machine Interface (HMI) using Natural Feature Tracking (NFT)

paper introduces an altogether a new, easy and user friendly approach for detection and tracking of the natural features such as a human finger in its natural form without the use of any added on artificial reference. The natural features are used to stabilize tracking process against external disturbances, noise or any occlusions. This paper emphasizes on integration of various technological concepts offering users a new and cheap way of studying & experiencing user friendly recognition of natural features without the need of any external and expensive hardware or software.
Evaluation of Mineralized Collagen and α-Tricalcium Phosphate as Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering of Bone Using Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Owing to their plasticity and high proliferation capacity in vitro, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) isolated from human bone marrow are promising candidates for use in tissue engineering approaches for the repair or replacement of mesenchymal tissues such as bone, cartilage or tendon. In keeping with the tissue engineering concept, these cells are cultivated on three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds to replace 3D tissue defects. Among the scaffolds tested for tissue engineering of bone, those containing phosphorus and calcium, as natural bone does, are the most promising candidates for this purpose. In this study, MSC from five patients were isolated from bone marrow. After in vitro expansion, cells were cultivated and differentiated towards the osteogenic lineage on mineralized collagen sponges and α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP). To analyze how appropriate these scaffolds would be for tissue engineering purposes, we established an in vitro characterization system to describe seeding efficiency, cell distribution and proliferation behavior on each scaffold. Real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction quantification of important genes involved in osteogenic differentiation [e.g. bone sialoprotein (BSP), bone morphogenic protein 2, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin] was used to monitor the differentiation process of cells seeded on mineralized collagen and α-TCP. Using this in vitro characterization, we were able to demonstrate effective 3D growth of MSC on both scaffolds investigated. Improved osteogenic differentiation was observed on the scaffolds as compared to control monolayers. Of the two matrices, mineralized collagen was superior to α-TCP with regard to seeding efficacy (98 vs. 67%, p = 0.0003), increase in osteogenic marker genes (BSP expression on day 24, pcollagen vs. TCP = 0.046) and 3D cell alignment (cell infiltration up to 500 vs. 200 µm). In conclusion, our data suggest that mineralized collagen is a promising candidate for use as a scaffold in tissue engineering of bone.
Measuring vulnerability to promote disaster-resilient societies: Conceptual frameworks and definitions

This chapter stresses the need for a paradigm shift from quantification and analysis of the hazard to the identification, assessment and ranking of vulnerabilities. It underlines the importance of measuring vulnerability and developing indicators to reduce risk and the vulnerability of societies at risk, as mentioned in the final document of the 2005 World Conference on Disaster Reduction. Different conceptual frameworks of vulnerability in the context of disaster resilience are presented. The links between vulnerability and sustainable development are also discussed.
Helping a Clinician Understand Anomalous Patient Responses to Treatment

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in a hospital provides treatment for patients who are often critically ill and possibly rapidly deteriorating. Such patients provide complex challenges for the attending clinician. EIRA (Explaining, Inferencing, and Reasoning about Anomalies) [1] helps clinicians to detect anomalous patient responses to treatment in the ICU and provides decision support for clinicians by generating explanations for anomalies. Anomalies are of interest as they often point to the inadequacy of a currently held theory and require refinement of the related theory; consequently this can provide the impetus for the discovery of further domain knowledge. The explanations generated by EIRA can be considered as an anomaly-driven refinement of the clinician’s theory. One proposed function of EIRA is that it will be used by ICU clinicians as an ‘offline’ aid/tutoring tool.
Uma abordagem baseada em árvores de decisão para avaliação da coerência nos investimentos em TI An approach based on consistency of evaluation for decision trees on IT investments

This paper presents an analysis approach based on perceptions and their consistency regarding IT investments, created through a decision tree structure. The IT investments coherence is represented by two aspects: 1) Acknowledgement regarding to IT and its dimensions; 2) IT strategy alignment. Through the application of a survey instrument that analyzes the dimensions of the use of IT as well as a comparative analysis of decision flows, this approach is illustrated by using data from the perceptions of managers of a Brazilian company. Among the key findings of this research, it was noted that the proposed analysis approach provides ideas which consider relationships between dimensions of IT use and IT strategic alignment, helping researchers and practitioners to verify IT investments coherence in organizations. Key-words: Investments; Information Technology; IT Investments Coherence; Decision Tree; Dimensions of Information Technology Use.
Activation of the Leptin Receptor by a Ligand-induced Conformational Change of Constitutive Receptor Dimers*

Binding of leptin to the leptin receptor is crucial for body weight and bone mass regulation in mammals. Leptin receptors were shown to exist as dimers, but the role of dimerization in receptor activation remains unknown. Using a quantitative Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer approach, we show here in living cells that ∼60% of the leptin receptor exists as constitutive dimers at physiological expression levels in the absence of leptin. No further increase in leptin receptor dimerization was detected in the presence of leptin. Importantly, in cells expressing the short leptin receptor isoform, leptin promoted a robust enhancement of energy transfer signals that reflect specific conformational changes of pre-existing leptin receptor dimers and that may be used as read-out in screening assays for leptin receptor ligands. Both leptin receptor dimerization and the leptin-induced energy transfer were Janus kinase 2-independent. Taken together, our data support a receptor activation model based on ligand-induced conformational changes rather than ligand-induced dimerization.
A proposal for a new system of classification for hotels based on information taken from a multi-sponsor loyalty program

[EN] This work aims to provide an innovative classification of hotels based on guests´ assessments of the attributes that influence the choice of a particular hotel. To this end, information provided by a multi-sponsor loyalty program will be used due to the large number of hotel chains associated with these kinds of programs and their ability to collect and process information from their users more effectively than conventional research procedures. In this paper, we have conducted an exploratory qualitative study using six focus groups each with a sample of 60 people and a self-administered questionnaire applied to a sample of 73,698 users of a loyalty program who have redeemed points at a hotel. This proposal for a new system of classification highlights the disparity between supply and demand in the way hospitality services are promoted in the Spanish market, as well as hotel classification to be optimised according to those features that really make an offer stand out from the perspective of the customer. This contribution will allow types of establishment in each of the new categories proposed in this paper to be precisely matched to customer profiles. In addition to providing an instrument through which the client can identify establishments more in line with their preferences.
Do Google Searches Help in Nowcasting Private Consumption? A Real-Time Evidence for the US

In this paper, we investigate whether the Google search activity can help in nowcasting the year-on-year growth rates of monthly US private consumption using a real-time data set. The Google-based forecasts are compared to those based on a benchmark AR(1) model and the models including the consumer surveys and financial indicators. According to the Diebold-Mariano test of equal predictive ability, the null hypothesis can be rejected suggesting that Google-based forecasts are significantly more accurate than those of the benchmark model. At the same time, the corresponding null hypothesis cannot be rejected for models with consumer surveys and financial variables. Moreover, when we apply the test of superior predictive ability (Hansen, 2005) that controls for possible data-snooping biases, we are able to reject the null hypothesis that the benchmark model is not inferior to any alternative model forecasts. Furthermore, the results of the model confidence set (MCS) procedure (Hansen et al., 2005) suggest that the autoregressive benchmark is not selected into a set of the best forecasting models. Apart from several Google-based models, the MCS contains also some models including survey-based indicators and financial variables. We conclude that Google searches do help improving the nowcasts of the private consumption in US.
The structural property of network bottlenecks in maxmin fair flow control

In this letter we introduce a new conceptual framework to investigate into the underlying structure of network bottlenecks in maxmin fair flow control. It is shown that a network has a hierarchical structure with regard to its bottlenecks. The number H of network bottleneck levels is proved to be no greater than the number K of network bottleneck rates. It is also shown that there can be many bottleneck rates on each hierarchical level. So H can be much smaller than K.
Surfing the Net--information on the World Wide Web for persons with arthritis: patient empowerment or patient deceit?

OBJECTIVE In the past few years access to the Internet has become readily available. Patients are increasingly seeking and obtaining health information through the Internet, most often the World Wide Web (WWW). We assessed the content, authorship, and scope of the information available on WWW in relation to rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS In an attempt to replicate use by the average person, a broad search of the Internet was conducted for the phrase "rheumatoid arthritis" using WebCrawler, a commonly used search engine. All the "hits" were critically assessed after visiting and collecting information from the respective Web sites in relation to relevance, scope, authorship, type of publication, and financial objectives. RESULTS The search returned 537 hits. We evaluated 531-2 did not exist, 2 could not be contacted, one was not in English, and one required a membership to access. The 531 hits originated from 388 Web sites. Only 198 (51%) were considered to be relevant and 7 (2%) were of doubtful relevance. Thirty-four (17%) were posted by an individual, 57 (28%) by a nonprofit organization, 104 (51%) by a profit industry, and 10 (5%) by universities. Ninety-one (44%) promoted alternative therapies, the most common including cetyl-myristoleate, colloidal minerals, Pycnogenol, shark cartilage, and Tahitian Noni. Of the 107 sites with financial interests, 76 (71%) promoted alternative medicine. The first 100 hits only identified about a third of the nonprofit organizations or university owned Web pages. CONCLUSION Many sites easily accessed by consumers appear to be profit based companies advertising an alternative product claimed to be effective for many conditions. These findings emphasize the need for critical evaluation of Web site contents.
PREFERENTIAL TYPE 1 CHEMOKINE RECEPTORS AND CYTOKINE PRODUCTION OF CD 28-T-CELLS IN ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS-Extended Report -

Objective: To examine serum levels of type 1 and type 2 chemokines and lymphocytic expression of chemokine receptors, and to compare the results with lymphocytic cytokine production in AS patients. Methods: Twelve AS patients (44.9±14.7 years) and 27 healthy controls (46.4±12.8 years) were enrolled into the study. The expression of chemokine receptors (CCR-5, CXCR-3, CCR-4) and cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, TNF-α) on CD28 and CD28 subtypes of T-cells were analysed by three colour FACS technique of peripheral blood samples. Serum ELISAs were performed to detect the CCR-5 ligands CCL-5, CCL-3; the CXCR-3 ligands CXCL-10, CXCL-9; and the CCR-4 ligand, CCL-17 before and after the administration of the TNF-α blocking agent infliximab. Results: CD4CD28 T-cells had higher ratios of CXCR-3 (as a typical type 1 receptor) to CCR-4 than CD4CD28 T-cells. Both, CD4 and CD8CD28 T-cells of AS patients produced more IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-10 than their CD28 counterpart (P<0.05), and lacked the production of IL-2 and IL-4. Serum levels of CXCL-9 were increased in AS patients with 59.2 pg/ml (34.1–730.5) compared to 32.5 pg/ml (20.0–79.5) in healthy controls (P=0.016). The levels of both type 1 (CCL-5, CXCL-9) and type 2 chemokines (CCL-17) decreased under blockade of TNF-α (P<0.05). Conclusions: The profile of chemokine receptor expression and cytokine production by CD28 T cells suggests a type 1 immune reaction in AS, although IL-10 is frequently produced by CD28 T-cells. Treatment with TNF-α blocking antibodies decreased both types of chemokines in patients' sera. group.bmj. com on August 29, 2017 Published by http://ard.bmj. com/ Downloaded from
An active strategy for the simultaneous localization and reconstruction of a 3D object from a humanoid platform

This paper proposes a novel approach for the simultaneous localization and reconstruction of a 3D object. This reconstruction is done with a small humanoid platform by the only means of monocular vision.We combine (1) a stochastic control approach to decide how to move the robot such that the object can be both localized with respect to the robot and correctly reconstructed, and (2) a space carving approach for the 3D reconstruction of the object that merges the acquired monocular views into a coherent model. We present a set of very promising results obtained with a NAO platform.
Systematic does not necessarily mean comprehensive

Authors'reply: Dr Procopio draws attention to two main points. First, he raises the possibility that under-dosing might be the primary factor associated with the partial response to clozapine observed in our study population prior to the addition of sulpiride to their regimen. We are aware of such possibility, which might account for some of the beneficial effects described. However, we would like to stress our main claim which emphasised the role of the altered serotonin-dopamine receptor occupancy ratio which was achieved by the enhanced Dl dopaminergic blockade of sulpiride (a selective D, antagonist) and could not have been attained (to a similar degree) with higher doses of clozapine (a relatively weak Dl antagonist). Furthermore, all of our patients have shown an initial response to clozapine, which was later followed by a relatively long and steady non-responsive period. At the same time, some of our patients were unable to tolerate higher doses of clozapine because of troubling side-effects. Moreover, it is of note that clozapine-related seizures appear to be close-related, and high-dose therapy 3 6 0 0 mg/day) is associated with substantially increased risk than are doses of 300600 mglday (Devinsky et al, 1991). Furthermore, we would like to refer to a similar and substantial clinical improvement which was recently reported with the combination of clozapine and pimozide (Friedman et al, 1997) and clozapinerisperidone regimens (Henderson & Goff, 1996) in partial responders to clozapine. Both pimozide and risperidone are relatively potent D, blockers and in these cases the mean daily doses of clozapine were 425 and 479 mg, respectively, which are in the same range as in our study (403 mg/day). These studies examined the efficacy of the described combinations in patients who were maintained on clozapine treatment alone for longer periods (8-12 months) before adding either pimozide or risperidone. Hence, it seems that some patients with schizophrenia either partially responsive to clozapine or unable to tolerate higher doses could substantially benefit from enhancing the D, dopaminergic blockade.
Analysis on Variables Affecting the Creation of Tourist Destination Image: Case Study on Domestic Tourists Visiting Yogyakarta between 2007 to 2009

The purpose of this study is to examine the variables that affect the image creation of tourism destinations. This research is a case study on domestic tourists visiting Yogyakarta from 2007 to 2009. This research uses an exploratory and descriptive design, conducted once in one period (cross-sectional). A number of 105 domestic tourists were selected as samples by means of non-probability sampling method and snowball sampling technique. The data were analyzed using reliability and validity tests, frequency distributions, and regression analyses. Results showed that overall image was significantly constructed and affected by cognitive and affective evaluations. Cognitive evaluation was significantly affected by the types of information source from books and movies, while affective evaluation was affected significantly by social-psychological motivations. The research also proves that Yogyakarta has fulfilled the requirements to become a tourist destination; respondents showed positive feelings towards the town and also perceived the town positively. Keywords: cognitive evaluation, affective evaluation, destination image, domestic tourists, Yogyakarta
Experimental Demonstration of Focal Plane Array Beamforming in a Prototype Radiotelescope

Focal plane arrays are being developed to provide dishes with a wide field of view for both the next generation of radiotelescopes and to retrofit existing large radiotelescopes. We describe a prototype radiotelescope, comprising a two dish interferometer with real-time digital beamformer that was built to study focal plane array systems. Two beamformer weightings were applied to the system: A normalized conjugate match and the maximum sensitivity (G/T). Both incorporate the uncorrelated noise from the receiver chains and the latter includes correlated noise from spillover and coupling in the array. A black box approach is taken where the assembled system is considered and the only accessible data is that typically available from an operational radiotelescope. This approach is particularly suitable for complex active antennas where there is insufficient knowledge of the system for beamformer weights to be set a priori. It also allows adaptation to changes such as electronic gain drift, partial failures and alterations in the environment.
Assessing the Business Value of IT Control Configurations: A Design Science Study

The increasing complexity of IT systems and their interoperability has compounded the challenging task of assessing the IT risks and devising cost-effective mitigating measures. Risk factors such as business dynamics and changes arising from new technology and regulatory requirements, affect the risk profile, which requires reassessing the defined IT risks and the corresponding controls. Ensuring effectiveness and efficiency of the implemented controls is crucial to obtain an accurate sense of assurance that, in itself involves risk. Skilled professionals like IT risk managers, auditors, security managers, who assess risks and verify applied controls, conduct this challenging task. Currently IT Risk Assessors, auditors and practitioners use a set of criteria to estimate risk and then derive areas for control improvement. However, it is highly inefficient, subjective and little data is directly collected to support the decisions made. With improvements in technology a range of new organizational data can now potentially be used to support the selection of IT controls. Little empirical research has been conducted to date in this area. A set of related problems is explored in this thesis and the research focuses on one particular researchable problem, stated as: Selecting the best set of IT controls configurations in any situation for the highest business value outcomes. Solving this problem aids, or contribute largely, in solving, the other identified problems. A research question has been derived from the research problem to guide the research processes: What are the criteria for selecting the most effective and efficient controls configurations for the best business value outcomes? To answer the research question, methodologies were explored resulting in the selection of Design Science (DS) as the research methodology for this thesis. DS has been adopted in IT research, as DS has shown to be adequate to research complex and multi-domain problems, when sufficient knowledge is not always available. The key aspect of the DS methodology is to learn through doing. DS allows a researcher to iterate through the DS process’ stages until new knowledge is obtained or existing knowledge is enhanced. A DS research roadmap and artefacts evaluation criteria have been adopted to ensure the research activities are executed objectively and the anticipated research deliverables are produced.
Inhibitors of prenyl transferases

Because farnesylation of Ras is required for its cancer-causing activity, several classes of farnesyl transferase inhibitors have recently been developed as potential anticancer drugs. During the last 12 months, important advances have been made in this field. In this review, we focus on three topics: targets of farnesyl transferase inhibitors other than Ras, alternative preny-lation of K-Ras by the closely related prenyl transferase, geranyl geranyl transferase I, and the effects of geranyl geranyl transferase I inhibitors on cell cycle, apoptosis, and human tumor growth.