Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Visual servo tracking control of a wheeled mobile robot with a monocular fixed camera

A visual servo tracking controller for a wheeled mobile robot (WMR) is developed that utilizes feedback from a monocular camera system that is mounted with a fixed position and orientation (i.e., the eye-to-hand problem). A prerecorded image sequence (e.g., a video) of four target points is used to define a desired trajectory for the WMR. By comparing the target points from the prerecorded sequence with the corresponding target points in the live image, projective geometric relationships are exploited to construct a Euclidean homography. The information obtained by decomposing the Euclidean homography is used to develop a kinematic controller. A Lyapunov-based analysis is used to develop an adaptive update law to actively compensate for the lack of depth information required for the translation error system. In contrast to previous WMR visual servo controllers using a fixed camera configuration, the controller in this paper does not require the camera to be mounted so that the optical axis is perpendicular to the WMR plane of motion.
Funciones de utilidad y estimación de la aversión al riesgo

El trabajo presenta un compendio no exhaustivo de los antecedentes teoricos sobre la utilidad de los individuos y una sistematizacion analitica de diferentes propuestas de formas funcionales que la misma puede adoptar. Se presentan la funcion de utilidad con aversion al riesgo absoluta constante (CARA), la funcion con aversion al riesgo relativa constante (CRRA), la funcion con aversion al riesgo absoluta hiperbolica (HARA), la funcion Expo-Power (EP), la funcion de aversion al riesgo de potencia (PRA) y la funcion de tres parametros flexibles (FTP). Para cada una de ellas se detallan las caracteristicas intrinsecas en cuanto a las preferencias de los individuos, teniendo en cuenta los coeficientes de aversion absoluta y relativa al riesgo. Finalmente, se realiza un analisis de sensibilidad de la utilidad y los coeficientes de aversion al riesgo frente a cambios en el nivel de riqueza, mostrando como se comportan las diferentes funciones.
Análise comparativa entre os mecanismos fixos e móveis para fixação de painéis fotovoltaicos

O trabalho trata da estruturacao de um quadro comparativo entre os tipos de estruturas de fixacao a serem usadas como suporte para os paineis fotovoltaicos, com objetivo de identificar diferentes aspectos existentes entre as tecnologias, como vantagens, desvantagens, componentes, materiais, manutencao e impacto ambiental. Entre as justificativas que se embasam para a execucao desse projeto, pode-se destacar as questoes relacionadas a geracao de energia limpa atraves dos paineis fotovoltaicos, por intermedio dos conceitos de engenharia mecânica relacionados as estruturas de fixacao dos modulos, para realizar tal tarefa. A metodologia empregada nesse trabalho envolve uma revisao bibliografica do tipo exploratoria, com o intuito de fazer um levantamento dos tipos de sistemas de fixacao existentes, bem como das caracteristicas de cada um, com intuito de elaborar um quadro comparativo de tecnologias aplicadas ao tema.
Amplified octave-spanning supercontinuum from chalcogenide waveguides for second-harmonic generation

Octave-spanning supercontinuum is generated in chalcogenide, Ge<inf>23</inf>Sb<inf>7</inf>S<inf>70</inf>, waveguides pumped at 1550 nm. The 2μm side is subsequently amplified in a Thulium-doped fiber amplifier and utilized for second-harmonic generation (SHG). The generated signal has 55 dB of signal-to-noise ratio.
Trends in overweight and obesity in Swedish schoolchildren 1999–2005: has the epidemic reached a plateau?

The aim of this review is to synthesize published evidence on the most recent trends in overweight and obesity among Swedish children. Specifically, trends are reported among fourth graders (10–11 years) from six different municipalities between 1999 and 2005. Weights and heights in representative samples of children within each area were measured by school nurses as part of routine school health examinations. Standardized definitions of overweight, obesity and thinness were calculated by methods described by Cole et al. in 2000 and 2007. In Stockholm, obesity prevalence during academic years starting 1999 and 2003 decreased non‐significantly from 4.4% to 2.8% in girls, and increased non‐significantly from 3.2% to 3.8% among boys. In Gothenburg, comparing academic years starting 2000 and 2004, prevalence of overweight in girls decreased from 19.6% to 15.9% (P < 0.01) while thinness increased from 9.5% to 11.9% (P < 0.05); no significant changes were observed in boys. Finally, the Swedish National Institute of Public Health released figures from Karlstad, Umeå, Västerås and Ystad in 2003–2005 during which time no trends in prevalence could be clearly shown. The stabilized rates are probably a result of regional and local actions that have taken place in many sectors of society, rather than one specific measure or national political action.
Structural Genomics of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Structure of the Protein nsP7

ABSTRACT Here, we report the three-dimensional structure of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) nsP7, a component of the SARS-CoV replicase polyprotein. The coronavirus replicase carries out regulatory tasks involved in the maintenance, transcription, and replication of the coronavirus genome. nsP7 was found to assume a compact architecture in solution, which is comprised primarily of helical secondary structures. Three helices (α2 to α4) form a flat up-down-up antiparallel α-helix sheet. The N-terminal segment of residues 1 to 22, containing two turns of α-helix and one turn of 310-helix, is packed across the surface of α2 and α3 in the helix sheet, with the α-helical region oriented at a 60° angle relative to α2 and α3. The surface charge distribution is pronouncedly asymmetrical, with the flat surface of the helical sheet showing a large negatively charged region adjacent to a large hydrophobic patch and the opposite side containing a positively charged groove that extends along the helix α1. Each of these three areas is thus implicated as a potential site for protein-protein interactions.
High frequency SEPIC-WEIBERG converter for space applications

SEPIC-WEINBERG converter is introduced in this paper. This converter is ideal for photovoltaic applications. The suggested converter has efficiency higher than that of regular SEPIC and Weinberg converter. But the SEPIC-WEINBERG converter has similar levels of switch voltage stress as that of the SEPIC. The switching losses are low in the suggested converter. It is of small size and has low current harmonic content in it. The analysis of the SEPIC-WEINBERG converter is done and discussed in depth.
Extracting Imperatives from Wikipedia Article for Deletion Discussions

Wikipedia contains millions of articles, collaboratively produced. If an article is controversial, an online “Article for Deletion” (AfD) discussion is held to determine whether the article should be deleted. It is open to any user to participate and make a comment or argue an opinion. Some of these comments and arguments can be counter-arguments, attacks in Dung’s (1995) argumentation terminology. Here, we consider the extraction of one type of attack, the directive speech act formed as an imperative.
Is screening for interferon retinopathy in hepatitis C justified?

Background/aim: In the treatment of hepatitis C, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence advocates use of a combination of interferon alfa and ribavirin for selected patients. Retinopathy is a well recognised side effect of interferon therapy and is characterised by retinal haemorrhages, cotton wool spots, and macular oedema. The aim of this study was to document the incidence and natural history of the retinopathy in patients treated with a long acting (pegylated) interferon and ribavirin for hepatitis C and to assess the need to screen for retinal complications. Methods: All patients started on treatment from September 2002 to August 2003 were invited to participate in the study. The past medical and ocular history, visual symptoms, and the results of a full ophthalmological assessment performed 3 months after starting treatment were noted. Any patient with retinal changes was followed up at 3 month intervals until the changes resolved. Results: Of the 25 patients examined, four had evidence of retinopathy including deep retinal haemorrhage and cotton wool spots. Two of the patients were diabetic and one hypertensive. None had any visual symptoms and in all four the retinopathy resolved while the patients completed their course of treatment. Conclusions: The incidence of retinopathy with pegylated interferon is low. The retinal complications resolve while treatment is continued and are asymptomatic. This study does not support routine screening for retinopathy in patients treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin for hepatitis C.
Lovastatin Differentially Affects Neuronal Cholesterol and Amyloid‐β Production in vivo and in vitro

Epidemiological and experimental studies indicate that high cholesterol may increase susceptibility to age‐associated neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Thus, it has been suggested that statins, which are inhibitors of the enzyme 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA reductase (HMGCR), may be a useful therapeutic tool to diminish the risk of AD. However, several studies that analyzed the therapeutic benefits of statins have yielded conflicting results. Herein, we investigated the role of lovastatin on neuronal cholesterol homeostasis and its effects on amyloid β protein production in vivo and in vitro.
Um framework baseado em modelos para desenvolvimento de sistemas multimídia distribuídos autoadaptativos

Sistemas multimidia distribuidos possuem caracteristicas bastante variaveis, podendo implicar em novos requisitos a medida que novas tecnologias sao disponibilizadas ou na necessidade de adequacao de acordo com a quantidade de recursos disponiveis. Dessa forma, tais aplicacoes devem ser capazes de realizar ajustes e adaptacoes dinâmicas, permitindo alterar sua estrutura e comportamento. Com o objetivo de prover capacidades de autoadaptacao nesses sistemas, este trabalho apresenta uma abordagem de adaptacao baseada em modelos. E proposto um framework reflexivo e baseado em componentes para a construcao e suporte de sistemas multimidia distribuidos autoadaptativos, fornecendo varias facilidades para o desenvolvimento e evolucao de tais sistemas, como adaptacao dinâmica. A proposta do framework e manter um ou mais modelos de representacao do sistema em tempo de execucao, de modo que alguma entidade externa possa realizar uma analise desses modelos identificando problemas e tentando resolve-los. Esses modelos integram o metanivel reflexivo das aplicacoes atuando como uma autorrepresentacao do sistema. Para isso, o framework define um metamodelo para a descricao de aplicacoes multimidia distribuidas autoadaptativas, o qual e capaz de representar componentes e seus relacionamentos, politicas para especificacao de QoS e acoes de adaptacao. Adicionalmente, e proposta uma ADL e uma arquitetura para adaptacao baseada em modelos. Como estudo de caso o trabalho apresenta alguns cenarios buscando exemplificar o uso do framework na pratica, com e sem o uso da ADL, bem como verificar algumas caracteristicas relacionadas a adaptacao dinâmica
Estimating the risk of nonunion following nonoperative treatment of a clavicular fracture.

BACKGROUND Nonunion is a rare complication of a fracture of the clavicle, but its occurrence can compromise shoulder function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of and risk factors for nonunion in a cohort of patients who were treated nonoperatively after a clavicular fracture. METHODS Over a fifty-one-month period, we performed a prospective, observational cohort study of a consecutive series of 868 patients (638 men and 230 women with a median age of 29.5 years; interquartile range, 19.25 to 46.75 years) with a radiographically confirmed fracture of the clavicle, which was treated nonoperatively. Eight patients were excluded from the study, as they received immediate surgery. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at six, twelve, and twenty-four weeks after the injury. There were 581 fractures in the diaphysis, 263 fractures in the lateral fifth of the clavicle, and twenty-four fractures in the medial fifth. RESULTS On survivorship analysis, the overall prevalence of nonunion at twenty-four weeks after the fracture was 6.2%, with 8.3% of the medial end fractures, 4.5% of the diaphyseal fractures, and 11.5% of the lateral end fractures remaining ununited. Following a diaphyseal fracture, the risk of nonunion was significantly increased by advancing age, female gender, displacement of the fracture, and the presence of comminution (p < 0.05 for all). On multivariate analysis, all of these factors remained independently predictive of nonunion, and, in the final model, the risk of nonunion was increased by lack of cortical apposition (relative risk = 0.43; 95% confidence interval = 0.34 to 0.54), female gender (relative risk = 0.70; 95% confidence interval = 0.55 to 0.89), the presence of comminution (relative risk = 0.69; 95% confidence interval = 0.52 to 0.91), and advancing age (relative risk = 0.99; 95% confidence interval = 0.99 to 1.00). Following a lateral end fracture, the risk of nonunion was significantly increased only by advancing age and displacement of the fracture (p < 0.05 for both). On multivariate analysis, both of these factors remained independently predictive of nonunion (p < 0.05), and, in the final model, the risk of nonunion was increased by a lack of cortical apposition (relative risk = 0.38; 95% confidence interval = 0.25 to 0.57) and advancing age (relative risk = 0.98; 95% confidence interval = 0.97 to 0.99). CONCLUSIONS Nonunion at twenty-four weeks after a clavicular fracture is an uncommon occurrence, although the prevalence is higher than previously reported. There are subgroups of individuals who appear to be predisposed to the development of this complication, either from intrinsic factors, such as age or gender, or from the type of injury sustained. The predictive models that we developed may be used clinically to counsel patients about the risk for the development of this complication immediately after the injury.
Mutations in the interferon sensitivity‐determining region (nonstructural 5A amino acid 2209–2248) in patients with hepatitis C‐1b infection and correlating response to combined therapy of pegylated interferon and ribavirin

Background Most reports suggest that mutations in the interferon sensitivity‐determining region (ISDR) correlate with response to conventional interferon‐based therapies in hepatitis C virus‐1b (HCV‐1b) patients. However, the correlation between ISDR region mutations and response to pegylated interferon plus ribavirin therapy in HCV‐1b patients remains unclear.
Etude de la fonction de Patj dans la régulation de la polarité épithéliale.

La polarite apico-basale des cellules epitheliales est requise pour le developpement de l’epithelium, le maintien de son integrite et sa fonction. Elle est definie par les relations dynamiques d’un reseau de proteines de polarite qui se localisent asymetriquement et s’excluent mutuellement pour determiner les differents domaines corticaux. Le complexe Crumbs (Crb) est un determinant cle du domaine apical, essentiel et suffisant pour sa definition. Patj, une proteine contenant un domaine L27 et 4 domaines PDZ, a ete identifiee comme faisant partie biochimiquement du complexe Crb (via Stardust), mais sa fonction reste a preciser. Au cours de ma these j’ai analyse la fonction Patj chez la drosophile. La mutation Patj est letale et induit une perte de Crb de la membrane apicale dans l’epithelium folliculaire, mais pas dans l’embryon. La fonction de Patj est donc tissu specifique. J’ai pu mettre en evidence que Patj regule positivement Crb et que les domaines PDZ1 ou PDZ4 associes au domaine L27 sont suffisants pour la fonction de Patj. J’ai de plus tente de determiner comment Patj regule Crb a l’echelle moleculaire. Tout d’abord, l’analyse fonctionnelle in vivo suggere que Patj regulerait la stabilite de Crb indirectement en favorisant le recrutement d’autres determinants du domaine apical au sein du complexe. Ensuite, des approches biochimiques et genetiques ont permis de montrer qu’en plus d’interagir indirectement avec Crb, Patj interagit aussi directement via ces domaines PDZ1 et PDZ4. Ces donnees permettent de proposer un modele mecanistique dans lequel Patj en liant a la fois Sdt et Crb formerait des dimeres de Crb, qui en association avec sa dimerisation extracellulaire deja connue permettrait la formation d’oligomeres de Crb a la membrane apicale. L’oligomerisation de Crb favoriserait son activite de determinant apical. De plus, j’ai observe une redondance entre Patj et Lin-7, un autre membre du complexe Crb, dans la polarite apico-basale, une telle fonction pour Lin-7 n’ayant pas encore ete reportee. Ainsi, mes travaux apportent de nouveaux elements pour la comprehension de la polarite epitheliale.
Elusive radial glial cells: Historical and evolutionary perspective

Since the discovery of radial glial cells in the human fetal forebrain, this specialized cellular population has been identified in most regions of the vertebrate brain during restricted developmental periods. However, their size, longevity, and significance for guiding migrating neurons have increased with the evolutionary expansion of the mammalian neocortex, reaching a peak in the gyrencephalic human forebrain. The phenotypic distinction of radial glial cells from the more specialized neuronal progenitors in the proliferative zones and from the migrating neurons in the intermediate zone of the primate fetal forebrain, based initially on morphological criteria, has been supported by their ultrastructural, molecular, and physiological characteristics. In addition, modern in vivo and in vitro approaches revealed that these specialized embryonic cells can also generate neuronal cell lines, which either immediately, or after several divisions, migrate along radial shaft processes of the mother cells that span the expanding and convoluted cerebral wall. The multiple functions of radial glial cells and their species‐specific adaptations indicate a pivotal role in evolution, development, and pathology of the cerebral neocortex. GLIA 43:19–32, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Counseling patients with implanted cardiac devices.

atients with implanted cardiac devices constitute a growing segment of primary healthcare practice. While these devices are remarkably safe, the potential for electromagnetic interference (EMI), environmental interactions, and metabolic disruptions exists. Collaboration with the patient’s cardiology provider is important for monitoring the device’s sensing and capture thresholds, as well as for regular interrogation of the device to identify evidence of EMI. Frequent monitoring of antiarrhythmic drug and electrolyte levels to detect and correct metabolic abnormalities early can reduce EMI and environmental interactions. Education regarding sources of EMI that can potentially alter normal functioning of the device is an essential component of the providerpatient relationship.
Relations of Machiavellian Behavior with Sales Performance of Stockbrokers

The hypothesis of a relationship between Machiavellian behavior and sales performance of Christie and Geis was tested with a sample of 110 stockbrokers. Scores on a measure called the Machiavellian Behavior scale were positively and significantly correlated with two self-reported measures of sales performance of the stockbrokers. Present results together with those of two earlier studies supported the hypothesis that salespeople with a Machiavellian orientation are likely to be more successful. Analysis of the data also indicated predictive validity and acceptable internal consistency of the Machiavellian Behavior scale. Limitations of the present study and a need for further research are discussed.
Optimisation par essaim particulaire pour résoudre le problème de m-tournées sélectives

Le probleme de m-tournees selectives (PmTS) consiste a construire au plus m tournees visitant un sous-ensemble de clients d'un ensemble potentiel avec l'objectif de maximiser le gain total recolte chez ces clients et en respectant une limite de temps pour chaque tournee. Nous presentons un algorithme base sur l'optimisation par essaim particulaire (OEP) pour resoudre le PmTS. Notre adaptation de l'OEP fait appel a un ensemble de techniques efficaces tels que le decoupage optimal, l'operateur de croisement genetique ainsi que la recherche locale. Nos experimentations effectuees sur les benchmarks standard du TOP ont montre que l'algorithme propose est competitif avec les methodes existantes de la litterature.
Dynamic Chinese Ink Rendering Based on Fluid Simulation

The Chinese ink-painting is a unique branch of non-photo realistic rendering(NPR)[1] and focused by researchers for its eastern Chinese style. However, most people only pay attention to static ink rendering, and the dynamic ink rendering process has been little concerned. As the development of fluid simulation, the interaction of different kinds of fluid or fluid and solid can be simulated better, faster and more clearly. But few people made use of fluid simulation into ink rendering. In this paper, we analyze Navier-Stokes equations, ray casting and CUDA, combine them to simulate Chinese ink rendering. We mainly use fluid simulation to simulate the physical properties and the co actions of ink and other material, also to improve the visual effects and speed, the GPU technology and ray casting are applied. Finally we completed a 2D ink simulator, a 3D ink simulator and try to use them to express the style of ink, and get some effect.
Intérêt de l'acide hyaluronique en parodontologie : revue systématique de la littérature

Les maladies parodontales sont traitees en premiere intention par traitement mecanique associe a une prescription medicamenteuse anti-infectieuse. Recemment, l’acide hyaluronique a ete prescrit dans le traitement de l’inflammation gingivale et des poches parodontales, en regeneration tissulaire osseuse et parodontale, et en chirurgie mucco-gingivale dans le traitement des recessions gingivales et les atteintes de papilles inter-dentaires. La revue systematique de la litterature menee nous a permis de montrer l’interet therapeutique de l’acide hyaluronique en parodontologie sous reserve d’etudes complementaires pour en affirmer avec certitude son efficacite.
Evaluation of movement of patients with Parkinson's disease using accelerometers and method based on eigenvectors

The article focuses on a technique of quantifying movement of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) using accelerometers and method based on eigenvectors. The method uses trend symmetry to compare acceleration's waveforms of left and right side of body. The trend symmetry value is calculated as a ratio of the variabilities of two eigenvectors, which are calculated from the kinematic motion data of left and right limb. The method utilizes eigenvectors of matrices of accelerations to compare time-normalized right leg and left leg gait cycles of patients and healthy subjects. Four accelerometers were placed on patient's arms and legs to measure accelerations in the anterior-posterior, medial-lateral and inferior-superior directions. Subjects accomplished an extended Timed Up & Go Test (TUG). Using the eigenvectors we confirmed the hypothesis that patients with PD have asymmetrical movements of the limbs. Omitting medication 24 hours before the measurement in patients with early stage Parkinson's disease did not affect the synkinesias of walking patients. Findings suggest the possibility of the designed application of eigenvectors for use in drug therapy in patients with PD by evaluating postural stability via measuring accelerations. Thus, method using eigenvectors is newly proposed for patients with PD.