Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human body parts segmentation via stacked and multi-task learning

Human Body Segmentation in RGB images has been a core problem on the Computer Vision field since its early beginnings. In this particular problem, the goal is to provide with a complete segmentation of the human/s body parts appearing in an image, discriminating the human body from the rest of the image. It is a very challenging area since it has to face many handicaps related to high variability in data such as lighting conditions, cluttering, clothes, appearance, background, point of view and number of human body parts, among others. Even so, it has become one of the areas of research because of its capabilities in real applications (i.e.surveillance, medical imaging, sign language, interactive virtual reality systems). Hand-crafted methods covered traditional methods such as simple matching templates, deformable models, pictorial structures with tree and loopy models and discriminative ensembles learning. These approaches took researchers to point out rigorous studies to constraint the problem either by kinematic structure reasons or variability in poses/samples. However, with the appearance of deep-based methods, the traditional pipelines and methods have changed to use Deep Convolutional Neural Networks in its different variations merely. As a result, deep-based methods have been surpassing by a large margin the hand-crafted methods getting the researchers to focus on the latter methods and in their combination with traditional ones. The writing of this thesis coincides with the paradigm shift; therefore, it is evidenced into two distinctive blocks. In the first block, we focus on a novel dataset in order to extend the state-of-the-art in human pose estimation and body segmentation. Next, we present a novel two-stage approach for human body part segmentation. We propose to use a cascade of classifiers as body parts detectors combining their outputs in an ErrorCorrecting Output Codes framework. Once we obtain the body pose, we apply Graph Cut segmentation optimization. Then, we use HOG features to describe the dataset and train SVM classifiers combined with the ECOC framework to feed a body part segmentation Graph Cut approach. Moreover, we face full body segmentation, but differently, we present a novel twostage human body segmentation method based on the discriminative Multi-Scale Stacked
The Need for STEM Continuous Professional Development at European Universities

The quality of university education is dependent on organizational elements, students' competences, and the effort and commitment of academic teachers that are influenced by motivation, competences and personal views about what good teaching practice is. The European Chemistry Thematic Network (ECTN) is committed to sustainable improvement of the quality of the university chemistry teaching practice. The ECTN Working group Lecturing Qualifications and Innovative Teaching Methods promotes innovative active learning methods, cooperation and partnership between the lecturers at different European universities in their continuous professional development (CPD) and exchange of knowledge and teaching experiences in an international context. This ECTN working group has initiated a new European project on continuous professional development of lecturers who teach in STEM disciplines (STEM means Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) at European universities called STEM-CPD@EUni. The way of teaching is strongly connected with the discipline, teaching science in particular. The complexity, specificity and high level of conceptual knowledge in higher education make the university teacher the very expert who has the privilege and the task to make his/her own choices about the relevant content to teach, the teaching methods and the appropriate digital tools in order to create powerful learning activities on the way to making more profound the conceptual knowledge of students. The central idea of the project is to create a new type of actor to promote continuous professional development in STEM teaching, the CPD-Ambassador. This idea is based on the TPACK framework (a synergy of technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge of the lecturer). The STEM-CPD@EUni is an Erasmus+ Strategic partnership project of 5 European universities and the ECTN Association. In this position paper, the argumentation for the start of the new project is given and the explanation of how the project aims to realize its goals.
Accurate diagnose and management of advanced nasal type extranodal nk/t cell lymphoma. a case report

Extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, is a rare entity in otorhinolaryngology. Its management requires skilled physicians in order to suspect this disease and making a proper diagnosis at early stages. This paper reports the case of a 31-year-old male patient, with one month of nasal obstruction, recurrent sinusitis, palatal ulceration and a necrotizing lesion. Histopathology reported lymphoid infiltrate polymorph angiocentric growth pattern and extensive areas of necrosis. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the phenotype for T/NK cells: positive CD3, BCL2, CD4 and CD56. IgG for Epstein-Barr virus was also positive. The initial staging was T4, N1, M0, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scale was 1, with intermediate risk, and low International Prognostic Index (IPI); based on this results, the patient was referred to oncology to initiate treatment. After a ten-month follow-up, the patient’s condition improved, with complete remission of nasal and palate injuries; no relapse has occurred to date. This case is a clear example of the importance of early diagnostic through multiple biopsies in order to establish a specific treatment to decrease complication rates and improve prognosis.
School consolidation: A qualitative case study on the importance of identity in a rural environment

Though school district consolidation in the United States has been occurring from the early part of the 20 Century to present times, there is still much to be discovered on the best way to approach school consolidation and, specifically, approach the shifting social and cultural identity involved during the school consolidation process. Most of the focus of the body of literature concerning the effects of school consolidation has been on efficiency and financial issues inherent in making the decision to consolidate. This study provided a better understanding on behavioral, cognitive, and affective components involved in social capital and school identity and the importance of these factors within school consolidation consideration. Social capital involves the connections and sense of belonging within a community or group that result from similar demographic attitudes and characteristics within the rural environment. This can be realized through affiliation with a school and the identification with the environment which is partially created through shared meanings, shared symbols, and sayings of the school. This institutional and educational culture can occur without awareness and over time from the affective, behavioral and cognitive ties among the people and their sociophysical environment. A changing school identity may influence the social capital, local economy, and community identity. The emphasis of the study was on how identity within a rural environment played a role in school consolidation consideration and the implications of a potentially changing school identity. This research used a case study design with interviews conducted with selected stakeholders of the rural school districts involved in the case study. Case study was used for the research since case study allowed the researcher to seek out and conceptualize the ideas that emerged through interviews, observation, personal histories, and archival documents. This study focused on the perceptions of a school superintendent, a school board president, alumni students, and community
Green synthesis of a large series of bimetallic MIL-100(Fe,M) MOFs

Here we present a scalable and green methodology to synthesize a large variety of MIL-100(Fe,M), metal-doped iron-based MOFs with high thermal stability and surface areas. Our synthesis is performed at room temperature in aqueous media and can be applied to doping with p-, d- and f-elements in oxidation states from +I to +V, therefore being highly general. The influence of the doping metal nature on the thermal and textural properties is systematically investigated. We show that large differences between the ionic radius of the doping and the templating metals does not lead to phase segregation. The incorporation of Cu(I) drastically lowers the thermal stability of MIL-100(Fe,Cu), while the incorporation of V, Al and Ti induces the formation of mesopores. Finally, we developed a PXRD-based method that can be combined with TGA to easily access the metal ratios in complex mixed-metal MOFs.
Correspondence of Myocardial Strain with Torrent-Guasp’s Theory. Contributions of New Echocardiographic Parameters

Background: Strain, assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography, may be used to evaluate left ventricular mechanics and could establish reference values together with new indices of myocardial function. Objective: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the correspondence of echocardiographic strain values with TorrentGuasp’s single band theory. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in 54 healthy volunteers. The three apical projections were used to determine longitudinal strain. Radial strain, circumferential strain and rotation were assessed in transverse planes at the level of the mitral valve, the papillary muscles and the apex. Results: Mean age was 52±10.1 years. Global left ventricular longitudinal strain was -20.8%±2.4%. Postsystolic longitudinal strain mainly affects interventricular septal segments. Radial strain was 36.5%±10.7%, with basal values prevailing over apical ones, extending its duration to the early phase of diastole. Circumferential strain was -20.8%±3.8%, with larger values towards the apex. Twist was 18.4°±6°, torsion 2.2°±0.8°/cm and the torsion index (twist/mitral annular plane systolic excursion) 13.1°±4.4°/cm. The combined strain index includes the “strain product” (-387°±147° × %), and the “strain index” (-0.9°±0.3°/%) calculated as twist × longitudinal strain and twist/longitudinal strain, respectively. Conclusions: New strain parameters may be useful in the study of ventricular mechanics. The anatomical arrangement described by the myocardial band theory is echocardiographically supported by the presence of larger radial strain at the basal-medial level (prevalence of transverse fibers), while the variable arrangement of oblique fibers are responsible for longitudinal strain, circumferential strain and ventricular torsion.
Comparison Between Ag@TiO2 Core-Shell and Yolk-Shell Structures for Degradation of Gaseous Toluene Beneath Visible Light

In this study, Ag@TiO2-YS and Ag@TiO2-CS were effectively prepared, and the differences in their morphologies were investigated. The photo-catalytic efficacy of gaseous toluene was determined by investigating its photo-catalytic oxidation beneath the visible light illumination. The results indicate that Ag@TiO2-YS has a high photocatalytic stability and superior photocatalytic properties. A 0.10 at% Ag@TiO2-YS photocatalyst can degrade approximately 99.5% of the gaseous toluene within 2 h. In addition, a 0.10 at% Ag@TiO2-YS photocatalyst can be utilized during many intervals without a failure of the photocatalytic efficiency or the occurrence of corrosion. The high photocatalytic efficiency of Ag@TiO2-YS can be attributed to the highly mesoporous texture and large specific area, the huge cavity volume of the yolk-shell arrangement, and finally the presence of Ti3+. The major effective ions and species in the destruction of gaseous toluene using visible light illumination applying a Ag@TiO2 yolk-shell, as confirmed through ESR, are Ti3+, h+, O-2, and OH.
The Children and Young People's Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (CYP IAPT) Programme in England

Peter Fonagy, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, UCL; Chief Executive, The Anna Freud Centre; National Clinical Lead, Children and Young People’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Programme Kathryn Pugh, Children and Young People’s Mental Health Programme Lead, NHS England Anne O’Herlihy, Children and Young People’s Mental Health Project Manager, NHS England
Interpretation of Serum Visfatin Level in Relation to Hepatic Injury is Probably Gender Dependent in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background: Studies on the association between visfatin and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have contradictory results and the role of this adipokine in NAFLD pathogenesis has remained unclear. In vitro studies indicate that visfatin expression could be regulated by sex hormones. Testosterone down-regulates visfatin expression in pre-adipocytes and estrogen increases its expression in adipocytes. Objectives: This study aimed at exploring whether the association between serum visfatin and markers of hepatic injury is the same for both genders in patients with NAFLD. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 62 consecutive patients (32 males and 30 females) with NAFLD were recruited. Fasting serum visfatin, caspase-cleaved cytokeratin 18 (cCK18), total soluble cytokeratin 18 (CK18), liver enzymes (AST and ALT), insulin, and lipidglucose profile was measured. Anthropometric measurements, fibroscan and assessment of dietary intake and physical activity level, were performed for each participant. Two independent sample t tests, chi-square test, univariate, and multiple linear regression (to adjust for confounding factors) were used to analyze the data. Results: In males, serum visfatin had a significant positive association with serum Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) (B = 0.47, P = 0.009), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (B = 0.40, P = 0.035), CK18 (B = 0.50, P = 0.008), and cCK18 (B = 0.47, P = 0.012). In females, serum visfatin only had a weak association with CK18 (B = 0.37, P = 0.045). Instead, higher body mass index (BMI) was significantly associated with increased serum CK18 (B = 0.44, P = 0.02), cCK18 (B = 0.42, P = 0.02), controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) (B = 0.39, P = 0.049), and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) (B = 0.40, P = 0.03) in females. Higher waist to hip ratio was also significantly related to serum AST (B = 0.37, P = 0.04), ALT (B = 0.50, P = 0.02), CK18 (B = 0.41, P = 0.03), cCK18 (B = 0.37, P = 0.04), and CAP (B = 0.39, P = 0.04) in this group. In this study, females were significantly older (47.83 ± 81.10 vs 39.84 ± 12.10, P = 0.008) and had higher BMI (32.31 ± 4.56 vs 29.42 ± 4.89, P = 0.02) compared to males, thus the associations were adjusted for age, BMI, and other confounders. Conclusions: Interpretation of serum visfatin level in relation to hepatic injury was probably gender-dependent in NAFLD. While its increased serum level could be an indicator for more hepatic injury in males, this was not the case in females. Body Mass Index and waist to hip ratio were stronger predictors for hepatic injury in females.
Chronic Infections and the Risk of Carotid Atherosclerosis Prospective Results From a Large Population Study

Background—Chronic infections have been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, yet from an epidemiological perspective, this concept remains controversial. Methods and Results—The Bruneck Study is a prospective population-based survey on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In 826 men and women 40 to 79 years old (1990 baseline), 5-year changes in carotid atherosclerosis were thoroughly assessed by high-resolution duplex scanning. The presence of chronic respiratory, urinary tract, dental, and other infections was ascertained by standard diagnostic criteria. Chronic infections amplified the risk of atherosclerosis development in the carotid arteries. The association was most pronounced in subjects free of carotid atherosclerosis at baseline (age-/sex-adjusted odds ratio [95% CI] for any chronic infection versus none, 4.08 [2.42 to 6.85]; P<0.0001) and applied to all types of chronic (bacterial) infections. It remained independently significant after adjustment for classic vascular risk attribu.
Coupled elastoplastic-viscoplastic solutions for compaction process in sedimentary basins

Simulation of sedimentary basins is a complex multidisciplinary problem that involves geological, chemical and mechanical aspects. The potential applications are important in geoscience and petroleum engineering, including exploration, reserves assessment and production activities. In this context, basin simulators that implement numerical models are used to reconstruct its mechanical state over geological time in order to optimize exploration processes. This work presents semianalytical reference solutions in elastoplasticity-viscoplasticity to describe the compaction history of sedimentary basins in the context of finite irreversible transformations, which are useful for the verification of numerical simulators. A finite element based modelling specifically devised for dealing with basin simulation has been used for comparison purposes. The numerical responses were favorably compared to the developed solutions, thus providing preliminary verification for the finite element tool.
Red Meat and Health: Getting to the Heart of the Matter

Consumption of red meat in the United States has progressively declined over the past 35 years. This occurred in conjunction with public recommendations to reduce red meat intake, based mainly on associations between higher red meat intake and increased chronic disease risk. This narrative review presents and discusses results from both observational cohort studies that focus on cardiometabolic disease development and mortality and randomized controlled trials that focus on cardiometabolic disease risk factors. This review will also address the potential effect of categorizations of red meat and processed meats on our understanding of cardiometabolic health implications of consuming red meat.
Tropicalization may invert trophic state and carbon budget of shallow temperate rocky reefs

Global warming mediates and maintains the tropicalization of temperate marine ecosystems. Recent studies have demonstrated that this process causes shifts from algal forests to denuded non‐canopy states in temperate reefs. It has been suggested that these changes would incur significant consequences to ecosystem functioning. In this study, we tested how tropicalization affects habitat‐provisioning functions and carbon turnover of a shallow reef in the fast‐warming and highly invaded southeastern Mediterranean Sea, in‐situ. On a single shallow reef, we conducted measurements of these functions in three habitats: dwindling native brown algal (Cystoseira) forest, dominant turf (formed by overgrazing of tropical rabbitfish) and expanding tropical shrubs dominated by red calcifying algae (Galaxaura rugosa). Algal forest was an autotrophic net carbon sink and provided habitat for high species diversity and the largest community biomass. The denuded turf was heterotrophic and provided habitat for the lowest species diversity and community biomass. While diversity was as high in tropical shrubs as in the algal forest, it had lower biomass and functioned as a heterotrophic net carbon source. Synthesis. Our study exemplifies possible functional consequences of tropicalization‐driven regime shifts on shallow temperate rocky reefs, and how these can invert the net trophic state and carbon balance.
The Knowledge and Learning Potential of Outsourcing

This chapter consists of a review of 42 refereed articles on outsourcing in relation to knowledge management and learning. Among the knowledge and learning potentials of outsourcing in organisations are to focus on core competencies, organisational learning, shorten production cycles, improve quality, and enhance innovation. Outsourcing can also have negative outcomes, such as knowledge loss, competences drainage, organisational learning problems, diminished trust, poorer services, hidden cost, and reduction in innovation. The findings of the review were summarised in a number of hypotheses and two conceptual models that highlight the contribution of outsourcing to either competitive advantage or disadvantage. The chapter can assist managers to seek competitive advantages out of outsourcing of activities while avoiding detrimental outsourcing effects.
Epidemiology of Herpes Simplex Virus Infection in Pregnancy: A Pilot Study

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted viral diseases worldwide. HSV type 2 causes most genital herpes and HSV type 1 is usually transmitted via non-sexual contacts. We studied 109 pregnant women between January 2007 and December 2008, in relation to their age, condom use, number of sexual partners, age at first intercourse, parity and smoking habits. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of HSV cervical infection and HSV co-infection with other genital microorganisms associated with poor neonatal outcome. Our results show that of the 109 outpatients enrolled, 30% were HSV1 and/or HSV2 positive, of whom 30% were infected with both HSV1 and HSV2, 18% were infected with HSV1 alone and 52% with HSV2 alone. A significant association between HSV1 and HSV2 infection was found, and the prevalence of HSV2 infection in women infected with HSV1 was 63%. The prevalence of HSV1/2 varied in the presence of other vaginal microorganisms but a statistical significant association was not found. This pilot study is probably too small to obtain statistically significant results. Nevertheless, using these observed results, we calculated that about 530 patients with comparable features should be enrolled to detect an increase of 50% in HSV infection due to the presence of other genital infections and potential risk factors.
Cardiac Catheterization and Intervention in Pediatric Cardiac Disease: A Narrative Review of Current Indications, Techniques, and Complications

Context: In the past 20 to 30 years, the area of pediatric interventional cardiology has had noteworthy development. Technological revolutions have significantly progressed management of cardiovascular disease in both children and adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). This article reviews the current indications, techniques and complications of interventional therapy for CHD. Evidence Acquisition: Training and publications in this field are rare. Overall, 64 article from January 1953 to February 2014 were studied. A total of 26 articles were involved in pediatric evaluation. Results: There have been several catheter-based interventions for congenital heart disease. Percutaneous intervention in pediatric cardiac disease has been established in the past 2 to 3 decades. There are currently devices accepted for percutaneous closure of ASDs, patent ductus arteriosus (PDAs), and muscular ventricular septal defects (VSDs). The period of percutaneous valve implantation is just beginning, and the next few years may bring about advances in miniaturized valve distribution methods to allow insertion in