Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Peptide-protein coassembling matrices as a biomimetic 3D model of ovarian cancer

Bioengineered matrices from self-assembling peptides and extracellular matrix proteins can model the tumor microenvironment. Bioengineered three-dimensional (3D) matrices expand our experimental repertoire to study tumor growth and progression in a biologically relevant, yet controlled, manner. Here, we used peptide amphiphiles (PAs) to coassemble with and organize extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins producing tunable 3D models of the tumor microenvironment. The matrix was designed to mimic physical and biomolecular features of tumors present in patients. We included specific epitopes, PA nanofibers, and ECM macromolecules for the 3D culture of human ovarian cancer, endothelial, and mesenchymal stem cells. The multicellular constructs supported the formation of tumor spheroids with extensive F-actin networks surrounding the spheroids, enabling cell-cell communication, and comparative cell-matrix interactions and encapsulation response to those observed in Matrigel. We conducted a proof-of-concept study with clinically used chemotherapeutics to validate the functionality of the multicellular constructs. Our study demonstrates that peptide-protein coassembling matrices serve as a defined model of the multicellular tumor microenvironment of primary ovarian tumors.
Automatic method for brightness adjustment in regions of interest in photography

One of the most commonly used techniques in photo retouching is to highlight or modify the brightness of specific areas or objects in the image that appear dark to make them more noticeable. This task is usually done by hand, but it is a subjective and sometimes long process, depending on the quality of the adjustment required by the user. Therefore, based on the idea used for the removal of noise in images by means of the joint bilateral and guided filters, in this work, the use of a second image of the same scene is proposed. This second image, acquired with different lightning and in which the area to be highlighted appears with the desired intensity, is used to adjust the brightness of the same area in the image to be processed. The method is based on a technique previously employed for the adjustment of monochromatic microscopy images, in which two two-dimensional histograms are obtained from the pixels of the region to be modified and another two from the one that serves as a guide. From each pair of histograms, five profiles are obtained, which are used to automatically adjust the brightness of the region of interest to be processed, taking the one that produces the closest result among the regions of interest using the Bhattacharyya distance. In this way, it is possible to make photographic effects for image correction. The results obtained show the quality of the proposed technique.
Resonant nanodiffraction x-ray imaging reveals role of magnetic domains in complex oxide spin caloritronics

X-ray nanodiffraction reveals the magnetism of spincaloritronic oxides and how it can be controlled using lattice distortion. Spin electronic devices based on crystalline oxide layers with nanoscale thicknesses involve complex structural and magnetic phenomena, including magnetic domains and the coupling of the magnetism to elastic and plastic crystallographic distortion. The magnetism of buried nanoscale layers has a substantial impact on spincaloritronic devices incorporating garnets and other oxides exhibiting the spin Seebeck effect (SSE). Synchrotron hard x-ray nanobeam diffraction techniques combine structural, elemental, and magnetic sensitivity and allow the magnetic domain configuration and structural distortion to be probed in buried layers simultaneously. Resonant scattering at the Gd L2 edge of Gd3Fe5O12 layers yields magnetic contrast with both linear and circular incident x-ray polarization. Domain patterns facet to form low-energy domain wall orientations but also are coupled to elastic features linked to epitaxial growth. Nanobeam magnetic diffraction images reveal diverse magnetic microstructure within emerging SSE materials and a strong coupling of the magnetism to crystallographic distortion.
Synthesis of video processing with open-source hardware descriptor languages

Technology development has allowed each day we have devices that can contain all the functionality of a Digital System on a single chip (SoC) and they have a very high scale of integration (VLSI) hundreds of millions of gates at very low costs. As well as the design, verification and synthesis tools offered by the development factories those make these SoC and FPGA components. This companies offer Integrated Development Environments with software tools to perform from the specification of the Design to its synthesis in C.I. and its verification in industry standard languages as Verilog and VHDL. This paper shows the advantages in design, verification, synthesis and testing that can be obtained by using HDL languages such as CHISEL, MyHDL for the processing of video processing in Real-Times and demonstrate its main advantages in both learning time and costs.
A New Notation for Interactive Systems

We describe a new notation for interactive systems. It is based on links between the nodes that represent the various affordances available to the user of an interactive system. Like any notation its main benefit may be that of facilitating communication between the customer who commissions the system, the interaction designer and the implementer. The origin of the new notation was a proposed representation of an app designed to support a person with Type-1 diabetes in the management of their condition, and the use of that representation to investigate navigational transitions carried out by the user. Potential generalization of the notation, as well as its benefits and weaknesses, are being investigated.
Fault detection in sensors using single and multi-channel weighted convolutional neural networks

The success of sensor based application depends on the availability of clean data and its fail safe operation. However, due to their inherent dynamical behavior, detecting faults in sensors can be challenging. To this end, we propose a signal processing and nonlinear dynamics based fault detection approach for learning the normal/abnormal states of sensors using machine learning. The characteristic traits in detecting faults are the textured images that are generated from the time series of sensor measurements. Our approach uses these textured images that capture the dynamical properties of the sensor systems along with spectrograms with weighted Convolutional Neural Networks (wCNNs). We first test our approach on a radar sensor system since identifying faults in such a system is difficult due to their inherent complex dynamics. An evaluation of the multi-channel wCNN model for radar fault detection shows its robustness to tolerate noise. The efficiency of our approach is validated on a real data set from a gearbox sensor system. Results demonstrate that the unique patterns from the image representation convey valuable information about the dynamical states of the sensor systems in improving fault detection.
Immersion in Desktop-Based Web Browsing: A Framework

In this article, we report on findings from an empirical study designed to assess factors determining the experience of immersion in desktop-based web-browsing, which is identified as occurring when a user reports a deep sense of cognitive and perceptual absorption in the content and/or the interaction with a website. A within-subjects study was designed and administered to participants (N = 29) who interacted with three different websites. Results of the self-report measure have been factor analyzed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The PCA yielded three factors (media form and content; control and continuity; consistency), which appear to influence the determinants of an immersive experience, namely vividness and interactivity, in different ways. Directions for further research are briefly discussed.
Luxotonic signals in human prefrontal cortex as a possible substrate for effects of light on mood and cognition

Significance Humans sense changes in ambient illumination, thus luxotonic properties, unrelated to form vision, and these changes influence a wide range of functions, including circadian rhythms, visual reflexes, mood, and likely cognitive processing. While image-forming pathways in the primate brain detect minute changes in illumination, it remains unclear how light-intensity signals reach and become processed in brain structures involved in basic moods and their dysfunction, pathways that likely derive from intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells. Here, we show that prefrontal regions in the human brain have luxotonic signals. These signals have properties similar to intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells, and they may underlie light-intensity effects on complex behaviors.
Isolation and Identification of Endophytic Bacteria in Burley Tobacco and Reduction to TSNA Contents of Burley Tobacco

By surface disinfection method, thirty three strains of endophytic bacteria were isolated from the midrib of thirty samples, including burley tobacco TN90 and TRM. These strains were identified as eight genera, they are Pseudomonas, Xanthomonas, Arthrobacter, Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, Flavobacterium, Rhizobium, Aerococcus, and Listeria. The strains TEB11、TEB17、TEB23、TEB26、TEB30 and TEB34 were screened by nitrate and nitrite reducing test, and inoculated to burley tobacco leave by three methods: homogenized leave, dipped stalks and sprayed leave surface. The contents of NO 3N, NO 2N, TSNA and alkaloid of these samples cured were analyzed. The results showed that Endophytic bacteria could reduce 27 56%～99 88% of the TSNA contents of burley tobacco leave, the TSNA contents of homogenized leave inoculated were lowest, then were dipped stalks and sprayed leave surface were highest.
Multimodal neuroimaging in anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe and complex psychiatric disorder characterized by intense fear about weight gain and finalized to food‐related control behaviors. Growing interest has been demonstrated about neurobiological processes subtend to AN physiopathology. The present review aimed to collect neurostructural and neurofunctional available data from 2010 to 2019. Results have been organized according to the neuroimaging technique employed, also including a specific section on electroencephalographic results, mostly neglected in previous reviews. Diffuse cerebral vulnerability has been demonstrated and the contribution of several structures has been identified. Insula, cingulate cortex, parietal and frontal areas are primarily involved both by structural and functional perspectives. Moreover, consistent alterations in white matter integrity and brain electrical activity have been reported. Neuroimaging findings give a substantial contribution to AN pathophysiological description, also in order to understand altered but reversible processes in the passage from acute illness phase to disorder's remission, useful also for defining therapy.
Caarvida: Visual Analytics for Test Drive Videos

We report on an interdisciplinary visual analytics project wherein automotive engineers analyze test drive videos. These videos are annotated with navigation-specific augmented reality (AR) content, and the engineers need to identify issues and evaluate the behavior of the underlying AR navigation system. With the increasing amount of video data, traditional analysis approaches can no longer be conducted in an acceptable timeframe. To address this issue, we collaboratively developed Caarvida, a visual analytics tool that helps engineers to accomplish their tasks faster and handle an increased number of videos. Caarvida combines automatic video analysis with interactive and visual user interfaces. We conducted two case studies which show that Caarvida successfully supports domain experts and speeds up their task completion time.
FeedBucket: Simplified Haptic Feedback for VR and MR

Standard development libraries for Virtual and Mixed Reality support haptic feedback through low-level parameters, which do not guide developers in creating effective interactions. In this paper, we report some preliminary results on a simplified structure for the creation, assignment and execution of haptic feedback for standard controllers with the optional feature of synchronizing an haptic pattern to an auditory feedback. In addition, we present the results of a preliminary test investigating the users' ability in recognizing variations in intensity and/or duration of the stimulus, especially when the two dimensions are combined for encoding information.
Near-infrared image enhancement through multi-scale alpha-rooting processing for remote sensing application

We present a new near-infrared (NIR) image enhancement algorithm based on multi-scale alpha-rooting processing. The basic idea is to apply the α-rooting image enhancement approach for different image blocks. The parameter alpha for every block driven through optimization of measure of enhancement (EME). Also, we propose a fusion scheme for alpha-rooting enhancement and edge detection results. Some experimental results are presented to illustrate the performance of the proposed algorithm on the RGB-NIR Scene Data.
Integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior With Norm Activation in a Pro-Environmental Context

Background: The theory of planned behavior (TPB) is one of the famous theories used to predict a person’s intentions in various contexts, using the subjective normative component. This article, therefore, focused on proposing a conceptual model to fill the existing gaps related to the pro-environmental context, based on the TPB, with the normative aspects supplemented by incorporating the norm activation theory (NAT). Focus of the Article: The interaction between subjective and personal norms needs to be considered in order to acquire empirical data support from social marketing scholars. The awareness of consequences is used to form personal norms that function as an “instrumental attitude” in predicting intention. The existence of attitude needs to be distinguished between the experiential and instrumental, reflected in the awareness of consequences. Program Design/Approach: Pro-environmental behavior (PEB) in the context of waste sorting is a shared function of intentions, personal norm, and perceived control. It plays an important role in mediating the influence of motivational factors of TPB and personal norm of NAT, on waste sorting. Communication strategies in promoting waste sorting activity have to integrate social pressure with a feeling of moral obligation. Importance to the Social Marketing Field: The conceptual model shows that the integration of TPB and NAT contributes a more comprehensive perspective for social marketers to promote the waste sorting behavior of the targeted society. Methods: Five essential stages are systematically arranged to integrate TPB and NAT. The first stage explains the basic equation of TPB and NAT. The second proposes three essential propositions. The third provides logical thinking of the integrated equation model, while the fourth stage creates the visual form and explains it in detail. The fifth stage provides a clear and concise managerial implication and limitation of the model, accompanied by the possibility to expand it in future studies. Recommendations for Research or Practice: The social marketing practitioners and academicians interested in the issue of PEB context from the community, need to consider the integration of TPB and NAT in their activities. Social pressure within the community is strengthened by the formation of a sense of moral obligation with the simultaneous strengthening of the experiential and instrumental attitude. Limitations: The proposed conceptual model is limited to the utilization of a cultural approach as the central premise. It is also limited to the use of the fundamental theory in predicting humans’ behavior in a waste sorting context.
Geocentrism vs genocentrism: theories without metaphors, metaphors without theories

Through the comparison between two major, long-lasting theoretical frameworks – geocentrism and genocentrism – we discuss the different epistemological role played by metaphors in physics and biology. Throughout its history, physics developed theories and mathematical formalisms, which either do not seem to rely on metaphors at all (as geocentrism) or have absorbed initial thrusting metaphors into original theoretical frameworks. When considering genocentrism, in turn, the situation looks different. For some authors, genocentric theories are not metaphorical, but for opposite reasons with respect to geocentrism: pivotal concepts of information theories are straightforwardly imported as theoretical ones into biology. For others, the reference to information in genocentrism is indeed metaphorical, although the similarities and dissimilarities are not spelt out. Some problematic consequences of the application of genocentrism to biology are discussed.
The Impact of Appropriate Interpersonal Touch (AIT) via Handshake on Perceived Credibility of Interpreter and Message

The role of interpersonal touch has been studied in communication fields, demonstrating a handshake or other form of appropriate interpersonal touch (AIT) has rendered favorable results in rapport building with an audience as well as developing audience comfort and receptivity to messaging. This study aimed to determine if the use of a handshake prior to interpretive programming would increase the positivity of perception of a visitor toward interpreters and/or the message shared by interpreters. Four interpreters gave both control and test interpretive programs, with 404 participants completing surveys at the site for a period of about one month. The interpreters were then asked to reflect on their practice at the end of the study. The research also discusses viewpoints of professionals in the field of interpretation about the current use and perception of touch. Trough three angles, the research demonstrated that AIT positively affects a visitor's perception of the interpreter and the message shared. The research also highlights and discusses boundaries in the use of touch and next steps toward researching AIT's role in the field of interpretation.
After ‘The One Best System’

example. The politics of school choice occupy disproportionate air time and political energy. A cynic might even say that the politics of choice intentionally deflect attention from equally, if not more, important issues. The nuanced thinking that Ben-Porath and Johanek offer for thinking through what really matters from the philosophical and ethical perspectives advances the debate. But using Florida as a barometer for what is happening in states with more contentious school choice debates, politicking arises as a major factor in the school choice debate. How, then, are the politics of school choice to be factored into our normative theorizing about policy? Dwyer and Peters seem to have a clear answer: all policy must be directed at children’s flourishing. But, they also acknowledge the practical difficulties of instantiating their specific policy recommendations, given the political heft of groups like the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). Ben-Porath and Johanek’s approach appears more deferential to the political process, and yet the influence of politics on school reform still seems underappreciated. Reconciling theory with practice is a perennial difficulty, with these two books offering very different, and provocative, approaches.
“Why post more pictures if no one is looking at them?” Parents’ perception of the Facebook Like in sharenting

ABSTRACT This paper reports on findings from an exploratory investigation about parents’ perceived role of the Facebook Like in sharenting (i.e., sharing about their children on social media) by drawing on the qualitative results of an online survey. Findings show that the majority of participants think that getting a Like on a picture of one’s child can encourage a parent to share more about him/her because of two main understandings of this paralinguistic cue: the Like as a received validation of one’s parenting, or as a metric of connection with important people, causing emotional reactions in the receivers. Several parents, though, judge the Like as more commonly being important for others, explaining this difference in terms of internal characteristics. This study aims to extend our understanding of the motivations behind sharenting by taking into account the role of the Like in this practice and highlighting how parents position themselves in such an exchange of digital photo-sharing and feedback. As communication does not happen in a vacuum, we advance that research on parents’ photo-sharing behavior online may benefit from considering whether and how social media liking can foster and shape interpersonal communication between posters and recipients.
Preventing Type 2 Diabetes Among Midlife Women: A Feasibility Study Comparing a Combined Sleep and Lifestyle Intervention With a Standard Lifestyle Intervention

Purpose The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of adding a sleep extension intervention to a well-established diabetes prevention intervention among midlife women with short sleep duration at risk for type 2 diabetes. Methods For this 2-group comparative design, 26 women with prediabetes or metabolic syndrome and sleep duration <7 hours were recruited from the community to participate in an 8-session diet and physical activity lifestyle intervention alone (L-alone) or L-alone plus a behavioral sleep intervention (L+Sleep). Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and other outcomes were compared at baseline and 3 and 6 months using analysis of covariance. Results Incorporating a sleep intervention into lifestyle changes proved feasible and acceptable to midlife women at risk for type 2 diabetes. Significant decreases in BMI and waist circumference over time were observed in both groups, but comparative efficacy of L+Sleep versus L-alone yielded few group differences. Exploratory analysis indicated that women who increased their sleep to ≥7 h/night, regardless of group assignment, lost more weight than women who continued to report sleeping <7 h/night. Conclusion Adding sleep extension to a lifestyle change intervention proved feasible and satisfactory to participants, but initial efficacy did not differentiate the 2 intervention groups.