Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A novel approach for iris recognition

Iris is one of the biometrics that is very stable and reliable. This research aims to develop a method that can be used to perform iris identification using four hundred and twenty iris images from CASIA-v4-Syn (non-ideal iris) along with three hundred and seventy eight iris images from CASIA-v1 (ideal iris). The basic principle of the proposed method as follows: firstly, design the preprocess using amoeba median filter and Gaussian filter in order to enhance the effective area of the iris. Secondly, using modified CHT method, the iris area is segmented to separate the iris from the pupil. Subsequently, the selection process of ROI by applying homogeneous rubber sheet model to extract the intersection of internal and lower region from the segmented iris will consequently transform it to a rectangular shape which will be used for features extraction. The characteristic features namely maximum probability, correlation, contrast, energy, homogeneity, and entropy are then extracted using multiple 3D-GLCM; which is the advanced version of 2D GLCM. Finally, these features are trained using Elman Recurrent Neural Network/Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm to obtain the accuracy. Studies have shown that the recognition rates of this method can reach CRR of 91% using CASIA-Iris-Syn v4 and CRR of 94.22% using CASIA-Iris-Syn v1 which can meet the demand of iris recognition.
Sox9, more than a marker of the outer root sheath: spatiotemporal expression pattern during human cutaneous embryogenesis

Background: The sex‐determining gene Sox9 was recently unexpectedly found to have an essential role in outer root sheath differentiation. It was also characterized as a general marker of basal cell carcinoma. Herein, we describe its spatiotemporal expression pattern outside the hair follicle during human cutaneous embryogenesis.
Two different three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded framework structures in two hydrated adducts meso-5,5,7,12,12,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane--terephthalic acid--water (1/1/4) and (1/1/6)

Co-crystallization of meso-5,5,7,12,12,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane, C16H36N4, with terephthalic acid (1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid), C8H6O4, from ethanol yields the tetrahydrate (C16H36N4). (C8H6O4). (H2O)4 (1), meso-5,5,7,12,12,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecaneterephthalic acid-water (1/1/4), while similar co-crystallization from methanol yields the hexahydrate (C16H36N4). (C8H6O4). (H2O)6 (2), meso-5,5,7,12,12,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-terephthalic acid-water (1/1/6). Both compounds are salts, [C16H38N4]2+. [C8H4O4]2-. 4H2O (1) and [C16H38N4]2+. [C8H4O4]2-. 6H2O (2): in (2) both ionic components lie across centres of inversion and in both salts there are two protons held within the N4 cavity of the cation. In the structure of (1), the cations and anions are linked into chains by means of paired N-H.O hydrogen bonds, and the water molecules are linked into continuous chains by means of O--H.O hydrogen bonds, in which each of the H atoms is independently disordered over two equally populated sites. The water chains link the ionic chains into a continuous three-dimensional framework by means of further O-H.O hydrogen bonds. In (2) the cations and anions are linked by single N--H.O hydrogen bonds, again into chains: at the same time the anions and the water molecules are linked by multiple O-H.O hydrogen bonds into continuous two-dimensional nets, which are linked by the cations, by means of N--H.O hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional framework, entirely different from that in (1).
Immunohistochemical expression of galectin-3 in benign and malignant thyroid lesions.

CONTEXT The expression of galectin-3, a human lectin, has been shown to be highly associated with malignant behavior of thyroid lesions. DESIGN We studied the immunohistochemical expression pattern of galectin-3 in a variety of follicular-derived thyroid lesions (13 benign and 62 malignant), including Hürthle cell and follicular carcinoma, papillary carcinomas and variants, and anaplastic and poorly differentiated carcinomas. RESULTS Immunoreactivity was strongest in papillary thyroid carcinomas, whereas staining was less intense in Hürthle cell and anaplastic carcinomas, and even weaker in the follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Staining was absent or weak in the 3 follicular thyroid carcinomas and was negative in both insular carcinomas. In several tumors, staining was stronger at the advancing invasive edge of the lesion than in the central portion of the tumor. Galectin-3 was also expressed focally and weakly in reactive follicular epithelium and entrapped follicles in chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. A variety of thyroid lesions showed prominent endogenous, biotin-like activity, which could cause flaws in interpretation if a biotin-detection system were used. CONCLUSION We conclude that galectin-3 immunostaining, when used in biotin-free detection systems, may be useful as an adjunct to distinguish benign from malignant thyroid lesions.
Fast Voltage-Balancing Control and Fast Numerical Simulation Model for the Modular Multilevel Converter

A methodology of fast voltage-balancing control based on average comparison and a fast numerical simulation model for the modular multilevel converter are proposed. In each control cycle, the average voltage of all the submodules (SMs) in an arm is calculated. The switching state of each SM will be determined by comparing the capacitor voltage of each SM with this average value. Little sorting of the capacitor voltages is required; therefore, the calculation burden on the controller is significantly reduced. The previous switching state of each SM will be mostly retained. Two variables △UC_sort and △UC_max are introduced to adjust the equivalent switching frequency of each SM. Simulation results verified the effectiveness of the proposed voltage-balancing control in normal and fault conditions. A fast numerical simulation model for MMC on PSCAD/EMTDC is also proposed. The dynamics of each SM are sufficiently represented in the proposed model. A hybrid simulation model is further developed to incorporate the detailed switching dynamics of specific interested SMs. The simulation results show that the proposed models give almost identical results as the detailed switching models while the simulation speed of the proposed model is approximately 5000 times faster than the detailed switching model.
State and transition modeling : An ecological process approach

State-and-transition models hold great potential to aid in understanding rangeland ecosystems' response to natural and/or management-induced disturbances by providing a framework for organizing current understanding of potential ecosystem dynamics. Many conceptual state-and-transition models have been developed, however, the ecological interpretation of the model's primary components, states, transitions, and thresholds, has varied due to a lack of universally accepted definitions. The lack of consistency in definitions has led to confusion and criticism indicating the need for further development and refinement of the theory and associated models. We present an extensive review of current literature and conceptual models and point out the inconsistencies in the application of nonequilibrium ecology concepts. The importance of ecosystem stability as defined by the resistance and resilience of plant communities to disturbance is discussed as an important concept relative to state-and-transition modeling. Finally, we propose a set of concise definitions for state-and-transition model components and we present a conceptual model of state/transition/threshold relationships that are determined by the resilience and resistance of the ecosystems' primary ecological processes. This model provides a framework for development of process-based state-and-transition models for management and research.
Is radical cystectomy mandatory in every patient with variant histology of bladder cancer

Urothelial carcinomas have an established propensity for divergent differentiation. Most of these variant tumors are muscle invasive but not all. The response of non muscle invasive variant tumors to intravesical immunotherapy with BCG is not established in the literature, and is reported here. Between June 1995 and December 2007, 760 patients (mean age of 67.5 years) underwent transurethral resection of first time bladder tumors in our institution. Histologically variant tumors were found in 79 patients (10.4%). Of these 57 patients (72%) of them had muscle-invasive disease or extensive non-muscle invasive tumors and remaining 22 patients (28%) were treated with BCG immunotherapy. These included 7 patients with squamous differentiation, 4 with glandular, 6 with nested, 4 with micropapillary and 1 patient with sarcomatoid variant. The response of these patients to immunotherapy was compared with that of 144 patients having high-grade conventional urothelial carcinomas. Median follow-up was 46 months. The 2 and 5-year progression (muscle-invasion) free survival rates were 92% and 84.24% for patients with conventional carcinoma compared to 81.06% and 63.16% for patients with variant disease (P=0.02). The 2 and 5-year disease specific survival rates were 97% and 91.43% for patients with conventional carcinoma compared to 94.74 % and 82% for patients with variant disease (P=0.33). 5 patients (22.7%) of variant group and 13 patients (9.03%) of conventional group underwent cystectomy during follow-up (P=0.068). Patients with non-muscle invasive variants of bladder cancers can be managed with intravesical immunotherapy if tumor is not bulky (>4 cm). Although progression to muscle invasive disease is more common than in conventional group and occurs in about 40% of the patients, life expectancy is similar to patients with conventional high-grade urothelial carcinomas provided that follow-up is meticulous.
Temporal and force characteristics of fast double-finger, single-finger and hand tapping

The purposes of this study were: (1) to provide descriptive temporal and force data for fast alternate tapping by the index and middle fingers (‘double-finger mode’), and to compare it with one finger fast tapping (‘single-finger mode’); (2) to determine any differences in the dynamic motor function of individual fingers with these tapping tasks; and (3) to determine any differences between the singlefinger mode and tapping with the whole hand (‘hand mode’). Eleven healthy males tapped force transducer(s) for 7 s as fast as possible using their dominant hand. The double-finger mode had a greater peak force and a 50% faster tapping frequency than the single-finger mode. There was no correlation between the single-finger and double-finger modes in the temporal data. Tapping with two fingers thus seems to be organized with a motor strategy that is different from that with one finger, and can possibly capture an individual's additional or different motor function. A comparison between the two fingers revealed that the index finger had a significantly faster tapping frequency, indicating the superiority of the index finger over the middle finger in terms of dynamic motor function. The hand mode had a significantly faster tapping frequency with greater peak force than the single-finger mode. A distinction is essential between these two modes.
Maximum power point tracking using neural networks control for grid-connected photovoltaic system

The need for renewable energy sources is on the rise because of the acute energy crisis in the world today. The main hindrance for the penetration and reach of solar PV system is its low efficiency and high capital cost. The output characteristics of photovoltaic arrays are nonlinear and change with the cell's temperature and solar radiation. In this paper, a new maximum power point tracker (MPPT) using neural networks is used to maximize the PV array output power by tracking continuously the maximum power point. The performance of photovoltaic system has been presented and analyzed using Matlab/Simulink software. The simulation results obtained confirm the good performances of the proposed MPPT method.
The relationship between adolescents’ personality characteristics and online self-presentation

Adolescents currently grow up with new media, intertwining these in their daily lives. Identity development is a main task of adolescence and new media provide possibilities for self-presentation. Recent research on personal homepages and social media show that these platforms are often used tools for adolescents to perform presentations of self. However, research on the factors that determine the specific form of self-presentation and the extent of self-disclosure online are still scarce. This paper describes how aspects of online self-presentation are influenced by adolescents’ personality characteristics. The relation between narcissism, self-efficacy with regard to self-presentation, extroversion and conscientiousness and online self-presentation have been investigated with content analysis of social network profiles from 68 adolescents. Narcissists are more likely to have a visible face on their profile picture.
A MAP blind bit-rate detector for variable-gain multiple-access systems

A maximum a posteriori blind bit-rate detector is derived for a fixed frame-length multiple-access system which employs variable-gain transmitter power and repetition encoding. Blind bit-rate detectors are derived for the additive white Gaussian noise channel and for the slowly fading Nakagami-m channel, assuming infinite depth interleaving at the smallest bit rate. The performances of the detectors are assessed for different frame lengths, signal-to-noise ratios, and fading conditions.
Rapid cortical bone loss in patients with chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients may have high rates of bone loss and fractures, but microarchitectural and biochemical mechanisms of bone loss in CKD patients have not been fully described. In this longitudinal study of 53 patients with CKD Stages 2 to 5D, we used dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), high‐resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT), and biochemical markers of bone metabolism to elucidate effects of CKD on the skeleton. Median follow‐up was 1.5 years (range 0.9 to 4.3 years); bone changes were annualized and compared with baseline. By DXA, there were significant declines in areal bone mineral density (BMD) of the total hip and ultradistal radius: −1.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] −2.1 to −0.6) and −2.4% (95% CI −4.0 to −0.9), respectively. By HRpQCT at the distal radius, there were significant declines in cortical area, density, and thickness and increases in porosity: −2.9% (95% CI −3.7 to −2.2), −1.3% (95% CI −1.6 to −0.6), −2.8% (95% CI −3.6 to −1.9), and +4.2% (95% CI 2.0 to 6.4), respectively. Radius trabecular area increased significantly: +0.4% (95% CI 0.2 to 0.6), without significant changes in trabecular density or microarchitecture. Elevated time‐averaged levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and bone turnover markers predicted cortical deterioration. Higher levels of serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D predicted decreases in trabecular network heterogeneity. These data suggest that significant cortical loss occurs with CKD, which is mediated by hyperparathyroidism and elevated turnover. Future investigations are required to determine whether these cortical losses can be attenuated by treatments that reduce PTH levels and remodeling rates.
Enabling high-performance RF designs using Z-interconnect: Materials, manufacturing and electrical performance

More and more board and chip package RF designs require high-signal density while delivering frequencies in the tens of gigahertz. The challenges for organic substrate in meeting these electrical requirements include using high-speed, low-loss materials, manufacturing precise structures, and making a reliable finished product. In addition, many RF systems have mechanical and environmental requirements like lightweight and low- moisture absorption. This paper describes a procedure used to fabricate RF circuits in a package composed of laminated substrates. A highly versatile laminated structure is enabled by the presence of Z-interconnects that are included between the layers. These interconnects are normal to the surfaces of the substrates which is considered to be the 'Z' direction. Such Z-interconnects hold promise for increasing signal density at microwave frequencies in a given package. The manufacture of Z- interconnect structures involves building mini-substrates of 2 or 3 layers each, then assembling several mini- substrates together to make the finished product. Final lamination includes connecting metal layers vertically, using a conductive paste. Designing and manufacturing the mini-substrates separately makes it possible to reliably manufacture substrates with no via stubs, very low-loss materials, nearly arbitrary transmission line structures and versatility in optimizing features to reduce signal loss. Examples of circuits, that were fabricated using the Z- interconnect process, are given and test results shown. These circuits are tested for electrical performance consisting of S-parameter measurements. Equivalent low-loss performance to typical ceramic substrates will be shown up to 25 GHz. These results compare the use of the technique with liquid crystal polymer (LCP) substrate material with the use of Teflon-based material. Teflon- based circuits are compared to low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) substrates. Due to its design flexibility, lighter weight and hermeticity, the organic-material based Z-interconnect is shown as an improvement over ceramic substrates.
The Experience of a Sense of Presence in Intercultural and International Encounters

The state of consciousness referred to as a sense of presence has received significant attention in research on teleoperator and virtual reality systems. There has apparently been, however, little theoretical development or empirical research associated with the experience of presence. In that regard, it is useful to look at another very different context in which it has received attention. This paper reports on a study recently conducted on the experience of presence in international and intercultural encounters that may have theoretical significance beyond this limited context. Overall, the results indicated that the experiences of realness, vividness, and feeling very much alive, attending to the immediate situation, a perception of thinking and acting in new and innovative ways, and a broad awareness of everything around clustered together as a single factor and that a sense of presence in this context is a state of consciousness with at least these characteristics. There was also evidence that the experience of the state is related to the perception of quickness in the passage of time, the recall of details of encounters, their enjoyment, and the motivation to repeat them.
A New Sensor Antenna-array Selecting Method in Wireless Sensor Networks

In this paper, a novel selecting method based on Hopfield neural networks (HNN) is proposed, which is used to select the sensor nodes as the antenna-array in the sensor networks. In our method, we select the sensor nodes, which have the lowest cost and also satisfy the distance requirement of the multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) system, to act as multiple transmitting and receiving antennas. Using the HNN for selecting makes it feasible and easy to realize. Simulation results also indicate the effectiveness of the proposed method
Mapping natural habitats using remote sensing and sparse partial least square discriminant analysis

This work presents a novel approach for mapping the spatial distribution of natural habitats in the ‘Foothills of Larzac’ Natura 2000 listed site located in a French Mediterranean biogeographical region. Sparse partial least square discriminant analysis was used to analyse two RapidEye data sets (June 2009 and July 2010) with the purpose of choosing the most informative spectral, textural, and thematic variables that allow discrimination of habitat classes. The sparse partial least square discriminant analysis selected relevant and stable variables for the discrimination of habitat classes that could be linked to ecological or biophysical characteristics. It also gave insight into the similarities and differences between habitat classes with comparable physiognomic characteristics. The highest user accuracy was obtained for dry improved grasslands (u = 91.97%) followed by riparian ash woods (u = 88.38%). These results are very encouraging given that these two classes were identified in Annex 1 of the EC Habitats Directive as of Community interest. Due to limited data input requirements and its computational efficiency, the approach developed in this article is a good alternative to other types of variable selection approaches in a supervised classification framework and can be easily transferred to other Natura 2000 sites.
A complete automated algorithm for segmentation of tissues and identification of tumor region in T1, T2, and FLAIR brain images using optimization and clustering techniques

Tissues in brain are the most complicated parts of our body, a clear examination and study are therefore required by a radiologist to identify the pathologies. Normal magnetic resonance (MR) scanner is capable of producing brain images with bounded tissues, where unique and segregated views of the tissues are required. A distinguished view upon the images is manually impossible and can be subjected to operator errors. With the assistance of a soft computing technique, an automated unique segmentation upon the brain tissues along with the identification of the tumor region can be effectively done. These functionalities assist the radiologist extensively. Several soft computing techniques have been proposed and one such technique which is being proposed is PSO‐based FCM algorithm. The results of the proposed algorithm is compared with fuzzy C‐means (FCM) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms using comparison factors such as mean square error (MSE), peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR), entropy (energy function), Jaccard (Tanimoto Coefficient) index, dice overlap index and memory requirement for processing the algorithm. The efficiency of the PSO‐FCM algorithm is verified using the comparison factors.
ADAM: An Adaptive Model for State Aggregation in Hierarchical Networks

Hierarchical routing strategy as a scalable solution to the QoS routing problem defines a particular kind of state information; each domain advertises only its aggregated state to the outside. Unfortunately, topology aggregation (TA) which is the process of summarizing the topological information of domains, introduces some inaccuracy due to the compaction of exact network state. To reduce inaccuracy, both the TA method and the routing algorithm must be carefully selected. In this paper, we propose a novel aggregation model which intelligently adapts the aggregated state of domains according to the needs and topological locations of network nodes. Through extensive simulations, we show that appropriate adjustment of compact state based on its relevance to sources, results in a lower miss-admission ratio and longer update intervals for the hierarchical QoS routing protocols