Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fault-Tolerant and High-Performance Software Defined Networks View project

Collaborative navigation systems provide a useful way for virtual groups to share information through the web. However, the common set of features of these tools is not enough to offer a more face-to-face-like browsing experience. To fill this gap, this paper presents a novel collaborative navigation approach, which aims at integrating important features of a lightweight distributed architecture, awareness, session state sharing and annotations. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of our approach, LiCoB prototype was developed and then, evaluated considering performance issues.
SIMPLE DELIVERY ROBOT SYSTEM BASED ON LINE MAPPING METHOD

Simple delivery robot system was made to make daily activities easier because the robot can deliver things to another place as long as it is in the same floor and has line mapping. This research is different from previous line follower research; the robot used has a dimension of 40 cm (length) x 40 cm (wide) x 40 cm (height), it can be summoned from several rooms using RF remote and can be ordered to deliver things and send messages. The robot uses seven infrared sensors to trace the line which is within 1.5 cm from underneath its body. In this research, the robot can go to four designated rooms plus one base camp. The robot also has several features i.e.: alarm system which can indicate when the robot arrived at the destination, LCD and keyboard so the user can write message, obstacle sensor to avoid crash, and emergency system which will active when the robot stray out of the line. The emergency system activates video camera and alarm so the user can control the robot with remote control to position it back in the line map. All activities are controlled by microcontroller AT89C51. The focuses of this research are robot mapping system using line mapping, special remote system using radio frequency, message delivery system using LCD and emergency system using video camera and remote control. Maximum speed of the robot is 1.045 m/s, and it can accommodate maximum load of 3.5 kg.
The JNK Signaling Pathway in Renal Fibrosis

Fibrosis of the glomerular and tubulointerstitial compartments is a common feature of chronic kidney disease leading to end-stage renal failure. This fibrotic process involves a number of pathologic mechanisms, including cell death and inflammation. This review focuses on the role of the c-Jun amino terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway in the development of renal fibrosis. The JNK pathway is activated in response to various cellular stresses and plays an important role in cell death and inflammation. Activation of JNK signaling is a common feature in most forms of human kidney injury, evident in both intrinsic glomerular and tubular cells as well as in infiltrating leukocytes. Similar patterns of JNK activation are evident in animal models of acute and chronic renal injury. Administration of JNK inhibitors can protect against acute kidney injury and suppress the development of glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. In particular, JNK activation in tubular epithelial cells may be a pivotal mechanism in determining the outcome of both acute kidney injury and progression of chronic kidney disease. JNK signaling promotes tubular epithelial cell production of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic molecules as well as tubular cell de-differentiation toward a mesenchymal phenotype. However, the role of JNK within renal fibroblasts is less well-characterized. The JNK pathway interacts with other pro-fibrotic pathways, most notable with the TGF-β/SMAD pathway. JNK activation can augment TGF-β gene transcription, induce expression of enzymes that activate the latent form of TGF-β, and JNK directly phosphorylates SMAD3 to enhance transcription of pro-fibrotic molecules. In conclusion, JNK signaling plays an integral role in several key mechanisms operating in renal fibrosis. Targeting of JNK enzymes has therapeutic potential for the treatment of fibrotic kidney diseases.
Hybrid Inpainting Algorithm with Superpixels and Hash Table for Inpainting the 3 D Model Kalaivani Thangamani , Tomoya Ishikawa

This paper discusses the new inpainting algorithm which uses the superpixels and the hash tables. The proposed algorithm is called as a hybrid method because it combines the effectiveness of two popular inpainting algorithms namely, the Exemplar-Based method and the Edge-Based image restoration method and rectifies the drawbacks in these two methods. The tedious patch search in the Exemplar-Based method is simplified by the hash table which holds the classified textures. The Edge-Based method can handle the structures only in the form of lines and circles whereas the proposed method can handle any type of curves by using the splines. This new inpainting method is developed to inpaint the images in the 3D model. The untextured regions in the 3D model are textured by this proposed inpainting method which guarantees the structure propagation by using the superpixel constraints.
A silicon carbide electrode technology for the central and the peripheral nervous system

Objective: Current neural probes have limited device lifetime a few years. Their common failure mode is the degradation of insulating films and/or the delamination of the conductorinsulator interfaces. We sought to develop a technology that does not suffer from such limitations and would be suitable for chronic applications with very long device lifetime. Approach: We developed a fabrication method that integrates polycrystalline conductive silicon carbide with insulating silicon carbide. The technology employs amorphous silicon carbide as insulator and conductive silicon carbide at the recording sites, resulting in a seamless transition between doped and amorphous regions of the same material, eliminating heterogeneous interfaces prone to delamination. Silicon carbide has outstanding chemical stability, is biocompatible, is an excellent molecular barrier and is compatible with standard microfabrication processes. Main results: We have fabricated silicon carbide electrode arrays using our novel fabrication method. We conducted in-vivo experiments in which electrocorticography recordings from the primary visual cortex of a rat were obtained and were of similar quality to those of polymer based electrocorticography arrays. The silicon carbide electrode arrays were also used as a cuff electrode wrapped around the sciatic nerve of a rat to record the nerve response to electrical stimulation. Finally, we demonstrated the outstanding long term stability of our insulating silicon carbide films through accelerated aging tests. Significance: Clinical translation in neural engineering has been slowed in part due to the poor long term performance of current probes. Silicon carbide devices are a promising technology that may accelerate this transition by enabling truly chronic applications. ‡ Contributed while at the University of California Berkeley. A SiC electrode technology for the CNS and the PNS 2
Alteration of CD8+ T cell effector diversity during HIV‐1 infection with discordant normalization in effective antiretroviral therapy

Although the impairment of HIV‐specific T lymphocytes is evident during chronic HIV‐infection, it is unclear whether the increased CD8+ T cells associates with either selective or overall change of effector functional phenotype. Instead of study on HIV‐specific T cells only, analyzing bulk T cell populations represent a neglected area of T cell impairment, which go far beyond HIV‐specific T cells.
Variability in the Interpretation of Ultrasonography in Patients with Palpable Noncalcified Breast Tumors

Purpose: To analyze interobserver variability of ultrasonography (US) as an adjunct to mammography in patients with palpable noncalcified breast tumors. Material and Methods: Mammographic, US, and combined reading of 200 patients with palpable noncalcified breast masses were performed independently by four experienced radiologists. Nonneoplastic abnormalities and mammographically obvious cancers were excluded. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis based on 115 tumors was carried out for mammography, US, and both combined for each radiologist. The US diagnoses of the 45 cancers excluded from ROC analysis and the 55 cancers included were compared. Results: One radiologist revealed a significantly higher diagnostic performance with US than with mammography. Combined reading showed the highest performance for all observers, but the improvement as compared with mammography was significant for only two. Higher accuracy on combined reading was mainly caused by correct upgrading of tumors with benign or indeterminate mammographic findings. One radiologist had benefit of US for downgrading of tumors. All four radiologists made a malignant US diagnosis twice as often in mammographically obvious cancers than in mammographically non-conclusive tumors. Conclusion: Radiologists differ substantially in interpretation of breast imaging. Combined reading offers the highest diagnostic accuracy mainly by correct upgrading of tumors on US. The role of US for downgrading tumors is operator-dependent.
Management, topographical, and weather effects on spatial variability of crop grain yields

The quantitative characterization of spatiotemporal variability in crop grain yields is an important component for successful precision-agriculture applications. The objective of this study was to analyze and quantify effects of management practices, topographical features, and weather conditions on spatial variability of crop yields. A one-factor randomized complete block design experiment with six replications was established at the Long Term Ecological Research site in southwest Michigan in 1988. The treatments used in this study were two treatments with conventional chemical inputs (chisel plow and no-till) and two organic-based chisel-plowed treatments with a winter leguminous cover crop (low chemical input and zero chemical input). The data consisted of corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ]-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yields collected via combine monitors from 1996 to 2001. We observed that stressful conditions, regardless of the stress origin, were associated with increase in the overall yield variability (coefficient of variation) as well as the small-scale yield variability (variogram values at short lag distances and variogram slopes near the origin) with yields probably being more sensitive to the small-scale variations in growth conditions due to soil and microtopographical differences. Coefficients of variation were as high as 45% in years with low precipitation and as low as 14% in years with above-average precipitation. During the years with low precipitation, both the coefficients of variation and the small-scale variability were often significantly higher in the zero chemical input treatment than in the treatments that received fertilizer inputs. The coefficients of variation and the small-scale variability parameters also tended to be higher in corn stressed by antagonism from previous wheat crop in the no-till treatment.
Focal laser photocoagulation for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy associated with choroidal nevus.

PURPOSE To describe a patient treated with focal laser photocoagulation for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) secondary to choroidal nevus. METHODS A 62-year-old woman presented with PCV secondary to choroidal nevus in the right eye and best-corrected visual acuity of 20/100. The polypoidal lesions were treated with focal laser photocoagulation and clinical and instrumental data were prospectively analyzed. RESULTS Three months after focal laser photocoagulation, fluorescein angiography showed no leakage from the polypoidal lesions, optical coherence tomography scans displayed absence of subretinal fluid, and visual acuity improved to 20/25 and remained stable throughout an 18-month follow-up. CONCLUSION Focal laser photocoagulation seems to be an effective and safe treatment for PCV secondary to choroidal nevus.
L G ] 2 2 M ay 2 01 9 LEARNING NETWORKED EXPONENTIAL FAMILIES WITH NETWORK LASSO

The data arising in many important big-data applications, ranging from social networks to network medicine, consist of high-dimensional data points related by an intrinsic (complex) network structure. In order to jointly leverage the information conveyed in the network structure as well as the statistical power contained in high-dimensional data points, we propose networked exponential families. We apply the network Lasso to learn networked exponential families as a probabilistic model for heterogeneous datasets with intrinsic network structure. In order to allow for accurate learning from high-dimensional data we borrow statistical strength, via the intrinsic network structure, across the dataset. The resulting method aims at regularized empirical risk minimization using the total variation of the model parameters as regularizer. This minimization problem is a non-smooth convex optimization problem which we solve using a primal-dual splitting method. This method is appealing for big data applications as it can be implemented as a highly a scalable message passing algorithm.
Is salinity tolerance related to Na accumulation in maize cultivars ( Zea mays L . ) ?

Considering Iran and Azerbaijan as origin countries in Astara region, and in order to study the effects of salt stress (NACL) on morphological characteristics changes of 8 maize cultivars were experimented in three replications on the basis of randomized complete block design. Cultivars included K3615/1, S.C704, B73, S.C302, Waxy, K3546/6, K3653/2, and Zaqatala and they were cultivated in two pieces of land in Astara: one with normal soil and the other with salty soil. During the experiment, Salt accumulation in leaves, leaf numbers, Leaf length, and yield characteristics such as weight of 100 grains, proline and grain yield, were measured. Results from the experiment showed that, regarding the most of characteristics, there were significant differences among cultivars and that, compared to normal conditions; saltiness had caused reduction in their values Soil salinity reduces leaf length in most cultivars. Maximum leaf length was found in Zaqatala and Sc704 respectively. Lowest leaf length, was seen in K3545.6 (49.85). Proline content increased with increasing soil salinity. Proline increases plant resistance to salinity. With increasing salinity, salt accumulation in leaves severely increased. Biggest accumulation in S.C704 was observed. The highest amount of proline was measured in this variety. This variety showed resistance to salinity, and with all the varieties were significant difference. [Davar Molazem, Jafar Azimi*, Marefat Ghasemi, Mohsen Hanifi and Ali Khatami. Is salinity tolerance related to Na accumulation in maize cultivars (Zea mays L.)? Life Sci J 2013;10(1s):72-75] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com. 11
A Review on the Use of Anti-TNF in Children and Adolescents with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) presents with disabling symptoms and may lead to insufficient growth and late pubertal development in cases of disease onset during childhood or adolescence. During the last decade, the role of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in the treatment of paediatric-onset IBD has gained more ground. The number of biologicals presently available for children and adolescents with IBD has increased, biosimilars have become available, and practices in adult gastroenterology with regards to anti-TNF have changed. The aim of this study is to review the current evidence on the indications, judicious use, effectiveness and safety of anti-TNF agents in paediatric IBD. A PubMed literature search was performed and included articles published after 2000 using the following terms: child or paediatric, Crohn, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, anti-TNF, TNF alpha inhibitor, infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab and biological. Anti-TNF agents, specifically infliximab and adalimumab, have proven to be effective in moderate and severe paediatric IBD. Therapeutic drug monitoring increases therapy effectiveness and safety. Clinical predictors for anti-TNF response are currently of limited value because of the variation in outcome definitions and follow-ups. Future research should comprise large cohorts and clinical trials comparing groups according to their risk profile in order to provide personalized therapeutic strategies.
Open Ended Microstrip-line-fed Compact Wideband MIMO-Diversity Antenna with Multiple Asymmetric Elliptical Wide-Slots

This paper presents a compact, multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) microstrip-line-fed wide-slot antenna with good isolation for wideband applications. The proposed antenna consists of a large wide-slot formed by four asymmetric elliptical wide-slots (AEWSs) of different dimensions. These AEWSs when merged together, give the wideband response of 7.71 GHz (5.77-13.48 GHz; 80.1%) and good isolation with $|S_{21}|\lt$-20dB. The peak gain and maximum radiation efficiency of 8.66 dB and 88.58% respectively are obtained within the passband. The proposed antenna shows good diversity performance in terms of exceptionally low envelope correlation coefficient (>0.003) and low capacity loss of 0.12. Also, the maximum multiplexing efficiency of 88.56% (or -1.05dB) along with total active reflection coefficient below 0dB are reported in the entire frequency band. The proposed MIMO antenna has compact overall dimensions of $22\times 24mm^{2}$ that makes it a suitable candidate for modern handheld and portable wireless devices.
Validity and Reliability of the Presence of Nursing Scale in Patients with Cancer in the Turkish Language

www.internationaljournalofcaringsciences. org Original Article Validity and Reliability of the Presence of Nursing Scale in Patients with Cancer in the Turkish Language Saliha Bozdogan Yesilot, PhD Research Assistant, Cukurova University, Faculty of Health Science Nursing Department, Adana, Turkey Fatma Oz, PhD Professor Hacettepe University, Nursing Faculty, Ankara, Turkey Correspondence: Saliha Bozdogan Yesilot, Research Assistant, Cukurova University, Faculty of Health Science Nursing Department, Adana, Turkey E-mail: saliha81bozdogan@gmail.com sbozdogan@cu.edu. tr Abstract Background: Nursing presence has been investigated in the nursing literature. However, no instrument has been developed to measure it in Turkey. Aim: The aim of this research is to assess the validity and reliability of the Presence of Nursing Scale for cancer patients. Methods: This is a methodological study. Data were collected by using the descriptive information form and the Presence of Nursing Scale. For the statistical analysis of the data t-test, Pearson correlation and factor analyses were used. Results: The internal consistency of the Presence of Nursing Scale was calculated with Cronbach alpha coefficient and it was found as 0.96. According to the explanatory factor analysis, the factor obtained explains 57.7% of the total variance. As a result of the confirmatory factor analysis, the scale's model coherence indices were found to be within the acceptable limit intervals. Conclusions Implications: From the results obtained the Presence of Nursing Scale is valid and reliable instrument for assessing the presence of nurses as part of the treatment of cancer patients in Turkey. Its use is recommended for evaluating nursing presence by the site of cancer patients.
Geometry optimization and effect of gas propellant in an electron cyclotron resonance plasma thruster IEPC-2017-378

In this paper, a parametric analysis of the geometry of the ONERA ECR plasma thruster is performed through direct thrust measurements. The results shown here are obtained with different dimensions (lengths and diameters) of the inner and outer conductor of the plasma source. The performance indicators (Thrust, Specific impulse, total efficiency) are compared and analyzed when the thruster is fed with xenon. The best performances are obtained with the longest source (20mm) and the highest diameter of the inner conductor (2.3mm) with 12.5 % of total efficiency. The use of krypton as an alternative propellant gas is also investigated. Higher performances are obtained with xenon but the operating pressure in the vacuum tank has probably a strong effect for krypton.
HUMAN PROSTHETIC INTERACTION : INTEGRATION OF SEVERAL TECHNIQUES

Current open-source upper limb robotic prosthesis projects have limitations regarding the functionality they offer to users. Moreover, prostheses that succeed in this requirement are extremely expensive and involve a challenging interaction, which requires hard practice from the amputee to be able to control the device. To decrease the training time that upper limb amputees usually spend to control the prosthetic hands, and to simplify the interaction, we developed friendly human-machine interfaces based on hybrid Electromyography (EMG) with Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). The results suggest that the use of these interfaces in prosthesis is beneficial since they do not demand a lot of effort from the user, meaning they will be able to control the prosthetic hands easily and without an extended period of training. Keywords— Robotics, Prosthetic Hands, Hybrid Human-Machine Interfaces, Electromyography Resumo— Projetos atuais livres de prótese de membro superior tem limitações quanto a funcionalidade que oferecem aos usuários. Além disso, as próteses que obtêm êxito nesse requisito possuem custo extremamente alto e envolvem uma interação desafiadora, que requer uma prática ŕıgida do amputado para controlar o dispositivo. Para diminuir o tempo de treinamento que os amputados de membros superiores costumam gastar para controlar as mãos protéticas e para simplificar a interação, desenvolvemos interfaces homem-máquina amigáveis baseadas em eletromiografia h́ıbrida (EMG) com Unidade de Medida Inercial (IMU) e Identificação por Rádio Frequência (RFID). Os resultados sugerem que o uso dessas interfaces em prótese é benéfico, uma vez que não exigem muito esforço do usuário, o que significa que eles serão capazes de controlar as mãos protéticas facilmente e sem um longo peŕıodo de treinamento. Palavras-chave— Robótica, Próteses de mão, Interface Homem-Máquina Hı́brida, Eletromiografia
A Single-stage LED Driver with Voltage Doubler R ectifier

In this paper, a configuration of a single-stage AC-DC converter and a high voltage resonant controller IC L6598 for LED street light driver is discussed. The converter is obtained by integrating two boost circuits and a half-bridge LLC resonant circuit. A voltage double rectifier circuit is adopted as output to lower the voltage stress on transformer and the associated core. The two boost circuits work in boundary conduction mode (BCM) to achieve the power factor correction (PFC). The converter works in soft-switching mode allowing the power switches to operate in zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) and the output diodes to operate in zero-current-switching (ZCS). This reduces the switching losses and enhances the efficiency. The converter features lower voltage stress on the power switches and the bus voltage is reduced to slightly higher than the peak input voltage. Therefore, the converter can perform well under high-input-voltage. Here, the DC bus and the output filter capacitances are greatly reduced. So, electrolytic capacitor-less converter can be realized for a long lifetime LED driver. Simulation results from PSpice are presented for a 100-W prototype.