Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A New Concept of Unsupervised Learning: Directed Self-Guided Learning in the Health Professions

Background Among the advantages in using educational technologies in health professions education is the opportunity for trainees to learn on their own time. This flexibility in learning opportunities, however, comes with possible dangers associated with unsupervised learning, such as the potential for developing bad habits and misunderstandings, and for overestimating one's preparedness for practice. Method This nonsystematic review reflects on the literatures that speak to the advantages of self-guided learning, explores the metacognition literature to understand what trainees do spontaneously when self-guiding their learning, and reexamines the advantages of supervised learning. Results Those literatures are combined in an effort to reorient our questions when considering the concept of self-guided learning. Conclusions The authors propose that future research should ask questions that focus on our understanding of trainees' natural propensities while learning in the unsupervised context and on exploring conditions that will maximize the educational benefit of self-guided learning.
X-by-Wire Plattform — Konzept und Auslegung

Zusammenfassung Dargestellt wird eine X-by-Wire Plattform zur gesamtheitlichen Umsetzung des Global Chassis-Control. Die Plattform basiert auf FlexRay-Technologie. Sie vermag eine Vielzahl aktiver Fahrerassistenzfunktionen unterschiedlicher Sicherheitsintegrität auszuführen — ohne mechanische Rückfallebene. Die X-by-Wire Plattform wurde im Rahmen des Forschungsprojektes SPARC entwickelt, als Prototyp in drei Fahrzeuge integriert und auf einer Teststrecke getestet. Einen Weg zu zeigen, wie eine komplexe Plattform unter Berücksichtigung der Sicherheitsintegrität ausgelegt werden kann, ist Kern dieses Beitrags. Abstract Content of this paper is a x-by-wire platform for a comprehensive implementation of Global Chassis-Control. The platform is based on FlexRay technology. It allows the implementation of multiple active driver-assistance-systems function of different Safety Integrity Levels — without any mechanical backup. The x-by-wire platform was developed within the EU research project SPARC, implemented onto three vehicles and tested on a test track. Focus of this paper is to show how to design systematically a complex safety critical x-by-wire platform in compliance with given Safety Integrity Levels.
Identification of a subpopulation of cells with cancer stem cell properties in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Like many epithelial tumors, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) contains a heterogeneous population of cancer cells. We developed an immunodeficient mouse model to test the tumorigenic potential of different populations of cancer cells derived from primary, unmanipulated human HNSCC samples. We show that a minority population of CD44+ cancer cells, which typically comprise <10% of the cells in a HNSCC tumor, but not the CD44− cancer cells, gave rise to new tumors in vivo. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the CD44+ cancer cells have a primitive cellular morphology and costain with the basal cell marker Cytokeratin 5/14, whereas the CD44− cancer cells resemble differentiated squamous epithelium and express the differentiation marker Involucrin. The tumors that arose from purified CD44+ cells reproduced the original tumor heterogeneity and could be serially passaged, thus demonstrating the two defining properties of stem cells: ability to self-renew and to differentiate. Furthermore, the tumorigenic CD44+ cells differentially express the BMI1 gene, at both the RNA and protein levels. By immunohistochemical analysis, the CD44+ cells in the tumor express high levels of nuclear BMI1, and are arrayed in characteristic tumor microdomains. BMI1 has been demonstrated to play a role in self-renewal in other stem cell types and to be involved in tumorigenesis. Taken together, these data demonstrate that cells within the CD44+ population of human HNSCC possess the unique properties of cancer stem cells in functional assays for cancer stem cell self-renewal and differentiation and form unique histological microdomains that may aid in cancer diagnosis.
Institutional rearing and psychiatric disorders in Romanian preschool children.

OBJECTIVE There is increasing interest in the relations between adverse early experiences and subsequent psychiatric disorders. Institutional rearing is considered an adverse caregiving environment, but few studies have systematically examined its effects. This study aimed to determine whether removing young children from institutional care and placing them with foster families would reduce psychiatric morbidity at 54 months of age. METHOD Young children living in institutions in Bucharest were enrolled when they were between 6 and 30 months of age. Following baseline assessment, 136 children were randomly assigned to care as usual (continued institutional care) or to removal and placement in foster care that was created as part of the study. Psychiatric disorders, symptoms, and comorbidity were examined by structured psychiatric interviews of caregivers of 52 children receiving care as usual and 59 children in foster care when the children were 54 months of age. Both groups were compared to 59 typically developing, never-institutionalized Romanian children recruited from pediatric clinics in Bucharest. Foster care was created and supported by social workers in Bucharest who received regular consultation from U.S. clinicians. RESULTS Children with any history of institutional rearing had more psychiatric disorders than children without such a history (53.2% versus 22.0%). Children removed from institutions and placed in foster families were less likely to have internalizing disorders than children who continued with care as usual (22.0% versus 44.2%). Boys were more symptomatic than girls regardless of their caregiving environment and, unlike girls, had no reduction in total psychiatric symptoms following foster placement. CONCLUSIONS Institutional rearing was associated with substantial psychiatric morbidity. Removing young children from institutions and placing them in families significantly reduced internalizing disorders, although girls were significantly more responsive to this intervention than boys.
The effects of information provision and interactivity on e-tailer websites

– This paper aims to examine the effects of providing more information (e.g. product and price) and enhancing the interactivity of a website on consumers' willingness to pay price premiums. , – An experiment tests the proposed framework and corresponding hypotheses. The test features eight versions of an experimental website, with varying combinations of online information (e.g. price information, product information, and interactivity). , – Providing more information, whether about the product or price, leads to increased trust among consumers, which has the capacity to reduce consumer price consciousness and thereby enhance price premiums. E-tailers can earn price premiums by enhancing the interactivity on their websites. , – Previous studies are ambivalent about the impacts of providing information online. This study examines two paths by which information provision influences price premiums: trusting beliefs and price consciousness. The results demonstrate that providing rich information, together with enhanced interactivity, increases the perceived trustworthiness of the e-tailer, which reduces consumers' price consciousness and increases the price premiums.
Adaptive Evolutionary Particle Filter Based Object Tracking with Occlusion Handling

Fast and robust object tracking with occlusion handling is a challenging task. Particle filtering has proven very successful for non-linear and non-Gaussian estimation problems. The paper presents a method for occlusion detection for object tracking with adaptive evolutionary particle filter. Firstly, object occlusion is detected with normalization factor. Secondly, adaptive transition function is employed to recovery from occlusion. Thirdly, an adaptive evolutionary method is employed to handle particle degeneracy problem. Experimental results show the presented method can track object fast and accurate in occlusded situation.
Low back pain and associated imaging findings among HIV-infected patients referred to an HIV/palliative care clinic.

BACKGROUND Low back pain is a common cause of chronic pain in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. The American College of Physicians and American Pain Society guidelines for diagnostic imaging in low back pain are difficult to apply to patients with chronic illnesses like HIV who may have risk factors for cancer or compression fractures, but whether imaging all such patients for low back pain improves outcomes is unknown. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to describe patients referred to a chronic pain-focused HIV/palliative care clinic (HPCC) with back pain and their associated lumbar spine imaging findings. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients at a palliative care clinic that sees patients with HIV, most of whom have chronic pain. Charts with a diagnosis of low back pain were cross-referenced with an imaging database and any magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine with or without contrast were identified. RESULTS Seventy-six of 137 patients referred to the HPCC were found to have back pain. These patients were mainly young (median age 45, interquartile range 40-51) with well-controlled HIV. Twenty-two (29%) of these patients had an MRI of the lumbar spine, and 11 (50%) of these warranted follow-up, most of whom had degenerative disc disease, including four with findings concerning for malignancy. DISCUSSION This is the first study to explore the role of spinal imaging in HIV-infected patients. In our study, four patients had findings concerning for malignancy. These findings suggest that spinal imaging should be considered in the work up of HIV-infected patients with moderate to severe back pain.
A battery degradation aware optimal power distribution on decentralized energy network

Largely introduction of renewable energy is big motivation for renovation of conventional grid system. Decentralized energy network is a new grid systems toward independence from existing power grid, and renewable energy is main energy source for the decentralized energy network. Each house has battery to use the renewable energy effectively, but the battery degradation is important problem. This paper proposes the battery degradation aware optimal power distribution method on decentralized energy network. Because the battery degradation is unavoidable phenomenon for the battery utilization, we solve the optimal power distribution to keep the degradation minimum. Proposed method limits the charge/discharge cycles at MIP (mixed integer programming) formulation and achieves the same utilization of the renewable energy with less charge/discharge cycles. Experimental results show that proposed method achieves the same utilization of the renewable energy with quarter charge/discharge cycles.
Does Mandatory CSR Reporting Regulation Lead to Improved Corporate Social Performance? Evidence from India

This paper analyses whether mandatory CSR reporting regulation leads to an improvement in corporate social performance. Using a quasi-natural experiment where the Stock Exchange Board of India mandated all companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange to disclose their CSR activities and practices, this paper finds that companies significantly improved in all aspects of Environment, Social, and Governance performances. However, governance and social performance improvements were significantly greater than environment performance, which is attributed to the stakeholder salience typology. Potential harm from definitive, dominant and dangerous stakeholders was given greater consideration by management, which improved governance and social performances accordingly.
Using a cascaded H-bridge STATCOM for rebalancing unbalanced voltages

This paper considers specific issues related to using the cascade (also known as the H-bridge) multilevel STATCOM with unbalanced voltages and currents at the STATCOM-AC line connection terminals. Under this condition the average power into the individual phase legs of the converter, in general, is not zero, although the total three phase power is zero. The resultant phase cluster power unbalance can result in increasing or decreasing capacitor voltages within a phase leg. This paper will present a technique for zeroing the phase cluster average power under unbalanced line conditions when the control strategy is to rebalance unbalanced voltages.
Evidence for long-term neurotoxicity associated with methamphetamine abuse

Objective: To determine whether proton MRS (1H MRS) can detect long-term metabolite abnormalities in abstinent methamphetamine users. Background: Methamphetamine is toxic to dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons in rodents; however, little data are available on the toxic effects of methamphetamine on the human brain. Methods: 1H MRS was performed in 26 abstinent methamphetamine abusers with a history of methamphetamine dependence (median total cumulative lifetime exposure, 3,640 g; median recency of last methamphetamine use, 4.25 months) and 24 healthy subjects without a history of drug abuse. Cerebral metabolite concentrations on 1H MRS were measured in the frontal cortex, frontal white matter, and basal ganglia. Results: The concentration of N-acetylaspartate ([NA]), a neuronal marker, was reduced significantly (−5 to −6%) in the basal ganglia and frontal white matter of methamphetamine users compared with control subjects. The frontal white matter [NA] correlated inversely with the logarithm of the lifetime methamphetamine use. The methamphetamine users also showed significantly reduced total creatine in the basal ganglia (−8%), and increased choline-containing compounds ([CHO], +13%) and myo-inositol ([MI], +11%) in the frontal grey matter. Conclusions: The reduced [NA] on 1H MRS provides evidence for long-term neuronal damage in abstinent methamphetamine users.
Akt2 Negatively Regulates Assembly of the POSH-MLK-JNK Signaling Complex*

We demonstrate that POSH, a scaffold for the JNK signaling pathway, binds to Akt2. A POSH mutant that is unable to bind Akt2 (POSH W489A) exhibits enhanced-binding to MLK3, and this increase in binding is accompanied by increased activation of the JNK signaling pathway. In addition, we show that the association of MLK3 with POSH is increased upon inhibition of the endogenous phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway. Thus, the assembly of an active JNK signaling complex by POSH is negatively regulated by Akt2. Further, the level of Akt-phosphorylated MLK3 is reduced in cells expressing the Akt2 binding domain of POSH, which acts as a dominant interfering protein. Taken together, our results support a model in which Akt2 binds to a POSH-MLK-MKK-JNK complex and phosphorylates MLK3; phosphorylation of MLK3 by Akt2 results in the disassembly of the JNK complex bound to POSH and down-regulation of the JNK signaling pathway.
Learners grouping improvement in e-learning environment using fuzzy inspired PSO method

Recent advances in technology and the integration of these advances in instructional design have led to a mass individualization where personalized instruction is offered simultaneously to large groups of learners. The first step to adapt instruction to group of learners is learners grouping. Many methods have used to group learners in e-learning environment specially data mining techniques such as clustering methods. This paper aims to propose a clustering method to group learners using some specific learners' observable behavior while working by system and based on cognitive style. The objective function of proposed method is defined by considering two criteria in measuring the clustering goodness, compactness and separation, and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) method is used to optimize the objective function. This method used to group learners based on cognitive style. Results of the proposed method are compared with K-means, fuzzy C-means, and EFC methods using Davies-Bouldin cluster validity index and comparing the achieved groups and the cognitive style of learners who are in the same group, shows that the grouping accuracy is in a higher level using fuzzy-inspired PSO method and this method has the better clustering performance than the others and groups similar learners in one cluster.
Two Diverse Swarm Intelligence Techniques for Supervised Learning

Particle Swarm Optimization PSO and Enhanced Fireworks Algorithm EFWA are two diverse optimization techniques of the Swarm Intelligence paradigm. The inspiration of the former comes from animate swarms like those of birds and fish efficiently hunting for prey, while that of the latter comes from inanimate swarms like those of fireworks illuminating the night sky. This novel study, aimed at extending the application of these two Swarm Intelligence techniques to supervised learning, compares and contrasts their performance in training a neural network to perform the task of classification on datasets. Both the techniques are found to be speedy and successful in training the neural networks. Further, their prediction accuracy is also found to be high. Except in the case of two datasets, the training and prediction accuracies of the Enhanced Fireworks Algorithm driven neural net are found to be superior to those of the Particle Swarm Optimization driven neural net.
Integrated smart bearings for next generation aero-engines.: Part II: energy harvesting and wireless communication development

The robust and reliable operation of aircraft engines is paramount. Rolling element bearings play a major role in aircraft engines and bearing failure impacts engine health and reliability. Condition monitoring of the bearing system is necessary to provide early warning of problems by sensing parameters such as vibration and temperature. However, conventional wired sensing systems are not always desirable due to size and weight constraints, and their reduced performance in high temperature and pressure environments. For the development of innovative smart bearings for an Ultra High Propulsion Efficiency (UHPE) ground test demonstrator, an integrated, self-powered and wireless system is proposed. In this paper, the feasibility of using a self-powered sensor for this application is investigated. The design of the self-powered condition monitoring system addresses the issues of both achieving reliable sources of energy and transmitting data. Laboratory experiments are carried out to evaluate the performance of the system under various operating conditions. The effects of temperature variation on efficiency of the energy harvester are demonstrated.
Physiological responses to increased dietary cholesterol: The case of the egg man

An 88‐yr‐old man carrying the tentative diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease had a documented history of ingesting 20 to 30 eggs/day for approximately 15 yr. His psychiatrist characterized his eating habits as a compulsive disorder:“Eating these eggs ruins my life, but I can't help it. ” He is in excellent health. His weight is constant at 82 to 86 kg (height 1.87 m). Apparently, he had a mild episode of angina. Otherwise, no significant history of stroke, heart disease or gallbladder disease was seen. His serum cholesterol levels have ranged between 150 and 200 mg/dl.
Dental pain and self-care: a cross-sectional study of people with low socio-economic status residing in rural India.

CONTEXT Self-care is one of the ways in which people without access to professional care can actively engage in managing their oral health problems. AIM To find out the prevalence of dental pain and the type of self-care remedies utilised for pain relief by people with low socio-economic status residing in Kollipara mandal, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh. SETTINGS AND DESIGN This was a cross-sectional population-based study. METHODS AND MATERIAL A multistage simple random-sampling technique was adopted to obtain an appropriate sample. A questionnaire, which consisted of sections on socio-economic and demographic variables, dental pain, pain characteristics and self-care remedies utilised to combat dental pain, was used to collect data. Statistical analysis used the chi-square test and descriptive statistics. RESULTS The survey covered a total population of 630 individuals. The mean age of the population was 32.8±16.7 years. Among the total study subjects, 44.1% were male and 55.9% were female. The prevalence of dental pain reported during the preceding 6 months was 28.3%. Subjects who experienced dental pain reported the home remedies and self-care methods that they utilised to get relief from the pain. They more frequently reported using over-the-counter medication (49.6%) for pain relief. CONCLUSIONS This study provides an insight into the type and usage of self-care in relief of dental pain. Pain sufferers used a variety of self-care methods to deal with their problems.
Experimental Infection of Turkeys with Avian Pneumovirus and Either Newcastle Disease Virus or Escherichia coli

SUMMARY. Avian pneumoviruses (APVs) are RNA viruses responsible for upper respiratory disease in poultry. Experimental infections are typically less severe than those observed in field cases. Previous studies with APV and Escherichia coli suggest this discrepancy is due to secondary agents. Field observations indicate APV infections are more severe with concurrent infection by Newcastle disease virus (NDV). In the current study, we examined the role of lentogenic NDV in the APV disease process. Two-week-old commercial turkey poults were infected with the Colorado strain of APV. Three days later, these poults received an additional inoculation of either NDV or E. coli. Dual infection of APV with either NDV or E. coli resulted in increased morbidity rates, with poults receiving APV/NDV having the highest morbidity rates and displaying lesions of swollen infraorbital sinuses. These lesions were not present in the single APV, NDV, or E. coli groups. These results demonstrate that coinfection with APV and NDV can result in clinical signs and lesions similar to those in field outbreaks of APV.
An Automated Vehicle Counting System Based on Blob Analysis for Traffic Surveillance

Robust and reliable traffic surveillance system is an urgent need to improve traffic control and management. Vehicle flow detection appears to be an important part in surveillance system. The traffic flow shows the traffic state in fixed time interval and helps to manage and control especially when there’s a traffic jam. In this paper, we propose a traffic surveillance system for vehicle counting. The proposed algorithm is composed of five steps: background subtraction, blob detection, blob analysis, blob tracking and vehicle counting. A vehicle is modeled as a rectangular patch and classified via blob analysis. By analyzing the blob of vehicles, the meaningful features are extracted. Tracking moving targets is achieved by comparing the extracted features and measuring the minimal distance between consecutive frame. The experimental results show that the proposed system can provide real-time and useful information for traffic surveillance.
Structural Conditional Correlation 1

A small strand of recent literature is occupied with identifying simultaneity in multiple equation systems through autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity. Since this approach assumes that the structural innovations are uncorrelated, any contemporaneous connection of the endogenous variables needs to be exclusively explained by mutual spillover effects. In contrast, this paper allows for instantaneous covariances, which become identifiable by imposing the constraint of structural constant / dynamic conditional correlation (SCCC / SDCC). In this, common driving forces can be modelled in addition to simultaneous transmission effects. The methodology is applied to the Dow Jones and Nasdaq Composite indexes, illuminating scope and functioning of the new models.