SIRIS-Lab/unlabelled-sti-corpus huggingface dataset:
Multi-Modal approaches for treatment and evaluation of swallowing insufficiencies

Human survival is dependent on swallowing because it underpins oral nutrition (eating/drinking) and protection of the respiratory tract. Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) are a common consequence of a wide range of disorders (eg. stroke, head & neck cancers, ageing) with the results (dehydration/malnutrition/weight loss/increased susceptibility to pneumonia) linked to significant decline in quality of life. There is significant need to improve diagnosis, monitoring and rehabilitation (eg. by developing novel stimulation devices). However, existing gaps in understanding of the co-ordination of muscle activity significantly limit current advances.

The proposed research is structured to exploit a novel combination of imaging and neurophysiology methods to develop a new framework for non-invasive study of swallowing muscle function, which will support development and application of new tools for diagnosing, monitoring and treating swallowing disorders.

Ultrasound/elastography/MR/videofluoroscopy imaging and myoelectric data will be combined with finite element modelling to provide state-of-the-art methods for analysis of the integration between muscle anatomical and mechanical properties and neural input. This will provide a paradigm shift in understanding the translation of neural commands to co-ordinated movement. It will underpin development of next generation computer simulations which are required for technology/diagnosis/treatment advances; improvements in patient care; reduced clinical/economic burden and sustainable healthcare systems.

The multi-disciplinary skills the Fellowship is designed to develop are fundamental to the growth of the most promising researchers. They are also essential for advances in better disease diagnosis/more effective therapies/interventions and underpin the European Commission’s quest to keep older people independent for longer and promote personal health; a healthy workforce/economy and lower public health bill.
The Aristotelian Spirit and the Cultural Moulding of the Christian World

The study attempts to survey the way in which the rationalist spirit (especially Aristotle’s philosophy) was assimilated by Christian thinking in the patristic and scholastic periods. This shows that the great schism is the outcome not only of dogmatic controversies, but also of accepting and promoting distinctive-argumentative methodologies to justify these dogmas. If in the West theory was viewed as contemplation and as method for conceptual construction, in the East the emphasis was laid exclusively on contemplation and revelation. Furthermore, the West accepted the autonomy of sciences by creating the “seven liberal arts” - an unacceptable concept for the Orthodox world, where logic was considered a mere organon, and philosophy, an ancilla theologiae. Among the main consequences detectable to this day are the varied cultural moulds that exist in the Christian world, as well as the scientific and civilizational lagging behind of the Orthodox East.
TOURING IN A GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM

The present invention relates to navigating in a geographic information system. In an embodiment, a method tours geographic information in a geographic information system. A set of actions for a tour is received. Each action includes a tour time. A tour time of at least one of the actions is defined by a user. Each action in the set of actions is executed to tour geographic information in the geographic information system.
A Study on Urban System Rank-size and Hierarchy Level Structure of Zhongyuan Economic Region

The structure of urban system rank-size and hierarchy level is classified by single index and comprehensive index.Reasonable and perfect urban system rank-size and hierarchy level structure can provide a basic framework to promote new-type urbanization process smoothly and to optimize regional spatial structure orderly.From the perspective of urban system integration,this paper gives a systematic analysis of urban system rank-size and hierarchy level structure of Zhongyuan Economic Region.On the one hand,it gives a status quo assessment of urban system rank-size structure based on non-agricultural population,and then proposes specific adjustment measures referring to assessment result and urban system development basis and potential of Zhongyuan Economic Region.On the other hand,it gives a comprehensive assessment of urban system hierarchy level structure based on urban central strength index,and then proposes the specific organization program of urban system hierarchy level structure according to comprehensive assessment result and future development trend of urban system.
Avaliação da Qualidade da Rede de Drenagem Fornecida pelo MERIT Hydro: uma Base de Dados com a Rede Hidrográfica Disponibilizada em Escala Global

O mapa de representação dos rios é importante em diversos estudos e costuma ser obtido através do processamento de dados de elevação provenientes do Modelo de Digital de Elevação (MDE). Com base nisso, foi desenvolvido o MERIT Hydro, que fornece a rede hidrográfica de todo o globo, obtida através do processamento do MDE e de informações da posição de rios, lagos e demais corpos d’água em escala global. Nesse sentido, este trabalho avaliou a qualidade da rede de drenagem fornecida pelo MERIT Hydro e comparou com o desempenho da rede de drenagem obtida com o processamento do MDE disponibilizado pelo projeto Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM). Para tanto foi utilizada uma rede de drenagem de referência disponível para alguns rios das bacias hidrográficas do Rio Uruguai e do Rio São Francisco, e obtida através da digitalização manual de rios com base em imagens de satélite. Foram avaliadas métricas de comprimento da rede de drenagem, percentagem dentro do buffer e distância média. Os resultados mostraram que a rede de drenagem proveniente do MERIT Hydro representou com maior precisão os rios avaliados e o desempenho do MERIT Hydro foi no geral superior ao desempenho da rede obtida a partir do processamento do MDE do SRTM.
A model and case study for efficient shelf usage and assortment analysis

In the rapidly changing environment of Fast Moving Consumer Goods sector where new product launches are frequent, retail channels need to reallocate their shelf spaces intelligently while keeping up their total profit margins, and to simultaneously avoid product pollution. In this paper we propose an optimization model which yields the optimal product mix on the shelf in terms of profitability, and thus helps the retailers to use their shelves more effectively. The model is applied to the shampoo product class at two regional supermarket chains. The results reveal not only a computationally viable model, but also substantial potential increases in the profitability after the reorganization of the product list.
Changing epidemiology of maternal mortality in rural India: time to reset strategies for MDG-5

To understand changes in epidemiology of maternal mortality in rural India in the context of increasing institutional deliveries and implementation of community-based interventions that can inform policies to reach MDG-5.This study is a secondary analysis of prospectively collected community-based data of every pregnancy and its outcomes from 2002 to 2011 in a rural, tribal area of Gujarat, India as part of safe-motherhood programme implemented by voluntary organisation, SEWA Rural. The programme consisted of community-based interventions supported by a first referral unit, and promotion of institutional deliveries. For every maternal death, a verbal autopsy was conducted. The incidence rates for maternal mortality according to place, cause and timing of maternal deaths in relation to pregnancy were computed. Annual incidence rate ratios (IRR) and 95% confidence intervals, adjusted for caste and maternal education, were estimated using Poisson regression to test for linear trend in reduction in mortality during the study period.Thirty-two thousand eight hundred and ninety-three pregnancies, 29,817 live births and 80 maternal deaths were recorded. Maternal mortality ratio improved from 607 (19 deaths) in 2002-2003 to 161 (five deaths) in 2010-2011. The institutional delivery rate increased from 23% to 65%. The trend of falling maternal deaths was significant over time, with an annual reduction of 17% (adjusted IRR 0.83 CI 0.75-0.91, P-value <0.001). There were significant reductions in adjusted incidence rate of maternal deaths due to direct causes, during intrapartum and post-partum periods, and those which occurred at home. However, reductions in incidence of maternal deaths due to indirect causes, at hospital and during antepartum period were not statistically significant. Most maternal deaths are now occurring at hospitals and due to indirect causes.Gains in institutional deliveries and community-based interventions resulting in fewer maternal deaths due to direct causes should be maintained. However, it would be essential to now prioritize management of indirect causes of maternal mortality during pregnancy at community and hospitals for further reduction in maternal deaths to achieve MDG-5.
Design Interface Management of Airport Projects

AbstractInterface management is the brainchild of project management, which gives a “bird’s eye view” and helps to avoid time overruns, reduces the cost overruns, mitigates the reworks in construction and also gains intangible benefits like customer satisfaction. The 3D modeling and design structure matrix (DSM) method have been the preferred solutions for interface management in the construction industry for some time. But for airport construction, which consists of a huge number of services, it is difficult to carry out interface management with the above methodologies, as it would be time consuming and costly. So, a new project management methodology has been proposed which deals with preparation of a physical interface matrix (PIM) and design interface management matrix (DIMM) from the 2D coordinated drawings, by which one can reduce the problem size and then perform 3D modeling. This leads to visualization of the actual interface problems so they can be mitigated during the design stage itself. This ...
The Interactions among Gold, Oil, and Stock Market: Evidence from S&amp;P500

Abstract The inter-relationship between financial and commodity markets is one of the most challenging issues for investors. The volatility in one market might affect the price index of the other market. The aim of this paper is to test whether gold price, oil price, gold price volatility (GVZ) and oil price volatility (OVX) have significant effect on stock market price index (GSPC) or not. In order to carry out the task, due to the properties of the data, the ARDL co-integration approach has been used to check the long–run relationship among OVX and GVZ; as proxies of oil and gold market volatility indexes; and S&P500 market price index. Obtained results indicate the presence of long-run equilibrium among the variables under investigation and reveal that S&P500 stock market price index converges to its long-run equilibrium level by 1.2% speed of daily adjustment by contribution of oil and gold market prices and their volatilities.
PENGEMBANGAN KOMPETENSI CREATIVE WRITING DALAM PEMBELAJARAN SASTRA DI PERGURUAN TINGGI

This study aims to identify creative writing aspects and formulate a model for the development of creative writing competence. It was a qualitative study involving literature students from four universities in Surabaya. The data were collected through in-depth interviews. The findings show that only few students have writing experience. The learning model in the campus is one important aspect that can motivate students to write. An ideal model for the development of creative writing competence is one that integrates a variety of aspects that can develop creative writing. Some important aspects include (1) a creative writing course inliterature learning as a compulsory course at universities, (2) theory and practice (practice being more dominant than theory) for literature students, (3) attempts to make lecturers good at writing theory and practice, (4) reading enrichment in quality literary works, and (5) use of creative processes from high quality authors as inspiring part of creative work writing.
A two step method to synthesize palladium–copper nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide and their extremely high electrocatalytic activity for the electrooxidation of methanol and ethanol

Abstract Palladium–copper nanoparticles (Pd–Cu NPs) supported on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) with different Pd/Cu ratios (Pd–Cu/RGO) were prepared by a two step method. The Pd–Cu/RGO hybrids were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analyses. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry were used to investigate the electrochemical activities and stabilities of the Pd–Cu/RGO catalysts for the electro-oxidation of methanol and ethanol in alkaline media. The Pd–Cu/RGO catalysts exhibited high catalytic activities and good stabilities. This is because the catalysts have a bimetallic structure consisting of a small Pd–Cu core surrounded by a thin Pd-rich shell which improves the catalytic activities of the Pd–Cu/RGO hybrids. Thus they should be useful in direct methanol and ethanol fuel cells.
MRI and contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging for evaluation of focal irreversible electroporation treatment: results from a phase I-II study in patients undergoing IRE followed by radical prostatectomy

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is an ablative therapy with a low side-effect profile in prostate cancer. The objective was: 1) To compare the volumetric IRE ablation zone on grey-scale transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) with histopathology findings; 2) To determine a reliable imaging modality to visualize the IRE ablation effects accurately.A prospective phase I-II study was performed in 16 patients scheduled for radical prostatectomy (RP). IRE of the prostate was performed 4 weeks before RP. Prior to, and 4 weeks after the IRE treatment, imaging was performed by TRUS, CEUS, and mpMRI. 3D-analysis of the ablation volumes on imaging and on H&E-stained whole-mount sections was performed. The volumes were compared and the correlation was calculated.Evaluation of the imaging demonstrated that with T2-weighted MRI, dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI, and CEUS, effects of IRE are visible. T2MRI and CEUS closely match the volumes on histopathology (Pearson correlation r = 0.88 resp. 0.80). However, IRE is not visible with TRUS.mpMRI and CEUS are appropriate for assessing IRE effects and are the most feasible imaging modalities to visualize IRE ablation zone. The imaging is concordant with results of histopathological examination.• mpMRI and contrast-enhanced ultrasound are appropriate imaging modalities for assessing IRE effects • mpMRI and CEUS are the most feasible imaging modalities to visualize IRE ablation zone • The imaging is concordant with results of histopathological examination after IRE • Grey-scale US is insufficient for assessing IRE ablations.
Towards situational business process modeling support

Organizations need to adapt their business processes to increasingly dynamic business environments. In this context, business processes models serve as boundary objects between technology and business operations. Current approaches to business process modeling capture primarily information considering the execution and technological support of business processes. However, situational information, e.g. strategic decisions or external factors, considering current processes in-use have only be tackled rudimentary on the level of representational assets and requirements. This contribution discusses the enhancement of existing business process modeling approaches with situational information. Furthermore, a generic representation approach enabling such an enrichment of business process models is presented.
Imaging first order multiples in VSP data: a detailed field study

Summary A detailed field study focused on constructively using the water surface multiples recorded in marine seismic VSP data for improved subsurface depth imaging is presented. Traditionally, up-going and down-going wavefields are separated during VSP signal processing and only the up-going wavefield is used to image the subsurface below the receivers. However with using the down-going wavefield, structures above the receivers are also imaged and wider horizontal coverage is achieved. Our field study consists of two perpendicular 2D walk away surveys: SW-NE and NW-SE. Images constructed using first order water surface multiples are presented and compared with each other as well as with the 3D surface seismic cube. VSP images have higher resolution than the 3D surface seismic image. Both VSP surveys image the shallower part of the subsurface very well. However, in the deeper parts of the sections, qualities of the VSP images are substantially different from each other. The SWNE line images the deeper section of the subsurface rather well whereas the NW-SE line fails to image the deeper section of the subsurface. 3D ray tracing modeling shows that there are considerable amounts of unfocused and out-plane energies reflected from the deeper reflectors in NW-SE survey. This can explain why line NW-SE fails to image the deeper reflectors.
Underwater monitoring system for forecasting and management harbours silting up

The challenge shared by the ports involved in the project (Piombino, Savona, Toulon) is the possibility of carrying out a precise control of the bathymetry variations in their port basins, starting from understanding the causes of the water level raising and lowering.  Therefore, the general objective will be to create a system of forecasting and monitoring bathymetric variations, called GRAMAS, capable of separating the effects due to the Newtonian earth-moon relations from those due to the seabed raising with accumulated sediments. By using weather sensors and stations installed in partnering ports, the system will produce systematically updated 3D bathymetric maps and forecast data on Newtonian phenomena interfering with the changes from pumping ships in harbour basins.  Cross-border cooperation will be fundamental for the testing and validation of the GRAMAS monitoring system, which will be tested in 3 ports with different characteristics in terms of boundary morphology, currents, shape and basin orientation. The system will then be tested under different operating conditions. Its maintenance and improvement will be based on the cooperation of 3 Port Authorities signing a joint action plan to keep exchanging information periodically on its functioning and silting up governance actions. The monitoring system with the characteristics described above does not currently exist on the market, so the leader company will carry out a pre-commercial public procurement, which will identify the most innovative solutions for the realisation of the requested system. Therefore, the 3 ports will experiment a low-cost prototype system that can later be adopted by other ports in the cooperation area.
Proton transport properties in hybrid membranes investigated by ac-electrogravimetry

Abstract In this paper, a hybrid organic/inorganic membrane, based on poly(VDF-co-HFP) polymer associated to mesostructured modified silica and made through sol–gel techniques, was characterized by using ac -electrogravimetry. In order to perform experiments, a polypyrrole–heteropolyanion doped mediator film was inserted between the working electrode of the microbalance and the hybrid membrane. This mediator film, which is characterized by mixed conducting properties, is necessary to provide proton transfer between the different interfaces and in that way, the proton transport inside the hybrid film which is only an ionic conducting material. Proton transfer and transport was characterized through ac -electrogravimetry and an original theoretical approach was developed for extracting the attractive parameters. The change of the exchanged species concentration and the diffusion coefficient of the protons in the hybrid membrane, were estimated, for the first time, according to the applied potential. These studies pointed out that the low conductivity value in this hybrid membrane is related to i) the low diffusion coefficient of proton (10 − 7  cm 2  s − 1 ) in this membrane associated, ii) the low concentration of proton in the membrane (0.4 meq g − 1 ).
MAGNETIC PAPER PRODUCT CAPABLE OF BEING DIRECTLY PRINTED

A magnetic paper product capable of being printed directly and the preparation method thereof are provided. The product has the unique feature, consisting of a friction-holding covering thin layer, on which sequentially set with a magnetic layer and a printable layer. The friction-holding covering thin layer is a nonwoven fabric called cotton paper (mianzhi) in Chinese. It can achieve the effect of printing magnetic paper after being magnetized, eliminating the trouble that the terminal user has to magnetize the paper after printing, improving the grade of inflexibility of the magnetic paper, reflection of the light and the flatness of the printing surface, solving the problem which has been a plague of the magnetic paper industry and the printing industry for long time.
Biometric authorization and registration systems and methods

Biometric authorization and registration systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system preferably comprises a firearm that includes a biometric authorization system, a plurality of training computers, and a server. In the preferred embodiment, the server and the training computer interact to train the biometric authorization system in the firearm to accurately and reliably discriminate between the authorized user and unauthorized users. The server utilizes a training algorithm that takes into account biometric information of not only the authorized user of firearm, but also those of a large number of unauthorized users. Such biometric information is utilized to compute one or more discriminants and thresholds for such discriminant(s), which are then transmitted to the biometric authorization system in the firearm. If the user is allowed to operate the firearm a predetermined percentage of the time, the discriminant thresholds are fixed. If not, the server adjusts the thresholds, and the process is repeated. In another aspect of the present invention, the system may be utilized to uniquely register the firearm with the authorized user. Similar training algorithms are also disclosed for training biometric authorization systems in devices other than firearms.
Ecological Rule of Wet Zones for the Water Bird Stop and Spending the Winter in the Eastern Adriatic: Guidelines for the Conservation and Management of Natural Marine and Voastal Heritage

The present project identifies new instrumental methodologies for the reasearch, so concretely contributing to the establishment of new technical skills in the bio-metric sector, aiming to a wider technical-scientific integration between project partners. The project is respecting the recent communitarian directives aiming to create the conditions to avoid any other change of natural heritage, according to Measure 1.1 objectives concerning environmental protection and adjustment of communitarian environmental standards with particular attention to protection, conservation and valorisation of particularly weak ecosystems.