Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Initial Position Estimation Using RFID Tags: A Least-Squares Approach

The GPS has revolutionized how people, vehicles, and objects are positioned. The GPS, however, has limitations. It will only work well where a signal can be received and will not work underground, in tunnels, or even some buildings. Obtaining an accurate position estimate in these areas must therefore use alternate methods that do not rely on GPS. Promising research from the field of robotics provides an alternative approach to positioning, using a technique known as simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM). The challenge for the SLAM algorithm is that the initial position given to the algorithm must be accurate. This paper investigates the concept of using an array of RF identification (RFID) tags placed at known positions to provide the initial position of the stationary vehicle to the SLAM algorithm. A least-squares (LS)-based position estimator is presented and evaluated in an experiment conducted in an underground potash mine and an indoor environment at the University of Saskatchewan. The estimator's average error is calculated using models with a varied number of parameters. It was found that both environments attain the best results with five model parameters that were obtained from data taken in the same environment. The results suggest that RFID-based positioning, using this LS approach, has the potential to provide relatively accurate and low-cost initial position estimation.
Ofloxacin versus standard therapy in treatment of community-acquired pneumonia requiring hospitalization. Pneumonia Study Group

Community-acquired pneumonia occurs 3 to 4 million times per year in the United States, accounting for about 500,000 hospitalizations annually. Empiric treatment is usually instituted because of a lack of early organism-specific diagnostic tests. This study compared empiric therapy with ofloxacin to standard antibiotic regimens (usually a beta-lactam with or without a macrolide) for patients hospitalized for community-acquired pneumonia. Therapy was administered to 298 patients (146 receiving ofloxacin and 152 receiving standard therapy); 227 patients (ofloxacin, 109; standard treatment, 118) were evaluable for treatment efficacy. The most common pyogenic respiratory pathogens were Haemophilus influenzae (30 isolates) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (24 isolates). There was evidence of infection with either Mycoplasma pneumoniae (38 patients), Chlamydia pneumoniae (40 patients), or a Legionella sp. (8 patients) in a total of 79 patients (35%). The clinical success rates were similar in both groups among evaluable patients (92%, ofloxacin; 87%, standard therapy) and among patients with atypical respiratory pathogens (88%, ofloxacin; 81%, standard therapy). The mean numbers (+/- the standard deviations) of intravenous doses of antibiotics were 7.5 +/- 8.0 in the ofloxacin group and 18.4 +/- 18.5 in the standard therapy group (P < 0.001); the mean number of oral doses of ofloxacin per patient was 19.7 +/- 11.2, compared with 30.2 +/- 16.0 oral antibiotic doses in the standard therapy group (P < 0.001). All treatments were well tolerated and associated with no significant clinical or laboratory abnormalities. The findings of this study indicate that ofloxacin is active against traditional bacterial pathogens as well as the major atypical respiratory pathogens. When given as monotherapy for the empiric treatment of community-acquired pneumonia, ofloxacin is as effective as standard antimicrobial therapy.
Pharmacotherapy for allergic rhinitis

Pharmacotherapy for allergic rhinitis is a mainstay of treatment for patients with mild to severe nasal allergy symptoms. A wide array of medical treatment options is available for both episodic relief and prevention of symptoms. Treatment regimens can be tailored to individual patients based on nasal symptoms, severity, and associated atopic disorders. The purposes of this review are to identify available pharmacotherapies for allergic rhinitis, to discuss the benefits and limitations of each treatment option, and to help guide practitioners in providing optimal medical treatment for patients with allergic rhinitis.
Sum-Difference Theory of Remembering and Knowing : A Two-Dimensional Signal-Detection Model By :

John A. Reeder is now at the Department of Psychology, Simmons College. Portions of the model and data were presented at the 26th Annual Interdisciplinary Conference, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, January 2001, and at the 42nd Annual Meeting of the Psychonomic Society, Orlando, Florida, November 2001. This research was supported by National Institutes of Health Grant R01 MH60274 to Caren M. Rotello and Neil A. Macmillan. We thank Barb Chalfonte, Jerry Myers, and Gordon Van Tassel for their assistance during the development of this project; Andy Yonelinas for sharing his data; and Otilia Catro and G. Elizabeth Johnson for their assistance with data collection. Bill Banks, Barbara Dosher, Evan Heit, Ken Norman, Jeroen Raaijmakers, Michael Verde, and Andy Yonelinas provided helpful comments on an earlier version of this article.
Image classification for mobile web browsing

It is difficult for users of mobile devices such as cellular phones equipped with a small screen and a poor input interface to browse Web pages designed for desktop PCs with large displays. Many studies and commercial products have tried to solve this problem. Web pages include images that have various roles such as site menus, line headers for itemization, and page titles. However, most studies of mobile Web browsing haven't paid much attention to the roles of Web images. In this paper, we define eleven Web image categories according to their roles and use these categories for proper Web image handling. We manually categorized 3,901 Web images collected from forty Web sites and extracted image features of each category according to the classification. By making use of the extracted features, we devised an automatic Web image classification method. Furthermore, we evaluated the automatic classification of real Web pages and achieved up to 83.1% classification accuracy. We also implemented an automatic Web page scrolling system as an application of our automatic image classification method.
Employee Age Differences in Formal Performance Feedback Reactions: Examining the Effects of Perceived Valence, Content, and Delivery

This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations and Theses by an authorized administrator of PDXScholar. For more information, please contact pdxscholar@pdx.edu. Recommended Citation Burlacu, Gabriela, "Employee Age Differences in Formal Performance Feedback Reactions: Examining the Effects of Perceived Valence, Content, and Delivery" (2011). Dissertations and Theses. Paper 35.
Two Approaches to the Distinction between Cognition and ‘Mere Association’

The standard methodology of comparative psychology has long relied upon a distinction between cognition and ‘mere association’; cognitive explanations of nonhuman animals behaviors are only regarded as legitimate if associative explanations for these behaviors have been painstakingly ruled out. Over the last ten years, however, a crisis has broken out over the distinction, with researchers increasingly unsure how to apply it in practice. In particular, a recent generation of psychological models appear to satisfy existing criteria for both cognition and association. Salvaging the standard methodology of comparative psychology will thus require significant conceptual redeployment . In this article, I trace the historical development of the distinction in comparative psychology,distinguishing two styles of approach. The first style tries to make out the distinction in terms of the properties of psychological models, for example by focusing on criteria like the presence of rules & propositions vs. links & nodes. The second style of approach attempts to operationalize the distinction by use of specific experimental tests for cognition performed on actual animals. I argue that neither style of criteria is self-sufficient, and both must cooperate in an iterative empirical investigation into the nature of animal minds if the distinction is to be reformed.
Relationship of predation potential to mortality of Calanus finmarchicus on Georges Bank, northwest Atlantic

Based on 29 cruises on Georges Bank between January and June, conducted as part of the U.S. Global Ocean Ecosystem Dynamics program, we describe seasonal and spatial variability of early life history mortality for the planktonic copepod Calanus finmarchicus and relate mortality to an index of predation potential from a suite of suspension‐feeding predators. Emphasis is placed on the earliest life history phase wherein peak mortality occurs. Instantaneous mortality rates for a combined egg‐through‐nauplius‐3 stage show a recurrent seasonal pattern of a modest elevation in January followed by a seasonal peak in May of all 5 study yr. Spatial differences exist in mortality rates, with a higher probability of mortality on the southern flank in winter and a pronounced seasonal maximum on the bank crest in May. Three hypotheses associated, respectively, with egg hatching success, advection, and invertebrate predation were evaluated to account for the seasonal and spatial mortality patterns. Variations in egg‐hatching success are inconsistent with the observed seasonal patterns of loss. Off‐bank advection, particularly on the southern flank, appears to be the dominant loss term in January. Apart from this winter period, egg mortality is associated with predation potential. Comparison of an index of daily rates of egg loss with an index of consumption rates of eggs by suspended hydroids, hydromedusae, and five species of planktonic copepods show general agreement between mortality and predation in both seasonal variation and spatial patterns. Of the predator taxa, late copepodid and adult C. finmarchicus, supplemented by planktonic hydroids, appear to have the largest quantitative predation effect.
Role of RANKL (TNFSF11)-Dependent Osteopetrosis in the Dental Phenotype of Msx2 Null Mutant Mice

The MSX2 homeoprotein is implicated in all aspects of craniofacial skeletal development. During postnatal growth, MSX2 is expressed in all cells involved in mineralized tissue formation and plays a role in their differentiation and function. Msx2 null (Msx2 −/−) mice display complex craniofacial skeleton abnormalities with bone and tooth defects. A moderate form osteopetrotic phenotype is observed, along with decreased expression of RANKL (TNFSF11), the main osteoclast-differentiating factor. In order to elucidate the role of such an osteopetrosis in the Msx2 −/− mouse dental phenotype, a bone resorption rescue was performed by mating Msx2 −/− mice with a transgenic mouse line overexpressing Rank (Tnfrsf11a). Msx2 −/− RankTg mice had significant improvement in the molar phenotype, while incisor epithelium defects were exacerbated in the enamel area, with formation of massive osteolytic tumors. Although compensation for RANKL loss of function could have potential as a therapy for osteopetrosis, but in Msx2 −/− mice, this approach via RANK overexpression in monocyte-derived lineages, amplified latent epithelial tumor development in the peculiar continuously growing incisor.
Bovine endometritis: comparative efficacy of alfaprostol and intrauterine therapies, and other factors influencing clinical success

A comparative study of the treatment of 306 severe, moderate, or mild cases of bovine endometritis was carried out over two calving seasons. The cases were treated with alfaprostol, or an intrauterine antibacterial preparation, or with a combination of both therapies. There was no significant difference between the efficacies of these treatments, and a single injection of alfaprostol was effective in 74 per cent of the cases treated. The effectiveness of the treatments was related to the degree of self-cure of the endometritis after parturition, the luteal activity at the time of treatment, and farm management factors affecting the health and condition of the calving cows.
Could Myelin Damage From Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field Exposure Help Explain the Functional Impairment Electrohypersensitivity? A Review of the Evidence

Myelin provides the electrical insulation for the central and peripheral nervous system and develops rapidly in the first years of life, but continues into mid-life or later. Myelin integrity is vital to healthy nervous system development and functioning. This review outlines the development of myelin through life, and then considers the evidence for an association between myelin integrity and exposure to low-intensity radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) typical in the modern world. In RF-EMF peer-reviewed literature examining relevant impacts such as myelin sheath, multiple sclerosis, and other myelin-related diseases, cellular examination was included. There are surprisingly little data available in each area, but considered together a picture begins to emerge in RF-EMF-exposed cases: (1) significant morphological lesions in the myelin sheath of rats; (2) a greater risk of multiple sclerosis in a study subgroup; (3) effects in proteins related to myelin production; and (4) physical symptoms in individuals with functional impairment electrohypersensitivity, many of which are the same as if myelin were affected by RF-EMF exposure, giving rise to symptoms of demyelination. In the latter, there are exceptions; headache is common only in electrohypersensitivity, while ataxia is typical of demyelination but infrequently found in the former group. Overall, evidence from in vivo and in vitro and epidemiological studies suggests an association between RF-EMF exposure and either myelin deterioration or a direct impact on neuronal conduction, which may account for many electrohypersensitivity symptoms. The most vulnerable are likely to be those in utero through to at least mid-teen years, as well as ill and elderly individuals.
Ultraviolet radiation protection and skin cancer awareness in recreational athletes: a survey among participants in a running event.

PRINCIPLE Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) protection and skin cancer awareness are essential in the avoidance of cutaneous malignancies. Skin cancer prevention programmes involve public educational campaigns, for example, for outdoor workers or school children. Since nonprofessional sun exposure (e.g. during outdoor sport) is increasing with today's lifestyle, we assessed UVR protection and skin cancer awareness among recreational athletes. This survey-based, paper/pencil study was designed to assess UVR protection and skin cancer awareness among recreational athletes attending the largest running event in Switzerland. METHODS All adults (age 18 and older) attending this run were invited to complete our survey at our study booth. Our form consisted of questions about participants' personal characteristics such as age, gender, educational attainment, skin type, history of sunburns, and personal/family history of skin cancer, as well as participants' subjective attitudes and behaviours relating to UVR protection and skin cancer avoidance. We calculated separate scores for individual UVR protection and skin cancer awareness. We tested these two scores in relation to educational level as a primary endpoint. In addition, the impacts of further distinct characteristics were assessed in multivariable analysis. RESULTS A total of 970 runners (457 males, 513 females, mean age 41.0 years) completed our survey. Our results indicate that UVR protection is dependent on age, gender, skin type and personal history of skin cancer. Educational attainment (at univariate level), age, gender and skin type (in multivariable analysis) significantly affected the skin cancer awareness score. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that protection measures among recreational sportsmen can be improved. Achievements are notable in older, fair skinned, female runners. Our findings indicate that further work is needed in the education of the general public, and athletes in particular.
The Dent Stage of Maize Kernels Is the Most Conducive for Fumonisin Biosynthesis under Field Conditions

ABSTRACT The fungal pathogen Fusarium verticillioides infects maize ears and produces fumonisins, known for their adverse effects on human and animal health. Basic questions remain unanswered regarding the kernel stage(s) associated with fumonisin biosynthesis and the kernel components involved in fumonisin regulation during F. verticillioides-maize interaction under field conditions. In this 2-year field study, the time course of F. verticillioides growth and fumonisin accumulation in developing maize kernels, along with the variations in kernel pH and amylopectin content, were monitored using relevant and accurate analytical tools. In all experiments, the most significant increase in fumonisin accumulation or in fumonisin productivity (i.e., fumonisin production per unit of fungus) was shown to occur within a very short period of time, between 22/32 and 42 days after inoculation and corresponding to the dent stage. This stage was also characterized by acidification in the kernel pH and a maximum level of amylopectin content. Our data clearly support published results based on in vitro experiments suggesting that the physiological stages of the maize kernel play a major role in regulating fumonisin production. Here we have validated this result for in planta and field conditions, and we demonstrate that under such conditions the dent stage is the most conducive for fumonisin accumulation.
Effects of Citrus Overwintering Predators, Host Plant Phenology and Environmental Variables on Aphid Infestation Dynamics in Clementine Citrus

Abstract The Spirea citrus aphid, Aphis spiraecola Patch, and the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), are key pests of clementine mandarines in the Mediterranean basin. Severity of aphid infestations is determined by environmental variables, host plant phenology patterns, and the biological control exerted by their associated natural enemies. However, there is no information about the role these limiting and regulating factors play. Aphid densities, citrus phenology, and associated predators that overwinter in the crop were monitored weekly throughout two flush growth periods (February to July) in four clementine mandarin groves; relationships between these parameters and environmental variables (temperature and precipitation) were studied. Our results show exponential increase in aphid infestation levels to coincide with citrus phenological stages B3 and B4; shoots offer more space and nutritional resources for colony growth at these stages. Duration of these phenological stages, which was mediated by mean temperature, seems to importantly determine the severity of aphid infestations in the groves. Among those studied, the micro-coccinellids, mostly Scymnus species, were the only group of predators with the ability to efficiently regulate aphid populations. These natural enemies had the highest temporal and spatial demographic stability. Aphid regulation success was only achieved through early presence of natural enemies in the grove, at the aphid colonization phase. Our results suggest that conservation strategies aimed at preserving and enhancing Scymnus sp. populations may make an important contribution to the future success of the biological control of these key citrus pests.
Ignorance and Indifference*

The epistemic state of complete ignorance is not a probability distribution. In it, we assign the same, unique, ignorance degree of belief to any contingent outcome and each of its contingent, disjunctive parts. That this is the appropriate way to represent complete ignorance is established by two instruments, each individually strong enough to identify this state. They are the principle of indifference (PI) and the notion that ignorance is invariant under certain redescriptions of the outcome space, here developed into the ‘principle of invariance of ignorance’ (PII). Both instruments are so innocuous as almost to be platitudes. Yet the literature in probabilistic epistemology has misdiagnosed them as paradoxical or defective since they generate inconsistencies when conjoined with the assumption that an epistemic state must be a probability distribution. To underscore the need to drop this assumption, I express PII in its most defensible form as relating symmetric descriptions and show that paradoxes still arise if we assume the ignorance state to be a probability distribution.
The Adolescent Experience: European and American Adolescents in the 1990s. Research Monographs in Adolescence.

Contents: N.L. Galambos, N.A. Busch-Rossnagel, Series Editors' Foreword. F.D. Alsaker, A. Flammer, Cross-National Research in Adolescent Psychology. The Euronet Project. F.D. Alsaker, C. Flanagan, B. Csapo, Methodological Challenges in Cross-National Research. Countries, Participants, and General Procedures. A. Flammer, F.D. Alsaker, P. Noack, Time Use by Adolescents in an International Perspective. I: The Case of Leisure Activities. F.D. Alsaker, A. Flammer, Time Use by Adolescents in an International Perspective. II: The Case of Necessary Activities. J-E. Nurmi, A. Liiceanu, H. Liberska, Future-Oriented Interests. A. Grob, A. Flammer, Macrosocial Context and Adolescents' Perceived Control. A. Grob, A. Stetsenko, C. Sabatier, L. Botcheva, P. Macek, A Cross-National Model of Subjective Well-Being in Adolescence. C. Flanagan, L. Botcheva, Adolescents' Preferences for Their Homeland and Other Countries. B. Csapo, E. Czachesz, A. Liiceanu, S. Lazar, Being a Minority: Hungarian Adolescents in Transylvania, Romania. F.D. Alsaker, A. Flammer, European Adolescents: Basically Alike and Excitingly Different.
Benchmarking exchange-correlation functionals for hydrogen at high pressures using quantum Monte Carlo

Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences,University of L’Aquila and CNISM UdR L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, I-67010 L’Aquila, Italy(Dated: January 30, 2014)The ab-initio phase diagram of dense hydrogen is very sensitive to errors in the treatment ofelectronic correlation. Recently, it has been shown that the choice of the density functional hasa large e ect on the predicted location of both the liquid-liquid phase transition and the solidinsulator-to-metal transition in dense hydrogen. To identify the most accurate functional for densehydrogen applications, we systematically benchmark some of the most commonly used functionalsusing Quantum Monte Carlo. By considering several measures of functional accuracy, we concludethat the van der Waals and hybrid functionals signi cantly out perform LDA and PBE. We supportthese conclusions by analyzing the impact of functional choice on structural optimization in themolecular solid, and on the location of the liquid-liquid phase transition.
Departures From Axisymmetric Morphology and Dynamics in Spiral Galaxies

New H I synthesis data have been obtained for six face-on galaxies with the Very Large Array. These data and reanalyses of three additional data sets make up a sample of nine face-on galaxies analyzed for deviations from axisymmetry in morphology and dynamics. This sample represents a subsample of galaxies already analyzed for morphological symmetry properties in the R band. Four quantitative measures of dynamical nonaxisymmetry are compared with one another and to the quantitative measures of morphological asymmetry in H I and the R band to investigate the relationships between nonaxisymmetric morphology and dynamics. We find no significant relationship between asymmetric morphology and most of the dynamical measures in our sample. A possible relationship is found, however, between morphology and dynamical position angle differences between approaching and receding sides of the galaxy.