Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous estimation of both soil moisture and model parameters using particle filtering method through the assimilation of microwave signal

[1] Soil moisture is a very important variable in land surface processes. Both field moisture measurements and estimates from modeling have their limitations when being used to estimate soil moisture on a large spatial scale. Remote sensing is becoming a practical method to estimate soil moisture globally; however, the quality of current soil surface moisture products needs to be improved in order to meet practical requirements. Data assimilation (DA) is a promising approach to merge model dynamics and remote sensing observations, thus having the potential to estimate soil moisture more accurately. In this study, a data assimilation algorithm, which couples the particle filter and the kernel smoothing technique, is presented to estimate soil moisture and soil parameters from microwave signals. A simple hydrological model with a daily time step is utilized to reduce the computational burden in the process of data assimilation. An observation operator based on the ratio of two microwave brightness temperatures at different frequencies is designed to link surface soil moisture with remote sensing measurements, and a sensitivity analysis of this operator is also conducted. Additionally, a variant of particle filtering method is developed for the joint estimation of soil moisture and soil parameters such as texture and porosity. This assimilation scheme is validated against field moisture measurements at the CEOP/Mongolia experiment site and is found to estimate near-surface soil moisture very well. The retrieved soil texture still contains large uncertainties as the retrieved values cannot converge to fixed points or narrow ranges when using different initial soil texture values, but the retrieved soil porosity has relatively small uncertainties.
ESPRIT: estimating species richness using large collections of 16S rRNA pyrosequences

Recent metagenomics studies of environmental samples suggested that microbial communities are much more diverse than previously reported, and deep sequencing will significantly increase the estimate of total species diversity. Massively parallel pyrosequencing technology enables ultra-deep sequencing of complex microbial populations rapidly and inexpensively. However, computational methods for analyzing large collections of 16S ribosomal sequences are limited. We proposed a new algorithm, referred to as ESPRIT, which addresses several computational issues with prior methods. We developed two versions of ESPRIT, one for personal computers (PCs) and one for computer clusters (CCs). The PC version is used for small- and medium-scale data sets and can process several tens of thousands of sequences within a few minutes, while the CC version is for large-scale problems and is able to analyze several hundreds of thousands of reads within one day. Large-scale experiments are presented that clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the newly proposed algorithm. The source code and user guide are freely available at http://www.biotech. ufl.edu/people/sun/esprit.html.
The use of complementary and alternative medicine by asthma patients receiving care in an urban tertiary centre in nigeria.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: There is increasing use of Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by individuals with chronic illness. Data on prevalence of CAM utilisation by asthmatics are however limited as well as the pattern of its use particularly in Nigeria. The study was to determine the frequency and pattern of use of CAM among patients with bronchial asthma attending a specialist asthma clinic, as well as describe the socio-demographic and other factors associated with its use. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This cross sectional study involved one hundred and ninety consecutive asthma patients attending the Asthma clinic of Lagos state university teaching hospital over a three month period were interviewed with a structured questionnaire which sought information on socio-demographic characteristics, duration of asthma diagnosis, medication use, asthma control, type of complementary and alternative medicine in use, sources of information on CAM reasons for its use and cost of medications. The questionnaires were previously pretested among newly diagnosed asthmatics. Asthma control was based on the GINA(Global initiative for the study of asthma) guidelines and classified into intermittent and mild persistent, moderate persistent and severe persistent. RESULTS: There were 70 males (36.8%) and 120 (63.2%) females. The Mean age of respondents was 45.83±19.52 years with the mean duration of asthma diagnosis of 10.48±9.80 years. Current CAM use was reported in 96 (50.5%) respondents. Biologic based therapies were the most widely used form of CAM among the patients. Native local herbs was mostly used in 68 (70.8%), bitter leaf (vermonia amygdalina ) and prayer was used by 58(60.4%) and 46 (47.9%) respectively. Longer duration of asthma was associated with use of complementary and alternative medicine. The educational level and income were not associated significantly with CAM use however severity of asthma was associated with CAM use. CONCLUSION: Use of CAM is frequent among asthma patients and therefore it is important that physicians enquire from the patients about its use.
Gaussian density tree structure in a multi-Gaussian HMM-based speech recognition system

This paper presents a Gaussian density tree structure usage which enables a computational cost reduction without a significant degradation of recognition performances, during a continuous speech recognition process. The Gaussian tree structure is built from successive Gaussian density merging. Each node of the tree is associated with a Gaussian density, and the actual HMM densities are associated to the leaves. We propose then a criterion to decide whether a node belonging to a high level in the tree should be expanded or not. The expansion means that the likelihood is evaluated with Gaussian densities associated with a low level node if the likelihood computed at the high level is not precise enough. This Gaussian tree structure is evaluated with a continuous speech recognition system on a telephone database. The expansion criterion allows a 75 to 85% computational cost reduction in terms of log-likelihood computations without any significant word error rate increase during the recognition process.
A Long-Term , High-quality , High Vertical Resolution GPS Dropsonde 1 Dataset for Hurricane and Other Studies 2 3

This is a preliminary PDF of the author-produced manuscript that has been peer-reviewed and accepted for publication. Since it is being posted so soon after acceptance, it has not yet been copyedited, formatted, or processed by AMS Publications. This preliminary version of the manuscript may be downloaded, distributed, and cited, but please be aware that there will be visual differences and possibly some content differences between this version and the final published version.
Expression of connexin 30 in Xenopus embryos and its involvement in hatching gland function

Connexins are a family of proteins that assemble to form gap junction channels. Cell‐cell communication through gap junctions mediates many important events in embryogenesis, including limb patterning, lens physiology, neuronal function, left‐right asymmetry, and secretion from gland tissue. We studied the expression of connexin 30 (Cx30) in the Xenopus embryo and find that it is expressed in the developing hatching gland and pronephros. To determine whether its expression plays a functional role in the activity of the hatching gland, we exposed pre‐hatching embryos to drugs that block gap junctional communication. This resulted in a continuation of normal growth and development but specifically abolished hatching. The treatment did not affect Cx30 or Xenopus hatching enzyme transcription, suggesting a post‐transcriptional effect on Cx30 gap junctions. We conclude that junctional communication, possibly mediated by Cx30, is involved in secretion of hatching enzyme in Xenopus. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identity Shift Effects of Self-Presentation and Confirmatory and Disconfirmatory Feedback on Self-Perceptions of Brand Identification

ABSTRACT Extending prior research that has noted individuals’ self-presentation and subsequent feedback can affect self-perceptions, we report 2 studies assessing this identity shift with respect to brand identity and the effect of (dis)confiratory feedback. Synthesizing literature from media and consumer psychology, hypotheses are derived predicting both main and interaction effects of self-presentation and the congruence of feedback to that presentation on subsequent self-perceptions. Two experiments had participants selectively self-present themselves as either a loyal brand advocate or not and received feedback from either an automated program (Study 1) or another user via a chat forum (Study 2). Findings reveal small effects stemming from selective self-presentation, moderate effects of feedback, and interaction effects between them so that one’s self-presentation can ameliorate or enhance—but not override—the effects of feedback to one’s self-presentation. Findings extend identity shift research beyond the outcome of extroversion/introversion to include brand attitudes and buyer behaviors, account for the various valences of feedback related to one’s self-presentation, and indicate value to brands and practitioners building customer interaction into their social media plans.
Aggression in Malaysian adolescents: Validation of the IRPA self-report to measure reactive and proactive aggression

Abstract Motives for aggression can be reactive or proactive. While research on these motives for aggression exists in Western societies, little is known about their prevalence in a non-Western society such as Malaysia. The first step to narrow this gap is to validate an instrument, which measures levels of reactive and proactive aggression. In the present study we translated the instrument for reactive and proactive aggression (IRPA) self-report, and examined its psychometric properties in 957 Malaysian adolescents. Participants completed the IRPA self-report along with instruments measuring victimization, anger, shame, and guilt. The outcomes confirmed the expected two-factor structure, good internal consistency and validity of the IRPA self-report in a Malaysian sample.
Long-term outcome of gonadectomy performed at an early age or traditional age in cats.

OBJECTIVE To determine long-term results and complications of gonadectomy performed at an early age (prepubertal) or at the traditional age in cats. DESIGN Cohort study. ANIMALS 263 cats from animal shelters. PROCEDURE Cats that underwent gonadectomy were allotted to 2 groups on the basis of estimated age at surgery (traditional age, > or = 24 weeks old; prepubertal, < 24 weeks old). Adoptive owner information was obtained from shelter records, and telephone interviews were conducted with owners to determine physical or behavioral problems observed in the cats after adoption. Follow-up information was obtained from attending veterinarians for cats with complex problems or when owners were uncertain regarding the exact nature of their cat's problem. RESULTS Compared with traditional-age gonadectomy, prepubertal gonadectomy did not result in an increased incidence of infectious disease, behavioral problems, or problems associated with any body system during a median follow-up period of 37 months. Additionally, the rate of retention in the original adoptive household was the same for cats that underwent prepubertal gonadectomy as those that underwent traditional-age gonadectomy. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Prepubertal gonadectomy may be performed safely in cats without concern for increased incidence of physical or behavioral problems for at least a 3-year period after gonadectomy.
Nash Implementation in an Allocation Problem with Single-Dipped Preferences

In this paper, we study the Nash implementation in an allocation problem with single-dipped preferences. We show that, with at least three agents, Maskin monotonicity is necessary and sufficient for implementation. We examine the implementability of various social choice correspondences (SCCs) in this environment, and prove that some well-known SCCs are Maskin monotonic ( but they do not satisfy no-veto power) and hence Nash implementable.
The therapeutic alliance in offending behavior change programs: therapist perspectives and practises

Purpose Offending behavior change programs play an important role in the prevention of criminal behavior, particularly when offered to violent offenders. There is, however, little consensus about how content should be delivered, despite agreement that the development of a strong therapeutic alliance (TA) is an important determinant of outcome. The purpose of this paper is to explore how the TA is formed within correctional programs. Design/methodology/approach In total, 27 therapists who delivered correctional group treatment explored issues relating to the role of the alliance in offending behavior programs. A grounded theory methodology was employed to develop a conceptual understanding of therapist perspectives and practises. Findings Three different modes of practice were identified: “educative” to enforce boundaries of group behavior; “engagement” to promote a collaborative approach; and “therapeutic” to enhance client insight. Practical implications Greater awareness of the skills and supports required to successfully develop strong TAs in correctional populations may assist better retention and treatment outcomes in offending behavior programs. The ability to work flexibly between different modes of practise may prove important to rehabilitation efforts. Originality/value A model of the TA based on therapists’ accounts of their practise in correctional programs is presented. It is anticipated that, particularly for novice correctional therapists, exploration of the ways in which the alliance can be established and ruptures responded to will enhance treatment efficacy, particularly in treating violent offenders who can be challenging to engage.
Privacy at the Margins| Understanding Privacy at the Margins—Introduction

While privacy and surveillance affect different populations in disparate ways, they are often treated as monolithic concepts by journalists, privacy advocates, and researchers. Achieving privacy is especially difficult for those who are marginalized in other areas of life. This special issue interrogates what privacy looks like at the margins, investigating a broad spectrum of issues, methodologies, and contexts. Many make an intervention into mainstream theories of privacy and surveillance, showing how examining the experiences of individuals outside the normative white, American, middle-class subject often complicates assumptions about how privacy operates. Others examine the mundane and the banal in order to analyze how power relations play out in everyday life. By incorporating research outside the canon of privacy research, and by advocating for projects that discuss more diverse conceptualizations of “the user” or the subject, we can envision a future for privacy scholarship that incorporates a wider set of harms and needs, and encompasses the concerns of a larger base of citizens.
Adaptive down-sampling video coding

Down-sampling coding, which sub-samples the image and encodes the smaller sized images, is one of the solutions to raise the image quality at insufficiently high rates. In this work, we propose an Adaptive Down-Sampling (ADS) coding for H.264/AVC. The overall system distortion can be analyzed as the sum of the down-sampling distortion and the coding distortion. The down-sampling distortion is mainly the loss of the high frequency components that is highly dependent of the spatial difference. The coding distortion can be derived from the classical Rate-Distortion theory. For a given rate and a video sequence, the optimum down-sampling resolution-ratio can be derived by utilizing the optimum theory toward minimizing the system distortion based on the models of the two distortions. This optimal resolution-ratio is used in both down-sampling and up-sampling processes in ADS coding scheme. As a result, the rate-distortion performance of ADS coding is always higher than the fixed ratio coding or H.264/AVC by 2 to 4 dB at low to medium rates.
Article Reference

In vivo 1H NMR spectroscopy of the human brain at high magnetic fields: metabolite quantification at 4T vs. 7T. Abstract A comprehensive comparative study of metabolite quantification from the human brain was performed on the same 10 subjects at 4T and 7T using MR scanners with identical consoles, the same type of RF coils, and identical pulse sequences and data analysis. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was increased by a factor of 2 at 7T relative to 4T in a volume of interest selected in the occipital cortex using half-volume quadrature radio frequency (RF) coils. Spectral linewidth was increased by 50% at 7T, which resulted in a 14% increase in spectral resolution at 7T relative to 4T. Seventeen brain metabolites were reliably quantified at both field strengths. Metabolite quantification at 7T was less sensitive to reduced SNR than at 4T. The precision of metabolite quantification and detectability of weakly represented metabolites were substantially increased at 7T relative to 4T. Because of the increased spectral resolution at 7T, only one-half of the SNR of a 4T spectrum was required to obtain the same quantification precision. The Cramér-Rao lower bounds (CRLB), a measure of quantification precision, of several metabolites were lower at [. ] TKÁC, Ivan, et al. In vivo 1H NMR spectroscopy of the human brain at high magnetic fields: metabolite quantification at 4T vs. 7T.
How Much to Share: A Repeated Game Model for Peer-to-Peer Streaming under Service Differentiation Incentives

In this paper, we propose a service differentiation incentive for P2P streaming system, according to peers' instant contributions. Also, a repeated game model is designed to analyze how much the peers should contribute in each round under this incentive. Simulations show that satisfying streaming quality is achieved in the Nash Equilibrium state.
Sparse signal modeling in a scalable CELP coder

This work presents a series of sparse signal modeling algorithms implemented in a variable rate CELP coder in order to compare their performances at a reasonable computational load. Multipulse excitation (MPE), Multi-Pulse Maximum Likelihood Quantization (MP-MLQ), Algebraic CELP (ACELP) and hybrid excitation schemes are analyzed under a common framework. New approaches are proposed, based on cyclic and parallel use of fast greedy algorithms. These algorithms yield a statistically significant reduction of signal approximation error at a controllable computational complexity. Main results were confirmed by comparing MOS values obtained with the PESQ algorithm.
IMPERFECT VACCINES AND THE EVOLUTION OF PATHOGENS CAUSING ACUTE INFECTIONS IN VERTEBRATES

Abstract A study by Gandon et al. (2001) considered the potential ways pathogens may evolve in response to vaccination with imperfect vaccines. In this paper, by focusing on acute infections of vertebrate hosts, we examine whether imperfect vaccines that do not completely block a pathogen's replication (antigrowth) or transmission (antitransmission) may lead to evolution of more or less virulent pathogen strains. To address this question, we use models of the within-host dynamics of the pathogen and the host's immune responses. One advantage of the use of this within-host approach is that vaccination can be easily incorporated in the models and the trade-offs between pathogen transmissibility, host recovery, and virulence that drive evolution of pathogens in these models can be easily estimated. We find that the use of either antigrowth or antitransmission vaccines leads to the evolution of pathogens with an increased within-host growth rate; infection of unvaccinated hosts with such evolved pathogens results in high host mortality and low pathogen transmission. Vaccination of only a fraction of hosts with antigrowth vaccines may prevent pathogens from evolving high virulence due to pathogen adaptation to unvaccinated hosts and thus protection of vaccinated hosts from pathogen-induced disease. In contrast, antitransmission vaccines may be beneficial only if they are effective enough to cause pathogen extinction. Our results suggest that particular mechanisms of action of vaccines and their efficacy are crucial in predicting longterm evolutionary consequences of the use of imperfect vaccines.
Multi-layer Point Merge System for dynamically controlling arrivals on parallel runways

In order to efficiently and robustly land more aircraft on two parallel runways, search the conflict-free and less-delay reroute for arrival aircraft, we plan to control arrival aircraft with a novel trajectory operation model named Multi-layer Point Merge System (ML-PM). In this paper, firstly the notional example of ML-PM system is introduced, the characteristics of its horizontal and vertical profiles are described. Secondly, according to the availabilities on two parallel runways, the positions of aircraft on sequencing legs, a trajectory reroute model is built. After that, the geometric relations for conflict detection in merging zones are analyzed in details. Furthermore, two tests with runway re-assignment on and off are compared to study the performances of proposed ML-PM system, the numerical results have shown that: 1) both tests could generate conflict-free trajectories, 2) average delay, average landing interval, and makes-pan could be reduced by runway re-assignment. The relative improvement for average delay is 36.36%, for make-span and average landing interval is 1.35% and 1.36% respectively. However, the average flight time, flight distance, fuel consumption and CO2 emission will increase due to runway re-assignment, the relative increases are 13.49%, 1.11%, 13.49% and 13.49%, respectively. After that, a detailed study about the runway assignment is done, the changes of different indicators are analyzed. Finally, the conclusion is made, ML-PM system shows a very positive ability to dynamically control arrival flows to land on parallel runways.
Ribavirin regulates hepatitis C virus replication through enhancing interferon-stimulated genes and interleukin 8.

BACKGROUND The manner in which ribavirin (RBV) enhances the antiviral effects of interferon (IFN) against hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains unknown. We investigated whether RBV modifies IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) in vivo and in vitro. METHODS We measured the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of ISGs in T lymphocytes from patients with HCV infection who were receiving IFN-α therapy with or without RBV. We added RBV and/or IFN-α to a plasmid-based HCV replication system containing a full-length HCV genotype 1a sequence in HepG2 and Huh7 cell lines and the JFH-1 HCV genotype 2a sequence in Huh7 cell lines and measured levels of ISGs and autocrine IFN-β. RESULTS The expression of protein kinase R and myxovirus resistance A mRNA was enhanced more with IFN-α and RBV than by IFN-α alone in assays in vivo and in vitro. Such enhancement depended on autocrine IFN-β being enhanced by RBV. RBV upregulated interleukin 8 (IL-8) in the absence of IFN-α. The IL-8 upregulation induced by RBV was responsible for the activation of activator protein 1 (AP-1). CONCLUSIONS Ribavirin augments the anti-HCV effects of IFN-α induced by ISGs through enhancing autocrine IFN-β. Moreover, RBV can enhance IL-8 through activating AP-1. Improved understanding of ISG modulation by RBV would help to establish a means of eliminating HCV.