Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tracking-by-Segmentation with Online Gradient Boosting Decision Tree

We propose an online tracking algorithm that adaptively models target appearances based on an online gradient boosting decision tree. Our algorithm is particularly useful for non-rigid and/or articulated objects since it handles various deformations of the target effectively by integrating a classifier operating on individual patches and provides segmentation masks of the target as final results. The posterior of the target state is propagated over time by particle filtering, where the likelihood is computed based mainly on patch-level confidence map associated with a latent target state corresponding to each sample. Once tracking is completed in each frame, our gradient boosting decision tree is updated to adapt new data in a recursive manner. For effective evaluation of segmentation-based tracking algorithms, we construct a new ground-truth that contains pixel-level annotation of segmentation mask. We evaluate the performance of our tracking algorithm based on the measures for segmentation masks, where our algorithm illustrates superior accuracy compared to the state-of-the-art segmentation-based tracking methods.
Exponential Stabilization ofLaminated Beams with Structural Damping and Boundary Feedback Controls

We study the boundary stabilization of laminated beams with structural damping which describes the slip occurring at the interface of two-layered objects. By using an invertible matrix function with an eigenvalue parameter and an asymptotic technique for the first order matrix differential equation, we find out an explicit asymptotic formula for the matrix fundamental solutions and then carry out the asymptotic analyses for the eigenpairs. Furthermore, we prove that there is a sequence of generalized eigenfunctions that forms a Riesz basis in the state Hilbert space, and hence the spectrum determined growth condition holds. Furthermore, exponential stability of the closed-loop system can be deduced from the eigenvalue expressions. In particular, the semigroup generated by the system operator is a $C_0$-group due to the fact that the three asymptotes of the spectrum are parallel to the imaginary axis.
Bottom-up Adoption of Continuous Delivery in a Stage-Gate Managed Software Organization

Context: Continuous delivery (CD) is a development practice for decreasing the time-to-market by keeping software releasable all the time. Adopting CD within a stage-gate managed development process might be useful, although scientific evidence of such adoption is not available. In a stage-gate process, new releases pass through stages and gates protect low-quality output from progressing. Large organizations with stage-gate processes are often hierarchical and the adoption can be either top-down, driven by the management, or bottom-up, driven by the development unit. Goal: We investigate the perceived problems of bottom-up CD adoption in a large global software development unit at Nokia Networks. Our goal is to understand how the stage-gate development process used by the unit affects the adoption. Method: The overall research approach is a qualitative single case study on one of the several geographical sites of the development unit. We organized two 2-hour workshops with altogether 15 participants to discover how the stage-gate process affected the adoption. Results: The stage-gate development process caused tight schedules for development and process overhead because of the gate requirements. Moreover, the process required using multiple version control branches for different stages in the process, which increased development complexity and caused additional branch overhead. Together, tight schedule, process overhead and branch overhead caused the lack of time to adopt CD. In addition, the use of multiple branches limited the available hardware resources and caused delayed integration. Conclusions: Adopting CD in a development organization that needs to conform to a stage-gate development process is challenging. Practitioners should either gain support from the management to relax the required process or reduce their expectations on what can be achieved while conforming to the process. To simplify the development process, the use of multiple version control branches could be replaced with feature toggles.
Variable Step-size CMA Blind Equalization based on Non-linear Function of Error Signal

Variable step-size was introduced in the constant module blind equalization algorithm (CMA). A nonlinear function of remainder error was taken as a step-size control factor to control the change of step-size. This article proposed a kind of new constant module variable step-size blind equalization algorithm, and analyzed the selection principle of parameters. Theory and simulation indicate that, compared with the traditional constant module blind equalization algorithm, new algorithm has the quicker convergence rate and smaller stable remainder error.
STUDIES ON THE LOCALIZATION OF CIRCULATING ANTIGEN-ANTIBODY COMPLEXES AND OTHER MACROMOLECULES IN VESSELS

Localization of circulating antigen-antibody complexes in vessels of guinea pigs by means of anaphylactic shock was found to be mediated by histamine that was released at the time of anaphylaxis. The source of the histamine may have been the mast cell as noted in studies employing a direct attack on the mast cells by octylamine. Platelets played apparently little to no role in guinea pigs in the anaphylactic deposition of circulating complexes. Rat anaphylatoxin was found to cause vascular localization and symptoms of anaphylaxis identical with that brought about by antigen-antibody anaphylaxis. This also was found to be dependent upon the release of histamine. Antibody against Forssman antigen in the vessel walls of the guinea pigs also led to deposition of circulating complexes. This was found not to be histamine dependent. The possible role of local increase in vascular permeability in certain experimental disease states in the localization of circulating complexes is discussed.
Heart Rate Variability in Sleeping Preterm Neonates Exposed to Cool and Warm Thermal Conditions

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) remains the main cause of postneonatal infant death. Thermal stress is a major risk factor and makes infants more vulnerable to SIDS. Although it has been suggested that thermal stress could lead to SIDS by disrupting autonomic functions, clinical and physiopathological data on this hypothesis are scarce. We evaluated the influence of ambient temperature on autonomic nervous activity during sleep in thirty-four preterm neonates (mean ± SD gestational age: 31.4±1.5 weeks, postmenstrual age: 36.2±0.9 weeks). Heart rate variability was assessed as a function of the sleep stage at three different ambient temperatures (thermoneutrality and warm and cool thermal conditions). An elevated ambient temperature was associated with a higher basal heart rate and lower short- and long-term variability in all sleep stages, together with higher sympathetic activity and lower parasympathetic activity. Our study results showed that modification of the ambient temperature led to significant changes in autonomic nervous system control in sleeping preterm neonates. The latter changes are very similar to those observed in infants at risk of SIDS. Our findings may provide greater insight into the thermally-induced disease mechanisms related to SIDS and may help improve prevention strategies.
Contractual Allocation of Decision Rights and Incentives: The Case of Automobile Distribution

We analyze empirically the allocation of rights and monetary incentives in automobile franchise contracts. These contracts substantially restrict the decision rights of dealers and grant manufacturers extensive contractual completion and enforcement powers, converting the manufacturers, de facto, in a sort of quasi-judiciary instance. Variation in the allocation of decision rights and incentive intensity is explained by the incidence of moral hazard in the relation. In particular, when the cost of dealer moral hazard is higher and the risk of manufacturer opportunism is lower, manufacturers enjoy more discretion in determining the performance required from their dealers and in using mechanisms such as monitoring, termination and monetary incentives to ensure such performance is provided. We also explore the existence of interdependencies between the different elements of the system. and find some complementarities between completion and termination rights, and between monitoring rights and the intensity of incentives.
The Built Environment and Social Capital: A Systematic Review

A growing literature has indicated a relationship between social capital and certain aspects of the built environment with contributions from various disciplines, including environmental psychology, urban design, and health geography. In this systematic review and research synthesis, we summarize the literature in this domain using existing sociological and design frameworks to ascertain the effect of specific built environment domains on social capital. Our review shows that there is a significant relationship between social capital and the built environment, specifically between social cohesion and access to destinations/walkability. Positive relationships exist between social capital, design, and diversity, whereas the effect of population density on social capital is negative and unclear. We find significant methodological limitations and gaps in the published literature, including the absence of longitudinal studies and the use of a plethora of social capital and built environment measures.
Are Public Sector CEOs Di ¤ erent ? Leadership Wages and Performance in Schools

This paper uses a unique data set to investigate the link between the pay and performance of school principals. It is frequently argued that public sector CEOs are paid like bureaucrats with little reward for good performance. However, this ignores the possibility of implicit labor market incentives. We show that pay is indeed linked to publicly observable performance measures. Moreover poorly performing principals face a higher chance of being replaced. These ndings for the public sector parallel what has been found by looking at the pay and performance of private sector CEOs. We are grateful to Joan Wilson and Ifty Hussain for excellent research assistance. We would like to thank the (then) Department for Education and Skills for part funding this project and for providing access to the administrative data we utilise and the Economic and Social Research Council for support under the Public Services Program. Thanks also go to Mono Chatterji, Rick Hanushek, Andrew Oswald, Paul Peterson, Joan Wilson and participants in a number of presentations for comments on earlier drafts of the paper.
Attachment, psychological functioning, and resilience within the street involved youth populations: describing youth who access community agency support

Youth homelessness is defined within the literature as youth who have left their homes and are living independent of parental figures and/or caregivers, have no stable residence or source of income, and lack access to the supports needed to make the challenging transition into adulthood (Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, 2015). Previous research studying homeless (or street-involved) youth has primarily focused on risk factors hindering the development of this population, and has largely ignored resilience, coping, and help-seeking behaviours. The current study examined the attachment styles (both categorically and dimensionally), psychological functioning, resilience, and help-seeking behaviours in street-involved youth of St. John’s, Newfoundland. Face-to face interviews were completed over a four-month period with 63 youth (42 males, 21 females) aged 15-29 (Mage = 20.00), recruited from a local community organization providing outreach services to street-involved youth. Results revealed the disproportionate struggles of the street-involved youth population, and highlighted higher levels of attachment insecurity, psychological distress and lower resilience compared to normative peers. Findings also showed a significant difference in psychological functioning, overall resilience, and emotional reactivity based on individual attachment style. In an exploratory model of help-seeking, a positive relationship was found between overall resilience (defined as a sense of mastery and sense of relatedness) and frequency of community service access. However, contrary to predictions, no relationships were found between frequency of community service access and attachment, psychological functioning, or emotional reactivity. Implications of the present findings in development of interventions for street-involved youth are discussed, in addition to strengths and limitations of the present research, and suggested areas of future inquiry.
The policing of domestic violence in rural and urban areas: The voices of battered women in Kentucky

Two main lacunae in the literature on domestic violence and its policing set the stage for our research. The first is the absence of the “voices of women” and the publication of their opinions and perceptions of police performance at domestic disputes. The second is the failure to address rural domestic violence and its policing. Using ethnographic research as a starting point, we formulate two propositions that guide the current research project. This project involved conducting 510 structured interviews with a random sample of battered women residing in spouse abuse shelters in Kentucky. Findings indicate that when battered women present visible injuries to police officers, rural and urban women report few differences in the immediate provision of police services such as transporting women to shelters and arresting the abuser. In terms of rating police handling of domestics in their areas, urban battered women consistently evaluate police more highly. Finally, both urban and rural women rate the overall.
Isolation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) RNA from feces by a simple method and difference between HIV-1 subpopulations in feces and serum

A simple method for the isolation and subsequent detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) RNA from feces is described. Viral RNA was isolated by the method developed by Boom et al. (R. Boom, C.J.A. Sol, M.M.M. Salimans, C.L. Jansen, P.M.E. Wertheim-van Dillen, and J. van der Noordaa, J. Clin. Microbiol. 28:495-503, 1990), which was adapted for feces. HIV-1 RNA was detected by reverse transcription (RT) followed by a nested PCR encompassing the V3 region. Reconstruction experiments revealed that the efficiencies of the extraction technique and the subsequent RT-PCR were not considerably affected by the varied composition of feces. The method was applied on fecal specimens from 18 HIV-1-infected individuals, among which were samples that had been stored for 9 years. It appeared that HIV-1 RNA was detectable in the feces of 12 persons (67%). Viral RNA was present in the feces of persons who fulfilled the criteria for CDC class II and CDC class III HIV infection as well as in patients who were diagnosed with AIDS (CDC class IV). Direct sequencing of amplimers obtained from paired fecal and serum specimens showed that differences in sequence heterogeneity existed. In one patient a remarkable difference in the HIV-1 sequences between isolates from feces and serum was observed. In conclusion, HIV-1 RNA is frequently present in the feces of HIV-1-infected individuals, and in some cases the HIV-1 subpopulation in feces differs from the HIV-1 subpopulation in serum.
The Nature of the Relationship of Speech and Language Impairment and Speed of Processing Time

By SARAH MICHELLE LETSKY Purpose: Children with language impairment (LI) typically have slower speed of processing times than children with typical language. However, no studies to date have examined speed of processing in children with speech sound disorders (SSD). This study’s aims are to examine how severity of language impairment is related to speed of processing time and determine if there are group differences across speed of processing measures. Method: 60 children ages 3.6-6.9 were studied across three groups (LI+SSD, SSD-only, controls). Groups were compared across domains of speed of processing (visual, verbal, auditory). Results: Language scores were correlated with the visual measure (p=.025), and the verbal measure (p=.054). In comparing groups across measures, significant differences were found between the SSD+LI and SSD-only groups on the visual measure (p=.03), and between the SSD+LI and control groups on the verbal measure (p=.081). Conclusion: Results do not suggest a direct relationship between severity of language impairment and speed of processing. Also, slower speed of processing in the language impaired group on visual and verbal measures supports previous research that processing time in children with LI is slower across modalities.
Effect of two contemporary root canal sealers on root canal dentin microhardness

Background Successful root canal treatment depends on proper cleaning, disinfecting and shaping of the root canal space. Pulpless teeth have lower dentin microhardness value compared to that of vital teeth. A material which can cause change in dentin composition may affect the microhardness. Thus the aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of two root canal sealers on dentin microhardness. Material and Methods Forty two single rooted teeth were selected and divided into 3 equal groups; Apexit, iRootSP and control groups (n=14) Each group was then divided into 2 subgroups according to the post evaluation period; 1 week and 2 months (n=7). Root canal procedure was done in the experimental groups and obturation was made using either; Apexit, iRootSP or left unprepared and unobturated in the control group. Roots were sectioned transversely into cervical, middle and apical segments. The three sections of each root were mounted in a plastic chuck with acrylic resin. The coronal dentin surfaces of the root segments werepolished. Microhardness of each section was measured at 500 µm and 1000 µm from the canal lumen. Results Four way-ANOVA revealed that different tested sealer materials, canal third, measuring distance from the pulp and time as independent variables had statistically non significant effect on mean microhardness values (VHN) at p≤0.001. Among iRootSP groups there was a statistically significant difference between iRoot SP at coronal root portion (87.79±17.83) and iRoot SP at apical root portion (76.26±9.33) groups where (p=0.01). IRoot SP at coronal canal third had higher statistically significant mean microhardness value (87.79±17.83) compared to Apexit at coronal third (73.61±13.47) where (p=0.01). Conclusions Root canal sealers do not affect dentin microhardness. Key words:Root canal, dentin, sealers, microhardness, bioceramic.
Regulation by a chaperone improves substrate selectivity during cotranslational protein targeting

Significance Correct protein biogenesis is crucial for all cells. Numerous factors including molecular chaperones, modification enzymes, and protein-targeting machineries bind near the ribosome exit site and can access the nascent protein. How nascent proteins are accurately selected into the correct biogenesis pathway in such a crowded environment is an emerging question central to accurate protein biogenesis. Using chemical biology and biochemical and biophysical tools, we show that the major cotranslational chaperone, trigger factor, and cotranslational targeting machinery, signal recognition particle, regulate each other at multiple stages, including initial binding, ribosome delivery to the membrane, and enforcement of a timer for cotranslational protein targeting. Together, these mechanisms enhance accurate substrate selection into both cotranslational and posttranslational protein targeting pathways. The ribosome exit site is a crowded environment where numerous factors contact nascent polypeptides to influence their folding, localization, and quality control. Timely and accurate selection of nascent polypeptides into the correct pathway is essential for proper protein biogenesis. To understand how this is accomplished, we probe the mechanism by which nascent polypeptides are accurately sorted between the major cotranslational chaperone trigger factor (TF) and the essential cotranslational targeting machinery, signal recognition particle (SRP). We show that TF regulates SRP function at three distinct stages, including binding of the translating ribosome, membrane targeting via recruitment of the SRP receptor, and rejection of ribosome-bound nascent polypeptides beyond a critical length. Together, these mechanisms enhance the specificity of substrate selection into both pathways. Our results reveal a multilayered mechanism of molecular interplay at the ribosome exit site, and provide a conceptual framework to understand how proteins are selected among distinct biogenesis machineries in this crowded environment.
An Investigation of School Counselor Self-Efficacy with English Language Learners

This exploratory quantitative study described school counselors' self-efficacy with English language learners. Findings suggest that school counselors with exposure to and experiences with English language learners have higher levels of self-efficacy. Statistically significant and practical differences in self-efficacy were apparent by race, U.S. region, size of English language learner population, and counselor training. This article presents implications for training and practice and recommendations for future research studies.
A New Specific Succinate-Glutamate Metabolomic Hallmark in Sdhx-Related Paragangliomas

Paragangliomas (PGLs) are frequently associated with germline mutations in genes involved in energy metabolism. The purpose of the present study was to assess whether the tumor metabolomic profile of patients with hereditary and apparently sporadic PGLs enables the distinction of different subtypes of tumors. Twenty-eight unrelated patients with a histological diagnosis of PGLs were included in the present study. Twelve had germline mutations in SDHx genes (5 SDHB, 7 SDHD), 6 VHL, and 10 were apparently sporadic. Intact tumor samples from these patients (one per patient) were evaluated with 1H high-resolution magic angle spinning (HRMAS) NMR spectroscopy. SDHx-related tumors were characterized by an increase in succinate levels in comparison to other tumor subtypes (p = 0.0001 vs VHL and p = 0.000003 vs apparently sporadic). Furthermore, we found significantly lower values of glutamate in SDHx-related tumors compared to other subtypes (p = 0.0007 vs VHL and p = 0.003 vs apparently sporadic). Moreover, SDHx-tumors also exhibited lower values of ATP/ADP/AMP (p = 0.01) compared to VHL. VHL tumors were found to have the highest values of glutathione (GSH) compared to other tumors. Based on 4 metabolites (succinate, glutamate, GSH, and ATP/ADP/AMP), tumors were accurately distinguished from the other ones on both 3- and 2-class PLS-DA models. The present study shows that HRMAS NMR spectroscopy is a very promising method for investigating the metabolomic profile of various PGLs. The present data suggest the existence of a specific succinate-glutamate hallmark of SDHx PGLs. The relevance of such a metabolomic hallmark is expected to be very useful in designing novel treatment options as well as improving the diagnosis and follow-up of these tumors, including metastatic ones.