Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Real-Time Shadows

Important elements of games, movies, and other computer-generated content, shadows are crucial for enhancing realism and providing important visual cues. In recent years, there have been notable improvements in visual quality and speed, making high-quality realistic real-time shadows a reachable goal. Real-Time Shadows is a comprehensive guide to the theory and practice of real-time shadow techniques. It covers a large variety of different effects, including hard, soft, volumetric, and semi-transparent shadows. The book explains the basics as well as many advanced aspects related to the domain of shadow computation. It presents interactive solutions and practical details on shadow computation. The authors compare various algorithms for creating real-time shadows and illustrate how they are used in different situations. They explore the limitations and failure cases, advantages and disadvantages, and suitability of the algorithms in several applications. Source code, videos, tutorials, and more are available on the books website.
Forecasting emergency medical service call arrival rates

We introduce a new method for forecasting emergency call arrival rates that combines integer-valued time series models with a dynamic latent factor structure. Covariate information is captured via simple constraints on the factor loadings. We directly model the count-valued arrivals per hour, rather than using an artificial assumption of normality. This is crucial for the emergency medical service context, in which the volume of calls may be very low. Smoothing splines are used in estimating the factor levels and loadings to improve long-term forecasts. We impose time series structure at the hourly level, rather than at the daily level, capturing the fine-scale dependence in addition to the long-term structure. Our analysis considers all emergency priority calls received by Toronto EMS between January 2007 and December 2008 for which an ambulance was dispatched. Empirical results demonstrate significantly reduced error in forecasting call arrival volume. To quantify the impact of reduced forecast errors, we design a queueing model simulation that approximates the dynamics of an ambulance system. The results show better performance as the forecasting method improves. This notion of quantifying the operational impact of improved statistical procedures may be of independent interest.
Facial expressions during an extremely intense emotional situation: Toreros’ lip funnel

Since Darwin, emotions have been defined as adaptive reactions that increase the probability of survival. In this framework, a situation in which individuals fight for their life with an imposing, aggressive animal should be an ideal elicitor of emotions and their corresponding facial expressions. We tested the correspondence between the facial expressions of 22 bullfighters (toreros) and their reported emotions at different stages of the fight. Toreros reported intense experiences of happiness or fear, but there were no observable instances of the facial expressions predicted for these emotions (e.g. smiles). Instead toreros displayed frowning, nostril dilatation, parted lips, and, protruding funneled lips in particular. In a second study we found that 149 judges could not recognize toreros’ facial movements as expressions of emotion. Absence of a universal signal value strongly suggests that toreros’ expressions are not an undescribed expression of basic emotions. The observed non-correspondence between intense reported emotions and their predicted expressions casts doubt on one of the most popular assumptions in contemporary psychology and provides new evidence for an alternative theoretical view. In this view, facial expressions are not signals of emotion, but actions that are roughly coextensive with other processes and structures in the framework of an emotional episode.
Interact! An Evidence-Based Framework For Digitally Supported School Field Trips

Interact! is an evidence-based framework for the support of school class visits to science exhibitions featuring a large vertical multi-touch surface and a set of tablet computers. The overall framework is designed to foster interest in computer sciences and collaborative learning of selected topics by drawing upon subject areas of personal importance and encouraging small group knowledge processes. Interact! was implemented as a prototype and tested in a field experiment with 53 pupils.
Study on the coping styles and mental health status in basic medical staff after the Wenchuan Earthquake

Objective To investigate the coping styles,status of mental and the correlationship factors among the medical staff in the basic level.Methods 122 basic medical staff in the Santan County were investigated by questionnaires,including Questionnaires of General Status,Psychosocial Stress for Groups(PSSG),Self-Rating Anxiety Scale(SAS),and Self-Rating Depression scales(SDS). Results(1)The scores of positive emotion,negative emotion,positive coping and the total score of stress in basic medical staff in Santan were more than the norm(P0.05),but the scores of negative coping were lower than the norm(P0.05);(2)The negative coping were in a remarkably positive correlation with the total stress(r=0.29,P0.05),the life-events(r=0.29,P0.05)and the education(r=0.08,P0.05),and in a negative correlation with the age(r=-0.21,P0.05);(3)The scores of anxiety and depression were also higher than that of the norm(P0.05);and(4)The SDS scores were in a in remarkably positive correlation with the total stress-related(r=0.21,P0.05),the SAS scores were in remarkably positive correlation with the total stress-related(r=0.38,P0.05),and the positive coping(r=0.43,P0.05). Conclusions The mental health status of basic medical staff in the Santan County were much more worse than the norm of the healthy people,the depression and anxiety of the medical staff were even more apparent,but most of them used more positive coping.Negative coping was influenced by the total stress-related,life-events,educational level and age.The SDS scores was influenced by the total stress-related,and the SAS scores was influenced by the total stress-related and the positive coping.
VLT spectroscopy of NGC 3115 globular clusters

We present results derived from VLT-FORS2 spectra of 24 dierent globular clusters associated with the lenticular galaxy NGC 3115. A subsample of 17 globular clusters have suciently high signal-to-noise to allow precision measurements of absorption line-strengths. Comparing these indices to new stellar population models by Thomas et al. we determine ages, metallicities and element abundance ratios. For the first time these stellar population models explicitly take abundance ratio biases in the Lick/IDS stellar library into account. Our data are also compared with the Lick/IDS observations of Milky Way and M 31 globular clusters. Unpublished higher order Balmer lines (HA;F and HA;F) from the Lick/IDS observations are given in the Appendix. Our best age estimates show that the observed clusters which sample the bimodal colour distribution of NGC 3115 are coeval within our observational errors (2-3 Gyr). Our best calibrated age/metallicity diagnostic diagram (H vs. (MgFe)) indicates an absolute age of 11-12 Gyr consistent with the luminosity weighted age for the central part of NGC 3115. We confirm with our accurate line-strength measurements that the (V I) colour is a good metallicity indicator within the probed metallicity range ( 1:5< (Fe=H) < 0:0). The abundance ratios for globular clusters in NGC 3115 give an inhomogeneous picture. We find a range from solar to super-solar ratios for both blue and red clusters. This is similar to the data for M 31 while the Milky Way seems to harbour clusters which are mainly consistent with (=Fe) ' 0:3. From our accurate recession velocities we detect, independent of metallicity, clear rotation in the sample of globular clusters. In order to explain the metallicity and abundance ratio pattern, particularly the range in abundance ratios for the metal rich globular clusters in NGC 3115, we favour a formation picture with more than two distinct formation episodes.
Robust video object tracking via Bayesian model averaging-based feature fusion

Abstract. We are concerned with tracking an object of interest in a video stream. We propose an algorithm that is robust against occlusion, the presence of confusing colors, abrupt changes in the object features and changes in scale. We develop the algorithm within a Bayesian modeling framework. The state-space model is used for capturing the temporal correlation in the sequence of frame images by modeling the underlying dynamics of the tracking system. The Bayesian model averaging (BMA) strategy is proposed for fusing multiclue information in the observations. Any number of object features is allowed to be involved in the proposed framework. Every feature represents one source of information to be fused and is associated with an observation model. The state inference is performed by employing the particle filter methods. In comparison with the related approaches, the BMA-based tracker is shown to have robustness, expressivity, and comprehensibility.
InFusion: Advancing Discovery of Fusion Genes and Chimeric Transcripts from Deep RNA-Sequencing Data

Analysis of fusion transcripts has become increasingly important due to their link with cancer development. Since high-throughput sequencing approaches survey fusion events exhaustively, several computational methods for the detection of gene fusions from RNA-seq data have been developed. This kind of analysis, however, is complicated by native trans-splicing events, the splicing-induced complexity of the transcriptome and biases and artefacts introduced in experiments and data analysis. There are a number of tools available for the detection of fusions from RNA-seq data; however, certain differences in specificity and sensitivity between commonly used approaches have been found. The ability to detect gene fusions of different types, including isoform fusions and fusions involving non-coding regions, has not been thoroughly studied yet. Here, we propose a novel computational toolkit called InFusion for fusion gene detection from RNA-seq data. InFusion introduces several unique features, such as discovery of fusions involving intergenic regions, and detection of anti-sense transcription in chimeric RNAs based on strand-specificity. Our approach demonstrates superior detection accuracy on simulated data and several public RNA-seq datasets. This improved performance was also evident when evaluating data from RNA deep-sequencing of two well-established prostate cancer cell lines. InFusion identified 26 novel fusion events that were validated in vitro, including alternatively spliced gene fusion isoforms and chimeric transcripts that include intergenic regions. The toolkit is freely available to download from http:/bitbucket.org/kokonech/infusion.
Jumpstarting BGP Security with Path-End Validation

Extensive standardization and R&D efforts are dedicated to establishing secure interdomain routing. These efforts focus on two mechanisms: origin authentication with RPKI, and path validation with BGPsec. However, while RPKI is finally gaining traction, the adoption of BGPsec seems not even on the horizon due to inherent, possibly insurmountable, obstacles, including the need to replace today's routing infrastructure, the overhead of online cryptography, and meagre benefits in partial deployment. Consequently, secure interdomain routing remains a distant dream. We propose an easily deployable, modest extension to RPKI, called ``path-end validation'', which does not entail replacing/upgrading today's BGP routers nor online cryptographic operations. We show, through rigorous security analyses and extensive simulations on empirically-derived datasets, that path-end validation yields significant security benefits even in very limited partial adoption. We present an open-source, readily deployable prototype implementation of path-end validation.
The Advantages of Structural Equation Modeling to Address the Complexity of Spatial Reference Learning

Background: Cognitive performance is a complex process influenced by multiple factors. Cognitive assessment in experimental animals is often based on longitudinal datasets analyzed using uni- and multi-variate analyses, that do not account for the temporal dimension of cognitive performance and also do not adequately quantify the relative contribution of individual factors onto the overall behavioral outcome. To circumvent these limitations, we applied an Autoregressive Latent Trajectory (ALT) to analyze the Morris water maze (MWM) test in a complex experimental design involving four factors: stress, age, sex, and genotype. Outcomes were compared with a traditional Mixed-Design Factorial ANOVA (MDF ANOVA). Results: In both the MDF ANOVA and ALT models, sex, and stress had a significant effect on learning throughout the 9 days. However, on the ALT approach, the effects of sex were restricted to the learning growth. Unlike the MDF ANOVA, the ALT model revealed the influence of single factors at each specific learning stage and quantified the cross interactions among them. In addition, ALT allows us to consider the influence of baseline performance, a critical and unsolved problem that frequently yields inaccurate interpretations in the classical ANOVA model. Discussion: Our findings suggest the beneficial use of ALT models in the analysis of complex longitudinal datasets offering a better biological interpretation of the interrelationship of the factors that may influence cognitive performance.
Exploiting the Temporal Logic Hierarchy and the Non-Confluence Property for Efficient LTL Synthesis

The classic approaches to synthesize a reactive system from a linear temporal logic (LTL) specification first translate the given LTL formula to an equivalent omega-automaton and then compute a winning strategy for the corresponding omega-regular game. To this end, the obtained omega-automata have to be (pseudo)-determinized where typically a variant of Safra's determinization procedure is used. In this paper, we show that this determinization step can be significantly improved for tool implementations by replacing Safra's determinization by simpler determinization procedures. In particular, we exploit (1) the temporal logic hierarchy that corresponds to the well-known automata hierarchy consisting of safety, liveness, Buechi, and co-Buechi automata as well as their boolean closures, (2) the non-confluence property of omega-automata that result from certain translations of LTL formulas, and (3) symbolic implementations of determinization procedures for the Rabin-Scott and the Miyano-Hayashi breakpoint construction. In particular, we present convincing experimental results that demonstrate the practical applicability of our new synthesis procedure.
Brazilian Research in Consumer Behavior Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior: a Brief Analytic Review

Despite the importance and influence of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), only in this decade research based on this theory has been carried out in Brazil. In its early stages, this paper is an analytic review of these works, regarded with consumer behavior, providing an overview of applications and results. Although more research is needed to assess basic theoretical assumptions such as the model of expectancy-value, an interesting trend in latest Brazilian studies seems to be the carrying out of cross-cultural surveys to fully appreciate the explanatory power of TPB in comparison to other action theories.
Metacognition and Open Learner Models

This paper considers some of the similarities between the goals of supporting and encouraging metacognition in intelligent tutoring systems and learning in general, and the benefits of opening the learner model to the learner and to the teacher. We identify the purposes for an open learner model and provide examples of two important classes of open learner models: those within a particular teaching system and those that are first-class citizens with value independently of a teaching system. We conclude with a discussion of the links between metacognition and the many purposes of making a learner model open.
Historical Comments on Monge’s Ellipsoid and the Configurations of Lines of Curvature on Surfaces

This is an essay on the historical landmarks leading to the study of principal confgurations on surfaces in R^3 , their structural stability and further generalizations. Here it is pointed out that in the work of Monge, 1796, are found elements of the qualitative theory of differential equations, founded by Poincare in 1881. Recent development concerning the space R^4 are mentioned. Two open problems are proposed at the end.
Sdhd and Sdhd/H19 Knockout Mice Do Not Develop Paraganglioma or Pheochromocytoma

Background Mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) is a component of both the tricarboxylic acid cycle and the electron transport chain. Mutations of SDHD, the first protein of intermediary metabolism shown to be involved in tumorigenesis, lead to the human tumors paraganglioma (PGL) and pheochromocytoma (PC). SDHD is remarkable in showing an ‘imprinted’ tumor suppressor phenotype. Mutations of SDHD show a very high penetrance in man and we postulated that knockout of Sdhd would lead to the development of PGL/PC, probably in aged mice. Methodology/Principal Findings We generated a conventional knockout of Sdhd in the mouse, removing the entire third exon. We also crossed this mouse with a knockout of H19, a postulated imprinted modifier gene of Sdhd tumorigenesis, to evaluate if loss of these genes together would lead to the initiation or enhancement of tumor development. Homozygous knockout of Sdhd results in embryonic lethality. No paraganglioma or other tumor development was seen in Sdhd KO mice followed for their entire lifespan, in sharp contrast to the highly penetrant phenotype in humans. Heterozygous Sdhd KO mice did not show hyperplasia of paraganglioma-related tissues such as the carotid body or of the adrenal medulla, or any genotype-related pathology, with similar body and organ weights to wildtype mice. A cohort of Sdhd/H19 KO mice developed several cases of profound cardiac hypertrophy, but showed no evidence of PGL/PC. Conclusions Knockout of Sdhd in the mouse does not result in a disease phenotype. H19 may not be an initiator of PGL/PC tumorigenesis.
The RMS survey : 13CO observations of candidate massive YSOs in the northern Galactic plane

Context. The Red MSX Source (RMS) survey is an ongoing multi-wavelength observational programme designed to return a large, well-selected sample of massive young stellar objects (MYSOs). We have identified ∼2000 MYSOs candidates located within our Galaxy by comparing the colours of MSX and 2MASS point sources to those of known MYSOs. The aim of our follow-up observations is to identify other contaminating objects such as ultra compact (UC) HII regions, evolved stars and planetary nebulae (PNe) and distinguish between genuine MYSOs and nearby low-mass YSOs. Aims. A critical part of our follow-up programme is to conduct 13 CO molecular line observations in order to determine kinematic distances to all of our MYSO candidates. These distances will be used in combination with far-IR and (sub)millimetre fluxes to determine bolometric luminosities which will allow us to identify and remove nearby low-mass YSOs. In addition these molecular line observations will help in identifying evolved stars which are weak CO emitters. Methods. We have used the 22 m Mopra telescope, the 15 m JCMT and the 20 m Onsala telescope to conduct molecular line observations towards 854 MYSOs candidates located in the 3rd and 4th quadrants. These observations have been made at the J = 1–0 (Mopra and Onsala) and J = 2–1 (JCMT) rotational transition frequency of 13 CO molecules and have a spatial resolution of ∼20 �� −40 �� ,a sensitivity of T ∗ A � 0.1 K and a velocity resolution of ∼0.2 km s −1 . Results. We detect 13 CO emission towards a total of 752 of the 854 RMS sources observed (∼88%). In total 2132 emission components are detected above 3σ level (typically T ∗ ≥ 0.3 K). Multiple emission profiles are observed towards the majority of these sources – 461 sources (∼60%) – with an average of ∼4 molecular clouds detected along the line of sight. These multiple emission features make it difficult to assign a kinematic velocity to many of our sample. We have used archival CS (J = 2–1) and maser velocities to resolve the component multiplicity towards 82 sources and have derived a criterion which is used to identify the most likely component for a further 218 multiple component sources. Combined with the single component detections we have obtained unambiguous kinematic velocities towards 591 sources (∼80% of the detections). The 161 sources for which we have not been able to determine the kinematic velocity will require additional line data. Using the rotation curve of Brand & Blitz (1993) and their radial velocities we calculate kinematic distances for all components detected.
Evidence for a Proprioception-Based Rapid On-Line Error Correction Mechanism for Hand Orientation during Reaching Movements in Blind Subjects

The contribution of visual experience to the perception and sensorimotor control of spatial orientation of the hand was investigated in blind subjects. In “orientation-matching” tasks, subjects aligned a match handle held in their right hand to a target handle held in their left hand and fixed in different orientations, with both arms outstretched. In “letter-posting” task 1, the same subjects reached out and simultaneously oriented their right hand to insert the match handle into a target slot fixed in the same range of orientations. Orientations were signaled proprioceptively by a reference handle held in the left hand. Final hand orientation errors were smaller when blind subjects simultaneously reached out and rotated their hand to insert the match handle into the target slot in letter-posting task 1 than when they held their arm extended and aligned the handles in the orientation-matching task. In letter-posting task 2, blind subjects first aligned their hand to the orientation of the target and then subsequently reached to the target with the instruction to not change hand orientation during reaching. Despite the instruction, subjects showed a reduction in absolute hand orientation error from the beginning to the end of the reach. In all tasks, performance of blind subjects was very similar to that of blindfolded normally sighted subjects. These findings provide the first evidence of an automatic on-line error-correction mechanism for hand orientation guided only by proprioceptive inputs during reaching in blind subjects, and reveal that the on-line mechanism does not depend on prior visual experience.