Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multi-Observations Newscast EM for Distributed Multi-Camera Tracking

Visual surveillance in wide areas (e.g. airports) relies on multiple cameras which observe non-overlapping scenes. The focus of this thesis is multi-person tracking, where the task is to maintain a person's identity when he or she leaves the field of view of one camera and later re-appears at another camera. While current wide-area tracking systems are central systems, we propose to use a distributed system; where every camera learns from both its own observations and communication with other cameras. Multi-person tracking can be seen as a data association problem, where the observations of the same person, gathered from different cameras, have to be clustered into trajectories. For this correspondence between a person's identity and an observation, we use appearances features (such as colour or height) and spatial-temporal features (such as the motion of a person from one camera to another). Under the assumption that all appearances of a single person are Gaussian distributed, the appearance model in our approach consists of a Mixture of Gaussians. The Expectation-Maximization algorithm can be used to learn the parameters of the Mixture of Gaussians. In this thesis we introduce Multi-Observations Newscast EM to learn the parameters of the Mixture of Gaussians from distributed observations. Each camera learns its own Mixture of Gaussians model. Multi-Observations Newscast EM uses a gossip-based protocol for the M-step. We provide theoretical evidence, and using experiments show, that in an M-step each camera converges exponentially fast to the correct estimates. We propose to initialize Multi-Observations Newscast EM with a distributed K-Means to improve the performance. We found that Multi-Observations Newscast EM performs equally to a standard EM algorithm. In this thesis we present two probabilistic models for multi-person tracking. The first model uses only appearance features, while the second model also uses spatial-temporal models. Both models are implemented in a central system and in a distributed system. The distributed system uses Multi-Observations Newscast EM, while the central system uses a standard EM. The two models are tested on artificial data and on a collection of real-world observations gathered by several cameras in the university building. The results show that the central system and the distributed system perform equally well. While the more elaborate model, which uses appearance features and spatial-temporal features, outperforms the simple model.
Job crafting and job satisfaction in a sample of Italian teachers: the mediating role of Perceived Organizational Support

We aimed to explore the mediating role of perceived organizational support (POS) on the relationship between job crafting and job satisfaction, which is considered as an important outcome for the development of well being at work. Participants were 263 teachers from public schools in the South of Italy. Results indicated that POS fully mediated the relationship between job crafting and job satisfaction. Implications for management educational practice and limitations of the study are discussed.
Detection and localization of multiple wideband acoustic sources based on wavefield decomposition using spherical apertures

This paper discusses novel methods for detecting and localizing multiple wideband acoustic sources using spherical apertures. In contrast to traditional methods the techniques presented here are not based on processing the output of individual microphones directly. Instead, the microphone signals are used to decompose the wave- field into its spherical harmonics which are subsequently used as a basis for novel frequency-independent multiple-source localization and detection methods.
Semi-Automatic Classification of Birdsong Elements Using a Linear Support Vector Machine

Birdsong provides a unique model for understanding the behavioral and neural bases underlying complex sequential behaviors. However, birdsong analyses require laborious effort to make the data quantitatively analyzable. The previous attempts had succeeded to provide some reduction of human efforts involved in birdsong segment classification. The present study was aimed to further reduce human efforts while increasing classification performance. In the current proposal, a linear-kernel support vector machine was employed to minimize the amount of human-generated label samples for reliable element classification in birdsong, and to enable the classifier to handle highly-dimensional acoustic features while avoiding the over-fitting problem. Bengalese finch's songs in which distinct elements (i.e., syllables) were aligned in a complex sequential pattern were used as a representative test case in the neuroscientific research field. Three evaluations were performed to test (1) algorithm validity and accuracy with exploring appropriate classifier settings, (2) capability to provide accuracy with reducing amount of instruction dataset, and (3) capability in classifying large dataset with minimized manual labeling. The results from the evaluation (1) showed that the algorithm is 99.5% reliable in song syllables classification. This accuracy was indeed maintained in evaluation (2), even when the instruction data classified by human were reduced to one-minute excerpt (corresponding to 300–400 syllables) for classifying two-minute excerpt. The reliability remained comparable, 98.7% accuracy, when a large target dataset of whole day recordings (∼30,000 syllables) was used. Use of a linear-kernel support vector machine showed sufficient accuracies with minimized manually generated instruction data in bird song element classification. The methodology proposed would help reducing laborious processes in birdsong analysis without sacrificing reliability, and therefore can help accelerating behavior and studies using songbirds.
In Vivo Disruption of Xenopus CLOCK in the Retinal Photoreceptor Cells Abolishes Circadian Melatonin Rhythmicity without Affecting Its Production Levels

Xenopuslaevis retinas, like retinas from all vertebrate classes, have endogenous circadian clocks that control many aspects of normal retinal physiology occurring in cells throughout all layers of the retina. The localization of the clock(s) that controls these various rhythms remains unclear. One of the best studied rhythmic events is the nocturnal release of melatonin. Photoreceptor layers can synthesize rhythmic melatonin when these cells are in isolation. However, within the intact retina, melatonin is controlled in a complex way, indicating that signals from many parts of the retina may contribute to the production of melatonin rhythmicity. To test this hypothesis, we generated transgenic tadpoles that express different levels of a dominant negative XenopusCLOCK specifically in the retinal photoreceptors. Eyes from these tadpoles continued to produce melatonin at normal levels, but with greatly disrupted rhythmicity, the severity of which correlated with the transgene expression level. These results demonstrate that although many things contribute to melatonin production in vivo, the circadian clock localized in the retinal photoreceptors is necessary for its rhythmicity. Furthermore, these data show that the control of the level of melatonin synthesis is separable from the control of its rhythmicity and may be controlled by different molecular machinery. This type of specific “molecular lesion” allows perturbation of the clock in intact tissues and is valuable for dissection of clock control of tissue-level processes in this and other complex systems.
Organisational-based self-esteem: A within country comparison of outcomes between Māori and New Zealand Europeans

The present study investigates the influence of cultural differences on organisational-based self-esteem within New Zealand. A sample of 211 New Zealand European employees and 291 Māori (indigenous people of New Zealand) employees answered a range of questions on organisational-based self-esteem, job, and mood outcomes. Findings suggest that organisational-based self-esteem was directly associated with job satisfaction, organisational commitment, and organisational citizenship behaviours, as well as positive and negative affect. Relationships between variables were tested for each sample separately and for a combined sample. A comparison between the separate and combined samples was also investigated. The findings from this study suggest that organisational-based self-esteem has a greater influence on job outcomes and mood outcomes for Māori when compared with New Zealand Europeans. This could be because employment fulfils a basic need for self-determination. The present study suggests the implementation of tailored management policies to support cultural differences within New Zealand’s vibrant and diverse workforce.
Intensive and Systematic Training in Working Memory: Does It Have Validity for Improving Reading Achievement?

It is rarely challenged that deficits in working memory during childhood are related to academic difficulties. Poor working memory is linked to difficulties focusing, remembering and completing classroom instructions, planning and organizing information, solving problems, and monitoring progress during complex tasks. Researchers have consistently demonstrated a relationship between working memory and reading ability. Moreover, it is well established that students who have deficits in reading also perform poorly on working memory tasks when compared to same-aged peers. The current study assessed the effectiveness of adaptive training on working memory and reading achievement via the use of Cogmed. Cogmed is an evidenced-based intervention designed to improve working memory. Cogmed training uses a web-based computerized system and can be accessed in various locations. The training has been demonstrated to be a complementary intervention and will likely produce the greatest benefit when combined with other sources of interventions. Research has shown that adaptive training in working memory has led to gains in word reading, reading comprehension, mathematical ability, and improved attention. The current study examined the effects of intensive and systematic training in working memory strategies on reading performance. A series of one-sample t-tests and two ANCOVAs were used to statistically determine improvements in working memory performance and significant differences, if any, in reading comprehension and reading fluency achievement between treatment groups. The results indicated that Cogmed training significantly improved working memory performance for the students in the experimental group. However, it appears that the gains did not result in better reading comprehension and reading fluency performance compared to the control group without the working memory training. Implications for the field of school psychology are noted as well as recommendations for future research.
A The Kalman fi lter in the A 0 ( 3 ) case

This paper examines differences between risk-neutral and objective probability densities of future interest rates. The identification and quantification of these differences are important when risk-neutral densities (RNDs), such as option-implied RNDs, are used as indicators of actual beliefs of investors. We employ a multi-factor essentially affine modeling framework applied to German time-series and cross-section term structure data in order to identify both the risk-neutral and the objective term structure dynamics. We find important differences between risk-neutral and objective distributions due to risk premia in bond prices. Moreover, the estimated premia vary over time in a quantitatively significant way, which implies that the differences between the objective and the risk-neutral distributions also vary over time. We conclude that one should be cautious in interpreting RNDs as representing the true expectations of market participants. The method used in this paper provides an alternative approach to identifying objective probabilities of future interest rates. JEL classification: G12, E43
The Role of Mandibular Third Molars on Lower Anterior Teeth Crowding and Relapse after Orthodontic Treatment: A Systematic Review

Aims. To evaluate the role of third molars in the development of crowding or relapse after orthodontic treatment in the anterior segment of the dental arch. Methods. PubMed search of the literature was performed selecting all the articles relevant to the topic and limiting the studies to controlled trials on humans and written in English language. Systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) statement. Results. A total of 12 clinical studies were included in the review. A high risk of bias was found in most of the articles, either because the relative items assessed were inadequate or because they were unclearly described. The third molars were not correlated with more severe anterior tooth crowding in most of the studies. However, four of them described a different outcome. Conclusion. Definitive conclusions on the role of the third molars in the development of anterior tooth crowding cannot be drawn. A high risk of bias was found in most of the trials, and the outcomes were not consistent. However, most of the studies do not support a cause-and-effect relationship; therefore, third molar extraction to prevent anterior tooth crowding or postorthodontic relapse is not justified.
Revision of JMA ’ s Early Stage Dvorak Analysis and Its Use to Analyze Tropical Cyclones in the Early Developing Stage

This report follows Kishimoto et al. (2007). The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) conducted verification of the behaviors of past tropical cyclones (TCs) for the purpose of developing the diagnosis of T-number 0.5 (T0.5). The results indicate that T0.5 diagnosis is valid for satellite image analysis for TCs in the early developing stage (early stage Dvorak analysis: EDA). Organized convective cloud systems (OCCSs) diagnosed as T0.0 or T0.5 can be recognized as follows: Most OCCSs are not yet determined as tropical depressions (TDs) when they are first diagnosed as T0.0. OCCSs are likely to be determined as TDs when they are first diagnosed as T0.5. In summer 2007, based on the above results and Kishimoto et al. (2007), JMA revised EDA. The main part of this revision involved the addition of T0.5 diagnosis to the former EDA, which consisted of OCCS detection, T1.0 diagnosis and T1.5/2.0 diagnosis. In addition, JMA revised the criteria for determining the TC grade using EDA results. Analysis of TCs in the early developing stage using the revised EDA is explained through the example of the TD that became USAGI (0705).
Throughput Model of IEEE 802.11 Networks with Capture Effect

In this paper we study the impact of capture effect on the IEEE 802.11 networks. In order to have insight into capture effect in the MAC layer, a new Markov chain model has been built for describing the back-off mechanism in 802.11 networks. Based on the new iterative transmission probability algorithm, a new throughput model considering capture effect has been proposed
Sex Chromosome-Linked Species Recognition and Evolution of Reproductive Isolation in Flycatchers

Interbreeding between species (hybridization) typically produces unfit offspring. Reduced hybridization should therefore be favored by natural selection. However, this is difficult to accomplish because hybridization also sets the stage for genetic recombination to dissociate species-specific traits from the preferences for them. Here we show that this association is maintained by physical linkage (on the same chromosome) in two hybridizing Ficedula flycatchers. By analyzing the mating patterns of female hybrids and cross-fostered offspring, we demonstrate that species recognition is inherited on the Z chromosome, which is also the known location of species-specific male plumage traits and genes causing low hybrid fitness. Limited recombination on the Z chromosome maintains associations of Z-linked genes despite hybridization, suggesting that the sex chromosomes may be a hotspot for adaptive speciation.
Geocoding place names from historic route descriptions

Many gazetteers contain only a small amount of historic place name information and spelling variants of places. Even more focused historic gazetteers are far from being complete and often specialize on certain geographic regions or particular time periods. On the other hand, there are huge amounts of historic route descriptions, so called itineraries. They represent massive knowledge sources from which historic place names and spelling variants can be deduced. The analysis and geocoding of those route descriptions---often done by hand---is an important task in the humanities. To cope with these problems, we present preliminary ideas how to automatically deduce historic place names and thus travel routes from historic route descriptions.
Static and Dynamic State Feedback Control Model of Basal Ganglia-Thalamocortical Loops

It is argued that a novel control architecture, the Static and Dynamic State (SDS) feedback scheme, which utilizes speed-field tracking, exhibits global stability, and allows on-line tuning by any adaptation mechanism without canceling stability if certain structural conditions are met, can be viewed as a model of basal ganglia-thalamocortical loops since (1) the SDS scheme predicts the neuronal groups that fit neuronal classification in the supplementary motor area, the motor cortex and the putamen, (2) the structural stability conditions require parallel channels, a feature that these loops provide, and (3) the SDS scheme predicts two major disorders that can be identified as Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases. Simulations suggests that the basal ganglia work outside the realm of the stability condition allowed by the robustness of the scheme and required for increased computation speeds.
Disjuncture and Difference in the Global Cultural Economy

Arjun Appadurai’s essay ‘Disjuncture and Difference in the Global Cultural Economy’ popularized the idea of ‘global flows’. He argues that these flows are ‘disjunctive’ and ‘chaotic’ in character and that they supersede standard geographical thinking in social-cultural analysis. Appadurai’s emphasis on disjuncture prioritizes ephemeral and shifting flows, thereby underestimating the relative power of capital and the interactions between different kinds of flows. Likewise, Appadurai’s view of geography assumes that static units are the opposite of flows, whereas a processual geography understands how flows can create, reproduce, and transform geographic spaces. This alternative helps us understand global inequalities and boundaries better than Appadurai’s does, and enables us to broach the topic of differentiated rights and treatments of mobile populations. The goal of a critical reading of this essay is not destructive; rather, we seek to construct a more powerful social-cultural anthropology of dynamic flows and mobilities.
Measuring reuse of SAP requirements: a model-based approach

Reusing SAP R/3 business requirements has been recognized as the most promising strategy to shorten the time-to-production and increase the quality of the conceptual design in R/3 implementation projects. However, very little research has been conducted to actually quantify and really estimate the results from SAP R/3 requirement reuse the customers have achieved. This paper deals with the identification and the measurement of reuse in the requirements conceptualization phase of the SAP R/3 component configuration cycle. We present a systematic approach based on standard functional size measurement practices. We introduce two key concepts: SAP requirements reuse levels and reuse indicators. The reuse levels serve to classify SAP requirements based on the extent to which the requirements are reused in a R/3 implementation project. The reuse indicators are then built to quantify the requirement reuse the company has achieved. An experimental case study illustrates the applicability of the approach. Finally, some validation issues are addressed.
Gender-Responsive Intervention for Female Juvenile Offenders: A Quasi-Experimental Outcome Evaluation

The increasing proportion of girls in the juvenile justice system has prompted courts to develop gender-responsive services. The present study examined data from a mid-sized county juvenile court to examine the effects of a group home intervention for girls. The study compared group home participants (n = 172) with girls who did not receive group home treatment (n = 814) using propensity score matching (PSM). Girls who received group home treatment were significantly less likely to re-offend in the 2-year follow-up period. Policy and practice implications for gender-responsive services as well as future directions for research are discussed.
Voluntary Alcohol Intake following Blast Exposure in a Rat Model of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Alcoholism is a frequent comorbidity following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), even in patients without a previous history of alcohol dependence. Despite this correlational relationship, the extent to which the neurological effects of mTBI contribute to the development of alcoholism is unknown. In this study, we used a rodent blast exposure model to investigate the relationship between mTBI and voluntary alcohol drinking in alcohol naïve rats. We have previously demonstrated in Sprague Dawley rats that blast exposure leads to microstructural abnormalities in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and other brain regions that progress from four to thirty days. The mPFC is a brain region implicated in alcoholism and drug addiction, although the impact of mTBI on drug reward and addiction using controlled models remains largely unexplored. Alcohol naïve Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to a blast model of mTBI (or sham conditions) and then tested in several common measures of voluntary alcohol intake. In a seven-week intermittent two-bottle choice alcohol drinking test, sham and blast exposed rats had comparable levels of alcohol intake. In a short access test session at the conclusion of the two-bottle test, blast rats fell into a bimodal distribution, and among high intake rats, blast treated animals had significantly elevated intake compared to shams. We found no effect of blast when rats were tested for an alcohol deprivation effect or compulsive drinking in a quinine adulteration test. Throughout the experiment, alcohol drinking was modest in both groups, consistent with other studies using Sprague Dawley rats. In conclusion, blast exposure had a minimal impact on overall alcohol intake in Sprague Dawley rats, although intake was increased in a subpopulation of blast animals in a short access session following intermittent access exposure.
Contextual weighting for vocabulary tree based image retrieval

In this paper we address the problem of image retrieval from millions of database images. We improve the vocabulary tree based approach by introducing contextual weighting of local features in both descriptor and spatial domains. Specifically, we propose to incorporate efficient statistics of neighbor descriptors both on the vocabulary tree and in the image spatial domain into the retrieval. These contextual cues substantially enhance the discriminative power of individual local features with very small computational overhead. We have conducted extensive experiments on benchmark datasets, i.e., the UKbench, Holidays, and our new Mobile dataset, which show that our method reaches state-of-the-art performance with much less computation. Furthermore, the proposed method demonstrates excellent scalability in terms of both retrieval accuracy and efficiency on large-scale experiments using 1.26 million images from the ImageNet database as distractors.