Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reliable Transition Detection in Videos: A Survey and Practitioner's Guide

A large number of shot boundary detection, or equivalently, transition detection techniques have been developed in recent years. They all can be classified based on a few core concepts underlying the different detection schemes. This survey emphasizes those different core concepts underlying the different detection schemes for the three most widely used video transition effects: hard cuts, fades and dissolves. Representative of each concept one or a few very sound and thoroughly tested approaches are present in detail, while others are just listed. Whenever reliable performance numbers could be found in the literature, they are mentioned. Guidelines for practitioners in video processing are also given.
A Credit Union Case Study on the Business Value of Information Systems/Information Technology

Partial results of an investigation into the business value of Information Systems/Information Technology (IS/IT) investments in the Financial Services Sectors (FSS) in Australia are presented. Using Case Study methodology to develop and refine a conceptual model of the relationship between IS/IT investment and organisational performance. The preliminary results from a Credit Union case reported indicate support for components of the conceptual model. Further, analysis indicates the existence of intermediary factors (operations, product delivery, customer service and staff). Directing IS/IT investments to these areas is likely to have a positive impact on organisational performance.
Off-pump CABG attenuates myocardial enzyme leakage but not postoperative brain natriuretic peptide secretion.

BACKGROUND Off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery is considered to be less invasive compared with a conventional coronary artery bypass surgery, while objective assessment of its invasiveness has not been well established. The grade of invasiveness of off-pump CABG was evaluated by biochemical markers released from the myocardium. METHODS Perioperative serial changes of myocardial enzyme leakage (creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme and troponin T) were evaluated in 217 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery (28 off-pump CABG patients and 189 conventional CABG patients). Serial changes of atrial natriuretic peptide and brain natriuretic peptide secretion as markers of heart failure were also evaluated in 12 off-pump CABG patients and 49 conventional CABG patients. RESULTS Myocardial enzyme leakage was significantly less in the off-pump CABG group, while increase of brain natriuretic peptides secretion were similar in both groups with its peak at the first postoperative day (246+/-46 pg/ml in the off-pump CABG group and 312+/-57 pg/dl in the conventional CABG group). CONCLUSIONS Although off-pump CABG seems to be less invasive to the myocardial cells from the aspect of enzyme leakage, ischemic stress to the heart assessed by brain natriuretic peptide secretion was similar to that of conventional CABG. Careful monitoring and management throughout postoperative period is mandatory even in off-pump CABG procedure.
The pattern of growth of Clytia johnstoni.

1. A quantitative study of the growth of Clytia johnstoni is described. 2. The distance between hydranths is most commonly between 3 and 4 mm. The average internode lengths and their variability frequently differs not only between colonies but also between stolons of a single colony. The differences are therefore unlikely to be genetic ones. Occasionally much longer internodes occur (up to 8 mm). 3. Hydranths and their stalks differ widely in size but not in morphology. The differences can be caused by the amount of food given. 4. Very vigorous and very poorly growing colonies tend to have slightly longer internodes than the more common colonies of average vigour. 5. Most colonies produce both additional (secondary) hydranths and stolon branches. Hydranth branches grow spaced from existing hydranths; in normal colonies the spacing appears to originate from the hydranth away from the growing tip in an internode. In vigorous growth the hydranth towards the growing stolon tip is the place of reference. 6. Stolon branches occur mostly near to hydranths, either primary or secondary, more especially near to the hydranth farther from the growing tip of the main stolon. 7. There appears to be a limit to the number of branches to an internode. In vigorous growth an optimum of two and a maximum of three is found, either secondary hydranths, or stolons, or both. 8. Stolons vary in their rate of growth. A stolon slowly increases its rate of growth as it gets longer. In a colony of little vigour, the rate is low and variable and may cease and restart; the coenosarc sometimes breaks, dividing the colony. 9. Hydranths take 1–2 days to grow, sometimes 3 days in colonies of little vigour. They remain open for a limited period: normally about 5–7 days; sometimes longer – up to 9 or 10 days; and significantly shorter, 1–3 days, in a colony of little vigour. 10. At the end of their period of existence, hydranths regress. They normally start to regenerate a new hydranth within 1–2 days but some do not do so for longer or very long periods. 11. The whole cycle of hydranth growth, maturity and regression falls into either a 6- to 7-day cycle or a 10- to 11-day cycle. 12. Evidence is presented to support the suggestion that there is a situation of competitive interaction between growth of the various parts of the colony. A priority series for the various parts of the colony is constructed.
Novel Reactive Power Control Strategy Based on Constant DC-Capacitor Voltage Control for Reducing the Capacity of Smart Charger for Electric Vehicles on Single-Phase Three-Wire Distribution Feeders

This paper proposes a novel reactive power control strategy to reduce the capacity of the previously proposed smart charger for electric vehicles (EVs) on single-phase three-wire distribution feeders. The proposed reactive power control strategy is based on the constant dc-capacitor voltage control of the grid-connected pulsewidth-modulated rectifier. Any calculation blocks of the load-side active current are not needed. Thus, we offer the simplest reactive power control strategy. The basic principle of the proposed reactive power control strategy is discussed in detail, and then confirmed by a digital computer simulation using the PSIM software. A prototype experimental model is constructed and tested. Experimental result demonstrates that balanced source currents with a power factor of 0.9, which is an acceptable value in Japanese home appliances, are obtained on the secondary side of the pole-mounted distribution transformer during the battery charging operation in the EVs, reducing the capacity of the smart charger by 36% as compared with that of the smart charger with the previously proposed control strategy.
Neural Circuits Original Research Article Materials and Methods Preparation of Brain Slices

clature for morphological, physiological and molecular features was agreed upon by the Petilla Interneuron Nomenclature Group (Ascoli et al., 2008). Among GABAergic interneurons, those expressing the neu-ropeptide somatostatin (SOM) are particularly heterogeneous in their molecular, morphological and electrophysiological features (Sabo and Sceniak, 2006). To better understand this variability, we took advantage of a transgenic mouse line where SOM-positive neurons are labeled with GFP (Oliva et al., 2000) to explore if sub-types of SOM interneurons could be distinguished objectively. 59 SOM-positive interneurons from mouse primary somatosensory, frontal and visual cortex were quantitatively characterized using their morphological properties measured from reconstructions of biocytin-fi lled cells and their intrinsic electrophysiological properties , measured from whole cell recordings. Unsupervised cluster analysis revealed a group comprised of the well-known Martinotti cells, as well as two other subgroups of SOM-positive neurons that, to our knowledge, have not yet been described. The electrophysi-ological classifi cation agreed well with, and thus confi rmed, the morphological classifi cation. Furthermore, signifi cant differences in axon morphology and fi ring properties between the three groups suggest that the two novel subtypes and Martinotti cells could serve different functional roles in the cortical circuit. Acute brain slices were prepared from GIN mice (Oliva et al., 2000), with an average age postnatal 14 days (range P10–18). Mice were quickly decapitated, the skin and skull were cut and the brain was removed and then immediately placed in cold sucrose cutting solution (222 mM sucrose, 2.6 mM KCl, 27 mM NaHCO 3 , 1.5 mM NaH 2 PO 4 ,
Integration of lithium-ion battery storage systems in hydroelectric plants for supplying primary control reserve

The ever-growing diffusion of renewables as electrical generation sources is forcing the electrical power system to face new and challenging regulation problems to preserve grid stability. Among these, the primary control reserve is reckoned to be one of the most important issues, since the introduction of generators based on renewable energies and interconnected through static converters, if relieved from the primary reserve contribution, reduces both the system inertia and the available power reserve in case of network events involving frequency perturbations. In this scenario, renewable plants such as hydroelectric run-of-river generators could be required to provide the primary control reserve ancillary service. In this paper, the integration between a multi-unit run-of-river power plant and a lithium-ion based battery storage system is investigated, suitably accounting for the ancillary service characteristics as required by present grid codes. The storage system is studied in terms of maximum economic profitability, taking into account its operating constraints. Dynamic simulations are carried out within the DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016 software environment in order to analyse the plant response in case of network frequency contingencies, comparing the pure hydroelectric plant with the hybrid one, in which the primary reserve is partially or completely supplied by the storage system. Results confirm that the battery storage system response to frequency perturbations is clearly faster and more accurate during the transient phase compared to a traditional plant, since time delays due to hydraulic and mechanical regulations are overpassed. A case study, based on data from an existing hydropower plant and referring to the Italian context in terms of operational constraints and ancillary service remuneration, is presented.
Teachers' Conceptions and Misconceptions Concerning Three Natural Phenomena.

This study focuses on the conceptions of trainee, primary, and subject teachers about three phenomena: the motion of objects, seasonal changes, and aggregate changes of matter. A total of 198 participants completed a questionnaire concerning two types of tasks. First, teachers evaluated the adequacy of a given explanation as compared to their knowledge of the contemporary scientific explanation. Four types of explanations were provided: a simple description, description with terms, an explanation with misconception, and a scientific explanation. Second, respondents answered multiple-choice questions and substantiated their choices. The findings showed not only various misconceptions but also differences between the phenomena and the teacher groups. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 41: 432–448, 2004
Changing the pond, not the fish: Following high-ability students across different educational environments

Big-fish-little-pond effect (BFLPE) research (e.g., Marsh & Parker, 1984) has found that perceptions of academic ability are generally positively related to individual ability and negatively related to classroom and school average ability. However, BFLPE research typically relies on environmental differences as a between-subjects factor. Unlike most previous BFLPE research, the current study used group average ability as a within-subject variable by measuring student self-concept before and after high-ability students left their regular school environment to participate in a supplemental academic summer program. Results revealed that academic self-concept (ASC) and educational aspirations did not undergo significant declines when students were in the relatively higher ability environment. Even with ceiling effects limiting potential increases in ASC, participants were more than 2 times as likely to increase or maintain their ASC as they were to report declines in ASC. Further, several boosts were found in nonacademic self-concepts. Such findings indicate that BFLPEs are not necessarily associated with supplemental educational environments.
ERP changes induced by methylphenidate in boys with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Nineteen boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and thirteen normal control boys (ages 8-10) were compared to evaluate the effects of psychostimulant (methylphenidate, MPH) treatment on behavioral performance data and ERPs. The ERPs were recorded from 19 active electrode sites during a selective attention Stroop Test. The Stroop test did not discriminate baseline performance differences between ADHD boys and Controls; however, the performance measures were sensitive to MPH treatment effects. Several baseline ERP differences between the ADHD boys and Controls were identified for nontargets (P3a latencies) and targets (N1 latencies, P3b amplitudes and latencies). MPH affected both early and late nontarget and target ERP components evoked during the performance of the Stroop test which suggested that both early sensory mechanisms and later cognitive processes were affected by the psychostimulant. It is suggested that the results support attentional deficits in both anterior and posterior regions of the brain.
An Attenuated Strain of Enterovirus 71 Belonging to Genotype A Showed a Broad Spectrum of Antigenicity with Attenuated Neurovirulence in Cynomolgus Monkeys

ABSTRACT Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease and is also sometimes associated with serious neurological disorders. In this study, we characterized the antigenicity and tissue specificity of an attenuated strain of EV71 [EV71(S1-3′)], which belongs to genotype A, in a monkey infection model. Three cynomolgus monkeys were inoculated with EV71(S1-3′), followed by lethal challenge with the parental virulent strain EV71(BrCr-TR) via an intravenous route on day 45 postinoculation of EV71(S1-3′). Monkeys inoculated with EV71(S1-3′) showed a mild neurological symptom (tremor) but survived lethal challenge by virulent EV71(BrCr-TR) without exacerbation of the symptom. The immunized monkey sera showed a broad spectrum of neutralizing activity against different genotypes of EV71, including genotypes A, B1, B4, C2, and C4. For the strains examined, the sera showed the highest neutralization activity against the homotype (genotype A) and the lowest neutralization activity against genotype C2. The order of decreasing neutralization activity of sera was as follows: A > B1 > C4 > B4 > C2. To examine the tissue specificity of EV71(S1-3′), two monkeys were intravenously inoculated with EV71(S1-3′), followed by examination of virus distribution in the central nervous system (CNS) and extraneural tissues. In the CNS, EV71(S1-3′) was isolated only from the spinal cord. These results indicate that EV71(S1-3′) acts as an effective antigen, although this attenuated strain was still neurotropic when inoculated via the intravenous route.
How successful are small-diameter implants? A literature review.

BACKGROUND Edentulism is an important issue and will remain so due to high numbers of edentate individuals worldwide. For many years, complete dentures have been the only treatment option for this population. Implant overdentures have been shown to have many advantages over conventional complete dentures. However, although dissatisfied with their mandibular dentures, some edentate elders are reluctant to undergo even simple implant treatment due to factors such as cost and fear of surgery. To address these obstacles, this paper reports on a review of small-diameter implant (SDI) studies that were performed in the last two decades. The aim of this study is to (i) determine the survival of narrow diameter implants, (ii) determine whether survival is dependent on whether these implants are placed using a flap or flapless approach, and (ii) determine whether there is a relationship between length and implant survival in SDIs. METHODS In this review, studies were included that (i) involve implants with 3.5 mm diameter or less, (ii) have a randomized clinical trial, retrospective or prospective cohort design with human subjects, (iii) provide a follow up duration of at least 5 months following implant placement, (iv) include data on the survival rate of the implants. RESULTS Forty one studies meeting the above criteria were published between 1993 and 2011 using SDIs from a variety of companies and surface characteristics with diameters of 1.8 mm to 3.5 mm and lengths of 8 mm to 18 mm. A total of 10,093 SDIs were inserted in approximately 2762 patients. Twenty-six studies involved flap reflection techniques for implant placement, six studies used a flapless technique and two studies used both techniques; in the remaining studies, the technique was not specified. Follow up duration varied from 5 months to over 9 years. The survival rate reported in all screened studies was over 90%, including eight studies in which a 100% survival rate was reported. In 22 studies, the reported survival rate ranged from 95% to 99.9%. Failure was reported most often in short SDIs (less than or equal 13 mm) (n = 88) compared to longer ones (more than 13 mm). CONCLUSION Survival rates reported for SDI are similar to those reported for standard width implants. These survival rates did not appear to differ between studies that used flapless and flap reflection techniques. The failure rate appeared to be higher in shorter SDIs than in longer ones in the studies in which the length of the failed implants was reported. SDIs could be considered for use with fixed restorations and mandibular overdentures, since their success rate appears to be comparable to that of regular diameter implants. They might also be an efficient, low-cost solution for elders who wish to reduce problems with denture instability.
Which twin are you? A demonstration of induced categorical perception of identical twin faces

The faces of twins present us with a very complex visual task. How do we get from the stage of being unable to distinguish between the twins, to being able to identify each twin correctly and readily by name? Does the actual process of learning to distinguish between the twins make us change the way we see them? Recent literature has demonstrated such an effect of categorization on perception in what has come to be known as categorical perception (Harnad, 1987). Evidence is available for the categorical perception of stimuli belonging to categories of which we are innately aware (see Etcoff & Magee, 1992), but the labelling of individuals by name is arbitrary and is something we must learn. The present paper reports two experiments which provide converging evidence that categorical perception can be induced for previously unfamiliar categories through training. After training, photographs of the same twin appeared more similar to one another and photographs of the different twins appeared less similar to one another compared to ratings obtained before training. This shift in perception may help us explain how our processing of twin faces can reach a point at which we wonder how we ever confused them.
Prediction of maximal oxygen uptake from a 20-m shuttle run as measured directly in runners and squash players

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the validity of the multistage shuttle run test in predicting maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2 max) in athletes trained in sports with different physical demands. Over a 14-day period, 10 male long-distance runners (continuous high-intensity exercise) and 10 male squash players (intermittent high-intensity exercise) performed, in random order, the multistage shuttle run test and a maximal treadmill protocol of increasing elevation which elicited VO 2 max. Compared with direct measurement of VO 2 max, the shuttle run test significantly underpredicted the VO 2 max of the group of runners (n=10; P<0.01) and of the athletes as a whole (n=20; P<0.01). The correlation (r) between VO 2 max determined by the shuttle run test and by the treadmill protocol was 0.61 (P<0.05) for the squash players, 0.71 (P<0.05) for the runners and 0.67 (P<0.01) for the athletes as a whole. As the subjects represented athletes trained specifically in sports with different physical demands, thi.
Converting oral to long-acting injectable antipsychotics: a guide for the perplexed

There has been increasing recognition that antipsychotic nonadherence is common across all stages of schizophrenia, starting from the first episode. Moreover, numerous meta-analyses of the existing literature indicate superiority of long-acting injectable (LAI) over oral antipsychotics when one adjusts for the greater illness severity and duration among patients in LAI antipsychotic trials. The increasing availability of LAI antipsychotic options has raised interest in converting patients from oral medication; however, the successful transition from oral to the comparable LAI antipsychotic requires an understanding of the current extent of antipsychotic exposure, the kinetics of the LAI preparation, and the expected plasma levels achieved by the LAI formulation. The purpose of this article is to provide, in a concise format, the essential information for converting patients to the LAI forms of haloperidol, fluphenazine, risperidone, paliperidone, olanzapine, and aripiprazole from the comparable oral medication, and how the use of plasma antipsychotic levels can be invaluable for this process.
Evaluation of a social-skills training group intervention with children treated for brain tumors: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of a manual-based, social-skills training, group intervention to improve social skills and social functioning of children treated for brain tumors, and to assess the impact of cognitive functioning on the effectiveness of the intervention. METHODS Three social-skills training group interventions, each comprised of 5 to 7 children ages 8 to 14 years, were conducted. A parent component was included. In total, 13 children and their parents and teachers completed standard measures prior to and 9 months after the intervention. Children participated in a neuropsychological test battery at baseline. RESULTS Social skills and social functioning variables changed in the direction of improved functioning, with several scores showing significant improvement from baseline to the follow-up assessment. Small to medium effect sizes were documented. Higher verbal and nonverbal functioning were associated with greater improvement. CONCLUSIONS Findings are suggestive of the potential effectiveness of social-skills training in groups for children with brain tumors. Multisite, randomized, controlled studies are recommended as the next step.