Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Direct and Indirect Haptic Calibration of Visual Size Judgments

It has long been suspected that touch plays a fundamental role in the calibration of visual perception, and much recent evidence supports this idea. However, as the haptic exploration workspace is limited by the kinematics of the body, the contribution of haptic information to the calibration process should occur only within the region of the haptic workspace reachable by a limb (peripersonal space). To test this hypothesis we evaluated visual size perception and showed that it is indeed more accurate inside the peripersonal space. We then show that allowing subjects to touch the (unseen) stimulus after observation restores accurate size perception; the accuracy persists for some time, implying that calibration has occurred. Finally, we show that observing an actor grasp the object also produces accurate (and lasting) size perception, suggesting that the calibration can also occur indirectly by observing goal-directed actions, implicating the involvement of the “mirror system”.
Phenomenology of infrared smooth warped extra dimensions

We study the effect of the infrared (IR) geometry on the phenomenology of warped extra dimensions with gauge and fermion fields in the bulk. We focus in particular on a ``mass gap'' metric which is AdS in the ultraviolet, but asymptotes to flat space in the IR, breaking conformal symmetry. These metrics can be dialed to approximate well the geometries arising in certain classes of warped string compactifications. We find, similar to our earlier results on the Kaluza-Klein (KK) graviton, that these metrics give rise to phenomenologically significant shifts in the separation of KK gauge modes in the mass spectrum (up to factors ~ 2) and their couplings to IR localized fields (up to factors ~ 5−10 increase). We find that, despite shifts in the spectra, the constraint mKK3 TeV from S remains robust in the class of 5-d mass gap metrics, and that the change to T is not significant enough to remove the need for custodial symmetry.
A study of major mergers using a multi-phase ISM code

Galaxy interactions are a common phenomenon in clusters of galaxies. Especially major mergers are of particular importance, because they can change the morphological type of galaxies. They have an impact on the mass function of galaxies and they trigger star formation – the main driver of the Galactic Matter Cycle. Therefore, we conducted a study of major mergers by means of a multi-phase ISM code. This code is based on a TREE-SPH-code combined with a sticky particle method allowing for star formation controlled by the properties of a multi-phase ISM. This is in contrast to the usually implemented Schmidt law depending mainly on the gas density. Previously, this code was used on isolated galaxies. Since our star formation recipe is not restricted to a special type of galaxy, it is interesting to apply it to interacting galaxies, too. Our study on major mergers includes a research of global properties of the interacting system, namely the star formation rate and the star formation efficiency, the evaporation and condensation rates, as well as the mass exchange of distinct components, namely stars, diffuse ISM, and clouds. Investigating these properties provides insight to interrelations between various physical processes. The results indicate that the star formation efficiency as well as the evaporation and condensation rates are influenced by the interaction (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The relationship between self-esteem, sense of self-efficacy and level of illness acceptance, and healthful behaviours in patients with long-term illnesses (type II diabetes, Hashimoto’s disease)

background Hashimoto thyroiditis and type II diabetes are chronic diseases which have adverse consequences impacting emotional and cognitive functioning. Healthful behaviours focused on improvement of one’s health or on combating the illness play a key role in psychosocial functioning of a person, particularly one suffering from a long-term illness. The aim of the research was the measurement and analysis of healthful behaviours and the distinction of variables determining healthful behaviours. We attempted to examine the connection between adhering to healthful behaviours, and the level of illness acceptance, self-efficacy and self-esteem, in terms of exhibiting healthful behaviours in the above-mentioned groups of patients.
Infrared Thermography as a Diagnostic Tool for Pododermatitis in Captive Greater Flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus)

This cross-sectional study investigated the use of infrared thermography as a diagnostic tool for pododermatitis in captive greater flamingos ( Phoenicopterus roseus ). Photographs and thermal images were obtained for 775 feet from 408 flamingos held at three UK zoological collections. The feet were divided into eight regions, which were assigned a score for hyperkeratosis, fissures, nodules and papillomatous growths according to a previously defined scoring system. Minimum, mean and maximum temperatures were recorded for each region. 97 feet (12.5%) were scored as normal (no lesions or only mild hyperkeratosis), whilst 678 (87.5%) were scored as abnormal. It was found that 99.9% (95% confidence interval (CI): 99.3–100%) of the scored feet exhibited hyperkeratosis, 61.7% (95% CI: 58.2–65.1%) fissures, 16.0% (95% CI: 13.5–18.8%) nodules and 38.5% (95% CI: 35.0–42.0%) papillomatous growths. Thermal data assessed using general linear mixed effect modelling showed that regional and individual bird temperature differences accounted for most of the temperature variation, but there was a statistically significant (P<0.05) difference between regions with nodules versus regions without when using maximum temperatures. Intra- and inter-foot variation, using a regional correction factor and ankle temperatures, was assessed for 272 birds, where temperature distributions for each lesion type were compared with that of normal regions using t-tests. A statistically significant difference (P<0.05) was found between corrected values for regions with hyperkeratosis and papillomatous growths compared with normal, but no difference was found for fissures or nodules. Despite the differences found, the results suggest that infrared thermography may not be a practical diagnostic tool for pododermatitis in flamingos due to wide temperature variations between and within normal feet and a great degree of overlap of temperatures between normal and abnormal feet.
On the performance of multi-antenna AF relaying systems over Nakagami-m fading channels

We analyze the performance of a dual-hop selection combining amplify-and-forward cooperative system over independent and identically distributed Nakagami-m fading channels, where multiple antennas are deployed in the receive side of relays and the destination. The outage probability, symbol error probability and average channel capacity are derived at arbitrary signal to noise ratios (SNRs). In order to obtain additional physical insights, we derive the above mentioned performance metrics in the high SNR regime; this enables us to parameterize the performance of the system in terms of diversity order and coding gain. Furthermore, some special cases of interest (e.g., Nakagami-0.5 and Rayleigh fading channels) are also studied. It is demonstrated that the analytical expressions, expressed via infinite series, match precisely with the Monte-Carlo simulations using only a small number of terms.
A high-speed BCI based on code modulation VEP

Recently, electroencephalogram-based brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) have attracted much attention in the fields of neural engineering and rehabilitation due to their noninvasiveness. However, the low communication speed of current BCI systems greatly limits their practical application. In this paper, we present a high-speed BCI based on code modulation of visual evoked potentials (c-VEP). Thirty-two target stimuli were modulated by a time-shifted binary pseudorandom sequence. A multichannel identification method based on canonical correlation analysis (CCA) was used for target identification. The online system achieved an average information transfer rate (ITR) of 108 ± 12 bits min−1 on five subjects with a maximum ITR of 123 bits min−1 for a single subject.
Relativistic Wind Bubbles and Afterglow Signatures

Highly magnetized, rapidly rotating compact objects are widely argued to be central energy sources of γ-ray bursts (GRBs). After the GRB, such a magnetar-like object may directly lose its rotational energy through some magnetically driven processes, which produce an ultrarelativistic wind dominated possibly by the energy flux of electron-positron pairs. The interaction of such a wind with an outward-expanding fireball leads to a relativistic wind bubble, which is regarded as a relativistic version of the well-studied Crab Nebula. We here explore the dynamics of this wind bubble and its emission signatures. We find that when the injection energy significantly exceeds the initial energy of the fireball, the bulk Lorentz factor of the wind bubble decays more slowly than before, and more importantly, the reverse-shock emission could dominate the afterglow emission, which yields a bump in afterglow light curves. In addition, high polarization of the bump emission would be expected if a toroidal magnetic field in the shocked wind dominates over the random component.
Complements and signed digit representations: Analysis of a multi-exponentiation-algorithm of Wu, Lou, Lai and Chang

Wu, Lou, Lai and Chang proposed a multi-exponentiation algorithm using binary complements and the non-adjacent form. The purpose of this paper is to show that neither the analysis of the algorithm given by its original proposers nor that by other authors are correct. In fact it turns out that the complement operation does not have signiﬁcant inﬂuence on the performance of the algorithm and can therefore be omitted.
The X Window System

The X Window System is introduced with a history of its development and its concepts. Current implementations and uses of the X Window System are discussed, with a survey of the most popular tools that make X easier to work with for the developer and the user alike; followed by a brief survey of what the future might be holding for X.
Recursive speed and parameter estimation for induction machines

A hierarchical recursive algorithm is presented to estimate the rotor speed and parameters of the induction machine on the basis of measurements of the stator voltages and currents. Due to its recursive structure, this algorithm has the potential to be used for online estimation and adaptive control. The algorithm is designed using two linear regression models derived from the machine electrical equations. These models are valid when there is a time-scale separation between the electrical and mechanical subsystems of the machine. The resulting two-stage estimator has a fast stage which only estimates the rotor speed, and a slow stage in charge of parameter estimation. The performance of the algorithm is illustrated by means of simulations. The results obtained show that this is a promising approach for online speed and parameter estimation. <<ETX>>
Meaning and measurement of turnover: Comparison of alternative measures and recommendations for research.

In a review of two areas of turnover researchuindividual motivated choice behavior and organizational consequences--five alternative turnover measures are defined: reasons, voluntariness, avoidability, functionality, and utility. Turnover data for one year (1987) were gathered from 325 former employees, 568 supervisors, 418 replacement employees, and the personnel files of a university. Analyses indicated that organizational records are deficient as a source of information, especially because of the usual practice of recording a single reason for turnover. Voluntariness may result in a classification system that is too gross for validating motivational models. Avoidability, functionality, and utility each measure unique aspects of organizational consequences, but each has limitations. Turnover measures should be viewed as continua rather than as dichotomies. Recommendations for future research are provided.
Hand Detection and Tracking Using Depth and Color Information

The detection and tracking of a hand is an emerging research issue now-a-days to control the devices by hand motion. Conventional hand detection methods use color and shape information from a RGB camera. With the recent advent of the depth camera, some researchers show that they can improve the performance of hand detection by combining the color (or intensity) information with the information from the depth camera. In this paper, we propose a novel method for hand detection using both color and depth information from Microsoft’s Kinect device. The proposed method extract the candidate hand regions from the depth image and select the best candidate based on the color and shape feature of each candidate regions. Then the contour of the selected candidate is determined in the higher resolution RGB image to improve the positional accuracy. For the tracking of the detected hand, we propose the boundary tracking method based on Generalized Hough Transform (GHT). The experimental results show that proposed method can improve the accuracy of hand motion detection over conventional methods.
Modelling gaseous and stellar kinematics in the disc galaxies NGC 772, 3898 and 7782

We present V band surface photometry and major-axis kinematics of stars and ionized gas of three early-type spiral galaxies, namely NGC 772, NGC 3898 and NGC 7782. For each galaxy we present a self-consistent Jeans model for the stellar kinematics, adopting the light distribution of bulge and disc derived by means of a twodimensional parametric photometric decomposition. This allowed us to investigate the presence of non-circular gas motions, and derive the mass distribution of luminous and dark matter in these objects. NGC 772 and NGC 7782 have apparently normal kinematics with the ionized gas tracing the gravitational equilibrium circular speed. This is not true in the innermost region (|r| < 8 ′′ ) of NGC 3898 where the ionized gas is rotating more slowly than the circular velocity predicted by dynamical modelling. This phenomenon is common in the bulge-dominated galaxies for which dynamical modelling enables us to make the direct comparison between the gas velocity and the circular speed, and it poses questions about the reliability of galaxy mass distributions derived by the direct decomposition of the observed ionized-gas rotation curve into the contributions of luminous and dark matter.
The Influence of Learning Management System Components on Learners' Motivation in a Large-Scale Social Learning Environment

Blended learning is becoming increasingly important in information systems research and education. One major drawback is to foster student’s motivation to actively participate in blended learning environments. There is still little understanding about the perceived value of incentives and components of learning management systems. Therefore, we investigated the perceived value of incentives. Furthermore, we analyze incentives’ and LMS components’ influence on learner motivation during a large-scale lecture. Based on the theoretical background of the ARCS model, we found that the perceived value of self-tests and forums have a substantial influence on learners’ motivation. In particular, the findings suggest that a clear communication of the components’ benefits is likely to positively influence learners’ attention, confidence, and perceived relevance. We also show that lecturers can influence perceptions of components by means of incentives. These results are valuable to develop LMS environments.
Oral contraceptives and colorectal cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Several studies have suggested an inverse association between use of combined oral contraceptives (OC) and the risk of colorectal cancer and here we present a meta-analysis of published studies. Articles considered were epidemiological studies published as full papers in English up to June 2000 that included quantitative information on OC use. The pooled relative risks (RR) of colorectal cancer for ever OC use from the 8 case-control studies was 0.81 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.69–0.94), and the pooled estimate from the 4 cohort studies was 0.84 (95% CI: 0.72–0.97). The pooled estimate from all studies combined was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.74–0.92), without apparent heterogeneity. Duration of use was not associated with a decrease in risk, but there was some indication that the apparent protection was stronger for women who had used OCs more recently (RR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.30–0.71). A better understanding of this potential relation may help informed choice of contraception. © 2001 Cancer Research Campaign
Strategies for obstacle crossing in older adults with high and low risk of falling

[Purpose] Tripping is a frequent cause of falls among aging adults. Appropriate limb movements while negotiating obstacles are critical to trip avoidance. The aim of our study was to investigate the mechanics of obstacle crossing in older adults at low or high risk of falling. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty community-dwelling adults aged ≥55 years, were evaluated with the Tinetti Balance and Gait scale and classified as being at high or low risk of falling. Between-group comparisons of kinematics were evaluated for obstacle heights of 10%, 20%, and 30% of leg length. [Results] The high-risk group demonstrated greater toe-obstacle clearance of the leading leg. Increasing obstacle height led to increased maximal toe-obstacle clearance, toe-obstacle distance, and shortened swing phase of the leading limb. Adaptation of clearance height was greater for the trailing leg. Individuals at high risk of falling demonstrated less symmetry between the leading and trailing legs and a narrower step width, features that increase the likelihood of tripping. [Conclusion] Kinematic parameters of obstacle clearance, including the symmetry index described in our study, could provide clinicians with a quick screening tool to identify patients at risk of falling and to evaluate outcomes of training programs.
Circulating cells: the biofactory for markers of atherosclerotic disease.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remains the number one killer of the ageing population in Western society. The natural history of the disease is unknown, and clinical events may strike without any warning. There have long been efforts to discover new biomarkers and to validate surrogate end-points to diagnose patients at risk for acute manifestations of atherosclerotic disease and to test treatment efficacy. There is increasing evidence that suggests cross-talk between the diseased vascular tree and subsets of circulating cells. Functional, molecular, and structural characteristics of circulating cells may serve as biomarkers for initiation and progression of atherosclerotic disease. Several groups reported that the interleukin-6 (IL-6) release of circulating monocytes following in vitro lipopolysaccharide stimulation is strongly increased in patients suffering from unstable coronary syndromes compared with stable patients.1 Animal studies demonstrated altered peritoneal macrophage function after myocardial infarction which was restored during endurance training. This demonstrates that these functional tests could also serve as a surrogate measure of disease progression or regression.2 It has also been demonstrated that leucocyte Toll-like receptor responsiveness decreases acutely following vascular injury and increases chronically in relation to myocardial ischaemia.3 Although these studies identify the circulating cell as a promising target in the field of biomarker discovery, the search for circulating cell-related biomarkers is still in its infancy due to the lack of cohort studies with systematic storage of fractions of circulating cells. … *Corresponding author. Tel: +31 302507155, Fax: +31 302522693, Email: g.pasterkamp{at}hli.azu. nl
Canola Proteins for Human Consumption: Extraction, Profile, and Functional Properties

Canola protein isolate has been suggested as an alternative to other proteins for human food use due to a balanced amino acid profile and potential functional properties such as emulsifying, foaming, and gelling abilities. This is, therefore, a review of the studies on the utilization of canola protein in human food, comprising the extraction processes for protein isolates and fractions, the molecular character of the extracted proteins, as well as their food functional properties. A majority of studies were based on proteins extracted from the meal using alkaline solution, presumably due to its high nitrogen yield, followed by those utilizing salt extraction combined with ultrafiltration. Characteristics of canola and its predecessor rapeseed protein fractions such as nitrogen yield, molecular weight profile, isoelectric point, solubility, and thermal properties have been reported and were found to be largely related to the extraction methods. However, very little research has been carried out on the hydrophobicity and structure profiles of the protein extracts that are highly relevant to a proper understanding of food functional properties. Alkaline extracts were generally not very suitable as functional ingredients and contradictory results about many of the measured properties of canola proteins, especially their emulsification tendencies, have also been documented. Further research into improved extraction methods is recommended, as is a more systematic approach to the measurement of desired food functional properties for valid comparison between studies.
The Giant X-Ray Flare of GRB 050502B: Evidence for Late-Time Internal Engine Activity

Until recently, X-ray flares during the afterglow of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) were a rarely detected phenomenon; thus, their nature is unclear. During the afterglow of GRB 050502B, the largest X-ray flare ever recorded rose rapidly above the afterglow light curve detected by the Swift X-Ray Telescope. The peak flux of the flare was >500 times that of the underlying afterglow, and it occurred >12 minutes after the nominal prompt burst emission. The fluence of this X-ray flare, (1.0 ± 0.05) × 10-6 ergs cm-2 in the 0.2-10.0 keV energy band, exceeded the fluence of the nominal prompt burst. The spectra during the flare were significantly harder than those measured before and after the flare. Later in time, there were additional flux increases detected above the underlying afterglow, as well as a break in the afterglow light curve. All evidence presented below, including spectral and, particularly, timing information during and around the giant flare, suggests that this giant flare was the result of internal dissipation of energy due to late central engine activity, rather than an afterglow-related effect. We also find that the data are consistent with a second central engine activity episode, in which the ejecta is moving slower than that of the initial episode, causing the giant flare and then proceeding to overtake and refresh the afterglow shock, thus causing additional activity at even later times in the light curve.
Encoding linear models as weighted finite-state transducers

We present algorithms, implemented as an extension to the OpenFst library, that yield a class of transducers that encode linear models for structured inference tasks like segmentation and tagging. This allows the use of general finite-state operations with such models. For instance, finite-state composition can be used to apply the model to lattice input (or other more general automata) and then the result automaton can be passed to subsequent processing such as general shortest path algorithms. We demonstrate the use of the library extension on graphemeto-phoneme conversion, encoding multiple varieties of linear models for that task, and achieve solid PER/WER gains over previous best reported results on g2p conversion of a publicly available dataset (CMU).